Malasia (Continuación)

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L’islam rendrait-il amok - terme malais qui sert à désigner un accès de fureur incontrôlé, popularisé par Stefan Zweig dans sa nouvelle éponyme publiée en 1922 ? En Malaisie, pays multiculturel, mais officiellement musulman, les esprits s’échauffent depuis que la Cour suprême a autorisé, le 31 décembre, un journal catholique à utiliser le mot Allah pour Dieu dans son édition en langue malaise. En quelques jours, une dizaine d’églises ont été attaquées avec des bombes incendiaires et un temple sikh a été pris pour cible. A l’exemple des chrétiens du monde arabe et de certains pays d’Asie du Sud-Est, les Sikhs se réfèrent à Allah dans leurs écritures, tandis que le gouvernement malaisien prétend que ce mot appartient exclusivement à l’islam et interdit aux non musulmans de s’en servir.…  Seguir leyendo »

MundoAsia

The threat of Dubai’s billion-dollar debt default is casting a shadow here in Malaysia, the would-be global center of the fast-growing Islamic finance industry. Islamic finance is designed to comply with Shariah law, forbidding interest on loans and investment in gambling, alcohol and other industries deemed unethical in Islam. It substitutes profit-sharing for interest, though profit shares can be pre-set to mirror interest on conventional loans.

It may seem unlikely that a country where only half the population is Muslim would seek to be the standard-setter in this field. But if Islamic finance keeps growing, Malaysia’s comprehensive system of products and regulation may enable it to become a significant trading center.…  Seguir leyendo »

MundoAsiaReflexionesIslam y Mundo Árabe,

During the recent U.N. General Assembly meetings in New York, Foreign Minister Anifah Aman painted a picture of Malaysia that many like to see -- a multiethnic mosaic of religions, races and beliefs. "The Malaysian government has introduced the One Malaysia concept," Aman said. "It aims at fostering appreciation and respect for all races, seeing diversity as a source of strength. It envisages unity that arises from true acceptance instead of mere tolerance."

Yet the same day that Aman extolled the virtues of one Malaysia for all, a judge's ruling back home conveyed an image of the Southeast Asian nation with a two-track justice system that unfairly punishes Muslims.…  Seguir leyendo »

MundoÁfrica

A feverish atmosphere now grips Malaysia. The country is awash with rumours. Until the resignation in 2003 of the previous prime minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad - after 22 years in office - its politics was entirely predictable. Now it is becoming highly unpredictable.

Malaysia is one of the great Asian success stories. It has enjoyed a growth rate of up to 8% for much of the past 20 years, and the fruits of prosperity are everywhere to be seen, from the magnificent twin towers in Kuala Lumpur to the expressways and traffic congestion. Without doubt Malaysia is the great economic star of the Muslim world.…  Seguir leyendo »