ABOUT US
Progresif is a bilingual (English and Malay) platform that promotes progressive ideas within the context of Malay/ Muslim society in a changing world.
By progressive, we mean perspectives that weave the context of society with shared universal values, vision of a better future and the presence of diverse and evolving traditions.
We offer critical reflections on societal issues with an educative approach that can lead to a more compassionate and inclusive society for all.
We often see an over-representation of the Malay Muslim identity through a singular lens. Often, it lacks a progressive and critical engagement with the changing context of society.
Hence, we focus primarily on Malay and Muslim issues to provide greater nuance and alternative views that are often ignored, marginalised or buried. We recognise the need to provide a credible platform for writers and social commentators to engage with ideas and contested perspectives in Malay Muslim societal context.
However, being progressive is also about inclusivity. We therefore welcome views from all writers and social commentators, including those who identify as Malay only, primarily Malay/Muslim, or non-Malay/Muslim.
We accept articles in any of the following themes:
1) Arts and Culture
2) Economics
3) Education
4) Gender and Sexuality
5) History
6) Interfaith
7) Islamic Law
8) Language & Literature
9) Philosophy
10) Social Issues
11) Politics
12) Theology
As much as we appeal for rigour in standards for the perspectives articulated in every article, we respect the writer's right to their opinion. We are not responsible for the views and opinions hold by the writer. They remain solely the views and opinions of the writer.
Editorial Team
- Academic advisor: Dr Azhar Ibrahim
- English editor: Md Suhaile
- Malay editor: Mohamed Imran
- Team of sub-editors
- Podcast editor: Syahirah Azib
Contact Us: salam@progresif.net
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ARTICLES
Latest Articles
The recent ISA arrests of self-radicalised teenagers is a potent reminder of the dual nature of diversity: it can divide us, but also strengthen us. Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib discusses this duality and the mindset needed to harness the best of our diverse society.
Over the years, the Malay Muslim (MM) community has seen a myriad of issues surfacing in public discussions. They form a cluster of developmental concerns that can broadly be categorised as, socio-economic, religious, cultural, and inter-communal. These four clusters of issues often overlap and are not mutually exclusive.
Setiap kali kita memperkatakan atau membicarakan tentang bahasa, yang sering menjadi fokus ialah perkara-perkara berkaitan nahu, sebutan baku, struktur tatabahasa, laras kata, loghat dan sebagainya, yang secara dasarnya bersifat teknikal. Jarang sekali kita membicarakan isu-isu berkaitan kuasa dan pemberdayaan, sedangkan ketiga-tiga perkara ini sangat berkait rapat, terutama sekali apabila kita memikirkan peranan bahasa dalam transformasi sosial. Perlu dijelaskan bahawa yang ingin dipermasalahkan bukan perkara-perkara teknikal berkaitan bahasa itu sendiri, tetapi obsesi terhadap perkara-perkara tersebut sehingga ianya menjadi sesuatu yang dominan di sfera publik, sehinggakan isu-isu yang substantif dipinggirkan dan jarang atau tidak langsung diberi penekanan.
Regardless of identity, all law-abiding citizens deserve equal protection from harm and fair access to shared public spaces. As Singaporeans, we have the right to practise our faith so long as it does not harm and/or infringe on the rights of others to live according to theirs. Given these two facts, how do we move forward?
While proponents of sunat perempuan may argue that the act is harmless (unlike Type 1, 2 and 3 of FGM), it is hard to argue for any medical benefit from the practice – unlike that of male circumcision. Some Muslims, however, have resorted to the argument that the practice is needed to subdue female sexuality. This claim rests upon two claims: that female sexuality is higher than men and that subduing it is necessary to promote female purity and chastity. These two claims rest upon the overarching assumptions that women are the guardians of morality and female sexuality can be a source of moral destruction. Hence, the need to subject women to sunat or circumcision.
Reflecting on Intra-Muslim Prejudice in Contemporary Malay Muslim Society