Lee and paranoia about Islam

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