TUN DR M STATING THE OBVIOUS FOR A MULTI RACIAL COUNTRY/ IS ANNUAR IBRAHIM COMPETANT?

My comments on two articles appearing in http://thoughtsintangents.blogspot.com/

TUN DR M STATING THE OBVIOUS FOR A MULTI RACIAL COUNTRY

My comments:

There is nothing to be embarrassed about Tun for reminding us about the obvious. Probably its one of the many issues he brought up in building up and getting use to his blog

True as you said, the Government of Malaysia is so weak that it becomes dysfunctional in making appropriate decisions especially in time of crisis. Not only 'all-comers' but a good part of the old ones becomes more negative or extreme on race-based politics but with a significant difference, they do it deceptively under the guise of Malaysian Malaysia and the call of more democracy and liberty under the socialist banner more apt to likes of The Foundation of the Future.

“Ketuanan Melayu Sudah Tiada Lagi, UMNO Sudah Masuk Kubur” biar lah, let it be for those who want to believe so. Ahhh….an escalation from early symptoms of racial show-boasting somewhat more subtle that events leading up to eventual May 13 of 69; a recipe for disaster. Is it history going to repeat itself? No, that’s not encouraging at all.

Yes the government is as weak its leader, Pak Lah, being the way he is. Yes we must continue persistently pilling pressure from all fronts on Pak Lah to step down soonest. Tun’s reminder in his blog is just a small part of it.

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IS ANNUAR IBRAHIM COMPETANT?

Shadow Cabinet: While we may laugh at Pakatan Rakyat, never underestimate the DAP. The DAP will go all out and with anyone in working to bring down UMNO.

The JebatMustDie articles (and other similar articles) about the PM in waiting must be capitalized to the fullest when the time comes; blow it BIG time. Such details are most invaluable in depicting the character and personality of that person who will not want to be second best. Many of us have forgotten about those issues and for some they were too young to know what happened then.

Reading your article in entity: Yes I am sure many can conclude that DSAI is incompetent to lead any nation.

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THE SULTAN HAS “NO JURISDICTION ON TRANSFER

It is a pity that we have senior citizens such as Kapal Singh walking around blatantly disregarding the institution of the Sultan.

My comment to tunkuaisha blog with regard to Bukit Gelugor MP Karpal Singh’s statement that the Perak Sultan Azlan Shah has no jurisdiction over the transfer of Datuk Jamry Sury from the Perak Religious Department is as follows.

A rude awakening by a senior citizen of the country irrespective he is and has been many times an elected Member of Parliament. He should be ashamed of himself, to his party and his loose alliance.

Besides being insolent to the Sultan of Perak, I feel most offended when a non-Muslim speaks on behalf of the affairs, well being and interest of Muslims (that’s the essence of the subject matter). This is utter nonsense coming from a citizen who thinks the courts of law and their jurisdiction is the all mighty solution to all problems in multi racial and religious Malaysia.

If anyone who should rightly dare to bring out such an issue, he should be someone from the leadership of Kapal Singh's strange bedfellows PAS but PAS knows better than to dawdle on such fine lines.

Kapal deserves no mercy from the Sultan of Perak and Muslims alike.

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THE NAME ALLAH: PART 2

Religious issues affecting their Faith are normally hypersensitive to Muslims any where in the world. We well remember about “castration” of Salman Rusdie for his publication of “The Satanic Verses”, the Muslim world’s up roar from the publication of the depicting cartoons of the Prophet (PBUP) by the western media and more recently the atrocious Dutch film “Fitna”.

As an ordinary Muslim with most of his/her spent time having to make ends meet to survive in the hard and harsh world, where would one seek guidance on contemporary issues such as the likes of the use of the word Allah by non-Muslims, the predicament on the conversions of non-Muslims in embracing Islam and the establishment of a multi million up-to-date high technology production facility for pig production. Even Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, the president of the MCA, had recently brought out about “controversial cases such as the late Moorthy, Gan Eng Hor, Lina Joy, the detention of Ravathi or even the custody cases for Shamala and Subashini continue to be heard” in calling on the government to be more transparent in the process to avoid a repetition of religious conflict. See http://themalaysianinsider.com/mni/bridging-the-religious-divide.html

In the past, Muslims in this country had confidence in the Government making the appropriate decisions regarding the Faith but at present such confidence seemed to have eroded because of the recent developments

1. The Government under the present leadership seemed aggressive on getting through certain promised reforms including the better inter-racial and religious relations. Whilst the attempts may be good, the fear is the Government may not be handling such issues in the betterment of Muslims in this country. This is particularly true when the PM, having been severely battered from the last elections, is perceived to be conceding such reforms with a covert objective of winning public confidence in wanting to stay longer in office.

2. A most recent proposal by the Government for those converts to the Muslim faith to secure their family consent via a form prior to their conversion was welcomed by non-Muslims. However when all quarters of the Muslim faith out rightly rejected or condemned such reforms as being impractical and not in the best interest of the converts, the Government officials had to retract the proposal and commented that the consent via the completion of the prescribed form is only required after conversion in order to mitigate the problems arising from burial.

3. Then there is the issue of the ultra modern Pig facility supposedly approved by the previous state government and to be implemented under the present state government. And the fact is there were those named Muslims working in association with the previous state government and those Muslims from the PKR and PAS parties in the present state government advocating for the proposed implementation. In fact the President of PAS while confirming the right for the Selangor State to proceed in implementing the facility, he said those pig farms in his state of Kelantan would remain at the backyards. Such statement by the respected President merely confuses me.

4. The word “Allah’ can be used by non-Muslims because it is used in the Arab world by non-Muslims referring to their god was a comment made by a Pas assembly man while he visits a church upon his rejoice in having won in the election. See http://themalaysianinsider.com/mni/the-day-catholics-welcomed-a-man-from-pas-in-shah-alam.html

There are plentiful of books on Islam as a religion, its tenants, the Quran & the Hadith as well its interpretation, the life history of the Prophet (PBUH) etc in both Bahasa Malaysia and English languages in the bookshops. Also from Friday sermons we get to hear the imans talk on a variety of religious issues but rarely on issues sensitive to the congregation. There are also plenty of comments posted but none are considered authoritative, some with political leanings.

In searching for an authoritative source for such guidance, I finally found a website by Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, the Muthi Kerajaan Perlis at http://drmaza.com/. Muslims seeking further guidance on contemporary religious issues in Malaysia to refer to the website.

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“COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION” IS THE RIGHT TOOL WITHIN A CIVIL SOCIETY.

Before going to bed tonight, I wish to record my comment to the posting which appeared in http://bigdogdotcom.wordpress.com/2008/05/03/court-of-public-opinion-is-the-right-tool-w

My comment was as follows:

I would like to quote some extracts from the Mufti of Perlis (http://drmaza.com/english_section/?p=51) in respect of the above caption which is most apt to my Muslim bloggers.

“This period is like a season of ‘political fitnah’. The word fitnah is always translated by our Malay community as making untrue accusations. However, the word fitnah as it is being used by al-Quran and Sunnah does not imply such meaning.

As for the words ‘a period of fitnah’, it means a period of tests and tribulations that can potentially disturb the Muslims’ faith and life’s serenity. It confuses people making it difficult for them to make their standpoints and to hold firmly to the correct principles due to the challenges, trials and pressures that exist during that period.

Various kinds of talks are being heard everywhere. SMS’s are also flying around. All those are carrying many kinds of stories and some are humorous, some are full with anxiety and fear. It is very difficult to tell which news is genuine.”

Insha’allah, I hope that all Muslim bloggers while in “the Court of Public Opinion” adhere to the advice of the said Mufti so as not to disturb the Muslim’s faith and life’s serenity.

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A WEAK GOVERNMENT IS NO GOOD FOR MULTI-RACIAL MALAYSIA

Today I posted a comment on Tun Dr Mahathir’s blog with regard to the above caption which caught my eye only this afternoon although the posting had already came out since Friday. With the continuous and countless responses to Tun's article, I hope but doubt very much my comments would catch his attention. Anyway my response to Tun's article was as follows:

“Dear Tun,

I couldn’t agree more with your words of wisdom since Tun speak from 22 years of invaluable experience from capably governing Multi-racial Malaysia.

Those comments made against your wisdom may reflect those who generally believe that “the concept of Malaysian Malaysia is here to stay” and among them could be those who have forgotten the turmoil and the ups and downs in the past 40 years that made Malaysia be what it is today. Perhaps they may not realize how fragile is our country nor are they students of our history to acknowledge that “history always repeats itself”.

Malaysia was always a haven for those foreign investors who sought a strong government, peace and stability and predictability as their criteria. For the moment, these investors have fled for obvious reasons and I, like many others, are concern of my investments in EPF.

The suggestion for a two tier party system may be meaningless if the country to be continues to be weak, restless and unstable. I would believe that Malaysia is unique; other countries do not share the same profile and vision as Malaysia which requires a strong government i.e a clear 2/3 majority. The call for more democracy and equitable rights may be good but may not necessary beneficial for the country. Such call for further democracy and liberty should evolve over time and with much patience and understanding amongst the multi racial Rakyat and a strong government to take the lead.

I would also disagree with those who ultimately blame Tun for the present mess of this country; they are merely disrespectful and full of unbelievable hatred for Tun. The Government that Tun had left was indeed strong and admirable but the subsequent leadership that took over was out of touch, weak, flip flopping as Tun would say and thus failed miserably. The precarious conditions continue to deteriorate as the present leadership pursues populist reforms for the sake of staying longer in power, not because the reforms may be timely or beneficial for the Rakyat.

A well proven system of governance like Barisan system lead by UMNO cannot wrong unless something is wrong with its leadership. Thus the inevitable; the present leadership must step down and the soonest the better, being the first step to much correction and reconciliation to address much of the harm done. Even if there is none identified as capable and strong as Tun, I am certain there are others who are credible and strong enough to lead the country as the system is already there and provided the priorities are correct ie that they act in the interest of the country and not their personal self or family.

I look towards further guidance and words of wisdom from you Tun; the country at the moment still requires your services even if it merely means by speaking your mind out. My best wishes to you Tun and to your good health.”

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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.

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THE NAME ALLAH: PART 1

Click the word “Allah” on google search and what do you find -Allah is the One True God in Islam. But there are those from other faiths who wish to put a claim that the word Allah is not exclusive to Islam. In Malaysia, the mass majority are Muslims and the main language medium being Bahasa Malaysia and English, there are non-Muslims who had used the name in its publications.

“On May 5, 2008, Justice Lau Bee Lan of the appellate and special powers division of the Kuala Lumpur High Court reopens her courtroom to decide whether the Catholic Church can take their fight to use the word "Allah" in The Herald, their weekly publication, to the next stage – that is, to get a verdict”.

As an ordinary Muslim living in multi racial community in Malaysia, what does this mean?

In Part 1, to generally understand the context, set out below some extracts from a google search.

Part 2 will focus on seeking some guidance on the said subject matter as a contemporary issue in Malaysia for a Muslim like me while Part 3 will provide a perspective of some of those issues.

PART 1

IS THE ONE THE SAME AS THE THREE?

1. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allah)

This article is about the Arabic word "Allah". For the Islamic conception of God, see God in Islam.

Allah (Arabic: الله, Allāh, IPA: [ʔalˤːɑːh]) is the standard Arabic word for "God".^[1] While the term is best known in the West for its use by Muslims as a reference to God, it is used by Arabic-speakers of all Abrahamic faiths, including Christians and Jews, in reference to "God".^[2][1][3] The term was also used by pagan Meccans as a reference to the creator-god, possibly the supreme deity in pre-Islamic Arabia.^[4]

The concepts associated with the term Allah (as a deity) differ among the traditions. In pre-Islamic Arabia, Allah was not the sole divinity, having associates and companions, sons and daughters. In Islam, Allah is the supreme and all-comprehensive divine name. All other divine names are believed to refer back to Allah.^[5] Allah is unique, the only God, transcendent creator of the universe and omnipotent.^[2][1] Arab Christians today, having no other word for 'God' than 'Allah'^[6], use terms such as Allāh al-ab (الله الآب) to mean God the father. There are both similarities and differences between the concept of God as portrayed in the Qur'an and the Hebrew Bible. ^[7]

1. Allah

(http://www.allah.org/)

“Allah is the personal name of the One true God. Nothing else can be called Allah. The term has no plural or gender. This shows its uniqueness when compared with the word god which can be made plural, gods, or feminine, goddess. It is interesting to notice that Allah is the personal name of God in Aramaic, the language of Jesus and a sister language of Arabic.

The One true God is a reflection of the unique concept that Islam associates with God. To a Muslim, Allah is the Almighty, Creator and Sustainer of the universe, Who is similar to nothing and nothing is comparable to Him. The Prophet Muhammad was asked by his contemporaries about Allah; the answer came directly from God Himself in the form of a short chapter of the Quran, which is considered the essence of the unity or the motto of monotheism. This is chapter 112 which reads:

"In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate.
Say (O Muhammad) He is God the One God, the Everlasting Refuge, who has not begotten, nor has been begotten, and equal to Him is not anyone."

The unique usage of Allah as a personal name of God is a reflection of Islam's emphasis on the purity of the belief in God which is the essence of the message of all God's messengers. Because of this, Islam considers associating any deity or personality with God as a deadly sin which God will never forgive, despite the fact He may forgive all other sins.

2. Catholic Encyclopedia

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01316a.htm

Allah: The name of God in Arabic.

It is a compound word from the article, 'al, and ilah, divinity, and signifies "the god" par excellence. This form of the divine name is in itself a sure proof that ilah was at one time an appellative, common to all the local and tribal gods. Gradually, with the addition of the article, it was restricted to one of them who took precedence of the others; finally, with the triumph of monotheism, He was recognized as the only true God.

In one form or another this Hebrew root occurs in all Semitic languages as a designation of the Divinity; but whether it was originally a proper name, pointing to a primitive monotheism, with subsequent deviation into polytheism and further rehabilitation, or was from the beginning an appellative which became a proper name only when the Semites had reached monotheism is a much debated question. It is certain, however, that before the time of Mohammed, owing to their contact with Jews and Christians, the Arabs were generally monotheists.

The notion of Allah in Arabic theology is substantially the same as that of God among the Jews, and also among the Christians, with the exception of the Trinity, which is positively excluded in the Koran, cxii: "Say God, is one God, the eternal God, he begetteth not, neither is he begotten and there is not any one like unto him."

Let it be noted that although Allah is an Arabic term, it is used by all Moslems, whatever be their language, as the name of God.

3. As the Catholic Church is involved in this recourse, I browsed through the web and found an interesting article “Who is the Woman Who Rides the Beast in Revelation 17?”

(http://www.chick.com/information/religions/catholicism/sevenhills.asp?From=rcc)

- The Roman Catholic Church is by far the wealthiest institution on earth.

- When Portugal "succeeded in reaching India and Malaya, they secured the confirmation of these discoveries from the Papacy..." There was a condition, of course: "to the intent to bring the inhabitants ... to profess the Catholic Faith.

- We have already seen that Vatican II clearly states that the Roman Catholic Church today still ceaselessly seeks to bring under its control all mankind and all their goods.

Best you read and judge yourself.

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