Skeptics have already been sniffing at Malaysia's reputation as a moderate Muslim-majority nation, and the country's recent actions have done even more to erode the myth. During the last month, unease about banned booze, brutal punishments, barred concerts, and boorish thuggery has rattled investor confidence and sparked international outrage. As the nation celebrates 52 years of independence this week, its future as a multi-ethnic society hangs precariously in the balance.
It all started with a woman and some booze. A regional Malaysian government threatened to whip 32-year-old Malay-Muslim model Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno for drinking a beer in violation of Islamic law (though many Muslims in Malaysia do drink without prosecution). To the government’s apparent surprise, the case was splashed across newspapers worldwide, triggering widespread condemnation from human rights groups and jeopardizing investment and tourism. Kuala Lumpur
