KL seen as adopting conservative policies to placate Malay majority

Opposition rhetoric prompts moves such as Bill raising powers of syariah courts

- Zunaira Saieed

KUALA LUMPUR Malaysia’s multiethnic coalition government has recently moved to implement more conservative policies in what analysts consider an attempt at placating the country’s Malay/ Muslim majority.

On May 25, the government announced its plan to table a controversial amendment that will raise the syariah courts’ criminal powers after getting Cabinet approval.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has signalled to voters and allies alike that his administration will protect the community’s interests, experts have said.

Islamist groups, including opposition alliance Perikatan Nasional, vehemently criticised the government after it dropped an appeal in April against a 2021 High Court verdict that allowed non-Muslims to use the word Allah” in educational publications.

Opposition rhetoric that Datuk Seri Anwar’s ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) is incapable of protecting Malay/Muslim interests prompted a response.

On May 13 and 14, the Malaysian authorities raided 1 Swatch Group stores over the sale of Pride-themed rainbow watches, which had colours of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community flag.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail on Monday said the letters LGBT” were also found on the dials of the confiscated watches, prompting a denial from the Swiss watchmaker on the same day.

Swatch said: In relation to the recently published news stating that all confiscated Swatch watches bear LGBT wording, Swatch Malaysia does not agree with the statement.