Lee and paranoia about Islam

Is the charismatic leader of the neighboring Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, suffering from paranoia about Islam? The answer is yes!

Lee's negative perception of Islam is clear in his statements, which have frequently challenged Islam.

Lee's intentions were seen in his opening address to a security conference of Asian countries in Singapore last Friday. Lee stated that, at present, the threats against Southeast Asia came from Muslim extremist groups. He said there were hard-line Muslim groups plotting to topple the governments of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippine and Singapore.

Particularly with regard to Indonesia, Lee said the government of Indonesia currently was in a dangerous position as political party leaders were courting hard-line Muslim parties for the 2004 general election.

To prevent Muslim parties that he labeled as militants from overthrowing these governments, Lee called on the international community to cooperate in supporting non-militant Muslim groups.

It is very clear from his statements that Lee hopes to create an unfavorable image of Indonesia and Islam. Lee is probably worried about seeing the situation in Indonesia improve, because then his country would no longer be able to benefit economically from the trouble in Indonesia.

And if some day the predominantly Muslim population of Indonesia democratically chooses to implement syariah, or Islamic law, particularly for Muslims, what is it of Lee's business?

Doesn't every nation, in line with the spirit of democracy touted the world over, enjoy the right to organize their own lives, as long as they do not harm other nations?

But since Lee is suffering from paranoia about Islam, he sees the issue differently. In this case, he will always see Islam from a negative perspective.

-- Republika