Decrying Isma’s warped version of patriotism

The concept of patriotism takes a beating in the hands of Isma as they suggest youth “learn” how to be patriotic before thinking of furthering their studies.

FMT

It isn’t enough that university students have to take compulsory classes on how to be Malaysian, or how to be morally upright – Isma leader Mohd Hazizi Abd Rahman has now suggested that they must learn how to be patriotic before being eligible to enter public universities, or be awarded education loans and scholarships.

Hazizi makes an amazing point – these are hard times the country is experiencing and instead of standing up and defending the government, Malaysians have had the audacity to make unpatriotic statements and question issues like the impending GST, the financial troubles of 1MDB, even why a politician’s sodomy case was politicised.

As far as Isma is concerned, these statements are seditious. Akin to treason. In Isma’s eyes, if the government has flaws, that is all the more reason to love them. They’re only human after all.

Malaysians must understand it is wrong to question why a privileged few are allowed to speak freely against other races with impunity, or at the very most suffer a slap on the wrist and/or get help from top political figures who go out on a limb to justify their hurtful statements.

Malaysians must understand that the status quo cannot be questioned. Don’t like the racial policies in place? Too bad. Nobody asked you to be born here. Go back to whatever country your grandparents came from, although you have absolutely zero in common with your supposed motherland anymore.

Malaysians must understand it is not acceptable to have differing views from that of leaders in positions of power. They’re in power for a reason – which absolutely isn’t nepotism, cronyism or political power-mongering, just in case you’re wondering – so therefore, everything they say is right.

Malaysians must understand that all ultra kiasu are ignorant; they talk nonsense, and therefore their views are unimportant.

It matters not that too many of our students graduate from university with half-baked language skills and are pretty much unemployable because we don’t train them to deal with the high standards the rest of the professional world calls for, or to even hold a passable conversation in English.

Our education system is world-class, and seditious traitors in the country must not forget that.

In short, let us tell you what to say. What to think. What to feel. And what to wear.

Here’s what I think: stop trying to make our universities your propaganda outlets.

What exactly do you intend to teach students? What is your idea of patriotism? And how narrow-minded do you have to be to believe that your concept is better than ours?

How dare you call us less patriotic than you, Isma? How dare you. Because that is exactly what you’re implying. You think that we don’t love our country as much as you do.

I am patriotic because Malaysia is my home. I was born and raised here, and while I know that talk is cheap and in great supply, I will take up arms to defend my home and family in a heartbeat.

There is no other place on Earth where I feel at home. I still long for the familiar sights and smells of home when I’m in a foreign land. And wherever I go, I bring my country with me.

You speak of treason and of traitors. By all means, punish those that intentionally sabotage the country. Let the anarchists be brought to justice. But don’t think that just because some have a different concept of what this country means to them, that they are less patriotic than you.

We love our country, flaws and all. We want to see our country grow and get better. We will always criticise the government, because it is not the country. The government is simply the people we have put in place to run the country, and we can tear them down if they don’t do what they’re supposed to.

Stop trying to force-feed our youth with your warped idea of patriotism. Just because we don’t hold the same values as you, and just because we criticise our government, it doesn’t mean that we don’t love our home and country. To quote Albert Camus: “I should like to be able to love my country and still love justice.”

Those that criticise their government, barring those politically motivated, usually are those that want to protect their home, not just from outside threats, but from the corrupt and malign that would have us stick our minds in clay jars and march to their beat.

Bottom line: Are you calling on us to die for our country, or for you?

ISMA warns of challenges from West’s proxies

Even without Anwar, the Jews, Evangelists and racist Chinese won't back down, says Abdullah Zaik.

FMT

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will continue to face political challenges from Western proxies despite Anwar Ibrahim’s absence from the scene, ISMA President Abdullah Zaik Abdul Rahman said in a press statement today.

He described Anwar as a “small player” who would have no significant effect on the future of Malaysian politics.

“Yes, Anwar has charisma and influence, but he does not determine how the political game is played in Malaysia,” Abdullah said.

“Western proxies, especially the Jews, the Evangelists and the chauvinistic and racist Chinese movement will continue to be the major factor influencing the future of Malaysian politics.

“Whether Anwar is present or absent, these movements will not retreat.”

He urged Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and Umno not to let Anwar’s imprisonment lull them into complacency. It was still necessary for them to think of ways of uniting the Malays in the context of strengthening national unity, he said.

“Otherwise, the challenges to Najib’s leadership will continue,” he warned. “The leadership will face continued pressure to promote the Malay agenda to a convincing level.

“This is because the pro-Western forces, the Evangelists and the Chinese racists will provoke an uprising among the Malays. At the same time, there may be pressure from within Umno for changes to be made.”

‘I’m Muslim, I love Hindus’ campaign will destroy Islamic faith, ISMA claims

Malay Mail Online

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 — An “I’m Muslim, I love Hindus” campaign by the Young Interfaith Peacemaker Community of Indonesia (YIPCI) is a veiled attempt at pushing for religious equality in Muslim-majority Malaysia, Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (ISMA) has alleged.

ISMA information chief Mohd Hazizi Ab Rahman took issue with a photograph of a YIPCI representative, who appears to be a Muslim female clad in a headscarf, holding up a placard that read “I’m a Muslim, I love Hindus” — saying that this could erode the faith of Muslims in the country.

The photograph, which appears to be have been taken during the Thaipusam celebration here on Monday, has since gone viral on social media.

“The conviction of Muslims — that Islam is the only true religion is being blamed as the reason behind racial discord and the cause of disharmony,” said Mohd Hazizi in a statement published yesterday on Ismaweb.net.

“The baseless accusations have been successful in convincing a group of Muslims to feel guilty and to be apologetic over something that does not exist and to get involved in campaigns that could destroy their faith,” he added, referring to the Indonesian group’s interfaith initiative.

Indonesia is home to the world’s largest Muslim population, with over 200 million of its people subscribing to Islam.

Mohd Hazizi said that such campaigns,which claimed to push for multi-religious harmony are largely backed by foreign funders to convince Muslims that other religions are equal to Islam.

He did not provide evidence to back up his allegations.

Mohd Hazizi said it was “strange” to launch such a campaign as Muslims have been the target of insults and persecution by non-Muslims in many countries worldwide.

“It is strange that there is the ‘love other religions campaign’ targeted at Muslims, when, in reality, Muslims are the victims of religious hatred in Palestine, Myanmar, France, Netherlands, in the African continent and other countries,” he said.

He also claimed the ongoing campaign in commemoration of the “World Interfaith Harmony Week” to convey ones’ love for non-Muslims “has serious implications on one’s faith” as it would cause Muslims here to question their religious beliefs.

“Muslims involved are advised to refer to experts on Islam, so that such action can be avoided in future,” said Mohd Hazizi.

ISMA’s assertions, made ahead of Indonesian leader Joko Widodo’s maiden visit here as president today, could add to the thorny issues testing bilateral ties with Malaysia.

Racist MCA just fishing for Chinese votes, says Isma

Isma attacks MCA for disagreeing with Ismail Sabri’s call to boycott Chinese traders who refuse to lower their prices.

FMT

BANGI: Malay voters were urged today to reject MCA leaders if their party continued to only champion the rights of the Chinese as this proved the coalition partner of Barisan Nasional was racist.

”MCA is willing to cooperate with DAP regarding issues involving the Chinese.

“This means MCA is fighting for only the Chinese, not all Malaysians.

“This proves MCA is racist,” said Haji Aminuddin Yahaya, the deputy president of ISMA in a posting on the NGO’s website today.

He was referring to a retaliatory statement by MCA Youth chief Chong Sin Woon against Ismail Sabri, the minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, who called on Malay consumers to boycott profiteering Chinese traders who refused to lower the prices of their goods.

In his statement, Chong had called Ismail a racist and accused him of acting contrary to the spirit of the Federal Constitution, a view that was shared by DAP leader, Ong Kian Ming who said Ismail’s remarks would divide society along racial lines.

In expressing his dissatisfaction over Chong’s remarks, Haji Aminuddin said Ismail’s suggestion would in fact benefit all consumers and not just the Malays.

He was also of the opinion that Chong’s remarks were made without a clear understanding of the essence nor the context of Ismail’s statement because it was addressed not only to Chinese traders, but to all who showed reluctance in lowering their prices.

“If MCA supports traders who hike up the prices of their goods, it clearly shows they are on the side of Chinese traders who exploit consumers.

“Is this how they fish for Chinese votes?” asked Haji Aminuddin.

Isma urges Catholics to accept apex court decision

Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) has urged the Roman Catholic Church to accept the Federal Court decision barring them from using the word `Allah' in their weekly publication the Herald.

Isma president Abdullah Zaik Rahman said with the ruling, the polemics regarding the ‘Allah’ issue should end.

“I hope the church will abide by the court's decision to ensure harmony in the country.

“Their recalcitrant behaviour (kedegilan) to proceed with the issue would not benefit anyone,” Abdullah Zaik (left) said in a statement quoted on IsmaWeb.

Yesterday, the apex court dismissed the Archbishop's review application over a decision by a seven-member bench who refused them the right to appeal.

This follows the panel headed by Federal Court judge Abdull Hamid Embong, unanimously ruled there was no procedural unfairness.

Abdullah Zaik further warned if the Roman Catholics do not accept the court's decision, it may prolong the animosity between Muslims and Christians.

“We will continue to be in crisis if we do not accept the decision by the country's judiciary institution,” he said.

Besides the Home Ministry and the government, which are respondents in the appeal, six Islamic councils – Selangor, Terengganu, Johor, Malacca, Kedah, Federal Territory, as well as the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association – stood as interveners to oppose the Archbishop's appeal.

Isma warns of 'ultra liberals' igniting discord

 

Ultra liberal elements in this nation are fanning the flames of discord with their excessiveness, warned the conservative NGO Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma).

Its president Abdullah Zaik Abdul Rahman also described the arrest of lawyer Eric Paulsen under the Sedition Act as a lesson for the ultra liberals who accuse Islamists as extremists.

“What they have done is a crime of sedition which can divide the nation and threaten harmony,” he added in a statement.

Ironically, the right-wing movement itself has often been accused of churning out divisive and incendiary remarks, while Abdullah himself has been charged with sedition.

Blaming the “liberal media” for this, he said attacks against Isma had intensified over the last two weeks with the movement accused of being extreme and fanatical.

“Describing the struggle to defend Islam, the position of the Malays and bumiputera and Malay unity from a foreign agenda as extreme is a hate-filled slander which is dangerous,” he warned.

He said due to their excessiveness, these ultra liberals go overboard and behave aggressively.

Abdullah said the liberals would work with media organisations that share a similar agenda to incite the people to hate each other to the point that one might act beyond the ambit of the law.

“This means, they have abused their freedom of expression to carry out provocative, slanderous and seditious actions,” he added.

Abdullah also said that Islam is not an extreme religion.

Paulsen (left) was arrested last night over his tweet that the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) was promoting extremism.

The Lawyers for Liberty executive director has been remanded until tomorrow to facilitate investigations.

K-Pop bands are secret Christian crusaders, says NGO

Isma carries an article on its website saying Christianity is to blame for the molestation of young Muslims girls at a K-Pop concert Saturday.

FMT

KUALA LUMPUR: Just when you taught it couldn’t get worse… it does!

An article appearing on Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia’s (Isma) official website now claims that Christianity was behind the lecherous acts that took place in full view of the public, and captured on video, when members of K-Pop band B1A4 allegedly “molested” three young tudung-wearing Muslim girls at a concert.

The article relayed the arguments put forth by A Karim Omar, the secretary-general of Pertubuhan Muafakat Sejahtera Malaysia (Muafakat), another Muslim NGO.

In the article, Karim made a series of unsubstantiated claims about how K-Pop bands were in reality Christian activists masquerading as pop artistes.

Karim was quoted as saying that the majority of K-Pop artistes were gospel singers when younger. He also claimed that “some people say” the K-Pop genre was an evolution of Korean Contemporary Christian Music (KCCM) that began in the 70s before gaining popularity.

He added, “Apart from that, a random survey shows that over 80% of K-Pop artistes are Christians (regardless of whether male or female).

“The rest are Atheists, Buddhists or those who believe in animism.”

Offering his theory that K-Pop bands were part of the dark agenda of Christian evangelists that were out to lead young Muslims astray, Karim also noted that since 2006, South Korea became the second highest exporter of Christian missionaries after the United States, ousting the United Kingdom that occupied the spot before.

The posting of the article on Isma’s official Facebook page has so far garnered 614 “likes” and 227 shares with 107 Facebooks users venturing to offer their opinions on the subject.

The concert that started out innocently enough has now been blown out of all proportion with the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) taking offence at seeing young Muslim girls being kissed on the forehead and hugged from behind, in what they deemed as the equivalent of being “molested”.

'AG berat sebelah, perlu perjelaskan kes Melayu pendatang'

Isma: Is MCA preparing to join PR if BN loses next GE?

Isma deputy president says MCA is desperate for Chinese votes and is using The Star to win back those who support DAP.

FMT

PETALING JAYA: Keeping a keen eye on the politics of the day is Malay NGO Isma who has predicted that MCA would jump ship in the blink of an eye should the ruling coalition it belongs to bomb at the next general election.

According to “Portal Islam Dan Melayu”, Deputy President of Isma, Aminuddin Yahaya said MCA was already strategising its moves to ditch Barisan Nasional and join forces with Pakatan Rakyat by using its party mouthpiece The Star to attack Malays and in so doing, win back lost Chinese votes.

He was referring to how MCA was using The Star to give greater prominence to outspoken Malays in their columns.

He said, “Not only that, individuals with liberal mindset and critical about Malay NGOs are given prominent columns with lengthy interviews being published, be it a politician, social activist or a corporate figure.”

Saying, “How smart they are,” he explained the sly manner in which The Star was using Malays to criticise other Malays while safeguarding themselves from being accused of making seditious remarks.

He said, “They let the liberal and Islamically ignorant Malay to attack these Malay Muslim NGOs. By doing this it appears that the paper is clean from any seditious element and thus cannot be subject to any legal suit.”

Cautioning MCA against playing with Malay sentiment, Aminuddin said, “My assumptions may be wrong but I would like to caution MCA that do not underestimate the importance of the Malay voters.”

Saying MCA’s actions were causing Malays to become angry with the party, Aminuddin warned, “I will not discount that in the next election the Malays may no longer support them and they will lose all seats.

“By then MCA may become history.”

Let’s band together against the extremists in 2015

Another new year has arrived and we are now in 2015. I have never declared or committed myself to any new year resolution because I think it's all crap. You change when you want to change.

But this time, I'm going to commit to a resolution. It is simple. I will continue to use every platform that I have to promote moderation, open-mindedness, multiculturalism and religious pluralism.

I have done it for years and will continue doing it with even stronger force this year because 2014, to me, was the year of overbearing racial and religious extremism.

Groups like Isma and Perkasa, and individuals like Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, have been so loud throughout last year that my ears are still aching and ringing into the new year. They definitely do not speak for me.

And I'm very sure that this feeling is shared by so many of my fellow sane, rational and logical Malaysians out there. We should all band together and do something about these annoying extremists.

Since we all believe that these people who go on and on about preserving a specific racial and religious supremacy are the loud minority, then why are we allowing them to be so loud?

If they are such a small group (Perkasa is reported to only have 900 odd official members), why are we allowing them to shout so loud without any repurcussions?

If we are the silent majority, then we need not be too worried about showing our strength in numbers and not be silent anymore. What can they do to a whole huge bunch of us, right?

There are among us those who have already stood up to voice their concerns. There are the Prominent 25, former ministers and politicians like Tun Musa Hitam, Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, etc, who have taken the lead.

And if we feel strongly about what the extremists are spreading, we need to also do our share and create a counter movement that will spread across the country.

I say it is enough what these loudmouths are trying to propagate. Malaysia is for Malaysians and it doesn't matter what race or religion you are. We all have the right to live together with respect, understanding and harmony.

The days of Isma, Perkasa, Ridhuan Tee and their likes are numbered. Let 2014 be the last year of them having free reign saying whatever they please. We need to silence them and take Malaysia back starting this 2015.

Happy New Year Malaysia! – January 2, 2015.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/opinion/zan-azlee/article/lets-band-together-against-the-extremists-in-2015#sthash.FIIcNHsu.dpuf

Minister tells Isma to 'butt out' over X'mas greetings

Housing, Local Government and Urban Well-Being Minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan has asked Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) to "butt out" with their claims that Muslims should not wish “Merry Christmas” to Christians.

In a series of Twitter postings this morning, the Umno MP from Kota Belud showed defiance by wishing Christians “Merry Christmas” before making sarcastic swipes at Isma.

"Not only (do) I wish Merry Christmas to all, I will host a bigger Christmas celebration this year in Kota Belud. Isma is invited to learn about moderation," he posted on his Twitter handle this morning.

"Isma is not my voice. They don't represent me and millions of Muslim Malaysians. Religious bigotry has no place in moderate Malaysia," he added.

He was responding to claims made by Isma activists recently that wishing Christians “Merry Christmas” would be tantamount to Muslims admitting that God had a son, and that Muslims should conduct preaching instead during the festive season.

Abdul Rahman also pointed out that Isma “will never understand” the respect that people in Sabah give to non-Muslims.

"Isma will never understand this. So butt out!" he said.

Marina Mahathir ‘ignorant’ for attacking God’s law on hudud, claims Isma

(Malay Mail Online) – Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) branded today Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir ignorant for criticising hudud, a law the Islamist group claimed was part of God’s order for an Islamic country.

The right-wing group said Marina was jahil (ignorant) of Islamic teachings when the social activist and daughter of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said implementing the Islamic penal code in Kelantan would end up splitting Malaysia’s multi-racial and multi-religious society.

“The obligation to implement it is not just because it is God’s instruction, but more importantly, it is for the benefit of society,” said Isma’s ulama council official Ustaz Muhammad Firdaus Zalani in a statement.

“It is impossible for God who created humans and the entire world to order something that will bring detriment to humans,” he added.

Last Friday, Marina was reported criticising the PAS-led Kelantan government’s plan to enforce hudud, saying that it was against the Federal Constitution and would inevitably affect non-Muslims although the strict Islamic criminal law was only meant for Muslims.

Opponents of hudud have said a Islamic criminal justice system cannot be implemented in Malaysia as the country is secular.

PAS’ renewed push for hudud law in Kelantan has once again put the Islamist party at loggerheads with its allies PKR and particularly, the DAP, in the federal opposition pact Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

Firdaus said today that bad things will happen only if people ignore God’s teachings.

“Saying that God’s teachings will bring harm to us all is as if we’re saying that God has failed and cannot understand the things that will bring us good,” he said.

He stressed that Muslims need to understand that God will not obligate believers to do something unless it benefits the world or brings them good in the afterlife.

“For me, there’s no problem discussing the technical parts of hudud so as to insert it in the country’s legal system, whether it’s about the current obstacles or how to make it appropriate based on current technological developments,” he said.

Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob announced recently that the state legislative assembly will hold a special sitting on December 29 to table and pass amendments to the Kelantan Shariah Criminal Code Enactment II.

The move is in preparation for PAS’s plan to table in Parliament a private member’s Bill to amend the Federal Constitution and to allow Kelantan to implement the Shariah Criminal Code Enactment II passed by the state assembly in 1993.

In Islamic jurisprudence, hudud covers crimes such as theft, robbery, adultery, rape and sodomy. Punishments for the crimes are severe, including amputation, flogging and death by stoning.

Isma: Good for Muslims to be 'sensitive' to threats

It is a healthy sign that Muslims are allegedly increasingly sensitive towards criticisms of their religion, said Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) president Abdullah Zaik Abd Rahman.

He was commenting when asked about police reports lodged against Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and radio station BFM recently.

"Sensitive is healthy. But not too sensitive. The liberals try to paint a negative image about people who hold on to religious principles.

"We are labelled paranoid, too sensitive, this is to make us afraid to come forward," he said during a press conference at Isma's seminar on liberalism at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur today.

A group of Muslim NGOs, led by Persatuan Pengguna Islam Malaysia (PPIM) and Isma lodged the police report against BFM radio on Thursday, urging that the presenters and the station be charged under the Sedition Act.

The group said BFM had crossed the line in discussing the issues of ‘kalimah Allah’, Muslim headscarves and sacrificial meat.

NGO Pekida, meanwhile, will lodge a police report over Lim's remarks that non-Muslims in Penang can use the word “Allah” this Tuesday.

Meanwhile, commenting on the “threats” of liberalism, Abdullah said the spread of ideology among Muslims in the country was at a critical level.

However, such threats can be curbed if the society understands the true teachings of religion, he said.

“It is just like a parasite which freeloads on a healthy tree. That’s why our effort is to ensure that the tree remains healthy, as it will not be easy for it to be affected by diseases,” he said.

BFM89.9 denies making seditious broadcasts

Allegations by Malay and Islamic groups are baseless, says the radio station.

FMT

KUALA LUMPUR: Radio station BFM89.9 has denied allegations by nine Malay and Islamic rights groups that it made seditious broadcasts on December 12.

It said the only subjects discussed during the hours pinpointed by the activist groups were the AFF Suzuki Cup football matches and the career of American lyricist Ira Gershwin.

“Our records indicate Sharaad Kuttan was on air during the said hours discussing the Suzuki Cup and other unrelated matters, and not as alleged,” BFM 89.9 said in a statement.

“It was also alleged that during 1800 and 1900 hours of the same day, presenters Umapagan Ampikaipakan, Caroline Oh, Patrick Teoh and Ezra Zaid were discussing issues related to animal sacrifice, Malay rights, Islamic matters, including the topic of wearing a headscarf/hijab, but we wish to clarify that based on our records, during that date and time, we were broadcasting a programme titled, “Hari Ini dalam Sejarah Dunia” featuring American lyricist Ira Gershwin.

“The relevant presenters involved in this programme were Umapagan Ampikaipakan and Richard Bradbury only.”

The activist groups made the police report against the station yesterday. The nine included Malaysian Islamic Consumers Association (PPIM), Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia and Pekida Malaysia.

They named radio presenters Sharaad Kuttan, Caroline Oh, Ezra Zaid, Umapagan Ampikaipakan and Patrick Teoh as the offending deejays, saying they made seditious remarks in their morning and evening shows.

The radio station said the allegations were “inaccurate and baseless”.

Have guts, Isma tells 'talk big' Najib

 

Calling on Najib Abdul Razak to keep his word, Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) vice-president Abdul Rahman Mat Dali said the prime minister’s problem is his ‘anti-Malay’ advisers.

“Najib usually talks big (about Malay issues) during the (Umno) general assembly, but when he returns to Putrajaya, he will be straightened by his non-Muslim and anti-Malay advisers.

“So this time, we want to see a PM who is more courageous and credible.

“And therefore restoring the Malay community's and Umno’s confidence, which has eroded due to Najib’s weak leadership,” he added.

Abdul Rahman reminded Najib, who is also Umno president, not to betray the trust of the Malays and bumiputera in the issue of economic development.

He said during his policy speech at the Umno general assembly, Najib had said that Umno and BN are committed to strengthening the Malay and bumiputera’s economic status.

Therefore, he said, Najib must keep his promise.

“What has been said must be translated into action; don’t just dish out rhetoric,” he told Ismaweb today.

Rahman said there is no point that whenever Umno meets, there are fiery speeches but nothing happens.

“Year after year, there are no significant changes to the Malay and bumiputera economy,” he added.

Najib’s about-turn on Sedition Act for his survival

The Umno leader has betrayed the cause of wasatiyyah and his initiative on the Global Movement of Moderates, the subject of his three speeches to the UN General Assembly.

FMT

KUALA LUMPUR: DAP elder statesman Lim Kit Siang is convinced that Umno President and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak did an about-turn on the Sedition Act to pre-empt moves by extremists and right-wingers in his own party who may be poised to oust him from power on this and other issues.

“It was heart-rending to see Najib succumbing to threats by rightists and extremists in Umno and Umno-sponsored NGOs,” said Lim, also DAP Parliamentary Leader and Gelang Patah MP, in a statement. “He has become hostage to elements which are opposed to the policy of moderation and the Global Movement of Moderates (GMM).”

“He buckled under pressure to renounce the repeal of the Sedition Act which he had promised two years ago in July 2012.”

Najib’s hurried presentation in Parliament of the White Paper on the Islamic threat, alleged Lim, was to camouflage his betrayal of the cause of wasatiyyah and his initiative on the Global Movement of Moderates, the subject of his three speeches to the United Nations General Assembly since Sept 2010.

“The rightists, extremists and the opponents of the campaign of wasatiyyah have cause to celebrate,” said Lim.

“They made it very clear that they will be drawing the line in the sand at the 68th Umno General Assembly i.e. whether to tolerate or topple Najib as Prime Minister and Umno President before his terms were up.”

An ex-Umno Minister did not mince his words when he warned a fortnight ago that Najib’s days were numbered if he continued to disappoint the rightists and extremists, he pointed out, hinting at “another candidate” already waiting on the sidelines and ready to pounce on Najib should the unacceptable happen.

The Umno General Assemblies have confirmed the worst fears, added Lim. “Instead of becoming more inclusive and less exclusive after 57 years of governing Malaysia through six Umno Prime Ministers, Umno leaders and delegates have become more exclusive and less inclusive.”

DAP is becoming a more inclusive and less exclusive party in contrast to Umno and Umno Youth, under Khairy Jamaluddin, undergoing the passage of becoming a more exclusive and less inclusive party.

“It is quite obvious who is being exposed as being truly chauvinist, racialist and being more exclusive and less inclusive in the sixth decade of nation-building,” said Lim.

“Khairy revealed his worries that Umno is fighting a lost cause in the battle for the hearts and minds of the Gen Y when he lamented that Malay youths were joining DAP.”

Khairy said the Malays are under siege and the time for patience is over, noted Lim.

“No doubt MCA Youth Chief would declare that the Chinese are under siege and that the time for patience is over.”

“MIC Youth Chief would also say that the Indians are under siege and that the time for patience is over.”

The screening, during the Umno General Assembly, of slides of the bloody May 13 race riots, he alleged, confirmed Umno’s role and motive in producing the Umno May 13 bogey film Tanda Putera at a cost of RM5 million in public money in the run-up to the 13th General Elections in May last year.

Isma flays DAP's Malay MP over Umno link

 

 Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) has launched a broadside on DAP MP Ariff Sabri Abdul for claiming that the movement is an Umno tool.

Isma syura council chief Sharipuddin Ab Kadir described the Raub MP as a politician "who clings to other races for survival" and "earnestly attempts to please his masters to hold on to his position".

Sharipuddin also claimed that Ariff (right) was "bankrupt" in terms of knowledge and information.

"Accusing Isma of being an Umno tool with no evidence reveals the character of a cowardly politician. He cannot understand Isma’s struggle in total.

"He only sees Malays in the context of Umno whereas Isma champions the rights of Malays, the original inhabitants of this land, and rights enshrined in the federal constitution and social contract," he said.

Sharipuddin stressed that Isma’s struggle is not premised on political parties, especially Umno.

He was responding to the DAP lawmaker's call on Malays to reject Isma on the grounds that it is working towards achieving an Umno objective.

Continuing his salvo, Sharipuddin (left) said the accusation came from a "cheap politician" who is unaware of his roots.

"As a Malay and Muslim, Ariff should reveal what is his agenda for the Malays and Islam as an MP, as well as his party’s agenda for the Malays and Islam in Malaysia.

"It would not be wrong to say he was chosen as DAP MP for the process of diluting his Malay and Muslim identities because his party will never champion these rights," he added.

Bible: PERKASA hormati, ISMA anggap MAIS betulkan keadaan

Kita menerima keputusan ini dan dalam masa yang sama tanggungjawab kita kepada agama telah selesai.

FMT

PETALING JAYA : Beberapa pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) yang berkaitan dengan perjuangan agama Islam dan Melayu menghormati keputusan penyerahan semula Bible versi bahasa Melayu kepada Persatuan Bible Malaysia (PBM) oleh Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor (JAIS).

Menurut Ketua Penerangan PERKASA, Hasan Basri, pihaknya menghormati keputusan yang diambil oleh Sultan Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah dan MAIS serta menyifatkan tanggungjawab PERKASA telah selesai berkenaan isu tersebut.

“Kita menerima keputusan ini dan dalam masa yang sama tanggungjawab kita kepada agama telah selesai. Kita juga menghomati keputusan ini kerana prinsip perjuangan PERKASA adalah untuk mempertahankan rukun negara dan perlembagaan,” katanya ketika dihubungi Free Malaysia Today.

Hassan menegaskan, pihak gereja perlu mematuhi keputusan yang diambil oleh Sultan Selangor dan MAIS agar Bible itu tidak diedarkan di Selangor dan hanya digunakan di Sabah dan Sarawak.

Sementara Presiden Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (ISMA) Abdullah Zaik menyifatkan pemulangan kitab itu adalah untuk memperbetulkan keadaan.

“Mungkin MAIS tersilap masa merampasnya dan pemulangan kitab Bible itu barangkali adalah untuk memperbetulkannya,” ujarnya dalam satu sistem pesanan ringkas (SMS).

Mind your own business, Isma tells Nurul Izzah

 

Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) has taken a swipe at PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar for questioning if the movement is funded by the government.

In a statement, Isma vice-president Abdul Rahman Mat Dali (right) told the Lembah Pantai MP "not to be nosy".

Instead, he said Nurul should concentrate on solving the issues plaguing PKR.

Abdul Rahman said ISMA members’ attitude and motivation are totally different from members of PKR.

"Isma members, consisting of various backgrounds including professionals and businessmen, are highly committed, sincere and ready to sacrifice for the sake of our race, religion and country.

"We are not like PKR, who have confusing and contradicting agendas.

"Therefore, instead of being nosy and questioning about Isma, why don't you focus on solving problems in PKR first," he added.

Abdul Rahman also called on Nurul to reveal PKR’s funding first before questioning others.

"I am confident that the people of Malaysia are all enquiring where PKR gets their money from.

"Since you are questioning Isma's funds, are you brave enough to allow Isma to question PKR’s funding on behalf of the nation?" he said.

Nurul (left), in Parliament, had questioned if the government was funding Isma and Perkasa through the Finance Ministry’s RM30 million allocation for NGOs in Budget 2015.

"The chairperson of Isma is currently being investigated under the Sedition Act.

"If the government decides to fund the organisation, including its forum that is also being attended by (former premier) Dr Mahathir Mohamad, it indicates that the government supports someone who is seditious about racial relations," she had said.

Are Isma, Perkasa funded by govt grants?

Finance Ministry must reveal all NGOs receiving government allocations, says Nurul.

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KUALA LUMPUR: PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah has questioned if the government is funding Isma and Perkasa through the Finance Ministry’s RM30 million allocation for non-governmental organisations in Budget 2015.

While debating the budget in parliament today, the Lembah Pantai MP said: “The chairman of Isma is currently being investigated under the Sedition Act.

“If the government decides to fund the organisation, including its forum that is also being attended by Mahathir Mohamad, it is indicative that the government supports someone who’s seditious about racial relations,” she said.

Upon Nurul’s insistence that the Finance Ministry reveal all the NGOs that were benefiting from allocations given by the government, Deputy Finance Minister Chua Tee Yong explained that government grants were reserved for NGOs registered with the Registrar of Societies that met specified conditions and criterion.

He however did not furnish the list of recipients as Nurul requested.

During the Budget 2015 speech, Prime Minister Najib Razak declared that a one-off grant worth RM50 million would be allocated to creditable NGOs.

As part of “empowerment of NGOs and volunteerism or MyNGO,” Najib said the fund would benefit NGOs and uniformed bodies that were involved in community development programmes, unity, social welfare, consumerism, health and security.