Ridhuan Tee

Appreciating the Indigenous Tolerance

2010-03-07T20:32:00.011+08:00

(Mingguan Malaysia, 7 March)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia cum Secretary General of Islamic Chamber of Commerce Malaysia.

Appreciating and responding to the indigenous tolerance

Once again, the issue about the non-Malay can be the Prime Minister (PM) was raised up by several Malay Muslims scholars. This opportunity was taken advantaged and disseminated widely by the ultra kiasu websites and those anti-Islamic. I'm not sure what were their tricks and intentions whether hidden or being implied by bringing up this issue. If it is true that non-Malay can be PM, it should not be raised up because it is difficult to become a reality, let alone touching the sensitivity of the indigenous race. Moreover, to me, the next rightful people after the Malays are the Bumiputeras from Sabah and Sarawak, and not others. Even if they qualify, they should not accept the PM post. This is because there are still a majority of qualified and more deserving Muslims from its own land. Do not compare with Thailand, because the non-Siam over there is more Siamese than the Siamese itself. I do not aim to defend the Malays, but I tried to understand the psychic of the Malay race compared to the other races, after understanding the psychic of my own race. Isn't it better because all of us are in the community with Malays as the majority?

As non-Malay, I am grateful to be in this fortunate land. Although I was born after independence, unable to witness on how the social contract was agreed upon, but I am very thankful that my ancestors were accepted as citizen on this land. My ancestors were accepted totally without any conditions. My ancestors were not imposed with any conditions that would change and hampered their lifestyles and their self-esteems. They were the same as where they originated from, without any slight changes at all. They have their freedom with their own languages, living in their own groups, having their own schools, and even to reap their wealth without any restrictions and obstacles, to the extent of having abundant wealth. History such as this has never happened in other countries in the world. In other countries, they were not only rejected, but will be accorded with strict conditions in order to be accepted as a citizen. Most significantly they will be assimilated. We are very lucky to be here. We must appreciate this blessings rather than to be ungrateful.

I do not need to submit the evidence, have a peek at our neighboring countries such as Thailand, Burma, Indonesia and the Philippines. The number of countries accepting was only around three - accepted only ten per cent while the rest were declined. Compared to our country, the non-indigenous are more than 40 per cent. At the same time, the nation wealth controlled and obtained are more than 70 percent which had created anxiety among the indigenous. This is the type of tolerance that is incomparable that the future generations should be aware of. According to Amy Chua, a professor of Chinese origin who has migrated from the Philippines to the United States, tolerance does not mean that equality or respect, but tolerance is to provide opportunities to all kinds of people the lifestyles, work, and participation and succeed in the society without looking at their ethnic backgrounds or religions. Although Amy Chua has migrated to America, her opinions are still considered acceptable and not ultra kiasu. We need more people like her. Tolerance is neither equality nor the same for everything. What happened before and currently in our country were exactly stated by Amy Chua. The Muslims did not prevent the non-Muslims to be more successful in any sectors of employment and participation. Let alone to intervene in the affairs of their religion, unless our religion is being challenged.

As citizen who understand the history, I can feel how lucky we are today. If it is destined, there was no acceptance by the indigenous; would I be still alive today? Throughout my readings, those who had migrated will not be accepted back, except for those with talent and extraordinary ability or perhaps those who were traitors with selling secrets of the country's sovereignty or selling the country's assets such as bringing out of money from the country or selling sand to the neighboring country.

Therefore, it is not surprising for people like Tan Siew Sin and Sambanthan with their speeches around the years of the 1950s, appreciating the tolerance shown by the indigenous. They were grateful for the opportunity given and being accepted as who they were. This history must be understood by all Malaysians without fail. Otherwise, they will be ultra kiasu. To claim something that should not be claimed. To dig up something that is not necessary to be dig up at all.

Many have wondered why there are not many indigenous who are successful or controlling the wealth in their own land? Indigenous phenomenon of not successful in its own land is never a new phenomenon. It happens everywhere, especially in the Southeast Asian countries and other parts of the world that are willing to accept the arrival of migrants. This fact is acknowledged by all scholars, that the success and wealth owned by those who migrated had sunk the wealth of the indigenous in their own land, until causing anxiety or envy among the indigenous towards them. However, many scholars did not state the source that caused it to occur in such a way. I have the answer that had not been provided by the scholars including Amy Chua.

To me, the indigenous felt safe and comfortable in their land. They think well of their friends who came to migrate. They do not envy the wealth owned despite living in separate groups according to their own way of lifestyle which was rather extreme. Indigenous people had been contented with their lifestyle of having enough to survive, although this attitude should not happen. This is the nature of the indigenous that I have known. Not greedy, grateful with what they have. If they were rich, they live luxuriously and not building empires. Attitude of humility, gentle, politeness controls them. That's according to the Malay poetry written by Lim Swee Tin, Usman Awang and Muhammad Haji Salleh which I had observed.

The understanding and background of this had made me overwhelmed with the ceremony of launching the latest book of eminent professor Syed Naguib al-Attas by Raja Nazrin Shah recently. Raja Nazrin high regards on scholars was beyond my expectations being that his majesty is a prince. His text of speech applauded the scholar impressively and almost filled with emotions. This does not include the respect given to Syed Naguib while on stage. Syed Naguib was led by hand and was asked to remain seated when he wanted to pay tribute to the prince. This is the nature of the Malays which I highly praised. Not arrogant, but very humble, ignoring the degree in ranks. However, do not be taken advantage by others.

Today we see as if we are taking advantage. Indigenous with such attitudes provided the opportunity as what the Malay proverb stated to drink from muddy water. True, they are not concerned on the importance of wealth because wealth cannot be brought along into death. Only faith and piety are valued by Allah SWT. But don't take advantage to the extent of damaging them through corruptions, womanizing, usury, money and all types of bribery stretching in front of their eyes.

Let us not follow or imitate the behavior of the Jews. Why are the Jews so successful and can even build an empire even it is not on their own land? The answer is simple; the Jews took advantage on the weakness and the attitude of compromising of others, especially the Muslims. When they were homeless, the Jews were friendly with the Muslims in Palestine. However, little by little they became treacherous, to control the indigenous people and the wealth in their land. Among them were to provide loans through the usury system and bribing them. When the loan were not paid, high interest were added, thus the land was used as a replacement. Land owned by indigenous was taken inch by inch. Eventually, almost all indigenous Palestinian land falls into the hands of the Jews. The race, which before were homeless, succeed in turning the indigenous to trade or to be homeless in their own land.

The same thing happens in Singapore. Singapore needs to grow in order to build their strength. The easiest way to grow is to buy sand from our country compared to Indonesia which is too far and very costly. To meet the requirements, they will find the Malays through their affiliated ultra kiasu intermediaries, in the land office which was easily bribed and those easy to renegade, to obtain and buy sand. Their goals had been achieved. The country has not only grown many folds, instead today they wanted their country to continue multiply. It is not surprising that it will merge with Pulau Batu Putih which has been lost to this ultra kiasu country. Do we still want to remain sitting down to see the dignity and sovereignty of the country being pawned and humiliated? We are willing to sell the sovereignty of the country merely to obtain a little wealth. Meanwhile, the intermediaries are the ones getting wealthier. The bigger Singapore becomes, the bigger the threat towards our country. It is not surprising that one day they would dominate us, if we continue to be complacent and contented with their cunning tricks. Furthermore, with the valuable lands in our country that had fallen into their hands, including an island that is still with them. Do we want to remain silent?

Latest, the Catholic church wanted the magazine Al-Islam to openly apologize for their article entitled "Entered Church in Search of the Head Covering Apostate Maiden" pertaining to their reviews in the church. I do not see the need to apologize to those who have hidden intentions toward us for being tolerant. Why must we yield to their threats? It is already enough with our failure to defend the use of the name of Allah. The church should not act as what the Malay proverb said like the creeper plant that climbed the trellis. They do not differ from the ultra kiasu group which only wants to win.

What about their action taking away and apostate the Malays such as Azlina Jailani and other Muslims were not considered as wrong? Haven't they realized that the Malays cannot be apostate according to the constitution Article 11 and 160 (2) which stated "Malay means a person who professes the religion of Islam, habitually speaks the Malay language and conforms to Malay customs ". Had the church ever apologized to the Malays that had been apostate which were clearly conflicted with the constitution? Why this tolerance is not appreciated?

Therefore, my request to them is to appreciate this tolerance. Do not take advantage when others are weak. I am worried that if we are too demanding, we would jeopardize the patience in the Malays. When patience is no longer there, I fear the race that I have known would lose their thoughtfulness. Appreciate them. We will not attack if not under threat, but we would not attack without resistance.

Trivial Issues Consequences

2010-02-28T16:13:00.006+08:00

(Mingguan Malaysia, 28 February)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia cum Secretary General of Islamic Chamber of Commerce Malaysia.

I feel strange why there are many Muslims today wasted their time debating and discussing trivial issues, when there are more important and serious issues that need to be given attention in approaching the 21st century. Issues on the future of Islam religion and the Muslims survival are among the main issues that need to be given attention compared to issues such as whether or not to march when celebrating the Prophet’s birthday. I am confident that all Malaysians understood and already knew the answer. Why should we debate on issues that are already cleared, including issues such as the caning punishment on women who had been sentenced by the court and continuing disputing among them?

In conjunction with the Prophet SAW birthday, shouldn't we better discuss whether the Muslims are following the character of the prophet or not? The disunity among the Muslims is increasingly destroying and many more matters relating to our future in this fortunate land. Whether the decision to march or not, this does not question the faith or the life and death in Islam. What is more important is the teaching of the celebration. What is the use of a large-scale celebration when it has little impact? The best, great celebration, the effect is also great or moderate celebration, the effect is great, too.

It shouldn't be otherwise, great celebration, money exhausted; the impact is little or less. The worst, there is no celebration, the remembrance of the Great Prophet diminishing. Regardless, at least the celebration reminds us of the Prophet's struggle. That's the beauty of the culture in our society showing our feelings and love towards the Prophet SAW.

If we review his biography, the Prophet had never in his life wasted on matters that were not of benefiting. The Prophet's life is of quality in every second that passed. Every moment was used for the purpose of social struggle, in the sense of ensuring that Islam and the Muslims continue to excel, competent and quality. The pride of all is that Islam had spread to every corner in the world. This resoluteness in the Prophet's struggle must be followed and emulated.

Apart from the resoluteness in faith, the main foundation must start with the bond of unity and brotherhood. Both of these elements are the fundamental strength. We only have one last prophet, the Prophet Muhammad SAW. He is our reference together with divine revelation of the Quran. The way of life and the rules brought along had proven to be capable of creating a great glory and admired by the world, none has ever disputed, including the non-Muslims. This is because; the Prophet's lifestyle was the best as Islam brought in by HIM. Hence, there is no issue arises to dispute his credibility from any angles even to this day. Michael Hart (2007) placed the Prophet as the most influential person in history compared to other great figures in the history of world civilization. Are we still doubtful?

Therefore, there should not be any disputes among the Muslims pertaining to issues or problems that had been solved and resolved. For example issues on the caning punishment on adulterers and alcohol consumption. The Sharia court, being the highest legal source in the Islamic countries, pertaining to the Muslims issue, had decided, and therefore respect that decision. The expertise of the learned judges in their fields should not be disputed. Why some of the Muslim women in the NGOs were so anxious? Who actually are to be caned? Why should we waste time holding protests here and there? We seemed to act on behalf for the non-Muslims. They do not need to react because we have become their representative. We are humiliating the court decisions and our own religion. What should be the appropriate action? Haven't we realized that they were clapping their hands when we distance ourselves from the religion and the Prophet's teachings? We are not united nor being brotherhood in many things.

Do we want to continue to allow the Muslims to be immoral without providing any guidance? Are we afraid that among us will be caned later with the implementation of the punishment? Why are we championing the human rights? I would like very much to see that we also fight for the rights of Allah apart from the human rights. Only then we will get the respect from everyone. I'm not saying that the current punishment is hundred-percent adhering to the Islamic law, but at least there are precedents toward that direction. Do respect the decisions because they were under the jurisdiction of the experts. The culture of referring to the experts must be recognized so that non-experts will not be entertained. If you have not mastered the readings of the Quran, it is advisable for you to refer to the learned ones. Do not be like the ignorant acting to be clever for it will eventually be just a waste on oneself.

Offenders must be punished. We cannot allow them to go around scot-free. Fee sex, alcohol, and other immoral activities such as drugs, often lead to addiction. Releasing the offenders is not in accordance to the teachings of Islam after the process of counseling or advice which did not have any impact on them. Disobediences must be tackled, otherwise it will be a cancer to the society, spreading and damaging others.

This form of thinking told by Eleanor Roosevelt that great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people. Today we discuss endlessly on people whom we do not like, rather than putting forward our ideas. The idea or the plan had its pros and cons. Accept the good even though it may come from our enemies, and we should not only reject the bad, but at the same time we should stand together to object. For example, the ultra kiasu plans on the ideas of Malaysian Malaysia. Among the ideas are to allow what is forbidden by Islam in the name of human rights such as free sex, alcohol, gambling and so forth. We do not object if that is what they want to do, but these ideas will not bring any good to the Muslims, but instead will create chaos to the country. So we have to reject and be prepared to face them at any time, whether with arguments, facts and actions. In fact we should discuss the dangers that would happen if we allow those ideas that are against Islam to perpetuate, especially the damage that would befall on our people.

Instead of discussing, we continue to blame others on who are right and wrong. Discuss small issues will make our minds small, not creative nor innovative. This does not include our other lifestyles as we prefer to discuss the life of an artiste compared to the lives of scholars with their researches and statesman with their experiences. In the developed countries, scholars, statesman, entrepreneurs and professionals who had proven to excel will be revered. They will be deemed as high status and are invited to teach at the university and be bestowed the title of professor even they might not have done any researches. Recognitions were given based on their knowledge and great experiences in their life.

In comparison with us, the culture of such knowledge does not exist, instead we encourage the culture of worshiping a handful of artistes when their lifestyles involved with controversies and gossips which are not developing the minds. Discussions like these will only turn off the mind and not toward a quality life. The time has arrived for us to embrace the way people think in the advanced countries which elevated people with knowledge and scholars in high places compared to other matters that are not beneficial. Reading materials or books read by them are high quality, compared with developing countries where the people prefer to read the entertainment articles and news of no values.

Please note, if we read and discuss major issues, indirectly our mind becomes larger, thus producing a nation with strong spirits. If not, we will continue to waste our time disputing trivial and small issues. The main issue that should be the focus by the Muslim community today is related to the unity of Muslims and the goals of the Muslims in facing the 21st century as to the strength to defend from the enemy threats. We should seriously discuss the planning of the enemy movement through the Freemasonry which melt and destroy the faith of the Muslims through their alliances with several of the opposition parties and the NGOs.

This movement seems to have accessed into the individuals and organizations of the Muslims. Their goal is to separate the religious life. Religion is considered as something dangerous. Preventing the Muslims to unite, and at the same time turning off the spirit of jihad in the Muslims. If previously the Freemasonry's target was the Christians, today their target is the Muslims after the fall of the socialist system.

The collapse of the socialist system provided a bright future to the Freemasonry to have a strong foothold again in the late 20th century. Economic system created in the new form and was named the modern capitalist economic system hidden behind the veil of economic globalization. Name of globalization is used by the Freemasonry to camouflage the invasion of the new imperialist colonial order on the Islamic world.

Both Fathi Yakan and Yusuf Al-Qaradawi considered the globalization as a process of hegemony or domination of political, economic, cultural and social development of the United States over the world especially the Islamic world and third world through the process of westernization and Americanization them. They also succeeded in cheating these countries with the term of without economic borders or free and open economy.

This economic globalization is very dangerous because of evil planning by the Freemasonry with their theory of 20-80. Only 20 percent of the Muslim country wealth is owned and the rest 80 percent are left in poverty. Their purpose is none other than to control them. Their next step is to make the Islamic developing countries preoccupied with entertainments which are harmful. Mass Medias and information technologies without borders are used to attain this goal until they cause the widespread of entertainment hubs, captivated singings and increased prostitutions.

In conclusion, what appeared as strong resistance towards caning punishment and Islamic Sharia courts could be relevant to the Freemason movement which are the hot topic of today? Why are the wrong such as entertainment and immoral activities not opposed? Let's think together. To me, this movement had subtlety accessed into certain individuals and organizations of the Muslims. This further led to a handful of us to be no longer sensitive to the problems and the future of Islam and Muslims. The Muslims fought and disagreed with each other. We were disturbed over trivial issues compared to bigger issues and eventually our mind become smaller. Meanwhile we knew the Prophet requested us to be concerned on all big issues that are related to our lives. The Prophet Muhammad said: "Whoever sleeps and do not bother about the affairs of the Muslims, then he is not among them (the Muslims)".

Be Firmed on Article 152

2010-02-21T19:15:00.006+08:00

(Mingguan Malaysia, 21 February)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia cum Secretary General of Islamic Chamber of Commerce Malaysia.

I rushed back to the capital on 15.2.2010 merely to attend the invitation from GAPENA, KALAM and PENA as panelist on the subject Malay Language Civilization Discourse in conjunction with The Language Fighting Day 152 in Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka. Although it was a Chinese New Year holiday, guided by the principles which occurs when a clash between national interests with the interests of the race, then the national interest must be prioritized.

However, I was so disappointed because the number of participants who attended was fewer than 200 people, while the matter under discussion was a national policy issue. Where is the sensitivity in us as citizens in this beloved land of ours? The date 15.2 was chosen because in conjunction with the spirit of Article 152 of the federal constitution pertaining to the Malay Language (BM) as the national language. Strangely, why are we discussing something that had already been the national policy? Why was it not implemented since before?

I was so touched to participate in such forum, let alone to listen to the views of other panelists. The fact is BM was known as the language set forth in the constitution which has no authority in its own land. We are busy with other languages, especially English language (BI) compared with BM. The language was portrayed as not important. The question is, how can we expect others to respect our own BM if we are not serious to elevate BM to be the core in the building of a nation?

We are willing to spend large amounts of money up to billions of ringgit to empower BI, but to which extent similarly or more are being used to empower BM? We willingly spend to purchase computer equipments and all BI laboratories with sophisticated equipments for the purpose of teaching and learning of BI, but whether the same are provided for BM? At times it is difficult to blame the vernacular schools for their indifferent approaches toward BM, when we are not serious to provide the platform to enhance them in this unity language.

I do not think anyone would reject the importance of BI in facing the current modernization and globalization. It is foolish to reject the need to learn foreign languages because it is required by the religion. However do not be too enthusiastic with the foreign language until its own language trade places in its own land. Where had the slogan gone that language is the soul of a nation which used to be pinned in the heart?

Is BI a factor that will determine the progress of a country or to change our attitude? I observed that a number of the developed countries such as France, we will not be entertained if we are to speak English over there, however their country still progress. In Japan, the country was destroyed after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945; they continue to rise up with the spirit of being Japanese. Today, the Japanese remain as a world leader standing tall with the other developed countries. In other words, the spirit of loving the identity and language as the soul of a nation had uplifted their country. Similarly with other countries, they rise up with the molding on the belief in empowering the language as the soul of the nation in all aspects.

Sometimes I felt snubbed, why must I defend BM, after all it is not my mother tongue? Why should I face the condemnations and criticisms from my own race for merely defending the language of others? After consideration, I realized that in fact that the spirit to love the homeland and Islam over turned everything else to the extent of forgetting one's origins. I do not perceive this as a sin as labeled by the ultra kiasu.

If BI is the cause for the weakness in our children, then do a large-scale change in the way of teaching and learning in terms of domains, cognitive, psychomotor, and various aspects of the pedagogy, rather than changing the basic education system itself. Sometimes I feel weird that we were brave to transform the national education system that involve the future of the Malay race, but why are we not brave enough to touch or change the structure of the vernacular schools, when we have the power to do so based on Article 152 and Education Act 1996? We can't even be firmed in reaching to the level of standardizing and increasing the school curriculum in BM. In the end, the national education system is victimized.

I was very impressed with the presence of a professor from Korea in the discourse, who is fluent in the Malay Language. He suggested that Jawi writings also be strengthened in an effort to elevate BM. He said BM and Jawi are very closely related and cannot be separated. Are we not ashamed and snubbed with these types of views? Similarly, the views provided by Dr. S. Nathesan Sellapan who was also in the discourse as a panelist. He said the struggle to empower BM is the responsibility of all Malaysians, and not just the Malays only. This means, the non-Malays must also bear the same responsibility as being done by the Malays.

The question is how it can happen when the Malays themselves are not in unison on the position of its own language. Just look, when the government decided to restore the teachings of science and mathematics in BM, how many Malay NGOs came forward to go against the decision? As a result, others took advantages. We became the losers.

Why are we not acting like the non-Malay NGOs? When the question to defend their mother tongue language and schools, there is no such word as NO, in unison they united their hearts. If there is news or any action to change the features of their schools, such as additional time and standardizing the BM syllabus, they are in unison to object. The government decision cannot even change their stance. Eventually the government had to bow down to their pressure and stance. Whether it is appropriate or not, we should think by ourselves? Why can't the Muslims have this attitude?

At least, we should practice the culture of referring to the specialist, as done in the developed countries. For example, if we are ill, then refer to the medical doctor, and not referring to the doctor of philosophy. Similarly, it should be the practice in the field of language. Let the language experts solve the problems if there is a language flaw or lacking in terms of implementation. Instead, the non-specialist were the ones busy trying to change something that are outside their expertise, without referring to the specialists. Finally, the decision made did not achieve its objective and eventually bit by bits the civilization of the nation diminishes.

Just look at the signage, names of shops and housing estates, do they reflect the Article 152? Are those in the City Planning Department sensitive to this belief? This does not include facility such as suraus which are not available, even there is, it is located in the parking areas that is repulsive. Sometimes I am impressed when the west could understand us better than we ourselves. We look at the suraus in Carrefour and Tesco which are placed in strategic places, beautiful and clean.

Are we not the one who approved this building realized this reality. We want to see and hear many names such as Teratai Park, melor etc., instead of Ki Park, Monte Kiara, Country Height and other types of Height. The western names are considered to have standards, therefore we rush to buy houses in that area and names with BM are considered substandards. Are these names reflecting the spirit of 1Malaysia and Article 152? This does not include the dominance of foreign cultures that have drowned the local music, songs, customs, arts and cultures. If insignificant issues are not addressed, how could issues of significant are confined? I am hopeful that 1Malaysia will uphold the beliefs of being Malaysians.

Regardless, top-down approach is the most effective in determining the direction of a country, rather than bottom-up. Sometimes I was very impressed with the few NGOs that enthusiastically fight for the belief and identity of the country race, but do they get the support and encourage from every parties? I am afraid it is only self gratification. Do not be too political involved to the extent of putting aside the importance of religion, race and country. If that's the case, I would be very concerned that we will be extinct. Do not just be political when having the power or governing for one term or five years. When not selected again, we became quiet. The struggle of the language as the soul of the nation is a lifetime struggle rather than action-oriented.

Consequently, others took advantage. When others dominate, we accuse them, while the fault lies with ourselves for being negligent and not firm. Where will the Malays and Muslims go if they continue to lose their power? Will my prediction be true that the Malay civilizations will become extinct in its own land if they do not have anymore confidence on themselves but to trust the strength of others? While we know that Allah provides the strength to every creature created, it is imperative for the creature to be grateful and not obnoxiously ungrateful.

Sometimes I was puzzled to see that we are so disturbed on the extinction of the species of plants or animals and human rights, but we do not pay attention to the extinction of the language and culture of the nation. Let alone among us with a fixed mind who do not want to be left behind with people who are considered advanced. In the name of globalization, they are easily agreeable, not only providing the way to end the historical journey of the language as the soul of a nation, but also contribute in accelerating the process. In fact, they should be wiser by approaching together with the environmental groups and human rights activist.

Most of us in the third world considered globalization as a new phenomenon caused by the explosion of information technology or the influence of the West, and therefore willing to change such as using BI in every aspect. We must remember, although about 50 percent of Europeans know English language well, however they do not leave out their mother tongue language in the education system of science and mathematics. European leaders such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia and others, continue to use their mother tongue in official communications. In the United Kingdom itself, the language of Wales and Scotland, was based on indigenous language regions - Celtic, used in their daily life and education system at the kindergarten and school. They began to realize on how severe is the effect on the fate of the language being squeezed by the policy of using the United Kingdom English all this while.

Ironically, developed countries with their main language as United States and United Kingdom, are encouraging their people to master other languages such as Arabic, Chinese, and even BM itself, and to learn the psychic of these nation for economic and political purposes. The education policy in this country allows education in its own culture form starting at the kindergarten level and primary school. It can been said that almost all computer and telecommunication companies of today such as Microsoft, are actively translating every product or products in various languages in the world on the grounds of globalization.

The most saddening part today is that our reaction towards the globalization and advancement of information technology are different from the reaction of many leaders of other countries (including developed countries) which are towards an increasingly multi-cultural and pushing forward their own culture. Malaysia is increasingly lowering its own culture and moving towards a more monolithic-western culture. Let us not become Singapore which regretted on their actions for being too entwined with BI until marginalized their mother tongue language and they are now known as Chinese banana.

Be Grateful in the year of Tiger

2010-02-14T17:29:00.006+08:00

(Mingguan Malaysia, 14 February)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia cum Secretary General of Islamic Chamber of Commerce Malaysia.

Happy Chinese New Year.

When I propose the formula of equal and fairness according to the population statistics of 60 : 40 (Muslims : non Muslims) pertaining to the rights in the construction of houses of worship, political and economic distributions in resolving the ethnic problems in Mingguan Malaysia dated 27/12/2009, I was denounced, scolded and criticized. To me, that is the formula of equality, putting things in perspective. Lately, the Center for Policy Initiative (CPI) led by Lim Teck Ghee wanted to adopt the formula in the public services due to the dominance of Muslims in this sector, so that zero sum game does not happen. Nobody was angry or criticized him; instead all can be said as agreeable.

Previously, this formula was opposed; now flauntingly want it to be received. These characteristics should be excluded in facing a challenging world. When feel inadequate, need to increase. When already exceeded, became silent, instead if possible wanting for more. Too engross to win big or ultra kiasu. Who are actually practicing the zero sum game? I am confident that CPI already knew the answers.

Prior to this, the BN component parties which I do not need to mention, was busy urging the government that the public services must reflect the race population which is 25 percent of Chinese, 15 percent of other races. The question is why the formula is not applied in the field of economy or in the private sector dominated by the non-Muslims? Isn't this called fairness?

Studies had been made, providing the answer that the non-Malays were not interested in working in the public services because of the low salaries. Even those interested, they would only choose the sectors that provide higher returns such as the high-ranking positions. In the police services, for example, from the 250 non-Malay youths studied, 80 percent wanted higher rank positions rather than the low-rank positions. This study has clearly indicated the psychic of the races existed in the country on their inclination. Try to understand this fact with an open mind.

Apparently, the trend of deliberately highlighting the negatives or still not enough with the intention of hiding the positives, are continuously happening. This group will intentionally turn a blind eye on history of the public services in this country, which cannot escape from Article 153 of the federal constitution. This section clearly defined that it is the responsibility of the Yang DiPertuan Agong to determine the reserves for the Malays and the Bumiputera in Sabah and Sarawak by allocating a proportion of positions in the federal public service that he thinks necessary. According to Mohd Suffian Hashim (1987), this rationale was in the early independence, the number of the non-Malays in the civil service were too many, rather than the Malays in its land itself. At that time, the non-Malays were more exposed to education in the city compared to the Malays which were from the villages.

According to the study by Comber (2007), the participation of the non-Malays (Chinese) currently were not many in the public services, because they were fascinated to the corporate sector or the business itself. They were considered as a better career compared to the public sectors which the salaries were just enough to survive. Moreover, these people were ambitious, proud of their cultures, and did not want to be governed and prefer to rule independently. These psychics need to be understood by all. Studies had shown that the perception existed that it is difficult to get positions in the public services sector because these had been taken by the Muslims or the Malays. Even if succeeded to obtain such position, then it would be difficult to get promotion. This argument was further supported that the non-Malays were not quite comfortable working in a Malay environment, because of their upbringings or the political socialization of racial overtones, such as place of stay, education, media and others (Yew Yeok Kim, 1982). Furthermore, the criterion of having a credit in Bahasa Melayu was also another hindrance.

In fact, the government has given and provided opportunities to the non-Malays in the civil services. We have seen so many non-Malays faces holding high positions in the public services including the chief secretary of the ministry, senior positions and so forth, compared to before. Isn't this a change and openness? In the banking sectors for instance, many banks are owned by the Muslims, reflecting the number of non-Malays as many compared to the Malays in the non-Malays bank. This is one of the features of openness in Islam. I request Teck Ghee to make a study on the percentage of the Malays being accepted to work in the non-Malay companies and how many of the non-Malays were being used to promote sales? Therefore, aren't Malays appropriate to be in the public services? Only then there will be a win-win situation.

Issues raised by the CPI reminded me on the RM15 million approved by the cabinet to help the single mothers who are Muslims. This issue was continuously manipulated by the author and the ultra kiasu Medias. They urged the government that non-Muslims single mothers should be included. I do not deny that the government should help those in need, regardless of religious background, race and ideology. The principles of Islam are very clear in addressing this issue.

As the Yang DiPertua for the Parents-Teachers Association in the school with the non-Muslims as the majority, I have approved plenty of school fees assistance to non-Muslim students compared to the Muslims, because they need more assistance after investigating their backgrounds. Do not accuse me of being racist, for the sake of responding to the call of 1Malaysia, without taking any advantages. It is not wrong to assist the kafir zimmi, as long they are not against Islam. What is so worrisome is that a small group that is considered kafir harbi, had openly humiliated and opposed Islam. This group is not fit to be in this fortunate land.

I am not as cunning as the ultra kiasu to manipulate the idea of 1Malaysia to fulfill their ambitions. I also want to see that fairness is being practiced in the ultra kiasu state which announced wanting to rule according to Umar Abdul Aziz. Why CPI didn’t made a study or provide the same views on the ultra kiasu state in term of economy distribution? Didn't the Caliph Umar Abdul Aziz would want to see fairness is done? Including Muslims stalls which were demolished? Why the policies of Umar Abdul Aziz did not appear? I remind the Muslims to be cautious with the policy of Middle Malaysia, including their think-tank which tries to act independently without taking any sides. Actually, there are hidden intentions to fulfill the agendas of the ultra kiasu explicitly and implicitly.

I suggest that studies be conducted, based on the 60-40 formula in all fields with respect to the constitution, not by emotions and wanting to be a champion for 1 = 1. All parties understood that the income per capita for the Muslims are still lagging behind compared to the non-Muslims. This means, in terms of logic, because relatively of the large Muslim population, certainly more among them have to be assisted compared with the non-Muslims.

Similarly with the economic issues, the non-Malays controls have exceeded 70 percent, meaning that single mothers who are non-Malays would have more opportunities than the single Muslim mothers. Furthermore, the lifestyle of the single mother Muslims are different from those non-Muslims. Single mothers from the non-Muslims can work in all sectors irrespective of halal or haram. But single Muslim mothers are limited. They cannot work in places such as shops involving gambling, alcohol, usury, night club or obtaining their income forbidden in Islam, although I do not deny that there are some who work in such places. This means that Islam has limited opportunities in the field of employment compared with the non-Muslims.

At the same time, the Muslims should not be choosy in their occupation. I seldom see the Malay Muslims in the laborer sector, compared with the Indonesian laborer. It is very sad to see the teenagers and the youth loitering around and wasting their time without any work. However, I am proud to read the news of a few Muslims who were willing to be scavengers with the garbage piles to the extent of losing their life. Despite this sad news, but the spirit to survive should receive credits. These type of group must be viewed seriously by all of us and be assisted through the New Economic Policy and should be supported by zakat. In fact the problems of single mothers and poverty should not arise, if the zakat institutions are transparently fully driven.

Today we are facing problem because there are few rich Muslims who want to continue to be rich without any regards to others. The characteristic wanting to be rich is good and noble. But that wealth belongs to Allah, it should be shared with others or to save the single mothers. Do not be too busy marrying just a handful of artists who want luxury living. This must be stopped. Many mothers are single mothers who need protection and to be rescued by assisting and marrying them. I am very proud to see the leaders of the country and their wives were willing to come down into the field to help those in need, including people with disabilities.

I think, the time has arrived for Malaysians who are capable to come forward and become the people champion in this issue. Do not just conserve your wealth. When you die later, the wealth can never be brought into the grave. If the wealth is used to help the children of the nation, the wealth will continue to grow and expand. Otherwise, we will continue to hear stories of wealthy Muslims involve in marriages and divorces. Some married today, divorced the next day or a month later. Marriage is so sacred and holy, not to be ridiculed. Do not only value when useful and only discarded when useless. We were often insinuated by the non-Muslims for allowing polygamy. Whereas polygamy is something noble, if treated with care, compared with those cannot polygamy but having women or mistresses. I hope the ultra kiasu will not be angry with this argument because they consented to adultery previously. In building a better 1Malaysia, this basis need to be understood.

Regardless, the culture of requesting and demanding what the Muslims have, must be given to the non-Muslims, requires rational and logical thoughts. If we accept this formula, then eventually we will see in each housing estate, 1 mosque, 1 church, 1 Indian temple, 1 Chinese temple, and 1 each for those who do not worship anything, although they actually do not need. Requirements must be viewed in terms of race history, basic religion concepts and resident population, with respect to the constitution. Then this is called fairness, putting things in perspective.

In my opinion, this is the essence of the idea of 1Malaysia. Otherwise, later the Muslims will demand the economic cake to be based on the formula of 60:40. Will the non-Malays willing to sacrifice and share their more than 70 percent of the economic control? If not willing, do not resort to such cheap publicity. Just be grateful with whatever you have. Do not always accuse others of damaging the race relations in this country! Actually this ultra kiasu nature is the caused to all of these.

Finally, to all who celebrate Chinese New Year, I wish Gong Xi Fa Cai. Hopefully with the arrival of the Tiger year will reduce the nature of ultra kiasu tiger to less kiasu. The year of the tiger teaches us to be more careful in all aspects of life. Avoid feelings of resentment and envy, increase the attitude of gratefulness and accept the opinions of others. This attitude will prevent us from falling down easily, because once we fall, we may not be able to rise up again.

Winning on one side

2010-02-07T18:44:00.004+08:00

(Mingguan Malaysia, 7 February)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia cum Secretary General of Islamic Chamber of Commerce Malaysia.

Incident in the speeches with racist overtones in the recent 1Malaysia Meetings, should be an exemplary for all parties, especially in raising sensitive matters that affect the racial sensitivity. It has been a political practice in the country where an offense done will be used as a weapon to fell a person ignoring the thousand good deeds the person has done. This is the reality that we need to accept.

Thus, we must be careful in debating so as not to be trapped. Arguments submitted must be accompanied with facts. Emotional argument will only affect oneself and degrade the religion, especially if it is not supported with academic facts.

This incident reminded me on the invitation by the MCA Youth on February 2, 2010 recently to debate with them on the Chinese education system together with Professor Khoo Kay Kim. I have to turn down the debate as the organizers were not quite professional in conducting it.

Before the invitation was made, I have reminded the organizers several times that to choose a relatively neutral place to debate such as the chambers of the Public Institutions of Higher Learning (IPTA) and not the Chinese assembly hall as proposed, or at least, the hall near the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka. However, my request was not heeded.

The organizers provided a simplistic reasoning that the public halls were all full, except for the Chinese assembly hall. I feel very strange that their youth head, a deputy education minister, could not find another hall, or at least a school hall under the supervision of the ministry. However, I still agreed to attend even if it is held in a place with full of ultra kiasu, because the organizers informed that the debate will be broadcasted live through one of the private television channel.

I feel relieved if it can be broadcasted live. This is because I do not want the debate and my arguments to be manipulated later on. Two days before the debate took place; the organizers informed that there will be no live telecast, just only a normal debate, which will be attended by a group of ultra kiasu. I had to cancel the decision to participate in the debate because of the bias attitude from the organizers. Do not accuse me for being a coward to face with them.

My question is why must we really have the debate in the Chinese assembly hall? Is there no other better places? The reason given that the forum had to be held there because of Chinese New Year is not a valid reason. There is still plenty of time available. What is important is that the forum must be organized professionally, in a neutral place in order for it to be attended by all levels of the society. Then it is fair to me.

I do not want to be a victim manipulated by the racist newspapers and the ultra kiasu. I have had enough experienced so far. The only thing that I wish to remind is that striving for truth is a bitter struggle. We need a lot of patience. Patience is to be followed by efforts to obtain knowledge through reading and study. This is very important so that the facts or arguments submit are difficult to be shot down or disputed.

Even better, let those in their respective areas of expertise do the arguments, so that it has more authority. Sometimes I feel very strange that when those not having any related field of expertise, also want to write and speak until their writings and opinions strayed away. This is one of the features of ultra kiasu.

This culture was also mentioned by Syed Hussein al-Attas as moronic culture, referring to the political culture which has no intellectual value. I remembered the words of a poet of Islam that we should be the one who knows, he knows what he knows, and that is the best. Otherwise, be the next group of people which is people are aware that he does not know and he himself knows or others may not know that he is aware that he does not know. This category is still acceptable. But do not be the human with the lowest standard, which is he is unaware that he does not know or he actually does not know but pretend to know. This last category is considered ignorant. This should be avoided when submitting arguments.

In discussing the political landscape of Malaysia and to eliminate this moronic culture is difficult. We like to label someone whom we dislike without trying to evaluate the facts that were submitted. More seriously until we are willing to reject the good that was done because of political sentiments.

Just look at the political culture between the government and the opposition, which is UMNO (BN) with PAS, PKR and the ultra kiasu party. In the eyes of the opposition, there is nothing good in UMNO which has been ruling all this while, all is bad. Pondering, all this while, was there not even a good deed that UMNO had done for the country? Are we enjoying all this while happened naturally without planning? At least provide opinions even though not many, a few also is fine, on UMNO good deeds. Vice versa, UMNO views on the opposition. Do not reject all. Moronic culture such as this must be stopped. It does not benefit anyone.

As an academician, I see both UMNO and the opposition have a role in democracy. Both contributed in the development of politics, providing a check and balance. But, do not because of being angry of one mosquito; the whole mosquito net is burned. Just because of one person who brought in the problem, everyone is condemned. Just one or two people involved in corruption, all are said to be corrupted. My question, when we rule, is everything fine, no corruption at all?

Always remember the help provided by others, and forget the help we provided to others. Remember the wrongs that we did on others, forget the wrongs that others did to us. Can't we politically engage based with this attitude? Are we not Muslims and related! Why are we so calculative and revengeful among ourselves?

All these incidents reminded me of another similar incident when the strong person of the Gerakan party issued a statement that the Malays were also immigrants. The statement was very sensitive, but not many came forward to demand the person to resign. What was so saddening, this ultra kiasu group supported this statement.

This incident portrayed that there exist a silent pact which is very cunning. They are united in silence. Similarly, the issue on the name of Allah which was discussed freely in the ultra kiasu websites. Sometimes it was horrifying to read the articles and comments that were published. Those who do not worship Allah also do not support us or protested. This does not include the interference by the ultra kiasu humiliating the position of the Malay rulers and with the latest on the late Sultan of Johor? Imagine the speeches made among them to which not understood by us at all. Why some of the ultra kiasu are still free and not subject to any action?

That's what I had always said, if it is on the Malay, the whole Malaysia become noisy, as if there is no other story. If it is on them or their own group, they pretend to be silent. This is the fate of the Malays in the Malay land. If the offense was committed by the Malays then they were forced to resign and to provide a public apology. If is on them, is there any pressure made? Have they provided any public apology when their actions had actually hurt the hearts of the Muslims? I think the Member of Parliament for JELUTUNG understand what I mean.

I see the relationships among our races are increasingly fragile. There is rarely a win-win situation happening. What we see is always a party wins big and the other party is losing substantially. The question is until when this moronic culture culture must continue? In this life, we need to be transparent and don't be only clever manipulating issue for cheap publicity.

I was so encouraged to see how the ultra kiasu politicize the 1Malaysia idea. If there is any deficiency or something that is felt to be unfair, then the idea of 1Malaysia was to be blamed. In fact, they understood the actual purpose of the idea. I still remembered, at one dinner function and it happened that in the function more meat was served compared to vegetables, because the numbers of non-Muslims were countable. Those who do not eat meat left the function immediately protested uttering the words, "this is not 1Malaysia"? 1Malaysia was blamed for not providing equal rights with equal taste which is 1 = 1 or one meat serving = one vegetable serving.

In resolving this crisis, we need to immediately emphasize that the 1Malaysia idea is not a concept of equal rights with equal taste but supported by the federal constitution. The Constitution is a living constitution. Hence, it must be the basic reference in understanding the life of the nation. This is the basis of the 1Malaysia speech that we should use when we are given the opportunity to speak in public, so that what we convey will not be manipulated.

Education problems in Malaysia

2010-01-31T18:32:00.015+08:00

(Mingguan Malaysia, 31 January)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia cum Secretary General of Islamic Chamber of Commerce Malaysia.

The conflict between Zulkifli Nordin (PKR) and Khalid Samad (PAS) pertaining to the name Allah draws the attention in the study of political Malay Muslims. I do not need to comment on the views made by UMNO on the name of Allah. Since beginning, UMNO had been accused for taking the opportunity to profit them in this issue. In other words, nothing good is in UMNO in the eyes of both of the Malay opposition party, similarly with the non-Malays. The name Allah was considered as a drama played by UMNO yearning the sympathy from the voters in the upcoming elections.

I feel strange, before they accused UMNO for not being democratic, are they really practicing what they struggle? I also fear if they ever rule? If indeed the claim to be truly in practicing the freedom of speech, why the need to take action against Zulkifli Nordin? Shouldn't Zulkifli Nordin be given the freedom of speech? As Muslims, Zulkifli Nordin is free to speak out in the scope that is allowed. I do not see what Zulkifli Nordin did was in conflict with Islam or democracy. Do not find the faults of others when own self is at fault. Pity Zulkifli Nordin, I sympathize with the fate of our brother. Hopefully the rakyat of Malaysia especially the Muslims understood the drama being played. Do not simply accuse others of playing drama.

I pondered until when will the Malay Muslims unite? Why on such basic issues we are still unable to unite? Do our hearts ever tick that the name Allah should be protected, or are we allowing others to use the sacred name to their likings in order to protect the political interests? Why must we need to split up in all aspects of life? If not 100 percent agreeable, at least we can agree to 50 percent or 40 percent, or at least 10 percent, so as not to reveal our big quarrel or split from A to Z.

Instead, we quarrel in every aspect. All that were good were rejected just because only a group that did not had the same understanding with us. Sometimes I pity the Muslims. How long do we need to be like this? When can we sit together to reach an agreement on issues with fundamental features? I do not deny that we can agree to disagree, but not in every issue. At least we can agree with the basic issues. Unfortunately, in basic issue also we quarrel.

As Muslims, we feel very unfortunate, because those unrelated with the name Allah also do not support us, or at least to be neutral. I only heard the statement made by the President of the MCA which was neutral, wanting us to stop pointing fingers to UMNO in this issue. However, his statement was highly criticized by the ultra kiasu group and in the internet. He was considered as trying to earn UMNO sympathy and to conceal MCA internal problems.

The ultra kiasu group is also completely against UMNO and the Muslims who want to defend the name of Allah. If they are sincere, certainly among those who are not Christians i.e. Buddhism-Taoism-Confucius would have acted neutral, because they do not worship Allah. Instead, they supported the use of the name Allah among the Christians, whereas this issue was unrelated to them. This is the fate of UMNO always alone in defending the Muslims internally and externally in the Barisan Nasional. I wondered when will be the moment the non-Muslims would support the Malay Muslims. Is it true that the ultra kiasu party supports the cause of Islam brought by PAS? Haven't the Muslims realized sometimes they are being used?

I can conclude here, meaning that whatever the Muslims do, it will still be considered as wrong because of different political ideology. I fear with these kinds of sign happening. Others are clapping and shout with joy to see our weakness and disunity and possibly waiting for the right moment to take advantage.

Let us learn on how others unite. Avoid questioning religion that is fundamental in features for this will unite them. Just look at the recent issues related to their secondary education. When the government was busy improving the education standards through the improvement of primary and secondary national schools, the Chinese associations led by Dong Jiao Zong were busy requesting for the need to support and increase the number of Chinese Independent Secondary Schools (SMPC). The vernacular schools would require a sum of money 300 million a year to cover the operating costs. Currently another school was opened in Kulai, Johor making it into 61 units all together with over 60,000 students. They provided a simplistic reason that the demands for such schools are increasing and the operating costs is increasing, too. The Government assistance is needed to ease the burden of the Chinese community and the relevant parties. The effects and consequences of the emergence of this school have never been studied, especially in terms of performance of the Malay language and their association with the Malays in a country with the roots of Malays.

I was never surprised by the increase in demand over this SMPC. In fact, if build 100 more, it will never be enough. As long as there are national-type schools in the country's education system, the demand for secondary SMPC will increase. I am very confident, entrepreneurs, alumni, associations and bodies of Chinese business will continue to provide undivided support and financial assistance. That is how united they are, as if they actually respond to Islam as Allah says in the Qur'an, hold fast to the rope of Allah and do not be divided (Al-Imran: 102).

If it is destined that tax exemption be given to those who help the SPMC, I believe most of the income tax will be poured into these schools. That's their attitude which I praised them, united in silent regardless of background or political ideology. To them, their ancestors’ education should be prioritized compared to others, including matters relating to the nation building and patriotism. This does not include their support for the Private Institute of Higher Education (IPTS) such as the Tunku Abdul Rahman College and University, Wawasan Open University and others.

To me, as long as the vernacular schools exist in the system, the SMPC issue will continue to ring. I am very confident that if the government continue to fund or build more SMPC, there will be no Chinese students studying in the Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK). Just imagine the situation of our country at that time. Will unity be increasingly strong or fragile?

Every week there are issues raised by the Chinese education Dong Jiao Zong and its allies in the newspapers and those condoning it? It seems as though the issue of education in our country has not been solved. I do not see those facing financial problems as highlighted. It is intentionally caused in order to attract sympathy and strategy for the upcoming election. In fact, we should together discuss on how to provide input into the existing national schools to further enhanced their standards. Instead, they continue singing and give pressure to the government. This ultra kiasu strategy must seriously be addressed and carefully handled.

In my opinion, we do not need to be noisy rising up problems and lack of provisions here and there. A simple formula, enter all of them into the government schools. They already have a good foundation in Mandarin while in the vernacular school. Why should hands be itchy in opening national type private schools? When experiencing difficulty, the government will be blamed for not helping the private schools. All that are bad is UMNO while the good are with them. Imagine that after this, upon their completion of their studies in SMPC, they would continue their studies into the racist private. When would they have the time to socialize and mix with the Malay students?

I am very confident that this situation exists because of our attitudes that are too racist and looking down at the ability of the national schools. If you do not believe, conduct a study and look at their views of the national schools compared to the national vernacular schools. The majority will say that the vernacular schools are better than the national schools. Their teachers are more diligent and dedicated compared to the National School teachers. In other words, all good schools are the racist schools, while the less good are the National School.

Sometimes it is quite disheartening to hear a principal in a large national school in Johor recently, when asked for the recipe of success until the school became the first group of the 20 selected High Performance Schools (SBT). The answer given was so simplistic, because by practicing to read the yasin and greet to kiss the hands of the teachers. In principle, I do not deny that both factors had also contributed. But other solid factors should have been highlighted based on our studies and researches to provide a much acceptable answer. Do not give such simplistic answer. Otherwise the ultra kiasu will take the opportunity to manipulate these answer.

Moreover, I am worried that after this the students will act every day by reading the yasin and greet with kissing the hands of the teachers and do not put additional effort anymore. We should be careful in providing simplistic answer. Islam is not so as easy as assumed. Similarly with the belief that by drinking the zam-zam water resulted in more blessings and a clean heart. If it is so easy then the Muslims should not struggle anymore. Gather all the students who fail the test or the mischievous, then together drink the zam-zam water and they would be intelligent and well manner thereafter. This form of thinking should be adjusted and changed. We need to distinguish between the main arguments and the supplementary arguments, without denying Islam as the basic factor for excellence. Do not misunderstand on the concept of surrendering.

To me, the principal need to reply more academically taking into account the factor of dedication provided by the Malay Muslims (also non-Muslims) teachers in the national schools, and many other factors such as the background of pupils, parents concerns, location, and others. I have been to these places quite often. In fact it is not only the schools, even the mosques in the towns were also administered properly and had received several national awards. Congratulations!

I do not mean to aggravate this issue. But I do not want to hear the ultra kiasu group looking down and insult and condemn the national schools. This is the very bitter truth to be swallowed, but had to be expressed. In fact, many national schools are great and may be better than the vernacular schools; just that they are not clever in highlighting themselves such as the ultra kiasu highlighted their schools and themselves. They are clever in acting, giving high publicity to obscure our eyes until we are fascinated and sometimes influenced without having a second thought. Remember, today they are busy with the membership campaign recruitment among the Malay Muslims. Therefore, in an effort to divert their attention and make us more relevant, we should argue based on knowledge and research, rather than providing strange and emotional arguments.

When I presented these examples, I seek the Muslims to learn on how others have reached the stars. Do we want to continue remaining in the clouds? Can we sit together to discuss the standards of our national education? What is the level of unity among the people of different races in the country? How far do we understand the relationship between the majority and minority? What are the guidelines and formulas that need to be shared? Or do we want to use the approach of human rights which are sometimes directly unfounded?

I think the time has arrived for the Muslims to unite and think about their future. Do not be too political. It will not benefit us, but will destroy us. Why are we willing to challenge among ourselves and sometimes almost to the extent of using violence among us? Does it provide any benefits? Are we unable to discuss on strengthening the building of a race nation rooted in Islam as the federal religion?

We need to think and sweat it out to strengthen the basic issues of religion and the nation in a multiracial society. We can not deny the rights of the non-Malays because we have accepted them as it is. However, that does not mean that we need to acknowledge all the demands. We have the constitution as the basis to live in the country. It should be preserved and courageously translated. Let alone to defend the holy sacred name of Allah. I wish to congratulate Zulkifli Nordin. Continue fighting.

There is no absolute freedom in this world

2010-01-17T07:51:00.012+08:00

(Mingguan Malaysia, 17 January)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia cum Secretary General of Islamic Chamber of Commerce Malaysia.

When my article was not published in the newspaper last week, many readers wondered why I did not write, what had happened? I am touched with their questions. I did not expect that my humble writings received that much attention. This humility had made me realized and grateful for the blessings provided by God in this prosperous land.

All these while, I had patiently faced the condemning and criticize from those who were not agreeable with my writings. Some even prayed that I hasten my death and end up in hell. The extremist listed me in the registration book of death. Alhamdulillah, I still have the strength to face these challenges and pressures. I value friends of the same faith who provided me the encouragement and strength to continue my writings and not to fear with the threats and warnings.

If we are too afraid with humans, where are our confidence to Allah SWT? All these reminded me on the real meanings of Islam. If all these while I had to face the slandering and defamation from the day I embraced Islam until today, why must I be doubtful now? I have not done any great sins or any evil. I only wish to create the awareness among friends of the same faith that not to be complacent and to rise up defending this holy religion, and not allowing it to be taken advantaged. Is it a betrayal to my own race? Shouldn't my descendants be appreciated for my actions?

I leave it to the fate to be determined by Allah SWT. Nothing in this life is more important than to get HIS blessings. HE created mankind, and therefore HE also determines the time of our death.

I was blacklisted and accused for being a hypocrite because of sending my children to the vernacular school. Can't they understand what I had written? I had repeatedly stated in my writings before this that my children studied in the vernacular schools and I have never denied that. Those hypocrites were those that do not read my entire articles. They only take the negatives and then manipulated the sentence so that I would be hated, admonished and humiliated. This provocation by the ultra kiasu is very dangerous in the Malaysia politics. They will continue to look for opportunities for political gains and mileage, by way of sympathizing which is a timid way of obtaining power.

Honestly, my children have a good background in the Malay language (BM). They have never failed in the BM, and did not enter the transition class after completing primary school. Therefore, was it wrong for me to enroll my children into the vernacular school as long when they still exist in the education system? In fact, I even suggested that if the vernacular schools continue to be established, then it would be better for the Malays to study in the vernacular schools, while the non-Malays should study in the national schools. This is for the purpose that the Malays can master the language of the non Malays, while the non-Malays are able to communicate in Malay proficiently. Isn't this much fairer and will achieve national unity? Whichever, this will not happen.

Furthermore, by sending my children to the vernacular schools, at least I practiced what I preached. Writing based on facts and reality. Otherwise, I would not be practicing what I am preaching. I do not want to feel enthralled with myself or merely theorizing. When my children were there, it means that I am aware of the development and what was happening in the school. If there are issues that I have raised about the vernacular schools which are not correct, please get them corrected, but do not resort to personal attacks until to the extent my parents and ancestors not at fault were scolded; from those presently alive to those who had already been dead.

To the followers of my writings, the theme is closely related to the development of race in a country where its nation empowered Islam as the federal religion. I did not see what I had written is wrong. I prefer to be straight forward. If it is not true, let us debate academically rather than being critical.

So far we had been talking about the freedom to speak or freedom of speech. Do we respect the freedom of speech? Sometimes I ponder whether the freedom of speech will be provided openly if the ultra kiasu rules. I am just giving a different opinion, can't I? Do not simply accuse others for not being democratic. When embarrassed due to own doings, is it true that we are practicing democracy fully? If the racist newspapers can write freely on whatever they think, why can't I? What advantages that they have, and what am I lacking? Do not ridicule your own selves.

What is freedom of speech? Freedom of speech does not mean that we can speak anything we like without any considerations. Freedom of speech is to present arguments that can be of beneficial to others. Encourage others to be thoughtful rather than to be rigid and narrow minded.

It is immoral when we disputed something that has become the rights of a race, especially if it had already been written in the constitution. We are very sad when there is a small group which was ungrateful had disputed the Islamic way of life, while the Muslims had never disputed their way of life such as building houses of worship as one pleases without permits and licenses, even under the trees and along-side the road.

Islam took the approach of respecting the human rights of every person. Among the rights are the rights to live, the rights to accumulate and possess wealth, the rights to be independent without any hindrances, the rights to travel, the rights over children, the rights for justice, the rights on dignity and respect on a person, equal rights under the laws and so forth. All these freedom are subject to the balance of living in a nation.

Let us not be confused with the freedom professed by the West. The West declared that every individual has the freedom to do anything according to their heart and soul even though it may conflict with the needs of religion and against the noble humanitarian values. Take an example, marriage with the same sex. Today they began to realize that absolute freedom destroyed them. Even former U.S. President, George Bush urged the West to return to Christianity. Human rights which are in conflict with religion must be abandoned. What is so puzzling is that when the West had become aware and had admitted their mistake and their downfall, why are we in the East busy discussing on the absolute freedom which ruined the West?

Since the beginning, Islam had guaranteed human freedom in accordance with the physics of the human nature itself. Reminder; the physics of the human nature is subject to the laws of the Creator. Because of this, we object a Muslim to have the freedom to convert to other religions freely. Professing the Shahada by Muslim is the testimony of a seal on a pledge or agreement made between God and HIS slave. Pledge and agreement are compulsory to be fulfilled, and anyone who apostates mean that the person has violated the agreement. As such they deserve to be punished because the freedom has been abused.

The freedom allowed is the freedom to provide opinions, ideas, reprimanding and constructive criticism to the related party. This freedom includes freedom of the press and the Internet which disseminate accurate information to the public, rather than news that is not true, slandering, obscene and abusive words, reports that are not benefitting or publishing photos disgracing other people.

Let us not debate claiming that we pay more income tax and therefore we are free to do and get anything without any restrictions. Tax paid will appropriately be distributed. Have we not realized that our taxes paid were used to provide security, peace and stability? Value this peace for allowing us to accumulate and make lots of money. Who are actually benefiting from the value of this peacefulness? Value this and don't be too ultra kiasu.

My blog was horribly condemned, cursed, abused and have I ever replied with matching words? I am willing to be treated as such. I have my principles not to be like them. If I were to give the same reactions, what differences would I have compared to them? Should I lower my dignity to their level? It is definitely no. I write based on researches and readings. If you do not agree with me, provide your facts and we can debate. If you want to debate, make it professionally. Do not invite me for a debate in a place full of ultra kiasu. Don't be too emotional until destroying own selves. These types of attitude will thwart away the national development. I have never invited them to visit and read my blog. They are free to access any sites or a thousand other blogs, especially the ultra kiasu sites and blogs. Go and read and comment as much as you can, I have never forbid. Isn't that we called freedom?

Today we should ask what can we contribute to the country instead of asking what can the country give to us when we pay income tax. I am confident that those who spoke so much had not paid much tax. Large companies that paid taxes actually appreciate the security provided, although undeniable that there were a few who escaped and took the money out to invest abroad. There were also those who surrendered their citizenship and become citizens in other countries. We do not need to feel regret, because such people can be considered non existing, for even if they exist, they will be burdensome.

Only those insane will acknowledge absolute freedom. Absolute freedom does not actually exist in a civilized human life. I remembered the words of Dr Carmen Lawrence (2006); " depends not on our capacity to hit back at the terrorists, but on our capacity to think for ourselves."

Therefore, do not be surprised that if Muslims come forward to defend their rights because it is in the scope of freedom. Freedom means in defending the dignity and the rights respectively. Rasulullah SAW stated, which means: "Whoever was killed in defense of his wealth is a martyr, killed in defense of his dignity is a martyr, killed in defense of his religion is a martyr and killed in defense of his family is a martyr." (Hadith narrated by Abu Daud, Nasa'i and Tirmizi)

Absolute freedom does not actually exist in a civilized society because civilized society is a society that is controlled by the system, rules and laws. Those who make their desires as a guide are not a free society, but are a lost society, forever lost. There must be a limit to freedom. For the Muslims, freedom is guided by the Quran and Sunnah. Meanwhile the non-Muslims based their freedom on their spiritual books respectively. In the context of a living nation, the constitution is a guide to the meaning of freedom. Thus, refer to the constitution if there are problems and conflicts. If we are interpreting the constitution following our own interests and desires, then the consequences will be bad.

What is still left for us

2010-01-15T09:57:00.018+08:00

Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia cum Secretary General of Islamic Chamber of Commerce Malaysia.

I was asked to write about the polemics name of Allah which had been decided by the court in favor of the Catholic Christians recently. The ultra kiasu website which is anti-Malay and anti-Islamic was celebrating the victory. Writings supporting the court's decision filled up every space without taking into consideration on the sensitivities of the Muslims at all. That is their true colors when they can accused the other media as not correct and which media is actually correct? This group is never grateful; instead they are even more daring and rude.

I do not deny the rights of other religions to use the name Allah, at least the name will be spoken by them, and who knows a day will come they might also circumcise. However, I am doubtful because why now it had become a big issue? What is the purpose behind the issue? Who are they targeting? As Muslims we need to understand this issue.

For those who are not in the NGOs, they may not see the true intentions. But for us who are in the NGOs, we are well versed with their techniques and tactics. They will continue to demand until they achieve their goal. They will maximize their demands even though it may sound extreme. They know that if the government is unable to accommodate all their demands, at least a little part will be given. That little part is what they actually aim for. That is why they are constantly demanding and requesting especially when the Muslims themselves are facing a weakening unity. I do not think they would be that brave if the Muslims are united. History had shown that when a nation is strong, it will usually be feared.

My friends in the Facebook complained that there are among the Muslims had apostated from Islam and embraced other religions. This group is very active in their preaching even though they know it is contrary to the federal constitution. The same thing had happened to Siti Hasnah Vengarama or Banggarma Subramaniam recently. We were very surprised on why the non Muslim had the courage to marry Banggarma with a non Muslim man which is already contrary to the federal constitution and is wrong legally.

Although Banggarma admitted that she is no longer a Muslim, but she is still subject to the sharia law even though she may not be practicing Islam. Those responsible in marrying her should refer to the religious authority as a sign of respect to the Islamic religion. Ironically, there is no action taken by the Islamic religious authorities. Isn't this called tolerance?

I still recalled that when this issue came up, and before anything else we saw the reaction from the Malaysia Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Tao (MCCBCHST) urging the Sharia Court to allow Banggarma to profess Hinduism and to leave Islam immediately, without going through the normal court process. The Christian priest being the president of MCCBCHST viewed that apostasy as legitimate because she embraced Islam at the time she was small and she did not practice the teachings of Islam. The priest requested that she be given the freedom in choosing her religion as she is above the age of 21 years old. The Sharia Court is considered not qualified because it does not have the jurisdiction over 'those who do not practice the religion of Islam'.

My question is how this priest could say whether the Syariah Court is qualified to justify on this case. Don't be the judge. We must be professional and not emotional and have sentiments. Respect Islam as the federal religion. Instead, before this matter can be brought to the court, they had already become the judge. I am so worried if these kind of judges exist in the court.

Back to the issue on the name of Allah, all the non Muslim NGOs wanted us to respect the decision made by the court. Ironically, if the decisions favored the non Muslims, we were asked to respect the court and that the decision made was considered to be fair but if the decision favored the Muslims, the court was biased and was influenced by certain people. Were these considered proper? Why can't we act more professionally?

Whatever are the reasons we have on the issue of the usage on the name of Allah among the non-Muslims, the damage and pain are being felt more by the Muslims. Throughout my observations, in the western countries, the majority of the Christians do not use the name Allah at all, either in the churches or in their daily conversation. Even in their films, I did not see nor hear the name Allah is being used at all.

It is without any doubts, the name Allah has been used in Indonesia and several other Arab countries. Similarly goes for Sabah and Sarawak. The question is does it mean that other countries should follow the same?

I just wonder why we should attend to the requests by the Christians in the peninsula which only amounted to less than 9 percent, compared with the other religions which has more than that. As I had spoken earlier, even though they are little in numbers, their publicity drowns the other religions. Whereas we are aware in terms of rights, those with the religion of Buddha, Confucius and Taoism are having more rights, because they consist of 22 percent.

To me, any arguments to allow the Christians to use the name of Allah, should also consider the harm and sensitivity on the Muslims and in compliance with the constitution of our country. It is not that we are afraid with the Christians' movements; however think about the restrictions with the position of only 9 percent. The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Council of Islamic states must act firmly without any compromise on those publishing their brochures that are misleading the Muslims. This is of great importance to avoid any further damages that may befall the Muslims which are relatively weak and to avoid conflicts.

The justifications provided by some Islamic scholars and organizations that do not forbid other faiths from using the name Allah for God, are intricately unacceptable. They reasoned that the Muslims should not fight for the name of Allah with the Catholics. They have their rights to name their God as Allah because in the Qur'an the polytheists also used the name of Allah. Is it true? They seemed to claim that Allah 'allowed' HIS name to be used by the non Muslims to refer to God the Father, Jesus and all worships which are incorrect and polytheistic beliefs.

As a former Christian together with the others, we are familiar on how they work. It is only that I want to remind the Muslims to be more vigilant and careful. The name of Allah is one of the claims made by the Inter Faith Councils (IFC). Although IFC has not been successfully established, they reside under MCCBCHST. It can be said that almost all of the 14 claims that were submitted had been successfully fulfilled. These claims had in fact jeopardized the position of the Islam as the federal religion.

Among the claims made by them were, first: that a child born to Muslim parents should not directly be Muslims. Second, the non-Muslims who have converted to Islam should be given the freedom to return to their original religion (apostasy) and is free from any legal action. Third, any conversion by the Muslims to non-Muslims should not be handled by the sharia courts, but instead by the civil court. Fourth, the identity card of a Muslim need not be recorded that they are Muslims. Fifth, non-Muslims need not embrace Islam if they want to marry the Muslims. The Muslims should be allowed to exit from Islam (apostates) if they want to marry the non-Muslims and no legal action will be imposed. Sixth, a person or married couple who changed their religion to Islam should not be granted custody of the children.

Seventh, the non-Muslims who are family related with a converted Muslim should be given the rights to claim on the person's estates after demise. Eighth, the government must provide sufficient funds to build and maintain houses of worship for the non-Muslims similarly to what they provided for the mosques. Ninth, the non-Muslims should be allowed and cannot be prevented from using the holy words of Islam when speaking with others. Tenth, the bible in Malay and Indonesian languages are to be distributed to the public openly.

Eleventh, non-Islamic subjects professed by the non-Muslims should be taught in all schools. Twelfth, Islamic programs based in the native language must be curbed. The propagation of other religions other than Islam should be spread in their native language, and thirteenth: the Muslims who pay the zakat should not be exempted from paying income tax and the zakat money should be used for the non-Muslims also, and finally, Islam should not be mentioned as the first choice in the Malaysian society such as the clothing attributes covering the aurat for the students.

My question is that almost all the claims had been addressed and haven’t the leadership of the Muslims today lay down enough tolerance? To me, we have over provided on the basis of democracy and of fear with their intimidations. These are our weaknesses that causes others to take advantage without due respect on us.

The tolerance provided by the Muslims has actually reached a very high level. In my opinion, the Muslims have never or very rarely interfere with the non-Muslims religious affairs. Let alone to interfere in their religious term such as Pope, Paderi (priest), Sami (Monk) and others. This is because of our principle of respecting the other religions.

Therefore, is it wrong for us to defend the remaining few that are still left? If the remaining few is continued to be taken away and shared, what will be left for the Muslims in this earth? Hence, the government prohibition on the usage of the name of Allah in the Herald newspaper was accurate and positively meaningful for the Muslims. It should receive undivided supports from all Muslims. At the same time do not act outside the limits of religion such as burning the churches, which is already extreme. Even if there is war, Islam forbids us from demolishing or destroys their houses of worship. That's the beauty of Islam. Even so, we do not know who actually burn the churches! It could be the Muslims? It might not be them also? Or perhaps it could be the non-Muslims taking the opportunity to profit themselves during a disturbance or conflict? Essentially, do not simply accuse the Muslims.

What happened today is that we are only defending the name of Allah from being used indiscriminately. Stringent conditions should be applied if the name is to be used. Power in the constitution should be fully applied to defend and save the honor of this beloved religion. I hereby hail to the Duli Tuanku and the Council of Malay Rulers to intervene to save the sanctity of Islam from those who tried to contaminate the purity of this ad-din. Take this as an inspiration for us to to rise up and to be more proactive rather than action-oriented. When it happened, it started to chaos. Shouldn't we always be on the alert and consistently pious to defend the dignity of this noble religion rather than only act when it is required? Hopefully Islam will continue to shine and radiate.

Better kiasi than ultra kiasu

2010-01-03T05:23:00.011+08:00

(Mingguan Malaysia, 3 January)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia cum Secretary General of Islamic Chamber of Commerce Malaysia.

My gratitude goes to an ultra kiasu website which is also anti-Malay and anti-Islamic, the Malaysian Insider for willing to review and published my article in their site. Pity them, the article and the good comments that supported me were filtered out and were not published, while the bad and negative were exaggerated, instead. The website is so ultra kiasu. We should request the Communications and Multimedia Commission to monitor the website. They deliberately did this so that I will be condemned and criticized, including among the Malays themselves which I think were not many, in order for me to surrender or to kill my character (character assassination). Well, these are the reality of life that I have to face. The acquaintances of the ultra kiasu are many, the camouflage enemy acting good externally but are actually evil internally. As usual they also associate me as a mercenary writer and an UMNO collaborator.

Honestly, nobody ever forced me to write. It comes from the conscience of a Muslim who wants Islam to return with a strong hold on this earth. Back to the subject website, I have only one advice for them, which are to argue the facts intellectually. Avoid using obscene and abusive words. When I write, I am ethical and carefully guarding my morality and do not personally attack anyone at all. I do not act like the website manipulating and provoking every issue. I was not disturbed at all by the ultra kiasu comments but instead they actually even made me stronger to write and to be grateful to live in this fortunate land.

For those who are ultra kiasu, why are you so apprehensive? There were many Malay writers denouncing the Malays and Islam, but the Malay Muslims were unperturbed. They don't react that easily and do not use insulting words to the extent of accusing the writers' descendants. These characteristic of the Malays deserve my respect very highly. Unfortunately, when I touched just a little about a group in my race who is ultra kiasu, it became as though Malaysia has no other issues, whereby the whole ultra kiasu groups came together to condemn, insulted and used offensive words against me and my descendants. This is the difference between the Malay Muslims and my race. Therefore, do not be baffled if I come forward to defend Islam and to create awareness among the Malays before it is too late. I am not God to change the Malays, not acting more Malay than the Malays, but I am just using my capacity doing my obligation as a Muslim, eventually we may become strong. Just imagine if the ultra kiasu is to administer the country, what will happen to the religion and race of this nation in this noble land of ours?

I think the characteristic of the Malays being too tolerant is because they are Muslims. This is also one of the factors that I embraced Islam with Allah's blessings. If it was destined that the Malays were not Muslims, I will not be concerned. Religion unites all of us all regardless of race, without denying the rights of the non-Muslims. However, I am still worried whether too much tolerant can forever be accomplished until those being honored became ungrateful? Is it true with the sayings that the Malays forget easily to the extent of making the others always remember? Thus, because of this forgetfulness, the ultra kiasu became an opportunist and rude.

Just observe how the ultra kiasu thinks, if there are writings in favor of the Malay Muslims then I am associated with UMNO. Was it true that all this while when UMNO leads the country, the ultra kiasu suffered and was oppressed? Were the wealth owned by the non Malays which exceeded 70 percent were the result of their own efforts and not because of the system practiced by the nation which was led by the Muslims who allows the non-Muslims to have a pleasant life after all? If all the Malay Muslims were bad, obviously the non-Muslims would have no place in this land! Why not be grateful for enjoying the benefits? Is my formula currently being practiced?

Are they actually that good in administering both Selangor and Penang? I do not see any difference. If in the Municipal Council, look at the faces and how greedy were they grabbing the municipal projects. Previously, it was the UMNO cronies, but now when they are administering, were they not their own cronies? They are all alike. Will the jet engines not disappear if the ultra kiasu is the administrator? Are all the ultra kiasu executive councils in the coalition clean in terms of personal character and administration of the state?

I am not saying that UMNO is all well. UMNO also must change in the aspect of personal moral leadership and in managing the country that if they still want to remain relevant in getting the Rakyat's confidence. Don't wait until the ultra kiasu group succeeds to administer. When the ultra kiasu group succeeds to administer later, we will eventually regret for life. By then, there's no use crying even with tears of blood.

Remember, this ultra kiasu group consists of very cunning people. They are deliberately ruthless and ignorant. I dare to label someone because my research was on the perceptions of the Chinese on the Malay politics in my doctorate thesis. The term ultra kiasu, average kiasu and less kiasu were the scales of my research. Those who were barking, had they ever made any research? I am not a Muslim scholar, as what they claimed me to be for as my field of research was related to politics and government. However, that does not mean that I should allow myself to be ignorant without learning about Islam!

I was asked to produce the facts with my writings. Are my writings all these while not based on facts? Besides, I am not writing journals. No need to advise me who were Thomas Hobbes and John Locke when talking about the social contract. Read also the opinions of Rousseau to understand the actual meaning of the social contract. Don't just quote words which are not in favor of own self merely for the purpose to be viewed as intelligent on one self but in fact is not!

I'm not interested to quote the words of these western scholars even though I had read most of their books. I'm more interested in the opinions of the Muslims, because the Muslims based their opinions from the Quran and Hadith. They are not easy to be manipulated. Do not allow ourselves to be ignorant. The Malaysian Insider and the ultra kiasu like very much these types of ignorant people for eventually they can be turned into the followers of Santa Claus.

Don't just take for granted that they have the 'moon' with them. If indeed there is a 'moon' in them, they would have a long time ago prohibited alcohol, adultery, 4 digits lottery and so forth. But they are very cunning; they disguised themselves to follow Umar Abdul Aziz just to ‘melt’ our hearts and spirits. When they are already 'melted', they will be easier to welcome Santa Claus. Have we so easily forgotten on the alcohol issues and the allegations on Jamaah Islam Malaysia (JIM) as extremist? Just because of politics, the significance of Islam and its followers are ignored.

They were so easily wound up with the formula that I wrote that based on the percentage of race (religion), 60% Muslim, 40% non-Malay (22% Buddhist-Taoism-Confucius, Christian 9%, 6% Hindu, 3% others) and in relation to the festivals and religious activities. I had already stated that on the basis of tolerance, the formula was never implemented. The question is whether their rights were ever denied all this while in contrast to what that had been written by the ultra kiasu website? If the website can write whatever they like, why can't I? Is their news not racist? Must it be that bad to accuse other people as criminals?

If you are not agreeable with my method, then provide the ultra kiasu formula. But basically it must be constitutional and not Malaysian Malaysia. If it is a Malaysian Malaysia formula, then it is better to discuss with Lee Kuan Yew to migrate there. Open a new website over there, and try to criticize the Singapore government, and I think the site would had been discarded a long time ago, let alone to open their own schools.

I remembered the latest book written by SP Huntington entitled ‘Who are we’. He wrote that America had taken the approach of assimilating all the races who came to migrate since the beginning in order to achieve unity. Basing on Huntington opinions, there are no questions arises that America is more open as alleged by this ultra kiasu group. Why they can accept Barack H. Obama to be the President? The answer is simple because Obama is whiter than the white people even though his skin is black. Why are we having problems today? The reason is because we had to deal with the ultra kiasu who are untouchables. Their attitude is of no different from where they originated.

Try asking and research on why the Siam people can accept non-Siam (Chinese) as Prime Minister such as Chuan Leekpai and Taksin Shinawatra. It is the same situation with Obama. Are we in the same situation? Do not gimmick. Tok Guru does not have to alter the constitution of Kelantan to appoint the non-Malay Muslims as chief minister. This is because the non-Malays there are very small in numbers. Take care and provide guidance to the newly converts who are still wandering around over there, which are more beneficial than making hasty political actions.

I think my sins of raising the ultra kiasu issues are not as bad as namewee issues offending the Negaraku anthem and disgracing our country together with his latest video clip where he used offensive and obscene words. Why are the ultra kiasu not condemning his actions, instead many are supporting him? Why so emotional when raising this matter? Isn't this ultra kiasu? I also have the right to speak in a democratic country. If you cannot agree with me, then argue in a sensible and educated manner.

I have never denied the rights of the non-Muslims for being the minorities in this country. If I do so, it simply means that I am denying my ethnicity. Know the limits and appreciate the tolerance that has been given. Do not be boastful with idealism when own self is not perfect. The Malays are very tolerant to the extent that their rights are eroding and they are not even making noise. That's why I have to create awareness in them. I fear that if the Malays are destroyed, the sanctity religion of Islam would also be crushed. I do not dispute their rights, but not to the extent of sinking the majority rights of Islam.

I write not to win the hearts of anyone or to be popular. If merely for popularity, I am already popular since before. I just had to write because those being honored by us are already forgetting themselves. I fear that this small group of the ultra kiasu will cause damage to all the non-Malays who are less kiasu. Those who are less kiasu should be appreciated and be protected against the ultra kiasu. The ultra kiasu must remember that whatever happens today, the Malays only lose for a short-term. In the long term, I do not think they will lose. The numbers of the Malays are increasing basing on the birth trends, as well as those who join the security forces such as the military and police. Whatever happens later, the security forces are responsible for this country. If this happens, who are the losers? Obviously the non-Malays who are the less kiasu will lose. The ultra kiasu group will certainly run off.

At times my tears trickled down thinking of the future of Islam and the Muslims. It is not because of kiasi (fear of death), but thinking about what our great grandchildren who will inherit our struggle for defending the dignity of the religion, race and country! Or will they also be 'melted' with the cunning strategies of this ultra kiasu group? If this happens, then it is very unfortunate for Malaysia, a country which was born with the name of Malaya. It is already enough with whatever that had happened. Do not repeat the same mistakes. If we make the same mistakes again, I am worried there is no turning back. Remember, sometimes Allah gave us the opportunity and at times not. Islam can never ascend as long as the Muslims do not adjust their thinking.

Look at how the Prophet treated them before Islam and after conversion. Remember this verse in the Quran that do not deny the rights of the non-Muslims; "O ye who believe! if any from among you turn back from his Faith, soon will Allah produce a people whom He will love as they will love Him,- lowly with the believers, mighty against the rejecters, fighting in the way of Allah, and never afraid of the reproaches of such as find fault. That is the grace of Allah, which He will bestow on whom He pleases. And Allah encompasses all, and He knows all things." [Al-Maidah, verse 54]

This verse commands us to be gentle with the Muslims. It also ordered us to be firmed and to have a strong attitude with the ultra kiasu non-Muslims. Therefore we must not provide the same treatment of gentleness to every non-Muslim. Take a look at whether they are ultra, average or less kiasu. Especially if they have done so much damages to this earth such as the Kafir Harbi. Is it necessary for us to compromise with them?

Accused as criminals better than being evil

2009-12-27T06:43:00.004+08:00

(Mingguan Malaysia, 27 December)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia cum Secretary General of Islamic Chamber of Commerce Malaysia.

Recently Utusan Malaysia was criticized and condemned from inside and outside the party, especially by the ultra kiasu party. Utusan was accused as a newspaper promoting racism sentiments disturbing the harmony among the races. The extremist labeled the newspaper as criminals. If the newspaper is considered as criminal then it also meant that the journalist, newspaper columnist and author are also criminals. My question is whether the ultra kiasu party news tabloid and the other racist political parties and those concocted with them are they also not evil? The ultra kiasu party and its group are not only evil, but it is already clearly a fact that they have an evil intention by not accepting the social contract and rejecting the federal constitution and also challenging sensitive matters that have long been agreed upon. The partners of the ultra kiasu party do not dare to speak directly for fear of loss of support. This is the cunning strategy of the ultra kiasu party and its allies hiding behind the 1Malaysia concept for its benefits and political mileage.

If they do not get their wish, then the 1Malaysia concept will be put forward for argument to obtain sympathy. Their racist partners in the Barisan Nasional (BN) components actually have the same stance. They are smart in strategizing. The ultra kiasu bark outside while the partners inside do the work. Actually they compliment each other. It is only that we overlooked.

I am not saying that Utusan Malaysia is all good. Nothing is perfect in this world, except Allah SWT and His Prophets. As humans, there are still things that need to be rectified from time to time. My reminder to the ultra kiasu is that do not act as though elephants in front of your eyes cannot see but the germs across can be seen clearly. Do not go overboard with your views. Do not always pinpoint others mistakes without reflecting own selves. Is staying together without marriage considered good moral? Retaining executive council (exco) known for their evil deeds is not actually evil? At least Utusan Malaysia is frank, meaning not too bad instead of camouflage doing evil, like being sweet in front of people but when behind actually are not. Those are their actions to obscure the eyes of the public. If we spy their movement, I am confident we will see their true colors, including the one exco that brought the santa claus to meet the leader of their country recently. To this leader, if you enjoy celebrating with Santa Claus, please do not over do it. As Muslims, we are taught to respect other religions, but do not go overboard. They are very cunning at planning. Many Malays have side tracked because of being too close to santa claus.

It cannot be denied from history that all newspapers in this country are racist from the beginning. Similarly, in the fields of political, economic and social, all are racists. To me, love of race or nation is not wrong, instead is permissible in Islam as stated by Ibn Khaldun. What is not only allowed is when it reached the level of ultra such as the ultra kiasu party. They often raised sensitive issues that create tensions. This situation is more dangerous, because it can cause chaos as happened in the incident May 13, 1969.

In understanding the Malaysian politics, racial issues were raised for political supports and to make the respective races to realize who they are and what should be obtained. Meanwhile, the sensitive issues were raised to demand equal rights and opportunities for the ultra kiasu group. They know these things can not be raised openly as they can be held under the sedition act. They deliberately want to test UMNO which currently is at its most crucial situation because of not getting two-thirds majority and also facing the painful disunity of the Malay Muslims.

For example, the ultra kiasu wanted Islam being the federal religion to be at the same level with other religions. As Malaysians, we must know that the concept of equal rights and equal opportunity do not fulfill the requirements of the federal constitution, although the concept of Malaysian Malaysia which is always being shouted and demanded by the ultra kiasu party. Remember, Islam is the religion of the majority community of this country. Islam has a very special position in the constitution. If there is any 'advantage' in Islam, it is not discrimination because as the majority Malay Muslims, they have the rights, let alone it had been agreed upon through the social contract. There should not be anymore questions or being accused of unfairness. These also included using government funds to develop the growth of Islam. Unfortunately, these things were never formulated. Finally, each race or party interpreted according to their interests respectively basing on the race and religious background. Not forgetting also their evil plans.

In order to prevent the ultra kiasu party continues to become evil, we must at least outline the formula to solve this. My formula is based on the statistical breakdown of races and religions in this country. According to the year 2000 census, the percentages of Malaysians by religions were as follows: 60% Islam, 40% non-Malay (22% Buddhist-Taoism-Confucius, 9% Christian, 6% Hindu, 3% others). This formula can be applied in the context of the nationalization, including justification on the rights of religious festivals and celebrations of all races. This formula fulfills part of the meaning to justification in Islam which means to put things in its place although not completely.

On the basis of tolerance, this formula was not applied completely, either in politic, economic or even social. For example, the number of non-Muslim places of worship exceeded overwhelmingly, their festival celebrations actually drowned the Muslims celebrations even though they are less in numbers. Just look at the shopping malls, although Christians are only 9%, the Christmas and New Year 2010 celebrations are incomparable to the Hari Raya and the Islamic New Year. If you do not believe, visit the states ruled by the ultra kiasu and its allies and the shopping malls of their allies throughout the country.

I think the Muslims in this country are very tolerant and soft. Their religious festivals and funerals are well mannered and simple. Roads are not congested. Their graves are very small. Compared to other religions, which the number is already smaller, at times the roads are congested the whole day on certain festivals. The graves are so wide and large. How long will this practice be continued, whereas the population is growing but land is limited? So far, the Muslims are not that noisy compared to others, although their graves are narrowing and protests from the non-Muslims are increasingly bolder when there is an increase in Islamic cemetery.

My formula should be used as a guideline. Is it fair if the numbers of non-Muslims are not many, but their graves actually sink the Muslims graves? Have we asked the views of the Muslims and their sensitivity? Those with money build the tombs so high and so wide and beautify them with statues as far as the eyes can see. Meanwhile the Muslims graves, irrespectively of their positions, are simple because Islam does not believe in the designing the tomb. Having no graves is also not a problem. What is important is faith and piety which are brought into the intermediate state or barzakh. Have the Muslims ever claimed equal rights and equal opportunities? No, because they are not ultra kiasu.

Another example, a professor of Christian faith at work argued with me recently. He said the religious rights must be based on the formula of equal rights and equal opportunities. Among the examples highlighted were those if there is a class on yasin recitation and Friday prayers to the Muslim students, then Christian students must be given the same rights to learn their religion and to bring in their own priests. I told him that the students should read their bible during that time, after all the Friday prayers and the yasin recitations are not 'religion classes' but are the responsibility of each Muslim individual. Even there is religious class for the Muslims; it is not necessarily for the non-Muslims to have a similar situation. In addition, the number of Christians or non-Muslim students are very few, with the facilities provided for is already enough. The ultra kiasu professor with an emotional tone claimed it is their rights that must be fulfilled. I replied that have their rights not been fulfilled all this while? Did the number of churches and the pile of houses of worship to the extent of sinking the number mosques and suraus were not considered as rights? Have we ever prevented them to church every Sunday? Do not compare with the Muslims because we worship differently. We have different needs. Similarly goes with the requirements for jamaah prayers. Hence, the concept of equal rights and the equal opportunities should be based on the formula that has been outlined in the constitution and by fraction of races (religions).

All this while they have never use the word Allah in our country, so why the sudden need for the word of Allah has to be used? It is definitely their strategy to confuse the Muslims into following their religion. My advice to all parents is to take care of your children and not to be deceived by their evil strategies and evil intentions. Unfortunately these will and had occurred in Selangor and Penang, if we continue to allow this ultra kiasu to rule and to be mighty. Look at Penang today as if it is no longer a Malay island. It is full of Santa Claus and New Year greetings, while they consist of only 9 percent.

Therefore let us make the changes before it is too late. Do not end later with our religion going no where in our own land. By then, it will be too late. You cannot allow the creepers to grow higher. When they have gone up, they will remain there, and it will be difficult for them to come down.

Look at the political tolerance. Lately, Gerakan was so angry with the UMNO proposal that the BN chairman seat to be rotated in Penang because UMNO had the majority of seats. Before anything else, the ultra kiasu alliances also jumped. Appropriately, the issue supposed to be discussed first. The chairman for Gerakan and Penang BN contended that the BN chairman seat was held by them for 35 years. Why should it be given to others?

My question is that if UMNO can sacrificed the Grik parliamentary seat, why can't Gerakan? Who is more tolerant and having the nature of giving? The political parties on this island are so ultra kiasu. Because of that, they do not care who ruled the island, as long it is their own people. There are not many strategies made to win back the island. That's why I can feel that UMNO is not comfortable with this situation.

I still remembered that after so long UMNO competing in the Grik parliamentary constituency seat, a Malay majority, they suddenly handed it over to Gerakan. The former Chief Minister of Perak cried to release this seat. But due to the brotherhood spirit and the cooperation in the BN, UMNO had to comply and obeyed by surrendering the Grik seat to Gerakan. The Malay majority had to vote the non-Malay (Gerakan) even with resentment. This is the noble nature of the Malay Muslims. Is this tolerance being appreciated? It is like a dog biting its own master. Can we still remember that this Member of Parliament of Grik from Gerakan issued a statement stating that the Malays were also immigrants? This Member of Parliament was also appointed as a deputy minister. Have we ever heard UMNO contended that since the Grik parliamentary seat had been held by them for a long time, why should they give it to Gerakan, as what spoken by the Penang BN chairman?

Why was Gerakan so strong in opposing? They fear that the Chief Minister seat will fell to UMNO if it is destined for BN to rule again. The root to all of these is power, power, power and the ultra kiasu attitude. All is putting the race interests ahead rather than the national interests. If this is how it is done, I think, the 1Malaysia concept is far from achieving. It will be taken advantaged by those with the attitudes of foxes in sheep skins and scissors in the fold. To them their race strength must be defended even with whatever reasons and challenges given. Who are the real criminals and more evil?

Integration requires sacrifice

2009-12-20T06:48:00.012+08:00

(Mingguan Malaysia, 20 December)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia cum Secretary General of Islamic Chamber of Commerce Malaysia.

As expected, influential Chinese associations including MCA would not agree with any government actions to improve the position of the Malay language in the Chinese schools such as standardize the Malay (BM) syllabus and increasing the learning time for BM and the suggestions to add another subject of Malaysia My Country in BM. All the proposals were rejected and what is more extreme is that they want the new subject Malaysia My Country to be taught in the mother tongue language. In other words, any proposal to empower the BM is considered to erode the position and character of the Chinese schools (SJKC). Is this what we called integration since we rejected assimilation?

The MCA Youth chief being the Deputy Minister in the field of education was so vocal acting as a village hero. Had he made a study on the actual problems, especially on the Malay language performance in terms of the daily usage and the examination results in these schools? As a member of the cabinet, he should had made more in-depth research, especially academically to know what actually causes the problems with the acceptance of integration and not assimilation as what that had been suggested all this while? Moreover, he had a doctorate qualification. Do not act too ultra kiasu like the ultra party! What a disappointment for the Barisan Nasional (BN), having component parties in the government for so long but yet do not understand the aspirations and ambitions of the country. I request they come to my school where the majority of the students are non-Malays and to see their situations over there. Make a study and ask the teachers and principal. Don't just bark here and there, with the purpose of covering own weaknesses. Nobody is going to gain anything and our future generations will be at a loss.

If this is how they think, then it simply means that the single school system (SSS) is only an illusion. Just by touching a little on the vernacular schools incurs the loss of rationale, then how are we to unite under one roof? Therefore, it is not a surprised that the visionary school failed to achieve its purpose. I am confident that after this I will receive another invitation letter to debate. I will be labeled as anti-Chinese. Meanwhile I have never rejected the rights of non-Malays to learn their mother tongue, not at all. I promise, I will speak aloud and criticize the government if there is any attempts to remove the rights of the non-Malays to learn their mother tongue if it is destined that SSS exist later. My question is whether the SSS will ever be established? I think at this moment it is still far from reality.

How long do we want to wait to see our generation able to speak Malay fluently after staying in this country for that long? My friend who is of English descent and having stayed only a year in this country, have been able to master the BM very well. Indeed, the encouragement to learn another language is required by Islam. In fact, I encourage Muslims to learn Mandarin as recommended by the Prime Minister during the opening dinner of the Chinese private secondary school Chong Hwa recently. We often heard the words "seek knowledge even to the state of China". But is it appropriate that due to being passionate and eager to learn their own language to the extent that the language that became the core for the country race and unity is ignored? I will not speak and write again if the non-Malay has a strong foundation of the Malay language before entering the SJKC. In fact, I encouraged my own children to SJKC because they have a strong foundation of the Malay language. But is this happening? The majority of those studying in SJKC do not have a basic BM except those living in Kelantan and Terengganu. For those who live in the urban areas, they have very weak command of BM. It is not only the children, but also the adults. I am not saying everyone.

If you do not believe, we can begin a study on the members of the DAP, MCA and Gerakan. Ask them to write an essay and speak in BM. How long do we want to continue to listen to conversations such as "gua tatak mau ", "itu maciam manyak susah lo", "lu tarak tau kah"? Who will be the losers in the end? If our children do not get good examination results on BM, they will fail to obtain scholarship and fail in the interview, thus who should we blame? Of course the government or the Public Service Department (PSD) will be blamed? PSD will be blamed for prioritizing the Malays and Bumiputeras and instead marginalizing the non-Malays and others.

I was attacked frequently because to them the current racial issues are not caused by the vernacular education policy but instead are caused by UMNO which is considered as too racist. UMNO continued to be blamed by them including those in the BN component party. I would like to ask that whether the existence of the MCA, DAP, MIC, Makkal Sakti, PPP and Gerakan are also not racist? PAS is also a racist party, a party dominated by the Malays although it is open to all Muslims. Do not because of one or two of the committee members and their members are not of the same race, then it has an excuse for it to be a multi-racial party in respond to 1Malaysia. Facts and history, since the beginning on the foundations of this country was built on the basis of racism until today. It is not only political parties that are racists, in fact it can be stated that almost all the NGO associations established are racists. The Chinese NGOs itself already have more than 8000 in this country. The NGOs of the other races are also about the same. If this trend continues, where do you think our country direction will be heading in the future?

Therefore, we must try to improve the situations from today after acknowledging all the problems that have occurred. Do not allow the problems continue to be a problem for the result will be more problematic. Problems should be resolved with the methods and ideas to overcome them. Otherwise, we are not progressing. So much money is spent for being political among ourselves to out throw each other. Are there no other reasons such as developments and so forth?

The non-Malays are fearful with the Education Act 1996 which they considered will erode the existence of the vernacular schools if the Malay language is enforced. Did the government ever invoke or implement this act until now? Have we not realized that this act is much more acceptable compared to the previous act of the Education Act 1961 which was more unacceptable where the Minister of Education had the full power to remove the vernacular schools? This Act was not enforced either. Are we grateful with this new act? Instead of being grateful, we wanted the act in 1996 to be eliminated. If this act is abolished, it means that the vernacular schools are not governed by any acts at all and can never be touched at all. That is their main aims. Sometimes I am wondering whether we are actually living in Malaysia or in other countries.

If this situation continues, and in addition with the Private Higher Educational Institutions (IPTS) being racist, belonging to certain races and racist political parties, how to construct a nation based on national identity can ever be done? I was given to understand that the private institutions today cannot be controlled anymore. The Malay language is not acknowledged at all. Let alone its guardian actually consists of ministers from the non-Malays. I am worried and am very sure that eventually a day will come when the IPTS degrees will be better or more acceptable than the IPTA degrees. It is simple logic that if racism is the beginning, then racism will be the end. If that happens, then it is a successful planning by the ultra kiasu party and its components. Who are the losers? Think for a moment! Have they not realized that the government of today has sacrificed a lot? If it is not for the hundreds but the thousands of hectares of land that had been given to this IPTS, and also not forgetting the millions of financial assistance that had been given, on the basis of friendship and the spirit of BN. Have we not been grateful, or should we continue to organize strategies to demand and pressure and to stab from behind? When comes election, the ultra kiasu party continues to win.

I was frequently being questioned and attacked that by not being able to master the Malay language does it actually means that there is no patriotism? My answer is yes. As Malaysians, we must always strive to love and assimilate, integrate and respect the all the basis policies of a nation, such as the BM and Negaraku anthem. Henceforth our spirit will be strong and we will fight endlessly to defend the country even to the extent of exchanging our lives for it. The spirit must be present, otherwise, I fear we will either migrate to somewhere else or perhaps renegade and what is more fearful is that we are willing to sell the sovereignty of the nation to another country.

I am not denying the fact that to this day we are still unable to assimilate. Obviously it will never happen due to the continuing political demands and threats. Anyway, if integration is accepted, does it require us to sacrifice or not to love the national identity such as the national language and to respect the national anthem? I used to send my children to SJKC and while over there I heard how they sang the Negaraku anthem and it sounds very funny. If you do not believe, try to record the Negaraku anthem sang by these students. Then we will know the actual position of BM in the vernacular schools. If we include the BM examination results, we will know the fate of BM in the Malay land.

Is there such thing as Malay supremacy?

2009-12-13T06:43:00.008+08:00

(Mingguan Malaysia, 13 December)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia

I have repeatedly reminded on the dangers of the ultra kiasu, instead we continue to relent. Neither have they deterred from their actions nor take any lessons from this. Since before the ultra kiasu has raised sensitive issues and is against anything pertaining to the Malays and Islam in this Malay land even though their rights are guaranteed in the constitution. According to them, all Malaysians must adhere to the formula of equal rights or fair and square or Malaysian Malaysia. They are against anything related to the Malay Muslims rights such as wanting to change Malay Language to Malaysia Language, Islamic country to secular country, Malay supremacy to people supremacy and so forth. Will the ultra kiasu agree with the supremacy of Islam championed by PAS, its ally? Perhaps, PAS could ask the ultra kiasu which is its close ally.

The word Malay supremacy does not directly reflect the relationship between a 'master' and its 'slave' as claimed by the ultra kiasu group. If the non-Malay is slave, how the non-Malay has the economic dominance leaving behind the Malay Muslims? Just look at the list of the 10 richest millionaires in this country. Who are they? If there is Malay supremacy, then we would definitely have a few Malay faces. If indeed the Malays are masters, they would have blocked the 'slaves' from succeeding, but does it really happened? This is the danger when the nature of kiasu became too ultra. Now they are so brave to the extent of disputing the provisions or funds available for development by the Islamic government, including the construction and financing of mosques, anything that related to Malay supremacy and Islam. Even the zakat fund is not spared. I am very keen to see the response from Tok Guru and PAS pertaining to these rude statements.

In fact the Malay supremacy and Islamic issues were raised again to obtain the sympathy and sentiment from the non-Malays in order that they continue to support them. They want to ensure the supporters of the ultra kiasu party are always vigilant and to be awake so as not to be too complacent. Similarly to what was done by the Singapore government with their aggressive campaigns and to remind the people to be alert on the enemies of the country around them such as Malaysia and Indonesia. The ultra kiasu party clearly understood on these tactics because they are also from the same group over there.

My research findings showed that the ultra kiasu has successfully instilled the thoughts into their race to reject Islam and Malay supremacy in total. The Malay supremacy is deliberately magnified associating it with the relationship between master and slave.

As a political researcher, I am very confident that the ultra kiasu understood the context of Malay supremacy and not as what being hype up. I am not supporting the Malay supremacy, but I understood the context of Malay supremacy explicitly and implicitly. I understand history and I do not distort the facts to attain political mileage. I am so grateful to be born in this fortunate land, as were my ancestors, too.

Malay supremacy is only a term to indicate that the Malays are the pioneer of this country apart from the orang asli. On this note, I am able to accept this term without any prejudice and not disputing the fact that the Malays were also immigrants, from Yunan and Indonesia. These were the arguments often used by the ultra kiasu group including a handful of those in the BN component such as MCA and Gerakan. In fact the ultra kiasu followers are plenty and they are not alone. The former Gerakan president is one of them who vocally criticized the Malay supremacy. Have we perhaps overlooked their tactics? Do not forget that their central is at the island and it is already sufficient for us to lose two islands.

The next question is whether the Chinese or Indian people also do not have the spirit for Chinese supremacy or Indian supremacy? Don't deny, it is just that it has not been initiated yet. Their supremacy has already been clearly emitted when they defended their rights extremely for which had been obtained. This supremacy actually unites them.

Haven't their demands and pressures actually portrayed their supremacy over the race? At least the Malays proclaimed the Malay supremacy sincerely, giving the space for views and criticism. Unlike the ultra kiasu, articulately being criticized, but worked silently, and without us realizing became a reality. Initially it was covered and when it was suddenly opened, masyaAllah, a huge statue had been erected. So cunning is their strategy. What about the Muslims? You cannot be sincere all the time. We can console ourselves if there is plenty of action going on, but instead there is a lot of talk without an equivalent degree of action.

Look at their strategy, the Malay supremacy is being disputed followed thereafter by questioning the use of the government funds towards the development of Islamic purposes such as the construction of mosques. My question is whether the state and federal government have ever help the construction of the non-Muslim places of worship? Don't simply accuse others without being grateful on the tolerance we are having now. This is the true colors of the ultra kiasu, they look good from the outside but actually are bad internally.

Look at how united they were at the official opening of the Kek Lok Si building and the largest Kuan Yin statue in the ultra kiasu state recently. This does not include the views at Batu Caves. Is it appropriate for it to be built in an Islamic country drowning the position of the race and the religion of Islam in contrast to the race in majority and the official country religion? Is this the freedom granted to Muslims in China and India or Switzerland? It is sad to see that the babri mosque was destroyed to be replaced with a Hindu temple. Not many Muslims objected. This is the nature that deserved my praise for even though our hearts are heavy to accept. Such nature is rarely seen in others. Many have been able to, but to be unsatisfied is what ultra is all about. Their current strategy is to maximize their demand for even though their demand might not be met, eventually the government will relent a little. It is that little that win big.

If you do not believe, ask the heads of BN component parties. Have they received what they had demanded? Have the government not provided assistance to their house of worships? Do not ask the ultra kiasu party because they are never satisfied for as long as power is not completely in their hands. They aspire to be prime minister or deputy prime minister. Have we ever asked the Malay Muslims whether their hearts ache to see the large and high statue, which is clearly in contrast to the religion beliefs or each time they pass such places? We did not ask, correct? We are only angry in our hearts because we want to take care of others feelings and the non-Muslims rights.

Have the Muslims ever forbid the construction of such large statue in an Islamic country with Islam as its official religion? If there is, it is very minimal. Are the rights of the non-Muslims being denied with the Malay supremacy being cried?

Didn't Lee Kuan Yew uphold the Chinese supremacy in Singapore? Will there be any Malay supremacy for the Malays in Singapore? The Malays do not get any position over there compared to the Indian who are a little more in numbers. If previously Yusuf Ishak could become president, after him, the Malay name had not appeared anymore. When the Malays criticized the Chinese supremacy in Singapore, they will be thrown far away. Has the present government ever throw away the ultra kiasu group to other country for being too vocal criticizing the Malays, Islam and Malay rulers? I think the Malays have more faith on the non-Malays compared to the non-Malays have in the Malays.

The Malay (Muslim) had never interfered in the affairs of the non-Muslims, but why are the non-Muslims being so impudently interfering every matter that is related to Islam? Consider the issues such as conversion to Islam, apostasy, the position of the sharia court, the Islamic position and the privileges provided in the constitution and so forth.

This ultra kiasu group has never appreciated this tolerance. They are never satisfied or grateful. When we asked that tolerance did not occur in other countries, therefore why not appreciate it? Their reply was that this is the uniqueness that needs to be highlighted in Malaysia. So cunning are their strategy and tactic, for when we were hit, they said this is the uniqueness of Malaysia and the spirit of 1Malaysia, but if they were hit, then their answer were unfairness, non-Malays are marginalized and discriminated and various accusations. Apart from this ultra kiasu group, we could see their evil alliances with the lawyers’ council and the non-Muslim religion associations. It is not logical when looking at the number of non-Muslim houses of worship which amounted to 45 percent, more than double the number of mosques and suraus in an Islamic country that has Islam as the official religion which the number only exceeds 55 percent.

This ultra kiasu tribe is never grateful. Their tactic is to go against heavily without any compromise. They know they are not alone. Support for them is very strong and solid. We should not have good opinions even though it is honorable by nature. Having good opinions to this day resulted not only having our heads being stepped on, in fact, they have almost reached the level of dominating us. Imagine if they had actually made a pact with the small country which is so strong in the southern Johor?

I hereby invite all of us to think for a moment, that with the cries of Malay supremacy, did the Malays and Islam have became the master? What do I know the stronger we cry Malay supremacy, more Malay reserve lands are being leased out to the non-Malays? The position of the Malay language and Islam continued to be threatened.

Sometimes I appear to ask myself that with a five percent discount to buy a house and the existence of MARA are they enough to represent the Malays special rights? If indeed this reflects the Malay supremacy, then what a humiliation? The actual Malay supremacy is whatever associated with the Malays being the majority of the race, including language, religion and lifestyle to dominate the atmosphere of this country. But are these happening?

Just look at the print media and electronic media in our country. Is Malay language dominating? The answer is easy which is no. Even there is Malay media, it is only read or watched by only the Malays. I do not think there are non-Malays who will read and watch the Malay media. Unless exception for the ultra kiasu group. That is also for the purpose to dig out the secrets and to read the psychology of the Malays. Otherwise, they would not have the purpose to see and read.

Had the facilities for the Chinese (Indian) to do business decreased with the cries of Malay supremacy? The Chinese or Tamil schools reducing? Houses of worship for the Chinese and Indian are reducing? Rights of the non-Malays increasingly denied? Jawi writings are increasingly influential? The emergence of Malay schools compared Chinese and Indian schools? Is there really any Malay supremacy? Therefore, will the Chinese and Indians experiencing a loss if UMNO continues to shout Malay supremacy or long live the Malays or simply an effort to remind the Malays not to forget themselves easily in their homeland and to continue marching forward?

If the name Malaya remained without changing into Malaysia, I do not see the relevance in Malay supremacy. This was what had been stated for China and India. They do not need to call Chinese supremacy or Indian supremacy because the country name already reflected their supremacy. So it is not a surprised to see that the Muslims are wandering in their own land. Mosques are being seized up for temples. Are the Muslims having a good life in the non-Muslim countries compared to the non-Muslims living in Islamic countries such as Malaysia? Did the ultra kiasu tribes ever realized?

I am worried cries of Malay supremacy remains as only cries just like the many Malay names which were increasingly lost such as the Malayan Railway into KTM. Indeed a very cunning plan. We continue to accommodate. When threatened, then we will bow down to their pressures and demands. What is clear is that the ultra kiasu has an established synergy, while our synergy is declining, and what are left are empty cries and slogans that can not be defended.

The 1Malaysia ideas are no longer seen as empowering ideas for the future but to claim what has yet to achieve and to increase what already have. How long can we with hold? Has the synergy of the Malays (Muslims) becoming extinct in the Malay land? Don't we need to restore the synergy that is increasingly losing?

Lower the ultra kiasu attitude before debate

2009-12-06T06:47:00.012+08:00

(Mingguan Malaysia, 6 December)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia

On the morning of 25 November 2009, I received a call from the MCA headquarters. Followed up from the call was an official invitation letter from the MCA Youth chief inviting me to an open debate together with Prof. Khoo Kay Kim on the one school system issue. After that I received calls from the China Press about my response related to the invitation. I told them to read my response in the Mingguan Malaysia. Since I can be patient with the earlier condemnations and accusations hurled at me for weeks by this newspaper affiliated to the ultra kiasu, why can't this newspaper be patient waiting for my response? Do they want to continue exploiting news about me? Be patient for patience is the greatest virtue.

Alhamdulilllah, the time has arrived. I am grateful to Kay Kim for accepting the invitation. Let us discuss the issue openly. If possible let this debate or forum to be broadcasted directly through the television channels and electronic media in our country. Let the people know what actually happens in an effort to strengthen the nation. Education must not be politicized in the country. It is too sacred to strengthen this multiracial nation of ours. I would like to propose that these forums be conducted in the Malay language in the spirit of 1Malaysia, rather than in English. We would like to see that a few people resulted from the SJKC will be selected to debate on these issues in the national language also.

Before the debate, I wish to remind the MCA Youth chief and his excited colleagues to solve its own party showmanship first. Is the purpose of the debate to divert the attention of the party internal problems? Or are there any possibility that the problems in the party were used as an excuse to demand and request? My advice is that not to imitate the foot steps practiced by the ultra kiasu party which is known to be uncompromised. The ultra kiasu party is very cunning and clever in taking advantage. Is there an alliance to bring up this issue?

I suggest that the youth leader stop crying because of problems in the party before the debate. I am just afraid that there will be tears later after the debate. Do not waste your tears because of politics. Let us cry thinking on the greatness of God and be grateful with the plentiful of grace that has been bestowed to our country. That will be more meaningful. Power obtained today is only a loan. It can disappear anytime as what is happening in the youth party. Therefore, use it properly and do not be too demanding until following the foot steps of the ultra kiasu party. We need to have our own stand especially in strengthening 1Malaysia.

I hereby urged again that before the debate, the MCA youth need to think and formulate strategies on how to win the hearts of the Chinese in the coming election in order not to lose into the hands of the ultra kiasu group. Is MCA not aware that the seats they won today were seats contested in the Malay majority? Do not pretend not to know on the tolerance and support given by the Malays? Do you think the Malays (Muslims) could win if they contest in the non-Malays majority? In fact the Malays are quite reluctant to vote the non-Malays if there is a Malay candidate contesting in the same place. So, why are they willing to vote the non-Malay (Chinese and Indian)? Please study this noble characteristic. Do not just jump when the vernacular schools are touched. Think for the future.

Remember! The Malays are the one who gives victory to the MCA. Otherwise, the MCA and Gerakan will be embarrassed. How many more positions will be appointed senators to meet the quota of the Chinese in this country? If the votes counted won by the MCA against the DAP, most of the votes won by MCA were Malay votes although they lost at the hands of the ultra kiasu. Who are more tolerant and not racist? The Malays are willing to put aside their principles merely because of MCA. So beneficial are MCA and Gerakan, despite losing, they will still have senator seats.

What is so clear is that the more seats the ultra kiasu party win; there will be more senator seats for the MCA and Gerakan. Eventually all three parties benefited. Win or lose, they are winners. Who are the losers? The Malays were forced to sacrifice. Sacrificial attitude is very good, especially in conjunction with the Eid al-Adha festivals, but not extending to self sacrificial! When will the other party willing to sacrifice? It is just not only enough by attending sacrificial ceremonies to say that it is in the spirit of 1Malaysia. Hence, after that followed with postings in the blog. This tactic is already redundant. If you do not believe, just visit the ultra kiasu members of parliament blogs and also the youth blog that is calling for the debate.

Recently some Chinese organizations have urged the government to replace MCA with them because MCA can no longer represent the interests of the Chinese. I wish to ask how many more organizations are requesting to represent the interests of the Chinese. Hasn't the ultra kiasu party, Gerakan and other NGOs of the ethnic group already representing them? Externally being criticized, internally they are being persuaded. This does not include states won by allies of the ultra kiasu such as in Selangor, Penang, Kedah and Kelantan, and not discounting Perak before this. Is it true that their voices cannot be heard if MCA does not exist? In my opinion, even without these parties representing the ethnic group, their rights will be protected, because it is guaranteed in the constitution and also in the holy teachings of Islam.

I believe the Islamic religion professed by the Malays will not marginalize the non-Muslims compared to the fate of the Malays in Singapore. It had been proven that when the Muslims ruled, the non-Muslims can have a good life. Their rights are guaranteed. These happen because of the tolerant teachings of Islam which teaches the believers not to persecute others. On the other hand when the non-Muslim rules instead, the Muslims spirits are being tortured.

Take a lesson from the film on the true historic story entitled Kingdom of Heaven which was aired on TV2 recently about the relationship between Islam (al-Ayubi Sallahuddin) and the Christian crusaders in the city of Jerusalem in the year 1188. When the crusaders ruled, the Muslims were killed indiscriminately. The violence depicted the blood of the Muslims killed flowed to the knees. However, when the Muslim army defeated the crusaders, the non-Muslims were not killed, but instead their rights were protected. The crusaders prisoners of war were well treated by the Muslims. This is the beauty of the Islamic teachings which the practice are being continued by the leadership of the Islamic country until today. Therefore, do not take this opportunity until became irrational and ultra kiasu.

In the MCA youth letter to me, they wrote that what I had written in the article on November 22 had created the anger of the parents, students and alumni of the Chinese schools. Had a survey been made? How could they made a research within 3 days and obtained the results? Have I wrongly labeled the ultra kiasu on one particular group only or have I overlook the youth wing of this group? I hope the MCA youth level has not reached that level yet. Having been with BN for that long, have they failed to understand the aspirations and needs of the government? Do not follow the foot steps of the ultra kiasu party, otherwise our generations will lose.

Let me state clearly that the Malays will not lose in the long term for their population are increasing whereas the Chinese population continues to decline. I am not sure whether if we can change that with the strategy of bringing in the people from Vietnam and China by way of marrying them! Perhaps the Ministry of Home Affairs can investigate. If this increasing trend continues, it means that the Malay rights will be increasing, too. They are able to change the constitution in the future, including eliminating the vernacular school. Consequently, who will lose in the end? Therefore, do not take advantage of the current political situation which is not in favor to the Malay Muslims today.

If we continue to be defensive and ultra kiasu, our great-grandchildren will face the greater loss. It is better that today we learn to understand the Malays rather than understanding the west. If we continue to be recalcitrant eventually our future generations will be the victims. By that time we are considered their ancestors. We will be condemned by these future generations for being too ultra kiasu.

Namawee is a clear example of ultra kiasu. It was already a controversial issue to offend the Negaraku recently and the latest with the ultra kiasu attitude against TNB. I do not blame him completely. TNB's attitudes need to be corrected also. Are we serious with our business? The 15454 line sometimes were not answered even after several calls. This led Namawee to the office of TNB due to the blackout in his residence area. He scolded TNB with harsh words in Chinese language which were offensive when his complaint was not treated well by the staff of TNB who was then seen eating banana and drinking coffee. This species are actually plenty. This type of attitude is closely related to the educational system and racial politics of today.

The Biro Tata Negara (BTN) does not pose danger as the ultra kiasu attitude. We can agree to disagree with the arguments presented by BTN as reported for we have the right to accept or reject. It is the same situation as why the ultra kiasu party and its allies can be friends with PAS, but yet reject the Islamic country championed by PAS. This attitude is much more dangerous for we became thorns in the flesh or the enemy in the camouflage. Pretending to be nice in the front but is actually evil in the back. Personally, we have to think of the danger in front of our eyes which is the ultra kiasu ego attitude, the racist education and the racist politics.

I would agree with the course organized by the ultra kiasu alliance to replace the BTN course if the course can reduce the ultra kiasu attitude that nest in them which also included those that invited the debate. I am worried that they will continue to become more ultra. If you do not believe, try to include a module on the Malay system of governing, Islamic country and privileges for the Malays to be discussed to understand better on the intention of the Malays and Islam. Observe the reactions from this handful group within these three parties.

I have repeatedly stated that it is necessary for us to appreciate the compromises that we have currently. Having not enough with that, acts by acts of the law had been amended to protect their feelings and to satisfy all parties, to the extend hurting our feelings, but a group of the ultra kiasu is never satisfied. Calves given not enough, instead the thighs are being requested. Today we need to make a little sacrifice; otherwise the future generations will be sacrificed. Consider all these issues before we debate.

We will lose if continue accommodating

2009-11-29T06:47:00.014+08:00

(Mingguan Malaysia, 29 November)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia

Many people asked how Lee Kuan Yew can be successful with the system of one school in Singapore using English as the main language. Lee Kuan Yew was highly praised because he was willing to sacrifice the mother tongue language for the national interest. Is it true? My answer is Lee Kuan Yew had no choice. Hence, he had to make a stand. If there are choices, I believe he would have acted otherwise. Remember! Mandarin is still an important subject over there compared to the Malay language, being the reason that they are the majority.

We need to understand the history of Singapore on why Lee Kuan Yew had to choose the English language? If Singapore did not originate from the system of the Malay country, I believe Lee Kuan Yew will not choose the English language. Lee Kuan Yew has long been able to read the psychological mindset of the Malays. His ability to read and write Jawi managed to melt the Malays. If the Chinese language was chosen, it will be certainly opposed by the Malays at that time.

Singapore can not be separated with the Malays. Even until to this day I would still say that Singapore is a country in the Malay Archipelago. Unless Singapore is in the archipelago such as Taiwan, then I would recognize it as a nation of its own. Lee Kuan Yew only sacrificed the Mandarin language only temporarily. Let us not make the assumption that Singapore is well developed for using the English language. It is actually closely related to the nature of ultra kiasu.

We should not be surprised that Singapore can be a developed nation within a short period. If Singapore is destined to be as big as Malaysia or Indonesia, I believe it would not be where it is now. Singapore is fortunate because of its location and size which were the many factors that help made it into the developed countries. Do not be too impressed with its leadership until we forget what it has done to our country before this. Do we still have the memory on the history and the dark events that lead to the separation of Malaysia-Singapore? Did the entry of Singapore into Malaysia truly sincere? Read the history. What is important today is how to overcome their ultra kiasu attitude which is highly dangerous to our country's politics. Remember, the followers of this ultra kiasu from Singapore are plenty in our country, thus they do not cease from requesting and demanding. Are we still not aware? In short, they are not alone.

Just look at how much strategic land has been mortgaged? Similarly, with the luxury houses that had been purchased? Do not discount the water agreement and water catchment's areas which are being protected by their armed forces even in Johor. Lee Kuan Yew rarely visits to Malaysia after the separation, but why was he willing to tour our country recently, particularly to Penang? Do you realize what were being discussed explicitly and implicitly? Think. Do not overlook on the fate of the Malays in Penang? Do not regret after being hit. Before you are hit you need to be careful. When rice has turned into porridge, it is already too late. The disunity among us is a clear indication of their success.

Wake up my dear friends, the Malay Muslims in Singapore have been successfully melted. Today a handful of the Malays are sweetened with power and are already not as Malay Muslims. They had not only been melted, but no longer concern about the Malay Muslims, except for those in the madrasahs. To what extent can the madrasahs with hold? It is still remains a big question today. The position of the madrasahs is decreasing. Similarly, their mosques are facing the same thing, too. Have we not realized? It is already enough that we lose Pulau Batu Putih. Don't just regret over it. Take it as a lesson before it is too late. Those who are strong with the Malay Muslims spirit will never be selected as leaders or ministers over there. Therefore, such person like Dr. Lily Zubaidah Rahim (2001) was thrown out from her own land. This is because for speaking to protect the interests of the Malay Muslims. Have we not learned from this?

Let us ponder why Singapore today spend almost USD11 billion a year on defense just to strengthen the country with a population of only 4.6 million and is ranked number 23 in the world? It is more than double the amount that Indonesia spends on defense (USD 4.7 billion). Their defense expenditure far exceeded our country which is not even listed in the world ranking. Have we realized that their close allies are the enemies of Islam such as Israel, America, Australia, Britain and others? Have we not thought on what were their actual agenda if it is not because of us? I am confident that we will not lose the island of Batu Putih if our strength exceeded theirs. Our threats and warnings would have shaken them. But why they are so bold and rude? Because they already knew their strength and is ever ready to face any consequences. Tendency for them to win big is in their favor.

Perhaps the defense experts may not agree with me. But we must remember, today we are no longer using humans to fight but technological sophistications is the word. Make a comparison on our war defense technology with Singapore. The difference would be like the sky and the earth. We should spend more money on national defense. Unfortunately, more money was used for politics instead for defending the country. It's time we reduce slightly on politicizing for the sake of building our national defense strength.

To what extend do we want to continue to believe that the cold war has ended and that the world is safe? Enemies are no longer around and we do not need to be strong? Have we not realized that the enemy is growing stronger and is always discussing plans to destroy us?

Henceforth, I hereby appeal that we do not engage ourselves in politics too much. So much time and money were used up just to defeat among ourselves. Unfortunately, we are not only engaging ourselves politically in politics, but in other areas as well. Take for instance in seizing power in the office or public bodies, agencies, NGOs and others. These do not include the issues of corruption. In short, nearly in every areas the Muslims engaged themselves politically. Politics is actually a loss and weakening itself. Ultra kiasu will take advantage.

The enemy will continue planning to make the Muslims fight among themselves. Today we are being instigated with Indonesia. Who are the provocateurs? Let us think together. Simple logic, if the neighboring Islamic countries are fighting with each other, then it would be easier for the country and the ultra kiasu to organize their strategy. Let us not be too emotional among ourselves for I am afraid we will not benefit anything.

The West is making the Arab countries fighting among themselves. As a result, the illegalized Israel gained control of the Arab countries with a ratio of 1 Israeli to more than hundred Arabs. 100 Arabs could not defeat 1 Israeli. While in terms of logic, 1 person can be flooded by 100 people that teamed up to urinate on the Israeli. Instead the opposite resulted. The one successfully defeated the 100. Arab-Israeli scenario is similar to the Singapore-Malay archipelago. They are already prepared with all the power of technology. We continue to politicize with no end.

We are fortunate that today we have became consumers of technology and not the creator. The benefit is that we do not need to spend additional time to create the technology because it has been created. So much time developing these technologies have been saved. What is needed today is to fully utilize these technologies and capitalize them as what is being done by Iran. Instead, Iran is being victimized by the West.

The West and the ultra kiasu have successfully read the thoughts of the Muslims. They knew that their technology is used by the Muslims. The Muslims will become stronger if the technology is capitalized fully. Thus, before that to happen, they break and melt them for easy controlling. It appears that their strategy is successful. The Muslims were successfully controlled and broken up. It is not because they are not technological savvy. Actually they are clever. Instead they were being induced to fight and quarrel among themselves over petty issues such as the Bali pendet dance. Unfortunately, for those not fighting, the technology is not being capitalized but being used incorrectly instead. Eventually the spirit became empty and melted.

Therefore, I am appealing that we begin the first step by resolving the basic issues related to the education in our country. This is because education is very important as a defense mechanism stronghold. It should begin with one school system. The foundations of patriotism must be present. Do not gamble the future and the national security systems in order to maintain power today. If popularity is lost but the future of education is secured, it's only for a while not to be popular. What is the use of popularity if the education future and country eroding? Retreating does not mean we are defeated. Instead it is to recoup our strength, rather than we continue to lose and eventually be defeated. I still remember the words in Latin "si vis Pacem para bellum", which means that if you wish for peace, prepare for war. Are we ready in that direction when others had already prepared themselves long ago? If they are too ultra kiasu, are we too accommodating? We need to be firmed against them for the future interest. Remember! We will lose if we continue accommodating.

Do Not Politicize the Country's Education Future

2009-11-22T06:42:00.012+08:00

(Mingguan Malaysia, 22 November)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia

I was hoping the government will not bow down to the pressure from the Chinese Federation of Associations of Malaysia (Hua Zong) to assist the 60 of the Chinese Independent Secondary School and to recognize the certificates issued (UEC). It is already enough with the existing of over 1300 SJKC and this will be increased from time to time. Separation in the primary school is already a burden for us to strengthen the future. Do we want to continue to divide them when they are in the secondary school? This does not include the IPTS which has a strong race based with a very significant number of enrolments, using the mother tongue as the main language especially in Kajang, Kuala Lumpur and others. I am able to name each one of them. However, I shall not reveal them for the time being. Is this the spirit of 1Malaysia?

In the vernacular schools, the Malay language is taught three times a week. Can they actually master the national language? Do make a research. Just look at only the UPSR results of these students in the Malay language and the transition classes. That is already enough to provide an overview. Then conduct a census in the new villages. Rate the level of the mastery of the national language. I'm not anti-Chinese. I love my race for Allah also created them, too. If I reject them, it also means that I reject Allah that created me as a Chinese. Am I anti-Chinese when I bring up this issue?

Let's debate today for the sake of our future. Hopefully our children and grandchildren will have a better life after this. Their interests must be prioritized against our own interests. In fact, the Minister of Education has full authority to reject all these vernacular schools. However, the power vested was not enforced. Just consider if such tolerance was absent.

Before 1996, we have the Education Act 1961 Section 21 (1B), which empowers the Minister of Education to close or abolish the SJKC / T. This Act made the Chinese associations fearful. They have appealed and urged the government to repeal this act. On the basis of compromising, and in 1995, the education minister made a bold decision by agreeing with the Chinese request to withdraw the power vested or in other words the provision in the act by presenting a new Education Act in 1996 which was more acceptable.

The Education Act 1996 introduced was still not agreeable by a handful of the ultra kiasu. The ultra kiasu considered the amendment of Education Act 1961 to 1996 had actually solved one problem with the repeal of Section 21 (1) (b), but had also created new problems with the addition of Section 17 (1). According to them, Section 17 (1) provides new powers to the Minister of Education to enforce the vernacular schools to use the Malay language as the main medium.

The ultra kiasu argued that the previous act context was within the primary school but the new act allows the ministry to have a wider scope of context from pre-school education to post secondary level education. According to Section 28 of the act, only vernacular schools owned by the state government are granted 'special permission' by the Minister of Education, which may be exempted from the provisions under Section 17 (1).

In fact, the Education Act 1996 also known as Act 550 'is softer' compared to the Education Act 1961 which was repealed. Is this tolerance? The vested power was sacrificed for the sake to accommodate others. For those ultra kiasu who are always opposing with me, please read this act and make a comparison with the previous act. Whoever enacted this act, if it is not for our Prime Minister today which was the then Minister of Education? The Minister of Education before him could not compromise on this at all. Who was that? Just ask the party affiliated with this ultra kiasu. I do not actually understand why they are so good today while before that, the Act 1961 was the most feared by this ultra kiasu.

However, a group of the ultra kiasu is never grateful, let alone appreciative. I do not see any differences in the SJKC with the Chinese schools in China in terms of language, except with the additional Malay subject being taught 3 hours a week. I remembered the words of Khoo Kay Kim that the education system today must meet the requirements to establish the idea of 1Malaysia. The multiple educations system will not help the people to understand the establishment of this great idea. Children are separated from young. When they have grown up, it would be difficult for them to cooperate with each other. The vernacular school was originally established to enable the Chinese and Indian people to learn about the country they originated from. But today they have became the people of Malaysia, thus such situation should not exist anymore. Kay Kim is frustrated with those groups who are defending schools which are race-based.

I am full of anticipation on those who talk a lot about maintaining the vernacular schools would make a complete study on this. Do not always blame the government only. What is really their agenda? If only to defend the heritage of ancestors, please bear in mind on the culture and way of life of others, too. Do not just blame on the language as an issue, because the language issue is a national problem. I hereby ask them to do a research on the performance of the Malay language (BM) in the vernacular schools. First, is the ability and capacity to understand and converse in BM? Second, is the percentage of BM failure? Third, on the problem arises from the transition classes and problems of communication among students in BM. Fourth, on the interactions among students from the transition classes with the Malay students. Fifth, is the failure and low passing rate in BM in the PMR and SPM levels? Sixth, is the understanding and ability on BM after finishing high school? Seventh, is the ability to speak BM among the non-Malays? If it is still not feasible to make a study, then take a sample of several political leaders and NGOs which are vocal, including lecturers from the Chinese institutions and test their ability on BM?

We were extremely disappointed when recently, as reported in the Chinese newspapers that a few Chinese organizations such as Dong Zong, Hua Zong, the Association of Heads of Chinese Schools, Chinese Schools Alumni Association and other Chinese associations were strongly against the proposal by the Ministry of Education to standardize the BM syllabus in SK and SJKC. For your information, the BM syllabus in SJKC is very much easier than SK. That was how united they are. When studying BM, they want it to be simple & easy (cincai). Instead, in studying own language, it must be in detail. Are we seriously strengthening the country? Isn't this ultra kiasu? Are we still blind and unconscious? Simple reasoning; the students of SJKC must not be burdened with BM which is relatively difficult because they had to learn three languages, namely Mandarin as a major, BM as a second language and English as a third language. This is the fate of the Malay language in the Malay land. Have we realized that BM is the easiest language in the world? Obviously BM is difficult if only taught three times a week at the SJKC. Are we serious?

I do not deny there are some Chinese students who managed to get excellent results in the Malay language, but the number is very small. That is also because it is a compulsory subject to pass. Imagine if it is not a compulsory subject. Is the learning of the Malay language is because of being forced or for loving the language as spirit of national identity? Please consider. There is no need to uphold a wet strand of thread for our children will face a greater loss later and we will not be there. Do not let our ego today destroy our future interests.

To the ultra kiasu I would like to ask them to give me an example of a country in the world that practices such a system as ours? If there is I will yield. I will not touch the issue on vernacular educations. Is this not heaven for us in here? Do not always use diversity as strength of argument or unity within diversity. Too much diversity will also not benefit. We need to find more similarities to meet the goal of establishing the idea of 1Malaysia. The similarities can only be achieved with a shared goal of the national vision. It starts with sharing the one school system, without denying the rights of everyone respectively. If issues such as the basic language we cannot agree on, what else can we agree on? In short, the one school system is only a fantasy if we continue to be soft. Kiasu is permissible. It is not wrong to be kiasu. In fact, Islam permits it also. But just do not be ultra kiasu. We are Chinese but don't be too ultra Chinese, ultra Malay, ultra India and other ultra races in Sabah and Sarawak. That is already extreme and excessive.

I am also not denying the fact that the vernacular school teachers are hardworking and dedicated. But that does not mean that we can make a generalization that the national school teachers are not of the same standards as with the SJKC. Remember! It is not all teachers in SJKC are good. I had my experienced. I'm neither a Chinese converted to Malay nor a Chinese apostate. I am only defending the interests of the future of our children and our great-great-grandchildren. Do not politicize the education because it is extremely dangerous for the future of the country. Do not deny the role of the government on capital assistance schools such as SJKC. Please be reminded that more than 400 SJKC is aided and built by the government in every Malaysia plan.

When Own Strength is Dismissed

2009-11-15T06:40:00.019+08:00

(Mingguan Malaysia, 15 November)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia

As expected it is a taboo to question the vernacular education as this has made some of the ultra kiasu jumped. They claimed that it is their rights. Ethnic interests must be preserved. It cannot be interfered. What I had written was about nation building and empowering the national interest future without denying the rights of the other races to learn their own languages. Are we still confused? The irony part is that if they are agreeable on the one school system, then English should be the main medium and not the Malay language. It is obvious that they are excluding altogether and reduce the position of Malay language as the national language. When the language is not respected, will the race of the language be affected, too?

Therefore it is not a surprise that today they are very proud and boast with the additional names such as Joe, Michael, Nicol, Matthew, Martin and etc. Sometimes it becomes so nauseated by just hearing and calling these names. They have a sense of pride by associating with the Christianity and the West, and not associating at all with Islam and Malay. Is it not that the east is much closer to us than the west? Some are willing to change into new identity cards merely because they are obsessed with the west. Why are the names like Muhammad, Mahmood, Aziz, Ridhuan and other Islamic names are not favorable, but viewed instead with hatred? Are the Islamic and Malay names so disgusting? Are the usages of Islamic names considered to have neither standard nor glamorous? Is it not that the names from the east actually featured more towards 1Malaysia? I do not have to open a can of worms here. Let me save them temporarily for the next time.

It is not my intention to instill the fire of hatred among the races. However, the various comments have forced me to reveal the truth about some of them which are never grateful. They preferred to be assimilated and acculturated with the west instead of with the Malays and Islam.

Whatever that is pertaining to the assimilation and acculturated with the Malay Muslims is lowly perceived and will not be practiced at all. Meanwhile, the western way of life is accepted wholeheartedly. Just take for instances on the lifestyles such as wearing the Malay dress, using songkok, eating with the hands and listening to Malay music. Have we seen the non-Malays at least acculturated such manners? If there are, they can be countable with our fingers.

In the context of 1Malaysia, it is more appropriate that we assimilated and acculturated with the Malay Muslim's way of life, because it will benefit the country's future. The Muslims are easily impressed and 'melt' with the non-Malays who are trying to borrow their way of life. Instead, we are more western than the west. This included the Malays. Sometimes to the extent of forgetting that they are Malays because of being too western.

Being a Chinese Muslim, my race does not want to be associated directly with the Malays, especially on the lifestyle. If there is any friendliness with the Malays, it is for favors and advantages. Only a minority of the Malays actually worked in the non-Malay companies. Conditions such as the ability to communicate in Mandarin are an excuse to reject the Malay workers. In comparison with the Malay companies that took non-Malays workers, on the grounds that the non-Malays are more diligent than the Malays. In fact, sometimes the non-Malays are also appointed to higher positions. Who is actually more willing to give and receive in this case?

Even though if the Malays (including Indonesians) are employed, they are only for the purpose to popularize the sale of the food and services. The Malays are being used. The Malay name will be used to popularize the food sales such as using the Malay and Muslim as the brand names. However, the actual basic right remains unfulfilled. The Malays continue to give in for it is their iron rice bowl. How many Malay Muslim employees have complained to me that they are unable to perform the Friday prayers and the obligatory prayers? I can actually provide a list of the companies. The prayer time is considered a waste of time and reduces quality and productivity. However, we know that the fear of a person has with Allah, the stronger he will work for the people, whether the employer is a Muslim or not. The nature of fearing Allah will make the person perform their work with care. I do not deny the fact that there are people pious in praying but are also lazy and deceitful.

Is there already a plan to separate the Malays from its God in order to 'melt' them? When their bond with Allah has been 'melted', then they are able to break the spirit of jihad in them, thus easier to secularize and empowered them. We must be aware of these cunning actions of theirs. I do not mean jihad with war but just enough jihads to request that changes for us to be better and closer to the Almighty Creator.

Sometimes I do not blame them. They search and took advantage. It is only that we became complacent and relax. We do not appreciate what we have nor even to enforce what we have. We willingly sacrificed what has been provided to us for the sake our country can progress forward, even to the extent of sacrificing the dignity of the religion and race. Take for an instance on the position of the language and education policies.

Why we did not study the strength we had before studying the strength of others? Sometimes, I am puzzled on our enthusiastic to study others until forgetting our own selves. This will eventually lead us to neglect our own strength because for being too obsessed with others. Is this secularism?

In the context of teaching and learning at the higher learning institutions, students are compulsory to learn and understand the various theories that derived from the west (specifically) and east from prominent individuals. These theories were not only told to be memorized, instead those succeeded explained in details that they were considered best student and were given higher marks. Take for example on the theory of strategy and war by Tsun Tzu. The students are forced to memorize these theories externally and internally, cover to cover, to the extent that at times they forgot their responsibility towards the al-Quran and Sunnah. Tsun Tzu strategies are not only applied in war but also in business. Meanwhile, Tsun Tzu had never got himself into any university, let alone taking up PMR and SPM.

What surprised me the most is we have forgotten that in our religion we have great experts and thinkers in war strategies such as Muhammad SAW, Khalid Ibn Walid, Omar Al-Khattab, Salahuddin al-Ayubi and others. These prominent figures are rarely in the centre of discussions. Let alone to memorize their theories. What are not so prominent of them compared with Tsun Tzu, Kautilya (India), Clausewitz, Duhe and others? I am not rejecting these figures, but let us balance the figures with ours who are equally impressive.

Did Tsun Tzu ever graduated from any university or obtained a PhD? Obviously, he did not. Why are the university students today studying the various stages of the war strategies from a person who had never had a degree nor entered the university? Muhammad SAW also did not enter into university. However, he is the Prophet chosen by Allah. Therefore, he deserved to be highly acclaimed. So, it's not surprising for Michael Hart (2006) to rank the Prophet Muhammad SAW as the most supreme and powerful person among the top 100 most influential people in the world leaving behind Jesus, Moses, Buddha, Confucius, Aristotle, Tsun Tzu and many more powerful figures. Unfortunately, many did not make a study on this.

Today, what is happening is the opposite; the west is so interested in studying the east individual personality. Instead, the east is busy studying the west and end up neglecting its own. Therefore, I am not surprised when non-Muslims do not want to be assimilated nor acculturated because we do not acknowledge our own prominent figures or ourselves.

I do not believe we can rise up with other people's molding. History has shown that all nations rise up with their own strength and effort. The Japanese rose up because of the spirit of being Japanese, the Chinese with the spirit of being Chinese. Do we want to rise up with the spirit of being western? Of course, the Muslims must rise up with the Islamic spirit. Then only we will get the blessings from Allah SWT.

Recently I attended an important meeting in the ministry office. In the meeting there was an American entrepreneur who can speak Malay but not fluently. All because of one foreigner, the chairman of the meeting did not use the Malay language but instead conducted it in English language. I am very confident that even the president of Iran will not be prompted to do so, despite being fluent in English. If we are unsure on ourselves with our own language, who else can we hope to ensure a noble language? Language is the soul of a nation.

Fantasy to create a One School System

2009-11-08T06:53:00.021+08:00

(Mingguan Malaysia, 8 November)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia

The issue on one school, an education system is not a new thing. It has been debated since before. I have spoken and written a lot about this. The situation remains and has not changed much. The answer is simple; the education has been politicized. If the Malay language as the national language cannot be uphold, how far can we proceed from there? We have provisions in the constitution, but they are not being used nor enforced. We are busy attending to the pressure from the ultra kiasu political groups. Finally, the language and education system cannot be strengthened in its own land. This country seems to have no identity as compared to other countries.

When there is news to create one school system, the ultra kiasu will rise against it. As for them, their ancestral heritage must be preserved. They will do anything, including demanding and threatening the government. Demanding and threatening have great influences with the political elections. Finally, the government relented. The one school system had to be shelved for a while.

Recently it had been voiced again, but with a different tone. The one school system is only for the secondary schools. Indeed, the secondary system flow has been standardized. There are not many vernacular schools for the secondary compared to the primary (1300 SJKC + 530 SJKT). It can be said that most of the non-Malays send their children to the national secondary schools due to the limited places in the vernacular secondary schools (5%). Therefore, there is no issues arises on the one school system for the secondary schools.

The main issues that should be seriously debated are how to create an education system that can integrate the children in the primary school level. Children should not be separated from young. Studies and time have shown that due to the separation among them from young has created difficulty to unite them again in the secondary school. The existence of the transition classes and the mastery of the Malay language among vernacular primary school students have created interactions problems between non-Malays and Malay students. In the end, they became awkward, shy and will not mix easily. They will hide in their own cocoon. This situation will make them become more kiasu.

As the head of the Parents and Teachers Association of the school where the majority were non-Malay students for the past 6 years until now, I can understand that race relations are at an alarming level. These students are not able to mix after being separated for 6 years in the primary school. Thus, it is continued to the secondary level and higher education. Look at what happened in the public and the private institutions. I do not need to speak further. It has been clearly shown. How long do we need to discuss this issue? As long as we bow to their demands and threats, it is kind of waiting for a cat to grow its horn; this deadlock will never be solved. It is to our utmost disappointment that we are only thinking for the current interests rather than on the future. We prioritized politically and thus ignoring the importance of education. Perhaps we would not be able to feel the effects today, but are we willing to leave all this to our children and great grandchildren? I am worried for by then it will be too late to be corrected.

I have repeatedly stated that as a result of this racist school system, our race relationship in this country is like a fire that cannot be put out completely. We have successfully extinguished the fire, but the amber from the fire is still there. This amber is most detrimental if left unchecked in the long run.

Recently, the National Defense University of Malaysia has organized a conference pertaining on higher education and race development. The same anxiety was heavily debated on the one school education system in our current main education system as recommended by Prof Khoo Kay Kim.

Our country is the only one in the world that adopts a multi-stream school system. There is only one school system in other countries. Even if there are more than one, it has long been abolished, thus to achieve the future and national interest. Therefore, we could see that Thailand has abolished since the beginning by destroying the Chinese school in the 1930s (Ye Lin-Sheng, 2003). In fact, Malaysia is heaven to the non-Malays for they get what they actually are not entitled. They are no different from what they were in the first place. Whatever benefits them will not be voiced out. Instead, the ultra kiasu group will continue to demand that the vernacular schools be increased in every Malaysia plan.

My question is whether we are serious on this matter. I have repeatedly stated that the national interests or the country must be put forward rather than the ethnicity interest. National schools must be given priority over the ethnic schools. National agenda will strengthen the future. Meanwhile, the ethnic agenda serves only a few specific groups only. This is the amber that is affecting the political racism in our country. I have raised this issue a long time ago but was opposed heavily by the ultra kiasu group. Refer to my previous article in the Utusan Malaysia.

The Government must take a firm stand like what have been done by other countries such as Thailand and other countries in the world. The Government must not bow down nor compromise in strengthening the future. I do not mean that we eliminate the non-Malay rights to learn their mother tongue language. They can still learn their mother tongue language. However, these students must not be separated from young.

The world civilization has proven that when people are separated from young, we are actually inviting danger in. It is already enough with the political and economic system which are racist. Do not add it to the education system which is the pillar to the development of a nation.

It is true we need to discuss. But have they ever agreed? The answer is never. In fact, they are demanding that the vernacular schools be increased from time to time. So, what is the delay? Are we expecting another recurrence of May 13 for us to review our education system? By then, it's too late. How long does it take to rise again after that? 20 years? 30 years? The effect of May 13 is still being felt to this day on how difficult it is to rise up after a fall.

The reasoning that the national schools are more Malay and Islamic (morning prayers) is not strong grounds for rejecting the one school system. What other identities that can be highlighted in a country that reflected its nation's roots? If these also are being withdrawn, then what else will remain that can reflect the identity to the Malays and Islam? Have we not realized that this position is guaranteed in the constitution? Are we still unable to comprehend this basis after living in this blessed land all this while?

The Rocket Destination is not to the Moon

2009-11-01T06:23:00.009+08:00

(Mingguan Malaysia, 1 November)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia

Being Muslims we must believe and obey whatever came from Allah, because we are his invented creatures. However, at the same time we also need to know the real politics of our country and our society. Can Islamic country be established implementing the Islamic law when the country's population is neither solid nor near to one hundred percent Muslims? How do we force the non-Muslims which are almost 50 percent to accept the Islamic law? Perhaps we would argue that the law of Islam is for the Muslims only and the non-Muslims according to the teachings of their religions. The question is, has the party or those ultra kiasu ever agreed with these ideas? I do not have to repeat what were their answers.

I am very much surprised on why we were so anxious to follow the rocket to the moon? Eventually, we knew that the rocket destination is not to the moon. I am worried on those with the rocket already equip themselves with parachutes when they knew that the rocket will not be allowed to reach the moon. If that's the case, why we are willing to take the rocket with them? Why we can't just switch the rocket with another aircraft which already has its destination but approaching it differently?

Are we not able to sit together discussing the destination? Even we are not traveling together, the least we should do is to initiate the first move by sitting and facing each other to discuss on the best methods to arrive at the destination. Do not continue having negative presumptions. Why able to have good presumptions with the enemy who is already clearly known with its bad intentions?

We need to figure out together on how to implement the Islamic values in our country rather than addressing the difficult question on implementing the law because our country majority-minority is not large. Perhaps Brunei, Pakistan and other Arab countries have no difficulty to implement the Islamic law. However, in Malaysia our geographical population is different.

It is better to first strengthen the Islamic values because I believe the Islamic values are also shared by all religions. I have not seen any single good values of Islam rejected by other religions. What is forbidden by Islam also forbids other religions such as adultery, gambling, drinking, and etc. Whoever rejects the values of religion today is among those who are too enthusiastic with the western way of life glorifying the human rights. Today it appears that the human rights extremism have destroyed the west. The west began to realize the importance of religious life (Ziglar, 2000).

Whereas the west have begun approaching religion, do we want to inculcate the devastation they have experienced into our lives. Actually there are many similarities in the values shared by all religions that we have not implemented. This is what I have learned as a Buddhist and a Christian before. We need to find the similarities and resolve to implement them, rather than wasting time discussing something that is far away from the real politics and very difficult to implement. In the end, money is wasted, because of discussing things that cannot be implemented for not understanding the real politics and being divided for no apparent reasons. Who actually are at lost?

I'm not rejecting an Islamic country or the Islamic law, but as a political researcher, I studied the Malaysian real politics. I am sad and very concerned to see the Muslims divided. We have lost Singapore and do we want to see a second Singapore after this? Are we unable to anticipate the thoughts of these ultra kiasu? They viciously attacked us with courage. Do we want to continue surrendering?

Just look at the fate of the Member of Parliament for Bandar Baru Kulim, Zulkifli Nordin. I sympathized so much with him. His intentions are good; do not want the condoms and liquor to be sold openly in the convenience stores. But his views were heavily attacked by the ultra kiasu group, particularly by the non-Muslim women who do not use condoms. Actually, the men should be the one to object because condoms are used by them, but unfortunately those who do not use condoms are more vocal instead, insisting that condoms to be sold in the public and to be used during sexual intercourse as 'safe sex'. What was more pathetic was that some Muslims also object. Do we actually have 'safe sex' by just using condoms? We should instead question the reasons for using the condoms in the first instance. Are those using condoms already married?

I am confident that most of them who use condoms are practicing sex freely. For married couples, they rarely use them for Allah has provided the best that required no further modifications. However, for those who do not believe in God, having sex freely is their choice, henceforth condoms are strewn everywhere. Those who violated God's commands should not be defended compared to those who want to follow God's commands. I am sure for married couples, if they ever use condoms, they understand the meaning of embarrassment, thus the condoms will be purchased 'secretly' and will be kept in its respective places.

Anyway for those who are not easily embarrass, they would openly and proudly purchase condoms and alcohol in public. Are those using condoms actually felt that sex is safer, while their actions are questionable? If only married couples using condoms for safer sex, I would feel much relieved. Instead, the overall condom's customers consist of those who only want safe sex, although this method may not be actually safe.

If condoms and alcohol are conceived as freedom and human rights, I would suggest that those who oppose them of being sold in private to place the condoms and alcohol at the front door in order to facilitate their children to have safe sex. Just purchase a dozen and put them at the front door or near the dining table. Why should condoms be kept in the house after they had been purchased? If they are suitable for sale openly, then it is also good to place them in strategic places in the house for the children usage. Say to them that 'if you want safe sex, use condoms'. I am sure that those who like condoms will not agree to put the condoms openly. The question is if condoms are not suitable to be placed in the house openly, then why should they to be sold openly in the stores?

It is common sense that the implementation of this matter does not need to be discussed. Perhaps it is well practiced in the west, but not in Malaysia for the community in the east is well known of its ethics and politeness. I'm neither against condoms nor the usage of alcohol, but please have some tactfulness when addressing something that is contrary to the human norms and ethics, although it is never an offence to be used by those who are husband and wife.

I am confident that those who like condoms and alcohol are among the types of people who do not fear God. Husband and wife rarely use condoms because it is not that exciting in a sexual relationship that is 'halal'. Do we after this will support the idea of having condom vending machines and alcohol vending machines outside the building just like the water vending machines on the basis of human rights? Today, why we are not discussing the exploitations brought by the usage of condom and alcohol? Have we actually study on how many innocent people died due to the abuse usage of alcohol that will lead to the failure in car drivers which caused road accidents?

Therefore, I would support if condoms and liquor are sold in private. This is the eastern ethics set forth in the pillars of our country's constitution. Let us be ashamed to do anything that is damaging including having sex freely . Just by quoting only condoms, we should feel ashamed, even though it may be necessary.

Actually, condoms and liquor will destroy the Muslims. When the Muslims are weak and corrupt, then the ultra kiasu group will dominate the minds of the Muslims. Thus, they are against any attempts to hide the condoms and alcohol from the public, for the damage will not be them but the Muslims. I am so worried that we will not be able to rise again after falling. By then, we will be empowered by them.

For those going to the moon, are you sure the rocket will actually lead us there?

The Intentionally Breakoff in Islam

2009-10-25T06:16:00.020+08:00

(Mingguan Malaysia, 25 October)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia

I was accused for collaborating with UMNO and was paid millions to write articles. Oh! What an easy way to be rich. Just by writing articles to condemn the opposition with racial overtones, UMNO shall pay. Maybe after this, the readers can join me to become rich. It is an easy method, criticize the oppositions and praise UMNO, hence we shall be paid millions. That's how rich is UMNO! This is an ultra kiasu mindset. They are untouchables. Everyone is wrong except them.

I was being challenged for not questioning UMNO for being corrupted. For everyone information, please read my article in Utusan Malaysia (December 22, 2008). I have written that to accept corruption is so much disgusting than eating pork or either way, it is much better to eat pork rather than accepting corruption. That is how disgusting it is to accept corruption. Why the oppositions did not support me then? This is the third class mentality of our society that we are happy if it happens on others, however, when it happens on ourselves, it is like spitting into the sky. Are we that 'clean'? Remember, we are just an ordinary people, and are not perfect. I do not deny that the existence of the opposition alliance in the democratic system is important as check and balance to the system.

There is only one thing I am requesting, that whichever is good, please accept and support. However, as for the bad, it should be debated wisely. Do not just reject everything because differences in opinions. What is more humiliating is resorting to personal attacks. Are we actually better off? Remember, sometimes we also have some secrets to ourselves. We also make mistakes, but we dare not reveal them, for fear of facing the truth.

Honestly speaking, if PAS has the intention to establish an Islamic state and to carry out its laws, the ultra kiasu party and its alliances are not appropriate alliances for them. The reason is that the ultra kiasu party and its alliances, do not agree with Islam. The ultra kiasu party is very strongly against Islam. Are we still not aware of that? Meanwhile, the allies as at today have never issued any statement supporting the idea of PAS to establish an Islamic state. How about PAS instead try to ask the highest leadership in the alliance? The answer would be they do not want Islam. Clearly in their personal agenda is to avenge. It is because due to the anger of one mosquito, the whole mosquito net is burn. Who are the losers? Actually the Muslims are the losers. Have the non-Muslims lose anything? No, not really. They will eventually gain either in the BN or Pakatan Rakyat, even they face the internal crisis within the party itself.

Therefore, it is not an empty rhetoric when I proposed that PAS cooperate with UMNO to create a unity government. PAS and UMNO are the dominant parties for the Muslims in this country. The directions of the Malay Muslims depend on this two Malay Islamic parties and not the ultra kiasu party and its' newly ally which are very newly formed. They have hidden agenda. I am asking all of you to read all the materials which are plentiful in the internet. Do not forget to read also the Freemason struggle. You will obtain a clearer understanding.

The benefit of PAS taking UMNO as a friend will eventually produce better Islamic results compared with the ultra kiasu party which has clearly rejected Islam, including its ally. The state of Selangor for instance on Islam, even though it is lead by a Muslim leader; has the light on Islam been reflected? Please ponder. Don't create a conflict on yourself as it will make you more miserable. The sayings, love your enemy as yourself for you would know their hearts better as yours rather than the enemy in camouflage and the fox in sheep's clothing, which are folded scissors or thorns in the flesh.

I'm not a member of UMNO and I do not even get one sen from UMNO. But I can see that the Muslims political are at a disadvantage. If having UMNO as a friend, and yet unable to uphold Islam, does having the enemies of UMNO as friends will instead uphold Islam? No, I do not think so. Therefore, make a justification which one is better. That's it. End of the story.

Our politics are more to avenge. This is an obvious political weakness of the Malays. We are willing to break heads and break everything just because of different opinions as portrayed in the recent Bagan Pinang's by-election. The others also quarrel, but they quarrel like brothers and sisters. Today they are seen to be quarrelling, but tomorrow they become friends again. There was no news on heads injury. Why is this not happening to us? Why should charcoal easily broken with a stroke? This problem has been haunting the Muslims today until we are being taken advantaged. The Muslims become a drifter in its own land. Are we confident to stand up after this?

Compared with China, they have only one China. There is no issue of Taiwan excluding itself from China. In the government of China, Taiwan is Chinese. The Chinese remains as Chinese. Taiwan cannot be in cahoots with the American to destroy China. Why? The answer is because the Chinese government, know who is the real enemy and the enemy in camouflage. Any attempts to destroy China will be uncompromised.

Thus, the Chinese government is very strict with Taiwan. Any attempt to 'Americanized' Taiwan will be completely opposed. China is taking the approach of one Chinese and the dignity of its race is more important than everything. By adhering to the principle of this ONE, China eventually became great. The staunch enemy, America also became fearful of it, too, let alone an enemy who is trying to become the enemy in camouflage. Their civilization is inherited from their ancestors who cannot be bought nor compromised. If Taiwan is being spoilt, then the concept of ONE China unity will destroy. I hope the readers understood this little comparison with our country and which is related with my last week article. That is how great of the in heritage of the ancestral teachings and civilizations of that race.

Islam does not consider the ancestors as important, because we have Allah as the most compassionate. In fact, by having Allah with us, we should be greater than those who believe in ancestors. Allah created the ancestors. Why is it that today when people who worshiped Allah are considered more despicable than those who worship the ancestors? Don't blame Allah, because we are not united in the name of Allah, even Allah has warned; that to hold fast to the rope of Allah and not to be divided.

People who were confident with Allah were proven to be great. Look at the civilizations that were brought along by Prophet Muhammad. There is no shortage of anything. The question is why are the Prophet SAW believers so naive? Is it so difficult for us to unite on the basis of Islam? Is the union of Islam has to be delayed until the existence of an Islamic country or the implementation of Islamic law?

Are we unable to read the Islamic real politics of our country? Can we establish an Islamic country implementing the Islamic law when the country's population is not solid nor one hundred percent Muslim. How do we force the almost 50 percent non-Muslims to accept the Islamic law? Are we not aware that the non-Muslims will never ever agree with Islam?

If that is the situation, can PAS actually establish an Islamic country if their friends have clearly rejected Islam? I don't think so. If that's the case, why are we presently not grateful to the current existing Islamic leadership and try instead to strengthen the Islamic values despite the fact that the actual Islamic law cannot be implemented?

Today, I think we need to sit together to figure out how to implement the Islamic values into our country rather than to speak on hudud laws which are difficult to implement because our country majority-minority are not large. Perhaps Brunei, Pakistan and other Arab countries have no difficulty to implement the Islamic laws. But in Malaysia our geographical population is different.

It is better to implement the Islamic values because I believe the Islamic values are also being shared by all religions. There isn't any good value in Islam being rejected by other religions. What is forbidden by Islam is also forbid by other religions such as adultery, gambling, drinking, gossiping and etc. All other good values need not be mentioned, because I do believe everyone would agree, except for those who are too enthusiastic with the western way of life.

If there is any religion that says that what is prohibited in Islam is allowed, and the good values are rejected, then I would dare to say that their religion should be despised. But I believe there is none. What I have learned as a Buddhist and a Christian before, actually there are many similarities. We need to find that similarities and resolve so as to implement them, rather than wasting time discussing something that are far away from the real politics and so difficult to implement. In the end, so much time is exhausted, money wasted, because of discussing things that cannot be implemented for not understanding the real politics and being divided for no apparent reasons. Who are actually at a loss?

I am not rejecting an Islamic country and Islamic law, but as a political researcher, I read the Malaysian real politics. I am saddened and very concerned to see the Muslims divided among themselves. Fragmentation is always at a loss. We have lost Singapore, and do we want to see a second Singapore and after that a third Singapore?

The Benefit of being United in Silence

2009-10-18T06:59:00.014+08:00

(Mingguan Malaysia, 18 October)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia

The recent crisis that occurred in the MCA political party should not alarmed us at all. This is a common happening in politics. The important question is what had we learned from this crisis? I'm not that concerned with the MCA nor Gerakan, because both of these parties are not strong among the Chinese itself compared with another Chinese party that is ultra kiasu. Therefore, I do not actually have much concerned on the fate that had befallen on both of these BN component parties.

I would be more overwhelmed if the ultra kiasu party is in crisis instead. But until today this party seldom has any crisis. Instead, this party continues maturing and has had many useful experiences. More importantly they are able to read with precise on the Malays' psychology. Thus, this party is increasingly getting attention and trust, posing dangerously to the Malaysian politics. Moreover, this party has rarely lost in the Chinese majority in any PRUs and by-elections. Without any doubts, they will also win in a Malay majority area one day. It is not impossible; if the Malays continue their act to burn the mosquito net because of one mosquito compared to the practice to strip-shred the chicken feathers which will eventually merge.

If we analyzed the elections, most of the seats won by the MCA and Gerakan were contested in the Malay majority areas. If MCA and Gerakan were to compete in the Chinese majority areas against this ultra kiasu party, I believe, both parties will face with a severe loss. For instance this is happening in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and the majority urban areas. These are the written and unwritten results of the voting trends that I hope the readers are able to figure out.

Perhaps, some may be asking how Gerakan has been able to sustain itself in Penang? The answer is to study the Gerakan's history and the causes that led to May 13, 1969 incident, i.e. prior joining the Barisan Nasional. Gerakan was chosen because during that time, Gerakan was outspoken and very vocal to voice the fate of their race. But when Gerakan began to compromise with the government, which ultimately led to it being rejected, hence the ultra kiasu party won in the 12th PRU. In other words, the more ultra kiasu a political party, the more they will get the support and attention. This simply means that the ultra kiasu party will be supported by those who are also ultra kiasu. I do not accuse all the Chinese as ultra kiasu. The fact is that this ultra kiasu will still continue to win big majority in the area they are representing.

I am confident that perhaps after this, the ultra kiasu party will be putting one or two Malay candidates in the Chinese majority area, just to prove that they are a multi-racial party. I am also confident that the candidates will have a big win. However, it is neither surprising nor shocking. This is because they have comprehended the kiasu politics. If the Malay candidates won, the Malay candidates will not even be able to do anything because the party is still dominated by those who are ultra kiasu. The existence of the Malays in the party is just a 'shadow puppet play' (wayang kulit) games that were shown to obscure our eyes.

Do not be fooled with their tricks. The emergence of the Malays and the Indians appointed in their party leadership are only to obscure the eyes of the public just to prove that they are a party for all races. Thus, when there was one fairly influential Malay joined them; he was appointed as a vice chairman of the party. Perhaps, after this he will be the deputy chairman. I am still waiting whether the Malay will be appointed as chairman of the ultra kiasu party in the future? We shall wait and see! Irregardless, this is their cunning strategy that we may have overlooked. Hence, do not worry so much on the internal affairs of MCA and Gerakan. What is important is that we need to expose this ultra kiasu party so that the Malays and the other Chinese who love this nation will not be deceived by them.

If the readers do not believe what I have written, try to propose the issue of rotating the Chief Minister of Penang among the various people in their alliance or the Barisan Nasional? I believe that not only will this ultra kiasu party jumped, even those not related to the ultra kiasu party will also unite themselves with the ultra kiasu party to go against this proposal. Essentially, the Penang Chief Minister post must not be given to other races. In my opinion, anyone who ruled Penang among the three parties is not important. What is more important is that the Malays cannot become the Chief Minister over there. Any attempts and efforts will be heavily opposed.

Therefore, I am not surprised with any crisis that is happening in any of the political parties of my race. True, they are seen to be divided. They shout until they became hoarse. But actually, they are united in silence. The ultra kiasu party will forcefully demand, criticize and condemn. But all these are not from a hollow impact. Who are actually working silently? Two parties from this component will silently deliver to the BN that this demand and request should be met. Otherwise the voting will be affected whereby the Chinese people will be angry and switch directions. That was the actual message in the 12th PRU. This is what I wrote being united silently even it looks divided from the external.

That is how MCA and Gerakan benefited for being in the coalition with the government. The Malays will give their undivided support to them because that is the Malays attitude in this Malay land. They are loyal to the leaders' command. They are willing to push aside the candidate of their own race and religion because they are taught to obey the leaders. This has been happening since the feudal era that it is a taboo to disobey. This connotation has its pros and cons and it is up to us to evaluate them.

The Chinese political parties are very lucky because externally there are those who are very vocal in criticizing, demanding and claiming, but at the same time internally there are those who will be doing the persuasions. This does not matter in which state they are in, whether in the alliance or in the government.

Unlike the Malay political parties where externally they are so forcefully criticizing, however internally there is no one to persuade. This is because the Malay political party (UMNO) is the only one in the government. UMNO is alone in the government facing the unending demands from the others. I do really understand why UMNO has to concede defeat sometimes, because UMNO is in a catch-22 situation, having difficulties to provide an amicable solution. UMNO's friends of the same races and religions are not with them. The friends that are of the same race and of the same religion are in the oppositions. They are only good at condemning and criticizing but unable to persuade. Finally who are the losers? These are the fate of the Malays on the Malay land.

I am not sure that after this, BN will be able to seize back Penang and most probably may lose it, because this ultra kiasu party has successfully organize an established strategy to 'melt' the Malays with the governance style of Umar Abdul Aziz and using slogan 'amar makruf nahi mungkar' (to invite people to do good, and to prevent people from doing bad). If the Malays were to 'melt', then it is not difficult to obtain victory because a solid vote will be obtained.

It is so unfortunate that today Malay Muslims parties, not even silently uniting, they break up like the charcoal easily broke with just a stroke. The road to reconciliation is far from achieved. They are like being divorced under 'talak 3' (talak means divorce). Their divorce is irrevocable meaning no more negotiation. Thus, each partner willing to find a new partner even not compatible. If the need to reconcile again, then has to marry by way of 'Blind Chinese' (Cina Buta - meaning the ex-wife (divorced wife) has to remarry another man and the marriage has to end in a divorce so that she can marry the former partner again). What a loss for the Malays, they divorced and split up, and Chinese (Cina Buta) gets the name and its share.

So what should we do now? Meet all their claims and demands in order to get back their trust and votes? It is difficult to provide an answer, but it is not impossible. The Muslims must unite to be strong. When we are strong, it would be hard for others to step over our heads. Today the problem is we are weak, and therefore 'kaduk naik junjung' (meaning a plant that normally grows on the ground that suddenly creeps up on the tree for support decided to stay on growing on high places instead).

The Bagan Pinang by-election is not a measure for us to say that the BN has won the hearts of the Chinese and the Indians. There are many other factors that we need to study. Do not be too complacent for we might lose eventually. What is important now is to find a solution to establish a unity government. How to integrate both UMNO and PAS, for the strength of the Malays depends on these two political parties.

Put a side PKR for the time being. In fact this party is not strong if PAS is not with them. Although it is spearheaded by the Malays, however, the Malays will still be at a loss because the ultra kiasu group is with them. Look at what happened in Selangor. Have Islam and PAS ever benefited from that alliance? I am confident should PAS switch direction, the alliance will fell and they will eventually lose in all the places they contest.

I still can predict that the Malays in PKR will return to UMNO in the future as we have seen many cross over had occurred. Today they are avenging themselves because the ultra kiasu are with them. The question is whether Islam and Malay will be protected even if the Malays rule? The answer is the Malays will still lose in Selangor. In other words, wherever the Malays rule, they will eventually lose because they divorce 'talak tiga' and they cannot even unite in silence.

I seldom came across any bad incidents in clashes between the candidates of the Chinese party with the ultra kiasu party in the by-elections or general elections; compared with the clashes that occurred among the Malay political parties. We often heard there were head injuries, bottles/stones throwing and many more. In fact, we are divided externally and internally, and willing to break our brotherhood relationship. We are still far from uniting in silence. This is the fate of the Malays in the Malay land.

Recognising the Enemy in Camouflage

2009-10-11T02:58:00.011+08:00

(Mingguan Malaysia, 11 October)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia

It is fine with me that all my descendants and ancestors and me were condemned. I have an inbuilt resistance already. However, sometimes my siblings and relatives who were not involved with my writings were affected instead. They were 'attacked' by this ultra kiasu group with all kinds of accusations. My grandparents and parents were blamed for not educating me well to be Chinese, uncaring the descendants, more Malay than the Malays, traitor to the race and all sorts of accusations that were beyond unacceptable.

I have no difficulties with this ultra kiasu group for I understand perfectly their characters as we are from the same kind. I stand on the principle to be brave enough to tell the truth and to fear of telling lies. Even to face my own family members. I don't care because they do not understand. Let alone to understand Islam as a way of life. Never assume that life is simple. The struggle to defend the truth is very challenging. Anyway, it is reassuring enough that Allah SWT is always with the truth seeker. Therefore, always put Allah priority above everything else.

After embracing Islam, I studied and was taught that in the event of a clash between the interests of Islam with other interests including the interests of the race, ancestors and so forth, then the interests of Muslims must be given the priority. A never will always be a never. Similarly a clash between the interests of the ummah and self interest, then preferences will be the ummah. This is because the ummah interest has great implications on Islam as a whole. These rights belong to Allah SWT, the eternal one. Other interest is only temporary for the world is only a temporary place for us to live.

Therefore, I cannot agree with my own race that stated property can be replaced but language, ethnicity, identity and ancestral heritage must be preserved. There is no compulsion and must be defended at all cost whenever they are being threatened. Is that correct? What I do understand is that self-interest, ethnicity, political parties and ancestors should be ignored when encountered with the interests of Allah SWT. Similarly, human rights should be ignored when encountered with the interests of Allah SWT.

In other words, whatever interests when faced with Allah's interest, then we should forget the rest as they are not permanent being temporary in nature. This does not mean we should ignore everything around us. What is the use of being noble in this world, in the eyes of others, but instead was despised by Allah SWT. We should understand this matter as well as the ultra kiasu group.

The best is being noble both in this world and with Allah. If there are no other choices, then let it be less noble in this world but be noble with Allah. This is my faith as a humble person that had accepted Islam. I am not sure how others will perceive.

In my writings, I only want the Muslims to realize that others have long been advancing themselves and became powerful and therefore it's hard for us to pursue. Do we want to continue to be left behind? See how others are taking care of their interests. They have reached the clouds, while we are busy quarrelling among ourselves. We are always divided in politics and the least we should be united in other things. Instead, we continue to split in other things as well.

The latest issue was on the caning punishment of Kartika Dewi Shukarno. I am impressed and respected her family and herself for accepting the punishment who requested that the caning punishments to be implemented. The question whether the sentence is appropriate or not is another issue. Essentially, the highest legal institution has decided. Honor that decision. Why are the Muslims among themselves that are not being punished nor involve in the punishment became so involved in this case? Have we not realized that people are shouting with joy because they do not have to speak as we have indirectly been representing them?

Kiasu

Those ultra kiasu do not have to interfere nor question the sharia's court decisions because we ourselves have enemies in camouflage. We among ourselves cannot even agree on a basic issue relating to religion and our own affairs which has been our flesh and blood. Imagine how are we coping with other issues?

I have never heard of non-Muslims going against the decision of Buddhist monks, Hindu or their priests on their religious actions even though they are sometimes quite extreme. For example, issue on covering 'aurat'. For those who do not want to cover their 'aurat', it is better to be silent. There is no need to criticize those who wants to cover their 'aurat' or those turning a new leaf (depending on their intention). Don't tease them nor criticize them.

I have never heard of my own race criticizing the clothing of Buddhist monks, Hindu or Christian priests which are well covered as Islam. There are monks who are willing to have their head bald (whether male or female), walking around without slippers and others in accordance with the teachings of their religion to deliver their religious duties. I noticed that they are being honored in the public or when they go from house to house. They are being welcome and charity or alms are given to them. Their arrival is considered to bring sustenance and good luck to the host. In other words, the non-Muslim honor their religious leaders, even they look to be extreme.

Why are we not 'acting' like them? Be united to defend the teachings of the ancestors. Be silently united even though from the external it looks as if it is divided. Today, let's ignore about silently united as we are divided internally and externally. We intentionally hang our dirty linings in the open. We adhere to the human rights more than the rights of Allah. Unfortunately, we opposed the good and silent the bad. Those sentenced drinking alcohol are opposed, those who drink alcohol are not opposed. Those not covering their 'aurat' revealing what not to be seen and should be hidden (being sexy), were not ask to cover up, but for those who really cover up were instead teased, "why are you covering up!" What is so derogatory when words like this being hurled up, "no use covering up if your heart is not sincere, closed behavior is worst then not covering up, therefore better don't cover up".

Remember, we are just ordinary people. It is not necessarily for those who try to practice their religion, their morals are better than those who do not, although that is what should happen. We need to distinguish between the human rights with the rights of Allah. There are those following the teachings of religion, but when they are being tested, eventually strayed away. There are also people who do not have the least desire to follow the religious teachings or the teachings of Allah, but yet they only see the good, reflecting as if those not practicing are better.

Therefore, my question is whether those who do not practice are better than those who actually practice? What if an imam or monk or priest was involved in a rape case, can we conclude that it is useless to have faith in the teachings of God? Why should we blame the teachings of God in this matter rather than ourselves who has corrupted the human faith? This is the ultra kiasu attitude that can corrupt the human faith. Thus, emphasizing human rights over the rights of the Creator. Besides, debate on the issue to strengthen a wet thread. Portraying as if the people do not need religion for it restrict the human rights.

If that's the case, there is no need to build so many places of worship until building at places which are not suitable. If the presence of God is not necessary, there is no need to have faith. It is better to follow our passions based on human rights. Do whatever you like even though it is prohibited by God's teachings such as drinking, gambling, casino, fooling around, adultery and so forth. Perhaps those who are against the punishment on Kartika will agree with these prohibitions? Is the existence of religion itself is viewed as a threat to restrict the freedom of human rights?

Priortising GOD to Ancestors

2009-10-04T03:24:00.024+08:00

(Mingguan Malaysia, 4 October)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia

I feel sympathized with the leader who is the head of an Islamic party and also a state executive councilor (exco) in Selangor. What was so unfortunate was that the exco had to deal with its own people in the party, who had asked him to resign. If the ultra kiasu party wants to follow the rule of Umar Abdul Aziz style, then the exco action should be acknowledged. The exco is entitled to criticize and issued a statement questioning the procedure of the Select Committee on Competence, Accountability and Transparency (Selcat) which handled the case involving the public administrators.

This show that the ultra kiasu party is not opened to views and criticism which is contrary to the governance style of Caliph Umar. Previously they were known to be so vocal in criticizing. They find faults with others. Now, when it is their turn to be criticized, they considered themselves to be correct and others as wrong. It is very clear that this party is very ultra kiasu and do not want to lose nor admit their own faults, but instead can still shout with joy for there are Malays who are still with them and supported them.

For the readers' information, Umar Abdul Aziz was known to welcome any differences of opinions. The Caliph was very open to anyone who criticized his leadership. In this issue, the exco only emphasised that the government officials who were investigated not to be humiliated in public.

Actually this is the leadership style of Caliph Umar. Degrading the pride of individuals in the public are not allowed in Islam. For example, during the reign of Umar bin Abdul Aziz, there was an incident occurred where an individual was accused of spreading news that might lead to defamation. That individual was brought to face the Caliph.

In verifying the news, the Caliph cited the al-Quran verses which means, "O ye who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest ye harm people unwittingly and afterwards become full of repentance for what ye have done." (Al-Hujurat: 6).

This verse was addressed to the unbelievers with the view that they were hypocrites and those in the same category. On hearing the words from Caliph Umar, the man asked for forgiveness from the Caliph and decided not to continue his intention to spread the news.

The Caliph reasoning was very noble, so that it will neither bring harm to the community nor create any misunderstanding. Imagine if the action by those foxes in the sheep clothing using the Caliph Umar leadership style going out to avenge on those who they are not happy to be with?

It appears in this issue; Caliph Umar had made every possible consideration even if the news were true, or if the news or allegations were false or untrue itself. Does this ultra kiasu group have this characteristic? Just imagine if in this era where information and news materials can be traded for the sake of pursuing materialism, wealth and promotions, regardless of whether the information are correct or wrong. Most important, revenge is sweet.

Today, we are very sad, because for the sake of pursuing wealth and promotions, the Muslims forget to maintain the relationship of Islamic brotherhood and human relations. Rasulullah SAW has mentioned the strong bond among the believers. The mutual care and love can be illustrated that when one limb is in pain, then the whole body will feel that pain. Does this feelings still existing among the Muslims? If not, imagine the consequences if we put our trust in this foxes in the sheep clothing?

We must remember that the conflicts and battles among the Muslims will only weaken us. Although there are many people who call themselves by the name of Islam and will be angered when they were told to be weak and less Islamic in their faith, but at the same time they are mocking the teachings of Islam and disregard the teachings that they are championing. Not only will they blaspheme themselves which led to sin, but instead they are doing a disservice to Islam and humiliate the Muslims as a whole. They prefer to see the Muslims destroyed because of the attitude to avenge themselves, thus trusting other people more instead of their own people.

Islam allows us to give our views and criticism if the matter touches and towards doing good and honorable or amar makruf nahi mungkar (to invite people to do good and to prevent people from doing bad). This is also the slogan proclaimed by the state ultra kiasu party. I have doubts whether they understood this slogan? Or is it being used to 'melt' us? What we are seeing today is that they are releasing their resentment and avenging themselves by promoting themselves and putting others down. To me, those who want to emulate the Caliph must practice to be fair, and not wicked or hypocrite. They seem to be easily corrupted to make allegations against the people which could bring disaster to the people and country.

The Muslims should be aware that we need to be an example to all mankind. What's more if you want to follow the style of the Caliph Umar. We should be ashamed and embarrassed to ourselves to Allah SWT if we called ourselves Muslims, but did not practice the Islamic teachings. Remember the words of Umar bin Al-Khattab, that we are the people honored by Allah with Islam. If we seek nobleness by means other than the noble way, Allah will damn us. Allah SWT reminded us, "Ye are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah." (Al Imran: 110)

The exemplary pattern rule of Umar Abdul Aziz should be a role model to this ultra kiasu. In fact they never believe in Islam, let alone with those who fight for Islam. I am confident that it will not be easy for the exco to carry out his daily activities as he will always be under the watchful eyes of this ultra kiasu. I also believed that the exco movement is monitored daily because this group is afraid with those who champion for Islam because they themselves are anti-Islamic. The logic is simple; if they do not believe in Islam, how can they believe in the Malays. This is the fate that befalls on the Malays in the land of the Malays in Singapore. Are we still blind to see the fate of the Malay Muslims people over there? What is the difference between the ruling party that rules Singapore with this foxes in sheep clothing?

In the latest issue, a young leader from the alliance associated with this ultra kiasu party, proposed that the Chief Minister's post in the ultra kiasu state to be rotated. Actually, this is not a new issue, because it has long been proposed by the Malay party before this. Spontaneously, a few hours after the issue was raised, the youth wing and chairman of this ultra kiasu party jump on the issue just like a worm in hot weather wriggling around in panic. So kiasu.

What does this wing from the foxes in the sheep clothing said? They blamed their own allies as power crazy. To them, it is not the time yet for the position of the Chief Minister to be rotated. The question is until when? Until resurrection? Can we still remember, before this, a Muslim Malay party cropped up this same issue a couple of times with the reason that they have the majority of seats? Does their request or views being attended by their party affiliation? The answer was no. This is Dutch nature obtaining lands as Jews. What can we learn? Meaning, they do not have two or three, but they only have ONE. ONE is the reason for them to be strong. Because of this ONE that will unite them to defend the rights of the pride of the ancestors. Similarly for the Muslims, Islam is only ONE; we remain one to protect the only ONE, although ONE consists of various races because ONE is not racist but universal. I hope we all understand what I meant.

When I said this, I believed I will be accused again for unable to actually understand this group of people even though I am of the same race with them. I will also be charged guilty to my ancestors. My question, what is the use of preserving the fate of the ancestors if the dignity of religion is being mocked or pawned? Who is more important, the ancestors or Allah? To them probably their ancestors, but to me Allah SWT is everything. Since the ancestors were created by Allah SWT, then I must prostrate to Allah SWT instead of my ancestors. The ancestors will not have me to prostrate, but only to be remembered. Descendants to me are no longer important after meeting the God that has opened my heart to accept Islam. Allahhuakbar!

To those who feel that their descendants are more important than God, then take good care of the descendants. Honor them. Do not commit adultery. Stay away from forbidden relationships. Validate the relationship as husband and wife. Do what is advised, stay away from the forbidden. Abide by the concept of inviting people to do good and preventing people from doing bad. Then the descendant's ancestors' honor will be safeguarded and rest in peace in the grave. Otherwise, the ancestors will revolt because we have actually been treacherous to them. Do not cleverly talk about descendants and ancestors, if we ourselves are treacherous and hypocrites.

Danger of Fox in Sheep's Clothing

2009-09-27T04:21:00.010+08:00

(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?

Malays 'melt' easily when praised

2009-09-20T12:46:00.004+08:00

(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.

Strengthening the national agenda than the agenda of race

2009-09-13T04:44:00.016+08:00

(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.

Issues arise because of ignorance of religion

2009-09-06T09:54:00.002+08:00

(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.

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.

Freeing the Racism Education

2009-08-30T11:59:00.003+08:00

(Mingguan Malaysia, 30 August)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia

Education is one of the important element in the formation of a nation state. The form of education born will determine whether the national agenda is achievable or not. If the shaped of the education system is racist, then racism is the finishing.

So far, only Malaysia is the single country in this world which possess various educations according to race or vernacular. This is what being claimed by certain group as the Malaysian strength. Yes, from one angle it is a strength. But from another angle, we see when the government proposal to unify the education system based on 1Malaysia concept, without denying other people's rights to receive education on their mother's tongue, immediately this group would lodged a police report and accused the government as absurd.

I hereby applauded the attitude of the natives of Sabah and Sarawak as indigenous people, as they do not claim school based on race. Otherwise, I do not know where is the national education heading?

This compromise must be acknowledged. Malay and the natives do not have their own school. What exist is a national school for all. This system has been globally practiced. If there is racism education in the system, it has been destroyed. All form of education is standardized to achieve national goals. For example, Thailand, Indonesia and other developed countries.

We should think ahead although bitterly unacceptable. After 52 years of independence, our education system is still not yet independent but is shackled instead. Every race is still idle in the education system cocoon respectively. Malays still believe on national education system for all, but persist in racism system, the Indian with Indian system and Chinese with Chinese system. Our life in fact is more separated and secluded.

For a start, let me begin with the study that I had been doing on the Chinese education system in particular, being the second largest majority. Generally, Chinese falls into two teams. One group is known as Hua Ch'iao (overseas Chinese) which is of China citizenship. Another was Ma Hua, considering themselves as Malayan Chinese, most born in Malaya consider Malaya as their country.

Wang Gungwu (1970), divided the Malaysian Chinese to three groups namely A, B and C. Group A can be categorized as the minority group compared to the others. They still maintained contacts with the politics in China, either directly or not, and is still concern on China's future. This group is not that dominant as group B or C.

Group B is made up of the stubborn group. Majority behave realistic and indirectly questioned heavily on the business politics and community organization. Most of them are very active in the non-government organizations (NGO).

They have in depth influence with the Chinese community, frequently pressuring the government. This is the ultra kiasu group which I always mentioned. This group is in the education organization (NGO), political and press.

Group C also has great interest in the country's politics. Wang Gungwu categorized them as not very sure of their own identity but loyal to the country generally.

The Gungwu's opinions were also agreed by Rita Sim and F.K. Soong, of the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (INSAP). According to them, there are two types of Chinese group from the overall total of 6.5 millions.

First group, representing 85-90 percent Chinese, with a background of Chinese racism, maintains three principles, joining the Chinese organizations, Chinese educated and read / hear / watch Chinese media. Meanwhile, the remainder representing the second group of 10-15 percent, is the English-speaking group or group which are English educated and are not Chinese educated. Most of them are Christians, Peranakan Chinese and join the Lions club and Rotary.

This categorization is already enough to prove Yew Yeok Kim's studies (1973, 1982) and Leo Suryadinata (1989) on the attitude of getting Chinese education and not Chinese stream. Chinese students which obtains English education (including national education) has less Chinese identity, mix easily with the other races and facilitate the national integration process. On the other hand, those who are Chinese school educated has the opposite attitude.

All these evidence obviously shows the society position and polarization in our country inherited from the current education system all this while. This system had influenced our life currently. Consequently, we have group placing their communal interests ahead of the national interest. The communal language presided the national language.

We take an instance of the Malay language in typical community school. The Malay language was only taught three times a week compared to the Chinese language which was taught daily. This does not include other subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Living Skills, Moral Education, Civics and Local Study which were also taught in the same language. I would like to suggest to the Education Ministry to increase the learning time of the Malay language subject, at least at par with the Chinese language subject. Otherwise, the position of the Malay language as the national language will have no meanings.

I am able to share this point of view because I had experienced a relatively wide interactions with the Chinese school. All my children had their primary education in the Chinese school. Co-incidentally, I was also the President of the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA), in one of the secondary schools with Chinese students majority who came from the Chinese primary schools (SJKC). I was further made to understand on my own race problems, especially the Malay language and educating of the mother's tongue language.

Generally, through experience and observation, the Malay language competence among the Chinese students is low. Therefore, the remove classes were created when they further their education to the secondary level. For those not in the remove classes, does not mean that their mastery of the Malay language is good. The Malay language is considered as a means to sit for examinations compared to the purpose for interactions and understandings as the national language. This is today's national education system dilemma.

Sometimes I am puzzled that which ever ways the government tried to unify the education system without denying the rights of every race, there are still strong oppositions. This oppositions being the prejudices that the government has an agenda to end the Chinese school systematically. This is the form of thinking after 52 years of independence.

Now, the education position of the Chinese has never been threatened but has increased instead, especially its financial position. In the SJKC my child studied, the financial statement for the year ended exceeded RM1 million every year. This shows that the supports indicated by the Chinese on their education as solid and substantial. Meanwhile the national education is increasingly threatened and eroded. Although various effort initiated by the government for a one system school without ruling out the rights of other race to learn the mother's tongue, however it was still being rejected.

In my opinion, if this is the current form of education, we are still not yet independent in the real meaning. Our thinking is still being shackled with racism thinking. Have a 52nd independence day celebrations.

The Threat of Press Racism to Unity

2009-08-23T16:07:00.002+08:00

(Mingguan Malaysia, 23 August)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia

Racial politics in Malaysia, not only merely visible with the existence of political parties based on race, but mass media also play its parts, especially print media like those shown by the Chinese press and magazine. They seem to be untouchable. They will attack to defend themselves against those that is not in the same direction with them.

This is the consequence when we do not enforce the sovereignty position of the Malay language as the national language. Unfortunately, we did not impose any conditions for the racism article to be translated into the Malay language which rightfully to respect its position in the constitution. This opportunity has being taken advantaged to further strengthen their position instead. The end result they lived in the kiasu cocoon and full of racism, instilling hatred to those imagined as threat, such as the fate befallen on me.

Such news usually receive good response and easily believe by their readers. In the latest Nanyang Siang Pau newspaper it has be quoted by several Chinese opinions among which they viewed that the Chinese muslims convert try to get the Malay sympathy by showing off their Islamic ways.

I would like to stress here that a Chinese muslim convert need not do so on the Malays, because the characteristic of the Islamic religion itself has taught the Malays to welcome anyone who embrace Islam, regardless of what their racial background.

The Malays who understand Islam is not that bad as imagined. They have high tolerance. If they can accept the many Chinese who migrated into their Malay environment, to the extend that their position as the indigenous people is being threatened, it is not impossible for them to receive the newly converted Muslim Chinese like us. It is just that I am amazed that why until to this day, it is very hard for the Chinese to accept the Chinese muslim as also a part of them?

This is the Malay-Muslim nature which I praise greatly. They are not like some other ultra kiasu party. I do not require any sympathy to write something about the truth. Let alone to be paid by UMNO as claimed by the Chinese press.

A person's dignity is decided by its faith and piety, not by race nor by the skin colour. This is the nobility of Islam as a whole which is also totally against any racism. Therefore, it is never difficult for the Malays to accept others, compared to those who are living in the kiasu cocoon, especially the press which like to condemn and defame other people.

If my argumentation or facts are wrong, let's correct them by arguing intellectually with facts, instead of condemning and instilling hatred feelings. The later action is very unprofessional.

Before I go further, allow me to slide the press history on racism a little bit. In fact the numbers of the Chinese dailies outnumbered the Malay dailies in this Malay land. This is the Malay fate in the Malay land. Its own language as the national language is lost in its own land. Language of others control the press and the mass media field, until the national language is put aside. Much more unfortunate, generally the Malays could not understand what are the news being reported by the racist dailies. Meanwhile, the Malay newspapers can be considered as unread by the non-Malays at all.

If surveyed from beginning to this day, these newspapers reports have never changed. Reports were racism and kiasu. This sentiments has always been played to achieve the supports from their own race. In this way, the press manage to sustain and stays profitable. Their thinking has never changed, especially on government issues and policies which are more in favor to the Malays like those that had been embodied in the constitution.

This is the popular culture frequently used to increase Chinese spirits and sentiments. This fact have been admitted before by Parti Gerakan Advisor, Lim Keng Yaik who said that the press in Malaysia only champion their race only. Chinese press with Chinese sentiments, while the Malay newspapers with Malay sentiments. Keng Yaik said that this style of reporting will not result a Malaysian race.

My question, can we create a Malaysian race, if another language press is more dominating than the national language press? Malay language newspaper can be considered as unread and not bought by the ethnic Chinese society, except by those in Sin Chew, Nanyang Siang Pau, China Press and the other Chinese press. The reasons are no other than to seek out any sensation news to be republished as more sensationalized so to become more kiasu.

Although sometimes the Malay press such as Utusan Malaysia relays and write news that augurs racism, the fact is they are being transparent. That language of the newspaper is understandable by all Malaysian citizen, including those in the Chinese press sector. However, what about the other language press? What is being reported is not accessible to the Malays.

Racism

I am confident, if the Malays understand Mandarin, they would be shocked with the reports by this racist newspaper. Therefore, this racist press should be compelled to translate their reports into Malay as insertions to be understood by all races so that there will not be any prejudices arises. The position of the Malay language as written in the constitution must be respected and complied.

According to A.F. Yasin (1986), the non-Malay press history in Malaya in particular the Chinese language newspaper, English and Tamil, does not seem to reflect nationalism, but more emphasizing their own cluster.

Since beginning, these newspapers were ignoring matters related to Malaya the country that they were operating from, but more towards racial issues only. Non-Malay press were more prone on its readers, and prejudices or ‘attacking' on the Malay race, emphasizing with a tendency to incline towards their origin country. English newspapers incline towards colonist and Europe, while Chinese press on the battle field of ideologies in mainland China.

During that time, many of this Chinese press activist were imported specially from Hong Kong and China. His study also indicated that historically the Chinese voice always in contrast with the Malay voice. The early history of the Chinese press originated at the end of the 19th century reporting efforts of immigrants and traders in related Chinese economy newscasts involving in business and trade. Starting with The Chinese Monthly Magazine press produced in 6 August 1815.

In the year 1881, born the first Chinese daily Lat Pau (1881 1932), taking the Chinese press format and form in China and Hong Kong. Lat Pau predominates the influence on the Chinese because the news coverage defend the interest of the Chinese people and newscasts the state of China.

Lat Pau was short lived because of strong rival from Nanyang Siang Pau and Sin Chew Daily. Between other newspapers that cannot endure as long as Lat Pau was Thien Nan Shih Pao (1898 1905), Jit Shin Pao (1899 1901) and Theo Lam Jit Poh (1904 1905). The Chinese press that sustained until to this day is Sin Chew Daily (15 January 1929) and Nanyang Siang Pau (6 September 1923) are fully owned by businessman and Chinese political.

Meanwhile the China Press press is a Chinese racist press that was inspired by HS Lee in year 1 February 1946. This press have been banned once before by the court, especially after 13 May 1969 incident. This press emits racism. For information, in fact, this press is well-received from the Chinese community compared to the other newspapers because of the courageous to report any issues including touching the Malay and Islamic sensitive issues. This press is produced twice-a-day. I am puzzled, why China Press do not use the name Chinese Press.

What is their intention to use China? I think China Press can only provide this answer.

Yet, the issues being struggled remains the same, does not vary much. For example, education matters, economy, Malay sovereignty (native) were among the issues continued to be debated until to the climax in year 1987. The researches conclusion on the studies of Chinese press history indicated that newspapers based on ethnic backgrounds have never run away from racial sentiments and kiasu. They frequently ‘attack' the Malay and Islamic people.

I still remembered when the 57th UMNO General Assembly (13-17 November) news were reported in the Chinese press. It was undeniable, racial issues were played out by UMNO. Newspapers dominated by Chinese further manipulated the racial issues being discussed until raising fear to the Chinese community itself. The previous UMNO President was forced to intervene by giving warning to the several Chinese press not to play racial sentiments after several UMNO delegates brought up the sensitive issues which worried some non-Malay communities.

According to him, UMNO can speak of ‘Malay agenda', MCA also can speak of Chinese Agenda, similarly with MIC on Indian Agenda. What is important is the National Agenda. My question, how can National Agenda reach to the grass roots if we continue to be in the racism cluster and kiasu?

Obviously the perceptions of the Chinese community become increasingly serious when racism media continue exaggerating (sensationalize) popular issues connecting the Islamic religion and privilege status of the Malay race which had been embodied in the constitution. This issue is used arbitrary without thinking of the consequences. Issues that are against them will be fought without any reservation. However, issues siding them, they will on their part kept quiet.

As a result, various unhealthy perceptions emerge. Perceptions like this will distant ethnic relations.

Accused guilty to the ancestor

2009-08-17T03:05:00.002+08:00

Accused guilty to the ancestor
(Mingguan Malaysia, 16 August)
Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia

I continued to be criticized greatly by every Chinese press each day manipulating my writings to attract sympathy. As if already there is no other news for them to report. What is more distressing is that the Chinese and English websites also followed sued with drumming the rhythm started by this racist press. I was condemned and was deeply criticized with offensive words to an unimaginable extend that one would not believe that such a creature exist in this modern world.

I was also being accused as a traitor in my own race. I want to ask, what is the meaning of traitor? Who is a traitor? Traitors are those who wish to legalise ways to achieve evil objectives and cater to their greedy lust. Willing to insult the teachings of the religion and their own race by defending what is evil. Bringing down people's dignity by legalise the illegal and ban the legal. That is in fact a traitor with its own race. They are view as very low moral in the eye of the Almighty God.

I want ask to Mingguan Malaysia readers, should I file a summon against these newspapers? If I should, please provide your comments in my blog site, ridhuantee.blogspot.com. Do we need to teach them a lesson?

I hope after that they will become more civilized and humble in writing news as contained in The Country's Rukun Negara. I think, the purpose of the press, especially China Press, defamed me could be to hide their weakness.

I believe it is also to protect a particular person personal interest and certain political parties especially DAP, which just started getting a little power has started revealing true colours. I urge the Home Ministry to read and evaluate the news and articles of this kiasu press for instead of attacking the article I wrote, the attack turn out to be personal on me and further inculcated hatred of the Chinese people against me. This press merely interested about their sales without considering the consequences that may resulted from their actions.

In fact the issue is about legalizing an illegitimate child or a bastard. Is it wrong if I view from the religion perspective? I refer to all illegitimate child and by this event include the deceased. I was criticized as insensitive to the late family and I was accused to make a cardinal sin to my ancestors and all my family roots. All my family roots were alleged to be angry and their bones rattles in the grave for giving birth to a person like me.

I accept this attack with a heavy heart, sad and degraded, although too bitter to accept because I am also a human. I have emotions and feelings. The Chinese press (China Press, Nanyang Siang Pau) deliberately published my picture in the front page with an evil intention to smear my reputation so that I will be hated by the Chinese people.

My question is why are they not translating my article as a whole and published into the newspapers for the readers to judge? Let the readers evaluate impartially. Not taking some of my article and manipulated. I think the situation will be different if the Chinese people read the whole article that I wrote in Mingguan Malaysia instead of the twisted and the additional spin off provided by them.

I seek Allah SWT to give me strength to face such challenges. As a person living in a democratic country, I cannot avoid if they want to insult or spit at me, only one thing that really matters, do not insult the religion of Islam that I professed. I live and die because of Islam. Islam is too dignified and holy. I do not mind being disgraced by my own race, as long as I am not disgrace by Allah SWT, InsyaAllah.

I would like to emphasize that as a follower of the Islamic religion, I was taught to respect other religions. Hence, I will not criticize other religion even though I have left the teachings or the religion. I always see the good in the teachings of other religions, with the purpose that we return to the teachings of our respective religions. Without religion, who are we today.

Let us realize that our present nobility are because of religion, which also include those in China Press.

China Press deliberately inculcated hatred in the Chinese people towards me. My article was manipulated maliciously. I am not sure whether their editor understand the Malay language. When I say some of the Chinese viz referring to DAP attitude of ultra kiasu, China Press translates as all Chinese.

Frankly, I had never deny altogether Chinese are good and has contributed to the development in this country. Only, I wish to remind this press to learn to translate properly. We have achieved 52 years of independence. The Malay language as the national language need to be understood and to be treated as the common language. Otherwise, we would be living in a kiasu cocoon.

This is the consequence when we were separated since small through the different education systems and the Malay language as national language was not enforced. Consequently, our good faith is misunderstood or may have been deliberately misunderstood. If Utusan Melayu press is said to be the UMNO official press organ, then what is China Press and those associate with it are whose official press? This is the question we should also ask.

I would like to suggest to the Government that this racist newspapers be compelled to translate their press into the Malay language as insertion. This is aimed so that the Malays can also read and understand how well is their intention in news reporting and written articles, beside providing respect to the Malay language as the national language. Do not always accuse other people of wrong doing. Are we that perfect until cannot be reprimanded?

The followings is the issue that I meant, "Alhamdulillah, with this event and article, I understand the ultra nature kiasu of my race which I have been studying all this while. I just realized that there are some hypocrite in my race. They have not been thankful instead are very afraid to lose and always want to win (kiasu). Fact and truth being misled to obtain sympathy and hidden political agenda." (Weekly Malaysia 9 August).

Does the China Press journalist understand what is the meaning of some in this case? Some means a small part, not all. But China Press translated it to all. May be the China Press editor may recommend that the journalist or together with the editor to attend the Malay language course.

Am I guilty to reprimand a wrong that is already banned by other religion? Is it a sin to speak the truth? Are those who practice the prohibited such as committing adultery considered to be innocent to their parents and ancestors? Do we want to allow all indecent behavior in the name of democracy? If that is the situation, there is no need to have laws or rule of law? Study the noble teachings of each respective religion. Remember, if you have one finger pointing at me, you have got the other four pointing back at you.

Did not China Press realizes that sometimes those who are pregnant out of wedlock resolved by abortion. There were also some who chose to commit suicide. Some were forced marriage because of pregnancy. If pregnancy can be avoided, then free sex and adultery will continue. Do we want to legalise what is not legal? Will this be an abuse to all the women? Imagine if this is happening to our sisters.

Therefore, in this case the teachings of the religion has a role in the rule of law. Is it not better to legally married before starting to have a relationship as a husband and wife? Is it not the best way? Why must the women be abused? I want to ask, is my statement wrong? I am eager to know and hear, does free sex or extra-marital sex allowed by other religion? Do not ask my opinion.

What has happened is a lesson. I wish to advise all parents to take good care of their children. We may not know what would happen in the future. What is important is that we should refrain from doing what is forbidden and prohibited by God which include drinking liquor, because it is also prohibited by all religion. Fear God, and do not be afraid if we are in the correct path.

We should also not be afraid if we are not from the ultra kiasu group. However, by seeing some of their reactions, it is definite that they are very ultra kiasu. Whose heart is not hurt when seeing their reaction when requested to wear the songkok on the parliament openings before the sultan? This ultra kiasu group deny wearing the songkok as a head dress because they do not want to be assimilated as Malays. Only to use songkok during two hours has been regarded they 'diMelayukan'. Compared to our Malay leaders eating using chop sticks, wearing Chinese traditional costume, stir yee sang during Chinese New Year etc.

When the Malays are acculturated in that way, they said this is the spirit of one Malaysia. When they were ordered to wear the songkok as head dress and Malay costume during official function, we were instead being accused as denying the non-Malay rights or trying assimilate them. What an enormity of contradiction and gap?

Danger When The Ends Justify The Means

2009-08-17T02:29:00.000+08:00

Danger When The Ends Justify The Means (Weekly Malaysia 09.08.09)

Dr. Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, National Defence University Malaysia

Again my article inside Mingguan Malaysia is getting serious attention from the Chinese newspapers such as China Press, Sin Chew, Nanyang Siang Pau and a few opposition's websites. This time they take some particular section with a hidden purpose to publish in front page as lead story (Nanyang Siang Pau).

Several issues were manipulated to attract sympathy. Thank you I may say. Luckily I did not pay attention to their phone calls. Otherwise, I do not know, what else my statement will be distorted.

They asked whether I was paid by Utusan Melayu or UMNO to write this article. I answered no. I have answered in my article last week. I am not sure whether they understand or not as my writing is in the Malay language. This writing and idea emanate from the heart of a humble Chinese subject, desiring to create awareness in the Muslims, especially in their current position.

Unfortunately, just because my article was published in Mingguan Malaysia, the anger was so intense with unbearable emotions. I was charged as an informer of UMNO. This third class mentality that follows is due to bigotry. These comments indicated immaturity and only displayed stupidity on oneself. This group is ungrateful and ultra kiasu and is ignorant.

They asked me to apologise to the late family which I replied I do not need to do so. If they understand the Malay language, I do not see my articles has any malicious intention to the late family, except the ill intention from the Chinese press, DAP and that deliberated websites that twisted this issue into racism to seek out sympathy and cheap publicity. Who supposed to be asking for forgiveness, I or the press and the deliberated racist website?

I was accused as not clever in writing by Nanyang Siang Pau newspaper. Hence, I request the Nanyang Siang Pau editor to provide me coaching. I also want to know how clever these Chinese newspapers write the news and article to take care of the interest of all races.

Alhamdulillah, with this event and article, I understand the ultra nature kiasu of my race which I have been studying all this while. I just realized that there are some hypocrite in my race. They have not been thankful instead are very afraid to lose and always want to win (kiasu). Fact and truth being misled to obtain sympathy and hidden political agenda.

This culture have beset their thinking even though we are already independent for 52 years. Their thinking are still not independent, still confined by bigotry on race. They accused UMNO racist, which what they do not lack of, too.

They are clever to politicize. They capitalize on Malay weakness and disunity. If Malay-Muslim are united, I am sure, they will not be bold as this. Their courage is caused by a few Malays that are with them. They became big-headed because of this.

I am willing to become unpopular in my own society, but get up my dear followers, do not again be fooled by those cunning games. I have to speak because the Malay / Islamic people dare not speak out due to the fear of losing political power. I am willing to be condemned by my own race, but I am not willing to see the Muslims lost in their own land.

Our struggle is never ending as long as we are still alive. My dear readers, value the ideas given. Do not just because of this article published in Mingguan Malaysia, we are blinded on its sincere values. I am not a ghost writer for UMNO nor Mingguan Malaysia. I am very sincere in my writings and has no direct intention to hurt whichever party nor the departed. I take full responsibility on what I have written.

I wish to remind that don't be the plant that normally grows on the ground that suddenly creeps up on the tree for support decided to stay on growing on high places instead. Look after the feelings of everyone especially the feelings of the Islamic person (Malay) which had been compromising with us all this while. There are many who faced the same problems such as what were currently happening. Do we want this case to be a ‘precedent', which will allow all indecent behavior after this?

Are we aware that how many illegitimate child were born from unregistered relationship? Do you want this to be our culture? What is the purpose of marriage? What is the purpose of creating laws, family act, marriage act, wedding divorce act etc? If this indecent action is allowed then there is no need to have all this law and act? Is this not the rule of law?

I was accused for inputting religious elements in this issue. Is it not that religious elements do become a part of rule of law? They said that this country should be managed by the rule of law. My issue, this law and act existed because of rule of law. Why do we have a National Registration Department if married life required no registration? Please refer to the National Registration Department law, family division, marriage, wedding and divorce. Please read wedding act and divorce 1976 and birth and death act 1975.

To know further on this issue which is considered sensitive and also the rule of law, go to http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/marriage.html. As for the meaning of legitimate child and the status of illegitimate child, refer to National Law Axt 60 Legitimacy Act 1961, and also the National Registration Department, http://www.jpn.gov.my/BI/4_2_kelahiran.php.

Look also at http://www.thefreedictionary.com/illegitimate+child.. Read also Non-Muslim Family Law in, http://www.reunite.org/edit/files/Islamic%20Resource/Malaysia%20text.pdf.

Whereas on the guardianship rights on the aspect of illegitimate children, please refer http://www.johorebar.org.my / CustodyGuardianship.html. Is this the rule of Law? I only gave a few religious views which became the rule of lawand thus I was accused as old-fashioned and an extremist.

The same case happened in Penang and Shah Alam. In Selangor recently, when those who championed the Islamic law in their own state, was accused by DAP as an extremist. The Islamic Congregation of Malaysia (Jim), a moderate Islamic organization, was labeled by Jelutung DAP Member of Parliament, Jeff Ooi as an extremist. Meanwhile the Shah Alam City Council enforcement officer's action (MBSA) seizing liquors sold in the business premises in Shah Alam, viz areas with Muslim majority, was blocked by Ronnie Liu, the Selangor Government Exco.

I still remembered Tunku Abdul Rahman's message on his view on Bandaraya Shah Alam. Tunku have advised that Shah Alam must be free from liquor and night club. If others who want to do this illegal act, they can go to Kuala Lumpur, drink liquor and visit the night club until unconscious for perhaps their religion allow so. If it is destined Buddha and Jesus Christ survive to this day, this DAP extremism actions would have been cursed and condemned.

Since winning many seats in the 12th PRU, the DAP became more obnoxious and rude by interfering in the Islamic religious affairs which is the national religion. What authority has this extremist political party to interfere in the state Islamic law and Islamic affairs law? Did they not realise that Malaysia has been proclaimed as an Islamic State although they objected previously?

DAP action has hurt many Muslims. I also want to see whether the Chinese newspapers would display this news in the front page and press DAP to apologise to all Muslims like those urging me on the article I wrote? If they can stirred up daily on the article that I wrote, the same should be done by this ultra kiasu press. DAP action has already challenged the sanctity position and sovereignty of the Islamic religion written in the constitution. DAP action is not only insensitive, but insulting and degrading the dignity of Islamic religion.

The question here is, would they apologise? Would the Pemuda DAP or DAPSY issue the same kind of statement which was issued to me to apologise? As I had stated, when I wrote matters siding the Malay Muslim, I was accused as insensitive and forced to apologise. Is DAP very sensitive? That is why I say Malay fate in the Malay earth. When issue relating ethnic Chinese, the Chinese newspapers will sensationalize the said issue, however, when it is about Islamic, quiet desolate and considered not important.

Hence, I ask the Chinese political parties and the Chinese newspapers to force Jeff Ooi and Ronnie Liu to apologize openly to the Muslims. Matters about Islamic must not be taken lightly. Moreover, the objective to legalise such methodology. ISA is very relevant for such people.

DAP attempts to attract the Chinese attention to legalise liquor which was banned by Buddha, which has now been their drinking culture, just like extra marital sexual relations. While PAS put their stand on banning liquor as mentioned in the al-Quran, PKR have not yet made a decision because they have to please both parties in the opposition just to maintain their existence.

I wish to remind PAS to be careful with DAP and those party associating with it. DAP is already a well-known party with ultra kiasu attitude since his establishment after PAP. They want this country to be a secular state, without Islamic nor Malay identity. Any attempts to Islamise or Malayanise this country's identity would be opposed. In fact Karpal have even said before that to step over his dead body if PAS ever intends to maintain an Islamic State.

I hope PAS will restudy their partnership with this extreme group. Better befriend and preach with UMNO with the agenda to strengthen the Muslims as a whole and the ummah. Let DAP associates with those who wish to legalise methodology. I congratulate PAS for daring to voice and defend what is right. Remember, DAP has since before never agreed on Islam.

Now it has been proven, the cooperation such as sleeping on the same pillow but having different dreams. Much more unfortunate, their dream mutually scratch and prejudiced. I am asking the DAP and Chinese overall, which religion do not forbid liquor? What I have learned is that every religion is against liquor. Therefore, how do you justify a methodology?

DAP needs to be reminded that they would not have win many seats in the 12th PRU without the Malay supports. Hence, do not be arrogant. Have you ever heard DAP apologise when they pique other people due to their talkativeness and rudeness? Certainly not. But when arrived at other people's turn like me, they scream for the Muslims to apologise. Similarly with other Chinese political party such as MCA and Gerakan.

DAP and the Chinese should remember that the Malay is inseparable with Islam. The Islamic religion and Malay are liken as blood with meat. In brief, every human needs religion because religion came from God. Like it or not we shall end with religion finally. Otherwise, there is no necessary to have funeral rites according to religion.

Furthermore, death can happen at any age. Death can come all of a sudden, no matter old or young. Only we are told to be ready to die. The purpose is for us to make the necessary preparations, including for those that we leave behind so that they will not suffer on our demise. Therefore, we have to practice what is best all the time.

Instead, we always argue to maintain what is not right. For example, what is so wrong if we practice cohabiting before marriage, as long as we believe we are responsible?

My concerned, how if after that, John Doe make a decision not to take responsibility or leave the girlfriend all of a sudden? Some merely manage to marry for 10 days and then divorce. Who will be victimized? Of course the woman. Therefore the rule of law will always protect the fate of the woman.

I have a few Chinese and Malay acquaintance who has made a blunder because of this sex before marriage. To make matter worst, the boyfriend just left. Now, what would happen with this unborn child?