There appears to be a debate raging around Mat Sabu.
I really don’t know what it is he said. I was not there and neither have I seen the video recording of what he said. Anyway, while we wait for the jury to come back to rule on whether Mat Sabu was out of line or not, let us deliberate on the definition of patriot and traitor.
NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin
There appears to be a debate raging around Mat Sabu. I really don’t know what it is he said. I was not there and neither have I seen the video recording of what he said. Anyway, while we wait for the jury to come back to rule on whether Mat Sabu was out of line or not, let us deliberate on the definition of patriot and traitor.
George Washington was a traitor. He committed treason. And yet he was also a patriot and they named the capital of the United States of America after him. The only thing is the British were not able to capture him and put him to death. So, fortunate for him, he went on to become the First President of America.
Jose Rizal was a traitor. He committed treason and so they put him to death. And yet he was also a patriot and is now considered the Philippines’ national hero. If you were to smear his name while on a visit to Manila, they would probably have to send your body home in a coffin, if there is anything left of you by the time they finish with you.
Tok Janggut was a traitor. He committed treason. So they killed him and hung his body upside down along the banks of the Kelantan River and left it there to rot. And yet he is also a patriot and the Kelantanese revere his name.
Gandhi was a traitor. He committed treason. The British would have loved to kill him if they dared do so. But they did not dare do so because he was so popular. So the British decided to give India independence and take a slow boat back to England with their tail between their legs.
Joan of Arc was a traitor. She committed treason. So they captured her and burned her alive at the stake. And yet she was also a patriot who rallied the French against the English who had illegally occupied French territory.
Mary Queen of Scots was a traitor. She committed treason. So Queen Elizabeth I arrested her and put her to death. And yet she was a patriot who opposed the Queen’s inquisition where thousands of Catholics were rounded up and burned alive for what the Church of England considered heresy.
Nelson Mandela was a traitor. He committed treason. So the Apartheid government of South Africa jailed him on an island for 27 years while many of his comrades were either jailed together with him or were assassinated by the police. And yet he was a patriot who fought for South Africa and went on to become the first post-Apartheid President of that country.
Yes, I can go on and on and write pages and pages about traitors who committed treason who were also patriots. But I think my point has been made. And that point is one man’s traitor is another man’s patriot.
So, whether you may think that so and so is a traitor or a patriot, that is your point of view. It all depends on what point of time in history you are looking at the event and which side of history you are looking at it.
So, whether Mat Sabu is a traitor or a patriot, that is left to be seen. It depends on who you are and where you stand on the matter. It also depends on at what point in time you are making this judgement.
Moses, Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad were also traitors who committed treason as well as Prophets who guided mankind. Again, it depends on who you are and at what point of time you are judging Moses, Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad.
I take it now you get my point.
Comments (13)
The balloon (GOM's) in Anwar's case has recently deflated ! So now the hunters are out with their hounds after MAT SABU 's head !
SYABAS , MAT SABU ! ..
written by betasigma, August 30, 2011 00:17:44
any right minded individual with a sound brain would not believe in any piece of shit from the umno spinning machine ,utusan!! ..
written by arazak, August 29, 2011 21:14:43
Ex Cop,
I take it from where you left off. . .,
Mat Indra fought the British colonial when he attacked the Bukit Kepong police station. From Mat Indra view, those are servants of the British, i.e., the colonial masters who occupied this country then.
So like what Pete said; some people regraded (such as UMNO goons) those who fought for the British government are "patriots" while those who fought against the British government are "traitors"! Under the same token (referring to the picture on the hanging of Tok Janggut); Tok Janggut must be a "traitor" and the policeman standing next to his corpse must be a "patriot" and a hero! Can those myopic UMNO goons please clarify this?
Note: The Bukit Kepong incident was on 23rd February 1950. Meaning, Malaya is still under the British colonial masters. We are not independent yet!
Readers. . ., you be the judge; Was Mat Indra fighting against the British Colonial Masters or fighting against an Independent country called Malaya? Then you make the call weather he is a "patriot" or a "traitor"? ..
written by Lady Gaga, August 29, 2011 20:13:04
Bamboo man, you are certainly right. Who abides by the law here because we know that UMNO or Najis controls everything. UMNO controls everything includes the local media s etc ... And stoopid unliberal people will think they are right. If you notice, kronis of Najib will always escape the law .... If you are not in the same book as them, they will do what they can to get you join them or make you guilty of a crime you did not commit. I am sure you know about this Uncle Pet... You need to disappear from Malaysia .... So it's clear whose the traitors here .. ..
written by mikewang, August 29, 2011 17:54:22
If you are known to enrich yourself tremendously through corruption when you are in a position of power, you are forever a traitor to the nation and it doesn't depend which point in time you are being looked at. ...
written by antares, August 29, 2011 14:39:17
The real traitors of the citizens of Malaysia are those politicos and the echelons in power who manipulate the truth with blundering lies, authoritarian rules and broad day light abuse of power. Just for one reason that is to remain in power - covering up smelly stinking shit banks, promotion of cronyism, promotion of corrupt practice, denial of citizen’s rights. The real traitors are those who support and empower ISA and the OSA and the rest of the garbage abusive laws against basic human rights in Malaysia.
What Mat Sabu have said is no better than what that stupid moohydin's comments, and for what it is worth no better than what the Chief of MAF alleging that those retired armed forces personnel disclosure of postal rigging are traitors? Or the SPR excuses, forever "technical errors' when discrepancies are pointed out regarding MyKad Midnight Express for BN voting rights!
What the fark - the truth is nothing good enough for the umeno/BeND, except to be suckers for them! The simple truth and for what is worth – it is just another case for that Lembu bodoh moohydin is trying hard to get that extra political mileage - capitalizing just about anything as a preemptive Dacing Senget GE13 campaign. Is this moohydin pulling our legs or without realizing it he is pulling his own balls! ..
written by earthman, August 29, 2011 11:04:56
That is why ,only the truth , absolute truth can set us free. Whether one is a patriot or traitor , if one does not have the truth, one is evil and wicked. One without love for all ,even the enemy is evil and wicked. One who cannot forgive and love is already condemned.
Traitor and patriot are just words by man, but God love the righteous and peace maker. For the peace makers are children of God. That is why we need GOoD . All man of peace loves GOoD , including you atheists. Right? If not you are just an animal. Are you man enough to state that you love goodness and hate evil? For good and GOD are the same and one.
Love yourself and others. ..
written by bambooman, August 29, 2011 10:18:02
In Malaysia,
It is UMNO who made the call.
When UMNO says so and so is a traitor, then that so and so is a traitor, period !
But if UMNO says so and so is a patriot, then that so and so is a hero ! ! !
Just like Ahmad Ismail of Penang UMNO who called non-malays "pendatang" and he is given a heroes welcome wherever he goes ! ! ! !
When UMNO says Rais Yatim did not raped his maid, then the judges will decide that Rais did not commit the crime and then "gave" Rais Yatim a special bonus ! ! !
When UMNO syas Tajuddin Ramli's case should be settled out of court, the all GLCs will dropped their cases and settled out of court with him ! ! ! !
This will be the "definition" applicable in Malaysia's UMNO-land ! ! ! !
That is the perspective that everyone must adopt ! ! ! !
Get the point ? ? ? ?
Still wanna keep UMNO in Putrajaya ? ? ? ? ? ?
Not for meeeee ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ..
written by Admiral Tojo, August 29, 2011 10:02:34
MUSA HASSAN is the true TRAITOR. Time will catch up on him.
Shalom ...
written by usurper, August 29, 2011 09:52:04
A Patriot or Traitor are just words used to describe a person as anti-establishment (one who speaks out against the ruling class such as UMNO). These words are great in in hoodwinking the stupid masses who flow with the powers that be and do not have the time or the intelligence to understand the real reason when someone is called a traitor or patriot. If we are discerning enough then we would be asking whether what one says is true and what was his intentions, motivation etc before we conclude with an opinion of the merits of labeling one as a traitor or a patriot. But in Malaysia, the ruling class is intolerant, arrogant and sitting on a high pedestal of power. Like a friend said,"all fart and no shit". BN, we had enough of your hot, foul odored air that emanates sneakily out of dirty anus. GE13 and vote BN out. ..
written by Ex Cop, August 29, 2011 09:01:59
""Gambar mayat Haji Mat Hassan atau Tok Janggut sedang digantung songsang selepas diarak sekeliling bandar Kota Bharu"
Tatapilah gambar tersebut dan perhatikan ada dua orang yang terdapat didalamnya. Satu gambar mayat Haji Mat Hassan atau Tok Janggut dan satu lagi gambar seorang anggota polis yang di arah menjaga walaupun cuma sudah menjadi mayat.
Saya tersentuh melihat gambar tersebut dan setelah membaca rencana yang ditulis oleh Raja Petra. Jadi yang mana satukah PATRIOT dan yang mana satukah PEMBELOT?
Sudah tentulah hari ini seperti yang kita semua tahu Tok Janggut adalah Patriot yang berjuang menentang penjajah British tanpa sebarang upah pun sehingga nyawanya terkorban.
Yang satu lagi tentulah gambar seorang Pembelot yang dibayar gaji oleh British seperti juga Musa Hassan sewaktu bekerja dalam pasukan polis.
Menurut pengalaman saya yang pernah bekerja dalam jawatan polis, dan saya rasa samalah juga dengan lain lain orang yang sedang atau pernah bertugas dalam jawatan polis,pada waktu mula masuk bekeraj polis tu asal niatnya bukanlah nak mempertaahankan nusa dan bangsa tetapi kerana nak mencari upah dan untuk mendapat sesuap pagi dan petang.
Saya percaya niat masuk menjadi anggota polis dan tentera itu bukanlah nak pertahankan nusa dan bangsa. Bukan bukan bukan dan bukan. Yang utaama adalah kerana ada upah dan gaja dan sebagai mata pencarian.
Sememangnya memang itulah budaya kita orang Melayu. Apatah lagi dalam awal awal sejarah dalam tahun tahun 40an 50an dan 60an memang bidang kerjaya orang Melayu adalah menjadi kakitangan kerajaan sebagai anggota polis,tentera,kastam,imigresyen dan sebagainya. Memang itu pun yang disukai kerana ada pendapatan sampingan "rasuah"
Banyak lagi yang ingin saya ceritakan mengenai kerjaya polis ini tetapi cukuplah setakat ini.Insya Allah akan saya ceritakan di kesempayan akan datang ..
written by educationist, August 29, 2011 04:58:52
Sounds very serious, the allegations against Mat Sabu!!
Can only hope it is not another plot by the UMNOputras to push a wedge between a moderate and reasonable Islamic leader with those extremists elements!! ...
written by durianbesar, August 29, 2011 04:51:58
MUSA HASSAN son of a bitch who needs to get a bullet into his head by his own henchmen or better still traitors from within is a the IGP? Biggest son of a bitch crook in Malaysia about time we C4ed them all in a closed truck and destroy any evidence or DNA as our Malaysian chemistry department's lab is not certified to be ISO 17025 compliant. Hence all have to go to hell
Dr Ismail Aby Jamal
Born in Batu 10, Kg Lubok Bandan, Jementah, Segamat, Johor
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Sodomy is a crime in Malaysia. But then so is oral sex. And if we also arrest and jail all those who indulge in oral sex, then 15 million Malaysians would probably be in jail. Probably all the 222 Members of Parliament will be in jail as well.
Sodomy is a crime in Malaysia. But then so is oral sex. And if we also arrest and jail all those who indulge in oral sex, then 15 million Malaysians would probably be in jail. Probably all the 222 Members of Parliament will be in jail as well.
NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin
When the Malaysian Civil Liberties Society (MCLS) was first mooted seven years ago, it was not about contesting the general elections. It was not about fielding candidates in the elections. In fact, it was not at all about politics. It was about promoting and propagating a civil society -- which can also mean a liberal society.
However, the MCLS did not take off. So, last year, we reactivated it in the form of MCLM. ‘Society’ became ‘Movement’, that is all.
But how prepared and how serious are Malaysians about living in a liberal society? Are we really liberal or do we talk only but still cringe at what we consider the ‘immoral’ lifestyle of the west?
Today (and yesterday), three events are being held in the UK -- in London, Liverpool and Manchester (see the links below).
I suppose the Notting Hill Carnival in London and the Matthew Street Festival in Liverpool would not raise many eyebrows in Malaysia. But what about the Manchester Pride, a celebration of lesbian, bay, bisexual and transgender life? Are Malaysians liberalised enough to tolerate something like that?
We can choose to be liberal or we can remain conservative. And if we wish to remain conservative then it is maybe still too early for civil society movements like the MCLM.
See below the statements by the British Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Opposition Leader. They are not asking the police to arrest and charge these people for sodomy. They openly support the Manchester Gay Pride festival.
Nick Clegg, David Cameron and Ed Miliband are not gay (at least we have not heard any rumours of them being so). But they respect your right to be gay or bisexual. They don’t judge you. They don’t moralise. They don’t ask the police to arrest you and charge you for any ‘crime against the order of nature’.
Today, we are seeing Anwar Ibrahim facing trial for what the government says is his immoral act of sodomy. Is Anwar gay or bisexual? There are some who believe he is. There are many who believe he is not.
But does it matter? We have Prime Ministers of other countries who are openly gay (you know which country I am talking about, right?). Do we find the performance of these Prime Ministers lacking just because they are gay?
Sodomy is a crime in Malaysia. But then so is oral sex. And if we also arrest and jail all those who indulge in oral sex, then 15 million Malaysians would probably be in jail. Probably all the 222 Members of Parliament will be in jail as well.
Someone, somewhere, many, many years ago, decided what is natural sex and what is unnatural sex. And, today, we have to live our lives by these ‘norms’ set by someone, somewhere, many, many years ago, who thought he or she knows best what we should and should not do.
The world has changed. Standards have changed. What may have been unnatural 100 years ago is very natural today.
You don’t have to be gay or bisexual. You don’t have to drink. You don’t have to do anything at all that you may consider as immoral or a violation of your religious beliefs. But who are you to tell me what I can and cannot do?
As long as what I do does not hurt you, then what I do is my problem and not of your concern. And the days of people getting arrested for drinking beer or for having a gay relationship must end. This is what a civil society is all about. And this is what we should be fighting for.
So, is Anwar gay? Who the hell cares! What I do care is: is he a good Opposition Leader? What I do care is: will he make a good Prime Minister?
That is what we should worry about because the future of Malaysia depends on this and not on Anwar’s sexual preference.
Even if Anwar is not gay but he is a poor Opposition Leader and will make a bad Prime Minister, then we must reject him for those reasons and not because he does not meet our ‘sexual guidelines’.
****************************************
The Notting Hill Carnival http://www.thenottinghillcarnival.com/
Matthew Street Festival: http://www.mathewstreetfestival.org/
Manchester Pride: http://www.manchesterpride.com/
****************************************
Pride and Politics
Manchester Pride backed by the leaders of the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties:
Message of Support from Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg
It is with great pleasure that I congratulate Manchester Pride on its 21st anniversary.
Over more than two decades, by celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life, Manchester Pride has supported LGBT individuals and organisations, and promoted equality and diversity. Manchester Pride is to be applauded for its work in raising awareness of the discrimination and difficulties affecting the lives of LGBT people and I would like to sincerely commend all those involved with Manchester Pride on reaching this very special milestone.
Message of Support from Prime Minister, David Cameron:
I would like to wish Manchester Pride a happy 21st birthday, I am sure that this years celebration with its ‘Best of British’ theme and mix of sports, arts, films and parties will be a great success. I also wanted to congratulate everyone who has been involved in growing Manchester Pride over the years; these events don't organise themselves and require a lot of hard work, but they play an important part in the cultural life of our country and you should be proud of what you've achieved.
Events such as Pride are not just about a fun day-out celebrating, they also send an important message and raise awareness of issues, they are a very visible reminder of the need to fight discrimination and support each other, which is why the vigil at the end of the Big Weekend in Sackville Gardens is such a moving tribute*.
The Pride celebrations here in Manchester have been particularly successful in raising money for LGBT and HIV charities across the region, since 2003 nearly £900,000 has been raised which is a terrific achievement.
So I hope you all have a great and safe time at Manchester Pride and it goes from strength to strength in the years ahead.
Message of Support from Labour Party Leader, Ed Miliband:
I want to convey my best wishes to everyone taking part in Manchester Pride. I enjoyed taking part in the parade last year and showing my support for equality. The popularity of event shows just how far we have come in recent years in the campaign for equality from tackling hate crimes through to civil partnerships.
I am proud of the progress we made towards LGBT equality over the last decade, but there is still more to do. The introduction of civil partnerships was one of the most significant changes that Labour brought in, but now it is right to look at extending marriage equality for those who want it. From the treatment of LGBT asylum seekers through to homophobic bullying, there is still a march of progress ahead and we are with you on it.
Comments (20).
written by ak_malaysia, August 31, 2011 16:55:22
Everyone knows UNMNO/BN are composed of a bunch of hypocrites, liars and prudes!
They will use Islam to ensure their political survival and yet in private life they are unfaithful to Allah.
They will ban sodomy and drinking for the rakyat but not in their own private lives.
Corruption, abuse of power, injustice, lying are not against Islam but sodomy and drinking must be stopped!
It is clear that there are two sets of standards. It is clear that UMNO/BN invariably double talk to confuse and deceive, UMNO/BN propogate lies and untruths to always cause alarm and racial friction aiming at self-preservance.
Anything is ok: race, religion and even invoking the Sultan's name. In fact, UMNO/BN had been very disrespectful to the Sultans, chipping away at their powers etc. Everyone knows UNMO/BN are hypocrites and fear mongers and will do anything to stay in power cos everything comes easy with political power.
Small wonder then that they will "nuke" Anwar (as Razak Baginda syas to Wikileaks) but do nothing to the likes of pornstars CSL, Datuk T and big time crooks like Khir Toyo, Tajuddin but will destroy good men like Dato Rambli Yusoff, Lawyer Rosli and indeed anyone who doesn't play along with them to rape, rob and impoverish our country and the rakyat.
We should UNANIMOUSLY AND WITH ONE VOICE vote out UMNO/BN come this forth-coming elections. And Sabahans and Sarawakians should kick out the BN MPs who are helping to perpetuate a corrupt and abusive regime!
Fortunately, we have, increasingly, brave men and women of all races working to change the government. Happily we have in our midst righteous, tolerant and understanding muslim personalities in people like Ex Perak Mufti, PAS leaders, bloggers like Haris Ibrahim, RPK, Mariam Moktar etc from near and far who cannot stomach the rotting situation in our beloved country. ...
written by Revolution, August 30, 2011 22:58:30
Lynn ,
It is Cunnilingus . .
written by albert zacharias, August 30, 2011 14:03:04
All the Dogs in the street, house, Parliment, public companies also practised oral sex. I know of I CEO practising with his assistant right in his office. Need I disclose his name kah??? ...
written by Lady Gaga, August 30, 2011 11:02:10
If they were going to persecute everyone that has indulged in oral sex, I am sure all married people as well as all the ministers will be charged. So damn funny laaaa Malaysian government. Petty things they are very into it but unsolved cases in court without justice left. ..
written by lynn, August 30, 2011 01:26:28
"Sodomy is a crime in Malaysia. But then so is oral sex. And if we also arrest and jail all those who indulge in oral sex, then 15 million Malaysians would probably be in jail. Probably all the 222 Members of Parliament will be in jail as well."
First your 15 million included all of us here - ha ha ha - what if some of us are celibate, jesus christ! Looks like everyone gives blowjobs & receives cunninglingus! Yechts! ...
written by Motherchell, August 29, 2011 23:34:55
"""""'''Are we really liberal or do we talk only.?????????????.............
We are not a liberal society but Uputras are !!!!!! They not only enjoy oral sex but give speeches as they enjoy it thinking they are in front of a microphone!!!! It also depends on the moment of their choices!!! ..
written by Revolution, August 29, 2011 23:14:38
Hypocrisy is the problem number one in Malaysia ... Because rules are completely outdated ...
Almost every young malay drink,smoke during puasah but in the toilets or at home ... We all know this ... ...
written by Bangkok Warrior, August 29, 2011 22:57:45
If Anwar is still convicted despite the DNA evidence and sperm evidence bring pristine after 56 hours then we can safely say there are hidden hands working in the episode.If the forensic lab is not accredited because it has complied with international guidelines then judge should accept the findings of the so call experts from the lab.There is a major flaw.From what it appears the DNA had been totally demolished.The world is watching.
written by lakian, August 29, 2011 22:22:13
CSL was oral sex and adultery on porn tube,nothing happened to him.he is the present president of MCA.suppose Anwar and saiful were named ali and ah kau respectively,what would be the storey now?could ah kau went to see najib and rosmah?so access to then IGP musa hassan and others in the top range?it is impossible or hard to believe people like anwar once DPM and struggling for the top one time jailed for sodomy,should he acted in such idiotive maner.so also the dato "T" sex scandal. ..
written by arazak, August 29, 2011 21:37:41
UMNO goons think that being gay is more serious crime than taking bribes. Hell. . ., maybe they thought taking bribes is not a crime at all! ...
written by Admiral Tojo, August 29, 2011 21:06:37
Being LIBERAL is not about being carefree. IT IS ABOUT NOT BEING A HYPOCRITE - MUNAFEQ. The QURAN asked of us to be righteous (not religious) and liberal. It is about thinking WITHOUT A BOX.
Many who do not read are ignorant of this.
Shalom
written by onnetline, August 29, 2011 20:35:09
Which stone age moron(s) suggested or helped implemented ' oral sex ' as in violation of law ? Obviously, there are a lot of our BN politicians who are suffering from EDS and jealous of the sexually active and ' performing ' Malaysians ! ..
written by bambooman, August 29, 2011 19:41:53
No! No! Rais Yatim don't do oral! Rais Yatim only raped his maid and "seek" money from the Malaysian Judiciary! And that is "confidence" from a Malaysian politicians! ...
written by Don Corleone, August 29, 2011 18:41:16
What about the MCA porn king ? Why wasn't he charged following his own admission ? ..
written by doggone, August 29, 2011 18:27:45
Like a man who kisses his pet cat so must a tongue, its petpet. ..
written by Littlebird, August 29, 2011 18:24:28
Not all the 222 MPs. It is only an offense for the males. the females an still enjoy it getting. ...
written by educationist, August 29, 2011 18:22:10
Trust RPK to force the issue, no niceties - yes if one is not ready for this :
"As long as what I do does not hurt you, then what I do is my problem and not of your concern:"
then one is still a bit not ready for a liberal society!!
Yet, I believe civil liberties can transcend the sexual preferences RPK has used as a yardstick.
The civil liberties of inter alia free speech, freedom to voice our opposition in the form of peaceful demonstrations and freedom to profess the religion of our choice should be worthy objectives in themselves!! ...
written by Awang Hitam, August 29, 2011 17:51:00
Ahem! 222 MP and 2 Speakers! & Taihi Mahmoood who always complained of Neck Pain and Swollen Tongue ..
written by mikewang, August 29, 2011 17:24:34
What has oral sex got to do with a liberal society?
This sex act has been enjoyed by humanity of all ages and at all times since the invention of soap. ..
written by malsia1206, August 29, 2011 17:13:39
Put it this way -
1. our IGP has never in his possession a porno DVD
2. none of our Muslim MPs ever have a glass of alcohol or beer or punt in 4D
3. the AG is ever so faithful and never commit adultery
4. none of our Judges is infallible
5. the PM never engage in oral sex
6. Mamak PM was outright pure during the Asian financial crisis in the 90's
7. Badawi PM never get any favour for himself or members of his family
8. Perak Royalty was absolutely independent in handling the Perak crisis
If these hold true, Malaysia is now right up there in Heaven.
NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin
When the Malaysian Civil Liberties Society (MCLS) was first mooted seven years ago, it was not about contesting the general elections. It was not about fielding candidates in the elections. In fact, it was not at all about politics. It was about promoting and propagating a civil society -- which can also mean a liberal society.
However, the MCLS did not take off. So, last year, we reactivated it in the form of MCLM. ‘Society’ became ‘Movement’, that is all.
But how prepared and how serious are Malaysians about living in a liberal society? Are we really liberal or do we talk only but still cringe at what we consider the ‘immoral’ lifestyle of the west?
Today (and yesterday), three events are being held in the UK -- in London, Liverpool and Manchester (see the links below).
I suppose the Notting Hill Carnival in London and the Matthew Street Festival in Liverpool would not raise many eyebrows in Malaysia. But what about the Manchester Pride, a celebration of lesbian, bay, bisexual and transgender life? Are Malaysians liberalised enough to tolerate something like that?
We can choose to be liberal or we can remain conservative. And if we wish to remain conservative then it is maybe still too early for civil society movements like the MCLM.
See below the statements by the British Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Opposition Leader. They are not asking the police to arrest and charge these people for sodomy. They openly support the Manchester Gay Pride festival.
Nick Clegg, David Cameron and Ed Miliband are not gay (at least we have not heard any rumours of them being so). But they respect your right to be gay or bisexual. They don’t judge you. They don’t moralise. They don’t ask the police to arrest you and charge you for any ‘crime against the order of nature’.
Today, we are seeing Anwar Ibrahim facing trial for what the government says is his immoral act of sodomy. Is Anwar gay or bisexual? There are some who believe he is. There are many who believe he is not.
But does it matter? We have Prime Ministers of other countries who are openly gay (you know which country I am talking about, right?). Do we find the performance of these Prime Ministers lacking just because they are gay?
Sodomy is a crime in Malaysia. But then so is oral sex. And if we also arrest and jail all those who indulge in oral sex, then 15 million Malaysians would probably be in jail. Probably all the 222 Members of Parliament will be in jail as well.
Someone, somewhere, many, many years ago, decided what is natural sex and what is unnatural sex. And, today, we have to live our lives by these ‘norms’ set by someone, somewhere, many, many years ago, who thought he or she knows best what we should and should not do.
The world has changed. Standards have changed. What may have been unnatural 100 years ago is very natural today.
You don’t have to be gay or bisexual. You don’t have to drink. You don’t have to do anything at all that you may consider as immoral or a violation of your religious beliefs. But who are you to tell me what I can and cannot do?
As long as what I do does not hurt you, then what I do is my problem and not of your concern. And the days of people getting arrested for drinking beer or for having a gay relationship must end. This is what a civil society is all about. And this is what we should be fighting for.
So, is Anwar gay? Who the hell cares! What I do care is: is he a good Opposition Leader? What I do care is: will he make a good Prime Minister?
That is what we should worry about because the future of Malaysia depends on this and not on Anwar’s sexual preference.
Even if Anwar is not gay but he is a poor Opposition Leader and will make a bad Prime Minister, then we must reject him for those reasons and not because he does not meet our ‘sexual guidelines’.
****************************************
The Notting Hill Carnival http://www.thenottinghillcarnival.com/
Matthew Street Festival: http://www.mathewstreetfestival.org/
Manchester Pride: http://www.manchesterpride.com/
****************************************
Pride and Politics
Manchester Pride backed by the leaders of the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties:
Message of Support from Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg
It is with great pleasure that I congratulate Manchester Pride on its 21st anniversary.
Over more than two decades, by celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life, Manchester Pride has supported LGBT individuals and organisations, and promoted equality and diversity. Manchester Pride is to be applauded for its work in raising awareness of the discrimination and difficulties affecting the lives of LGBT people and I would like to sincerely commend all those involved with Manchester Pride on reaching this very special milestone.
Message of Support from Prime Minister, David Cameron:
I would like to wish Manchester Pride a happy 21st birthday, I am sure that this years celebration with its ‘Best of British’ theme and mix of sports, arts, films and parties will be a great success. I also wanted to congratulate everyone who has been involved in growing Manchester Pride over the years; these events don't organise themselves and require a lot of hard work, but they play an important part in the cultural life of our country and you should be proud of what you've achieved.
Events such as Pride are not just about a fun day-out celebrating, they also send an important message and raise awareness of issues, they are a very visible reminder of the need to fight discrimination and support each other, which is why the vigil at the end of the Big Weekend in Sackville Gardens is such a moving tribute*.
The Pride celebrations here in Manchester have been particularly successful in raising money for LGBT and HIV charities across the region, since 2003 nearly £900,000 has been raised which is a terrific achievement.
So I hope you all have a great and safe time at Manchester Pride and it goes from strength to strength in the years ahead.
Message of Support from Labour Party Leader, Ed Miliband:
I want to convey my best wishes to everyone taking part in Manchester Pride. I enjoyed taking part in the parade last year and showing my support for equality. The popularity of event shows just how far we have come in recent years in the campaign for equality from tackling hate crimes through to civil partnerships.
I am proud of the progress we made towards LGBT equality over the last decade, but there is still more to do. The introduction of civil partnerships was one of the most significant changes that Labour brought in, but now it is right to look at extending marriage equality for those who want it. From the treatment of LGBT asylum seekers through to homophobic bullying, there is still a march of progress ahead and we are with you on it.
Comments (20).
written by ak_malaysia, August 31, 2011 16:55:22
Everyone knows UNMNO/BN are composed of a bunch of hypocrites, liars and prudes!
They will use Islam to ensure their political survival and yet in private life they are unfaithful to Allah.
They will ban sodomy and drinking for the rakyat but not in their own private lives.
Corruption, abuse of power, injustice, lying are not against Islam but sodomy and drinking must be stopped!
It is clear that there are two sets of standards. It is clear that UMNO/BN invariably double talk to confuse and deceive, UMNO/BN propogate lies and untruths to always cause alarm and racial friction aiming at self-preservance.
Anything is ok: race, religion and even invoking the Sultan's name. In fact, UMNO/BN had been very disrespectful to the Sultans, chipping away at their powers etc. Everyone knows UNMO/BN are hypocrites and fear mongers and will do anything to stay in power cos everything comes easy with political power.
Small wonder then that they will "nuke" Anwar (as Razak Baginda syas to Wikileaks) but do nothing to the likes of pornstars CSL, Datuk T and big time crooks like Khir Toyo, Tajuddin but will destroy good men like Dato Rambli Yusoff, Lawyer Rosli and indeed anyone who doesn't play along with them to rape, rob and impoverish our country and the rakyat.
We should UNANIMOUSLY AND WITH ONE VOICE vote out UMNO/BN come this forth-coming elections. And Sabahans and Sarawakians should kick out the BN MPs who are helping to perpetuate a corrupt and abusive regime!
Fortunately, we have, increasingly, brave men and women of all races working to change the government. Happily we have in our midst righteous, tolerant and understanding muslim personalities in people like Ex Perak Mufti, PAS leaders, bloggers like Haris Ibrahim, RPK, Mariam Moktar etc from near and far who cannot stomach the rotting situation in our beloved country. ...
written by Revolution, August 30, 2011 22:58:30
Lynn ,
It is Cunnilingus . .
written by albert zacharias, August 30, 2011 14:03:04
All the Dogs in the street, house, Parliment, public companies also practised oral sex. I know of I CEO practising with his assistant right in his office. Need I disclose his name kah??? ...
written by Lady Gaga, August 30, 2011 11:02:10
If they were going to persecute everyone that has indulged in oral sex, I am sure all married people as well as all the ministers will be charged. So damn funny laaaa Malaysian government. Petty things they are very into it but unsolved cases in court without justice left. ..
written by lynn, August 30, 2011 01:26:28
"Sodomy is a crime in Malaysia. But then so is oral sex. And if we also arrest and jail all those who indulge in oral sex, then 15 million Malaysians would probably be in jail. Probably all the 222 Members of Parliament will be in jail as well."
First your 15 million included all of us here - ha ha ha - what if some of us are celibate, jesus christ! Looks like everyone gives blowjobs & receives cunninglingus! Yechts! ...
written by Motherchell, August 29, 2011 23:34:55
"""""'''Are we really liberal or do we talk only.?????????????.............
We are not a liberal society but Uputras are !!!!!! They not only enjoy oral sex but give speeches as they enjoy it thinking they are in front of a microphone!!!! It also depends on the moment of their choices!!! ..
written by Revolution, August 29, 2011 23:14:38
Hypocrisy is the problem number one in Malaysia ... Because rules are completely outdated ...
Almost every young malay drink,smoke during puasah but in the toilets or at home ... We all know this ... ...
written by Bangkok Warrior, August 29, 2011 22:57:45
If Anwar is still convicted despite the DNA evidence and sperm evidence bring pristine after 56 hours then we can safely say there are hidden hands working in the episode.If the forensic lab is not accredited because it has complied with international guidelines then judge should accept the findings of the so call experts from the lab.There is a major flaw.From what it appears the DNA had been totally demolished.The world is watching.
written by lakian, August 29, 2011 22:22:13
CSL was oral sex and adultery on porn tube,nothing happened to him.he is the present president of MCA.suppose Anwar and saiful were named ali and ah kau respectively,what would be the storey now?could ah kau went to see najib and rosmah?so access to then IGP musa hassan and others in the top range?it is impossible or hard to believe people like anwar once DPM and struggling for the top one time jailed for sodomy,should he acted in such idiotive maner.so also the dato "T" sex scandal. ..
written by arazak, August 29, 2011 21:37:41
UMNO goons think that being gay is more serious crime than taking bribes. Hell. . ., maybe they thought taking bribes is not a crime at all! ...
written by Admiral Tojo, August 29, 2011 21:06:37
Being LIBERAL is not about being carefree. IT IS ABOUT NOT BEING A HYPOCRITE - MUNAFEQ. The QURAN asked of us to be righteous (not religious) and liberal. It is about thinking WITHOUT A BOX.
Many who do not read are ignorant of this.
Shalom
written by onnetline, August 29, 2011 20:35:09
Which stone age moron(s) suggested or helped implemented ' oral sex ' as in violation of law ? Obviously, there are a lot of our BN politicians who are suffering from EDS and jealous of the sexually active and ' performing ' Malaysians ! ..
written by bambooman, August 29, 2011 19:41:53
No! No! Rais Yatim don't do oral! Rais Yatim only raped his maid and "seek" money from the Malaysian Judiciary! And that is "confidence" from a Malaysian politicians! ...
written by Don Corleone, August 29, 2011 18:41:16
What about the MCA porn king ? Why wasn't he charged following his own admission ? ..
written by doggone, August 29, 2011 18:27:45
Like a man who kisses his pet cat so must a tongue, its petpet. ..
written by Littlebird, August 29, 2011 18:24:28
Not all the 222 MPs. It is only an offense for the males. the females an still enjoy it getting. ...
written by educationist, August 29, 2011 18:22:10
Trust RPK to force the issue, no niceties - yes if one is not ready for this :
"As long as what I do does not hurt you, then what I do is my problem and not of your concern:"
then one is still a bit not ready for a liberal society!!
Yet, I believe civil liberties can transcend the sexual preferences RPK has used as a yardstick.
The civil liberties of inter alia free speech, freedom to voice our opposition in the form of peaceful demonstrations and freedom to profess the religion of our choice should be worthy objectives in themselves!! ...
written by Awang Hitam, August 29, 2011 17:51:00
Ahem! 222 MP and 2 Speakers! & Taihi Mahmoood who always complained of Neck Pain and Swollen Tongue ..
written by mikewang, August 29, 2011 17:24:34
What has oral sex got to do with a liberal society?
This sex act has been enjoyed by humanity of all ages and at all times since the invention of soap. ..
written by malsia1206, August 29, 2011 17:13:39
Put it this way -
1. our IGP has never in his possession a porno DVD
2. none of our Muslim MPs ever have a glass of alcohol or beer or punt in 4D
3. the AG is ever so faithful and never commit adultery
4. none of our Judges is infallible
5. the PM never engage in oral sex
6. Mamak PM was outright pure during the Asian financial crisis in the 90's
7. Badawi PM never get any favour for himself or members of his family
8. Perak Royalty was absolutely independent in handling the Perak crisis
If these hold true, Malaysia is now right up there in Heaven.
Actually, the Umno people were not the only ones who made Malaysia into what it is today. Many non-Umno people also contributed. In fact, they led the struggle for Merdeka. They were at the frontline of the fight for Merdeka.
I have a legitimate right to say my piece and comment on what is wrong with Malaysia. After all, my grandfather was one of the founding fathers of an independent Malaya. Malaysia would not be what it is today if not for my family as well. And if Malaysia has deviated from what the founding fathers had planned for the country, then it is my duty to speak up and oppose this deviation.
THE CORRIDORS OF POWER
Raja Petra Kamarudin
PM: Don’t forget sacrifices of past leaders
Their sacrifices in freeing Malaysia from the colonialists must be remembered, says Najib.
(Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak today reminded the people not to forget the sacrifices of past leaders in freeing Malaysia from the colonialists.
He said that while Muslims were celebrating Aidilfitri, which entered its second day today, they should never forget the achievements of leaders who won the nation its independence.
“In the joy of Aidilfitri, I hope we do not forget the struggles of our forefathers in fighting for the country’s independence. Happy 54th Merdeka Day,” he said in a Twitter feed.
This year’s National Day, carrying the slogan “1Malaysia: Successful Transformation, Prosperous People”, is slightly different in that it will be celebrated simultaneously with Malaysia Day on Sept 16.
Yesterday, at the Aidilfitri open house of the prime minister and cabinet ministers at Seri Perdana in Putrajaya, Najib cut a cake in a symbolic gesture to mark National Day.
***************************************
Najib Tun Razak and the Umno leaders always talk about how Umno ‘struggled’ and ‘sacrificed’ to gain independence for Malaysia. On this day, Merdeka Day, they want us to remember those people who sacrificed and struggled for their country.
Actually, the Umno people were not the only ones who made Malaysia into what it is today. Many non-Umno people also contributed. In fact, they led the struggle for Merdeka. They were at the frontline of the fight for Merdeka.
My grandfather, Raja Sir Tun Uda, was one such man of many.
I have a legitimate right to say my piece and comment on what is wrong with Malaysia. After all, my grandfather was one of the founding fathers of an independent Malaya. Malaysia would not be what it is today if not for my family as well. And if Malaysia has deviated from what the founding fathers had planned for the country, then it is my duty to speak up and oppose this deviation.
I am not a treasonous Malaysian, as what Umno accuses me to be. I am a loyal Malaysian, maybe even a patriot. I am just continuing the tradition established by my family in ensuring that Malaysia remains a just country that respects the equality and freedom of its citizens.
***************************************
This is what Wikipedia said about Raja Sir Tun Uda:
Raja Uda was a member of the Selangor royal family, being a distant cousin of Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah and a direct descendant of the first Sultan of Selangor. He married Sultan Hisamuddin's sister, Tengku Badariah binti Sultan Alaeddin Sulaiman Shah.
Raja Uda joined the colonial government service in 1910 at age 16. In 1939, he was appointed the Secretary to the British Resident of Selangor. He was Menteri Besar of Selangor twice, from 1949 to 1953, and again from 1954 to 1955. In between, Raja Uda served as Malayan High Commissioner in the United Kingdom.
Raja Uda was involved in negotiations with the British to establish the Member System (see note 1 below) in the 1950s.
In 1951, Raja Uda was appointed a CMG and appointed a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1953, entitling him to the style "Sir," since the Federation of Malaya was then a realm of the British Empire. Following the first ever general election in 1955, Raja Uda was appointed Speaker of the Federal Legislative Council (see note 2 below).
On August 31, 1957, the day of independence, Raja Uda was appointed the first Governor of the state of Penang and served for ten years.
The Federal Legislative Council (also known simply as the Legislative Council) was the legislative body of the Federation of Malaya and the predecessor of the Malaysian Parliament. It was formed in 1948 after the abolition of the Malayan Union and the formation of the Federation, as part of the United Kingdom's promise to grant self-rule to the Malayans. The council convened in Kuala Lumpur.
The council was composed of representatives from the Malay, the Chinese and the Indian communities. Initially, all representatives were appointed by the British High Commissioner for Malaya.
In 1955, a general election was held for the first time. 52 seats were contested, with the majority party earning the right to appoint seven more. In the election, the Alliance Party contested all 52 seats and won 51, while the Pan-Malayan Islamic Party won the remaining seat.
NOTES:
(1) The Member System, modeled on the cabinet system, was created by British authorities in Malaysia to provide self-governance. Like the Communities Liaison Committee, it drew on members of different communities, and was later described as setting a precedent for the power-sharing multiracial Malayan and Malaysian cabinets post-independence.
(2) The Federal Legislative Council passed the Malayan Constitution (later, the Malaysian Constitution) on August 15, 1957. Malaya gained independence on August 31, 1957.
Raja Sir Tun Uda was the Menteri Besar of Selangor from 1949 to 1953 and again from 1954 to 1955. In between that he was the Malayan High Commissioner to the UK. He was never an Umno member (or even a politician) and his appointment as MB was not a political appointment.
Raja Sir Tun Uda, the First Governor of Penang, and his family (my uncles and aunty).
Comments (15)..
written by Oscar Winner, September 01, 2011 00:50:13
As long as UMNO is still around to rule, they will sing praises about UMNO’s struggle for this, UMNO’s struggle for that, and to include all these in history books to mislead the rakyat and therefore hope the simpletons will vote UMNO till eternity. Let’s ensure PR win 13th GE, and then the new PR govt must take out all untruths in the history books, put back the truths for eg. about RPK’s forefathers' contributions and the true figures who fought for independence. There must be new facts to be included in history books, such as how corrupt Tun Mamak and UMNO scumbags have plundered, how Moohidin the lembu DPM identified himself as malay 1st, how racists Ibrahim Ali and perkasa tried to stir racial tension, how Krismuddin and Najis raised the kris, why Atlantuya was murdered, how the shameless Fat Mama created a title known as FLOM, and how the country was almost destroyed by all these goons, until PR changes everything to bring hope to all rakyat ...
written by bengali kunday, August 31, 2011 23:25:14
YM RPK, The moment you mentioned 'State Constitution of Selangor', you have answered my question.
Have a good day. ..
written by syd, August 31, 2011 23:14:44
i am waiting for rpk to initiate a post independence resurrection.
to free the country from umno colonialist.
to free the malays from narrow mindedness and to liberate them in terms of beliefs.
i cannot garner broad support from the population as rpk as my family has no track record to speak of, nor conferred any title by the british.
anwar is not qualified to rule the country. he is just another umno remnant.
what has happened to mclm? it has not come out to state its stand on many issues. ..
written by earthman, August 31, 2011 22:56:04
And don't forget those who prepares the meals and those who washes the dishes for those who negotiate for Merdeka. In Fact all have contributed to Malaysia's independence. When we can remember and care for all as important partners for a better Malaysia, we will have come a long way. If not its just all boasting and nothing more. ..
written by justice6, August 31, 2011 22:17:31
during the world war 2 Chin Peng and gang also contributed but our govt often tell what they did after world war not during they too help in other words not that we support their ideology. It's umno who wish to re write the actual history where were umno during Japanese occupation of Malaya when the Jap raped and killed many Malaysian maybe those who worked with the Jap are now umno people we should remember and appreciate those who fought and died during world war not only those who fought for Merdeka without them, many would not live to fight for Merdeka ..
written by Super Admin, August 31, 2011 21:18:41
Dear bengali kunday, first of all, your posting shows your lack of protocol. You should not address me as Mr RPK. If you DO wish to be formal, then drop the Mister. It should be YM.
Now, with regards to your question, Penang is maybe 40% or so Malay. But Penang has never had 40% Malay Chief Minister. Is this a problem? it is not a problem to me.
Finally, have you read the State Constitution of Selangor? If so, please quote me the section on the MB. If not, then go read it first then come back to discuss the matter.
RPK ...
written by educationist, August 31, 2011 21:18:01
"Prime Minister... today reminded the people not to forget the sacrifices of past leaders in freeing Malaysia from the colonialists." - another cakap tak sama bikin statement!!
He meant for the rakyat to remember only UMNOputra leaders!! ...
written by bengali kunday, August 31, 2011 20:33:10
This question is for RPK.
Mr RPK, if I remember correctly the Chinese and the Indian 'used to' (might still do) make up 50% of the Selangor population. On law of averages, in the long run, I expected 50% of mentri besar to be from these ethnic minorities.
Not from the list you published. Can you explain ? ...
written by albert zacharias, August 31, 2011 20:29:56
My family stayed in Kampong Raja Uda, Port Klang for over 100 years. God bless Raja Sir Tun Uda. Long live his anak cucu cicit and all his decendants. Amen .
written by Angela Ooi, August 31, 2011 20:22:50
It's good of RPK to speak up on behalf of his g'daddy's contributions. Current dUMNO Leaders will have those simple Mat/Minahs brainwashed into thinking dUMNO were the ONLY patriots who gained independence for Malaya. ...
written by Eskay345, August 31, 2011 20:16:43
It's been very confusing to the surviving older generation still living in this country as far as REAL history of Malaysia is concerned because it has been written and rewritten by Umnoputras to suit the Malay agenda.
I used to study and read about the famous heroes, Hang Tuah and his Hang brothers in the history of the early Malacca Sultanate. And then suddenly they disappeared as if they didn't existed.
written by malsia1206, August 31, 2011 19:52:00
Why do we still have to place so much emphasis on who or whom contributed what on the formation of Malaysia? Or what role we played in Merdeka in 1957?
What's all the point when, after 54 years (and 48 years for Sabah and Sarawak) there's still some radicals and extremeists out there who still question the role of the non-Malays on this aspect? Or that they are 'squatters' and their birth rights being questioned?
If these scrupulous politicians want to make themselves heroes in the eyes of their own community, that's fine with me. But do not try to do so at the expense of the other Malaysian communities.
When we can have a Deputy PM who can say he's Malay first than anything else, then all this talk about a Nation called Malaysia or being proud to be a Malaysian rings emptiness and make the topic meaningless. .
written by Up Yours!, August 31, 2011 19:48:12
and don't forget about those who fought against Japanese colonialism, but of course they have been re-classified as 'traitors'. .
written by Admiral Tojo, August 31, 2011 19:44:46
Si Najib ni tak tahu malu. In fact the fight for Independence started way even before UMNO was formed. Please read Hishamudin Rais's blog to find out.
YES I remember the fight for true independence, sadly to say UMNO is conspicously missing in my memory.
Shalom .
written by Beezee_Beezee, August 31, 2011 19:22:36
This is to say. UMNO merely "LEMBU PUNYA SUSU SAPI PUNYA NAMA".
THE CORRIDORS OF POWER
Raja Petra Kamarudin
PM: Don’t forget sacrifices of past leaders
Their sacrifices in freeing Malaysia from the colonialists must be remembered, says Najib.
(Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak today reminded the people not to forget the sacrifices of past leaders in freeing Malaysia from the colonialists.
He said that while Muslims were celebrating Aidilfitri, which entered its second day today, they should never forget the achievements of leaders who won the nation its independence.
“In the joy of Aidilfitri, I hope we do not forget the struggles of our forefathers in fighting for the country’s independence. Happy 54th Merdeka Day,” he said in a Twitter feed.
This year’s National Day, carrying the slogan “1Malaysia: Successful Transformation, Prosperous People”, is slightly different in that it will be celebrated simultaneously with Malaysia Day on Sept 16.
Yesterday, at the Aidilfitri open house of the prime minister and cabinet ministers at Seri Perdana in Putrajaya, Najib cut a cake in a symbolic gesture to mark National Day.
***************************************
Najib Tun Razak and the Umno leaders always talk about how Umno ‘struggled’ and ‘sacrificed’ to gain independence for Malaysia. On this day, Merdeka Day, they want us to remember those people who sacrificed and struggled for their country.
Actually, the Umno people were not the only ones who made Malaysia into what it is today. Many non-Umno people also contributed. In fact, they led the struggle for Merdeka. They were at the frontline of the fight for Merdeka.
My grandfather, Raja Sir Tun Uda, was one such man of many.
I have a legitimate right to say my piece and comment on what is wrong with Malaysia. After all, my grandfather was one of the founding fathers of an independent Malaya. Malaysia would not be what it is today if not for my family as well. And if Malaysia has deviated from what the founding fathers had planned for the country, then it is my duty to speak up and oppose this deviation.
I am not a treasonous Malaysian, as what Umno accuses me to be. I am a loyal Malaysian, maybe even a patriot. I am just continuing the tradition established by my family in ensuring that Malaysia remains a just country that respects the equality and freedom of its citizens.
***************************************
This is what Wikipedia said about Raja Sir Tun Uda:
Raja Uda was a member of the Selangor royal family, being a distant cousin of Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah and a direct descendant of the first Sultan of Selangor. He married Sultan Hisamuddin's sister, Tengku Badariah binti Sultan Alaeddin Sulaiman Shah.
Raja Uda joined the colonial government service in 1910 at age 16. In 1939, he was appointed the Secretary to the British Resident of Selangor. He was Menteri Besar of Selangor twice, from 1949 to 1953, and again from 1954 to 1955. In between, Raja Uda served as Malayan High Commissioner in the United Kingdom.
Raja Uda was involved in negotiations with the British to establish the Member System (see note 1 below) in the 1950s.
In 1951, Raja Uda was appointed a CMG and appointed a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1953, entitling him to the style "Sir," since the Federation of Malaya was then a realm of the British Empire. Following the first ever general election in 1955, Raja Uda was appointed Speaker of the Federal Legislative Council (see note 2 below).
On August 31, 1957, the day of independence, Raja Uda was appointed the first Governor of the state of Penang and served for ten years.
The Federal Legislative Council (also known simply as the Legislative Council) was the legislative body of the Federation of Malaya and the predecessor of the Malaysian Parliament. It was formed in 1948 after the abolition of the Malayan Union and the formation of the Federation, as part of the United Kingdom's promise to grant self-rule to the Malayans. The council convened in Kuala Lumpur.
The council was composed of representatives from the Malay, the Chinese and the Indian communities. Initially, all representatives were appointed by the British High Commissioner for Malaya.
In 1955, a general election was held for the first time. 52 seats were contested, with the majority party earning the right to appoint seven more. In the election, the Alliance Party contested all 52 seats and won 51, while the Pan-Malayan Islamic Party won the remaining seat.
NOTES:
(1) The Member System, modeled on the cabinet system, was created by British authorities in Malaysia to provide self-governance. Like the Communities Liaison Committee, it drew on members of different communities, and was later described as setting a precedent for the power-sharing multiracial Malayan and Malaysian cabinets post-independence.
(2) The Federal Legislative Council passed the Malayan Constitution (later, the Malaysian Constitution) on August 15, 1957. Malaya gained independence on August 31, 1957.
Raja Sir Tun Uda was the Menteri Besar of Selangor from 1949 to 1953 and again from 1954 to 1955. In between that he was the Malayan High Commissioner to the UK. He was never an Umno member (or even a politician) and his appointment as MB was not a political appointment.
Raja Sir Tun Uda, the First Governor of Penang, and his family (my uncles and aunty).
Comments (15)..
written by Oscar Winner, September 01, 2011 00:50:13
As long as UMNO is still around to rule, they will sing praises about UMNO’s struggle for this, UMNO’s struggle for that, and to include all these in history books to mislead the rakyat and therefore hope the simpletons will vote UMNO till eternity. Let’s ensure PR win 13th GE, and then the new PR govt must take out all untruths in the history books, put back the truths for eg. about RPK’s forefathers' contributions and the true figures who fought for independence. There must be new facts to be included in history books, such as how corrupt Tun Mamak and UMNO scumbags have plundered, how Moohidin the lembu DPM identified himself as malay 1st, how racists Ibrahim Ali and perkasa tried to stir racial tension, how Krismuddin and Najis raised the kris, why Atlantuya was murdered, how the shameless Fat Mama created a title known as FLOM, and how the country was almost destroyed by all these goons, until PR changes everything to bring hope to all rakyat ...
written by bengali kunday, August 31, 2011 23:25:14
YM RPK, The moment you mentioned 'State Constitution of Selangor', you have answered my question.
Have a good day. ..
written by syd, August 31, 2011 23:14:44
i am waiting for rpk to initiate a post independence resurrection.
to free the country from umno colonialist.
to free the malays from narrow mindedness and to liberate them in terms of beliefs.
i cannot garner broad support from the population as rpk as my family has no track record to speak of, nor conferred any title by the british.
anwar is not qualified to rule the country. he is just another umno remnant.
what has happened to mclm? it has not come out to state its stand on many issues. ..
written by earthman, August 31, 2011 22:56:04
And don't forget those who prepares the meals and those who washes the dishes for those who negotiate for Merdeka. In Fact all have contributed to Malaysia's independence. When we can remember and care for all as important partners for a better Malaysia, we will have come a long way. If not its just all boasting and nothing more. ..
written by justice6, August 31, 2011 22:17:31
during the world war 2 Chin Peng and gang also contributed but our govt often tell what they did after world war not during they too help in other words not that we support their ideology. It's umno who wish to re write the actual history where were umno during Japanese occupation of Malaya when the Jap raped and killed many Malaysian maybe those who worked with the Jap are now umno people we should remember and appreciate those who fought and died during world war not only those who fought for Merdeka without them, many would not live to fight for Merdeka ..
written by Super Admin, August 31, 2011 21:18:41
Dear bengali kunday, first of all, your posting shows your lack of protocol. You should not address me as Mr RPK. If you DO wish to be formal, then drop the Mister. It should be YM.
Now, with regards to your question, Penang is maybe 40% or so Malay. But Penang has never had 40% Malay Chief Minister. Is this a problem? it is not a problem to me.
Finally, have you read the State Constitution of Selangor? If so, please quote me the section on the MB. If not, then go read it first then come back to discuss the matter.
RPK ...
written by educationist, August 31, 2011 21:18:01
"Prime Minister... today reminded the people not to forget the sacrifices of past leaders in freeing Malaysia from the colonialists." - another cakap tak sama bikin statement!!
He meant for the rakyat to remember only UMNOputra leaders!! ...
written by bengali kunday, August 31, 2011 20:33:10
This question is for RPK.
Mr RPK, if I remember correctly the Chinese and the Indian 'used to' (might still do) make up 50% of the Selangor population. On law of averages, in the long run, I expected 50% of mentri besar to be from these ethnic minorities.
Not from the list you published. Can you explain ? ...
written by albert zacharias, August 31, 2011 20:29:56
My family stayed in Kampong Raja Uda, Port Klang for over 100 years. God bless Raja Sir Tun Uda. Long live his anak cucu cicit and all his decendants. Amen .
written by Angela Ooi, August 31, 2011 20:22:50
It's good of RPK to speak up on behalf of his g'daddy's contributions. Current dUMNO Leaders will have those simple Mat/Minahs brainwashed into thinking dUMNO were the ONLY patriots who gained independence for Malaya. ...
written by Eskay345, August 31, 2011 20:16:43
It's been very confusing to the surviving older generation still living in this country as far as REAL history of Malaysia is concerned because it has been written and rewritten by Umnoputras to suit the Malay agenda.
I used to study and read about the famous heroes, Hang Tuah and his Hang brothers in the history of the early Malacca Sultanate. And then suddenly they disappeared as if they didn't existed.
written by malsia1206, August 31, 2011 19:52:00
Why do we still have to place so much emphasis on who or whom contributed what on the formation of Malaysia? Or what role we played in Merdeka in 1957?
What's all the point when, after 54 years (and 48 years for Sabah and Sarawak) there's still some radicals and extremeists out there who still question the role of the non-Malays on this aspect? Or that they are 'squatters' and their birth rights being questioned?
If these scrupulous politicians want to make themselves heroes in the eyes of their own community, that's fine with me. But do not try to do so at the expense of the other Malaysian communities.
When we can have a Deputy PM who can say he's Malay first than anything else, then all this talk about a Nation called Malaysia or being proud to be a Malaysian rings emptiness and make the topic meaningless. .
written by Up Yours!, August 31, 2011 19:48:12
and don't forget about those who fought against Japanese colonialism, but of course they have been re-classified as 'traitors'. .
written by Admiral Tojo, August 31, 2011 19:44:46
Si Najib ni tak tahu malu. In fact the fight for Independence started way even before UMNO was formed. Please read Hishamudin Rais's blog to find out.
YES I remember the fight for true independence, sadly to say UMNO is conspicously missing in my memory.
Shalom .
written by Beezee_Beezee, August 31, 2011 19:22:36
This is to say. UMNO merely "LEMBU PUNYA SUSU SAPI PUNYA NAMA".
Laws are man-made. Sometimes we say that these are God’s laws or this is what God ordained. Invariably, all laws are made by man but blamed on God. Why are the lawyers not telling us this?
Whether these people can or cannot leave Islam is a matter for the Muslims to resolve.
This has nothing to do with the church and the church cannot be subjected to Islamic laws. As far as the church is concerned, these people are no longer Muslims. But if there is no such thing as ‘ex-Muslims’, then a law needs to be passed stating so. Then the confusion will be cleared up. Then the church would be barred from preaching to anyone born a Muslim since the word ‘murtad’ would no longer be in the Muslim vocabulary.
NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin
Malaysia has tens of thousands of lawyers. But how many lawyers actually ‘practise law’ or are most in this only for the money? Seldom do we hear lawyers speak out on what is right and what is wrong. It should be the job of lawyers to educate Malaysians as to what the law is all about. Only then can it be said that they are true to their profession.
Laws are man-made. Sometimes we say that these are God’s laws or this is what God ordained. Invariably, all laws are made by man but blamed on God. Why are the lawyers not telling us this?
Just because it is law does not make it right. Are we talking about rule of law or rule by law? “What’s the difference?” you may ask. A lot of difference! And it is the duty of lawyers to educate us on the difference between the rule of law and rule by law.
Queen Elizabeth I ordered Parliament to appoint her as Governor of the Church. Since she was a woman, she could not be appointed as a proper head of the church like her father and brother before her -- which would tantamount to the position of the English Pope. So they made her the governor instead.
Then Elizabeth banned the practise and belief of the wafer as the body of Christ and wine as the blood of Christ. All the Catholic Bishops opposed this and they instigated the citizens to defy this new ‘heretic’ law.
The Bishops were all rounded up and imprisoned and replaced with Protestant Bishops. The Catholics were forced to go underground and to practise their faith in secret and behind closed doors. There were pockets of rebellion all over the Kingdom, even as far as Scotland where they deposed their Catholic Queen (later they chopped off her head as well).
Of course, this conflict between the Church and the Throne was not new. Even back in the days of Henry II, 400 years earlier, there was already a conflict and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, was assassinated because of his conflict with the King over the rights and privileges of the Church.
So, was Elizabeth right? Of course, she had the power. But just because she had power and just because a law had been passed does this make it right? Who was Elizabeth to decide that this is what God ordained? Did God speak to her? Or was this merely a political move?
You see: England, then, was only South England. From York onwards, this was Catholic country. So, by getting rid of the Catholic faith, this meant England could unite and Scotland, if it turned Protestant, would become part of English territory.
Scotland was also aligned to France. And France was Catholic and the age-old enemy of England. So, by ‘occupying’ Protestant Scotland, this meant that the danger of a French invasion (through Scotland) would be eliminated.
So there you have it. It was not about what God wanted. It was about what Elizabeth wanted. And Elizabeth wanted Scotland under her control. And she wanted the French Catholic Queen kicked out of Scotland. And she wanted the French army kicked out of Scotland. If not, her throne would be in jeopardy of a ‘Catholic’ invasion with a new Catholic Queen from Scotland installed onto the throne.
In short, Elizabeth had to control and dictate what is and is not acceptable religious beliefs and practises to be able to control England and get rid of the Scottish-French threat to her throne.
Elizabeth used religion to hold on to power.
Today, we celebrate Merdeka. But how are we celebrating Merdeka? By raising the flag? By sleeping at home? Merdeka should be celebrated by respecting the ‘Merdeka Agreement’, which is basically the Federal Constitution.
How can we say we are remembering or honouring Merdeka when we do not respect the Constitution? The Constitution was the foundation of Merdeka. Without the Constitution there is no foundation and therefore no Merdeka.
This, the lawyers should tell the people far and wide, the length and breadth of Malaysia. The basis of our laws is the Constitution. However, many of our laws violate the Constitution.
Many things ail Malaysia. But I want to talk about only one ailment today. And this ailment, the latest in a series of ailments, is the conflict between Church and State brought on by the DUMC raid and the allegations made against the Church.
The DUMC raid was not the only conflict between Church and State. Earlier, we had the Allah issue, the Bahasa Malaysia Bible issue, and so on. It appears that all along the way the Church is in conflict with the State.
But has this not been so for more than 1,000 years? The Church has always had its differences with the State (or more like the State resented the power the Church had over the people and thus started the ‘turf war’ between the State and the Church).
Anyway, Article 3 and Article 11 of the Constitution are very clear (by right, lawyers ought to be talking to you about this, not me). Let us consider what it says.
Islam is the religion of the Federation. No dispute.
Other religions may be practised in peace and harmony. No dispute.
The Ruler is the Head of the religion of Islam in his State. No dispute.
Every religious group has the right to manage its own religious affairs. No dispute.
Every person has the right to profess and practise his religion and, subject to Clause (4), to propagate it. No Dispute.
There should be no propagation of any religious doctrine or belief among persons professing the religion of Islam. No dispute.
So, where is the dispute then?
Let’s look at “Every religious group has the right to manage its own religious affairs”. What does this mean? If the Christians want to publish a Bahasa Malaysia Bible, would this be under the clause of “manage its own religious affairs”? Can the government then dictate what language the Bible can and cannot be published?
Let’s look at “Christianity cannot be propagated to persons professing the religion of Islam”. But what if that person has announced that he or she has left Islam?
Now, you may say that once a person is born to Muslim parents then he or she is automatically a Muslim and a Muslim is a Muslim for life and cannot leave Islam. But that is between the Muslim and his ‘Church’. Once a Muslim renounces Islam (murtad), he or she is an apostate. Technically, he or she is no longer a Muslim.
The State may say that he or she is still a Muslim. That’s according to the government. But in the ‘eyes’ of God, he or she is no longer a Muslim. He or she has become a murtad.
So, where is the crime here?
Actually, the issue is not that complicated. It is just that the lawyers would rather not get involved in this issue because it is very sensitive and Malays are a very emotional people who would run amok if they think that they cannot win by words and need to resort to violence to win an argument.
A true lawyer would educate us. Most lawyers, however, would remain silent and allow the ignorance to continue. And this ignorance has caused a lot of confusion.
In short: Christians cannot preach to Muslims. That is the law. But if that person has left Islam, technically, he or she is no longer a Muslim but an ex-Muslim. So, it is not against the law to preach Christianity to these people (who are technically not Muslims any more).
Whether these people can or cannot leave Islam is a matter for the Muslims to resolve. This has nothing to do with the church and the church cannot be subjected to Islamic laws. As far as the church is concerned, these people are no longer Muslims. But if there is no such thing as ‘ex-Muslims’, then a law needs to be passed stating so. Then the confusion will be cleared up. Then the church would be barred from preaching to anyone born a Muslim since the word ‘murtad’ would no longer exist in the Muslim vocabulary.
However, as it stands now, the word ‘murtad’ does exist. And this means Islam recognises the existence of 'ex-Muslims'.
So, where do we go from here? And why are the lawyers not speaking up?
***************************************
Article 3
1. Islam is the religion of the Federation; but other religions may be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the Federation.
2. In every State other than States not having a Ruler the position of the Ruler as the Head of the religion of Islam in his State in the manner and to the extent acknowledged and declared by the Constitution, all rights, privileges, prerogatives and powers enjoyed by him as Head of that religion, are unaffected and unimpaired; but in any acts, observance or ceremonies with respect to which the Conference of Rulers has agreed that they should extend to the Federation as a whole each of the other Rulers shall in his capacity of Head of the religion of Islam authorize the Yang di-pertuan Agong to represent him.
3. The Constitution of the States of Malacca, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak shall each make provision for conferring on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall be Head of the religion of Islam in that State.
4. Nothing in this Article derogates from any other provision of this Constitution.
5. Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall be the Head of the religion of Islam in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Labuan; and for this purpose Parliament may by law make provisions for regulating Islamic religious affairs and for constituting a Council to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in matters relating to the religion of Islam.
Article 11
1. Every person has the right to profess and practice his religion and, subject to Clause (4), to propagate it.
2. No person shall be compelled to pay any tax the proceeds of which are specially allocated in whole or in part for the purposes of a religion other than his own.
3. Every religious group has the right -
(a) to manage its own religious affairs;
(b) to establish and maintain institutions for religious or charitable purposes; and
(c) to acquire and own property and hold and administer it in accordance with law.
4. State law and in respect of the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Labuan, federal law may control or restrict the propagation of any religious doctrine or belief among persons professing the religion of Islam.
5. This Article does not authorize any act contrary to any general law relating to public order, public health or morality.
Comments (13)...
written by syd, August 31, 2011 23:35:33
the british assisted in writing the constitution, thinking the malay chap will understand and implement it. unfortunately, their understanding of liberty and freedom, physically and mentally is not part of malay culture due to the feudal past, which still persist.
it was only one generation ago when malay kampung folks help out in the rich malay household just to get something to eat. ..
written by roggon, August 31, 2011 23:34:42
These ailments are caused by the "satanic verses"of the islamic religion. The muslim umno will shove everything into the throats of muslims and non muslims. How stupid are these umno morons! ...
written by earthman, August 31, 2011 22:13:54
Blame it on the Quran and hadith, . Because once a Muslim always a Muslim or be punished. There is so much rules and laws written on apostasy in the Quran but just a verse in the Bible - apostate and be condemned. Its up to you. No law or punishment here on earth according to the bible. One can preach Islam to a Christian or try converting him/her till one's throat is dry or till the cows comes home to Malaysia.
Answer this question ,' Why the Muslims cannot convert out of Islam?' Why? Why they always get angry and violent or feel insulted? The truth shall revealed all and free those who seek it. For the Spirit of God is ever ready to teach and guide those who are seeking the truth and God. ...
written by earthman, August 31, 2011 22:03:02
'Murtad ' is not just a word. It means apostasy. A born Muslim or convert can leave Islamic way if he feels no longer believe it. He is a 'murtad' Therefore Christians can preach to such person according to the law of Malaysia. The problem is the loser would not allow its members to go away like that . Real loser and unjust people. Its hard to explain to them, lest they see the truth and became free.
There is God's law like gravity, thermodynamics ...ect. God's law say you must eat and shit, sleep , drink. ...ect . So not all laws are man made. God has laws ,like obey God or perish. Don't understand? Stop eating and see what happens. This is easy to understand but this is hard.
Forgive and love your enemy? Don't want to obey and follow? Well then , the result is what we got today. War, corruption, vice, immorality, theft, robberies........ Its easy to obey , eat and live but very difficult to forgive and love, but that is God's law. The punishment for disobeying is the problems we are having today.
But man being stubborn, blind , corrupted and sinful would not repent but endure it as fate and would rather live in fenced communities that are mushrooming around the country.
Unless God come and save us, we perish as sinners and fools. This is God's law. ...
written by albert zacharias, August 31, 2011 20:56:48
SA Tan's law once enter cannot come out! Today we eat laksa tomorrow prawn mee cannot kah? ...
written by Eskay345, August 31, 2011 20:49:11
RPK should know better that there are laws such as the ISA, the Sedition Act and a list of others under the CPC being practised in this country.
Practising law and becoming lawyers is like any other profession....... to earn an honest living.
And unless those archaic laws are amended or removed by the country's politicians, lawyers could endanger themselves to be put at risk and be perceived to be against the 3 Rs (the Race, Religion & Ruler) ...
written by Aria, August 31, 2011 20:44:06
There is law in Australia -
"High Court scuttles Julia Gillard's Malaysia solution for asylum seekers"
The high court of Australia has stopped the Australian government from doing what it things is illegal.
I just cannot see the high count of Malaysia even thinking of going against the governments wishes even if it is blatantly against the law.
UMNO must go before anything in Malaysia can change. ..
written by Angela Ooi, August 31, 2011 20:43:03
It has often been said the law can sometimes be an ASS...dUMNO Leaders sure proves it! ...
written by Admiral Tojo, August 31, 2011 19:49:05
I dropped the Arab Religion a long time ago when I discovered the true teachings of Quran, the DEEN, quite different from what the Disbelieving Arabs say.
These Arab wannabes are caught in the web of deceit that they have woven for themselves, their hell on Earth so to speak. ...
written by bambooman, August 31, 2011 18:27:43
"Today, we celebrate Merdeka. But how are we celebrating Merdeka?"
Hishammuddin celebrated Merdeka today by MASTUBATING! Becos Hisham has to get rid of two bullets in his ARSEHOLE! Happy Merdeka ...
written by malgal, August 31, 2011 18:24:29
the very fact that a `murtad' is even coined up to denote a person who chose to leave islam, gives that perso n the status to then choose his new belief.
is that not so? ..
written by Northface, August 31, 2011 17:57:22
It is just too deeply ingrained in most Malays' minds that Muslims cannot switch religions and you're born into it.
Which is why is it is bad to mix religion together with the administration of a country. Laws are to be logical and fair while religion is never logical nor fair. ...
written by educationist, August 31, 2011 17:32:55
As clear as daylight now, RPK!!
"So, where do we go from here? And why are the lawyers not speaking up?" - looks like even the Bar Council dare not tread why RPK has stomped!!
This has nothing to do with the church and the church cannot be subjected to Islamic laws. As far as the church is concerned, these people are no longer Muslims. But if there is no such thing as ‘ex-Muslims’, then a law needs to be passed stating so. Then the confusion will be cleared up. Then the church would be barred from preaching to anyone born a Muslim since the word ‘murtad’ would no longer be in the Muslim vocabulary.
NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin
Malaysia has tens of thousands of lawyers. But how many lawyers actually ‘practise law’ or are most in this only for the money? Seldom do we hear lawyers speak out on what is right and what is wrong. It should be the job of lawyers to educate Malaysians as to what the law is all about. Only then can it be said that they are true to their profession.
Laws are man-made. Sometimes we say that these are God’s laws or this is what God ordained. Invariably, all laws are made by man but blamed on God. Why are the lawyers not telling us this?
Just because it is law does not make it right. Are we talking about rule of law or rule by law? “What’s the difference?” you may ask. A lot of difference! And it is the duty of lawyers to educate us on the difference between the rule of law and rule by law.
Queen Elizabeth I ordered Parliament to appoint her as Governor of the Church. Since she was a woman, she could not be appointed as a proper head of the church like her father and brother before her -- which would tantamount to the position of the English Pope. So they made her the governor instead.
Then Elizabeth banned the practise and belief of the wafer as the body of Christ and wine as the blood of Christ. All the Catholic Bishops opposed this and they instigated the citizens to defy this new ‘heretic’ law.
The Bishops were all rounded up and imprisoned and replaced with Protestant Bishops. The Catholics were forced to go underground and to practise their faith in secret and behind closed doors. There were pockets of rebellion all over the Kingdom, even as far as Scotland where they deposed their Catholic Queen (later they chopped off her head as well).
Of course, this conflict between the Church and the Throne was not new. Even back in the days of Henry II, 400 years earlier, there was already a conflict and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, was assassinated because of his conflict with the King over the rights and privileges of the Church.
So, was Elizabeth right? Of course, she had the power. But just because she had power and just because a law had been passed does this make it right? Who was Elizabeth to decide that this is what God ordained? Did God speak to her? Or was this merely a political move?
You see: England, then, was only South England. From York onwards, this was Catholic country. So, by getting rid of the Catholic faith, this meant England could unite and Scotland, if it turned Protestant, would become part of English territory.
Scotland was also aligned to France. And France was Catholic and the age-old enemy of England. So, by ‘occupying’ Protestant Scotland, this meant that the danger of a French invasion (through Scotland) would be eliminated.
So there you have it. It was not about what God wanted. It was about what Elizabeth wanted. And Elizabeth wanted Scotland under her control. And she wanted the French Catholic Queen kicked out of Scotland. And she wanted the French army kicked out of Scotland. If not, her throne would be in jeopardy of a ‘Catholic’ invasion with a new Catholic Queen from Scotland installed onto the throne.
In short, Elizabeth had to control and dictate what is and is not acceptable religious beliefs and practises to be able to control England and get rid of the Scottish-French threat to her throne.
Elizabeth used religion to hold on to power.
Today, we celebrate Merdeka. But how are we celebrating Merdeka? By raising the flag? By sleeping at home? Merdeka should be celebrated by respecting the ‘Merdeka Agreement’, which is basically the Federal Constitution.
How can we say we are remembering or honouring Merdeka when we do not respect the Constitution? The Constitution was the foundation of Merdeka. Without the Constitution there is no foundation and therefore no Merdeka.
This, the lawyers should tell the people far and wide, the length and breadth of Malaysia. The basis of our laws is the Constitution. However, many of our laws violate the Constitution.
Many things ail Malaysia. But I want to talk about only one ailment today. And this ailment, the latest in a series of ailments, is the conflict between Church and State brought on by the DUMC raid and the allegations made against the Church.
The DUMC raid was not the only conflict between Church and State. Earlier, we had the Allah issue, the Bahasa Malaysia Bible issue, and so on. It appears that all along the way the Church is in conflict with the State.
But has this not been so for more than 1,000 years? The Church has always had its differences with the State (or more like the State resented the power the Church had over the people and thus started the ‘turf war’ between the State and the Church).
Anyway, Article 3 and Article 11 of the Constitution are very clear (by right, lawyers ought to be talking to you about this, not me). Let us consider what it says.
Islam is the religion of the Federation. No dispute.
Other religions may be practised in peace and harmony. No dispute.
The Ruler is the Head of the religion of Islam in his State. No dispute.
Every religious group has the right to manage its own religious affairs. No dispute.
Every person has the right to profess and practise his religion and, subject to Clause (4), to propagate it. No Dispute.
There should be no propagation of any religious doctrine or belief among persons professing the religion of Islam. No dispute.
So, where is the dispute then?
Let’s look at “Every religious group has the right to manage its own religious affairs”. What does this mean? If the Christians want to publish a Bahasa Malaysia Bible, would this be under the clause of “manage its own religious affairs”? Can the government then dictate what language the Bible can and cannot be published?
Let’s look at “Christianity cannot be propagated to persons professing the religion of Islam”. But what if that person has announced that he or she has left Islam?
Now, you may say that once a person is born to Muslim parents then he or she is automatically a Muslim and a Muslim is a Muslim for life and cannot leave Islam. But that is between the Muslim and his ‘Church’. Once a Muslim renounces Islam (murtad), he or she is an apostate. Technically, he or she is no longer a Muslim.
The State may say that he or she is still a Muslim. That’s according to the government. But in the ‘eyes’ of God, he or she is no longer a Muslim. He or she has become a murtad.
So, where is the crime here?
Actually, the issue is not that complicated. It is just that the lawyers would rather not get involved in this issue because it is very sensitive and Malays are a very emotional people who would run amok if they think that they cannot win by words and need to resort to violence to win an argument.
A true lawyer would educate us. Most lawyers, however, would remain silent and allow the ignorance to continue. And this ignorance has caused a lot of confusion.
In short: Christians cannot preach to Muslims. That is the law. But if that person has left Islam, technically, he or she is no longer a Muslim but an ex-Muslim. So, it is not against the law to preach Christianity to these people (who are technically not Muslims any more).
Whether these people can or cannot leave Islam is a matter for the Muslims to resolve. This has nothing to do with the church and the church cannot be subjected to Islamic laws. As far as the church is concerned, these people are no longer Muslims. But if there is no such thing as ‘ex-Muslims’, then a law needs to be passed stating so. Then the confusion will be cleared up. Then the church would be barred from preaching to anyone born a Muslim since the word ‘murtad’ would no longer exist in the Muslim vocabulary.
However, as it stands now, the word ‘murtad’ does exist. And this means Islam recognises the existence of 'ex-Muslims'.
So, where do we go from here? And why are the lawyers not speaking up?
***************************************
Article 3
1. Islam is the religion of the Federation; but other religions may be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the Federation.
2. In every State other than States not having a Ruler the position of the Ruler as the Head of the religion of Islam in his State in the manner and to the extent acknowledged and declared by the Constitution, all rights, privileges, prerogatives and powers enjoyed by him as Head of that religion, are unaffected and unimpaired; but in any acts, observance or ceremonies with respect to which the Conference of Rulers has agreed that they should extend to the Federation as a whole each of the other Rulers shall in his capacity of Head of the religion of Islam authorize the Yang di-pertuan Agong to represent him.
3. The Constitution of the States of Malacca, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak shall each make provision for conferring on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall be Head of the religion of Islam in that State.
4. Nothing in this Article derogates from any other provision of this Constitution.
5. Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall be the Head of the religion of Islam in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Labuan; and for this purpose Parliament may by law make provisions for regulating Islamic religious affairs and for constituting a Council to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in matters relating to the religion of Islam.
Article 11
1. Every person has the right to profess and practice his religion and, subject to Clause (4), to propagate it.
2. No person shall be compelled to pay any tax the proceeds of which are specially allocated in whole or in part for the purposes of a religion other than his own.
3. Every religious group has the right -
(a) to manage its own religious affairs;
(b) to establish and maintain institutions for religious or charitable purposes; and
(c) to acquire and own property and hold and administer it in accordance with law.
4. State law and in respect of the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Labuan, federal law may control or restrict the propagation of any religious doctrine or belief among persons professing the religion of Islam.
5. This Article does not authorize any act contrary to any general law relating to public order, public health or morality.
Comments (13)...
written by syd, August 31, 2011 23:35:33
the british assisted in writing the constitution, thinking the malay chap will understand and implement it. unfortunately, their understanding of liberty and freedom, physically and mentally is not part of malay culture due to the feudal past, which still persist.
it was only one generation ago when malay kampung folks help out in the rich malay household just to get something to eat. ..
written by roggon, August 31, 2011 23:34:42
These ailments are caused by the "satanic verses"of the islamic religion. The muslim umno will shove everything into the throats of muslims and non muslims. How stupid are these umno morons! ...
written by earthman, August 31, 2011 22:13:54
Blame it on the Quran and hadith, . Because once a Muslim always a Muslim or be punished. There is so much rules and laws written on apostasy in the Quran but just a verse in the Bible - apostate and be condemned. Its up to you. No law or punishment here on earth according to the bible. One can preach Islam to a Christian or try converting him/her till one's throat is dry or till the cows comes home to Malaysia.
Answer this question ,' Why the Muslims cannot convert out of Islam?' Why? Why they always get angry and violent or feel insulted? The truth shall revealed all and free those who seek it. For the Spirit of God is ever ready to teach and guide those who are seeking the truth and God. ...
written by earthman, August 31, 2011 22:03:02
'Murtad ' is not just a word. It means apostasy. A born Muslim or convert can leave Islamic way if he feels no longer believe it. He is a 'murtad' Therefore Christians can preach to such person according to the law of Malaysia. The problem is the loser would not allow its members to go away like that . Real loser and unjust people. Its hard to explain to them, lest they see the truth and became free.
There is God's law like gravity, thermodynamics ...ect. God's law say you must eat and shit, sleep , drink. ...ect . So not all laws are man made. God has laws ,like obey God or perish. Don't understand? Stop eating and see what happens. This is easy to understand but this is hard.
Forgive and love your enemy? Don't want to obey and follow? Well then , the result is what we got today. War, corruption, vice, immorality, theft, robberies........ Its easy to obey , eat and live but very difficult to forgive and love, but that is God's law. The punishment for disobeying is the problems we are having today.
But man being stubborn, blind , corrupted and sinful would not repent but endure it as fate and would rather live in fenced communities that are mushrooming around the country.
Unless God come and save us, we perish as sinners and fools. This is God's law. ...
written by albert zacharias, August 31, 2011 20:56:48
SA Tan's law once enter cannot come out! Today we eat laksa tomorrow prawn mee cannot kah? ...
written by Eskay345, August 31, 2011 20:49:11
RPK should know better that there are laws such as the ISA, the Sedition Act and a list of others under the CPC being practised in this country.
Practising law and becoming lawyers is like any other profession....... to earn an honest living.
And unless those archaic laws are amended or removed by the country's politicians, lawyers could endanger themselves to be put at risk and be perceived to be against the 3 Rs (the Race, Religion & Ruler) ...
written by Aria, August 31, 2011 20:44:06
There is law in Australia -
"High Court scuttles Julia Gillard's Malaysia solution for asylum seekers"
The high court of Australia has stopped the Australian government from doing what it things is illegal.
I just cannot see the high count of Malaysia even thinking of going against the governments wishes even if it is blatantly against the law.
UMNO must go before anything in Malaysia can change. ..
written by Angela Ooi, August 31, 2011 20:43:03
It has often been said the law can sometimes be an ASS...dUMNO Leaders sure proves it! ...
written by Admiral Tojo, August 31, 2011 19:49:05
I dropped the Arab Religion a long time ago when I discovered the true teachings of Quran, the DEEN, quite different from what the Disbelieving Arabs say.
These Arab wannabes are caught in the web of deceit that they have woven for themselves, their hell on Earth so to speak. ...
written by bambooman, August 31, 2011 18:27:43
"Today, we celebrate Merdeka. But how are we celebrating Merdeka?"
Hishammuddin celebrated Merdeka today by MASTUBATING! Becos Hisham has to get rid of two bullets in his ARSEHOLE! Happy Merdeka ...
written by malgal, August 31, 2011 18:24:29
the very fact that a `murtad' is even coined up to denote a person who chose to leave islam, gives that perso n the status to then choose his new belief.
is that not so? ..
written by Northface, August 31, 2011 17:57:22
It is just too deeply ingrained in most Malays' minds that Muslims cannot switch religions and you're born into it.
Which is why is it is bad to mix religion together with the administration of a country. Laws are to be logical and fair while religion is never logical nor fair. ...
written by educationist, August 31, 2011 17:32:55
As clear as daylight now, RPK!!
"So, where do we go from here? And why are the lawyers not speaking up?" - looks like even the Bar Council dare not tread why RPK has stomped!!
We still need the fundamental freedoms that every human being desires, especially freedom of speech and expression.......
By Marina Mahathir, The Star
We still need the fundamental freedoms that every human being desires, especially freedom of speech and expression. Our foreparents understood 54 years ago that we had a fundamental right to freedom and self-determination.
FIRST of all, let me wish everyone Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Also, as the days happen to almost coincide this year, Selamat Hari Merdeka. In many ways, this is very significant.
Raya is the day we free ourselves from a month of abstinence and restraint. Ramadan is a time for reflection on what good we have, or have not, done over the past year. It is a time to ask for forgiveness for our past sins and mistakes, and hurt we may have caused others.
Sadly, this Ramadan has hardly been an exemplary one. With insults galore, shouting and screaming, burning and threats, it has hardly been one of restraint and reflection, at least on the part of public figures. Nor was there any sense of shame at these violations of the good and holy month.
Since Raya coincides with Merdeka this year, I thought I would write a list of freedoms we should give ourselves in these coming months, besides the freedom to now eat.
First, let us have Freedom from Imagined Slights. I am sick and tired of the people who have nothing better to do than scour the media for all sorts of insults, while at the same time feeling entitled to slight others.
Some people’s skin is stretched so thinly over their rounded bulks it’s a wonder it hasn’t ripped. Every little imagined offence calls for protests and demos, almost always outside mosques after Friday prayers. One wonders if God feels slighted at this trespassing on His property, which should be oases of calm and tranquility.
As a corollary to that, let us also have Freedom from One-Sided Prosecutions. For example, some people seem to insist on having the monopoly on being sensitive. Everyone else is assumed to have thick skin, so much so that it is now apparently OK to insult people to their faces.
Thus, action is taken only when they have been offended, but never when they offend others. One has to wonder what is so great about displaying such thin skin? Won’t you wither under the sun?
Let us also demand Freedom from the Forgetful Politician, that is, those who forgot who voted them in. First off are those who insist that we should be grateful that they are there to lead us. Talk about a circular argument!
Then there are those who, although usually insisting that Malaysians are a unique species of people, totally different from everyone else in the world, are then quick to equate those same Malaysians with the worst of foreigners, those who riot, loot and destroy property.
Makes you wonder how that gels with our tourism campaigns. Are we supposed to be nice hospitable people or rioters?
One great freedom that I really wish we would give ourselves is Freedom from Snoopers, especially those intent on sticking their noses into our private lives. If one wants to create a moral society, then let’s widen that definition to include ethics instead of just keeping it totally focused on our sex lives.
A moral society is not just one where everyone behaves well sexually, if such a thing even exists, but also where people feel a strong civic duty to uphold the law, not be corrupt, treat the poorest and most vulnerable well, and protect and preserve the environment.
Instead, we have increasing official “busybodiness” coupled with the encouragement of society to be bu¬sybodies. Thus our young feel that they are constantly under suspicion of doing something bad, even when they are not. Does this stop all sorts of social ills? Of course not.
Indeed we should also demand Freedom from the Ostrich, the stick-their-heads-in-the-sand attitude that insists that some things just don’t exist in our country. On the one hand there are people who see a conspiracy under every pebble and on the other there are those who just refuse to connect the dots.
For example, young people don’t have to become pregnant outside marriage if we educate them and provide the services they need to make the best choices. Instead, we refuse to educate them and then blame them for having babies out of wedlock. Some even insist that the solution is to marry them off early.
That’s where we need Freedom from the Short-sighted, those who only think in terms of short-term solutions and not the harm that will come many years down the line.
We still need the fundamental freedoms that every human being desires, especially freedom of speech and expression. Our foreparents understood 54 years ago that we had a fundamental right to freedom and self-determination.
FIRST of all, let me wish everyone Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Also, as the days happen to almost coincide this year, Selamat Hari Merdeka. In many ways, this is very significant.
Raya is the day we free ourselves from a month of abstinence and restraint. Ramadan is a time for reflection on what good we have, or have not, done over the past year. It is a time to ask for forgiveness for our past sins and mistakes, and hurt we may have caused others.
Sadly, this Ramadan has hardly been an exemplary one. With insults galore, shouting and screaming, burning and threats, it has hardly been one of restraint and reflection, at least on the part of public figures. Nor was there any sense of shame at these violations of the good and holy month.
Since Raya coincides with Merdeka this year, I thought I would write a list of freedoms we should give ourselves in these coming months, besides the freedom to now eat.
First, let us have Freedom from Imagined Slights. I am sick and tired of the people who have nothing better to do than scour the media for all sorts of insults, while at the same time feeling entitled to slight others.
Some people’s skin is stretched so thinly over their rounded bulks it’s a wonder it hasn’t ripped. Every little imagined offence calls for protests and demos, almost always outside mosques after Friday prayers. One wonders if God feels slighted at this trespassing on His property, which should be oases of calm and tranquility.
As a corollary to that, let us also have Freedom from One-Sided Prosecutions. For example, some people seem to insist on having the monopoly on being sensitive. Everyone else is assumed to have thick skin, so much so that it is now apparently OK to insult people to their faces.
Thus, action is taken only when they have been offended, but never when they offend others. One has to wonder what is so great about displaying such thin skin? Won’t you wither under the sun?
Let us also demand Freedom from the Forgetful Politician, that is, those who forgot who voted them in. First off are those who insist that we should be grateful that they are there to lead us. Talk about a circular argument!
Then there are those who, although usually insisting that Malaysians are a unique species of people, totally different from everyone else in the world, are then quick to equate those same Malaysians with the worst of foreigners, those who riot, loot and destroy property.
Makes you wonder how that gels with our tourism campaigns. Are we supposed to be nice hospitable people or rioters?
One great freedom that I really wish we would give ourselves is Freedom from Snoopers, especially those intent on sticking their noses into our private lives. If one wants to create a moral society, then let’s widen that definition to include ethics instead of just keeping it totally focused on our sex lives.
A moral society is not just one where everyone behaves well sexually, if such a thing even exists, but also where people feel a strong civic duty to uphold the law, not be corrupt, treat the poorest and most vulnerable well, and protect and preserve the environment.
Instead, we have increasing official “busybodiness” coupled with the encouragement of society to be bu¬sybodies. Thus our young feel that they are constantly under suspicion of doing something bad, even when they are not. Does this stop all sorts of social ills? Of course not.
Indeed we should also demand Freedom from the Ostrich, the stick-their-heads-in-the-sand attitude that insists that some things just don’t exist in our country. On the one hand there are people who see a conspiracy under every pebble and on the other there are those who just refuse to connect the dots.
For example, young people don’t have to become pregnant outside marriage if we educate them and provide the services they need to make the best choices. Instead, we refuse to educate them and then blame them for having babies out of wedlock. Some even insist that the solution is to marry them off early.
That’s where we need Freedom from the Short-sighted, those who only think in terms of short-term solutions and not the harm that will come many years down the line.
Comparison between the fundamentals of Umno’s creation with the American declaration of independence
Some of the readers may find the comparison between the fundamentals of Umno’s creation with the American declaration of independence disrespectful.
After more than 50 years of independence, wealth distribution among the races and within the Malays themselves is not improving.
How does the Malay understand the concept of a Malay nation? Looking from a Malay perspective, the following are the traits of a Malay nation. They understand it as being the homeland of the Malays, where the religion is Islam, its culture as that practised by Malays, Bahasa Melayu is the official language.
Mohd Ariff Sabri Aziz, Free Malaysia Today
What does Umno mean to the Malays and to me?
Like the American declaration of independence, Malays hold some inalienable rights, among these are the right to protect the religion of Islam, the rights on the Malay language, culture and ethnic identity and finally the right over this country.
And to secure these rights, Umno was formed. Umno is relevant for as long as it remains loyal to these rights. Or if it can reinterpret these rights better.
These fundamentals on which Umno was constructed can be said to be the ABC of Umno’s mission.
‘A’ stands for agama or religion, ‘B’ is for bangsa, bahasa and budaya (race, language and culture) and C is the country.
Some of the readers may find the comparison between the fundamentals of Umno’s creation with the American declaration of independence disrespectful.
America, after all, is the most powerful nation on earth. It is the only superpower.
My response is why should we be ashamed of declaring what we stand for? This is the basic fault of the current Umno leadership – it no longer gives effect and substance to these fundamentals.
Right to self-determination
How does the Malay understand the concept of a Malay nation?
Looking from a Malay perspective, the following are the traits of a Malay nation. They understand it as being the homeland of the Malays, where the religion is Islam, its culture as that practised by Malays, Bahasa Melayu is the official language.
They understand it to be a land where the monarchy system remains an integral part of their cultural and political heritage.
They understand it to mean that Malays will control some degree of the economy. They understand it further as an embodiment of the inalienable right of self determination.
Having understood this, in the end, the unpopular idea of a Malayan Union was rejected way back in history.
Umno was the driving force behind this rejection. The Malay race is indebted to Umno.
After the first general election in 1955, Umno led the other non Malay political parties to form the government. In 1957, Umno gained independence for us. Since then, this country has developed in leaps and bounds.
Yes yes, the Umno Rottweilers and Dobermans can repeat ad nauseum the achievements of the government – Felda land schemes, modern amenities, schooling etc etc.
Yes, we are indebted to Umno but never, never were we enslaved by, nor were we hostage to Umno.
Trust must be protected
What are the foundations of Umno’s relevance? To my mind it is Malay nationalism.
This is the overriding thread that binds all other Malay interests. All other interests are subsumed under the force of nationalism.
Malay nationalism is about primacy of Malay interests. They must be protected, expanded and defended. This was the basis of trust given by the Malays to Umno.
I fear these interests are perceived as being watered down by the Malay public. It is watered down by weak implementation, failure by Umno to provide leadership, by rhetoric more than substance, by mere words more than action.
These sentiments and emotions emanate from the breasts of ordinary man, not those in the halls of Putra World Trade Centre.
These powerful forces can only be sustained on the backs of economic and educational strength, areas in which the Malays are weaker by the day.
After more than 50 years of independence, wealth distribution among the races and within the Malays themselves is not improving.
How does the Malay understand the concept of a Malay nation? Looking from a Malay perspective, the following are the traits of a Malay nation. They understand it as being the homeland of the Malays, where the religion is Islam, its culture as that practised by Malays, Bahasa Melayu is the official language.
Mohd Ariff Sabri Aziz, Free Malaysia Today
What does Umno mean to the Malays and to me?
Like the American declaration of independence, Malays hold some inalienable rights, among these are the right to protect the religion of Islam, the rights on the Malay language, culture and ethnic identity and finally the right over this country.
And to secure these rights, Umno was formed. Umno is relevant for as long as it remains loyal to these rights. Or if it can reinterpret these rights better.
These fundamentals on which Umno was constructed can be said to be the ABC of Umno’s mission.
‘A’ stands for agama or religion, ‘B’ is for bangsa, bahasa and budaya (race, language and culture) and C is the country.
Some of the readers may find the comparison between the fundamentals of Umno’s creation with the American declaration of independence disrespectful.
America, after all, is the most powerful nation on earth. It is the only superpower.
My response is why should we be ashamed of declaring what we stand for? This is the basic fault of the current Umno leadership – it no longer gives effect and substance to these fundamentals.
Right to self-determination
How does the Malay understand the concept of a Malay nation?
Looking from a Malay perspective, the following are the traits of a Malay nation. They understand it as being the homeland of the Malays, where the religion is Islam, its culture as that practised by Malays, Bahasa Melayu is the official language.
They understand it to be a land where the monarchy system remains an integral part of their cultural and political heritage.
They understand it to mean that Malays will control some degree of the economy. They understand it further as an embodiment of the inalienable right of self determination.
Having understood this, in the end, the unpopular idea of a Malayan Union was rejected way back in history.
Umno was the driving force behind this rejection. The Malay race is indebted to Umno.
After the first general election in 1955, Umno led the other non Malay political parties to form the government. In 1957, Umno gained independence for us. Since then, this country has developed in leaps and bounds.
Yes yes, the Umno Rottweilers and Dobermans can repeat ad nauseum the achievements of the government – Felda land schemes, modern amenities, schooling etc etc.
Yes, we are indebted to Umno but never, never were we enslaved by, nor were we hostage to Umno.
Trust must be protected
What are the foundations of Umno’s relevance? To my mind it is Malay nationalism.
This is the overriding thread that binds all other Malay interests. All other interests are subsumed under the force of nationalism.
Malay nationalism is about primacy of Malay interests. They must be protected, expanded and defended. This was the basis of trust given by the Malays to Umno.
I fear these interests are perceived as being watered down by the Malay public. It is watered down by weak implementation, failure by Umno to provide leadership, by rhetoric more than substance, by mere words more than action.
These sentiments and emotions emanate from the breasts of ordinary man, not those in the halls of Putra World Trade Centre.
These powerful forces can only be sustained on the backs of economic and educational strength, areas in which the Malays are weaker by the day.
Corruption, nepotism, cronyism and the abuse of the judiciary and legislation have marred the significance of Aug 31.......
Had the country’s Merdeka been given due respect, the rights and sentiments of its people of all races would have been equally respected. We would not have had the incident where former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad cautioned the non-Malays to “behave” themselves if they were to continue living in this country. For Malaysia, he said, belongs to the Malays, simply because at one time this nation was called Tanah Melayu (the Malay land).
Jeswan Kaur, Free Malaysia Today
Aug 31 is a day of reflection, of taking cognisance of the fact that the country’s independence or Merdeka can no longer be taken for granted, that too by the “keepers” of this nation.
Regrettably, it is the “powers that be” that have marred the meaning of Merdeka. Corruption, nepotism, cronyism and the abuse of the judiciary and legislation have marred the significance of Merdeka, especially for the younger generation.
Instead of imparting profound meaning to Malaysians, Aug 31 had been reduced from the sublime to the ridiculous by the power-hungry and “self-first” politicians-leaders of this country.
The fact is Malaysia is “independent” but only in name, not in act. The existence of draconian laws that are continuously abused by the “powers that be” to safeguard its position have turned the understanding of Merdeka into a laughing stock.
To worsen matters, politicians never tire of playing the racial card, not the least bothered that they have relegated the nation’s Merdeka, the respect all but diminished. As for patriotism, it had become very much a case of “to each their own”.
Had the country’s Merdeka been given due respect, the rights and sentiments of its people of all races would have been equally respected. We would not have had the incident where former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad cautioned the non-Malays to “behave” themselves if they were to continue living in this country. For Malaysia, he said, belongs to the Malays, simply because at one time this nation was called Tanah Melayu (the Malay land).
If Merdeka held any meaning to the country’s leadership, there would have been no such case where the present deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin unabashedly proclaimed that he is a “Malay first and Malaysian second”.
Misusing the keris
Had the meaning of Merdeka been understood by Umno, the country’s dominant party championing Malay rights, its key players would not have misused the keris or Malay dagger by swaying it at the party’s general assemblies to remind the non-Malays to back off from questioning Malay rights.
Under Article 153 of the country’s Federal Constitution, the Malay rights are guaranteed, thereby creating a deadlock as far as debating these privileges is concerned.
Indeed, if Merdeka truly holds meaning, the Aug 28, 2009 episode would not have happened – where a cow head that had been severed was stepped on by a group of angry Malays who could not tolerate and accept the fact that a Hindu temple would soon be built in their neighbourhood of Section 23 in Shah Alam. Merdeka, really?
What was unbelievable was that such an act of desecration went on to receive the support of the Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein. Did he not know that the cow is considered a sacred animal to Hindus? Merdeka, are we?
Yes, the painful truth is that Merdeka is no longer synonymous with freedom or liberty, more recently depicted by the July 9, 2011 “Walk for Democracy” rally calling for free and fair elections.
The police brutality vis-à-vis tear gas and water canons and beatings would always serve to remind Malaysians that they, albeit living in an independent and democratic nation, have no avenue to voice out their unhappiness with the government.
The Barisan Nasional-government which had been ruling the country since 1957 is no longer taking any chances, not after the political debacle it faced three years ago, when it lost five states to the opposition in the 12th general election.
The BN-agenda now is to, by hook or crook, silent all dissenting voices and impress a rosy picture of the country, the aim being to give BN the chance to enjoy the two-third majority that was denied in 2008.
Merdeka –but from whom?
The federal government’s refusal to do away with draconian laws such as the Internal Security Act 1960, the Emergency Ordinance (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) 1969 and the prohibitive Official Secrets Act 1972 and Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 all confirm that Merdeka had long been manipulated by the BN-government and Umno, both of whom are led by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak.
The June 26, 2011 arrest of 30 activists from Parti Sosialis Malaysia under trumped up claims of waging war against the country’s monarch and spreading subversive beliefs is another proof that truth has no place in the heart of the country’s leadership.
To summon the police to “finish off” certain people because of the “danger” they pose had put the police force in a shameful position. Deaths in police cells have become the norm more than an exception. The Najib-led government’s refusal to acknowledge the importance of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) in helping reform the police force signals that all is definitely not well where Malaysia’s democracy and Merdeka are concerned.
Tampering with the country’s judiciary to stifle the truth, as seen from the “suicide verdict” announced in the case of the DAP-aide Teoh Beng Hock and detainee A Kugan who ended up dead while in police custody give the rakyat much reason to question the validity of Aug 31.
When long-serving estate workers as in the case of the Bukit Jalil estate residents are made homeless by City Hall under the pretext of development, can they be blamed for questioning if Merdeka truly exists for Malaysians?
Unity vital for Merdeka
Does unity i.e. camaraderie between the rakyat exist? If the non-Malays are incessantly chastised and threatened, as done by the extremist Malay-rights group Perkasa and the Umno-owned Malay daily, Utusan Malaysia and coupled with the poor example shown by the country’s leaders, the answer at best is ambiguous.
Name-calling and threats are not going to sustain the Merdeka spirit for long. For a nation as young as Malaysia, there is much to learn in preserving the independence it had achieved from its British masters.
But it seems that the country’s politicians, this includes Najib, the ever-racist Hishammuddin, Perkasa founder Ibrahim Ali and the Umno honchos are far too foolishly arrogant to want to learn from the annals of history on what it takes to promote unity and sustain the independence gained.
Malaysians like Perkasa’s Ibrahim through his racial discrepancies has tainted the whole struggle towards Aug 31, when the nation finally achieved independence back in 1957.
The likes of Ibrahim believe their onslaught of threats would blench the non-Malays into subservience towards the dominant race, often times promising bloodshed should the non-Malays dare question Article 153 of the Constitution.
The damage, however, had long been done. In 2009, churches were attacked with petrol bombs after a court lifted a government ban on the use of “Allah” as a translation for “God” in Malay-language bibles.
The ban had been in place for years but enforcement only began in 2008 out of fear the word could encourage Muslims to convert.
Instead of imparting profound meaning to Malaysians, Aug 31 had been reduced from the sublime to the ridiculous by the power-hungry and “self-first” politicians-leaders of this country.
The fact is Malaysia is “independent” but only in name, not in act. The existence of draconian laws that are continuously abused by the “powers that be” to safeguard its position have turned the understanding of Merdeka into a laughing stock.
To worsen matters, politicians never tire of playing the racial card, not the least bothered that they have relegated the nation’s Merdeka, the respect all but diminished. As for patriotism, it had become very much a case of “to each their own”.
Had the country’s Merdeka been given due respect, the rights and sentiments of its people of all races would have been equally respected. We would not have had the incident where former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad cautioned the non-Malays to “behave” themselves if they were to continue living in this country. For Malaysia, he said, belongs to the Malays, simply because at one time this nation was called Tanah Melayu (the Malay land).
If Merdeka held any meaning to the country’s leadership, there would have been no such case where the present deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin unabashedly proclaimed that he is a “Malay first and Malaysian second”.
Misusing the keris
Had the meaning of Merdeka been understood by Umno, the country’s dominant party championing Malay rights, its key players would not have misused the keris or Malay dagger by swaying it at the party’s general assemblies to remind the non-Malays to back off from questioning Malay rights.
Under Article 153 of the country’s Federal Constitution, the Malay rights are guaranteed, thereby creating a deadlock as far as debating these privileges is concerned.
Indeed, if Merdeka truly holds meaning, the Aug 28, 2009 episode would not have happened – where a cow head that had been severed was stepped on by a group of angry Malays who could not tolerate and accept the fact that a Hindu temple would soon be built in their neighbourhood of Section 23 in Shah Alam. Merdeka, really?
What was unbelievable was that such an act of desecration went on to receive the support of the Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein. Did he not know that the cow is considered a sacred animal to Hindus? Merdeka, are we?
Yes, the painful truth is that Merdeka is no longer synonymous with freedom or liberty, more recently depicted by the July 9, 2011 “Walk for Democracy” rally calling for free and fair elections.
The police brutality vis-à-vis tear gas and water canons and beatings would always serve to remind Malaysians that they, albeit living in an independent and democratic nation, have no avenue to voice out their unhappiness with the government.
The Barisan Nasional-government which had been ruling the country since 1957 is no longer taking any chances, not after the political debacle it faced three years ago, when it lost five states to the opposition in the 12th general election.
The BN-agenda now is to, by hook or crook, silent all dissenting voices and impress a rosy picture of the country, the aim being to give BN the chance to enjoy the two-third majority that was denied in 2008.
Merdeka –but from whom?
The federal government’s refusal to do away with draconian laws such as the Internal Security Act 1960, the Emergency Ordinance (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) 1969 and the prohibitive Official Secrets Act 1972 and Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 all confirm that Merdeka had long been manipulated by the BN-government and Umno, both of whom are led by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak.
The June 26, 2011 arrest of 30 activists from Parti Sosialis Malaysia under trumped up claims of waging war against the country’s monarch and spreading subversive beliefs is another proof that truth has no place in the heart of the country’s leadership.
To summon the police to “finish off” certain people because of the “danger” they pose had put the police force in a shameful position. Deaths in police cells have become the norm more than an exception. The Najib-led government’s refusal to acknowledge the importance of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) in helping reform the police force signals that all is definitely not well where Malaysia’s democracy and Merdeka are concerned.
Tampering with the country’s judiciary to stifle the truth, as seen from the “suicide verdict” announced in the case of the DAP-aide Teoh Beng Hock and detainee A Kugan who ended up dead while in police custody give the rakyat much reason to question the validity of Aug 31.
When long-serving estate workers as in the case of the Bukit Jalil estate residents are made homeless by City Hall under the pretext of development, can they be blamed for questioning if Merdeka truly exists for Malaysians?
Unity vital for Merdeka
Does unity i.e. camaraderie between the rakyat exist? If the non-Malays are incessantly chastised and threatened, as done by the extremist Malay-rights group Perkasa and the Umno-owned Malay daily, Utusan Malaysia and coupled with the poor example shown by the country’s leaders, the answer at best is ambiguous.
Name-calling and threats are not going to sustain the Merdeka spirit for long. For a nation as young as Malaysia, there is much to learn in preserving the independence it had achieved from its British masters.
But it seems that the country’s politicians, this includes Najib, the ever-racist Hishammuddin, Perkasa founder Ibrahim Ali and the Umno honchos are far too foolishly arrogant to want to learn from the annals of history on what it takes to promote unity and sustain the independence gained.
Malaysians like Perkasa’s Ibrahim through his racial discrepancies has tainted the whole struggle towards Aug 31, when the nation finally achieved independence back in 1957.
The likes of Ibrahim believe their onslaught of threats would blench the non-Malays into subservience towards the dominant race, often times promising bloodshed should the non-Malays dare question Article 153 of the Constitution.
The damage, however, had long been done. In 2009, churches were attacked with petrol bombs after a court lifted a government ban on the use of “Allah” as a translation for “God” in Malay-language bibles.
The ban had been in place for years but enforcement only began in 2008 out of fear the word could encourage Muslims to convert.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
To accomplish anything in life you need a driving force......
Simple Daily Habits that Keep You Motivated
To accomplish anything in life you need a driving force. You
need something that pushes you along the path that we have
chosen. Wishing to have or accomplish something is not going
to get you moving, as wishing is a passive behavior that
lacks the strength to cause you to act. What you need is a
force that causes you to take action. That force is
motivation.
Early Rush Of Enthusiasm
Often when you set goals you find yourself highly motivated
to accomplish them at the outset. In the beginning you go
about doing this or doing that with a high level of energy
and ambition. But as you get further along in your journey
sometimes you discover that your motivation begins to
dwindle away.
You find it harder and harder to accomplish even the most
mundane tasks. What follows are some daily habits you can
utilize to you increase your motivation and maintain it.
A Worthy Goal?
First, when discovering a low level of motivation find out
if the goal you want to achieve is really what you want and
if it's worth the investment of your time and efforts.
Sometimes you think you might want something or to do
something only to find out a short time later that it's not
really what you truly want. Also, think about your goal in
realistic terms. Is your goal realistic?
Clarity Is Power
Now that you know your goal is something you truly desire
and is realistic you can take daily steps to maintain your
motivation. The first is to make the goal very clear. This
is done by writing your goal, and the steps to accomplish
it, down on a piece of paper. When doing this be as specific
as you possibly can, detailing every step and task as much
as possible.
Not only are you creating a map directing you to your goal,
but you are also employing your imagination, seeing yourself
accomplish those things you are writing down. This
visualization can be a very strong motivator. Updating your
map daily will help keep you focused and your motivation
alive.
Hold In Mind Success!
As you go through your day think about your goal as often as
possible. Keeping your goal in the forefront of your mind
will have an inspiring effect and from this will come the
motivation to keep you moving forward even through the most
difficult of challenges.
Take time each day to visualize the accomplishment of your
goal. See every detail of your goal's completion and allow
yourself to experience the satisfaction and joy of its
accomplishment as if you have already accomplished it. Not
only will this feed your motivation, but it also sets your
thought processes in the direction of accomplishing the
goal. Combining this thought process with the map you wrote
will certainly put your motivation on a higher level.
Feed The Passion
Every chance you get, preferably daily, read books and
articles regarding the subject matter of your goal.
Education and knowledge about your goals not only has
practical applications, but will also influence your
motivation. Another source of knowledge is to talk to people
who have had success in the area of your goal. Not only are
these individuals a valuable source of guidance, but they
also can provide encouragement which will certainly help
sustain your motivation especially in those times that seem
difficult.
Provide yourself with daily affirmations. Tell yourself that
you have the ability to accomplish your goals no matter
what. Even when you accomplish only a small step toward your
goal be sure compliment yourself and allow yourself the
opportunity to internally experience that success.
And little by little you´ll enjoy more and more success
and personal breakthroughs. Sounds good!
Why Not Start today?
Level of Motivation That a Person Has Depends Greatly on the Personality of that Person..........
on the personality of that person. If a person has the
personality of a quiet, shy type of person, their
motivation will come from living within that personality.
They are more likely to get motivated from different things
than that of a person who has a loud and bold personality.
If a person has a go-getter personality then their
motivation will be strong and vivacious, with a nothing can
stop them type attitude.
Personality has a big impact on how we are motivated in our
lives. Motivation and Personality are definitely connected.
There are three basic personalities that seem to be
motivation for what we do and who we want to become.
1. The need for power - this personality has a strong
desire or drive to make people act or behave in a way that
they would not otherwise behave.
This type of motivation is usually found in a strong-willed
person. They like to be in charge of situations. The
motivation is more for power and prestige than doing a
great job.
2. Need for achievement - this type of personality has a
strong drive to excel. This person usually strives to
succeed at everything they try.
They avoid really hard tasks as well as really easy tasks.
They like 50/50 odds and are not gamblers. The motivation
is to achieve it on their own with their own skills.
3. Need for affiliation - this type of personality has the
need for strong interpersonal relationships with others.
This person is usually a soft-spoken quiet individual.
This person strives for friendships. The motivation for
this personality is being cooperative rather than being
competitive. They seek mutual understanding.
There are also combinations of one or more of these types
of personalities, as well. They determine what motivates a
person to do the things that they want and need to do.
Whichever personality a person possesses, they need to
start with goal setting to achieve motivation. The first
step is setting goals that are realistic to your specific
needs and wants.
Try not to set these goals too high, nor too low. Either
one of these will cause undesirable results. The goals must
be possible to attain or they are useless to us. This step
is essential to motivation. You can't be motivated if you
do not have goals.
Rewarding yourself for your hard work and effort is another
essential part of learning motivation. There must be
rewards for a job well done. It is what keeps us going.
Motivation and personality do go hand in hand. As you can
see, different people and personalities are motivated by
different drives. Successes are measured by different
motivations and rewards.
Motivation is an essential life skill and you can discover
how to be motivated and stay motivated...
Although some lucky people seem to be born highly
motivated, if you are of at least average intelligence you
can learn how to be motivated. No matter how unmotivated
you have been up to now you can still become a winner.
A winner is simply someone who utilizes their resources and
brain power to their best advantage while maintaining a
positive motivation and attitude. If you have ever wished
to be a winner, look for the motivation and attitude to
help you succeed...
You have to let go of your old personality and ways of
doing things to change, quit procrastinating and get
motivated!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Durham University is highly regarded by employers and has an excellent graduate employment record with over 95% of students finding employment or entering further training within six months of graduation
Durham University is highly regarded by employers and has an excellent graduate employment record with over 95% of students finding employment or entering further training within six months of graduation. The University is regularly among the country's top performers in graduate employment while SASS programmes are ranked in the top 10 in the UK for graduate prospects.
The exciting interdisciplinary mix of Sociology, Criminology and Sport allows students to develop and combine interests in cognate subjects preparing them for a range of careers in the public and private sectors. These have historically included: policy advice, market research, journalism, education (in all sectors), project leadership, social work, community development, development work with NGOs, human resource management, sport policy and development, sports management, coaching, research and policy, health promotion and allied health professions such as occupational therapy or physiotherapy, coaching and professional sports performance
Destination of Leavers - Applied Social Sciences graduates
Of those students employed:
• 41% are in fulltime employment
• 78% of those are in graduate level employment
• £21,000 Median Salary
Of those in further study:
• 100% are in graduate level study
A significant number of Applied Social Science graduates progress onto higher level study following their degree. Several remain within their academic field of interest, notably at Durham but also other prestigious institutions including Goldsmiths College (London), Oxford, Newcastle to name a few. Others pursue vocational professional study such as teaching (PGCE), social work, public health, surveying and journalism. A small number take conversion courses in law (Graduate Diploma Law) and psychology. Others pursue further study at Durham in a marketing/human resources related field.
Studying Anthropology and Sociology (BA) at Durham University provided me with strong multi-disciplinary background that has been extremely useful for my work within the humanitarian sector. The course provided me with current thinking and theory regarding cultures and society and also taught me to be more critical and analytical in my work.
Emma Lovell BA Anthropology and Sociology (2007)
Employment development opportunities
Careers Adviser delivers talks to all undergraduate year groups
Year 1 (5 minutes as part of induction) focusing on developing employability skills, penultimate year on internships , work experience and final year on graduate employers/schemes , the recruitment cycle and making effective applications for jobs and further study.
A separate talk provided for final year Criminology students on career options related to degree.
Level 3 modules across all programmes involve field trips to relevant professional organisations and invited speakers working in practice contexts.
Students on postgraduate degrees often seek potential employers as sites for their research to show their skills to those they want to work with
Work experience
Undergraduate programmes in SASS do not currently offer placement opportunities but we are keen to support empirical dissertations involving fieldwork in organisations with which we have links. Our research-methods teaching stream which runs through all of our undergraduate degree programmes develops the skills which students apply to real world contexts.
The School also runs two large professional postgraduate programmes to train Social Workers and Community and Youth Workers, both of which involve substantive practice placements.
Professional accrediation
Our undergraduate programmes do not carry professional accreditation. However, our Social Work and Community and Youth Work postgraduate awards carry GSCC and NYA accreditation respectively.
Our Postgraduate Research programmes are recognised as part of the ESRC North-East Doctoral Training Centre, and so can attract bursaries for further study, as well as offering opportunities for students to engage in collaborative research projects with prospective employers.
Career examples
Durham University Applied Social Science graduates progress into a diverse range of careers and employment sectors. The private, public and charitable sectors are all represented. Example career areas include Marketing, Accounting, Recruitment Consultant, Public relations, Retail Manager, Advertising, Private Banking, Human Resources, Consultancy, Community Cricket Coach, Sport Policy and Sport Development Officer, Armed Forces Officer , Insurance, Sport Event Management, Political Researcher, P.E Teacher (Private School), Media Executive . Example high profile employers include Home Office, London Wasps, Hampshire cricket Club, Decathlon, GLL, IMG, Trinity Mirror Group, Rugby School, Durham Cricket Club, NHS and Army.
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