Islam as a basis of political legitimacy in Malaysia

Abstract

A complex of factors have contributed to the current drive towards Islamisation in Malaysia - a process, it is argued in this research paper, is likely to continue well into the future. These factors include the nature of the Islamic ummah, which is global and perceptive to Muslims' problems no matter its location in the globe. In this regard, recent events in Afghanistan and Iraq have had telling effects on the nature of Islamisation in Malaysia. However, the key driver of Islamisation in Malaysia is the ethnic factor and the Malay community's quest to assert its dominance.