The following article is written by someone who is my senior in UM, as I was told. His name is Mr. Khoo Kay Peng and here is one article written by him which I would like very much to share. For creditability, it's taken from malaysiakini.com.
Khoo Kay Peng | Sep 26, 08 5:22pm
Some people are too fixated with deadlines and Anwar Ibrahim. It does not matter if a change of government does not happen on 16/9, 23/9 or 1/10. It does not matter if Anwar is just another Pinocchio. Even if Anwar becomes the next prime minister, he will not be able wish away our problems instantaneously.
There is no short cut to solve our political and socio-economic problems. Instead of arguing on the dates, it is best for Malaysians to work together to set the agenda for the next prime minister and his administration.
If Anwar fails to take over government, do we abandon our desire for change? The movement for change is not about Anwar or his party alone. It is about our desire to make our country a fairer and better place to live in. Anwar as prime minister or Najib as prime minister will have to deliver the exact same results for the society. Nothing less.
We cannot ignore this momentum for change. Since the Mar 8 General Election, many more Malaysians now believe a change for the better is not something remotely impossible. Those elites who rule this country at their whims and fancies will soon have to realise that the right to govern comes with a huge responsibility to deliver goodness for the society.
We should not argue over dates. It does not matter if a change of government materialises on 16/9, 23/9 or 1/10. The reality is a change has begun and it is impossible for this momentum to be rolled back. Any coalition governing this country knows that it cannot again rest on its laurels.
Shouldn't we then work together to set the next agenda for the new administration? Surely, whoever leads the country must ensure that Malaysia flourishes on the rule of law. In the light of the current abuse of draconian law such as ISA, we should call for the repeal of all draconian laws which trample on universal human rights.
A loud signal should be sent to the next PM that we cannot tolerate a home minister like Syed Hamid Albar, who despite his legal qualification, is totally clueless about fundamental human rights. A person like him must not be given a full access to absolute discretionary power.
Next, we want to reinstate judicial review to provide a necessary check-and-balance on unlimited ministerial power. Separation of power is key to a healthy democracy. Anwar or Najib must be committed to reviewing the ministerial power.
Anwar is committed to abolishing the ISA. Is Najib willing to do the same?
A key point to the agenda is the imminent review of the New Economy Policy. This policy was introduced as a result of the outcome of the inclusive Goodwill Council. Clearly, after 38 years of its implementation, the policy has failed to close the intra-community income gap especially among the Malay-Bumiputeras.
Dr Mahathir, in one his blog posts, admitted the problem of giving contracts to a selective few because of the non-performance of Bumiputera companies. Those who are allocated equity shares tend to sell them off for quick money. By selling down, the Malay equity shareholding will forever be below the desired 30 percent level.
If the NEP is not fixed and its abuses curbed, local investors will be deterred to invest locally. A continuous outflow of funds affects domestic job creation, economic growth and industrial development.
Is Najib prepared to review the NEP which is a sacred cow of his party? Anwar has promised to abolish the NEP and replace it with his New Malaysia Agenda despite being accused of negating Malay rights. Current implementation of the NEP is detrimental to Malay rights.
After nearly 51 years of independence and hundreds of years of co-existence, the next PM should strive to unite all races in order to create a truly fair and equitable Bangsa Malaysia. Political rhetoric must be carefully managed to reduce racial frictions. Rightly, the curtain should come down on race-based politics.
Continuing to harp on Malay supremacy or the controversial social contract is not going to take this multiracial society forward. Are we not ready to move forward just because politicians claim that we are not? Malaysians should decide their own fate and not allow a bunch of self-centered politicians to do it for us. A united Malaysia is better than one which emphasises race divisions.
Now, can we agree to lose our fixation with dates and focus on the next agenda? Malaysians must show that we are dead serious about change. Most people are resistant to change including you and me. But change we must in order to build a Malaysia where everyone with the right skills, determination, talent and creativity can flourish.
Otherwise, we should blame our shallowness.
Make My NuMbErS Grow!!
The Thinker
Staring out the BUS, thinking abt life..
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Why is Najib apologising on behalf?
Click above to read on Haris Ibrahim's posting or read below, except taken from malaysiakini.com:
VoxPop: 'Why is Najib apologising?'
Sep 3, 08 10:40am
On
Ahmad-bashing continues
Stephen Ng: Bukit Bendera Umno division head, Ahmad Ismail who made a racist remark recently during the Permatang Pauh by-election campaign did not apologise. Instead, it was the Deputy Prime Minister, Najib Razak, who made a public apology on behalf of Umno.
It is not an understatement to say that all Malaysians abhor the racist remarks made by Ahmad in his capacity as Umno divisional chief and for him to claim that he did not mean what he had uttered is as good as saying that his words and actions were that of an underaged person.
As a divisional leader, Ahmad should be personally responsible for the remarks that he had made, and we urge the deputy prime minister as the BN whip to take disciplinary action against Ahmad.
As an observer of Malaysia’s political drama, I am impressed by Anwar Ibrahim’s reprimand of the Penang deputy chief minister as well as the sacking of the Selangor menteri besar’s aide over allegations of improper conduct. It shows that no one is spared the axe if a wrong is done.
On the contrary, the nation has seen how the former state assemblyman of Selangor, the late Zakaria Md Deros, escaped any form of disciplinary action after a controversy involving him and his family was revealed.
I cannot help but urge Najib to exercise his authority as BN whip. The unhappiness expressed by the Chinese in Malaysia cannot be placated by an apology by Najib. Ahmad as divisional chief should take personal responsibility for his seditious comments.
The sad part is that he had uttered these words in the presence of the DPM and under the watchful eyes of the police as well.
Nantha Kumar: Well, proof that the Umno-led Barisan Nasional government practices racism has finally been revealed. What is the prime minister going to say now after all his talk of unity and respect for people regardless of race or religion?
His own party is now talking about racism. This is the main reason why the Barisan ship is sinking and very soon it will be gone. To Umno, please stop stirring up such negative sentiments. People are sick and tired of your political double-talk and hypocrisy.
MILLIONTH CITIZEN: So, Mr PM, the rakyat is waiting to see what action you are going to take against Ahmad Ismail for making such inflammatory racist remarks. Many police reports have been lodged by various parties on the matter. Don’t tell me you are going to remain silent? What action are you going to take to correct this racist man?
Such racist arrogance can only be displayed by Umno. Where is Ahmad? Why isn’t he explaining himself? Has his bravado deserted him now that he is in trouble? Come out and defend yourself. We, the rakyat, are waiting for an explanation.
Chuacj: The prime minister said Ahmad did not mean what he said. Does this mean the issue should be swept under the carpet?
In the world of Umno, if you take a gun and shot somebody, will there be no case if you say you didn’t mean to commit murder? If Ahmad didn’t mean his words, there are only two explanations as to why he made the remarks.
Firstly, it was an honest opinion straight from the heart. This means the words just came out from his mouth without going through his brain. If this is the case, then Ahmad is a very dangerous man as he is full of hatred. Just think want will happen if he has more power.
Secondly, he purposely played up racial sentiments to pit the various races against each other. If this is the case, shouldn’t he be charged under the Internal Security Act?
Pendatang/Squatter/Immigrant: This is an appeal Lee Chong Wei. As described by a prominent politician, you are an immigrant. You did not represent your country to win a silver medal at the Olympics. The medal you won is worthless.
Maybe you should send that medal elsewhere, where it will be appreciated. Winning a medal means nothing if your country does not recognise and appreciate you for it. And I don’t mean plying you with money and gifts.
Eileen: I come from a kampung where the Chinese and Malays lived side by side in harmony. I remember during Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji, our kitchen would be full of kuih, ketupat and beef curry.
And during Chinese New Year, my mother would be busy making tons of kuih bakul for all our Malay friends.
During the local fruits season, our house would be full of rambutan, mangosteen and durians, fresh from the backyards of our Malay friends.
We were all very naive and lived happily together. We didn't know what racism was until ‘ambitious’ politicians introduced it to our lives when they came to our village to canvass for support. They used racist policies to pit us against each other in order to cling on to power.
For the past 51 years, politicians have been poisoning us. This was especially evident during the March general election and the recent Permatang Pauh by-election.
After 51 long years of struggle, is it too much to ask that we all get along and respect each other? I hope the rakyat will bury their differences and give Anwar Ibrahim a chance to lead Malaysia forward.
VoxPop: 'Why is Najib apologising?'
Sep 3, 08 10:40am
On
Ahmad-bashing continues
Stephen Ng: Bukit Bendera Umno division head, Ahmad Ismail who made a racist remark recently during the Permatang Pauh by-election campaign did not apologise. Instead, it was the Deputy Prime Minister, Najib Razak, who made a public apology on behalf of Umno.
It is not an understatement to say that all Malaysians abhor the racist remarks made by Ahmad in his capacity as Umno divisional chief and for him to claim that he did not mean what he had uttered is as good as saying that his words and actions were that of an underaged person.
As a divisional leader, Ahmad should be personally responsible for the remarks that he had made, and we urge the deputy prime minister as the BN whip to take disciplinary action against Ahmad.
As an observer of Malaysia’s political drama, I am impressed by Anwar Ibrahim’s reprimand of the Penang deputy chief minister as well as the sacking of the Selangor menteri besar’s aide over allegations of improper conduct. It shows that no one is spared the axe if a wrong is done.
On the contrary, the nation has seen how the former state assemblyman of Selangor, the late Zakaria Md Deros, escaped any form of disciplinary action after a controversy involving him and his family was revealed.
I cannot help but urge Najib to exercise his authority as BN whip. The unhappiness expressed by the Chinese in Malaysia cannot be placated by an apology by Najib. Ahmad as divisional chief should take personal responsibility for his seditious comments.
The sad part is that he had uttered these words in the presence of the DPM and under the watchful eyes of the police as well.
Nantha Kumar: Well, proof that the Umno-led Barisan Nasional government practices racism has finally been revealed. What is the prime minister going to say now after all his talk of unity and respect for people regardless of race or religion?
His own party is now talking about racism. This is the main reason why the Barisan ship is sinking and very soon it will be gone. To Umno, please stop stirring up such negative sentiments. People are sick and tired of your political double-talk and hypocrisy.
MILLIONTH CITIZEN: So, Mr PM, the rakyat is waiting to see what action you are going to take against Ahmad Ismail for making such inflammatory racist remarks. Many police reports have been lodged by various parties on the matter. Don’t tell me you are going to remain silent? What action are you going to take to correct this racist man?
Such racist arrogance can only be displayed by Umno. Where is Ahmad? Why isn’t he explaining himself? Has his bravado deserted him now that he is in trouble? Come out and defend yourself. We, the rakyat, are waiting for an explanation.
Chuacj: The prime minister said Ahmad did not mean what he said. Does this mean the issue should be swept under the carpet?
In the world of Umno, if you take a gun and shot somebody, will there be no case if you say you didn’t mean to commit murder? If Ahmad didn’t mean his words, there are only two explanations as to why he made the remarks.
Firstly, it was an honest opinion straight from the heart. This means the words just came out from his mouth without going through his brain. If this is the case, then Ahmad is a very dangerous man as he is full of hatred. Just think want will happen if he has more power.
Secondly, he purposely played up racial sentiments to pit the various races against each other. If this is the case, shouldn’t he be charged under the Internal Security Act?
Pendatang/Squatter/Immigrant: This is an appeal Lee Chong Wei. As described by a prominent politician, you are an immigrant. You did not represent your country to win a silver medal at the Olympics. The medal you won is worthless.
Maybe you should send that medal elsewhere, where it will be appreciated. Winning a medal means nothing if your country does not recognise and appreciate you for it. And I don’t mean plying you with money and gifts.
Eileen: I come from a kampung where the Chinese and Malays lived side by side in harmony. I remember during Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji, our kitchen would be full of kuih, ketupat and beef curry.
And during Chinese New Year, my mother would be busy making tons of kuih bakul for all our Malay friends.
During the local fruits season, our house would be full of rambutan, mangosteen and durians, fresh from the backyards of our Malay friends.
We were all very naive and lived happily together. We didn't know what racism was until ‘ambitious’ politicians introduced it to our lives when they came to our village to canvass for support. They used racist policies to pit us against each other in order to cling on to power.
For the past 51 years, politicians have been poisoning us. This was especially evident during the March general election and the recent Permatang Pauh by-election.
After 51 long years of struggle, is it too much to ask that we all get along and respect each other? I hope the rakyat will bury their differences and give Anwar Ibrahim a chance to lead Malaysia forward.
Ponderish Term
As I was reading the morning papers and saw that our DPM mention for the first time (at least for me) on printed media the term Malaysian Chinese and Malaysian Indian as he apologise for the statement made by Bukit Bendera UMNO Chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail.
This term caught my attention as I personally have been discussing and pondering much on how should it be. Question that I ask myself is whether I am a Chinese Malaysian or a Malaysian Chinese (as Najib said).
Some define that the proper term should be Chinese Malaysian as 'chinese' is the adjective, thus, making Malaysian the core meaning behind.
Nevertheless, I am still not sure and would appreciate anyone who would enlighten me which is ME!! Am I a Malaysian Chinese or Chinese Malaysian??
--although it doensn't make a big difference which one is which but it does when someone purposely wants to 'fight' on the issue-- (@_@)
On the other note, although I'm glad the UMNO deputy made an apology but I must comment that it doens't sound sincere as it is also claim that he spoke on his personal capacity.
What I want to say is that our leaders should be more responsibility and accountability when making such statements as YOU represent the people. Have balls to admit you made such a statement and be bold enough to stand up to face the concequences. This damn politicians (many of them) can say anything and hide behind their so called BIG figures. PKR sama, sekarang UMNO juga sama.
Can someone tell me which politician that I can look up too currently? Many seems corrupted or too wise to remain behind the scene and appear 'holy'. Or am I disillusion now after the tsunami??
This term caught my attention as I personally have been discussing and pondering much on how should it be. Question that I ask myself is whether I am a Chinese Malaysian or a Malaysian Chinese (as Najib said).
Some define that the proper term should be Chinese Malaysian as 'chinese' is the adjective, thus, making Malaysian the core meaning behind.
Nevertheless, I am still not sure and would appreciate anyone who would enlighten me which is ME!! Am I a Malaysian Chinese or Chinese Malaysian??
--although it doensn't make a big difference which one is which but it does when someone purposely wants to 'fight' on the issue-- (@_@)
On the other note, although I'm glad the UMNO deputy made an apology but I must comment that it doens't sound sincere as it is also claim that he spoke on his personal capacity.
What I want to say is that our leaders should be more responsibility and accountability when making such statements as YOU represent the people. Have balls to admit you made such a statement and be bold enough to stand up to face the concequences. This damn politicians (many of them) can say anything and hide behind their so called BIG figures. PKR sama, sekarang UMNO juga sama.
Can someone tell me which politician that I can look up too currently? Many seems corrupted or too wise to remain behind the scene and appear 'holy'. Or am I disillusion now after the tsunami??
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Are we ready for Inter-faith Dialogue?
With all the tsunami that hits our shores and cast HOPE for the nation to truly have a chance to revamp itself from the baggages that were laid by the wave in the form of 'dacing' that never left the shores, I believe the nation at this time is going through a very interesting period.
Reform is and never will be a comfortable for all-that's why it is called reform. Nonetheless, let me clarify that the reform I am talking about is definitely not about shouting in the streets and throwing water bottles at each other like cave man in pre-historic times (oh ya, cave man didn't have water bottles right? So, maybe stone??)
Reform I am referring to come in terms of inteliectual discourse where civilise human beings regardless of his or her up-bringing and teaching are able to sit together and talk about issues pertaining to socio development and let thoughts fly around. Spoken with humulity and humbleness while accepted with good faith.
Time to throw away the 'rubbish' that we are being fed and told to hear and obey for half a century. Read the article below which I stumble upon or click here to read
The future of our interfaith dialogue
The incident of the aborted Bar Council forum was a good example how we will continue to approach inter-faith dialogue. There is vision in chaos, creation in destruction, and opportunities in threats.
---Azly Rahman
dr.azly.rahman@gmail.com
http://azlyrahman-illuminations.blogspot.com/
Must engaging in dialogue on religion be painful? Must it be greeted with hostility? Or is it a moot question—that the answer lies in what we failed to have done through our education system, decades ago?
I have faith that we will one day be ready to appreciate interfaith dialogue. On this note, I too believe that we will one day appreciate philosophical discussions and scientific debates. My experience conducting interfaith dialogue every semester in the American classroom setting gives me the assurance that we will be ready. It would be good to one day know that our corridors of academia are filled with passionate discussions on the self, the universe, God, and fate of humanity.
The core of each religious foundation is there for us to explore and to learn from. We need to escape from being trapped in the particular and liberate ourselves into explorers of the universal. Of course this will take time given the nature of class and caste system we are in; developments that have impacted upon our consciousness. But evolve we must, if we are to see a progressive country emerging out of these ruins of communal politics, immorality of modern capitalism, and persistent religious misunderstandings. Ignorance is the greatest enemy of knowledge, as the sage Socrates once said.
What is interfaith dialogue?
The incident of the aborted Bar Council forum was a good example how we will continue to approach inter-faith dialogue. There is vision in chaos, creation in destruction, and opportunities in threats. Educators of peace and social justice must not give up. In a country in which we have for example Center for Civilizational Dialogue in Universiti Malaya, and in a country wanting to be known as a "moderate country with a Muslim majority", we are seeing contradictions. It will get uglier if we fail to reflect upon the means and methods of religious dialogue. We do not know much what each one of us believes in and what are the rituals and practices of our neighbours. We do not know what scripture they read, let alone the meaning of the prayers, the doa, zikir, the pujas, and the mantras. We lack the knowledge of the fundamentals. This is understandable – fear governs our consciousness and directs our actions and ultimately reproduces itself inter-generationally. Religion is a "sensitive" issue, they say--- which needs desensitization, I would contend.
Back to the protests on the Bar Council forum. It is a misrepresentation of what Muslims are and a reflection of how we have approached not only dialogue on religion but also on other "sensitive issues" as well. In this environment and in this regime where exploitation of issues are orchestrated by opportunists at the expense of peaceful dialogue, we will always be at the losing end of education for critical consciousness and for peace.We must go back to the drawing board of our approach to teaching religion in terms of curricular design and how to juxtapose or even infuse it with core idea of humanism and rationalism. This will take another few decades given the complexity of our society and how it has evolved in line with the "half-bakedness" of hypermodernity.Here in the United States, I have just finished teaching two summer classes on "Religions of the World" and Introduction to Religion" in a college where I have also been asked, for the last three years, to teach "Islamic Scriptures".
I find it liberating to conduct classes after classes in which my students not only are American and foreign-born Muslims but also Jews, Christians, Catholic, Buddhists, Hindus, Atheists, Agnostics, and even Pagan. At the end of each semester, they have a different perception of each other -- more in-depth understanding of what could have remained antagonistic. We read the Quran and the Hadiths and look at the scriptures from a hermeneutic perspective, situate it in the present and projecting it into the future. Most often, our discussions on jihad evolved into a reflection on the struggles for the human self to explore suffering, violence, and liberation in all religious traditions. It includes passionate discussions on media representation of the concept.
Dialogue in Malaysia?
I often wonder if what I am doing is possible in Malaysia but I certainly have the confidence and hope that given the most peaceful way to approach it, a lot can be gained. Essentially religious dialogue need not be painful. It ought to help foster deep understanding and dispel misconception of ANY religion. It ought to make us become deeply religious and to learn to explore what others believe, to respect them, to learn from the universal themes of spirituality, and ultimately to contemplate our existence within the context of the struggle between Good and Evil and to evolve as more ethical and rational beings – so that we may participate better as political and social beings..I believe we need to revamp undergraduate foundation courses in our public and private to include one that teaches the classics of the thoughts of the Eastern and Western tradition and the scriptures of the major religions. But then again, our university students are not even allowed to be involved in politics and to engage freely in public forum on political matters – how might this be possible with interfaith dialogue then?We have a long walk to mental freedom and to a philosophical understanding of Islam and other religions. Unfortunately we are now known as people who are good at disrupting dialogues. I hope this perception will change.
But then again, education is about hope, peace, empathy, intelligence, and liberation -- these we must use as a basis for a new design once we see major restructuring efforts under way, undertaken perhaps via a new political, social, and educational arrangement.
Let us look at possibilities in interfaith dialogue.
Let education for peace and justice do that.
[NOTE: I have gathered some background materials on various major religion as on my website http://azlyrahman-illuminations.blogspot.com/. Please scroll down to the very end]
Reform is and never will be a comfortable for all-that's why it is called reform. Nonetheless, let me clarify that the reform I am talking about is definitely not about shouting in the streets and throwing water bottles at each other like cave man in pre-historic times (oh ya, cave man didn't have water bottles right? So, maybe stone??)
Reform I am referring to come in terms of inteliectual discourse where civilise human beings regardless of his or her up-bringing and teaching are able to sit together and talk about issues pertaining to socio development and let thoughts fly around. Spoken with humulity and humbleness while accepted with good faith.
Time to throw away the 'rubbish' that we are being fed and told to hear and obey for half a century. Read the article below which I stumble upon or click here to read
The future of our interfaith dialogue
The incident of the aborted Bar Council forum was a good example how we will continue to approach inter-faith dialogue. There is vision in chaos, creation in destruction, and opportunities in threats.
---Azly Rahman
dr.azly.rahman@gmail.com
http://azlyrahman-illuminations.blogspot.com/
Must engaging in dialogue on religion be painful? Must it be greeted with hostility? Or is it a moot question—that the answer lies in what we failed to have done through our education system, decades ago?
I have faith that we will one day be ready to appreciate interfaith dialogue. On this note, I too believe that we will one day appreciate philosophical discussions and scientific debates. My experience conducting interfaith dialogue every semester in the American classroom setting gives me the assurance that we will be ready. It would be good to one day know that our corridors of academia are filled with passionate discussions on the self, the universe, God, and fate of humanity.
The core of each religious foundation is there for us to explore and to learn from. We need to escape from being trapped in the particular and liberate ourselves into explorers of the universal. Of course this will take time given the nature of class and caste system we are in; developments that have impacted upon our consciousness. But evolve we must, if we are to see a progressive country emerging out of these ruins of communal politics, immorality of modern capitalism, and persistent religious misunderstandings. Ignorance is the greatest enemy of knowledge, as the sage Socrates once said.
What is interfaith dialogue?
The incident of the aborted Bar Council forum was a good example how we will continue to approach inter-faith dialogue. There is vision in chaos, creation in destruction, and opportunities in threats. Educators of peace and social justice must not give up. In a country in which we have for example Center for Civilizational Dialogue in Universiti Malaya, and in a country wanting to be known as a "moderate country with a Muslim majority", we are seeing contradictions. It will get uglier if we fail to reflect upon the means and methods of religious dialogue. We do not know much what each one of us believes in and what are the rituals and practices of our neighbours. We do not know what scripture they read, let alone the meaning of the prayers, the doa, zikir, the pujas, and the mantras. We lack the knowledge of the fundamentals. This is understandable – fear governs our consciousness and directs our actions and ultimately reproduces itself inter-generationally. Religion is a "sensitive" issue, they say--- which needs desensitization, I would contend.
Back to the protests on the Bar Council forum. It is a misrepresentation of what Muslims are and a reflection of how we have approached not only dialogue on religion but also on other "sensitive issues" as well. In this environment and in this regime where exploitation of issues are orchestrated by opportunists at the expense of peaceful dialogue, we will always be at the losing end of education for critical consciousness and for peace.We must go back to the drawing board of our approach to teaching religion in terms of curricular design and how to juxtapose or even infuse it with core idea of humanism and rationalism. This will take another few decades given the complexity of our society and how it has evolved in line with the "half-bakedness" of hypermodernity.Here in the United States, I have just finished teaching two summer classes on "Religions of the World" and Introduction to Religion" in a college where I have also been asked, for the last three years, to teach "Islamic Scriptures".
I find it liberating to conduct classes after classes in which my students not only are American and foreign-born Muslims but also Jews, Christians, Catholic, Buddhists, Hindus, Atheists, Agnostics, and even Pagan. At the end of each semester, they have a different perception of each other -- more in-depth understanding of what could have remained antagonistic. We read the Quran and the Hadiths and look at the scriptures from a hermeneutic perspective, situate it in the present and projecting it into the future. Most often, our discussions on jihad evolved into a reflection on the struggles for the human self to explore suffering, violence, and liberation in all religious traditions. It includes passionate discussions on media representation of the concept.
Dialogue in Malaysia?
I often wonder if what I am doing is possible in Malaysia but I certainly have the confidence and hope that given the most peaceful way to approach it, a lot can be gained. Essentially religious dialogue need not be painful. It ought to help foster deep understanding and dispel misconception of ANY religion. It ought to make us become deeply religious and to learn to explore what others believe, to respect them, to learn from the universal themes of spirituality, and ultimately to contemplate our existence within the context of the struggle between Good and Evil and to evolve as more ethical and rational beings – so that we may participate better as political and social beings..I believe we need to revamp undergraduate foundation courses in our public and private to include one that teaches the classics of the thoughts of the Eastern and Western tradition and the scriptures of the major religions. But then again, our university students are not even allowed to be involved in politics and to engage freely in public forum on political matters – how might this be possible with interfaith dialogue then?We have a long walk to mental freedom and to a philosophical understanding of Islam and other religions. Unfortunately we are now known as people who are good at disrupting dialogues. I hope this perception will change.
But then again, education is about hope, peace, empathy, intelligence, and liberation -- these we must use as a basis for a new design once we see major restructuring efforts under way, undertaken perhaps via a new political, social, and educational arrangement.
Let us look at possibilities in interfaith dialogue.
Let education for peace and justice do that.
[NOTE: I have gathered some background materials on various major religion as on my website http://azlyrahman-illuminations.blogspot.com/. Please scroll down to the very end]
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Political Revival or Another Political Tsunami
As I await in the noisy hall of my beloved ex-college hall for some decent internet connection and to check out how is the poll counting going on in Permatang Pauh, some thoughts just flowed in my mind.As Malaysians who awaits the official number of the polls, I wonder whether we are going towards political maturity or just another political tsunami where voter's choice and faith are treated lightly and I might even term as 'trash'. Both sides of the fence promise something really beautiful in words and when they are in power, the task suddenly becomes too big or too complicated to resolve in 'short' duration.
I'm torn in between the two candidates of BN and PR (sorry to leave out Mr. Hanafi) because I believe as much enthusiasm as he possess, he is just a plankton among the whales.
If BN wins and DSAI loses in the by-election, that means DSAI would need to hide his face in the most secluded area of the world due to embarassment and lost of faith by the people of his so-called strong hold in Permatang Pauh. However, if DSAI wins the by-elections and especially with a higher majority, our opposition would garner more firm grasps in Malaysian political arena. Having said that, I hold my doubts how would our country experience this transition period and go through political maturity (which I hope could happen).
Anyhow, I think its fair enough to say that all politicians' hand are not clean in terms to get to where they are now and today. Somewhere along the line, their hands are tied and may have been dirty by others' dirt. Nonetheless, I believe if the motive of these political leaders are always focus on the rakyat and strive to reach "ideal" nation-state, for the good of all Malaysians then I would put my vote to the ballot for this man or woman. It is definitely not easy trying to please anyone and everyone, but as long as the Good For All is preserve then I guess that is as perfect as we can get...for now...
2008 is definitely a wonderful year for Malaysians and definitely for me personally. Reason is because I thought of leaving this country for greener pasture when the chance come to my door step. However, I may re-consider that option as things seems to be GREENER here than before.
Suddenly, 'I have a Dream' by Martin Luther Jr came to mind.
***This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the "unalienable Rights" of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."***
In the context of Malaysia, maybe I could have the liberty to change it to ***This note was a promise that all men, yes, Malay as well as Chinese, Indian, Sikhs, Kadazan, Dusun, Melanau, Lumbawang and the many indigineous people of Malaysia, would be guaranteed the "unalieable Rights" of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."***
Let's be brave enough to DREAM
Monday, August 25, 2008
For the LOVE of nation, race and religion
These are the few words that are always being said by many people especially in the political arena. Nonetheless, I wonder whether race and religion is really necessary anymore in this age. Am I saying that we should forget 100% clean of race and religion? Definitely NO!!
What I am trying to imply is that we should focus 100% on nation-hood while letting race and religion tail behind. Nation-hood is the only way forward for Malaysians to be truly Malaysians-eating the same nasi lemak and roti canai in the morning and drinking the same teh tarik during tea time without being afraid of intentional food poisoning for ethnic cleansing.
The trend has begun for everybody in Malaysia to swear by the name of Allah. It first started by the famous Saiful who nobody knew before the scandalous event, then comes the ex-MB, Deputy PM and who knows who else more to come. I'm by far no Islam scholar, but it seems to me that the sacred name of GOD is simply challenge among the low-beings that He created long long time ago before creation started. It seems that anybody and everybody is so eager to swear by the Holy Name that I don't think they are really scared of 'Laknat' anymore. Religion should be left out in political gimmick (no matter how holy you try to justify the means).
What makes matter worst is when 'holy man' of Islam puts other religion to blame. Claiming that its a Christian way to swear by God's name on the Holy Bible. Just to justify my claims, everybody can check the 10 Commandments that God-Jehovah Jireh gave to Moses. Thou shall not use the name of God in vain. Click on the link and see for yourselve. Of course, if wikipedia is not a trustworthy source for some, do flip through the Holy Bible and see for yourself.
Back to what I want to share.
I strongly believe that religion should never be used to gain political sympathy especially twisted tales and narrow interpretation. Authority on religion should be the final bastion of redeeming and protecting the cause. Individuals who are overly zealous would come across as Jihad warriors and praise by those who holds the same faith but at the same time, I also believe that Allah would not condone rude and vulgar manner used on yet believers as they are His creation too.
By the way, I don't understand what's the whole fuss on the usage of the word Allah by non-Muslims in this country too. After all, it's only an Arabic equivalent to the word God.
Wiki: Allah (Arabic: الله, Allāh, IPA: [ʔalˤːɑːh] pronunciation (help·info)) 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]
Check this out too while you're browsing along in cyber world.
*Chao*
What I am trying to imply is that we should focus 100% on nation-hood while letting race and religion tail behind. Nation-hood is the only way forward for Malaysians to be truly Malaysians-eating the same nasi lemak and roti canai in the morning and drinking the same teh tarik during tea time without being afraid of intentional food poisoning for ethnic cleansing.
The trend has begun for everybody in Malaysia to swear by the name of Allah. It first started by the famous Saiful who nobody knew before the scandalous event, then comes the ex-MB, Deputy PM and who knows who else more to come. I'm by far no Islam scholar, but it seems to me that the sacred name of GOD is simply challenge among the low-beings that He created long long time ago before creation started. It seems that anybody and everybody is so eager to swear by the Holy Name that I don't think they are really scared of 'Laknat' anymore. Religion should be left out in political gimmick (no matter how holy you try to justify the means).
What makes matter worst is when 'holy man' of Islam puts other religion to blame. Claiming that its a Christian way to swear by God's name on the Holy Bible. Just to justify my claims, everybody can check the 10 Commandments that God-Jehovah Jireh gave to Moses. Thou shall not use the name of God in vain. Click on the link and see for yourselve. Of course, if wikipedia is not a trustworthy source for some, do flip through the Holy Bible and see for yourself.
Back to what I want to share.
I strongly believe that religion should never be used to gain political sympathy especially twisted tales and narrow interpretation. Authority on religion should be the final bastion of redeeming and protecting the cause. Individuals who are overly zealous would come across as Jihad warriors and praise by those who holds the same faith but at the same time, I also believe that Allah would not condone rude and vulgar manner used on yet believers as they are His creation too.
By the way, I don't understand what's the whole fuss on the usage of the word Allah by non-Muslims in this country too. After all, it's only an Arabic equivalent to the word God.
Wiki: Allah (Arabic: الله, Allāh, IPA: [ʔalˤːɑːh] pronunciation (help·info)) 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]
Check this out too while you're browsing along in cyber world.
*Chao*
"Praying hand for True Peace and Unity in Malaysia"
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