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Political Islam poses a direct threat to South-East Asia stability
Group 3
Arguments in favour of the motion :
1/ There is no cohesion between SE Asia’s Muslims: this creates instability.
 There is no religious or spiritual institution leading the faithful.
 The interpretation of Koran is left to local religious figures or authorities.
Example : Koran does not explicitly say that women have to wear the scarf.

The result: a lot of variation in this interpretation, which explains the many different
behaviors of Muslim groups.
This phenomenon has been observed in the region for the last few years, with the rebirth
of the Islam religion. Some groups are very moderate, while others are much more
involved.

Very high risk of disunity in this context, among the people of the same country and
even among Muslims.
This risk has been denounced by Dr Mahathir for the last few years.
Many different Islamic parties in South-East Asian countries; Split and suspicion amongst
these parties (particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia).
The Armies in Malaysia and Indonesia have lost the trust of their people due to deep
religious divisions in the ranks.
Split among the Muslims intellectuals (modernists, traditionalists, conservatives, pious
seculars)
Separatist demands from certain Muslims groups (Aceh in Indonesia, FMLN in
Philippines, Al Ma’unah in Malaysia)

Lack of tolerance
There is discrimination against non-Muslims and women.
For example, recall that the leader of the PAS party in Malaysia recently said. Beautiful
women should not work, because they can more easily find a rich husband. Men should
have higher salaries than women. Women should stay at home to take care of children.
They should wear the scarf. They should not be engaged in political activities, or only
under very stringent restrictions.
In the two regions controlled by the PAS party, some measures have already been put in
place: separate lines in supermarkets, separate pools in hotels…
Amongst certain circles in Indonesia, Mrs Megawati faces a lack of credibility because she
is a woman.
Ethnic Chinese in Indonesia and Malaysia had to give up some of their economic and
cultural power.

Revival of Fundamentalism
 One of the highest risk of Islam is certainly Fundamentalism. Creating an Islamic
state is a compulsory duty, and the end justifies the means. Fundamentalists
approves the use of murder and violence to achieve its aim of creating an Islamic
state by jihad. Jihad is the holly war salutary to the eyes of God.
 The appearance of Islam Fundamentalism explains the deadly riots and violence
observed in the region.
Example : Malaku chaos in Indonesia.
Aceh riots also had religious overtones, according to some officials.

Islam Fundamentalists are very often backed up by terrorists.
Example : Abu Sayyaf kidnappings on Sipadan island in the Philippines.
Al-Ma’unah attacks in July 2000 in Malaysia.
2/ The primary interest of Islamic political leaders is religion.
 Gaining power is crucial to reshape politics, society, economy and culture. Theocratic
state is based on will of God.
Justice should be done according to Syariah laws.

Religious issues are given priority, to the detriment of the economic development of a
country and the welfare of its people.
Example : the creation of the Islam Bank in Malaysia. This bank offers Halal financial products
(no interest rates, considered as impious).

Islamic political parties lack a coherent economic agenda
Example : PAS in Malaysia
3/ Islam slows down economic development and modernization.
 Islamic laws are very restrictive.
In terms of Justice, education, banking system, practice of religion.

Violence predominates in Muslim societies around the world.
Most Islamic states are repressive.
Lack of peace prevents healthy economic development.

Islamic groups reject globalisation

Certain Muslims are “technophobe”.
Technology is viewed as a mean of the West to dominate the world. They reject it.
The presence of Islamic parties frightens domestic and foreign investors and tourists.
They speak about the “evils of globalisation and rampant capitalism”.

In Philippines, stock market and the peso hit 19-months lows in May, after the kidnappings and
other fighting and bomb attacks. Some farming production have declined by 30%.
Ethnic Chinese investments have dropped in Indonesia.

Islam will obstruct attempts of the Asian countries to integrate themselves into a
community (ASEAN+3).
CONCLUSION :
Political Islam poses a direct threat to South-East Asia stability in terms of
Social issues
Political issues
Economic issues
We believe that instead of bringing answers and solutions to the social, political and
economic changes happening in the region, Islam deepens existing divisions and creates new
problems. At a time where countries and economies are vulnerable, this creates a threat to
South-East Asia’s stability.
Questions for our opponents:
How can an Islamic state be democratic, modern and competitive?
How can an Islamic state remain united?