(Mingguan Malaysia, 27 September)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia
The Malay proverb stated that whoever eats chili will feels its spiciness. As expected, there are some who felt the spiciness. Those who are uncivilized continue attacking me personally. The facts provided by me were not debated. Instead I was accused of being a hypocrite.
My writings were considered as venoms damaging the glory of Aidil Fitri celebrations. For those who accused me, were they not hypocrites, too? Foxes in sheep's clothing are the real hypocrites! If I'm accused of hypocrisy, at least I am being truthful.
The Chinese proverb stated that if you dare to eat salted fish, and then be prepared to be thirsty. As an academician and a writer, I am responsible for my writings. Only cowards attack my personality. The Malays, who partnered with this ultra kiasu party, I hereby urged them to withdraw before it is too late. Foxes in sheep's clothing are very cunning. They will take advantage of us to achieve their goals.
Take note that this group is wise enough to read the psychology and sentiments of the Malays. Currently, they are busy campaigning for membership from the Malays. Their objective is, to win the Malays hearts besides achieving their hidden agenda. This ultra kiasu group claimed that their party is for all races, whereas we are aware that it is dominated by one race. The non-Malays are merely a gimmick only. It would be most unfortunate if those who are called 'Ustaz' to join them one day.
The emergences of several Malay lately in their party were highlighted excessively, to prove that they are not a chauvinist party as claimed by others.
Apparently, they acted very well. Assisting religious schools and having their presence in the breaking of fast ceremony and provided Moreh assistance during the month of Ramadan recently were deliberately announced so that the Malays will 'melt' with their acting.
Basically, these are the normal routine duties of an elected representative of the people. It is not unusual. It is an obvious duty of an elected representative to look after the welfare of the people. What use of the term 'elected representative' if it is not to serve the people. People choose them. Therefore, it is appropriate that they take care of the welfare of the people. Only that they are quite cunning. They are clever to obscure the Rakyat eyes. They appeared to help when people were afflicted. Only offered their help when someone in pain. Are they really sincere?
Their help has caused the Malays to feel obligated. The Malays were unconsciously affected by their actions. This opportunity is used by the kiasu party to their advantages.
Disunity
The political disunity among the Malay Muslims today has created the opportunity for this ultra kiasu group. They will try to get the maximum political 'mileage' and will attack the personality of anyone who is considered a threat to them.
This time, the ultra kiasu attacked my personality touching on my career and my salary. The salary I received which is considered as part of the tax paid by the Rakyat was considered as a waste to be paid to me.
For your information, my salary is not that much compared to an elected representative who also receives from the same source. Their monthly income is many times more than what I receive. Are their works and acting at par with their remunerations? Do a self reflection. If they truly emulate the works of Umar Abdul Aziz, I would agree. But is it really happening? Don't simply accuse others without making a self reflection first.
Are the duties of an elected representative only to help and attend the fast breaking, providing Moreh assistance and officiating seminars and projects? Obviously the duties of an elected representative are more than that or more than the norms. Rather than acting without any purpose.
My basic duties as an academician have never been interrupted besides providing ideas to awaken the Muslims. Why this elected representative has became so angry? Has the newspaper published an article not in favor to them? I think they will not attack me if I am truly Malay. It is just because I am of the same race, and I am not in the same wavelength, therefore my character is being assassinated.
However, if my article was destined to be published in their newspaper, and to criticize the government instead, then I would be their idol. This is how ultra kiasu thinks.
I hereby call the kiasu elected representative that if you want to rule according to Umar Abdul Aziz, make a study of its noble attributes. Umar, as a leader who is very 'low profile' or humble and with an open mind, accepted the Rakyat criticism. For Umar, the Rakyat is first, because it is entrusted by Allah SWT. Among the principles of Umar Abdul Aziz was "People First, Performance Now". The question is why is this kiasu group criticizing these noble attributes?
Umar helped the poor without expecting any recognition or publicity. Umar took the approach of giving through the right hand and hiding the left hand. A part of Umar's assets were used for the people's benefits. His honesty and transparency were an exemplary. Unlike exhibits of cosmetic pictures to portray a leader with all races as shown by this kiasu elected representative.
Announcing good work to every corners of the region just to win over the hearts of the Malays is not Umar Abdul Aziz style. The Muslims must remember, the elected representative has accused the Muslims as extremists and also encourage the sale of liquor and other matters that are prohibited in Islam. Has he apologized when asked to do so? The answer, is never because they are absolutely not agreeable with Islam, instead will try their best to disconnect this identity from the Malays.
Searching for cheap publicity is moronic culture or the mindset of the third class. This group is very cunning to use every opportunity when the people are weak. Actually they do not make any progress. But they cleverly mimic the chicken, lay only an egg and make the whole village excited with it. Unfortunately, there are some among the Malays easily believed and testified that this ultra kiasu party could save them.
Plot
Without forgetting, those who plot with them also denounced me, saying that my writings have made the non-Muslims to distance themselves from Islam. Have the non-Muslims been closer to Islam prior to my writings been published in the newspaper? Let us reflect whether Islam is closer or being distanced away after the events of September 11? I know for a fact is that the stronger the west is against Islam, the stronger is Islam being well received. Therefore, what is the real meaning of dakwah? I think the partners of this ultra kiasu party can provide the answer.
Dakwah should be viewed in a broad perspective, and not to assassinate the character of an individual that is seen as a threat. My scopes of studies include strategic studies, politics and governments. I write based on my field and my career as an academician.
Preaching is meant to speak the truth even if it is bitter. Not just only giving speeches. If preaching is merely giving speeches, I do not think Umar Abdul Aziz will accept a job as an administrator or a statesman. Why Umar Abdul Aziz accepted the political office as a statesman? He used it as a political tool for dakwah. The power used was for the benefit of the people and not for personal interest.
It is so unfortunate for this ultra kiasu group. They want to follow Umar Abdul Aziz, but they only took a piece of method from Umar Abdul Aziz government just to obscure the eyes of the public.
I was advised not to interfere in their affairs, because this is not my business. Have they not been interfering in our affairs all these while? I had to intervene because I am a Muslim. Muslims have to correct what is wrong, acting on the basis of against the wrong and uphold the right in honor to save the Muslims as a whole.
If I'm not entitled to interfere with their affairs, then they are also not entitled to interfere with the affairs of Muslims. Try counting how many matters pertaining to Islam that have been interfered by this ultra kiasu group. How many hearts of the Muslims that have been hurt by their actions? Have they apologized? Examples of issues relating to apostasy, converts, grabbing of dead converts, issue of Islamic country, sharia court issues and many other issues that I do not need to highlight further. Are these not the ultra kiasu intervention?
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Malays 'melt' easily when praised
(Mingguan Malaysia, 20 September)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia
Sometimes I am puzzled why the Malays can easily 'melt' when listening to non-Muslims speak on Islam or praising Islam or quoting just a few verses of the Quran. Take for instances, the speeches made by a few non-Muslim opposition leaders who cited several holy verses of the Quran and on the manner of the approach of good governance taken by the state government of Umar Abdul Aziz.
True enough, on one angle it goes to show the non-Muslims interest towards Islam. But we must remind ourselves; do they really have faith or believe in the Quran or just acting merely to deceive the Malay Muslims? I am quite confident that this group is able to read and understand the psychology of the Malays. Perhaps the Malays can provide the answer whether they have actually understood their psychology?
The Malays easily 'melt'. Usually they are easily amazed and fascinated when others praised their race and religion. Hence, they will defend until death on their race and religion without hesitation. They will salute those who said, 'look, even the non-Muslims want Islam, whereas the Muslims themselves reject Islam'.
Furthermore, they will start preaching these words everywhere, even rejecting those with the same faith that are willing to stretch their hands to be their friends. The friendships extended by those with the same faith were not only rejected without reservation but with negative assumptions and prejudices. They are willing to cooperate with the non-Muslims instead from the Muslims themselves.
We never learn nor even want to learn from history, when faced with this group of wolf in sheep skin. Experience is the mother of all knowledge. They have never agreed with Islam; what else with the Islamic agenda to establish an Islamic state and Islamic laws. It is crystal clear why they have rejected all this while. Have we not heard the words, "over my dead body on the establishment of an Islamic state", "Malaysia is a secular state", "Malaysia is not owned by the Malays", "Malay is also immigrants" and various statements that are hurtful.
Will the Malays not realize their agenda? Are we not afraid on the threat of this group on our religion? Have we forgotten that this party has good relations with the party that ruled the country of Singapore which is also a fragmented party from it? What would happen if they decided to collaborate in order to weaken us?
Have we not learned from the actions taken by Singapore which were questionable? Was it not enough with the loss of Pulau Batu Putih and the constant airspace intrusion? That's not included the water retention pond in Johor which was completely controlled by the Singapore army even we ourselves are not permissible to enter. Not also excluding, the lands that have been mortgaged to them. In other words, Singapore never wants to share with us. They are ultra kiasu. Anything that will jeopardize their interest, will be completely opposed such as the issues on the water agreement, the Causeway demolishment and the replacement with a crooked bridge.
Back to the issue on the party fragmented from the main that ruled Singapore today; do they really intend or will implement the rule of Umar Abdul Aziz, when they actually rule? Is the ruling of Umar Abdul Aziz merely to combat corruption? What about the religious life style values held up by Umar Abdul Aziz? Has this group exhibits the values of that religion?
I was attacked and denounced by this group, just because I defended the prohibition of adultery and alcohol. For them these are human rights. I am confident that one day they will also justify that homosexual be accepted as what being tried in Singapore. For them the human rights must be defended compared to the rights of the Almighty God. Is this the kind of Umar Abdul Aziz ruling?
Do not be deceived by this group. If they really want to establish the rule of Umar Abdul Aziz, the party would have appointed its ally, which is known to fight for Islam as one of the state exco in one of the state ruled by them. This is because its ally was already known with the 'clean' image seemed to be like 'Umar Abdul Aziz'! But where are the positions of its partners in the state? To me, they had never liked the Islamic policies that its ally brought with them. They are very prejudice against their ally. Meaning, they are also prejudice against Islam. This is very clear. I do not need to teach their ally because it's already clear cut. Issues related on their rude attitude pertaining to alcohol and their charges against the Jamaah Islah Malaysia as a religious extremist have clearly shown their true colors. There are many other examples of their arrogance on Islam.
Eroded
Umar Abdul Aziz strengthened the Islamic identity in its rule. What Islamic identity has been preserved in the state ruled by this kiasu group? What I have known is that the Malay Muslims identity is eroding continuously in their ruling state. Names of signs, eatery places (food courts) or the building's name are no longer there to noble the Malay language as the national language?
I did not say that the previous state government was better. But if we truly want to follow Umar Abdul Aziz, obviously we need to show that we are better than before. Because of Umar Abdul Aziz high integrity, Umar did not put aside the identity of the Arabs as the original inhabitants. The al-Quran language was strengthened everywhere. What about Malaysia as a country that derived from the Malay Land? Is the position of the Malay language as the national language protected?
We need to be reminded that Umar Abdul Aziz was not concerned about wealth and grandeur but instead chose to live in simplicity. Despite of the undivided support from the people, he encouraged the people to choose a new Caliph if they were not satisfied with his ruling. Umar also divided the Umayyad colony to the people and very rarely receive any presents for fear of being bribed. He also urged his related families to donate their jewelleries to the public treasury.
Umar rejected the government's attitude of appointing its own officers to monitor the people. Instead, Umar appointed the public to monitor him and his behavior. If the public found him making an error, Umar Abdul Aziz will ask to be guided or to restrict him from making such error.
I hope the Muslims would not feel cheated with the highlights on the reign of Umar Abdul Aziz by this kiasu group. After over 52 years, have we not recognized their sincerity and what are in their hearts? Can we cooperate with these people, when they were encouraged to wear the songkok on the parliament's opening before the sultan, these group rejected ultimately? Let alone to wear the baju Melayu?
Have we realized that all this while, this group is strongly against Islam or on Islamic states? Look at the history of their resistance against Islamic laws and against the declaration as a Islamic country by the former Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamed. The declaration as a Islamic country at that time was only on the country's name itself, and not on the actual implementation of the law. If truely the Islamic law was to be implemented, how would they have actually conducted themselves? The question is whether the pattern of governance of Umar Abdul Aziz not based on Islam? These questions can only be answered by this kiasu group.
The partners in the alliance argued that those were the views of old generation or older generations. The new generation does not have such thinking. After making an in depth research on this kiasu party, I do not see any difference between the new and old generations. It is the same. If what is being championed is a Malaysian Malaysia as what championed by the People's Action Party (PAP), then I will never believe them at all.
Therefore, let's not gamble the future for the sake of achieving today's national interests. Whatever has clashes between the interests of the future with the present, hence the future must be prioritized. Similarly, the importance of the country's future with the interests of party or ethnic group, the country's future must be prioritized. Similarly, if the religion interests clashes with the race interests, then religion must be put first.
Allow
Never allow ourselves to be played down nor to be taken advantaged of. Do not be a slave in your own land. But stand up to defend your rights without denying the rights of others. Otherwise, we will regret. I am worried when the time comes, it will be too late. Rice has turned into porridge. Before it happens, let us stand together and reflect on our future and Islam.
Do not only use the name of Umar Abdul Aziz, just to win the hearts of the Malay that 'melt' easily. Today, the Malays are not stupid. They are savvy with these dirty tactics. Go back to the human virtue. Indeed, this day of victory promised us that the right remains right and the wrong remains wrong. In conjunction with this Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, let's appreciate the return of human virtue that is clean from sin and stain by studying the purity of Islam itself before trusting others 'more'. I fear we will be fooled by this illusion game. In the end, it will be our own loss. Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Maaf Zahir Batin.
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia
Sometimes I am puzzled why the Malays can easily 'melt' when listening to non-Muslims speak on Islam or praising Islam or quoting just a few verses of the Quran. Take for instances, the speeches made by a few non-Muslim opposition leaders who cited several holy verses of the Quran and on the manner of the approach of good governance taken by the state government of Umar Abdul Aziz.
True enough, on one angle it goes to show the non-Muslims interest towards Islam. But we must remind ourselves; do they really have faith or believe in the Quran or just acting merely to deceive the Malay Muslims? I am quite confident that this group is able to read and understand the psychology of the Malays. Perhaps the Malays can provide the answer whether they have actually understood their psychology?
The Malays easily 'melt'. Usually they are easily amazed and fascinated when others praised their race and religion. Hence, they will defend until death on their race and religion without hesitation. They will salute those who said, 'look, even the non-Muslims want Islam, whereas the Muslims themselves reject Islam'.
Furthermore, they will start preaching these words everywhere, even rejecting those with the same faith that are willing to stretch their hands to be their friends. The friendships extended by those with the same faith were not only rejected without reservation but with negative assumptions and prejudices. They are willing to cooperate with the non-Muslims instead from the Muslims themselves.
We never learn nor even want to learn from history, when faced with this group of wolf in sheep skin. Experience is the mother of all knowledge. They have never agreed with Islam; what else with the Islamic agenda to establish an Islamic state and Islamic laws. It is crystal clear why they have rejected all this while. Have we not heard the words, "over my dead body on the establishment of an Islamic state", "Malaysia is a secular state", "Malaysia is not owned by the Malays", "Malay is also immigrants" and various statements that are hurtful.
Will the Malays not realize their agenda? Are we not afraid on the threat of this group on our religion? Have we forgotten that this party has good relations with the party that ruled the country of Singapore which is also a fragmented party from it? What would happen if they decided to collaborate in order to weaken us?
Have we not learned from the actions taken by Singapore which were questionable? Was it not enough with the loss of Pulau Batu Putih and the constant airspace intrusion? That's not included the water retention pond in Johor which was completely controlled by the Singapore army even we ourselves are not permissible to enter. Not also excluding, the lands that have been mortgaged to them. In other words, Singapore never wants to share with us. They are ultra kiasu. Anything that will jeopardize their interest, will be completely opposed such as the issues on the water agreement, the Causeway demolishment and the replacement with a crooked bridge.
Back to the issue on the party fragmented from the main that ruled Singapore today; do they really intend or will implement the rule of Umar Abdul Aziz, when they actually rule? Is the ruling of Umar Abdul Aziz merely to combat corruption? What about the religious life style values held up by Umar Abdul Aziz? Has this group exhibits the values of that religion?
I was attacked and denounced by this group, just because I defended the prohibition of adultery and alcohol. For them these are human rights. I am confident that one day they will also justify that homosexual be accepted as what being tried in Singapore. For them the human rights must be defended compared to the rights of the Almighty God. Is this the kind of Umar Abdul Aziz ruling?
Do not be deceived by this group. If they really want to establish the rule of Umar Abdul Aziz, the party would have appointed its ally, which is known to fight for Islam as one of the state exco in one of the state ruled by them. This is because its ally was already known with the 'clean' image seemed to be like 'Umar Abdul Aziz'! But where are the positions of its partners in the state? To me, they had never liked the Islamic policies that its ally brought with them. They are very prejudice against their ally. Meaning, they are also prejudice against Islam. This is very clear. I do not need to teach their ally because it's already clear cut. Issues related on their rude attitude pertaining to alcohol and their charges against the Jamaah Islah Malaysia as a religious extremist have clearly shown their true colors. There are many other examples of their arrogance on Islam.
Eroded
Umar Abdul Aziz strengthened the Islamic identity in its rule. What Islamic identity has been preserved in the state ruled by this kiasu group? What I have known is that the Malay Muslims identity is eroding continuously in their ruling state. Names of signs, eatery places (food courts) or the building's name are no longer there to noble the Malay language as the national language?
I did not say that the previous state government was better. But if we truly want to follow Umar Abdul Aziz, obviously we need to show that we are better than before. Because of Umar Abdul Aziz high integrity, Umar did not put aside the identity of the Arabs as the original inhabitants. The al-Quran language was strengthened everywhere. What about Malaysia as a country that derived from the Malay Land? Is the position of the Malay language as the national language protected?
We need to be reminded that Umar Abdul Aziz was not concerned about wealth and grandeur but instead chose to live in simplicity. Despite of the undivided support from the people, he encouraged the people to choose a new Caliph if they were not satisfied with his ruling. Umar also divided the Umayyad colony to the people and very rarely receive any presents for fear of being bribed. He also urged his related families to donate their jewelleries to the public treasury.
Umar rejected the government's attitude of appointing its own officers to monitor the people. Instead, Umar appointed the public to monitor him and his behavior. If the public found him making an error, Umar Abdul Aziz will ask to be guided or to restrict him from making such error.
I hope the Muslims would not feel cheated with the highlights on the reign of Umar Abdul Aziz by this kiasu group. After over 52 years, have we not recognized their sincerity and what are in their hearts? Can we cooperate with these people, when they were encouraged to wear the songkok on the parliament's opening before the sultan, these group rejected ultimately? Let alone to wear the baju Melayu?
Have we realized that all this while, this group is strongly against Islam or on Islamic states? Look at the history of their resistance against Islamic laws and against the declaration as a Islamic country by the former Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamed. The declaration as a Islamic country at that time was only on the country's name itself, and not on the actual implementation of the law. If truely the Islamic law was to be implemented, how would they have actually conducted themselves? The question is whether the pattern of governance of Umar Abdul Aziz not based on Islam? These questions can only be answered by this kiasu group.
The partners in the alliance argued that those were the views of old generation or older generations. The new generation does not have such thinking. After making an in depth research on this kiasu party, I do not see any difference between the new and old generations. It is the same. If what is being championed is a Malaysian Malaysia as what championed by the People's Action Party (PAP), then I will never believe them at all.
Therefore, let's not gamble the future for the sake of achieving today's national interests. Whatever has clashes between the interests of the future with the present, hence the future must be prioritized. Similarly, the importance of the country's future with the interests of party or ethnic group, the country's future must be prioritized. Similarly, if the religion interests clashes with the race interests, then religion must be put first.
Allow
Never allow ourselves to be played down nor to be taken advantaged of. Do not be a slave in your own land. But stand up to defend your rights without denying the rights of others. Otherwise, we will regret. I am worried when the time comes, it will be too late. Rice has turned into porridge. Before it happens, let us stand together and reflect on our future and Islam.
Do not only use the name of Umar Abdul Aziz, just to win the hearts of the Malay that 'melt' easily. Today, the Malays are not stupid. They are savvy with these dirty tactics. Go back to the human virtue. Indeed, this day of victory promised us that the right remains right and the wrong remains wrong. In conjunction with this Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, let's appreciate the return of human virtue that is clean from sin and stain by studying the purity of Islam itself before trusting others 'more'. I fear we will be fooled by this illusion game. In the end, it will be our own loss. Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Maaf Zahir Batin.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Strengthening the national agenda than the agenda of race
(Mingguan Malaysia, 13 September)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia
As I have always stated, Allah SWT has accorded each country with its own race. The country’s name represented by its race. In short, the nation name comes from the name of the race. For instance, the Malay race-Malaya, Siamese-Siam, Chinese-China, Indian-nations of India and etc. There is no country that is formed naturally multi-racial or multiracial society. Society turns plural resulted from the migration that occurs in many countries including the Malay Peninsula (Malaysia).
A certain group has tried to dispute this fact. They said that the Malays are not the indigenous or original inhabitants of this country. The Malays according to them were like others migrated from other places to this Malay land. The question is how the word Malay archipelagos and Malay Peninsula evolved if in the first place was not inhabited by the Malays? It is true that the natives were the origins. Were there any countries that existed without its natives? Prove that.
As we all know, the Malay patriotism system begins with the word "Malay" or "Malaya" which itself stands for the territories and islands in this region. This names were well-known among the states of China, India and the West such as Melayu (I-Tsing), Malaiur (Marco Polo), Malaiyur (Tanjore-Sanskrit inscriptions in India), Ma-Li-Yu-R (Yuan Shih / China), Mailiur (Siam) and Malayo (Albuquerque / Portuguese) (Suntharalingam and Abd Rahman Ismail, 1985).
In short, the term Malay Peninsula, Malay and Malaysia and Malaya were clearly referred as the Malay states. This fact was certified by the researchers who made the eastern and western study of the Malay environment. Malaya and the Malay archipelagos belonged to a race called Malay. The arrival of the colonials had actually changed the political map of the Malay archipelagos. Once colonized, then the episodes of society pluralism started in the countries of the Malay archipelagos. Allah SWT has clearly made a certain race in places associated with its race. Allah SWT has also granted each nation with its own identity such as language, culture and way of life.
The arrival of the colonials has actually changed the political map of the Malay archipelagos. Previously, the relationship between China/India/Arab with the Malay environment involved bilateral trade only, without large-scale migration. However, after the invasion, begins the episode of society pluralism in countries of the Malay archipelagos. It is clear that Allah SWT created a nation associated with its race. Allah SWT also granted each nation with its own identity such as language, culture and lifestyle. Therefore it is normal when the identity or the majority race, controls or dominates the minority race, because it happens everywhere.
This argument is to convince us that the elevation of the nation and identity is not wrong. Otherwise, why Allah SWT created a nation with varying characters and colors in their respective areas. Of course there are wisdoms. When they migrated, they can be mixed and mutually recognized one another as Allah says in surah Al-Hujurat verse 13.
In my opinion, based on this verse, the love of a race is normal if it is not overwhelming. Ibn Khaldun submitted the concept of assabiyah (social bindings or solidarity) which is positive. This binding plays a major role in uniting the various races and nations which further develop the strength to build civilization. In his writings Al-Mukadimah, the love of a race or assabiyah is allowed. Defending the rights of a race in their own homeland is a commonplace, as happens in other countries that also originated from a race initially.
The society having strong assabiyah ties would certainly be able to build strength and self-esteem than those who are weak. Assabiyah does not means chauvinism nor ethnocentrism nor racism such as ignorance before the coming of Islam. Assabiyah was then, more towards tyranny otherwise in making its people to be cruel. What Ibn Khaldun meant by assabiyah were the bindings of brotherhood, the spirit of esprit de corps and mutual help in doing good deeds. Hence, in this case, when quoting the Malays, it certainly can not run away from Islam.
We must remember, the Malays are lucky because Islam has been professed by them since 600 years ago. Prior to that, thousands of years the Malays professed the Hindu-Buddhist religion. Allah SWT honored the Malay with Islam. Today Islam has raised the prestige of Malay. Without Islam, who are the Malays in this Malay soil?
Therefore, the Malays must learn from the lessons on Islamization. It started with a king converting to Islam in Melaka, hence almost all the Malays follow suit. Islam continued to grow and expand. However, the Melaka government did not last. When it broke, the colonial entered. In the end, the Malay land was invaded and colonized.
Then, the Malays rose again. The Malay Islamic spirit of nationalism has brought them together. Henceforth, the Malays became strong again. The colonists were driven out successfully despite many casualties. The combination of the Malay Muslims injected the spirit in generating power. That is why I always stated that the Malay and Islam are like the flesh and blood with a history based; unfortunately there are many who do not understand my meaning. They accused me of being more Malay, as if I do not love the Chinese or I have forgotten being a Chinese myself.
As a Chinese, it is appropriate for me to love my own race. This is allowed in Islam. As a Chinese he will be a Chinese, no matter how long for Allah SWT has created me to be a Chinese. I can never change myself to be Malay. To belittle one own race meaning is to belittle Allah SWT creations. However, when I gave some different views or criticized the Chinese, it does not mean that I do not love the Chinese. Do understand that Islam teaches me the meaning to speak the truth, although I have difficulty in accepting that. Unfortunately, there are many who can not see that in a broad perspective. I was denounced because I did not support my own race instead. Do I need to hide the bad for the sake of race?
I was not only denounced by my own race who were not Muslim, but also from among the Chinese Muslim itself. My action was considered to have caused the Chinese to drift further from Islam. They accused me of being an opportunist. I was considered to be more Malay. My question, what is wrong and sinful if I touch on the issues of the Malay Muslims, if it is the truth? Are we not sinful in defending the wrongs?
A Chinese Muslim calling himself ummataunwasoto in my blog commented that it is not wrong for a Chinese to enforce its mother tongue, for himself and within his own community, because to maintain the cultural values and the identity of its ancestors and descendants. When did I say it is wrong? Read carefully my articles that were published in the Mingguan Malaysia. It is very unfortunate for a Chinese Muslim not able to understand the easy Malay language. Which need to be prioritized; the country agenda or the race agenda? The Malay language as the national language is the national agenda, the main objective. Meanwhile, the mother tongue agenda is for the race agenda. When there is a clash, it is obvious that the national agenda should be given the priority without prejudice to the race agenda.
Brother ummataunwasoto also failed to understand the pressing issues of the Chinese government on the Uigur Chinese ethnic in Xinjiang . The real issue is neither the identity issues nor the Uigur ethnic language issues, for they are still Chinese. However, there are other issues that brother ummataunwasoto still unable to obtain the answers, especially relating to the Islam religion professed by the Uigur. Those professed the religion of Islam are accused of being Muslim terrorists. This is the fate of Muslims today resulting from the propaganda of certain parties. I hope brother ummataunwasoto is not in this group receiving this propaganda. Make a study.
Anywhere in this world when the Muslims are a minority in non-Muslim countries, they will be oppressed; persecuted and even worse were killed. If compared with the non-Muslims living in Islamic majority countries, they are not only rich with great life-style, but their wealth has overcome the indigenous itself. This is what I am always repeating on the Malays fate in the Malay soil.
Furthermore, when I proposed the idea of uniform the education system in this country, it does not mean that we want to eliminate other communities' education. My previous writings were very clear, but many still pretend not to understand. I have repeatedly stated that young children must be placed under one roof without denying their rights to the mother tongue education. They cannot be separated as what is happening from before until now. This will make national integration a difficult process. I am confident those that crowing had never studied nor researched this matter. They also do not mix with the society or living in their cocoon only. Join the NGOs and PTAs. You certainly will get the answers. Even not participating in any societies, we can see the mastery of the Malay language and the level of integrations among them.
Many studies had shown that the levels of integrations among the multi-racial society in this country are in a fragile stage. Are we not ashamed when we have leaders or corporate leaders when interviewed on television portrayed their level of mastering of the Malay language were very low compared with those speaking in English or in their mother tongue language? Where is the actual position of the national language as the main country agenda compared to the race agenda? Please reflect on this.
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia
As I have always stated, Allah SWT has accorded each country with its own race. The country’s name represented by its race. In short, the nation name comes from the name of the race. For instance, the Malay race-Malaya, Siamese-Siam, Chinese-China, Indian-nations of India and etc. There is no country that is formed naturally multi-racial or multiracial society. Society turns plural resulted from the migration that occurs in many countries including the Malay Peninsula (Malaysia).
A certain group has tried to dispute this fact. They said that the Malays are not the indigenous or original inhabitants of this country. The Malays according to them were like others migrated from other places to this Malay land. The question is how the word Malay archipelagos and Malay Peninsula evolved if in the first place was not inhabited by the Malays? It is true that the natives were the origins. Were there any countries that existed without its natives? Prove that.
As we all know, the Malay patriotism system begins with the word "Malay" or "Malaya" which itself stands for the territories and islands in this region. This names were well-known among the states of China, India and the West such as Melayu (I-Tsing), Malaiur (Marco Polo), Malaiyur (Tanjore-Sanskrit inscriptions in India), Ma-Li-Yu-R (Yuan Shih / China), Mailiur (Siam) and Malayo (Albuquerque / Portuguese) (Suntharalingam and Abd Rahman Ismail, 1985).
In short, the term Malay Peninsula, Malay and Malaysia and Malaya were clearly referred as the Malay states. This fact was certified by the researchers who made the eastern and western study of the Malay environment. Malaya and the Malay archipelagos belonged to a race called Malay. The arrival of the colonials had actually changed the political map of the Malay archipelagos. Once colonized, then the episodes of society pluralism started in the countries of the Malay archipelagos. Allah SWT has clearly made a certain race in places associated with its race. Allah SWT has also granted each nation with its own identity such as language, culture and way of life.
The arrival of the colonials has actually changed the political map of the Malay archipelagos. Previously, the relationship between China/India/Arab with the Malay environment involved bilateral trade only, without large-scale migration. However, after the invasion, begins the episode of society pluralism in countries of the Malay archipelagos. It is clear that Allah SWT created a nation associated with its race. Allah SWT also granted each nation with its own identity such as language, culture and lifestyle. Therefore it is normal when the identity or the majority race, controls or dominates the minority race, because it happens everywhere.
This argument is to convince us that the elevation of the nation and identity is not wrong. Otherwise, why Allah SWT created a nation with varying characters and colors in their respective areas. Of course there are wisdoms. When they migrated, they can be mixed and mutually recognized one another as Allah says in surah Al-Hujurat verse 13.
In my opinion, based on this verse, the love of a race is normal if it is not overwhelming. Ibn Khaldun submitted the concept of assabiyah (social bindings or solidarity) which is positive. This binding plays a major role in uniting the various races and nations which further develop the strength to build civilization. In his writings Al-Mukadimah, the love of a race or assabiyah is allowed. Defending the rights of a race in their own homeland is a commonplace, as happens in other countries that also originated from a race initially.
The society having strong assabiyah ties would certainly be able to build strength and self-esteem than those who are weak. Assabiyah does not means chauvinism nor ethnocentrism nor racism such as ignorance before the coming of Islam. Assabiyah was then, more towards tyranny otherwise in making its people to be cruel. What Ibn Khaldun meant by assabiyah were the bindings of brotherhood, the spirit of esprit de corps and mutual help in doing good deeds. Hence, in this case, when quoting the Malays, it certainly can not run away from Islam.
We must remember, the Malays are lucky because Islam has been professed by them since 600 years ago. Prior to that, thousands of years the Malays professed the Hindu-Buddhist religion. Allah SWT honored the Malay with Islam. Today Islam has raised the prestige of Malay. Without Islam, who are the Malays in this Malay soil?
Therefore, the Malays must learn from the lessons on Islamization. It started with a king converting to Islam in Melaka, hence almost all the Malays follow suit. Islam continued to grow and expand. However, the Melaka government did not last. When it broke, the colonial entered. In the end, the Malay land was invaded and colonized.
Then, the Malays rose again. The Malay Islamic spirit of nationalism has brought them together. Henceforth, the Malays became strong again. The colonists were driven out successfully despite many casualties. The combination of the Malay Muslims injected the spirit in generating power. That is why I always stated that the Malay and Islam are like the flesh and blood with a history based; unfortunately there are many who do not understand my meaning. They accused me of being more Malay, as if I do not love the Chinese or I have forgotten being a Chinese myself.
As a Chinese, it is appropriate for me to love my own race. This is allowed in Islam. As a Chinese he will be a Chinese, no matter how long for Allah SWT has created me to be a Chinese. I can never change myself to be Malay. To belittle one own race meaning is to belittle Allah SWT creations. However, when I gave some different views or criticized the Chinese, it does not mean that I do not love the Chinese. Do understand that Islam teaches me the meaning to speak the truth, although I have difficulty in accepting that. Unfortunately, there are many who can not see that in a broad perspective. I was denounced because I did not support my own race instead. Do I need to hide the bad for the sake of race?
I was not only denounced by my own race who were not Muslim, but also from among the Chinese Muslim itself. My action was considered to have caused the Chinese to drift further from Islam. They accused me of being an opportunist. I was considered to be more Malay. My question, what is wrong and sinful if I touch on the issues of the Malay Muslims, if it is the truth? Are we not sinful in defending the wrongs?
A Chinese Muslim calling himself ummataunwasoto in my blog commented that it is not wrong for a Chinese to enforce its mother tongue, for himself and within his own community, because to maintain the cultural values and the identity of its ancestors and descendants. When did I say it is wrong? Read carefully my articles that were published in the Mingguan Malaysia. It is very unfortunate for a Chinese Muslim not able to understand the easy Malay language. Which need to be prioritized; the country agenda or the race agenda? The Malay language as the national language is the national agenda, the main objective. Meanwhile, the mother tongue agenda is for the race agenda. When there is a clash, it is obvious that the national agenda should be given the priority without prejudice to the race agenda.
Brother ummataunwasoto also failed to understand the pressing issues of the Chinese government on the Uigur Chinese ethnic in Xinjiang . The real issue is neither the identity issues nor the Uigur ethnic language issues, for they are still Chinese. However, there are other issues that brother ummataunwasoto still unable to obtain the answers, especially relating to the Islam religion professed by the Uigur. Those professed the religion of Islam are accused of being Muslim terrorists. This is the fate of Muslims today resulting from the propaganda of certain parties. I hope brother ummataunwasoto is not in this group receiving this propaganda. Make a study.
Anywhere in this world when the Muslims are a minority in non-Muslim countries, they will be oppressed; persecuted and even worse were killed. If compared with the non-Muslims living in Islamic majority countries, they are not only rich with great life-style, but their wealth has overcome the indigenous itself. This is what I am always repeating on the Malays fate in the Malay soil.
Furthermore, when I proposed the idea of uniform the education system in this country, it does not mean that we want to eliminate other communities' education. My previous writings were very clear, but many still pretend not to understand. I have repeatedly stated that young children must be placed under one roof without denying their rights to the mother tongue education. They cannot be separated as what is happening from before until now. This will make national integration a difficult process. I am confident those that crowing had never studied nor researched this matter. They also do not mix with the society or living in their cocoon only. Join the NGOs and PTAs. You certainly will get the answers. Even not participating in any societies, we can see the mastery of the Malay language and the level of integrations among them.
Many studies had shown that the levels of integrations among the multi-racial society in this country are in a fragile stage. Are we not ashamed when we have leaders or corporate leaders when interviewed on television portrayed their level of mastering of the Malay language were very low compared with those speaking in English or in their mother tongue language? Where is the actual position of the national language as the main country agenda compared to the race agenda? Please reflect on this.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Issues arise because of ignorance of religion
(Mingguan Malaysia, 6 September)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia
Columnist website Center for Policy Initiatives (CPI), Helen Ang criticized the articles I wrote in Mingguan Malaysia.
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia
Columnist website Center for Policy Initiatives (CPI), Helen Ang criticized the articles I wrote in Mingguan Malaysia.
Her article entitled Ridhuan Tee's Reverse Take on Racism, was also published on several opposition websites and provided opportunities to the readers of the websites to attack, denounced and smeared me again, without intellectual discourse on her article.
Actually, I do not want to attend to those who wrote without making a detailed study and research as I do. It appeared she did not understand what I wrote. It may be her level of mastery of the Malay language which is relatively low after a long stay in the country. A small part of my article citations were manipulated just like those done by the Chinese newspapers.
Quotations that I took from the words of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman about the need for the city of Shah Alam to be free from alcohol and nightclubs have been mistaken. Helen Ang wrote that it was my own writings. I really pity the way she tried to understand my article in the easy Malay language. Fortunately I did not use bombastic languages; otherwise I do not know how Helen Ang will comprehend.
She also accused me of 'being Malay' and not 'being Islam' to be accepted by the Malays, and thus make me more successful. How can I 'being Malay' while I am a Chinese. I converted to Islam, not 'being Malay'. As I said before, I converted to Islam because of the dignity and sanctity of Islam. I never expect any help after embracing Islam, because Islam taught me the principles of self-reliance. A person race can never be changed even he has embraced Islam because God has earlier created the person into that race. Instead in religion, we have a choice as what I have chosen.
In debating the fact that I have written, Helen Ang compared between the Thailand Chinese and Malaysia Chinese. Helen Ang regarded that the Thais accepted the Prime Minister of Thailand, Abhisit Vejjajiva as Chinese. Similarly, with the previous Prime Ministers Chuan Leekpai and Thaksin Shinawatra. Helen was questioning why the Chinese cannot be the Perak Menteri Besar (DAP). The answer is simple, because the Chinese in Thailand are not the same as in China. They can be said to be more Siamese than Siam. The question whether is it happening in Malaysia?
In fact many things that were written showed that she could not understand the history of Malaya and the history of the formation of Malaysia. So unfortunately she could not understand how the spirit of the Federal Constitution enacted from the agreement of all races, through the pure alliances or better known as social contract. Similarly, the Constitution of every state has its own history. I hope that this ignorance does not happen to other people and not blind to history.
Helen Ang also needs to review the 7 Malay rulers’ wills as mentioned by the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah, which had formed the Federal Constitution of Malaya 1957. Helen Ang needs to understand the meaning of the explicit and implicit of the Federal Constitution. Do not just defend by reading the Chinese newspapers.
Why was she disputing the Perak Menteri Besar which was not elected from among the DAP? Can Helen Ang figure out why the Chief Minister of Penang must be handed over to the Chinese? UMNO have more seats than other political parties in 2004 elections and before that.
Why can't we appreciate the compromises and sacrifices shown by the Malays? Anything that is benefiting, there will be silenced, however if it is not then it will be full of noises to attract sympathies.
Helen Ang also disputed the fact that I wrote on the number of non-Muslim places of worship such as the Hindu temples, Chinese temples and Christian churches over the number of mosques and suraus. I am providing the statistics for her knowledge on the Malays fate on the Malays soil.
For instance, Selangor has a total population of 4.8 million. From these total population, 2.5 million representing the Malays with a capacity of 259 mosques and 939 suraus. Chinese Buddhism has a total of 1.3 million with 1,015 temples, the Indian has a total of 647,000 with 810 registered temples (this number does not include unregistered temples). Meanwhile, as for the number of Christian churches, let Helen Ang figure out the numbers to accommodate the 50,000 Christians.
Statistics
According to these statistics, is clear to us, after totaling all the non-Muslim houses of worship, the mosque and surau are actually lacking. This ratio comparison is only on one state, imagine with other states. Is there a fair ratio between the populations with the number of houses of worship? Obviously there is a significant difference. Please refer to Wikipedia, although it is not an authentic academic source. However, I believe these statistics are of not much different.
Let us not talk without doing research. Helen Ang may be surprised if I provide statistics for the whole country. This is due to the compromise of the Malays. Respect this compromise. Don't be too kiasu.
In my opinion, all these happened because of the ignorance of religious beliefs. What issues can arise when we want to maintain relationships that are prohibited by all religions, practices such as adultery until giving birth out of wedlock? Tell me which religion allows this illicit relationship?
Imagine if the women involve in illicit affairs are mothers, wives, sisters until giving birth children out of wedlock. Can we accept all these as moral hazards that must be defended? If it happens on other people, never mind. When it happens on own self then the heights of heaven shall be known.
Therefore, I sympathized and respected the actions by MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat and MCA disciplinary body which has taken appropriate action to drop its deputy due to moral misconduct.
I am very confident that the decision taken is not easy for him. The decisions are taken in order to save the dignity of the party even though will affect his popularity.
The action taken is considered accurate by MCA in terms of legal and moral teachings of religion. I fully support the Chinese people for these actions. These are the moral values that every leader should have and leading the rakyat. If leaders are not providing good examples, who else? Do we need to wait for the rakyat to provide good examples? Is it not leadership by example?
As I have always stated, neither religions nor the teachings of the world can justify the immoral behavior such as adultery or sex before marriage. Let alone on pregnancy out of wedlock children. These illicit acts are great sins.
No matter what the race and religion in our society, we need to be educated with high moral values. Religions should be the guide of our life. Only then the world will be peaceful. All religions appeal to the best. The best remains being the best while the bad always remains bad. We must not allow what is wrong to be our goal.
Buddha strictly forbid adultery as mentioned in the five prohibitions; do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not lie, do not steal and do not drink alcohol. Please refer Sutta Nipata 815, Dhammapada 309-10, Sutta Nipata 123. Similarly, these are prohibited in Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism.
What is the purpose of these religious advices? Overall they are to ensure that the people to have high morals, dignity and so forth. If Helen Ang is a Christian, please read the Bible, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 & 1 Corinthians 7:1-2. Does Christianity allow adultery? It is a definite no.
If Helen Ang observed the past customary of the traditional Chinese society, the punishments to those who commit adultery were very strict. Adulterers will be inserted into the container or swine basket and thrown into the rivers.
Similarly, I would like to suggest that Helen Ang spend time examining the teachings of other religions such as Hinduism and Sikhism about adultery. Read the Hindu scriptures, Bhagavad Gita 1.40-42, adultery is forbidden in Hinduism. Behavior considered adultery insulted the Hindu law (Laws of Manu, 9.95, 101). For more information read the New World Encyclopedia. In the teachings of Sikhism, one of the five great sins is adultery. Please read the Adi Granth, Dhanasari. Therefore, on what ground do we want to allow adultery?
See also the views of Confucianism teachings, Taoism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Shintoisme, Bahai and Judaism in the article entitled A Comparison of Morality from the religions from Around the World, http://usminc.org/other.html. Prohibition of adultery is very strict.
Actually the moral issues such as this have been debated by all religions, especially Islam. I do not need to mention the views of Islam, because it's already very clear to keep its followers in the glory of Islam. Therefore, if it happens to the Muslims, then it should be the one of those who commits such acts to be condemned, not the pure religion of Islam.
Furthermore, in justifying between the right and wrong, religion should be the guide and history as a reminder. Attempts to erase the religious and historical facts will only invite mischief on the earth. I believe the fact that I submitted were deliberately spin because of kiasu attitude.
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