The deepening politicization of conservative Islam and concerns over the erosion of traditional religious practices and culture in Malaysia has been influenced by “a hegemonic version of Islam imported from the Arabian Peninsula” that was “at odds with local forms of practice,” according to Karima Bennoune, the United Nations Special Rapporteur for cultural rights.  Dr Zachary Abuza, a professor at the National War College in the US, was recently quoted by The Diplomat as saying: “Malaysia has become steadily more intolerant, and this has been a top down government policy.” A spate of kidnappings involving clergy in Malaysia has raised concerns about rising religious intolerance in that country. Three Christians and a man accused of spreading Shia Islam have been abducted and have disappeared since February.