Tuesday 4 March 2014
'More beautiful than women, horses and all other animals': Welcome to the Arab beauty contest where million-dollar CAMELS with false eyelashes and lip filler compete for huge prizes
- Visitors trek across desert for lavish event in Liwa, United Arab Emirates
- Men happily declare they prefer camels to their wives - and all other women
- Prize camels can change hands for as much as £1.8million at all-male event
- Festival also features camel races and milking competitions
Thousands of men leer on, playboys skid around outside in expensive cars, and top models command fees reaching into the millions as part of the biggest beauty contest this side of Dubai.
But, unlike most pageants, it is not women on display but camels - a situation which suits the exclusively male attendees just fine.
Visitors to this sprawling event held annually in Liwa, United Arab Emirates, happily admit that they consider the winning camels - which change hands for almost £2million each - more beautiful than their wives, and indeed any other woman.
'Sexy, yeah?': One of the prize camels poses for the cameras in the United Arab Emirates
ISLAM'S FINAL VERDICT ON MS.WORLD PAGEANT :IT IS "WORST THAN BUYING AND SELLING SLAVES" AND IS A FORM OF "HONOR KILLING OF WOMEN"
Miss World demeans women.
Since the premiere held in 1951 in the United States, a competition for the World Beauty Queen (Miss World) got a response in many areas.However, the event is organized by the Miss World Foundation was also condemnation and rejection by various communities in different parts of the world.
Not least in the Middle East. female human rights activists in Iraq, for example, considered that this kind of event is a form of honor killings of women. Wave rejection came from the Muslim community. In Iraq, the Islamic militant group in 2006 threatened to kill Miss World Iraq, concerned ultimately forced to flee to Jordan. pros and cons
In 2002 Miss World haunts Nigeria to cause physical violence. Nasr al-Islam group hunt down a local journalist named Daniel Asyoma. 's due to an article in the local media were very hurt Muslims. In the article, the reporter wrote, if Prophet Muhammad was still alive, would undoubtedly approve of this event. "It could be also marry one of the contestants," wrote Asyoma who then fled to the outside Nigeria.
.So, what are the views of fatwa institutions in Muslim-majority countries related to Miss World? The fatwa institutions agreed that Muslims should not organize and participate, either as facilitators, participants, or cheerleaders in contests that emphasize the beautiful face.
View as presented by Dar al-Ifta of Egypt, Saudi Arabia's Council of Senior Ulema, al Assembly Palestine-Ifta, the fatwa and each institution in Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Syria, Tunisia, and Morocco.
According to Sheikh Hisamuddin Affanah, this contest is contrary to the principles and values of Islam, as well as the form of imitation of the Western culture. The event has the potential to degrade women. Beautiful face and body used as a medium of propaganda and promotion. "It's worse than buying and selling slaves," he said.
BUT KILLING WOMEN FOR HONOR BY STONING,MARRYING AND RAPING LITTLE GIRLS ETC.ETC.ETC, IS NOT AGAINST "PRINCIPALS AND VALUES OF ISLAM".
SOURCE PLEASE USE GOOGLE TRANSLATE http://www.republika.co.id/berita/dunia-islam/fatwa/14/03/01/n1raxd-fatwa-tentang-miss-world-di-dunia-islam-1
Air quality in six locations in Klang Valley and Perak record unhealthy levels
Six locations in the Klang Valley, Putrajaya and Perak recorded unhealthy air quality this evening.Air quality continued to deteriorate in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya as air pollutant index (API) for Cheras and the administrative capital registered a reading of 105 and 110, respectively, as at 5pm today.
Port Klang, which had consistently recorded unhealthy readings today, recorded 131 while Banting was at 117.
Outside the Klang Valley, air quality in Seri Manjung registered 107 while Kg Air Putih in Taiping recorded an API of 102.
Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam are hovering near unhealthy levels, at 95 and 98 respectively while Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur recorded a reading of 91.
An API reading of between 0 and 50 is considered good; 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy; and 301 and above, hazardous according to the Department of Environment.
In a Bernama report last week, Malaysian Meteorological Department (JMM) director-general Datuk Che Gayah Ismail said the current air quality had no links with the eruption of Mount Sinabung in North Sumatera, Indonesia or other outside factors.
Instead, the unhealthy readings have been traced back to domestic sources such as smoke from forest fires, factories, vehicle emissions and the open burning of land.
The hot and dry weather, without any rainfall for several days, had only made the situation worse, Che Gayah had said.
Earlier today, the authorities carried out cloud seeding which saw slight rain in various parts of the Klang Valley. – March 3, 2014.
MIC man challenges Waytha to contest in Kajang
The former deputy minister can use the by-election to prove that he still commands support of the Malaysian Indian community, says its youth chief.PETALING JAYA: A MIC leader today challenged former deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department P Waythamoorthy to contest the Kajang by-election to prove that he still has the support of the Malaysian Indian community.
“Instead of sitting in his office and issuing press statements targeting Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and MIC, he should make a comeback as a politician and contest the Kajang by-election,” said former MIC Youth information chief S Subramaniam.
He said the by-election would be the best opportunity for Waythamoorthy to prove that he indeed had the support of the two million strong Malaysian Indian community.
“He wants to champion the cause of the community. It would be better if he contested in the Kajang state seat by-election. Although it would be an uphill battle for him to win the seat, at least he will know how many of the 4,000 Indian voters in Kajang support him.
“I challenge him to get at least 50% of the Indian votes. This will prove that he is indeed an Indian leader acknowledged by the community. Otherwise he should just zip up because he threw away an golden opportunity to serve the community as a deputy minister.
“He did a disservice to the community by resigning as deputy minister. He thought he would become a hero with the resignation but he was wrong. His action backfired. Now he is struggling to find a platform to say whatever he wants,” said Subramaniam.
He said if Waythamoothy can muster more than 2,000 Indian votes in Kajang, “I would personally support him to raise Indian related issues to the government.”
Three days to accept challenge
Subramaniam said anyone can claim that they had the peoples’ support but the most important thing is to prove it.
“We give him three days to accept the challenge. If he fails to stand up to this challenge then he should stop his mini-serial of issuing press statements every day,” added Subramaniam.
The MIC man also wanted Waythamoorthy to answer three questions before running down the government and MIC.
“Firstly, what is the status of the class action suit against the United Kingdom government in the Royal Court of Justice in London for US$4trillion (US$1million for every Malaysian Indian)?” he asked about the suit filed by Waythamoorthy on Aug 31, 2007.
In the suit, Waythamoothy on behalf of Hindraf, wanted United Kingdom to pay each Indian family in Malaysia RM1 million for bringing their ancestors from India to work in Malaysia about 100 years ago.
“Secondly, Waythamoorthy must unveil details of how much government funds he received and how he spent it while he was a deputy minister,” he added.
Subramaniam said Waythamoorthy must also answer queries as to the fate of RM800,000 banked into the Hindraf account in 2007.
A Malay’s perspective on HINDRAF’s plight
Firdaus Alam, a former estate boy
I have been following the HINDRAF movement for some time since pre GE12. They have risen against the tide of Malaysian politics to address various issues ranging from statelessness, education, employment, institutionalized discrimination, forceful religion conversion etc.
In the beginning after their rally in 2007, like many Malays, I was upset with their allegation that the Malaysian Indians have been treated unfairly in Malaysia.
Do the Indians hate the Malays? Impossible!!!
Malays have a closer cultural affinity to Indian Malaysians than to Chinese Malaysians, to be honest. Well, from my point of view anyway. Malays don’t have any qualms eating at an Indian restaurant, but do you see many Malays eating at Chinese restaurants? So from a Malay man’s perspective, I was confused with the statement from Hindraf that the Malays are marginalizing and discriminating the Indians.
Then there was the allegation by the Malay media spin doctors that they were connected to LTTE and therefore are aggressive towards the government to create havoc in a stable country like ours.
As I started reading more of HINDRAF since their rally, I began to understand their movement better. I found out that they had sent over 3,000 memorandums to the government on the plight of the poor Indians prior to their rally which was to no avail.
Then they did an eye catching act by initiating the law suit in Britain to catch the attention of the government as it had spread like wild fire in the international scene.
This is when I realized that they were seeking attention to address the issues that the Indians appear to be hoodwinked or sidetracked due to political interests and are not, per se, against the Malay community.
As usual the Indian parties within the BN coalition discarded them as a nuisance and the government followed suit by further sidelining them without even listening to their plight.
As a 50 something Malay who grew up in the estates during the 60′s & 70′s, I have many friends from the estates. Although I was from a poor family, with the assistance of the government I was able to move myself up the ladder to a comfortable position today.
In retrospective of my yesteryears, I began to enquire about some of my Indian friends from the estate. Many had dropped out after Form 3 & Form 5 without continuing their education due to their parents’ financial (dis)ability although I must admit some of them were indeed cleverer than I. Even the Tamil school in my estate looks the same as it was 40 years ago.
After the HINDRAF leader resigned from his position, I had the opportunity to go through their MOU with BN and noted that their demands seeking to streamline the statelessness issues affecting the displaced estate workers, their well-being, increasing educational opportunities as well as employment and business opportunities appear to be a fair demand for them.
Oh, yes!!! I always have a favorite tag line amongst my Malay friends, “Nothing wrong with the Indians, look at AK and TF. They are symbols of Indian success in the country”.
Actually, I used to argue with my friends that they are only looking at it in a superficial manner because it is obvious Hindraf is fighting for the poor Indians, not the urban, educated, middle class or rich Indians and similar ones in other races but the bottom 60- 65% who live in small towns, rural areas.
Another indicator that I always reflect on is the number of Indian beggars, homeless ones, suicidal rate and the increase in gangsterism amongst the Indians compared to the 70′s & 80′s. Why is there such a sharp increase over the last 30 years? Do we even question this or rather conveniently ignore it?
I believe it is these Malaysians that Hindraf fights for when the other communities contemptuously shun them as a societal sore even when they are Malaysians!
Another spin that has been created by the Malay media is that the Indians are encroaching into the rights of the Malays. I think this is bullshit. I think what the Indians are seeking is a piece of the cake in the nation – not the whole cake; therefore, the other stakeholders like the Malay and Chinese need to understand their plight and work with them to address it.
Obviously, the Indian political parties in BN are ineffective as they had let this segment of our community slide down the scale in the development of the nation.
Now, after the resignation of the HINDRAF bloke from the government, it appears that the Malay media has gone on spin again. I fail to see why the Malay media is trying so hard to influence the Malay readership when reasonable and sensible Malays in the street are aware of the problems faced by the Malaysian Indians.
In all fairness, I think the request made by HINDRAF to lift our fellow Malaysian Indians is a fair one.
The Malay politicians in this country need to come to their senses and think more objectively rather than playing politics in protecting their useless allies by running away from their responsibilities to ensure the well-being of the Malaysian Indians who also happen to be our brethren.
As for my Malay folks out there, many of us came from a rural settings and have been fortunate that the system has been helpful for us to progress in our lives. It is about time for us to view things beyond just fluttering the eyelids and acknowledge that something needs to be done to improve the state of the Displaced Estate Workers and their generations.
Thank you.
Rise of religious classes in public schools questioned
(Sydney Morning Herald) – Segregating children based on religious faith, or for other classes, has detrimental effects and is at odds with the inclusive philosophy of public education.Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic scripture classes are growing rapidly in NSW public schools, and students are on waiting lists for the popular ethics classes.
But as the popularity of the religious and ethics classes grows, some academics argue that segregating children based on religious faith, or for other classes, has detrimental effects and is at odds with the inclusive philosophy of public education.
Ethics classes, which started in 2011, had about 13,000 students this year, up from 8000 12 months ago.
About 250,000 students in NSW public schools get Christian religious education, with the largest providers coming from Catholic and Anglican churches.
The NSW Islamic scripture program teaches more than 22,000 Muslim students, up from 17,000 at the end of 2010. The number of students taking Hindu dharma classes has doubled in the past five years and is fast approaching 10,000. Judaism classes are attended by 2700 students.
Southern Cross University sociology of religion expert Cathy Byrne says segregation on religious grounds is outdated, inappropriate and educationally unsound.
”International research has shown children learn best about these ideas when they are given the opportunity to dialogue with others of their own age,” she said.
Dr Byrne said ethics classes have ”a fine and worthy intention” but ”even if you have a school that has ethics volunteers, you can still get the outrageous distribution of inappropriate fundamentalist and proselytising material”, she said.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/rise-of-religious-classes-in-public-schools-questioned-20140301-33sq6.html#ixzz2uraQW7jp
Yes, Ally Hazran Hashim and Siti Kassim are among the unsung heroes and heroines of Malaysia and I welcome the public to pinpoint and identity more “unsung heroes” out to save Malaysia from the voices and forces of hate, bigotry and intolerance
By Lim Kit Siang,
On Saturday (1st March) I issued a statement calling on Malaysians to pay tribute to ordinary Malaysians who are the country’s unsung heroes who dare to stand up for a better Malaysia whether in terms of a better education system, clean elections or inter-religious harmony, for they are the salt of the earth who will ensure that Malaysia will achieve her greatness instead of becoming a failed state.
I named three persons, viz:
· *Mohd Nor Izzat Mohd Johari, the head of Suara Guru Masyarakat Malaysia (SGMM), who is facing mean, petty and punitive persecution although he had rendered great national service in spearheading the protest against the woes of the badly-planned and poorly-conceived student-based assessment (SBA) system; and
· *Royal Malaysian Air Force pilot Major Zaidi Ahmad who is facing court martial for his patriotic duty of speaking up about the indelible ink fiasco in the recent 13th General Elections; and
· *Azrul Mohd Khalib, social activist, who led a Malaysians for Malaysia group to spearhead a “Walk for Peace” movement among ordinary Malaysians who care about the country to push for national healing in the face of the worst racial and religious polarization in the nation’s 56-year history.
On my Facebook on the statement, Linda Chong wrote:
“Mr Lim Kit Siang, I think U have left out Ally Hazran Hashim in his role in meeting up with fellow christians in a Kajang church lately…please check this up.”
I checked up and I agree with Linda that Ally Hazran Hashim qualify to be among the unsung heroes who are making unusual efforts to help make a better Malaysia.
A Star article dated Feb. 9, 2014, entitled “Moderate Muslims fight back for multifaith Malaysia” by Hariati Azizan chronicled Ally’s great deed and is commendable reading by all Malaysians who want a better Malaysia.
This is from the Star article:
In the spirit of the World Interfaith Harmony Week, some Malaysians are seeking to promote diversity, peace and understanding.
WHILE some irresponsible groups have been swamping churches with banners and messages of hate, training consultant Ally Hazran Hashim, 47, decided to rally some friends to gather at his hometown church, the Holy Family Church in Kajang, with flowers, oranges and messages of love last Sunday.
This small act of compassion and harmony is exactly what the country needs amid the religious and racial tension that remains unabated.
“It was basically to show the Christians in Kajang that not all Muslims are against them. I also wanted to create awareness for all Muslims that such acts of love sharing will bring respect to our faith, Islam. Islam means peace and we represent the true Muslim believers who want peace, love and unity among all Malaysians regardless of race and religion.”
Like many, Ally is disheartened by the actions of certain groups who have been fanning racial tension in the country.
“It has prompted me to do something that will bring the focus back to unity. I really believe Malaysia as a multiracial community loves peace. It is only a few who are creating or being used to create disharmony.”
Driven by his dream of unity, Ally wasted no time in meeting Father George Harrison about organising the “Love & Peace Offering”. As soon as Father Harrison agreed, he posted a shout-out on Facebook.
“I was touched by the response I got. Some people from Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya also gave their support and said they would join me.
“I was amazed with more than 15,000 likes from other FB members and groups, and well-wishes from many Muslims from all over Malaysia. I even got a message from Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir who couldn’t join us in Kajang as she was in London during that time. That was a real motivation for me to go forward with the event.”
To his delight, he adds, a group from a Hindu temple also said they were interested in joining him.
Ally admits he has been a moderate Muslim from young.
“My personal conviction and my upbringing was always to respect other religions, and as my mother used to say: ‘Never condemn others because it is as if you are condemning your Creator himself.’ That is what I have always believed in and hold on to till today,” he says.
Fear of reproach and criticism did not enter his mind even once.
“I only wanted to go back to the basics and remind people that God created us all as human beings and the purpose of the Creator is to see everyone living peacefully, loving one another, sharing and understanding and respecting each other.
“Anyway, when God is with me, why should I be afraid of human beings? I am sharing peace, which is Islam’s true meaning, with people of other faiths. I don’t see anything wrong in preaching our faith through a simple gesture of a love offering. Let this be a sign for those who are against the true teaching to repent and understand what Islam really means.”
Still, although he believes moderation is the right path to take (“Moderation always wins … Islam speaks of moderation,” he says), Ally feels there are times when a strong stand is needed to maintain peace.
“This is where I feel the authorities have failed, because they have not taken stern action against those who try to provoke and create unrest among races in Malaysia.
“The extremists must be brought to the court of law so that it will deter others from creating chaos and putting fear among peace-loving Malaysians.”
Ally says he has lodged various police reports against Man Namblast and Mohd Hidayat who insulted Thaipusam on Facebook, the petrol bombing at Penang’s St Assumption Church, and also the May 13 demonstration by some Malay NGOs in Seberang Prai.
“I hope action will be taken against them. I have also written to our top leaders and the religious leaders to ask them to put a stop to this racial and religious instigation.”
With some friends, the human behavioural physiologist who runs a training consultancy firm in Kajang is working to organise more interfaith gatherings, beginning with a visit to a few places of worship in Brickfields on Feb 23.
“My humble wish is that everyone will start the ball rolling in their own states too.”
His mega plan, however, is to organise a gathering of all faiths in Kajang soon, he says.
“Kajang can be the starting point of unity and peace sharing among Malaysians of all religions… let the Kajang candle light up Malaysian unity. Watch my Facebook space under the name Ally Hashim Hazran and join us.”
The label “moderate Muslim” makes her uncomfortable but lawyer Siti Kasim did not have to think hard about which side she is on when it comes to “extremist” Muslims.
“I have been following closely the development on the way our country is moving towards the ‘Talibanisation’ way of life. The issue of the banned words generally and the usage of the Allah word specifically is the icing on the cake. I can see the situation getting from bad to worse,” says Siti, who was one of the people who organised the visit to the Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Klang last month to help defuse the brewing religious tension in the country.
Very much a believer that her faith is between her and God, Siti says the attitude and behaviour of the noisy “extreme” groups riled her up so much that she was determined to make her stand on the issue.
“I feel my country has been hijacked by extremists who have a very narrow view of what Islam is. I feel these people are insulting me and other Malays, as if we don’t have our own brain to think.
“These so-called defenders of Islam and Malay rights act as if they are representing Islam and all Malays. Every time I read the news, my heart rate goes up another notch.”
When she talked to her friends, she realised they felt the same way. “We felt we must do something. So we agreed to go to the Klang church to show solidarity with our Christians friends. I wanted to get other friends to join me, so I set up an event page on Facebook and sent invitations to everyone on my Friends’ list.
My other friends had the same idea and they started to use the event page to get their own friends on board, and it just went viral from there.”
The response was astounding and 30 people turned up at the church to give out flowers to the congregation as a peace offering.
“I was surprised! We just wanted to be there to show to our Christian friends that there are other Muslims who disagreed with what was going on. We also wanted to tell these so-called Muslim NGOs that they do not speak on the behalf of all Malays and not to take us for granted,” she shares.
Siti Kasim is known for her strong voice in the human rights circle – she once chastised Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar for backing down from her comment that freedom of religion is a human right for all – and this is seen in her frank words on the matter.
“The authorities seem to be endorsing these extreme groups. It seems like no one from any political divide is willing to risk their political career to do what is right. No one is willing to come forward officially to condemn their behaviour.”
Siti also says she is a strong proponent for a secular state.
“The state should be neutral. This neutrality is what is meant by secularism. It is a political principle where a secular state may be supported by religious believers and be the home of widespread religious belief.
“To me, secularism is the best guarantee for a multifaith situation. Religion will flourish under secularism. No one would be able to use religion as a political tool.”
When asked if she was worried about backlash or being reproached for her stand, Siti says, “Worried? In all honesty, I am not. I am more worried and angry at the way our country is going. I really don’t care if anyone criticises me or calls me names as I have been called a murtad many times over. I am not afraid of them as they are not God. I am only answerable to God.”
Siti calls on those who are concerned about Malaysia’s slide towards intolerance to come out and speak up.
“Show the authorities that the silent majority is no longer going to be silent. If the politicians aren’t able to do their job, we are no longer going to be quiet. More and more people are beginning to realise there is no reason to be in fear anymore. We do not have to go into battles to win the war, but speak up and stand up we must.”
Siti shares that she and her friends are not planning visits to other churches but will support other solidarity initiatives in other towns and states.
Last week, she went to support Ally’s unity initiative in Kajang.
“He contacted me to go and support him there. So I went with a few other friends. I hope there will be others, especially more Malays, who will organise the same.”
What Siti is planning is to get people out to Putrajaya on March 5 for the Leave Hearing (for the Allah case) at the Federal Court.
“I hope to show the public and the authorities that there are citizens including Malays who do not support the banning of the word Allah.”
Back to her issue of her discomfort at being called a moderate Muslim, Siti has this to say: “A Muslim is a Muslim. There are no two ways about it. The question is, which version of Islam I believe. I believe in universal goodness and compassion.
“My stand on interfaith issues is very simple. Respect. If we want other religions to respect ours, we must give the same courtesy to them too.”
From the Star report, we have uncovered another unsung heroine, lawyer Siti Kassim.
I welcome more inputs from Malaysians to pinpoint and identity the unsung heroes who are doing their patriotic duty to build a better Malaysia and not to allow the voices and forces of hate, bigotry and intolerance to destroy our multi-racial and multi-religious Malaysia.
(Media Statement in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, 3rd March 2014)
On Saturday (1st March) I issued a statement calling on Malaysians to pay tribute to ordinary Malaysians who are the country’s unsung heroes who dare to stand up for a better Malaysia whether in terms of a better education system, clean elections or inter-religious harmony, for they are the salt of the earth who will ensure that Malaysia will achieve her greatness instead of becoming a failed state.
I named three persons, viz:
· *Mohd Nor Izzat Mohd Johari, the head of Suara Guru Masyarakat Malaysia (SGMM), who is facing mean, petty and punitive persecution although he had rendered great national service in spearheading the protest against the woes of the badly-planned and poorly-conceived student-based assessment (SBA) system; and
· *Royal Malaysian Air Force pilot Major Zaidi Ahmad who is facing court martial for his patriotic duty of speaking up about the indelible ink fiasco in the recent 13th General Elections; and
· *Azrul Mohd Khalib, social activist, who led a Malaysians for Malaysia group to spearhead a “Walk for Peace” movement among ordinary Malaysians who care about the country to push for national healing in the face of the worst racial and religious polarization in the nation’s 56-year history.
On my Facebook on the statement, Linda Chong wrote:
“Mr Lim Kit Siang, I think U have left out Ally Hazran Hashim in his role in meeting up with fellow christians in a Kajang church lately…please check this up.”
I checked up and I agree with Linda that Ally Hazran Hashim qualify to be among the unsung heroes who are making unusual efforts to help make a better Malaysia.
A Star article dated Feb. 9, 2014, entitled “Moderate Muslims fight back for multifaith Malaysia” by Hariati Azizan chronicled Ally’s great deed and is commendable reading by all Malaysians who want a better Malaysia.
This is from the Star article:
In the spirit of the World Interfaith Harmony Week, some Malaysians are seeking to promote diversity, peace and understanding.
WHILE some irresponsible groups have been swamping churches with banners and messages of hate, training consultant Ally Hazran Hashim, 47, decided to rally some friends to gather at his hometown church, the Holy Family Church in Kajang, with flowers, oranges and messages of love last Sunday.
This small act of compassion and harmony is exactly what the country needs amid the religious and racial tension that remains unabated.
“It was basically to show the Christians in Kajang that not all Muslims are against them. I also wanted to create awareness for all Muslims that such acts of love sharing will bring respect to our faith, Islam. Islam means peace and we represent the true Muslim believers who want peace, love and unity among all Malaysians regardless of race and religion.”
Like many, Ally is disheartened by the actions of certain groups who have been fanning racial tension in the country.
“It has prompted me to do something that will bring the focus back to unity. I really believe Malaysia as a multiracial community loves peace. It is only a few who are creating or being used to create disharmony.”
Driven by his dream of unity, Ally wasted no time in meeting Father George Harrison about organising the “Love & Peace Offering”. As soon as Father Harrison agreed, he posted a shout-out on Facebook.
“I was touched by the response I got. Some people from Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya also gave their support and said they would join me.
“I was amazed with more than 15,000 likes from other FB members and groups, and well-wishes from many Muslims from all over Malaysia. I even got a message from Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir who couldn’t join us in Kajang as she was in London during that time. That was a real motivation for me to go forward with the event.”
To his delight, he adds, a group from a Hindu temple also said they were interested in joining him.
Ally admits he has been a moderate Muslim from young.
“My personal conviction and my upbringing was always to respect other religions, and as my mother used to say: ‘Never condemn others because it is as if you are condemning your Creator himself.’ That is what I have always believed in and hold on to till today,” he says.
Fear of reproach and criticism did not enter his mind even once.
“I only wanted to go back to the basics and remind people that God created us all as human beings and the purpose of the Creator is to see everyone living peacefully, loving one another, sharing and understanding and respecting each other.
“Anyway, when God is with me, why should I be afraid of human beings? I am sharing peace, which is Islam’s true meaning, with people of other faiths. I don’t see anything wrong in preaching our faith through a simple gesture of a love offering. Let this be a sign for those who are against the true teaching to repent and understand what Islam really means.”
Still, although he believes moderation is the right path to take (“Moderation always wins … Islam speaks of moderation,” he says), Ally feels there are times when a strong stand is needed to maintain peace.
“This is where I feel the authorities have failed, because they have not taken stern action against those who try to provoke and create unrest among races in Malaysia.
“The extremists must be brought to the court of law so that it will deter others from creating chaos and putting fear among peace-loving Malaysians.”
Ally says he has lodged various police reports against Man Namblast and Mohd Hidayat who insulted Thaipusam on Facebook, the petrol bombing at Penang’s St Assumption Church, and also the May 13 demonstration by some Malay NGOs in Seberang Prai.
“I hope action will be taken against them. I have also written to our top leaders and the religious leaders to ask them to put a stop to this racial and religious instigation.”
With some friends, the human behavioural physiologist who runs a training consultancy firm in Kajang is working to organise more interfaith gatherings, beginning with a visit to a few places of worship in Brickfields on Feb 23.
“My humble wish is that everyone will start the ball rolling in their own states too.”
His mega plan, however, is to organise a gathering of all faiths in Kajang soon, he says.
“Kajang can be the starting point of unity and peace sharing among Malaysians of all religions… let the Kajang candle light up Malaysian unity. Watch my Facebook space under the name Ally Hashim Hazran and join us.”
The label “moderate Muslim” makes her uncomfortable but lawyer Siti Kasim did not have to think hard about which side she is on when it comes to “extremist” Muslims.
“I have been following closely the development on the way our country is moving towards the ‘Talibanisation’ way of life. The issue of the banned words generally and the usage of the Allah word specifically is the icing on the cake. I can see the situation getting from bad to worse,” says Siti, who was one of the people who organised the visit to the Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Klang last month to help defuse the brewing religious tension in the country.
Very much a believer that her faith is between her and God, Siti says the attitude and behaviour of the noisy “extreme” groups riled her up so much that she was determined to make her stand on the issue.
“I feel my country has been hijacked by extremists who have a very narrow view of what Islam is. I feel these people are insulting me and other Malays, as if we don’t have our own brain to think.
“These so-called defenders of Islam and Malay rights act as if they are representing Islam and all Malays. Every time I read the news, my heart rate goes up another notch.”
When she talked to her friends, she realised they felt the same way. “We felt we must do something. So we agreed to go to the Klang church to show solidarity with our Christians friends. I wanted to get other friends to join me, so I set up an event page on Facebook and sent invitations to everyone on my Friends’ list.
My other friends had the same idea and they started to use the event page to get their own friends on board, and it just went viral from there.”
The response was astounding and 30 people turned up at the church to give out flowers to the congregation as a peace offering.
“I was surprised! We just wanted to be there to show to our Christian friends that there are other Muslims who disagreed with what was going on. We also wanted to tell these so-called Muslim NGOs that they do not speak on the behalf of all Malays and not to take us for granted,” she shares.
Siti Kasim is known for her strong voice in the human rights circle – she once chastised Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar for backing down from her comment that freedom of religion is a human right for all – and this is seen in her frank words on the matter.
“The authorities seem to be endorsing these extreme groups. It seems like no one from any political divide is willing to risk their political career to do what is right. No one is willing to come forward officially to condemn their behaviour.”
Siti also says she is a strong proponent for a secular state.
“The state should be neutral. This neutrality is what is meant by secularism. It is a political principle where a secular state may be supported by religious believers and be the home of widespread religious belief.
“To me, secularism is the best guarantee for a multifaith situation. Religion will flourish under secularism. No one would be able to use religion as a political tool.”
When asked if she was worried about backlash or being reproached for her stand, Siti says, “Worried? In all honesty, I am not. I am more worried and angry at the way our country is going. I really don’t care if anyone criticises me or calls me names as I have been called a murtad many times over. I am not afraid of them as they are not God. I am only answerable to God.”
Siti calls on those who are concerned about Malaysia’s slide towards intolerance to come out and speak up.
“Show the authorities that the silent majority is no longer going to be silent. If the politicians aren’t able to do their job, we are no longer going to be quiet. More and more people are beginning to realise there is no reason to be in fear anymore. We do not have to go into battles to win the war, but speak up and stand up we must.”
Siti shares that she and her friends are not planning visits to other churches but will support other solidarity initiatives in other towns and states.
Last week, she went to support Ally’s unity initiative in Kajang.
“He contacted me to go and support him there. So I went with a few other friends. I hope there will be others, especially more Malays, who will organise the same.”
What Siti is planning is to get people out to Putrajaya on March 5 for the Leave Hearing (for the Allah case) at the Federal Court.
“I hope to show the public and the authorities that there are citizens including Malays who do not support the banning of the word Allah.”
Back to her issue of her discomfort at being called a moderate Muslim, Siti has this to say: “A Muslim is a Muslim. There are no two ways about it. The question is, which version of Islam I believe. I believe in universal goodness and compassion.
“My stand on interfaith issues is very simple. Respect. If we want other religions to respect ours, we must give the same courtesy to them too.”
From the Star report, we have uncovered another unsung heroine, lawyer Siti Kassim.
I welcome more inputs from Malaysians to pinpoint and identity the unsung heroes who are doing their patriotic duty to build a better Malaysia and not to allow the voices and forces of hate, bigotry and intolerance to destroy our multi-racial and multi-religious Malaysia.
(Media Statement in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, 3rd March 2014)
Selangor Water MoU Focuses On Implementation Of Langat 2 Project - Muhyiddin
KAJANG,
March 3 (Bernama) -- Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the memorandum of
understanding (MoU) on the restructuring of the Selangor water industry
focuses more on efforts to ensure the Langat 2 Project can be
implemented, not to raise water tariff.The Deputy Prime Minister said the MoU between the federal and Selangor governments focused more on important issues such as the date for commencing work, the acquisition of more than 75 plots of land and the appointment of the contractors.
"That (water tariff increase) I do not know, so far we are just discussing the important stage of ensuring that the problem of water shortage in the Klang Valley can be resolved immediately.
"To me, this matter is of more importance, although the question on water tariff is also important but since water management is under the purview of the state government, it's too early for me to say there is an improvement or otherwise," he told a media conference after chairing the meeting of the Barisan Nasional (BN) By-Election machinery for the Kajang state constituency at the Hulu Langat Umno office, here Monday.
He was commenting on the statement by the PKR strategic director, Rafizi Ramli, that the agreement might result in a rise in the water tariff.
Commenting on the hot weather and the haze that occurred in several states now, Muhyiddin advised the public to comply with the advice issued by the Health Ministry to ensure that they remained healthy.
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