Research and publications

The gender politics of conversion narratives in film religi

Ayat-ayat cinta (Verses of love, 2008, dir. Hanung Bramantyo) and Syahadat cinta (Shahada of love, 2008, dir. Gunawan Panggaru) portray the religious conversion of two Christian female characters, Maria and Pricilia respectively, to Islam after developing an intimate relationship with the Muslim male protagonists. The women convert to Islam for different reasons. For Maria, it… Continue reading The gender politics of conversion narratives in film religi

Despite Merdeka, we still show plenty of love for our colonial masters

Here’s some food for thought: Why did colonialism occur on our land for several hundred years? Why didn’t proto-Malaysians fight back the moment invasion was upon them? And here’s a tougher nougat for thought; despite everything, was colonialism a good thing for Malaysia? Before answering those big questions without empirical certainty, perhaps we should ask… Continue reading Despite Merdeka, we still show plenty of love for our colonial masters

On sexual slavery and the question of what makes something ‘Islamic’

Salwa al-Mutairi, a Kuwaiti politican, gave a cold-blooded proposal for Muslim men to take female slaves, especially non-Muslim female prisoners of war, for sexual use (or rather rape). It has rather unpredictably come under fire. Slavery is one of the most abhorrent forms of abuse of power in this modern age. But the basic principles… Continue reading On sexual slavery and the question of what makes something ‘Islamic’

Why are we a nation who adores murderers, rapists, and violent men?

Yesterday, I read with despair and bewilderment about 9-year old Nurul Dahyatul Fazlinda Mat Haizan who was first subjected to an acid attack by her father and would later meet him in prison with “tears of joy”. The reason why Nurul Dahyatul would weep for joy upon meeting her violent father as if reuniting with… Continue reading Why are we a nation who adores murderers, rapists, and violent men?

Sex reassignment surgery is “not allowed” in Islam because Muslims in Malaysia are easily confused

The re-instated word on the legal status of sex reassignment surgery (SRS) within Islam continues to stand as “not allowed” on all counts except for hermaphrodite people. The ban on SRS was first introduced in 1983 but occasionally a re-issue of the fatwa is necessary mainly as a reminder to Muslim Malaysians that they’re being… Continue reading Sex reassignment surgery is “not allowed” in Islam because Muslims in Malaysia are easily confused

What Malaysians can do to end rape

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Malaysia is fast becoming one of the rape capitals of the world. With an all-time high in cases of sexual assault last year, there is much finger-pointing toward law enforcers and the government who stand idle on the matter, but surprisingly little towards society itself that ultimately has… Continue reading What Malaysians can do to end rape

Bogel

Saya ingin membuat pengakuan: saya suka bermandi dalam keadaan bogel. Telanjang. Au naturel. Mungkin ini sebuah pengakuan yang remeh-temeh dan bukan panas membakar, tetapi bagi saya ia agak penting sebagai pembuka topik. Semasa menghadiri acara Fiesta Feminista di Kota Kinabalu bulan November lepas di mana kesemua hadirin bermalam di asrama dan berkongsi bilik tidur dan… Continue reading Bogel

On sexual slavery and the question of what makes something ‘Islamic’

First published on Muslimah Media Watch, on June 28th 2011. Salwa al-Mutairi, a Kuwaiti politican, gave a cold-blooded proposal for Muslim men to take female slaves, especially non-Muslim female prisoners of war, for sexual use (or rather rape). It has rather unpredictably come under fire. Slavery is one of the most abhorrent forms of abuse… Continue reading On sexual slavery and the question of what makes something ‘Islamic’

What Malaysians talk about when we talk about pornography

Mercifully, this week will mark the end to the hormonal excesses of Porn Week on Loyar Burok. Articles on a topic Malaysians are supposedly tight-lipped about were purged onto unsuspecting readers like a satisfying diarrheic release – it must have felt good for the writer of the articles concerned but for many others in virtual… Continue reading What Malaysians talk about when we talk about pornography