Malaysia in a state of restlessness
It is not a good state of affairs, and it has been around with us since the 12th General Elections of March 2008, conciding with the major part of the current prime minister's reign. You can feel the tensions in the air.
The average citizen or man-in-the-street can feel the vibrations, and they are not shy or timid to voice out their concerns at the neighbourhood mamak stall or kopitiam. Are most of the leaders of the Barisan Nasional government clueless to the situation?I believe they are aware, but it's just a case of "... have eyes but do not want to see".
The ordinary people fell insecure on many fronts -- leave aside the daily grind to put three square meals every day on the family table, with rising prices every month on basic food and other essential items. We don't feel safe because the politicians and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) mainly funded by the Government's BN component paries are raising temperatures mouthing their the cacophany of raised voices, based mostly on racial and or religious oneupmanship. The people are getting tired seeing the same Perkasa -- Ibrahim Ali, are you there? - or born lately, Isma leaders getting prime time coverage in the mainstream media, especially Utusan Malaysia, New Straits Times and TV3. These protagonists. featuring latest emerging Isma president Abdullah Zaik Abd Rahman
All seem to enjoy immunity from action by the authorities. Top it up with certain individuals, outstanding is Utusan Malaysia's columnist Ridhuan Tee Abdullah -- the convert who tries overly hard to "out-Malay" the Malays! -- who get away with blatant incitement of the non-Malays especially the Chinese Malaysians. Such wayward and extremist behaviour is on the rise, in my honest opinion, because of the "double standards" employed by the enforcement officers. One set of standards for Umno members and their supporters, and the other harsher standards for all others -- so clearly evident that the ordinary people don't trust the government and officials to act fairly and equitably.
Yes, one cannot deny the rising trend of incitement by extremist leaders of political parties or non-government organisations via word and action that blatantly disturb public peace and order, such as seizing on the Bibles using Bahasa Malaysia; seizing a child given by a civil court order to allow custody by the mother who is a Hindu, when the father, since conversion to Muslim, used a syariah court order to counter the civil court order; and the removal of a man's body undergoing non-Muslim funeral rituals by Muslim enforecement officers.
I believe many of the these "wayward" incidents took motivation following certain minister's poor benchmark for good civil behaviour and here I recall just more than a year ago, then newly appointed Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, soon after PM Najib Tun Razak announced the new Cabinet post-13th General Elections, quoting from the blogpost of Din Merican:-
Sheer Arrogance, Zahid Hamidi
Newly-appointed Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysians who are unhappy with the country’s political system should leave the country, stressing that loyal citizens should respect the Rule of Law. In his first opinion piece printed in Utusan Malaysia since receiving the portfolio yesterday, Ahmad Zahid wrote that the illegal gatherings held across the country by Pakatan Rakyat was a form of escapism and the denial of the fact that it failed to take control of Putrajaya.
Malaysia inherited the political system from the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth countries also use the first past the post system where political parties contesting in the election will only have one representative in each constituency with the principle of a simple majority of votes !He said Opposition leaders, especially those from PKR and DAP, have been irresponsible in confusing young Chinese voters and their followers who are “politically blind” to dress in black to protest against the result of the 13th general election which they believe is for them due to the popular vote.
“If these people wish to adopt the list system or the single transferable vote used by countries with the republic form of government, then they should migrate to these countries to practise their political beliefs. Malaysia is not a country to translate their political beliefs, even if they are really loyal to this country, they should accept the political system and the existing system to form a government as enshrined in the Federal Constitution,” he said. (Stress in bold is by the writer)
For the past few years, we have had many incidents when the loyalties of the non-Malays had been been questioned. Many of Ridhuan Tee's Sunday writings reflect that he wishes to completely deny his "Chinese roots" and wishes other Malaysian Chinese to do the same. My rebuttal is that one's ethnic origins will always stay with us, and we cannot deny the "Chinese" blood in us, however much Ridhuan may deem his conversion into Islam as elevating his status to "talk down" to others from his moral high ground. We must remember headlines such as Utusan Malaysia's provocative "Apa lagi Orang Cina mahu?" and warn that such provocations could have caused civil unrest or public disorder if not for the control and discipline of the recipient-listeners. One can't help but ask the question: Who is funding all these NGOs who seem to sprout out with leaders such as Perkasa's Ibrahim Ali and Isma's more and more extremist minds?
As a Malaysian, I don't wish to have anyone question my freedom of speech and loyalty, and I also would defend my full and equal rights of a citizen to any other Malaysian, even if that other is a Minister -- whether of Chinese or Indian or Arabic or Indonesian ethnic origin!
What can dissenting Malaysians do about such extremism?
But most citizens feel hapless that they can't do much about the present state of affairs. Worse yet, and in my humble opinion, the nation's chief executive officer is behaving like a modern Nero, the Emperor who played the fiddle while Rome burnt.
A vocal NGO, Sisters in Islam (SIS) had welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak's official launch of the initiative of Global Movement of Moderates Foundation (GMM) in January 2012, a timely action well lauded nationwide and internationally. However, SIS in a statement later noted that "... Rising threats and violence, including on religious grounds, should not become the norm among Malaysia’s diverse population. But sadly, recent incidents have shown the ugly face of intolerance and violent threats by certain quarters, including non-state organisations, major political parties and the police. These include increased threats to human rights defenders, freedom of religion and minorities."
Our country is blessed with many and rich natural resources. For a neighbour nation like Singapore which is deprived of natural resources and yet make it to "developed nation" status, there is no reason for any ethnic group or class of citizens in Malaysia to be trapped in poverty. We owe it to ourselves to elect a truly democratic and responsible, accountable government that is corruption-free. We may feel helpless as individuals, but when you sign up as members of a political party, you make a difference by acting as a united front. We must replace the voices of destrustive extremism with voices of dissent for reform and progress, for a Better Malaysia because we deserve that.
But as citizens and as voters every four to five years, we hold the power to change the government, at both the state levels -- such as in Selangior and Penang and Kelantan -- as yet-to-happen at the Federal level too. As voters, citizens must not sell their votes for BRIM1, 2, 3 and 4 of RM500 or RM650 or even RM1,000 -- BRIM stands more aptly for "Bribe Malaysia"!
I am sad to note many people just would shrug their shoulders and accept the situation of prevailing restlessness with a sigh and an air of resignation that "we can't do anything about it". The saddest option is to see them falling into the very trap that Zahid Hamidi had set us: Many parents planning their children's education are hoping to see their children go overseas where they perceive they would have a better chance for a better life.And the children are advised to stay put in their country of residence like Australia, United Kingdom or United States of America. And believe me, many of our bright talented young ones are being recruited by the republic south of the border, via the attractive ASEAN scholarships! Why do you need a TalentCorp when ministers are doing a fine job chasing talented Malaysians away?
To those planning emigrating to foreign shores, my question is: Won't you be trading one set of local problems with a new set of problems in the foreign country? There is no heaven on earth. We must not sell ourselves short: We owe it to ourselves, our children and grandchildren to stay back and fight -- to undo the wrongs and injustices and inequities, and strive for a better Malaysia. There is hope yet -- as long as Harakah and Suara Keadilan are still around and not to allow the big bullies like Zahid, Ibrahim Ali and Ridhuan Tee get away scot-free! - ES
Sumber HD - 7-7-2014
The average citizen or man-in-the-street can feel the vibrations, and they are not shy or timid to voice out their concerns at the neighbourhood mamak stall or kopitiam. Are most of the leaders of the Barisan Nasional government clueless to the situation?I believe they are aware, but it's just a case of "... have eyes but do not want to see".
The ordinary people fell insecure on many fronts -- leave aside the daily grind to put three square meals every day on the family table, with rising prices every month on basic food and other essential items. We don't feel safe because the politicians and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) mainly funded by the Government's BN component paries are raising temperatures mouthing their the cacophany of raised voices, based mostly on racial and or religious oneupmanship. The people are getting tired seeing the same Perkasa -- Ibrahim Ali, are you there? - or born lately, Isma leaders getting prime time coverage in the mainstream media, especially Utusan Malaysia, New Straits Times and TV3. These protagonists. featuring latest emerging Isma president Abdullah Zaik Abd Rahman
All seem to enjoy immunity from action by the authorities. Top it up with certain individuals, outstanding is Utusan Malaysia's columnist Ridhuan Tee Abdullah -- the convert who tries overly hard to "out-Malay" the Malays! -- who get away with blatant incitement of the non-Malays especially the Chinese Malaysians. Such wayward and extremist behaviour is on the rise, in my honest opinion, because of the "double standards" employed by the enforcement officers. One set of standards for Umno members and their supporters, and the other harsher standards for all others -- so clearly evident that the ordinary people don't trust the government and officials to act fairly and equitably.
Yes, one cannot deny the rising trend of incitement by extremist leaders of political parties or non-government organisations via word and action that blatantly disturb public peace and order, such as seizing on the Bibles using Bahasa Malaysia; seizing a child given by a civil court order to allow custody by the mother who is a Hindu, when the father, since conversion to Muslim, used a syariah court order to counter the civil court order; and the removal of a man's body undergoing non-Muslim funeral rituals by Muslim enforecement officers.
I believe many of the these "wayward" incidents took motivation following certain minister's poor benchmark for good civil behaviour and here I recall just more than a year ago, then newly appointed Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, soon after PM Najib Tun Razak announced the new Cabinet post-13th General Elections, quoting from the blogpost of Din Merican:-
Sheer Arrogance, Zahid Hamidi
Newly-appointed Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysians who are unhappy with the country’s political system should leave the country, stressing that loyal citizens should respect the Rule of Law. In his first opinion piece printed in Utusan Malaysia since receiving the portfolio yesterday, Ahmad Zahid wrote that the illegal gatherings held across the country by Pakatan Rakyat was a form of escapism and the denial of the fact that it failed to take control of Putrajaya.
Malaysia inherited the political system from the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth countries also use the first past the post system where political parties contesting in the election will only have one representative in each constituency with the principle of a simple majority of votes !He said Opposition leaders, especially those from PKR and DAP, have been irresponsible in confusing young Chinese voters and their followers who are “politically blind” to dress in black to protest against the result of the 13th general election which they believe is for them due to the popular vote.
“If these people wish to adopt the list system or the single transferable vote used by countries with the republic form of government, then they should migrate to these countries to practise their political beliefs. Malaysia is not a country to translate their political beliefs, even if they are really loyal to this country, they should accept the political system and the existing system to form a government as enshrined in the Federal Constitution,” he said. (Stress in bold is by the writer)
For the past few years, we have had many incidents when the loyalties of the non-Malays had been been questioned. Many of Ridhuan Tee's Sunday writings reflect that he wishes to completely deny his "Chinese roots" and wishes other Malaysian Chinese to do the same. My rebuttal is that one's ethnic origins will always stay with us, and we cannot deny the "Chinese" blood in us, however much Ridhuan may deem his conversion into Islam as elevating his status to "talk down" to others from his moral high ground. We must remember headlines such as Utusan Malaysia's provocative "Apa lagi Orang Cina mahu?" and warn that such provocations could have caused civil unrest or public disorder if not for the control and discipline of the recipient-listeners. One can't help but ask the question: Who is funding all these NGOs who seem to sprout out with leaders such as Perkasa's Ibrahim Ali and Isma's more and more extremist minds?
As a Malaysian, I don't wish to have anyone question my freedom of speech and loyalty, and I also would defend my full and equal rights of a citizen to any other Malaysian, even if that other is a Minister -- whether of Chinese or Indian or Arabic or Indonesian ethnic origin!
What can dissenting Malaysians do about such extremism?
But most citizens feel hapless that they can't do much about the present state of affairs. Worse yet, and in my humble opinion, the nation's chief executive officer is behaving like a modern Nero, the Emperor who played the fiddle while Rome burnt.
A vocal NGO, Sisters in Islam (SIS) had welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak's official launch of the initiative of Global Movement of Moderates Foundation (GMM) in January 2012, a timely action well lauded nationwide and internationally. However, SIS in a statement later noted that "... Rising threats and violence, including on religious grounds, should not become the norm among Malaysia’s diverse population. But sadly, recent incidents have shown the ugly face of intolerance and violent threats by certain quarters, including non-state organisations, major political parties and the police. These include increased threats to human rights defenders, freedom of religion and minorities."
Our country is blessed with many and rich natural resources. For a neighbour nation like Singapore which is deprived of natural resources and yet make it to "developed nation" status, there is no reason for any ethnic group or class of citizens in Malaysia to be trapped in poverty. We owe it to ourselves to elect a truly democratic and responsible, accountable government that is corruption-free. We may feel helpless as individuals, but when you sign up as members of a political party, you make a difference by acting as a united front. We must replace the voices of destrustive extremism with voices of dissent for reform and progress, for a Better Malaysia because we deserve that.
But as citizens and as voters every four to five years, we hold the power to change the government, at both the state levels -- such as in Selangior and Penang and Kelantan -- as yet-to-happen at the Federal level too. As voters, citizens must not sell their votes for BRIM1, 2, 3 and 4 of RM500 or RM650 or even RM1,000 -- BRIM stands more aptly for "Bribe Malaysia"!
I am sad to note many people just would shrug their shoulders and accept the situation of prevailing restlessness with a sigh and an air of resignation that "we can't do anything about it". The saddest option is to see them falling into the very trap that Zahid Hamidi had set us: Many parents planning their children's education are hoping to see their children go overseas where they perceive they would have a better chance for a better life.And the children are advised to stay put in their country of residence like Australia, United Kingdom or United States of America. And believe me, many of our bright talented young ones are being recruited by the republic south of the border, via the attractive ASEAN scholarships! Why do you need a TalentCorp when ministers are doing a fine job chasing talented Malaysians away?
To those planning emigrating to foreign shores, my question is: Won't you be trading one set of local problems with a new set of problems in the foreign country? There is no heaven on earth. We must not sell ourselves short: We owe it to ourselves, our children and grandchildren to stay back and fight -- to undo the wrongs and injustices and inequities, and strive for a better Malaysia. There is hope yet -- as long as Harakah and Suara Keadilan are still around and not to allow the big bullies like Zahid, Ibrahim Ali and Ridhuan Tee get away scot-free! - ES
Sumber HD - 7-7-2014
Tali 3 segi petanda rumah akan dirompak?
Tali Tiga Segi Terikat Di Pagar Petanda Rumah Bakal Dirompak?
Selain ilmu yang bermanfaat, ada juga yang memilih untuk belajar ilmu tidak sepatutnya dengan tujuan untuk hidup senang.
Ilmu dimaksudkan termasuklah ilmu hitam untuk tujuan memukau dan merompak harta benda orang lain.
Untuk pengetahuan bersama, terdapat satu cara untuk mengetahui sekiranya kediaman kita menjadi sasaran pengamal ilmu hitam untuk merompak atau disihir.
Perkongsian tentang perkara ini giat dikongsikan di laman-laman sosial sekarang dengan sumber dikatakan daripada ‘Ustaz Zamri’.
Ilmu dimaksudkan termasuklah ilmu hitam untuk tujuan memukau dan merompak harta benda orang lain.
Untuk pengetahuan bersama, terdapat satu cara untuk mengetahui sekiranya kediaman kita menjadi sasaran pengamal ilmu hitam untuk merompak atau disihir.
Perkongsian tentang perkara ini giat dikongsikan di laman-laman sosial sekarang dengan sumber dikatakan daripada ‘Ustaz Zamri’.
Menurut perkongsian tersebut, jika terlihat ada lilitan tali berbentuk tiga segi diikat pada pagar atau mana-mana tempat di rumah kita atau taman perumahan, maka tali tersebut hendaklah segera dibakar sebelum ia diambil semula oleh pihak yang berniat jahat.
Menerusi cara itu kediaman kita atau orang lain tidak sempat menjadi mangsa perompak atau dituju dengan ilmu sihir.
Kami berkongsikan pos ini dengan tujuan mudah-mudahan ia memberi manfaat. Sejauh mana kebenarannya, wallahualam.
Sumber: mynewshub
Menerusi cara itu kediaman kita atau orang lain tidak sempat menjadi mangsa perompak atau dituju dengan ilmu sihir.
Kami berkongsikan pos ini dengan tujuan mudah-mudahan ia memberi manfaat. Sejauh mana kebenarannya, wallahualam.
Sumber: mynewshub
# Harakahdaily tidak bertanggungjawab di atas segala info yang ditulis oleh pihak pengendali blog. Pandangan penulis blog tidak mewakili Harakahdaily.
Sumber HD - 3-7-2014
Soup kitchen: Festive atmosphere disguises worry
Next week, Ops Qaseh, a large scale operation to rid the four hotspots in Kuala Lumpur of the homeless will start, and the street people we met on June 2 night were well aware of that fact.
Attendance at soup kitchens held throughout the city has dropped, as the needy people worry by coming over to get food, they would get targeted and detained by authorities.
Actions such as these were common, said a female member of a soup kitchen team we met.
"Of course, they would not make arrests near where we are giving out food.
"But once these people are out of our sights, the authorities would swoop in and get their prey," she told HIT.
The soup kitchen we attended, kicked off promptly at 915pm and was held at an undisclosed location to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Many of those in need were there about half an hour earlier, and almost everyone knew each other.
The adults chatted while they ate, and the children played happily with each other, a scene reminiscent of "open houses" usually held by the cabinet members to celebrate festivities, but minus the pompous officials who demand their hands be kissed and the cronies wanting to curry favour.
This scene however, would likely not see a repeat next week.
Food for pregnant wife
Some distance away from the main food distribution point we saw a man taking care of a baby, and that piqued our interest.
The man was most obliging to talk to HIT.
He said he was there at the food kitchen with his pregnant wife, and the baby he was taking care was not his, but his friend's.
"Alhamdullillah, my friend has allowed us to share a room with his family in Chow Kit.
"If not for him, I would be sleeping with my wife on the footpath we are currently standing on now," he said.
My friend took pity on me, after seeing both of us sleeping here for several months, and invited us in, he added.
"But most likely not for long, as his landlord is demanding we get out of the rented room," the 38-year old man said.
He said he had also previously rented a room in Chow Kit, before losing his job as a mechanic and got thrown out.
It was only in these last few days that he got hired as a security guard, but as pay is still a long way away, at the end of July, he is at a loss on what to do.
Should we get kicked out again, he said, you'll be able to find me here, as the RM15 a day, the rate for a room in Chow Kit, for me is totally out of the question.
"Times are really tough lately as we always have to be on the lookout for the authorities," he told HIT.
If the authorities came and I was not able to get food for my family for the day, then I would be in trouble, he continued.
It was as recently as a few days ago this happened, and my wife who is three months pregnant, was desperately hungry.
I had to do something that I despised most, that is beg for money, but as a husband, I cannot think straight if my wife is crying due to hunger.
By God's will, I collected RM2 and bought some food, and managed to stop her tears, at least for a while.
Read the full story in the next edition of Harakah, out on the streets this Monday.
Sumber HD - 3-7-2014
Attendance at soup kitchens held throughout the city has dropped, as the needy people worry by coming over to get food, they would get targeted and detained by authorities.
Actions such as these were common, said a female member of a soup kitchen team we met.
"Of course, they would not make arrests near where we are giving out food.
"But once these people are out of our sights, the authorities would swoop in and get their prey," she told HIT.
The soup kitchen we attended, kicked off promptly at 915pm and was held at an undisclosed location to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Many of those in need were there about half an hour earlier, and almost everyone knew each other.
The adults chatted while they ate, and the children played happily with each other, a scene reminiscent of "open houses" usually held by the cabinet members to celebrate festivities, but minus the pompous officials who demand their hands be kissed and the cronies wanting to curry favour.
This scene however, would likely not see a repeat next week.
Food for pregnant wife
Some distance away from the main food distribution point we saw a man taking care of a baby, and that piqued our interest.
The man was most obliging to talk to HIT.
He said he was there at the food kitchen with his pregnant wife, and the baby he was taking care was not his, but his friend's.
"Alhamdullillah, my friend has allowed us to share a room with his family in Chow Kit.
"If not for him, I would be sleeping with my wife on the footpath we are currently standing on now," he said.
My friend took pity on me, after seeing both of us sleeping here for several months, and invited us in, he added.
"But most likely not for long, as his landlord is demanding we get out of the rented room," the 38-year old man said.
He said he had also previously rented a room in Chow Kit, before losing his job as a mechanic and got thrown out.
It was only in these last few days that he got hired as a security guard, but as pay is still a long way away, at the end of July, he is at a loss on what to do.
Should we get kicked out again, he said, you'll be able to find me here, as the RM15 a day, the rate for a room in Chow Kit, for me is totally out of the question.
"Times are really tough lately as we always have to be on the lookout for the authorities," he told HIT.
If the authorities came and I was not able to get food for my family for the day, then I would be in trouble, he continued.
It was as recently as a few days ago this happened, and my wife who is three months pregnant, was desperately hungry.
I had to do something that I despised most, that is beg for money, but as a husband, I cannot think straight if my wife is crying due to hunger.
By God's will, I collected RM2 and bought some food, and managed to stop her tears, at least for a while.
Read the full story in the next edition of Harakah, out on the streets this Monday.
Sumber HD - 3-7-2014
Make no concessions in TPP meetings
The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) is concerned that the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) negotiations are going full steam ahead.
There will be a meeting of negotiators including the chief negotiators of TPPA countries to be held in Canada from 3-12 July, 2014. We urge the Malaysian government to stand firm on all its positions during this negotiating round and to strengthen its positions further, in line with the Red Lines on the issues which civil society organisations including CAP have drawn up and submitted to the government.
We understand that at the round in Canada, the issues likely to be negotiated include intellectual property (IP), investment, state owned enterprise (SOEs) and possible exceptions for tobacco control. Each of these issues is very sensitive in which there are high stakes for Malaysia.
Therefore the Prime Minister and the Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) as well as other relevant Ministers and senior officials must require our negotiators to stand firm or even strengthen the country’s existing positions, and not make any new concessions.
The following are some of CAP’s positions on the issues coming up for negotiation in Canada.
On intellectual property (IP), Malaysia should reject proposals for stronger IP than the World Trade Organization rules require including to:
· join additional international IP treaties that strengthen IP protection.
· extend the copyright term to at least 70 years (from the present 50 years).
The result of accepting these would be that consumers’ rights and access to affordable medicines and to information and knowledge will be harmed, and farmers’ rights to seeds would be diminished.
On state owned enterprises (SOE), Malaysia should reject the whole section, which aims at making it difficult or impossible for most of our government-linked companies to operate or survive. Otherwise it should demand that the country is exempted from having to comply with this section.
One of the provisions is that these SOEs cannot give preference to local goods, services or companies in their procurement of goods and services. Abiding by this will lead to a lot of the business of SOEs to be given to foreign companies, which will have serious effects on local businesses, including Bumiputeras. This must be rejected by Malaysia.
Malaysia should reject the investment chapter given the problems experienced by other countries who agreed to the same provisions as are in the leaked TPPA investment chapter. However, since it appears to be negotiating this chapter, Malaysia must reject pre-establishment rights for foreign companies of TPPA countries as well as proposed restrictions on performance requirements (or conditions) placed on foreign companies. In the draft text, countries are allowed to exempt ‘non-conforming measures’ from some obligations but other key obligations are not exempted and thus the ‘exemptions’ are of little use.
Thus Malaysia should insist that these non-conforming measures must be exempted from all investment chapter obligations. Malaysia must also reject any provisions that prevent the country from using capital controls that may be required to regulate the flow of funds into and from the country.
Malaysia should also reject provisions relating to the ‘investor protection’ component of the TPPA. In particular, we should reject the provisions on ‘fair and equitable treatment’ and ‘indirect expropriation’ as these greatly constrain our policy space and expose the country to legal liability.
Malaysia must also reject the investor-to-state dispute settlement (ISDS) system in the investment chapter which enables the foreign investor to take the government to an international arbitration tribunal to enforce the provisions in the investment chapter and provisions of other chapters which are referred to in the investment chapter. This exposes the government to claims of billions of dollars.
Malaysia must stand firm on its proposal for a total exclusion or total carve-out for tobacco control measures from the whole TPPA.
Malaysia should also insist that it (and other TPPA countries that request it) should obtain exceptions in all TPPA chapters that allow it to adopt or maintain measures that it deems it needs for purposes of public health, the environment, economic and social development and other public interest policies.
In the last week, a number of TPPA governments have said that the negotiations can basically be concluded by the end of 2014. Given the TPPA is almost concluded, it becomes even more vital that all TPPA governments provide more concrete and detailed information to the public on the negotiations that are taking place.
So far the information has been very limited and sketchy and the public is in the dark on what issues are being negotiated and what Malaysia’s positions are. This is despite the consultations and briefings that Ministry of International Trade and Industry have been holding.
The red lines that CAP has raised above are because the Malaysian government is still going ahead with the negotiations. We still stand by our earlier position that Malaysia should withdraw from further negotiations and not sign the TPPA.
Sumber HD - 2-7-2014
There will be a meeting of negotiators including the chief negotiators of TPPA countries to be held in Canada from 3-12 July, 2014. We urge the Malaysian government to stand firm on all its positions during this negotiating round and to strengthen its positions further, in line with the Red Lines on the issues which civil society organisations including CAP have drawn up and submitted to the government.
We understand that at the round in Canada, the issues likely to be negotiated include intellectual property (IP), investment, state owned enterprise (SOEs) and possible exceptions for tobacco control. Each of these issues is very sensitive in which there are high stakes for Malaysia.
Therefore the Prime Minister and the Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) as well as other relevant Ministers and senior officials must require our negotiators to stand firm or even strengthen the country’s existing positions, and not make any new concessions.
The following are some of CAP’s positions on the issues coming up for negotiation in Canada.
On intellectual property (IP), Malaysia should reject proposals for stronger IP than the World Trade Organization rules require including to:
· join additional international IP treaties that strengthen IP protection.
· extend the copyright term to at least 70 years (from the present 50 years).
The result of accepting these would be that consumers’ rights and access to affordable medicines and to information and knowledge will be harmed, and farmers’ rights to seeds would be diminished.
On state owned enterprises (SOE), Malaysia should reject the whole section, which aims at making it difficult or impossible for most of our government-linked companies to operate or survive. Otherwise it should demand that the country is exempted from having to comply with this section.
One of the provisions is that these SOEs cannot give preference to local goods, services or companies in their procurement of goods and services. Abiding by this will lead to a lot of the business of SOEs to be given to foreign companies, which will have serious effects on local businesses, including Bumiputeras. This must be rejected by Malaysia.
Malaysia should reject the investment chapter given the problems experienced by other countries who agreed to the same provisions as are in the leaked TPPA investment chapter. However, since it appears to be negotiating this chapter, Malaysia must reject pre-establishment rights for foreign companies of TPPA countries as well as proposed restrictions on performance requirements (or conditions) placed on foreign companies. In the draft text, countries are allowed to exempt ‘non-conforming measures’ from some obligations but other key obligations are not exempted and thus the ‘exemptions’ are of little use.
Thus Malaysia should insist that these non-conforming measures must be exempted from all investment chapter obligations. Malaysia must also reject any provisions that prevent the country from using capital controls that may be required to regulate the flow of funds into and from the country.
Malaysia should also reject provisions relating to the ‘investor protection’ component of the TPPA. In particular, we should reject the provisions on ‘fair and equitable treatment’ and ‘indirect expropriation’ as these greatly constrain our policy space and expose the country to legal liability.
Malaysia must also reject the investor-to-state dispute settlement (ISDS) system in the investment chapter which enables the foreign investor to take the government to an international arbitration tribunal to enforce the provisions in the investment chapter and provisions of other chapters which are referred to in the investment chapter. This exposes the government to claims of billions of dollars.
Malaysia must stand firm on its proposal for a total exclusion or total carve-out for tobacco control measures from the whole TPPA.
Malaysia should also insist that it (and other TPPA countries that request it) should obtain exceptions in all TPPA chapters that allow it to adopt or maintain measures that it deems it needs for purposes of public health, the environment, economic and social development and other public interest policies.
In the last week, a number of TPPA governments have said that the negotiations can basically be concluded by the end of 2014. Given the TPPA is almost concluded, it becomes even more vital that all TPPA governments provide more concrete and detailed information to the public on the negotiations that are taking place.
So far the information has been very limited and sketchy and the public is in the dark on what issues are being negotiated and what Malaysia’s positions are. This is despite the consultations and briefings that Ministry of International Trade and Industry have been holding.
The red lines that CAP has raised above are because the Malaysian government is still going ahead with the negotiations. We still stand by our earlier position that Malaysia should withdraw from further negotiations and not sign the TPPA.
Sumber HD - 2-7-2014
Foreign firms and lawyers now permitted to practise in Peninsular Malaysia
The opening up of Malaysia to foreign law firms and foreign lawyers is a natural progression as world and regional economies become more integrated in trade in goods and services.
The Malaysian Bar is thus pleased to announce that the amendments to the Legal Profession Act 1976 (“LPA”) and the Legal Profession (Licensing of International Partnerships and Qualified Foreign Law Firms and Registration of Foreign Lawyers) Rules 2014 came into force on 3 June 2014. With the coming into force of these amendments, foreign law firms and foreign lawyers will now be permitted to practise in Peninsular Malaysia in the manner set out in the legislation and the Rules.
Three Categories of Licences
Under the newly-created Part IVA of the LPA, licences may be issued to foreign law firms to operate either an international partnership with a Malaysian law firm, or a qualified foreign law firm (“QFLF”). Alternatively, a Malaysian law firm may choose to employ a foreign lawyer.
An international partnership is a partnership between a foreign law firm and a Malaysian law firm while a QFLF is a stand-alone foreign firm which does not require a Malaysian law firm as a partner. Licences for international partnerships and QFLFs will be for a period of three years and are renewable. Licences may be granted subject to terms and conditions. If approved, a Malaysian law firm will be granted a three-year licence to employ a foreign lawyer.
All individual foreign lawyers working in international partnerships, QFLFs or Malaysian law firms will have to register as foreign lawyers. Registrations may be granted subject to terms and conditions, and will have to be renewed annually.
“Fly-In Fly-Out” and Arbitration
One of the further amendments made was to section 37(2B) of the LPA on “fly-in fly-out”, which will now allow a foreign lawyer advising on non-Malaysian law to be able to come to Malaysia and work on a project for up to 60 days in a calendar year, subject to immigration approval. Another amendment was to insert a new section 37A to the LPA, which will allow foreign lawyers to enter Malaysia for arbitral proceedings.
Permitted Practice Areas
International partnerships, QFLFs and individual foreign lawyers employed by Malaysian law firms will only be allowed to practise in the permitted practice areas. This is defined as “work regulated by Malaysian law and at least one other national law, or regulated solely by any law other than Malaysian law”. In the case of a QFLF, such aspect of work regulated by Malaysian law shall be undertaken in conjunction with one or more advocates and solicitors of the High Court of Malaya holding a valid and subsisting Practising Certificate.
Practice in the permitted practice areas will specifically exclude: constitutional and administrative law; conveyancing; criminal law; family law; succession law, including wills, intestate succession, probate and administration; trust law, where the settlor is an individual, and the law relating to charities and trust foundations, whether the settlor is an individual or a corporation; retail banking, including corporate or commercial loans to small and medium enterprises; registration of intellectual property; appearing or pleading in any court of justice in Malaysia, representing a client in any proceedings instituted in such a court or giving advice, whether or not the main purpose of which is to advise the client on the conduct of such proceedings (with certain exceptions); and appearing in any hearing before a quasi-judicial or regulatory body, authority or tribunal in Malaysia (with certain exceptions).
Regulator
International partnerships, QFLFs and foreign lawyers employed by Malaysian law firms will be regulated by the Bar Council. The amendments to the LPA provide for the establishment of a Selection Committee that will be responsible for considering all applications, and for making recommendations for approval / non-approval to the Bar Council.
The Selection Committee will be co-chaired by the Attorney General and the President of the Malaysian Bar, and will have five members in all. The Bar Council will serve as the Secretariat for the Selection Committee. All applications should be directed to the Bar Council, using the forms prescribed by the new legislation and the rules made thereunder.
All international partnerships, QFLFs and foreign lawyers employed by Malaysian law firms will have to comply with the same rules and regulations governing advocates and solicitors in Peninsular Malaysia.
Liberalisation to be Gradual and Progressive
A major consideration undergirding the new legislation is a desire to ensure that the liberalisation of the Malaysian legal services market and the entry of foreign lawyers is balanced with the need for the development of Malaysian law firms, and to enable these firms to achieve a level of expertise that will allow them to compete with foreign law firms on a level playing field. This consideration means that the process of liberalisation will continue to be gradual and progressive.
Conclusion
The recent amendments to the LPA together with the Legal Profession (Licensing of International Partnerships and Qualified Foreign Law Firms and Registration of Foreign Lawyers) Rules 2014, the guidance notes and the application forms are available under the Resources>Foreign Lawyers tab on the Malaysian Bar website.
The liberalisation of our legal market should be seen as a challenge that brings opportunities. The challenge is for Malaysian lawyers to build capacity and abilities to be more competitive, to broaden our horizons, spread our wings and forge new paths.
Sumber HD - 30-6-2014
The Malaysian Bar is thus pleased to announce that the amendments to the Legal Profession Act 1976 (“LPA”) and the Legal Profession (Licensing of International Partnerships and Qualified Foreign Law Firms and Registration of Foreign Lawyers) Rules 2014 came into force on 3 June 2014. With the coming into force of these amendments, foreign law firms and foreign lawyers will now be permitted to practise in Peninsular Malaysia in the manner set out in the legislation and the Rules.
Three Categories of Licences
Under the newly-created Part IVA of the LPA, licences may be issued to foreign law firms to operate either an international partnership with a Malaysian law firm, or a qualified foreign law firm (“QFLF”). Alternatively, a Malaysian law firm may choose to employ a foreign lawyer.
An international partnership is a partnership between a foreign law firm and a Malaysian law firm while a QFLF is a stand-alone foreign firm which does not require a Malaysian law firm as a partner. Licences for international partnerships and QFLFs will be for a period of three years and are renewable. Licences may be granted subject to terms and conditions. If approved, a Malaysian law firm will be granted a three-year licence to employ a foreign lawyer.
All individual foreign lawyers working in international partnerships, QFLFs or Malaysian law firms will have to register as foreign lawyers. Registrations may be granted subject to terms and conditions, and will have to be renewed annually.
“Fly-In Fly-Out” and Arbitration
One of the further amendments made was to section 37(2B) of the LPA on “fly-in fly-out”, which will now allow a foreign lawyer advising on non-Malaysian law to be able to come to Malaysia and work on a project for up to 60 days in a calendar year, subject to immigration approval. Another amendment was to insert a new section 37A to the LPA, which will allow foreign lawyers to enter Malaysia for arbitral proceedings.
Permitted Practice Areas
International partnerships, QFLFs and individual foreign lawyers employed by Malaysian law firms will only be allowed to practise in the permitted practice areas. This is defined as “work regulated by Malaysian law and at least one other national law, or regulated solely by any law other than Malaysian law”. In the case of a QFLF, such aspect of work regulated by Malaysian law shall be undertaken in conjunction with one or more advocates and solicitors of the High Court of Malaya holding a valid and subsisting Practising Certificate.
Practice in the permitted practice areas will specifically exclude: constitutional and administrative law; conveyancing; criminal law; family law; succession law, including wills, intestate succession, probate and administration; trust law, where the settlor is an individual, and the law relating to charities and trust foundations, whether the settlor is an individual or a corporation; retail banking, including corporate or commercial loans to small and medium enterprises; registration of intellectual property; appearing or pleading in any court of justice in Malaysia, representing a client in any proceedings instituted in such a court or giving advice, whether or not the main purpose of which is to advise the client on the conduct of such proceedings (with certain exceptions); and appearing in any hearing before a quasi-judicial or regulatory body, authority or tribunal in Malaysia (with certain exceptions).
Regulator
International partnerships, QFLFs and foreign lawyers employed by Malaysian law firms will be regulated by the Bar Council. The amendments to the LPA provide for the establishment of a Selection Committee that will be responsible for considering all applications, and for making recommendations for approval / non-approval to the Bar Council.
The Selection Committee will be co-chaired by the Attorney General and the President of the Malaysian Bar, and will have five members in all. The Bar Council will serve as the Secretariat for the Selection Committee. All applications should be directed to the Bar Council, using the forms prescribed by the new legislation and the rules made thereunder.
All international partnerships, QFLFs and foreign lawyers employed by Malaysian law firms will have to comply with the same rules and regulations governing advocates and solicitors in Peninsular Malaysia.
Liberalisation to be Gradual and Progressive
A major consideration undergirding the new legislation is a desire to ensure that the liberalisation of the Malaysian legal services market and the entry of foreign lawyers is balanced with the need for the development of Malaysian law firms, and to enable these firms to achieve a level of expertise that will allow them to compete with foreign law firms on a level playing field. This consideration means that the process of liberalisation will continue to be gradual and progressive.
Conclusion
The recent amendments to the LPA together with the Legal Profession (Licensing of International Partnerships and Qualified Foreign Law Firms and Registration of Foreign Lawyers) Rules 2014, the guidance notes and the application forms are available under the Resources>Foreign Lawyers tab on the Malaysian Bar website.
The liberalisation of our legal market should be seen as a challenge that brings opportunities. The challenge is for Malaysian lawyers to build capacity and abilities to be more competitive, to broaden our horizons, spread our wings and forge new paths.
Sumber HD - 30-6-2014
Parents — step away from the device before it blows up in your face
CHILDREN are being ignored and sometimes neglected as parents’ obsession with mobile devices grows.
And the advice from child experts is to step away from your smartphone or tablet before it “blows up in your face”.
A new study shows that kids with parents who are most absorbed in a small screen are more prone to bad behaviour.
Do you struggle to give your children your full attention? Are you constantly distracted by the devices in your life?
And according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, on average 12 per cent of the week — almost an entire day — is lost to screen time.
Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals that almost three-quarters of caregivers at a fast-food restaurant interacted with a device.
Using anthropological observation methods the research concluded that while some kids entertained themselves, others fought for attention and highly absorbed caregivers often responded harshly to a child’s misbehaviour.
Read the full story here
Sumber HD - 29-6-2014
And the advice from child experts is to step away from your smartphone or tablet before it “blows up in your face”.
A new study shows that kids with parents who are most absorbed in a small screen are more prone to bad behaviour.
Do you struggle to give your children your full attention? Are you constantly distracted by the devices in your life?
And according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, on average 12 per cent of the week — almost an entire day — is lost to screen time.
Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals that almost three-quarters of caregivers at a fast-food restaurant interacted with a device.
Using anthropological observation methods the research concluded that while some kids entertained themselves, others fought for attention and highly absorbed caregivers often responded harshly to a child’s misbehaviour.
Read the full story here
Sumber HD - 29-6-2014
Kabinet meningkat kepada 35 Menteri, Najib tiada pilihan?
KETIKA Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak mengambil alih jawatan Perdana Menteri daripada Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi pada tahun 2009 yang lalu, kabinet pertama beliau dianggotai 30 orang Menteri sahaja.
Sebaik sahaja selepas PRU ke-13, kabinet beliau mempunyai 32 menteri, dengan satu kekosongan Menteri Pengangkutan. Kerusi tradisi MCA, Menteri Pengangkutan tidak diisi melainkan hanya dipangku oleh Datuk Hishamuddin Tun Husein yang juga Menteri Pertahanan.
Seperti yang dijangkakan, Liow Tiong Lai selaku Presiden MCA diberikan portfolio Menteri Penangkutan yang sengaja dikosongkan sejak pembentukan kabinet kerana MCA tertakluk kepada resolusi tidak menerima jawatan kabinet jika mengalami prestasi yang buruk dalam PRU ke-13 lalu.
Najib juga mesti mengotakan janji untuk memberikan kembali satu kerusi Menteri kepada Gerakan yang menang dalam pilihan raya kecil Teluk Intan tempohari. Disebabkan tidak berlaku rombakan kabinet dalam erti kata yang sebenarnya, Mah Siew Keong (Gambar) dijadikan Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri.
MCA yang sebelum ini dipertuntukkan dengan empat kerusi Menteri penuh tidak mendapat kembali kouta tersebut, sebaliknya hanya diberikan satu lagi kerusi Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri supaya tidak kelihatan lebih kecil daripada MIC pula apabila parti tersebut diberikan dua kerusi Menteri.
Wee Ka Siong, Timbalan Presiden MCA dilantik menjadi Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri. Manakala ketiga-tiga Naib Presiden MCA dilantik menjadi timbalan Menteri dengan Lee Chee Leong (Timbalan Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri), Chua Tee Yong (Timbalan Menteri Kewangan) dan Chew Mei Fun (Timbalan Menteri Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat).
Tiada Kementerian dan Menteri baru dari Sarawak!
Desas desus rombakan kabinet yang melibatkan ada Menteri yang digugurkan dan/atau bertukar portfolio tidak menjadi kenyataan apabila Perdana Menteri cuma mengisytiharkan tambahan tiga Menteri dan tiga Timbalan Menteri baru daripada MCA dan Gerakan pada Rabu 25hb Jun, 2014 menjadikan kabinet Malaysia ditambah daripada 32 kepada 35 Menteri.
Kemungkinan berlaku satu kekosongan kerusi Menteri pada tahun depan apabila Idris Jala, Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri tamat tempoh senator. Begitu juga kerusi Timbalan Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri yang dikosongkan oleh P. Waytha Moothy, Pengerusi Hindraf pada Februari lepas juga seolah-olah tidak digantikan kepada kaum India.
Malah harapan untuk melihat Najib membentuk semula Kementerian Pembangunan Usahawan (KPU) yang telah dimansuhkannya secara tergesa-gesa apabila mengambilalih jawatan Perdana Menteri pada tahun 2009 dulu untuk membela usahawan kecil dan sederhana, khasnya Bumiputera yang kurang modal, kepakaran dan pasaran masih tidak kesampaian.
Sebelum PRU ke-13, SPDP diberikan dua kerusi Timbalan Menteri tetapi sekarang SPDP begitu kecewa kerana tidak diberikan sebarang kerusi kabinet walaupun menang empat kerusi parlimen. Nampaknya SPDP kena tunggu rombakan sekali lagi untuk mendapat kerusi apabila ada kekosongan dan keperluan baru.
Semua pihak perlu tahu, hak melantik anggota kabinet adalah hak dan budi bicara Perdana Menteri. Tidak pasti masih ada lagi kekosongan kerusi kabinet ataupun tidak. - HARAKAHDAILY 26/6/2014
Sumber HD - 26-6-2014
'May you live in interesting times'
This is my maiden article for Harakah, and I will try to make it as interesting as possible, in more than one sense of the word "interesting". Those who know me as a journalist for some 30-plus years and later, as a blogger the past decade, will detect that journalistic writing is more objective and serious -- with governing rules pertaining to sources and ethics -- as an important objective is to inform and educate in news reporting, and in commentary, add on an objective "to persuade". Meanwhile, blogging is less rigid and free-style and allows room for experimentation, but still ethics prevails, so some exuberant bloggers take to entertaining themselves with no regard to third parties' interests, and find themselves recipients of defamation suits!
When other countries hand our country a compliment, often it's just diplomacy at work -- and our leaders are best warned not to take their praises literally. I hope to end my first chat with my Esteemed Readers on a sincere note -- I hope you do not receive this parting wish ever: "May you live in interesting times!" so that you remain tranquil and serene. That is a form of curse one wishes on the enemy so that he meets with more trouble and hard times ahead! Just also remember, that often in politics, international or local, it's another adage that applies:
'May you live in interesting times'
When other countries hand our country a compliment, often it's just diplomacy at work -- and our leaders are best warned not to take their praises literally. I hope to end my first chat with my Esteemed Readers on a sincere note -- I hope you do not receive this parting wish ever: "May you live in interesting times!" so that you remain tranquil and serene. That is a form of curse one wishes on the enemy so that he meets with more trouble and hard times ahead! Just also remember, that often in politics, international or local, it's another adage that applies:
I will always hold my readers in both the old and new media -- referred to popularly as the Fourth and Fifth Estates respectively -- in high esteem, and it's always in the spirit prompted by Voltaire's credo, "I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend, to the death, your right to say it," or rendered another way, "Let's be agreable in our disagreement."
I hope very few of my readers had occasion to part company with their conversationalists and the departing party in a raised tone bade you: "May you live in interesting times!" I hope you had not then felt "flattered"!Instead of getting into trouble by calling your enemy "Umno celaka!" as did happen with one Penang Wakil Rakyat addressing hispolitical enemy, he could have complimented them with this "interesting times" greeting instead. And the episode of the Umno youths storming the august house of the Penang State Assembly would have been avoided.
I think many honourable members who make up the state assemblies and the national Parliament are lacking in language command and humour, hence you have many who made crass and often sexist remarks more befitting the inmates of Zoo Negara now made more civilised by two imported Chinese pandas. The pandas pander to human curiousity, while sexual innuendoes often emitting from an East Malaysian Member of Parlaiment pander to the low taste of the speaker and his nincompoop fellow MPs who often thump the table as a show of ape-like support. But I apologise to the monkey species if I demean them using this metaphor, but I learnt that description at primary schoold when the teacher would reprimand naughty pupils: " Don't behave like monkeys!"
If I may recall -- I hope correctly! -- that once the honourable Mr Opposition Dr Tan Chee Khoon had in a session asked of the fellow members, "Who among you have not committed a similar sin? Then you please stand and cast the first stone!" No one else stood up -- only two persons were standing at that moment in time -- then Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman, in replying to a question by Dr Tan himself.
Malaysia's First PM was proud of being the "happiest" leader alive
The politics during the first PM's era was tranquil and not quite arresting as the present times -- no constant harping by politicians and the media of corruption or homosexuality, transvestite or sodomite. The down-to-earth Tunku was a little "colourful" leader beloved by the people, who hardly thought in terms of race or colour or religion then. When accusations were hurled at his "wayward" hobbies of playing cards with the Chinese towkays and owning prize-winning horses from Australia, I believe his answer to the critics was that those pursuits were his personal and private ones, and it was between him and his God, an answer which I salute!
So modern Malaysians now live in more "interesting times". I sometimes wonder had it been a curse levelled on beautiful Malaysia as a whole by foreign parties that we have become victim to the unannounced curse of ''May you live in interesting times''? Our leaders often choose to bury their heads in the sand like the proverbial ostrich, so they return from overseas trips narrating the "high praises" heaped on Malaysia by the generous host-nations.
Well, quoting Alice in Wonderland, it can get "curiouser and curiouser" when there are enough enemies out there wishing that Malaysians continue to live in interesting times.
How could the murder of a Mongolian beauty on Malaysian soil take place, and now there has been no offender serving time for this heinous crime?Malaysia broke records by allowing two accused persons to be hooded and faces covered up throughout the trial -- why the privilege? Do you blame the man in the street for thinking that the Government has covered up many aspects of this crime, and the two accused now set free were just scapegoats for show only? Since no criminal has been brought to account for Altantuya's death, could the Mongolian people have been saying daily prayers that Malaysians be visited by "interesting times"? Maybe there is a connection between their greetings and the Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 vanishing into thin air?
For the record, immigration records of the entry of Altantuya's two relatives/friends into Malaysia also disappeared into thin air. So when the MAS flight to Beijing about three months ago just "vanished into thin air", do you blame Malaysians for being "sceptical" and generally disbelieving of the accounts given by the nation's high officals, right up to the acting Transport Minister and his boss, the Prime Minister? Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim did not surprise when he stated that Singapore was wrong in was praising Malaysian for a job well done. Anwar said that Singapore -- a nation always promoting "meritocracy" -- was endorsing "mediocrity" for the Malaysian government's less than creditable and competent handling of the high-profile MH370 incident.
Of course, several international media poured scorn on the Malaysian leaders' abiliity and competence to manage the international efforts to unravel the tragic mystery. Instead of showing humility, the few government leaders concerned have berated news agencies like the CNN for their uncomplimentary covearge, alleging "biased" reporting and commentary. But one of CNN respected business commentators, Richard Quest, did say many good things about the Malaysian handling of the MH 370 issue, which lends credit to the foreign news network that their staff were allowed to hold "dissenting" views. Did we or do we see any such contrasting perspectives in reporting and commenting in our local mainstream media on the MH 370 and other national issues? Yes, someone whispered: "Suara Keadilan and the Harakah." My thinking allowed: "They are not yet mainstream. Nyet!"
When other countries hand our country a compliment, often it's just diplomacy at work -- and our leaders are best warned not to take their praises literally. I hope to end my first chat with my Esteemed Readers on a sincere note -- I hope you do not receive this parting wish ever: "May you live in interesting times!" so that you remain tranquil and serene. That is a form of curse one wishes on the enemy so that he meets with more trouble and hard times ahead! Just also remember, that often in politics, international or local, it's another adage that applies:
"There are no permanent friends or foes in politics. Only permanent interests."
Note: YL CHONG has been a Journalist -- in print, online and diplomatic media -- for some 30 years, and is now working on a novel which he hopes may attract enough attention like Flight MH 370 so he can retire in comfort as he rides into the Malaysian sunset. He also runs a blog at desiderata2000.blogspot.com.
YL Chong
This is my maiden article for Harakah, and I will try to make it as interesting as possible, in more than one sense of the word "interesting". Those who know me as a journalist for some 30-plus years and later, as a blogger the past decade, will detect that journalistic writing is more objective and serious -- with governing rules pertaining to sources and ethics -- as an important objective is to inform and educate in news reporting, and in commentary, add on an objective "to persuade". Meanwhile, blogging is less rigid and free-style and allows room for experimentation, but still ethics prevails, so some exuberant bloggers take to entertaining themselves with no regard to third parties' interests, and find themselves recipients of defamation suits!
I will always hold my readers in both the old and new media -- referred to popularly as the Fourth and Fifth Estates respectively -- in high esteem, and it's always in the spirit prompted by Voltaire's credo, "I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend, to the death, your right to say it," or rendered another way, "Let's be agreable in our disagreement."
I hope very few of my readers had occasion to part company with their conversationalists and the departing party in a raised tone bade you: "May you live in interesting times!" I hope you had not then felt "flattered"!Instead of getting into trouble by calling your enemy "Umno celaka!" as did happen with one Penang Wakil Rakyat addressing hispolitical enemy, he could have complimented them with this "interesting times" greeting instead. And the episode of the Umno youths storming the august house of the Penang State Assembly would have been avoided.
I think many honourable members who make up the state assemblies and the national Parliament are lacking in language command and humour, hence you have many who made crass and often sexist remarks more befitting the inmates of Zoo Negara now made more civilised by two imported Chinese pandas. The pandas pander to human curiousity, while sexual innuendoes often emitting from an East Malaysian Member of Parlaiment pander to the low taste of the speaker and his nincompoop fellow MPs who often thump the table as a show of ape-like support. But I apologise to the monkey species if I demean them using this metaphor, but I learnt that description at primary schoold when the teacher would reprimand naughty pupils: " Don't behave like monkeys!"
If I may recall -- I hope correctly! -- that once the honourable Mr Opposition Dr Tan Chee Khoon had in a session asked of the fellow members, "Who among you have not committed a similar sin? Then you please stand and cast the first stone!" No one else stood up -- only two persons were standing at that moment in time -- then Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman, in replying to a question by Dr Tan himself.
Malaysia's First PM was proud of being the "happiest" leader alive
The politics during the first PM's era was tranquil and not quite arresting as the present times -- no constant harping by politicians and the media of corruption or homosexuality, transvestite or sodomite. The down-to-earth Tunku was a little "colourful" leader beloved by the people, who hardly thought in terms of race or colour or religion then. When accusations were hurled at his "wayward" hobbies of playing cards with the Chinese towkays and owning prize-winning horses from Australia, I believe his answer to the critics was that those pursuits were his personal and private ones, and it was between him and his God, an answer which I salute!
So modern Malaysians now live in more "interesting times". I sometimes wonder had it been a curse levelled on beautiful Malaysia as a whole by foreign parties that we have become victim to the unannounced curse of ''May you live in interesting times''? Our leaders often choose to bury their heads in the sand like the proverbial ostrich, so they return from overseas trips narrating the "high praises" heaped on Malaysia by the generous host-nations.
Well, quoting Alice in Wonderland, it can get "curiouser and curiouser" when there are enough enemies out there wishing that Malaysians continue to live in interesting times.
How could the murder of a Mongolian beauty on Malaysian soil take place, and now there has been no offender serving time for this heinous crime?Malaysia broke records by allowing two accused persons to be hooded and faces covered up throughout the trial -- why the privilege? Do you blame the man in the street for thinking that the Government has covered up many aspects of this crime, and the two accused now set free were just scapegoats for show only? Since no criminal has been brought to account for Altantuya's death, could the Mongolian people have been saying daily prayers that Malaysians be visited by "interesting times"? Maybe there is a connection between their greetings and the Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 vanishing into thin air?
For the record, immigration records of the entry of Altantuya's two relatives/friends into Malaysia also disappeared into thin air. So when the MAS flight to Beijing about three months ago just "vanished into thin air", do you blame Malaysians for being "sceptical" and generally disbelieving of the accounts given by the nation's high officals, right up to the acting Transport Minister and his boss, the Prime Minister? Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim did not surprise when he stated that Singapore was wrong in was praising Malaysian for a job well done. Anwar said that Singapore -- a nation always promoting "meritocracy" -- was endorsing "mediocrity" for the Malaysian government's less than creditable and competent handling of the high-profile MH370 incident.
Of course, several international media poured scorn on the Malaysian leaders' abiliity and competence to manage the international efforts to unravel the tragic mystery. Instead of showing humility, the few government leaders concerned have berated news agencies like the CNN for their uncomplimentary covearge, alleging "biased" reporting and commentary. But one of CNN respected business commentators, Richard Quest, did say many good things about the Malaysian handling of the MH 370 issue, which lends credit to the foreign news network that their staff were allowed to hold "dissenting" views. Did we or do we see any such contrasting perspectives in reporting and commenting in our local mainstream media on the MH 370 and other national issues? Yes, someone whispered: "Suara Keadilan and the Harakah." My thinking allowed: "They are not yet mainstream. Nyet!"
When other countries hand our country a compliment, often it's just diplomacy at work -- and our leaders are best warned not to take their praises literally. I hope to end my first chat with my Esteemed Readers on a sincere note -- I hope you do not receive this parting wish ever: "May you live in interesting times!" so that you remain tranquil and serene. That is a form of curse one wishes on the enemy so that he meets with more trouble and hard times ahead! Just also remember, that often in politics, international or local, it's another adage that applies:
"There are no permanent friends or foes in politics. Only permanent interests."
Note: YL CHONG has been a Journalist -- in print, online and diplomatic media -- for some 30 years, and is now working on a novel which he hopes may attract enough attention like Flight MH 370 so he can retire in comfort as he rides into the Malaysian sunset. He also runs a blog at desiderata2000.blogspot.com.
Sumber HD - 18-6-2014
Is there hope for change in Malaysia?
The two recent by-elections at Bukit Glugor (BG) and Telok Intan (TI) have left a lasting impression on Malaysian politics. Our social media won our hearts by bringing the news as it happened while the usual boring official media was selective and sometimes very stingy with truths.
BG was a no contest because DAP’s strength was simply formidable. No other party even dared to put up a challenger for fear of facing the humiliation of losing their deposits. The few so called independent candidates, whose indirect links with BN political parties, in terms of what they stood for, also suffered colossal defeats. In Malaysia when we see PDRM playing a passive role in any event where the law is broken, we always suspect the link to some indirect BN approved projects or trouble makers’ involvements. In BG too we saw some of these displays. In football, you cannot score a goal from indirect free kick unless another player touches the ball. So all these indirect BN lost badly. If BN had contested, just imagine the kind of reception some of our Federal government leaders would have gotten during campaigning.
The two recent by-elections were exhibitions to show the good, the bad and the ugly side of Malaysia. Though we boast a literacy rate of 93% and hope to be grouped among the developed nations by 2020, things are failing and falling apart at every sector of nation building and development, election included. From missing plane to kidnapping and border intrusions to sub standard high cost development and even inter racial and religious harmony. We seem to be failing everywhere.
The only good is the fact that general elections and by-elections are held according to the set time table and needs. We have had 13 GEs and numerous by-elections. In a school examination the progress in many subjects are shown, elections too, give people a chance to grade the candidates and the party’s track record for everything in the country. The important ones are policies, economy, education, infra-structure, race relations, freedom, security and other achievements. From the last GE13, we know that 52% Malaysians are not satisfied with the present Federal government.
The bad about the elections in Malaysia are too many to list down. Just fresh in our memories are those that happened at BG and TI.
BG was a no contest because the independent candidates with limited resources were facing a formidable DAP force. DAP and its leaders’, including the late Karpal Singh’s, track record of sacrifice and working for the good of all, are known to all those who follow politics in Malaysia. When the leaders of the grouping PR made up of PAS, DAP and PKR became inmates under ISA, it established a common cause they all shared.
They are a Malaysian football team with players of different levels of skills but with one goal to save Malaysia. Every disagreement among the parties shows independent thinking and a way to voice differing opinions and objections of some communities. Every solution is a give and take for the good and well-being of all Malaysians. This is the main deficiency of BN where Umno decides and all other component parties murmur and toe the line, with insults as added value to emphasize Umno supremacy.
In the TI by-election, this Umno supremacy was clearly evident. Choosing a candidate with a track record of two defeats and that too as a deputy Minister is something to ponder about. In real life such examples are rare because the good and successful qualities of people are always appreciated while the failures are like ‘once bitten twice shy and third time never try’. In life good work is always rewarded while bad work is seldom forgiven. For example, my transfer as a teacher from Sg. Pelek was stopped twice. BN parties in Sepang district petitioned the Education Ministry to keep me there because I was doing good work for the rural children. The late Mr. Lee Sok Yew, the deputy education Minister personally told me.
Reluctantly I had to serve there for a decade, before I used my UTS rights to get a post in another government school in KL. A few headmasters from KL contracted me when they heard news about my intending transfer. They were eager to take me. In fact my headmaster Mr. My commented that the then director of Education, who later became the Governor of a state, told him that if there were a few teachers like me in any school, that school would be the top school in the country. I may be sounding very boastful but these are the facts of my life which I will be taking to my grave one day. Take our Malaysian owned Cardiff football club for example. After being promoted to premier division the club was not doing very well. The manager was sacked. Doesn’t it show responsibility, accountability, efficiency and a desire to earn ‘halal’ living will go a long way to gain the respect which money cannot buy?
So why did BN recycle the twice failure once again. What does it speak about the type of service TI got when their Gerakan MP was deputy Minister? I leave it to the readers to analyse. Let us hope that he will prove to be a better leader than before and at least speak out and not murmur about the injustices and corruption in the country. By the way he allowed Umno leaders to hijack his noble intention to have a clean election, makes me doubt about many things. He allowed or was silent about the way some dirty tactics seen during our elections. Some examples are fake ‘bikini’ photos that were distributed, promises were made, hampers were given and other incentives were offered, conditioned on a BN victory. I hope for the sake of TI, I am wrong.
The ugly part of Malaysian elections are also too many to write about. In my opinion the three ugliest things about the TI election are: (1). the huge billboard with Dayana’s picture had the word ‘Babi’ written on it.
The billboard being high, someone used a ladder to climb up to do that cowardly act. (2). A non-voting dignitary who wore a BN logo shirt and went into the polling station. It is most disgusting to see a politician, who should be an example to society, breaking the law openly like a common criminal. With two experiences as a ‘presiding officer’ during elections in Malaysia, I am simply shocked by this display of lawlessness at a place where there are many posters warning people about the codes and conduct at a polling station. Let us wait and see our PDRM’s performance in investigating the above two matters. Please do not allow the name of PDRM to be buried in the gutter. (3) The total number of votes mentioned at the beginning of the count was less than the revised final total at the end of the count. No explanation except foul play can satisfy me.
In Malaysia we have beautiful and effective laws, which if implemented fairly, ours will be the best democracy in the world. Sadly, our PDRM and EC are deaf and blind when BN breaks the laws but overzealous when PR does anything wrong. If there is one serious enforcement of the law, everything will improve out of fear. India’s EC did it when PM Indira Gandhi lost the election for using a government vehicle during campaigning. Today the Indian EC is highly respected in the world.
An election is more a popularity contest involving people, ideals and love for the nation. On the eve of TI by-election, it was reported with pictures showing BN gathering with empty chairs because only 70 people were present, while PR gathering had 10,000 people. Yet BN can still win, it beats all logic.
I feel sad for Dayana and I hope and pray Allah will give her the courage to continue this crusade to bring change to Malaysia.
In the field in Sg. Besi Military camp, there is a huge stone with the Sportsman’s Prayer written on it. I hope it gives some consolation to Dayana.
A Sportsman's Prayer
O God please help me to win for I always want to win
But if in thy inscrutable wisdom thou willest me not to win.
Then make me a good loser.
For when the one great scorer comes to write against your name,
He writes, not that you won or lost,
But how you played the game.
Sumber HD - 15-6-2014
BG was a no contest because DAP’s strength was simply formidable. No other party even dared to put up a challenger for fear of facing the humiliation of losing their deposits. The few so called independent candidates, whose indirect links with BN political parties, in terms of what they stood for, also suffered colossal defeats. In Malaysia when we see PDRM playing a passive role in any event where the law is broken, we always suspect the link to some indirect BN approved projects or trouble makers’ involvements. In BG too we saw some of these displays. In football, you cannot score a goal from indirect free kick unless another player touches the ball. So all these indirect BN lost badly. If BN had contested, just imagine the kind of reception some of our Federal government leaders would have gotten during campaigning.
The two recent by-elections were exhibitions to show the good, the bad and the ugly side of Malaysia. Though we boast a literacy rate of 93% and hope to be grouped among the developed nations by 2020, things are failing and falling apart at every sector of nation building and development, election included. From missing plane to kidnapping and border intrusions to sub standard high cost development and even inter racial and religious harmony. We seem to be failing everywhere.
The only good is the fact that general elections and by-elections are held according to the set time table and needs. We have had 13 GEs and numerous by-elections. In a school examination the progress in many subjects are shown, elections too, give people a chance to grade the candidates and the party’s track record for everything in the country. The important ones are policies, economy, education, infra-structure, race relations, freedom, security and other achievements. From the last GE13, we know that 52% Malaysians are not satisfied with the present Federal government.
The bad about the elections in Malaysia are too many to list down. Just fresh in our memories are those that happened at BG and TI.
BG was a no contest because the independent candidates with limited resources were facing a formidable DAP force. DAP and its leaders’, including the late Karpal Singh’s, track record of sacrifice and working for the good of all, are known to all those who follow politics in Malaysia. When the leaders of the grouping PR made up of PAS, DAP and PKR became inmates under ISA, it established a common cause they all shared.
They are a Malaysian football team with players of different levels of skills but with one goal to save Malaysia. Every disagreement among the parties shows independent thinking and a way to voice differing opinions and objections of some communities. Every solution is a give and take for the good and well-being of all Malaysians. This is the main deficiency of BN where Umno decides and all other component parties murmur and toe the line, with insults as added value to emphasize Umno supremacy.
In the TI by-election, this Umno supremacy was clearly evident. Choosing a candidate with a track record of two defeats and that too as a deputy Minister is something to ponder about. In real life such examples are rare because the good and successful qualities of people are always appreciated while the failures are like ‘once bitten twice shy and third time never try’. In life good work is always rewarded while bad work is seldom forgiven. For example, my transfer as a teacher from Sg. Pelek was stopped twice. BN parties in Sepang district petitioned the Education Ministry to keep me there because I was doing good work for the rural children. The late Mr. Lee Sok Yew, the deputy education Minister personally told me.
Reluctantly I had to serve there for a decade, before I used my UTS rights to get a post in another government school in KL. A few headmasters from KL contracted me when they heard news about my intending transfer. They were eager to take me. In fact my headmaster Mr. My commented that the then director of Education, who later became the Governor of a state, told him that if there were a few teachers like me in any school, that school would be the top school in the country. I may be sounding very boastful but these are the facts of my life which I will be taking to my grave one day. Take our Malaysian owned Cardiff football club for example. After being promoted to premier division the club was not doing very well. The manager was sacked. Doesn’t it show responsibility, accountability, efficiency and a desire to earn ‘halal’ living will go a long way to gain the respect which money cannot buy?
So why did BN recycle the twice failure once again. What does it speak about the type of service TI got when their Gerakan MP was deputy Minister? I leave it to the readers to analyse. Let us hope that he will prove to be a better leader than before and at least speak out and not murmur about the injustices and corruption in the country. By the way he allowed Umno leaders to hijack his noble intention to have a clean election, makes me doubt about many things. He allowed or was silent about the way some dirty tactics seen during our elections. Some examples are fake ‘bikini’ photos that were distributed, promises were made, hampers were given and other incentives were offered, conditioned on a BN victory. I hope for the sake of TI, I am wrong.
The ugly part of Malaysian elections are also too many to write about. In my opinion the three ugliest things about the TI election are: (1). the huge billboard with Dayana’s picture had the word ‘Babi’ written on it.
The billboard being high, someone used a ladder to climb up to do that cowardly act. (2). A non-voting dignitary who wore a BN logo shirt and went into the polling station. It is most disgusting to see a politician, who should be an example to society, breaking the law openly like a common criminal. With two experiences as a ‘presiding officer’ during elections in Malaysia, I am simply shocked by this display of lawlessness at a place where there are many posters warning people about the codes and conduct at a polling station. Let us wait and see our PDRM’s performance in investigating the above two matters. Please do not allow the name of PDRM to be buried in the gutter. (3) The total number of votes mentioned at the beginning of the count was less than the revised final total at the end of the count. No explanation except foul play can satisfy me.
In Malaysia we have beautiful and effective laws, which if implemented fairly, ours will be the best democracy in the world. Sadly, our PDRM and EC are deaf and blind when BN breaks the laws but overzealous when PR does anything wrong. If there is one serious enforcement of the law, everything will improve out of fear. India’s EC did it when PM Indira Gandhi lost the election for using a government vehicle during campaigning. Today the Indian EC is highly respected in the world.
An election is more a popularity contest involving people, ideals and love for the nation. On the eve of TI by-election, it was reported with pictures showing BN gathering with empty chairs because only 70 people were present, while PR gathering had 10,000 people. Yet BN can still win, it beats all logic.
I feel sad for Dayana and I hope and pray Allah will give her the courage to continue this crusade to bring change to Malaysia.
In the field in Sg. Besi Military camp, there is a huge stone with the Sportsman’s Prayer written on it. I hope it gives some consolation to Dayana.
A Sportsman's Prayer
O God please help me to win for I always want to win
But if in thy inscrutable wisdom thou willest me not to win.
Then make me a good loser.
For when the one great scorer comes to write against your name,
He writes, not that you won or lost,
But how you played the game.
Sumber HD - 15-6-2014
'Work hard, there's no short cut to success...'
From the several Isra' and Mi'raj talks I attended recently, an interesting point raised by a speaker caught my attention and I would like to share it with readers.
The 'ustaz' pointed out that while discussing about Isra' and Mi'raj it is also recommended to compare it with Hijra (Hegira) that is the Migration of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. (peace be upon him) from Makkah (Mecca) to Madinah (Medina).
He said while Isra' and Mi'raj (the miraculous night journey of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. from the Haram Masjid in Makkah to the al-Aqsa Masjid in al-Quds (Jerusalem) and from there he ascended to the upper heavens and Sidratul-Muntaha, was a test on the 'ummah' (Muslims) regarding their 'iman' (faith), Hijra was about 'implementing' and 'putting into practice' their belief.
If Isra' and Mi'raj which took place sometime before Hijra challenged the human being's mind regarding power, time and space; the Prophet's Hijra was 'an ordinary man's journey of more than 300 kilometers from his birth place of Makkah to Madinah which was then called Yathrib.
If Prophet Muhammad’s s.a.w. journey to Al-Quds from Makkah (Isra') which is more than 1,000 kilometers was 'like a lightning'; this journey of Hijra (from Makkah to Madinah) in 622 AD, took days including the Prophet s.a.w. hiding for three days in the Cave of Saur (Thur) in south Makkah with his best companion, Abu Bakr r.a. (may Allah be pleased with him).
The Prophet s.a.w., Abu Bakr r.a. and their non-Muslim guide, Abdullah Uraiqit only arrived at Quba' on the outskirts of Yathrib after more than two weeks. There, with the help of the local people, they erected the first masjid - Masjid Quba' - before officially entering Yathrib and renaming it Madinat-un-Nabi, literally, the City of the Prophet after 30 days from the date they left Makkah.
Also, readers please note that the Hijra to Madinah was not the first for Muslims. Technically, the first Hijra occurred in 615 AD when a group of Muslims was counseled by Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. to escape persecution in Makkah and travel to Habsyah or Ethiopia (Abyssinia at the time), which was ruled by a Christian king, the Negus. But Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. himself did not join this emigration.
The ustaz in his Isra' and Mi'raj talk said, based on the Prophet's 'tough' and 'hard' journey of the Hijra, Muslims too must be ever ready to face tribulations and obstacles in life what more when one is committed to live as a practicing Muslim in all aspects of life.
Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. had showed us the way to live as a Muslim who has to strive in whatever he does, be it regarding efforts to gain benefit in this world or in the Hereafter.
As Muslims we must work hard for our benefit of both worlds as we often recite in our du'a (supplication): Rabbana aatina fiddunya hasanatan wafil akhirati hasanatan waqina adhabannaar (Our Lord, give us good in this life, and in the Hereafter, and protect us from the Hellfire).
In their determination to see Islam flourish, the Prophet s.a.w. and his companions toiled and sweated including in the hot sun often in a state of hunger, for example the Prophet s.a.w. took the lead in digging a wide and deep trench around Madinah to stop the invading Musyrikin armies during the Ahzab war. In the battle of Uhud, the Prophet s.a.w. too was injured; this showed that Muslims would be 'tried' (face tribulations) by Allah SWT but must be brave in facing the hurdles to be better Muslims by each day.
All must be worked for; there is no such thing as a 'short cut' to success in the world, what more in the Hereafter. It was asked. "Oh Messenger of Allah: Who is the most excellent of men? The Messenger of Allah said, 'The believer who strives hard in the way of Allah with his person and property."
Whoso is able and fit and does not work for himself or for others, God is not gracious to him. To his companions, the Prophet s.a.w. said it is better for any of you to take your rope and bring a bundle of wood upon your back and sell it, in which case God guards your honour, then to beg of people, whether they give or not; if they do not give, your reputation suffers, and you returned disappointed; and if they give, it is worse than that; for it makes you under obligation.
The Qur'an says: "Scatter over the earth and seek Allah's bounty. Aren't we Allah's vicegerents on earth? (62;10)
But a word of caution, in performing our works and duties, Muslims must be clear in mind that we are only to please Allah SWT for during our 'solat' (prayers), we would supplicate: "Surely, my prayer, my sacrifice, my life, and my death are all for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds." (Qur'an, 6: 162)
To be on Allah's straight path, we must ask for His help - as we mention at least 17 times in our 'solat' (Eh'dinas siratalmustaqim) and we must seek knowledge for only he who knows his own self knows Allah SWT. - ES
Sumber HD - 15-6-2014
The 'ustaz' pointed out that while discussing about Isra' and Mi'raj it is also recommended to compare it with Hijra (Hegira) that is the Migration of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. (peace be upon him) from Makkah (Mecca) to Madinah (Medina).
He said while Isra' and Mi'raj (the miraculous night journey of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. from the Haram Masjid in Makkah to the al-Aqsa Masjid in al-Quds (Jerusalem) and from there he ascended to the upper heavens and Sidratul-Muntaha, was a test on the 'ummah' (Muslims) regarding their 'iman' (faith), Hijra was about 'implementing' and 'putting into practice' their belief.
If Isra' and Mi'raj which took place sometime before Hijra challenged the human being's mind regarding power, time and space; the Prophet's Hijra was 'an ordinary man's journey of more than 300 kilometers from his birth place of Makkah to Madinah which was then called Yathrib.
If Prophet Muhammad’s s.a.w. journey to Al-Quds from Makkah (Isra') which is more than 1,000 kilometers was 'like a lightning'; this journey of Hijra (from Makkah to Madinah) in 622 AD, took days including the Prophet s.a.w. hiding for three days in the Cave of Saur (Thur) in south Makkah with his best companion, Abu Bakr r.a. (may Allah be pleased with him).
The Prophet s.a.w., Abu Bakr r.a. and their non-Muslim guide, Abdullah Uraiqit only arrived at Quba' on the outskirts of Yathrib after more than two weeks. There, with the help of the local people, they erected the first masjid - Masjid Quba' - before officially entering Yathrib and renaming it Madinat-un-Nabi, literally, the City of the Prophet after 30 days from the date they left Makkah.
Also, readers please note that the Hijra to Madinah was not the first for Muslims. Technically, the first Hijra occurred in 615 AD when a group of Muslims was counseled by Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. to escape persecution in Makkah and travel to Habsyah or Ethiopia (Abyssinia at the time), which was ruled by a Christian king, the Negus. But Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. himself did not join this emigration.
The ustaz in his Isra' and Mi'raj talk said, based on the Prophet's 'tough' and 'hard' journey of the Hijra, Muslims too must be ever ready to face tribulations and obstacles in life what more when one is committed to live as a practicing Muslim in all aspects of life.
Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. had showed us the way to live as a Muslim who has to strive in whatever he does, be it regarding efforts to gain benefit in this world or in the Hereafter.
As Muslims we must work hard for our benefit of both worlds as we often recite in our du'a (supplication): Rabbana aatina fiddunya hasanatan wafil akhirati hasanatan waqina adhabannaar (Our Lord, give us good in this life, and in the Hereafter, and protect us from the Hellfire).
In their determination to see Islam flourish, the Prophet s.a.w. and his companions toiled and sweated including in the hot sun often in a state of hunger, for example the Prophet s.a.w. took the lead in digging a wide and deep trench around Madinah to stop the invading Musyrikin armies during the Ahzab war. In the battle of Uhud, the Prophet s.a.w. too was injured; this showed that Muslims would be 'tried' (face tribulations) by Allah SWT but must be brave in facing the hurdles to be better Muslims by each day.
All must be worked for; there is no such thing as a 'short cut' to success in the world, what more in the Hereafter. It was asked. "Oh Messenger of Allah: Who is the most excellent of men? The Messenger of Allah said, 'The believer who strives hard in the way of Allah with his person and property."
Whoso is able and fit and does not work for himself or for others, God is not gracious to him. To his companions, the Prophet s.a.w. said it is better for any of you to take your rope and bring a bundle of wood upon your back and sell it, in which case God guards your honour, then to beg of people, whether they give or not; if they do not give, your reputation suffers, and you returned disappointed; and if they give, it is worse than that; for it makes you under obligation.
The Qur'an says: "Scatter over the earth and seek Allah's bounty. Aren't we Allah's vicegerents on earth? (62;10)
But a word of caution, in performing our works and duties, Muslims must be clear in mind that we are only to please Allah SWT for during our 'solat' (prayers), we would supplicate: "Surely, my prayer, my sacrifice, my life, and my death are all for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds." (Qur'an, 6: 162)
To be on Allah's straight path, we must ask for His help - as we mention at least 17 times in our 'solat' (Eh'dinas siratalmustaqim) and we must seek knowledge for only he who knows his own self knows Allah SWT. - ES
Sumber HD - 15-6-2014
Is May 2014 the turning point in Malaysian History?
Since our Education Minister made History a compulsory subject, I built a strange passion for the subject because I have seen through the crucial period before and after independence. Whenever I read my grandchildren’s primary school books, I usually marvel at our textbook writers for their screwed-up choice of nation building ideas and personalities as heroes. For example, they illustrate in their choice of heroes:
nurses who work at night, traffic policemen who work in the hot sun and a poor woman giving money for charity.
Such examples are not appropriate because work for which one is paid for and helping others when one cannot help oneself, are not acts of heroism. In a passenger plane, the instruction says,’ Fasten your own seat belt before you help the child’. Even mentioning living beings as examples is dangerous because the complete history of a person’s deeds is only known after death. Turkey’s Mustafa Ataturk’s story is an example of hero to a disgraceful zero. Let me take my readers to another historical journey with some events to make comparisons on how we have progressed badly as a society.
In the late 1940s, I watched a football match at TPCA, an Indian club ground at Kg. Baru, between the Selangor Chinese club (SCRC) from Pudu, and Selangor Malay club from Kg. Baru, KL. The game ended in favour of SCRC. As the crowd was moving out, there were shouts,’ Celaka punya refree’ (Damn the referee)because we were unhappy with some of the decisions. A stone which someone threw landed on my friend , M’s head. People forgot about the game and rushed to help him because he was bleeding.
In the late 1990s, one day, my wife related this story about what happened at her office. A few partners were complaining about some smell in the office. On investigation, she heard many clerks saying, ‘ Ini kerja celaka Mus, dia suka makan roti bom dalam office’ (Damn,this is the work of Mus, he likes to eat roti boom in the office). Even Mus was laughing. In the past, the word ‘celaka’ was commonly used when things went wrong. Even parents scolded their children using ‘celaka’.
Since the Penang state assembly was invaded because of this word ‘celaka’, I started looking at all the Malay dictionaries I could find to understand the word.
Apart from the meanings : bad, unlucky, unfortunate, misfortune, disaster, bad luck, exclamation showing anger, frustration etc., Kamus Dewan Bahasa also gives a few sentences as example.
If Bukit Gelugor was bad, BN’s actions in Teluk Intan were real political suicide because everything seemed to backfire. Even the word ‘pengkhianat’ is an unforgiveable term to use on someone. The meaning is so encompassing. Dyana Sofya is a Malay Muslim, and the daughter of a practicing Muslim Umno member. If she is a ‘pengkhianat’, what does it make of all the PAS members, and all Malays including myself who support the Opposition because of the corruption in Malaysia? Can anything be more haram and ‘pengkhianat’ than corruption in Malaysia? Let the Kamus Dewan speak:
Khianat: treachery, false or disloyal acts, treason, disloyalty, betrayal. Berkhianat: betray, cheat
Mengkhianati, mengkhianat, mengkhianatkan: betray, be disloyal, delude
Pengkhianat: traitor, betrayer. Pengkhianatan: betrayal, treachery, treason, disloyal
(perbuatan jahat, perbuatan belot atau perbuatan tidak setia, tipu daya) Orang itu telah dihukumkan penjara seumur hidup kerana telah buat khianat pada negaranya. That person was sentenced to life imprisonment because he had betrayed his country (note: a crime serious enough for life imprisonment)
My humble opinion is that those who used the word in the TI election context owe an apology to all Malaysians. We do not want to see Malay unity being destroyed by rash actions. The media shows hooligans belonging to one race against peaceful citizens of all races doing election campaigning. Dyana and her parents have become symbols of the new Malaysia we wish to see nourished.
Regardless of the results, BN has made so many mistakes in the TI election campaign; I wonder whether it will ever be able to recover from it. By reporting the truth as it happens, the social media has made many people see, hear and think.
When the Headmaster spoke about BN MPs donating RM50k for Rela uniforms, I am wondering why should they do this for a government funded uniformed body. Way back in the 1950s. I was a member of the Air Training Corps (ATC), which the British initiated with the Malayan Auxiliary Air Force (MAAF) to prepare the country before independence. We had our training at the VI school and the Sg Besi air force base. Our uniforms were sewn by the inmates of Pudu prison and we went to a shop at Petaling Street to get our custom made boots. There was no OSA to hide the name of the supplier. What a shame now, our Rela has become like the Indian National Army (INA) created by the Japanese to fight the British in India. One day my father came home without his sarong, which he gave to an INA soldier, who needed a change of clothing for sleeping and praying. The INA camp was near GHKL.
Promises about the future RM5 billion highway project for TI if BN wins, did not cause much excitement because the Malaysian highways have become a symbol of a new style of slavery. Government pumps in the money to make some OSA protected crony to hold us at ransom with toll charges for a few generations to come. How different is this from children being bought and sold for the debts of their parents in some countries?
In KL many existing roads e.g. J. Damansara have become toll gold mines after a few cosmetic changes which any responsible city should do for its people. I also feel the MRT project is about 20 years too late.
Our Rapid buses are seldom full like those in India/China and other countries. Shopping areas are everywhere. On-line shopping and development in transportation have changed our life style. It is ages since I last went to the KL city centre. Money, time and long walks taken in rain or shine to go to the LRT/MRT station are no longer an attractive way to travel. The Bus Kilang (factory bus) is a better solution.
From my pension, I usually donate for PAS candidates during election because they cannot get as much financial support as BN candidates. For the first time because of BN’s antics, I have sent some money to DAP for Dyana’s election. I wish her success. I also commend PR for breaking the shackles of race based factors in Malaysian politics. The PAS president gave the best endorsement by saying,”She is a Malay daughter with clear vision and mission.”
May is indeed a very eventful month in Malaysian history. We learnt nothing about nation building from the May 13, 1969 incident. The images then was DAP, as trouble makers, but today we see Umno Malays playing that role in Penang and at DAP buildings. From 1969 to 2004, we saw a period of BN’s decline which surfaced in GE 12 and 13. Now we see unhealthy scenes of in-fighting and open confrontations among Malays. Recent events like the BN not contesting in Bukit Gelugor (BG) are setting a new negative trend in politics. PAS is slowly becoming the true and more acceptable Muslim and Malay representative.
My wife and I became very emotional when we watched the Thomas Cup finals. Our brave boys, whose race has been subjected to racial slurs, are the ones fighting to keep the Malaysian flag high. Other countries have zero tolerance for racial comments. In Australia one TV personality has been barred from the cricket scene for saying something negative about the bearded Hashim Amla of S. Africa. The story of Donald Sterling, owner of the Clippers team is still fresh in our memory.
It is high time our BN government stood up to these racial bigots in the name of human decency. Many excuses for Umno culprits and going after the Opposition will lead to further decline in support among people of all religions because our literacy rate is 93+%. The law should be neutral and it should be applied to all equally. This is the only way for all government agencies to gain public confidence and respect and maybe get some support for the government in office. PDRM should stop being smiling by-standers.
It is indeed true that when you point a finger at others, the folded three fingers are pointing at you. This is BN’s dilemma that is giving the advantage to PAS, DAP and PKR and making many places BGs in Malaysia.
Sumber HD - 10-6-2014
nurses who work at night, traffic policemen who work in the hot sun and a poor woman giving money for charity.
Such examples are not appropriate because work for which one is paid for and helping others when one cannot help oneself, are not acts of heroism. In a passenger plane, the instruction says,’ Fasten your own seat belt before you help the child’. Even mentioning living beings as examples is dangerous because the complete history of a person’s deeds is only known after death. Turkey’s Mustafa Ataturk’s story is an example of hero to a disgraceful zero. Let me take my readers to another historical journey with some events to make comparisons on how we have progressed badly as a society.
In the late 1940s, I watched a football match at TPCA, an Indian club ground at Kg. Baru, between the Selangor Chinese club (SCRC) from Pudu, and Selangor Malay club from Kg. Baru, KL. The game ended in favour of SCRC. As the crowd was moving out, there were shouts,’ Celaka punya refree’ (Damn the referee)because we were unhappy with some of the decisions. A stone which someone threw landed on my friend , M’s head. People forgot about the game and rushed to help him because he was bleeding.
In the late 1990s, one day, my wife related this story about what happened at her office. A few partners were complaining about some smell in the office. On investigation, she heard many clerks saying, ‘ Ini kerja celaka Mus, dia suka makan roti bom dalam office’ (Damn,this is the work of Mus, he likes to eat roti boom in the office). Even Mus was laughing. In the past, the word ‘celaka’ was commonly used when things went wrong. Even parents scolded their children using ‘celaka’.
Since the Penang state assembly was invaded because of this word ‘celaka’, I started looking at all the Malay dictionaries I could find to understand the word.
Apart from the meanings : bad, unlucky, unfortunate, misfortune, disaster, bad luck, exclamation showing anger, frustration etc., Kamus Dewan Bahasa also gives a few sentences as example.
- 1. (sial, malang, tidak baik) Dia berasa sangat sedih dan kecewa apabila memekirkan nasib keluarganya yang celaka. He feels so sad and disillusioned whenever he thinks about his family’s bad (celaka) luck
- 2. (kesialan. Kemalangan, sesuatu yang menyebabkan pendiritaan dll) Mereka menemui celaka bila barang barang kemas mereka semuanya dicuri orang. They experienced loss (celaka) when all their valuables were stolen by someone
- 3. (seruan yang menyatakan kemarahan, kecewaan dll) Celaka orang itu! Berani dia menipuku! Damn (celaka) that guy, how dare he cheat me!
- How that harmless word ’celaka’ could have caused all the uncalled for reaction is beyond comprehension.
If Bukit Gelugor was bad, BN’s actions in Teluk Intan were real political suicide because everything seemed to backfire. Even the word ‘pengkhianat’ is an unforgiveable term to use on someone. The meaning is so encompassing. Dyana Sofya is a Malay Muslim, and the daughter of a practicing Muslim Umno member. If she is a ‘pengkhianat’, what does it make of all the PAS members, and all Malays including myself who support the Opposition because of the corruption in Malaysia? Can anything be more haram and ‘pengkhianat’ than corruption in Malaysia? Let the Kamus Dewan speak:
Khianat: treachery, false or disloyal acts, treason, disloyalty, betrayal. Berkhianat: betray, cheat
Mengkhianati, mengkhianat, mengkhianatkan: betray, be disloyal, delude
Pengkhianat: traitor, betrayer. Pengkhianatan: betrayal, treachery, treason, disloyal
(perbuatan jahat, perbuatan belot atau perbuatan tidak setia, tipu daya) Orang itu telah dihukumkan penjara seumur hidup kerana telah buat khianat pada negaranya. That person was sentenced to life imprisonment because he had betrayed his country (note: a crime serious enough for life imprisonment)
My humble opinion is that those who used the word in the TI election context owe an apology to all Malaysians. We do not want to see Malay unity being destroyed by rash actions. The media shows hooligans belonging to one race against peaceful citizens of all races doing election campaigning. Dyana and her parents have become symbols of the new Malaysia we wish to see nourished.
Regardless of the results, BN has made so many mistakes in the TI election campaign; I wonder whether it will ever be able to recover from it. By reporting the truth as it happens, the social media has made many people see, hear and think.
When the Headmaster spoke about BN MPs donating RM50k for Rela uniforms, I am wondering why should they do this for a government funded uniformed body. Way back in the 1950s. I was a member of the Air Training Corps (ATC), which the British initiated with the Malayan Auxiliary Air Force (MAAF) to prepare the country before independence. We had our training at the VI school and the Sg Besi air force base. Our uniforms were sewn by the inmates of Pudu prison and we went to a shop at Petaling Street to get our custom made boots. There was no OSA to hide the name of the supplier. What a shame now, our Rela has become like the Indian National Army (INA) created by the Japanese to fight the British in India. One day my father came home without his sarong, which he gave to an INA soldier, who needed a change of clothing for sleeping and praying. The INA camp was near GHKL.
Promises about the future RM5 billion highway project for TI if BN wins, did not cause much excitement because the Malaysian highways have become a symbol of a new style of slavery. Government pumps in the money to make some OSA protected crony to hold us at ransom with toll charges for a few generations to come. How different is this from children being bought and sold for the debts of their parents in some countries?
In KL many existing roads e.g. J. Damansara have become toll gold mines after a few cosmetic changes which any responsible city should do for its people. I also feel the MRT project is about 20 years too late.
Our Rapid buses are seldom full like those in India/China and other countries. Shopping areas are everywhere. On-line shopping and development in transportation have changed our life style. It is ages since I last went to the KL city centre. Money, time and long walks taken in rain or shine to go to the LRT/MRT station are no longer an attractive way to travel. The Bus Kilang (factory bus) is a better solution.
From my pension, I usually donate for PAS candidates during election because they cannot get as much financial support as BN candidates. For the first time because of BN’s antics, I have sent some money to DAP for Dyana’s election. I wish her success. I also commend PR for breaking the shackles of race based factors in Malaysian politics. The PAS president gave the best endorsement by saying,”She is a Malay daughter with clear vision and mission.”
May is indeed a very eventful month in Malaysian history. We learnt nothing about nation building from the May 13, 1969 incident. The images then was DAP, as trouble makers, but today we see Umno Malays playing that role in Penang and at DAP buildings. From 1969 to 2004, we saw a period of BN’s decline which surfaced in GE 12 and 13. Now we see unhealthy scenes of in-fighting and open confrontations among Malays. Recent events like the BN not contesting in Bukit Gelugor (BG) are setting a new negative trend in politics. PAS is slowly becoming the true and more acceptable Muslim and Malay representative.
My wife and I became very emotional when we watched the Thomas Cup finals. Our brave boys, whose race has been subjected to racial slurs, are the ones fighting to keep the Malaysian flag high. Other countries have zero tolerance for racial comments. In Australia one TV personality has been barred from the cricket scene for saying something negative about the bearded Hashim Amla of S. Africa. The story of Donald Sterling, owner of the Clippers team is still fresh in our memory.
It is high time our BN government stood up to these racial bigots in the name of human decency. Many excuses for Umno culprits and going after the Opposition will lead to further decline in support among people of all religions because our literacy rate is 93+%. The law should be neutral and it should be applied to all equally. This is the only way for all government agencies to gain public confidence and respect and maybe get some support for the government in office. PDRM should stop being smiling by-standers.
It is indeed true that when you point a finger at others, the folded three fingers are pointing at you. This is BN’s dilemma that is giving the advantage to PAS, DAP and PKR and making many places BGs in Malaysia.
Sumber HD - 10-6-2014
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