INDIANS MUST BE WARY OF NAJIB’S NAMBIKEI

INDIANS MUST BE WARY OF NAJIB’S NAMBIKEI

“Nambikei”  is a word now frequently used by Prime Minister Datuk Sri najib Tun Razak. Najib first used nambikei at the 65^th MIC General Assembly in August. Literally, nambikei  means believe, trust, confidence and hope. After 54 years under Barisan Nasional – UMNO hegemony, Najib wants Indians to continue to place their nambikei in Najib and Barisan Nasional.

Nambikei as the the rallying call of Najib has become important because in the 2008 General Election, Indians for once had the gumption and the cojonnes to abandon Barisan Nasional. For once, Indians braved and cut their umbilical cord with MIC.

With almost 850,000 Indian voters, 70 % of them living and voting in 50 parliamentary constituencies where Indians form as much as 20% of the voters, nambikei takes a greater importance not only for Najib but importantly for the survival of Barisan Nasional.

From the regular stage managed appearances at Indian events, to the cheerful announcement by Najib that he loves thosai and murrukus, granting 1642 citizenship to Indians (wonder how many Indonesians became citizens during the same period these 1642 Indians were waiting for the citizenship), formation of a task force to look into the problems faced by the Indian community ( after 54 years ) does not hide the fact that Najib and Barisan Nasional is desperate to regain the Indian votes. Indians must not be hoodwinked by the sudden benevolences by Najib and Barisan Nasional.

If Najib and Barisan Nasional has “found” Indians, it is all because of general election 2008 and the rise and effect of Pakatan Rakyat. Najib and Barisan Nasional realize that their survival in the next general election depends on Indian voters and their votes, thus the nambikei cry from Najib.

For more than 50 years,  Indians had placed their nambikei in Barisan Nasional. Indians became Barisan Nasional’s  fixed deposit. Alas, the gains never reflected the deposit. The Indian community gave so much and gained so little, progressed so little but only to be mired in a quagmire.

Indians must never make the mistake of the past but realize that any small measures now by the Barisan Nasional government is the a result of what the community collectively did in 2008. Some Indians may lament that nothing much has changed for the Indians even under Pakatan Rakyat, but Pakatan Rakyat has only been around for 4 years and is a work in progress as compared to 54 years of Barisan Nasional. Still, in the four short years of Pakatan Rakyat, Indians have benefitted much. For a change, with Pakatan Rakyat, it is Barisan Nasional that is desperate in seeking Indians. Thus, this is is not a time to abandon Pakatan Rakyat, for to believe in the nambikei is a return to Barisan Nasional, which may only mean the return to the status quo – Indians being ignored !

Indians, instead must make the nambikei-man  to redress and correct the injustices of 54 years by Barisan Nasional against Indians.

What the Auditor-General said about Penang

The Penang state government continues to be in the good books of the Auditor General, who commended its improved financial position in 2010 compared to 2009.

According to the latest AG report, Penang's consolidated revenue grew by 2.7 percent, from RM1,101.89 million for 2009 to RM1,131.17 million in 2010. The consolidated cash reserve rose by 6.2 percent to RM572.49 million, up from RM538.95 million in 2009.

“The state’s revenue for 2010 has increased by RM34.19 million or 9.1 percent compared to 2009 from RM376.51 million to RM410.70 million,” observes the report.

The AG advises the state government to make better investment analysis as a way to increase dividends.

“Besides that, the state government is also urged to continue its effort to collect arrears in revenue amounting to RM78.78 million at the end of 2010 from land tax, loan repayment to students, rental of houses, shop lots and so on,” the report adds.

On development under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, the AG rates the state’s performance as satisfactory with a total of RM787.17 or 77.8 percent being spent from the allocated RM1.01 billion.

In terms of implementation of projects, the report hails the state's performance as 'very good' with 99 percent of the 9,003 projects successfully carried out.

The report concludes that the financial management of state agencies remained good for 2010.

“In 2010, 3 agencies are in ‘very good’ category like 2009. 10 agencies are considered ‘good’ and one at satisfactory level,” it says.

For three successive years, 13 state agencies audited at least twice between 2007 to 2010 have showed ‘very good’ financial management by the state treasury and development body.

What the Auditor-General said about Kelantan

The Auditor General has rated the Kelantan state government’s financial position in 2010 as satisfactory.

The state saw a revenue increase of RM51.07 million or 52.5 percent, from RM97.23 million in 2009 to RM148.30 million in 2010.

"Analysis of 5 years into the consolidated revenue from 2006 to 2010 shows a dip in 2007 and 2008 and then increase in 2009 and 2010. Cash reserves and investment rose in 2010, with the balance of RM97.23 million in 2009 increasing to RM148.30 million in 2010,” reads the AG’s report released yesterday.

The AG has advised Kelantan to spend prudently without affecting quality of service and development, citing an increase in state debt by RM118.25 million, from RM993.75 million in 2009 to RM1,112 million in 2010.

“The state government must also ensure arrears in revenue are collected and loans repaid according to schedule, and arrears repayment must be collected in full. The debt to Federal government must also be paid according to schedule including delayed repayment," the report adds.

On the state’s development, the AG notes that the state government underspent for a period of five years utilising only RM715.23 million or 42.1 percent of the total allocation.

As such, the report concludes that the spending and implementation have been "unsatisfactory".

It however praises financial management of all government agencies in Kelantan, with four state agencies being rated as ‘very good’ and the other 15 as ‘good’.

“This shows an improvement in financial management of the state compared to 2009 where only two agencies were rated as ‘very good’ and 12 as ‘good’,” it added, saying state performance could be improved through financial and management training for state officers.

What the Auditor-General said about Kedah

The Kedah state government achieved a 135.8 percent increase in state revenue with a record surplus budget for 2010 at RM22.50 million, compared to deficit of RM62.89 million in 2009, says the latest Auditor General's report on the state.

“State expenditure meanwhile only rose by RM2.55 million or 0.6 percent. This led to a surplus for the state government in 2010,” it said.

Last year, the AG rated Kedah’s financial position as satisfactory with a consolidated revenue increase of 23.9, from RM265.52 million to RM328.28 million in 2009.

The increase, says the latest report, reduced the balance of the Consolidated Revenue Account deficit in 2010 by a total of RM22.50 million or 7 percent, from RM320.73 million down to RM298.23 in 2009.

The report however cautions the state over the increase in loans from the Federal government by RM249.81 million in 2010, bringing the total amount to RM2.61 billion from RM2.38 billion in 2009.

It urges the state to take more effective measures to recover arrears of revenue as 2010 had registered only RM172.67 million, a fall of 13.5 percent or RM27.16 million, compared to RM199.83 million in 2009.

On projects under the Nineth Malaysia Plan, the report rates the state’s project implementation as of 31 December 2010 as satisfactory with RM2.51 billion or 73.3 percent from the RM3.42 billion allocated being spent.

It also commends the state government for improving the financial management of its agencies compared to 2009, with four agencies getting the ‘very good’ rate, 12 ‘good’ and one as 'satisfactory'.

“Overall, the financial management of the state’s agencies has improved compared to 2009,” it notes.

What the Auditor-General said about Selangor

Overall, the Selangor state government received a ‘satisfactory’ rating from the Auditor General for its financial position ending 2010.

The state’s consolidated revenue increased by RM266.91 million or 20.2 percent, from RM1,319.97 million in 2009 to RM1,586.88 million in 2010. This is despite it registering a 10.9 percent or RM192.36 million drop to RM1,571.50 million in state’s revenue last year (RM1,763.86 million in 2009).

“The operating expenditure has also decreased by RM382.56 million or (20.9 percent) to RM1,447.26 million in 2010 compared to RM1,829.82 million in 2009,” reads the AG’s report.

The state government received praised for reduction in revenue arrears by RM99.87 million or 16.6 percent, from RM601.92 million in 2009 to RM502.05 million in 2010.

The AG however rates the state’s long-term investment as ‘unsatisfactory’ due to very low dividend returns over the past five years, from 2006 to 2009, with no dividend recorded in 2010.

In the development category, the AG notes that the state government completed 64.5 percent or 927 self-funded projects listed under the Nineth Malaysia Plan.

“Although the expenditure achievement for 9th Malaysia Plan for 5 years from 2006 to 2010 has reached 92.1 percent, there are only 1,108 (77.1 percent) from 1,437 approved projects which are completed or implemented,” it notes.

The report rates as 'very good' the financial management for four state agencies, namely the state treasury, Ampang Jaya Municipal Council, Selayang Municipal Council, and Urban and Rural Planning department.

According to the report, 11 agencies are ‘good’ and one agency is 'satisfactory'. This, it adds, is better compared to 2009 as only one agency was listed as ‘very good’, 14 as ‘good’ and one satisfactory.

HUDUD WILL APPLY TO NON MUSLIMS.

DAP has been criticized by PAS for opposing Kelantan government’s intention to implement hudud. PAS Mursyidul Am Tuan Guru Nik Abdul Aziz who is also the Kelantan Menteri Besar has been trying unsuccessfully to convince DAP while at the same time promising non-Muslims that hudud laws will NOT be applicable to Non Muslims but only apply to Muslims. Tuan Guru Hadi Awang and many leaders of PAS echoes similar assurance.

What is forgotten is that, Tuan Guru Hadi Awang who was then the Menteri Besar of Terengganu and PAS Acting President on 7^th July 2002 when winding up the debate on the Shariah Criminal Offences (Hudud and Qisas) Bill in the Terengganu State Assembly declared that “when the time comes, the hudud and qisas law will be extended to all non-Muslims.”.

In fact, the STAR on 9^th July 2002, front – paged “Terengganu says Islamic laws will eventually cover non-Muslims”. Lest, one say that this was false reporting by STAR or that Tuan Guru Hadi Awang was misquoted, Zahari Mohammad who was then the senior aide to Tuan Guru Hadi Awang confirmed with the Associated Press writer, Jasbant Singh that Tuan Guru Hadi Awang’s remarks were correctly reported .

Thus, despite the assurance given by PAS to non-Muslims, once hudud laws are implemented, nothing prevents PAS later to amend the hudud laws and foisted on non-Muslims whether they accept or not. After all, Tuan Guru Hadi Awang is on record saying that hudud laws will extend to non-Muslims despite his promise otherwise to non-Muslims now. So, perhaps it is high time PAS understands DAP’s opposition to hudud laws and the insistence of upholding the Federal Constitution and the non-Muslims objections which is not unwarranted.

STOP DEMONISING DR BOO CHENG HAU

I refer to the commentary by the New Straits Times journalist Ben Tan “ Nazi label a disservice to the civil service” as appeared in the NST( July 4, 2011)

It has been a long while since I read such squalid and irresponsible piece of journalism by a journalist who has completely missed the trees for the forest. The writer took umbrage to an article “ Isn’t a one race civil service a form of apartheid” written by Dr Boo Cheng Hau, Johor DAP State Chairman and Skudai state Assemblyman posted in the Centre of Policy Initiatives website.

Dr Boo, as a background to his article, narrated an incident when he was a young medical officer in service at a local government hospital, how a Malay nurse decided not to treat a pregnant patient but instead went to a kenduri leaving her tasks and responsibility to a young assistant nurse who utterly ill-prepared to assist in a surgery. If Dr Boo by highlighting the ethnicity of the nurse was playing a racial card, it is worth knowing that Dr Boo also highlighted that the young patient lying on the operating table waiting to deliver her baby was a Malay. Dr Boo further recounted how after the incident when he asked for stern action to be taken against the delinquent nurse, the operating theatre staff instead rallied around the race banner, myopic to the fact that someone belonging to their own ethnic community was about to give birth and she deserved the best medical care.

This unfortunate incident narrated by Dr Boo was a background to Dr Boo’s article where the crux of his article was that the Malaysian civil service has transformed overwhelmingly into a single race dominated civil service. Instead of commending Dr Boo, Ben Tan not only omitted to mention the incident narrated but even worst concealed the statistics with regard to representation by the ethnicity in the civil service as revealed by Dr Boo. Instead, Ben Tan chose to select words and highlight phrases from Dr Boo’s article which was mischief making since any reader of Ben Tan bellicose commentary not having read Dr Boo’s article first would assume that Dr Boo’s had written an article with a racist slant.

Nowhere in his article did Dr Boo draw any parallels to Malaysia’s civil service with Nazi Germany or that the country is being run along the lines of a totalitarian state akin to the Third Reich of Nazi Germany. That analysis is Ben Tan’s infantile journalism.

What Dr Boo in his article wrote was that despite Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution which states that all citizens are eligible if suitably qualified by educational standards to enter any branch of the public service, and that there can be discrimination on ground of race, religion and the like, in reality the truth is that the Malaysian civil service no longer reflect the country’s plural society.

Dr Boo substantiate his argument with data and figures. For example, as of December 31, 2009, the Malaysian civil service comprised 1,247,894 employees. The dwindling to a trickle of non Malays in the civil service can be seen.

MALAY CHINESE INDIAN OTHERS
Before NEP (1971) 60.80% 20.2% 17.40% 1.6%
June 2005 77.04% 9.37% 5.12% 8.47%
December 2009 78.2% 5.8% 4.0% 4.2%

The statistics from Johor are even more damning and shows that the non-Malays are grossly under represented. Last year, at the state assembly, the Johor Menteri Besar Dato Ghani Othman revealed that there are only 126 non- Malays in the 8,372 strong Johor civil service. According to the Menteri Besar the racial breakdown of the Johor civil service is as follows;

Malays Chinese Indians Others
8,244 (98.47%) 10 (0.12%) 116(1.39%) 2(0.02%)

This in a state where out of a total population of almost 3.17 million has 54% Malays, Chinese 33% and Indians 6%. Johor despite having an Indian voter population of approximately 83,000, the Indian representation in the johor civil service is neither reflective of the total Indian population in the state nor the Indian registered voters. The irony is that at independence 40% of the Johor civil service were Indians.

Ben Tan cites his Malay friend who is a rank and file personnel attached with the Johor police contingent who reasons that there is a lack of appeal by non Malays and monetary rewards in the private sector as the reason why non-Malays are disinterested to join the civil service. That’s pure baloney ! The truth is that non Malays and particularly Indians do want to serve in the civil service but the all too often excuse given is that non Malays are not interested to work in the civil service. Looking at the statistics provided it clearly does give a perception that non Malays have no place in the civil service or the perception rightly or wrongly that they are kinda being weaned out.

Continuing his ramble Ben Tan calls on Dr Boo and others to give solutions as how to increase the participation of non-Malays in the civil service. It would be accountable journalism if Ben Tan can investigate and reveal to the public the genuine steps taken thus far by the government in enticing non-Malays to join the civil service. Spare us the usual recruitment method purported to have been used –advertisement in the newspapers !. If that is the method being used and reading the data revealing the gross under representation of non- Malays in the civil service, then the present recruitment method has been utter failure.

Since, Ben Tan calls for solutions, for one the government can have a big scale “Ops Isi Penuh” recruitment drive to attract non-Malays to join the civil service. Get the religious and ethnic based NGO’s to help to encourage non- Malays to join the civil service. I am sure Dr Boo will be able to easily recruit the best and qualified Indians amongst his own Skudai constituents. The question is if the government has the gumption to redress the serious racial imbalance in the civil service instead of giving the tired old excuse that non- Malays are not interested to join the civil service.

Ben Tan further writes that that he is “happy to say that I am not forced to wear shirts with a “saya Cina” patch and or interned in concentration camp or to be ethnically cleansed or gassed to death like how the Nazis did to the Jews” but had Ben Tan read Dr Boo’s article with a small modicum of intelligence and reasoning, he could have understood easily what a sensible reader would have easily understood what Dr Boo was actually saying and which would resonate with most Malaysians. Truth hurts and Dr Boo was just doing that – telling the truth and far from being racist or offensive. Instead, selecting and highlighting certain words from Dr Boo’s article, Ben Tan went on a grandstanding journalism.

Ben Tan ends accusing Dr Boo of ‘pulling out the racial card such as Nazi labeling, is a cheap trick that desensitize a profound meaning that should be reserved only for its historical significance and the horrors that they were known for”. Reading Ben Tan’s claptrap, I am reminded of Abraham Lincoln who once said, that it is better to remain silent and be thought of a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. Those profound words may well apply to Ben Tan’s puerile commentary.

Norman Fernandez

THE BRAVE SIX

DID TAIB MAHMUD OUTFOX NAJIB ?

The recent Sarawak state general election was without any doubt a referendum on Taib Mahmud. Even, before the general election, resentment against Taib Mahmud and his 30 year rule had built up and the general consensus was that Taib Mahmud had stayed too long and he had to go.

Najib Tun Razak had also known of the general sentiment of the people and particularly of the Chinese electorate who simply wanted to see the back of Taib Mahmud. Recognisng the public sentiment, Najib who even took up temporary residency in Sarawak and tried to assure and convince the electorate, in particular the Chinese, that Taib Mahmud would step down after the general election or that Taib Mahmud had already intimated that he would step down after the general election. Then, in the midst of the general election, there was Najib heaping praises on Abang Johari, thereby giving suspicion that Abang Johari was being earmarked by Najib to replace Taib Mahmud after the general election.

Strangely, Taib Mahmud himself never once during the general election gave any indication or made any announcement that he will step down after the general election. It was Najib and Najib alone who was making the announcements of Taib Mahmud’s eminent departure. Not Taib Mahmud. Clearly, Taib Mahmud had no intention to step down and relinquish the office of the Chief Minister.

Thus, it raises question did Taib Mahmud sense something was already brewing on the day of the election and in particularly when it became known that the opposition and in particularly DAP had done very well to the extent of wresting all the blue ribband state seats in Kuching. It is reported that when the reporters met Taib Mahmud in his opulent house after the election results had became known, Taib Mahmud was fidgety and kept looking at his watch. Taib Mahmud it is reported to have rushed to the Tuan Yang Terutama’s palace and took the oath of office at 11 pm. The Star reports that Taib Mahmud rushed to TYT’s palace without even wearing his socks !. This is the same man who is always immaculately dressed !

It begets the questions, why did Taib Mahmud rush to take the oath of office immediately after the election and even more strange, why Taib Mahmud had to take the oath of office so late in the night. After all, BN had already secured a 2/3 majority. Did Taib Mahmud sense something was amiss or knew something was already brewing in respect to his position as the Chief Minister of Sarawak. Whatever it is, it was a master stroke by the wily old fox, to quickly take the oath of office and thereby ensuring his Chief Minister’s position is safe and secured.

Having secured his position, it is now clear that Taib Mahmud will only leave office when (and if ) he decides to do so. Not at the calling of Najib. Now that Taib Mahmud has secured his position, it may be Taib Mahmud who will be calling the shots in the coming 13th general election. It remains to be seen who will then be calling whom to depart. After all it is Taib Mahmud who is keeping BN’s fixed deposit.

I DID NOT SPEAK OUT

I DID NOT SPEAK OUT
(Adaptation from poem of Pastor Niemoeller)

First, they put a ban among some states that there were words we cannot use
because they belonged to their faith
and I did not speak out -
because to me they were just words.


Then, they placed a restriction on the sale of alkitab which could only be purchased from three centres in the country
and I did not speak out -
because I did not need to buy one.


Then they said we cannot use the word 'allah' because historically and religiously the word belonged to them and I did not speak out -
because I figured it is no big deal and we can use another term instead.


Then they put a ban on the import of Indonesian printed alkitabs because they contained the word 'allah'
and I did not speak out -
because MCA said we can print our own alkitabs.


Then they stamped on the alkitabs with an ugly chop "Home Ministry"
and serialized every copy
and I did not speak out -
because the alkitab is only a human book.


Then they said that the alkitab can be used by the east malaysian christians
in east malaysia
and I did not speak out -
because I was living in peninsula.


Then they declared that every copy of the bible or the alkitab has to be monitored because they were deemed to be a threat to national security
and I did not speak out -
because I can always look up for bibles online.


Then they finally came one day and said that my faith is considered dangereous
and subversive because we always challenge the government
and I did not speak out -
because my friends have been speaking out all the time.

But I, I have never spoken out anyway
and with time, because I have bent so backwards,
I found that I could no longer speak.


I found this poem from the web:
By Anthony Loke
From the website http://www.micahmandate.org/


Note by Norman Fernandez:

Malaysia is a really beautiful country blessed by God. Let us all of different races and creed live united in peace with each other. Let us all help build this country to become a great country. Let us all find deep in our heart mutual respect and trust. Let us not destroy Malaysia. God bless Malaysia.
anfalaw@streamyx.com

GOVERNMENT MUST ISSUE DIRECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

The STAR at pg. N47 today published the full statement by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Dato Seri Idris Jala on the Bahasa Malaysia Bible issue.

It is reported " The Government has agreed to issue adirective so that future Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia can be brought in so long as these have the words "For Christianity" in Arial font, size 16 either printed at source or stamped at the receiving port". Now

Now all Christian must take note that the issue has not been settled. The minister's statement merely states that "government HAS AGREED to issue a directive". So note NO IMMEDIATE directive has been issued. Merely AGREED TO ISSUE !

Pray, why is the government still pussyfooting instead of settling the issue once and for all.

Since the issue is not fully settled, it naturally open up to other problems later.

Nohing prevents a reoccurence of a similar incident of Bibles been withheld again. Nothing prevents little Napoleans from playing God and withhold the release of Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia on the ground that no directive have been received. Further, since the statement as appearing in the STAR is the statement of a Minister of one ministry, can Christians now be assured that the Home Minister, Minister in Charge for Muslim Affairs or Jakim or even the State authorities will not issue any statement contradicting, disputing or even opposing the statement of Dato Idris Jala.

Another issue is what happens if an individual brings in a Bible in Bahasa Malaysia into Malaysia or have in his possession a Bible on Bahasa Malaysia. Must he also first get approval from the Home Ministry to be allowed to possess a Bible in Bahasa Malaysia and pending the Minister's reply be Bible be confiscated ? Must he despite for his own use must also ensure or be required to write "FOR CHRISTIANS ONLY", on the Bible. Will he in such situation be being allowed to possess the Bible or the Bible will be confiscated.

This are some of the unanswered questions which the Government must answer. Lastly, the Government must inform and direct all officers at airports and seaports that the government has with immediate immediate effect allowed Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia to be brought into Malaysia subject to the requirement the Bible to contain the words " For Christians Only" and further if there is no such print then the holder of the Bible be allowed to write the words " For Christians Only" and the Bible than be allowed to be brought in.

The Bible which is the Word of God is intended for ALL MANKIND and not only for Christians only. Nevertheless in order to preserve harmony, the new directive maybe a compromise. I however would prefer the words "FOR NON MUSLIMS ONLY" instead of "FOR CHRISTIANS ONLY".

Any Christian churches which require assistance in purchasing Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia may contact me at anfalaw@streamyx.com and I will try to assist. However, it MUST be used only for CHRISTIANS ONLY AND FOR CHRISTIANS OF SABAH AND SARAWAK ORIGINS ONLY.

Shalom

CROSS OVER AND PARTY FORFEITS RIGHT TO SEAT

There is no doubt that seat allocation among Pakatan Rakyat component parties is going to be a very contentious issue. DAP, PAS and PKR will naturally be unwilling to give up to the other their "traditional " seats. Already we are hearing that there are those in PAS who are calling on the PAS leadership to take back seats which were given up by PAS to PKR. Within DAP too there are callls by members asking DAP to contest in the seats which DAP had given to PKR. PKR too will also seek to contest in DAP's seats.

Despite the jostling and horse trading for seats, it is most likely Pakatan Rakyat may use the present agreed formula and maintain the status quo.

I think the time has come for Pakatan Rakyat to agree that should a seat be allocated to a component party and thereafter should their party candidate on nomination day gives a walkover or after being elected either cross over to Barisan Nasional or becomes an independent assemblyman/parliamentarian, then the party forfeits the right to the seat in the next election.

If this is agreed then component parties of Pakatan Rakyat will be extra careful in selecting their candidates knowing very well that the party will not be given the said seat again should the representative walk out on the party.

One strike and you lose the seat ! Do you agree ?

DAP MAY PAY A PRICE FOR BEING LOYAL APOLOGIST

Lim Guan Eng lambasted Barisan Nasional (BN) , accusing BN of extremism by using Valentine Day to practice its divide and rule policy. Strangely, he found no courage to condemn PAS when its Youth leader Nasruddin Hassan announced that PAS would initiate a "moral police" patrol to curb immoral activities allegedly associated with Valentine Day. Even worst, was Lim Guan Eng's muted silence in not rebuking Nasruddin Hassan who had the gall to direct Pakatan Rakyat state governments to work with the police, Rela, and religious authorities to curb ValeLim Guan Eng lambasted Barisan Nasional (BN), accusing BN of extremism by using Valentine ntine Day celebration among Muslims.

This is not the first time where DAP and in particularly Lim Guan Eng who is often quick top condemn BN but in order to endear to PAS, remains elegantly silent when PAS's leaders and in particularly Nasruddin Hassan makes extremist comments.

Ever since Nasruddin Hassan became PAS's Youth head, we are increasingly witnessing a militant who in truth is uncomfortable with Pakatan Rakyat, who does not subscribe to the Common Policy Platform and frankly cares two hoots about DAP. Yet, each time he makes irrational, extreme and uncompromising pronouncements, DAP's high echelon leaders scurry to limit the damage done while trying to assure the public that once again it was his own personal view and not his Party's (or Pakatan Rakyat's) stand. Make no mistake, the constant fire fighting and becoming an apologist for PAS is going to cause DAP dearly.

Nasruddin Hassan has a jaundiced view on Non Muslims. He has nothing but contempt and hatred with borderline Christian, Western and Non-Muslimphobia. How else can you define him. He opposes Non Muslims to be appointed as Deputy Prime Minister (in the event of Pakatan Rakyat taking over Putrajaya) on the ground that Muslims are enjoined not to take infidels as friends. He pronounces that Non-Muslim festivals namely Nerw Year and Valentine Day as day of sin and as the cause for babies being abandoned and dumped. He is the first to oppose any public conserts by western astiste on the ground that it would corrupt the minds of the young. He is known to be a fervent advocate that Malaysia must be turned into an Islamic state, never mind Islamic state is not an agenda of Pakatan Rakyat. It would seem that for him the Christians and the west have have personal agenda to corrupt the muslims to deviate.

DAP must remember the 1999 backlash by voters and why the voters and in particular the Chinese turned their backs and abandoned DAP. I fear that DAP may once again pay a heavy price should DAP mcontinue to molly cuddle PAS. The voters and in particular DAP's supporters want DAP to stand up for the proinciples it is known for. The voters do not want or need DAP becoming an apologist for PAS. It is best for DAP to remind PAS that Barisan Alternative unraveeled simply because of Hadi Awang's betrayal on the eve of the 1999 general election. Pakatan Rakyat may suffer the same fate and collapse should PAS fail to rein in their mad mullah's like Nasruddin Hassan.

Lim Guan Eng should openly admonish Nasruddin Hassan warning him the consequence of his irrirational pronouncements which are becoming quite regular. It is best that Lim Guan Eng remind him that Malaysia is a multiracial and multireligious country and Pakatan Rakyat represents multiracial and multireligious Malaysia, and knock into this loose cannon's head that we do not live in an age and time where extremist stands on morality are incongruous to the order of the day.

Would Lim Guan Eng have the gumption to do so ?

IS KARPAL SINGH AND DAP TAKING BABY STEPS TOWARD ACCEPTING ISLAMIC STATE ?

At the recent Pakatan Rakyat Convention, DAP National Chairman, Mr Karpal Singh said that the issue of Islamic State “boleh dibincang dan dicari jalan penyelesaian “ (can be discussed and a way to be found to resolve).

That “boleh dibincang dan cari jalan penyelesaian” on the issue of establishing an Islamic state, has sent PAS into a state of euphoric dizziness, with PAS leaders interpreting Karpal Singh’s words to mean that that DAP has finally softened its long held objection and have resigned to accepting PAS’s holy grail of establishing an Islamic state.

As late as June 2010, Mr Karpal Singh in an exclusive interview with The Malaysian Insider is reported to have said “We cannot compromise for the country to turn into an Islamic state”. Mr Karpal Singh had always openly opposed Hudud laws and establishment of an Islamic state on the ground that it was unconstitutional. In fact, Mr Karpal Singh’s stand ( at least until now ) is also consistent with DAP’s constant, consistent and principled stand that Malaysia is a secular state and Islam as its official religion.

Even DAP’s Advisor Mr Lim Kit Siang is on record of stating that “Hudud laws and Islamic state are not Pakatan Rakyat policies”. Thus, when Mr Karpal Singh as the DAP national chairman now say openly that Islamic state “boleh dibincang”, it is surely a complete capitulation ( or sell out) from DAP’s long held stand and principle. Perhaps, Mr Karpal Singh and DAP owe an explanation to DAP members, supporters and Malaysians as to what is meant by “boleh dibincang” and state openly what is DAP’s stand on Islamic state.

Mr Karpal Singh’s “boleh dibincang” statement sends mixed signals. In the Common Policy Platform unveiled during the First Pakatan Rakyat Convention at Shah Alam there was no mention of turning Malaysia into an Islamic state. In fact in the Common Policy Platform, in the section “Transparent and Genuine Democracy”, Pakatan Rakyat made a pledge to “Defend the Federal Constitution, Islam as the religion of the Federation while other religions can be practiced peacefully anywhere in the country and protecting the special position of the Malays and the indigenous peoples anywhere including Sabah and Sarawak and the legitimate interest of other races in accordance with Article 153. While, in the section on “religion” Pakatan Rakyat made the following vow to “Defend the position of Islam as the religion of the Federation and guarantee of religion for every Malaysia.”

So with this iron cast pledge by Pakatan Rakyat and DAP making a promise to uphold and defend Islam as the religion of the Federation which is also consistent and constant with DAP’s long held acknowledgement that Islam is the official religion of Malaysia, why then capitulate and raise the issue of “ Negara Islam boleh bincang” when PAS has has not shown that it can “boleh bincang” to drop its goal to turn Malaysia into an Islamic state.

Norman Fernandez
anfalaw@streamyx.com

MEMBURUKKAN PAS. JERAT AKAN MAKAN DIRI

Pelbagai usaha sedang dijalankan untuk memburuk-burukkan PAS dewasa ini.


Pada mulanya, ditimbulkan isu perpaduan dan PAS diajak bersatu dengan UMNO-Barisan Nasional atas alasan bahawa kedudukan Melayu selepas PilihanRaya Umum-12 (PRU-12) sudah terancam. PAS yang tidak buta pada sejarah lampau, sedar bahawa UMNO-Barisan Nasional sebenarnya memerlukan PAS untuk memanjangkan hayatnya. Malahan, pepimpin-pemimpin PAS sebaliknya menjemput UMNO untuk masuk PAS.


Kemudian tertimbul isu kalimah Allah. Apabila mahkamah membenarkan suratkhabar Katolik menggunakan "Allah' UMNO meradang marah. Pemimpin-pemimpin UMNO berbaris memberi amaran dan berbuih kemarahan mereka terhadap orang Kristian. Disana sini demonstrasi atas nama kebebasan demokrasi berlaku. Tetapi, orang bukan Islam melihat bagaimana PAS menghujah tentang penggunaan kalimah "Allah" secara ilmiah dan mengambil pendekatan muwajahah silmiah (secara aman). Tiada aksi liar, provokasi atau menakutkan orang bukan Islam. Tuan Guru Nik Aziz, sendiri secara tenang dan rational memberikan penjelasan tentang pengunaan kalimah "Allah" oleh bukan Islam.


Isu pengunaan "Allah", kemudiannya membawa kepada pembakaran, merosakan dan mencemarkan beberapa gereja. Didalam keadaan genting sedemikian, apabila pemimpin-pemimpin Barisan Nasional berpeluk tubuh, Tuan Guru Nik Aziz datang dari Kelatan dan menziarahi sebuah gereja yang terbakar dan mengecam perbuatan membakar rumah ibadat. Hanya selepas itulah, keluar politikus-politikus UMNO-Barisan Nasional meluahkan rasa simpati dan menghulurkan bantuan kewangan dan sebagainya. Gambar Tuan Guru Nik Aziz dengan wajah suram meninjau gereja yang terbakar membuat orang bukan Islam sebak hati dan memikat hati orang Kristian. Seorang rakan kristian saya menyatakan " in the most trying period, it was PAS that came to our aid and support". Malahan, apabila saya mendengar berita tentang gereja dibakar, saya terus SMS Y.B Kubang Krian, Salahuddin Ayub, "Y.B, please help us, my churches are being burned." Serta merta saya menerima SMS, "we will protect your churches, tell me what help you want". Saya menitis air mata membaca jawapan.


Isu Allah disusuli pelbagai isu dan setiap masa jerat dipasang untuk PAS, tapi yang termakan jerat bukanlah PAS.

Beberapa minggu dahulu kecoh isu Y.B Serdang masuk surau. Begitu bertubi-tubi Y.B Serdang diserang dengan kata-kata yang menyakitkan hati sehingga ada yang sanggup melabelkan beliau berada 'sentiasa dalam hadas besar". Pemimpin-peminpin PAS daripada bertindak seperti kera tertelah mercun, sebaliknya dengan rational menghuraikan dan memperjelaskan isu mengenai samada orang bukan islam boleh atau tidak boleh memasuki masjid dan surau. Orang bukan Islam melihat bagaimana Tuan Guru Nik Aziz sempat meluangkan sedikit masa memberikan nasihat dan tunjuk-ajar kepada Y.B Serdang. Rakyat melihat, orang bukan Islam memerhatikan kesederhanaan PAS.

Belum cukup reda isu ini, mencetus isu oleh Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin yang kononnya selepas insiden 13 Mei 1969, ada pemimpin PAS yang mencadangkan kepada Perdana Menteri seketika itu Tunku Abdul Rahman untuk merampas harta kaum Cina. Hmmm... boleh percaya atau tidak ? Jika ini satu lagi perang saraf ataupun bertujuan membangkitkan kemarahan orang Cina terhadap PAS, Zainuddin Maidin perlu tahu bahawa rancangan jahat memburuk-burukkan PAS akan bersudahan seperti isu-isu yang lain yang gagal dalam membangkitkan kemarahan atau rasa benci orang Cina terhadap PAS. Orang Cina masih ingat tentang insiden 13 Mei 1969. Di Kelantan tidak satu rumah orang Cina dibinasakan, tidak seorang Cina dicederakan, tidak ada sesiapa yang mengarahkan orang Cina keluar daripada Kelantan, malahan tidak ada mana-mana orang Cina di Kelantan kehilangan seurat rambut pun. Sejarah menunjukkan sebaliknya Menteri Besar Kelatan pada masa itu, mengarahkan bahawa keselamatan orang Cina di Kelantan menjadi tanggungjawab kerajaan Negeri. Jadi Zainuddin maidin dan suku- sakat yang sewaktu dengannya, paham-pahamlah, usaha memburukkan PAS hanya akan makan diri.

Berhentikan sahajalah, Zainuddin !

Hormatlah Bendera Sesebuah Negara

Kumpulan Benteng Demokrasi Rakyat (BENDERA) masih meneruskan protes dan demonstrasi terhadap Malaysia. Semua gara-gara mengikut kumpulan ini memprotes tindakan penguatkuasa Polis Marin Malaysia menahan tiga pegawai Kementerian Kelautan dan Perikanan yang telah menahan tujuh nelayan Malaysia. Sudah tentu kedua-dua pihak mempunyai versi tersendiri mereka mengenai apa yang sebenar telah berlaku dan apa yang membawa kepada penahan nelayan dan anggota penguatkuasa.

Rakyat Malaysia terkejut dengan aksi kumpulan BENDERA. BENDERA bukan sahaja setakat memprotes dan berdemonstrasi di hadapan Konsulat Malaysia di Jakarta, tetapi juga menunjukkan aksi liar seperti memijak dan meludah pada bendera Malaysia. Aksi yang paling kurang ajar dan menghina ialah tindakan memalitkan najis pada bendera Malaysia dan melemparkan najis ke perkarangan konsulat Malaysia. Hairan, juga mengapa polis Indonesia berpeluk tubuh dan tidak membuat sesuatu apabila tindakan memprotes dan berdemonstrasi menular kepada kebiadapan.

Justru itu tidak hairanlah rakyat dan politis-politikus di Malaysia yang tersinggung dan marah dengan tindakan BENDERA dan mengecam kumpulan BENDERA.
Bendera sesebuah negara adalah simbol kedaulatan negara dan wajib dihormati. Kita wajib menghormati dan setia kepada bendera negara kita, kita juga mengharapkan orang lain juga menghormati bendera negara kita dan lanjutan daripada itu, kita juga perlu menghormati bendera negara lain Kita boleh marah dengan kerajaan sesebuah negara kerana tidak setuju dengan keputusan ataupun tindakan kerajaan negara tersebut, tetapi kemarahan kita tidak patut terlanjur sehingga mencemarkan bendera negara tersebut.

Dalam kita mengencam tindakan biadab kumpulan BENDERA, kita juga perlu imbas tindakan kumpulan-kumpulan, NGO-NGO dan penyokong-penyokong serta politikus-polititus di Malaysia yang sering kali apabila memprotes dan berdemonstrasi terhadap satu keputusan atau tindakan yang diambil oleh kerajaan tersebut menunjukan bantahan kita dengan memijak dan membakar bendera negara tersebut. Yang lucunya, mereka yang memijak dan membakar bendera negara negara lain tidak berhenti untuk seketika untuk berfikir bahawa negara tersebut menjana ekonomi negara kita. Ya, memang kita marah dengan sesuatu keputusan atau tindakan kerajaan mereka, tetapi perlukah kita menunjukan kemarahan sehingga memijak dan membakar bendera negara mereka. Apa salah rakyat biasa negara tersebut.

Jadi wajarlah kita ambil iktibar bahawa sekiranya kita terasa hina dan tersinggung dengan tindakan orang luar mencemar bendera kita, janganlah kita juga buat seperti yang dilakukan oleh kumpulan BENDERA terhadap bendera negara lain.

"Unclean Teo Nie Ching"- How much lower can one sink ?

How low can Barisan Nasional politicians go ?

Despite Serdang M.P expressing a heartfelt apology when she sincerely and genuinely reiterated that her visit to the surau al- Huda was not politically motivated and that she had no motive to put into question the sanctity of suraus and mosques, Barisan Nasional/UMNO politicians are in overdrive in their relentless spiteful attacks on a young, dedicated and first time Member of Parliament.

Instead of being more conciliatory or at the very least accept the M.P's apology in the spirit of Ramadan and give the young, hardworking first time M.P a timely advice just like what the Kelantan Menteri Besar, the Home Minister Hishammuddion Hussein, a vastly experienced politician sees fit to waddles into the issue and sink so low calling the M.P as "unclean". Perhaps, the good minister could explain why and how in the eyes of the minister the M.P is "unclean" or better still just retract the statement and apologise for the slur.

Baying for a pound of flesh, how low can some polticians go !

MERDEKA 2010 - A Brief Observation.

This must be the saddest Merdeka Day I ever felt in many years. Normally, beginning from the eve of Merdeka and even on Merdeka day, I would receive so many sms'es wishing a happy and selamat hari Merdeka . Not this year. All I received was a single sms from a police officer whom I know, wishing me " Happy Independent & Malaysia Day. may good bless our nation and all its citizens (sic)" and to which I replied " Let us treasure this beautiful land. Happy Merdeka."

But what has made the day even sadder is seeing how Merdeka day is reflected in the newspapers. Both the STAR and New Strait Times frontpaged picture of a group of smiling and joyous children of all races, waving Malaysian flags. It was a nice portrayal of one united Malaysia. The New Straits Times on its front page carried the clarion call of the Prime Minister calling on Malaysians to value peace and stability and asking the people "not to allow the Malaysian way of life based on diversity and moderayion to be undermined by extreme attitudes which manifest themselves through racial issues."

The STAR had on its front the Prime Minister telling that " every malaysian citizen is crucial to the country's development" and reminding Malaysians that " we should value the prevailing peace, harmony and stability in the country" and if all these are undermined then "everything which we have achieved, everything which we have built and things which are dear to us will be destroyed". I think these are sobering words and a timely reminder.

In contrast, Utusan Malaysia which reduced the Prime Minister's Merdeka message to the inside page, and instead front paged "Peringatan Raja Nazrin" the advice of the Regent of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah to Muslims. Utusan Malaysia highlighted His Highness reminder " Pencerobohoan besar bermula daripada perbuatan kecil. Ia mungkin bermula dari surau, madrasah, masjid atau mimbar. Ia bermula daripada satu ungkapan, ucapan, khutbah, tazkirah atau doa. Ia bermula daripada pencerobohan kecil dan jika ketika itu orang Islam masih degil dan sombong mempertahankan ego serta memilih untuk bertelagah maka sebenarnya telah membeikan petanda yang salah seolah-olah menggalakan pencerobohan ;ebih besar boleh dilakukan ke atas umat dab institusi Islam".

Just a little reflection, could Utusan Malaysia not, on Merdeka day celebrate oneness of Malaysia and highlight the Prime Minister's rallying call to all Malaysian's instead of downplaying and reducing to almost insignificant the Prime Minister's Merdeka message to all Malaysians.

SAIDINA UMAR SEMBAYANG DI DALAM GEREJA - DATO MAHFUZ OMAR. SEJAUH MANA BENAR ?

Laman web Harakah http://www.harakahdaily.net/ pada 28hb Ogos 2010 telah menerbitkan berita 'UMNO Tentang Majlis Fatwa' dimana dalam rencana memaparkan isu Ahli Parlimen Serdang Y.B Teo Nie Ching melawat dan memasuki surau Al- Huda di Kajang ahad lalu.

Mengulas isu tersebut, Naib Presiden PAS Dato Mahfuz Omar dilapurkan telah menyatakan " Umat Islam dibenarkan melakukan sembayang walaupun di dalam gereja kerana Saidina Umar al- Khattab telah pernah melakukannya".

Saya dengan rendah diri terpanggil untuk mengulas apa yang diutarakan Dato Mahfuz tentang Saidina Umar dikatakan pernah sembayang di dalam gereja.

Di dalam Kitab itman al-Wafa' fi sirah al-khulafa, tulisan as-Syeikh Muhammad Bin al- Affifi al- Banjuri, Darul Ibnu Haziam di m/s 14 dinyatakan:

" Dan apabila masuknya saidina Umar ke dalam kota, maka masuklah beliau ke dalam kanisah (gereja) al-Qiamah, dan beliau duduk di ruang utama gereja tersebut. Setelah tiba waktu solat asar, maka berkata saidina Umar kepada Patriach gereja tersebut, "saya ingin solat".
jawab patriach, "Solat sahaja disini".

Tetapi Saidina Umar menolak cadangan Patriach dan bersolat di luar tangga yang berada diluar hadapan pintu masuk gereja secara bersendirian. Selepas Saidina Umar selesaikan solat asar, beliau masuk ke dalam gereja dan mengatakan kepada Patriach, " sekiranya saya mengerjakan solat tadi didalam gereja tuan, saya merasa pasti bahawa umat Islam pada zaman akan datang akan menyatakan bahawa Saidina Umar mengerjakan solat didalam gereja ini, maka kita boleh menukarkan gereja ini kepada masjid untuk melaksanakan solat di dalamnya"

( Juga layari http://www.ibnuhasyim.com/)

Saya percaya inilah toleransi dan kibijaksanaan Saidina Umar, sehingga ada pemimpin bukan Islam seperti Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang Lim Guan Eng ingin mencerminkan pentadbirannya mengikut pentadbiran Saidina Umar.

Saidina Umar sebenarnya boleh sembayang di dalam gereja, jika Saidina Umar ingin berbuat demikian apatahlagi telah telah dijemput dan di-izinkan Patriach gereja. Tetapi Saidina Umar menolak jemputan Patriach dan sebaliknya memikirkan tentang tindakan yang boleh berlaku dimasa akan datang jika Saidina Umar mengerjakan solat didalam gereja.

Justru itu apa yang diutarakan oleh Dato Mahfuz adalah tidak tepat apabila mengatakan Saidina Umar pernah sembayang dalam gereja dan adalah satu kenyataan tidak tepat. Lagipun, adalah kurang menyenangkan mendengar kenyataan yang selah-olah mengatakan orang Islam boleh sembayang di dalam gereja pun. Takut nanti ada orang berdasarkan kenyataan Dato Mahfuz menceroboh masuk ke dalam gereja dan melakukan ibadah di dalam gereja.

Bukan niat saya sama sekali untuk menegur Dato Mahfuz tetapi untuk menjelaskan yang sahih yang setakat saya tahu. I stand corrected.