For most Americans and those reading this, the nation of Malaysia--the country I call home--is likely nothing more but a mysterious, distant, small and relatively unimportant land. Some of you might be familiar with Malaysia's carefully cultivated public image of being some sort of harmonious multicultural tropical paradise, which is recycled endlessly in 30-second-long television spots both here and overseas.
But for anyone who may be trying to come to grips with the grim reality that is 
Islam, Malaysia may be one of the most important places on the planet. That's because anyone who still, despite all the evidence, feels that there really is a moderate, progressive, tolerant and peaceful Islam, need look no further than Malaysia. Once you do, you'll be thoroughly disabused of this notion.
My own awakening to Islam is mostly a tale of ignorance and more than whiff of denial, punctuated by sudden, shattering and irreversible epiphanies. I say 'shattering' because the ideas that I embraced as I grew up--that Islam is just one religion of many, and doesn't particularly pose a threat to anyone--does not withstand anything more than a cursory examination of the facts. And as the evidence piled up and my doubts grew, those old notions I had held previously, like a sheet of plate glass, came apart under the hammer blows of truth. (continue reading at Tulisan Murtad)
This is an amazing personal acount and I highly suggest you go read it all and leave a comment.
A great article!
As an Officer with US Customs and Border Protection or CBP, under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), I had the privilege to be assigned to the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
My Fellow Officers and I worked very closely with the Customs Service of the Kingdom of Malaysia and I have to say that in my two year assignment, I never had a problem with a Customs Official or the National Police at any time, At least officially.
My wife and I had several traffic incidents in Malaysia and they were all the fault of the locals. I have to say that they drive like crazy people and they seem to defer, instead of driving with normal right away actions, to the value to the vehicle being driven by the other guy! They don’t like waiting in line and they will bypass a vehicle line in a heartbeat! One great thing is that if you have an accident, 3 or 4 hundred Malaysian Ringgit (RM) (their currency) and the situation can be handled on the spot. Repairs are quite quick and inexpensive, for Malaysians, but for a non-Malaysian, you better have a good friend in the mechanic business, (which I had!) or you better have a fat wallet! Traffic laws in Malaysia are also based upon, “whoever gets to the police station first” type system. Also, if you are not Malaysian, you better have your blood covering his windscreen if you have a chance of not being held at fault for the accident. I don’t even want to start talking about the scooters found all over the place in Malaysia, they are some crazy dudes there! And seeing 3 or 4 people, adults and kids on one scooter is not uncommon.
In regards to Islamic activities in the country, for the most part, when My Wife and I were there, (2005-2007) they fell into the “Islamic Light” variety, depending on what state you are visiting, some are down right "Heavy" in their daily activities. Headscarves in heavy use with long sleeves. It is quite hot in Malaysia as you might imagine a jungle environment for the most part….
Fridays were the days when we had to really be concerned about actions going on in Kuala Lumpur. A few times, we were concerned for the security of our families and the embassy. This also included a shortened visit by the Secretary of State, Dr. Rice. There is the requisite host nation security as well as the usual complement of some great US Marines! Outside the Capital, We really did not have a major problem with the locals. Of course when you are covered diplomatically, the Police and Legal activities are quite supportive for members of Embassy staff. There are 13 States and 3 areas under Federal Control much like Washington DC! I occupied my time in the state of Selangor at an International Port.
I still know several Malaysians and My wife and I communicate with them on at least a weekly basis. As with most Muslims, they are good people and you really don’t have to watch your back for the most part but you do have to watch your wife’s purse!
JON A. UNDERWOOD
CBPO, (RET.)
YUMA, ARIZONA
Posted by: JON A. UNDERWOOD | June 01, 2011 at 05:37 PM
how frightening Deb...jeehad is spreading like wild fire and our so called leader embraces it all !!!
Posted by: Angel | June 01, 2011 at 06:10 PM
Jon: Thanks for sharing your personal experiences. I've followed this author for some time and always appreciate his writing.
This personal journey of his from Islam, or recognizing what Islam really is, it chilling.
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie | June 01, 2011 at 07:34 PM
The Great Building of Kuala Lumpur is the First city of Malaysia. :D. I not breathing to Kuala Lumpur. But my country is Malaysia.
Country of Malaysia is Too big, I'm from Borneo Malaysia, which is Majority of Chtistian, but we got one language is Bahasa Malaysia, but Actualie is "Bahasa" becouse Borneo like Sarawak and Sabah is Not Malay.
No Malay in This part of Borneo.. We also understand how to speak Bahasa Indonesia but differing cultures and languages.
The Malay people Teaching They language to become one unity of Malaysia and Almost They teaching the culture of Arabic to get more people to convert Islam. They agrue the Name of 'Allah' which is the Translation by name of God or Abba in Arabic Christian to view YHWH. Muslim Malaysian is Mental and Most Fool in the world. Muslim boy make sex with the Muslim girl until pregnant and throw away the baby! They kill and a Killer.
They have a TV and the Radio to make they people is look great. LoL! :D All that is Drama.
They also have a great politic, great people, great building, great student, great money, great Malay army, great king but no They are
great philosophy. :)
In West Malaysia(penisalur Malaysia) has
alredy Happen that they Malay burning and bomb the church but not yet have a killer.
I said you Malay.. If you going to Borneo and speak about you Arabic culture I will teach you the way of the Truth and the word of God. :)
Posted by: Kadazan | August 21, 2011 at 04:49 AM