I have always loved drums...and dancing (hmm, did any ustad out there say it is harm? Baca kitab mana dek?)
The skills of these kids are amazing! They can use their creativity because no stranger is breathing down their neck telling them what they can and cannot do. Trivia!
Anyway, tell me if you like this too. For your weekend!..:))
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Gangsterism, Politics and People-bullying (“GPP phenomenon”
Gangsterism, Politics and People-bullying which I call the “GPP phenomenon” is not something new in human history. Let us not be mistaken about it. It has been around since time immemorial in various shapes and shades.
The GPP phenomenon has to do with power and wealth. There are always that few in society that can never be content with the basic power to live – they want godly power. That is that power to influence and control other human beings, to achieve “glory” to be “immortalized” to be remembered and often praised even after death. “godly” power. He wants to lead the pack where he thinks they should be heading.
Wealth and power go hand in glove. There are always that few in society that can never be content with the wealth to survive – they want more. They want to be able to “stand above the crowd”, to that that financial string that can make others do their bidding, if possible turn them into loyal, unthinking slaves.
Power and wealth alone is never enough for the narcissistic leader. He needs to have that tool of fear. That tool to intimidate, even hurt those who would dare challenge his leadership at the head of the herd. The fear factor always works most of the time – though not all the time.
But remember, the GPP phenomenon only affects a few. The MAJORITY of the people are normal and mentally able to live lives as decent human beings should.
As I said, this is nothing new in history. Study European, Chinese, Indian or even Malayan history, and you find this GPP phenomenon at work. During the royal leadership period in history, you find the Kings and the King’s men bullying ordinary citizens who were mostly peasants and made to remain so. We called these the feudal mentality deeply ingrained in the minds of the peasants that their destiny lies in the hands of the Kings and the Kings’ men. Did the MAJORITY remain silent?
For a very long while they did remain silent. This did not mean that they were unaware what was going on. They felt and were hurt by the bullying, the demeaning of their existence, the rape of their children in various ways by the elitist in power and their crony wealthy abettors. Human beings have a breaking point as history as shown again and again.
One day, the silent majority rose. They decided they do not want to play the game set by the elitist anymore. Enough of humiliation. The people wanted their dignity as human beings back. In Europe came the French Revolution with the unthinkable beheading of the King. The rise of people power spread all over Europe such that the Czar of Russia was correctly concerned. Even the powerful Czars could not survive the wrath of the ordinary citizens when they rose.
Even way, way before that, you had the Pharoahs of Egypt. Where are they and their families now? How developed is Egypt?
Eventually, politicians replaced Kings and became Kings unto to themselves. Like the Kings before them, they stole and raped the nations they were supposed to lead in the name of law and the People. They ensured that wealth only moved among the circle of their family and cronies. For the people, they threw bread crumbs. The GPP phenomenon affects them severely. They take the people for fools and a doormat to sustain themselves in power and wealth.
Again, study history and you find the silent majority, the people rise to say enough is enough. There has been many peaceful means of completely changing the political landscape. It is just a question of how much pain and humiliation the politicians can cause the people before the People decide to throw all of them out to be replaced by TOTALLY new leaders from the PEOPLE. This is the historical wheel that can never be changed.
PEACE.
The GPP phenomenon has to do with power and wealth. There are always that few in society that can never be content with the basic power to live – they want godly power. That is that power to influence and control other human beings, to achieve “glory” to be “immortalized” to be remembered and often praised even after death. “godly” power. He wants to lead the pack where he thinks they should be heading.
Wealth and power go hand in glove. There are always that few in society that can never be content with the wealth to survive – they want more. They want to be able to “stand above the crowd”, to that that financial string that can make others do their bidding, if possible turn them into loyal, unthinking slaves.
Power and wealth alone is never enough for the narcissistic leader. He needs to have that tool of fear. That tool to intimidate, even hurt those who would dare challenge his leadership at the head of the herd. The fear factor always works most of the time – though not all the time.
But remember, the GPP phenomenon only affects a few. The MAJORITY of the people are normal and mentally able to live lives as decent human beings should.
As I said, this is nothing new in history. Study European, Chinese, Indian or even Malayan history, and you find this GPP phenomenon at work. During the royal leadership period in history, you find the Kings and the King’s men bullying ordinary citizens who were mostly peasants and made to remain so. We called these the feudal mentality deeply ingrained in the minds of the peasants that their destiny lies in the hands of the Kings and the Kings’ men. Did the MAJORITY remain silent?
For a very long while they did remain silent. This did not mean that they were unaware what was going on. They felt and were hurt by the bullying, the demeaning of their existence, the rape of their children in various ways by the elitist in power and their crony wealthy abettors. Human beings have a breaking point as history as shown again and again.
One day, the silent majority rose. They decided they do not want to play the game set by the elitist anymore. Enough of humiliation. The people wanted their dignity as human beings back. In Europe came the French Revolution with the unthinkable beheading of the King. The rise of people power spread all over Europe such that the Czar of Russia was correctly concerned. Even the powerful Czars could not survive the wrath of the ordinary citizens when they rose.
Even way, way before that, you had the Pharoahs of Egypt. Where are they and their families now? How developed is Egypt?
Eventually, politicians replaced Kings and became Kings unto to themselves. Like the Kings before them, they stole and raped the nations they were supposed to lead in the name of law and the People. They ensured that wealth only moved among the circle of their family and cronies. For the people, they threw bread crumbs. The GPP phenomenon affects them severely. They take the people for fools and a doormat to sustain themselves in power and wealth.
Again, study history and you find the silent majority, the people rise to say enough is enough. There has been many peaceful means of completely changing the political landscape. It is just a question of how much pain and humiliation the politicians can cause the people before the People decide to throw all of them out to be replaced by TOTALLY new leaders from the PEOPLE. This is the historical wheel that can never be changed.
PEACE.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Cabinet, MACC, The Late Teoh and The People
Of course our condolences goes out to Teoh Beng Hock's loved ones. It is a tragedy that should not happen to any family.
His death in the vicinity of the MACC building and just after having been in the custody of MACC for a 10 hour questioning does give rise to legitimate concerns in the minds of the People, especially the Raperas.
The cabinet has correctly decided on an inquest into Teoh's death and the setting up of a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the operating procedures of MACC. I welcome Prime MInister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's statement as reported in the Star:
“The Royal Commission will be set up according to specific terms, which is to scrutinise and study the procedures related to interrogations that are used by the MACC. It will also identify if there were any violations of human rights during Teoh’s interrogation".
This is clearly important as MACC (previously ACA) has come under frequent accusations of having employed rather inhumane methods of interrogation. It is critical for the safety of potential witnesses that the interrogation techniques employed by MACC is brought under public scrutiny and in compliance with human rights. Likewise, the image of MACC as an institution must be guarded by putting in place mechanisms that are not open to abuse by "over zealous officers".
Peace !
Saturday, July 18, 2009
MORE THAN THE POLITICIANS…
I really wanted to believe that we have developed political maturity in the country. I notice that many citizens now blog and talk about politics than never before. One notices that there has been more protests and street demonstrations beginning from the time when Tun Dr Abdullah Badawi was PM. One may be tempted to equate this with more democratic participation by the citizens.
But my feelings and my mind do not seem to be too convinced with all this. At the best, I think that we are still maturing, albeit very slowly. The disturbing fact is that I feel we are maturing from an “infant stage to a preteen stage”. We, the citizens, are still very much mesmerized by our political “mummies and daddies”. Hence, we still react and dance to the political stage that our politicians erect for us.
Is the stage always set up by the politicians and we simply partake as puppets and pawns? If so, this cannot be democracy but manipulocracy.
Can’t we be mature enough to demolish that stage and say: “we do not like nor want to play that game anymore? That we are not political preteens but mature adult citizens who can think for ourselves?” What? We are scared that we will be send to stand in the corner and that we will not get the candies and the toys? Of course, citizens who will sell their soul for short term gains will be there forever as they have been since time immemorial.
But the majority of the silent, good, decent albeit politically inactive citizens suffer because of these sell-out citizens. Here, we need Raperas again with nation-orientated programs with long lasting objectives that plant good seeds for the future.
It is worrisome when the death of a political secretary of a political party is turned into a political issue. It is downright irresponsible and despicable for politicians to do this….but you can expect such behavior from most of them. As Dato Hishammudin Onn said investigation will be conducted and it must be conducted.
Due to the publicity given and the potential manipulation by certain parties, this investigation must be transparent, speedy and just (as should always be). At the same time, the standard operating procedures of the MACC should also be reviewed. The institution’s credibility must be restored if it is to operate as a respectable agency to weed out corruption and to be seen as corruption free itself. MACC has an important role to play and hence it must be “cleaned up” of any hangovers from the BPR days.
But let us remind ourselves that more than politicians, it is us that have to play that active role in safeguarding this Nation for the future generations. We have to develop citizens into Raperas.
PEACE !
But my feelings and my mind do not seem to be too convinced with all this. At the best, I think that we are still maturing, albeit very slowly. The disturbing fact is that I feel we are maturing from an “infant stage to a preteen stage”. We, the citizens, are still very much mesmerized by our political “mummies and daddies”. Hence, we still react and dance to the political stage that our politicians erect for us.
Is the stage always set up by the politicians and we simply partake as puppets and pawns? If so, this cannot be democracy but manipulocracy.
Can’t we be mature enough to demolish that stage and say: “we do not like nor want to play that game anymore? That we are not political preteens but mature adult citizens who can think for ourselves?” What? We are scared that we will be send to stand in the corner and that we will not get the candies and the toys? Of course, citizens who will sell their soul for short term gains will be there forever as they have been since time immemorial.
But the majority of the silent, good, decent albeit politically inactive citizens suffer because of these sell-out citizens. Here, we need Raperas again with nation-orientated programs with long lasting objectives that plant good seeds for the future.
It is worrisome when the death of a political secretary of a political party is turned into a political issue. It is downright irresponsible and despicable for politicians to do this….but you can expect such behavior from most of them. As Dato Hishammudin Onn said investigation will be conducted and it must be conducted.
Due to the publicity given and the potential manipulation by certain parties, this investigation must be transparent, speedy and just (as should always be). At the same time, the standard operating procedures of the MACC should also be reviewed. The institution’s credibility must be restored if it is to operate as a respectable agency to weed out corruption and to be seen as corruption free itself. MACC has an important role to play and hence it must be “cleaned up” of any hangovers from the BPR days.
But let us remind ourselves that more than politicians, it is us that have to play that active role in safeguarding this Nation for the future generations. We have to develop citizens into Raperas.
PEACE !
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Where Did RM253.6 billion go???
On Tun Dr Mahathir's blog, he asks: "Where has the money gone to?"
He wrote:
"I reproduce here the payments made by Petronas to the Federal Government since 1976. That year the Government received RM300 million. The amount increased to RM2 billion in 1981. By 2003 it paid RM15.6 billion to the Federal Government. The total from 1981 to 2003 is RM168.8 billion in 22 years.
From then onwards it increased from RM19 billion in 2004 to RM67.8 billion in 2009. The total for six years is RM253.6 billion.
I am sure the Government had spent the money wisely. It would be interesting to know what the RM253.6 billion was spent on".
YES, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE RM253.6 BILLION? THE RAKYAT MUST KNOW.
Jebatmustdie writes on his blog:
"Wastage is one of the government’s worst enemy. But in our case, the main perpetrator for this wastage was Pak Lah’s own mismanaged administration. With RM173 billion for 28 years we have had Penang Bridge, PLUS highways, KLCC, KLIA, Sports Stadiums for the Commonwealth Games, Sepang F1 circuit, Putrajaya and many other infrastructures. And those were just infrastructures. Many other fiscal policies were made which required money yet the economy was vibrant while the cost of living was kept low.
What did we get after the government spent RM253.6 billion for the past 6 years?"
I think we need to know...WHAT HAPPENED TO THE RM253.6 BILLION?
Peace !
He wrote:
"I reproduce here the payments made by Petronas to the Federal Government since 1976. That year the Government received RM300 million. The amount increased to RM2 billion in 1981. By 2003 it paid RM15.6 billion to the Federal Government. The total from 1981 to 2003 is RM168.8 billion in 22 years.
From then onwards it increased from RM19 billion in 2004 to RM67.8 billion in 2009. The total for six years is RM253.6 billion.
I am sure the Government had spent the money wisely. It would be interesting to know what the RM253.6 billion was spent on".
YES, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE RM253.6 BILLION? THE RAKYAT MUST KNOW.
Jebatmustdie writes on his blog:
"Wastage is one of the government’s worst enemy. But in our case, the main perpetrator for this wastage was Pak Lah’s own mismanaged administration. With RM173 billion for 28 years we have had Penang Bridge, PLUS highways, KLCC, KLIA, Sports Stadiums for the Commonwealth Games, Sepang F1 circuit, Putrajaya and many other infrastructures. And those were just infrastructures. Many other fiscal policies were made which required money yet the economy was vibrant while the cost of living was kept low.
What did we get after the government spent RM253.6 billion for the past 6 years?"
I think we need to know...WHAT HAPPENED TO THE RM253.6 BILLION?
Peace !
Monday, July 13, 2009
CrystalBall: The Wizard Of OX
To visit the wizard of OX,the Tin Man and his entourage have to take the road. But the road cracked and lo behold, the maker of the road will be axed before he reaches the wizard's place by Master Amasisi. The Master is always on the watch for the man who used cars while the Tin Man walks...he did not pay for the cars!!!
WHAT????
Apparently , the Star reported that Pak Lah said "Alhamdullillah (thank god), I am grateful to Allah that the person I chose to replace me has carried out his job well." By the way, remember him...er..the former "Mr NiceGuy" PM?
Barking Magpie has a reminder on this. You can read it here.
By the way Barking Magpie, please have some respect, he is Tun Dr. Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. In 2006, He was conferred the doctorate by Syarif Hidayatullah National Islamic University (UIN), Indonesia for his concept of "Islam Hadhari". And I hear of a second doctorate from UUM is coming this July.
So DrM, you ada satu saja label "doctor", itu pun medical doctorate!..))
Peace !
Barking Magpie has a reminder on this. You can read it here.
By the way Barking Magpie, please have some respect, he is Tun Dr. Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. In 2006, He was conferred the doctorate by Syarif Hidayatullah National Islamic University (UIN), Indonesia for his concept of "Islam Hadhari". And I hear of a second doctorate from UUM is coming this July.
So DrM, you ada satu saja label "doctor", itu pun medical doctorate!..))
Peace !
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Bravo Hypocrites and Cowards: Let The Children Suffer???
It looks like a victory for the cowards, hypocrites and the ignorant ones. On one hand, we all know that the international medium of language for science and mathematics is English and yet we regress it back to Bahasa Malaysia. The reasons given for the reversion or regression is the one that hurts the mind the most. Every single reason given tak masuk akal langsung! So many blogs have covered this and I do not wish to go through the pain of repeating them.
I was not surprised of course that some racially trapped dinosaurs are "happy" that the subjects can now be taught in their respective mother tongues! Knowledge and future sacrificed at the alter of language!
My "unrealistic" wish is this: I hope that the Government realizes its mistakes, do whatsoever face-saving strategies necessary quickly and come back with a policy that is in line with global developments.
Let us not play the fool with the children's future please!!!
Peace !
I was not surprised of course that some racially trapped dinosaurs are "happy" that the subjects can now be taught in their respective mother tongues! Knowledge and future sacrificed at the alter of language!
My "unrealistic" wish is this: I hope that the Government realizes its mistakes, do whatsoever face-saving strategies necessary quickly and come back with a policy that is in line with global developments.
Let us not play the fool with the children's future please!!!
Peace !
Sunday, July 5, 2009
US Ambassador Interacts with Malaysians.
(Photo taken from his blog site)US Ambassador James R. Keith has started a blog. He says: "And now, as an additional initiative I wish to engage with Malaysians from all spheres of life to find out from them what their perspectives are in bolstering our bilateral relationship, hence this new blog".
I think this is a good move as it will allow "real" Malaysians to put forward their views on how they see US and US-Malaysia relations. His blog is here.
The US Embassy in Malaysia's website is here.
Peace !
Saturday, June 27, 2009
IN MEMORY OF MJ: BLACK OR WHITE
“O mankind! Indeed We have created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other. Indeed the most noble of you in the sight of God is the one who is most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted with all things”. (Quran: 49:13)
In the name of Allah, I love the song "Black or White" by Micheal Jackson. It expresses musically the message of humanity very well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyBs6-cmFvQ
In the name of Allah, I love the song "Black or White" by Micheal Jackson. It expresses musically the message of humanity very well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyBs6-cmFvQ
Friday, June 26, 2009
MICHEAL JACKSON, HAVE A GOOD JOURNEY BACK HOME.
This morning when a friend smsed me that "Micheal Jackson had died", I did not know how to respond. I know that he had planned a tour of comeback in July in London. I was looking forward to it. Man proposes, God disposes, they say.
Now he has returned Home. The human part of me was sad. He had a great impact on me - more than any politician or religious cleric ever could. His life itself was a major message. His songs and dance were powerful reminders of many things, if you "see" beyond the "pop" culture. I do not know what I could write at this moment as there are so many things flying in my mind, all at the same time.
I just wrote about him on 1st June - some 25 days ago. I have been thinking of him for the past two days. I was going to write about him over the weekend, but never thought this is what I will be writing.
His Early days: - One day in your life
The Transformed Micheal: - I will remember the times you shed light in my life, Mikey
Mikey, you are right - at Home, it doesn't matter if your are Black or White. Why should it matter now? I wish we can remember you by understanding this song.
Mikey, have a pleasant journey Home.
Peace !
Now he has returned Home. The human part of me was sad. He had a great impact on me - more than any politician or religious cleric ever could. His life itself was a major message. His songs and dance were powerful reminders of many things, if you "see" beyond the "pop" culture. I do not know what I could write at this moment as there are so many things flying in my mind, all at the same time.
I just wrote about him on 1st June - some 25 days ago. I have been thinking of him for the past two days. I was going to write about him over the weekend, but never thought this is what I will be writing.
His Early days: - One day in your life
The Transformed Micheal: - I will remember the times you shed light in my life, Mikey
Mikey, you are right - at Home, it doesn't matter if your are Black or White. Why should it matter now? I wish we can remember you by understanding this song.
Mikey, have a pleasant journey Home.
Peace !
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Religious Arrogance – Dangerous attitude for peaceful living. A SECURITY THREAT?
We are beginning to learn about the futility and danger of racial polarization. We are very slowly accepting the fact that the Creator does not put all the good guys in one ethnic grouping and all the bad guys in another. We are also learning that racism and tribalism is a result of ignorance and misconceived sense of comfort with “group identity”. We are also very slowly learning that decency, acceptance of each other as human beings, love, respect, mutual assistance, and such can be strong binding force between us which are more real than ethnicity and racial similarity. The Creator has in fact disclosed to us the reason why He has created us in diversity:
“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know each other (not that you may despise (each other). Surely the most honoured of you in the sight of the Creator is (he who is) the most righteous among you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). (Quran: 49:13).
Honour does not come simply from being a Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, etc. It comes from being righteous. We have seen since independence that thieves come from all ethnic groupings as do good persons too.
While we are opening our eyes to evils of racial polarization, we are still blind to the more dangerous and emotive phenomenon of religious polarization and extreme religiosity.
This phenomenon becomes doubly dangerous when irresponsible and power-hungry politicians politicize religion and ride on the religion platform for the sole purpose of gaining political power. This is dangerous because it has three possible negative effects:
1) It has a tendency to divide the adherents of the religion itself. For example, in this country, it could divide politically inclined Muslims into PAS Muslim and UMNO Muslims. Such a division, apart from causing obvious disunity in the country could also cause mass confusion among the uninformed party members who idolize their respective political leaders. Politicizing religion often tends to hijack the understanding of the religion along intellectual lines, as it should be.
2) It also tends to divide the Nation as a whole. For example, you immediately alienate the non-Christians if you have a party called Christian Party of Malaysia. Obviously, a Christian party may only allow participation of Christians in the party and this does not augur well for the long term nation building. Nation-building is the responsibility, duty and right of ALL willing and able citizens irrespective of religion, ethnicity or class.
3) Once we allow a political party registered as Islamic Party of Malaysia, you cannot disallow the registration of say a Hindu Party or a Buddhist Party and so on. The floodgates for “religious politicking” are opened. This clearly will worsen religious polarization and one can imagine the kind of political catastrophe that will ensue whenever a general election draws near! The political appeals to religion are highly charged with uncontrollable emotions. One has to look at countries where religion and politics are mixed to understand the explosive potential.
Politics is the art of positioning oneself with the target audience, supporters and potential voters. Invariably, politicians seldom rise to the level of statesmanship. Most of them remain at the popular level pandering to the popular sentiments, norms and thoughts of the Rakyat, even though the thoughts themselves may be immature or incorrect.
“Educative engagement” of the Rakyat is something unknown to most politicians. It is too much effort and the results of such an effort are usually long term. The impatient politician does not have the time to think or to wait. This is why the politicians often opt for the expedient than for the necessary.
When religion enters the equation, we create monsters of the worse sort. In Malaysia, the majority of the Rakyat are Malays and the predominant religion is “Islam”. Hence, any aspiring politician will have to pander to and take into account these two factors – “Malay issues” and “Islam issues”. This will give rise to the tendency for a politician to be “more Malay“ and “more Islam” than anyone else on the face of this earth – to seek attention.
Politics is also about power. The “successful” politician is one who is able to concentrate as much power in himself as possible. In other words, he must have a monopoly over power. Likewise, the politician who uses religion as his political tool will want to concentrate as much “religious authority” in his person as possible. Religious authority, let us not forget is power – power over the minds and conduct of the target concerned.
Hence, it is the prime objective of the “religious” political party to concentrate as much “religious credibility” in its institution as possible, even to the extent of trying to mould public opinion that other institutions should not talk about the religion. We saw this recently in PAS. The leaders of such parties have to try to monopolize the religion itself, if it is possible. They have to position themselves as the last decider of what is and what is not part of the religion which they are using as a political platform.
In our country, politicians have the absolute freedom to make the most illogical and absurd statements which normal people will be embarrassed to make. They do not think twice that what they say will be reflective of their mentality. This is because they are deluded by the mandate they got by being voted in as an MP or an Adun. They mistakenly think that this mandate is a license to dispense with decency and thinking. Hence, arrogance is born.
Religious arrogance among the people in power and in authority is the worst form of oppressive conduct. People who are arrogant tend to be oppressors. They are unable to accept dissenting views because they take it as a personal affront to their power. They want to be the sole interpreter of the religion and everyone else MUST accept it. Non-compliance may lead to dangerous irrational behaviour on their part. In the Quran, an example of a person with major religious arrogance (and with political power) is the Pharaoh.
“But the sorcerers fell down prostrate in adoration, saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds,- The Lord of Moses and Aaron. (Quran : 7:121 -122)
“Said Pharaoh: "Believe you in Him before I give you permission? Surely this is a trick which you have planned in the city to drive out its people: but soon shall you know (the consequences)”. (Quran: 7:123)
The Egyptian people could not decide on their faith WITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING PHARAOH’ PERMISSION. In other words, the Pharoah has a monopoly over the religion of the Egyptians and he becomes a god. This is arrogance leading to oppression. DO you not notice how people with religious arrogance react violently when they feel that their views or positions are being challenged? This is precisely how the Pharaoh reacted:
"Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on apposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross." (Quran: 7:124 )
Any dissenting views will be met with a final punishment – death, ban, ostracize.
I believe that every citizen of this country has the right to practice and profess the religion of his choice and no one else has the right to compel his views (especially if you are in political power) on others. Politics tend to take wither down this right of the ordinary Rakyat because it wants to concentrate power in the hands of the politician. ON the contrary, I believe that it is the power of the politicians to interfere with this Rakyat’s right that should be curtailed by laws.
To this end, I would support any legislation that outlaws the use of names of religion attached to political parties. This will free the religion from politics and allow the true teachings of the religion to be understood.
For example, years and years of brainless enmity between the Shias and Sunnis in the middle eastern countries and Pakistan testify to the dangers of religious arrogance - it gives rise to bloodshed, loss of property and all round misery for the people. Examples of Hinduism mixed with politics in India is also another case in point.
Religious arrogance and misuse of religion by politicians must be nipped in the bud before it becomes a major national security threat and hampers intellectual development in the country.
PEACE !
“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know each other (not that you may despise (each other). Surely the most honoured of you in the sight of the Creator is (he who is) the most righteous among you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). (Quran: 49:13).
Honour does not come simply from being a Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, etc. It comes from being righteous. We have seen since independence that thieves come from all ethnic groupings as do good persons too.
While we are opening our eyes to evils of racial polarization, we are still blind to the more dangerous and emotive phenomenon of religious polarization and extreme religiosity.
This phenomenon becomes doubly dangerous when irresponsible and power-hungry politicians politicize religion and ride on the religion platform for the sole purpose of gaining political power. This is dangerous because it has three possible negative effects:
1) It has a tendency to divide the adherents of the religion itself. For example, in this country, it could divide politically inclined Muslims into PAS Muslim and UMNO Muslims. Such a division, apart from causing obvious disunity in the country could also cause mass confusion among the uninformed party members who idolize their respective political leaders. Politicizing religion often tends to hijack the understanding of the religion along intellectual lines, as it should be.
2) It also tends to divide the Nation as a whole. For example, you immediately alienate the non-Christians if you have a party called Christian Party of Malaysia. Obviously, a Christian party may only allow participation of Christians in the party and this does not augur well for the long term nation building. Nation-building is the responsibility, duty and right of ALL willing and able citizens irrespective of religion, ethnicity or class.
3) Once we allow a political party registered as Islamic Party of Malaysia, you cannot disallow the registration of say a Hindu Party or a Buddhist Party and so on. The floodgates for “religious politicking” are opened. This clearly will worsen religious polarization and one can imagine the kind of political catastrophe that will ensue whenever a general election draws near! The political appeals to religion are highly charged with uncontrollable emotions. One has to look at countries where religion and politics are mixed to understand the explosive potential.
Politics is the art of positioning oneself with the target audience, supporters and potential voters. Invariably, politicians seldom rise to the level of statesmanship. Most of them remain at the popular level pandering to the popular sentiments, norms and thoughts of the Rakyat, even though the thoughts themselves may be immature or incorrect.
“Educative engagement” of the Rakyat is something unknown to most politicians. It is too much effort and the results of such an effort are usually long term. The impatient politician does not have the time to think or to wait. This is why the politicians often opt for the expedient than for the necessary.
When religion enters the equation, we create monsters of the worse sort. In Malaysia, the majority of the Rakyat are Malays and the predominant religion is “Islam”. Hence, any aspiring politician will have to pander to and take into account these two factors – “Malay issues” and “Islam issues”. This will give rise to the tendency for a politician to be “more Malay“ and “more Islam” than anyone else on the face of this earth – to seek attention.
Politics is also about power. The “successful” politician is one who is able to concentrate as much power in himself as possible. In other words, he must have a monopoly over power. Likewise, the politician who uses religion as his political tool will want to concentrate as much “religious authority” in his person as possible. Religious authority, let us not forget is power – power over the minds and conduct of the target concerned.
Hence, it is the prime objective of the “religious” political party to concentrate as much “religious credibility” in its institution as possible, even to the extent of trying to mould public opinion that other institutions should not talk about the religion. We saw this recently in PAS. The leaders of such parties have to try to monopolize the religion itself, if it is possible. They have to position themselves as the last decider of what is and what is not part of the religion which they are using as a political platform.
In our country, politicians have the absolute freedom to make the most illogical and absurd statements which normal people will be embarrassed to make. They do not think twice that what they say will be reflective of their mentality. This is because they are deluded by the mandate they got by being voted in as an MP or an Adun. They mistakenly think that this mandate is a license to dispense with decency and thinking. Hence, arrogance is born.
Religious arrogance among the people in power and in authority is the worst form of oppressive conduct. People who are arrogant tend to be oppressors. They are unable to accept dissenting views because they take it as a personal affront to their power. They want to be the sole interpreter of the religion and everyone else MUST accept it. Non-compliance may lead to dangerous irrational behaviour on their part. In the Quran, an example of a person with major religious arrogance (and with political power) is the Pharaoh.
“But the sorcerers fell down prostrate in adoration, saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds,- The Lord of Moses and Aaron. (Quran : 7:121 -122)
“Said Pharaoh: "Believe you in Him before I give you permission? Surely this is a trick which you have planned in the city to drive out its people: but soon shall you know (the consequences)”. (Quran: 7:123)
The Egyptian people could not decide on their faith WITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING PHARAOH’ PERMISSION. In other words, the Pharoah has a monopoly over the religion of the Egyptians and he becomes a god. This is arrogance leading to oppression. DO you not notice how people with religious arrogance react violently when they feel that their views or positions are being challenged? This is precisely how the Pharaoh reacted:
"Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on apposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross." (Quran: 7:124 )
Any dissenting views will be met with a final punishment – death, ban, ostracize.
I believe that every citizen of this country has the right to practice and profess the religion of his choice and no one else has the right to compel his views (especially if you are in political power) on others. Politics tend to take wither down this right of the ordinary Rakyat because it wants to concentrate power in the hands of the politician. ON the contrary, I believe that it is the power of the politicians to interfere with this Rakyat’s right that should be curtailed by laws.
To this end, I would support any legislation that outlaws the use of names of religion attached to political parties. This will free the religion from politics and allow the true teachings of the religion to be understood.
For example, years and years of brainless enmity between the Shias and Sunnis in the middle eastern countries and Pakistan testify to the dangers of religious arrogance - it gives rise to bloodshed, loss of property and all round misery for the people. Examples of Hinduism mixed with politics in India is also another case in point.
Religious arrogance and misuse of religion by politicians must be nipped in the bud before it becomes a major national security threat and hampers intellectual development in the country.
PEACE !
Monday, June 15, 2009
WHO HAS THE RELIGIOUS CREDENTIALS YB HADI?
I have placed here part of the report, the relevant parts of which I want to comment. You can read the full report here. My comments in italics are based on the assumption that the Star had reportedly correctly, otherwise, I stand to be corrected.
The Star Online, Monday June 15, 2009
PAS chief questions organisation’s credentials on Islamic law
By CHOI TUCK WO
LONDON: PAS has taken a swipe at Sisters In Islam (SIS), a group which the party wants banned.
Party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang questioned the expertise and credentials of the group, saying it had no right to talk about Islamic law.
Fine. I suppose you can question the credentials of anyone on any subject. But by credentials what do you mean? Do you mean the degrees that one has obtained from a University? We must surely agree that having degrees too does not necessarily mean that one has the credentials. After all, it is NOT DIFFICULT GETTING DEGREES IS IT? I can go on and on with this point but suffice to say that paper qualifications do not necessarily equal competence in the field studied.
Possibly, it may be argued that one credential could be acceptance or “pengiktirafan” by some quarters. Even this qualification is debatable - one can question the mode of “pengiktirafan” or even the quality of those who are “iktirafing”. One may ask: Is Hadi saying that he has the necessary credentials and expertise to talk on Islamic Law then? Of course being a lawyer and a Muslim, I will say he has the right to talk on Islam but I am only putting back the “standard” he is putting on others – what “superior” credentials he has? Kalau setakat masters atau phd yang ada serta buku-buku yang dibaca dianggap sebagi credentials muktamad, tak payah lah. You may be informative but that does not necessarily make you knowledgeable or solely correct. If that was so, then why are there differing views between the shia and sunni scholars and even among themselves?
It was the party’s democratic right to call for the ban on SIS for its involvement in issues concerning Islamic law despite not being an expert in the field, Hadi said after giving a talk on “Think: Islam Leads The Change” organised by the Malaysian Overseas Forum here on Saturday.
1) Earlier he says sis has no right to talk about Islamic issues but PAS has the democratic right to ask for sis to be banned. What about sis’ democratic right to talk on Islamic issues?
2) There is a bit of confusion here. The Straits Times reported that apparently the division that proposed the resolution had made a mistake. This was reported as being Khalid Samad’s explanation:
"The wording contradicted what we wanted to say. We want to debate with SIS and not to arrest them or rehabilitate them," Khalid said.
So can Hadi clarify this – does the party want sis to be banned or not?
In any event, I had just spoken to YB Khalid Samad on my hand phone and he kindly confirmed to me that NST quoted him correctly. He also pointed out to me his explanation on his blog. I think this article should be read as I am of the view that it is written in line with Quranic principles.
“When talking about aerospace, you ask somebody from Nasa, not someone in Somalia,” he said in response to a joint statement by 42 organisations, including SIS, urging PAS to retract its call.
I beg to differ here YB Tuan Guru Datuk Haji Hadi. Your analogy is inappropriate. Obviously when you talk about aerospace you go to somebody in Nasa and not to the nasi lemak seller in Kampong Pandan. What you overlooked is this: the Nasa expert is not going to condemn you to hell if you disagree with him. He is not going to get angry with you if you talk or write nonsense about aerospace. He is not going to label you deviant. AT the most, he may just shrug off his shoulders and think that he should not waste time with an ignoramus.
On the other hand, what do so-called “religious experts” by various names do? They compel you to accept their views forgetting that they too undergo the same biological functions as you do. Only that, if you disagree with their views they will label you deviant!
YB Hadi, of course when you have medical problems, you go and see the doctor and not the car mechanic. If you are not happy with the doctor, you can always see another doctor for a different treatment. Most important, if the doctor got it wrong, you can sue him for negligence.
YB Hadi, can a “religious expert” be sued for negligence for giving wrong opinions and advice?
Any one of you coming along with me to my grave to argue your case in front of the Creator in defence of me? I am so sure YB Hadi must have read (and understood) the following verse from the Quran:
“And behold! you come to us bare and alone as We created you for the first time: you have left behind you all (the favours) which We bestowed on you: We see not with you your intercessors whom you thought to be partners in your affairs: so now all relations between you have been cut off, and your (pet) fancies have left you in the lurch!” (Quran 6:94)
See? The Quran says neither you nor sisters-in-Islam can be my intercessor with Allah. Both of you can make all the statements you want but I have to decide for myself. SO, if you cannot be with me in defence of me, why must I be compelled to accept your views? I do not think “credentials and expertise” from some University will be a major consideration in the hereafter. In fact, Surah At-Taubah (9) verse 31 warns us about taking priests and doctors of religion as gods.
SO, the comparison between knowledgeable experts (ulama) and “religious experts” (or habr) is totally inappropriate and misleading. The Creator is so merciful. He gave us Islam (peace) as a mercy and not as a burden. Let us not be high-handed like Firaun.
PEACE !
The Star Online, Monday June 15, 2009
PAS chief questions organisation’s credentials on Islamic law
By CHOI TUCK WO
LONDON: PAS has taken a swipe at Sisters In Islam (SIS), a group which the party wants banned.
Party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang questioned the expertise and credentials of the group, saying it had no right to talk about Islamic law.
Fine. I suppose you can question the credentials of anyone on any subject. But by credentials what do you mean? Do you mean the degrees that one has obtained from a University? We must surely agree that having degrees too does not necessarily mean that one has the credentials. After all, it is NOT DIFFICULT GETTING DEGREES IS IT? I can go on and on with this point but suffice to say that paper qualifications do not necessarily equal competence in the field studied.
Possibly, it may be argued that one credential could be acceptance or “pengiktirafan” by some quarters. Even this qualification is debatable - one can question the mode of “pengiktirafan” or even the quality of those who are “iktirafing”. One may ask: Is Hadi saying that he has the necessary credentials and expertise to talk on Islamic Law then? Of course being a lawyer and a Muslim, I will say he has the right to talk on Islam but I am only putting back the “standard” he is putting on others – what “superior” credentials he has? Kalau setakat masters atau phd yang ada serta buku-buku yang dibaca dianggap sebagi credentials muktamad, tak payah lah. You may be informative but that does not necessarily make you knowledgeable or solely correct. If that was so, then why are there differing views between the shia and sunni scholars and even among themselves?
It was the party’s democratic right to call for the ban on SIS for its involvement in issues concerning Islamic law despite not being an expert in the field, Hadi said after giving a talk on “Think: Islam Leads The Change” organised by the Malaysian Overseas Forum here on Saturday.
1) Earlier he says sis has no right to talk about Islamic issues but PAS has the democratic right to ask for sis to be banned. What about sis’ democratic right to talk on Islamic issues?
2) There is a bit of confusion here. The Straits Times reported that apparently the division that proposed the resolution had made a mistake. This was reported as being Khalid Samad’s explanation:
"The wording contradicted what we wanted to say. We want to debate with SIS and not to arrest them or rehabilitate them," Khalid said.
So can Hadi clarify this – does the party want sis to be banned or not?
In any event, I had just spoken to YB Khalid Samad on my hand phone and he kindly confirmed to me that NST quoted him correctly. He also pointed out to me his explanation on his blog. I think this article should be read as I am of the view that it is written in line with Quranic principles.
“When talking about aerospace, you ask somebody from Nasa, not someone in Somalia,” he said in response to a joint statement by 42 organisations, including SIS, urging PAS to retract its call.
I beg to differ here YB Tuan Guru Datuk Haji Hadi. Your analogy is inappropriate. Obviously when you talk about aerospace you go to somebody in Nasa and not to the nasi lemak seller in Kampong Pandan. What you overlooked is this: the Nasa expert is not going to condemn you to hell if you disagree with him. He is not going to get angry with you if you talk or write nonsense about aerospace. He is not going to label you deviant. AT the most, he may just shrug off his shoulders and think that he should not waste time with an ignoramus.
On the other hand, what do so-called “religious experts” by various names do? They compel you to accept their views forgetting that they too undergo the same biological functions as you do. Only that, if you disagree with their views they will label you deviant!
YB Hadi, of course when you have medical problems, you go and see the doctor and not the car mechanic. If you are not happy with the doctor, you can always see another doctor for a different treatment. Most important, if the doctor got it wrong, you can sue him for negligence.
YB Hadi, can a “religious expert” be sued for negligence for giving wrong opinions and advice?
Any one of you coming along with me to my grave to argue your case in front of the Creator in defence of me? I am so sure YB Hadi must have read (and understood) the following verse from the Quran:
“And behold! you come to us bare and alone as We created you for the first time: you have left behind you all (the favours) which We bestowed on you: We see not with you your intercessors whom you thought to be partners in your affairs: so now all relations between you have been cut off, and your (pet) fancies have left you in the lurch!” (Quran 6:94)
See? The Quran says neither you nor sisters-in-Islam can be my intercessor with Allah. Both of you can make all the statements you want but I have to decide for myself. SO, if you cannot be with me in defence of me, why must I be compelled to accept your views? I do not think “credentials and expertise” from some University will be a major consideration in the hereafter. In fact, Surah At-Taubah (9) verse 31 warns us about taking priests and doctors of religion as gods.
SO, the comparison between knowledgeable experts (ulama) and “religious experts” (or habr) is totally inappropriate and misleading. The Creator is so merciful. He gave us Islam (peace) as a mercy and not as a burden. Let us not be high-handed like Firaun.
PEACE !
Third World Mentality, we are?
Obviously we love our country very much. This is our home. We are not privileged like the elitist politicians and corporate figures to have second or third homes in Australia, new Zealand or England. We and our children have only one home – Malaysia. Due to this, we have no choice but to take good care of our home. But what does “taking good care of our home” mean? This means many things and it is a heavy and continuous responsibility.
For starters, we must put the proper people in charge of the country. But what kind of choices do we have apart from the current political system which we have seen can be abused to the hilt? How do we project and put forth responsible people to be in charge of the country under the current political system? Seems almost impossible.
So, it appears that one choice open to us is to be honest in our evaluation of the events that happen around us and to take the necessary action in safeguarding our right to live peacefully. In this quest, we have to be forthright, courageous and persistent.
Can you not feel the third world mentality that is prevalent in our country? This mentality abounds among our politicians and they appear bent on making it a national culture. In the first world, people do not talk about obvious things or things that require common sense. For example only in the third world does a Prime Minster make statements like, “pandulah cermat dijalan raya”. In the first world, the Prime Minister will talk about steps taken to make the roads safe for users. We had a PM before who spent FOUR years of our lives giving us fatherly advice that we did not need. What we needed was concrete reforms and policies.
In the first world also, leaders do not behave like personal moral custodians of the public. They do not tell you what exactly to wear or how you should think. Can you imagine President Obama or the Prime Minister of say, Britian, Germany or Australia telling their citizens what to wear in public, what you can say and what you cannot say, etc. All this is child-stuff fit for children and third world countries -hand-kissing countries.
In the first world, leaders are held accountable for what they do and say. In the third world, they are worshipped and held up as Lords.
Are we third world citizens? We have in our midst for, example, a group of politicians who DECLARE that sisters-in-Islam are dangerous and that they should be banned. Ironically, this group of politicians speaks in the name of religion. Firstly, it never dawns upon them that another person who may profess the same religion with them may not agree with their understanding. Secondly, it is shocking that a political party finds differing views (assuming they have views) unacceptable WHEN THEY ARE NOT EVEN IN POWER YET! For the record, I am not aligned to nor am I known to sisters-in-Islam.
How long more must the people of this country tolerate such religious arrogance? Is it not sheer arrogance to speak like God and without basis? In the Quran, only one personality exuded such religious arrogance – Firaun. You cannot think or decide any religion without his permission. He is the sole decider of what is religious and what is not. He is a god.
To me, it is absolutely third world mentality when you have to depend on someone else who undergoes the same biological functions as you do to determine your faith. How long more do the citizens of Malaysia want to be subjugated to these politicians on matters touching you soul? This is the real danger that you have when you mix politics and religion. The religious politicians mutates into a god on earth.
I have said this before and I am repeating it: every action of the politicians affects our lives and the lives of our future generation. If we do not evolve into Raperas but remain as ordinary citizens thinking that what they do will not affect us, then we are charting our own doom. We have to mature into thinking adults and must sent the message home to these kind of politicians to stop insulting us.
If possible, chase them out of politics so that they can spend time pondering what it means to be truly subservient to the Creator.
Politicians who are arrogant, lack love in their hearts, divide people into races and religions, selfish, corrupt, and incapable of respecting other people’s differing views cannot be good people who truly believe in the Creator. They want to be gods. Would you trust your child in their care?
You decide – do you want to mature or still remain in the third world mentality?
PEACE !
For starters, we must put the proper people in charge of the country. But what kind of choices do we have apart from the current political system which we have seen can be abused to the hilt? How do we project and put forth responsible people to be in charge of the country under the current political system? Seems almost impossible.
So, it appears that one choice open to us is to be honest in our evaluation of the events that happen around us and to take the necessary action in safeguarding our right to live peacefully. In this quest, we have to be forthright, courageous and persistent.
Can you not feel the third world mentality that is prevalent in our country? This mentality abounds among our politicians and they appear bent on making it a national culture. In the first world, people do not talk about obvious things or things that require common sense. For example only in the third world does a Prime Minster make statements like, “pandulah cermat dijalan raya”. In the first world, the Prime Minister will talk about steps taken to make the roads safe for users. We had a PM before who spent FOUR years of our lives giving us fatherly advice that we did not need. What we needed was concrete reforms and policies.
In the first world also, leaders do not behave like personal moral custodians of the public. They do not tell you what exactly to wear or how you should think. Can you imagine President Obama or the Prime Minister of say, Britian, Germany or Australia telling their citizens what to wear in public, what you can say and what you cannot say, etc. All this is child-stuff fit for children and third world countries -hand-kissing countries.
In the first world, leaders are held accountable for what they do and say. In the third world, they are worshipped and held up as Lords.
Are we third world citizens? We have in our midst for, example, a group of politicians who DECLARE that sisters-in-Islam are dangerous and that they should be banned. Ironically, this group of politicians speaks in the name of religion. Firstly, it never dawns upon them that another person who may profess the same religion with them may not agree with their understanding. Secondly, it is shocking that a political party finds differing views (assuming they have views) unacceptable WHEN THEY ARE NOT EVEN IN POWER YET! For the record, I am not aligned to nor am I known to sisters-in-Islam.
How long more must the people of this country tolerate such religious arrogance? Is it not sheer arrogance to speak like God and without basis? In the Quran, only one personality exuded such religious arrogance – Firaun. You cannot think or decide any religion without his permission. He is the sole decider of what is religious and what is not. He is a god.
To me, it is absolutely third world mentality when you have to depend on someone else who undergoes the same biological functions as you do to determine your faith. How long more do the citizens of Malaysia want to be subjugated to these politicians on matters touching you soul? This is the real danger that you have when you mix politics and religion. The religious politicians mutates into a god on earth.
I have said this before and I am repeating it: every action of the politicians affects our lives and the lives of our future generation. If we do not evolve into Raperas but remain as ordinary citizens thinking that what they do will not affect us, then we are charting our own doom. We have to mature into thinking adults and must sent the message home to these kind of politicians to stop insulting us.
If possible, chase them out of politics so that they can spend time pondering what it means to be truly subservient to the Creator.
Politicians who are arrogant, lack love in their hearts, divide people into races and religions, selfish, corrupt, and incapable of respecting other people’s differing views cannot be good people who truly believe in the Creator. They want to be gods. Would you trust your child in their care?
You decide – do you want to mature or still remain in the third world mentality?
PEACE !
Monday, June 8, 2009
New PAS lineUP 2009
Presiden
Abdul Hadi Awang
Timbalan Presiden
Nasharudin Mat Isa, (480)
Naib Presiden
1) Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, (871)
2) Salahuddin Ayub, (824)
3) Mahfuz Omar, (636)
Ahli Jawatankuasa Kerja
1) Mohamad Nizar Jamaluddin, (854)
2) Idris Haji Ahmad, (799)
3) Kamarudin Jaffar (769)
4) Azizan Abd Razak, (653)
5) Dr Hasan Mohd Ali (642)
6) Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli (638)
7) Abdul Ghani Samsudin, (637)
8) Abu Bakar Chik (622)
9) Mohamed Hanipa Maidin, (619)
10) Ir Amiruddin Hamzah, (606)
11) Dr Lo' Lo' Haji Mohamad Ghazali, (589)
12) Ab Ghani Abdul Rahman,(584)
13) Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, (576)
14) Dr Syed Azman Syed Ahmad Nawawi, (536)
15) Hashim Jasin, (522)
16) Mazlan Aliman, (513)
17) Taib Azamudden Md Taib, (508)
18) Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa, (488).
Peace !
Abdul Hadi Awang
Timbalan Presiden
Nasharudin Mat Isa, (480)
Naib Presiden
1) Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, (871)
2) Salahuddin Ayub, (824)
3) Mahfuz Omar, (636)
Ahli Jawatankuasa Kerja
1) Mohamad Nizar Jamaluddin, (854)
2) Idris Haji Ahmad, (799)
3) Kamarudin Jaffar (769)
4) Azizan Abd Razak, (653)
5) Dr Hasan Mohd Ali (642)
6) Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli (638)
7) Abdul Ghani Samsudin, (637)
8) Abu Bakar Chik (622)
9) Mohamed Hanipa Maidin, (619)
10) Ir Amiruddin Hamzah, (606)
11) Dr Lo' Lo' Haji Mohamad Ghazali, (589)
12) Ab Ghani Abdul Rahman,(584)
13) Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, (576)
14) Dr Syed Azman Syed Ahmad Nawawi, (536)
15) Hashim Jasin, (522)
16) Mazlan Aliman, (513)
17) Taib Azamudden Md Taib, (508)
18) Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa, (488).
Peace !
Crystal Ball: YOu SUre one of the Dwarfs?
Snow White was crying and looking absolutely sad. She could not believe that two of her seven dwarfs could..... She has not confirmed herself yet but this was told to her by the rabbit that accidentally got lost from Alice in wonderland. But Wonderland is a land of make belief and the longer you stay there, you tend to believe it is real. In the real world, real things happen as the rabbit found out.
But Snow White was just not prepared to hear the fate of her two dwarfs. How?
Quality of Leadership???
“Leadership” is a peculiar thing. When you are appointed a prefect in school, you are a leader. Never mind the fact that you are a lousy leader. It goes into your resume that you are a prefect and you will enjoy the respect that comes with being a prefect. But being a prefect, you are not in a position to do damage to many others.
Like wise, when you enter politics and you are chosen to be a candidate and for some reason you win and become and MP and then you become a Minister, you are also viewed as a leader. Never mind the fact that you have absolutely no professional qualifications to be a Minster of your Ministry or that you are absolutely inefficient. You will still be seen as a leader and you will enjoy all the privileges that come with – handshaking, respect, perks, etc, etc. In fact, regardless of your thinking capacity and mental ability, even the press will report what you have to say on matters you are completely clueless because you are a Minister.
It also does not seem to matter that you do not work at your Ministry on what you are responsible for because you are very busy meeting your party people, giving speeches, posing for the camera and following the PM wherever he goes. It also does not matter that you do not read beyond the mainstream newspapers and that the last serious book you read was when you graduated from your University. It really does not matter because people will still give you the red carpet treatment because you are a leader. And the PM probably is not able to sack you because you wield influence and power within the party – hence your excuse to be an honorable imbecile. You are not to be blamed though. It is the people’s choice and they deserve you.
To the thinking public, it is frightening how the quality of leadership affects the well being of the people for generations and generations. Beyond the titles, the red carpet and the appearance of power lies the real power to do real good or real damage.
The disgusting and dangerous thing about political leadership is that once you get into a comfortable leadership position, the “momentum and expediency” of politics WILL advance you in your political career however incompetent or useless you are. It is this political momentum that makes many leaders think that it is their birthright to be the elitist, powerful, and rich till either old age, or tragedy or death brings them back to earth. But until such time arrives, people suffer. People suffer, I suppose because they chose to.
It is a tough task trying to identify quality leadership because there is so much stage managing in our midst - I am talking all round. The political culture smells so bad that one cannot be faulted in hiding in the toilet - without even having flushed the toilet yet! A friend said that we deserve the stench because we had mortgaged our thinking capacities a long time ago...and our courage and our dignity as a human being. I do not know.
It is a humorous aspect of human history I suppose, how charlatans and show masters are often rewarded. One big club of conspirators to maintain their influence, wealth and power in their midst. The ones that can make a difference are often sidelined. Or maybe, the ones that can make a difference are not willing to be part of the circus of fools. Maybe these people are not fascinated by the glitter of power and wealth and hence they remain free and true to their souls?
I will not, however underestimate the power of collective goodness and the natural laws to temper the progress of the pretenders.
Peace !
Like wise, when you enter politics and you are chosen to be a candidate and for some reason you win and become and MP and then you become a Minister, you are also viewed as a leader. Never mind the fact that you have absolutely no professional qualifications to be a Minster of your Ministry or that you are absolutely inefficient. You will still be seen as a leader and you will enjoy all the privileges that come with – handshaking, respect, perks, etc, etc. In fact, regardless of your thinking capacity and mental ability, even the press will report what you have to say on matters you are completely clueless because you are a Minister.
It also does not seem to matter that you do not work at your Ministry on what you are responsible for because you are very busy meeting your party people, giving speeches, posing for the camera and following the PM wherever he goes. It also does not matter that you do not read beyond the mainstream newspapers and that the last serious book you read was when you graduated from your University. It really does not matter because people will still give you the red carpet treatment because you are a leader. And the PM probably is not able to sack you because you wield influence and power within the party – hence your excuse to be an honorable imbecile. You are not to be blamed though. It is the people’s choice and they deserve you.
To the thinking public, it is frightening how the quality of leadership affects the well being of the people for generations and generations. Beyond the titles, the red carpet and the appearance of power lies the real power to do real good or real damage.
The disgusting and dangerous thing about political leadership is that once you get into a comfortable leadership position, the “momentum and expediency” of politics WILL advance you in your political career however incompetent or useless you are. It is this political momentum that makes many leaders think that it is their birthright to be the elitist, powerful, and rich till either old age, or tragedy or death brings them back to earth. But until such time arrives, people suffer. People suffer, I suppose because they chose to.
It is a tough task trying to identify quality leadership because there is so much stage managing in our midst - I am talking all round. The political culture smells so bad that one cannot be faulted in hiding in the toilet - without even having flushed the toilet yet! A friend said that we deserve the stench because we had mortgaged our thinking capacities a long time ago...and our courage and our dignity as a human being. I do not know.
It is a humorous aspect of human history I suppose, how charlatans and show masters are often rewarded. One big club of conspirators to maintain their influence, wealth and power in their midst. The ones that can make a difference are often sidelined. Or maybe, the ones that can make a difference are not willing to be part of the circus of fools. Maybe these people are not fascinated by the glitter of power and wealth and hence they remain free and true to their souls?
I will not, however underestimate the power of collective goodness and the natural laws to temper the progress of the pretenders.
Peace !
Friday, June 5, 2009
I salute you Sir, PRESIDENT BARRACK OBAMA .
One of the best speeches I have ever heard from a leader.
He was correct when he stated that the world must move away from stereotypes and generalizations. Each of us are individual human beings and are not defined by the group that we are socially or ethnically or nationally put into. This is a lesson which all of us must learn if we are to progress forward as a human. As President Obama correctly put it, "we cannot build relationships based on our differences".
I feel that much of his speech is relevant to our country too. We too have the minority extremists of all types (religious and racial bigots, etc) in our midst who cause discord and mischief among the Malaysian People. I do hope that 1Malaysia will at least be a beginning for us to talk like Malaysians irrespective of ethnic or religious background.
peace !
He was correct when he stated that the world must move away from stereotypes and generalizations. Each of us are individual human beings and are not defined by the group that we are socially or ethnically or nationally put into. This is a lesson which all of us must learn if we are to progress forward as a human. As President Obama correctly put it, "we cannot build relationships based on our differences".
I feel that much of his speech is relevant to our country too. We too have the minority extremists of all types (religious and racial bigots, etc) in our midst who cause discord and mischief among the Malaysian People. I do hope that 1Malaysia will at least be a beginning for us to talk like Malaysians irrespective of ethnic or religious background.
peace !
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Will the Government take heed?
Latest news on the consequences of making our society into a gambling society. It appears that addictive gamblers are turning to loan sharks and literally paying for it with their dignity, freedom and sometimes life. Some men were chained and locked up by loan sharks for defaulting on loans.
According to Datuk Michael Chong some 80% of the 870 cases involving loan sharks recorded by the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department since January last year involved habitual gamblers. In this process the family of the gamblers become victims.
Does'nt anyone in the Government know that gambling is addictive and kills families?
Can someone in the Government explain why we have turned the Klang Valley into a casino by having more than 65 slot machines clubs?
Who is making the money? At whose expense?
PEACE !
According to Datuk Michael Chong some 80% of the 870 cases involving loan sharks recorded by the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department since January last year involved habitual gamblers. In this process the family of the gamblers become victims.
Does'nt anyone in the Government know that gambling is addictive and kills families?
Can someone in the Government explain why we have turned the Klang Valley into a casino by having more than 65 slot machines clubs?
Who is making the money? At whose expense?
PEACE !
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Crystal Ball: WATCH AND WATCH CAREFULLY
One got to watch and watch carefully who gets appointed to GLCs and why. Who gets appointed to become advisers and why. Watch because by watching you will be able to discern the reasons why and WHAT WILL BE THE RESULT THEREOF.The economy and its ramifications thereto. Better watch. July and August.
PEACE !
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