Showing posts with label current issues. Show all posts
Showing posts with label current issues. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Take People First Stand

This is my letter which was published in The Star on 19th August 2011. The link here.


I READ with interest the announcement by our Prime Minister on the formation of a parliamentary select committee to look into electoral reforms. The terms of reference will be announced in due course. A lot has been said about this development and a lot of people have come forward to voice their support.
Barisan Nasional has said that it shares similar concerns on electoral reforms, thus the formation of this committee. On the other hand, Pakatan Rakyat claims that the formation of this committee justifies its cry for electoral reforms. It even wants the committee head to be from Pakatan.
Even at the onset, everybody seems to be claiming credit for the development. Politicians will always be politicians.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Is Astro price increase justifiable?

This is my letter sent to The Star. Hopefully they will publish it tomorrow.


I refer to “Astro revises rates: Packages may cost from RM1 to RM15 more” (The Star, June 7 2011). According to its chief operating officer, Henry Tan, escalating global and local content costs and sports broadcast rights are among the reasons cited to justify the increase.

If I remember it correctly, the last price increase by Astro was back in 2009 where Sports package subscription increased by about RM12. I used to pay RM71.95 (inclusive of 5% government tax) last year for my Astro subscription which includes the Sports package. A check on Astro’s website shows that the cheapest package with Sports content will from July 11 onwards cost RM94.90 (exclusive of 6% government tax). That is a whopping 32% increase in subscription fees without even factoring in the 6% government tax!

Previously there were only 3 sports channel under its Sports package. But now they have a staggering 9 sports channel. Are having the 9 channels justify the increase of RM12 back in 2009? I think Astro can do much better in selecting its content if sports broadcast rights is cited as one of the reason.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Public Transport Updates

For the past few days, Klang Valley commuters have been blessed with some good news regarding the public transportation system. Here are a few:
  • KTMB will introduce inter-city train service (ETS) from 1st April 2010 which will reduce travel time between Seremban and Ipoh to within 3 hours. Currently, there are shuttle services between KL and Ipoh which takes 3 hours. The ETS will be equipped with wi-fi, CCTV and disabled-friendly toilets among others. Commuters might have to pay a premium for this service but as long as the fare is below the express bus fare, I do think many will opt for this service to reduce travel time and for safety reasons.
  • Land Public Transport Authority will be established and operational by the end of next year as a single industry "captain" to coordinate efforts across the entire public transport system. While I'm puzzled as why does it takes so long for the ministry to establish such authority, it's still a move in the right direction. I do hope the authority will eliminate non-coordination between the various government agencies.
  • Service of new four-car train sets on the Kelana Jaya LRT line will be introduced by the end of this month thus enhancing its capacity from the current two-car train sets. This certainly is a good move to reduce congestion and enhancing its capacity. However, I would really like to see how the four-car train sets fit to the current LRT stations as most of the stations are designed for two-car train sets. The stations are shorter hence raise the questions how to fit longer trains. We'll see then.
  • Dedicated bus lanes which are separated from normal roads by barriers will be built. The KL's bus rapid transit Corridor One would be introduced in 2011. This would be followed by Corridor Two and Three the following year. I'm not sure whether this is a good move or not. If a new separated bus lanes are introduced, I assume it will be single lane since our major roads are already occupying most of the areas. If it is single lane, it raises the question as whether the buses will need to queue as they can't overtake each other since the lanes are separated with barriers. If the buses need to queue up, will the service becomes faster or slower?
  • Four bus expressway transit routes would be built next year. These would allow buses to travel along under-utilised highways to KL city centre with limited stops along the way. I would really like to know where are these transit stations located. Without over focusing on the rails system, the bus service is not neglected by the ministry. Well done!
  • By 2011, 15 refurbished electric multiple units would be available for KTM Komuter. Currently, there are 23 to 25 running train sets and the figure is expected to increase to 80 sets by 2012. Komuter headways is expected to reduce to 7.5 minutes in 2012. It's really important for KTM Komuter to enhance its service since it's the one bringing commuters from outside of Klang Valley. 7.5 minutes is a good figure to start with.
  • Best of all, discounted fare rates will be given to commuters who use Touch 'n Go cards by all operators beginning next year. This move will certainly encourage users to have the Touch 'n Go cards and reduce queuing at the stations for tickets.
  • Last but not least, land clearing work for the main Putra Heights LRT station has started. Construction of the extended LRT lines is scheduled to begin in March next year and expected to complete by end of 2012. Please do whatever it takes to expedite the construction process. Klang Valley commuters are really in bad need for this extension to be completed soon.
Let's hope for the best for our own public transportation system.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Budget 2010

This is my take on the recently announced 2010 Budget:
  1. EPF contributors can utilise both current and future savings under Account 2 and their take home pay to get higher mortgage. This move will certainly boost the purchasing power of house buyers. But it could also cause buyers to buy properties that they can't actually afford. Caution needed here.
  2. RM50 service tax will be imposed on each principal credit card every year and RM25 for every supplementary card. I understand this as a move to curb over spending by credit card users. However, by imposing this, customers who actually use credit card for the convenience of not carrying cash is being victimized here. I would think having one card without the service tax will be better. Only additional card will be imposed with the RM50 service tax.
  3. 5% Real Property Gain Tax (RPGT) will be imposed from sale of property regardless of year. This is a move I presume to curb speculation in property market. While it is good for the market, I do think prices of properties will be further inflated due to this tax. I would certainly hope disposal of property beyond the 5th year will not be taxed.
  4. It came as a surprise that the government did not increase taxes for cigarette and alcohol drinks. In effort to promote better health and to reduce the budget deficit, this is certainly an avenue. I have to apologize to smokers, but some of them has certainly become a nuisance in our society. Just look at irresponsible drivers who throw their cigarette butts out of their car window at high speed. And look at food stalls where the premise's floor has become their ashtray.
  5. All the exemptions for green technology certainly is a boost for the environment. I hope green technology will be mandatory in building specifications as an effort to save mother nature.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

National School - Continued


In addition to my post entitled National School, I would like to appeal to all my blog readers to sign up for the petition in support of the "Kempen Satu Sekolah Untuk Semua". Just click here and it will direct you to the petition site. At time of this post, there are already 2,125 petitioners. They are aiming to achieve 100,00 signatures as show of support to this campaign. There is still a long way to go.

For further information, there is a blog for this campaign. Click here to direct you to the website. From the website, you can find all the information required regarding this campaign.

I would like to thank all my friends and my wife who have signed the petition that I've invited them to sign through email. I wish more will come forward in support of this campaign. There is actually no meaning of having a 1Malaysia concept if the very fundamental issue of our society is not addressed.

1 School For All, then only 1Malaysia!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

LRT Extension

Today we heard a great news from Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad. The Kelana Jaya and Ampang LRT lines will be extended. More new trains will be added. The project will likely kick off next year and will be ready by 2012. The extensions will serve areas like Bukit OUG, Bukit Jalil, Puchong, Subang Jaya, USJ and Putra Heights. For more information, read here and here.

Make your way to the Ministry of Transport, DBKL, MBPJ, MPSJ and MBSA to scrutinize the new routes and make yourself heard. Do contribute for the betterment of our public transportation system. The information is also available on Department of Railways website.

I hope this project will eliminate flaws that we are having in the current lines. Lessons should be learnt right. I also hope more will use the service once its ready. It should save money, time and also reduce pollution.

Eagerly awaiting for its completion...

newstations_s2

Friday, September 11, 2009

National School

1. I came across this banner from the blog Marahku, My Anger, It May Be Yours Too... It inspired me to state again my stand on this issue which I think is long overdue.

2. Read Zainul Arifin's article in NST dated 9th September 2009.

3. Also read article by Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah in Mingguan Malaysia dated 30th August 2009.

4. Since Merdeka, Malaysians have been divided by no other than its own education system. The Malays go to National School or Religious schools. Chinese and Indians go to vernacular schools. After 52 years of Independence, we are reaping the rewards of not being able to integrate the various races within Malaysia.

5. The British came to the then Tanah Melayu and applied the 'divide and rule' concept. The concept managed to split the races. Malays are left in the villages. Chinese stayed in towns and near mines. Indians are left in the estates. Now we are seeing the same thing with our education system. At the end of the day, the results are the same. All the races are divided since they are children. So why are we surprised when there are too many race related issues lately?

6. Schools should be the first platform for our children to integrate with other races. If they don't what makes you think they can integrate at a later stage? However this has failed in our system simply when we still have vernacular schools around and they are becoming increasingly popular.

7. Now everybody is talking about 1Malaysia concept as mooted by our PM since he took over the helm. I'm just amazed that people would choose to harp on petty issues such as whether race should be included in forms as if by doing this, it will help integrate us. Look at the bigger picture please!

8. What kind of Malaysians are actually we leaving behind? After 52 years on independence, there are still people who can't speak the National Languange properly. If you can't communicate properly, how do you expect them to be united? There's where the phrase "Bahasa Jiwa Bangsa" came from I guess. There's no Bangsa Malaysia if the core values of Malaysians are not there.

9. Do away with vernacular schools if you are sincere with national unity. Don't argue that our law allows vernacular schools to exist. Even our law does not allow us to question Islam as the official religion and Bahasa Malaysia as the national language but what we are seeing these days are the exact opposite. If the very essence of our constitution can be questioned by certain quarters like what we are seeing now, why not question the existence of vernacular schools? It's for our own good anyway, that's if your are sincere of about national unity course.

10. I'm glad there are already people harping on this issue. To me, its for the nations good. The sad thing is, to date, only Datuk Mukhriz have stated publicly that he wants to see a single education system for all Malaysian. No other politicians have done that. What needs to be done now is to constantly fight for this until we have a single education system. If not, I think Malaysia will be worst off that what it is already now.

11. Find out what's wrong with the National School. If its found that curriculum of vernacular schools are better than the National School, change and absorb the better. At the end of the day, only National School should prevail.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

By Election

Today we are again hearing news that there will be another by election in Negeri Sembilan following the death of its assemblyman. Since the March 2008 general election, this will be the nation's record 9th by election after a general election. Let's see the list as follows and the reasons for these by elections:
  1. Bagan Pinang, NS; TBA; Death of assemblyman (blood disorder)
  2. Permatang Pauh, Penang; 26/8/2008; Resignation of MP
  3. Penanti, Penang; 31/5/2009; Resignation of assemblyman
  4. Permatang Pasir, Penang; 25/8/2009; Death of assemblyman (heart ailment)
  5. Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu; 17/1/2009; Death of MP (heart attack)
  6. Bukit Selambau, Kedah; 7/4/2009; Resignation of assemblyman
  7. Bukit Gantang, Perak; 7/4/2009; Death of MP (heart attack)
  8. Batang Ai, Sarawak; 7/4/2009; Death of assemblyman (stroke)
  9. Manek Urai, Kelantan; 14/7/2009; Death of assemblyman (heart attack)
As far as I'm concerned, the 3 by elections where either the MP or assemblymen resigned could be avoided at all costs. Whether they should resign or not is another matter for another day. What is of concern to me is that 6 of the elected representatives died due to numerous reasons. That's only one and a half years into a new term. We have about three to four years to go until the next general election. Till then, only God knows how many more will die and how many more by elections to come. These indicate that candidates chosen are not fit for their job.

The fact is that every by election costs money. These money are the rakyat's money. The money involved are not small. It amounts up to millions of ringgit. Something really need to be done to avoid these unnecessary by elections. These money can be used for better purposes for developing the nation. Too many by elections also mean too many politicking which will also affect the performances of our politicians.

I'm not a politician. Therefore, I'm not well versed of the requirements of being a candidate for election. What I know is that candidates must fill up certain forms and submit them during nomination day. Candidates must fulfill certain criteria such as he is not a government servant and must not be a bankrupt. What I'm not sure is whether the candidates need to submit a full medical report or not.

Common sense says that a medical report is an indication whether a person is fit for the job or not. Whatever government posts that you apply, you certainly have to submit your medical reports together. Even though you've passed the interview session, your appointment will still subject to your medical report.

I just wonder why can't the same apply to being a candidate? They are basically government servant because they serve the people. They are being paid using government's money which in one way or another is rakyat's money. The best person should serve. If you are not fit for the job, then don't apply for it. Being a Member of Parliament (MP) or an assemblyman is not an easy job. There are too many responsibilities, that's of course if you truly know your responsibilities. Bottom line is, the rakyat deserves the best!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Guess Who's the Winner, Again?

1. After quite a stressful week, guess who came out as the winner on top of all those issues and controversies?

2. After his boss asked him to retract his statement, Jeff Ooi retracted his statement which labelled JIM as an extremist organization. The CM considered the matter closed just because he has retracted his statement. But he never apologized! Damn racist!

3. After public outcry about racists publication on his blog, Rasah MP, Loke Siew Fook simply denied the blog is even his. The blog has been around for some time and yet he did not know about it? The posting received lots of feedback from readers and yet he did not know a blog named after him exist? Only after he was condemned, the blog is deleted. He report to police to claim his innocence. Does that makes sense? No apology recorded, of course.

4. Instead of banning sales of alcohol and beer at convenience stores in Muslim-majority areas, Selangor MB has came up with a 'better' idea. "Better boycott than to ban". What's the need anyway to sell beer at Muslim-majority areas when they should not be consuming them? Should the convenience store sells pornography magazines after this since the MB said the stores should be self-regulated. When there's no demand, they will not sell, according to him. Why sell unless your hidden purpose is to destroy young Muslim generations?

5. Just because Hassan Ali has opposing views, he must be punished. That's how DAP is administering the state. Don't oppose their evergreen brilliant ideas. Otherwise, you'll be in trouble. Sounds like dictatorship anyone?

6. I guess it's about time for our public market to sell pork since Malaysia has a plural society. Other people will want to buy them so we should be considerate and let them sell. Never mind about feelings of Muslims since they should learn to impose self-ban from buying pork. Let DAP propose that to the MB. I'm sure he will agree in the name of pluralism.

7. Just too bad Selangor has that kind of MB. With mismanagement of funds among its assemblymen, claim of link to the underworld among its exco and DAP making decision on behalf of the MB, I guess its fair to say only one term for them.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Stupidity - Exhibit E

1. Read article by Dr Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, "Nasib Melayu di Bumi Melayu" posted in Mingguan Malaysia dated 26th July 2009.

2. Also read his article titled "Bila Kacang Lupakan Kulit" posted in Mingguan Malaysia dated 2nd August 2009. This article is actually longer but I could not find the full version of it on the net.

3. Actually I haven't been reading Utusan nor Mingguan Malaysia for quite some time. Its basically due to its poor content. But last weekend while I was back in my hometown, I flipped thru the newspaper and read about Dr Ridhuan's article "Bila Kacang Lupakan Kulit".

4. In my opinion, whatever he has written are true. Its very brave of him to write such things and I respect him for his stand. I don't see anything wrong with his writing. All are based on facts. His stand on the illegal child issue is very clear. It does not have anything to do with Teoh Beng Hock death.

5. And as expected, he is slammed by "you know who"! Some idiot who is DAP Socialist Youth National Chairman condemned Dr Ridhuan in his blog. Zulkifli Nordin slammed him back. The usual accusations will be racist just because he has different opinions compared to the idiots.

6. Teoh Beng Hock's death and his unborn child are 2 separate issues. I'm still guessing why on earth this idiot thinks that Dr Ridhuan is making cruel remarks about this unborn child. He is questioning why should this child be declared as a legal child as proposed by MCA Wanita Chief. Just because the child's dad died mysteriously, then the child should be legal? GrowCheck Spelling up la! There's no connection at all. An illegal child is still illegal. No 2 ways about it! Tell me which religion accepts such a practice?

7. Dr Ridhuan is all for the truth for TBH death. Why is already the MACC or the government being judged and these few illogical request being made? Its a pity that he died such a way but is it fair to demand from the government such thing as if the government is already wrong?

8. Wait for the full investigation for his cause of death. For all you know, its the people around him who killed him.

9. Just because others don't see things according to your perspective, its really convenient to label them racist. This is what has been happening over and over again. So my dear friends, stand tall. Its a long journey ahead to see a united Malaysia when we still have people like this!

Monday, August 3, 2009

Stupidity - Exhibit D

1. I was really annoyed by Jelutong MP, Jeff Ooi's remark towards Penang PKR municipal councillor, Mohd Razali Abdullah by labelling him a 'religious extremist'.

2. This is another example how ignorance can a DAP leader be towards Muslims in this country. They expect others to respect them but how about them?

3. Anything linked with Islam or Syariah will be labelled as extreme by these few selfish bastards when they don't even know what's the real meaning of Islam nor Syariah.

4. Everybody has their own ideology including Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM). What gives Jeff the right to condemn others ideology? Is this type of leader we are looking for a multi-racial Malaysia? They are only administrating a state and already showing their real arrogance. I wonder how they would become if they administer our country.

5. I'm grateful that some of PKR and PAS leaders have came out strongly criticizing Jeff. Among others is Zulkifli Nordin.

6. Criticizing alone is not enough. I hope the top PR leadership will force him to apologize to all Muslims in this country and the whole world for his stupid remark and ensure such thing will not happen again in the future.

7. And I would like to see how the Penang Chief Minister handle this matter since Jeff Ooi is his Chief of Staff. Then only will we know the true colours of DAP leaders in this country.

8. I also hope Mohd Razali Abdullah will keep his position and Penang PKR will not bow to this kind of pressure.

9. Vote the unwanted out!

Friday, June 26, 2009

Amah oh Amah

1. I was taken aback by the announcement by Human Resources Minister, Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam that domestic maids will soon be given one rest day a week.

2. Just because there are a few maids abuse cases lately and some pressure from the Indonesian government, our minister had the courage to make a decision that will put Malaysian employer on the losing end.

3. Just to state my stand, whatever abuse on a maid is totally unacceptable and should be punished regardless. But just because of a few cases, the minister should not bow to these kind of demands which could jeopardize the safety of the employer's family. Of course there are some improvements that could be done to better the system. But that should not be at the stake of the employer's family.

4. In case our minister don't know, the number ONE fear of a Malaysian employer is when their maids start to mixed around and have their own 'network' which is normally made up of their own countrymen. While having love affair is the maid's personal issue, safety of the employer's family should be a priority.

5. I'm sure you have heard of break-ins that does not even have forced entry marks. How did this happen? Some regard this with "pukau". But I do believe some if not most are the product of 'networking'.

6. Maids are outsiders. It's not easy to entrust an outsider to handle your everyday chores including taking care of the kids and looking after the house. Because of change in priorities and lifestyle, more Malaysians need to hire maids to assist in their daily lives. Since this is an unavoidable trend nowadays, safety precaution on the employers side should be in place. Safety of the whole family is at stake here.

7. I simply can't understand why Indonesian Manpower Minister, Erman Suparno demanded that maids have the right to hold onto their passports. First of all, the reason why employers keep their maids passport is to avoid cases where the maids suddenly disappear without a trace. What can protect the employer if this happen? Money is paid to get the maid but when they disappear, nobody seems to hear the employers cry for a new maid which should be without additional charges. Yet the employer will have to fork out another RM3,000 for a new maid. After all, passport is only used for travelling out of Malaysia, so why they need to keep it? Unless of course they plan to run away.

8. What good will it do for the maids to have a rest day each week? They are already staying with a family. The employer provides food and shelter. Whatever the family do, normally the maid will follow. Why need the day off? Just stay with them and try to enjoy whatever they are doing. They are 'part' of the family already.

9. If having a day off is the issue here where maids should be treated as a normal labour, why not impose 1 or 2 weeks off every 6 months instead? While they are off, they should be sent back to their country of origin for a break. Most of them are here to find money to feed their family back home, I don't see why they don't want to go back when given the chance. Instead of letting them loose every week to loiter with their own countrymen, I think this is a more acceptable option. This way they will work for 11 months for 12 month's pay, what better deal can you ask for? Employer can be assured of their family's safety and the maid can enjoy their working here.

10. By all means if Jakarta wants to stop exporting their domestic maids, let them do it. We can still get maids from other countries. They are certain issues that could be discussed among the ministers to better the system but please do not jeopordize the interest of employers. They are the one doing all of the payments. Their interest should be of most important. Regardless, maids should not be treated as modern day slaves. This is the real issue that both ministers should look at.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Cuba Jadi Popular tapi Islam Digadaikan

Baru-baru ini, kabinet telah memutuskan agar anak-anak dibesarkan di dalam agama yang dianuti semasa berkahwin sekiranya salah seorang daripada mereka menukar agama. Ini telah dijelaskan oleh Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Nazri Abd Aziz pada 24 April 2009. Kenyataannya boleh dibaca disini. Keputusan ini diambil kononnya untuk menyelesaikan beberapa masalah yang telah dihadapi apabila ibu atau bapa menukar agama dan melarikan anak-anak mereka.

Persatuan Peguam Syariah Malaysia pula terkejut dengan keputusan kabinet tersebut dan mempersoalkan keputusan itu kerana ia mencampuri urusan perundangan yang sepatutnya tidak dipengaruhi oleh sesiapa pun.

Saya tertarik dengan kenyataan akhbar Ahli Parlimen Kulim Bandar Baharu, Zulkifli Noordin dalam blognya berkenaan isu ini. Dia telah menjelaskan secara terperinci mengenai isu ini dari segi perundangan dan menyatakan contoh-contoh di dalam beberapa kes perundangan sebelum ini. Daripada contoh-contoh yang telah beliau utarakan, ternyata Mahkamah Syariah tidak berat sebelah walaupun defendan nya adalah orang bukan Islam. Jadi, kenapa perlu kabinet campur tangan dan membuat keputusan sebegini? Ia sepatutnya dibiarkan kepada mereka yang lebih arif dalam perundangan negara.

Keputusan kabinet itu ternyata adalah keputusan untuk menjadi popular di mata orang bukan Islam. Tetapi pada masa yang sama ia pasti akan menjejaskan agama Islam. Ini pastinya kemenangan moral kepada penentang agama Islam yang akan sentiasa mencari jalan untuk menghancurkan Islam. Diharap agar kabinet akan mengkaji semula keputusan tersebut. Jangan kerana ingin menjadi popular, amanah Allah yang digadaikan.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Stupidity - Exhibit C

The Perak government has done it again. It's about the Camry issue again!

1. What is the MB thinking when deciding to sell off the cars by open tender with price starting from RM148,000 and then will buy new Perdana for their use?

2. Check at Proton Edar's website indicates that a Perdana will cost around RM101,500 each. Let say the government will buy 16 cars also, the total will be RM1.62 million.

3. Let's say the Camrys are sold off at an average price of RM155,000 each, total 'gain' is RM2.48 million. What if the cars only managed to be sold off at their reserve price?

4. Is the MB thinking that he is making money by selling the cars and buying something cheaper instead and he is doing a favor for the Perakians? Think again!

5. While I totally disagree with PR led government to buy the Camry, I'm really against what the current MB is doing. This is even stupid! Are the cars stopping him from carrying out his duties as MB?

6. The damage has been done. RM2.7 million has been spent on the Camry's. So live with it. Why must he reverse the decision and make a LOSS OF RM220,000 to the Perak coffers for nothing? Just imagine what this amount of money can do to the poors...

7. Is this another show of power by the MB? Whatever your reasons are, remember that they are the rakyat's money. Not yours! Don't treat them as yours!

8. There are a lot of other areas that he can explore to stamp his mark. This certainly is not one of it. It only shows how short sighted he is and yet he is our MB. sigh..

-Hard time for Perakians-

Saturday, March 28, 2009

UMNO of UMNO - Ubah atau Rebah?

1. Apa yang bakal ditulis adalah berdasarkan persepsi semata-mata.

2. Jawatan Presiden dan Timbalan Presiden dimenangi oleh orang-orang senior dalam parti. Walaupun banyak yang diperkatakan tentang Presiden, namun tiada apa yang mampu dilakukan memandangkan tiada pencabar yang mampu memenuhi kuota untuk bertanding jawatan tersebut. Terima sahajalah dia dengan harapan dia akan berubah dan membawa perubahan kepada Malaysia.

3. Jawatan Naib Presiden menjanjikan suatu perubahan. Sekurang-kurangnya orang yang dilihat sebagai bersih berada disana.

4. Ketua Wanita juga menunjukkan perubahan yang dimahukan oleh para perwakilan. Mungkin Tan Sri Rafidah sudah terlalu lama berada disitu.

5. Jika UMNO mahukan perubahan, jawatan Ketua Pemuda lah yang paling mengecewakan. Selepas mendapat pencalonan tertinggi, Mukhriz mendapat undian terendah dan Khairy mendapat undian tertinggi. Masuk akal ke?

6. Untuk berubah, UMNO mesti dilihat untuk berubah. Untuk menjadi bersih, UMNO mesti dilihat sebagai bersih. Tapi dengan pemilihan Khairy sebagai Ketua Pemuda, perwakilan pemuda nampaknya tidak mahu dilihat sebagai mahu berubah atau bersih.

7. Cuba tanya sekeliling kita, siapa yang sukakan Khairy? Hampir semua orang akan gagal untuk mendapatkan sekurang-kurangnya 3 orang yang sukakan Khairy disekeliling kita. Ini semua persepsi. Banyak yang telah diperkatakan tentang dia tapi 304 perwakilan Pemuda UMNO nampaknya tidak menyedari tentang persepsi ini dan terus memilih dia sebagai Ketua mereka.

8. Daripada 25 orang yang menang kerusi Majlis Tertinggi UMNO, rata-rata adalah orang yang boleh diterma masyarakat. Tapi kenapa masih lagi ada nama-nama seperti Musa Aman, Jamaludin Jarjis dan Idris Jusoh?

9. Untuk menjadi relevan, UMNO mesti dilihat sebagai relevan. Rata-rata orang yang telah dipilih tidaklah terlalu mengecewakan. Tetapi untuk kembali memenangi hati rakyat, banyak yang patut difikir-fikirkan tentang orang-orang yang telah disebut diatas. Jangan kerana mereka, UMNO akan terus ditolak oleh rakyat.

10. Kenapa dihadiahkan keris Panca Warisan kepada Hishamuddin? Pengganti dia dah tak berani nak cium keris lagi ke? Ia adalah tradisi orang Melayu. Kenapa tak diteruskan sahaja walaupun orang lain tak suka? Bukannya ada orang yang mati kerana perlakuan tersebut. Ia tidak ada kena mengena dengan kaum lain. Kenapa takut?

11. Kalau nak cium keris pun dah tak berani, jangan nanti kalau kaum lain cakap pakai songkok dah tak melambangkan kita sebagai orang Malaysia, jadi jangan pakai songkok lagi bila pergi persidangan. Apa yang betul, kekalkan. Apa yang tak betul barulah ubah. Hanya kerana takutkan kritik, tradisi digadaikan.

-BERUBAHLAH SEBELUM KAMU DIUBAH-

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Stupidity - Exhibit B

14/2/2009 - Kutipan tol di plaza tol PJS2 arah KL di lebuhraya Pantai Baru (NPE) telah dimansuhkan sejak malam tadi menurut Menteri Kerja Raya, Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed. Ini adalah cara kerajaan menunjukkan rasa cinta kepada rakyat bersempena dengan sambutan Hari Valentine hari ini. Walaupun tol ni tak signifikan kepada pengguna lain, tapi sekurang2nya ia membantu para penduduk Kampung Medan dan Kampung Dato' Harun. Orang luar tak banyak pakai tol ni sebab access dia dari Lebuhraya Persekutuan. Yang banyak orang pakai is tol dari Bandar Sunway ke KL. Tapi takpe la. Sekurang2nya kerajaan prihatin. It's a good start.

24/2/2009 - Plaza tol Salak Jaya arah selatan dimansuhkan hari ini. Ini pemansuhan tol kedua dalam masa 11 hari. Kenderaan yang masuk ke KL sahaja akan dikenakan tol RM1.30. Bagus jugak kerajaan kita ni. Lepas satu, satu lagi dimansuhkan. Walaupun sebelah aje yang dimansuhkan, at least something.

26/2/2009 - Menteri Kerja Raya mengumumkan kenaikan tol di 5 lebuhraya

26/2/2009 - Kerajaan sedang menimbangkan untuk mengurangkan caruman pihak majikan untuk dimasukkan ke dalam pakej rangsangan ekonomi kedua yang akan dimumkan bulan depan. Bukan ke dalam kegawatan ekonomi, rakyat yang patut dipelihara? Majikan pula yang lebih diutamakan. Ni negara rakyat ke negara majikan? Bukan ke banyak lagi kos lain yang boleh dikurangkan atau dimansuhkan untuk mengurangkan beban majikan? Kenapa rakyat yang mesti menderita untuk menyelamatkan majikan?

27/2/2009 - Pak Lah suruh kabinet menimbangkan semula kenaikan tol yang diumumkan oleh Menteri Kerja Raya semalam. Dia cakap keputusan untuk menaikan tol tersebut dibuat 2-3 minggu sebelum ini. Keadaan ekonomi masih tidak berubah. Jadi keputusan tersebut wajar dipertimbangkan semula. Nak jadi hero Malaya agaknya dia ni. Boleh ke keadaan ekonomi yang teruk sekarang ni dalam masa 2-3 minggu aje bertukar jadi baik? Pakai akal la sket beb! Kalo dah keadaan ekonomi tak berubah, janganlah umumkan. Takkan tuh pun nak kena ajar. Ingat menguruskan negara ni pentas drama swasta ke?

28/2/2009 - Kabinet memutuskan untuk menangguhkan kenaikan tol di 5 lebuhraya yang sepatutnya bermula pada 1/3/2009. TPM cakap kerajaan terpaksa membelanjakan RM500 juta sebagai pampasan kepada syarikat konsesi lebuhraya. Pak Lah cakap penangguhan kenaikan tol ini tiada kena mengena dengan 3 pilihanraya kecil akan datang.

10/3/2009 - TPM akan mengumumkan pakej rangsangan kedua untuk membantu rakyat dan negara mengharungi kegawatan ekonomi yang melanda dunia sekarang ini. Ada rancangan untuk pakej rangsangan untuk membantu rakyat, tapi pada masa sama boleh naikkan tol. Cara paling senang nak membantu rakyat dalam masa kegawatan ni ialah dengan jangan menaikkan kos sara hidup rakyat yang telah sedia tinggi sekarang ni. Tak payah tanya pakar ekonomi pon dah boleh tau jawapan ni. Yang pandai2 umumkan naik tol tu kenapa?

-Ntah orang jenis apa lah yang mentadbir negara kita ni...-

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Pandangan Seorang Warga Perak

1. MB Nizar tak nampak kepimpinannya. Apa yang nampak dia diperkudakan oleh DAP untuk mencapai hasrat mereka.

2. Banyak dasar2 kerajaan PR di Perak bukan idea mereka sendiri. Banyak cedok dari kerajaan PR negeri lain. Contohnya, pemberian hak tanah cilok dari Selangor.

3. Selepas hampir setahun berkuasa, kerajaan PR Perak masih banyak belum menunaikan janji2 manis mereka. Contohnya, pemilihan ketua kampung melalui undian.

4. Permainan lompat melompat parti ni start dari Anwar Ibrahim, pemimpin PR sendiri. Kalau orang BN lompat masuk PR, Anwar akan cakap ia adalah tindakan yang betul demi kepentingan rakyat. Tapi bila orang PR lompat masuk BN atau jadi Bebas, Anwar akan cakap mereka telah mengkhianati amanat rakyat. Anwar akan menghalalkan segala cara untuk mencapai matlamatnya. So jangan la tertipu lagik. Cukuplah 16 September 2008 yang tak jadi kenyataan. Dia dah hilang kredibiliti.

5. Lompat melompat parti ni memang kerja orang tak bermaruah. Bak kata Tun Mahathir, tak payahlah undi lagi orang2 ni dalam PRU akan datang. Sekali mereka lompat, selama-lamanya rakyat takkan percaya.

6. Kerajaan Perak sekarang dikuasai oleh ADUN Bebas. Bukan PR atau BN. Mereka berkuasa untuk menentukan siapa yang akan berkuasa di negeri Perak. Hari ni mereka sokong BN. Apa yang boleh menjamin esok diorang takkan sokong PR? Takkan tiap2 2 minggu nak tukar MB kot?

7. 2 ADUN Bebas sedang menghadapi tuduhan rasuah di mahkamah. Kalau mereka didapati bersalah dan dihukum penjara, pemilihan mereka sebagai ADUN akan terlucut. Pilihanraya Kecil perlu diadakan. Kalau PR menang kedua2 kerusi, takkan nak tukar MB lagi kot?

8. Kalau dalam masa sebulan dua, Anwar dapat tarik orang BN untuk melompat parti, takkan Nizar nak angkat sumpah sebagai MB lagi sekali kot? Sampai bila drama ni nak abis?

9. Dikhabarkan ada diantara ADUN Bebas tu keluar dari PR pasal tak dapat kereta Toyota Camry baru. Kalau kerajaan BN tak bagi diorang Camry atau apa2 yang diorang mintak, mungkin mereka takkan menyokong BN lagi. Sambung drama lagi...

10. Kalau PR ambil tindakan mahkamah terhadap Sultan Perak, ingat Sultan Perak nak perkenankan lagi ke Nizar jadi MB pada masa akan datang? Tuanku Sultan pon manusia, ada hati dan perasaan.

11. Kalau nak kerajaan yang stabil, bubarkan saja DUN Perak. Biar rakyat yang menentukan. Biar kerajaan yang dibentuk nanti sebuah kerajaan yang kuat dan stabil. Bukan yang boleh disepak terajang. Buat malu orang Perak aje.

12. Yang penting adalah kebajikan rakyat. Bukan kekuasaan politik yang utama. Ingat tu! Korang semua diundi dan dilantik untuk menjaga negeri dan rakyat Perak. Bukan nak mengaut kemewahan. Jahanamlah orang2 macam gini!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

KHUTBAH: PALESTIN MENGAJAK KEMBALI KEPADA KETULENAN ISLAM

Ni aku dapat dari email. Bacalah dan fikir-fikirkan

Sidang Jumaat yang dirahmati Allah,

Sekali lagi, umat Islam sedunia dihidangkan dengan pusing seterusnya kekejaman regim Zionis ke atas umat Islam dan manusia di bumi Palestin. Kekejaman yang melampaui batas fikiran manusia, yang tidak lain dan tidak bukan adalah untuk mengiyakan apa yang diamarankan oleh al-Quran, tentang fasad besar-besaran pusingan kedua yang dicetuskan oleh kaum Yahudi ini.

Firman Allah SWT:

“Dan telah Kami nyatakan kepada Bani Israil di dalam Kitab itu: “Sesungguhnya kamu akan melakukan kerosakan di bumi (Palestin) dua kali, dan sesungguhnya kamu akan berlaku sombong angkuh dengan melampau” [al-Israa' 17: 4]

Para ahli Tafsir kontemporari menyetujui bahawa kerosakan pertama yang dilakukan oleh orang-orang Yahudi ini adalah semasa mastautin mereka di bumi Yathrib. Mereka menguasai politik, ekonomi dan sosial di kota tersebut, bongkak dengan impian mereka bahawa Nabi akhir zaman akan diutuskan sekali lagi daripada keturunan mereka, dan seterusnya memanfaatkan kebodohan kaum Aus dan Khazraj lalu melaga-lagakan dua kelompok kaum Arab ini hingga berperang sesama sendiri, mencecah suatu tempoh yang amat panjang.

Kerosakan pertama ini mencapai kemuncaknya, apabila mereka secara rasmi menolak Kenabian Rasul akhir zaman, tatkala tibanya Muhammad bin Abdullah ke kota Yathrib di dalam peristiwa Hijrah. Meleset sekali impian mereka, bahawa Allah telah menetapkan bahawa kaum yang banyak membunuh Nabi dan Rasul ini hilang kebanggaan buta mereka, apabila penutup segala Nabi dan Rasul, diutuskan daripada kaum Arab berketurunan Ismail ‘alayhi al-Salaam, iaitulah Junjungan Mulia Nabi Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.

Firman Allah SWT:

“Maka apabila sampai masa janji (membalas kederhakaan kamu) kali yang pertama dari dua (kederhakaan) itu, Kami datangkan kepada kamu hamba-hamba Kami yang kuat gagah dan amat keras serangannya lalu mereka menjelajah di segala ceruk rantau (untuk menyerang dan mengusir kamu); dan (sebenarnya peristiwa itu) adalah satu janji yang benar-benar berlaku” [al-Israa' 17: 5]

Sidang Jumaat, rahimakumullah…

Misi menghadapi kaum Yahudi yang tidak pernah jemu menyebarkan kerosakan di muka bumi biar pun telah diberi peluang berkali-kali oleh Rasulullah sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, disempurnakan oleh umat Islam dengan pengusiran mereka dari bumi Khaybar pada bulan Muharram tahun ke-7H.

Semenjak itu, kaum Yahudi hidup berpeleseran dan sukar diterima di mana-mana sahaja penempatan di muka bumi, di bawah mana-mana kuasa pemerintah, disebabkan oleh perilaku mereka sendiri yang tidak henti-henti mencetuskan fasad di muka bumi.

Namun, di sepanjang sejarah itu, kuasa pemerintah Islam jugalah, dengan keluasan rahmat dan toleransinya menghulurkan bantuan bersyarat kepada kaum Yahudi, termasuklah semasa mereka berdepan dengan pembunuhan beramai-ramai di bumi Andalus pada 1492 oleh kuasa Kristian. Kerajaan Islam Turki Othmaniyyah mempelawa mereka untuk mendapat perlindungan duduk di bawah pemerintah Islam, tetapi Yahudi tetap Yahudi, mereka menjadi duri dalam daging hingga akhirnya berperanan sebagai kelompok terpenting yang menjadi punca kepada kejatuhan kerajaan Turki Othmaniyyah. Yahudi Donme yang hidup talam dua muka, menjadi lubang kebocoran bagi negara Islam terakhir itu, hingga legasi Islam ribuan tahun, tamat secara rasminya pada tahun 1924.

Sidang Jumaat sekalian,

Kejatuhan kerajaan Islam terakhir itulah, titik utama kepada terlepasnya bumi Palestin dari wilayah Islam. Sehingga kini, bumi Palestin itu terus bermandi darah, setiap anak yang dilahirkan, adalah seperti sudah tersurat bahawa mereka bakal menjadi mangsa kekejaman penjajah Zionis yang terus menerus membelakangkan kemanusiaan, menghancurkan apa dan siapa sahaja yang menghalang cita-cita mereka untuk menegakkan negara Zionis dari tebing Furat ke Sungai Nil.

Itulah ’sumbangan’ Yahudi.

Kerosakan demi kerosakan.

Dan Allah SWT telah menetapkan, bahawa kitalah pada hari ini yang berdepan dengan kerosakan besar-besaran pusingan kedua, sebagaimana yang telah dicatatkan di dalam ayat yang saya bacakan tadi.

Jamaah kaum Muslimin sekalian,

Apakah tindakan kita? Apakah cukup dengan hanya menggelengkan kepala, menanti isu ini pudar daripada siaran media selepas seminggu dua, dan kemudian menggelengkan kepala lagi untuk pusingan yang seterusnya?

Sesungguhnya, kita mempunyai 3 bentuk tindakan yang menanti perlaksanaan.

Tindakan pertama, adalah dengan MENGECAM.

Kita boleh dan perlu untuk membuat kecaman. Membantah dan menyuarakan penentangan kita terhadap kekejaman Yahudi di bumi Palestin. Sama ada kecaman itu dibuat dalam bentuk demonstrasi, ucapan, khutbah dan penulisan, kecaman mesti diteruskan.

Kecaman ini boleh menjustifikasikan sokongan dan kebersamaan kita dengan saudara-saudara seagama di bumi Palestin. Ia juga menjadi bukti terhadap kepedulian kita. Ia menjadi tanda bahawa kita bukan terdiri dari kelompok manusia yang disebutkan oleh Allah dengan perumpamaan buruk sebagai BINATANG TERNAK.

Firman Allah SWT:

“Dan Sesungguhnya Kami jadikan untuk neraka Jahanam banyak dari jin dan manusia yang mempunyai hati (tetapi) tidak mahu memahami dengannya (ayat-ayat Allah), dan yang mempunyai mata (tetapi) tidak mahu melihat dengannya (bukti keesaan Allah) dan yang mempunyai telinga (tetapi) tidak mahu mendengar dengannya (ajaran dan nasihat); mereka itu seperti binatang ternak, bahkan mereka lebih sesat lagi; mereka itulah orang-orang yang lalai” [al-A'raaf 7: 179]

Binatang ternak tidak pernah peduli kepada pisau yang sedang diasah untuk menyembelihnya. Binatang ternak hanya memerhatikan rumput dengan penuh nafsu terhadap perutnya. Binatang ternak adalah perumpamaan kepada manusia yang diberi mata tidak melihat, diberi telinga tidak mendengar. Apa yang mereka pedulikan hanyalah lima rukun hidup iaitu MAKAN, MINUM, KERJA, REHAT dan KAHWIN.

Semoga dengan kecaman dan bantahan yang dibuat, menjadi saksi di hadapan Allah, bahawa kita adalah manusia, bukan binatang yang tidak punya rasa peduli dan peka.

Namun kecaman bukanlah tindakan yang terbaik oleh seorang mukmin.

Rasulullah sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam telah bersabda:

Daripada Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri radhiyallahu ‘anhu beliau berkata: aku mendengar Rasulullah sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam pernah bersabda: Sesiapa dari kalangan kamu yang melihat kemungkaran, maka hendaklah dia mengubahnya dengan tangannya. Andai tiada kemampuan untuk berbuat demikian, maka hendalah dia mengubahnya dengan lisannya. Dan jika beliau tidak mampu untuk berbuat begitu, maka hendaklah (dikecam) dengan hatinya. Dan demikian itu adalah selemah-lemah iman [Hadith riwayat Muslim]

Arahan Nabi Muhammad sallalaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam terhadap tindakan kita mencegah kemungkaran, bukan sekadar mengingkarinya dengan hati, atau menegahnya dengan lisan, tetapi bertindak dengan tangan untuk MENGUBAH keadaan. Tindak balas kita mestilah ada upaya untuk mengubah keadaan, dan kecaman masih jauh dari mampu mencetuskan perubahan itu.

Sidang Jumaat rahimakumullaah,

Tindakan kedua yang mesti kita lakukan untuk bertindak terhadap kekejaman Yahudi di bumi Palestin adalah selepas MENGECAM adalah MENCEGAH.

Mencegah boleh berlaku dalam beberapa bentuk.

Cegahan pertama adalah pada usaha mengelakkan diri untuk menjadi mangsa kepada kemungkaran itu. Ia mungkin boleh diertikan sebagai tindakan untuk berhijrah meninggalkan tempat di mana kemungkaran itu berlaku.

Ia mungkin berupaya menyelamatkan diri kita buat sementara, tetapi ia tidak akan dapat menamatkan kemungkaran itu daripada terus menerus berleluasa. Dan segala puji bagi Allah, saudara kita di bumi Palestin tidak bertindak melarikan diri. Jika mereka tidak punya semangat yang kuat untuk mempertahankan diri dan maruah Islam, sudah pasti mereka bertempiaran lari menjadi pelarian di bumi asing.

Namun Allah anugerahkan bumi itu dengan manusia yang kental jiwa. Mereka terus bertahan. Biar pun hanya dengan lastik dan batu, berundur tidak sekali-kali! Sama ada menang, atau syahid fi sabillah.

Mencegah yang kedua pula, boleh diertikan dengan tindakan kita mengekang diri daripada menjadi sebahagian daripada kemungkaran itu. Kita harus bertindak untuk menghalang diri daripada menjadi sebahagian daripada kekuatan regim Yahudi di bumi Palestin. Dan tindakan ini boleh dijustifikasikan dengan kempen boikot.

Secara individu, kita boleh menyekat diri daripada menggunakan barangan dan perkhidmatan syarikat-syarikat yang menyumbang kepada kekuatan ekonomi regim Yahudi Zionis itu.

Firman Allah SWT berkenaan dengan hal ini:

“Kemudian, Kami kembalikan kepada kamu (Yahudi) kekuasaan untuk mengalahkan mereka, dan Kami perpanjangkan kepada kamu dengan banyaknya harta kekayaan dan anak pinak, serta Kami jadikan kamu kaum yang lebih ramai pasukannya” [Al-Israa' 17: 6]

Di era kerosakan kedua oleh kaum Yahudi ini, Allah SWT menjelaskan bahawa kekuatan mereka adalah hasil yang diperpanjangkan kepada mereka berupa harta kekayaan dan sumber tenaga manusia. Ayat ini amat jelas menunjukkan kepada kita, bahawa regim Yahudi Zionis hari ini menjadi kuat hasil sokongan luar yang mereka terima.

Sokongan itu tidak lain dan tidak bukan adalah daripada negara Polis Dunia iaitu Amerika Syarikat.

Laporan http://www.ifamericansknew.org menjelaskan bahawa regim Zionis yang menjajah bumi Palestin menerima bantuan di antara 10 ke 15 juta US Dollar sehari daripada Amerika Syarikat. Jumlah ini mengatasi jumlah keseluruhan bantuan Amerika Syarikat kepada negara-negara Amerika Latin, Sub Sahara Afrika dan Carribean.

Kekuatan utama rejim Zionis di Palestin adalah sokongan Amerika Syarikat. Negara kuasa besar dunia itu berupaya memanipulasi kewangannya sendiri untuk memberikan sokongan dan bantuan kepada rejim Zionis hasil kombinasi beberapa pihak, khususnya media di Amerika Syarikat yang tidak melapor, melapor secara simplistik, atau memberikan laporan yang salah, untuk mengawal kefahaman penduduk Amerika Syarikat tentang isu Palestin.

Maka tindakan memboikot barangan yang menyumbang kepada kekuatan ini, tindakan menghentikan penggunakan matawang Dollar Amerika Syarikat adalah tindakan mencegah yang boleh memberikan kesan kepada hal ini, jika umat Islam dan seluruh warga manusia yang prihatin bersatu padu menjayakannya.

Sidang Jumaat sekalian,

Walau bagaimana pun, tindakan mengecam dan mencegah masih belum mencapai standard yang ditetapkan oleh Nabi Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam kepada kita. Bahawa kemungkaran mesti menerima tindak balas yang bersifat MENGUBAH.

Perubahan itulah yang mesti diperhatikan oleh kita semua.

Apakah kekalahan demi kekalahan yang menimpa umat Islam selama ini berlaku tanpa sebab?

Apakah kejatuhan kuasa Islam hanya disebabkan oleh faktor luar?

Sesungguhnya mencela kaum Yahudi yang melakukan kerosakan, tidak lebih daripada sekadar kata pepatah Melayu, SEPERTI MARAHKAN ANJING MENYALAK BUKIT. Yahudi dan kerosakan sudah sinonim, maka janganlah kita sekadar marahkan Yahudi, sebaliknya cerminlah diri kita, apakah yang sedang berlaku kepada umat Islam sendiri?

Kaum Muslimin rahimakumullaah,

Menjawab soalan ini, saya teringat kepada apa yang telah diungkapkan oleh Abu al-Hasan Ali al-Nadawi di dalam bukunya Ila al-Islam Min Jadeed (Kembali Semula Kepada Islam). Di bawah tajuk “Antara Ilusi dan Realiti” (Bayna al-Soorah wa al-Haqiqah), al-Nadwi telah memberikan suatu analogi yang sangat baik untuk difikirkan bersama.

Al-Nadwi membayangkan bagaimana seorang pemimpin hebat yang telah mati, dikenang oleh pengikutnya dengan membina sebuah patung yang besar dan amat menyerupai rupa pemimpin itu semasa hayatnya. Tetapi pada suatu hari, seekor burung datang bertenggek di atas hidung “pemimpin”tersebut dan melepaskan najisnya. Patung yang besar dan gagah itu tidak mampu berbuat apa-apa terhadap burung yang kecil itu, walaupun di kaki patung itu terpahat nama seorang pemimpin yang semasa hidupnya digeruni kawan dan lawan.

Mengapakah keadaan itu boleh berlaku? Mengapakah pemimpin yang hebat itu terhina hanya oleh perilaku seekor burung yang kecil?

Al-Nadawi mengulas analogi ini dengan mengemukakan konsep ilusi versus realiti.

Patung itu walaupun besar, gagah dan hebat, malah mewakili peribadi seorang pemimpin yang agung semasa hidupnya, adalah hanya “seorang patung”. Ia hanya sebuah gambaran. Sebuah ilusi. Manakala burung tersebut, walaupun kecil dari segi saiznya, ia adalah burung yang hidup. Burung itu walaupun kecil, namun ia adalah realiti.

Sunnatullah telah menetapkan bahawa realiti sentiasa mengalahkan ilusi.

Beginilah perihalnya kita ketika berhadapan dengan musuh.

Jika kita membuka lembaran al-Quran dan mengkaji tentang Yahudi, maka kita akan dapati bahawa keterangan al-Quran tentang karakter Yahudi amat selaras. Kelakuan penakut mereka yang hanya membolehkan mereka menyerang di sebalik tembok, sifat takabbur, dendam kesumat terhadap orang-orang yang beriman, semuanya menepati realiti. Maka orang-orang Yahudi hari ini adalah orang Yahudi sejati. Pertembungan kita dengan Yahudi adalah pertembungan kita dengan sebuah realiti.

Jika kita membaca al-Quran dan meneliti ayat-ayat tentang Nasrani, kita akan dapati bahawa orang-orang Kristian hari ini amat menepati watak mereka seperti yang digambarkan oleh al-Quran. Maka orang-orang Kristian hari ini adalah orang Nasrani sejati. Mereka adalah realiti. Pertembungan kita terhadap mereka adalah pertembungan kita dengan sebuah realiti.

Namun, jika kita amati keterangan al-Quran tentang ciri-ciri orang Islam dan Mukmin, apakah hasil pengamatan kita itu?

Al-Quran menjelaskan bahawa orang-orang Mukmin itu bersaudara. Al-Quran juga menjelaskan bahawa orang Mukmin itu saling menjadi pembantu kepada Mukmin yang lain. Orang Mukmin bersatu padu berpegang dengan tali Allah, mereka tidak berpecah belah ketika mendirikan agama, mereka pengasih sesama mereka dan keras terhadap Kuffar dan pelbagai lagi senarai ciri Mukmin yang diterangkan oleh al-Quran.

Namun, perhatikanlah realiti umat Islam hari ini. Berapakah jarak di antara diri idaman mereka seperti yang digambarkan al-Quran, dengan diri sebenar mereka di dalam realiti kehidupan?

Muslim ilusi berdepan dengan Nasrani realiti.

Muslim ilusi berdepan dengan Yahudi realiti.

Realiti sentiasa mengalahkan ilusi.

Ramainya kita hanyalah sebuah ilusi. Hakikatnya kita sedikit, dan jumlah itu semakin sedikit apabila saudara-saudara kita berbondong-bondong murtad meninggalkan kita.

Kayanya kita hanyalah sebuah ilusi. Hakikatnya kita miskin. Kita miskin jiwa, miskin daya juang dan kemiskinan itu semakin miskin apabila saudara-saudara kita tidak mampu mengawal jual beli harta mereka sendiri yang selama ini mengkayakan musuh.

Cerdiknya kita hanyalah sebuah ilusi. Hakikatnya kita bodoh. Kita masih dibelenggu oleh persoalan-persoalan yang bodoh dan tidak langsung menghasilkan sebarang hasil. Kebodohan kita menjadi semakin bodoh apabila kita tenggelam dalam tajuk-tajuk debat sesama kita yang langsung tidak menggambarkan yang kita sedang berada di medan perang.

Bersatunya kita hanyalah sebuah ilusi. Hakikatnya kita berpecah. Hati-hati kita terlalu mudah untuk diungkaikan ikatannya. Penyakit hati kita sangat menjijikkan. Berpecah belah hanya kerana secawan kopi. Pecah belah rumahtangga, pecah belah jiran tetangga, pecah belah masyarakat sedesa, pecah belah antara negara, perpecahan kita dari hujung daun hingga ke akar umbi.

Ya, jika al-Quran yang menjadi pengukurnya, maka Yahudi di Palestin itu adalah realiti. Nasrani di Rumah Putih itu adalah realiti. Namun umat Islam yang mengelilingi Rumah Hitam di Masjidil Haram itu hanyalah ilusi. Dan ilusi akan terus dikalahkan oleh realiti.

Selagi kita tidak berusaha untuk membentuk diri menjadi Mukmin sejati, selagi itulah kita tidak akan diizinkan oleh Allah untuk melihat pembebasan Palestin dan Masjidil Aqsa.

Tragedi di Gaza adalah seruan Allah untuk kita kembali kepada Islam.

Islam yang tulen.

Ibu bapa didiklah anak menjadi Muslim, jangan dibiarkan mereka menjadi Yahudi, Nasrani atau Majusi.

Kenalkan kepada anak-anak kita apa itu Islam dan apa itu Jahiliyyah. Fahamkan mereka siapa Yahudi dan Nasrani dan mengapa mereka dikutuk Allah. Ajarlah anak-anak mencintai kebenaran, keadilan dan memusuhi kezaliman. Agar dengan jiwa tulen seorang putera Muslim dan puteri Muslimah, Yahudi tulen akan dikalahkan oleh Muslim tulen.

“Dan jika kamu kembali, maka Kami pula akan kembali ..” [al-Israa' 17: 8]

Kembalilah kepada Allah, agar Allah kembali kepada kita dengan bantuan dan kemenangan!

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Stupidity - Exhibit A

I was somehow taken aback with a comment by a MCA central committee member regarding Hudud. Read more here http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/1/16/southneast/3017955&sec=southneast


It shows how ignorant, lame and insensitive MCA leaders can be towards the feeling of Muslims in this country. It is just a blatant statement meant to belittle Islam in the eyes of non-Muslim in Malaysia. The saddest thing is what he is talking about is mere crap and it's an interpretation of Islamic laws from his point of view.


I can fully understand when Karpal Singh is against implementing Hudud laws just because Malaysia is a secular country. So it must abide to the law of the land that is common law. That's a fact. But I never came across any of his statement that belittles Hudud or Islamic law in particular. His statements are all about not being able to implement it from constitutional point of view.


For a MCA leader to come out with such a statement saying rapist will go free if Hudud is implemented, it just puzzles me how certain lawyers interpret Islamic laws from their own perspective just to gain political mileage without even considering the feelings of Muslims. This is disrespectful!


His statement shows that as if there is a big "flaw" in Islamic laws. First of all, I don't think any sane human being would want to implement this law if it truly has such a "flaw" in it. This also shows he only knows the surface of Islamic laws. Hudud can't be viewed as a stand alone law. Under Islamic law, it must viewed as a whole which includes Hudud, Qisas and Takzir. There are a lot of ways to prove a rapist wrong. It is a fair law that will protect the interest of the rapist and the victim. I would not like to go into detail about this because I'm not an expert myself. But you can read details on Islamic law here http://www.pekanrabu.com/zubir/hudud.html


I would like to see what will happen next. Will UMNO take any action against this MCA leader? This statement is belittling Islam, not PAS! Just don't politicize this issue. Take action to whom it is suppose to. In fact, maybe ISA can come into play! It's an insensitive statement that's provoking. It can cause chaos to the country because Muslim will be angry. At least I am! How about you?


-SAY NOT TO MCA-

Saturday, January 17, 2009

PPSMI

1. Kebelakangan ini banyak pihak yang dah mula mempersoalkan Pengajaran & Pembelajaran Subjek Sains & Matematik dalam Bahasa Inggeris (PPSMI) sampai ada pihak yang mahu menyaman kerajaan dan ada yang mahu buat piket besar-besaran. Ada pihak yang setuju dengan PPSMI dan banyak pula yang menentang. Tapi Pak Lah suruh jangan politikkan isu ini. Jadi jangan la kita politikkan tapi tengoklah dari sudut akademik. Kemana arah tuju sistem pendidikan Malaysia yang sudah sedia daif ini?

2. Ada pihak yang meminta kerajaan memansuhkan PPSMI ini dan kembali kepada konsep asal dengan mengajarkan Sains dan Matematik dalam bahasa kebangsaan dan bahasa ibunda. Kemana sebenarnya arah tuju sistem pendidikan kita jika PPSMI ini dimansuhkan?

3. Pengajaran hampir semua subjek-subjek sains, teknologi dan perubatan di universiti dan kolej adalah didalam bahasa Inggeris. Hanya subjek-subjek seperti ketamadunan sahaja yang diajarkan dalam bahasa kebangsaan. Sekurang-kurangnya, PPSMI ini menyediakan bakal pelajar universiti dengan asas yang kukuh sebelum menjejakkan kaki ke alam pengajian tinggi.

4. Jika kita kembali kepada sistem asal, tidak akan ada kesinambungan diantara pengajian awal dan pengajian tinggi. Adakah kita mahu melihat anak-anak muda belajar sains dan matematik dalam bahasa kebangsaan dan kemudian bila masuk U, tukar pula bahasa? Adakah ini satu sistem yang bijak dan bagaimana ia pasti akan menjejaskan perkembangan pendidikan pelajar-pelajar kita.

5. Atau wajarkah dimansuhkan PPSMI ini dan kembali kepada sistem asal dan pada masa yang sama, pengajaran subjek-subjek di U diajarkan dalam bahasa kebangsaan? Tapi pasti akan ada skeptik yang menyatakan sukar untuk belajar jurusan kejuruteraan dan perubatan dalam bahasa kebangsaan.

6. Yang lebih peliknya, universiti-universiti di Indonesia mampu untuk mengajarkan jurusan-jurusan sains, teknologi dan perubatan dalam bahasa kebangsaan mereka sendiri iaitu bahasa Indonesia yang juga serumpun dengan bahasa kebangsaan Malaysia. Kenapa bahasa Malaysia tidak boleh?

7. Kenapa peranan bahasa Malaysia perlu disempitkan dan tidak digunakan secara meluas sebagai bahasa ilmu? Adakah Malaysia mahu jadi seperti Singapura yang mana bahasa kebangsaan adalah bahasa Melayu, tetapi hanya digunakan sebagai simbolik sahaja didalam acara-acara rasmi. Nampak macam Malaysia menuju kearah itu.

8. Jika bukan sistem pendidikan di negara sendiri yang memartabatkan bahasa Malaysia, siapa yang akan berbuat demikian? Pelajar-pelajar Malaysia yang mahu belajar jurusan kejuruteraan di Jepun dan Jerman, perlu mengambil kelas persediaan didalam bahasa Jepun dan Jerman sebelum dihantar ke negara-negara tersebut untuk menyambung pengajian masing-masing. Begitu juga pelajar-pelajar jurusan perubatan yang ingin ke Russia. Tetapi di tanah air sendiri, nak ada satu sistem yang memartabatkan bahasa kebangsaan sendiri pun susah.

9. Hanya sekitar 5-6 tahun lepas, masih terdapat buku rujukan dalam Bahasa Malaysia untuk pelajar-pelajar kejuruteraan di UTM yang dikarang sendiri oleh pensyarah-pensyarah UTM. Pada masa tersebut, pembelajaran masih dalam bahasa Malaysia dan pastinya permintaan untuk buku rujukan di dalam bahasa Malaysia amatlah tinggi. Tapi kini, perkembangan yang sihat ini telah dibantutkan dengan menukar bahasa pengantar di univerisiti kepada bahasa Inggeris. Secara tidak langsungnya telah mencacatkan perkembangan bahasa kebangsaan dan pastinya para pensyarah merasakan tidak perlu untuk mengarang buku rujukan kerana telah terdapat pelbagai buku rujukan dalam bahasa Inggeris. Perkembangan ilmu dalam bahasa Malaysia telah dibantutkan.

10. Memansuhkan PPSMI hanya akan menyelesaikan sebahagian sahaja masalah sistem pendidikan negara. Kalau nak buat sesuatu dasar, tolonglah kaji secara menyeluruh. Cukuplah dengan dasar-dasar pendidikan yang banyak membuat kerosakan daripada kebaikan.

BAHASA JIWA BANGSA

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