Yoga Estates

Looks like there might be a fight brewing between our estates on the issue of the yoga fatwa. According to the news articles, the Sultans of Perak and Selangor have both stepped in on the issue. So, there may be a small battle brewing between our different estates. This is something unique about our Malaysian system of monarchy and democracy. While the separation of powers between our various branches of government have been eroded in recent years, we still have an additional check and balance, our Sultans (emphasis – S).

The state Islamic councils may agree with the fatwa and wish to ratify it. However, in all matters related to Islam in Malaysia, the state rulers actually have the final say even if our Council of Rulers does not need to approve any national fatwa. However, nobody questions the fact that the Sultans are the heads of the religion in their respective states and the ratification of the fatwa by each state requires their consent. If they do not consent, the fatwa just gets relegated into an official opinion on the matter instead of a ruling.

At the very least, the rakyat (people) have now an alternative avenue for taking their case to. It seems that some of the Sultans may want to study the matter in detail first before deciding on the issue. Even if the decision ultimately lies with the Sultans, they can possibly be swayed by popular opinion. Afterall, they are rulers of the people and care for our well-being. So, this is heating up to be an interesting case with plenty of opinions on all sides. I love our convoluted system of checks and balances.

I think that this and other recent event, highlight a fundamental flaw in our government. Our authorities have had it their way for far too long and they are beginning to think that they are the rulers of the land. While the real rulers have generally chosen to play silent, the younger ones are now beginning to assert some of their royal influence. Thankfully, they have been asserting their powers in very subtle but rational ways and not abusing them like some of the previous rulers.

However, the biggest joker has to be Samy Vellu. According to news articles, “Samy Vellu said the council had every right to make a decision on Muslims and Islamic matter. He, however, said the description by the council on the yoga as haram may have caused confusion among the non-Muslims, particularly the Hindus.” I think that it is funny that Samy is barking up the wrong tree.

For the rest of us, it may be time to kick back, relax and take out the pop-corn.