Pak Lah Desecrating Ramadan

Below is an article written by M Bakri Musa, published in Malaysia Today on 24.9.08.

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When President Nixon ordered the bombing of Hanoi during Christmas of 1972, I knew then that his fate was sealed.  I am not a Christian, but living in the West I am very much aware of the spiritual significance of Christmas. As such I found Nixon's action, coming from a self-professed Christian who regularly had Billy Graham pray with him in the White House, abominable beyond comprehension. 

A Just God would not let such a barbaric action go unpunished.  Sure enough, a few months later the Watergate scandal broke out that would ultimately lead to his resigning under threat of impeachment.  This was less than two years after he won a landslide re-election victory.

As a Muslim I feel profoundly the spirituality of Ramadan.  It was the month that Allah first revealed the Quran to His Last Messenger, Prophet Muhammad, s.a.w.  That was a measure of His generosity upon us.  It is said that the gates to Heaven are wide open, and to Hell closed shut, during this season, again reflecting His mercifulness during this blessed month. 

We are expected to reciprocate this divine gift by being generous to our fellow beings.  Ramadan is thus a season to be charitable, to be forgiving of each other and the seeking of forgiveness from others.  All faiths have such a special period in their calendar when their followers are expected to be extra kind to and tolerant of their fellow human beings. 

Imagine my horror, shared by many, when Prime Minister Abdullah, the self-declared Imam of Islam Hadhari, chose this particular month to incarcerate Raja Petra Kamaruddin and others under the draconian Internal Security Act that allows for detention without trial, or even the filing of charges. 

I would have expected the reverse.  That is, during Ramadan the Prime Minister would grant amnesty to deserving prisoners as a gesture of the government's generosity and charity of spirit.

I have yet to see this happen in Malaysia, or any other Muslim country for that matter.  Instead we have the odious act of the police bundling up Raja Petra and others into prison, right in front of their families. Where in the Quran or the sunnah of our Prophet Muhammad, s.a.w., did Imam Abdullah find the justification for such a cruel act?  Where is the spirit of generosity or sense of forgiveness demanded from each of us by our faith during this holy month? 

As a Muslim Abdullah will be paying his zakat fitr (tithe) this Ramadan, and come Hari Raya he will be generous with his duit raya to the children calling upon the gates of Sri Perdana.  That is the extent of his understanding of the concept of charity and generosity called for in our faith:  simplistic, ritualistic, and materialistic.  Those he jailed under the ISA or the millions made miserable through escalating living costs as a consequence of his economic policies never enter his heart. 

 

ISA Unjust 

Like Nixon before, I also expect Abdullah's latest inhuman act would also seal his fate.  I do not know or care what or when his comeuppance would be but I do know that whenever I see an injustice being perpetrated, I am duty bound by my faith to respond. 

I do not wish to sermonize and outdo our Imam of Islam Hadhari (he is already good at that and does it all too frequently), but I do know this.  As per the teachings of our Prophet, s.a.w., when we see an injustice, we are to do whatever in our capacity to stop it.  If we are unable to do so with our hands (that is, physically), then we are to use our tongue (voice our disapproval).  Failing that, then at least acknowledge in our heart that we disapprove of it, though that would be the path least pleasing to Allah. 

Incarcerating Raja Petra and others without affording them their due process is the height of injustice; and to do it during Ramadan is both cruel and vindictive.  It is also an affront to our religious sensibility; the very act desecrates our holy month. 

I do not recommend anyone attempting to physically stop the police as that would risk your being arrested too, or worse.  We have to caution ourselves that where injustice or lawlessness is institutionalized, then the just and the lawful become victims. 

There is something well within our ability to do, that is, voice our disapproval of the brutal ways of our government.  Many have already done so last March and again last month at the ballot box.  Unfortunately our leaders are slow learners, or refuse to learn the lesson.  We have to keep teaching them. 

There is now a petition circulating in cyberspace seeking the release of all those detained under the ISA.  I urge all to sign it, as my family and I did.  Writing this commentary is also my way of condemning Abdullah's brutish ways. 

Last week with opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim threatening to bring down the administration through coaxing its members to cross over, Abdullah threw a veiled threat of resorting to the ISA to silence Anwar.  Local and international pressures made Abdullah back off.

If we can believe him, Home Minister Syed Hamid was not at all involved in the process.  He proudly asserted that he did not "interfere" with the "professional" work of the police.  To think that the precious freedom of our citizens could hinge on the judgment if not fancy of some functionary in the police department is truly shocking.  For a minister to admit that he does not know what is going on in his department goes beyond incredulity; it is utter incompetence and gross dereliction of duty. 

No man is perfect enough to be entrusted with the liberty and dignity of others, so asserted the Sudanese reformist Mahmoud Mohamad Taha.  I certainly would not entrust my freedom to others, least of all characters like Abdullah and Syed Hamid.  We need due process. 

Raja Petra was held for supposedly "insulting Islam."  Those police officers either have not read his articles, or if they did, could not understand them. 

As Mufti of Perlis Datuk Asri Zainal Abidin so wisely noted, even Allah on the Day of Judgment would have us answer for our deeds before rendering judgment.  Here we have a mere mortal in the person of the Imam of Islam Hadhari passing judgment on fellow citizens without first hearing their side. 

Law professor Azmi Sharom said it best.  "The arrest of Raja Petra, Kok and Tan shows that the law is so open to abuse that we have no other choice but to get rid of it. …. There can be no room for amendments. The ISA must go."  Amen! 

God works in mysterious ways, so says our Quran.  Nixon had his Watergate; Abdullah too will have his comeuppance.  Whenever that comes, I pray that Allah would be merciful.  There is no anger in me, only sadness

RPK Jailed. Sigh!

Sep 23 marks a another sad day for all Malaysians who wants a better Malaysia.

Today, Malaysia Today editor and prominent blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin (RPK) was sent to the Kamunting Detention Centre in Taiping, Perak in the morning, to begin his two-year detention without trial under the Internal Security Act. He is held under section 8 of Internal Security Act (ISA). Detention can be renewed indefinitely.

RPK's Habeas Corpus hearing was supposed to take place on 23.9.08. However, Syed Hamid Albar, the Home Minister has signed an order that RPK is to be sent to jail in the morning of the 23.9.08, before the court hearing can be commenced.

Can we not consider the above act as an act of evil? Stopping a fair trial from taking place is absolutely plain evil and outrageous.

Can we not consider such malicious act is an act of desperation of the current regime's move to oppress the opposition and to silent the growing voice of the people for justice in this country?

Is this not one of the the ruling party's dirty tactics and propaganda to intimidate the people from making changes, especially those changes that undermine their interests to stay in power and financial gain?

Islam professes about justice and equality but these people who claim themselves as devoted Muslims and who walk the corridor of power are actually acting against the principles of this good faith of Islam!

Initially, RPK was held under section 73(1) of the ISA, by which a court must review the detention on an "objective" basis. Then, the Home Minister turned the whole situation around on the day before RPK's hearing and put RPK under under section 8 of ISA - i.e. detention without trial for 2 years.

By changing RPK's detention under section 73 to section 8, the detaining authority is no longer in a burden to show any proof that RPK is a threat to national security (which the authority fails to produce any concrete evidence so far) and there isn't any more needs (under this draconian law) to establish any objective reasons for RPK detention. Hence, RPK application of Habeas Corpus become irrelevant. Section 8 denies RPK's innocence and killing all possible chances that RPK is to be freed.

Malaysia definitely needs an overhaul! The existing regime needs to be voted out. Malaysia should no longer be a place for these racist, injustice, corrupted and power crazy politicians and their machinery.

Change is needed desparately and inevitable for this country, for the betterment and good faiths of all Malaysians.

Having to say that, undeniably, not all Malaysians embrace changes, particularly the businessmen and citizens of the middle class strata. These people tend to equate changes, particularly changes in the political scene as pure instability and will lead them to a state of lost ---- such short sightedness and selfish thinking! Instead, these people should realise that not all uncertainties brought about by the changes are leading to instability and disadvantages; although there will be inconvenience and pain of moving away from their comfort zone in short term.

In the case of Malaysia, we desperately need changes for a better Malaysia in long term. The current regime is apparent to have rotted to the bone and is beyond salvation.

These businessmen and middle class are certainly urged to get out of their current mind trap and ought to take risks with all other Malaysians who want a better, civilised, cleaner and healthier Malaysia for their children, grand children, grand grand children and many more generations in the future.

Malaysia is for all Malaysians, not just limited to a specific, defined ethnic group with a particular religion and / or of a particular political party.

Malaysia: This Is Only The Beginning

As usual, Dr Farish Noor's article is mind stimulating. Please visit his website - The Other Malaysia for his full article.

Most of his views and points are worth to be documented by individual and to be revisited from time to time as reminder. Some of these meaningful and thought stimulating points from his recent article are:

• The success of reformasi in Indonesia depended upon the quiet dedication of a legion of activist-academics who toiled day and night to dismantle the hegemonic structures of power and knowledge that were developed and consolidated during the three decades of Suharto's rule. This meant that they had to confront not only the hegemony of the old regime, but also replace much of the human and ideological resources that had been put in place.
• Malaysia today is at a similar crossroads where Indonesia was a decade ago.
• Should such a transition (of power) happens, however, it would only mark the beginning of what must be a long and difficult process of reform and reconstruction.
• Five decades of UMNO rule translates into five decades of pro-UMNO propaganda that has been normalised as news in the press, official history in school textbooks, official discourse in the workings of the state. This also means that the entire apparatus of the state – from the police and the armed forces to the bureaucracy, educational institutions, economic sector, etc. - have all been stamped with the lingering imprint of UMNO and UMNO's brand of racialised ethno-nationalist politics.
• Taking over the government of Malaysia is just the first step to reforming the country. What many Malaysians do not perhaps realise is how difficult and long the process of reconstruction will take.
• Decades of UMNO hegemony has also ensured that a pro-UMNO bias remains in many institutions of the state and to some extent the official ideology of UMNO has been internalised by many members of the bureaucracy. One can anticipate many rounds of furious polemics, protests and counter-protests, and not to mention countless efforts to sabotage the reform process in Malaysia before it even gets off the ground.
• Difficult to dismantle the structures of power and knowledge that have grown sedimented for so long, and overturning the dominant culture of racialised politics that has divided Malaysian society thus far.
• What is required therefore is a spirit of universal citizenship and a commitment to a non-racialised and non-communitarian Malaysia.
• The first and enduring task therefore has to be the inculcation of the value of universal citizenship and civic commitment to Malaysia. Until today Malaysians see themselves as members of the Malay, Chinese or Indian races first, or place their religious identity before citizenship. Yet the creation of a democratic and equal Malaysia relies on that intangible quality known as Malaysian citizenship, a quality that is hard to quantify or define but crucial nonetheless for nation-building.
• Are there enough of such Malaysian-minded Malaysians who can build a new non-racialised non-sectarian Malaysia? Time alone will tell, but for now the prospect of an unprecedented change of government is the first of many long and difficult steps that has to be taken in the slow birth of a reformed Malaysia

May Justice and Fairness prevail against evil politicians

RPK, a man who speaks truth about Islam, advocate fairness and justice across ethnic groups, fights corruption and promoting harmony and peace is currently being arrested by the ruling party under the Malaysia draconian law of ISA since 13 Sep 2008. Similaraly, Terasa Kok, a people' MP who fight for her people's interest is arrested on the same ground.

We pray for your release and may the Mighty protects you good people from harm. As for the evil politicians and their protege, may the Mighty finds you a rightful place when your time is up.

An Interview with TAR about 513

The following statement is a factual account of the above-mentioned event given to me (the reporter) by the late Tunku Abdul Rahman (first Prime Minister of Malaysia) during an interview at his residence in Penang in 1972.

I requested to discuss the above incident and was surprised when the appointment was given within three days.His Secretary, a Chinese gentleman, allotted me one hour and advised me not to go into too much detail as this would tire the Tunku unnecessarily. In fact, the interview lasted three and a half hours. Because of the very surprising details provided to me, I think it would be best to report in a first-hand manner based on my notes written immediately after the interview.

“It was clear to me as well as the police that in the highly charged political atmosphere after the police were forced to kill a Chinese political party worker on May 4th, 1969, something was bound to happen to threaten law and order because of the resentment towards the Government by the KL Chinese on the eve of the general election. This was confirmed at this man’s funeral on the 9th May when the government faced the most hostile crowd it had ever seen.

Therefore, when the opposition parties applied for a police permit for a procession to celebrate their success in the results of the general election, I was adamant against it because the police were convinced that this would lead to trouble. I informed Tun Razak about this and he seemed to agree.

Now, without my knowledge and actually “behind my back”, there were certain political leaders in high positions who were working to force me to step down as a PM. I don’t want to go into details but if they had come to me and said so I would gladly have retired gracefully.

Unfortunately, they were apparently scheming and trying to decide on the best way to force me to resign. The occasion came when the question of the police permit was to be approved.

Tun Razak and Harun Idris, the MB of the state of Selangor, now felt that permission should be given, knowing fully well that there was a likelihood of trouble. I suppose they felt that when this happened they could then demand my resignation.

To this day I find it very hard to believe that Razak, whom I had known for so many years, would agree to work against me in this way. Actually he was in my house, as I was preparing to return to Kedah, and I overhead him speaking to Harun over the phone saying that he would be willing to approve the permit when I left. I really could not believe what I was hearing and preferred to think it was about some other permit. In any case, as the Deputy Prime Minister, in my absence from KL, he would be the Acting PM and would override my objection.

Accordingly, when I was in my home in Kedah, I heard over the radio that the permit had been approved.

It seems as though the expected trouble was anticipated and planned for by Harun and his UMNO Youth. After the humiliating insults hurled by the non-Malays, especially the Chinese, and after the seeming loss of Malay political power to them, they were clearly ready for some retaliatory action.

After meeting in large numbers at Harun’s official residence in Jalan Raja Muda near Kampong Bahru, and hearing inflammatory speeches by Harun and other leaders, they prepared themselves by tying ribbon strips on their foreheads and set out to kill Chinese. The first hapless victims were two of them in a van opposite Harun’s house who were innocently watching the large gathering. Little did they know that they would be killed on the spot.

The rest is history. I am sorry but I must end this discussion now because it really pains me as the Father of Merdeka to have to relive those terrible moments. I have often wondered why God made me live long enough to have witnessed my beloved Malays and Chinese citizens killing each other.”

This was a conspiracy at the highest level and nothing short of a power struggle, with the ‘Young Turks’ then forming the pressure group. To achieve their ends, they very cleverly used race to make the Malays rise and push the Tengku aside.

Today, they are doing it again. This is dangerous politics. It may backfire and, instead, it may make the Malays rise against the non-Malays, like what happened in 1969 -- a fire raging out of control with no fire extinguisher in sight.

We must never allow our country to be turned into a racial battlefield again. Let politics be issues concerning policies, civil rights, good governance and justice. Let us not allow anyone to bring race and religion into our politics lest we suffer the fate of many countries around us where mass murders of entire families are made in the name of ‘bangsa’ and ‘agama’