Kelantan : The other side of the story

Kelantan : The other side of the story Revisited.

I did the the video previously in two parts. Now that YouTube allows me more video time, I have combine into one single video, and with the same title.

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If you are on the west coast or the south of West Malaysia, you have to visit Kelantan Darul Naim, the “Blissful Abode” on the north-east coast at least once to see it for yourself to know and believe the other side of the story.

The government and the people of Kelantan wish you come and explore and experience their hospitality and to also have a clearer understanding of the Kelantanese cultures and livelihood.

The state is almost synonymous with PAS, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (Islamic Party of Malaysia). PAS is a component party of Pakatan Rakyat, which currently plays an opposition role in the Federal Parliament of Malaysia.

Kelantan has been under PAS rule for two lengthy periods. The first period of their rule here began two years after the independence and lasted for 19 years (1959 – 1978). For a brief period from 1973 – 1978, the leadership of PAS then had decided to join Barisan Nasional. Through some dubious and ‘democratic’ efforts, PAS had lost control of the state for 12 years. In 1990 General Elections, PAS together with its Angkatan Perpaduan Ummah (APU) alliance returned with an over whelming victory winning all 39 states and 13 parliamentary seats. It had some turbulence phase during and after 2004GE but since 2008GE, PAS and its partners in Pakatan Rakyat are ever so strong and now unshakeable in Kelantan. They are ever ready to replicate this great milieu in the rest of Malaysia.

Why this feeling of confidence and security, more so now?

The answer is PAS Mursyidul Am (Spiritual Advisor) Tok Guru Dato’ Haji Nik Abdul Aziz Bin Nik Mat, the Mentri Besar of Kelantan. He is also revered as ‘The Father of Unity’. His style of administration of the state and his leading a team of leaders is exemplary.

95% of the Kelantanese are ethnic Malay Muslims. The other ethnic groups include the Siamese, Chinese and Indians, both multi-cultural and multi-religious.

The non-Muslim rights are better protected here. There are a number of Buddhist wats and Chinese temples, some deemed the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia. Visit Bachok, Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Kuala Krai, Gua Musang and of course the state capital, Kota Bharu to count the number of grandly-built, new and old, places of worship of the non-Muslims. To cater for the close to 1% Hindu and Punjabi/Sikh communities, there are several large Kuils and Gurdwaras. There are several Churches for the Christian congregations. Some denominations conduct their services in shop-lots and in multi-storey buildings too.

It is very interesting to note that while we have some contentions in other states where certain political parties and their affiliated NGOs are attempting to wedge apart racial harmony for their political and selfish reasons, the Kelantan state government and several district councils permit the operation of abattoirs and pork trading in the state. The sale of alcoholic beverages is permitted under licensed, for non-Muslims only. The non-vegetarian Chinese, Siamese and some Indian communities are at bliss.

See to believe. Watch the video. Better still, take the next holiday in Kelantan. Of course, a trip to Kelantan will be incomplete without taking the time to enjoy the many cultural performances, visits to the historical buildings and sites, choosing from a wide range of exquisite craft items and indulging in the various eco-adventure expeditions or just lazing on the fine beaches overlooking the South China Sea.

You will take back home fond memories of your experiential adventure.

Video by R. Vijay Kumar, Citizen Journalist.