Where Are We?

In the aftermath of Erykah Badu’s cancelled concert, I quietly reflect on it and the responses that I read and heard. Everyone has an opinion why Malaysia is a backward nation or how phobia of war on Islam is spreading. If you google the story, you can even read comments that non-Malaysians are giving. Some angry, and some surprisingly understanding.

I can’t really call myself Erykah Badu’s fan, I don’t know her songs though I am sure I have enjoyed them now and again. I enjoy listening to R&B and Soul music. I just don’t really bother finding out the title of the songs and who sing them… :-)

Let’s look at the issue generally. Any country has a right to refuse entry of a person, for any possible reason they can come out with. It’s the right of the government. It’s their country. Even from international business perspective, a country can forbid foreign companies operating locally to send back their profit to their parent company in their own country; if they see it to be economically fit. Malaysia did this once during the economic downturn in late 90s. This is to protect the country’s economy.

Some country even stop the operations of foreign company and all foreign workers are deported. This happens. All the time.

Yes, Malaysia has made the international news for revoking rights to perform or reject the application altogether for a number of international artists. We’ve done it before, we just did it this week, I’m pretty sure we’ll do it again in future. Regardless whether it is politically motivated or not.

Yesterday morning, the Executive Officer of Centre for Independent Journalism of Malaysia was interviewed by BFM on this issue. She said something about not to expect non-Muslim to know or understand the meaning behind the Arabic characters. She also said that what happened is due to political mileage, and some people are trying to say Islam is being attacked in Malaysia. I beg to differ.

We have to understand the American culture. They are mostly individualistic bunch of people, with little regards of other people feelings. And this is not just a generalisation, this is based on research. With this mentality, what they do, is basically for themselves. To them, the arabic word is just art, just like the cross, star of David even the tree of life. They can make fun of their religion, and they will not be chastise for it; so much. I’m sure there are still prudent and respectful, God fearing Americans. But get this, they are so detached that most of the times they don’t realise what they do are affecting other people in different ways.

So, I ask you now; as a Malaysian, do you not see that our society is still pretty much communal and reserved? What response were you expecting other than anger when the picture came out. True enough for some of us so called “liberal” Muslims, we do not mind. But let me tell you, it is because we are slowly becoming individualistic ourselves. So what if some people are crying foul over the tattoo? Let them be. At least, there are still people out there brave enough to stand up for their religion, for people to learn to respect this Almighty being we prostate ourselves to.

I haz a little sadness. It has been said that the weakest stage of Iman is to disagree in silence, in the heart. I was thinking to myself, do I even fall in this category? I saw the picture of Erykah Badu with the tattoo long time ago. But unobservant as I was, I didn’t even realise there was a tattoo spelt “Allah”… I feel sad. Is it because I am so detached from my religion, that I am becoming ignorant of things like these? Have I slowly becoming too “liberal” that I do not care when other people are using my religion carelessly?

Yes, they may not understand, and they may not care. But hey, I as a Muslim myself, shouldn’t it be part of my responsibility to educate people on my religion? To tell them, look, this thing that you think is only art, is very very much dear to Muslims. True it’s just a bunch of arabic characters, but it represents something so big that the characters do not do it justice. I should be able to make an impact, and make people realise that it is not something to be so casual about. But I should also be able to explain it in educative way, and not just shout foul.

Truthfully there are more important, vital things to be discussed with regards to being a good Muslim. But now and then Allah SWT throw to us a little challenge, a little test, for us to see and reflect how we react to it. And we should not just ignore it, at the very least, if it is bad, we could disagree in our hearts.

Sometimes we see artist changing their lifestyle to be more Islamic. Some people joke about them. At least they are making progress. True enough, they could pull the holier-than-thou attitude, but hey, that’s one of the weaknesses that they have to overcome. And for the rest of us, have we started to make the journey to be a better Muslim? For all we know, they might have more favours from Allah SWT than we could ever will get…

Anyway, for people to ask for revoking of The Star’s license is too much. Come on people. They have apologise. Move on. In this I agree with the EO of CIJM. Don’t go for blood just because you think it’s the way to go. Be matured, Islam is so much more gentle than that. Be a living example of it’s embodiment.

This is a long post. I’m tired. Have a great weekend ahead y’all. Take care! :-)

After the Weekend

Over the weekend, my cousin got married. Many guests either arrived very, very late or had to turn back home. There were a lot of road-blocks around KL outskirt because of the scheduled walkabout by Bersih. Let me just rant in points, so that I don't miss out anything, and you get to see that I am apolitical.

1. The reception was held in one of Police IPD's ballroom; my uncle is a police officer (how ironic!). The roadblock was right in front of the IPD; five lanes became one lane. (My brother who left the house later than the rest of us, was in the jam for 4 hours, and he was only 20 meters from the IPD entrance).
2. Maybe the IPD wants to save cost, so they set up the block right in front of their IPD. Easy, to the point. After all, the location IS admittedly strategic.
3. The maid of honor was unable to perform her duty because she was in the traffic too! The ceremony was a bit delayed, two tables for VIPs are empty.
4. Okay, enough about the wedding. Suffice to say, it went great except for the effects of the rally.
5. Bersih is an association that is politically influenced, the way I see it. It would be better if they are free of political ideologies. And this will be the only point for this matter.
6. After having said point #5, I am all for clean and fair election. I am not a member of any political parties, nor am I leaning to any one ideology. I dislike politics. To say I hate it would be too harsh, for someone has got to do the dirty job. And politic, it is just that; dirty, regardless whom you represent or support.
7. Do you remember our Rukun Negara? At least the five points that we keep on reciting every Monday assembly when we were in school? It said; 1. Believe in God, 2. Loyalty to the King and Country, 3. Upholding the Constitution, 4. Upholding the Law,  and 5. Politeness and Propriety
8. It doesn't say anything about political party. So we are free to support any individual that we believe will be able to guide us based on these 5 characteristics.
9. The way I see it, in Malaysia today, there are no individuals who are able to govern by these characteristics. Be it from the current ruling party or the others.
10. To me, Najib Razak is a weak leader and Anwar Ibrahim can/will never be my Prime Minister. I dislike them both equally.
11. A Wakil Rakyat, should just be that. A representative of the people who speaks the people's voice and not run his/her own agenda. And by speaking  for the people, does not mean visiting the "crime scene" after the "crime" has been committed and talking to the victims. Nor does it mean to wear neck braces and sporting a blackened eye to get sympathies; stop acting.
12. Having said all that, I am an idealist and what I said are all too good to be true. It can never happen in this world, anywhere in the world in fact.
13. If you feel Malaysia is a bad country to live in and Europe or Australia or the US is a better place to live in, by all means, go and live there. Then tell us how it is.
14. Funny how no one wants to live in African countries or Arab countries kan? When they do comparison, Malaysia is always compared to the 1st world countries. 
15. Funny how people seem to conveniently forget that they are able to breed and feed in peace, collect and create wealth in peace. 
16. Funny how people use religion and race to get support and sympathy.
17. Funny how people seem to forget that religion (whatever your faith is) teaches us humility and kindness. And not to "menyusahkan" other people. By rallying (and just by supporting) the other day, you have done just that.
18. Bersih was supposed to be about electoral reform and not toppling the government. But reading statuses of majority of the supporters are clearly showing the latter.
19. I would like to know the number of registered voters amongst the tens of thousands that came to walk the Bersih walk on Saturday. If you want to change the government, do your part in the next election.
20. Funny how people easily forget that no one is perfect. Not Najib. Not Anwar. Not Lim Kit Siang. Not Nik Aziz. They are just normal people. In Islam, we believe that the only person that is protected from faults (maksum) are Prophets (peace be upon them) of Allah SWT.

Hah... Sudah2 la membebel tuh. Time to go for lunch and SHOP!

 

All ado about Anak Malaysia

So, Hannah Yeoh is a Chinese, her husband is an Indian. They want to register their daughter as “Anak Malaysia”. What is wrong with that picture?

On the other side of this bumi bertuah, I am a Malay and The Hubby is a Melanau (No, Melanau is not Malay, please correct your understanding). Our daughter is registered as Melanau.

Here’s the story, I went to JPN to register Baby Hana. In the form, I filled up her race as “Melanau”. Ten minutes later, the lady at the counter called me to confirm this bit of fact. I affirmed the status and with a smile on my face, I asked is there something wrong with it? She replied to say that some people does not want to do that. So I said, well, I wrote it in the form, so we want it that way.

Now, I have no problem about this, I am curious why other people is? What is it about being “Anak Malaysia”? Everyone knows we are all Anak Malaysia since Dr. Sam sang it out loud in the 80s. But, still, it is not a race.

I am not being racist here. Your race is your legacy. It’s your root. Yes, we could’ve register Baby Hana as a Melayu, no doubt about it. That’s the beauty of a mixed marriage. It does not mean she is less a Melayu because we did not register her as such. And it does not mean she is less Melanau just because she hasn’t been to Sarawak yet.

And “Anak Malaysia” is not a race. So why would you put it in the race column? Your nationality is already being defined as a Malaysian. That’s the reason who hold a MyKad. Legally, no non-Malaysian will hold a MyKad.

The best thing the government can do is to do away with the race column. For demographic purpose, just identify as Bumi or non-Bumi. Then again, this is another matter which can cause butthurt in many people. So, let’s just leave it for the sake of the current topic.

Also, do away with the race column in so many other forms from banks, associations, job applications, loyalty card applications, etc. There is no need for it to be there in this case.

So to Hannah Yeoh and Husband, although I’m touched you’re willing to do away with your roots recognition, I am sure your kid will still learn both legacies, but I don’t agree with the “Anak Malaysia” idea. You should modify the way you fight your cause.

And to the so called human rights activists who are fighting for “racism in Malaysia”, I would like to say that before you started your war, there hardly a “racial tension”. People respect each other’s backgrounds and religions. You all have hidden agendas and making normal people like myself go berserk for no reason. If I can turn you lot into frogs, I will.

If I were to fight for racism, I would start in the office where there are different races around, but the people using their race dialect when talking about work. Use English lah if you feel using Bahasa Malaysia means creating racial tension. Blurgh!

Ignore the trolls

Troll (n) – In Internet slang, a troll is someone who posts inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic message in an online community…. (Source: Wikipedia: Troll)

There is a trend of blogging that many people adhere to these days. The blogger will post radical thoughts and comments. They are all provocative in manner. These are the bloggers that will be getting thousands of page hits; including thousands of hate mails and offensive comments. The readers will direct their hate towards what is being written and to the blogger.

Surprisingly, even after knowing such blogs post offensive topics to their virtue and sensitivity, the readers always come back for more, and leave yet another rebuttal in the comment section. Shows how much mental capacity these people have. The readers, I mean. It’s funny sometimes how some people try to out-troll the troll. And to people like me, we enjoy reading the comments more than the actual trolling. It provides a certain… un-healthy entertainment.

This type of bloggers will be so happy that you contribute to their page hits, and it’s a no wonder they are making money out of the haters.

All I can say is, if you don’t like what is being written, don’t read it. Ignore that the blog even exist. You might feel a certain need to act on justice, but justice cannot be done through force. Nor can it materialise through hate mails or vile words. And if after two or three comments the posts do not change in nature, just leave it. Let it be.

Some trolls provide the avenue for community bashing. This is especially true if you’re reading entertainment blogs. They post a picture of a certain singer or actors. These people are caught on picture doing something or wearing something which does not go well with the local community. And, Eureka! The hate comments will come flooding in. You get comments that is “hollier-than-thou” type. It’s sad.

I personally do not condone trolling activity. It is wrong to humiliate people, it is even more wrong to get people together to humiliate other people. You are being the catalyst, and you are not spreading positivity around. Use your writing talents for better things, to get people to work together.

Trolls will not be awaken if they are not provoked. Yes they are ugly and most of the time evil, but if you play their game, you’ll lose. Take the higher ground. Use a different bridge, build a new one if you need to. Just ignore the troll’s bridge and sooner or later, the troll will die. Alone.

[image googled]

Shocking Pictures at a Daycare

Friends, please go to this link: http://lakaranhatii.blogspot.com/2011/01/taska-kurang-ajar.html

I feel really, really strongly about this topic. Cases of SIDs all over the country (the world) is really making me feel worried and sad. More ever since I got pregnant. Please help to spread the word and awareness. And if any of you can help to contact the media regarding this matter please do so.

I’m pretty sure this is not an isolated case. I strongly believe that a lot of day care centers are doing this. This is not even talking about the food that they prepare for the children. The cleanliness of the place. The ratio of caretaker to kids. I sincerely hope the agencies responsible to monitor and oversee day care centers are doing their job to the best they could!

Let’s stop the death of our children!

I don’t hate you but I don’t have to agree with you

I have stopped myself several times from writing about a certain declaration video which is now the talk of the town. I shall not name it here, because as a Muslim, we should not disclose our brothers’ or sisters’ embarrassment (even if they feel there is nothing to be embarrass about). Suffice to say, I know the person, because we went to the same school.

I don’t hate homosexuals. But I don’t love them neither. Do I have gay friends? Yes, I do. They are nice people, just like any other friends that I have. You see, I only keep nice people as friends. Who in the right mind will befriend not nice people, eh?

Second question, do I have problem knowing someone is gay? Nope. If I do, I will not befriends with them. Simple.

Next question, do I agree on homosexuality? The answer to this is a clear and a simple NO.

Just because you’re friends with some people that have different ideologies, it does not mean you agree with them. You can be friends, but you don’t have to always agree.

When it comes to homosexuality, be it gay or lesbian, Islam has forbid it more than 1400 years ago. If you read about Islam, and the prophets’ histories, you will come across Nabi Luth (Prophet Lot). His people were homosexuals, the men and the women. These people were told to come back to truth and yet they denied themselves the light, and they were prosecuted by Allah SWT. They all died because their land was turned topsy-turvy.

So Allah SWT has decreed long time ago that this practice is forbidden. Why oh why should we say otherwise? In my opinion, we should not be proud of the forbidden things that we do. We all make mistakes for we are humans. But we must always find ways to come back to Him and seek his forgiveness, for He is the most forgiving.

I read the comment from the supporters of the declaration, and I am stumped. I feel so sad, that I cried. Have these people lost their minds? They talk as if religion is of no relation to one’s life. They talk as if they know better than Allah SWT Himself. Aren’t they scared of what might be by challenging the might of Allah SWT?

No, I don’t have problems with people who believe they are homosexuals. Instead I wish, hope and pray that they come to realise that when Allah SWT created them, He created them to be heterosexuals. There are reasons why there are men an women.

“Dan segala sesuatu Kami ciptakan berpasang-pasangan supaya kamu mengingat kebesaran Allah.” (Adz -Dzaariyaat : 49).
“And all that We created is in pairs so that you remember Allah’s greatness” (Adz Dzaariyaat: 49)

"Dan di antara tanda-tanda kekuasaan Nya ialah Dia menciptakan untukmu isteri-isteri dari jenismu sendiri, supaya kamu cenderung dan merasa tenteram kepadanya, dan dijadikannya di antaramu rasa kasih dan sayang” (Ar-Rum: 21)
“And amongst the signs of His greatness, is that He created for you, wives from your own kind, so that you may feel comforted towards her and He create between the two of you love” (Ar-Rum:21)

There are lots of other ayat from the holy Quran Al-Karim that shows Allah SWT created men and women so that they may complement each other in life, in love. And from this union, insyaAllah, a clean and blessed generation shall be borne. How can we deny this truth? It comes from the Quran itself! The holy scripture that should be our guide.

I can only Istighfar and be reminded of my own shortcomings and mistakes and weaknesses. But it does not mean I cannot spell out my distaste of the comments that were given by these people in favour of homosexuality. What is wrong, will remain wrong. What is forbidden will remain forbidden.

They argue that homosexual is not about sex, but it is about love. If that is the truth then look to Allah SWT for the love that you seek. They say straight people do not understand them and always ridicule them, I have to say some people are quick to judge and condemn. But why can’t they look for the straight people who can show and guide them to the right path? In my opinion, anything wrong that we do, and we do not want to leave it behind, it’s all because we love the world more than we love the hereafter, more than we love Allah SWT. It’s the same to women who are not wearing headscarves, because we feel that we might be less pretty in the eyes of humans, when instead we should think of becoming beautiful in the eyes of Allah SWT, masyaAllah. :-( It’s like people who drink alcohol and do not want to stop because they believe they cannot have fun without it and people will say they are not cool, when they should be thinking how to look cool in front of Allah SWT.

So, when homosexuals say that being gay or lesbian is not about choice, they should be reminded that they do have the choice. Like the women who are not wearing headscarves, like the people who drinks alcohol. It’s a matter of choice.

I am a human, I make mistakes too. And writing this post does not mean I’m preaching or being holier-than-thou, for I am a sinner too. I’m writing this in hope that Allah SWT will shine upon me His Nur and guidance, shower me with his rahmat for I may become a better person in time, insyaAllah. Our main objective in life should be to see Him in Husnul Khatimah.

People always say that if you hang about with those who are smelly, you will become smelly too. And if you hang around those who wear perfumes, the scent will brush on you too. I shall put it in a more modern perspective. You go to clubs, eventhough you don’t drink or don’t smoke, you come out smelling like ashes and liquor still. You go to masjeed, even if you’re dozing off during the sermon, you come out smelling nice or like minyak attar if the pakcik next to you wear it. ;-)

I believe I have said enough. Just a reminder to myself, my family and my friends, not to be advocates of things which are already forbidden by Allah SWT. I remind myself to always seek His forgiveness in any way I can, any time while I’m still breathing. For once He calls my name, there is nothing more I can do, but answer His call. May we always be under His guidance and rahmat, insyaAllah.

You are Beautiful, Dark Skinned Woman!

A pretty girl looks out the window from her second floor hotel room. She sees another pretty girl coming out from a chauffer driven car. She recognises the girl as one of the local celebrities. Reporters and photographers are crowding the famous girl as she walks into the hotel lobby. Pretty girl suddenly had an idea and quickly dresses to the nines. As the celebrity comes up the stairs, the pretty girl descends it. All the reporters and photographers attention is switched to the pretty girl. Even the celebrity stops in the middle of her ascend and stares at the pretty girl. Everyone looks mesmerised by the pretty girl. Pretty girl smiles with a satisfied smug on her face.

That is a cramped version of Lux’s latest advertisement to promote their shower cream; Lux White Impress. In a nutshell, everyone is in awe looking at the FAIR pretty girl including the tanned celebrity.

Advertisement like this is very popular in our country. Probably all Asian countries. Ironically, original Asians are not fair, milky white skinned people. They will be a little yellow or a little brown. Except maybe Japanese. Anyway, let’s talk about Malaysians. UNLESS you have mixed blood from Arabic bloodline or other pale skin genes, you would be less fair. A little hint of yellow or just brown.

I personally feel that ads like this is ridiculous, demeaning and insulting. Ridiculous, because our country is a melting pot of cultures and people. Demeaning, because there should not be double standard because of our skin colour. Insulting, because whether we are brown or pale or yellow or black, we are beautiful creations of God.

When children see ads like these, what kind of message are we giving to them? The fair skinned will feel they are superior in the looks department and the dark skinned ones will feel deprived. Name callings will start. And they grow up having a set of belief that does not promote harmony.

Let me tell you a story of my own experience.

When I was in primary school, I beat up a boy because he called me “hitam” (black). Yes, you read it right the first time. His mother knows mine. And after that incident, she never talks to my mother again. I wonder why. When I was in secondary school, I started to learn what inferiority is. Just because, being fair skinned was considered (still is) more beautiful. I did not know then how strong this belief will later affect my confidence and romantic relationships. Suffice to say, it scarred me and only in my mid 20s that I managed to take control and love myself thoroughly. I still have relapsed moment once in a while, because the feeling never really leave you. But I’m lucky, because now I have someone who really loves me for who I am… (ehem…)

So, again, I ask you. What kind of messages are we giving to our young ones?

I don’t know about you. But I am disturbed by this phenomenon. Do you know that in India, the parents actually said that it’s better to be dead (or something like that) than to have a dark skinned daughter? How bizarre is that, when their gene pool does not really allow their generation to be anything else unless they have albino trait! They associate fair skin with beauty and success.

Surprisingly, the most affected by this belief and social standard are women. Sad, but true. So, dark skinned women are socially pressured and we ended up buying those beauty products that promise us fairer skin in 4 weeks! How much do you think we can mutate our cells?

And to be more bizarre, I have fair skinned friends who absolutely belief that they are dark skinned! And they buy whitening products too! Unbelievable! But true.

So there you go. Malaysians are COLOURIST! We are so backward thinking that skin colour becomes an overlooked issue. I personally feel that advertisers that is creating such demeaning advertisement should be sued. And the products companies? They also should be sued for false advertising which resulting in false expectation.

This is such a long post. I just hope someone will read it, and see it as a REAL issue. It’s not healthy making people inferior. Just because we have something which is God-given. And to all tanned women out there who are still feeling small, chin up girls. Truth be told, coloured skin is beautiful. As a a good friend commented before; it adds character to the owner. And trust me when I say that if a man looks down to you because you’re not fair skinned, he is NOT worth even a second of your thoughts. Move on because you are worth so much more than him. Seriously.

Child On Board!

No, I am NOT pregnant.


I am referring to the bumper sticker people. You may notice as you drive lots of vehicles carry something similar to the above sticker. They publicly claim they have kids in their vehicles. As such, the stickers serve as a reminder for motorists to drive carefully and safely when the "stickered" vehicle is in vicinity.

However, have you also noticed how the drivers of these "stickered" vehicles drive? A lot of them conveniently forget that they have their vehicle "stickered" with the notification. I am sure they notice their kid(s) on the back seat. They just resume their "normal" driving style they use when the kid(s) is not on board.

It's unsettling. It's worrying. Are parents these days so full of themselves that they conveniently ignore the amanah that God has bestowed upon them. I hope when the time comes, I will not be one of them. This is not only for the children's safety, but also for their moral development. Kids are very observant. They see how we drive and how we act on the road. If they see us swerving in front of another vehicle, not giving indicator lights and running red lights, they will grow up thinking it is okay to break the rules or cause misery on other people on the road.

I, myself, has a long way to go to revert back to my calm self years ago. Those years, I was so calm on the road. I did not swear at all, even a small "sh*t". None. But after a couple of years feeling bullied, it changed. So now, I need to go back to the calm and well behaved Jade, because every word I utter will affect the kid. (No, I am not pregnant). So, I am grateful to The Almighty God, for giving me this kid-free time to readjust myself, which I hope will be a better me when bringing up a mini Jade.

So, let's all stand together and be a better driver. Not just for safety reason, but also for children with healthier mind and soul development. Shall we? 

When you just want to learn

I do not know if it's some kind of modus operandi for our preachers (ustazs and imams) out there; that is to be condescending and judgmental with dashes of holier-than-thou attitude. I don't think it's anyone's prerogative to say whether a person is under Allah's grace or not. We only see the physical representation of one's relationship with the Creator, but we do not see what's unseen; what's inside the person's heart. We have no rights whatsoever to determine whether one's amal and ibadah are accepted by Allah.


We really should stop being judgmental.


Our preachers need to change tactics so that they will be able to attract more people to do what's right. People these days are thinkers. They don't just follow blindly anymore. Give the people some credit and have respect towards them, even if their knowledge is lesser.


I do agree that we should educate people to stop or at least to watch less of Akademi Fantasia, Raja Lawak and whatever similar programs. These shows do not enrich us in anyway except maybe make the little ones wish they are singers themselves. 


Earlier today Mak told me what happened on Friday to my brother. He just came back home and was closing the house gate. A school bus full with primary school kids passed by and my brother smiled. One of the kids showed his middle finger to my brother just like that. What kind of reaction is THAT?! A smile is replied with rude gestures. What are we teaching kids these days?


I guess it's time to change tactics. Don't you?

Worth Sharing

Just want to share this...

The First Class People

My office is just a stone throw from one of those expensive condos in KL. The tenants there are rich local people and expats. They drive big expensive cars with their big expensive sunglasses. I am absolutely positive that they use branded handbags and wallets as well as top notch designer labels on their shirts and dresses.

One would call them those high class, first class people.

Throughout my tenure with the current company, I park my car at a nearby privately managed carpark. They charge me either RM7 on normal days or RM10 if there is even going on at the Convention Centre. So, yeah, I pass by this particular expensive condo everyday, morning and evening.

You notice from the picture (taken from the site shown) there is a pavement in the middle of the road that separates the opposite traffic and creating sort of a three-branch junction. There is no U-turn sign anywhere and if you're coming out from the expensive condo, you have to turn left.

What I have observed these past couple of years are these:

• Big expensive cars making U-turn to go into the condo from the right-hand side of the road
• Big expensive cars turning left to get out from the condo, either crossing the pavement or just using a tidal wave action

The pavement at some parts is broken to pieces. Even when the DBKL is doing some gardening work on the plants (located in the middle of the pavement) they park their lorry on the pavement.

So what has got this to say about Malaysia? If our own DBKL is performing an act which is totally wrong, how can we expect those "first class people" living in the expensive condo to observe the correct traffic rule? Even the European expats who must be following strict rules back in their home country find no problem on driving on the pavement.

What I am trying to say is that, if our own people is doing the wrong things and not taking the action to preserve our own facilities and environment, not taking good care of them, how can we expect outsiders to do the same?

I love my country, I love this town I'm living in. Frankly, as much as I like walking on Paris streets or Dam Square of Amsterdam or the cleanliness of Singapore (that pretty much cover my international destinations... har har har) I still prefer to be here, in Kuala Lumpur. It pains me to see these people who have no respect towards the beauty of the city.

I have to say, everytime I come across these first class people doing what I listed above, I don't smile if our eyes meet. What makes me more upset is when they look as if they have every right to do what they are doing.

Where is the proper authority on this? Why are they not doing anything to stop the misbehaving conduct? And let's not start about the illegal parking in front of the office building. These big expensive cars parked there sometimes with the driver waiting inside. Haih...

From My Email...

...for if we lack the knowledge, we should listen and learn...

Prof. Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas on Usage of word "ALLAH"

On December 13, 2009, during the Worldview of Islam Seminar organized by the Assembly of Muslim Intellectuals or Himpunan Keilmuan Muda (HAKIM), there was a question being posted to Professor Al-Attas regarding the polemical usage of the word "Allah" by the non-Muslims.

Below is the transcript of his brief-but-yet- concise enlightening remarks. As a word of caution, though, one must not only rely on this brief transcript alone to understand the whole spectrum of Prof. Al-Attas' view about this theological matter. Further thorough elucidation of his thought can be found in numerous works of this great Muslim scholar of this age, such as Prolegomena to the Metaphysics of Islam, Islam and Secularism, Islam dalam Sejarah dan Kebudayaan Melayu and A Commentary on Hujjat al-Siddiq of Nur al-Din al-Raniri.



Question: The using of kalimah “Allah” by other people in this country
Answers by Prof. Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas :

Well I have been talking about this long time ago. I remember about this in ISTAC, when we first established ourselves (late 80’s and early 90’s), I think the Arcbishop of Penang was asking this question. And I have answered that.

And then we had a meeting with the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur and about all the representatives of Christianity, including the ministers, we had a meeting at ISTAC.

And I said, “Why you want to use the word ‘Allah’ for yourself?”

They said “we going to pray in Bahasa Malaysia”

That’s the way they put it. So my answers to them, “Why you have to change praying into Bahasa Malaysia. You have been praying in English all the time. Why suddenly change into Bahasa Malaysia?”

Ok, so they said they want to change so that it more patriotic. Then in that case I’m saying that “why don’t you use Tuhan while praying in Bahasa Malaysia? Because you are talking about God isn’t it?…God is not just a name…”Allah” is a name of this Being whom you called God… and in fact a Being whom even higher than what you called to be God”

And then I said, “ …and “Allah” is not from Bahasa Malaysia. It is not a national language. It belongs to the language of Muslim all over the world . Therefore your argument using this for the word “Allah” does not fit into your idea of God. Because “Allah” does not have a son, It is not one of three (Trinity), that is why out of respect to Allah we can’t allow you to use this.”

But when we Muslim, when we write in English we say God, or when we talk to people we say God but we mean “Allah”…but they cannot say when they speak about God it means “Allah” as they don’t mean it.

So in this particular respect, we have to be clear about this, not was-was (hesitate)... whomever responsible in our governing, they have to be clear about this and to explain to others.

We agree you want to use God, then use Tuhan as we also use that…but we understand in the Malay language that Tuhan is not a translation of Allah ..that is why we say “tiada Tuhan melainkan Allah” not “ tiada Tuhan melainkan Tuhan ”. We don’t say “there is not God but God”..at least the ulama’ among the Muslim Malays, we understand what is the meaning of that (word “Allah”).

So “Allah” cannot be translated as no language has translated Allah. The Arabs themselves they only use that after Islam..although the word existed (before)..the Christians Arab they also did not use Allah (in theological, epistemological and ontological sense in the same manner as the Muslim)..if they say that it is just a language..they talking about language..because they say “Allah” like the Muslim when they ( melatah )…

So it appears they want to do that in order to confuse the Muslim into thinking that all the same.. that is why I say one of the problems about religion is the nature of God.. about who Allah is.. that is why in Arkanul Iman (The Pillars of Faith), the first thing is “ amana billah ”.

“Who is this Allah?” and that need to be explain at higher institution in a proper way…

So we have answer the question. It is not proper to allow them using this, since they asking us and there is no point bringing this to court since this is not a matter of court to decide it whether they have the freedom to use it or not. It is up to the Muslims.

But then if they used it and said “in Indonesia they have use it, why can’t we?”…but it is because of the Muslims..if Muslims don’t care they will go on and use it..and in Indonesia they are using not only that, other things they even call it “choir” as “ selawat ”. Choir is not a “ selawat ”, as “ selawat ” is for Prophet..it’s not singing hymn..

And they also talk about..in Indonesia they are also confuse..Muslims. .that is why this thing happen. Sometimes the language when you come across English words like “Prophet of Doom” in Indonesia they said “Nabi celaka”. How can there be “Nabi celaka”? What is meant by the “Prophet of Doom” is…even the word Prophet in English does not mean “Nabi” only…it means “ yang meramalkan malapetaka ”..that what it means…so the “Prophet of Doom” means “ yang meramalkan malapetaka ”, not “Nabi celaka”.

They (the Muslims in Indonesia) seem not to bother about this. What we can say is that ultimately well they say “God is not Allah”...well if you want to use the word God, we are saying we also use the word God, we refer to Allah as we know and we are not saying that your God ultimately will not refer to Allah. You can’t run away from Allah. You can only escape Him and so in the Qur’an (surah An-Naas) says: “ Qul aAAoothu birabbi annas, Maliki annas, Ilahi annas ”. He (Allah) is saying “ I am the real Ilah (God) of naas (mankind)”, although mankind (non-Muslim) does not interpret it that way.

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Read on Prof. Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas

• http://rausyanfikir.com/2009/12/bertemu-prof-dr-syed-muhammad-naquib-al.html
• From IIUM
• Interview with Prof. Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas

Wallahu'alam. For the truth is best known by The Lord, Allah SWT.

The DUKE

Eversince I moved back into the nest, the DUKE has become my sole route to most of my destination; especially when I travel to the office. I think, in the past month, I only used the Setiawangsa route to go back once, the rest was on DUKE.

Yes, RM4 daily for the toll. But, I found that, it is a small sacrifice compared to spending hours in the traffic AND the heartache that comes with it. Not to mention, it has saved me from using bad words during Ramadhan!


Please be informed that this is NOT a paid post. I'm merely stating that, this is the most convenient expressway so far for people who are working in KL and living within the vicinity of it.

I had a meeting in Damansara one morning. Believe it or not, it only took me 10 minutes to reach my destination from the house! That is totally awesome okay! I believe that as long as I'm here, DUKE will definitely be my highway of choice.

Only thing that I have to bear with in the morning AND in the evening is the exit/entry at Jalan Semarak. But hey, the expressway still saves me about 40 minutes of travel time, and I can still be in the office in about 15 minutes. That is totally awesome!

Owh, in future... they might want to include a motorcycle lane. It's very dangerous for them. Seriously.

Read about DUKE.

p/s: salah satu projek kerajaan yang berjaya. I hope it's strong enough! And the MRR2 incident will not be repeated!

AidilFitri... Hari Bahgia...

Selamat menyambut AidilFitri! Maafkan silap salah, terkasar bahasa (ni sepatutnya buat sebelum 1 Ramadhan... but better late than never kan?). Kalau ada yang tersinggung dengan nukilan hati hamba, harap dimaafkan.

Tak kira jauh atau dekat anda memandu, berhati-hatilah. Drive safe! Be alert always! Dan bacalah doa:

"Bismillahillazi la yadhurru ma'asmihi shay'un fil ardhi wa la fissama' wa huwassami'ul alim"
maksudnya: "Dengan nama Allah yang dengan nama-Nya tiada sesuatu di bumi dan di langit akan (dapat) memudhratkan (sesuatu yang lain) sedang Dia (Allah) Maha Mendengar lagi Maha Mengetahui".

Ini doa, ibundaku yang ajarkan setiap kali keluar rumah, atau lakukan sesuatu, even sebelum makan. Jadi, hamba share lah dengan sahabat sekalian. Jaga diri baik-baik. Jangan makan terlalu banyak. Beraya ala kadar. Okay?!

Selamat bercuti!!

So Long Brilliant Woman!

I do not know her personally. Like many others, I know her through her films and adverts. Not to mention those numerous slanders and rumours that circled around from time to time. But I never stopped waiting and watching for her next magical moments.

Allahyarhamah Yasmin Ahmad. Such a loss to the Malaysian arts industry. Such a huge loss. I do not know her personally, although it was my secret wish to do so. This is one wish that will not come true...

I wonder, why is it so difficult for people to open up their minds and hearts to accept differences? Why is it so terrible when someone dare to defy the norm other seem to be blanketed with? Why when someone has the courage to speak up and challenge the ordinary, the person becomes a target of hatred and vile rumours? Such is the society we live in. Such is the people we grew up with.

I solemnly hope that more people will see the true message that Yasmin Ahmad dared to reveal in her works. And like many others before her, maybe now, she will be acknowledged by her people, after her death.

Al-Fatihah.

Where have the sanity gone?

Look at the picture above. Beautiful scenery, isn't it? It's not computer generated. It'll be too bad and sad should this picturesque location is turned into a war zone. The blue lake becomes copperish because blood was spilled. The mountains become skewered as a result of bombing. The trees, green green trees are just not there anymore... Sad, isn't it?

This picture was taken at Heaven Lake, Tianshan Mountains, Urumqi, China.

It's sad to know that Muslims are being oppressed wherever they are, especially when they are the minorities. It's sad to hear that when they fight for their rights, the world labels them as terrorists. It's sad, so sad. They are humans, just like the rest of us. They are woman, children, man, young and old, doing their best to live their life, their precious life, bestowed upon them by The Almighty, the best they could until the day they meet their maker. Just like the rest of us.

The Uighurs used to be the majority in Urumqi. But in the last 20 years or so, the number of Hans are increasing rapidly. And now, the Hans are being volatile against the original settlers. Isn't this situation makes you think about another region on the other side of the continent?

If people in a country could live for thousands of years without fighting, sans killing and murdering, why is it that now, people like to end the lives of other people who are different from them? Weird isn't it? There must be a conspiracy somewhere, a hidden movement that is being a catalyst for these insanities and illogical wars. And the people who generates the energy to move this secret society, are probably mentally disturbed, their soul polluted.

How much more innocent blood should be spilled? How many more orphans should be created? How many more helpless widows should be screaming? Before these retarded people will stop the mayhem and unrest?

Have some mercy. Put yourselves in their shoes. What if your country is being invaded? What if it's you're wives or husbands or children are being killed? What if it's your brothers and fathers who are slaughtered? What if it's you who are raped? What if...?

More readings:
Urumqi
Ustaz Asri
China's Uighurs hope to gain from world spotlight

Short nights in Paris

We're both learning to live apart, but still together. It seems so simple for some people, but truth be told, it is something that you have to learn to get used to. It is more difficult for him because he is the one who is waiting, while I am the one who goes away. With love comes understanding. And patience. I pray both of us will come out unscatched.

Having said that, being away, is not easy. The hotel room seems so cramped and empty. Going out, smiling in the photos, it's just not the same when you're not enjoying the day with the one you want to be with. What more can I say?

It's Paris, I know. But dem! I miss him! Ha ha ha...

Anyway, it's 8pm here. But it looks like 5pm out there. Short nights, long days. So, a week after in Paris, I have not yet fall under its spell... It's just another city, and the tower is just a bunch of steel. :-p

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Okay lah. I heard back in KL people are still talking about the English for Science and Maths thingy? We, Malays, should realise that we are not in the seat of power in the academia world (neither are we in so many others). As such, we need to find ways to be at par with other people around the world. We need to see that we are not living in out own little world, but are in the race for excellence with the whole world. And since we are not dictating the ways things should go round, we are forced to work many times harder.

It will be easier, we will see, for the kids today who are learning in English, as the years go by. In fact, just because they are learning in English, it does not strip them off their culture and heritage. They are still Malay at the heart of it. Ask any Malays who are abroad; still looking for a hint of nasi lemak, finding spices to cook asam pedas. What I'm trying to say is that, being Malay does not have anything to do with the language(s) that we study. Languages are the means for the future that we seek. So, be at peace. Give it time, and we shall reap the fruits of our labours not so long from now.

LINKS

Links from dakwanie's blog...

If Americans Knew

America's Palestine

New York Times and Gaza crisis


Take some time to read...

An Excerpt from Minda Mufti

Quoting Ustaz Asri of Minda Mufti:

"Islam is a fair religion. Islam never teaches Muslims that non-Muslims are their enemies. The protest against violence is also carried out by non-Muslims. The Muslims only go to war against the people who declares war against the Muslims; whether the animosity is based on hatred for the religion or just because they want to terrorize other people.

Islam does not accept and oppose violence wherever it is committed. Whether on Muslims or non-Muslims, on humans or animals, even to the environment. We Muslims protest against the violence committed to our brothers and sisters in faith in Palestine in the name of Islam and humanity. Other people (the non-Muslims) protest in the name of humanity.

If violence are committed against the non-Muslims, we, the Muslims, will still protest the act in the name of Islam and humanity. This is because, the Islamic principles include the humanity principles. Therefore if none protest against this act of terror and violence, the person has neither the Islamic principles nor the humanity principles."


"Islam bersikap adil. Islam tidak pernah menyatakan setiap mereka yang tidak menganut Islam itu adalah musuh Islam. Demonstrasi di seluruh dunia pada hari ini turut dilakukan oleh mereka yang bukan Islam. Islam hanya bermusuh dengan mereka yang melancarkan permusuhan dan kezaliman kepada umat Islam. Samada permusuhan itu atas kebencian kepada agama ini, atau atas sikap yang ingin menzalimi orang lain.

Kemudian, Islam tidak menerima dan membantah kezaliman di mana sahaja ia dilakukan. Samada ke atas muslim atau bukan muslim, samada kepada insan atau binatang dan alam. Kita membantah kekejaman ke atas saudara seakidah kita di Palestin atas nama Islam dan kemanusiaan. Orang lain membantah atas dasar kemanusiaan.

Jika mereka yang bukan Islam dizalimi, kita tetap akan membantah atas dasar Islam dan kemanusiaan. Ini kerana prinsip Islam merangkumi prinsip kemanusiaan sejagat. Namun jika ada yang langsung tidak membantah, maka dia tiada prinsip Islam dan prinsip kemanusiaan."

Say "NO!" and "TAK NAK!" to War & Violence!

Have you seen the front page of The Star today? In case you haven't...

The picture is small, I know, but I couldn't find a bigger one quickly. It's a picture of a Muslim woman, a strong and very brave Muslim woman, standing in front of three armed Israelis soldiers protesting the invasion. I salute you sister, may Allah reward you with Al-Jannah.

I cannot look at another war picture. I cannot see another dead child. I cannot see another body with blood splattering all over. The picture of a father crying beside his three dead small children was enough to break any human's heart. And if you did not feel a thing, you are better off dead yourself.

Do your part. Any small part that you can. However little the difference it makes to the world. But at least we did something. May Allah take our fallen brothers, sisters and children in Gaza into His majestic palace. May He restore our faith and honour towards our beautiful religion. May mercy be bestowed upon those whose hearts are cold and hard. May the Light be shone upon us forevermore.

Love and Peace. It's not so much to ask.

MERCY is now in Gaza and they are running out of fund now, for more info you can also visit : yasminthefilmmaker.blogspot.com

MERCY MALAYSIA PALESTINE RELIEF FUND www.mercy.org.my

( Please make cheques payable to MERCY MALAYSIA. CIMB account number: 1424-000-6561053. For more information, please contact 03-2273 3999. )

"No amount is too small, and will be gratefully received."