IF WE JUST HEAR AND NEVER LISTEN……IT MAY LEAD TO OPPRESSION AND MISERY

Image thanks to this web site

There was a puddle of water on the ground. I was moved to peek into it and suddenly I found myself pulled deep into it. I was falling weightlessly and perceived Hime floating along whispering the following thoughts into my mind:

“You can have all the discussions that you want. After all, while there is a mouth, there is always the inclination to want to talk. If you observe carefully at people in public places, they are always talking. The lips never seem to stop. It keeps moving and keeps making sounds. It leaves you wondering that people have so much to say about so many things.

You can continue reading it here

Peace !

Busy with Living or just busy?

And there I was walking through the forest of life in my half-wake moments when I chanced upon Hime.

Hime said, “have you seen the one who busies himself in life?”

You may continue reading it here.


Peace !

OBAMA: I was actually black before the elections!!!

President Barack Obama on David Letterman's show:



Peace !

PIETY AND PLACES OF WORSHIP

by Dr Chandra Muzaffar

The recent cow head incident has brought to the fore certain important prerequisites for the maintenance of peace and harmony in a multi-religious society like ours.

One, an appreciation of the sensitivities of each and every religious community is fundamental. These sensitivities may be at variance with one’s own beliefs but recognizing them for what they are, is a pre-condition for ensuring inter-ethnic peace in a multi-religious society.

Two, when these sensitivities are ignored, or worse, transgressed, it is individuals and groups from the offending community who should be more vocal in condemning the behaviour of their fellow religionists. This will have a more positive impact upon interreligious ties than the denunciations of people from the aggrieved community. It is commendable that in the cow head incident a number of Muslim groups took a firm stand against the despicable action of a misguided few from their own community who had clearly violated Islamic teachings.

I have no doubt at all that if police investigations reveal that those responsible for the pig head incidents in Malacca and Kuala Lumpur are from some non-Muslim community, there will be individuals and groups from the community who will condemn such debased conduct.

Three, while Malaysians are generally conscious of the red lines that should not be crossed on certain matters pertaining to religion, the level of understanding and empathy among the different communities is still appallingly low. On a variety of issues ranging from education to economics, misconception and distrust continue to impact negatively upon ethnic relations. This is why public policies that seek to redress ethnic grievances, buttressed by effective public education, are so critical at this point in time in enhancing inter-community understanding.

If there was empathy among the communities, the question of relocating a Hindu
temple in Shah Alam would have been less controversial. No one would have argued
that a minority religious community cannot have its own place of worship in a locality where the majority professes a different religion. Right through history, Muslim Rulers --- with a few exceptions—saw it as their duty to protect the temples, churches and synagogues of minority faiths, in accordance with Quranic principles.

By the same token, in a number of societies where Hindus or Buddhists or Christians are in the majority, Muslim minorities have been able build their mosques and practise their faith in peace. Malaysia itself is an outstanding example of a country where the majority dichotomy has had no effect upon the construction of places of worship. If we were influenced by such myopic thinking, there would be no gurdwaras in Malaysia since Sikhs are a tiny minority everywhere in the country!

Of course, in any multi-religious society there will have to be unambiguous rules governing the construction, maintenance and expansion of places of worship. These rules should be just and fair to all religious communities. Equally important, they should be enforced effectively. The lack of effective enforcement has in some instances contributed to inter-religious friction and tension.

From a broader perspective, while it is important to acknowledge the significance of a place of worship to the religious life of a people, it would be wrong to assume that a place of worship is proof of the piety of a people. We have to get rid of the idea that there is a direct equation between the two. True piety is reflected in faith in God and in good deeds. In the ultimate analysis, it is deeds that mirror values such as justice and compassion and kindness that really count.

It is not just kindness and compassion to our fellow human beings that is indicative of piety. Showing kindness and compassion to animals is also regarded as a noble virtue in all our religions. This virtue was one of the edicts of that illustrious Buddhist Ruler of antiquity, Asoka. . The Qur’an even recognizes the rights of animals as illustrated in the story of the Prophet Salih and the people of Thamud. It explains why early Muslim jurists not only formulated rules and regulations aimed at protecting the welfare of animals but also prohibited animal torture. This is why stomping and spitting upon the
slaughtered head of a cow with venom is an unconscionable act.

The time has come for more individuals and groups of conscience to speak out against those attitudes and actions within their own religious community that violate the humane values and principles embodied in their respective faiths.
Professor Chandra Muzaffar is President of International Movement for a Just World, and also Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Yayasan 1Malaysia.

17 September 2009.

SELAMAT HARI RAYA

To all Raperas and readers of this blog:

DEAR FRIENDS, SELAMAT HARI RAYA

AND

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL !!!

Peace !

YOU WILL LOVE THESE GUYS!

You will love these guys – Suleiman mirza and mate. These two ordinary guys with extra-ordinary talents given the chance to express themselves.

Britons, you are great for allowing these two ordinary guys to achieve their dreams. Suleiman Mirza, a minority British of Pakistani descent especially is so talented! He has achieved his impossible dreams!

I love societies that allow young people to express their talents. Good job Britain’s Got Talent!!! God bless you all!

You can watch them here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaBsshIYT2w

Shouldn’t MIC’s place in the BN be reconsidered?

It is bound to happen –when you have a leader far too long at the helm of a political party, it mutates into his personal property. Saaaamyyy Velluuuu is still around when Ling Liong Sik and Dr Mahathir have already long given up their post to some other presidents.

The latest “amat biadap, kurang ajar, tak sedar diri” statement by one unknown MIC delegate to garland Tun with slippers may just be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Not only UMNO leaders, but many BN members and non-partisan citizens are very upset with Samy Vellu, MIC and that unknown worm from somewhere.

I was flabbergasted when the papers reported that Samy Vellu said “outsiders” should not comment on MIC elections referring to Tun Mahathir’s statement. Hello, Datuk Samy, Tun Mahathir is not an outsider, he is a statesman and he can certainly comment on anything he wants. You have a right to accept or reject but you certainly do not have the right to be rude unless you can survive outside the Barisan Nasional. (which many believe you cannot.). This is the man that lost the Sungai Siput election right?

I recall reading this:

“With the damming defeat, the MIC now becomes the only party, with its top leaders -- president, deputy president (Datuk G. Palanivel) and three-vice presidents (Datuk S. Sothinathan, Datuk S. Veerasingam and Tan Sri Dr K.S. Nijhar) -- will not have parliamentary seats to their names”.
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=319468


The anger that MIC has succeeded in causing over the blogosphere can be seen from some of the posts like below:

Syed Akbar Ali says:

“Someone should tell loud mouth Samy that Tun Dr Mahathir has every right to comment on anything and everything in this country. As an elder statesman Dr Mahathir certainly has the right to say what he wants”. http://syedsoutsidethebox.blogspot.com/

Read also:

http://apanama2020.blogspot.com/2009/09/who-is-bloody-bastard.html

http://bigdogdotcom.wordpress.com/2009/09/15/sudah-sampai-masa-bn-kaji-semula-kedudukan-mic/

In my mingling, I find that top UMNO leaders are upset with the slippers incident and some have gone public with their views:

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/20090914202053/Article:

"Razali, who is also the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, said Umno Youth felt that "such an act does not help to divert public attention from the actual position of the MIC. Respect must be earned and not demanded."

http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2009&dt=0915&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka_Hadapan&pg=mh_01.htm

"Naib Presiden UMNO, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein berkata, jika pun ada perkara yang tidak dipersetujui dengan kenyataan bekas Perdana Menteri itu atau mana-mana pemimpin sekalipun, seharusnya asal usul, peradaban dan nilai sesuatu bangsa tidak harus dilupakan".


"Ketua UMNO Bahagian Cheras, Datuk Syed Ali Alhabshee dalam kenyataan akhbarnya turut mendesak MIC meminta maaf secara terbuka kepada Dr. Mahathir, orang Melayu dan ahli UMNO keseluruhannya.

''Saya cabar Presiden MIC, Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, jika dia benar-benar ikhlas supaya memohon maaf bagi pihak MIC di atas sikap kurang ajar perwakilan tersebut".

http://thoughtsintangents.blogspot.com/2009/09/mic-now-in-real-trouble.html

Akram Shah who feels that MIC is now in trouble answers his own question: “

So to my own question, whether MIC is in real trouble now, I would say yes it is! With DS Samy's grip on the party clear, the community may give up on a political solution to its woes and look for alternatives. The alternative may be political, but in this case, DS Samy's likely right in guessing an Indian political rival to MIC is some years in coming. However, Indians may choose to move primarily through community NGOs, like the Chinese, which would risk making MIC an irrelevance.
That Hindraf rose to prominence so quickly, putting aside its racist rhetoric, dramatic claims and mob behaviour, is indicative of not just the role NGOs can fulfill but also the readiness of the Indian community to support them!

Questions have been asked for long: how relevant is MIC in uplifting the woes of the marginalized Indians? The Hindraf episode shocked the Nation with the plight of the Indians being exposed and the dislike substantial number of Indians has for MIC.

Probably it is time for Barisan Nasional to work out a different formula for Indian representation in the Government and to address the problems peculiar to the Indian community without the MIC.

And one more thing: Samy Vellu must publicly apologize to Tun Dr Mahathir if he wants to dispel the rumors that this event is stage-managed to deflect MIC’s internal woes and decline.

Peace!

BACK TO NO MODERATION OF POSTINGS

Gals/Guys,

Since a frequent reader of Rapera blog, namely "Frees69" has made some protests on moderation, I have reverted back to "no moderation of comments. This means that anonymous postings cannot be posted. This also means that each of those who post must now bear personal responsibility for what is posted.

thanks & Peace !

Natasha Norza: The word is "live"

I have always been convinced that teenagers and even some preteens are very capable of “deep thoughts”. If only adults can make the time to recognize that.

Natasha Norza, a 13 year old was crowned the Bard of Garden International School for her deliverance of a thought provoking essay.

I had to reproduce it here as a timely reminder from this young person to us all:


“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a dreaded yesterday.

I came to a strange realization that life consists of a beginning, an ending and what people do is that they forget the middle.

Yesterday, all the strange movements outside, the distant noise nearby, it made the world seem empty, a nihility. I felt alienated, minuscule even.

Then, the world seemed to stop slowly, all time and space was slowed down in a blurry motion. It was a slow movement but subsequently, everything seemed to accelerate all at once. Suddenly, as if a heavy weight had been lifted off my chest. I had been liberated, reborn into the world to see all its beauty. I let myself fall into it.

I was awakened, there was no feeling of fear or absolute dread but I was left with the need to go on a pursuit of living life to the fullest and maybe one of the hardest things to achieve in this world - happiness. This pursuit, this journey motivates me to run faster, to move further and to take the next step forward.

To always look beyond this unrevealed skyline and never backwards. To be satisfied and not long for anything much else.

This journey has made me live with an uninterrupted state of optimism and joy.

To live: there is a deeper meaning. In living, there is a beginning, a middle and an ending. The word is live.

My journey ends with the unfailingly excitement of tomorrow”.


Natasha, congratulations and well done.

You have reminded us all that it is the journey that is important – to appreciate every single step. Thank you!

Peace !

How can you do this???Haiya!

I overheard a conversation:

"Cannot la...you cannot one"

"Why la cannot. he thinks he is so great. Now he become manager. I have been here long one you know??"

"Ya la....you have been given chance for so long to prove yourself. See, laaah, the company profit never increase but your persoanl wealth so much. How can you afford on small salary?"

"Cannot like that! you think only me ah? Others also same. People can take, why I cannot take?"

"People take that's people's problem. Now the board dont want you..why you go an fix up the new manager? Very cruel la you. Some more what you do can cause chaos in the company, you know?"

"Haiaya! You too straight la! If I cannot get the company why I care what happen to the company? Let the new manager answer lor. NOw he know...last time talk so much...see how he manage la! Now he know, talking and management different""

"Haiya...cannot be like that...because of your fight with him, you want all the company employees to suffer...haiya..no good la!"


Peace!

CrystalBall: The Satellite

I gaze and I gaze
And I listen
Putting my ears to the ground
And my eyes to the sky
the satellite is gone!
The satellite is gone!

How do we communicate?
What????? Now??!!!
Who is going to share what went on 1 second ago, 1 second later?
How was this possible??

And this in the midst of the party?
But aren’t firecrackers no longer in the market???

THIS IS THE PERIOD TO KEEP OUR HUMANITY

We are witnessing all sorts of social and political behaviour, completely unprecedented in its scale, creativity and potent danger. It is not incorrect to say that we are, in a sense, living in dangerous times.

In another sense, if we, the Rakyat, exercise prudence, patience, perseverance and philanthropy (good works with kindness), this is a God sent period for us to realign Malaysia on to the direction it should be heading. There is a lot of work to be done. It will take long but let us keep taking the first steps

1) We are experiencing a political landscape that has never existed in our country before. We are no longer mesmerized by the notion of incumbency. It is no longer true that anyone under the BN ticket will win. However, we must be careful not to fall into the rebellious trap that whoever on the opposition ticket must win. Any political candidate must be able to stand on their own as we are beginning to realize the failings and trappings of the mentalities of the political party systems. Political parties primarily serve the party's interests and if it is expedient, then the party members' interests - people's interest comes in third, if it does!


2) The Rakyat is also now more discerning when they hear so-called racial issues being stoked in public by those with the evil hope that it will burn the fire of racism and subsequently promote their narrow self interests. However, we must forever be on guard for the evil ones do not rest. Since they know that there is no scientific logic, rationality nor even spiritualism in racial approaches, they will appeal to emotions and years of indoctrinated prejudice. This is where each of us must touch our hearts and use our mind to stave off the lure and entrapment of the evil ones. They will keep on trying, they will be creative and they will not cease to cause ultimate disaster.

We, the People, must let them know clearly through our deeds and actions that they will never succeed in taking away our humanity nor will we stop being Malaysians in the true sense of the word. We must remind them that as “they plotted and planned, and God too planned, and the best of planners is God” (Quran: 3:54)


3) The Rakyat is also now aware of this: The evil ones have no compunction and fear in even invoking God’s name to serve their narrow selfish interests. This is the age old abuse of religion, to instill fear, doubts, to appeal to a “sense of divine duty”, to appeal to the sense of tribalism, etc. Most of these are evil people and some ignorant. They care nothing about you or your religion or God. They just want to kill you body on the pretext of saving your soul – so that they can be heroes.

“There is the type of man whose speech about this world's life may dazzle you, and he calls God to witness about what is in his heart; yet is he the most contentious of enemies”. (Quran: 2:204)

We must be clear: God never condones hatred, injustice, intolerance, violence or oppression. WE too must make an effort to understand our own respective religion from our own scriptural sources – if we truly care. This way, we will not be manipulated by evil charlatans who purportedly speak in God’s name.

4) WE, the People, are also becoming aware that only two things appear to interest most politicians, whether BN or Pakatan – power and wealth. We must remember this so that we know how to push the button to make them move in the interest of the Nation. We must have our eyes open on what happens to the wealth of the Nation – which collectively belongs to the Rakyat and the future generation of Rakyats. WE MUST INSIST ON KNOWING WHAT GOES ON IN THE REDISTRIBUTION OF THE WEALTH PROCESS. We cannot just leave it to the so-called institutions that are supposedly caretakers of the rakyat. The People themselves must know.


5) We, the Rakyat are also becoming aware that most politicians are fast on their mouth and slow in their brains. This is not surprising as they are more busy politicking, giving speeches/sermons, attending various public functions, etc, etc. Where do you think they can find the time to read, to reflect, to think, to study the papers that the civil servants have prepared for them, to meet the genuine ordinary rakyat who wants to give a suggestion or to air his problem??? If you do not believe me, try to make an appointment with any Minister or exco member. Try and more importantly, evaluate why he is too busy to meet you (By the way, this was the same guy/gal who walked to our house doors during the elections!)

6) We are also becoming aware that there are racists, bigots, religiously overdosed persons in every basket of ethnic or religious grouping. Let us firmly refuse to equate “some” with “all”. Let us recognize the evil persons for what they are without giving them the cover of the very religion they are abusing. To do this, we must be willing to clean the dusts in our own hearts.

7) We are also realizing that the civil service is on auto mode and that is because the political masters have no time and do not know what is going on in there. The true “government”, the civil service which interacts with the People on a daily basis is left to its own whims and fancies. I fear that it is mutating into a monster that one day we will shocked to realize.

This I must share:

I am truly worried that there are evil and irresponsible persons among us who want to cause the greatest instability possible, to divide us, to cause enmity among us to make us stop being human beings. We cannot allow this. We must be wary and firm. We must forever be on guard.

Otherwise, we would have failed our parents, children, our country, ourselves and God.

“Therefore stand firm (in the straight Path) as you are commanded,- thou and those who with you turn (unto God); and transgress not (from the Path): for He sees well all that you do. (Quran:11:112)

“And incline not to those who do wrong, or the Fire will seize you; and you have no protectors other than God, nor shall you be helped”. (Quran: 11:113)

Raperas, wherever you are, the Nation needs you now.

Peace !

Good Letter, YB Khalid Samad!

Surat Terbuka Untuk Penduduk Seksyen 23
2hb September 2009 M
13 Ramadan 1430 H

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

Kehadapan penduduk Seksyen 23 yang dihormati,

Semoga surat ini menemui tuan-tuan dalam keadaan sihat wal afiat serta keimanan yang teguh dan jitu berkat bulan Ramadhan ini.

Saya mengambil kesempatan ini untuk mengingatkan diri saya serta tuan-tuan akan Firman Allah, Surah Al Maaidah ayat 8 yang bermaksud;

“Bertindak adil! Ianya lebih rapat dengan keTaqwaan.”

You may continue reading it here.

Peace !

SNIPPETS

BY-ELECTIONS AFTER BY-ELECTIONS

Do you realize we have been having a record by-elections since March 2008? There is going to be another by-election in Bagan Pinang, Negeri Sembilan and this is the ninth as reported by the Star! I believe a few more are coming.

I was thinking it and Datuk Seri Hishammuddin said it out last night to me: “I think there is divine intervention …. So many by-elections …..there is a filtration process. At the end of the day, only those who can really serve and capable will remain..” Something to that effect.

Well, the crystal ball has predicted that this filtration may reach its “climax” this year. God knows best!

ONG TEE KEAT – EGM

Clearly, the PKFZ issue needs to be pursed to its conclusion in the interest of accountability and transparency. It is commendable that Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat has taken a hard and dedicated approach to this issue. As Baradah Kuppusamy wrote in the Star “AS far as whistle blowing goes, there is simply no comparison to what MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat has done with the Port Klang Free Zone issue”.

Kudos Ong Tee Keat and the Raperas support you!

PM: SHOW TRUE ISLAMIC TECHINGS OF RESPECTING OTHERS

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak reminded Muslims to refrain from insulting or condemning other religions and their believers. Apt reminder and I like the fact that he quoted two relevant verses from the Quran, namely:

“O you who believe! stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do”. (Quran: 5:8)


“Revile not you those whom they call upon besides God, lest they out of spite revile God in their ignorance. Thus have We made alluring to each people its own doings. In the end will they return to their Lord, and We shall then tell them the truth of all that they did”. (Quran: 6:108)

Yes Mr Prime Minster, Sir!


Peace !

COWARD, BIGOT, PONDAN -NOT WELCOME!

Since I allowed anonymous posting, this pondan bigot..:)..that possibly lives with the rats in the basement has been sending "comments" which are most racist, offensive to multi-racial living and...well..if he was 15, he will be caned for being insolent.

Amazing, this rat has never commented when he has to log in with his name. The minute anonymous posting is allowed, here he comes!

Cowards are not welcome in open space..please crawl back into the basement with the rats..hopefully the rats do not mind your company!

If you have any guts, please use your real name to comment and I will publish it. Let the world hear the sick state of your mind. OTHERWISE I TAKE GREAT PLEASURE IN CENSORING YOU..:)) I feel as though I am swatting the irritating flies!!!

Freedom of expression is for responsible people..not for mentally deranged people like you ( I am sure you are reading this in the safe comfort of your basement. Feels safe to throw stones while being hidden in the rat hole right??? Wow, that is courage!)

If it helps.....grow up. Be human. Be Malaysian. Be brave for what you have to say.

Even for you..there is still hope.


Peace !

CHARGE THEM, SAYS HOME MINISTER!

Kudos to Datuk Seri Hishammuddin who wants those responsible for bringing the cow’s head to the Selangor State secretariat building to be charged in court. Today’s Star reported him saying that “The Home Ministry views seriously all issues that could undermine harmony, unity, as well as national security and stability of this multi-racial country”.

The event is indeed serious and if unchecked it could undermine the Prime Minster’s 1Malaysia efforts which largely have the support of the people. Hisham’s call for legal action is in line with the Government’s commitment to the 1Malaysia policy. Bloggers and online media had carried the news here, here, here here, here, here, here, here and here.

Further any inaction against the protesters who carried the cow’s head and indeed stepping on it would be perceived as lack of enforcement of law and order. There can be no excuse for such a shameful and evil act.

It is also worrisome that the unthinking segment of the population may equate the actions of the delinquents with Islam, when in fact what they did is completely contrary to the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet. This should never have happened, what more in the month of Ramadan.

Now that the Home Minster has spoken, people await the response from the enforcement agencies.

Peace !