Understanding different cultures and religion - Cultural Context

According to Malaysian Insider (2012), The Star publication had publishes two articles regarding pork dishes during the Ramadan period, under the section of Ramadan Delights on 10 August. The next day, the Home Ministry had call upon the Star seeking for explanation and public apology due to the sensitivity of publishing non-halal images.

The definition of Halal means consent in the world of Islamic (Halal Malaysia, 2012). The term is used in relation to food, and to indicate that Muslims are allowed to consume one particular kind of food. In essence, pork is categorized as one of the non-halal food, which Muslims are not allowed to consume based on the Islamic Law.

According to the Article 8 of Religion and the Judiciary in Malaysia, ‘everyone is equal and shall practice no discrimination despite of the race, religion and culture’ (Wang, 2001). Otherwise, it will be an immoral act of disrespecting the belief of other religion. Every homosapien possesses dissimilar interest and liking, hence, different religion has their different ways of behaving and thinking (Teasdale, 2001, p. 12). Fundamentally, due to every religion’s belief, everyone shall respect to all of the existing religion despite of the diverse cultural practice.

Prominently, due to the harmonious living and respect, one should not go beyond any act of culture sensitivity in publication, which is much expose to various cultures and races. In consequence, The Star had voices out its guilt in producing such publication, and that they have too apologized for the discontemplation on Islamic, said Irwan, the Wira Perkasa Chief (Malaysian Digest, 2011). The authority had too agreed to forgive The Star for their deceptive act (Malaysian Digest, 2011).

In addition, I strongly acquiesce that every race in Malaysia or any parts of the country has a duty in respecting other people’s religion. As such, it does not only involve the act of abiding, but also the foundational importance of morality approach (Slote, 2010, p. 114). Hence, it is vital to engaged in other religion to gain knowledge on their tradition, also to overcome the preconception and misunderstanding between races. Ultimately, respecting each and every religion will bring harmony.

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References:

Halal Definition 2012, HALAL MALAYSIA, Malaysia, viewed 10 June 2012, <http://www.halal.gov.my/v3/index.php/en/about-halal-certification/halal-definition>.

Slote, M 2010, Moral Sentimentalism, Oxford University Press, New York.

Teasdale, W 2001, The Mystic Heart: Discovering a Universal Spirituality in the World’s Religions, New World Library, California.

The Star still on hot seat over non-halal Ramadan feature 2011, The Malaysian Insider, Malaysia, viewed 11 June 2012, <http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/the-star-still-on-hot-seat-over-non-halal-ramadan-feature/>.

Wang, C, CK 2001, RELIGION AND THE JUDICIARY IN MALAYSIA, Wang Law, Malaysia, viewed 10 June 2012, <http://www.wanglaw.net/files/Malaysia32.pdf>.

Zolkipli, D 2011, Non-Halal Ramadan Ads: Perkasa Hands Memorandum to The Star, Malaysian Digest, 12 August, viewed 11 June 2012, <http://www.malaysiandigest.com/news/29120-non-halal-ramadan-ads-perkasa-hands-memorandum-to-the-star.html>.