NATIONAL GOVERNANCE IS MORE THAN JUST THE ADMINISTRATION OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS.

Headlines: Saturday 3^rd May 2008

MSM

Star: Sultan orders reinstatement of JAIP director

NST: Palace order: Reinstate Jamry

Utusan: Istana arah tarik balik - Raja Nazrin titah MB Perak kekalkan Jamry Pengarah JAIP

Berita: MB diarah tarik balik

From the Alternative Media

Malaysiakini: Sultan titah tarik balik pertukaran Jamry

Malaysian Insider: Royal Restraint on posturing politicians

Malaysian Today: Nothing

HarakahDaily: NOTHING

The above headlines are self explanatory but unfortunately I could not find one response or write up from HarakahDaily as to-date. I wonder why. And why did the PAS hierarchy failed to consider the ramifications on the Perak Royalty from such actions by the MB of Perak, the elected Head of the loose Pakatan Rakyat? Do PAS, PKR and DAP not coordinate or deliberate such key issues amongst themselves within their newly established Government in Perak to be aware of such consequences? Is this an act of insolence or mere desperation or , simply plain ‘bodoh sombong’?

“In Penang, moves to replace the Islamic Religious Council president Shabudin Yahaya have also come unstuck because of the intervention of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin. Matters regarding Islam in Penang come under the purview of Sultan Mizan. There was some concern that Shabuddin – the Umno assemblyman for Permatang Berangan – may not work well with the Pakatan Rakyat state government” says Malaysian Insider. The Agong has instructed Shabudin to remain in office until the end of his appointment and not accept the pressure to step down as requested by the Penang Government. In the meantime the Penang Government is seeking an audience with the Agong on the matter.

What could be the problem and the rush on these two issues? Is PAS expected to be fully responsible in the administration of all matters regarding Islam being the price for PAS to remain in Pakatan Rakyat? What about PKR in taking such role? No not possible, PKR has no elected representatives qualified in religious matters, what more when many of its members and elected members comprise the non-Muslim community, therefore PKR cannot be PURE in respect of its Islamic credentials. Thus PKR should never be invited to any forum pertaining to the interest of Malays and Islam.

As a party, do PAS really represent the Malays/ Muslims in these two states? The Muslim faithful do not mind PAS to be in perpetual control in Kelantan where the population is almost 90% Malays but many do not see the PAS brand of Islam suitable in the two states or states where the proportion of non-Muslim is high. Yet ironically DAP endorses PAS irrespective of PAS’s quest for an Islamic State. In its desperate hunger to expand its influence and to portray itself the rightful representative in upholding Islam in Perak, PAS hastily maneuvered to change those in the religious and mosque councils with their brand of followers. While doing so, its representative Head of Government cares not about the rules and role of the Protector of the Muslim faithful in Perak. What about Penang, can non-Muslims lead in the discussions on issues relating to the interest of Muslims? Does Pakatan Rakyat think the Agong is not aware of the situations and rumblings on the ground? Looks like the Pakatan alliance is in deep, deep shit from the onset.

I for one once had high respects for the PAS leadership for their governance in Kelantan but no longer; I saw a refection of some of their true colors and short sightedness in state and national issues via the following actions

- Their support for the setting up of the ultra modern Pig facility in Selangor. The PAS president had also supported the issue but yet when it comes to Kelantan, in his own words ‘but in his state, the pigs can only be reared at the backyards’. PAS may not realize but pig rearing on extensive scales has been a long time vision of the DAP, irrespective of the socio-economic benefits. Its objective has the effect of insulting the Melayu ‘dengan sehalus-halusnya’ and unfortunately there are those Melayu Bodoh who submitted to such visions of the DAP under the trickster concept of Malaysian Malaysia.

- Their ‘innocent’ support for the use of the word ‘Allah’ by non-Muslims, not knowing the possible serious consequences and of the hidden agenda of certain parties.

- Their support in collaboration with their funny bedfellows in advocating calls for the reforms coming from a weak leadership; such reforms may well work against the interest of the Malays and Muslims if they are not carefully thought through.

- Their support via Pakatan for the giving out titles on TOL in Perak where the beneficiaries are 85% non-Malays.

I would be surprised if PAS would be contented to be entrusted only with religious matters while leaving the pivotal role of economic welfare and development to their strange and desperate bed fellows. DAP has no interest in promoting the greater well being of the Malays; paying bonus to religious school teachers under the scheme suffices PAS to work with the DAP? PKR has a strong socialist inclination and some of their ideals and philosophies about Malays/ Islam is all but KAPUT, more aligned with the promotion of democracy as advanced by the likes of the Foundation of the Future.

PAS is more than aware about the conduct in dealings with the non-believers. We as Muslims acknowledge that we are individually responsible for our own fate and sin. If PAS leadership wants to trade their soul to the Devil, please do but do not influence and drag the masses along. PAS should expunge those with such strong socialist ideals out of the party and be a true political Islamic party for the well being of the Islamic brotherhood, in both form and substance, if it wants to progress to a national level political party.

Never judge a book by its cover, so the saying goes. The GE 12 results if anything had and will continue to demonstrate that the PAS, PKR and DAP are unlikely to work together as a coherent group for the long term interest of the country and the Rakyat.

National Governance is more than just the administration of religious affairs besides confronting international issues/ influences.

END