"When we see there is a halal certificate at the store, it's quite rare for us to double check on (the halal certification) website. I got in touch with my inner “kafir” and “pendatang” a long time ago. This is not about mean words but rather the existential threat religious extremism poses to this country. Why does anyone use the word “kafir”? Because it reminds them of the resistance of people who refuse to submit, either through their religious beliefs or personal convictions.