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Wilders and Fitna

Dear Friends and family,

Geert Wilders, you probably know about him and his famous movie. What most people don’t know is that I’m in a Muslim country. Before I came here, was this news for me as well. Malaysia’s biggest populations are Muslims who have the most influence in politics and everything what someway has to do with the government.

Publication
It took one day after launching the movie before you could read about it in the newspapers. Everyone is aware of it now and the Dutch embassy did his preparations by listening all the Dutch people in Malaysia. I’m supposed to have a survival pack with me anytime, if I have to believe their letter.

Opinion of locals
The opinion of the most people I have spoken to so far is that they are not happy with the movie, they feel insulted by a nation. Their believe is strong but not as strong as in the most Arabic countries. The problem I have noticed so far is that most of the people are not aware of the full information behind the movie. Sentence like “movie of the Dutch government”, “why didn’t prevent the government publication” etc. have I heard. Most of their information is gathered from friends and family, this is what worries me a bit. Conclusions are drawn on things people hear, not on facts.

Impact
I believe that I won’t be in trouble here in Malaysia. The people here are friendly and respectful even when they don’t agree or understand it. Nevertheless has the movie a negative impact on the good Dutch reputation worldwide. This is something I regret because there are certain things in life you can’t do even when it is allowed, and this one of them.

A funny fact
There was a demonstration, which you can see on the picture, from approximately 30 people in front of the Dutch embassy. Why I share this with you is because the demonstration was held at 3 pm on Friday, when the embassy closes at 2 pm :).

Groeten Bas

Ps. Enough serious stuff, next week you can read about my trip of this weekend to Malacca. The Dutch kicked out the Portuguese of this city and traded it with the British after 200 years. This all back in the good old day’s ;).