What Malaysia Do We Have?

Do we have the true love for our country and its people to ask the difficult questions that need to be asked?

Do we have the will and courage to put aside political, religious and racial differences to find right answers and give effect to them?

Do we care enough for all the children of this Nation that we, as adults, will cleanse our souls, minds and hearts of all the prejudices we may have inherited?

What hope are we giving our children and the youth?

Do we truly believe that God has given this Nation enough for all to share and to make life better for the underprivileged?

Can we be united against those racists, religionists, bigots, and vested interests groups that want to divide us and to stay disunited?

What Malaysia do we have? What Malaysia do we want?



Peace !

Respon Dr Ngo Kepada Dr Ridhuan Tee dalam Isu Bahasa Malaysia

Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee bin Abdullah (Tee Chuan Seng) menulis dalam blog nya bahawa:

"Saya amat mengharapkan kerajaan tidak akan tunduk kepada desakan Persekutuan Persatuan-persatuan Cina Malaysia (Hua Zong) supaya membantu 60 Chinese Independent Secondary School serta mengikhtiraf sijil yang dikeluarkan (UEC)".

Dan juga bertanya: "Saya tidak menafikan ada segelintir pelajar Cina yang berjaya mendapat keputusan cemerlang dalam bahasa Melayu, tetapi bilangan amat kecil. Itupun setelah diwajibkan lulus. Bayangkan jika syarat itu tidak ada. Apakah belajar bahasa Melayu kerana terpaksa belajar atau semangat sayangkan bahasa kebangsaan? Fikirkanlah".

Dr Ngo Han Chiang memberi respon kepada artikel Dr Ridhuan dalam blog nya dengan menulis:

"Ada banyak cara untuk memperkasakan bangsa. Bahasa merupakan di antara cara yang berkesan. Di Malaysia tidak ada pertikaian langsung soal Bahasa Malaysia sebagai bahasa rasmi. Ia dipelihara , dipertahan dan diperuntukkan dalam Perlembagaan. Cuma di Malaysia, bahasa ibunda kaum lain juga diberi hak untuk digunakan dan diperkembangkan dan ini menjadi titik persoalan di antara pejuang-pejuang Dong Cong,Hua Zong, parti politik, ahli akademik dan persatuan bahasa kebangsaan yang lain".

Dr Ngo selanjutnya menjawab Dr Ridhuan Tee sebegini:

"Walaupun orang Cina dan India baik di kampung mahupun di bandar tidak mempunyai penguasaan BahasaMalaysia yang kononnya tidak baik, namun ini tidak bermakna mereka anti Melayu atau anti bahasa Malaysia. Malah di kalangan mereka, rakan yang paling baik mereka adalah orang Melayu. Bukan semua orang Melayu yang belajar di sekolah kebangsaan juga dapat menguasai bahasa Malaysia dengan baik. Cuba suruh orang Melayu kelantan atau melayu Kedah atau Pinang bercakap atau menulis menggunakan bahasa loghat mereka. Saya rasa orang Melayu lain pun tidak faham apatah lagi bangsa bukan Melayu yang lain!

Penguasaan atau kurangnya penguasaan Bahasa Malaysia tidak menjadikan kita ‘kurang keMalaysiaan’.Ramai orang Cina, India dan yang lain menguasai Bahasa Malaysia dengan baik. Ia bukan lagi satu perkara yang dimegah-megahkan (to shout about) jika mereka ini boleh bertutur dan menulis dengan baik. Sebenarnya kecekapan menguasai Bahasa Malaysia oleh orang bukan Melayu sudah merupakan satu perkara yang lumrah dan semula jadi seperti orang Inggeris bertutur Bahasa Inggeris!"

Baca lah artikel Dr Ridhuan Tee dahulu dan kemudian artikel Dr Ngo di blog masing-masing dan buat penilian - pemikiran siapa lebih berasaskan perlembagaan, nilai universal mahupun nilai-nilai anjuran Al-Quran serta objektif.

Salam.

WHO’S LEARNING? Cont’d.

By Osman Hj. Kamaluddin

Ever wondered why there are so many tuition centers in town? If we were to ask any parents whether they send their kids to these tuition centers, the replies received would be, mostly do! So, what does this imply? What kind of ‘signal’ is it sending?

Could it be that the present kids are not clever enough? Could it be that because of this, they need further ‘coaching’? Well, I don’t think so, as there are no and/or any scientific researches and/or findings to show that they are any difference form the kids in the past. If this is not the reason, than what could it be? Could it be the education system we have?
Let us ‘explore’ the education system we are using.

In our education system, the basic method of teaching is using the ‘classroom method’ i.e. taking 30 to 40 students then put them in a room called classroom and teach. This is the method which we and mostly others, are using since time in memorial. Did anybody ever thought about the history of this ‘classroom method’?


Well, let us look at what is says in the book ‘ACCELERATED LEARNING FOR THE 21st CENTURY – THE SIX – STEP PLAN TO UNLOCK YOUR MASTER MIND BY COLIN ROSE AND MALCOLM NICHOLL (A DELL TRADE PAPERBACK). Extracts from page 344, quote:-

It’s well known that the roots of our education system go back to the early Industrial Revolution. The demand then was for large numbers of workers who would mind machines and neither complains nor question.

The model for the system was, literally, the Prussian army. The driving thought behind the education and training of the Prussian army was that 20 percent of the recruits would turn out to be officers and 80 percent would be troops (or cannon fodder!) So, a factory model system of education was produced, large classes designed for basic skills. The education of the many sacrificed to the needs of the few! :unquote.



And to quote from Wikipedia – Prussian Education System:

History

"During the 18th century, the Kingdom of Prussia was among the first countries in the world to introduce tax-funded and generally compulsory primary education, comprising an eight-year course of primary education, Volksschule. It provided not only the skills needed in an early industrialized world (reading, writing, and arithmetic), but also a strict education in ethics, duty, discipline, and obedience. Affluent children often went on to attend preparatory private schools for an additional four years, but the general population had virtually no access to secondary education. Current U.S education comes from the Prussian system, a system designed to create good employees and soldiers, people who blindly follow orders, waiting to be told what to do, including what to do with there money. Prussian model teaches to obey orders and do what you are told, become employees who are content to work for the rich or become soldiers who sacrifice their lives to protect the wealth of the rich"..

SO, WHO’S LEARNING WHAT FOR WHOM???

MOVIE “2012” WILL NEVER BE MADE IN MALAYSIA, ESPECIALLY IN MALAY LANGUAGE!

I saw the movie. I like it very much for many reasons. Mainly because all through the movie so many verses from the Quran keep coming to my mind – those relating to end of times, those relating to human nature, etc. Amazing is it not? A movie made in Hollywood inspired me to recall verses from the Quran! Is this allowed???

Other reasons, the main one being – when “shit hits the roof”, the first to suffer are ordinary folks like you and me. Politicians, corporate guys with tonnes of money and the other elitists seem to be able to escape or at least make the attempt first. The rest of us “obedient, subservient fools” all our life – kapito!!! Well, slaves do not have rights.

We have never mattered other than to be door mats for them to go forward. By the time we wake up, it is time to sleep forever! Aren’t you having fun living your life like this?

The movie also exemplifies reality – it is the ordinary unselfish, caring, saviour citizen or Rapera, if you like, that really makes the difference when there are real chaos. Politicians and religionists are relevant only during the good times. Of course, otherwise, how to organize the pomp and crowd?

And why the movie will never be made in Malaysia? A few reasons like these:

1. Our film industry is still in a sorry state - because of the mindset and circumstances our politicians and religionists have created for YEARS!
2. Creativity is not allowed;
3. Such a movie may be disallowed as the relevant authorities may say that it will affect the “faith” of the movie goers – my God – depicting end of times??? NO! No! – hence never in BM. Those who can understand Malay need constant “protection” in all areas of life.
4. You may not get political support – nothing moves in Malaysia unless the political demigods give YOU, the puny citizen the go-ahead.
5. A movie cannot be made in Malaysia unless it is artificially flavoured with some political agenda disguising as “policies”.
6. Budget may be inflated due to “sumbangan ikhlas” and hence not economic.
7. YOU ADD!

Peace !

Why don’t people just realize this?

When you are sick, you go and see a doctor. If it is a simple cold or fever, his medicine may help you recover. Actually, most of the time, we do not know whether the medicine actually helped us recover or merely expedited the recovery. In any event, the point is: if you or your child is sick or very sick, YOU or your immediate family or friends will have to take care of that – not some government authority.

When you become unemployed or have not found a job and worry about your 4 kids and your wife, it is you who will be making an effort to find the necessary money so that your family can sustain itself. There is a need to buy food, rents to pay, and other financial commitments to settle. This will be the time when the banks and the credit card companies will not only be unfriendly but downright cruel. No religious authority or cleric or any government authority will knock on your door to find our if your child has eaten last night. At the worst moment, you will have to swallow your pride and borrow from your friends or relatives. Bottom line – YOU and YOU ALONE will have to fend for and take care of your family’s safety and future. And of course, the direct assistance of God. Have you ever in your life called up any religious authority or any Ulama or cleric to come and help you?  DO you think they will come if you call them?

We all have personal problems. Life can be a roller coaster. There are times when life seems too unbearable and things around us simply disturbs us.  This is the time we need someone who we can talk too. Someone who can lift our spirits up or just to listen. Who do you call? The nearest Ustad? You ask him how to sort out your feelings? I am sure you talk to your good friends or maybe to someone in your family.

Who do you think is going to take care of you when you are very old, frail and worse very sick? While you are alive, it is most probably your family or your friends. Or for those without families, the old folks home. Do you find any religious authority there to help you through your old age? Do they come and wipe your buttocks when you shit in bed or change your adult diapers because you cannot move to the toilet? Be sure that they will be there only when you die – to pray for your dead body!

Think. Think.

All your life in all the vital moments, who is beside you and around you bearing and sharing the burden of life with you? Think. Talk to yourself and think about all the difficult times of your life. How did you face them? Who helped you to face them? Some stranger with a name tag saying that he is a religious authority?

Do you not realize that the so-called religious authorities are there only during the happy and safe moments in life to exert their power over you?

If I am wrong in this, please, please let me know and I will apologise for what I have written here.

If I am right, then what in God’s name makes you surrender to them?

Peace !

Reader's idea of Rapera

I received this email and the pics from Osman Hj Kamaluddin. Very inspiring.

Jay,

I believe Rapera ni macam lighthouse dalam 2 gambar ni.
Walaupun dalam keadaan tenang tetapi tetap menjalankan amanah nya. Tak complacent.
Walaupun di landa ombak dan badai, ia tetap utuh dan tak gentar untuk menjalankan prinsip nya.
Lebih kurang macam tu lah........
Apa macam ok kah......?

[I think you got it right!. Thanks Osman] For the picture below thanks to Flickr from Yahoo.

What do you think? We are looking for logos to represent the Rapera spirit.  The oil lamp is being "temporarily" used inspired by Quran 24: 35-36.

lately, I have been getting many emails asking me what is the concept of "Rapera". To get an idea of what I mean by "Rapera", you may go to the following links:

http://jahaberdeen.blogspot.com/2008/11/who-is-rapera-and-what-can-heshe-do.html  http://jahaberdeen.blogspot.com/2009/02/what-is-purpose.html
http://jahaberdeen.blogspot.com/2008/08/this-blog-for-muslims-only.html
http://jahaberdeen.blogspot.com/2008/12/regain-your-dignity-as-rakyat-be-rapera.html
http://jahaberdeen.blogspot.com/2009/01/regain-your-dignity-as-rakyat-be-rapera.html
http://jahaberdeen.blogspot.com/2009/01/regain-your-dignity-as-rakyat-be-rapera_04.html
http://jahaberdeen.blogspot.com/2009/01/regain-your-dignity-as-rakyat-be-rapera_07.html
http://jahaberdeen.blogspot.com/2009/02/politics-vs-humanity.html

Any ideas for a logo?

Peace !

WHO’S LEARNING?

By Osman Hj. Kamaluddin

Not sure whether we (especially teachers) do realize or not what really happened in a classroom learning process. What I mean is that, usually, the teacher would start with teaching the students, providing relevant information on the subject that is being taught. After ‘transferring’ the knowledge to the students, the teacher would obviously want to know whether the ‘transferring’ has been achieved and this is usually done by the teacher asking that one million dollar question! ANY QUESTION?

When this question is put forward, the teacher would be scanning around for any reaction from the student. Within these few seconds, the students, after receiving that question from the teacher would be thinking how to react and usually, in their mind (which I have identified only 3 but maybe more.), these types of thought would be playing:

1. The Pretenders – These students really don’t understand and want to ask questions. BUT when they look around, they see that nobody raises up their hands. So, they would interpret that everyone understands except them. These would make them feel stupid in front of everyone and that is not a nice feeling. It could also be that they do not want to ask questions fearing ‘prosecution’ from the teacher. They may be thinking that the teacher would interpret that by them asking the questions, the teacher would be thinking that they were not paying attention as others were paying attention and that’s why the others didn’t ask any question! Sometimes, they also fear sarcasm from teachers with remarks like ‘simple thing like that also cannot understand? Or ‘have explained everything in details also cannot understand?’

So, with all these thoughts in their mind, these students would react like this, PRETEND TO UNDERSTAND!

2. The You First – This group would usually involve 2 closed friends or partners. Student A would ask student B whether he/she understand and student B answers No and likewise when student B ask the same question, student A would answer the same i.e. NO. So, after that, student A would instruct student B to ask the question and likewise, student B comes back, instructing student A to ask the question. So, you will hear the ‘YOU ASK LAH!’ being whispered many times!

3. The Thinker – These students may understand about 80 % only. So, they would be thinking whether to ask about the remaining 20 % BUT they take a very long time to make the decision because they are THINKERS!

At the end, after the teacher finished scanning around for reaction (that would be a few seconds only) and when nobody asks anything, the teacher would assume that everyone understands and would say ‘ OK, let’s go to the next subject !’

SO, WHO’S LEARNING?

..............................................................
Osman Hj Kamaludin is a marine surveyor who has for the past many years researched and observed on accelerated learning techniques.

Peristiwa penuduhan Dr. Mohd. Asri Zainul Abidin: mencabar kewibawaan Mufti dan menimbulkan persoalan lain?

oleh: Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos

Kosmos online melapurkan bahawa:

“Mengikut pertuduhan, Asri didakwa mengajar agama Islam tanpa tauliah daripada JAIS di kediaman No. 2, Lorong 2C, Taman Sri Ukay, Ampang dekat sini antara pukul 8.10 malam dan 9.45 malam 1 November lalu.
Asri didakwa mengikut Seksyen 119(1) Enakmen Pentadbiran Agama Islam Selangor 2003 yang membawa hukuman denda maksimum RM3,000 atau penjara maksimum dua tahun atau kedua-duanya jika sabit kesalahan”.

Di dalam “sejarah agama Islam” di Malaysia, ini merupakan pertama kali seorang bekas Mufti di dakwa diatas pertuduhan mengajar tanpa bertauliah. Pada peringkat ini, memang terlalu awal untuk membuat sebarang komen terhadap inti pati pertuduhan kerana kes ini belum bermula lagi. Sepasti nya perjalanan kes ini akan melibatkan pelbagai perkara seperti takrif “mengajar”, “agama Islam” dan sebagai nya. Dari aspek ini, mungkin perjalanan kes ini akan meningkatkan kefahaman orang awam mengenai “pentadbiran agama Islam” oleh “ajensi agama” di Negara ini.

Memandangkan dewan Undangan Negri Selangor telah meluluskan Enakmen Pentadbiran Agama Islam Selangor 2003 dan kini sudah pun ada pertuduhan di bawah Enakmen ini di hadapkan teradap Dr Asri dalam Mahkamah Syariah, maka seelok nya kita biarkan proses undang-undang ini berjalan. Dalam konteks ini, tidak tepat juga seorang Ahli Parlimen yang tidak berparti (tetapi tidak jelas bebas) untuk mempersoalkan implementasi undang-undang ini yang di bawah kerajaan PKR. Ia seharusnya bertanya kepada kerajaan Selangor.

Namun, kita harus mengkaji nya dari aspek-aspek yang lain. Pertama, Peristiwa ini jelas menunjukkan bahawa pihak Jais berpendapat seorang Mufti itu sendiri perlu untuk mendapatkan tauliah apabila tempoh nya sebagai mufti habis. Seorang Mufti di anggap atau sekurang-kurang nya di ketengahkan kepada masyarakat sebagai seorang yang arif di dalam agama Islam. Mufti di anggap bukan sahaja sebagai seorang “jurist” atau ahlul fekah tetapi sebagai seorang “ulamak agama”. Hampir jarang atau tidak kedengaran seorang Melayu Muslim tidak setuju dengan pandangan seorang Mufti kalau dibandingkan sebagai contoh dengan Peguam Negara.

Ini adalah kerana seorang Mufti bukan sahaja di lihat sebagai pakar undang-undang syariah tetapi secara amnya sebagai seorang agama yang disegani. Persepsi am selama ini ialah: bercanggah pendapat dengan seorang Mufti samalah dengan bercanggah pendapat dengan ajaran Islam. Besar kemungkinan pertuduhan terhadap Dr Asri akan mengubah persepsi ini di kalangan masyarakat terhadap kumpulan orang agama. Kini jelas bahawa seolah-olah seorang Mufti hilang “kewibawaan” bercakap mengenai Islam apabila ia menjadi bekas Mufti.

Kalau kita ambil contoh Peguam Negara, satu jawatan yang di hormati oleh peguam-peguam di Negara ini, perkara sedemikian tidak timbul. Bagi Peguam Negara, sebarang pandangan yang bercangah dengan beliau tidak menjadi masalah langsung. Beliau tidak akan kecil hati serta tidak menjadi kesalahan di bawah “perundangan sibil”. Ini adalah kerana didalam disiplin perundangan sibil, perbezaan pandangan benar-benar dianggap sebagai memperkayakan sistem perundangan Negara. Kepelbagaian pandangan adalah suatu yang lazim dan tidak seorang peguam mahupun peguam Negara sendiri yang menekankan hanya pandangan nya diterima sebagai betul. Kesemua hujah-hujah adalah berasaskan nas dan kemunasabahan.

Kedua, faktor keperluan untuk mendapatkan tauliah untuk “mengajar Islam” juga mungkin menimbulkan pelbagai persepsi. Ia membawa implikasi bahawa amalan Islam di Negara ini terikat amat rapat dengan perundangan. Dalam ertikata lain, seorang Melayu Muslim dalam Negara ini tidak dapat mengamalkan Islam kecuali seperti mana yang ditentukan oleh perundangan syariah Negara ini iaitu pengubal-pengubal undang-undang tersebut. Adakah ini membawa maksud bahawa individu Muslim tidak mempunyai sebarang pemilihan dalam mengamalkan Islam seperti mana yang difahami oleh nya?

Walaupun perkara ini adalah berkaitan dengan “mengajar mengenai Islam”, namun rakyat Muslim akan bertanya samada wujud nya perundangan-perundangan lain yang tidak diketahui umum yang membatasi atau mengawal amalan Islam mereka. Tanda tanya ini menjadi serius apabila orang awam membandingkan diri mereka dengan seorang yang berstatus bekas mufti dan graduan universiti berkelulusan phd.

Ketiga, peristiwa ini juga akan mencetuskan perbincangan mengenai apakah yang dimaksudkan dengan istilah “undang-undang” syariah di Negara ini? Ahli akademik memang arif tentang maksud istilah ini dari aspek teori nya. Begitu juga orang awam sekian lama menganggap bahawa istilah ini merujuk kepada “undang-undang Islam” tanpa sebarang soal atau selidik. Namun, kini akan timbul apakah maksud istilah ini dari segi praktiknya?

Setiap orang Islam yang mengambil agama nya secara serius tahu bahawa amalan agama nya adalah bersumberkan Al-Quran dan Sunnah. Ramai yang tidak sedar bahawa perundangan syariah dalam praktis adalah juga bersumberkan ijma ulama dan kias. Kini, seolah-olah terdapat satu lagi kawalan terhadap amalan mereka dari segi praktik iaitu perundangan yang di istilahkan “syariah”. Adakah menjadi kesalahan dibawah perundangan syariah Negara ini sekiranya seorang rakyat Muslim ingin mengesahkan samada yang di istilahkan sebagai “undang-undang syariah” itu benar-benar bertepatan dengan Al-Quran dan Sunnah? Bagaimana jika seorang Muslim itu berpandangan bahawa suatu peruntukkan dibawah undang-undang syariah itu tidak bertepatan dengan AL-Quran dan Sunnah?

Persoalan-persoalan seperti diatas perlu diperjelaskan oleh kerajaan serta ajensi agama supaya Muslim yang ikhlas tidak terlanggar undang-undang syariah Negara ini.
Persoalan-persoalan ini juga penting supaya rakyat Muslim tahu tanggunjawap mereka dibawah undang-undang syariah di Negara ini. Pendekata, jika rakyat Muslim tahu bahawa Islam amalan Negara ini adalah seperti yang ditentukan oleh agensi-agensi agama, maka mudah bagi rakyat Muslim untuk merujuk kepada ajensi berkenaan mengenai sebarang kemusykilan agama.

Jika ini kedudukan nya, paling elok ialah sebuah buku diterbitkan untuk kegunaan rakyat Muslim supaya mereka tahu amalan Islam yang dibenarkan. Melalui cara ini, kita dapat mengelakkan perlanggaran undang-undang secara tidak sengaja.

Salam.

Antara Taksub dan Berfikir - Boleh bincang?

"Berbicara mengenai Maha Pencipta seharusnya menimbulkan pelbagai perasaan diantaranya gementar dalam jiwa (“taqwa”), cinta (“muaddah”) serta kesyukuran. Sepastinya ia juga akan menimbulkan suatu perasaan kuat untuk berkhidmat sebaik mungkin sesama manusia supaya kesejahteraan dapat dirasai bersama.............
Boleh kah Al-Quran menjadi penentu utama tindak tanduk kita sekiranya kita tidak memikirkan, mengupas atau membincangnya?"

You can read the article further here.

Stealing Maize from starving Kid?

This picture taken by Tom Staddart was emailed to me from England. Apparently, the well dressed man has stolen the maize from the kid (yes, he is a human).

While some citizens in some Asian countries are busy fighting with each other on who should get more and who should get less, all this kid in the photo wants, I suppose is just

a little food,

a little clothes

a little home

a little love.

May God forgive us all.

Peace !

Are we being sacrificied by our apathy?

There are too many dangerously disturbing things that are occurring around us and yet we have decided to remain apathetic. Many reasons why we decide to act like that. it does not affect us. It is someone else's problem. They are the minority and therefore they can be sacrificed.

My experience and observation in life has taught me that if you are apathetic to injustice done to others, it will visit you and your family one day.

It will destroy society in the long run.

Remember, remaining apathetic and indifferent is a decision NOT to act.

A friend of mine sent me this email which I would like to share with the Raperas.

Insight into Decision Making - Good One


"A group of children were playing near two railway tracks.

Only one child played on the disused track and the rest are playing on the operational track.

The train is coming and you are just beside the track interchange.
You can make the train change its course to the disused track and save most
of the kids.

However that would also mean the lone child playing by the disused track
would be sacrificed or would you rather let the train go its way?

Let's take a pause to think what kind of decision we could make.......

Most people might choose to divert the course of the train and sacrifice
only one child.

You might think the same way I guess.

To save most of the children at the expense of only one child was a rational decision but most people would make the decision morally and emotionally.
But have you ever thought that the child choosing to play on the disused
track had in fact made the right decision to play at a safe place?

Nevertheless, he had to be sacrificed because of his ignorant friends who
chose to play where the danger was.

This kind of dilemma happens around us everyday.
In the office, community, in politics and especially in a democratic society,
the minority is often sacrificed for the interest of the majority
no matter how foolish or ignorant the majority are and how farsighted and knowledgeable the minority are. The child who chose not to play with the
rest on the operational track was sidelined.

And in the case he was sacrificed no one would shed a tear for him.

The great critic Leo Velski Julian who told the story said he would not try
to change the course of the train because he believed that the kids playing on the operational track should have known very well that track was still
in use and that they should have run away if they heard the train's sirens..

If the train was diverted that lonely child would definitely die because he never thought the train could come over to that track! Moreover that track was not in use probably because it was not safe.

If the train was diverted to the track we could put the lives of all passengers on board at stake!

And in your attempt to save a few kids by sacrificing one child you might end up sacrificing hundreds of people to save these few kids.

While we are all aware that life is full of tough decisions that need to be made
we may not realize that hasty decisions may not always be the right one.

'Remember that what's right isn't always popular... and what's popular isn't always right.'

Everybody makes mistakes, that's why they put erasers on pencils".

Peace !

Sex and politics: Political Impotence in Malaysia.

Used in the sexual sense, impotence refers to the man’s consistent inability to sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse or the inability to achieve ejaculation, or both. Impotence can vary. It can involve a total inability to achieve an erection or ejaculation, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only very brief erections.

Compare this with political impotence. Can we say that political impotence refers to “the politicians’ consistent inability to sustain the political will sufficient for holistic reforms or the inability to achieve holistic advancement of the Nation, or both. Impotence can vary. It can involve a total inability to achieve holistic advancement of the Nation or holistic reforms, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only very brief political will.

On the causes of impotence, it says that “The risk of impotence increases with age. Men with less education are also more likely to experience impotence, perhaps because they tend to have less healthy lifestyles, eat a less healthy diet, drink more and exercise less. Physical exercise tends to lessen the risk of impotence”.

Again, the risks of sexual impotence seem to be consistent with the risks of political impotence. The longer a politician is in power, he is at a higher risk of political impotence. Hence the need to shorten him term in power.

Politicians with less education (one should not confuse with the mere possession of a degree or masters and nowadays even with Phd.s with education), tend to suffer greater degree of political impotence. They have no vision, they are unable to recognize the changes in society (dinasourous attitude) and even when they speak, the thinking Rakyat feels offended or embarrassed. This probably explains why many politicians in Malaysia like to employ “school debate style” of making speeches. What is lacking in substance is desperately dressed in the form of theatrics, “jokes”, and often they seem to shout into the microphone. The worse form of offence is their presumption that merely because the audience cannot “switch them off” like a television, they think the audience enjoys the sound of their voice!

Don’t you yearn or fantasise for a speech of substance?

If you had mingled with those in power and politics, you will find that the last serious text book that they read was for their last examination paper in University. Since then, their information comes solely from the mainstream newspaper, their political cronies and flies constantly around them and the occasional photocopied section of a magazine prepared by their political secretaries whose discerning ability is equally in question.

In any event, it does not take a genius to figure out that with the number of publicity events, meeting their supporters, dinning, opening this and that, etc, etc…they have no time to read, reflect and think. Is it any wonder than that they scorn and ridicule the thinking section of the public? Is it also any wonder than that intellectuals and thinking people avoid political parties like a plague and even if they were a member of any party, they will remain in the far corner of party membership till their dying day.

You must and need to know this – the politicians are actually averse to any well-informed, critical and intelligent Rakyat. This is the reason why they, either directly or indirectly, play a critical role in the suppression of thoughts, ideas, books and knowledge in general. What they do not understand, they feel threatened and hence, surgical removal is their quick solution.

Back to sexual impotence which may be due to lack of physical exercise, political impotence occurs when there is a lack of mental exercise. When the mind is not properly utilized and challenged, it becomes dull and uncreative. When it is dull and uncreative, it regurgitates ideas that have outlived their shelf life. Hence, it should not be surprising at all that we find politicians across all divides speaking of the same things for decades and excuse it in the name of continuity!

I think we the Rakyat may be focusing on the wrong things for now in terms of political choice. Of course it will be easy to limit our choices to the existing parties. That seems to be what we are doing with our new clamour for a two party system. That’s fine. But we need to go further, the People have to find a way to increase the quality of politicians in our midst especially those who presumptuously become leaders upon being elected.

We have to somehow send a signal to the existing crop of politicians that if we want good quality drama or comedy we can either select from the cable channels or simply youtube. Maybe we should just get up and leave a speech if it gets rather unintelligent or comical? This may seem rude. Possibly we should hold a demonstration if a mainstream newspaper gives front page coverage to a really dumb statement from a clueless politician? Doesn’t help and I am merely kidding with this one.

I think we may start with this – insist that before any politician speaks, he must share with us in brief a good serious book that he has read that week – and understood. Hmm….


Peace !

Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin to head Syariah Reforms (tajdid) Commission in this country?

Our experience in the past 10 years or so has shown that there are many serious issues confronting the Syariah laws as passed in this country. Much of the syariah laws are hand me downs from the colonial era with some amendments here and there. Quite apart from these. You also have for example, the Criminal Procedure Code remodified for the purposes of use in some Syariah Courts and renamed as Syariah Criminal Procedure Code.

There has also been serious problems with the manner in which discretions were used by the respective religious authorities. There are unhealthy perceptions among the Malaysian public that some of these discretions were applied selectively and arbitrarily. Such a perception needs to be addressed as it will impact upon the institution of syariah aws in the country. For example, while the syariah law of the respective state allowed the caning of Kartika for the offence with which she was charged, many were not only surprised but even appeared to question the sentence of caning. This does not augur well for the “syariah system”, for the “image of Islam” and for the Nation as a whole.

I feel that it is beyond time that the Nation embarked on a serious, long term reform of the “syariah system”. Since independence to date, it seems that there has been no effort to form a serious committee to seriously relook at the nature of syariah laws and its implementation in the country.

To this end, I humbly suggest that the Government take steps to form the commission that will be empowered to study and suggest various reforms to the syariah laws. In some cases, it can identify which areas of the laws that requires reform and further study.

Admittedly, this will not be an easy task. This is because, the task will require for the commission members to primarily start from the premise of the accepted sources of Islamic jurisprudence that is:

1) Quran - will not pose much problem
2) Sunnah – may pose some problems
3) Ijmak - will pose great problems
4) Qias – will pose great problems.

The problem with Sunnah/hadith will be the differentiation between what is authentic and what is not. Many Islamic scholars, as Dr Asri himself has pointed out before that many Islamic scholars quite uncaringly or negligently rely on doubtful hadith in thier speeches and writings. For those familiar with Islamic jurisprudence, this is trite. Apart from the basic four above, there are also other ‘accepted sources of Islamic jurisprudence.

In Malaysia, the recognized “understanding of Islam” is sunnah wal jamaah or Sunni. Shia and other “brands of Islam” is illegal. In this Sunni group, there are four main schools of thought namely, Shafie, Maliki, Hanafi and Hambali. Shafie views are given particular predominance in search for legal rulings. However, here also one may encounter problems of diverse juristic exegesis within and among the said schools.

So, as I said, it can be quite a challenge for the commission members to come up with agreed recommendations for reform especially when details are descended into. Nevertheless, the alternative seems to be continued chaos.

I would suggest that the Tajdid commission should comprise scholars from various universities and various disciplines. It will be a mistake to take only the scholars from a particular Middle Eastern University as they will probably prefer the understanding and teachings of their respective professors. Likewise, I will also suggest that the commission members should be made up of scholars and/or intellectual thinkers who have not gone through the formal “Islamic formal education system”. This is important as it will give a fresh dimension to the thinking and discussion that will take place among the commission members.

The inclusion of scholars and/or intellectual thinkers who have not gone through the formal “Islamic formal education system” may assist the commission to look beyond the form and at the substance.

Further, the commission should also include legal experts from the non-syariah system. Again, through the discussion, exchange of views among the commission members, we cannot discount the possibility that one Malaysian Legal System may emerge. Fro example, is the traffic light rules and regulations from the non-syariah system uniIslamic?

And who better than Dr Asri or Dr Maza, as he is popularly called to head the commission?

Peace !

Religious Arrogance – Dangerous attitude for peaceful living. A SECURITY THREAT?

The StarOnline reported that the Malaysian Syariah Lawyers Association (PGSM)has apologied to Dr Asri over a memorandum the association submitted to the King protesting against Dr Mohd Asri’s proposed appointment as head the Islamic Da’wah Foun-dation Malaysia (Yadim). Of course it is the sole right of Dr Asri whether to accept or reject the apology without further action.

However, as far as the public is concerned we should NOT forget the larger issues and simply treat each matter in a fire fighting manner or sweep matters under the carpet in a typical "Malaysian good natured way" only to breed a worse monster in the future!

The outcome of the debacle involving Jais and Dr Azri is still pending.

In the mean time, I thought it may be useful to revisit these two articles which I wrote in April and June 2009.

http://jahaberdeen.blogspot.com/2009/06/religious-arrogance-dangerous-attitude.html

http://jahaberdeen.blogspot.com/2009/04/let-me-tackle-difficult-sensitive-issue.html

Peace !

[As usual, I stand to be corrected]

Can Islamic issues be discussed without the permission of the religious authorities?

Dr Mohd Asri’s recent debacle with Jais has raised very pertinent questions for the Nation as a whole. Initially reports seem to suggest that his dramatic arrest (there were almost 30 police personnel and Jais officers) concerns him delivering a lecture on Islam without a “tauliah”. For all practical purposes, a “tauliah” will denote permission from the relevant religious authorities to lecture on “matters Islamic”. This need for permission from religious authorities before someone can speak on Islamic matters raises serious issues.

1. Firstly, the impact on an ordinary Muslim’s right and duty to share and exchange views on Islam. It is every Muslim’s duty to call people towards the performance of good deeds and the avoidance of evil deeds. This duty will necessarily involve a Muslim speaking from his Muslim perspective and from his understanding of the Quran and Sunnah. It will appear from the arrest of a former Mufti for purportedly giving his views on Islamic issues that prior permission must be obtained from the religious authority before any Muslim wants to express his views on Islam. There is now this confusion and concern among the Muslims in the country.

The ordinary Muslim is not aware that there is a need to obtain prior permission from the religious authorities before they can share their views on Islam or engage in a discussion on Islamic issues. If indeed this permission is required under the State syariah laws, several other questions may arise. What are the criteria of approval or is it merely arbitrary? Who decides the criteria on behalf of the millions of Muslims in this country? Will this impinge on the Muslim’s duty to practice his Muslim obligations without fear or favour? If at all the Muslims in this country feel that there must be control over the Muslim’s right of expression, then surely there must clear and publicized set of guidelines/rules?


2. Secondly, it also raises concerns whether academics, bloggers, columnists and such will now be subjected to the requirement that they must first obtain prior approval from the religious authorities before they can express their views and thoughts. Again, one needs to consider whether such a requirement will in the long run stifle academic and intellectual development in Islamic thought since the ones who are going to determine whether permission should be granted or not are paid civil servants. There is also the issue of mazhab preference and issue-centric preference. What will happen if the “approval person” of the day is not inclined to the thoughts of a particular mazhab? This will result in the general public not benefiting from the knowledge.

3. As a result of point (2) above, we have to seriously consider the impact on the growth and development of Islamic thought in the country. It is a real possibility that control over the expression and discussion of diverse views on Islam will lead to the existence of only one mode of thinking and state of mind which need not necessarily be consonant with the principles of the Quran and the Sunnah. If laws and state apparatus are used to control the ordinary Muslim’s mind, then who is to question whether what is stated is indeed consistent with the Quran and the Sunnah? Under such a regime, any sincere effort to invite alternative thinking and to consider alternative interpretations will become a state offence.

4. Thirdly, one has to ask what is the role of the Federal Constitution in all these. Article 10 (1) of the Federal Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression to all the citizens subject only to such restrictions as Parliament may pass pursuant to Article 10(2). It is arguable that requiring a Muslim to seek permission from the State before he can speak or write on his own religion is an infringement of his constitutional rights so long as they do not offend the provisions under Article 10 (2).

5. Fourthly, Article 11 (1) guarantees that, subject to clause (4), every citizen has the right to practice and profess his religion. Surely this right must also extend to the Muslim citizen to profess and practice his religion. Surely the Muslim also has equal protection (Article 8) and rights under the law as the non-Muslims? However, while the non-Muslim does not have to seek prior approval to organize talks or seminars with regards to his religion, the Muslim citizen appears to have this added hurdle to cross in order to exercise his rights under Article 10 and Article 11 (1). Is this constitutional? Is this legal? I will not ask the question if this hurdle is consistent with the Quran since it is not (my humble view – stand to be corrected).

6. Fifthly, this Dr Asri episode also requires us to visit and understand article 11 (4) of the Federal Constitution. Art 11 (4) provides that state and federal laws may control or restrict the propagation of any religious beliefs or doctrines among persons professing the religion of Islam. All this while, many lawyers I have spoken to have usually interpreted this to refer to the propagation of other religions to Muslims. However, the word used in the constitution is “any” religion and in the “Islamic world” there are diverse views even though the basic belief is the same. Hence, on these two facts coupled with Dr Asri’s episode, will it not be correct to say that Article 11 (4) may be interpreted to mean that even a Muslim may be restricted to propagate Islamic doctrines and beliefs to another Muslim or group of Muslims? Possibly the “correct” interpretation is that only authorized persons can propagate “Islamic beliefs and doctrines” to Muslims citizens. In other words, “state determined Islam” which will therefore be largely dependant on “who (person/individuals) is the real ‘state’ at the particular time”. Mind boggling? Yes, this is what happens when you legislate faith!

I welcome comments on the above article as I think it has immense far reaching implications not only on the issues of law but also on the position of the Muslim as being a servant of Allah.

Peace !

Datuk Seri Najib Questions motive behind Dr Asri’s arrest (“The DrMaza Fiasco”)

The StarOnline reports that the PM has questioned the motive behind Dr Mohd Asri’s arrest.  The PM reportedly said:

“Najib said that Dr Mohd Asri was a truthful speaker whose talks were always backed by proof and clear dalil (quaranic and Hadith verses).
“I don’t know what is the motive of the arrest. It was done by the state religious agency. It has nothing to do with the Federal Government,” he told reporters on Monday after launching a Pasar Tani convention”

While it is comforting to hear the PM assure the public that the “DrMaza Fiasco” has nothing to do with the Federal Government, it is disturbing to hear the entry of Jakim into this fiasco. Jakim is a Federal Institution and any act by Jakim will certainly be interpreted as having the tacit or direct approval of the federal Government.

It now appears that a Jakim officer has alleged that the undergraduate degree obtained by Dr Asri is false!!! This is a serious allegation and one wonders why this is now made in the heat of the “Dr Maza Fiasco”? Is something brewing behind the closed religious doors of Malaysia which the public in general and the Muslim public in particular do not know about?

If the Federal Government does not set the record straight by taking bold actions, the public perception will move in one direction.

Dr Asri’s unthinkable arrest is the tip of the iceberg and a trailer of a greater show to come.

What is more worrisome is the question – do our leaders know what is going on behind the very tightly closed doors of the powerful religious corridors? I have raised this matter many times over the past many years to many leaders (ministers, prime ministers and a deputy minister – will not mention names) but they seem to be in the blur and/or too “fearful” to interfere where the word “Islam” is uttered. Only last month, I have raised the need for Muslim political leaders to be aware of the trend “Islam” is taking in this country and the quiet but effective quest for control over the Malays by non-elected individuals with the religious tag. I will call this “hidden group” as “religious dominators”.

There appears to be a hidden movement to convert this country into a type “Islamic state” as dictated by the religious dominators. It is as if a conspiracy has been going on under the very noses of the public and the leaders. One day we may wake up in a country that we do not recognize – and this includes the Muslims! I am sincerely afraid that the current crop of leaders does not seem to understand the issues and the gravity of the movement. At the end, the sensible and peace loving people may suffer.

It is of concern to the Muslim populace of this country because the unthinkable conclusion is that the determination of “things Islamic” is completely in the hands of paid “religious civil servants”.  It is frightening that while in all areas we are clamoring for accountability and transparency, in matters concerning Islam (and I am a Muslim), those who are given the responsibility (and paid to do so) to “develop things Islamic” are going about it in a much unseen manner.

Are political leaders impotent when the people voice out their views on “matters Islamic”? I think people generally want to see the Government showing leadership, and under Najib, it appears to be showing some signs of leadership but in areas touching religion – what happened?

It is about time that we seriously, honestly and intellectually address the issue of where “Islam” is going in this country and “who” is dictating its form in the larger interests of those who want to practice Islam in peace and the Nation.

Dr Asri, I wish you strength in this test.

Peace!

Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin arrested !!! Religious power play at work or politics?

The nation was shocked this morning with news of the arrest of Dr Asri Zainul Abidin, the former Mufti of Perlis. Dr Asri is popular with many people in the country for his moderate and sensible approach to Islam. Apparently, Dr Asri was giving a lecture in a bungalow attended by about 100 people in Ulu Klang from 8 pm.  According to Utusan Online, a team of police officers and Jais officers were outside the bungalow from 8 pm and entered the bungalow at 9.30pm.

Initial reports say that he was arrested at 12 midnight for delivering a religious lecture without certification (“tauliah”) - notwithstanding his credentials as a former State Mufti!!! (ordinary Muslims – watch out!) His statement was recorded for almost an hour at the Ulu Klang police station.

The number of police personnel and Jais officers that were present to arrest this former Mufti is mind-boggling – one would think Dr Asri is a dangerous criminal! Anyone who knows him will know that he is a mild mannered man with smiles all the time.

What is more mind boggling is the report that his earlier Jais bond (release) on the charge of section 119 of the Enakmen Pentadbiran Agama Islam Selangor has been replaced with an agreement to meet up with the Jais officers at a date to be fixed. Couldn’t Jais have met up with Dr Asri earlier? Why embarrass and trouble the man?

Another thing: Jais Head of Public Relations, Mohd Hidayat Abd Rani apparently told Malaysiakini that the arrest of Dr Asri is due to complaints received from the public for the past three years. That Dr Asri has been giving lectures without certification (tauliah). Then why was he not charged? Shouldn’t Jais be prepared if indeed there is proof of his wrong doing according to the Selangor Syariah Enakments?

 

MStarOnline further reports this:

“Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Jamil Khir Baharom menggesa pihak Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor (JAIS) untuk memberikan keterangan berhubung isu penangkapan dan tuduhan yang dibuat terhadap bekas Mufti Perlis, Dr Asri Zainol Abidin”.

Apparently, Dr Asri was asked to be present in court in the morning which he did, but Jais  arrived late in the afternoon!  What is happening? Jais has to explain clearly to the people what it is up to. 

Surely even a religious department must have accountability to the people since it is funded by the people and their actions concerns the people.

People are watching.

More news on Dr Asri’s arrest on the following links:

http://www.mstar.com.my/berita/cerita.asp?file=/2009/11/2/mstar_berita/20091102145338&sec=mstar_berita

http://drmaza.com/home/?p=777

The video of his arrest (please observe the number of police personnel deployed!):

Peace !