Page 61 - MDOS2_Final

MALAYSIA’S ‘ISLAMIC DIPLOMACY’: A NOVICE EXPERIENCE DURING
THE IRANIAN REVOLUTION

to quickly lock all the car windows and slow the car down to avoid any
provocative behavior. Within minutes the car was blocked and surrounded
by the unruly mob. Some were carrying guns while others were shouting
anti-American and pro-Khomeini slogans. All were angry looking. A few
of them nearest to the car suddenly began thumping on the car doors,
windows, hood and roof with their hands. Others began waving their guns
in the air. A few stared and pointed at our small Malaysian car f ag and began
shouting “Makbar America, Makbar America” (Death to America, Death
to America). One bearded man began to pull and scrutinize the car f ag
and shouted ‘America, America’ repeatedly. T e rest followed the chanting,
looking increasingly agitated. I could feel the heightened tension around us.

T e person was joined by others as the knocking on the car windows became
more insistent, demanding that these be lowered. T e embassy driver, of
Baha’i faith, turned pale and looked at me for further instruction. Equally
nervous, I advised the driver to lower the window a bit and asked him to
explain to the threatening crowd that I am a Muslim from Malaysia and
def nitely not an American. Ahmad’s repeated attempts, however, failed.
T e crowd looked unconvinced. T ey continued to pull at the small f ag,
which unfortunately, does bear a strong resemblance to the American f ag to
anyone not familiar with it. After a few more minutes of heightened anxiety,
which seemed like eternity, it suddenly occurred to me to try one more trick
which I hoped would work.

Recollecting that Iran had been a regular winner at our yearly International
Quran reading competition, I lowered the car window on my side, against
the advice of Ahmad, and shouted repeatedly above the heads of the crowd
“Man ahle Malazie hastam, keshavare mizbane musabeghate jahanie gharaate
Quran-e-karim” (I am from Malaysia, host country of the International Quran
Reading Competition). T e impact was almost immediate and completely
unexpected! Almost magic-like, the mention of those words immediately
transformed the previously unruly mob into a smiling and friendly-looking
crowd who cheered, patted the roof of the car and opened the way for the
embassy car to proceed to its destination. Relieved, I thanked those within
eye contact and asked Ahmad to proceed slowly to the Afghanistan embassy’s
front door where I was met by the Afghan charge d’af aires looking somewhat
apologetic and embarrassed.

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