People are enslaved?

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Owning Earth, By Whose Authority?

Raperas, watch this video and deeply reflect on it.




Peace !

Khairy Jamaludin: Transformation by the Transitional Generation

I must confess that I am moved to analyse some parts of YB Khairy Jamaludin’s speech this time because, for a change, it is not rhetoric and more importantly, it contains various messages and analysis which I think we should think about.

On Rapera, since 2008, I have been advocating radical changes in the political landscape that will leave behind the old, inefficient and almost intelligence insulting ways of doing things. I have actually been advocating transformation in political thought since early 2000. I have spoken about these ideals to many politicians on both sides of the political divide. I do not think many understood nor were interested. They exhibited greater concern for political pragmatism.

Hence, it is refreshing when the UMNO Youth Chief said this in his speech at the UMNO Assembly recently: 

“In the history of human civilisation, there have been moments depicting transformation grounded in generational transitions. I believe a generational transition happens when change or transformation is not limited to new policies or new faces. More significantly, it ushers in an era of visionary leaders ahead of their time, who strive for profound transformations that lay to rest old norms and practices”.

Rightly, it is profound transformations that Malaysia needs today in the political arena. After more than 50 years of independence, the Rakyat is rightly fed up with feudalistic political behaviours. Khairy correctly analysed what he calls the “generational transition” has taken place and that “President, YAB Dato’ Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak is the first to have been brought up in the post-Independence era. It thus comes as little surprise that he understands that an epochal change is now occurring.” Some ideas do not come into fruition until such a transitional change takes place and it has in the person of Najib Tun Razak.

It is no secret that I am an ardent supporter of 1Malaysia. I was even concerned that Najib may not have the political courage to announce the policy, as admittedly, it has political risks for him within UMNO. Events have proven that Najib not only announced it but he is serious in developing it as the policy foundation of the Nation. Further, there has been much liberalization of democratic space under Najib’s government in line with the changes in the current generation. As Khairy, again, rightly pointed out:

“On the question of politics, the old worldview contained a simple logic: might is right. Force and might underpinned our actions in the past. When faced with problems, our immediate response was to arrest and jail people. When confronted with challenges, we literally “banned” them. This Cold War mentality might have served as well in decades gone by but the realities of the present demand a more measured and transparent approach. As a reflection of this approach, the Government will amend Section 15 of the UUCA to open the space for students to participate in politics. In my view, this is a bold step born out of a strong leadership committed to the change agenda”.

Any politician who is more concerned with preservation of power will not be bold enough to do away with draconian laws thinking that such legal powers can be used to quash political dissent. However, world view today has changed and this requires leaders who are able to cope and emphatise with this new world view. I agree with Khairy when he says “It would be fair to say that the Government Transformation Program and the New Political Model underlined by YAB President would not be possible without this new worldview. It is a new perspective requiring us to be bolder, more mature and more confident in facing the challenges that come with this new reality”.  Times have indeed changed and this is the opportunity to embark on true radical political reforms that will benefit the Rakyat and encourage transparent, efficient, intelligent  and ethical political behaviours.

Notwithstanding the reforms that Najib is bringing to the country, I share the same reservations about UMNO members that Khairy seems to have eloquently elucidated:

“In this context, I want to stress the importance of fully appreciating the meaning and implication of these concepts of generational transition and new worldview, as well as the philosophy that underpin them. It is utterly pointless to merely clap and cheer at the Prime Minister’s every announcement without understanding its rationale and purpose. Our support for progressive measures like the abolishment of ISA must be based on a deep appreciation of the demands of the new worldview, and not for the sake of sucking up to leaders”.

I have known, for a long time, that there are many capable, efficient and idealistic “1Malaysia” leaders in UMNO way before 1Malaysia came into the picture. However, these leaders who are truly Malaysian in spirit and in conduct have been suppressed from rising by the older generation “cold war” leaders who are caught up with the feudalistic political thoughts and conduct. It is therefore important that UMNO members understand the rationale and the purpose of the PM’s transformation programmes because it actually requires a major paradigm shift in one’s political outlook. 

It is actually irritating that some UMNO “has-been” leaders are being stumbling blocks to the radical changes that the PM is advocating. These old ways of thinking and the culture that “WAS”, stifles mental development in UMNO converting any creative young leader back into old age. Khairy echoed my thoughts when he said it thus; “Otherwise, we will be young in age, but ancient in mentality. This is no time to be cheerleaders who express enthusiatic support without knowing why we do so”.  I must however add that there are some young people in UMNO today who really behave old thinking that is the correct political behavior in UMNO!!! This has to change.

The other interesting parts of his speech concerns the systematic attempts by various parties to destroy key institutions of the Nation. I was actually wondering when some political leader was going to speak on this.  There is a big difference between being critical of our institutions and undermining them. For example.  you may be critical of the  judiciary but you do not encourage the culture of breaking the prison walls. 

I find it pleasing that the UMNO Youth Chief’s speech, though delivered at the UMNO and hence Malay forum, it is Malaysian in nature. This should be the way as UMNO had always been the backbone of the Barisan Nasional Government which had served Malaysians irrespective of race or religion.  There is none of racial overtones or rhetoric which dominated the 2008 assembly. 

Looks like the UMNO delagtes have taken the “que” from the party President – be 1Malaysian ! Racial and religious politics is outdated for now and highly repugnant. 

Well done Khairy. I hope you will be consistent with your views.

Peace!

"Negara Islam" atau Negara membudayakan nilai2 Islam

Saya memang tidak sempat untuk menulis mengenai tajuk ini walaupun tajuk ini sentiasa diapung-apungkan, malangnya, di medan politik. Pelbagai tafsiran yang telah diberikan mengenai apa itu "Negara Islam" sepertimana yang dinyatakan oleh Prof Madya Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, seorang ilmuan dan sarjana Muslim yang dihormati ramai kerana kejujuran nya kepada ilmu, terutama yang berasaskan nas Al-Quran dan Al-Sunnah.

Poin yang penting dan tepat yang telah diperhatikan oleh beliau didalam artikel beliau berjudul "ANTARA ISLAM DAN ‘NEGARA ISLAM’" adalah fakta bahawa Muslim yang menentang "Negara Islam yang diperjuangkan oleh beberapa pihak tidak bererti bahawa Muslim itu menentang Islam".

Seharusnya mereka yang berminat mengenai topik ini harus membaca artikel Prof Madya Dr Asri di sini.

Artikel-artikel sebegini menunjukkan betapa pentingnya kewujudan suasana pemikiran bebas yang membolehkan perbincangan ilmiah mengenai Islam supaya pelbagai pandangan dapat dipertimbangkan bagi memanfaatkan umat Muslim. Sekaligus, Muslim menjadi hamba yang proaktif dan bukannya pak turut yang tidak memahami apa yang dianuti.

Salam.

Agama membantut pembangunan minda manusia dan melambatkan kelahiran tamadun yang mengguntungkan makhluk ??? Bahagian Satu: Agama, Ketua Agama dan Penganut Agama

(Amaran: Mereka yang merasakan diri mereka lemah minda atau malas berfikir atau mudah sensitif dengan pandangan alternatif disarankan supaya tidak meneruskan membaca perbincangan ini. Perbincangan ini sekadar perbincangan dan tidak bertujuan untuk mempengaruhi sesiapa dan sesiapa juga tidak dikehendaki untuk bersetuju dengan analisis berikut. Pandangan membina digalakkan dalam suasana sama-sama belajar dan berfikir kerana cinta kepada Maha Pencipta).

 

Ramai sarjana Muslim menafsir Islam sebagai cara hidup lengkap bagi manusia kerana ajaran-ajarannya konsisten dengan sifat semula jadi manusia dan alam. Ini lah yang mereka maksudkan apabila mereka mengatakan “Islam itu agama fitrah”. Dengan hormatnya, saya kurang setuju dengan pemanggilan Islam dengan istilah “agama” kerana ia mempunyai pelbagai maksud dan kebanyakkan nya tidak langsung menjelaskan “cara hidup Islam seperti yang diperjelaskan dalam Al-Quran”.  Saya lebih berminat merujuk kepada “Islam” sebagai Addeen Allah atau “cara hidup menyeluruh yang disarankan oleh Maha Pencipta untuk yang dicipta”.

Namun, istilah “agama” yang digunakan sekian lama akan terus digunakan dan lantas itu, timbul lah kekeliruan seperti mana yang wujud hari ini.

Sebelum saya menyentuh mengenai fahaman saya terhadap Islam sebagai “cara hidup yang praktikal”, biar saya bincang mengenai “agama” dahulu.

Mereka yang berminat boleh membaca selanjutnya dengan klik disini

Baca Lah Bible apa yang hendak ditakuti ???

Amat merunsingkan beberapa perkembangan serta respon beberapa pemimpin agama dan politik terhadap dakwaan terdapatnya usaha untuk mengkristiankan orang-orang Melayu di Negara ini. Saya dapati respon-respon yang diberikan ini malangnya merendahkan-rendahkan kebolehan orang-orang Melayu untuk berfikir dan menilai. Saya percaya orang-orang Melayu ini lebih bijak daripada apa yang disangka oleh pemimpin-pemimpin ini. Kemungkinan besar pemimpin-pemimpin ini masih berada diabad ke14 manakala kita telah pun melangkah keabad ke21 yang dicirikan dengan pelbagai teknoloji yang canggih dan efisien.

Disamping itu, respon-respon ini juga menampakkkan bahawa pemimpin-pemimpin ini kurang yakin dengan kekuatan mesej yang terkandung didalam Al-Quran serta peranan Allah sendiri didalam menentukan keimanan seseorang.

“Dan Kami tidak mengutuskan seseorang Rasul melainkan dengan bahasa kaumnya supaya ia menjelaskan (hukum-hukum Allah) kepada mereka. Maka Allah menyesatkan sesiapa yang dikehendakiNya, juga memberi hidayah petunjuk kepada sesiapa yang dikehendakiNya; dan Dia lah jua Yang Maha Kuasa, lagi Maha Bijaksana. (Quran: 14:4)

Amat jelas sekali maksud surah diatas dimana kuasa memberi petunjuk adalah pada Allah. Seorang manusia yang inginkan petunjuk Allah hendaklah berusaha sedaya upayanya untuk mencari, dan menggunakan akalnya. Mudah-mudahan ia mendapat petunjuk. Seorang Muslim seharusnya berusaha untuk mendampingi Al-Quran dan berusaha untuk memahami isi kandungannya dengan sendiri daripada hanya mendeligasikan tanggungjawap tersebut kepada orang lain. 

Sekiranya ia membaca Al-Quran, maka ia tidak akan hairan sama sekali usaha pihak kristian untuk mengkritiankan orang lain. Mereka berbuat demikian kerana mereka yakin benar dengan fahaman Krisitian mereka. Allah telah pun memberitahu kita perkara berikut didalam surah Al-Baqarah ayat 120 seperti berikut:-

“Orang-orang Yahudi dan Nasrani tidak sekali-kali akan bersetuju atau suka kepadamu (wahai Muhammad) sehingga engkau menurut ugama mereka . Katakanlah (kepada mereka): “Sesungguhnya petunjuk Allah, itulah petunjuk yang benar”. Dan demi sesungguhnya jika engkau menurut kehendak hawa nafsu mereka sesudah datangnya (wahyu yang memberi) pengetahuan kepadamu (tentang kebenaran), maka tiadalah engkau akan peroleh dari Allah (sesuatupun) yang dapat mengawal dan memberi pertolongan kepada mu”. (Quran 2:120)

Maka, bagi mereka yang memahami ayat diatas, dia tidak akan hairan atau menggelupur apabila mendengar berita bahawa adanya usaha untuk mengkristiankan orang lain. Apakah akal kita memberitahu kita bahawa orang Kristian akan menghindukan kita atau orang Islam akan mengyahudikan orang lain? Tentu sekali akan ada beberapa penganut-penganut agama yang akan cuba untuk meyakinkan orang lain berkaitan dengan agama mereka. Jadi apa yang kita khuatir atau hairan sangat?

Perkara lebih penting ialah: fahamkah orang Muslim itu sendiri mengenai Islam itu sendiri? Adakah dia berusaha untuk membaca isi kandungan Al-Quran untuk memastikan samada apa yang dia percaya sebagai Islam itu konsisten dengan Al-Quran? 

Lagipun apabila surah Al-Baqarah mengatakan bahawa orang-orang Nasrani (Kristian) akan berusaha untuk menjadikan orang lain pun percaya seperti mereka – adakah kita tahu apa yang orang Kristian percaya? Pernahkan kita kaji atau fikir samada orang-orang Krisitian hari ini pun mungkin lebih kurang sama dengan beberapa orang-orang Muslim dari segi ini – mereka pun tidak pernah baca Bible mereka sepertimana kita pun tidak pernah membaca Al_Quran kita? Masing-masing berasaskan kepercayaan mereka berdasarkan apa yang diberitakan kepada mereka oleh ketua agama masing-masing!

Didalam Al-Quran, banyak disebut mengenai kisah-kisah yang disentuh didalam Bible terutamanya mengenai Nabi Isa. Kita ketahui bahawa orang-orang Kristian mengangkat Nabi Isa sebagai “anak tuhan”. Adakah perkara ini terdapat didalam Bible dengan jelas? Mana kita nak tahu kalau kita tidak membaca Bible mahupun Al-Quran? Al-Quran ada menyebut perkara berikut:-

“Dan juga (disebabkan) dakwaan mereka dengan mengatakan: “Sesungguhnya kami telah membunuh Al-Masih Isa Ibni Maryam, Rasul Allah”. Padahal mereka tidak membunuhnya dan tidak memalangnya (di kayu palang – salib), tetapi diserupakan bagi mereka (orang yang mereka bunuh itu seperti Nabi Isa). Dan Sesungguhnya orang-orang yang telah berselisih faham, mengenai Nabi Isa, sebenarnya mereka berada dalam keadaan syak (ragu-ragu) tentang menentukan (pembunuhannya). Tiada sesuatu pengetahuan pun bagi mereka mengenainya selain daripada mengikut sangkaan semata-mata; dan mereka tidak membunuhnya dengan yakin” (Quran 4:157)

Jelas sekali bahawa ayat diatas mengatakan bahawa Nabi Isa tidak dibunuh dengan cara disalib. Apakah Bible mengatakan bahawa Nabi Isa disalib? Mana kita nak tahu kalau tidak baca Bible?

Saya telah membaca hampir lebih daripada tujuh versi Bible sejak saya berumur 16 tahun. Pada fahaman saya, membaca John, Matthew, Mark dan Luke (“Gospels”) meyakinkan saya bahawa fakta-fakta yang dinyatakan disitu dengan sendiri menafikan bahawa Nabi Isa telah dibunuh dengan cara disalib. Sebaliknya, fakta-fakta disitu menunjukkan dengan jelas bahawa selepas peristiwa Nabi Isa (mengikut Bible) diletak diatas salib, beliau masih hidup, makan bersama pengikutnya serta berjalan. 

Kajian sedikit yang saya buat berkaitan dengan Bible telah saya serahkan kepada Dr Ahmed Deedat semasa yang bertemu dengan beliau diBirmingham pada awal 1990an. Beliau telah membaca Bible dan telah menulis banyak buku mengenainya. Saya amat kagum dengan kebolehan dan usaha ikhlas yang dilakukan oleh Ahmed Deedat seperti mana juga Dr Zakir Naik diIndia yang mahir dalam bhagawad Geeta dan sebagainya. Pemikir-pemikir Muslim ini tidak takut membaca kitab-kitab agama lain. Kenapa pulak pemimpin-pemimpin agama dan politik Negara kita begitu takut?

Macam-macam perkara dan fakta yang boleh saya tulis disini mengenai Bible dan Al-Quran tetapi memadailah jika saya mengatakan bahawa jika seorang Muslim membaca Bible, ia akan lebih faham kebenaran Al-Quran apabila membacanya. Masalahnya ialah, didalam Negara kita ini pemikiran dan budaya ilmiah digam sebagai satu “dosa besar” yang harus dihindari. Kadangkala saya terasa seolah-olah mereka yang lemah minda menganggap orang lain pun sama-sama lemah minda.

Sebenarnya, saya berpendapat bahawa sekiranya Bible versi Bahasa Malaysia dibenarkan, ia mungkin akan melahirkan satu perbincangan yang sihat diantara Muslim dan Kristian. Ia akan berguna bagi mereka yang benar-benar dengan ikhlas mahu mencari kebenaran Allah dan bukanlah semata-mata untuk mempertahankan kedudukan masing-masing. Pengalaman saya menunjukkan bahawa Al-Quran sentiasa berjaya mempertahankan dirinya sebagai kitab yang benar.

Salam.

(Nota: Saya tidak bincang tajuk diatas dari aspek undang-undang. Harap masing-masing rujuk kepada Al-Quran masing-masing untuk menggesahkan terjemahan yang disebut didalam artikel diatas)

How much more insults will the Malays tolerate from PAS?

There has been so much nonsense from the theological based political party PAS from the time I can remember that if I was to write about their nonsense, it will be volumes! First on the list is of course their unilateral claim to represent Islam. But that is a matter I have covered many times over for the past 10 years or so.

Today, I intend to cover snippets of their latest nonsense and insults to the Malay and Muslim intelligence.

You may continue reading the rest of the article here

Peace !.

ERASE RACISM !!!

The Quran says:

“O humanity!  We have created you from a single male and female and have made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another (not that you have pride over one another).  Verily, the most honorable (أَكْرَمَكُمْ ) of you in the God’s Sight is the one most righteous. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” (Quran: Al-Hujraat, 49:13)

Kool G Rap & Polo-Erase Racism Lyrics:

(feat. Bizmarkie, Big Daddy Kane)

[Intro: Bizmarkie]

Yo V, bring that beat in
Yeah that's aight
Ahhh man!
Yo G, yo Kool G, yo
I'm doin this right here
We got Big Daddy Kane over there
We all gonna do just one part
Because you know, we came a long way
You know, from back in Martin Luther King days, Malcolm X
[Ain't hard to tell] You know, now now that we see
Nelson N-Nelson Mandela's free
We gonna talk about this, is e gonna talk about this racism
Stop that, you know what I'm sayin, we gonna stop that
So G, why don't you just do your rhymin part, and then I'll come on after you
(Aight, check it out, here we go, yo)

[Verse One: Kool G Rap]

I'm tryin hard to explore, I'm not sure
What all the racial war for
It's makin me more sore
I walk through a color blind corridor
Seekin, for peace in the people I'm meetin
Black white and puerto-rican men are greetin each other
Just like brothers, there's plenty and many of others
You can discover, kids fathers and mothers
A meltin pot, no one felt they got prejudice
Listen I could never assist someone diss this
A landscape, with a dark and a light handshake
Havin fun, without one bein a fake snake
So let's form a rainbow over the mountain
And let's drink from the same water fountain
Let's make our Earth Day a story of
people that walk through the same territories
Color or creed, is no need for a man to bleed
I beleive, we all breathe the same seed
Unless it's diluted, for somethin to intrude it
Then I see your family tree was uprooted
So don't be foolish if you're Jewish or Hindu
The racial manual is the evil that men do
I was raised in a nation of Asian
Hate shouldn't seperate Jamaican from Haitian
So if you're givin in your ears I hope your hear me and
Siberian's no better than Nigerian
I bring a rattle to a battle that you see me in
I'm no villian so why would I be killin indians
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
My nationality's reality
And yo a prejudiced man is of a devil mentality
These are words of a wise man, wisdom
Take a taste and erase the racism

[Chorus: Bizmarkie]

The ink is black, the page is white
Together we learn how to read and write
People are black, got people that's white
Let's stop racism, and, let's unite

Verse Two: Big Daddy Kane

(Yo yo Kane, why don't you do your part
and then let me do mine and then we get outta here
go ahead, bet)

In the days of slavery
Some got to run away and many got done away
Inferiority is what some men say
But that shit played out with Kunta Kinte
Then again in the streets of New York
I think of Yusef Hawkins, and I see you'e still stalkin
And when I think of barriers like Bensonhurst
Huh, notice how I mentioned hearse
We got to better this world of prejudice
People, make peace, and learn to live equal
Cause I don't look at myself as a
Coon or a mooley that would have to say massa
You better believe that I'm an asiatic descendant
And I know what's been amended and intended
So let's fulfill and get real, and try to build
a united nation, eliminate segregation
I know there's different strokes for different folks
but I've also acknowledged what hatred provokes
So don't hate me or try to underrate me
Cause I collect ends drive a Benz and live greatly
And we can all live together in harmony
Without thinkin what color is harmin me
If I'm a slave I'm a slave to the rhythm
To E-R-A-S-E the racism

[Chrous]

[Outro: Bizmarkie]

To the black and the white
The red and the yellow
To all the nationalities
I'd like to say hello
And I hope they stop racism and it's comin from our hearts
Me, Kool G Rap, Polo, Big Daddy Kane, Cool V, and of course
The Diabolical Bizmarkie I hope ya stop racism
Peace 

 

Ruang Befikir Semakin Menyimpit ???

Memang kebanyakkan manusia malas berfikir. Kalau kebanyakkan manusia mmembenarkan diri mereka untuk berfikir, maka tidak wujudlah penindasan dari segi fizikal dan rohani. Hakikat bahawa begitu ramai manusia tidak sedar tentang penindasan ini membuktikkan bahawa sememangnya mereka telah selesa dalam zon kejahilan mereka. Begitu juga jika manusia memang rajin berfikir, tidak lah Al-Quran itu mengandungi berpuluh-puluh ayat yang mengajak, mengajar dan memujuk mansusia untuk berfikir. Malangnya dalam bidang agama pun mereka telah menggadaikan minda mereka kepada segelintir manusia lain yang kononnya mempunyai monopoli hidayah Allah. Namun itu persoalan yang lain.

Walaupun manusia amnya malas berfikir, malangnya diNegara tercinta ini kemalasan berfikir bukan sahaja luimrah tetapi telah diinstitusikan sebagai satu budaya yang harus dipertahankan. Kelesuan dan kengganan untuk berfikir telah menular kesegenap lapisan kehidupan kita.

Kita bangga dengan pemimpin-pemimpin yang boleh mengeluarkan kenyataan yang bukan sahaja tidak masuk akal tetapi menghina pemikiran manusia waras. Kenyataan-kenyataan mereka itu dengan bangga disiarkan dalam TV dan media arus perdana seolah-olah kita mahu mensejarahkan kebodohan kepimpinan kita. Begitu kerap sekali saya lihat kebodohan kempimpinan politik diraikan seperti pesta diringi oleh tepuk sorak badan-badan bukan kerajaan (NGO) dan blogger-blogger upahan yang semestinya "allergic" kepada kebolehan berfikir. Seperti ayat dalam Al-Quran, masing-masing gembira dengan kenerakaan masing-masing dengan memikirkan bahawa itulah syurga!

Lebih teruk daripada dahulu, hari ini kita dapati begitu ramai "cendikiawan-cendikiawan" yang tumbuh sebagai cendawan tanpa sebarang kebolehan berifkir secara berilmiah atau pun mempunyai kebolehan intelektualisme walaupun masing-masing tanpa segan silu memakai gelaran "Dr" dihadapan nama mereka. Saya tidak harian perkembangan ini kerana saya sudah pun menjangkanya berlaku sewaktu saya masih belajar diUKM bertahun-tahun dahulu. Saya sudah  melihat dahulu bahawa satu budaya baru yang menghormati kelulusan daripada ilmu semakain berkembang didalam negara tercinta ini. Kelulusan formal atau rasmi disamakan dengan keupayaan intelektualisme. Malangya juga ramai "cendikiawan" yang tidak faham maksud "intellectualism". Ini lah antara sebabnya yang telah menahan saya daripada belajar sehingga keperingkat PhD kerana saya tidak dapat bayangkan diri saya dinilai oleh puak-puak "superficial" ini walaupun saya begitu cinta dengan ilmu dan proses pemikiran.

Hari ini ramai bangga dengan adanya berpuluh-puluh universiti yang tumbuh bagai lalang yang tidak terjaga dan kehadiran hampir 2000 professor-professor dalam negara tercinta ini. Memandangkan kita mengagungkan dan memartabatkan kejahilan, maka tidak pernahlah kita tanya apakah sumbangan professor-professor ini kepada perkembangan ilmu dan masyarakat? Berapa banyakkah buku-buku ilmiah yang telah diterbitkan oleh cendawan-cendawan ini? Apakah teori atau falsafah yang telah mereka "profess" dalam kerjaya mereka sehingga layak digelar professor? Hari ini, professor adalah jawatan bukanya melambangkan keupayaan pemikiran. Perkara yang sama ini telah saya bincang dengan Allahyarham Professor Syed Hussein Al-Atas, bekas VC Universiti Malay dimana beliau mengelar golongan seperti ini sebagai "educated barbarians".

Apabila kita memartabatkan guru-guru dan pensyarah-pensyarah jahil, adakah kita harapkan penuntut-penuntut keluaran universiti tempatan akan berkembang sebagai pemikir, reformis dan berguna?

JIka kita membuat satu kajian rambang, kita akan dapati bahawa kebanyakkan kita seolah-olah menganggap berfikir itu satu dosa besar yang harus dihindari. Kita katakan "boring". Buku-buku yang memerlukan seseorang itu untuk berifkir dipandang sebagai satu virus yang tidak harus didekati. Kalau ada rakan yang membuahkan satu topik yang memerlukan perbincangan menggunakan akal, kita anggap dia sebagai gila atau ganjil. Mereka lebih minat untuk bercakap-cakap kosong mengenai kejadian didalam kehidupan mereka yang juga sama-sama kosong - hal ofis mereka, gelagat orang lain, wayang yang dilihat, masalah-masalah kecil-kecilan dalam kehidupan mereka yang dilihat besar oleh minda mereka yang kecut, dan lain-lain "mundane topics". 

Sebenarnya bagi orang yang boleh berfikir, topik-topik ini lah amat membosankan kerana ianya dapat dijangka.  Sememangnya boleh jadi "stressful" bagi seorang yang boleh berfikir hidup dalam masyarakat yang menganggungkan kebodohan dan kejahilan.

Paling ketara sekali penyakit tidak mahu berfikir ini adalah dalam hal yang bersangkutan dengan ketuhanan. Amat anih sekali bahawa mereka yang kononnya menganggap agama itu penting tidak mahu meluangkan masa untuk mengkaji atau memikirkan tentang apa yang mereka anuti. Kemalasan mereka itu cuba ditutup dengan alasan bahawa mereka tidak mahir dalam hal-hal agama dan oleh itu membiarkan orang yang leibih "berilmu" itu mengupas bagi pihak mereka. Apakah asas-asas pun tidak tahu? Begitu yakin sekali mereka ini dengan golongan yang dikatakan "berilmu"?  Saya yakin ramai yang tidak akan faham maksud saya disini kerana kita sudah pun di indoktrinasikan  dengan tanggapan bahawa mereka yang berkelulusan daripada universiti semestinya pakar dalam bidang tertentu. Maka, kita tidak pernah mahu berfikir atau menilai mengenai "kelulusan" pakar yang kita idolakan itu. Memang susah ke mendapat kelayakan formal universiti hari in?

Pada saya, masyarakat yang membudayakan kebodohan dan kejahilan mengundang musibah keatas dirinya sendiri. Padahnya akan tiba walaupun mengambil masa yang lama.

Namun mereka yang sudah lazim dengan candu tidak mahu berfikir akan ketagihkan kebodohan dan kejahilan. Seperti semua ketagihan yang merosakkan, kesudahannya amat jelas.

Salam.

Najib's call for Unity - What Unity?

I fully support the Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's call for unity recently. Everyone knows the outcome of disunity and enmity among humankind. It results in chaos and misery.

The "Islamic world" is known from almost time immemorial to be characterised by disunity and enmity. There are several reasons, among which are vested interest, sectarian differences, and intolerance of differing views.

The Middle East is a hotbed of conflicts, oppression of human and individual rights, dictatorial regimes and corruption. The Middle East is a living example that common language and religion alone cannot unite the people. A sense of humanitarian values and the willingness to adhere to basic universal values of Islam is equally necessary.

One cannot be faulted to say that the Middle East may be full of religion but largely lacking in spiritualism. So much form but little substance. Too much emphasis on form breeds hypocrisy and Allah condemns hypocrisy as a most evil trait. Let us come closer to our own home - Malaysia.

Malaysian Muslim political leaders often deliver speeches calling for unity of the ummah especially during so-called religious festivals. Any Muslim will welcome such calls. However, a call for unity which is not accompanied by consistent programs and deeds towards the call is useless. It portrays the leader as a man of form and not of substance. The leader becomes an insult to the people.

Even worse is when a leader calls for unity and yet he condones or does every act that further perpetuates disunity. This is hypocritical and despicable in the eyes of Allah.

I believe that calls for unity in Malaysia among the Muslims is not totally genuine. It is merely a political call. If it was genuine, Muslims will accept Muslim wholeheartedly in all spheres of their lives. Only recently, a christian Indian converted to Islam and the registration department found it completely important that his race column be written as "keturunan India" - is this necessary? Where is the implementation of the principle that Islam supersedes race? where is the implementation of article 160 of the Federal Constitution that this Indian Muslim is now a constitutional Malay? Why are civil servants allowed to override the clear provisions of the Constitution?

I have many experiences with converts (Chinese, Indian, Orang Asli) into Islam from other races. The convert still is treated as a non-Malay despite the constitutional guarantee that he is a Malay upon conversion and fulfillment of the article 160 of the Constitution. Further, over the years, I have come across cases where quite a number of Penang Malays who have their name changed from "bin" to "a/l" in their nric without their knowledge by the civil servants. Why is this done? Has "bin" become the domain of the Malay and where is this "ukuwaah Islamiah" that many political and religious leaders are so fond of talking about?

There are so many real life examples that I can show to prove that we are still far away from this "Islamic unity" in the country. Political leaders make speeches without serious follow ups and the ignorant civil servants do what they wish. Thereafter, everyone goes to the Friday prayers pretending that all are united.

Let us not play with God for His wrath is unimaginable.

Peace!

2011 UNITED NATIONS 66th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

I am glad I went to the 66th Anniversary celebrations of the United Nations today at the Renaissance Hotel in my capacity as an executive member of the International Movement for  just World (JUST).

Mr Kamal Malhotra, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Malaysia delivered a good and comprehensive speech. I was touched by the piano performances by  autistic children, one as young as 7 years old who played "We are the world'. These children were trained by a very talented young man, Mr Brian John Yim, who himself delivered an excellent piano piece at the event. These performances by autistic children tends to educate people on autism. I was explaining autism to a few people  who did not know  what it is later because I have some experience dealing with such children.

In the speech by Mr Kamal Malhorta,  he congratulated the Prime Minister of Malaysia for doing away with the emergency proclamations so that "Malaysia can return to the normal operation of the constitutional system". He noted that "Democracr is clearly linked with a set of essential rights, liberties and opportunities must necessarily exist. For democratic proceses to gain ground and be sustained, such rights, freedoms and opportunities must necessarily exist".

 Without a doubt, the United Nations, though it had always suffered various criticisms from diverse groups, continues to give hope to the world that it can unite countries with a common purpose.

The whole world is facing diverse challenges from economics to weather and as the United Nations Secretary General has said, "in these turbulent times, there is only one answer: unity of purpose".

All the UN member countries have to have that sense of unity and the will to face the challenges ahead to make this world a better place.

Peace !

Peace !

Why Drag Lim Guan Eng's Son into Politics?

I really do not know whether it is true or not personally. YAB Lim Guan Eng has denied it. The school apparently has denied it too.

I am not really concerned with the truth or otherwise of the allegation here. If it is false, then the allegations are defamatory, evil and highly immoral.

Assuming it it true,  it gives rise to several important issues and reflects upon the political ethics and culture that our country has.

What is the relevance of a 16 year old boy's misadventure with the leader's standing or lack of it? Does it mean that if your children are "bad", you are bad too and that you must have failed as a father or a leader? Admittedly, there are cases where the children's misadventure may reflect on the parent's negligence. However, it is not always the case.
 
Every reasonable person should know this particularly a Muslim.

The Quran relates histories and events that show that the misadventure of a sibling or a child does not reflect on the parent.

Prophet Abraham was a believer while his father was an idolator (Quran 19:46 to 47). The stark difference in faith did not lead Prophet Abraham to curse or hate his father. Muslims do not judge Abraham by the faith of his father. In fact, Abraham is held up as a good example of a man of faith (Quran 16:120)

Prophet Noah embarked on to the Ark but his son did not believe him and had refused to heed his command. (Quran: surah 11 verses 42 to 43). Do we judge Noah as a weak prophet because he was unable to convince his own son? Therein is a lesson for those who have total faith in Allah and serve Allah only (not political interests).

Prophet Lut is held up in high esteem by the Muslims and Allah relates of what happened to his wife who was among the disbelievers. Allah did not save her from the calamity that befell Lut's people (Quran  11:81). No Muslim will ever judge Lut by his wife's disbelief.

The Quran liberates the human mind from such evil traps of judging one individual by the act of another.  However, when we serve gods like politics other than Allah, we fall into such traps too. The Satan whispers and fitnah (defamation) becomes alluring.

Let us leave the 16 year old boy alone.

Lets salvage politics from the sewerage it has gone into.

Peace.

End Of Gaddafi, Victory for US, Britian and French Businesses

Now that we are told that Muamar Gadaffi, who was famous for his third theory "The Green Book" has been "successfully" killed by the NATO forces, one has to ponder again - this is whose victory?

Unlike Egypt which saw a popular uprising, were there any signs of these in Libya? The manner in which "stability was restored" in Libya is starkly reminiscent of how "stability" was restored in Iraq - by destruction of building and killing of thousands of lives by the military might of three powerful nations.

Very soon we are going to hear "efforts at restoring" Libya and its economy. The very State that was destroyed by the conquerors will be "redeveloped" by them. Good business.

What about the Libyans?

When will this game of conquering countries that are rich in natural resources ever end?

Peace !

Murtad Dan Bandar Oxford

Oleh Prof Madya Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin

"Saya menganggap Bandar Oxford ini jauh lebih indah dari kebanyakan bandar lain di UK dan Eropah, termasuk London. Bahkan tiada bandar yang seumpamanya di dunia muslim kita. Ia sebuah bandar ilmu. Kebanyakan mereka yang sibuk berjalan pantas di jalan-jalan Oxford ini ialah pelajar, pengajar dan pengkaji.

Lebih empat puluh kolej ilmu bersejarah lagi berprestij di bandar ini. Penuh sejarah, penuh sumbangan melahirkan tokoh-tokoh besar. Bandar ini penuh dengan aktiviti ilmu di sana-sini setiap hari; seminar, diskusi, forum dan pelbagai. Dalam pelbagai perkara dan bidang, yang mungkin sebahagiannya terlarang dalam negara kita disebabkan unsur ke’jais’an kita. Amat rugi jika ada sesiapa yang datang ke sini tetapi tidak mengambil peduli tentang aktiviti ilmu yang pesat."

Anda harus membaca artikel sepenuhnya dengan klik disini.

Salam.

Pawns on the Chessboard

Those who wrote about these things never really “succeeded” in the normal worldly sense. They never made the pot of gold which they could, judging by their intelligence and perceptive ability. They were either written of as mad people by the majority or made to be seen as insane by the powerful institution. Either way, it is business as usual for those who fear to b exposed.

Who are these people? Other than “mad” or “insane”, they have been labeled as “poets”, “conspiracy theorists”, “philosophers” or just plain trouble makers.

For example, if I was to tell you that in the capitalistic democratic society, your choices have actually been well pre-planned for you, you will certainly call me a nut case. You will point to many of your own personal experiences where you actually find that you actively make choices. You just went to the supermarket and bought the groceries that you choose. You bought the car that you wanted with the loan from the bank that you chose.  

You even chose the type of house that you wanted win the location that you chose. 

And you will tell me many more of your experiences just to shut me up and prove me wrong – that you actually have choices and that you actively make those choices.

Well, let me ask you this – if you create a maze with only five exits, and then you place two white mice into it.  One of the mice comes out of exit A and the other exit D, would it make any sense for the mice to argue that the each made their own choices which exit to come out from? Possibly, we could grant the mice that. They did make a choice. However, did they have the choice of being in the maze or having to chose only from 5 exits or even the structure of the nature?

NO. I am not talking about divine determination. That is completely another thing. I am talking about the act of determining how you live by a select powerful and very wealthy few.  That your lives are purely accidental and consequential to theirs.  

Let me ask you this and please put the so called market forces argument aside. Did you actually have a say in the supermarket, the roads, the houses, etc, etc that is affecting your lives and your families?

Did you vote that the houses that are being build and at those prices are exactly what you wanted?

I suppose you cannot really confidently say that you thought out or agree to the bank loan system of house ownership and the kind of health care that we have? And the list goes on.

I have not even talked about whether you have a choice over your beliefs.

Sit back and honestly think to your self – how much choice did you exert in shaping the environment that we live in?

Can you even dream of doing that? 

Madness !!!

Peace.

I just want to meet the PM - says Namewee

Namewee and his brilliance.

Friends Forever

This is a touching clip with accompanying song done by students.




Peace !

Is Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak becoming a radical reformer ???

I almost could not believe my eyes when I read that PM Najib had announced that ISA and three other emergency laws will be repealed. These laws have been opposed to by civil society for years and many citizens find these laws repressive and unnecessary.

I was shocked, pleasantly though, for several reasons. The act of repealing these acts is a courageous act for any president of UMNO, the largest and the ruling dominant party. It is simple political logic that any ruling party will want to retain any laws that would give it greater power to control the people, especially those that oppose the party. Hence, for Najib to announce that these laws will be repealed makes it a radical move.

I can expect that there will be resistance from UMNO rightwingers itself and some right wing NGOs. I am sure that quite a few of former UMNO leaders may be in opposition to the move, though not directly. These are to be expected and I am sure, if Najib is serious, he expects this as well. Therefore, in this sense, he is taking a big political risk for his position and support within the party.

I have often argued for fundamental reforms (as opposed to cosmetic changes) in the democratic space and the political arena on this blog and in my talks. Removing these laws is another fundamental step forward towards restoring our country as a constitutional democracy. We should applaud and support Prime Minister Datuk Sri Najib Tun Razak in this reformist step.

If Najib is serious about the repeal of these oppressive and archaic laws, he stands as a reformist who has gone beyond partisan thinking and has the people's mental and democratic development at heart. I find it extremely tiring that politicians simply refuse to think beyond partisan lines. Najib's act here is an example for politicians to think about national interests instead of purely party interests.

Surely, the removal of these laws will liberalize further civil society and hence greater criticism of any government wrongdoing or policies will surely ensue. This is not necessary a bad thing as this is how society can mature in a democracy - healthy factual debates rather than squashing rational dissent with the law. This is  a risk that Najib is willing to take politically in the interest of democratic reforms. The ability and willingness to take this political risk also shows Najib's confidence in his efforts and policies in winning over the hearts of the people. He is prepared to be judged on his merits rather than rhetoric.

For me this is not the first time that Najib has acted radically in announcing reform orientated policies. It is no secret that I am among the earliest supporter of his 1Malaysia policy. I thought that was radical and absolutely necessary for the country. 1Malaysia policy has the potential to be a long-term all-encompassing policy for the Nation which all citizens can identify with and participate. However, I also foresaw opposition and confusion within UMNO and opposition from certain NGOs and I was right. Many may not understand but his announcement of 1Malaysia was indeed a major political risk for him within UMNO and among some Malay NGOs.

However, the majority of UMNO members have accepted this policy now. Many UMNO members are reminded that though UMNO is a Malay based party, it had since since independence worked for Malaysia irrespective of religion or race. Sure, there had been deviations somewhere along the line with UMNOputras and some UMNO warlords becoming arrogant and 'lupakan diri dan Tuhan' but things are changing back to the original position. 1Malaysia in this sense is a good tool to realign and remind members that UMNO's struggle is not just for the Malays but for all Malaysians as the UMNO song itself testifies.

1Malaysia also serves to remind UMNO members that they are largely Muslims and hence racist tendencies are unIslamic. This, hopefully will weed out some UMNO leaders who are bent on pretending to be champions of the 'Malay race' simply for self glory and enrichment. I have been sick and tired for years with the approach of these primitive UMNO leaders trying to scare the Malays that they are not hard-working, not clever and that they are a social grouping that is going extinct and hence have to be protected in all spheres of their lives ! What a cruel thing to do !!!

So, 1Malaysia policy did shake UMNO out of its comfort zone and true reforms should do just that. The president of UMNO, Najib Tun Razak was brave enough to do that. Of course 1Malaysia policy can still be 'tweaked' to make it work better but all reforms come with one brave step. Najib took that step.

Due to that one step, it was well received by most Malaysians, if not all. Of course everyone, including me, wants greater translation of 1Malaysia into reality and practice. It will take time. I have always written on this blog that though 1Malaysia is Najib's 'baby', to me, it is bigger than him. It represents the hope for the future for Malaysians and people do not easily allow their hopes to be dashed. Nor do they easily forgive those who dash their hopes.

Najib is also going to do the sane thing by reviewing the annual publishing permits under the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA). Too much discretionary powers in hands of enforcers without check and balance by the courts is a bad thing.


I do hope that these are but steps taken to further reform Malaysia so that we can become a great Nation someday.


Peace!

MAIS, Khalid Samad and the right to speak on Islam

The recent spate of events concerning MAIS and YB Khalid Samad raises interesting and important issues. It is reported that MAIS is acting against Khalid Samad for "talking" on Islam in the mosque without permission from MAIS. 

The MalaysianInsider reports that "Khalid was charge under Section 119 of the Selangor Islamic Religious Administration Enactment for giving a sermon in a surau at Taman Seri Sementa, Kapar in Klang on August 16 without prior permission". Apparently Khalid Samad is going to challenge this on the basis that it is unconstitutional.

I can understand and support the fact that allowing politics to dominate "places of worship" can be dangerous and even develop into a security threat. In fact I strongly hold the view that there should not be any politicisation of any religion. In our conutry, I feel that there has been too much politicisation of Islam to the point that "true Islam" has been given a backseat. I have written on the politico-Islamisation process in Malaysia in my book "Rapera: Urgently wanted" .You only need to look around the world to see and appreciate the poisonous mix of religion and politics on society.

Having said the above, the right of a Muslim citizen to speak his views on his faith is another matter altogether. I have written on this quite comprehensively here when Datuk Dr Asri was faced with a similar predicament.

The issues will go back to the Federal Constitution, the State Laws on Syariah and the Quran. 

Article 11 (1) is often quoted by many Muslims to defend their right to practice and profess their religion as this article clearly gives them that freedom subject to artcile 11(4) of the Federal Constitution. 

Art 11 (4) provides that state and federal laws may control or restrict the propagation of any religious beliefs or doctrines among persons professing the religion of Islam. As I have written before, this could very well be interpreted to mean even a Muslim may be restricted to propagate Islamic doctrines and beliefs to another Muslim or group of Muslims? Possibly the “correct” interpretation is that only authorized persons can propagate “Islamic beliefs and doctrines” to Muslims citizens.

If this is the interpretation that the courts adopt, then, the State Laws that require anyone to obtain permission from them before "propagating" Islam to Muslims may very well be in line with the Constitution!

Think about it.

Peace.

Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!

Adakah ia semata-mata luangan kata-kata

Atau jeritan jiwa yang benar-benar merdeka?

Merdeka yang membuat kita angkuh bangga

Atau mengajak kita bersyukur rasa?

Pembesar Negara dimana-mana

Menggunakannya untuk menaikkan nama

Lupa diri, lupa Illahi

Langsung tidak muhasabah diri.

 Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!

Pekikan mengusik telinga atau keinsafan rahmat Allah?

NikmatNya yang mana lagi kah hendak kita ingkari

Tidak mahu kah kita menyedari diri?

Apa gunanya bebas dari penjajah?

Jika masih dijajahi nafsu amarah?

Pembesar politik dan ulamak agama bermaharaja lela

Membohongi rakyat jelata dimana-mana

Memecahbelahkan umat disegi siasah dan fahaman

Menjadikan Negara tidak makmur dan aman.

Orang merdeka yang mempertuhankan manusia

Menjalani hidupnya sekadar sia-sia

Apa tidaknya jika  menukar tuan untuk memperkosa Negara?

Mengejar kepentingan peribadi walaupun Rakyat  sengsara.

Negara merdeka, Negara berdaulat

Daulat yang sebenar bersumberkan Maha suci

Munafikun dan fasikuun membuat kita ralat

Menjadikan kita hambaNya yang keji.

Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!

Salam merdeka kepada yang benar-benar merdeka.

Najib Razak: Being Malaysian

I like this article by our PM, Dato' Seri Najib Tun Razak very much. He seems to have captured the meaning of being a Rapera in this article. If you read the message with an open mind, you will agree with the values he is trying to convey therein.

Being Malaysian

by Dato Seri Najib Razak

"while we celebrate Merdeka this year in a less celebratory mood as it falls during Aidilfitri, let us take this opportunity to observe the 54^th anniversary with a slightly different approach. This year, let us focus the day’s significance to ourselves, observe how each of us play a role in the development of our country".

You may continue reading further here.


Peace!

Government Agencies is one of BN's problems to win the election

1. Barisan Nasional has a major problem and challenge in facing the general elections which Pakatan generally does not have.

2. In Malaysia, people have yet to be mature enough to distinguish the difference between administration of the country and the politicians who form the "Government".

3. As far as the people are concerned the Government is Barisan Nasional.

4. The Government to the people means the civil servants, the enforcement agencies whether the police, the customs, the councils, Bank Negara, the courts, etc which affect their daily lives.

5. Whenever these agencies and instituions visit injustice on the people or enforce the law in a cruel manner (when the law allows for kinder approaches), it is Barisan Nasional and especially UMNO that will get the blame.

6. Hence, having so called winnable candidates on one hand and the people being upset and feel that they are being oppressed by the agencies on the other hand just take away the votes from Barisan Nasional.

7. Why would decent, ordinary citizens want to vote for Barisan Nasional, if they feel that they have been indecently treated by the relevant agencies?

8. If Barisan Nasional is serious about winning the peoples' vote, they have to take a  WHOLESOME approach.

9. Barisan Nasional which is in power will be held responsible for the actions of the government servants. This is just how it is in these difficult times.

10. If the enforcement agencies, for example put people out of business for the slightest of error with the law, the people will think that Barisan Nasional Government does not care for their family. Why then should they vote?

11. In short, the politicians in Barisan Nasional better wake up and address this problem that is occuring all over the country lest the unshakeable government servants shake the seat of their political masters.

12. It is still not too late, but there is not much time either !

Peace !

‘Serangan JAIS’ Ke Atas Gereja: Tanya Diri Kita Dulu!

oleh Dr MAZA

"Saya belum ingin mengulas tentang ‘serangan’ atau serbuan JAIS ke atas sebuah gereja di Petaling Jaya seperti yang disiarkan oleh berita beberapa hari ini di sudut tindakan ‘serangan’ itu. Cumanya, seperti mana yang kita ketahui bahawa tiada manusia yang bertamadun yang boleh menerima tindakan provokasi yang boleh mencetuskan permusuhan antara penganut agama tanpa alasan yang sah. Saya ingin menyentuh tentang orang-orang Islam yang hadir ke majlis tersebut yang dikatakan oleh pihak media hadir mereka terpengaruh dengan agama Kristian disebabkan sikap baik penganut agama berkenaan membantu mereka. Difahamkan bahawa orang-orang Islam yang hadir, terutama ibu-ibu tunggal terdiri dari kalangan mereka yang amat daif dan miskin. "

Teruskan baca disini! - Minda Tajdid

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Menunding jari tanpa muhasabah diri
oleh Jahamy

"Oh umatku,
mengapa asyik menunding jari,
tiada erti kah muhasabah diri?

tiada melekat kah dihati
firmah Maha Ilahi
tiada ditukarnya apa yang pada suatu kaum
sehingga mereka menukar apa yang dalam diri sendiri?

Masih kah tidak difahami
firman Maha Suci
Tidak diubah rahmah yang diberi
sehingga diubah apa yang dalam diri?

Tengok cermin, tanya sendiri,
tak kan asyik menunding jari?

Salam.

The Polarised World of Politics

Datuk Paduka Marina Mahathir writes on the polarised mentality of politics in The Star:

"Politicians of every stripe have two bad habits. Firstly, they think that those who don’t belong to any political party are incapable of having a single political thought. Secondly, when non-politicians think of a good populist idea, politicians of all stripes rush to hijack it.

George W. Bush, that giant of intellectuals, famously said after the Sept 11, 2001 attacks that “Either you’re with us, or you’re against us.”

Those words unleashed a world polarised by politics with no hope for peace, which necessarily requires a coming to the table of all sides to discuss common issues".

My comments below:

I echo her thoughts and add that such polarisation of politics mentality is a hindarance to true maturing and development of citizen empowerment. What should be the objective of every citizen irregardless of political affiliation, race, religion or social status should be the betterment of the Nation and the general welfare of the people.

Selfish partisan interests should never override National interests.

Partisan membership should not disunite citizens in the common objective of acheiveing National goals that benefit the people.

Citizens who are not a member of any political party should not be considered as disqualified to comment or evaluate on matters of national interest or even political thoughts in this country. They are entitled to do so because they are citizens.

As long as we are not able to rise above party mentality and embrace "national mentality" or better still a complete sense of humanity, we will never really be free to put forward true and useful long term reforms.

Peace !

PAS, Entertainment Outlets and Ramadan

1. Every sunni Muslim knows that fasting is required during the month of Ramadan - it is one of the five pillars of his faith. He knows how to fast, when to break fast and what to do during the fasting month so that his fast fulfills the requirements of the fast.

2. I know that it has been customary (not sure if it is the law) that restaurants owned by Muslims are usually shut from morning and only start operations sometime in the evening. I really do not know whether it is because of some religious reason or because it is not economical to open for breakfast and lunch. I really can never understand why a person who is fasting cannot open his food business. I have been overseas where the operators observe thier fast while serving food. Their faith is unshaken and so is thier business.

3. If it is true that PAS in Kedah wants to close certain entertainment outlets during Ramadan, I also cannot understand thier rationale. Is it to prevent Malays from patronising these places duirng Ramadan?

4. Does that mean that during other months it is okey for the Malays to patronise these places?

5. If the entertainment is intrinsically bad in some way, why not just ban it forever under the law? If it is not intrinsically bad, then what is this double standard all about? Something that is good or bad according to the month is something that I cannot understand.

6. I know that it is a criminal offence under the syariah laws in most, if not all States for Malays to eat in public restaurants during the day in the month of Ramadan. I do not think it will help if the person who is not fasting for whatever reason hides at the back of the restaurant and eats away from the public eye.

7. I personally have never understood the need to compel people to fast or to deny the non-faster from eating if he wants to. I hold that faith is a personal matter.

8. Nevertheless,  the law is the law and it is reflective of the society that upholds it.

9. Anyway, for those who are going to fast because they want to fast, I wish them all happy fasting and may God bless you all.

 Salam.

THE SHAME IS ON YOUR SHOULDERS !!!

1. When it comes to being a human, a person, a father,a  mother, brother, a sister, friend or a Citizen, it does not really matter whether you are UMNO, PAS, DAP, GERAKAN, PKR, SUPP or any political party.

2. It matters if you let your political affiliations or preferences overcome your sense of humanity, decency and principles.

Then you become a shameless human being. Then you are no different from the vultures that feed on dying bodies.

3. It matters if you spin lies, condemn fellow human beings and insult them as if they do not matter and you, and you alone are entitled to breathe the air that God has given all. Is not telling lies to the people akin to telling lies against God? No true believer will spin the truth to mislead others.

(Quran 39:60)  On the Day of Judgment wilt thou see those who told lies against God;- their

faces will be turned black; Is there not in Hell an abode for the Haughty?

(Quran 39:61)  But God will deliver the righteous to their place of salvation: no evil shall

touch them, nor shall they grieve.

Whatever that you want to take for yourself to the exclusion of others will be taken away from you in the most painful way possible - be it wealth, power, influence or health. Whenever you think you are high and mighty and your worldly cohorts conspire with you to falsify and spread msichief knowlingly, you will not be spared by God. He may let you enoy your illusionary happiness for a while. This is what God promises.
 

014.003  Those who love the life of this world more than the Hereafter, who hinder

(men) from the Path of God and seek therein something crooked: they are astray by a

long distance.

016.106  Any one who, after accepting faith in God, utters Unbelief,- except under

compulsion, his heart remaining firm in Faith - but such as open their breast to

Unbelief, on them is Wrath from God, and theirs will be a dreadful Penalty.

016.107  This because they love the life of this world better than the Hereafter: and

God will not guide those who reject Faith.

016.108  Those are they whose hearts, ears, and eyes God has sealed up, and they take

no heed.

Is there a true believer of God who can insult, oppress, and condemn someone whom he does not know? is not such a person a true defamer, a pemfitnah, a munafik?

The day you visit oppression and a feeling of helpness on another fellow human being, that is the day you free many souls. Free souls can move mountains, so to speak.

A person who has betrayed his own soul can never understand the power of the soul that cannot be bridled.

And no one , but God alone who has dominion over a person's soul.

Watch and you shall see.

Peace !