American thinks Muslims have no religious freedom in Malaysia?

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

0:00 - Intro 0:31 - Why I am doing this video 4:11 - My goals for this video 5:36 - Video outline for part 1 7:00 - My background with Islam 16:26 - Entering mosque in Melaka 21:20 - Malaysian government structure (the basics) 26:13 - Other entities thoughts on religious freedom in Malaysia 35:14 - My thoughts on religious freedom in Malaysia 38:20 - Subscribe for part 2

[@psodhy]

Good on you! This is a very difficult subject and I think you're doing a good job handling it. Malaysia's way of doing things is pretty foreign to western countries and most other mono-theistic nations. The very fact that Sharia Law and British Civil Law can co-exist is mind-boggling to many people outside. For the most part, Malaysians are just Malaysians - living life as you say, but also doing things that are an amalgamation of the good things of many religions blended together. Being good neighbors, helping people we don't even know, caring for family, and enjoying food and community and laughter. It is true that the constitution is harshest on Muslims and Malays as far as religious freedoms go, but that is what we have. Growing up, I have never felt threatened or endangered for being a non-muslim. Quite the opposite in fact. While Malaysia is not perfect, the model of religious tolerance can be an example to many nations. You see it in all the national public holidays, and more importantly in how the population celebrates them. People of all religions celebrate their friends' religious holidays - I have personally witnessed and participated in visiting and celebrating Eid (Hari Raya), Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Christmas with friends of multiple religions. There are hijab-wearing muslim women who participate in Lion Dance troupes for Chinese New Year. Muslim communities have adopted the "Ang Pao" (money packet) tradition of Chinese New Year in the Hari Raya celebrations. Tolerance and willing participation to respect your friends' religions is the way. - Peter

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Awww thanks Peter for your reply! Honestly didn't expect this, but it is exactly what I wanted from the video. I wanted to hear from real people who have experienced life in Malaysia and know what is happening. I'm so happy to see that you see the goodness in the system that you have been given because most of the time we, as citizens of the country we were born into, don't have an option of what laws we get. I love that you feel safe and free in your country! I'm so by the book when it comes to religion so, when I went to a temple for Chinese New Year and saw Muslim women there, I was kind of like "what are they doing here? Aren't they opposed to this?" That's not what Malaysia is about though, like you said. It is an amalgamation of different cultures and people, learning and growing in their real lives from the community around them. How beautiful! I'm so thankful you commented because I forgot about this experience. People and governments are two separate entities. Traveling shows me that all the time.

[@MrCyberizal]

​@@ThisIsDrewFergusonindeed this is good conversation actually. Like a children and parents. Both have different perspectives. Children think parents are unfair and too controlling. Parents think about children safety and their responsibilities.. As local Muslim malay. Govt and people can be totally different but people also can be looking onto it on different view. Some could think it is good and some could think it is bad.. Well most importantly, if anything that belong to goodness and positiveness shall be first choice. So in malay we always say. "to know to love .. " so knowing sometimes make us think differently.. Thank you for making video about malaysia. Most malaysian we didn't get offended but we love to explain about our culture religion, way of life, sometimes the manners might look harsh.. So u can ask many questions and we love to answer them.. Really really.. 😅😅😅

[@leealex24]

@@ThisIsDrewFerguson Malaysia is multi-cultural, multi-religious country. Basically, you can profess, practice any religion you want. Religious freedom. At least 45% of the population are non-muslim. So, basically, it's a secular country.

[@leealex24]

@ThisIsDrewFerguson Malaysia is multi-cultural, multi-religious country. Basically, you can profess, practice any religion you want. Religious freedom. At least 45% of the population are non-muslim. So, basically, it's a secular country.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

@@leealex24 Thanks for commenting again. I enjoy your insight! Watch the video coming out on Wednesday, because I do agree that the country is multi-cultural and multi-religious. However, the way it plays out in society, especially among Muslims, is not that way. With this, I look forward to hearing your experience in the country itself. Like how do you see religious freedom play out in normal life around you? Do you see anyone persecuted, etc? News articles show me a different story, but I want to hear about your real life experiences.

[@beeboo8677]

Wow Mashallah may Allah guide you through out sisters

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Thanks for the well wishes! Hope you have a beautiful day ☺️

[@jaykassim3474]

Seek for the truth,and the truth shall Free you😊❤🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

With the Malaysian flags.... so beautiful!!

[@RhondaPenn-h3e]

Very interesting! Thanks for info! ❤

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Thanks and you're welcome! Maybe a little more about me....and Malaysia!

[@zaharizak]

We are so confident that 2+2 =4, that we don't want anyone, be it a professor or a scholar or whoever to come and tell us that the answer is not 4. No matter how open our mind is, we know damn well that 2+2 is 4. You can teach it differently in your home, in your country, in your temple or wherever you wish, but not in our space. Even if you put a gun to our head, we will stand by our creed. Lakum dinukum waliyadin.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Thank you for your input on this subject! Personally, the more I learn and grow outside of my environment, the more I understand that I can be wrong. That humility is what allows me to see goodness and beauty in other cultures and societies. I don't wish to be a professor or scholar who proves you wrong, but I do hope that, in life, we all see the beauty of the world around us even if it disagrees.

[@iamurmakteh]

​@@ThisIsDrewFergusonalso, u r dressed more like a clown than a muslim, dear.

[@MizanQistina]

Regarding the government structure i. The country real name is The Federation of Malaysia, which means the whole country is formed by alliance of kingdoms and states in a federation post 1963. Originally it was the Federation of Malaya formed in 1948. ii. the leader of the federation is YDPA, elected from the king of 9 kingdoms in rotation. It is because these kings are the ones forming the federation (forced by The British). Countries/kingdoms/states can join in or leave if they want to as what happened in 1963 when Singapore kicked out (for British geopolitical game), Sabah and Sarawak (ex-British colonies) joined in (because The British don't want to pay debt with Philippine Sulu kingdom). But today, out of issues it is not as easy to join in or leave the federation. iii. Although it never been specified for political reason, Malay is always the citizen and subject to the kings in kingdoms while the non-Malays are citizen of the federation. By means, should the federation break out, the Malays automatically become citizen of the kingdoms under the kings, while non-Malays are people with no nation. This never been discussed or argued. iv. It is because...THE BRITISH. They want to wash their hands on the migrant workers (slaves) they brought into Malaya during the colonial era. The only way to save those non-Malays is by forcing the federal citizenship when the country is formed post-independence. It was The British who forced multiculturalism in Malaysia. ironically The British themselves hate multiculturalism. iv. So, the country becomes like it is now, there are many loopholes here and there, the federal vs kingdoms/state overlaps and so on, but miraculously it just works. The Malays/Muslims are generally accepting the non-Malays/non-Muslims, not without some issues, so many things have to be sacrificed and adjusted just to keep the peace...surely The British themselves surprised it is not like what they planned, do you think they leave us in good heart? 🙃

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Wow! Thanks for answering to that extent. That helped me a lot!! So, do those four states have the same rights and power as the original 9? So, if there is a non-Malay in one of the 9 states, are they subject to the king in that state or just the federation? Are the kings just over the Malays? Uh, no, I don't think colonizers do well with entering, staying, or leaving... but that is another subject for another time. I am happy that Malaysia was able to persist despite the injustices, but I am sure they went through/still have to deal with this to this day.

[@MizanQistina]

​@@ThisIsDrewFerguson Non-Malays are NOT the king's subject actually, but since they become the citizen of the federation, they all under YDPA. Of course, politically speaking the kings in any kingdoms will say they all their subjects, like Johore king says years back for some issue about "Bangsa Johor" (Johore Nation). It is because Malay kingdoms are autonomous since Melaka Empire fall to Portuguese in 1511AD. Some kingdoms allied/colonized with/by the Dutch, the English (VoC), Spain...the whole history will be too long to write. Long story short, The British who brought large flock of immigrants from India and China, they're under British responsibility. There are not just 9 Malay kingdoms, there are a lot Malay kingdoms scattered in South East Asia, but 9 in the peninsular formed the Federation of Malaya/Malaysia. Others now under Indonesia, Philipine, Thailand and Brunei. South East Asian countries are formed post WW2, post-colonial. Only Malaysia is formed by Malay kings and kingdoms. The 4 states are former British colonies that being merged into the federation. They're directly under federal rule. They have all the same rights but they're not a part of the Royal Council. Every federal law must pass through the Royal Council after the parliament. In practice, only some few laws have issues with the Royal Council. Like I said, there are loopholes and overlaps, taken advantage by ruling political parties all these years, it become blurred between federal power and kingdom/state. For example, kingdom/state Police is the Federal Police known as Royal Malaysian Police..imagine that. So even though there are federal roads, the police also making roadblocks on kingdoms/state roads...all kingdom/states have religious authority to watch over Sharia law issues, but they need the Federal Police to do their job with them and carrying warrants issued by Sharia Court, otherwise they can't raid places or home. It is messed up. 😂

[@MizanQistina]

When you want to study Malaysia, you must look into context, not just jump into modern Malaysia you see today. The same way I can't look at USA today and making assumptions about the country issues without looking at context. For example, if just looking at Malaysia today that have Malay privileges without historical context, you will easily jump into conclusion that it's a racist policy. Yes, it is through modern western eyeglass. BUT, in context, non-Malays are not the Malays responsible to begin with, they are stranded here when The British leave. The Malays only accept them by force and sympathy, we could put them in boats and let them float away...but we don't do that. So, we accept them as citizen in the newly formed independent country, but we also must make sure the immigrants don't overpower us as The British planned. The policy has been an issue since, manipulated by all interested parties. The one who is really to be blamed for it is The British, but their names never been brought up ever to take the responsibility. They just wash their hands away, any problems or issues that come out from it they put it on the Malays. that's how dirty The British/Western game is.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

@@MizanQistina I really appreciate you taking the time to explain to me what you you know. You have put a lot of effort into this to help me understand. As you say below, I can't just start in the middle, and my goal really wasn't to understand the full governmental structure because I don't think it pertains to my subject matter as much as other things. However, I was interested in this in particular because I didn't quite understand the splitting of government. So THANK YOU! Also, what government in this world lives without loopholes and overlaps that are taken advantage of by the political parties. The different governments go by different names, there may be different levels of corruption and power, but they all play the same game. It is all messed up. The more I learn about the British, in general, the more I am shocked. I didn't even know they had the commonwealth still until recently. I am so happy to hear more about how the effects of colonialism has hurt others, and I hope that we can learn from our mistakes and change the future for everyone in this world.

[@MizanQistina]

@@ThisIsDrewFerguson Not many people know the effect of western colonialism in the South East Asia because somewhat it being kept hidden in western education. Portuguese tourists don't know that Portuguese is the first colonial power in SEA, in 1511AD (making them the first in Asia) and shocked by that fact 😅 the others come later and they're having rivalry and wars with each other until the Imperial Japan came in WW2. Yes, the whole SEA were once Japan Empire, but they lost and retreat after atomic bomb. Indonesia was formed and gain independence during WW2, Malaya 10 years later in 1957. Malaya supposedly joined Indonesia but The British shenanigan it before that happen. Everybody in SEA hates Malaysia when it formed in 1963 because of Sabah and Sarawak issue. Everyone has claim on these territories, but they "joined" Malaya for no reason other than British ploy. It causes Confrontation War between Indonesia and Malaysia in 1963-66. Till now Indonesia see Malaysia as British pet and our relationship with them is neutral-hostile. Philipine and Brunei also have claim on them but they're not confrontational, yet... the same time Singapore being kicked out from Malaya for silly reason which is "the Chinese are too many, it is a threat to the Malays", the BS propaganda. The real reason is The British don't want Malaya to be rich, Singapore is a rich seaport city in the sea trade route between east and west. Malaysia suffers economic trouble afterward, have to find other ways of income such as deforestation for palm oil..while Singapore become rich by their own collecting ship taxes. Today it has become our job to tell the story of western exploits in SEA to westerners who come here because they simply have no idea at all.

[@amenstal123]

FREEDOM OF RELIGION IS THE FREEDOM AND RIGHT TO PRACTICE ONE'S RELIGION THAT IS NOT ACTED CRIMINALLY ON OTHERS.

[@MuhazamCSE]

To answer to why the 4 states don't mind about not being involved in appointing The Agong: It is because the de facto power is actually held by the Prime Minister, not The Agong. Agong is just a symbol. So no one actually care about it unless they are part of something that hates monarchy.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Gotcha! Thanks for the help!

[@byteme9718]

You couldn't be more wrong. Despite the change in the constitution in the '90s that took away their powers times have changed. You really should care.

[@amenstal123]

FREEDOM OF RELIGION IS THE FREEDOM AND RIGHT TO PRACTICE ONE'S RELIGION THAT IS NOT ACTED CRIMINALLY ONTO OTHERS.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

These are the definitions I find for freedom of religion: Oxford dictionary defines freedom of religion as "the right to practice whatever religion one chooses" Merriam-Webster defines freedom of religion as "the right to choose what religion to follow and to worship without interference" These are the definitions I found, but sorry, I am not sure what you are trying to say or what point you are trying to make. Can you help me understand?

[@awang57]

Kelantan state in Malaysia, despite a very strong Islamic state, has many Buddhist temples. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o53bf3-pes6pZqc

[@byteme9718]

Which Islam is if born Malay.

[@vintagedigital108]

Our constitution is quite complicated. But at least with different culture and religion we have lots of public holidays to take a break from work. We have different food, marriage ceremony and traditional clothing.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Haha! That is a great way to look at it, and yeah, you do get to experience a lot of different cultures which is probably, in my opinion, one of the best things that can happen to a people group. I love this for you all!

[@byteme9718]

The Malays have thrown away most of their culture. Marina Mahathir, and others, warned you about this biut you just gave it up.

[@shinwaramin8582]

its like parents ,,, you might disagree with them and live your life as you like but you should not disrespect them ,,, specially in public ,,, religion is like that in muslim world ,,, live your life as you want ,, but donot disrespect the religion specially in public (publicly)

[@safiahsathar5337]

The lady at the mosque was not 'evangelising'. She could be a volunteer guide explaining aspeks of Islam ,more like educating those who hv negative perception of Islam or know nothing abt it.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Oh, were you at the mosque? Could it not be dawah? (The definition of evangelism, which is a Christian term, aligns quite similarly to the definition of dawah.)

[@alinasimon6399]

Malaysia is the only country in the world that respect n acknowledge n celebrate all cultures n religions n practices i.e malay, Chinese, Indian, indigenous peoples n islam Buddhism hinduism.. we have public holidays for hari raya, hari ràya haji aidil adha, Chinese new year wesak deepavali thaipusam christian gawai. No other country in the world gave this even though they have other races in their society. Malaysia is also the only country that low the races to maintain their own cultures n practices. Like the chinese n indians still maintain their own way in names, their religion, dressing n daily way of life. Unlike other countries where the minorities have to change their names, way of dressing etc to blend in. Th Chinese n indians also hacve teir own vernacular schools either government funded or private schools .

[@fauzanriez9472]

Islam treats women with love and protection. The beautiful body and hair is reserved only for family members to see. Not for outsiders. People can say whatever they want.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Thanks for your input! People can say whatever they want... it is a scary world 😂😂 I actually spoke to some men in the Middle East that explained this theory, and I actually found it to be compelling for the sake of protecting the women in the community. It is sad that women need protection of this nature, but that is a larger issue in society. In the video coming out Tuesday/Wednesday (depending on where you are at), I talk about this a little more especially in regards to women who choose not to wear the hijab.

[@fauzanriez9472]

@@ThisIsDrewFerguson and we love you too. 😁

[@HPSMultiVentureMs]

and elsewhere in the news, Chicken in KFC's care think if they get out they will be eaten by the bad bad world.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

@@HPSMultiVentureMs So, are we supposed to eat KFC chicken or not? I did go to KFC for my Christmas shorts and didn't eat chicken... maybe I made the right decision...🤣

[@HPSMultiVentureMs]

@@ThisIsDrewFerguson exactly, if you are a chicken at KFC your life depends on choices of others....

[@magnasyst]

👍👍👍

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

THANKS!😊

[@IbnuIsmail]

fact: sharia law in the state still limited to the power given by the federal constitution

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

True! In the video coming out Wednesday, I talk about this a little more. The thing I found was that the federal courts typically always reverted back to the decision of the Sharia courts. How do you see this play out in real life?

[@IbnuIsmail]

@@ThisIsDrewFerguson nope. just few months ago a religious law from state were revoked by federal court because its exceeding federal law

[@zulvenom]

Don't worry we muslims aren't allowed to force any non muslims to convert. We are only responsible to convey the only valid message of the prophet (peace and blessings be upon him); even if it's just one sentence ❤ not just to non muslims, also between muslims. There are verses in the Quran and hadith clearly stated all this. But, we are human too, bound to sin and make mistakes. We repent, we learn and we're all good.

[@byteme9718]

But you force Malays to be Muslim by law and with threat of harsh punishment. You hypocrites.

[@azeedahhasleezan1678]

The best approach is not to talk about any religion in the open if you are not sure and just second guessing because any misrepresentation or errors by you could cause confusion hence may upset many believers.

[@byteme9718]

Why get upset? What on earth makes you think your beliefs somehow deserve special protection?

[@Lawrence70500]

Dear ma’am and readers, What is ‘tolerance’ ? This word is misused ! ‘Tolerance’ has an ‘expiry’ date ! It should be ‘ACCEPTANCE’ !! Then, we can live happily ! Was’salam

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

I like it!! Now, what do you mean by acceptance? How do you see that playing out in society?

[@awang57]

Should We Be Afraid of Shariah Law? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKGUiYyrnNOMnac

[@awang57]

This is in the most conservative state in Malaysia where 95% are muslim. Not a single non muslim has been killed in this region due to religious cause since Malaysia was created. Compare that with USA which claims has the most religious freedom. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4LIoJ18r7GEd7s

[@jonidjoharijonidjohari5385]

Serawak yours to have English king James brook

[@keangwooichoo6138]

4 states were under direct british administration eg penang, melaka, sabah ,sarawak. The other states have the sultans who is also the leader of Islam of the 9 states

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Thanks! Can you tell me a little more as to why this is the case? From what I see, these are the more Christian places in the country.

[@keangwooichoo6138]

@ThisIsDrewFerguson I do not think it has to do with religion. However during the conference of rulers, the chief ministers of the 4 states do attend. Having shariah laws and civil laws do have a down side. In my memory there are at least 3 to 4 cases which have conflicts. Here are examples. Husband and wife were Hindus. After marriage, the husband (usually the case), converted to Islam and abducted the children under age of 18. Minors here cannot convert without parents' consent. Unilateral conversion is not allowed according to federal laws. The poor lady is still searching for the husband and children. Someone is hiding them somewhere. Her name is indira gandhi. I guess hv to wait for the bloody husband to die a natural death before the children can escape. God help them. At that time, the police could not take sides as they were bound by two laws. So the husband escaped and became a fugitive. 2) this 2nd case dealt with a Chinese lady loh siew hong. Children were converted without both parents' consent. But currently, she has visitation of those children in a home. Unlike first case of abduction. Will update the lady's name here so that you can research further. Case: Loh, a chef, was separated from her children about four years ago after she was assaulted by her former husband and thrown out from their home in Sg Petani in 2019. She was hospitalised due to her injuries and fractured left leg. After being discharged, she was sheltered in a home under the Welfare Department in Sg Petani. Pursuant to that, she was also sheltered at a home under the Women Change Centre in Penang, prior to starting work at a hotel in Genting Highlands. Loh said that her ex-husband was currently serving a prison sentence in Kelantan for drug-related offences and alleged that he and the children have been converted to Islam. 3) 3rd case and 4th case S. Deepa and R. Subashini

[@wewenang5167]

@@ThisIsDrewFerguson The place where the most Christians are used to be fully control by the British as a state crown colonies and the British brought in many foreign workers who later they evangelized to became Christians like Indian and Chinese minorities. Penang, Melaka, Singapore Sabah and Sarawak are some of them. Sarawak used to be a British kingdom with white Raja, YES WHITE BRITISH family used to ruled Sarawak for 3 generations until they became broke and sold it to the British government. The BROOKE family still live today in England. Go search about them and read how they became the first White king in Sarawak, pretty while lol.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

@@keangwooichoo6138 Thanks for the information on those cases. I came across some of that for my next video, but I didn't make that the focus. Maybe I will look into it more for a future video or maybe just for my own musings. It is actually very sad to hear that. Learning from the comments today, I agree that it doesn't have to do with religion, but it has more to do with the British ruling those areas and the way the territories were incorporated into Malaysia. I still will have to do more research into the amount of power the 4 hold as opposed to the 9. 😊You are the best by the way!

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

@@wewenang5167 Thank you for this information! I have never heard that individuals ruled these different territories. I need to look more into this...

[@sejengkalsehasta3211]

And Allah had said in the holy Qur'an that people will revert to Islam in droves...

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Ooooookkkkkkaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.......

[@byteme9718]

And yet they're leaving. At least 20% of Malays are apostate.

[@uncletopchannel3635]

👍

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Thanks!😊

[@trusturself-t6q]

Religions is all about spirituality, to give peace at heart. But if u wanna compare islam, it is the only religion where islam is politicized and have even outlawed people being atheist. If you go to anyother country where islam is not the majority, other minority religions have peacefully lives. But not case for muslim majority country.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Man, do I wish that all religions were just about giving us peace, but unfortunately, most of the major religions in the world do or once did politicize their religion. That is how the religions grow. I mean, even Christianity, has outlawed things and people that did not agree with them. Thankfully, Christianity has been tamed down so it no longer burns people at the stake but it did. I hope that all the major world religions can learn from Christianity's mistake on this. Malaysia is a Muslim majority country (60%), and from most of what I read and hear from people, other religions do have a decent amount of peace in the country (as long as they don't say anything bad about Islam). Also, this is my own experience, but I am only a tourist so I can only see and say so much. Thanks for the comment!

[@awang57]

Should We Be Afraid of Shariah Law? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKGUiYyrnNOMnac

[@trusturself-t6q]

@@awang57 😢😢 people have choice but there isn't any choice for faith if u put sharia law ... faith need no governing... if will soon be same government we hated... islam have both political and spirituality... if spirituality towards your faith is stronger u Don't need a political law to govern it... unless ur uncomfortable are afraid that people find flaw in u ....

[@byteme9718]

At the time of making this video Malaysia doesn't have an elected government because democracy failed here in 2022. One man chose the government and any intelligent person can see the danger in this. The constitution is interesting and most Malaysians know very little about it and most likely, far less than you. It was originally written by the British prior to independence and provided advantages to the Malays because they understood they were incapable of competing with the Chinese and Indians that had the work ethic Malays have always lacked. It's had over 130 changes but none have been to make all Malaysians equal as would be expected in any civilised countries. It's interesting you learned some Arabic so probably discovered Jawi independently just as I did while you were here. Very few Malays understand Arabic so don't have the right to criticise your interpretation of the Quran. I quickly lost my ability to converse in Arabic because there was no one to talk to. Malays, just like most Muslims, only sound out the words of the Quran phonetically. Bahasa is a very weak language so doesn't translate well and in rural areas, English is poor or non existent. Malaysia used to have a healthy relationship with Islam but this changed soon after independence after the Malay government established a department to look after Malay welfare. As their remit wasn't given any restrictions they quickly grew an empire that the government couldn't control. JAKIM, as it's now called, forced its grubby fingers into everything they could and have sleep walked the Malays to the point they're about to sink into the deep, dark abyss of a perverted conservative form of Islam. Nearly all Malays have the memory of a goldfish and a complete inability to see beyond today but some have written and warned where this was leading. Marina Mahathir for example has written some insightful books and her father's "The Malay Dilemma" is worth a read because it sets out much of why Malaysia became what it is now. Politics here is fascinating. This is a brave video and contains too much to take in with just one viewing. You've gained a good understanding most Malays lack and that's why they're afraid of factual comments. They're raised to think only they are right just as the bigots in Texas you describe are. Religions like Christianity and Islam are dangerous and that's what's always driven my interest. To be fair though, Christianity has done more harm to others while Islam is mostly self destructive as Malaysia has proved. The problem with honest content like this is that it may cause you trouble if you want to come back. You may have a marker against your name because of it and just as with nearly all government workers, immigration staff are usually Malay so will have no sympathy for you. Next visit, have a plan so you don't incur significant cost if denied entry, for example, Singapore to JB.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

I really appreciate your comments, and you really don't hold back with your opinions. Although I don't agree with some of what you say, I recognize that you most likely have a very complicated history with the subject matter, tradition, history, religion, etc. So, I want to hear your opinion, but it is hard because you are just insulting people right and left which is out of my comfort zone. I want everyone to be heard, think for themselves, and to question what they are being told. It is critical to forming a cohesive worldview. I don't believe people are trying to be bigoted, whether in Malaysia or Texas; however, I think we all grow up with a culture that shapes us in good and bad way, and part of that critical thinking is discerning and learning from where we came from and others that come across our path. You have made an impression on me in some form or fashion, and I will definitely learn from this interaction. I don't know exactly how I feel about it, but that's life. So, I can only speak from my experience of seeing these things and hope that others share theirs so I can learn. Is it more important to put out honest content and be brave OR get into a country? I wrestled with that statement from you, and for me, I guess this video gives the answer. So, I hopefully will become okay with that part of my self.

[@byteme9718]

@@ThisIsDrewFerguson Comfort zones are relative and you quickly find that here, they're far more limited than you'd be used to and you've overstepped a few from some local perspectives. Even petty squabbles get escalated to police complaints here. That's not a criticism of you but recognition of your strength and depth of character. Just be wary that some spiteful Malay government worker doesn't escalate this because that's what they do. You suggested I start a KZbin channel but value my freedom and have to be careful. Take many of my comments as satirical and feel free to ask deeper questions if I miss the mark because of cultural differences on any specific comment. Some will always be insulted, even if you're trying to be polite so it's all relative. Humour and satire sometimes doesn't carry over well. Do people have to try to be bigoted to project bigoted views? That's a subject all in itself and a good part of why religion fascinates me. In the simplest terms, if a religion closes minds to rational, fact based discussion, that person could be accurately described as a bigot EVEN if that wasn't their fault and entirely due to indoctrination. That's as true in Texas as it is in Malaysia. I can't recall another video from a westerner with so much honesty and insight from just six months experience. I know expats who've been here for over 30 years and don't have a clue outside weather and shopping. They stick to their own community and that also extends to the Malaysian ethnic groups where interaction is generally limited and each have their own perspectives that social rules prevent being discussed. I really hope you can come back and immigration doesn't cause issues but I've accompanied people where immigration are obstructive and unpleasant. Be proud of your content especially because of its informed content that state schools hide or distort hence the need for vernacular schools that are privately funded. My view is that being honest and brave are key assets to our humanity and they make your whole. You don't need hope for that, you've shown that already and, as I stated, I need to view this video again because you cover so much content. I wouldn't stress about coming back because there are only two outcomes and only you can test that bit as I mentioned, a denial send you back to your embarkation point and a bus from Singapore costs next to nothing. It used to be so much easier with RM50 put in between passport pages. Keep up this quality of content.

[@charlesparker4481]

There are becoming more and more not wearing hijab. Malay women, not Chinese or Indian. Most wear a headscarf and tight clothes, not a hijab.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

I hope that each individual woman feels that they have the right to choose and not pressured into wearing the hijab. I am okay with it as long as it really is their choice.

[@byteme9718]

You're right but that depends where you are. Where you do see it, you also find the opposite with Malay women going full on ninja and that's dangerous. The government used to realise this and this attire was banned but you see it more and more along with dull, drab clothes. The deep ethnic divisions are bad enough without that spreading within the Malays. The 2000 Al-Ma'unah incident shows what can happen and we're overdue for something similar.

[@Alibrahim-sb9nc]

Don't just talk from what U think.... reality will prove the truth....

[@byteme9718]

Malays are totally detached from reality. You could learn from her because you Malays actually know very little about your own religion.

[@awang57]

Should We Be Afraid of Shariah Law? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKGUiYyrnNOMnac

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Thanks for letting me see this video. I did watch the whole video. I think he made some valid points concerning how Sharia law is enacted in society. Of course, it closely relates to Judaism and how Jewish people saw the law in the old testament. I think that if people in the west understood that then it would help them understand Islam more. However, he glosses over a lot, and no matter how much a book talks about goodness, if at the end it condones harsh punishments such as caning and murder, I will never be able to agree with it. My moral code says that people are allowed to change their religion without being punished. There is good and bad in society, and people are allowed to grow and change their minds.

[@IbnuIsmail]

sabah is muslim dominant state. sarawak is christian dominant state

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Thanks! Why does Sabah not have a sultan? That is my biggest question on the four states without sultans.

[@IbnuIsmail]

@@ThisIsDrewFerguson brunei sultan is suppost to be the sabah sultan. then sabah under sulu then go to british. still its muslim dominant

[@deanneshane3799]

​@IbnuIsmail I thought Sabah was under Sultan Sulu ie Philippine related. That's whyvtheyvopted to join Malaysia?

[@IbnuIsmail]

@@deanneshane3799 sabah and sulu were once under brunei sultanate. sulu is not under philipines because philipines exist when spanish force convert philipnes to chritianity. after brunei power weakened, sabah under sulu sultanate. british lease sabah from sulu and then put sabah under malaysia

[@AzzrudinJamil]

Lady, ur destroying the coconut.

[@IbnuIsmail]

non muslim can be as liberal as they want. i dont care. malaysian muslims have their own law which make them adhere to the religion. we dont want to be like liberal west which make their religion just like a side note

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Thank you for your opinion once again! I do respect that you value your religion so much. Honestly, that means a lot coming from my background where I do agree that most people see religion as a side note. The point I am trying to make here is that, within our societies and our own influence, how can we better the injustices? Sometimes, looking outside of our society, we can see ways to make our own culture better.

[@IbnuIsmail]

@@ThisIsDrewFerguson justice does not mean equal. thats why meritocracy is so damaging for US poor people

[@deanneshane3799]

​@@ThisIsDrewFergusonNot to sounde condescending but even as I agree you may say or think however you like. But never compare Malaysia, be it freedom,religion, or social by American standards. To me the West is the worst benchmark to follow.

[@byteme9718]

Most Malays don't follow Islam within urban areas.

[@deanneshane3799]

@byteme9718 It depends. I would say Most follow but at different levels. The main tenets are followed ( practice of worship) but leaving sin would be difficult and thus the levels. Many would be more appropriate than Most. BTW urban doesn't mean KL only . That's why I disagreed on the 'most' part. If you say MOST KLians, than I defer to you LOL

[@jonidjoharijonidjohari5385]

You cutie 😊

[@rosiahhanan2281]

so you are the god of everything coming to tell us everything that is wrong with us. Yeah we believe you oh god.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Okay, thanks! You should subscribe then!

[@YasminJunid-v6y]

❤❤❤❤❤Girl hujab does not a islam make.

[@endtimeslips4660]

i enjoy your story about path to be a monky.

[@ThisIsDrewFerguson]

Haha! Not sure if this is an insult or it autocorrected to something odd... but okay....

[@harryteo7801]

as the saying goes : americans live under boulders!!!🤣😂🤣😂🤣