Constructing a Malay-Triumphalist Islam

Chapter 7 examines the postcolonial state’s quest to construct a “Malay-triumphalist Islam.” This was achieved through legal measures as evinced in the enshrining of Islam in the constitution and through the construction of national mosques and other Islamic monuments. The state also created enforcement agencies, organized mass events, and promulgated slogans to generate a Malaysian-centric Islam colored with strong pro-Malay undertones. The racial riots that broke out on May 13, 1969, further accelerated the process of Islamization in the country in favor of the Malay Muslims. Such policies yielded contradictory outcomes. While uniting Malay Muslims under the banner of Islam, the state policies also brought about unhappiness on the non–Malay Muslims and the non-Muslims in the country who saw Malay-triumphalist Islam as an infringement of their status as equal citizens in the country.