Editorial: Marry girl, get RM10,000

This is an editorial piece I wrote for my college newspaper but it was rejected because it is deemed to "controversial". So thought I 'd share it here instead.

Marry girl, get RM10,000
By Max Koh

Malaysians are obsessed with 3-in-1. Walk into a supermarket and you'll see shelves lined with so many 3-in-1 instant coffee, tea, teacino and other variations (or bastardizations depending on how you look at it) and you know that we as a nation are obsessed with package deals.

Even choosing your broadband from the various providers jostling for your attention becomes an arduous task with so many offers and additional free gifts thrown in.

Seeing the power of such marketing persuasion, the Kelantan's State government has also come up with a package deal of their own. With some very lucrative prizes I must say. Well, if you're a Muslim missionary or preacher.

New Straits Times recently reported that the state government will continue to pay RM10,000 to Muslim missionaries and preachers who marry an Orang Asli woman to prevent them from leaving the religion.

Not a bad deal isn't it? A new wife, some divine brownie points and RM10,000 richer.

This was recently announced by the state's Islamic Development, Education and Dakwah Committee chairman Datuk Nik Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah in an effort to ensure Muslim Orang Asli are not influenced by missionaries of other faiths.

This incentive payment was introduced three years ago in an effort by the state government to convert the indigenous group to Islam. The incentive included free housing, a monthly allowance of RM1,000 and a four-wheel drive vehicle.

The incentive was offered then because the PAS-led state government was not satisfied with the low numbers of Orang Asli conversions through ad-hoc initiatives under the various state-sponsored movements.

A state official shared that the conversion was "too slow" as only 2000 out of the 13,000 in the State has only converted then.

A State Government’s Orang Asli Dakwah Unit was established then with dedicated personnel tasked specifically to convert Orang Asli.

The fact that there is a specific government body to convert Orang Asli is a form of discrimination against the indigenious group. How can there be a state-run initiative to convert a particular racial group when religion is supposed to be a personal decision between a person and God?

The policy is borne out of arrogance and complete disregard of the human rights of these people.

The policy drew flak from both the Muslim and non-Muslim communities then. Colin Nicholas, director of the Centre for Orang Asli Concerns, said that the policy discriminates against the indigenious group and shows a great lack of respect for their culture and religion.

Dr. Denison Jayasooria, a commissioner with the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) said: "The utilization of state resources as a motivation for preachers to convert Orang Asli is an abuse of power and violation of the basic right, especially the freedom of thought, conscience and religion by monetary inducement."

He added that such reward to entice vulnerable and marginalised women is "unethical and unacceptable even from any religious perspectives."

I don't know about you, but mustn't a conversion to a different religion be borne out of sincere belief in that faith and God? Somehow, I find the dangling of such lucrative carrots can cast serious doubt to the sincerity of such conversions.

And there is also the danger of a Muslim man marrying an Orang Asli woman just to get these awards at the expense of these women. What's to stop them from divorcing another to marry another, or taking up a second and third wife?

My recent visit to an Orang Asli village on Carey Island proved my point. The ketua kampung was complaining to the government official that the three converted families continue to live their old lives as though they have not embraced the Islamic faith. They don't pray five times daily and continue to eat food that is non-halal. What is conversion without true understanding and love?

I believe Islam is a beautiful faith. But religion is not a commodity. You cannot package religion and offer it like you would offer a 3-in-1 broadband package deal. Let someone convert out of a true and sincere heart, not because of the goodies offered.

As Muslim blogger Art Harun wrote: "If these Orang Asli women have no faith in Islam, it matters not whether they are married to a Muslim or otherwise. Deep down in their heart, they might not have the faith anyway."

I think they have to stop dangling carrots in the name of religion, no matter what the intentions may be.