Archbishop of the Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese Tan Sri Murphy Pakiam by virtue of being part of PM Najib's entourage to Rome, has come under fire from many unhappy church-goers. However, several priests clarified that the Catholic Church is non-partisan and has always been working towards closing the Muslim-Catholic divide. Najib on the other hand is portraying himself as head of a moderate Muslim country in his visit to the Pope.
Showing posts with label Religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Religion. Show all posts
Understanding decision making process is important
Understanding decision making process is important for me, whether it is my spouse, boss, friends, clients etc. Understanding the decision making process of an elected administration is also vital because we will be going to the polls soon and their decision making process is critical to us making a call on whether they are indeed qualified to lead for another term in office.
Their decision making process is subject to the scrutiny of the Malaysian tax payers and business community, as well as foreign investors, entrepreneurs and analyst communities.
In today's the Star, we have this good piece of news, typical 1Malaysia Spirit:
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http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/4/2/nation/20110402183658&sec=nation
Saturday April 2, 2011 MYT 8:02:57 PM
Govt allows import and local printing of Bible in all languages
PETALING JAYA: The Bible can now be imported into the country in all languages including Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia and in the indigenous languages.
It can also be printed locally and there is no requirement for any stamp or serial number
4.For Sabah and Sarawak, in recognition of the large Christian community in these states, there are no conditions attached to the importation and local printing of the Bibles in all languages, including Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia and indigenous languages. There is no requirement for any stamp or serial number.
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However, reading up articles from the same controlled newspaper for the past few months, I am puzzled by the decision making process of this administration. I wish to make it very clear here that I am not writing from a religious angle, but looking solely at how the current administration make their decisions.
In January, the administration intends to contest the High Court's verdict in the Herald's usage of the word "Allah" and will keep the Rulers briefed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/1/3/nation/20100103183842&sec=nation
Sunday January 3, 2010 MYT 6:42:24 PM
Allah issue: PM urges calm while Govt appeals court’s decision
PEKAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak urged Muslims to remain calm over the High Court decision to allow the Catholic weekly, Herald, to use the word ‘Allah’ in its publication.
He said the Home Ministry would appeal the court’s decision and that he would keep the Rulers briefed.
The usage of the word Allah should be decided upon by the process of the law, he said.
.......
Najib, who is also Pekan MP, said he would brief Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin on the matter soon and with his consent, the issue would be discussed at the coming Conference of Rulers.
He expressed the hope for the issue to be resolved in an "intelligent" manner through the process of the court.
"After all, there is still avenue to appeal against the judgment through the Courts of Appeal and Federal Court.
"We do not want issue to be blown out of proportion," he said, adding that the Government viewed the matter seriously and would adopt the proper channels to end the debacle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In March, before the Sarawak State Assembly is dissolved, the current administration re-inforced its stance by issuing a reprimand letter to the same newspaper:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/3/16/nation/20110316073009&sec=nation
Wednesday March 16, 2011
The Star reprimanded over BM Bible story
PETALING JAYA: The Home Ministry has issued a letter of reprimand to The Star over an article on the impounding of 5,000 Bahasa Malaysia Bibles.
The letter, dated March 2011, was addressed to group chief editor Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai on the article, published on March 9.
On the same day, a senior editor from the daily met officials from the ministry over the issue and the ministry’s comments were published the next day. In the letter, the ministry’s chief secretary Datuk Zaitun Abdul Samad reminded owners of printing presses to comply with directives from the ministry, a s stipulated under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.
“Under items six and seven of the conditions of printing permits issuance, permit holders are required to observe instructions released by the ministry from time to time,” Zaitun said.
The March 9 article reported that 5,000 Bahasa Malaysia Bibles confiscated by the Home Ministry in 2009 have yet to be returned despite the Cabinet approving their release.
Minister Datuk Seri Hishammudd in Hussein explained on Sunday that the Bibles were impounded because of a pending court appeal by The Herald, the Malaysian Catholic weekly, over the use of the word Allah in its publication.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Has the current administration weaken their own appeal case by doing the announcements today? If yes, then tax payers' money spent of the appeal case is compromised,
Also, has the Rulers' been briefed as what the Prime Minister indicated during January? If this is part of the original plan, Idris Jala's announcement did not mention about this.
Their decision making process is subject to the scrutiny of the Malaysian tax payers and business community, as well as foreign investors, entrepreneurs and analyst communities.
In today's the Star, we have this good piece of news, typical 1Malaysia Spirit:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/4/2/nation/20110402183658&sec=nation
Saturday April 2, 2011 MYT 8:02:57 PM
Govt allows import and local printing of Bible in all languages
PETALING JAYA: The Bible can now be imported into the country in all languages including Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia and in the indigenous languages.
It can also be printed locally and there is no requirement for any stamp or serial number
4.For Sabah and Sarawak, in recognition of the large Christian community in these states, there are no conditions attached to the importation and local printing of the Bibles in all languages, including Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia and indigenous languages. There is no requirement for any stamp or serial number.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
However, reading up articles from the same controlled newspaper for the past few months, I am puzzled by the decision making process of this administration. I wish to make it very clear here that I am not writing from a religious angle, but looking solely at how the current administration make their decisions.
In January, the administration intends to contest the High Court's verdict in the Herald's usage of the word "Allah" and will keep the Rulers briefed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/1/3/nation/20100103183842&sec=nation
Sunday January 3, 2010 MYT 6:42:24 PM
Allah issue: PM urges calm while Govt appeals court’s decision
PEKAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak urged Muslims to remain calm over the High Court decision to allow the Catholic weekly, Herald, to use the word ‘Allah’ in its publication.
He said the Home Ministry would appeal the court’s decision and that he would keep the Rulers briefed.
The usage of the word Allah should be decided upon by the process of the law, he said.
.......
Najib, who is also Pekan MP, said he would brief Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin on the matter soon and with his consent, the issue would be discussed at the coming Conference of Rulers.
He expressed the hope for the issue to be resolved in an "intelligent" manner through the process of the court.
"After all, there is still avenue to appeal against the judgment through the Courts of Appeal and Federal Court.
"We do not want issue to be blown out of proportion," he said, adding that the Government viewed the matter seriously and would adopt the proper channels to end the debacle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In March, before the Sarawak State Assembly is dissolved, the current administration re-inforced its stance by issuing a reprimand letter to the same newspaper:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/3/16/nation/20110316073009&sec=nation
Wednesday March 16, 2011
The Star reprimanded over BM Bible story
PETALING JAYA: The Home Ministry has issued a letter of reprimand to The Star over an article on the impounding of 5,000 Bahasa Malaysia Bibles.
The letter, dated March 2011, was addressed to group chief editor Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai on the article, published on March 9.
On the same day, a senior editor from the daily met officials from the ministry over the issue and the ministry’s comments were published the next day. In the letter, the ministry’s chief secretary Datuk Zaitun Abdul Samad reminded owners of printing presses to comply with directives from the ministry, a s stipulated under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.
“Under items six and seven of the conditions of printing permits issuance, permit holders are required to observe instructions released by the ministry from time to time,” Zaitun said.
The March 9 article reported that 5,000 Bahasa Malaysia Bibles confiscated by the Home Ministry in 2009 have yet to be returned despite the Cabinet approving their release.
Minister Datuk Seri Hishammudd in Hussein explained on Sunday that the Bibles were impounded because of a pending court appeal by The Herald, the Malaysian Catholic weekly, over the use of the word Allah in its publication.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Has the current administration weaken their own appeal case by doing the announcements today? If yes, then tax payers' money spent of the appeal case is compromised,
Also, has the Rulers' been briefed as what the Prime Minister indicated during January? If this is part of the original plan, Idris Jala's announcement did not mention about this.
Of banning other religion and commonsense
I am not going to question the intelligence or the common sense of all the officials in 1Malaysia Najib's office pertaining to this:
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http://www.freemalaysiakini.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8144&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
'Najib, apologise for un-1Malaysian directive'
Thursday, December 30 @ 05:07:18 PST
Teresa Kok slams Najib for contradicting his 1Malaysia with his directive to remove all crucifixes at a Christmas tea party.
Seputeh MP Teresa Kok is demanding an apology from the prime minister for his office's directive to rid religious elements from a Christmas celebration, which she said was “disrespectful” to Christianity.
According to Kok, who is also Selangor senior exco, the Prime Minister's Office's had issued a directive for crucifixes to be removed from the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) Christmas event on 25 Dec, where Prime Minister Najib Razak was a guest.
The directive, she said, also prohibited Christian prayers and hymns during the event that was held at the Catholic Church Archbishop's residence.
“Najib should apologise to the Christian Federation of Malaysia for 'de-Christianising' their Christmas celebration, that yet again denied Malaysians the right to freedom of religion,” said Kok in a statement.
“Such an order from the Prime Minister's Office shows how insincere and ungracious Najib behaved, as a guest at the celebration held at the Catholic Church Archbishop's residence.
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If Chrisitans can't sing or pray according to their religion and display sacred religious sign on the holiest day of the year, just because someone whose salary are also taken from Christians happens to drop by; well that explains a lot about Najib's Rakyat Diutamakan. Might as well not to have the party spoiler around, thank you.
Your vote I want, your religious right not my concern.
Surely Najib's officials can't be worried about the Prime Minister faith being affected merely by attending a very common religious ceremony held in Malaysia for generations?
By comparison, let's look at this brainy Singaporean Malay girl of high school age. 19 years old Humaira Ahmad, concerned about the environment and hope to make the environment better, decided to work with Keg Wei Yang and Raya Chowdhury, to produce a hybrid incense paper to reduce pollution during traditional and religious funtion.
Click the picture to see the article in full screen
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.freemalaysiakini.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8144&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
'Najib, apologise for un-1Malaysian directive'
Thursday, December 30 @ 05:07:18 PST
Teresa Kok slams Najib for contradicting his 1Malaysia with his directive to remove all crucifixes at a Christmas tea party.
Seputeh MP Teresa Kok is demanding an apology from the prime minister for his office's directive to rid religious elements from a Christmas celebration, which she said was “disrespectful” to Christianity.
According to Kok, who is also Selangor senior exco, the Prime Minister's Office's had issued a directive for crucifixes to be removed from the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) Christmas event on 25 Dec, where Prime Minister Najib Razak was a guest.
The directive, she said, also prohibited Christian prayers and hymns during the event that was held at the Catholic Church Archbishop's residence.
“Najib should apologise to the Christian Federation of Malaysia for 'de-Christianising' their Christmas celebration, that yet again denied Malaysians the right to freedom of religion,” said Kok in a statement.
“Such an order from the Prime Minister's Office shows how insincere and ungracious Najib behaved, as a guest at the celebration held at the Catholic Church Archbishop's residence.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If Chrisitans can't sing or pray according to their religion and display sacred religious sign on the holiest day of the year, just because someone whose salary are also taken from Christians happens to drop by; well that explains a lot about Najib's Rakyat Diutamakan. Might as well not to have the party spoiler around, thank you.
Your vote I want, your religious right not my concern.
Surely Najib's officials can't be worried about the Prime Minister faith being affected merely by attending a very common religious ceremony held in Malaysia for generations?
By comparison, let's look at this brainy Singaporean Malay girl of high school age. 19 years old Humaira Ahmad, concerned about the environment and hope to make the environment better, decided to work with Keg Wei Yang and Raya Chowdhury, to produce a hybrid incense paper to reduce pollution during traditional and religious funtion.
Click the picture to see the article in full screen
Gee, was she offended by Chinese customs and religion? Did she changed her beliefs after this project? The answers to both questions are probably "No".
I think she must have looked at this as an environmental issue and an opportunity to better the living condition in her country via application of scientific solutions.
Now compare to Humaira and the people who are suppose to run the country and have done so for more than half of a century....I think I know who has more reasoning power and believable. It is just sad that Malaysian tax payers have to waste money in worse ways than burning papers sustaining this lot.
Apart from Rakyat Diutamakan, which proven in the above case as totally empty sloganeering, let's see how the little red dot enable and empower it's SME.
The Net Generation Nationwide Broadband Network has been launched to enable SMEs - all fibre, ultra high-speed network so that SME can access into "Cloud Computing" and obtain software previously available only to big companies, improve their response time to customers etc
Whereas in Malaysia, we do not have comparable facilities, and the continuing application of various legislation to curb free flowing of ideas hence development of critical and right thinking citizens.
Click the photo to see in full screen
Time for those who deal in communal politics to wake up or to be kicked out. Malaysia is a better place if we focus on real livelihood and social justice issues.
So YB Teo Nie Ching is dirty
Ok, when Hishammuddin "I will apologise if anyone is offended" Hussien commented or "speculated" in Razak 's (the "are you a lawyer" ^acting^ for MACC) word, that YB Teo Nie Ching is "dirty", I wonder how did Hishammuddin arrive at that conclusion?
"Dirty" Teo Nie Ching at her sinister best? Let the people in Serdang decide.
"Dirty" Teo Nie Ching at her sinister best? Let the people in Serdang decide.http://www.wretch.cc/blog/teonieching/21524054
Is he taking over Bung Mokhtar as the self proclaim bocor expert in the August House? Or is it a dirty mind with a dirty thought playing a dirty trick in a dirty game, or just like a still growing little boy resorting to name calling and sand kicking in the play ground because he is not getting his way?
Foong Poh Kuan, Teresa Kok, YB Jospehine, Elizabeth Wong and now Teo Nie Ching...call me paranoid but the Boy Cry Wolf in me can't help but notice a trend.
All I can say is,
1) "So is it right or wrong for Mirzan Mahathir to own shares in San Miguel Corp which which control 51% of San Miguel Brewery? "
http://malaysiaonlinetoday.wordpress.com/2010/04/19/umno-should-sacked-beer-drinking-hypocrite-muslim-vice-president-datuk-seri-hishammuddin-hussein-as-removes-major-pain-in-neck-campaign-in-the-hulu-selangor-by-election/
2) "Ibnu Hakeem: Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin clarified that he borrowed money to buy a substantial stake in fledgling financial advisory company ECM-Libra.
Exchange filings showed that Khairy bought 13 million shares at 71 sen per share in three separate transactions from acquaintance and ECM-Libra’s chairperson Kalimullah Masheerul Hassan, chief executive officer Lim Kian Onn and chief operating officer Chua Ming Huat.
Khairy has been a director of ECM-Libra since July 2004, not long after his father-in-law, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, succeeded Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister
According to Section 131 of the Companies Act, it is illegal for a company to make a loan to anyone (especially a director) to buy its own shares. In this case, ECM Libra is also a financial institution (a so-called investment bank) which means it is also under the purview of the Bafia (Banking and Financial Institutions Act). The Bafia has a few more restrictions than the Companies Act.
Since Khairy has made a public confession, the attorney-general and Bank Negara should investigate if there is any breach of either the Companies Act, the Bafia, or both."
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/54993
3) KUALA LUMPUR: Kinabatangan MP Bung Mokhtar Radin pleaded guilty Tuesday at the Gombak Timur Lower Syariah court to committing polygamy without consent.
His second wife Zizie Ezette A Samad also pleaded guilty to marrying without the consent of the marriage registrar.
Both were released on oral bail of RM500 each in one surety.
Five other men, including Zizie’s three brothers also pleaded guilty at the same court to abetting Bung.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/4/20/nation/20100420125656&sec=nation
4) Ali Rustam Remains Malacca Chief Minister - Najib
News 2009-03-17 17:40
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Tuesday (17 March) Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, who has been barred from contesting in the upcoming UMNO elections, will remain as the Malacca Chief Minister.
Najib said that he hoped Mohd Ali would accept the decision with an open heart.
He also urged him to continue contributing to the struggle of the party.
The UMNO Disclipinary Board found Mohd Ali guilty of violating party ethics for indulging in money politics and is prohibited from contesting the post of UMNO deputy president. (Bernama)
http://www.mysinchew.com/node/22269
5) "Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is also the Prime Minister, said Bank Negara had revoked the licences of such money changers.
He added that action could be taken against anyone under Anti-Money Laundering Act 2001 for transferring funds outside Malaysia via money changers.
Najib said this in a written reply to Loke Siew Fook (DAP-Rasah) who had asked about the status of investigation into an allegation that Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan had remitted RM10mil to the United Kingdom via a money changer.
At a press conference in Parliament lobby, Loke and Tian Chua (PKR-Batu) urged Bank Negara to disclose the outcome of its investigation into cases of VIPs transferring funds outside Malaysia via money changers.
While Chua said a report had been lodged with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) last year against Mohamed, Loke, who is also a state assemblyman, said he had queried Mohamad during the Negri Sembilan state assembly in December last year.
“His reply was that I should ask the authorities,’’ said Loke."
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/6/23/parliament/6523908&sec=parliament
Correct Correct Correct me if am I wrong, there is a peri bahasa "meludah ke langit" right?
So what's the definition of "dirty" according to the minister in charge of ISA?
Thaipusam wishes
I would like to express my best wishes to my fellow Malaysians who celebrate Thaipusam
Although I have very little, if any, understanding of this festival, I do respect your devotion to something you hold very dear.
It is regrettable that even such as event cannot be spared from political gamesmanship1 and 2. Hinduism was not really a part of prominent political landscape until Badawi's office, correct me if I am wrong.
For those who enjoy the until recently non-existence public holiday, let's remember the sacrifices some of our brave, less fortunate, desperate and cornered fellow Malaysians that took significant risk and endured great pains to take part in a street protest that led to this "concession".
I do spare a thought for the family for this man, sigh. Especially his mother.
Inter-faith council: keeping up with the Jones
Inter faith dialogue was deemed impossible during Badawi's administration despite the conversion and body snatching incidents during his tenure.
Since then Malaysia has progressed to Shah Alam cow head issue, assaults on places of worship and now some poor pigs who also could not die in peace despite like the cows, sacrificed themselves to provide food for Malaysians.
Badawi , like any decent ex-Malaysian Prime Minister (but still an elected Yang Berhormat/Berkhidmat), is liberated to sing a different tune.
Pak Lah pushes for inter-faith dialogue as way forward to resolve ‘Allah’ crisis
MCA has upped its attempt to secure brownie points by having their own version but I think they forgot to invite someone.
Its president, Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, said the organisations include the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism.
Good old Nazri, as usual, have his own view (how I love his 1Malaysia, 2 Terminology approach. Politics First)
Nazri says too late for dialogue on ‘Allah’
Of course, there are good men around in Malaysia that has done the right thing. I read in the Chinese press that the NS police chief held an inter-faith meeting between religious leaders and syabas to the man.
While this IFC is deemed too sensitive, too difficult and too risky for Malaysians to dabble in 21st century age of internet, information explosion, knowledge-base economies, blue sea strategies etc, let's see what Indonesia, the source of our maids (abused or otherwise), construction and factory labour is doing:
JAKARTA : Indonesia will soon formalise an Inter-Religious Council that would bring together leaders from major faiths in the country to anticipate and tackle inter-religious conflicts in the country.
Ad-hoc meetings between leaders of different religious groups in Indonesia are not new. But now they plan to institutionalise it and call it the Indonesia Inter-Religious Council.
Well perhaps we should send observers there to learn a thing or two...oops do we do lawatan sambil belajar to Jakarta or further?
Since then Malaysia has progressed to Shah Alam cow head issue, assaults on places of worship and now some poor pigs who also could not die in peace despite like the cows, sacrificed themselves to provide food for Malaysians.
Badawi , like any decent ex-Malaysian Prime Minister (but still an elected Yang Berhormat/Berkhidmat), is liberated to sing a different tune.
Pak Lah pushes for inter-faith dialogue as way forward to resolve ‘Allah’ crisis
MCA has upped its attempt to secure brownie points by having their own version but I think they forgot to invite someone.
Its president, Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, said the organisations include the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism.
Good old Nazri, as usual, have his own view (how I love his 1Malaysia, 2 Terminology approach. Politics First)
Nazri says too late for dialogue on ‘Allah’
Of course, there are good men around in Malaysia that has done the right thing. I read in the Chinese press that the NS police chief held an inter-faith meeting between religious leaders and syabas to the man.
While this IFC is deemed too sensitive, too difficult and too risky for Malaysians to dabble in 21st century age of internet, information explosion, knowledge-base economies, blue sea strategies etc, let's see what Indonesia, the source of our maids (abused or otherwise), construction and factory labour is doing:
JAKARTA : Indonesia will soon formalise an Inter-Religious Council that would bring together leaders from major faiths in the country to anticipate and tackle inter-religious conflicts in the country.
Ad-hoc meetings between leaders of different religious groups in Indonesia are not new. But now they plan to institutionalise it and call it the Indonesia Inter-Religious Council.
Well perhaps we should send observers there to learn a thing or two...oops do we do lawatan sambil belajar to Jakarta or further?
Debate on 'Allah' on AlJazeera- 'both sides' invited
A must watch video. This video punches holes into the current 'Allah' issue.
Inside Story presenter Nick Clark is joined by Khairul Faiz Morat, the vice president of international affairs of the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement, Reverend Herman Shastri, the general secretary of the Council of Churches of Malaysia, and Zachary Abuza, a professor of political science at Simmons College specialising in the politics of Southeast Asia.
Inside Story presenter Nick Clark is joined by Khairul Faiz Morat, the vice president of international affairs of the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement, Reverend Herman Shastri, the general secretary of the Council of Churches of Malaysia, and Zachary Abuza, a professor of political science at Simmons College specialising in the politics of Southeast Asia.
I don't know there was something burning
I got to hand it to IGP who comes up with the best bureaucratic reply ever,
“He did not tell me so it did not happen,”
“He did not tell me so it did not happen,”
IGP denies Kg Subang church attack and car-smashing in Bangsar
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 – IGP Tan Sri Musa Hasan denied reports of a church attack in Kampung Subang even though Selangor CPO Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar had confirmed the incident.
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 – IGP Tan Sri Musa Hasan denied reports of a church attack in Kampung Subang even though Selangor CPO Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar had confirmed the incident.
Yep the same chap who scored above full points for his KPI, an astonishing 113.8%
What say you, Koh Tsu Koon?
Pakatan wants UMNO to take the responsibility of one of the darkest moment in Malaysia's history. Of course, after just launching 1Malaysia clinic as a Prime Minister for all Malaysians, Najib says his team is not responsible for it.
“Don’t point the fingers at Umno or anyone else. We have always been very responsible. Don’t say this attack is motivated by Umno,” said Najib
Ok, if I give Najib the benefit of doubt and he earns his salary from our tax money and he is entrusted with the responsibility of running the country, can he at least let us know who are responsible for contempt of court, betrayal of all religion, treason to the nation and threatening the lives and properties of their fellow countrymen?
We are not Rwanda, Bosnia, Sulawesi and I damn well do not want to share their history. If you have gone through what they have gone through, you will value peace and harmony more than whatever that lies between your legs, seriously.
Nizar, the rightful Perak MB if I have a choice, have set aside disaster relieve funds. If the PM want to earn some brownie points or pick up the pieces, well, it will look good later in newspapers, billboards and GE posters......
As for the voters, please remember what happened today. Would you want an administration that would allow us to degenerate into a Sulawesi?
Will the local religious terrorists be brought to books? So far, people who threatened the security of the nation by cycling, giving teddy bear to prime ministers, holding candles, being lawyers visiting clients in police station, being cooperative witnesses have all been dealt with swiftly and in one way or the other by the law enforcement agencies of this country.
Apart from some delays with regards to certain people who have issues with a head of a cow, the law enforcement agencies seemed to be able to react if they are interested or instructed. Let's see whether PDRM can justify Koh Tsu Koon's above full marks valuation.
And I would like to see what the Royalties have to say about this. His Royal Highness have a pivotal religious role in this country and I hope His Royal Highness can exercise his wisdom and address this serious issue and save our country.
The Politics of 'Allah' - Malaysia is still struggling to uphold basic freedoms.
The Wall Street Journal
God means love in many places, but in Malaysia it can also mean politics. That's the takeaway from the United Malays National Organization-led government's attempt to quash the use of the word "Allah" by non-Muslim groups.
At issue is the Catholic Herald's two-year court battle to use the A-word in its Malay-language edition?which it claims it needs to do because there's no other suitable word for "God" in Malay. Last week, the High Court overturned an arbitrary government ban. Yesterday, however, the church agreed to a stay of the decision?at the government's request?until the ruling can be appealed. So the Herald is once again muzzled.
Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail characterized the decision as "a matter of national interest," which implies that somehow Muslims across Malaysia would revolt if the Herald were allowed to reference God in another language. Never mind that Malaysians of many faiths have peacefully co-existed for decades.
The real reason UMNO is politicizing the issue and pandering to its conservative base may be to deflect attention from its own political vulnerabilities. The opposition coalition, led by Anwar Ibrahim, has gained popularity by touting a vision of a secular country in which all religions have equal rights. Even the opposition's Islamic partner, the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party?which hasn't always supported liberal ideas?issued a statement Monday saying that the Herald's use of "Allah" is its constitutional right.
Prime Minister Najib Razak called the A-word controversy a "sensitive issue" Sunday. But by allowing his party to continue curtailing freedom of speech, he is only stirring tensions. What a disappointment for a man who ran for office promising to create "One Malaysia."
Er...politician first, public servant second?
Whatever the merit of the High Court's ruling that non-muslims can use the word "Allah" is not my primary concern, read here for a piece of some other people's opinion. ("ISNA Commends Malaysian Court Ruling")
What I am more concern about is the stand adopted by consumers of tax payers' money. (Fine if their livelihood is not entirely dependant on it .... but leave this issue to another day, ok?)
Home Ministry to allow protests against ‘Allah’ ruling
PUTRAJAYA, Jan 6- The Home Ministry will allow a public demonstration against the “Allah” ruling, planned by Muslim groups this Friday at the Kampung Baru mosque here, to proceed and will only take action if “things get out of hand.”
“There is a balance that needs to be addressed. We (the Home Ministry) have faced this situation before. Right now, if you do not allow the protest, it will cause a lot of emotional reaction. But if you also allow it, it might turn into a security threat,” explained Hishammuddin.
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Are they suppose to be be public servants first and politicians second or politicians first and public servant second?
Politics is a game about whipping up enough support for oneself and even generating ill-feelings towards your opponent. However, there must be a limit to this. There must be an application of good taste, common sense and accountability in playing these mind games; especially one is holding a ministerial office and getting paid by tax payers of all race and religion.
The political currency of BN component parties are well known so after getting numb initially reading the above piece, I suppose there is no surprise at all, given Hishammuddin's keris exploits pre-GE12. I anticipate the Court of Appeal will overrule the High Court decision, why much ado over something so little?
I expect an elected administration to be consistent in application of laws.
If stern police action has been taken against cyclists, coffee drinkers, teddy bear givers, candle light holders and even lawyers trying to see their clients in the police station, why is there exemption for this one?
If the Minister says he is giving in into emotional reaction, then he is saying that he will bend the law because of emotions. By the same token, if a judge feels sorry for a rapist with blue balls syndrome then should the judge apply the relevant sections of the penal codes differently?
The Minister has to be consistent. Anti-ISA protest on 1 August 2009 was an emotional event. The Perak DUN grab generated emotional gatherings as well. The street protest after Anwar's conviction by the late Augustine Paul was also an emotional event but on all occasions, the need to let people pour out their emotion, in Hishammuddin words, takes a second seat. Tear gas, mass road blocks and detention were the call of the days.
The position of judiciary in Malaysia also needs scrutiny. By holding such mass-demonstration, can this be construed as a state of lawlessness and contempt of court? An orderly society with respect to laws and regulations will progress economically and socially. All this talk about creating high value income jobs in Malaysia, Vision 2020 can go out of the window if we degenerate into that.
Najib once said we need to go Glokal. Fine dump the Jaguh Kampung tag. If the protesters have such strong conviction then for goodness sake extend your protests to Indonesia and Arabia whereby non-muslims there have been using the same term as well. Take your protest to the relevant international forum, why stop at Kampung Baru? It would be heartening for me to see Malaysians taking a firm stand and getting international community backing for their stand, whether the stand is on human rights, religion, environment issues etc.
This term usage term has been around for ages and yet, only now it was raised as an explosive issue. If our grandfathers and fathers did not kick up the fuss, why now?
What I am more concern about is the stand adopted by consumers of tax payers' money. (Fine if their livelihood is not entirely dependant on it .... but leave this issue to another day, ok?)
Home Ministry to allow protests against ‘Allah’ ruling
PUTRAJAYA, Jan 6- The Home Ministry will allow a public demonstration against the “Allah” ruling, planned by Muslim groups this Friday at the Kampung Baru mosque here, to proceed and will only take action if “things get out of hand.”
“There is a balance that needs to be addressed. We (the Home Ministry) have faced this situation before. Right now, if you do not allow the protest, it will cause a lot of emotional reaction. But if you also allow it, it might turn into a security threat,” explained Hishammuddin.
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Are they suppose to be be public servants first and politicians second or politicians first and public servant second?
Politics is a game about whipping up enough support for oneself and even generating ill-feelings towards your opponent. However, there must be a limit to this. There must be an application of good taste, common sense and accountability in playing these mind games; especially one is holding a ministerial office and getting paid by tax payers of all race and religion.
The political currency of BN component parties are well known so after getting numb initially reading the above piece, I suppose there is no surprise at all, given Hishammuddin's keris exploits pre-GE12. I anticipate the Court of Appeal will overrule the High Court decision, why much ado over something so little?
I expect an elected administration to be consistent in application of laws.
If stern police action has been taken against cyclists, coffee drinkers, teddy bear givers, candle light holders and even lawyers trying to see their clients in the police station, why is there exemption for this one?
If the Minister says he is giving in into emotional reaction, then he is saying that he will bend the law because of emotions. By the same token, if a judge feels sorry for a rapist with blue balls syndrome then should the judge apply the relevant sections of the penal codes differently?
The Minister has to be consistent. Anti-ISA protest on 1 August 2009 was an emotional event. The Perak DUN grab generated emotional gatherings as well. The street protest after Anwar's conviction by the late Augustine Paul was also an emotional event but on all occasions, the need to let people pour out their emotion, in Hishammuddin words, takes a second seat. Tear gas, mass road blocks and detention were the call of the days.
The position of judiciary in Malaysia also needs scrutiny. By holding such mass-demonstration, can this be construed as a state of lawlessness and contempt of court? An orderly society with respect to laws and regulations will progress economically and socially. All this talk about creating high value income jobs in Malaysia, Vision 2020 can go out of the window if we degenerate into that.
Najib once said we need to go Glokal. Fine dump the Jaguh Kampung tag. If the protesters have such strong conviction then for goodness sake extend your protests to Indonesia and Arabia whereby non-muslims there have been using the same term as well. Take your protest to the relevant international forum, why stop at Kampung Baru? It would be heartening for me to see Malaysians taking a firm stand and getting international community backing for their stand, whether the stand is on human rights, religion, environment issues etc.
This term usage term has been around for ages and yet, only now it was raised as an explosive issue. If our grandfathers and fathers did not kick up the fuss, why now?
Exhortations of Righteousness? or Plain Bullshit?
I have stopped buying and reading newspapers, but, now and then one can't help but to note the headlies... (pun intended) on the local newspapers.. occasionally I also browse The Star for some "free" online propaganda.
Today is one of those days and The Star clearly chose to ignore to point out all those racist statements made by the PM Jibby's ministers in the past few months while chose to trumpet the PM's call to "Learn Tolerance" and "Mutual Respect" as espoused by the Quran. Everything points to the PM being "different" and definitely working towards the goal of 1Malaysia! Bravo!. If taken in isolation, it would have meant something in Malaysia but merge it with all the events that occur over the past few months, one really wonders if this PM has been out of the country and do not bother to keep in touch with local events or what?
Funnily though, after 52 years of BN rule, the country is still "learning to tolerate"? I mean, 52 years of BN rule! They have not achieved what they have been espousing all these while? On another level, would mutual understanding and respect be a more lasting basis of peace in Malaysia rather than tolerance? Tolerance as its means can have a breaking point. Would it not? Case in point.. there were many and the latest that people would have remembered would be the cow-head demonstration that it is now known. So, "tolerance"? Now, that the so called tolerance has hit the tipping point, the state government called for a "dialogue". A dialogue as we know is a diplomatic discussion by putting your grievances on the table and we try to understand the root of the problem and we "hope" to reach an understanding or rather a prelude to a more substantive discussion to resolve the whole matter. But, the "dialogue" as we all have come to understand today is a shouting match with no substance but obscenities and name calling. There is no desire whatsoever by the people who have "lost tolerance" to come with a mind to have a "dialogue". They seem hell bent on creating ruckus, intimidate and drive fear into others. Is this what our people have come to?
Back to the question, is the PM out of tune right now calling for us to learn tolerance? We have learnt tolerance for 52 years! And never once in the 52 years of tolerating have we ended up dragging something sacred and desecrate it in such a shameful manner. So, Mr. PM, you say we should learn more tolerance? Who should Mr. PM? Should we tolerate the abuser? or should we be more tolerant as the one receiving the abuses? Is your call to learn tolerance a one way traffic? Heads you win, tails I lose?
I would not go into detail as to their political affiliations of the people involved in the fracas of the demonstration and the dialogue session. Suffice to say that BN and Umno in particular have been supporting this group of people is enough to speak of your rant for tolerance and mutual respect is nothing more than a mantra that is ancient and is no longer applicable in Malaysia today.m
Today is one of those days and The Star clearly chose to ignore to point out all those racist statements made by the PM Jibby's ministers in the past few months while chose to trumpet the PM's call to "Learn Tolerance" and "Mutual Respect" as espoused by the Quran. Everything points to the PM being "different" and definitely working towards the goal of 1Malaysia! Bravo!. If taken in isolation, it would have meant something in Malaysia but merge it with all the events that occur over the past few months, one really wonders if this PM has been out of the country and do not bother to keep in touch with local events or what?
Funnily though, after 52 years of BN rule, the country is still "learning to tolerate"? I mean, 52 years of BN rule! They have not achieved what they have been espousing all these while? On another level, would mutual understanding and respect be a more lasting basis of peace in Malaysia rather than tolerance? Tolerance as its means can have a breaking point. Would it not? Case in point.. there were many and the latest that people would have remembered would be the cow-head demonstration that it is now known. So, "tolerance"? Now, that the so called tolerance has hit the tipping point, the state government called for a "dialogue". A dialogue as we know is a diplomatic discussion by putting your grievances on the table and we try to understand the root of the problem and we "hope" to reach an understanding or rather a prelude to a more substantive discussion to resolve the whole matter. But, the "dialogue" as we all have come to understand today is a shouting match with no substance but obscenities and name calling. There is no desire whatsoever by the people who have "lost tolerance" to come with a mind to have a "dialogue". They seem hell bent on creating ruckus, intimidate and drive fear into others. Is this what our people have come to?
Back to the question, is the PM out of tune right now calling for us to learn tolerance? We have learnt tolerance for 52 years! And never once in the 52 years of tolerating have we ended up dragging something sacred and desecrate it in such a shameful manner. So, Mr. PM, you say we should learn more tolerance? Who should Mr. PM? Should we tolerate the abuser? or should we be more tolerant as the one receiving the abuses? Is your call to learn tolerance a one way traffic? Heads you win, tails I lose?
I would not go into detail as to their political affiliations of the people involved in the fracas of the demonstration and the dialogue session. Suffice to say that BN and Umno in particular have been supporting this group of people is enough to speak of your rant for tolerance and mutual respect is nothing more than a mantra that is ancient and is no longer applicable in Malaysia today.m
We have to be consistent
I am all for the right of people to make known and advocate their stand in a civilised manner. Through proper dissemination of what they are passionate about, they can broadcast to and educate others what they believe in with the hope to make the society they live in will become better. Good examples are advocates of women's right, animals' right and environmental issues among others.
I also admire people who shows consistency, committment and dedication to their cause and belief, provided all done in a civilised manner.
Albeit I felt uncomfortable with the self-appointed defenders of faith to demonstrate in front of the BAR Council last year and the actions of certain committed defenders of their race's rights in Penang shortly after the results of the GE was known on 8 March, I believe it is their right to voice their opinion and make their stand. It is only the alternative in which they have chosen to show their feelings that is subject to questioning and control.
So how does the ardent, avid and committed of the above react to the 2 developments below?
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) – Malaysia has banned the forced conversion of children to Islam to quell unease among religious minorities in the mainly Muslim nation, the country's Legal Affairs Minister said on Thursday.
The decision follows the highly publicized case of Indira Gandhi, a 34-year-old ethnic Indian Hindu woman whose estranged husband embraced Islam and then converted their children to the religion as...
The decision follows the highly publicized case of Indira Gandhi, a 34-year-old ethnic Indian Hindu woman whose estranged husband embraced Islam and then converted their children to the religion as...
KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday defended the removal of the 30 per cent Malay equity quota in several sectors, and said that Malay businesses would not lose out despite any increased competition.
The above development is a test of Dato Seri's Najib mettle and the swift development suggest a certain firmess & firmness in his administration hence make make Badawi's administration look in less favourable light.
Leave the poor tree alone-lah
I read in today's Sunday Star(19 April page N6) that ..."Ipoh City Council planted 19 young tree around the Democracy Tree to deter people from using it for unknown religious purposes..." per Datuk Bandar Roshidi Hashim.
Just what are they afraid afraid of?
if it is unknown, how sure the City Council know it is for religious purposes? Whether it is religious in nature or not, should it not be a mufti, ustaz, monk, priest or Jabatan Islam to determine that? Since when the Majlis Perbandaran is an expert in religious matter? Leaving a trident I am not sure but using the tree for 4D number is definitely NOT a religious purpose.
By the way, isn't freedom of religion part of the foundation of Malaysia's famed social contract or way of life? How come we can let a body financed by rate payers' fund to decide for the rate payers whether they can pray/held religious function or not around the tree?
By the way, planting 19 trees so close to each other suggest lousy town planing execution. Who wants to have a man-made secondary forest near the state assembly hall? Haven for khalwating couples, pissing dogs, scared cats, hidden snakes, lazy snails, marauding mosquitoes or desperate gentleman who can't find a toilet nearby?
Also, this is maltreatment of trees. By clustering 20 of them together, the land might not hold enough nutrients for them.
Just what are they afraid afraid of?
if it is unknown, how sure the City Council know it is for religious purposes? Whether it is religious in nature or not, should it not be a mufti, ustaz, monk, priest or Jabatan Islam to determine that? Since when the Majlis Perbandaran is an expert in religious matter? Leaving a trident I am not sure but using the tree for 4D number is definitely NOT a religious purpose.
By the way, isn't freedom of religion part of the foundation of Malaysia's famed social contract or way of life? How come we can let a body financed by rate payers' fund to decide for the rate payers whether they can pray/held religious function or not around the tree?
By the way, planting 19 trees so close to each other suggest lousy town planing execution. Who wants to have a man-made secondary forest near the state assembly hall? Haven for khalwating couples, pissing dogs, scared cats, hidden snakes, lazy snails, marauding mosquitoes or desperate gentleman who can't find a toilet nearby?
Also, this is maltreatment of trees. By clustering 20 of them together, the land might not hold enough nutrients for them.
Easing racial, religious tensions next on agenda
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said his final mission before he hands over power to his deputy is to cool racial and religious tensions in the country. Resident.WangsaMaju- what racial tensions. The tension is probably between UMNO, MCA and MIC. My relationship with my neighbours of other races are still good.
Abdullah, who will hand over power to Datuk Seri Najib Razak in March, is now seeing a raft of reform bills being brought through Parliament. Resident.WangsaMaju- this is a last minute job of poor quality.
"I am thinking of how to handle the issue of race relations and the issue of religious tensions because of so many things that are happening," he said. Resident.WangsaMaju- by the time you finish thinking, it would be March. Let the rakyat do the thinking, let them voice their opinion, let them have a hand in formulating policies through their MPs. Religious tensions are mostly a direct result of your Government's action and policies- ie forbiding the use of the word 'Allah' by a Catholic paper eventhough this word is a global generic word for 'God', etc.
"Muslims think from their own perspective. Non-Muslims think from their own perspective."
The answer could also lie in new legislation, ostensibly clarifying grey areas in laws on religious disputes, he said.
Muslims in Malaysia are governed by syariah in family and personal matters. Chinese, Indian and other races come under civil courts. There is no clear-cut guidance on which court has greater authority when it comes to disputes between Muslims and non-Muslims, but civil courts have always allowed syariah courts to adjudicate.
The ambiguity of the law has allowed religious authorities to occasionally claim the bodies of dead Indians or Chinese by asserting they had secretly converted to Islam. Resident.WangsaMaju- no need new legislation. Please allow the courts to interpret the law and landmark cases consistently. Eg. Wong Ah Kiu, Maniam Moorthy cases.
"Some people (outside Malaysia) laugh at it ... but it's not funny at all. These are very serious issues," Abdullah said. Resident.WangsaMaju- not 'some' people; actually 'many' people are laughing. Yes, they are seriously laughing at the PM and the Government.
Abdullah said he did not intend to abolish the Internal Security Act, which allowed indefinite detention without trial. Resident.WangsaMaju- this is a filler-statement.
It was used against communist insurgents decades ago and extremist suspects after the Sept 11 attacks in the United States. Resident.WangsaMaju- it is quite clear cut that bloggers and politicians imprisoned from ISA are nowhere near the Communist faith nor near any terrorism acts on the scale of the Sept 11 attacks. Yes, it was used decades ago. It's obsolete now.
"Preventive detention has a role in any society, in any democratic country," Abdullah said. Resident.WangsaMaju- Malaysia is not democratic. Malaysia practices a gestapo, Nazi-like system. ISA prevents democracy.
"But a country's leader has to be very careful how this legislation is being applied." Resident.WangsaMaju- this is a filler-statement.
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