Malaysia's turn to Islamism?

Malaysia's two characteristics has always pulled it in opposite directions. Its multi-ethnic/religious composition forces it to move away from political Islam but its religious/Malay nationalism drives it toward political Islam. If one looks at Malaysian history, one can see a clear trend of its ruling party United Malays National Organization (UMNO) using more religious rhetoric and agreeing to more legislation linked to Islam, despite always governing with a coalition of Chinese and Indian parties. Recently, UMNO has taken more steps in the same direction:

• For the first time, it has agreed to consider the applicability of Hudud punishments in Malaysia.
• Some of its leaders have called for narrowing the definition of Islam to Sunni sect, thus excluding the Shias. UMNO can now claimed to be defender of Islam, not only from outside but also from the inside.
• In the recent general assembly of UMNO, Prime Minister Najib has largely ignored the UMNO's slogan for last election '1Malaysia', propagating a Malaysia in which all are equal partners. PM Najib has also given in to conservatives in his party over the use of the word 'Allah' by Christians.

Analysts have given several reasons for this recent religious turn in UMNO. 

• UMNO has won the lowest number of seats in last elections since 1969 and Chinese and Indian voters largely rejected UMNO-led coalition. UMNO, therefore, feels it has no option but to shore up its core Muslim Malay constituency.        
• UMNO wants to break the opposition alliance by weening away Islamist Pan-Malaysian Islamic party (PAS) by showing its commitment to Islam.
• UMNO's previous strategy of getting votes by providing economic benefits to Malays has been less effective recently due to economic slowdown and other parties committing to Malay interests.

However, UMNO also understands that too sharp a trend toward Islam-based politics will not only be a bad election strategy but will also be disastrous for ethnic harmony in Malaysia.