Monday, October 03, 2011
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 7th 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 9th 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.
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
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%
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%)
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
Monday, July 04, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
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
(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
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
Friday, February 18, 2011
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 ?
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 ?
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
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 ?
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
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.
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 !
Monday, September 06, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
"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 !
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, August 23, 2010
DANGKALNYA MENYALAHKAN HARI VALENTINE UNTUK PEMBUANGAN BAYI
Ketua Dewan Pemuda PAS, Nasruddin Hassan baru-baru ini telah membuat satu pendedahan bahawa Valentine Day dan sambutan Tahun Baru adalah antara penyebab utama gejala pembuangan bayi. Lebih sensasi ialah dakwaan bahawa pembuangan bayi memuncak pada sekitar bulan Julai sehingga September yang mengikutnya ialah ‘musim pembuangan bayi’.
Tertarik saya untuk bertanya dari mana atau keputusan kajian mana yang digunakan Nasruddin untuk menyokong hujahan dangkal ini. Tidak salahlah apabila saya mengimbas kata-kata Abraham Lincoln yang pernah menyatakan “It is better to remain silent and be thought of a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt”.
Tidak dapat dinafikan bahawa gejala pembuangan bayi sudah mulai menjadi satu masalah sosial, tetapi tidak masuk akal sama sekali bahawa masalah pembuangan bayi boleh dan atau wajar dikaitkan dengan Valentine Day dan sambutan Tahun Baru. Mengambil analisis sibendul ini, malam mengawan sambutan Tahun Baru ialah 31hb Disember, seperti yang didedahkan sibendul ini dan musim pembuangan bayi adalah bulan Julai sehingga September. Tapi jika congak tolak-campur tempoh antara malam mengawan hingga musim membuang ialah lebih kurang 9 bulan yaakni bulan Oktober dan lebih tepat 10hb Oktober (Sembilan bulan sepuluh hari) dan jika pasangan mengawan pada 14hb Februari (Hari Valrentine) maka hasil membuah pada bulan November dan lebih tepat pada atau 24 hb November (sembilan bulan sepuluh hari). Mungkin salah kira kot ?
Tetapi itu bukan menjadi jawapan saya kepada hujahan dangkal. Persoalannya ialah mengapa hanya menyalahkan dan secara khusus Hari Valentine dan sambutan Tahun Baru. Mungkin lebih senang, kot untuk menyalahkan upacara kebaratan daripada upacara-upacara tempatan.
Ketua Dewan Pemuda PAS, Nasruddin Hassan baru-baru ini telah membuat satu pendedahan bahawa Valentine Day dan sambutan Tahun Baru adalah antara penyebab utama gejala pembuangan bayi. Lebih sensasi ialah dakwaan bahawa pembuangan bayi memuncak pada sekitar bulan Julai sehingga September yang mengikutnya ialah ‘musim pembuangan bayi’.
Tertarik saya untuk bertanya dari mana atau keputusan kajian mana yang digunakan Nasruddin untuk menyokong hujahan dangkal ini. Tidak salahlah apabila saya mengimbas kata-kata Abraham Lincoln yang pernah menyatakan “It is better to remain silent and be thought of a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt”.
Tidak dapat dinafikan bahawa gejala pembuangan bayi sudah mulai menjadi satu masalah sosial, tetapi tidak masuk akal sama sekali bahawa masalah pembuangan bayi boleh dan atau wajar dikaitkan dengan Valentine Day dan sambutan Tahun Baru. Mengambil analisis sibendul ini, malam mengawan sambutan Tahun Baru ialah 31hb Disember, seperti yang didedahkan sibendul ini dan musim pembuangan bayi adalah bulan Julai sehingga September. Tapi jika congak tolak-campur tempoh antara malam mengawan hingga musim membuang ialah lebih kurang 9 bulan yaakni bulan Oktober dan lebih tepat 10hb Oktober (Sembilan bulan sepuluh hari) dan jika pasangan mengawan pada 14hb Februari (Hari Valrentine) maka hasil membuah pada bulan November dan lebih tepat pada atau 24 hb November (sembilan bulan sepuluh hari). Mungkin salah kira kot ?
Tetapi itu bukan menjadi jawapan saya kepada hujahan dangkal. Persoalannya ialah mengapa hanya menyalahkan dan secara khusus Hari Valentine dan sambutan Tahun Baru. Mungkin lebih senang, kot untuk menyalahkan upacara kebaratan daripada upacara-upacara tempatan.
Jika hari Valentine hendak di sasarkan, mengapa tidak disasarkan juga karnival Jom Heboh, Gegaria dan lain-lain karnival tempatan yang berlangsung diseluruh negara hampir setiap bulan. Melihat anak-anak muda lelaki dan perempuan hayal syok dengan acara hiburan dan konsert yang menjadi sajian utama karnival-karnival ini dan kemudian berpeleseran sehingga embun pagi, mungkin juga boleh diandaikan aktiviti mengawan rancak juga berlaku. Kalau setiap bulan atau dua dulan sekali acara seperti ini diadakan, gejala pembuangan bayi pun mestilah sepanjang tahun.
Daripada menyalahkan Hari Valentine dan sambutan Tahun Baru, mungkin elok kita bertanya mengapa masalah ini begitu berleluasa di kalangan masyarakat Melayu. Seorang blogger terkenal Syed Akbar Ali menulis dalam laman blognya www.outsyedthebox.blogspot.com melontarkan beberapa persoalan. Antaranya persoalan yang diajukan untuk penjelasan ialah :
1. Apa pasal orang Cina tidak ditimpa masalah kes buang bayi, pada hal orang Cina yang menyambut New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Merry Christmas, Hari Raya China dan sebagainya secara besar-besaran?
2. Apa pasal wanita Cina yang tidak memakai jubah, tudung dan lebih selesa memakai baju skirt, seluar pendek, kemeja tanpa lengan, baju singlet dan sebagainya tidak ditimpa gejala buang bayi ini ?
3. Apa pasal orang Cina yang boleh minum arak, boleh menari berpesta, boleh bergaul bersama lelaki dan wanita terlepas gejala sumbang ini ?
Ya, ini jugalah soalan-soalan yang biasa dibisik-bisikkan masyarakat bukan Melayu melihat gejala pembuangan bayi yang begitu kerap berlaku. Jangan pula katakan bahawa masyarakat Cina lebih toleran atau boleh menerima anak luar nikah. Masyarakat Cina dengan kebudayaan dan tatasusila lebih 5000 tahun tidak menerima dan tidak setuju dengan anak luar nikah. Anak-anak Cina dididik dari awal tentang memelihara diri dan menjaga maruah dan tidak mengaibkan keluarga dan biarpun dibenarkan dan diberikan kebebasan begaul sosial tetapi dingatkan jangan sampai tahap menghamil.
Daripada menyalahkan Hari Valentine, Santa Klaus dan sebagainya, adalah lebih baik Nasruddin (dan seangkatan dengannya) mencari sebab dan punca mengapa gejala pembuangan bayi (dan sumbang mahram) begitu kerap berlaku di dalam masyarakat Melayu.
Pengamatan saya mendapati, institusi ikatan kekeluargaan dalam masyarakat Melayu telah banyak berubah. Jika dulu dikampung anak dijaga keluarga dan diawasi masyarakat setempat. Pergaulan ada batasnya dan tatasusila menjadi pegangan harian. Tetapi kini, kehidupan di bandar telah banyak membawa kepada perubahan. Ikatan kekeluargaan mula berlerai. Lihat sahaja anak-anak Melayu dan khususnya gadis-gadis Melayu yang berpeleseran dan merempat di pusat-pusat beli belah, tempat hiburan seperti arked video dan sebagainya. Tempat-tempat inilah menjadi tumpuan lelaki dan permulaan pergaulan bebas yang diakhiri dengan pembuangan bayi.
Selain daripada ini, tidak dapat dinafikan angka kes cerai paling tinggi dalam masyarakat Melayu. Apabila ayah dan ibu sudah bercerai, siapa pula yang menjaga dan mengawal anak. Anak bebas membawa diri dan bebas bergaul. Tambah pula bila ayah dan ibu bekerja, lagi bebas anak-anak untuk menjalin hubungan. Keadaan rumah juga tidak membantu. Anak 10, bilik 2.
Daripada menyalahkan Hari Valentine dan sambutan Tahun Baru, mungkin elok kita bertanya mengapa masalah ini begitu berleluasa di kalangan masyarakat Melayu. Seorang blogger terkenal Syed Akbar Ali menulis dalam laman blognya www.outsyedthebox.blogspot.com melontarkan beberapa persoalan. Antaranya persoalan yang diajukan untuk penjelasan ialah :
1. Apa pasal orang Cina tidak ditimpa masalah kes buang bayi, pada hal orang Cina yang menyambut New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Merry Christmas, Hari Raya China dan sebagainya secara besar-besaran?
2. Apa pasal wanita Cina yang tidak memakai jubah, tudung dan lebih selesa memakai baju skirt, seluar pendek, kemeja tanpa lengan, baju singlet dan sebagainya tidak ditimpa gejala buang bayi ini ?
3. Apa pasal orang Cina yang boleh minum arak, boleh menari berpesta, boleh bergaul bersama lelaki dan wanita terlepas gejala sumbang ini ?
Ya, ini jugalah soalan-soalan yang biasa dibisik-bisikkan masyarakat bukan Melayu melihat gejala pembuangan bayi yang begitu kerap berlaku. Jangan pula katakan bahawa masyarakat Cina lebih toleran atau boleh menerima anak luar nikah. Masyarakat Cina dengan kebudayaan dan tatasusila lebih 5000 tahun tidak menerima dan tidak setuju dengan anak luar nikah. Anak-anak Cina dididik dari awal tentang memelihara diri dan menjaga maruah dan tidak mengaibkan keluarga dan biarpun dibenarkan dan diberikan kebebasan begaul sosial tetapi dingatkan jangan sampai tahap menghamil.
Daripada menyalahkan Hari Valentine, Santa Klaus dan sebagainya, adalah lebih baik Nasruddin (dan seangkatan dengannya) mencari sebab dan punca mengapa gejala pembuangan bayi (dan sumbang mahram) begitu kerap berlaku di dalam masyarakat Melayu.
Pengamatan saya mendapati, institusi ikatan kekeluargaan dalam masyarakat Melayu telah banyak berubah. Jika dulu dikampung anak dijaga keluarga dan diawasi masyarakat setempat. Pergaulan ada batasnya dan tatasusila menjadi pegangan harian. Tetapi kini, kehidupan di bandar telah banyak membawa kepada perubahan. Ikatan kekeluargaan mula berlerai. Lihat sahaja anak-anak Melayu dan khususnya gadis-gadis Melayu yang berpeleseran dan merempat di pusat-pusat beli belah, tempat hiburan seperti arked video dan sebagainya. Tempat-tempat inilah menjadi tumpuan lelaki dan permulaan pergaulan bebas yang diakhiri dengan pembuangan bayi.
Selain daripada ini, tidak dapat dinafikan angka kes cerai paling tinggi dalam masyarakat Melayu. Apabila ayah dan ibu sudah bercerai, siapa pula yang menjaga dan mengawal anak. Anak bebas membawa diri dan bebas bergaul. Tambah pula bila ayah dan ibu bekerja, lagi bebas anak-anak untuk menjalin hubungan. Keadaan rumah juga tidak membantu. Anak 10, bilik 2.
Dengan suasana rumah sedemikian, tanyakanlah kemana anak-anak lebih selesa berada pada waktu lapang atau melepak? Sudah tentu ditempat-tempat awam. Anak orang kaya bolehlah pergi melepak ke kelab, main golf, duduk melayar komputer di Starbuck, bersenam di gym dan sebagainya. Tapi anak-anak muda Melayu, mereka hendak kemana kalau tidak berlegar di tempat awam. Adakah kemudahan riadah yang sesuai dan aktiviti-akti bermanfaat di rancang dan disediakan pihak berkuasa ditempat-tempat perumahan awam? Malam minggu lain pula ceritanya. Mulalah aktiviti merempit. Majoriti yang merempit biasanya dari kalangan orang Melayu.
Ini berlaku bukan sahaja di bandar-bandar besar, malahan di Kuala Terengganu juga. Gadis-gadis belasan tahun pula membonceng merempit dengan pacar mereka. Mungkin malam merempit berkesudahan dengan mengawan diranjang. Kesudahannya bermula selepas itu, apabila tong sampah, masjid dan luar rumah menjadi tempat pembuangan janin atau bayi.
Juga kajian perlu dibuat daripada mereka yang tertangkap membuang bayi. Tanyakan mengapa mereka terlanjur. Lakarkan profil golongan ini. Siasat latar belakang dari segi kerja dan pendidikan mereka. Jawapan mungkin diperolehi dan yang pasti ialah mereka tidak terlanjur kerana hari Valentine, sambutan Tahun Baru atau tergoda dengan Santa Klaus. Sebaliknya, mungkin golongan ini memerlukan perhatian pihak berkuasa.
Pendek kata, siasatlah dengan akal dan fikrah mengapa gejala pembuangan bayi kini begitu berleluasa dan kekerapan dan bukannya melontar melulu hujahan dangkal menyalahkan Hari Valentine, sambutan Tahun Baru. Dengan hujahan dangkal yang diutarakan Ketua Pemuda PAS, mungkinkah beliau akan menyalahkan minuman Coca-cola sebagai sebab mengapa sumbang mahram berlaku. Kita tunggu.
Postskrip
Pada hari Ahad, 22hb Ogos 2010, Ketua Pemuda PAS mengumumkan bahawa PAS kini menyarankan nikah khitbah atau nikah gantung sebagai satu cara untuk menangani pembuangan bayi.
Juga kajian perlu dibuat daripada mereka yang tertangkap membuang bayi. Tanyakan mengapa mereka terlanjur. Lakarkan profil golongan ini. Siasat latar belakang dari segi kerja dan pendidikan mereka. Jawapan mungkin diperolehi dan yang pasti ialah mereka tidak terlanjur kerana hari Valentine, sambutan Tahun Baru atau tergoda dengan Santa Klaus. Sebaliknya, mungkin golongan ini memerlukan perhatian pihak berkuasa.
Pendek kata, siasatlah dengan akal dan fikrah mengapa gejala pembuangan bayi kini begitu berleluasa dan kekerapan dan bukannya melontar melulu hujahan dangkal menyalahkan Hari Valentine, sambutan Tahun Baru. Dengan hujahan dangkal yang diutarakan Ketua Pemuda PAS, mungkinkah beliau akan menyalahkan minuman Coca-cola sebagai sebab mengapa sumbang mahram berlaku. Kita tunggu.
Postskrip
Pada hari Ahad, 22hb Ogos 2010, Ketua Pemuda PAS mengumumkan bahawa PAS kini menyarankan nikah khitbah atau nikah gantung sebagai satu cara untuk menangani pembuangan bayi.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
School Head Under Probe Over Racist Remarks
Special Reports
Monday, 16 August 2010 admin-s
"Pelajar-pelajar Cina tidak diperlukan dan boleh balik ke China ataupun Sekolah Foon Yew. Bagi pelajar India, tali sembahyang yang diikat di pergelangan tangan dan leher pelajar nampak seakan anjing dan hanya anjing akan mengikat seperti itu."
By Student of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, Kulai 
Over 50 parents and students had lodged the reports against the principal, who allegedly described the non-Malays as “penumpang” (passengers) in the country during her speech at the start of the celebration on Aug 12.
“I was shocked that my principal had used such a word against non-Malay students in our school.
“This is not the first time that she had made racist comments against Chinese and Indian students in our school,” said 17-year-old student Brevia Pan.
She added that the principal, who joined the school early this year, would only target Chinese and Indian students.
“During the Merdeka celebration, she had told non-Malay students to go study in a Chinese school or go back to China,” she told reporters in a press conference organised by Senai assemblyman Ong Kow Meng.
Another student, Ashvini Thi-nakaran, 17, said many Malay students were influenced by the principal’s remarks and made similar comments and called them names.
“Before she came to my school, all the students got along well,” she said. Her father R. Thinakaran, 47, said this was a serious matter and that principals should not behave like this.
Ong called for stern action against the principal, adding that such school heads and educators would affect the minds of students.
Special Reports
Monday, 16 August 2010 admin-s
"Pelajar-pelajar Cina tidak diperlukan dan boleh balik ke China ataupun Sekolah Foon Yew. Bagi pelajar India, tali sembahyang yang diikat di pergelangan tangan dan leher pelajar nampak seakan anjing dan hanya anjing akan mengikat seperti itu."
By Student of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, Kulai
(The Star) KULAIJAYA: Police are investigating a school principal who allegedly used racist remarks against non-Malay students during a Merdeka celebration at the school here recently.
Kulaijaya deputy OCPD Asst Supt Mohd Kamil said police had received 12 reports against the principal since Saturday and that the case was being investigated under Section 504 of the Penal Code.
Kulaijaya deputy OCPD Asst Supt Mohd Kamil said police had received 12 reports against the principal since Saturday and that the case was being investigated under Section 504 of the Penal Code.
Over 50 parents and students had lodged the reports against the principal, who allegedly described the non-Malays as “penumpang” (passengers) in the country during her speech at the start of the celebration on Aug 12.
“I was shocked that my principal had used such a word against non-Malay students in our school.
“This is not the first time that she had made racist comments against Chinese and Indian students in our school,” said 17-year-old student Brevia Pan.
She added that the principal, who joined the school early this year, would only target Chinese and Indian students.
“During the Merdeka celebration, she had told non-Malay students to go study in a Chinese school or go back to China,” she told reporters in a press conference organised by Senai assemblyman Ong Kow Meng.
Another student, Ashvini Thi-nakaran, 17, said many Malay students were influenced by the principal’s remarks and made similar comments and called them names.
“Before she came to my school, all the students got along well,” she said. Her father R. Thinakaran, 47, said this was a serious matter and that principals should not behave like this.
“This principal has caused racial disharmony at the school,” he said, adding that if no action was taken, he would take his daughter out of the school.
Ong called for stern action against the principal, adding that such school heads and educators would affect the minds of students.
A NOBLE PROFESSION IS DISGRACED
MARIAM MOKHTAR
Thursday, 19 August 2010.
Apart from our parents, it is our teachers who help lay the first foundations in life so as to guide and improve ourselves, for whatever it is we aspire to be.
On 12 August, Hajah Siti Inshah Mansor, the principal of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra in Kulai, allegedly described her students as penumpang (passengers), told her Chinese students to return to China and compared her Indian students with dogs.
Her remarks are unacceptable and a disgrace to her profession – the teaching profession.
She should have done the right thing and tendered her resignation. But only after making a public apology and after writing a letter of apology to each of the students in the school.
So what is a letter to each of the 2,200 students? She has done much harm to young, vulnerable and impressionable minds. At the same time, a noble profession has been besmirched, and a nation’s fragile truce between the races, is threatened.
If she will not go willingly, then she ought to be sacked. I have worked in companies where racism is not tolerated and the punishment is instant dismissal.
The head teacher’s insensitive, racist and daft comments uttered at the school assembly, is an insult to the Merdeka day celebrations.
Does this woman know the significance of Merdeka? Is she too young to have studied history at school or too young to know about the struggle to achieve Merdeka? Is she a perfect example of our much maligned BTN system?
I come from a family of teachers. My paternal grandfather was a headmaster, a father-in-law was a teacher as was my aunt and mother who trained at the Malayan Teachers' Training College at Kirkby.
Can anyone imagine the uproar and diplomatic scandal if the English teachers were to tell the Malayan teacher trainees that they looked stupid in their rags (sarongs) and to go back to the colonies where they came from, and to where they live in the trees, like monkeys?
You only have to sit with my grandfather to know of the challenges he faced in Malaya, when schools, were a rarity. We have progressed far from those attap-school days.
As for my mother and her sister, the children they once taught in primary and secondary school, would keep in constant touch, decades later What is striking is how her Chinese ex-students would frequent our Raya open house yearly. There was nothing unnatural or affected by the gathering.
That is why it is wrong for this principal to remain in her profession. She is undermining the good work of the other teachers, including her religious and community leaders.
Prime Minister Najib may have championed his 1Malaysia message, but it is obvious that either his message is not filtering down to the population or that the extremist groups are more effective in creating disharmony.
Wasn’t it a few days ago that DPM Muhyiddin Yassin warned the MCA to “be sensitive to the needs of other races in the country”? However, he forgot to inform his own people – the Malays - to do the same. Didn't he say, “In Barisan, we always take a similar stand on issues affecting all races.”?
Perhaps, Malays do not listen to their leaders any more. Maybe the extremists have successfully turned insecure Malays like this school-principal into arrogant creatures.
It would be interesting to know if any of the teachers made a police report. If none of them did, then it just shows how we have been conditioned by peer pressure and office politics, that we have forgotten our basic values.
A few minutes of berating and insulting the non-Malay students will now condemn this principal to a life of ignominy. Rather than being remembered for her guidance and teaching abilities, she will be known for her racist comments and the humiliation of being jeered at, during her attempts to apologise to the school assembly. Teenagers can be merciless when provoked.
Hajah Siti will come to realise the full meaning of ‘insult in haste and repent at leisure’. Her teaching career is in tatters as she will no longer be held in high regard by her students, their parents and her fellow teachers.
Instead of being an inspiration, she has disgraced her noble profession.
MARIAM MOKHTAR
Thursday, 19 August 2010.
Apart from our parents, it is our teachers who help lay the first foundations in life so as to guide and improve ourselves, for whatever it is we aspire to be.
On 12 August, Hajah Siti Inshah Mansor, the principal of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra in Kulai, allegedly described her students as penumpang (passengers), told her Chinese students to return to China and compared her Indian students with dogs.
Her remarks are unacceptable and a disgrace to her profession – the teaching profession.
She should have done the right thing and tendered her resignation. But only after making a public apology and after writing a letter of apology to each of the students in the school.
So what is a letter to each of the 2,200 students? She has done much harm to young, vulnerable and impressionable minds. At the same time, a noble profession has been besmirched, and a nation’s fragile truce between the races, is threatened.
If she will not go willingly, then she ought to be sacked. I have worked in companies where racism is not tolerated and the punishment is instant dismissal.
The head teacher’s insensitive, racist and daft comments uttered at the school assembly, is an insult to the Merdeka day celebrations.
Does this woman know the significance of Merdeka? Is she too young to have studied history at school or too young to know about the struggle to achieve Merdeka? Is she a perfect example of our much maligned BTN system?
I come from a family of teachers. My paternal grandfather was a headmaster, a father-in-law was a teacher as was my aunt and mother who trained at the Malayan Teachers' Training College at Kirkby.
Can anyone imagine the uproar and diplomatic scandal if the English teachers were to tell the Malayan teacher trainees that they looked stupid in their rags (sarongs) and to go back to the colonies where they came from, and to where they live in the trees, like monkeys?
You only have to sit with my grandfather to know of the challenges he faced in Malaya, when schools, were a rarity. We have progressed far from those attap-school days.
As for my mother and her sister, the children they once taught in primary and secondary school, would keep in constant touch, decades later What is striking is how her Chinese ex-students would frequent our Raya open house yearly. There was nothing unnatural or affected by the gathering.
That is why it is wrong for this principal to remain in her profession. She is undermining the good work of the other teachers, including her religious and community leaders.
Prime Minister Najib may have championed his 1Malaysia message, but it is obvious that either his message is not filtering down to the population or that the extremist groups are more effective in creating disharmony.
Wasn’t it a few days ago that DPM Muhyiddin Yassin warned the MCA to “be sensitive to the needs of other races in the country”? However, he forgot to inform his own people – the Malays - to do the same. Didn't he say, “In Barisan, we always take a similar stand on issues affecting all races.”?
Perhaps, Malays do not listen to their leaders any more. Maybe the extremists have successfully turned insecure Malays like this school-principal into arrogant creatures.
It would be interesting to know if any of the teachers made a police report. If none of them did, then it just shows how we have been conditioned by peer pressure and office politics, that we have forgotten our basic values.
A few minutes of berating and insulting the non-Malay students will now condemn this principal to a life of ignominy. Rather than being remembered for her guidance and teaching abilities, she will be known for her racist comments and the humiliation of being jeered at, during her attempts to apologise to the school assembly. Teenagers can be merciless when provoked.
Hajah Siti will come to realise the full meaning of ‘insult in haste and repent at leisure’. Her teaching career is in tatters as she will no longer be held in high regard by her students, their parents and her fellow teachers.
Instead of being an inspiration, she has disgraced her noble profession.
Friday, June 25, 2010
TREAT OUR FLAGS WITH MORE RESPECT
RECENTLY, I was in Bandung, Indonesia, and I observed the security guards at the hotel I was staying in hoisting the Sang Saka Merah Putih, the Indonesian flag, at sunrise.
When the sun set, the guards lowered the flag. Then, it was folded without ever touching the ground and handed over to the reception counter. Apparently, in all government offices, it is the duty of the guards to raise and lower the flag.
I was also told that schoolchildren in Indonesia are taught not only what the colours red and white on the Indonesian flag mean, but also the history of the flag, the protocols and etiquette and even what the correct measurement should be.
During my five days in Bandung, I never once saw a tattered or worn-out Indonesian flag. Here, in Malaysia, have you ever seen security guards at government offices hoisting and lowering the Malaysian and state flags?
The next time you go to government departments or the local council offices, have a look at the worn out and faded Malaysian and Johor flags fluttering on the flagpoles.
In fact, most of us don't even know whether it is lawful to place those miniature Malaysian flags on cars, like what is done during the Merdeka celebration. I always thought that only royalty and army generals were allowed to place a flag on their cars.
I have also seen children dressed in Baju Jalur Gemilang, made from the Malaysian flag. I remember seeing the late singer, Sudirman Arshad, wearing a Baju Jalur Gemilang. Can we sew a Baju Jalur Gemilang?
The question is, how much do we know about the Malaysian and state flags, and the protocols and etiquette involved?
Last week, I took a drive from Johor Baru to Kulai. As I passed government departments, local council offices and business premises, I was disappointed to see so many tattered, soiled and worn-out Malaysian and Johor flags at these premises.
However, nothing prepared me for the ultimate insult - a Johor flag being used to wrap papayas on a tree.
I did a search on the Internet and there is a dearth of information on the subject. I found out that if a flag is to be flown at a certain spot, the static flag pole must not be less than 6.1m high.
If the flag is used as a decorative piece or flown for a certain period, the pole must be 3m high and no part of the flag must touch the ground. Did you know that a static flag is only allowed to be flown from 7am to 7pm, unless there is a floodlight on?
Flags at government departments are to be raised when the offices open in the morning and lowered after office hours (have you ever seen this done?). In schools, the flag is to be raised in the morning and lowered at the end of the last class.
When the national or state flag is flown from houses or shops, the flag should face the road and secured on a pole at 45 degrees. If two flags are flown, the Malaysian flag must be on the left side of the premises.
Most business premises can be seen flying a flag. However, many of the flags have seen better days. Some even position the flags at the wrong places, like on the air-conditioning compressor.
In Johor, the late Sultan Iskandar had decreed in 1985 that the Johor flag must be given prominence and flown on the right side of the Malaysian flag. However, on Merdeka day, the Malaysian flag takes precedence and is flown on the right side of the state flag.
If there are three flag poles, the Johor flag is flown in the centre, the Malaysian flag on the right while the departmental, corporate or institutional flag is flown on the left.
On Merdeka day, the Malaysian flag is raised in the centre and the Johor flag on the right.
During the Merdeka celebrations or official federal events, the Johor flag follows after every third Malaysian flag flown as decorations.
The cluster of miniature flags on a utility post also follows the same arrangement.
All flags used for decoration are to be removed two weeks after the event. How often is this done?
I hope the local councils know about this rule and ensure that the contractors engaged to put flags on utility poles also remove and dispose of the flags respectfully.
In its bid to to instil patriotism and love for the country, the government encourages all citizens to fly the Malaysian flag, especially during the run up to Merdeka day.
However, I think it is time the government also starts educating the public on the proper protocols and etiquette for hoisting and flying the Malaysian and state flags, and the right way to dispose them.
Frankly, I doubt anyone knows what to do with tattered or worn out flags. A friend told me that he burned his faded Malaysian flag and threw the ash in the sea across Lido beach. Is "cremation" the correct way?
With Merdeka day just two months away and after seeing so many tattered and worn-out flags fluttering in the city, I hope the authorities will carry out a spot check.
At the very least, it should send a circular to all government department and business premises directing that all tattered or worn-out flags be removed and replaced.
I believe the Ministry of Information, political parties and non-governmental organisations can play a role in educating the public on the protocols and etiquette for the flag.
Friday, June 11, 2010
WOULD DAP- LED PENANG HEED PAS’s DEMAND AND REVOKE GAMBLING PREMISES LICENCES ?
PAS Youth Chief, Nasrudin Hassan, at the PAS Youth Congress has now called on all Pakatan Rakyat ruled states not to renew licences for gambling premises. What started with a campaign to ban sports betting and a demand that the government withdraw the sports betting licence to Ascot Sports Sdn Bhd, a Tan Sri Vincent Tan’s company has now moved beyond sports betting with PAS Youth now demanding the total banning of gambling. Pas Youth now call on all Pakatan Rakyat ruled states government not to renew the licences for gambling premises.
DAP who had cavorted with PAS on the issue of sports betting now must state its stand if it agrees with PAS Youth that all forms of gambling must be banned. Would, DAP now rise to the PAS’s challenge and ban gambling in DAP led Penang. Would the Chief Minister direct all local councils in Penang not to renew the licences of gambling premises. Perhaps, the Chief Minister should direct that the Penang Turf Club to cease operation.
What a vote winner this would be for the Chief Minister a strong proponent of “amar makruf nahi mungkar” if DAP were to heed PAS’s latest demand or has the DAP which had been pandering to PAS on the issue of football betting has now found itself entrapped in PAS’s main agenda to ban all forms of gambling.
PAS Youth Chief, Nasrudin Hassan, at the PAS Youth Congress has now called on all Pakatan Rakyat ruled states not to renew licences for gambling premises. What started with a campaign to ban sports betting and a demand that the government withdraw the sports betting licence to Ascot Sports Sdn Bhd, a Tan Sri Vincent Tan’s company has now moved beyond sports betting with PAS Youth now demanding the total banning of gambling. Pas Youth now call on all Pakatan Rakyat ruled states government not to renew the licences for gambling premises.
DAP who had cavorted with PAS on the issue of sports betting now must state its stand if it agrees with PAS Youth that all forms of gambling must be banned. Would, DAP now rise to the PAS’s challenge and ban gambling in DAP led Penang. Would the Chief Minister direct all local councils in Penang not to renew the licences of gambling premises. Perhaps, the Chief Minister should direct that the Penang Turf Club to cease operation.
What a vote winner this would be for the Chief Minister a strong proponent of “amar makruf nahi mungkar” if DAP were to heed PAS’s latest demand or has the DAP which had been pandering to PAS on the issue of football betting has now found itself entrapped in PAS’s main agenda to ban all forms of gambling.
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