Impressions of Malaysia somehow slipped through the net. Malaysia is a progressive, modern country where Muslims, Christians (mostly of the Roman faction), Buddhists, Hindus and Chinese (therefore Taoists, for a better catch-all) seem to live side-by-side with a minimum of hassle. Locals are surprised at any question that things could be otherwise. It's all extremely impressive.

The State religion of Malaysia (and verily there is one) is Islam, and overwhelmingly, the Muslim population are reasonable, moderate people. For instance, the Museum of Islamic Architechture in KL is revalatory in its scope and the way it neutrally contextualises Islam. Women fully participate in the workplace, and even drive taxis ('You'll never guess who I had in the back of my cab the other day - only that 'What Afterlife' wanker!') . The hijab is worn, but not by most women. The newspapers spoke out against the Danish cartoons, but in a moderate way that requested apology rather than called for retaliation.

So far, so good. But why are Islamicist institutions (be they countries, newspapers or whatever) such a bunch of cry-babies? To be offended by by a bunch of cartoons is bizzare. The press should be free to attack all religions in general or any religion in particular, as a non-negotiable right of free speech.