The Saudi Export of Ultra-conservatism in the Era of MbS – an Update

Edited remarks at The Middle East and the Geopolitics of Religious Soft Power, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University and the Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution, Washington DC 18-19 April 2018 There has long been debate about the longevity of the Saudi ruling family.

Rolling back militancy: Bangladesh looks to Saudi in a twist of irony

The plan would attempt to roll back the fallout of Saudi Arabia’s global investment of up to $100 billion over a period of four decades in support of ultra-conservative mosques, religious centres, and groups as an antidote to post-1979 Iranian revolutionary zeal.

Saudi Prince Mohammed’s religious moderation unlikely to change Asian realities

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may be seeking to revert his kingdom to an unspecified form of moderate Islam but erasing the impact of 40 years of global funding of ultra-conservative, intolerant strands of the faith is unlikely to be eradicated by decree.

2017 Annual Report – Shia Rights Watch

2018 marks the 7th anniversary of Shia Rights Watch. Over the past seven years, our organization and our team have grown from a Washington, DC-based minority rights group to an internationally renowned institution active in both the United Nations and the International community.

Kidnapping and ant-Shiite rhetoric stirs Malaysian debate about Saudi-inspired ultra-conservatism

Allegedly kidnapped, forty-three-year old Malaysian activist Amri Che Mat, a foreign exchange trader and mountain climber, has not been heard of since he went missing in November 2016.

Asri attacks missing Amri, says Shia Islam threatens ‘national security’

The Perlis mufti admits to being part of a 20-member team who had gone to the activist’s house in 2015. SEPANG: Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin today launched an attack on Amri Che Mat, a day after the missing activist’s wife named his state fatwa office and Islamic authorities as among those she suspected of involvement in her husband’s disappearance.

Washed up: Malaysian launderette refuses non-Muslim customers

“For Muslim customers only. Leave your shoes outside,” The owner of a self-service laundrette in the historic town of Muar in the Malaysian state of Johor likely had little inkling of the hornet’s nest he would stir up by putting up a sign barring non-Muslim from using his services.

See also ‘Malaysian launderette owner stirs Asian hornet’s nest’.

State-backed discrimination against Shia Muslims in Malaysia

(2017). State-backed discrimination against Shia Muslims in Malaysia. Critical Asian Studies. Ahead of Print. doi: 10.1080/14672715.2017.1335848

What Saudi King Salman wants from his tour of China, Malaysia

Jais arrests 50 Pakistani Shia Muslims

See also:

1. 10th October 2016.

At 10.55 am two men aged 54 and 32 years old (father and son) were arrested at their home in Jalan Jasmin, Felda Kemendor, state of Melaka for preparing to organize ashura gathering. They were interrogated under Section 63 Enactment Sharia Criminal State of Melaka 1991. If found guilty they will be fined up to RM5000, or three years jail or both. Melaka banned Shi’ism on 24th September 2015. Media Report: http://www.bharian.com.my/node/200861

2. 13th October 2016.

Malaysia’s Human Rights Commission through his chairperson, Razali Ismail criticized intimidation and arrest against Shias in Malaysia. He emphasized on freedom of religion: “This right shall include the freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice and freedom, either individually or in community with others in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.” Media report: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/358958

3. 14th October 2016

A standardize Friday sermon throughout state of Selangor spread hate speech against Shia adherents calling them deviants and reminding listeners to obey the 17th October 2013 religious fatwa banning Shia in Selangor. Media report: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/359041

4. 17th October 2016.

70-100 people from local NGOs such as Pertubuhan Kebajikan Silaturahim Malaysia (Si’rah Malaysia) The Mosque Organization of Masjid Al Husna Bandar Sunway (led by Mohd Hazizul Mohd Ghouts) and The Mosque Organization of Surau Munawarah (led by Mohd Fairuz Ahmad Jahari) demonstrated and intimidate small community centre for foreign students (mostly Iranians) in Sunway, state of Selangor. They demand the closure of the community centre and bring along banner reads: “Eradicate Shias from Malaysia” during the demonstration. They even report the centre to State Religious Authorities and Police. Media report: http://www.hmetro.com.my/node/174810?m=1