Letter To Editor
“HOLIER-THAN-THOU” is an adjective that describes someone who acts as if he/she is morally superior, more virtuous or more religious than everyone else. The term is almost always used to show annoyance or disapproval of someone’s self-righteous arrogance.
This unwelcome characteristic has once again surfaced among Malaysians, this time with regard to famed Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan’s (SRK) participation in a Hindu religious ritual.
Note that the heartthrob who professes to be a Muslim has raised the ire of many a self-righteous Malaysian – and no less his admirers – and let’s face it, they all follow the same faith.
View this post on Instagram
For context, SRK is married to Gauri Khan, a Hindu whereby they raise their kids in an inter-faith and culturally diverse household with respect and observation of both Hindu and Muslim traditions and festivities.
To certain Malaysians, this may come as a shock but such practice is not isolated to Bollywood supercouples or is NOT considered a big deal or any deal at all in India.
So why is it causing such ripples in Malaysia to the point there are calls to strip SRK of his honorary Datukship. “What has SRK contributed to the state of Melaka?” one fuming Threader demanded to know.
Editor’s Note: SRK was officially awarded the Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (DMSM) which carries the title of “Datuk” on Dec 6, 2008.
He became the first foreign actor to receive the prestigious Datukship, honoured for promoting Melaka and Malaysian tourism through his film shoots in the state such as One 2 Ka 4 and Don.
View on Threads
Don’t be a busybody
Yes, SRK is a household name here like he is in many other countries. He is an actor and entertainer. But he is NOT a religious spokesman nor is he expected to uphold values that are NOT his.
This is the problem with many Malaysians who have been raised in a religious nanny state. Everything is black and white, right or wrong, legal or illegal.
The concept that people are free to determine their own religious path is an alien one to certain segments of Malaysians as can be seen from the numerous posts on the issue on social media.
The term “murtad” (apostate) was commonplace with some even bemoaning the wife’s overriding influence in this matter.
View on Threads
The condemnation that SRK “is on the way to becoming a kafir harbi (belligerent infidel)” was loud, shrill and unedifying. To many local Muslims, this act by SRK in celebrating a major Hindu festival in his own home alongside his family is considered sacrilegious.
Let me make a very pointed observation. Why is it when a Muslim does something perceived as not being in line with Islamic code, it is met with disdain and uproar? But it is rarely the case when it is the other way round.
Let me illustrate. When a person leaves his religion of birth to embrace Islam, he or she is “congratulated” on their “reversion”. But when a Muslim tries to leave his or her religion, it is considered the ultimate sin. No messages of goodwill, never mind congratulatory missives!
Whether it is Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah and family posing with Santa hats in their annual Christmas greeting on social media or former Indonesian head of state Joko Widodo uttering a solemn prayer at the Pope’s funeral, Malaysians are always eager to add their holier-than-thou pronouncements.
The world is a very big place. Though social media may have made it smaller, it may be time for Malaysians to accept that different people have different ways of practicing and expressing their faiths.
Not everyone subscribes to state-controlled religious authorities, much less dogmatic views on what constitutes religion.
Word of advice for the naysayers. As SRK is free to do as he pleases when it comes to religious observance, you are more than welcome to unfollow the superstar’s social media platforms and by all means, boycott his upcoming films. It is your choice.
Perhaps, such conservatives should learn to respect his.
As for the stripping of the Datukship title, I do not for one moment think that SRK will stay awake at night worrying at the prospect.
Malaysians need to come out from their ‘coconut shell’, expand their perspective, widen their worldview and learn to mind their own affairs. – Sept 24, 2026
Mr Could Not Care Less
Nilai, Negeri Sembilan
Editor’s Note: SRK’s next blockbuster – “King” – which is produced by his Hindu wife Gauri is expected to open in cinemas worldwide on Christmas eve this year.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
