as good as its get...

Finished a book, and realize how scary and brutal religious extremist can be. I'm not someone who can be called religious , but I was brought up within an Islamic surrounding. Combine with a mixtures of different people and cultures around me.

the Islam that I know in my country, somewhat more open, more subtle . Ya, there's have some restriction here and there, especially on the boy and girls, the alcohol and I wonder what else is there. Its funny that once you are away from the place that you love, you can only remember the good things that they can offer.

Nevertheless, what struck me the most is the beauty of the community (I'm disregarding the government here because I think they hardly have a good argument upon their decision, the uproar about Kartika, the girls who consume alcohol in public was chaotic and confusing for something that is called law which supposed to upheld justice). Although is not a totally free country like the West, they have boundaries yet it did not consume and take control over the life of everybody.

Somehow this remind me back to my own parent. Growing up I was always being concern by mama, who was keen on our religious belief. While ayah can be quite open and loose about the matter. He often accept our action together with a valid argument. For me, I could never ask for a better combination than this. I'm controlled yet still can be creative about it.

As someone who is born and raise in such community, I realize how different life is for a girl in another country with an extreme community. Where their genitals are being circumcised and sewn shut to keep them pure, predetermined future husband, they are not allowed to drive, even to sent their sick child to the hospital. Some even being killed and burned for the honor of their family.

I'm thankful that up until now, this were stories that I read, not the one that I live.

Nevertheless, that was real, tears and blood drip on the hand of extremist. Personally, I believe at one point people have to compromise, relent and tolerate. Partly it does happen in Malaysia, though that was far from perfect, that is as good as its get, for the time being....