Overcoming religious sensitivity

Wednesday November 5, 2008
Energised and empowered
MUSINGSBy MARINA MAHATHIR

Even if we don’t have all the religious knowledge, we still have a conscience. And it tells what is right and what is wrong.
EARLIER this year I attended a workshop by two female Indonesian Islamic scholars. It is rare that I would leave such a workshop feeling good but this one left me feeling energised and empowered.
These two women undoubtedly had all the religious educational credentials. They knew their Quran and hadiths thoroughly.
But what was different was that they were able to apply their knowledge to real-life situations and were able to see how misinterpretations can lead to injustices, the very opposite of what Islam intends.
In the course of the workshop, they were asked about the frequent criticism thrown at people like me who are critical of religious scholars who pronounce unjust edicts. Apparently, I am not allowed to criticize because I never studied at a religious institution, am female and don’t cover my head.
The two women scholars had a very simple answer to that: even if we don’t have all the knowledge, we still have a conscience. So if something feels wrong, it probably is.
We are all given a conscience which acts like an internal compass, which tells us what is right and what is wrong. Regardless of what religion we profess, our conscience tells us the same things. This is why nobody can say that killing is ever right, for instance.
Thus, when certain people claim that women hold a lesser position in the eyes of God, you know in your heart that that cannot be right.
Similarly, with other claims that just don’t sit right in your conscience, the ones that ensure that certain people are discriminated against, or are just unfair; you know that they cannot possibly be right in a religion that places justice and equality front and centre.
Of late, there have been several religious issues that have been greeted with howls of protest by people of conscience. Yet there are others who say that such pronouncements must never be questioned because ‘highly intelligent and expert’ people make them.
How one knows this is questionable, since the process of passing fatwas is hardly transparent.
When questioned why there are no fatwas on corruption and other contemporary blights on society, the response is that these things are in the Quran and ‘everyone’ already knows they are haram. If that were so, then why is it that corruption is so rampant?
I accept that fatwas are to clarify things that are unclear. But that unclear nature means that it is open to interpretation that, in turn, is subject to human fallibility.
Contemporary issues that did not exist in the time of Prophet Mohamed are not mentioned in the Quran. Therefore, modern religious scholars have to transpose Quranic guidance onto these issues, a process that is fraught with danger, not least because contemporary issues are often complicated and require sophisticated research.
You have to wonder about priorities, however. What endangers a society more; corrupt citizens and leaders or yoga practitioners and females who dress in a masculine fashion?
Yet there are so many of us who are unwilling to trust our own conscience and would prefer to trust the robed and the turbaned to make rulings on things which we should be able to judge on our own.
We do have choices, and we make our choices by listening to our conscience. Yet there are so many who say that we should not question any such rulings, even when our conscience tells us that they cannot be just.
We never seem to wonder why is it there are no positive fatwas at all, those that tell us that we can do something rather than forbidding us. It does not take much thought to simply forbid every contemporary challenge; it takes much more intelligence to encourage people to move forward and face them by themselves.
Sometimes it seems that we believe ourselves to be babies who constantly need our hands to be held so that we don’t fall. Yet it is when we fall that we learn how to stabilise ourselves and learn to walk properly.
At the moment, we can hardly breathe for fear of finding ourselves on the path to hell. What a great atmosphere to grow in.
If we need fatwas to clarify, then perhaps we should have the National Fatwa Council make a ruling on the following: And if ye fear that ye will not deal fairly by the orphans, marry of the women, who seem good to you, two or three or four; and if ye fear that ye cannot do justice (to so many) then one (only) or (the captives) that your right hands possess. Thus it is more likely that ye will not do injustice. (Surah An-Nisa 4:3)
Thursday November 6, 2008
With Obama, US leads by example
THE STAR SAYS...

CONGRATULATIONS from around the world are due to Senator Barack Obama, whose triumph as the 44th president and the first African-American president of the United States is shared by many countries, communities and individuals.
Obama’s victory is one that many internationalists had hoped for, both for his leadership qualities the world needs the United States to have, and the principled values he is expected to uphold.
That is still a long road to travel, and he will need consistent encouragement to get there.
Hopes remain high that an Obama victory would give a needed fillip to global markets either in crisis or languishing in the doldrums. Asian stock markets already rose yesterday upon news of Obama’s triumph.
No less important is how a President Obama will be expected to tamp down US arrogance and aggression abroad. After eight long years of a reckless, risky and warlike Bush presidency, the more consultative style that Obama embodies will be a welcome relief.
Yet, advisedly, there is a need for cautious realism and to beware unmerited euphoria, not least because Democratic administrations have on record engaged in more wars than Republican ones. President Obama, for all his strengths and virtues, will still be a US president first and a global statesman second.
Nonetheless, what we have seen of him, from his campaigning style to his public persona, has been impressive and commendable. He is a 21st century leader in form and function, representing the better side of “only in America”.
For Americans in particular, Obama has successfully realised the celebrated dream of slain civil rights leader Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr. King had longed for a time when his country would see a man “judged not by the colour of his skin, but by the content of his character”. Americans made that crucial, historic judgment on Tuesday.
Despite its faults and limitations – and there should be no denying them – the United States remains a land of hope and opportunity that can reward the deserving.
Perhaps that is also what helps make the United States so strong, powerful and influential. Its people can make the changes the country needs, such as by making the best available person the nation’s chief executive, regardless of race or belief.
By implication, any country that so aspires can similarly achieve greatness. That is a transition which countries mired in the Third World can, and should, make to the First World.
Thursday November 6, 2008
Obama mania spills over to Malaysia
By PRIYA MENON

THE 2008 US elections have caused a buzz not only among Americans but also among Asians all over the world.
Since polling began on Nov 4, Americans in Malaysia have been glued to their television sets awaiting the results for each state.
StarMetro spotted Americans and non-Americans alike watching CNN at Work In Progress (WIP) restaurant and bar at Bangsar Shopping Centre on polling day.
Snack time: Guests helping themselves to some popcorn during the event.
Nick Barton-Grinnley, 60, and his family, who are from Kenya, said that their country was also looking at becoming democratic like America.
“We are looking into whether we can be democratic without losing vast funding in the process,” he added.
The family, who were rooting for Barack Obama, said the candidate was a huge favourite in Kenya.
“The Kenyans actually had an opera called Obama the Musical in Nairobi and it was great to see someone we can relate to in the elections,” Nick’s wife Roz, 61, said.
“It is no longer about race, it is the thoughts of people resonating worldwide for change and good spirits,” she added.
Democracy in action: Barton- Grinnley, Roz, and their 22- year-old son were rooting for Barack Obama.
Another patron, Jonathan Siu, 28, from Britain said Obama was the favourite because Americans were fed up with a Republican President.
“I think the effect after the results are out will be nothing short of euphoric and Obama should win on his own merit and not through sympathy votes,” Siu said.
He said that the only way sympathy votes may play a role is if the polls were closer in numbers.
The US Embassy held an Election Watch at the Renaissance in Kuala Lumpur with 300 local and international guests as well as students on Nov 5.
All smiles: Wong Su Qin, 16, with Obama supporters at the election watch.
The ballroom was packed with supporters of both Obama and John McCain who turned up to watch the live telecast of the electoral process.
The Americans showed their support not only for their favourite candidate but also their country by wearing red, white and blue hats, feathers and clothes.
Karen Albertson and Bobbi Dangerfield were seen patiently waiting for the official results as the projections have been proven wrong in the past.
“Four years ago, they predicted that Al Gore was going to win in Florida but that proved to be wrong so its best to wait and see till the polls are closed,” Albertson said.
The embassy also held a mock election for non-Americans to have the opportunity to vote as well.
The results of the mock election were announced by US Ambas-sador James Keith who said that 88% of the guests voted for the Democrats while 8% voted for the Republicans.
Fingers crossed: Albertson (right) and Dangerfield waited patiently for the official results because projections have been proven wrong in the past
The number reflected the votes sent in by the rest of the world.
He also said that the election process itself was historic as the number of voters this year was between 130mil to 150mil.
“Unlike some of our counterparts, election day is not a public holiday nor is it mandatory but the numbers have proven that Americans are breaking the barriers,” Keith said.
For Taylor’s College students present during the election watch, Obama’s victory was good news for those furthering their studies in the US.
“During his campaign, Obama said he would reduce the tuition fees for higher educational institutions so it is a great thing for us,” Nicholas Liew, 18, said.
His friend Saurabh Duda, 21, said that Obama represented a change and his climb towards the President’s seat is something he achieved on his own.
“Obama is a self-made man, he is where he is today because he is independent and hard-working, so that itself makes him the right choice,” Duda added.
Pep talk: Keith talking to students from local colleges during the election watch.
When the results of Obama’s win were announced at noon, 90% of the hall erupted in a loud cheer to the disappointment of the McCain fans.
Chris Jackson, 17, a student from the International School Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), was disappointed that McCain had lost as he felt McCain was a different kind of Republican.
“He is a different kind of man, he is not too conservative like the other Republicans so he could have made a change,” Jackson said.
His friend Andrew Kohlrieser, 13, who was sporting a Barack Obama T-shirt said that Obama’s win was a sure sign of change among Americans.
“With Obama’s victory, it shows that Americans are against racism and if we can do it, so can all the other countries in the world,” Kohlrieser said.
Thursday November 6, 2008
Najib: Tougher times next year

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has advised the people to be prepared to face more difficult times next year.
The Deputy Prime Minister said it was important for everyone to work together to face the challenges ahead.
“I don’t have a crystal ball that can tell me what lies ahead, but next year will definitely not be as good as this year.
“We (the Government) admit this; it means we are realistic. Because of our economy’s inherent strength, we should be able to ride out the economic storm next year and, if the external economy recovers, there is a possibility 2010 will be better than 2009,” he said in a special interview with RTM last night on the fiscal stimulus package for Budget 2009 which he presented to Parliament on Tuesday.
Najib – who is the Finance Minister – said that in order to meet the challenges, cooperation was needed from the people, NGOs and political parties, including those from the Opposition.
He believed that if this was in place it would be easier for Malaysia to weather the global economic crisis.
He did not deny that the recent drop in oil and commodity prices would exact a toll on the economy, adding that if the Government did not intervene with the stimulus package the overall economy might be even more badly affected.
On claims that certain facts he presented on the budget stimulus were incorrect, Najib explained that the Government presented reports only after studying and scrutinising them thoroughly.
“We scrutinise the facts we present, study them in depth and we can substantiate them,” he stressed.
On public transportation, Najib said the service had many weaknesses that could only be overcome by having one management authority, adding that the proposed Public Transportation Commission would be able to look into the overall needs of the sector.
“In terms of public transportation, we have allocated RM500mil under the stimulus package for immediate improvement of the light rail transit system and bus services.
“This means that where we need to expand immediately, we will do that,” he said.
On whether the stimulus package, which aims to raise disposable income, would also be extended to non-salaried people, he said the RM200mil allocated for the microcredit scheme was for this category of people.
“This means there is an extension of the access to micro credit. Therefore, small traders are also given consideration in this fiscal stimulus package,” he said.
On the possibility of reducing the number of migrant workers, he said the Industrialised Building System could reduce the number of workers by 60%. — Bernama
Thursday November 6, 2008
Reality gradually wipes the smile off Republican faces
By FOO YEE PING

PHOENIX: The evening began on an upbeat note. Republicans partied to the music at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, the site where Irving Berlin wrote White Christmas in 1940 and where the McCains got married more than two decades ago.
They roared when an announcement came about states such as Alabama and Georgia under the grip of John McCain. One woman paraded around the ballroom in a home-made plastic attire plastered with McCain’s name all over it.
The mood was good. There was a line-up of performances, courtesy of country singers such as Hank Williams Jr.
By 8pm (11am Malaysian time), however, the smiles were gone.
There were still the occasional broadcast of the states won by McCain. But a large screen onstage which showed CNN and Fox News indicated to everyone that Barack Obama was way ahead of the Arizona senator in electoral votes.
The writing was on the wall but some chose not to see it.
“There’s still a chance. Not all the votes are in yet,” one woman said. Refrains of “it’s still to close to calll” was often heard.
People waved red pom-poms and sang God Bless America to prep themselves up. Another country artiste, John Rich, came on stage to sing Raisin’ McCain.
Boos came from the crowd when news broke that Barack Obama had taken Iowa. When McCain won Texas, they chanted “more, more!”
And when Republican Senator Jon Kyle took to the stage, the end of the road was all too clear.
“Are you proud of John McCain?” he asked, then quouted McCain’s familiar remarks “I’d rather lose an election than lose a war.”
Kyle ended his brief speech with a verse from the Bible: “I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith.”
An announcement was made asking supporters to move to Squaw Peak Lawn outside the ballroom where McCain would make an appearance.
When McCain delivered his concession speech at 9.17pm here, his supporters muttered “bullshit” upon hearing that their man had congratulated Obama.
One man wore a T-shirt with the words “Obama, go hunting with Cheney”.
“The America that we know is coming to an end,” said retiree Eileen Babington. “This country is going downhill.”
To her, Americans who voted for Obama was ignorant on what the Democrat stood for.
Others made cynical remarks about a welfare state under Obama.
Amidst the anger, indignance and disappointment, what stood out was McCain’s gracious speech. Grown men admitted to being moved by his words; the way he offered sympathy that Obama’s grandmother did not live to see the day and his “Godspeed to the man who was my former opponent and will be my president”.
At the end, Republicans hugged each other. By 9.28pm, it was game over.
Bush calls Obama on his ‘awesome night’
Thursday November 6, 2008
Bush calls Obama on his ‘awesome night’

WASHINGTON: US President George W. Bush telephoned Barack Obama late on Tuesday on his “awesome night” – a historic election win fuelled by the two-term incumbent’s vast unpopularity – the White House said.
Cloistered at the White House with family and senior aides while tens of millions of US voters flooded the polls coast to coast, Bush reached out to Obama and Republican rival John McCain when the outcome was no longer in doubt.
“Mr President-elect, congratulations to you. What an awesome night for you, your family and your supporters. Laura and I called to congratulate you and your good bride,” Bush’s spokesman, Dana Perino, quoted him as telling Obama.
“I promise to make this a smooth transition. You are about to go on one of the great journeys of life. Congra- tulations and go enjoy yourself,” Bush told Obama, Perino informed reporters by e-mail.
After months of near invisibility during the campaign, Bush planned to make a public statement on the hard-fought 2008 White House race in the mansion’s Rose Garden.
The president invited Obama and his family “to visit the White House soon, at their convenience”.
The US president also reached out to his defeated chosen heir, telling McCain “John, you gave it your all. I’m proud of you, and I’m sorry it didn’t work out. You didn’t leave anything on the playing field”, Perino said.
Bush also praised the Arizona senator’s “fabulous and very classy” concession speech and sent his best to Cindy McCain, the candidate’s wife.
Vice-President Dick Cheney telephoned his successor-elect, Democratic Senator Joe Biden, to congratulate him, and planned to reach out to McCain’s running mate, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, said spokesman Lea Anne Foster.
Bush endorsed McCain in a high-profile public White House event in March, but the Arizona senator has mostly fled from the incumbent.
In recent days, Bush has barely appeared in public – and then sometimes only for seconds as he walked from his Oval Office to the Marine One presidential helicopter on his way to the Camp David retreat. — AFP