No need to wait until 2030, Sarawak now is the richest state in Malaysia if not because of mis-management. Revenue from the state resources are given to UMNO and PBB and big share goes to the states top brass.
Sarawak is rich, Sarawakian are not. Sarawak a rich state with poor rakyat.
From TheBorneoPost
We’ll be Malaysia’s richest state: Taib
By Patrick Joseph
BINTULU: Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud last night expressed optimism that Sarawak will be the richest state in the whole of Malaysia by year 2030 as a result of the current second wave of Politics of Development.
“By the year 2030, Insyallah (God willing), we will be the richest state in the whole of the country. We will be the land of opportunity,” said Taib when speaking in his 28th year in office as Chief Minister of Sarawak at Dewan Suarah Bintulu here last night.
Taib warned, however, that despite the optimism, the situation could change for the worst if there was no unity among the people and the leaders of the state.
He pointed out that basic to the state’s achievement in the past was the unity of purpose among Sarawakians and their leaders.
“We were able to succeed because we can bring the dreams of the Chinese, the Ibans, the Malays, Melanaus and others together even though their dreams are different… but we know how,” he said.
“We must share one vision and move forward,” he said and added that the last 28 years was the most important task undertaken by the state government to ensure a more developed state for the people.”
Taib said while many attributed the success of the state up to now to his leadership, to him he held to the belief that “the government is not mine alone”.
“I am only the thinker. If you do not put your hand on the flower, nothing will happen,” the chief minister said.
Of the state’s journey to success, Taib said the first wave of politics of development was difficult as it involved a lot of efforts to change people’s mindset.
According to him, now that Sarawakians are mentally ready and willing, the new wave of development should be realised in due time.
He said the state had put in place supporting infrastructure to ensure that there would be enough skilled workforce to power its second development wave.
Land Development Minister Dato Sri Dr James Masing and Jepak assemblyman Datuk Talib Zulpilip also spoke last night.
Among those present were Taib’s wife Datuk Amar Puan Sri Laila, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Dato Sri Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar, cabinet ministers and assistant ministers, state assembly-men, parliamentarians, senators, community leaders and over 1,000 people from all walks of life. 
Ahmad Najib Aris, convicted of the rape and murder of IT analyst Canny Ong six years ago, lost his final appeal against conviction. The former aircraft cleaning supervisor next appointment will be with the hangman.
From TheStar
Canny Ong’s killer to hang, Ahmad Najib loses final appeal
PUTRAJAYA: Ahmad Najib Aris, convicted of the rape and murder of IT analyst Canny Ong Lay Kian six years ago, lost his final appeal against conviction.
It’s the gallows next for the former aircraft cleaning supervisor.
This follows a unanimous decision by the Federal Court to uphold his death sentence for the crimes committed on Ong, whose charred remains were found in a manhole near a highway construction site in 2003.
Federal Court Judge Zulkefli Ahmad Makinuddin who read the judgment, said the court was satisfied there was circumstantial evidence and evidence in its entirety to come to the conclusion that it was Ahmad Najib, 33, and no one else who was responsible for what happened to Ong that night.
The appeal was heard before a five-man bench comprising Chief Judge of Malaya Arifin Zakaria and Federal Court Justices Nik Hashim Nik Ab Rahman, S. Augustine Paul, Hashim Yusoff and Zulkefli.
In his 47-page judgment, Justice Zulkefli said evidence by relevant prosecution witnesses also showed that Ahmad Najib was seen with Ong at various places that night.
Justice Zulkefli said the Court of Appeal had made a correct finding in relying on the chemist’s report that the circumstantial evidence, including the discovery of Ong’s bloodstains on the trousers found in Ahmad Najib’s house, pointed to the fact that no one else, except Ahmad Najib, was responsible for what happened to the victim.
Justice Zulkefli affirmed the conviction and death sentence by the High Court which had also been affirmed by the Court of Appeal.
He said the Court of Appeal was right in accepting the High Court’s decision that Ahmad Najib was seen at the various scenes or locations and was found to have been with Ong at 7th Mile, Jalan Klang Lama, between 1am and 5am on June 14, 2003.
Zulkefli said a DNA test confirmed Ahmad Najib’s semen in Ong’s vagina which proved that he had intercourse with the victim.
“The contents of the chemist’s report have the direct effect of linking the appellant (Ahmad Najib) to the commission of the rape and murder of the deceased (Ong),” he said.
Ahmad Najib, wearing a black and white short-sleeved shirt and black trousers, was composed when the verdict was announced.
After the proceedings, Ahmad Najib, who was accompanied by his mother, Rapipah Ahmad, and youngest sister Suhana, was asked to comment on the court’s decision.
He said: “I had expected this decision.”— Bernama
Umno Youth members are still waiting for the results of the wing’s polls. In fact, there has been vote recount and twitter news suggest KJ is leading.
UPDATES:
* 11:00pm Unofficial - Mukhriz - 232, Khir - 254, Khairy - 304.
* 11:20pm Khairy wins Youth post. Khairy's victory is the clearest sign yet that Mahathir's effort to influence the outcome of party elections has failed.
The arrogant monkey won. I'm lost for words.
Datin Seri Zaharah Kechik and her husband Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo, who was the former Selangor menteri besar, are among 11 witnesses to be called up to give statements in the public hearing on BALKIS's sponsorship funds channelled to the non-governmental organisation (NGO).
Zaharah and Khir among the 11 witnesses are called up to give statements to the Select Committee on Competence, Accountability and Transparency (SELCAT), which is expected to meet from March 23 to 31.
Related posts:
* Balkis ladies and clothes
* Return the money, Zahrah Kechik told
* BALKIS belong to the government of the day
SHAH ALAM, March 17 (Bernama) — Former president of the Wives of Selangor Elected Representatives’ Welfare Association (Balkis), Datin Seri Zaharah Kechik, is among 11 witnesses to be called up to give statements in the public hearing on sponsorship funds channelled to the non-governmental organisation (NGO).
Besides Zaharah, her husband Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo, who was the former Selangor menteri besar, would also be called up to give statements to the Select Committee on Competence, Accountability and Transparency (SELCAT), which is expected to meet from March 23 to 31.
SELCAT chairman Teng Chang Khim said Dr Mohamad Khir, Zaharah and nine others would be called up to give statements on the sponsorship received by Balkis from the state government’s subsidiary companies and the private sector.
Stern action would be imposed on all the 11 witnesses concerned if they failed to attend the public hearing as a notice ordering them to be present had been issued earlier, he said at a media conference after the State Assembly sitting which ended today.
Teng, who is also the State Assembly Speaker, said witnesses who failed to turn up could be jailed up to 12 months or fined not more than RM3,000 under Section 3 of the House Contempt Enactment 2008.
If the witness is a State Assemblyman, he or she can be referred to the Rights and Priveleges Committee of the State Assembly which enables disciplinary action to be taken, including suspension of the Assemblyman’s post.
“The session is not to determine who is right or wrong. On the contrary, all the witnesses are being called up to give clarifications to assist SELCAT in determining what are the policies and guidelines of the companies and state government subsidiaries in giving sponsorships to Balkis.
“Subsequently, a report will be tabled to the State Legislative Assembly and if it is detected that there are elements of malpractices, a police report will be lodged,” he said.
Teng said all the 11 witnesses called up would be given protection under the Selangor State Constitution and since the investigation was initiated in May, all statements from the witnesses had been recorded.
The investigation involved three state government subsidiary companies and several private companies, he said.
The public hearing is being held at the Operations Room, Dewan Annex, here beginning at 10 am and it is open to the public.
Besides Teng, other members of the SELCAT are four State Assemblymen from the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat comprising Taman Medan Assemblyman, Haniza Mohd Talha; Saari Sungib (Hulu Kelang), Mohamad Azmin Ali (Bukit Antarabangsa), Edward Lee (Bukit Gasing) and two Barisan Nasional (BN) State Assemblymen namely Ismail Sani (Dusun Tua) and Sulaiman Abdul Razak (Permatang).
– BERNAMA
Here's a short analysis on the shootout at Kulim where six "criminals" where murdered or executed. Read more at A first hand report on the killing of the six in Kulim. The analysis in the mentioned link could be true or could be fictional but some of the questions listed are worth to ponder.
Photo source: life.com
FROM: WAYTHAMOORTHY (HINDRAF CHAIRMAN)
A first hand report on the killing of the six in Kulim
The Malaysian Police are Prosecutor, Judge and Executioner , all in one .
Today I tagged along with our Human Rights Activists who have been fighting Police Abuses for a long time – S. Jayathas, S. Surendran, Manickavasagam (MP for Kapar) and M.Manohar(MP for Teluk Intan). to find out what actually transpired when they were killed by the Police in Kulim.
Ever since their killing the other day I have been very bothered by the event. The media shouted out “criminals” – as if that was the foregone truth. The Police had executed all 6 of them as if they were the Prosecutor, Judge and Executioner all in one and utterly above the law. It was not one, not two, it was six and it seems with impunity. Every one had their own view of the episode. But I needed some answers.
At the outset let me say that I am not condoning crimes or criminals, but there are so many questions that this incident raises that we need some good answers, and fast, as this situation seems to be spinning out of control – before the ink dries on one, another seems to happen. Kugan’s case before Prabakaran’s settled, and now the six before Kugan’s case is settled.
We visited the shootout site, the families of 3 of the deceased and spent some time with the neighbour at the shootout site. The picture that emerges is different than what the mainstream media has been putting out. The MSM paints a picture that the Police only returned fire after being shot at and that this turn of events was totally unavoidable and that they were dealing with a bunch of unscrupulous criminals.
Let me detail some of the facts we gathered before commenting on them. The scene of the shooting was in a small town of Karangan some 15km from Kulim. It was in a small house which was being renovated in one of the backroads of Karangan, a little off the main road of the town. The fence around the house was a tall wall made up of corrugated sheet – something you would do to cut off from view what was going on inside.
A very forthcoming neighbour told us that when he returned home from work that rainy night at around 10 or so he was met with a large group of police men in front of his house, who had already packed his family into the prayer room of his house in the event of stray bullets during the impending ambush. He was asked to get in with them. He only heard the frightening shootout that dreadful night from within his prayer room.
The shootout took place at around 10.30, a very noisy and frightening episode, narrated that neighbour. There did not seem to be any attempt by the Police to try to get the people they were seeking, out from the premises, by summoning them out first using hailers or some such device, before the shoot out. The shooting just happened. The neighbour knew nothing more till the bodies of the killed men were removed at somewhere between 4 and 5 am the next morning.
The first of the killed men, the one that the Police probably had a reason to get, the owner of the house where the shootout happened, was shot in the middle of the top of his head, top down it appeared, though his death certificate indicated he died due to shot wounds in his chest. The family of this victim, mentioned he had several more shots on the front side of his body – as if someone shot at him from the front. This individual, we were told by the family had no prior police record.
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The second victim that we visited was someone who was actually working in Singapore for a company called SBS (maybe the Singapore Bus Company) who had come back to Kulim for a holiday. He was due to go back shortly and had a return ticket for that. His death certificate also indicated death due to shots in the chest. Apparently he had several shot wounds on the front side of his body also, as if shot from the front. He appeared to be a friend of the first victim. It is not clear from the little information we got that this person was at all a close accomplice or even a participant in any crime that may have been in the works. Of course, I am concluding this with very little information, but these are the facts as we got them from the family. The family was distraught, because this had damaged the standing of the family in the community, having their dead son branded a criminal. This victim also has no past criminal record, we were told by the family.
The third family we visited was that of a young chap of about 20. His family lives in a dilapidated little estate house in Padang Serai. He had seven siblings and it was obvious the family was just existing. This young chap it appears was working for the first victim assisting in the renovation of the house where the shootout happened. The parents did not seem to know much more about what he did. He was obviously not being paid very much, as he had just 2 days before the incident asked one of his family members for 20 ringgits. He had shot wounds on the forehead and it looked like the back of his head was all bloodied as if from an exiting bullet. He was dressed only in a towel at the time of his death. His parents even had difficulty putting together some money to buy him a shirt and a dhoty for his burial. 36 ringgits was all they had. They could not even afford the coffin in which he was ultimately buried. The Police disallowed the victims kin to examine the body when they tried to. The body was all bloodied in the front. This victim also has no past record, we were told.
To say the least, this was a carnage. It appears like we are in Gaza or in Iraq or in Afghanistan or even in SriLanka – the scale and method of killing suggests nothing short of this. Let me ask, are we in one of these countries or is Malaysia descending there?.
It looks like Indian lives have become very cheap, very cheap in this country – the lives of anjing keeling, yes that’s what it is, the cheap lives of the anjings - that they can be wasted in this manner. Uthaykumar was so right!.
By all of this, I am in no way saying crime is alright. What I am saying is the way the problems of crime are being dealt with. Let me layout some perspectives for you all to consider:
1) What was the need to kill these people? They were not terrorists. They had no previous records. They were not murderers, surely not the mafia. They could have been easily arrested. In fact the first victim regularly stays is just a stone’s throw from the Police Station. Why were they not apprehended? Or why were they not given a chance to come out with their hands up to surrender themselves for arrest – even in war this is done?. Why were they not given this chance?
2) We understand there were a number of sharp shooters from around the country on hand for the job for the Police. This seem to indicate that this was planned kill event.
3) Why was it that the shot wounds were all in the front side of the victims – not any location on the body, but systematically on the front side?
4) One victim was shot on the top of the head, how could that happen in a normal exchange of fire. That seems to suggest some crouching position and a shot into the head, from the top.
5) Why were the victims not shot at on their legs or where they will not be killed but disabled on being shot?
6) Why were the kin of one of the victims denied their right to inspect the body?
7) If it was a shootout between the Police and the victims, only two could have had the guns, as the police produced two guns, why were the shot wounds so systematic in the chest and the heads on all three of the victims? We do not know about the other two victims – but I suspect they will show similarities.
In summary this ugly incident in the series of incidents of police killing and atrocities seem to emphasize the following issues.
a) The Police in Malaysia continue killing Indian crime suspects with impunity – taking upon themselves the role of Prosecutor, Judge and Executioner all in one. I am sure that the powers be know exactly what they are doing. So, we have to take it that they are trying to provoke a response from us so they can slam emergency rule snd set us all back?
b) The Police very urgently need to be Policed . That looks like a very remote possibility, as long as UMNO rules this country of ours. . See what’s happening to the reform driven MACC, it has become just another tool of UMNO. Any IPCMC will probably end up in that same rubbish bin. In any case this UMNO regime seems to be promoting Police brutality as a means of maintaining their hold on the levers of power.
c) So many crime suspects in Malaysia are from among the Indian community.? I think the answer to this has been already abundantly answered by Uthayakumar – this underclass of Indians are a direct result of the UMNO policies over the last 50 years of marginalizing Indians – neglecting the development of the Indian community. There does not yet seem to be any serious effort to get to the bottom of this problem.
d) The way the Police are shooting Indian crime suspects seem to give additional credence to the racist line of UMNO – the anjing keling line.. They seem to be wittingly or unwittingly creating a stereotype of the Indians in the country – despicable, trouble causing and uncouth Indian. What do you think the jibes of children in school reflect – when little Indian children are called “anjing keling” by their Malay classmates.
e) Poverty seems to be intertwined with all of this. Take the case of the third victim that we visited - what kind of money was he making for him to be lumped up and shot. Does this make sense, 20 years old, barely making a living and then shot in the middle. These are the youth of the country who should be nurtured and built up into the the human potential we so much need.
This is all very infuriating.
There comes a time when all of this has to stop. This cannot continue. UMNO , stop playing games and get on with doing something positive about the problem. If you do not know how, then get expert help, I am sure there are agencies around the world that can help. Or are we to take it that you just do not want to , and then the only way we can find some resolution to the problem is by replacing you, UMNO.
UNITED WE MUST STAND
UNITED WE MUST ACT!!!!!
Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president James Masing has accused Dayak bloggers of playing politics by raising issues concerning the community.
But of course Dayak bloggers are playing politics! Nothing wrong with that!
Former Bukit Gantang Umno division information chief Ismail Safian is Barisan Nasional candidate for the Bukit Gantang parliamentary by-election. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced his name when giving a speech during a meet-the-people session in Simpang here on Saturday.
Related posts:
* S. Ganesan picked as MIC candidate for Bukit Selambau by-election
* Malcolm Mussen Lamoh selected as Batang Ai candidate
Kedah MIC deputy chief and former Lunas assemblyman Datuk S. Ganesan is Barisan Nasional’s candidate for the Bukit Selambau by-election on April 7, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced on Saturday.
Related posts:
* Ismail Safian picked as UMNO candidate for Bukit Gantang by-election
* Malcolm Mussen Lamoh selected as Batang Ai candidate
Sarawak Barisan Nasional has picked Malcolm Mussen anak Lamoh of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) to be its candidate for the Batang Ai by-election on April 7.
Lamoh, who turns 50 on April 30, is an engineer with the state Agriculture Department since 1984. He is expected to resign from the department next week. Born in Danau, Engkilili, he graduated from Universiti Putra Malaysia in 1983 and obtained his Master degree in manufacturing systems engineering from University of Warwick, Coventry, UK in 1998.
Lamoh is the sole candidate recommended by Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS),a component of the four-member state coalition.
Related posts:
* Ismail Safian picked as UMNO candidate for Bukit Gantang by-election
* S. Ganesan picked as MIC candidate for Bukit Selambau by-election
From MalaysianInsider
BN picks PRS man for Batang Ai
KUALA LUMPUR, March 14 — Sarawak Barisan Nasional has picked Malcolm Mussen anak Lamoh of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) to be its candidate for the Batang Ai by-election on April 7.
The candidacy is, however, subject to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s approval, Chief Minister Tan Sri Taib Mahmud told reporters in Kuching today.
Malcolm's was the only name submitted by PRS president Dr James Masing to the Sarawak BN leadership, who described the Batang Ai local as the people's choice.
The seat fell vacant after the death of four-term assemblyman Datuk Dublin Unding Ingkot, a former PRS vice-president and state Assistant Minister for Agiculture.
Born in Danau, Engkili, the 49 year old is an engineer with the state Agriculture Department since 1984 after he graduated from Universiti Putra Malaysia. He received his master's degree in manufacturing systems engineering from the University of Warwick, Coventry in 1998.
He is expected to resign from government service next week.
"I think he is the best candidate to win the by-election," The Star quoted Masing as telling reporters after the state BN supreme council meeting at Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters in Kuching today.
BN is expected to face Parti Keadilian Rakyat which ise likely to field either state deputy chief Nicholas Bawin or former Lubok Antu MP Jawah Gerang in the contest. Bawin lost to Ingkot by 806 votes in the 2006 state polls.
Batang Ai has 8,006 registered voters and nearly 95 per cent of them are Ibans. It is one of the state seats in Lubok Antu. The other seat is Engkilili.
--------------------------------
From TheStar
Batang Ai: BN Sarawak picks PR's Malcolm Mussen
KUCHING: The Sarawak Barisan Nasional has uninamously agreed to field Malcolm Mussen anak Lamoh (pic) as its candidate in the Batang Ai by-election on April 7.
Lamoh's candidacy will be submitted by State coalition chairman and Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for approval.
Lamoh, who turns 50 on April 30, is an engineer with the state Agriculture Department since 1984. He is expected to resign from the department next week.
Born in Danau, Engkilili, he graduated from Universiti Putra Malaysia in 1983 and obtained his Master degree in manufacturing systems engineering from University of Warwick, Coventry, UK in 1998.
Lamoh is the sole candidate recommended by Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS),a component of the four-member state coalition.
The by-election was called following the death of four-term assemblyman Datuk Dublin Unding Ingkot, a former PRS vice-president and state Assistant Minister for Agiculture.
PRS president Datuk Dr James Masing said the party had chosen Lamoh from several potential candidates.
"I think he is the best candidate to win the by-election," he told reporters after the state Barisan Nasional supreme council meeting at Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters at Jalan Bako on Saturday.
Both Taib and Dr Masing, who has been appointed the Barisan director of operations for the by-election, have expressed full confidence that Lamoh would help the Barisan to retain the seat.
The Barisan is expected to face Parti Keadilian Rakyat (PKR) in the by-election.
PKR is likely to field either its state deputy chief Nicholas Bawin or former Lubok Antu MP Jawah Gerang in the contest.
Bawin lost to Ingkot by 806 votes in the 2006 state polls.
Batang Ai has 8,006 registered voters and nearly 95% of them are Ibans. It is one of the state seats in Lubok Antu. The other seat is Engkilili.
The Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) has now banned the Indonesian song 'Allah Peduli' (Allah Cares) because of the word Allah in its lyrics.
MAIS chairman Datuk Mohamad Adzib Mohd Isa said today the song by Indonesian singer Agnes Monica used the word 'Allah' when referring to Jesus Christ and anyone found playing the song can be fined up to RM1,000 under the Non-Muslim Religious Enactment 1988.
Mohamad Adzib said the word "Allah" was repeatedly used in the song and the lyrics ended with words "Tak akan pernah dibiarkannya ku bergumul sendiri sebab Allah Yeses ku mengerti."
He said under the enactment, action can be taken against non-Muslims for using 'Allah' to describe their God.
This latest move comes just a day after MAIS threatened legal action against the Bar Council for conducting two online polls on the usage of 'Allah' for non-Muslims, under the same enactment .
It was reported that the council was consulting their legal advisers on the appropriate action to take against the Bar Council.
Mohamad Adzib said the ban is in place to prevent Muslims from being confused.
Astro All Asia Networks or ASTRO is changing its logo for the third time but is hitting a snag. Singapore's MediaCorp News alleged that ASTRO newest logo (in the shape of red triangle) is similar to its TV news channel Channel NewsAsia (CNA).
From left: ASTRO new logo, CNA log, ASTRO old log, ASTRO current logo
From MalaysianInsider
MediaCorp and Astro battle over logo
SINGAPORE, March 10 – Two broadcasters are battling it out here – not on the airwaves, but in the Singapore High Court. The bone of contention: a red triangular logo.
In 2003, Malaysia-based Astro All Asia Networks, as part of a rebranding exercise, sought to register a triangular logo, with its name underneath, as a trademark here.
Astro, listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange, provides direct-to-home satellite TV services in Malaysia and Brunei, and is also a leading radio broadcaster and publisher of magazines in Malaysia.
MediaCorp News, which owns and manages TV news channel Channel NewsAsia (CNA), opposed the move, arguing that Astro's logo is similar to CNA's mark, which was registered in 2000.
But after a hearing last year, the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) dismissed its opposition. Principal assistant registrar Anne Loo found that while the logos are visually and conceptually similar, the similarities are not likely to confuse the public.
Yesterday, MediaCorp appealed to the High Court against the IPOS decision. Its lawyer, Wun Rizwi, pointed to the similarities in the logos – both are red and are triangular designs meant to symbolise a capital “A” – though he said he would not go so far as to say that Astro was trying to ride on CNA's reputation.
But Astro's lawyer, Max Ng, argued that the logo should be construed as a whole - his client's logo includes two swirls and its name at the bottom.
Justice Lee Seiu Kin will give his decision at a later date.
See compromising photos of Sons of Malaysia's Rich and Powerful Politicians caught on camera (and on many occasions) clubbing, womanizing, partying and enjoying themselves. Site load slows, so be patience to preview those scandalous photos.
Who can verified the faces of those young men who casually womanizing and boozing?
Today, DPM Najib Razak will table the mini-budget seeking additional RM60billion stimulus package to stir the weakening Malaysia economy. Will the RM60billion stimulus benefit the rakyat or some contractors.
WATCH OUT FOR THIS PAGE. More updates coming.
* The whopping sum will be spent over two years as the country faces up to the reality of falling exports and drastically lower revenue.
* The RM60 billion is allocated to the four Thrusts, as follows: RM2 billion for Thrust One; RM10 billion for Thrust Two; RM29 billion for Thrust Three; and RM19 billion for Thrust Four;
* This RM60 billion accounts for almost 9 per cent of the GDP. The implementation of such a large stimulus package is unprecedented in the nation's economic history.
Government medical services in Sarawak is going downhill. Not only there is overcrowding in Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching, Kapit is now hit with an acute shortage of medical personnel.
Malaysia seem to be more engross in the political doldrums in Perak or protesting about the teaching of Maths and Science in English. And if the government think there is money, they send a space tourist to space and budgeting for billion ringgit purchase of new helicopters.
Related posts:
* Why Malaysian seeking medical help overseas
From TheBorneoPost
Only five medical officers for 120,000 Kapit folk
By James Ling
KAPIT: There is an acute shortage of medical personnel in Kapit Division with just five medical officers (MOs) and one surgeon attending to a population of 120,000.
The situation was further compounded early this week, when three Kapit Hospital MOs were sent for a course outstation from Monday to Thursday (March 2-5), leaving just one MO and a surgeon during that period.
Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (Sadia) Kapit branch chairman Edward Manggah called on the government to act immediately and assign more MOs to Kapit.
He said the lack of doctors was a nightmare for those seeking medical treatment.
To illustrate his point, Edward said his grandson had gone to the polyclinic for treatment on Thursday at 7.30am and was only attended to around noon because there was only one MO and hundreds of patients waiting their turn.
“We can’t refer our sick people to the nearest hospital like Sibu Hospital, which is better equipped with many specialists within the day because we have no road link to other towns.
“We have to depend on the FDS (Flying Doctor Service) for medical evacuations and most of the time these are not successful because there’s no seat or the flight is cancelled due to cloudy weather,” said Edward.
He added that the lack of manpower was also taking a toll on medical personnel in the division.
“The problem is there are not enough doctors. The poor doctor has to work round the clock. He serves not just office hours from 8am to 5pm, but on call. In short he works 24 hours a day,” he said.
Edward, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Pelagus Division secretary, suggested the government offer special allowances and free passage once a year as incentives for senior civil servants to work in Kapit.
“Like Sibu Hospital, there are a lot of doctors because of the good facilities. They can fill the quota easily because doctors are willing to serve there. But Kapit is a different scenario,” he said.
Kapit Chinese Chamber of Commerce chairman Kho Chiaw Chai said the Ministry of Health must address the issue of unfair distribution of MOs throughout the country.
“I know a small town in Perak known as Sungai Siput near to Ipoh. A small district with a small population, but the hospital there is served by 11 MOs, meaning to say the quota is fully filled.
“So actually there is an unfair distribution of MOs. I think the ministry has to study the root cause,” said Kho.
Kapit Coffee Shop and Restaurant Owners Association (KCROA) chairman Ma Tian Ho also expressed disappointment with the current situation.
“The government has put up the physical facilities and equipment, but they are under utilised. You see Song Polyclinic costs RM15 million, Beletih Polyclinic RM19 million and now Belaga Polyclinic is RM17 million.
“What we want is the manpower. You see there are no MOs in Song or Belaga. Kapit Hospital has four MOs and a surgeon, Beletih Polyclinic one MO, Song Polyclinic none and Belaga Clinic none,” said Ma.
When contacted, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Economic Planning) Larry Sng said he has raised the issue with the State Health Department and they had assured him that they will transfer a doctor from Sarawak General Hospital to serve here.
“This is just a temporary measure until more doctors are trained and qualified to serve in Kapit.
“I understand that there is an acute shortage of doctors and surgeons throughout Sarawak. Nonetheless I urge the Health Department to quickly address this issue,” said Sng.
“I feel most sympathetic towards the existing medical staff who are working tirelessly to attend to the needs of the people. But how much can each doctor do when he or she has only two hands,” he added.
Barisan Nasional has promised the people of Lubok Antu that they will soon enjoy the benefits of Internet and telephone service with the construction of a telecommunication tower and community broadband centre in the area. This promise only comes during the election campaign.
Sarawak help to form Malaysia in 1963 (that about 46 years ago) and only this year, the people of Lubok Antu has been promised with better Internet and telephone service. It's not a sincere promise.
From TheBorneoPost
Lubok Antu folk to enjoy phone, Internet service soon
By Jacob Achoi
LUBOK ANTU: The people of Lubok Antu will soon enjoy the benefits of Internet and telephone service with the construction of a telecommunication tower and community broadband centre in the area.
Deputy Minister of Energy, Water and Communications Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum said the tower would enable the locals to enjoy the services of mobile and fixed telephone lines, while the centre would be equipped with computers and Internet access.
Salang said on Saturday night that the tower to be built at a cost of about RM1.2 million and the centre between RM1.2 and RM1.5 million would come “very soon”.
He also said that the locals would start receiving rebates for their outboard engines by March 18.
At the meet-the-people session at Ruman Jangan that evening, Salang who is Julau MP, was quick to stress that the announcement was not a political gimmick, but a coincidence.
“What the government is giving to the people is not an election gimmick,” Salang said at the gathering, which was held during the launch of Universal Service Provision (USP) for the people here.
He said both projects were decided and approved last November, adding that the government had spent about RM20.2 million for the USP projects in Batang Ai.
According to him, another RM20 million would be spent until the end of next year.
“The government is making continuous effort to reduce the digital divide between urban and rural areas.”
On the outboard engine rebate, he explained that it had to be sorted out, adding that the amount had to be based on the horsepower of the engines.
Salang went on to say that the construction of the telecommunication tower would include putting up portable generator to benefit the longhouses that had yet to enjoy electricity supply.
“With the construction of the tower, 60 public telephones will be installed at various longhouses here and in Batang Ai,” Salang said.
On the setting up of a community broadband centre, Salang explained that Malaysian Commission of Communications and Multimedia would employ two local graduates in Computer Science to teach the locals to use computers and surf the Internet.
Salang, who is information chief of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) also urged locals to support whoever the party might field in the coming by-election, saying the Barisan Nasional was always there to help the people.
“We acknowledge the difficulties faced by the people, but development only comes slowly but surely,” Salang said at the function, which was also attended by Lubok Antu MP William Nyalau, Balai Ringin assemblyman Snowdan Lawan, Lubok Antu District Officer Nelson Mujah Girie and MCCM senior director Datuk Jailaini Johari.
Salang later gave a personal donation of RM1,000 to the longhouse (Rh Jangan).
Pakatan Rakyat has named a raintree here the Tree of Democracy – for it was under this tree that the emergency sitting of the state assembly was held.
Unlike last Tuesday when the event drew a crowd of hundreds, not many gathered to watch former mentri besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin unveil a marble plaque there yesterday.
To further commemorate the event and the first year anniversary of Pakatan, Nizar, other Pakatan leaders and state assemblymen also planted five trees nearby.
“We have named the trees Transparency, Justice, Integrity, Trustworthiness and Welfare,” he added, expressing hope that the Ipoh City Council would not destroy the trees or remove the plaque.
At a press conference later, Nizar said he would seek an audience with the Sultan of Perak to present to the Ruler the three resolutions passed during the emergency assembly.
He said a letter would be sent to the palace tomorrow, and assured the people of Perak that Pakatan would not give up on the fight.
DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, who was present, called on the national leadership of Barisan Nasional and Pakatan to agree to fresh state elections to end the political stalemate in Perak.
“Umno leaders said they have heard the message. If so, this is what they should do.
“Otherwise, they are unnecessarily plunging the country into a new crisis of confidence which is going to undermine our ability to face the economic crisis,” Lim added.
When contacted about the erection of the marble plaque, state executive councillor Dr Mah Hang Soon said he would check with the city council if permission had been given.
“Most of them (Pakatan leaders) are lawyers and they should know better. It seems they have taken the law into their own hands,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Kuala Lumpur, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said Nizar had no right to seek consent from the Perak Sultan.
“Based on Article 16(6) of the Perak State Constitution, only the Mentri Besar has the right to appear before the Sultan to seek His Royal Highness’ consent to dissolve the state assembly,” said Zambry in a one-page statement faxed by Bernama on Saturday night.
The use of English in the teaching of Mathematics and Science since 2003, which had drawn much controversy, had been disputed lately with questions being asked whether it should be continued or otherwise.
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi meanwhile, wants an immediate decision to be made on the use of English in the teaching and learning of Mathematics and Science to prevent a bigger issue from cropping up. Abdullah Ahmad Badawi believed the decision made will be in the best interest of the people and our future.
What is there to decide. Just tell the rakyat that policy is to be maintain. After all, million of ringgit have been spend on this program. Obviously, some Malay do not want to progress. In their mind, Bahasa Malaysia is the national language (still is and nobody denied that), that Agung is the ruler of Malaysia (still is and nobody denied that), that Islam is the religion of the Malay (still is and nobody denied that), that English to be abolish from the Education System. Now, that is discrimination not only to non-Malay but also for future generation of young Malay.
Related posts:
* Uncommitted teachers can go mad
* Teachers letdown in teaching Maths and Science in English
* Malaysia Education System Going Backward - Part 3
* Malaysia Education System Going Backward - Part 2
* Malaysia Education System Going Backward
* Mastering second language does not make Malay less Malay
From The Star
PM: Make quick decision on use of English in Maths, Science
PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wants an immediate decision to be made on the use of English in the teaching and learning of Mathematics and Science to prevent a bigger issue from cropping up.
The Prime Minister said the government acknowledged that there was strong pressure from the people, especially the Malays, who were giving much attention to the matter.
"I hope the decision will be made immediately. Otherwise non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will continue to put pressure and create a bigger issue," he told reporters after launching the novel, "Dragon Fire Hammer", here on Saturday.
Abdullah said the Education Ministry had held several meetings with the NGOs to discuss the matter.
However, the Education Ministry was not prepared to announce the nature of the decision taken for the time being.
"With the examination results providing the rationale for the ministry to decide, I believe the decision made will be in the best interest of the people and our future," he said.
The use of English in the teaching of Mathematics and Science since 2003, which had drawn much controversy, had been disputed lately with questions being asked whether it should be continued or otherwise.
The issue became more intense with academicians and literary figures supporting politicians in voicing their protest against the continuation of the policy. - Bernama
------------------------------------------
From The Star
Riot police fired tear gas into several hundreds of people marching to Istana Negara to protest the use of English in the teaching of Mathematics and Science at 2.40pm Saturday.
But by 3.20pm, the police and Federal Reserve Unit were successful in dispersing the crowd.
However, some of the crowd are said to be regrouping at the mosque.
The march and the subsequent rain has caused massive traffic jams in the city.
The crowd had gathered at Masjid Negara earlier and started to march to the Palace and were close to the Tun Sambanthan building when riot police began shooting tear gas.
Many in the crowd ran away as the scene filled with smoke. The Federal Reserve unit trucks were initially stuck in traffic but caught up with the crowd and also started firing tear gas.
The crowd had planned to submit a memorandum to the King, appealing for the return of the use of Bahasa Malaysia in the teaching of the two subjects.
However, in the midst of the chaos, police escorted Gapena’s Datuk A Samad Said to the Palace gates and he handed the memorandum to someone in the guardhouse.
The police and FRU have thrown a safety perimeter at the Istana gates and are still on standby.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said the group, initially led by Gapena’s Datuk Hassan Ahamd, Datuk A Samad Said and Dr. Shaharil MD Zain, had agreed there would not be gatherings or demonstrations during their discussions with the KL CPO deputy Comm Datuk Wira Mohd Sabtu Osman.
“They agreed to send representatives into the Istana after the Zohor prayers but when political parties like PAS and PKR got involved, it became an illegal gathering and demonstration.
“We had no choice but to use tear gas to disperse the crowd who refused to listen to police warnings,” he said.
Musa said the police control centre in Bukit Aman and the City police were deluged with angry callers as there were massive jams all over the city.
He said he had asked for reinforcements to ensure city dwellers were protected and not inconvenienced by irresponsible political parties.
“I assure the public that stern action will be taken against those involved in organising the demonstrations.
“They are not fighting for democracy but are demo crazy,” he added.
He said city police have identified those involved and police would do the necessary to bring them to book.
-------------------------------------------------------
Najib: Do not reject blindly
By MAZWIN NIK ANIS
PUTRAJAYA: Do not be “overly obsessed” with protecting Bahasa Melayu that we overlook or reject some aspects of foreign civilisations which are good for Malaysia, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“Foreign elements” which helped to enrich knowledge, enhance technology and even the local culture should not be pushed aside, he said.
“One has to be rational in choosing and determining what is good and beneficial and not reject globalisation and changes outright.
“While language reflects a race, the ability to speak, read and write in other languages must not be seen as an erosion of one’s intelligence and identity.
“In Malaysia, knowing another language does not mean Bahasa Melayu will be weak and meaningless,” he said at the International Malay Oratory Competition Finals 2009 last night.
Najib stressed that despite the language being relatively young in terms of terminology in science and technology compared to English, it did not mean Bahasa Melayu has been set aside.
He gave the assurance that the Government will continue to be committed in enhancing the importance of the Malay language.
“We will continue to uphold Bahasa Melayu as the premier language of this country.
“Even though we allow room for the English language to exist in the country’s education system, Bahasa Melayu will continue to be the official language of this system,” he said.
Noting that information technology has allowed Bahasa Melayu to exist in cyberspace and gave others the opportunity to learn it, Najib said language experts should use the k-economy to gain knowledge.
“Malaysia’s role in the Organisation of Islamic Conference and the Non-Aligned Movement must be used to the fullest to introduce Bahasa Melayu to institutions of higher learning of member countries.
“This could be the country’s valuable export as along with the language, comes other knowledge and fields of expertise,” he said.
Beside Syed Hamid, PAS is welcome to copyright the word "Allah". However, “Allah” is an Arabic word for God. And the only people to have the right to ban the usage of the word "Allah" among non-Muslim is the Arab. Not PAS, not Syed Hamid, not UMNO and not JAKIM.
From MalaysianInsider
Pas lawmakers divided over who is allowed to use the word “Allah”
By Adib Zalkapli
KUALA LUMPUR, Mar 5 — The heated debate in Parliament today over the the usage of the word “Allah” showed a division within Pas as some of the Islamist party MPs explicitly supported the use of the word by non-Muslims.
During his winding-up speech for the motion of thanks to the King, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reiterated the government’s stand that the word Allah cannot be used by non-Muslims, citing state enactments and gazetted decrees by Islamic authorities.
The matter was brought up by Sri Gading MP Datuk Mohamad Aziz who said that the use of the word “Allah” by non-Muslims was an attempt to insult Islam.
Kuala Selangor MP Dr Dzulkifli Ahmad of Pas later cited the Quran to show how the word “Allah” was used by the non-Muslims.
He was supported by another Pas lawmaker Shah Alam’s Khalid Samad, who argued that the word “Allah” is Arabic for God.
Zahid then asked the duo whether it was the official stand of the Islamist party, to which Khalid said it was the decision made by the party’s Islamic scholars’ wing.
Baling MP Taib Azamudin, however, disagreed with his party colleagues saying that he was more interested to defend the sanctity of Islam.
“It is illogical to argue based on the language point of view, others cannot use the word ‘Allah’,” said Taib.
In his reply, Zahid said Taib’s stand on the matter is consistent with the government’s.
“What was said by Baling is the stand of the government of Malaysia, it is the stand of Jakim (Islamic Development Department),” said the de facto Islamic Affairs minister.
The use of the word Allah by non-Muslims has been a contentious issue in Malaysia after the Catholic weekly, The Herald, challenged the government’s directive banning the publication from using the word “Allah”.
There will be three by-elections on the same day with Batang Ai going to the polls along with Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau. Nomination for Batang Ai will be on March 29, 2009. The leadership of PRS meanwhile, will announce their candidate for Batang Ai this week (probably on Friday).
UPDATES
* Mar 14, 2009 - Malcolm Mussen Lamoh selected as Batang Ai candidate
Opposition slams 3-in-1 by-elections as the decision to hold three separate by-elections on the same day showed the Election Commission was biased in favour of the government (BN). This sentiment was charged veteran opposition leader Lim Kit Siang. This clearly is an advantage to the BN as the BN has money, media, machinery to handle 3 simultaneous by-elections.
Pakatan Rakyat (PR) alliance will find it tough going in contesting three by-elections at one go. Pakatan’s resources will be stretched by three polls. The Batang Ai election will be a chance for PR to show its relevance in Sarawak, identified earlier as a new front-line state in the alliance’s quest for federal power.
But PR parties do not have strong machineries in the East Malaysian state and will have to rely on national leaders to campaign in the rural ward.
PR party leaders are, however, being kept busy trying to ensure it can defend the two seats it holds in Perak and Kedah.
On the selection of a PR candidate for Batang Ai, Anwar said the party has identified several active personalities.
An interesting article about the usage of the word "Allah". The term ‘Allah’ has been used by Coptic (Arab) Christians long before the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was born. Coptic Christians are part of the wider Roman Catholic church.
Hence it is insulting to Roman Catholics and other major Christian denominations when a later cousin in faith comes along and claims ‘Allah’ - the universal Arabic word for God - as their own.
The term ‘Allah’ is not being used as some secret Trojan horse by Christians to convert Muslims. Let us be clear about that. There is no secret conspiracy or plot to convert Muslims here.
Even the Muslim Arabs doesn't mind non-muslim use the word Allah. If there is any people in this world who want to copyright or ban the usage of the word Allah, it should be the Muslim Arab. Not Malaysian Muslim (who happen to convert to Muslim only a few hundred years ago).
Beza Antara Merebut Nama Allah Dan Mempertahankan Akidah
Isu dalam artikel ini telah ditulis oleh Dr Mohd Asri Bin Zainul Abidin setahun yang lalu. Dicadangkan untuk pembacaan.
Banyak pihak mendesak saya memberikan pandangan tentang penggunaan nama Allah oleh agama lain khususnya agama Kristian di Malaysia ini. Pada awalnya, saya selalu mengelak, cuma memberikan pandangan ringkas dengan berkata: “Isu ini bukan isu nas Islam, ianya lebih bersifat pentadbiran atau tempatan.
Peraturan ini mungkin atas alasan-alasan setempat seperti kenapa sekarang baru ditimbulkan isu ini? Kenapa hanya Bible dalam bahasa melayu sahaja yang hendak menggunakan panggilan Allah, tidak pula edisi inggerisnya? Adakah di sana ada agenda tersembunyi? Maka wujudnya tanda soal dan beberapa prasangka yang mungkin ada asasnya. Maka lahirlah kebimbangan terhadap kesan yang bakal timbul dari isu itu nanti.
Namun, akhir-akhir ini saya terus didesak. Saya kata: jika anda hendak tahu pendirian Islam bukanlah dengan falsafah-falsafah tentang akar bahasa itu dan ini yang diutamakan. Rujuk terdahulu apa kata al-Quran dan al-Sunnah. Lepas itu kita bincang hukum berkenaan bertitik tolak dari kedua sumber tersebut.
Kadang-kala kesilapan kita dalam mempertahankan perkara yang tidak begitu penting, boleh melupakan kita kepada isu yang lebih penting. Isu yang terpenting bagi saya adalah kefahaman mengenai keadilan dan kerahmatan Islam yang mesti sampai kepada setiap rakyat negara ini, muslim atau bukan muslim. Supaya gambaran negatif yang salah terhadap Islam dapat dikikis dari minda mereka yang keliru.
Di samping itu, hendaklah kita jelas bahawa yang membezakan akidah Islam dan selainnya bukanlah pada sebutan, atau rebutan nama Allah, sebaliknya pada ketulusan tauhid dan penafian segala unsur syirik. Di samping, kita mesti bertanya diri kita: mengapakah kita sentiasa merasakan kita akan menjadi pihak yang tewas jika orang lain memanggil tuhan Allah? Mengapakah kita tidak merasakan itu akan lebih memudahkan kita menyampaikan kepada mereka tentang akidah Islam?. Maka, apakah isu ini bertitik tolak dari nas-nas Islam, atau kebimbangan disebabkan kelemahan diri umat Islam itu sendiri?
Jika kita membaca Al-Quran, kita dapati ia menceritakan golongan musyrikin yang menentang Nabi Muhammad s.a.w juga menyebut nama Allah dan al-Quran tidak membantah mereka, bahkan itu dijadikan landasan untuk memasukkan akidah Islam yang sebenar.
Firman Allah: (maksudnya) “Dan Demi sesungguhnya! jika engkau (Wahai Muhammad) bertanya kepada mereka: “Siapakah yang menciptakan mereka?” sudah tentu mereka akan menjawab: “Allah!”. (jika demikian) maka bagaimana mereka rela dipesongkan? Dan (Dia lah Tuhan Yang mengetahui rayuan Nabi Muhammad) yang berkata: Wahai Tuhanku! Sesungguhnya mereka ini adalah satu kaum yang tidak mahu beriman!” (Surah al-Zukhruf ayat 87-88).
Firman Allah dalam ayat yang lain: (maksudnya) “Dan sesungguhnya jika engkau (Wahai Muhammad) bertanya kepada mereka (yang musyrik) itu: “siapakah yang menurunkan hujan dari langit, lalu dia hidupkan dengannya tumbuh-tumbuhan di bumi sesudah matinya?” sudah tentu mereka akan menjawab: “Allah”. Ucapkanlah (Wahai Muhammad): “Alhamdulillah” (sebagai bersyukur disebabkan pengakuan mereka yang demikian), bahkan kebanyakan mereka tidak menggunakan akal (untuk memahami tauhid) (Surah al-Ankabut ayat 63).
Ayat-ayat ini, bahkan ada beberapa yang lain lagi menunjukkan al-Quran tidak membantahkan golongan bukan muslim menyebut Allah sebagai Pencipta Yang Maha Agung. Bahkan Nabi Muhammad s.a.w disuruh untuk mengucapkan kesyukuran kerana mereka mengakui Allah. Apa yang dibantah dalam ayat-ayat ini bukanlah sebutan nama Allah yang mereka lafazkan, sebaliknya ketidak tulusan tauhid yang menyebabkan akidah terhadap Allah itu dipesongkan atau bercampur syirik.
Justeru, soal bukan muslim mengakui Allah tidak dibantah oleh Islam, bahkan kita disuruh bersyukur kerana pengakuan itu. Cuma yang dibantah ialah kesyirikan mereka. Umpamanya, jika kita mendengar bukan muslim menyebut “Allah yang menurunkan hujan, atau menumbuhkan tumbuhan”, maka kita tentu gembira kerana dia mengakui kebesaran Allah.
Apakah patut kita kata kepadanya: awak jangan kata Allah yang menurunkan hujan, atau mencipta itu dan ini, awak tidak boleh kata demikian kerana awak bukan muslim, sebaliknya awak kena kata tokong awak yang menurun hujan”. Apakah ini tindakan yang betul? Tidakkah itu menjauhkan dia dari daerah ketuhanan yang sebenar? Kita sepatutnya berusaha mendekatkan dia kepada ajaran yang benar. Namun, jika dia berkata: “Tokong ini adalah Allah”. Saya kata: “Awak dusta, itu tidak benar! Maha suci Allah dari dakwaan awak”.
Maka, ketika Allah menceritakan peranan peperangan dalam mempertahankan keamanan dan kesejahteraan manusia,
Allah menyebut: (maksudnya) “..dan kalaulah Allah tidak mendorong setengah manusia menentang (pencerobohan) setengah yang lain, nescaya runtuhlah tempat-tempat pertapaan serta gereja-gereja (kaum Nasrani), dan tempat-tempat sembahyang (kaum Yahudi), dan juga masjid-masjid (orang Islam) yang sentiasa disebut nama Allah banyak-banyak dalam semua tempat itu dan sesungguhnya Allah akan menolong sesiapa yang menolong ugamanya (ugama Islam); Sesungguhnya Allah Maha Kuat, lagi Maha Perkasa. (Surah al-Hajj ayat 40).
Ayat ini mengakui tempat-tempat ibadah itu disebut nama Allah. Adapun berhubung dengan orang Kristian,
Allah menyebut: (maksudnya) “Sesungguhnya telah kafirlah mereka yang berkata: “Bahawasanya Allah ialah salah satu dari yang tiga (triniti)”. padahal tiada tuhan (yang berhak disembah) melainkan Tuhan Yang Maha Esa..(Surah al-Maidah ayat 73).Ayat ini tidak membantah mereka menyebut Allah, tetapi yang dibantah adalah dakwaan bahawa Allah adalah satu dari yang tiga.
Justeru itu kita lihat, orang-orang Kristian Arab memang memakai perkataan Allah dalam Bible mereka, juga buku-buku doa mereka. Tiada siapa pun di kalangan para ulama kaum muslimin sejak dahulu yang membantahnya. Jika ada bantahan di Malaysia, saya fikir ini mungkin atas alasan-alasan setempat yang saya sebutkan pada awal tadi. Cuma yang diharapkan, janganlah bantahan itu akhirnya memandulkan dakwah Islam dan menjadikan orang salah faham terhadap agama suci ini.
Saya selalu bertanya sehingga bilakah kita di Malaysia ini akan begitu defensive, tidak memiliki anti-bodi dan tidak mahu berusaha menguatkannya dalam diri? Akhirnya, kita terus bimbang dan takut kepada setiap yang melintas. Padahal itu bukan sifat Islam. Islam agama yang ke hadapan, misi dan intinya sentiasa disebarkan.
Sehingga Allah menyebut: (maksudnya):“Dan jika seseorang dari kalangan musyrikin meminta perlindungan kepadamu, maka berilah perlindungan kepadanya sehingga dia sempat mendengar keterangan-keterangan Allah (tentang hakikat Islam itu), kemudian hantarlah dia ke tempat yang selamat. Demikian itu (perintah tersebut) ialah kerana mereka itu kaum yang tidak mengetahui (hakikat Islam). (Surah al-Taubah ayat 6).Ada orang tertentu yang berkata kepada saya: nanti orang Islam keliru kerana sebutan nama Allah itu sama antara mereka dan Islam. Lalu rosak akidah orang Islam kita nanti. Saya berkata kepadanya: “Jikalaulah sebutan nama tuhan itulah yang menentukan akidah Islam, tentulah golongan musyrikin Mekah tidak memerlukan akidah yang dibawa oleh Nabi s.a.w. Mereka telah sekian lama memanggil tuhan dengan panggilan Allah.
Lihatlah bapa Nabi kita Muhammad bernama ‘Abdullah yang bermaksud hamba Allah. Tentu sekali bapa baginda lahir pada zaman jahiliah sebelum kemunculan baginda sebagai rasul. Nama itu dipilih oleh datuk Abdul Muttalib yang menjadi pemimpin Quraish pada zaman dahulu. Quraish pada zaman jahiliah juga bertawaf dengan menyebut: LabbaikalLahhumma yang bermaksud: Menyahut seruanMu ya Allah!
Al-Imam Muslim dalam sahihnya meriwayatkan hadis mengenai perjanjian Hudaibiah antara Nabi s.a.w dengan Quraish Mekah, seperti berikut:
“Sesungguhnya Quraish membuat perjanjian damai dengan Nabi s.a.w. Antara wakil Quraish ialah Suhail bin ‘Amr. Sabda Nabi s.a.w : barangkali aku boleh tulis Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. Kata Suhail: Adapun Bismillah (dengan nama Allah), maka kami tidak tahu apa itu Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. Maka tulislah apa yang kami tahu iaitu BismikalLahumma (dengan namaMu Ya Allah!)”. Dalam riwayat al-Bukhari, Nabi s.a.w menerima bantahan tersebut. Ternyata mereka menggunakan nama Allah.Maka yang membezakan akidah Islam dan selainnya adalah tauhid yang tulus yang menentang segala unsur syirik. Ketidak jelasan dalam persoalan inilah yang menggugat akidah jenerasi kita. Mereka yang berakidah dengan akidah Islam sangat sensitif kepada sebarang unsur syirk agar tidak menyentuh akidahnya. Bukan semua yang mengakui Allah akan dianggap beriman dengan iman yang sah selagi dia tidak membersihkan diri dari segala unsur syirik.
Lihat, betapa ramai yang memakai serban dan jubah, berzikir sakan tetapi dalam masa yang sama menyembah kubur-kubur tok wali tertentu dengan cara menyeru dan merintih pemohonan darinya. Ini yang dilakukan oleh sesetengah tarekat yang sesat. Apa beza mereka ini dengan yang memanggil nama-nama berhala yang asalnya dari nama orang-orang saleh juga, yang mati pada zaman dahulu.
Firman Allah: (maksudnya) Ingatlah! Untuk Allah agama yang suci bersih (dari segala rupa syirik). dan orang-orang musyrik yang mengambil selain dari Allah untuk menjadi pelindung (sambil berkata): “Kami tidak menyembah mereka melainkan supaya mereka mendekatkan kami kepada Allah sehampir-hampirnya. Sesungguhnya Allah akan menghukum antara mereka tentang apa yang mereka berselisihan padanya. Sesungguhnya Allah tidak memberi hidayah petunjuk kepada orang-orang yang tetap berdusta (mengatakan Yang bukan-bukan), lagi sentiasa kufur (dengan melakukan syirik). (Surah al-Zumar ayat 3).
Di Malaysia kita pun ada yang memakai gelaran agama menentang pengajaran tauhid rububiyyah, uluhiyyah, asma dan sifat. Mereka ini menyimpan agenda musuh-musuh dakwah. Padahal pengajaran tauhid yang sedemikianlah yang mampu menjadikan muslim memahami dengan mudah hakikat tauhid. Mampu membezakan antara; sekadar mempercayai kewujudan Allah dengan mentauhidkan Allah dalam zatNya, ibadah kepadaNya dan sifat-sifatNya.
Persoalan tauhid anti syirik ini begitu mudah dan ringkas untuk memahaminya. Nabi s.a.w telah menyebarkannya dengan begitu pantas dan mudah. Seorang badawi buta huruf yang datang berjumpa baginda mampu memahami hanya dalam beberapa sessi ringkas. Bahkan mampu pulang dan mengislamkan seluruh kaumnya dengan akidah yang teguh. Namun, di kalangan kita, pengajaran akidah yang dinamakan ilmu kalam begitu berfalsafah dan menyusahkan.
Bukan sahaja badwi, orang universiti pun susah nak faham. Sehingga seseorang bukan bertambah iman, tetapi bertambah serabut. Bertahun-tahun masih dalam kesamaran. Diajar Allah ada, lawannya tiada, dengar lawannya pekak, lihat lawannya buta..lalu ditokok tambah dengan falsafah-falsafah dan konsep-konsep yang menyusahkan. Padahal penganut agama lain juga menyatakan tuhan itu ada, melihat, tidak buta, mendengar, tidak pekak dan seterusnya. Apa bezanya jika sekadar memahami perkara tersebut cuma?
Maka anak-anak orang Islam kita gagal memahami hakikat tauhid anti-syirik yang sebenar. Padahal ianya begitu mudah semudah memahami kalimah-kalimah akidah dalam surah al-Ikhlas yang ringkas. Kata Dr Yusuf al-Qaradawi: “Tambahan pula, perbahasan ilmu kalam, sekalipun mendalam dan kepenatan akal untuk memahami dan menguasainya, ia bukannya akidah…Lebih daripada itu perbahasan ilmu kalam telah terpengaruh dengan pemikiran Yunan dan cara Yunan dalam menyelesaikan masalah akidah. Justeru itu imam-imam salaf mengutuk ilmu kalam dan ahlinya serta berkeras terhadap mereka” (Al-Qaradawi, Thaqafah al-Da’iyah, m.s. 92 Beirut: Muassasah al-Risalat). Dahulu kelemahan ini mungkin tidak dirasa, tetapi apabila kita hidup dalam dunia persaingan, kita mula menderitai kesannya.
Jika akidah jenerasi kita jelas, apakah mereka boleh keliru antara ajaran Islam dan Kristian? Adakah mereka tidak tahu beza antara ajaran yang menyebut tuhan bapa, tuhan anak dan ruhul qudus dengan akidah Islam yang anti-syirik, hanya disebabkan adanya sebutan Allah? Begitu jauh sekali perbezaan itu! Bagaimana mungkin sehingga mereka tidak dapat membezakan antara malam dan siang? Apakah juga nanti kita tidak membenarkan pihak lain menyebut nama nabi Ibrahim, Ishak, Ya’kub, Daud dan lain-lain kerana budak-budak kita akan keliru lagi. Akidah apakah yang mereka belajar selama ini di KAFA, JQAF dan berbagai lagi sehingga begitu corot. Kalau begitu, sama ada sukatan itu lemah, atau tenaga pengajarnya perlu dibetulkan.
Maka sebenarnya, isu ini adalah isu kelemahan kita umat Islam dalam memahami akidah yang sebenar. Jenerasi kita tidak mempunyai benteng akidah yang kukuh. Lalu kita semua bimbang mereka keliru dengan akidah orang lain. Untuk mengatasi masalah ini, kita cuba mengambil pendekatan undang-undang. Agar dengan halangan undang-undang, kelemahan akidah generasi kita dapat dipertahankan.
Persoalan yang patut kita fikirkan, sehingga bilakah kita akan mampu terus hidup hanya berbekalkan oksigen dari saluran undang-undang sehingga kita yang majoriti, dengan segala peruntukan yang ada; TV, radio, berbagai-bagai institusi dan agensi yang dilindungi, masih takut kepada gerakan minoriti? Di manakah kehebatan Islam yang selalu kita sebut dan ceritakan sejarah kegemilangannya? Atau sebenarnya, kita tidak memiliki Islam seperti hari ia diturunkan? Maka kempen Islam kita selalu tidak berkesan.
Bagi saya, bukan soal nama Allah itu yang terlalu perlu untuk direbut atau dijadikan agenda besar. Tetapi, gerakan membina semula akidah yang sejahtera dan memahamkan generasi kita wajah Islam yang sebenar agar mampu bersaing dan menghadapi cabaran zaman.
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Malaysia to restore 'Allah' ban for Christians
By EILEEN NG – 1 day ago
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — The Malaysian government will issue a new decree restoring a ban on Christian publications using the word "Allah" to refer to God, officials said Sunday.
Home Affairs Minister Syed Hamid Albar said a previous Feb. 16 decree that allowed Christian publications to use the word as long as they specified the material was not for Muslims was a mistake, the national Bernama news agency reported.
The about-turn came after Islamic groups slammed the government and warned that even conditional use of the word by Christians would anger Muslims, who make up the country's majority.
A senior ministry official confirmed Syed Hamid's comments, saying there were "interpretation mistakes" in the Feb. 16 decree that led to the confusion.
"'Allah' cannot be used for other religions except Islam because it might confuse Muslims. This is the ministry's stand and it hasn't changed," the official, who declined to be named citing protocol, told The Associated Press.
The official said the ministry was likely to issue a new decree to annul the old one and effectively re-impose the ban.
The dispute has become symbolic of increasing religious tensions in Malaysia, where 60 percent of the 27 million people are Muslim Malays. A third of the population is ethnic Chinese and Indian, and many of them practice Christianity.
Malaysia's minorities have often complained that their constitutional right to practice their religions freely has come under threat from the Malay Muslim-dominated government. They cite destruction of Hindu temples and conversion disputes as examples. The government denies any discrimination.
The Herald, the Roman Catholic Church's main newspaper in the country, had filed a legal suit to challenge the government ban on non-Muslims using the word.
The Herald argued that the Arabic word is a common reference for God that predates Islam and has been used for centuries as a translation in Malay.
Rev. Lawrence Andrew, the editor of the Herald, said Sunday the publication had not been notified of the government's change in policy.
"Unfortunately the apparent relief that we imagined we were able to enjoy has been short-lived," he said.
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