I find the article below very interesting and very intrigue as it speaks my thought out clear and loud. Those who has somehow come across my path during my tenure as VP of University Malaya's Student Union would know that I've speak on this topic fondly about how tolerance is vastly different from acceptance or 'understanding' my words.
Malaysians (specifically our politicians) always talk about tolerance or toleransi in Malay language which means I accept your ways and manner because I'm told to do so and force to do so by my culture. If given a chance, the blade that has been kept in the pocket for so long would be taken out and stuck in the heart.
Now..would we want that to happen here in Malaysia? Although I don't write a long article to justify my means but in my own small way, I've been advocating to building this nation upon acceptance and understanding where things like the example of certain race not knowing the needs and culture of other minorities due to fault of our education system and fault of our elected leaders who do not have the nation's heart at their peak of interest, fault of a nation that only educates the needs of one race where all must obey and adhere too without any regards to needs and practices of others.
I do not propagate that the non-Malays question the royalty and special Malay rights because if you look at it with perspective, there is nothing to argue about (arguments only arise when these 'sensitive' topics are brought out of context and expanded based on certain parties whim and fancy. Let us truly be a nation that blends culture and embrace/celebrate the difference we have and treasure our eventful history and move on. Let the tears and bloodshed be a thing of the past and not threaten each other will black history. Let the pass be the pass and may all God loving people work together, respect each other, love thy neighbour as thy self and prove the world that Malaysia is Truly Asia, Malaysia can really be ONE MALAYSIA, Malaysia is not MALAYsia, Malaysia can reach Vision 2020 and Malaysia may one day arise to be more than just a country recognise as above Singapore and below Thailand.
Enjoy the attach article from Malaysiakini.
Beef, pork and the case of 'Pendidikan Moral' for all by TG | May 11, 09 2:31pm
Just like any other peace loving ordinary Malaysian, I was attracted to the new slogan by our Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak. I found the following on 'Acceptance and tolerance' at our PM's website.
There's quite a big difference between the two-tolerance and acceptance. When you say you tolerate, you don't quite like it, but you accept it because you have no choice. But if you talk in terms of acceptance, it indicates a state of mind that you are embracing something positively.
It's important for us to migrate from this concept of mere tolerance to acceptance. Acceptance in the sense that you are ready to accept things. If you're willing to accept things, if you embrace things willingly, then I think your capacity to look at things in a more positive manner is much better than mere tolerance.
That's important because then you don't have any baggage and you're not weighed down by any negative pre-conceived notions and you're willing to look at the best the person can offer. This is what we require for Malaysia. We have to get the best of the Malays, the best of the Chinese, the best of the Indians, the best of the others and mold them together so that collectively we'll be much bigger than the sum of the individuals.
This is definitely a way forward for all Malaysians. Even in our school syllabus, our students are taught (actually are forced to memorise) on ‘tolerance' in their Pendidikan Moral studies.
The following is taken from the website of the Education Ministry:
'1.6 Toleransi asas perpaduan perpaduan kaum:
Kesanggupan bertolak ansur, sabar dan mengawal diri bagi mengelakkan berlakunya pertelingkahan dan perselisihan faham demi kesejahteraan hidup. Toleransi menwujudkan perpaduan masyarakat, amalan hidup pelbagai kaum dihormati
- Agama / Kepercayaan
- Cara hidup
- Adat resam
Menghormati amalan hidup pelbagai kaum
i. Membincangkan contoh-contoh adat resam dan kepercayaan pelbagai kaum berkaitan dengan kelahiran, perkahwinan dan kematian.'
On paper, it seems that it's not impossible to achieve our PM's aspiration as children are being taught on this issue since their schooling days. But hold your horses first. There is a big loophole here due to our own educational system.
The problem is the 'Pendidikan Moral' subject which is compulsory for all non-Muslim students only. You may ask me whether this is really a big problem. Let me illustrate then an incident which happened at Tekam Plantation Resort in Jerantut, Pahang last year.
Our company organised a team-building trip there late last year. In our organisation, around 30 percent of the staff are Hindus. One the first day itself, I did notice that they served beef frankfurters, and there was no notice to inform the guests about it.
When confronted, one of the food and beverage staff there denied that it was beef and said that it was actually chicken. We couldn't prove it as they had already cleared the remaining food from the table.
The next day, they served beef curry puffs! Now, as Malaysians, all of us know that Muslims don't consume pork and non-halal meat and Hindus/Buddhist don't consume beef. But some of my Hindu colleagues actually consumed these curry puffs before someone realised it.
We were so angry and disappointed with the F&B manager and boycotted the lunch provided by them in the afternoon. Things improved a little bit after that.
Later that day, one of my colleagues informed us that the F&B Manager admitted that he was unaware that Hindus do not consume beef. Although I was shocked at the beginning, further discussion among us highlighted a much more serious issue.
We believe that he must be from a school where more than 90 percent of the students were Malays. He would have scored good grades for the UPSR examination and then sent to a Mara college where (almost all the students are Malays). He then would have pursued his course at UiTM (the same case with the majority of students being Malays there).
How do you expect him to know that Hindus cannot consume beef since he was technically isolated from plural society for almost 20 years. On top of that, no 'Pendidikan Moral' subject was taught to him.
Suddenly, you put him in the job market of a plural society and expect him to know that he must easily assimilate with people from other religions with some of whom consume pork and non-halal food and worship idols!
My anger towards this F&B manager turned into pity. Who can actually blame him as he has been systematically trained not to accept people of other races/religions as his own countrymen?
It may not be too late for our new education minister to make 'Pendidikan Moral' a compulsory subject for all so that at least the Muslims in this country are aware of do's and don'ts of the people of other religions and vice-versa.
Make My NuMbErS Grow!!
The Thinker
Staring out the BUS, thinking abt life..
Showing posts with label Nation-hood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nation-hood. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Does TWO wrong make ONE right?
Its always intriguing to ponder does two wrong make one right? Because it seems that at certain point in our society, logical thinking don't really happen esp if the scenario is in politics. One person who builds a mansion in Klang and scoundrel the people's money is only let off with warning and in fact, just got off like that due to his sudden demise (some say 'let it be since he is already dead') or some leader in Penang who belittle other races in a state where other races are the majority but gets welcome in party meeting with glamour and triumphant kompang beats as a HERO of their race although being suspended by the central party while ON THE OTHER HAND,others who just mention their views are being dump into ISA or being threatened with life bullets sent to their address and at times, career being burnt due to concrete finding such as the ASLI incident few years back (I'm unable to comprehend esp since we're educated to argue cases based on facts and figure).
Coming to my point of the day, it is reported (The Star, 6 Apr 09-Better voice in government with a Chinese Deputy PM, says Wee) that certain "friend" in the Ally has suggested that a post of Deputy PM and Deputy Chairman of BN be created for a certain race to 'forge' better representation while "friends" (Malaysiakini.com, DPM-to-be coy over 2nd DPM proposal)from the so ever mighty keris party of the coalition (coz they control everything, although not admitting)either refuse to be drawn into speculation or having denial syndrome out of sudden. (funny how Malaysian politicians work with each other huh..)
My point is like this:
1) Was it right for Friend C to suggest establishing a post?
2) Was it proper for Friend M to retaliate as such?
Point 1: As someone who holds strongly in One Malaysia or Bangsa Malaysia as its famously known, I hold steadfast to my believe that Malaysia can only move forward as a nation when race based politics are in the bin(debatable question whether a race based system can work. Therefore, creating a post specifically for just another race ain't moving in that direction; in fact, it confirms that our leaders are not doing what they preach on podiums during Merdeka celebration or speaking to global community. I would only support this suggestion if it were out of a portfolio urgency or due to creating a special task force to forge unity once and for all in our land.
Point 2: Having said the above, I would also strongly advocate that the reactions given by Friend M are also very childish and immature, thus confirming my doubt in the coalition is a big happy family. Some say its a political gimmick played by Friend C to be a populist, a fighter for their own race (isn't that Friend's M all time favourite weapon anyway), cashing in on the timing as Najib clings on to power etc. All failed to see that the issue of race is still a ticking time bomb, awaiting some idiot to trigger it. All friend M seems to be doing, is either deny it or reply its not important to discuss for the moment and there are bigger task at hand.
HELLO!!! We've been trying to tackle race-based issue since Independence. What else is more important than true unity and for Malaysians to unite??? Damn.. They are still too selfish to attempt on this delicate discussion.
The issue is how to get this country we all will pour our blood (tanah tumpah-nya darah KU)to look into each others eyes with love, compassion, understanding not compromising, and build sense of patriotism that not only 'menjelma' during Merdeka month on posters and slogans but is SHINING throughout the whole year on Tanah Melayu.
It has been far too long we allow lip service on UNITY..It has been far too long race and religion is being suppress to be practise in true freedom..It has been far too long citizens are kept un-informed of our politician-leader's true intention..It has been far too long Malaysians have kept quiet..It has been far too long Malaysians remain dormant and 'tidak apa'..It DEFINITELY has been a long long 50 years of sliding backwards.
TWO wrong definitely doesn't make ONE right!! Therefore, we as a nation has to ensure that the government works for its people and not the people become slaves to its elected representatives...
p/s If you're a book lover, may I suggest reading "the clash of civilization and the remaking of world order" by Samuel P. Huntington
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Reformis to Go NUDE..
When I first read about Reformis applying for a nude protest, the first question that came through my naive mind was, even if the police gave them the permit, I wonder whether they will keep to their word and strip??
In Malaysian context, to even walk in the streets shirtless would have been obscene and most probably if its my female counterpart, the police would have brought you into lockup as its said to disturb the society at large since we're 'conservative', not like Western societies.
Nonetheless, its my personal believe that this would yet be another political 'sandiwara'. I would definitely want those who refute my claim to prove that if all things failed and none of the demands made by Reformis are materialise, Reformis will really strip nude in protest. Why even bother putting 'lee way' or escape route like "We wanted a police permit to strip in front of the State Secretariat as a sign of protest but we were denied it, so, now we will stalk the Mentri Besar and go butt naked when we get the chance,” said movement president Ramlan Abu Bakar.
Just strip in public in protest to show your dissatisfaction. It would get you on front page anyway. Unless like I said earlier, its all just a show or putting some spices into our dull Malaysian robotic life where everything is in denial and scandal as claimed by people on TOP!!
Just to add somemore spice to all this wayang kulit also, please ensure some religious body are present when Reformis strip. Because at that time, the whole strip protest would turn into a religious issue too. You would have some religiously upright person or Pak Imam criticising on their act ('their' meaning the Muslim involve; I'm assuming that Reformis are made out of Malay member only) which are un-Islamic and the show goes on.
I wonder how much more longer could the sane and responsible Malaysians take all this nonsense that's happening. Once in awhile, we appreciate some 'spices' in our dull life but at certain point in time, don't these guys have better methods or alternative to solve problems/complications??
Having said all those above, its my sincere hope that our present Government and Opposition take to heart that WE the laymen are getting upset with all these nonsense. Please don't test our patience or we-the younger generation-will arise and ensure that your 'empire' of 51 years will crumble. That is our promise!!
HIDUP MALAYSIA!! And LONG LIVE MALAYSIANS!!
May the good LORD bless our little step to betterment (CHANGE sounds too cliche in today's context)
In Malaysian context, to even walk in the streets shirtless would have been obscene and most probably if its my female counterpart, the police would have brought you into lockup as its said to disturb the society at large since we're 'conservative', not like Western societies.
Nonetheless, its my personal believe that this would yet be another political 'sandiwara'. I would definitely want those who refute my claim to prove that if all things failed and none of the demands made by Reformis are materialise, Reformis will really strip nude in protest. Why even bother putting 'lee way' or escape route like "We wanted a police permit to strip in front of the State Secretariat as a sign of protest but we were denied it, so, now we will stalk the Mentri Besar and go butt naked when we get the chance,” said movement president Ramlan Abu Bakar.
Just strip in public in protest to show your dissatisfaction. It would get you on front page anyway. Unless like I said earlier, its all just a show or putting some spices into our dull Malaysian robotic life where everything is in denial and scandal as claimed by people on TOP!!
Just to add somemore spice to all this wayang kulit also, please ensure some religious body are present when Reformis strip. Because at that time, the whole strip protest would turn into a religious issue too. You would have some religiously upright person or Pak Imam criticising on their act ('their' meaning the Muslim involve; I'm assuming that Reformis are made out of Malay member only) which are un-Islamic and the show goes on.
I wonder how much more longer could the sane and responsible Malaysians take all this nonsense that's happening. Once in awhile, we appreciate some 'spices' in our dull life but at certain point in time, don't these guys have better methods or alternative to solve problems/complications??
Having said all those above, its my sincere hope that our present Government and Opposition take to heart that WE the laymen are getting upset with all these nonsense. Please don't test our patience or we-the younger generation-will arise and ensure that your 'empire' of 51 years will crumble. That is our promise!!
HIDUP MALAYSIA!! And LONG LIVE MALAYSIANS!!
May the good LORD bless our little step to betterment (CHANGE sounds too cliche in today's context)
Thursday, November 27, 2008
What the h%&# is wrong with us??
Its been some time since I pen down my thoughts but nonetheless, I'm glad we Malaysians did not change much even after turmoil in political parties, tsunami all over the show (I'm kind of sick of the word 'tsunami') and hangat-hangat tahi ayam here and there.
Well, to get into focus-I'm referring specifically to few issues that has been going on.
Release of Baginda which did not came much as a surprise to me as I was just awaiting for the time to happen since he was caught. I mean (let's be realistic)..with all the accusation and claims, let's not forget about the statutory declaration..it had to come from somewhere which is of course 'baseless' as if you're that high up in the government, even if you don't know how to C.Y.A, there's always a lembu to do that job, right? Otherwise how can min.s.ters have enought $$$ to send their kids to overseas for education and here in Malaysia, they shout how good is our education level and how much we should be proud of our University. Such a mockery to intelectual minds. These same guys who promote Malaysian university and send their own child overseas are also the same 'monkeys' who pay many many super-brains of Malaysia overseas to study with scholarships..only to realise that they are not coming back!!! (How stupid can this nation be?)
Whoopss!! Looks like I am stupid!! Because I just realise that our leaders are super poor actors. Mere rhetorics when someone mention that non-Malay or more accurate media term is minority of this country can be the Prime Minister of Malaysia!! Woohoo...the MALAYSIAN DREAM!!
I am really dreaming if I bought any of those words because any layman would know that the only way to get there is if you control the majority in the coalition (blue or green doens't matter). BN with UMNO would soak their keris with my blood before I reach the first step towards being the next PM while Pas would announce that all Malays who support me has deviate from the true teaching of Islam with some justification that appears from God knows where and both sides playing the racial card again which is the Royal Flush in desperate moment to uproar the narrow minded friends.
Hmm..my article may sound very bleak and vulgar to some..rude maybe..
But at the end, I want all (regardless of what ethnicity you relate yourselve to) to think of what do we want to achieve at the end, where are we heading now and how we want our neighbours children to survive? Someone said that Malaysia has its own Obama, a minority man (Indian Muslim) as the PM which is Tun Mahathir himself. But let me challenge you with this question..when has our beloved Tun Mahathir called himself a Indian Muslim?? I'm sure if he said that during UMNO presidency election 2 decades ago, he wouldn't have been where he was in our history now. Malaysian politicians (of all fractions, race and creed) should stop talking about rhetorics which only happens in 'Alice in Wonderland' because Malaysia's suffering and bleeding is real and severe.
Let us arise together as One Voice to carry each other's burden side by side, holding hands in times of need without worrying too much on whether the other hand is halal or haram. The nation will only surface when we are looking from the same surface or submerge pulling each other down.
What do you want??
p/s C.Y.A means COVER YOUR ASS
Well, to get into focus-I'm referring specifically to few issues that has been going on.
Release of Baginda which did not came much as a surprise to me as I was just awaiting for the time to happen since he was caught. I mean (let's be realistic)..with all the accusation and claims, let's not forget about the statutory declaration..it had to come from somewhere which is of course 'baseless' as if you're that high up in the government, even if you don't know how to C.Y.A, there's always a lembu to do that job, right? Otherwise how can min.s.ters have enought $$$ to send their kids to overseas for education and here in Malaysia, they shout how good is our education level and how much we should be proud of our University. Such a mockery to intelectual minds. These same guys who promote Malaysian university and send their own child overseas are also the same 'monkeys' who pay many many super-brains of Malaysia overseas to study with scholarships..only to realise that they are not coming back!!! (How stupid can this nation be?)
Whoopss!! Looks like I am stupid!! Because I just realise that our leaders are super poor actors. Mere rhetorics when someone mention that non-Malay or more accurate media term is minority of this country can be the Prime Minister of Malaysia!! Woohoo...the MALAYSIAN DREAM!!
I am really dreaming if I bought any of those words because any layman would know that the only way to get there is if you control the majority in the coalition (blue or green doens't matter). BN with UMNO would soak their keris with my blood before I reach the first step towards being the next PM while Pas would announce that all Malays who support me has deviate from the true teaching of Islam with some justification that appears from God knows where and both sides playing the racial card again which is the Royal Flush in desperate moment to uproar the narrow minded friends.
Hmm..my article may sound very bleak and vulgar to some..rude maybe..
But at the end, I want all (regardless of what ethnicity you relate yourselve to) to think of what do we want to achieve at the end, where are we heading now and how we want our neighbours children to survive? Someone said that Malaysia has its own Obama, a minority man (Indian Muslim) as the PM which is Tun Mahathir himself. But let me challenge you with this question..when has our beloved Tun Mahathir called himself a Indian Muslim?? I'm sure if he said that during UMNO presidency election 2 decades ago, he wouldn't have been where he was in our history now. Malaysian politicians (of all fractions, race and creed) should stop talking about rhetorics which only happens in 'Alice in Wonderland' because Malaysia's suffering and bleeding is real and severe.
Let us arise together as One Voice to carry each other's burden side by side, holding hands in times of need without worrying too much on whether the other hand is halal or haram. The nation will only surface when we are looking from the same surface or submerge pulling each other down.
What do you want??
p/s C.Y.A means COVER YOUR ASS
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Who cares if Anwar is just another Pinocchio?
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.
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.
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.
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]
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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