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Article: Southeast Asia Shaken by Rise Of Strict Islam; Political Stability in Doubt In Historically Secular Area
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- November 5, 2000
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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In the northeastern Malaysian state of Terengganu, known for its
white-sand beaches and offshore oil fields, karaoke bars have been
forced to disconnect beer taps and toss out liquor bottles. Unisex
hair salons have been told to close. And men and women no longer are
allowed to stand in the same supermarket lines lest males witness
females purchasing personal hygiene products.
The new rules are part of a crackdown by conservative Islamic
politicians who won control of the important industrial province in
recent parliamentary elections. They are on a mission to transform
largely secular Malaysia--long regarded as a model of multi-ethnic
harmony in Southeast Asia--into an Islamic state where ...