Kelantan
Etymology and Translations
- Etymology: The name “Kelantan” is Malay in origin, with historical roots obscure, potentially derived from the Malay word “kelantan” meaning “snail” or “land unplowed.”
- Arabic: كلانتان
- Turkish: Kelantan
Geographic and Cultural Overview
Kelantan is a predominantly ethnic Malay state situated in the northeast of peninsular Malaysia, neighboring the majority Malay Muslim provinces of southern Thailand. The state is known for its traditional cultural practices, arts, and crafts, including shadow puppetry (Wayang Kulit) and Malay music forms such as the nobat.
Religious and Educational Significance
Historically, Kelantan is noted for its pondok (traditional Islamic religious schools) and its community of ulama (Islamic scholars). These institutions have greatly contributed to the religious education and Islamic scholarly output in the region.
Political Landscape
Kelantan is a significant political stronghold of the Partai Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS). This Islamic political party has been a dominant force in the state’s political scene since winning state elections in 1959, with interruptions in 1978, and then reclaiming leadership through elections in 1990 and 1999. The political agenda of PAS in Kelantan focuses on establishing an Islamic state governed by Sharia law, which contrasts with the nationalist policy of Islamization pursued at the federal level by the United Malays National Organization (UMNO).
State Governance
The ceremonial head of the state is the Sultan of Kelantan, while the executive powers lie with the elected state government. Over the years, the governance by PAS has included the implementation of Islamic law on a state level, although some measures are often moderated by federal regulations.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “Islam and Democracy in Malaysia: The Partai Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) 1951-2018” by Anthony Milner
- “The Other Malaysia: Writings on Malaysia’s Subaltern Histories” by Farish A. Noor
- “Islam and Politics in a Malay State: Kelantan, 1838-1969” by William R. Roff
Takeaways and Conclusion
Kelantan is a region of Malaysia that is deeply entrenched in Islamic tradition, not just culturally, but also politically. The political narrative of Kelantan under PAS offers a unique perspective on the intersection between religion and state governance in a predominantly Muslim society. It offers an important case study for those interested in Islamic law and its application in modern governance.
In conclusion, understanding Kelantan provides insightful learnings into the broader dynamics of Malaysian politics, Islamic religious education, and how traditional practices are maintained within a modern state framework.
