Political Islam poses a direct threat to the stability

of South-East Asia

Group 3

Anne Claire FlamentDaniel Ding

Mike Tsang

Michiel Mensink

Renia Lopez

Background• Indonesia - riots, attacks on Chinese and

women, poor living conditions

• Malaysia - Islamic political party gaining power

• Philippines - terrorist kidnappings

• China - Muslim demonstrations

Lack of unity amongst SE Asia’s Muslims

• Lack of religious leader

• Free interpretation of Koran

• Many Islamic parties

• Distrust between party leaders

• Army deeply divided over Islamic issues

DISUNITY

• There is discrimination against non-Muslims and women

• Revival of Fundamentalism– Creating an Islam state. Muslims fight for the Jihad– Deadly riots and violence– Often backed up by terrorists– Separatist demands

INSTABILITY

Lack of unity (cont’d)

The primary interest of Islamic political leaders is religion

• Power = reshape politics, society, economy and culture to comply with Koran

• Religious issues are given priority, to the detriment of the economic development of a country and the welfare of its people

• Lack of economic agenda

Restrains Development• Violence predominates in Muslim society:

– Detracts domestic and foreign investors– Frightens Tourism– Slows down economic development

• Rejection of globalization and technology• Obstruct regional integration

• Political Islam poses a direct threat to South-East Asia stability in terms of– Social issues– Political issues– Economic issues

Questions

• How can an Islamic state be modern, democratic and competitive?

• How can an Islamic state remain united?