Beautiful Masjids in Malaysia

I am fascinated with architecture. Whenever and wherever I travel, the first thing I look at and admire is the local architecture. Looking at the many beautiful, grand old buildings everywhere else in the world makes me feel very sad thinking of the many grand old buildings we tear down here in Kuala Lumpur.

Fortunately, we are not in the habit of tearing down masjids. I list below some of the beautiful masjids I have seen in this country, I have even been to some of the masjid listed below (which may come as a surprise to most people who know me!)

Political Assets and Liabilities

The 13^th General Election is around the corner. Or so everyone says. Who will win? BN supporters will say BN and Pakatan supporters will say PR, obviously. My 2 cents is probably irrelevant but I won’t be surprised if I’m not the only one with the following views.

Rothchilds and 9/11

Source: http://www.iamthewitness.com/listeners/What.2.countries.DID.NOT.have.a.Rothschild.owned.Central.Bank.htm

Before 9/11 guess what 2 countries DID NOT have a Rothschild owned and started Central Bank; Afghanistan and Iraq.

World Trade Center is an act by Israel with the complicity of Britain and America, under the orders of the Rothschild. Why? These are the reasons:

Voltaire and Winston Churchill - Islam Haters

Voltaire and Churchill – Islam Haters

Haters – I’m not sure if there is such a word and to clarify, I define it as “to hate something”.

Referring to Prophet Muhammad s.a.w., in a letter to Frederick II of Prussia in December 1740, Voltaire said:

But that a camel-merchant should stir up insurrection in his village; that in league with some miserable followers he persuades them that he talks with the angel Gabriel; that he boasts of having been carried to heaven, where he received in part this unintelligible book, each page of which makes common sense shudder; that, to pay homage to this book, he delivers his country to iron and flame; that he cuts the throats of fathers and kidnaps daughters; that he gives to the defeated the choice of his religion or death: this is assuredly nothing any man can excuse, at least if he was not born a Turk, or if superstition has not extinguished all natural light in him.

[published in Oeuvres complètes de Voltaire, Vol. 7 (1869), edited by Georges Avenel, p. 105]

Gold is Not a Commodity

Gold is not a commodity and hence it should not have a price. Most of the commentators on the issue of using gold as currency still see gold as a commodity and as long gold is seen as a commodity, it will NEVER be a measure or store of value. Gold should not have a price; it should be valued based on what it can obtain. Gold would not achieve its purpose of being a medium of exchange if it continues to valued in fiat money terms.

I found an ‘interesting’ article in the electronic version of The Guardian (here) on Gold Dinar written by Nazry Bahrawi. I find the article to be short of knowledge on what Gold is and I also find the writer as someone who is very ‘anti-Malaysia’ (he is a Singaporean Malay btw).

Basically what the gold expert Nazry said was that any efforts to re-introduce gold as a medium of exchange are;

Valentine’s Day – Should Muslims Join the Celebrations?

All Malaysians including Muslims should be allowed to celebrate Valentine ’s Day, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said today. He was asked to comment on Islamic affairs minister Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom saying that Islamic religious authorities have launched nationwide enforcement efforts to nab Muslims celebrating Valentine’s Day today. “Why can’t it be celebrated? I disagree...it is not a form of prayer,” said the de-facto law minister. “What is wrong with Valentines’ day? People just want to express their love to one another. “How different is it from other days, where we can do the same thing?” Nazri asked. He also criticised PAS for campaigning against Valentines’ Day, saying that such efforts were plain “ridiculous”.

Last Friday, official sermons also warned Muslims against celebrating Valentine’s Day, which the federal Islamic authorities claimed was in breach of the tenets of their religion.

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/whats-wrong-with-valentines-day-nazri-asks/

I strongly disagree with the Hon. Minister Nazri. Please read on to see why I think Valentine’s Day celebration is not for Muslims.

I did some research on the web (I know, don’t believe everything you read on the net but that is the quickest way) and I copied and pasted below a brief introduction on Valentine’s Day.

Hassan Ali, Comical Ali?

Dubbed Comical Ali by some British newspapers, the Iraqi Information Minister Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf has become a cult figure thanks to his wild claims and colourful language. With a grinning face and wild gesticulations, he is the man charged with giving the Iraqi side of the story.

It is unfair to call Hassan Ali Comical Ali because Ali is his father’s name. Maybe I’ll call him Comical bin Ali. The title is also suitable for another bin Ali, Ibrahim of Perkasa. But for today, I shall focus on bin Ali the former PAS VP, crusader, Muslim fighter and last but not least comedy king.

A Few Things I Remember About 2011

So many interesting events took place in 2011; from the short-lived joy of thinking the ISA is abolished to the joys of beating Indonesia in football not once but twice! I have listed a few that still sticks to my mind despite leaving the year nine days ago…

GLCs told to drop lawsuits against Tajuddin Ramli (rating – super stupid)

Malaysian Insider reported that Dato’ Seri  Nazri Aziz, minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, said he had written to GLCs to withdraw their suits, worth at least RM2 billion, to buy time for all concerned parties to reach a “win-win” agreement and put an end to the prolonged financial saga involving Tajuddin. He said the matter was referred to Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Husni Hanadzlah who then directed him to pen the letter. “Since it involved the law and I am the minister in charge of law, Husni told me, “Why don’t you look into this”. It is not a cloak-and-dagger move ... we knew this would come out somehow and there is nothing to hide. I wrote that letter using my letterhead,” said Nazri.

Is there any accountability in this country? What about respect for the minority shareholders of the GLCs? This is blatant abuse of power and a daylight robbery of taxpayers’ money. Tajuddin must know a lot of things that could bring a lot of people down. Tajuddin had claimed that Dr Mahathir and Daim had forced him to buy a 32 per cent stake in MAS from Bank Negara at RM8 per share instead of the market price of RM3.50 to bail out the central bank which was hit by multi-billion ringgit foreign exchange losses.

Bersih 2.0 = Communism = Christian agenda? (rating – oxymoronic idiotic racists)

Utusan Malaysia, former IGP (and wannabe boxer) Rahim, Deputy CPO of Penang, Ibrahim Ali and numerous ‘anonymous sources’ claim that BERSIH has an alternative agenda and electoral reform has nothing to do wit it. They claim BERSIH is out to turn the country into a communist-Christian state. How that is possible I do not know because the last time I checked, the commies are atheists.

Najib meeting the Pope in Vatican City? The Pope sounds very Christian to me.

The government welcoming Wen Jiabao with open arms? Isn’t he the leader of the largest communist party in the world?

Petty KJ (rating – childish)

Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin made a comment about how Public Bank celebrated their anniversary by posting on Twitter about “Malaysia’s latest religious cult: Public Bank. Kim Jong Il would be jealous”; together with a link to YouTube. I would like to remind KJ how Public Bank decide to celebrate their 45th anniversary should be none of his concern. If they want to glorify the man who made the bank the strongest, biggest, most profitable bank in the country, it is also none of KJ’s concern. Why are you so bitter KJ? Is it because you have never achieved anything significant in your life? By the way, marrying for power is not an achievement.

Perkasa (rating – super duper stupid-er)

The brainless and racist Malays in Perkasa are threatening action if no punishment for Ambiga, Anwar, DAP. The bigots led by Ibrahim Ali demands that Ambiga be punished for having a lot to do with the Bersih rally; Anwar be punished for appearing in a sex video (was it really him?) and DAP be punished for planning to turn Malaysia into a Christian country. I doubt Karpal Singh is a Christian or Lim Guan Eng for that matter …

Now PERKASA wants to be defenders of Islam. The people who are behaving so un-Islamic want to be defenders of Islam?

Shah Alam hospital (rating – sad)

Is still not complete. The main contractor is the sister of the Sultan of Selangor. Didn’t know she’s a contractor. Shouldn’t a 480+ million ringgit contract be given to the more established (i.e. reputable = lower risk) contractors? Will the Shah Alam folks ever get a government hospital? 

Ariff Alfian Rosli’s Same-Sex Civil Union

Those who know me and have read my few postings on gays would know I’m against same-sex relationships. I am not a homo-phobe, I’m merely obeying my God’s decree – thou shall not practice your lust on men in preference to women; read more [here]. 

I don’t know who Ariff Alfian is; all I know about him is what the media tells me. Apparently he’s gay and is married to his lover Jonathan. Three years ago his family reported him missing but according to Ariff he is constantly in touch with his family bar his father. Apparently a police report was made in Malaysia. I didn't know we have jurisdiction over something that happened in Ireland. A man getting married to another man may not be morally acceptable but I don't think it's a crime, not in Ireland at least. Petronas is also looking for him because they want him to repay RM890,000 spent on his medical degree. Ariff also strongly denies he’s an apostate.

Interestingly and somewhat not surprisingly, UMNO is sending someone over to Ireland to coax him to return to Malaysia. Someone’s getting a free overseas trip!

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again – one has to choose between being a Muslim and being gay. There is no such thing as being a gay Muslim.  One or the other, never both. Kapish?

A Muslim is someone who unreservedly and sincerely profess that Allah is the only God and Muhammad is his messenger. A Muslim promises to strictly adhere to the words of Allah (Al Quran) and the traditions and hadiths of the Prophet s.a.w. A Muslim cannot merely profess Allah is God but refuse to acknowledge and adhere to his rulings which are spelt out in the Quran.

The Quran says;

We also sent Lut : He said to his people : "Do ye commit lewdness such as no people in creation (ever) committed before you? For ye practice your lusts on men in preference to women: ye are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds." Qur'an 7:80-81

"Of all the creatures in the world, will ye approach males, and leave those whom Allah has created for you to be your mates? Nay, ye are a people transgressing (all limits)!" Qur'an 26:165-166

Practising Muslims should take these verses as law and abide by them. There are no two ways about it. Failure to abide by these rulings makes a person less Muslim or maybe even non-Muslim Wallahualam.

Some people are proponents of freedom of choice. Some defend certain acts/behaviours even when they run contrary to religious (any/most religion) judgement. “It is my fundamental right to choose, it’s none of anyone’s business how I live my life” and “I’m born this way and it’s not my choice” are probably two most common excuses for being gay. The second excuse basically says God made them that way. A thief can also say God made him that way, should we condone his thieving ways?

Let’s look at a hypothetical example; if a man wants to marry his sister, both are of legal age; can they use those excuses to justify their action without being ostracised by society?  It is after all their life; they’ll live it however they want. It is also probably not their choice; perhaps they were destined to marry each other? Can society accept such acts given those justifications?

Humans are intelligent beings, sometimes too intelligent for our own good. God gave us brains and we used it to develop weapons of mass destruction, we used it to cheat the system, we use it to justify our wongdoings. We abuse God’s greatest gift to mankind – our brains. And because we are too smart, we need divine guidance. Why does every religion have sacred scriptures? They are not merely historical text, they are meant to guide the followers. True believers of the religion (any religion) will strictly adhere to the words of their holy text.

I am quite sure Christianity is also against homosexuality. I Googled and found this easy to understand verse; Leviticus 20:13 If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.

If I say I’ll pray for Ariff’s repentance, critics will tell me to mind my own business. I shall pray nonetheless, pray that he’ll un-break his mother’s heart. 

Please Take Action Against Utusan

I’m disgusted with Utusan’s recent behaviour. They have been so brazen in inciting racial and religious hatred. If the peace and calm in the country is shattered, the party that should take most of the blame has to be Utusan. The recent report on DAP conspiring with Christian leaders wanting to take over Putrajaya and abolish Islam as the country’s official religion is short of being brainless. No, it is brainless! To top it all, it is based on some blog posting. I mean, didn’t they themselves (Utusan, BN leaders) remind us (dumb citzens) not to believe what the bloggers write? Now, their front page news is based on a blog! Stupid or what??!!

Let me stress again (to my 3 loyal, regular blog visitors), there is NO WAY DAP on their own can take over Putrajaya. There is no way DAP or the Christians for that matter can change the constitution on their own. The present electoral structure doesn’t allow the DAP to take over the country on their own. Therefore, the constantly under threat and weak Malays/Muslims (that’s how Perkasa and their ilk portrays us, makes us believe) can be rest assured that no one, let alone the DAP; can take our birth right away.

The thing about Utusan is; I’m guessing their readership is mainly the rural, low income, less informed, less educated masses. These people, not having the right tools and exposure to evaluate, tend to take whatever Utusan says as gospel. When their more educated and exposed children tell them that Utusan is so full of bull, they will bark at the kids and tell them not to be ungrateful because Utusan’s master (UMNO) made them what they are today. By the same logic, Dr Mahathir should thank the British for establishing that kolej in Alor Setar and that University in Singapore for making him a doctor. I agree; we all should be grateful to those who have given us whatever we have now but to what point?

Latest I heard, 9 police reports have been made against Utusan. I however doubt any action would be taken against them. In the mean time, let us not worry about non-issues. Let us instead focus our worries on rising food prices, crime levels, corruption, job security, education opportunities and health services and maybe, love.

No More Osama

Now that the world’s most wanted man (according to the FBI/CIA/MI6) is dead, the US Armed Forces, CIA and probably the US foreign service will from now on have very little to do. I foresee a lot US armed forces personnel losing their jobs unless they find another bogey man to keep them occupied and employed for the next 10 years. We might also have some unemployed journalists as I’m sure Reuters, AFP etc had teams dedicated to reporting anything Osama related. The death of Osama actually causes unemployment to rise! Economics professors take note!

But seriously, I’m guessing, a lot of effort was put into the pursuit of Osama. The multiplier effect must have contributed quite a bit to the US economy. The White House cannot afford to lose that x% factor in the economic growth so they need a new target, a new public enemy. Ladbrokes and William Hill might not be taking any bets yet but odds on to succeed Osama as the most hunted and wanted would probably be Ayman Zawahri, Al Qaeda’s until recently second in command. Gaddafi probably has an outside chance, so does any Iranian leader. Unfortunately Kim Jong il has no chance of getting the kind of attention Osama got; North Korea ain't got no oil dude. Oil is apparently the magnet that attracts US warplanes and warships, which explains the lack of Western military intervention in oil-less, despotic dictator-ruled countries.

Osama is one smooth operator. No one really knows where his HQ is but from where ever he’s based, he can attack locations anywhere in the world! The latest I heard, his main means of communication is via human couriers. Yes, just like back in the good ol’ dark ages! Yet, this man Osama is able to evade the technologically superior Americans and at the same time launch periodic, deadly attacks all over the world.

No, seriously seriously, if Osama contributed to or ordered most of the terrorist attacks during the last 10-15 years, wouldn’t the world be a safer place now that he’s gone? Wouldn’t that be a good enough reason for the foreign forces (read, US) to leave Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Goaheadgostan? The targets for the suicide bombers were mostly places which are either foreigner-related (e.g. embassies) or foreigner-assisted (e.g. army/police camps). Maybe, just maybe, no foreigners will result in no (at least much less) bombings?

Hafidz on Gays

Hafidz Baharom says –

“My thoughts on the issues of religious belief butting in on a way of life are simple. Read through your texts and go back to your basics. What makes a person a Muslim?

To be a Muslim, all you need to do is say the syahadah, fast during Ramadhan, pray five times a day, pay the fitrah tithe and go for Haj if you are able. So tell me, dearest fellow Muslims, where exactly is this straight/gay dilemma in the basics of being a Muslim? As far back as 1994, Sisters in Islam was decrying that no punishment was meted out under hudud law for homosexuality. And since you all love to quote the Quran, here’s one you missed:

Al-Ahzab, verse 58:

And those who annoy believing men and women undeservedly bear (on themselves) a calumny and a glaring sin.”

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/opinion/article/softies-and-sexuality/

I’m called to answer Hafidz’s question on where exactly is this straight/gay dilemma in the basics of being a Muslim.

He is not wrong when he said to be a Muslim, all you need to do is say the syahadah, fast during Ramadhan, pray five times a day, pay the fitrah tithe and go for Haj if you are able. I said he’s not wrong but I don’t think he’s totally right either. Why do I say that?

First, I suggest he look up the definition of zakat fitrah vis-à-vis zakat. They are two different things, with different conditions and criteria.

Secondly, saying the syahadah is not merely an oral or verbal act. It requires one to fully appreciate, understand and accept what it means by professing there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger.

Professing the syahadah means fully believing in Allah as the one and only God. Fully believing in Allah includes believing in his words (Al Quran) and adhering to his laws (Shariah). Fully believing in Allah also means obeying all of his commands.

Islam is not a mere collection of physical acts or words. Performing the Haj every other year doesn’t make one more Muslim than someone who has only been on the pilgrimage once. Fasting is not just about abstaining from eating between dawn and dusk and paying RM7.00 to the amil every Ramadhan doesn’t absolve one’s zakat obligation.

 

On homosexuality, the Quran has this to say:

We also sent Lut : He said to his people : "Do ye commit lewdness such as no people in creation (ever) committed before you? For ye practice your lusts on men in preference to women: ye are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds." Qur'an 7:80-81

"Of all the creatures in the world, will ye approach males, And leave those whom Allah has created for you to be your mates? Nay, ye are a people transgressing (all limits)!" Qur'an 26:165-166

Why didn’t Hafidz quote those two verses?

Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi of the ISNA said: “Homosexuality is a moral disorder. It is a moral disease, a sin and corruption... No person is born homosexual, just like no one is born a thief, a liar or murderer. People acquire these evil habits due to a lack of proper guidance and education.”

I said it once and I’ll say it again; there is no such thing as a Muslim gay. Just like there is no such thing as a vegetarian tiger or a stir-fried sushi.

 

It is interesting that he quoted 33:58 without highlighting “believing men and women”. Having disobeyed the decree on homosexuality (7:80-81 and 26:165-66), can a gay person be considered believing men?

To Beer or Not to Beer ...

MPSJ’s recent guideline/ban on Muslims working in outlets serving alcohol has been touted by some people as moral policing. At first glance it does seem like moral policing, telling Muslims where they can and cannot work.

However, the issue shouldn’t be about moral policing or even about morals. It’s about adhering to the laws of Islam.

It cannot be argued that alcoholic beverages are forbidden in the religion of Islam. In surah Al-Maidah, verse 90-91 says that intoxicants and gambling are satan’s handwork and believers should avoid such things. Intoxicants obviously include alcoholic beverages but some will argue that they are harmless when taken in small quantities, so a sip shouldn’t be a problem. It is a problem, it’s not okay to even take a nip or tot because it was reported in sunan Ibn Majah that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: anything which intoxicates in a large quantity is prohibited even in a small quantity. The same sunan also reported that Anas related that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: "God’s curse falls on ten groups of people who deal with alcohol. The one who distils it, the one for whom it has been distilled, the one who drinks it, the one who transports it, the one to who it has been brought, the one whom serves it, the one who sells it, the one who utilizes money from it, the one who buys it and the one who buys it for someone else."

The Quran and hadith have made it clear that Muslims should avoid alcoholic beverages; from its production, distribution and especially consumption. I therefore support any guideline, law or decree prohibiting Muslims from having anything to do with alcoholic beverages not because I want be seen as holier than thou but because that’s what (my) God decrees. I have argued in my posting on gays that to be a Muslim one must accept the ground rules of being a Muslim. The rule says: have nothing to do with alcoholic beverages, so end of argument.

Liberals would argue that such directive would be oppressive, against basic human rights, depriving a person of his livelihood. My question is; what right does a human have to dispute the commands of his creator? The affected employees on the other hand will ask; “who is going to feed my family if I have to give up my bartending, Carlsberg lorry driver or senior manager of GAB job?” My answer is: this is where the religious authorities should come in; the Pusat Zakats and the Baitulmals should come up with a programme to train or assist those affected to find new source of income. I mean isn’t that the purpose of these institutions? To help Muslims in need?

If it is okay for a Muslim to work in the alcoholic beverage industry, would it make it okay for a Muslim to work in the pork or gambling industries?

*apologies to William Shakespeare for mutating his most recognisable line

You’re Gay, Are You Okay?

Is it okay to be gay? Azwan Ismail seems to think so. So does his many followers, who are slowly coming out from their closet. He is the probably one of the first Malay/”Muslim” to openly come out albeit via YouTube and proclaim his gay tendencies. The result of his coming out in the open is; no prizes for guessing, death threats. From irrational Muslims, if I may add.

So, is it okay to be gay? No it’s not, if the gay also wants to be a Muslim. Muslim gays are an oxymoron; you’re either one or the other, you cannot be both. There is no such thing as a gay Muslim. I am not a religious scholar but the little I know about my religion is that one must strictly adhere to the tenets/pillars of Islam to be considered a true Muslim. A true Muslim must not dispute the words of the Quran and the (authentic/sahih) hadiths of the Prophet s.a.w. The Quran says (7:80-81 and 26:165-66) gay acts are forbidden, any person wishing to be a Muslim must obey the laws laid down by the Quran. There are no two ways about it. Muslims must accept that Allah has the final (only) say on what is right and what is wrong. He says no to homosexuality and lesbianism, so end of argument. If you insist on being a homosexual, you’re going against the words of God.

Am I saying that gays are apostates? I’m not in the position to officially declare their apostasy; maybe an analogy could better explain the rationale for my opinion. Let’s say a person is employed in an organisation which strictly forbids the wearing of purple round neck t-shirts to work. This person however has a fetish for purple round neck t-shirts and insists on wearing the said t-shirt to work, which is against company policy. The company expects all employees to abide by the company policies and since the person cannot live without wearing the said t-shirt, he has no choice but to leave the organisation and seek employment elsewhere, somewhere where purple t-shirts are welcomed.

Replace “organisation/company” with Islam and “purple round neck t-shirts” with homosexuality.

Even animals do not indulge in gay acts …

Is death the punishment for gays? Again, I have no authority to comment from the religious perspective so all I’ll say is I do not believe in capital punishment as the first option. It should not be an option unless as retribution for the loss of another life. Even then, forgiveness or compensation should be considered first before carrying out the “eye for an eye” punishment. Back to death to gays, I do not think it will solve the problem, if anything; it will create an underground network of closet gays which in the end would be a bigger and more difficult problem to handle. I’m a believer in education as the means to correct social ills; “Muslim” gays should be persuaded to accept the laws of Islam. The key word is “persuade” and not “force.” We must try to win them over with advice and not threats. The objective is to bring them closer to the religion and not scare them away. If all else fails, all we can do is pray …

Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi of the ISNA said: “Homosexuality is a moral disorder. It is a moral disease, a sin and corruption... No person is born homosexual, just like no one is born a thief, a liar or murderer. People acquire these evil habits due to a lack of proper guidance and education.”

 

 

Ramblings of a Biological Malay (X-rated)

According to Pericles (Greek statesman, supporter of democracy, b. 500b.c.), just because you do not take an interest in politics, doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you. In other words, there is no escaping politics. Like it or not politics will affect our lives no matter how non-political we pretend to be. 

The Malaysian political landscape changed tremendously since the sacking of Anwar Ibrahim in 1998. I feel that historic event lowered the political entry age for most people. Maybe the pretty Nurul Izzah played a part in encouraging young Malaysians to be politically aware and active but mostly I think the advent of the internet coupled with the unique circumstances that brought to Anwar's dismissal played an equally big part. 

Anwar managed to do what Dato' Onn, Tengku Razaleigh and to a certain extent the Labour Party of the 1960s failed to do - create a viable alternative to the present ruling government. Power is dangerous in the wrong hands, more so if it is absolute and unchallenged, like what Lord Acton said, "power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely". A viable alternative is crucial for the purposes of check and balance for without check and balance, dictators flourish. Voltaire's view of the government is that it takes as much as possible from one (large) section of the population and gives to the other (chosen) section. Fahri Azzat echoes Voltaire's view and penned an interesting view on the mechanics of corruption, titled "The Mechanics of Corruption".

But is PR a viable alternative? The on-going PKR elections have shown the true colours of some party members, unprofessional attitudes of aspiring leaders and most of all showed their lack of unity. Maybe what they say about the party being all about Anwar is true? It would be sad if the party turns into a mere Anwar fan club because PKR has unearthed some very talented and dedicated  lawmakers. It would be a waste if these people are prevented from serving the people due to some petty tussle over the deputy president's post. 

DAP may have a sensible leader in Lim Guan Eng but the party may not be able to gain the full trust of the Malay/Muslim masses while PAS despite the large non-Muslim supporters wing (apparently membership is more than 20,000) still may not be able to gain the full trust of the non-Muslims. Their only option is to work together. 

Then there's PERKASA. An NGO who claims to have the powers of a king maker. An ultra racist NGO who defends every racist remark made by a Malay and makes police reports on everything else. PERKASA may think they are doing Malays a favour by fighting for their rights but I feel PERKASA is a huge liability to the Malays. Their actions will give the wrong impression of the Malays to the other races, both locally and internationally. PERKASA's Malay supremacy policies doesn't fit with how the world works. It is even against the words of Allah (Quran, 49:13). What PERKASA promotes and encourages are bigotry, racism, unfair practices, laziness and greed. PERKASA is also splitting UMNO into two factions, which Utusan Malaysia fails (refuses) to see.

What is a Malay? The biological and (Malaysian) constitutional definition of a Malay differs. In fact the ultra Malays are probably not 100% biological Malays like Mahathir, Riduan Tee and the PERKASA sec gen Syed Hassan (aren't Syed supposed to be Arabs? Rumour has it that Syeds are not allowed to buy Malay reserve land in a certain Malay state [I stand to be corrected] and we inferior Malays even address them as "Tuan" instead of the commonly used "Encik"). 

I am a Muslim first and a Malaysian second which makes me a Malay third. Before PERKASA asks me to bertaubat for being a traitor to the Malay race, let me present my case.

My rationale for having that stand is based on the fact that I cannot see myself leaving the Islamic faith. I however may, if circumstances requires me to, denounce my Malaysian citizenship. As far as being Malay, article 160(2) of the constitution may be amended and I may cease to be constitutionally defined as a Malay.

Napoleon Bonaparte once said, "stupidity is not a handicap in politics". PERKASA proved him right.

Spirit of Ramadhan (18SX - reader beware)

Ramadhan is here again and the annual ibadah time is here again.

But is that all what Ramadhan is all about? The annual ibadah month? Shouldn’t ibadah be a 12 month a year affair instead of 1/12?

Some people get so self righteous when Ramadhan comes. This very same people who before Ramadhan was holidaying and sleeping with their unmarried partners, showering together, walking around naked in the presence of each other and having sexual intercourse with each other.

When Ramadhan comes, these people become instant saints, even to the point of reminding others not to sin.  How can someone who holds hands with their unmarried partners while walking back from Terawih prayers advise others on what is sinful and what is not?

I’m not pious nor is piety my middle name and therefore I shall not advise others before I am able to advise myself.

So, in the spirit of Ramdhan (and Syawal); I seek forgiveness for my words, actions and thoughts. Maaf zahir batin.

Then again, shouldn’t forgiveness be a continuous process and not a once a year affair?

M United

For the purposes of this posting, MU shall refer to Malays United.

I have been accused of being anti-Malay, tak mengenang budi, traitor of the Malay cause etc. This posting would probably strengthen those accusations.

Regular followers of this blog and my close friends would know that I think PERKASA is full of s*@!.

Now I’m going to tell everyone that the proposal for UMNO and PAS to work together for the sake of Malay unity is ludicrous and nonsensical.

I’m not against Malay unity. In fact I’m for Malay unity.

My version of Malay unity should not be based on political affiliation. If UMNO and PAS forge a relationship to foster Malay unity, what about the Malays in PKR, DAP, PSM etc.? The objective of uniting the Malays would not be achieved unless all Malays are involved, including those in PKR, DAP and PSM.

My second point is PAS is not a champion of the Malays. If anyone had not noticed, PAS is an Islamist party. It strives to promote Islamic ideals regardless of race. Annuar Tan an Idham Lim are PAS wakil rakyats. They are Muslims but they are not Malays. Well, not born Malays but are now de-facto Malays by constitutional definition. But the fact remains that they are genetically, biologically not Malays. So by allowing them to run as party candidates, PAS is affirming that they are an Islamic party first and Malay party (if at all) second.

Thirdly, what is Malay unity? Are we so shallow that Malay unity is to be equated with political unity? Can’t Malays have the freedom of thought and political belief? I may be a socialist but that does not stop me from being united with my capitalist Malay brothers (and sisters).

Another point is why does the UMNO-PAS unity talks only comes up at times when UMNO is weak and most vulnerable? The last time we heard talks about uniting Malay via the political route was back in 2000 but why were there no unity talks after BN’s (read UMNO’s) landslide victory in the 2004 elections?

Maybe some people refuse to accept the fact that Malays are united. The only thing we have to do is respect each other’s views and political ideologies.

Anyone Seen the Devil?

Recently there was a “fashion advisory” issued by some concerned Muslim citizens, advising Muslims not wear football jerseys with crosses and images of the devil printed on them. I have no objections with the "ban" on crosses (for Muslims) but to quote Art Harun, has anyone seen the devil and confirmed that the image on MU’s crest is that of the devil?

The reminder/advice is very timely and appropriate. I for one would not condone wearing football jerseys with crosses on the emblems/crest.

It sad to read some comments (in Malaysian Insider) by some people suggesting that Chevrolets be banned because it may lead the driver and passengers to church just because it has a cross looking emblem. Or to sarcastically suggest t-junctions be banned because it resembles a cross and hence un-Islamic for an Islamic country. Such comments are not called for. It reflects bigotry on the part of the commentators (who incidentally claim to be open minded and fair). They may be trying their skill at satire and if that is the case, it’s definitely a case of bad taste.

It is sad that some people choose to over react over the statement/reminder by the concerned citizens. What they meant when they said Muslims should avoid wearing jerseys with crosses is merely to remind the Muslims that they should not be proud to display the symbols of other religions on their dress. Wearing a t-shirt with a picture of a cross is the same as wearing a pendant the shape of a cross. If the latter is shunned by Muslims, why not the former?

The reminder not to wear clothes with such images was merely a reminder and it was never a decree, the muftis did not announce a fatawa on the matter. So why the hoo ha?

In anycase, would a Christian priest just stand by and watch his fellow brothers proudly wearing a t-shirt with the picture of the Kaabah on it?

As for the MU jerseys, the jury should still be out on it, until someone confirms that the thing on its emblem is actually the devil …

God of Gamblers

Three weeks ago or so, there was a lot of hoo haa when the government announced that the sports betting licence has been re-awarded to Ascot Sports Sdn Bhd. NGOs suddenly appear out of no where to condemn the move. PR led governments immediately announced that they will ban sports betting in their states. Everyone seems to have something to say about the issue.

Today a different story surfaced … apparently, no licence was issued to Ascot.

The Star – The government has yet to issue or give the licence to Syarikat Ascot Sports Sdn Bhd to carry out football betting operations in Malaysia, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Najib, who is also the Finance Minister, said the government had also not finalised discussions on the licensing terms and conditions with the company to undertake bookie activities in Malaysia.

Malaysian Insider – The Finance Ministry today denied awarding a sports betting licence to tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan's Ascot Sports Sdn Bhd despite earlier reports that the company will accept wagers for next season's English Premier League.

In a written reply in Parliament by Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is also Prime Minister, to questions from four MPs, the ministry said the government has not yet concluded its discussions and terms regarding the legalisation of sports betting.

But yesterday it was reported that tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan will donate the proceeds of RM525mil from the proposed sale of his 70% stake in Ascot Sports Sdn Bhd to a foundation he has renamed “Better Malaysia Foundation.’’

On the 14^th of May, Sin Chew Daily reported Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung as saying “Now, the Government has discovered that people are interested in sports betting regardless of whether the activities were legal or not. Therefore, the Government has to reissue a sports gaming licence to fight illegal sports gaming activities,”

So, what is going on? Was there a licence or not? Is this a policy u-turn by the government after seeing the objections from the public, including non-Muslims?

I’ve never agreed on gambling, legal or otherwise. Maybe it’s due to my risk averse nature. Mostly it’s due to my fear of taking too much risk. And of course my religion prohibits maisir so gambling is a no-no. I also know you can never beat the house, so the punters will always lose and the bookies/casinos will always make money.

In a plural society with unlimited freedom of choice guaranteed by the constitution, it would be difficult to ban all forms of gambling completely. If I was the government, I would restrict gambling opportunities, limit the number of Magnum and Toto outlets to maybe one per district and any district with Muslim population exceeding 51% cannot have any gambling outlets. Close all the other race courses and keep only one with monthly race days instead of weekly. Increase gaming taxes and make it compulsory for gaming companies to maintain at least one waste management facility in every state. One armed bandits and jackpot machines in private clubs will also be heavily taxed. Severe penalties will be imposed on illegal gambling operators. Severe mean those convicted of running illegal gambling operations should expect to face at least 5 years in jail and a fine of not less than RM500,000 and will have to undertake at least 500 hours of community service in the form of cleaning public toilets.

Given the underworld connections of the illegal bookies, I’d probably have a price on my head …

Quoting a Quote

From http://art-harun.blogspot.com/

The 1 Sentence Article Series: #1 - sports betting license

The irony about the sports betting license issued by the BN government lies in the fact that there was so much hoo-hahs generated by the BN during the Hulu Selangor by-election that Zaid Ibrahim was a gambler and a drinker - thus making him a sinner, I presume - and yet now the BN government has granted a license for sports betting to a Vincent Tan's company.