JOMHEBOH: KARTIKA SARI DEWI SHUKARNO DISEBAT?

Firstly, I apologise that this article is quite lenghty. Secondly, it is written in Malay as I hope Malays will read it. It is meant for them.

Kes Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno menimbulkan pelbagai reaksi daripada pelbagai pihak – PM, politikus, pakar undang-undang, Ketua Hakim Mahkamah Syariah negeri Terengganu dan lain-lain. Rata-rata nampak nya tidak menyokong hukuman sebatan keatas Kartika.

BAGAIMANA KES IN TIMBUL?

Kartika di dapati meminum bir di Cherating Bay Lounge, the Legend Hotel di Cherating at about 11.40pm on July 11, 2008. Beliau telah dihadapkan di Mahkamah Syariah diatas tuduhan meminum bir yang menjadi kesalahan jenayah dan dihukum dibawah Seksyen 136 Enakmen Pentadbiran Undang-undang Islam dan Adat Melayu. Beliau mengaku salah.

JADI, APA KEPUTUSAN MAHKAMAH TINGGI SYARIAH KUANTAN?

Hakim Mahkamah Tinggi Syariah Datuk Abdul Rahman Yunus yang mendengar kes ini telah memerintah hukuman terhadap Kartika dengan denda RM5,000.00 dan sebatan 6 kali dengan rotan. Hakim Mahkamah Tinggi ini merasakan wajar untuk mengenakan hukuman sebatan yang paling maksimum yang dibenarkan oleh Enakmen Syariah Pahang terhadap Kartika. Beliau menjalankan tugas berdasarkan apa yang dibenarkan oleh undang-undang Syariah Negeri Pahang. Didalam penghakiman beliau, Datuk Abdul Rahman juga berkata Kartika akan dipenjarakan selama 3 tahun sekiranya gagal untuk membayar denda itu.

Hakim Mahkamah Tinggi Syariah Datuk Abdul Rahman Yunus juga dilaporkan berkata

"The court reached the judgment after the accused pleaded guilty. We feel the sentence is fair after going through the prosecution's argument and since the rotan is provided for in the law.

"The rotan is aimed at making the accused repent and serves as a lesson to Muslims."

Mahkamah merasakan hukuman itu adalah adil. Mengikut Hakim, hukuman itu juga bertujuan sebagai pengajaran kepada Muslim yang lain.

Pihak pendakwaan (iaitu bagi pihak kerajaan Pahang), diwakili oleh timbalan pendakwara Saiful Idham Sahimi. Kartika pula diwakili oleh seorang peguam syarie bernama Mohd Zuki Che Muhamad Ghani.yang mengesahkan bahawa Kartika tidak akan merayu terhadap hukuman.

Kes selesai. Hanya menunggu hukuman untuk dilaksanakan. Lazimnya tidak ada yang mempertikaikan lagi keputusan yang di buat berlandaskan undang-undang yang telah di luluskankan oleh Dewan Undangan Negeri bersama dengan kelulusan Raja-raja Melayu.


APA PULA PENDIRIAN KARTIKA?


Sebenarnya, aneh bertanya soalan diatas kerana kita jarang bertanya soalan: apakah pendirian penjenayah dalam mana-mana kes. Dari kacamata undang-undang Syariah Pahang, Kartika telah melakukan kesalahan jenayah iaitu meminum bir. Namun keadaan kes ini memerlukan kita bertanya soalan diatas.

Kartika dilaporkan berkata demikian:

“I will accept this Earthly punishment, let Allah decide my punishment in the hereafter…for now the court has yet to tell me when the sentence will be carried out, so I would like to ask them to hasten it.
“I truly respect the court’s decision…I admit that it’s my offence and not that of others’, it’s not the offence of my parents, not the offence of my other family members,” a teary Kartika Sari Dewi told reporters when met here, on Wednesday.
Beliau akur dan menghormati keputusan Mahkamah Syariah itu dan mahu hukuman ini dijalankan dengan secepat mungkin. Beliau mahu perkara ini selesai secepat mungkin. Beliau juga minta supaya hukuman ini dijalankan di hadapan khalayak ramai, in public. Secara logic, kalau niat Hakim Syarie adalah untuk perkara ini menjadi pengajaran kepada Muslim yang lain, mungkin bernas permintaan Kartika bahawa ia di rotan di hadapan khalayak ramai. Mana tahu, dengan demikian kita dapat membanteras sekali gus “gejala dasyat meminum bir ini”.

Malangnya, selepas dijatuhkan hukuman dan rela menjalani hukuman, pelbagai pihak pula kini cuba melenggahkan hukuman ini! Pelbagai pihak ini pula bukan lah jenis yang terdiri daripada demonstrasi jalanan tetapi yang berkuasa, yang dianggap bijak pandai serta yang dianggap pakar dalam bidang syaria dan undang-undang.

Melenggahkan hukuman syaria Negeri Pahang ini memberi tekanan kepada Kartika sehingga beliau di laporkan sebagai berkata bahawa beliau di perbuat sebagai bola sepak oleh pihak-pihak tertentu:

“Describing herself as "a football being kicked around", she questioned her status because the religious department had not given her any definite answer for not carrying out the punishment on her"

Ada juga pihak-pihak yang seolah-olah tidak senang dengan hukuman yang dikenakan keatas Kartika.

SIAPA YANG KOMEN, SIAPA YANG KURANG SENANG? MENGAPA?

Dr Lo'lo Mohd Ghazali MP Titiwangsa telah disalah lapor oleh berita perdana tertentu kononnya beliau tekejut bahawa Mahakamah Syariah di Malaysia membenarkan hukuman rotan bagi pesalah wanita. Beliau memberi penjelasan didalam blog nya

dimana beliau jelas menyokong hukuman ini. Beliau menulis:

“Memang saya terkejut kerana ada juga Mahkamah Syariah di Malaysia yang berupaya menghukum pesalah dengan hukuman sebegitu walaupun peruntukkan tersebut telah lama ada. Tetapi baru sekarang hukuman sebegitu dijatuhkan bagi pesalah kesalahan tersebut. Saya amat bersetuju dengan hukuman tersebut kerana sekurang-kurangnya hukuman tersebut begitu hampir dengan hukuman Hudud. Di dalam Hudud, hukuman bagi pesalah minum arak adalah 40 kali sebatan malah ada ulamak yang mengatakan sehingga 80 kali sebatan”.

Beliau juga menulis:

“Akhir sekali, SYABAS KEPADA MAHKAMAH SYARIAH KUANTAN dan Syukur Alhamdulillah kepada Puan Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarnor yang telah menginsafi perbuatan tersebut. Moga Allah menerima taubat hambaNya yang menyesali kesalahan. DI SINI SAYA LONTARKAN PERSOALAN INI KEPADA SEMUA ORANG ISLAM DI MALAYSIA, SIAPAKAH YANG SEPATUTNYA DISEBAT DALAM ISU ARAK DI MALAYSIA??...

Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib berpendapat bahawa Kartika seharusnya membuat rayuan terhadap hukuman tersebut (Kartika tidak mahu rayu.). Manakala, Menteri Dalam Negeri Dato’ Hishammuddin Onn pula mengatakan bahawa kita tidak mempunyai pengalaman serta “expertise” dalam menjalankan hukuman ini. (Kalau tidak ada expertise, mengapa di jadikan undang-undang?)

Menteri Wanita, keluarga dan Pembangunan Masyarakat Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil juga berpendapat bahawa hukuman yang dikenakan itu adalah keterlaluan



Di lapurkan juga bahawa timbalan president Persatuan Peguam-peguam Syarie Malaysia iaitu Musa Awang menanggap kenyataan sedemikian merupakan satu cabaran serta penghinaan kepada Mahkamah Syariah Kuantan. Memang aneh apabila ada kenyataan mempertikai dibuat terhadap suatu hukuman yang diperintah oleh suatu Mahkamah berlandaskan undang-undang sedia ada. Lagi pun, pesalah sendiri yang diwakili oleh peguam yang semestinya diberi nasihat guaman telah memutus untuk tidak mengemukakan sebarang rayuan!

Musa menjelaskan bahawa “a rotan or small branch should be used for whipping and that it should be not more than 1.22 metre long and not more than 1.25cm thick” mengikut undang-undang Syariah. Hukuman syariah di terima rata-rata sebagai hukuman Allah.

Ketua Hakim Syariah Terengganu Datuk Ismail Yahya juga membangkitkan isu bahawa jika Kartika ditahan dalam penjara untuk di sebat, ini adalah ultra vires perlembagaan iaitu melanggar peruntukkan perlembagaan.

Nampak nya jalan keluar ialah untuk pihak TPR membuat rayuan kepada Mahkamah Rayuan Syariah Pahang supaya hukuman terhadap Kartika ditambah dengan hukuman penahanan dalam penjara!

Penasihat Jakim Mohd Zulbahrin Zainuddin pula dilaporkan berkata bahawa penjara hanya lah tempat untuk Kartika menungu untuk menjalankan hukuman dan ia nya bukan lah hukuman tambahan”.

Majlis Peguam juga di laporkan berpendirian bahawa hukuman sebatan in bertentangan dengan hak asasi manusia. Tetapi ini bukan kah sudah di luluskan sebagai undang-undang syariah negeri Pahang?

JADI, APA DENGAN SEMUA INI? APA HEBOH NYA?

Saya pun kurang faham. Kenapa ada MP atau Adun kini sahaja membuat pelbagai komen terhadap hukuman syariah dalam Negara ini? Dimana mereka ini sepanjang 50 tahun selepas merdeka dimana pelbagai undang-undang syariah digubal dan diluluskan? Bukan kah Adun-adun BN yang meluluskan semua undang-undang syariah yang ada hari ini? Mengapa tidak bahas, komen dahulu atau teliti dahulu semasa pembentangan dalan dewan undangan negeri dan di luluskan sebagai undang-undang? Tak berani ke? Atau jahil? Atau tak peduli? Atau ketiga-tiga sekali?

Labi pun, bukan ke hampir semua rakyat Melayu menerima undang-undang syariah dalam Negara ini sebagai hukuman Allah atau setidak-tidak nya hampir dengan hukuman “hudud” yng di terima sebagai hukuman Allah? Kalau jawapan nya ya, kalau pesalah dah mengaku salah, mengapa heboh? Hukuman Allah boleh tukar-tukar sesuka hati ke? Aneh!

Kalau jawapan nya tidak, mengapa tidak mahu mengorak langkah kearah reformasi undang-undang syariah? Mengapa tidak lakukan tajdid? Kalau tidak boleh, tidak mampu atau tidak peduli, diam saja lah wahai YB-YB!

I have raised the matter of tajdid to various MPs, ministers, including one former deputy prime Minister and even one former Prime Minister (when he was PM). Some agree with me in private and the others – they cannot understand it! Actually, I felt that they do not care because it is politically sensitive.

Fire fighting attitudes among the elected representatives is becoming tiring and boring for the Rakyat! If you cannot do the job, just resign and give up/sacrifice the” glory”. Be a shopkeeper or a hawker somewhere – at least you earn rezeki yang halal!

Peace !

NOTA: Saya juga kurang faham bagaimana penundaan hukuman ini pada bulan Ramadan di anggap sebagai "menghormati bulan Ramadan". Menundakan perjalankan hukuman syariah yang diterima oleh Melayu di negara ini sebagai hukuman Allah adalah penghormatan ke? Saya memang kurang faham pemikiran ini.

What Do I write about the Quran?

Now that the Let’s Read The Quran Campaign is on, I thought that it is incumbent upon me to write something about the Quran or something Quran related. I wanted to write something about it for the past two days but my mind went blank. I could write nothing even though my friends and clients have always “complained” that I could not hold a conversation without invoking verses from the Quran or from alluding to God. That is my one of my weakness for a very longtime.

This is not the first time something like this happened. Many times before, even when I was writing for Berita Harian some years back. I could never write when I wanted to such that, I told BH not to give me a deadline to meet. Just publish when I write and they agreed. When I cannot write on Quran related topics, the following verse always pops into my mind automatically:

“High above all is God, the King, the Truth! Be not in haste with the Qur'an before its revelation to you is completed, but say, "O my Lord! advance me in knowledge." (Quran: 20.114)

Speaking for myself, when I am forcing myself to write for a “dateline” or a “task” I feel uncomfortable deep within my heart. I cannot write for any other purpose on the Quran other than circumstantial relevancy. I envy those who can write on Quran and related topics for a salary or a wage or a purpose other than to share (and self learn) the messages of the Quran. I also cannot imagine myself earning wages out of the Quran. The following verses have always been uppermost in my mind whenever I want to write or speak on the Quran:

“And verily your Lord knows all that their hearts do hide. As well as all that they reveal” (Quran: 27:74)

I do not wish to fall into the trap of the Satan that may make me write or speak on the Quran for purposes other than ‘pure’. For example, to show-off or to proclaim self-righteousness, or ‘syok sendiri’. Ego is a deceptive devil that can cause you to syirik.

“Have you seen the one who took his ego (desire) as his god, and God led him astray, despite his knowledge, and He sealed his hearing and his heart, and He made a veil on his eyes? Who then can guide him after God? Will you not remember?” (Quran 45:23)

It is a real problem, especially with knowledgeable people or people who think they are knowledgeable, they can become arrogant, egoistic and forceful in nature. That to me is worship of the ego. I sincerely have no desire to force my understanding on anyone. I consider myself a student of the Quran and hopefully, before I die I can have the opportunity to understand most of it.

So, when am I able write about the Quran?

Well, actually, almost everyday for about half hour to relax but I write it for myself. Those are not meant for the world. When I do publish articles or thoughts on the Quran, they are those that I have a deep feeling that I have to write and most of them are written from my heart. It is a kind of feeling that if I do not write or speak, I am either ‘playing safe’ or being untrue to myself or to God and that my head will soon explode.

All my life, there are many “Quran projects and religious activities" I shun from because you are expected to contribute”. My good friends sometimes find this attitude of mine exasperating. Some of them understand my fear that belonging to a “committee” or a “club” may make me like the desert Arabs who have to make an impression and become a hypocrite.

“The desert Arabs who lagged behind will say to you: "We were engaged in (looking after) our flocks and herds, and our families: do you then ask forgiveness for us." They say with their tongues what is not in their hearts. Say: "Who then has any power at all (to intervene) on your behalf with God, if His Will is to give you some loss or to give you some profit? But God is well acquainted with all that you do”. (Quran: 48:11)


Well, I am actually writing for myself trying to sort out why I cannot write. If this is published on the blog, then it is meant to be so.


Peace !

Peace!Good news, we are bringing back the Let’s Read The Quran Campaign this Bulan Puasa.

Campaign name: Let’s Read The Quran (2)

Logo/icon: As the above

During the first campaign (January 14 – February 14 2009) there were four friends Syed, Walski, Marina and Anas who got together in the campaign and about 50 blogs participated helping us reach a larger audience.

This time around, four more friends will be part of the main team; they are Art Harun, Jahamy, Pah Nur and Nizam Bashir.

To recap, the campaign is not only for Muslims, but also for our brothers and sisters who are Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs and those who believe in God and a proper way of doing things – come join us and share your ideas! You can join this campaign even if you are an atheist!

The goal of this campaign is to encourage people to read the Quran in the language they understand most and find in it areas of common value for our day to day living.

We also want to hear your feedback and comments.


What is the Campaign all about?

Read the Quran in the language that you are familiar with.

When will the campaign start and end?

August 22nd to September 21st (Hari Raya Aidil Fitri)

Where?

Participating blogs in the blogosphere.

Why?

So more people know what the Quran says and what the Quran does not say and to match its relevance to our daily lives.

Who?

Anyone who wants to – the more the merrier! If you have a Blog, Facebook, etc carry the logo/icon.

How?

- To join the campaign, place the accompanying logo/icon at your blog.

- Write or share short articles based on the Quranic text.

- Share what you find in the Quran with family and friends.

- Ask questions about the Quranic message- Read the Quran – eg click here http://www.islamicity.com/QuranSearch , www.altafsir.com

Peace and Thanks,

Marina Mahathir http://rantingsbymm.blogspot.com
Syed Akbar Ali http://syedsoutsidethebox.blogspot.com
Walski http://asylum60.blogspot.com
Art Harun http://art-harun.blogspot.com
Pah Nur http://lunchatthelakeclub.blogspot.com
Rapera http://jahaberdeen.blogspot.com
Nizam Bashir http://nizambashir.com and,
Anas Zubedy http://letusaddvalue.blogspot.com

Peace !

NOTE: Those who are interested may read some views on the Quran at the blog "Journey to God"

CAN'T WE JUST LET IT BE???

I have found many times in this country it is "tough" to be a Muslim, especially if you want to practice your faith as you understand.

For example, the song "Let It Be" by Beatles used to be my comforting and inspiring song to uplift me during my teens when I find that the going gets tough. Till today, automatically the song rhymes in my head when something challenging or disastrous happens.

To my Muslim mind, it means "redha". 'I with me', there are no problems. But I remember when I spoke about this song in my teens, an ustad overheard this and rebuked me: " How can you listen to this song and say it is nice? Jaga, nanti termasuk kristian".

To day of course if any person tells me the same thing that the ustad said I will probably ask him if he really thinks I am stupid as I may look or as weak as him to falter in faith due to a song. I wished people can just see the main message without reading too much into something that is probably born from their prejudice or insecurity.

But I would have thought that such a phenomenon would have died many years ago but no...even up to date, if you are a Muslim, you may find another Muslim (a complete stranger whom you never even knew existed before that) coming up to you and telling you what you can and you cannot do as a Muslim. (but be sure, he will not be giving you any money or an opportunity to make money - that is something private!) They will be busy wanting to save your souls but your body - you can do it on your own!

Over the years, we Muslims seem to have cultivated a culture whereby when it comes to "religious matters" it is not necessarily private and anyone else who has the "religious credentials" or appears to have can talk down to you and tell you how to behave - otherwise, you can be sent to stand in the corner of society! In matters of religion, you may be treated like you are still a child!

After many, many years and with total faith in Allah, I now will like to share publicly a very inspiring song by the Beatles - "Let It Be"...let Allah's grace shower upon all of us to bring forth love and understanding irrespective of our diverse backgrounds.

Peace !

Politics! Politics! Politics!

Politics is so horrible in the hands of those who see it only as a tool to further enhance their “positions and self” in life. It also makes monsters of people. With the by-election in Permatang Pasir, some blogs will be very busy. Sometimes you wonder what are these people “struggling for”? What is their cause, if any, other than mere partisan interests.

Bloggers. I know a blogger friend who, on hand has certain apparently “solid” ideas on what Islam is but I see that he has absolutely no qualms supporting parties that clearly go against his Islamic stand”. This I cannot understand. Of course you can never argue with this friend of mine (neither do I see any need to), because he will have rationalizations of sorts though to me, the issue is clear from the facts and the Quran.

And then you have the boring and dangerous race and religious card being played out by all and any side in the elections. One person apparently spoke about pigs on the streets if PAS wins. I do not support PAS though I have very good friends who are good people and good Muslims who are PAS members because in my view, as a Muslim I cannot support a party like PAS because I cannot appreciate its “brand of Islam” as potrayed by the leadership. (I may support it if it returns to the Quran)

However, I will not say that if PAS wins, there will be pigs on the streets. That is really in bad taste and reflects major immaturity and ignorance of the Quran.

I may say that if PAS wins we will have confusion on what Islam is and we will have typical dictatorial behavior of the type that theological political leaders are usually inclined to. The case in point being the beer issue in Selangor and the saying that those who support UMNO will not go to heaven. Hmm..how about those that support PKR,MIC, MCA, etc? I do not like nor trust politicians who behave like gods on earth. Sooner or later, they will say that all except those that are sanctioned by them will go to heaven.

Anyway, who am I but an ordinary citizen of this country who is subjected to the rule of law and the usual challenges of life? I may very well be in trouble with the law for what I write.

But politicians? They can get away with anything they say, do or write. They rule the law!

Imagine if I say: ban pork eating! I may be arrested for sedition.

Imagine if I say that those Muslims who do not agree with my views are kafirs? I will be hauled up for deviant teachings.

But of course, I will not say any of the two above because I am a Muslim and I am not insane.

Also, I am not a politician who has to make a mark by uttering lies, insensitive and imbecilic statements.


Peace!

REGULATE THE “HAPPY JOINTS” where the young hang out.

Image from here.

Life is about balance. While we can boast of high-rise buildings and various developments, in many other areas, we are still 3rd class mentality who refuses to acknowledge that fact. It seems as a nation, we do not have “a policy of balance” in many areas of our national life.

We are also a nation of contradictions. One area that I want to bring up today concerns youth.

While I too like to dance and listen to music, I believe that the authorities should seriously regulate the following:

1. availability and access of alcohol to young people;
2. the operating hours of pubs, discos and clubs (“entertainment joints”).

It appears to me that entertainment joints could just operate right up to the early hours of the morning. There must be a cut-off point. We cannot be encouraging a hedonistic culture to nurture when we know from other countries what the end result will be. The operating hours of such joints deep into the night only encourages young people to waste their life away and expose them to unnecessary personal and social problems. At the moment, the statistics may not show that there exists a major problem but even one kid gone astray is life that must be saved.

Entertainment, like everything else must be accompanied/tempered by responsibility and moderation. This is the value that we must inculcate in the young people. I am not with those who want to ban all ‘safe’ entertainment joints but I am also not agreeable with unbridled, unregulated entertainment places.

We have heard of the use of drugs of various sorts in these places. We also know how alcohol has been abused to take advantage of drunken young girls. We have to find a way to make these places a truly nice place to simply enjoy music and dance or simply to hang out and have good fun.

I recall in my younger days, we had discos. We did not have MTV culture then. But I remember the discos then were generally ‘clean’ (yes, there were drugs but hardly). There was even discipline in dancing. Of course, there was the occasional rare ‘outbursts’. I also remember that most of my friends drank coke or 7up because they did not like the idea of being drunk. When you are drunk, you lose your senses and without senses, you cannot enjoy. Even those who drank did not drink to the point of throwing up. What fun is there in puking?

I hope the licensing authorities and the relevant youth bodies seriously look into the above matter.

Peace !

This video shows the humiliation that can befall you when you over consume alcohol!

NOTE: THOSE WHO ARE AVERSE TO NUDITY OR FIND IT OFFENSIVE ARE WARNED NOT TO WATCH THIS VIDEO. (I posted this video to show how horrible loss of control can be.)

Pandemic H1N1 virus globally..How did it HAPPEN suddenly???

H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

Like all influenza viruses, swine flu viruses change constantly. Pigs can be infected by avian influenza and human influenza viruses as well as swine influenza viruses. When influenza viruses from different species infect pigs, the viruses can reassort (i.e. swap genes) and new viruses that are a mix of swine, human and/or avian influenza viruses can emerge. Over the years, different variations of swine flu viruses have emerged. At this time, there are four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. However, most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.

More than 1,100 people worldwide have died from swine flu since it emerged in Mexico and the U.S. in April, according to the latest figures from the World Health Organization.

As of July 31, the total number of victims killed by the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, stood at 1,154 -- an increase of 338 since WHO's previous update on July 27.

The virus has spread around the world with unprecedented speed, spreading as widely in six weeks as common influenza viruses spread in the six months, according to WHO.

WHO data showed the total number of laboratory confirmed cases at 162,380, but the number could be higher since individual cases no longer have to be tested or reported.

The total number of countries and territories reporting at least one case of infection now stands at 168, with new cases reported in Azerbaijan, Gabon, Grenada, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Monaco, Nauru, Swaziland and Suriname.

In the United States, federal health officials are worried about the upcoming flu season.

They say nearly 160 million Americans may need to be vaccinated against the H1N1 virus, but it won't be as simple as a single shot. On Tuesday, British-based pharmaceuticals giant GlaxoSmithKline announced it had signed contracts with nine governments to provide 96 million doses of a H1N1 vaccine and was in ongoing discussions with governments to provide further supplies.

GlaxoSmithKline has already signed deals worth $250 million in total to provide 195 million doses and plans to donate 50 million doses to the World Health Organization.

It started in the US and it has spread all over the world. It is big business for the pharmaceutical companies. We have never heard before of a common flu virus mutating to something like this. First time we are hearing of H1N1..makes me wonder......
an
Peace !

Note: As at July, I understand that in Malaysia, the number of reported H1N1 cases stands at 326...which to me is very high considering that we have a small population relative to countries like India which is reported to have 340 cases.

CrsytalBall: After Raya, After Thaipusam, Before Christmas

Mirror, mirror on the wall
who is the most licik of them all
brader, brader said the wall,
its him who is waiting to fall

Mirror, mirror on the wall,
will the people know it all?
brader, brader said the wall,
they'll know it now - once and for all!


Remember the song that it does not rain every Sunday? Or is it sunshine? Something like that....

PEace !

IS everything that is called SHARIA consistent with the QURAN?

The following is a comment by a reader of this blog:

"Salam, Bro Jay. I visit your blog often and like your postings for they are very thought provoking.

But in this case of demonstration, could it be an instance of people pouring out their pent-up feelings? Why do so many people become so gullible and easily swayed by the puppet masters? I think it is because deep down inside they have personal grievances and hence become easy preys.

Let me relate my personal experience....my wife and I signed a BBA (Bai Bitamin Ajal) Sale and Purchase Agreement with Bank Islam Malaysia in 1997. The Bank released partially the second 10% amounting to a net of about RM9,000 to the developer. Immediately after that the project was abandoned by the developer. I lost my personal savings of about RM80,000 in this scam. I offered to pay the bank the RM9K that they had released to the developer, but they turned it down and asked me to continue paying my installments! Bank Islam sued my wife and I for RM505,368.54 in 2005 in the High Court (I repeat for emphasis - the bank only released about RM9K to the developer). I engaged a lawyer to respond on our behalf and in April 2009 they withdrew the case in front of the judge. In the process I incurred a lot of legal costs. Now that they have withdrawn the case, they still haven't cleared our names in the CCRIS record, therefore making it difficult for us to get new loans or where it is approved we have to pay a higher interest rate, since we're deemed as "high risk". I have endured this tyranny for the last 12 years. The latest letter from them is asking us to pay RM22,332 to clear my name in CCRIS or they will sue me again. This is an extreme case of bullying, extortion and in contempt of court ruling (I think). But the SYSTEM allows this to happen and happen it did under the label of "Islam". The real culprit here is the developer, but they got away scott-free. Bank Islam should actually be suing the errant developer and its directors for they are the ones who would probably have a half million ringgit to spare. We are just mere wage earners, working hard to put three children through proper education and provide a semblance of a good life for them.

Now put the demonstrators in this context and you'll understand them better".

Askin.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is what I have to share on the above:

AND THIS IS WHAT THE QURAN SAYS:

"Maintain just measure in your business and do not cause loss to others" [Quran 26:181]

"We sent to the people of Midian their brother Shu'ayb who also told his people to worship God their only Lord. He said, "A guidance has come to you from your Lord. Maintain proper measures and weights in trade. Do not cause any deficiency in people's property or destroy the land after it has been reformed. This is for your own good, if you have any faith". [Quran: 7:85]

"And of their taking usury when they were forbidden it, and of their devouring people's wealth by false pretences, We have prepared for those of them who disbelieve a painful doom". [Quran: 4:161]

[My comment: The "Islamic Banks" can call it administrative fee and go through the rigmarole of "buy and sell" but if the transaction is oppressive (eg market price is RM100,000.00 and the the bank resells at RM500,000.00, what do you call this????), then my understanding this is riba/oppression. We are fooling Allah with so-called shariah compliant instruments?]

Peace !

PS: Please verify the translations on your own and I stand to be corrected, of course.

Learn from P.Ramlee..Gin and Satan

More than a Can of Beer

Sales of beer in convenience stores has become a major issue in the Pakatan State of Selangor. Beyond the can of beer are many important indicators and signs that the Rakyat (both Muslim and non-Muslim) must understand. Raperas, must of course read the signs beyond religious and racial sentiments.

It apparently began with the MBSA seizing 70 cans of beer being sold legally in a retail outlet. The Star reported it:

When the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) enforcement unit seized 70 cans of beer from a retail outlet in Section 8, state executive councillor Ronnie Liu got involved and got MBSA to return the beer and apologise to the owner. Selangor PAS said that the ban will only concern Muslims and not impinge on the rights of non-Muslims, although he conceded to would have to travel farther for their fix. It accused the DAP’s Liu of “meddling in Islamic affairs.”

The Edge reported:

"Ronnie Liu, the state local government, study and research committee chairman, ordered the local council officers to return the seized beer, sparking an outburst from Datuk Dr Hasan Mohamed Ali, chairman of the state Islamic affairs and Malay culture, infrastructure and public facilities committee.

Hasan also called for the removal of Liu from his portfolio. The sale of beer in Muslim-majority areas became a contentious issue, prompting Khalid to issue a gag order on his exco pending his announcement of the new guidelines"

I have been advised to stay away from commenting on this on the grounds that this is sensitive….but I would like to think that, being a Muslim, it would be munafiquun (hypocritical) of me to shy away from learning from this episode.

These are my comments and observations (stand to be corrected, of course):

1. Obviously, Pakatan has not worked out a formula for cooperation between their leaders of different racial and religious background – again and again it has shown that at the human level, it appears unable to live together. God save multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-ethnic Malaysia from such leaders!

2. How did MBSA get away with infringing on the retail outlets legal right to sell what is lawfully allowed? (assuming it is not illegal to sell the beer in the first place). What has happened to Pakatan’s commitment to the rule of law?

3. Was Ronnie Liu’ s insistence that the retail outlet be allowed to act in accordance with the law tantamount to “meddling with Islamic affairs”? Is there no respect for existing law?

4. Is Pakatan (PAS) setting a precedent for this country that the minute someone cries “meddling in Islamic affairs”, we, the citizens of this country must immediately dispense with our responsibility to God and country? I think we should first of all evaluate whether our acts really do tantamount to meddling in Islamic or other religions’ affairs.

5. This will once again raise the alarm bells among BOTH Muslims and Non-Mulims living in Selangor about how PAS will react to so-called “Muslim sentiments”. As a Muslim, I believe there must be respectful efforts at reform and it has no place for arrogance, even if it well disguised under religious pretexts. It is very scary when a group of Muslims take it upon themselves to speak for the rest of the Muslim world in issues such as this.

6. If it is true as the Star reported that “that the ban will only concern Muslims and not impinge on the rights of non-Muslims”, well, since I am a Muslim, and it does concern me in the sense that it affects how my non-Muslim friends perceive how Muslims react to such issues, I have spoken up. Like gambling, I do not see consumption of alcohol as an “Islamic issue” but a social issue that needs to be addressed.

7. On the issue of sales and availability of liquor, the following has been my position for years:

(a) I have been against the sale of uncontrolled liquor in convenience stores (24 hours!) because it is EASILY available to teenagers. I believe there must be controls on such items.
(b) I have been against the opening hours of pub and discos extending beyond 11 pm due to many reasons – social problems, drunkenness, again teenagers and young adults get into bad patterns of behaviour. Incidentally, in UK pubs are closed at 10.30pm and in South India, the public is unable to buy any liquor after 1030pm. (both do not boast of being “Islamic”!)

8. I pray to Allah that He gives wisdom to those who claim to champion “Islamic” causes such that their efforts do not move people further away from the Light of Islam, which is a mercy for all humankind.

I do not know Ronnie Liu at all but I know Dr Hasan Ali. In fact I often visit his website and it is even on my blogroll. I am surprised at the way he reacted (unless he has other reasons which I do not know).

Peace !

Why throw sand into People’s Rice Bowl???

People are already having a tough time earning a living in these tough times.

The whole day yesterday was a loss of business day for all those businesses in Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Tun Perak, Jalan Masjid India and roads adjoining them. All these because people who do not have businesses there decided to have a senseless street demonstration.

Of course many Malay businesses lost their chance to earn a decent day’s wages because Jalan Masjid India and surrounding areas are mainly Malay business enterprises. I cannot imagine PAS would condone this act of disrupting other people’s businesses as “Islamic”. Rujuk kitab mana bang???

Many I spoke to cannot understand what that demo-crazy was all about. Neither do I. What were they REALLY demonstrating about and why do it the way it was done? I thought the Government was reviewing the ISA and that feedbacks from responsible quarters of the public are sought.

This time around, many do not believe that the demonstration was about the ISA. ISA was just the convenient platform, the expedient issue.

Really, if you have to demonstrate on matters such as these, could not that be done in a confined area like a stadium? I really think we have to designate a stadium and a day especially for “public demonstrations”. We have to cease unnecessarily disturbing the peace and order of other people. They have work to do. They have employees and families to support.

Try not to let your “right to demonstrate” affect other people’s “right to earn a livelihood and peaceful living”.

We cannot keep tolerating politicians who practice manipulocracy keep on troubling the People in the name of democracy. It is sad how these people manipulate the sincere (and some, ignorant) masses to achieve their hidden agenda, even if it harmful to the people.

The cunning and cruel thing about the practice of manipulocracy is this: the real organizers hide behind thick walls while the small participants get arrested.

I just saw TV3. Apparently, some leader of a business society in Jalan Masjid India is giving a memorandum against demonstrations around Jalan Masjid to the Prime Minister. A friend suggested to me that it is more appropriate to give it to the Opposition Leader. Well.

Peace!

PS: This article has nothing to with my stand on the ISA. It is something that has to go in its current form.

This is so infectious!!!

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!..:))

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.

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 !

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 !

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 !

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 !

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 !

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 !

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

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 !

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 !

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 !

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 !

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 !

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 !

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 !

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 !

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 !

Whither Culture of Knowledge in this Land of the Blur?

I am concerned and I am worried. I only hope that my concern and worry is misplaced. I feel that we have become a society that is adept at contradictory behavior in many aspects of our life. What is worrisome is that it seems to have become a National trait.

We often hear that we want to inculcate the culture of knowledge among young people. We even hear that we want our society to be knowledge prone. DO we really mean it when we say that?

DO we really want to have a culture of knowledge in our society? Frankly, I do not think so. Like so many things in our Land of the Blur, we have mastered the art of stating slogans and nice sounding phrases that we do not understand. We are only saying such things to please each others ears; to feel that we are “not too bad ourselves”. Hmmm….

Culture of knowledge? Really now???? For our society to evolve into a society which has a culture of knowledge, a few things must happen first.

Firstly, we must allow each to think and to think loudly. Which means, you must be patient with what I have to say and you should think about what I have to say. After listening, you are supposed to evaluate what had said as objectively as possible and then comment, commend or criticize. Will you allow me to say my piece or have you already been brainwashed into what is sensitive and what is not, what is heavy and what is light, what can be openly discussed and what can only be said privately, etc. I too should say it as well as I possible can with no other intention than to share or to put forward a view which I think may help society or me or you.

Secondly, does our society encourage thinking or must we always follow the leader regardless of how mediocre he is? Can you not see what is happening in our society? Politicians have the microphone and the paper coverage all the time. They are allowed to yak, yak all the time. For example, remember when Pak Lah was PM, he was the best this and the best that. He had all the ideas. For the life of me I cannot figure out how thinking can even retire! In the field of religion, only the AUTHORISED person is allowed to speak. It is as if authority and ability to think go hand in glove! If that was so, then I figure Hitler, Mussolini and Firquan were great thinkers too since they had authority!

Great thoughts do not come from a person simply because the Government projects the person. No. Great thoughts come from the passion for thinking and intention. It is something you cannot avoid. You try to shut off and you cannot. It is as if it is not your doing. Do we allow this? No. Seriously, look around you in our Land of the Blur – who are the opinion shapers? DO you think these people can be catalyst for culture of knowledge?

Thirdly, have we learnt that it is perfectly okay to have someone say something that we disagree with? I think our society has not learnt that we are not on earth for everyone to be like a product from the production like looking EXACTLY the same. It does not have to be that way and it cannot be that way. Different people will have different views. It is cool so there is no need to get heated up. The main thing is we discuss respectfully and cordially.

Fourthly, for a culture of knowledge to come about, example by leadership will help. If you can get leaders who do not read beyond the local newspapers it is bad example. Worse if you get leaders who shout and dramatize into the microphone instead of speaking intelligibly whenever they purportedly make a speech, we are fast turning into a society of clowns. Not motivating at all. Do not get me wrong. I enjoy comedy. I watch funny movies. However, when I hear politicians use emotions and childish drama and choose popular phrases when they make a speech, it really makes me squirm. I keep thinking. “wow he really thinks I am dumb enough to fall for that trick”. But I look around and see many clap! Welcome to the Land of the Blur!

Fifthly, for culture of knowledge to evolve, we should not be using the law, position and power to make I”thinking” a monopoly of a select few in society. Don’t you think that is a common trait in our society? I actually rasa malu when I hear some person in power talk in public because dia ada jalan. Luckily, the Creator took remedial steps by giving mankind the internet. Padan muka…monopoly also gone. But they never learn and we keep allowing them to dominate the real space. They plan and the Creator plans and of course the Creator’s plan is better. With the internet, fools are exposed for what they are despite their power and position.

Hello…read history. What do you think happened to real thinkers and reformers in their lifetime? You think most of them were awarded titles and honorific in their lifetime? Socrates was murdered by the elite and bangsawan of his society. Remember Galileo? So many examples to give. So many. Sometimes you must be prepared to be oppressed or murdered for thinking. To some, a thinking person is considered dangerous! Alaaahaii........


Let me ask you a question – which is more “powerful and stronger” – water or steel?

Oops sorry, I am asking you to think.

PEACE !

MICHEAL JACKSON

I have always liked Micheal Jackson songs and his dancing for along time. In fact he is probably the only artist whose development in the music industry I followed. In a sense, I use him to compare with my developments in my life and end up concluding that he has so much greater discipline and persistence than I do!

He is, of course the undisputed King of Pop. KING. A self made King from scratch who resides in the hearts of those who like his songs. Surely, even if you hate his songs, you must admire the fact that with all the odds against him, he managed to be KING.

Funny, many of his songs remind me of the signs of the Creator especially the one called the Man in the Mirror - so inward looking. Every time I hear that song, I feel that I have done so little in this world. Every time I hear that song, it is a reminder NOT to point fingers at others but criticize myself first. Amazing that Micheal Jackson had a greater impact on me than any cleric in constantly reminding me of the Creator. I suppose it has to do with perceptions - the window of your soul.

MIkey, like all of us, you have to journey your own path. Thank you for mingling with mine. I sincerely wish that you will pass all the tests that are laid on your journey.

Mikey's Earth song reminds me of so many verses from the Quran and in particular this one:

"Shall We treat those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, the same
as those who do mischief on earth? Shall We treat those who guard against evil, the
same as those who turn aside from the right?" (Quran :38:28)




Earth Song Lyrics - Micheal Jackson

What about sunrise
What about rain
What about all the things
That you said we were to gain.. .
What about killing fields
Is there a time
What about all the things
That you said was yours and mine...
Did you ever stop to notice
All the blood we've shed before
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores?

Aaaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaaah

What have we done to the world
Look what we've done
What about all the peace
That you pledge your only son...
What about flowering fields
Is there a time
What about all the dreams
That you said was yours and mine...
Did you ever stop to notice
All the children dead from war
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores

Aaaaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaaaah

I used to dream
I used to glance beyond the stars
Now I don't know where we are
Although I know we've drifted far

Aaaaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaaaaah
Aaaaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaaaaah

Hey, what about yesterday
(What about us)
What about the seas
(What about us)
The heavens are falling down
(What about us)
I can't even breathe
(What about us)
What about the bleeding Earth
(What about us)
Can't we feel its wounds
(What about us)
What about nature's worth
(ooo,ooo)
It's our planet's womb
(What about us)
What about animals
(What about it)
We've turned kingdoms to dust
(What about us)
What about elephants
(What about us)
Have we lost their trust
(What about us)
What about crying whales
(What about us)
We're ravaging the seas
(What about us)
What about forest trails
(ooo, ooo)
Burnt despite our pleas
(What about us)
What about the holy land
(What about it)
Torn apart by creed
(What about us)
What about the common man
(What about us)
Can't we set him free
(What about us)
What about children dying
(What about us)
Can't you hear them cry
(What about us)
Where did we go wrong
(ooo, ooo)
Someone tell me why
(What about us)
What about babies
(What about it)
What about the days
(What about us)
What about all their joy
(What about us)
What about the man
(What about us)
What about the crying man
(What about us)
What about Abraham
(What was us)
What about death again
(ooo, ooo)
Do we give a damn

EVERYONE IS TRYING - THAT'S WHAT MATTERS

Good one Mark Maysey!