Compassion in politics: Bridging divides and fostering humanity

 ONE of the fundamental traits to look for in a leader is his sense of compassion. Does his normal behaviour, ideas, vision and speeches exhibit compassion?

Stop selecting leaders who talk the loudest or those who spread fear, hatred and toxicity among the citizens, or those who rely on elitism.

These are political vultures whose desire for power, glory and wealth is so dominant that they do not understand the sufferings and hopes of the ordinary people of the nation. They will hurt others to fulfill their political desires without any loss of sleep.

According to the Rapera movement, which encourages compassion among Malaysians, the concept of compassion that a leader should have is an understanding of other people’s suffering accompanied by the desire to remove that suffering. In other words, genuine empathy followed by effective action.

In the often turbulent world of politics, compassion may seem like an elusive and naive ideal. However, with the complex challenges that we face now, it is becoming increasingly clear that compassion is not only desirable but also essential for effective governance and societal well- being.

We need to understand that compassion in politics encompasses understanding, empathy, and the willingness to alleviate the suffering of others.

Compassion in the political sphere can bridge divides, foster humanity, and pave the way for a more inclusive and just society.

Firstly, compassion in politics begins with embracing empathy and understanding. Political leaders and policymakers must strive to comprehend the diverse experiences and perspectives of constituents and citizens.

By placing themselves in the shoes of those they represent, politicians can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by various communities. This understanding enables leaders to develop policies that address the root causes of societal issues and prioritise the needs of vulnerable populations.

Empathy fosters a culture of respect and inclusivity, diminishing the animosity often associated with political divisions. Leaders who are compassionate are able to transcend the borders of prejudice, racism, religious bigotry and extremism. They will see their constituents as human beings with human problems, not just as numbers of votes.

A compassionate political strategy places the welfare of citizens above personal gain, above ideological objectives, and above purely partisan interests.

Leaders are more likely to implement policies that uplift the marginalised, advance social justice, and create opportunities for all if they place human dignity and well-being at the core of their decision-making process.

Secondly, a compassionate political agenda seeks to reduce poverty, provide access to quality education and healthcare, and protect the rights of minorities and vulnerable groups.

Leaders are more likely to implement policies that uplift the marginalised, advance social justice, and create opportunities for all if they place human dignity and well-being at the core of their decision-making process.

A compassionate political agenda seeks to reduce poverty, provide access to quality education and healthcare, and protect the rights of minorities and vulnerable groups.

Compassionate politics builds trust and strengthens the bond between government and citizens by putting the needs of the people first.

Thirdly, ideological, cultural, and socioeconomic differences are frequently seen in politics. These gaps can be bridged by compassion, which fosters productive communication and promotes cooperation.

Leaders who are compassionate look for common ground and create coalitions that cut across party lines rather than sustaining divisive rhetoric. The divisive narratives that politicians generate are clear evidence of their lack of compassion.

Politicians can develop a more unified and peaceful political environment by identifying shared principles and working toward similar objectives. Such a compassionate approach becomes even more relevant when leading a diverse nation like Malaysia.

Fourthly, even when there are disagreements, compassionate politics promotes courteous dialogue and constructive debate.

Compassionate leaders like to concentrate on the core of problems rather than using aggressive words or personal attacks. This strategy promotes civil discourse among citizens and sets a good example for them, increasing public involvement and democratic decision-making.

An environment where different viewpoints are welcomed and celebrated, rather than ignored or derided, is fostered by a political culture that places a high emphasis on compassion.

Fifthly, global challenges such as climate change, humanitarian crises, and pandemics demand coordinated efforts and collective action. Compassionate politics goes beyond national boundaries and encourages leaders to collaborate with other nations to tackle these challenges with cooperation.

By offering a helping hand to those in need, encouraging diplomacy over hostility, and embracing international solidarity, compassionate politics can lead to more effective global solutions.

Finally, history has shown that political decisions and actions can create wounds that last for generations. Compassionate politics acknowledges historical injustices, seeks reconciliation, and works towards healing societal trauma.

I am truly concerned – as are many others – that our country is slowly being torn apart by personal politics between individuals or political and economic “clans”. Selective perception and interpretations of the nation’s history is being used to fragment the nation. By addressing past wrongs and acknowledging the pain experienced by different communities, leaders can build a foundation for a more united and harmonious future.

Compassionate policies focus on restorative justice and aim to right historical wrongs, fostering a sense of closure and healing. This is what Malaysia truly needs.

Politicians who show compassion are not weak or naive; rather, they demonstrate the strength of the human spirit and a capacity for positive change.

Basically, compassionate politics emphasises the need to embrace empathy, focusing on the welfare of citizens, bridging divides, fostering civil dialogue, tackling global crises with humanity, and mending rifts.

We can create a Malaysia that is more just, equal, and inclusive by incorporating compassion into politics. Political leaders who practice compassion have the ability to improve humankind for future generations, inspire hope, and heal divisions.

Demanding and fostering compassionate politics is in our collective best interest because it is essential to creating a world that is better and more compassionate for all. I believe that if we are unable to create collective happiness in our country, we will be collectively miserable.

This article first appeared in The Sunday Star

END.

Manusia Merancang, Allah menentukan !!! - PRU14 Malaysia

Perdana Menteri Ke7

YAB Perdana Menteri Malaysia ke 7, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad dilihat sebagai begitu cepat sekali dalam melaksanakan tugas nya. Pada hari pertama sahaja beliau sudah awal dipejabat mengalahkan orang yang lebih muda. Ini berlaku bukan kerana beliau Perdana Menteri tetapi kerana beliau adalah Mahathir. 

Kini menjadi tugas pahit saya sebagai Rakyat biasa untuk memperingati YAB Perdana Menteri bahawa Rakyat jelata mempunyai harapan yang besar terhadap Kerajaan Pakatan Harapan untuk membawa reform-reform yang amat di perlukan untuk menuju kearah Negara yang bertamadun tinggi. Saya juga berharap Kerajaan ini menjadi satu era dimana Rakyat di galak menjadi rakyat yang bukan sahaja mampu berfikir tetapi mempunyai sifat keihsanan yang tinggi.

Tanggungjawap Rakyat

Kepada Rakyat jelata, Kita wajib memperingati diri Kita semua bahawa kempen pilihanraya sudah habis dan kini mula lah tempoh kempen untuk berkerjasama bagi membangunkan kesejahteraan Negara dan maruah Negara Bangsa.  

Apa-apa keterlaluan dalam tindakan satu pihak politik terhadap pihak politik seterunya oleh penyokong masing-masing harus di maafkan. Ini adalah konsekuen proses pilihanraya dalam sistem demokrasi yang tidak pernah tekankan nilai keihsanan (compassion). Maka, kita semua bersalah kerana berlaku nya kelakuan sedemikian dan semoga Allah maafkan Kita semua. Perkara ini juga Allah telah memperingati kita bahawa Ia akan menanamkan cinta sesama Kita jika Kita rela. 

“Dan ingatlah akan kenikmatan Allah kepadamu ketika kamu dahulu bermusuh-musuhan, maka Allah mempersatukan hatimu, lalu menjadikan kamu karena nikmat Allah orang-orang yang bersaudara." (Ali Imran: 103)

Kita tidak boleh lagi terlalu gembira kerana menang atau terlalu sedih kerana kalah jika kita beriman bahawa sebenarnya manusia hanya lah merancang tetapi Allah jua lah yang menentukan.  Kita kena sentiasa insaf bahawa Allah lebih mengetahui apa yang baik untuk kita serta apa yang buruk untuk kita. 

“Kamu diwajibkan berperang (untuk menentang pencerobohan) sedang peperangan itu ialah perkara yang kamu benci; dan boleh jadi kamu benci kepada sesuatu padahal ia baik bagi kamu, dan boleh jadi kamu suka kepada sesuatu padahal ia buruk bagi kamu. Dan (ingatlah), Allah jualah Yang mengetahui (semuanya itu), sedang kamu tidak mengetahuinya”. (Surah Al Baqarah ayat 216)

Oleh yang demikian, kewajipan kita hanya lah untuk bersama-sama menuju kearah melakukan kebajikan serta amalan2 yang menguntugkan Rakyat bersama. 

Pakatan Harapan

Kini PH telah menjadi kerajaan untuk semua rakyat termasuk bagi mereka yang tidak mengundi mereka. Saya percaya Kerajaan PH yang terhasil daripada gabungan parti2 politik yang mempunyai individu2 yang bermusuhan sesama sendiri berdekad dekad akan mudah memaafkan mereka yang menentang mereka dalam proses kempen pilihanraya. Kerajaan wajib mempertahankan hak2 sistem demokrasi. 

Saya percaya mereka sedar bahawa tugas mereka kini sebagai kerajaan tidak sama seperti tugas mereka dahulu sebagai pembangkang. 

Sudah muncul secara realiti konsep sistem dua parti di Malaysia seperti yang di perjuangkan berdekad-dekad. 

Barisan Nasional

Barisan Nasional yang di anggotai oleh manusia sudah tentu tertakluk kepada perasan sedih kerana kalah dalam PRU14.  Saya dengan merendah diri menasihati supaya cepat2 keluar daripada zon kesedihan dan lihat lah ia sebagai rahmah Allah di mana mereka di beri peluang untuk mengawasi tindakan Kerajaan sebagai pembangkan bagi pihak Rakyat.  

Kekalahan ini juga akan memberi peluang pada mereka untuk melakukan post mortem, muhasabah diri, penilaian semula struktur dan kelemahan parti mereka kearah pembaikan dan keadaan yang lebih efektif pada rakyat. BN wajib jujur pada diri kerana kebenaran nya adalah seperti mana yang difirman oleh Allah:

“Apa saja nikmat yang engkau peroleh adalah dari sisi Allah. Dan apa saja bencana yang menimpamu, maka dari kesalahan dirimu sendiri," (Surah  Al-Nisâ’ [4]:  ayat 79).

Salam.

The need for compassion in housing policy !

One of the basic needs of a human being is to have an abode or a house to stay.

The middle income group spend a whole lifetime to pay off a housing loan, not forgetting other financial commitments that he may have to live.  They literally work for the bank.  Some of them may default in the instalment payments and risk their house being auctioned off if they are laid off or become unable to service the loan.

The lower middle income are given so called “low cost housing” which they also end up a lifetime to pay them off. The low income housing sector is fraught with all sort of oppressive conduct by the relevant developers. I personally know of a case where the flat has yet to be delivered to the purchasers after 15 years !

It is unfortunate, short sighted and cruel that the design of so called low cost housing has not factored the inherent spatial need of human beings. The flats are usually extremely small and built in such a way that it is going to cause social and psychological problems for the inhabitants. Is this not going to increase the social cost for society in the long run?

Even our middle income residential housing areas are not thought out proper;y. A residential area should be conducive for residence. This means it must be safe in terms of being able to walk about the residential area. Safe for children.

Today’s residential areas have become mini cities. No proper planning in terms of density and transportation congestion.

When policy makers lack compassion and a holistic approach to planning, they create sufferings for society in the long run.

Peace !

Our unifying national philosophy

OCTOBER 3 — A nation without an ideology is like a teenager without a direction. A direction of some sort, even a broad and general one, for example, to appreciate life and its gifts is essential to determine the quality of life.

It also acts as a fence that reminds the teenager to be wary of influences that may make him unappreciative of life’s gifts, such as indulgence in drug abuse. 

Likewise, a nation will just float along aimlessly and in conflicting directions if the people lack a national ideal they can use as a yardstick. I have written many times before, asking what is our national dream and philosophy, keeping in mind we are a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-lingual, multi-cultural and cosmopolitan nation.

We require a common national philosophy and a set of national values that can unite us as Malaysians and guide our Malaysian spirit to evolve and grow. Like nurturing a child, a nation requires constant nurturing, too.

Today, we perceive our nation to be in a state of ethnic, religious, social and economic tatters. Madness in behaviour and speeches, and mediocrity in work and productivity appear to have become a national norm.

Our leaders have to be proactive to reverse this trend and correct the perception. If the leaders are able to remove the political cataract blinding their eyes, they will see the nation is crying out for a direction and a national philosophy all Malaysians can identify with. 

As a nation that achieved independence, we were learning how to co-exist as Malaysians due to our diverse backgrounds.

We had our first racial clash, albeit politically originated, in May 1969. That was our first and I am sure our last bitter experience of a civil clash. 

As a result of this bitter experience, our past leaders were wise to recognise the need for a national philosophy which can be a guiding force to unite and provide a national direction for the people.

The National Consultative Council, headed by the late Tun Abdul Razak, had the unity and “soul” of the nation in mind when the principles of the Rukunegara were formulated.

What is so special about the Rukunegara? Firstly, everyone seems to have forgotten it was formalised as a national ideology through a declaration by none other than the Yang diPertuan Agong on  Aug 31, 1970.

I learnt the Rukunegara in school and I recall reciting it at school assemblies. It represented our national values.

It has five main principles namely, belief in God, loyalty to the King and the country, upholding the Constitution, rule of law, and good behaviour and morality.

The purpose of instilling these five principles is explained by the preamble to the Rukunegara. 

The preamble provides Malaysia aspires to achieve a greater unity for all her people by:

• Maintaining a democratic way of life;
• Creating a just society in which the wealth of the nation is equitably shared;
• Ensuring a liberal approach to her rich and diverse cultural traditions, and;
• Building a progressive society which shall be oriented to modern science and technology;

The Rukunegara contains not only universal values so relevant to a diverse society like ours, but it also sets a clear direction which we all can share to make this nation great.

We really need to be united by common values before we are pulled apart by mischief makers in our society who are bent on dividing us.

What is urgently required now is the rebirth of Razak’s political will to give life to the principles of Rukunegara. 

I support the increasing call that the Rukunegara is made as a preamble to the Constitution of Malaysia.

This will allow the courts to interpret the Federal Constitution within the context of the national philosophy particularly with regards to the protection of the fundamental liberties of the citizens as enshrined in the Constitution.

It will also enable the protection of the constitutional monarchy and the parliamentary democratic political structure of our country. 

If our current leadership has Razak’s wisdom, foresight and courage, I foresee discussions, conversations and the political will to promote the Rukunegara to the position it was meant to be.
However, as Just International president Dr Chandra Muzzafar recently pointed out, since the 1980s, the Rukunegara seemed to have been systematically put aside. Is it any surprise then there is a feeling today that our nation seems to have lost its soul while we may have generally achieved major material progress? 

I appeal to our current leadership to put back the soul in our nation. 

* Jahaberdeen is a senior lawyer and founder of Rapera, a movement which encourages thinking and compassionate citizens. He can be reached at rapera.jay@gmail.com.

This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.

Working towards national unity

AUG 22 — I am writing this article from Rio de Janeiro, being here to support our Malaysian badminton team.

While I am happy to note that we become united in our support of the national team, it also reminds me that back home, there is a perception of increasing fractures in national unity among us.

It is clear that in the Games, including badminton, national identity becomes more important than ethnic, cultural or religious identities. A multi-ethnic and cosmopolitan based country presents itself to the world and behaves as a united nation representing all citizens of the respective countries. 

In the Olympics, we work hard and are united in the quest for gold. Is it not overdue that we work hard and are united in achieving the gold for being united as citizens of Malaysia?

The perception that our national unity is fracturing is not completely without basis. 

There are still too many things around us that are calculated to accentuate our differences rather than remind us of our similarities. The insane politics of racism and religious bigotry is still very much alive in this advanced computer and Internet age.

Take, for example, the latest new political kid on the blog, a political party that is going to be premised on Malays only membership. The frightening thing is that this race based party is formed by former members of the Malaysian government. Is this not an admission by themselves that they have failed to instil the spirit and awareness of being Malaysian when they were in power?

I can understand their argument that it is politically expedient to do so and their competition is with Umno and PAS. This, therefore, highlights the very point I have been making for two decades now — political expediency often is the culprit that divides the nation.

Malaysians must move away from condoning political expediency that hurts the nation in the long run.

The perceived fractures of national disunity not only emanate from ethnic differences but also intra and inter-religious differences. There are wrong approaches and unnecessary efforts that seem to divide Malaysians based on religious preferences.

This itself is intrinsically contradictory because religion which is supposed to be spiritual is becoming a factor of division rather than a catalyst for unity, love and compassion between fellow Malaysians. The rakyat and the National Unity Department in the Prime Minister’s Department should be more creative and pro-active in finding ways as to how religion can be a unifying factor and so on.

Likewise, there is also increasing sectarianism within the Malaysian Muslim community which, if we are not careful, may lead us to the kind of sectarian disputes that are taking place in the Middle East. Once again, serious thinking and planning by the National Unity Department, the minister of religious affairs and other stakeholders to address this potential danger should be made urgently.

I have a question to pose to those who have been entrusted to plan our national unity – what common ideals or dreams have you given the average Malaysian?  It appears to me that as a nation we have no common direction, each going in separate and often opposite ways.

There is increasing confusion arising from the quarrels of a secular or Islamic state without any proper, intellectual, civilised and substantive debate or discussion. In this age, we still behave like the primitive cavemen shouting down others instead of advancing our arguments in a coherent and polite fashion.

We seem to lack a culture of knowledge and polite discourse. What is even worse, there seems to be no concerted and committed efforts by those entrusted to bring about such an environment. Hence, the citizens think that many at the top are mere seat-warmers with no ideas or vision.

With respect, I am beginning to suspect that those entrusted with the job of bringing about national unity are still grappling for a foundation or basis of national unity. Should the basis be religious? Should it be Islam since Article 3 of the Federal Constitution says that Islam is the official religion of the federation. If Islam, then which “structure” and “how much”? If it is not religious based, then what?

For national unity to come about, there has to be a national identity, national values, a national common vision or goal or dream. These need to be identified.

National unity cannot come about based on religion in a multi-religious society because while there are commonalities, there are also dogmatic differences that cannot be reconciled. However, religious sentiments may be used as one of the motivating sources for unity if we focus on the fact that religions do teach kindness and goodness to one another and that we are created by the same Supreme Being, albeit that we call Him by different names.

However, the extremists in the respective religious circles may not like this as it may offend their notion of exclusivity of their religions.

Even within the same religion, there is a problem of pleasing the sects and sub sects that exist. Hence, these are the problems and challenges that may arise if we use religion as a basis for national unity.

It, therefore, appears that the search for a basis and planning for national unity need to transcend religious boundaries.

So what is it that we can use as a basis for national unity? We need that direction and we need that urgently. We cannot wait for the next Olympics.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.

Fix the past, design the future

In politics, if you don’t do the right things for the people, unless you are a devious schizophrenic Machiavelli, events will come back to haunt and hurt you.

Even if you are a devious Machiavelli, events will still haunt you but the fact that you are a sick schizophrenic will shield you from the pain of knowing you are a failed leader. It is important for politicians to understand this and more important for the citizens because they will bear the brunt of failed policies.

Some of our politicians do not seem to show any signs of reducing the play of political games. It is clearly calculated to cause political instability so as to achieve a certain political objective. On the other hand, people-oriented issues such as education, freedom of faith, employment, corruption, cost of living and so on, are not, and have never been championed as passionately by the political leaders. It should open up the eyes of the citizen that nothing excites politicians more than pure political issues, especially ones that directly concern power.

Hence, it falls back on the current government and the national leadership to decide what it wants to do under such turbulent political times. To me, the principle approach is easy but it requires honesty, courage and willingness to follow through to fix the past and progress to the future. There needs to be not only leadership, but visible leadership with a clear direction.

It is impossible to progress if we keep maintaining some of the failed national mindset and systems that have clearly brought us to this national inefficient state of existence.

We have to be courageous and not vindictive to identify the policies and thinking of the past that are preventing us from leaping forward as a successful united nation.

The sliding of Malaysia’s reputation on the world stage began a long time ago when we were accused of practising cronyism, nepotism and indulging in patronising politics in the mid-1980s.

Criticisms were already levelled then at how we have been misusing our newfound oil money on mega projects at the exclusion of building human capital. Home-grown and cottage industries, which are always the fundamental shock absorbers of any nation, were never given the necessary and due attention. Small and medium-sized enterprises were ignored or given lukewarm political attention, never mind the fact that we have an SME Bank. Political handouts to those who were close to the political circle and not to the talented were an open secret.

The judiciary suffered total disrespect locally and abroad and only recovered its image somewhat partly thanks to Datuk Zaid Ibrahim’s initiative, when Tun Abdullah Badawi became the prime minister. Racial polarisation, religious egoism and extremism of the worst kind are allowed to rear their ugly head. Political leaders have been blind to the fact these divisive mindsets took decades to grow due to past policies or lack of visionary policies. Understandably, the people were excited when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak introduced the “1Malaysia” vision only to be thwarted by Umno’s powerful old guards who do not want the “old status quo” disturbed. A chance for a powerful reform vehicle to unite the people forward as one nation was watered down by these old guards who still wanted to wield power.

I can go on with many of the past policies that had failed and are still hurting the nation. Abdullah had somewhat tried to implement a reformist government but due to internal Umno politics, his administration was short-lived. He had largely refused to follow the old “Umno way” of doing things. Again, powerful old guards in the party will not allow change and hence, despite everyone saying what a nice man Abdullah is, the disinformation machinery was unleashed to retire him early.

The writer says people want leaders who can fix parts of the past and the future to be planned and identified. — Bernama picThe unfortunate fact of the matter is this: the health of the country is tied very much to the health of Umno. There are many trappings that have been put in place in Umno and there are many powerful old guards who will try to chain the president down. Therefore, even as a president, you either toe the line or risk forced retirement. Only a firm and strong willed president can survive with his way of doing things in Umno. 

There are many things from the past that still persist today that have to be fixed by the present leadership. I repeat, the current leadership has to be courageous to fix the past so that we can move ahead as one nation. For years, Malaysians, especially the Malays, have been programmed not to think about many things. Allow the citizens in general and the Malays in particular the space and liberty to think and debate without having it always turned into a sensitive, political or taboo issue.

The integrity of the institutions that have been undermined over the years have to be restored so the citizens can have a sense of stability, safety and respect. Humanistic and nationalistic narratives ought to be accompanied by humanistic and nationalistic policies and actions. 

Real and holistic economic solutions ought to be designed, implemented and communicated to the people so uncertainty does not result in misinformed rebellion. An efficient leader is one who completely understands uncertainty among the masses is dangerous for the country’s stability. No one likes anxiety resulting from thinking the country has no direction.

The people are resilient but they need to understand and believe they have a leader who can help them pull through difficult times. That’s how people are.

People generally are sick and tired of political games. They now better understand the hypocrisy of the games and they want leaders who can fix parts of the past and the future to be planned and identified.

Floating along without a direction is bad, especially for a nation.

*Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos is a senior lawyer and founder of Rapera, a movement that encourages thinking and compassionate citizens. He can be reached at rapera.jay@gmail.com.

- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/what-you-think/article/fix-the-past-design-the-future-jahaberdeen-mohamed-yunoos#sthash.LjomfqYN.dpuf

Seriously can we get the country moving again?

OK...there is finally the cabinet reshuffle which most people were wondering before why it never happened ? Now that it has happened, many say many things including being surprised.

Many are surprised that Muhyiddin has been dropped. I find it surprising that these people find it a surprise. Nothing personal to Muhyiddin, I would have thought that Najib was a weakling if he had not dropped his deputy who had made many public statements especially on 1MDB which is not only confusing but downright offensive to the mind of anyone who can think.

Examples: “.....I don’t know what is happening..” – then resign lah as Musa HItam did.

               “......!MDB will cause BN and UMNO to fall” – and how do you intend to make BN and UMNO not fall?

              “......I don’t know what is 1MDB all about..” – and then how in the world did you chair some of the cabinet meetings?

If those above reports are true, he makes it sound like the DPM is clueless as to what is happening and that the other cabinet members are either too stupid or too concerned for their positions to speak up – which is very insulting to the cabinet and to himself.

I do not know this man, Muhyiddin personally enough, so I cannot judge him personally. Of course I have met him and sat down at the same table to chat ...I would rather not comment what I perceived of him – but then again I have never been easily impressed by our politicians.  I may be also prejudiced by thinking that like ALL politicians who have been around for more than 6 years, they think they can walk on water. They think only they have the brains and the right to express what is right for the country. Lebih kurang semua sama je. Cium tangan bos, lepas tu wajib orang-orang bawahan cium tangan dia. Malay first, Malaysian second. So funny and so twisted this last statement when I first heard him say that. What?? He is against 1Malaysia????? That’s the government policy la ooi!

Anyway, I do not want to waste time discussing UMNO politics. What I wanted to write was this -  the new cabinet has been formed..so please, please get to work on serving the Rakyat.

Ok, ok there is 1MDB but do not use that as an excuse to neglect the Rakyat on other MORE important aspects of life.

The new education Minister – please revamp the education policy and system which Muhyiddin complexly failed to do. Let’s have less of the “perjuangkan Melayu” rhetoric of his era and get on with the task of really preparing the Malays to face the new century. This is the challenge for Mahadzir Khalid – bring quality education system to the people of Malaysia. There is no need to be Malay first and Malaysian second, whatever that means. Once you are Malaysian, you are all that la!

There young ones and new ones in the cabinet – please do not get sucked into this typical “UMNO bangsawan political types” with that characteristic smiles, laughter, walk and gestures. Today we can accept you as you are so long as you speak intelligently and start performing.  Also,. No need to get into the “ demi agama dan banga” rhetoric. Demi Negara would be just fine. People today judge you by what you do and not what you say because we have already seen all the previous politicians retire very, very, very rich while many Malays and Malaysians are still very, very poor.

Peace!

Pengajaran Daripada Low Yat Oh Low Yat

Dari satu segi, kita bernasib baik sebagai Negara kerana di uji oleh Allah dengan kejadian di Low Yat. Mana tahu, kita sudah matang, sudah belajar bersyukur, sudah boleh mengenali kelemahan dan kekuatan diri daripada menyalahkan seluruh dunia kecuali diri sendiri ....maka dengan kematangan dan kesyukuran kita mungkin dapat bertindak terhadap apa-apa yang berlaku sebagai seorang Muslim yang bijaksana.

Malangnya sekali lagi, nampaknya ramai yang di pertanggungjawapkan oleh Allah dalam kedudukan tertentu telah gagal segagal-gagalnya.  Dalam kita menyorak “Allah hu Akbar” dan pelbagai lagi kata-kata yang kita sangka bersemangat kita lupa untuk beriman kepada surah Al-Israa ayat 36 dimana Allah mengajar kita supaya usul periksa sebelum mempercayai sesuatu berita.

Ketua Polis Negara telah mengesahkan bahawa insiden yang berlaku berpunca daripada dua orang pemuda yang telah mencuri talipon bimbit. (klik disini http://www.kinitv.com/video/20678O8) Berita ini telah di putar belit oleh manusia-manusia yang tidak bertanggungjawap dan lupa akan kewujudan Allah sehingga diwujudkan ketakutan dikalangan rakyat dan kerosakkan kepada harta benda.

Kerakusan untuk berpolitik didunia yang amat sementara ini telah juga melalaikan kita untuk membezakan diantara suatu perbuatan jenayah dan rusuhan kaum. Apakah kita berdoa kepada Allah untuk menurunkan musibah rusuhan kaum yang boleh merosakkan masa hadapan anak- anak di bumi bertuah Malaysia ini?  Apakah kita begitu angkuh berpolitik sehingga kita tidak lagi takut kepada azab Allah?

Apakah kerana matlamat politik, atau sentimen perkauman atau atas sebab-sebab kepentingan tertentu kita sanggup dengan sengaja kufur (enggan patuhi) kepada firman-firman Allah dalam Al-Quran yang membawa maksud berikut:-

1)      “Wahai orang-orang yang percaya, jadilah kamu orang-orang yang menegakkan keadilan, saksi-saksi untuk Allah, walaupun terhadap diri kamu sendiri, atau ibu bapa kamu, dan sanak saudara, sama ada orang itu kaya atau miskin; Allah paling dekat dengan keduanya. Kemudian janganlah mengikuti keinginan kamu supaya kamu tidak berbuat adil; kerana jika kamu memutarbelitkan, atau kamu memalingkan, maka sesungguhnya Allah menyedari apa yang kamu buat”  (Q4:135)

2)      “Wahai orang-orang yang percaya, jadilah kamu orang-orang yang menegakkan di hadapan Allah, saksi-saksi untuk keadilan. Janganlah kebencian pada kaum mendesak kamu untuk tidak berlaku adil; berlaku adillah, itu lebih dekat dengan takwa. Dan takutilah Allah; sesungguhnya Allah menyedari apa yang kamu buat” (Q5:8)

Sekadar berkongsi di bulan yang kita sendiri akui adalah mulia.

Salam.

My Wish For Malaysia

Very basic really.

That we all become and behave as human beings with compassion and love first.

That we stop making life difficult for each other in the name of politics, religion, ethnicity and so on.

That we realise that none of us - however learned we claim to be - has the right or authority to play God.

That we allow the diligent to be diligent, the talented to be talented.

That the powerful and rich do not oppress the weak and poor - know that we are mortals who will disintegrate one day.

Let's share a dream together - to make Malaysia our home and us, a Malaysian family.

MALAYSIA

OUR 

HOME!

Peace !

Political Leaders Failed our Kids in the English Language Sector !!!

This was troubling me for a long while - why does it seem that the quality of thinking our younger generation ( those in their twenties now) has deteriorated drastically compared to the twenties of my generation.

Not only their command of the English language atrocious, their command of the Malay language is nothing to shout about, the things they talk about and how they talk about it is generally puerile, superficial and sadly reflective of a generation without thinking skills.

I chanced upon a few writings of some 18 year olds of my generation. I was stunned at the depth and deepness of their thinking? I looked at some of my own writings - I was writing philosophical stuff, politics and religion at 16 ! All these was normal for my generation and I dare say those writings would be considered "too high level" even for graduates of today> So, what went wrong?.

1. Firstly,  I think is the politicisation of the National Language. The use of BM as a medium of instruction and thinking has actually hindered thinking abilities and education potentials. The reason is simple - BM is limited in words and in concepts. The less words you have the less you are able to think and conceptualise. There are many concepts in the English language which is alien to the Malay culture (which determines the BM). The potential to think is curbed by the limitation of the Malay language. Matters are made worse by the inefficiency of Dewan Bahasa to churn out effective words in BM.

There are not many quality books in Malay and since it is the Malay officer who decides what books to be allowed to be translated into Malay, the more zealous "nationalist" ones does not allow critical stuff to be translated. Books in Malay or bahasa Indonesia which is critical are banned. So, society's thinking levels is being shaped by the low level thinking of the officers put in charge.

I still shudder with shame when I recall a former KSU of the Transport Ministry saying " Kita Melayu jadi kita cakap lah Bahasa Malaysia" in a meeting when one of the persons explained in English! I later discovered that he can hardly speak English !!!

Could it because of this kind of "culture" and regressive mindset of those in authority that only books in Malay are banned while more critical or controversial books in English are not?

2. Social engineering gone wrong. The various steps and quests taken to produce more Malay graduates have not matched quantity with quality. Quite apart from making local Malay graduates insular, they have been given a wrong impression of excellence by giving mediocrity the semblance of excellence. The entire country is now suffering from mediocre and weak human capital in all of its sectors - private and especially public sector.

3. Politicisation of education - the curriculum itself has been compromised by those in authority who are least qualified to determine the contents of education. There has been no long term educational policy since Merdeka which kept changing with changes in the Minister of Education Manipulation and skewing of facts in the contents of subjects such as "history", "kajian am" and so on.

4. Religiosity in schools - this was and probably is the biggest hindrance to quality education. Pseudo-religious teaching and packaging masquerading as Islam in schools has distracted the teachers to teach relevant subjects effectively and distracted the students from learning. Religiosity seemed to have crept into every sector of the schools. Today this has also crept into almost every sector of the government and ministries to the extent that efficiency and relevance has been compromised.

What do you think ?

Peace !

Rest in Peace YB Karpal Singh, the Tiger of Jelutong

Words always do not come easy to express what one feels when he hears news of the death of someone he knows well and respects.

I have known YB Karpal since very young and so does my family. My sister what's app me thus:

"I am feeling very sad. I know Karpal as a brother who used to bring lunch everyday for me and his wife Gurmit in the Penang library". I whatsapped her back:

"His time has come and we can only wish his soul the best as God pleases. He passed away in the course of duty - not many get that opportunity at his age - he's lucky".

I have always had the utmost respect for him as a lawyer . The case laws are evident of his contribution to the development  of law in the country. Though I may not agree with some of his politics, nevertheless I have respect for his sincere commitment to his politics - there are not many politicians like that around in this country or in the world.

He is a brave soul who speaks his mind and an extremely hardworking man - both in law and in politics. I have always known him to be kind in my dealings with him.  Only "regret" I have is that we never got about to do a talk show with him on "Rapera" because of our respective busy schedules.

His contribution in national politics is immense that he should be awarded a national award posthumously - this will speak well of incumbent politicians' maturity.

My deepest condolences to his family and may whatever good he had sought for be continued.

Peace !

Apa keturunan kamu Adik ? - Racial Profiling in Government Schools ???

Setiap kali kita dengar pemimpin politik mengatakan bahawa mereka mahukan rakyat Malaysia bersatu.

Tanpa segan silu pemimpin politik akan berceramah mengenai kepentingan patrotisme di kalangan Rakyat.

Apa yang pemimpin politik tidak sedar atau tidak mahu sedar ialah : Rakyat umumnya memang mahu bersatu dan memang menjalani kehidupan mereka sebagai satu keluarga Malaysia.

tetapi...yang gagal dan yang "jahat" ialah pemimpin politik yang sengaja mahu memisahkan dan memecahbelahkan Rakyat kepada suku-suku, kaum-kaum, agama-agama dan sebagainya.

Malaysia telah merdeka lebih daripada 50 tahun, namun apabila anak-anak Malaysia masuk sekolah rendah, dengan serta merta mereka di ingatkan dan diingatkan dan dingatkan bahawa mereka adalah daripada keturunan yang berbeza.

Setiap borang yang perlu di isi disekolah-sekolah perlu dinyatakan keturunan anak, ibunya, bapanya.

KENAPA?

kenapa nak tahu murid itu keturunan jawa ke, bugis ke, boyan ke, minangkabau ke, cina ke, india ke, dayak ke, kadazan ke, murut ke, dan lain-lain ke ?

Saya tahu, bugis, jawa, boyan di lungguk dalam kelompok "Melayu" dan kadang kala India Muslim dan Cina Muslim di lungguk dalam kelompok "Melayu" mengikut kefahaman terhadap Perlembagaan Malaysia oleh pegawai yang berkenaan.

KENAPA PERLU DI CATAT KETURUNAN?

Apakah kaedah mengajar akan diubah mengikut perbezaan keturunan?

Cina atau Melayu atau India atau Murut akan mempunyai cara penerimaan yang berbeza kerana keturunan mereka yang berbeza?

Bagaimana kalau kita tulis sahaja begini:

Keturunan : Adam. Boleh??? 

Bukan kah Negara kita banyak "islamik" itu dan ini dan masing2 nak jadi tuhan di muka bumi untuk "memperjuangkan" islam, so apa kata kita bagi jawapan "Islamik" iaitu dari segi keturunan kita adalah keturunan Adam!

Kenapa lah borang2 kuno dan rasis sedemikian masih digunakan disekolah2????  Adakah sengaja kita ingin besarkan perbezaan kita dari segi keturunan dan tidak mahu menegaskan persamaan kita sebagai rakyat Malaysia???

lain lah kalau doktor yang tanya - mungkin dia nak kaji asal usul sejarah pemakanan dan genetik. Ini sekolah pulak !

Sedih. Amat Sedih. Kerajaan Barisan nasional tidak dapat menangani perkara semudah ini sejak merdeka sehingga kini dan mahu rakyat percaya bahawa mereka mahu pupuk perpaduan dikalangan murid-murid di sekolah..

Susah sangat nak kata kita ini Bangsa Malaysia????

Patutlah Allah tanya samada kita boleh dikatakan sebagai orang beriman sebelum di uji (Quran 29:2)

Dalam konteks borang-borang rasis ini yang dikekalkan oleh Kerajaan BN ujian ini, BN gagal - gagal dalam berusaha mengwjudkan bangsa Malaysia dan gagal dalam hayati prinsip Islam berdasarkan Al-Quran.

Satu Cabaran mudah untuk BN - hentikan raical profling di sekolah-sekolah kerajaan !

Salam.