Was in Malaysia recently. Flew in on the day of the protests regarding the PM who had been found to have a billion or so USD "resting" in his personal account. My first time in a Muslim country and, for what it's worth, here are my ill informed opinions.
KL is a beautiful city. Very green and squared away nicely. During my bloody lovely time there, and other parts of the country, some prejudices softened and others hardened.
First off, the kids are all right. Gen Y are f***ing lovely. So many young girls with the hijab are in customer service roles and are worldly. Smartphones and cheap internet could yet save the world. These young girls and guys get around in groups, mixing with each other harmoniously. Was a bit unsure of the head scarf previously but now couldn't give a f**k. Not at all.
On the other hand, the full burka cannot be seen as anything other than a powerful symbol of oppression. Dudes walking down the street (30 plus degrees and 90% humidity) in loose trousers and short sleeve shirts. Ten paces back followed their women in full black shrouds. FMD. And you only see these women ten paces behind their men. They play no other role in society as far as I can tell.
At the Penang beaches the young Lebanese dudes would be swimming in the surf while their wives would be wading ankle deep in the shallows. Still full burka, just sensually getting their Nike sneakers and lower parts of their jeans wet.
Whilst it was a total blast telling the missus to "get in behind" whenever she pissed me off, the sense of oppression is real in a Muslim country. Surely the world will change for the better.