A severely deformed and retarded identity

Follow this simple equation: Malay = Islam = Arab, and what do you get in the end? Yes, a severely deformed and retarded identity--cultural identity, to be exact. Ever ask yourself this question, if you happen to be a Malay, or for the argument's sake, a Malaysian: What is the Malay/Malaysian culture? Obviously, the Malay and Malaysian cultures are not one of the same, as much as the Malaysian government tries--subtly or overtly--to ram this misconception into the national psyche. Descending down a notch in this national culture discourse, one would stumble upon the rather sedate debate (rhyming is not intended) on what constitutes as a Malay culture? Using the logic of the Malay political elites and the ulama faction: Malay culture equals Islamic culture and Islamic culture equals Arabic culture; so, by the logic of syllogism, Malay culture is equal to Arabic culture. I'm not entirely sure if this syllogism is in the right order since I used to sleep through most of my Philosophy classes but the gist of it is what really matters. I'd love to write more about this topic that is near and dear to my nicotine-filled, cholestrol-clogged heart but I have to go break my fast in a few minutes. Meanwhile, check out this really interesting (at least to me) and intellectually-stimulating article by MR al-Mustaqeem in the kakiseni.com about the vexing issue of Islam in the context of arts and culture in Malaysia. Be forewarned that this article is in Malay and even for native Malay speakers, it is still a very difficult read. Eid Mubarak to everyone! Yeah, I know it's still early but I'm just a little giddy since my mom just sent me a big package of kuih raya from Malaysia. Biasa la..posa tak, raya lebih!