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Position of Islam as a Federal Religion and a Determinant of Stable Socio-Religious Relations in Malaysia: Medina Charter for Reference

Mohd Zuhdi Ahmad Khasasi, Ahmad Dahlan Salleh and Mohammad Zaini Yahaya

Pertanika Journal of Social Science and Humanities, Volume 28, Issue 3, September 2020

Keywords: Article 3(1), Federal Constitution, Medina Charter, socio-religious, social contract

Published on: 25 September 2020

The consensus on the goodwill in the form of a social contract manifested in the Federal Constitution has become an efficacious tip for a harmonious Malaysia. It is evident that the prestigious position of Islam in Malaysia has played a role in creating stable socio-religious relations. Hence, post-14th General Election Malaysia (GE14) saw the enthusiasm of certain parties who tried to challenge the social contract and dispute the position of Islam as the country’s official religion resulting in a less than harmonious situation. Therefore, this article analysed the position of Islam in the Federal Constitution according to its role as a stabilising factor in socio-religious relations in Malaysia by making the Medina Charter a reference. In order to achieve this objective, Malaysia’s multi-racial background as well as efforts to pave the road to a consensus between followers of various religions that creates an understanding guaranteeing stable socio-religious relations must be thoroughly reviewed. This study adopted the qualitative approach based on the content analysis design by applying the library research method involving document analysis and the ensuing data were then analysed using the descriptive method. Findings show that the recognition given to the position of Islam in the Federal Constitution is the main factor that determines the stability of socio-religious relations as well as guarantees the country’s harmony. The implication is that all parties, especially the government, need to consolidate the position of Islam in the Federal Constitution.

ISSN 0128-7702

e-ISSN 2231-8534

Article ID

JSSH-5275-2019

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