The long fixation on the crucifix

No religious theme: A cross can be a symbol of identity and pride such as Alfa Romeo’s emblem. — EPA

THE fear of the cross among Malaysian Muslims is nothing new.

It can be traced all the way back to the 1980s when many missionary schools, despite their high academic standing and education legacy, were pressured to remove their crosses and religious statues. In 2007, the issue arose again, with some Malay politicians claiming that some parents had complained about their children studying at missionary schools that still have crosses on their premise.