Falling Like...

40-plus years ago when the biggest threat to western civilisation was Communism, the world's leaders took seriously the concept of the 'domino theory' which suggested that if one nation fell under its despotism, then its neighbours were at risk of infection too.

Welcome to the 21st century equivalent:

LAWYER Malik Imtiaz Sawar seems a most unlikely person to attract death threats. A small, softly spoken, friendly man, the impression he gives is above all one of consideration.

What has earned him the death threats is his appearance in court on behalf of Lina Joy, a case that has become a battleground of Malaysian political and cultural identity, and of freedom of religion.

The case highlights what some analysts believe is the Arabisation of Malaysian Islam, a dynamic that can also be seen in Indonesia. (emphasis mine)

Lina Joy was once a Muslim but has converted to Christianity. She didn't do so to make any broad point or to lead any social movement. It was entirely a private decision. But in Malaysia the state takes official notice of your race and religion.

Mark my words - it will be the Philippines and Singapore next unless there is a strong and dynamic Christian revival.

-- Nora