On Muslim Activism in Singapore

Abstract

Islam in a Secular State: Muslim Activism in Singaporeby Walid Jumblatt Abdullah (Routledge, 2021). Since the 1970s, a growing global phenomenon has attempted to subordinate national identities to sit below a broader Islamic identity. This Muslim re-assertiveness has been documented even in places where Muslims represent a minority, such as Singapore. Based on two recent surveys, at least 93 percent of ethnic Malays in Singapore perceive being Muslim as important to their identity , while Muslim respondents were most likely to identify as extremely religious. This is in stark contrast to other ethnic and religious communities. Considering that Singapore is located in a Muslim-majority region and described by Huxley as a “Chinese nut in a Malay nutcracker”, it is of utmost importance that the state is able to manage Muslim assertiveness towards policies that might challenge their religious interests, without compromising on national security and economic growth. Although one can argue that this indicates a perennial sense of insecurity, it is a natural trait of any sovereign state, particularly in a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society.