2 Reminders and Media Statement

Just a reminder for 2 events and a Media Statement from Doctor Lo'lo'.

First, the Pesta Buku Selangor has begun at the PKNS Complex in Shah Alam. It was officiated earlier today by Puan Mastura, and end on August 3, 2009. For more info, please click here.

On a more serious note - not that the above is not - the Anti-ISA March this August 1, 2009; kindly refer here. Anyone who would like to read in depth the suffering of not only of those who are being held illegally by the stooges of BN, but also the suffering of the families who are left to fend for themselves and not knowing when the father of their children would be realsed, please read Puan Norlaila's account here.

It is interesting to note that a group calling themselves Pewaris and very much pro-ISA, have announced to march at exactly the same time and date mentioned. However, I do wonder if they - those so called supporters of ISA - know what they are getting themselves into, or what their real stand is. Clearly to me, they are there as provocation and nothing else, remembering the blundring oaf of a former Minister who is famous for his stammers and 'erection' (instead of election), who mentioned on live international TV "What if we, we, also march at the same time. C...can you imagine what would happen?" He was referring to the BERSIH March, which is famous to justice-seeking citizens of Malaysia, but infamous to the clowns who wants to keep Malaysia in their tight grips.

And what have the Police to say about this now? Nothing, not a single word! Perhaps they want to wait for a bloodbath to happen before joining in, on Prowaris side, undoubtedly. But enough of that.
With regards to model who has been sentenced to be caned by the Syariah Court in Kuantan, kindly read Doctor Lo'lo's Media Statement as below:

Kenyataan YB Dr. Lo’lo’ isu hukuman sebat ke atas pesalah minum arak untuk membetulkan kenyataan media.

Dari YB Titiwangsa, Doctor Lo'Lo',

Artikel Themalaysianinsider.com bertarikh 23/07/2009 dengan tajuk-tajuk berikut “Outrage Over Caning For Model” dan “Syariah Lawyers Association Regrets Shahrizat’s Statement On Whipping Of Model” adalah dirujuk. Di dalam kedua-dua artikel tersebut ada menyiarkan seperti berikut :

a) Titiwangsa MP Lo'lo Mohd Ghazali, who is also head of the women's wing of the opposition PAS, said that punishment should educate and not cause hurt.
b) Shahrizat said she was shocked by the Syariah Court decision and called for a fair and just punishment.

Meanwhile, Dr Lo'lo was surprised that whipping of women was sanctioned by the Malaysian syariah law adding punishment should be educational, and not to cause hurt.


Petang semalam saya telah dihubungi oleh wartawan meminta saya memberi sedikit komen berkaitan hukuman oleh Mahkamah Syariah Kuantan yang menjatuhkan hukuman sebat terhadap seorang model sambilan atas kesalahn meminum arak. Saya telah memberikan komen saya dengan sucihati megikut pengetahuan saya berkaitan hukuman dan realiti masyarakat Malaysia. Malangnya terdapat pihak-pihak yang melihat kenyataan di akhbar dari konteks yang lain.

Pertama, saya terkejut dengan hukuman yang dijatuhkan oleh Mahkamah Syariah Kuantan ke atas model tersebut. Memang saya terkejut kerana ada juga Mahkamah Syariah di Malaysia yang berupaya menghukum pesalah dengan hukuman sebegitu walaupun peruntukkan tersebut telah lama ada. Tetapi baru sekarang hukuman sebegitu dijatuhkan bagi pesalah kesalahan tersebut. Saya amat bersetuju dengan hukuman tersebut kerana sekurang-kurangnya hukuman tersebut begitu hampir dengan hukuman Hudud.

Di dalam Hudud, hukuman bagi pesalah minum arak adalah 40 kali sebatan malah ada ulamak yang mengatakan sehingga 80 kali sebatan. Sebelum ini tiada Mahkamah yang menjatuhkan hukuman sebegitu walau pun Mahkamah Syariah sepatutnya menghukum mengikut hukuman Allah tetapi di Malaysia ini hukuman yang dikenakan tidak seperti yang ditetapkan Allah dalam Al-Quran dan Sunnah Rasulullah S.A.W.

Apabila Mahkamah Syariah Kuantan menjatuhkan hukuman sebat ke atas model tersebut, ini membuatkan saya terkejut. Bukan terkejut kerana hukuman tetapi terkejut kerana keberanian Hakim Mahkamah Syariah tersebut. Syabas kepada beliau.

Kedua, saya mengatakan sebarang bentuk hukuman yang dikenakan samada denda, sebatan atau penjara, semuanya hendaklah dalam bentuk untuk memberi pengajaran kepada pesalah, bukannya untuk mendera atau menyebabkan kecederaan kepada pesalah. Hukuman di dalam Islam adalah untuk memberikan pengajaran kepada pesalah dan khalayak supaya menginsafi perbuatan itu.

Di dalam kes ini, saya berpendapat masyarakat umumnya masih tidak memahami kaedah bagaimana sebatan ke atas pesalah dilakukan. Adakah ianya dilakukan sama seperti pesalah-pesalah jenayah lain di dalam undang-undang jenayah sivil. Masyarakat umum mengetahui bagaimana hukuman sebat dilakukan ke atas pesalah jenayah sivil seperti di dalam kes pengedaran dadah, merogol, meliwat dan sebagainya.

Adakah hukuman sebat di Mahkamah Syariah dilakukan dengan kaedah yang sama? Inilah kebimbangan yang saya sebutkan kepada wartawan tersebut bimbang hukuman sebat ini dianggap sebagai hukuman Mahkamah Sivil sehingga memberi tanggapan buruk kepada Mahkamah Syariah, lebih-lebih lagi yang dihukum seorang wanita. Ini yang perlu diperjelaskan. Inilah maksud saya bila saya mengatakan hukuman sepatutnya untuk tujuan pengajaran, bukan untuk mendatangkan kecederaan. Saya merujuk kepada "Titiwangsa MP Lo'lo Mohd Ghazali, who is also head of the women's wing of the opposition PAS, said that punishment should educate and not cause hurt."

Artikel ini dengan jelas tidak tepat kerana saya bukan Ketua Muslimat PAS seperti yang didakwa. Justeru saya mengharapkan agar tiada pihak yang sewenang-wenangnya mempercayai sebarang tulisan di akhbar sebelum mendapat maklumat secukupnya. Saya kira sudah sampai masanya pihak berkuasa di Malaysia iaitu UMNO/BN “merotan” Pengurus MAS yang menyebabkan semua mereka yang berada dalam satu-satu penerbangan terlibat secara langsung dengan arak, iaitu dari pramugara/i yang hidang arak sehinggalah pilot yang mengemudi kapal terbang tersebut. Begitu juga perlu “disebat” pihak yang terbabit berpuluh-puluh tahun membiarkan orang-orang Islam terlibat secara langsung dengan arak di hotel-hotel, 7- Eleven, pasaraya-pasaraya dan pekerja-pekerja Islam di kilang Carlberg.

Akhir sekali, SYABAS KEPADA MAHKAMAH SYARIAH KUANTAN dan Syukur Alhamdulillah kepada Puan Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarnor yang telah menginsafi perbuatan tersebut. Moga Allah menerima taubat hambaNya yang menyesali kesalahan. DI SINI SAYA LONTARKAN PERSOALAN INI KEPADA SEMUA ORANG ISLAM DI MALAYSIA, SIAPAKAH YANG SEPATUTNYA DISEBAT DALAM ISU ARAK DI MALAYSIA??...

A Worrisome Decision

My personal blogging is now at My Neverland; do visit it.



I received the email below, and have been asked to post it in my blogs for a wider read and understanding on the matter. As much as I would like to translate it, I fear it may just lead to confusion. Any feedback one may want to give, please send it to the address below. Off course, one may also leave a comment here if one so wish.


From: "Sumayyah Khayyat" linhood73@yahoo.co.uk

KEPUTUSAN YANG MEMBIMBANGKAN SEMUA PIHAK

Masyarakat Islam arus perdana amat terkejut dengan kenyataan yang dikeluarkan oleh Menteri Di Jabatan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz bahawa Jemaah Menteri telah bersetuju memutuskan kanak-kanak mesti kekal menganut agama asal ketika ibubapanya berkahwin walaupun salah seorang pasangan itu menukar agama.
Keputusan yang dibuat oleh jemaah menteri dikatakan sebagai langkah penyelesaian jangka panjang berhubung isu pertikaian status agama kanak-kanak berkenaan apabila ibu atau bapa mereka menukar agama.

Keputusan Jemaah Menteri ini sangatlah dikesali malah menimbulkan lebih banyak persoalan atau lebih tepat mengundang kontroversi!
Manifestasi kekesalan ini dizahirkan apabila lebih seratus NGO Islam dari seluruh negara berkumpul menyatakan bantahan mereka semalam (Jumaat).
Persatuan Peguam Syarie Malaysia (PGSM) juga melalui Timbalan Presidennya Musa Awang telah mengeluarkan kenyataan membantah keputusan tersebut. PGSM adalah NGO pertama yang menyuarakan kekesalan mereka.

Bagi memahami implikasi keputusan jemaah menteri ini beberapa perkara perlu diperincikan terlebih dahulu terutamanya kedudukan perlembagaan, undang-undang dan hukum syarak. Sebenarnya terdapat tiga perkara utama yang terkesan daripada keputusan ini iaitu berkaitan dengan pembubaran perkahwinan, agama anak dan pemeliharaan Anak.

Pembubaran Perkahwinan
Di dalam perkahwinan sivil yang didaftarkan melalui Akta Membaharui Undang-Undang (Perkahwinan dan Perceraian) 1976 pembubaran perkahwinan hanya boleh berlaku jika perkahwinan itu telah pecahbelah dan tidak dapat diselamatkan lagi.

Perkara ini termaktub di dalam seksyen 52 Akta tersebut. Seksyen 51 Akta yang sama pula menjelaskan jika salah seorang pasangan itu memeluk Islam, pasangan yang tidak memeluk Islam itu boleh memfailkan petisyen pembubaran perkahwinan menurut seksyen berkenaan selepas tiga bulan pasangannya memeluk Islam.

Ini bermakna petisyen perceraian atas alasan pemelukan agama Islam hanya boleh difailkan oleh pasangan yang tidak memeluk agama Islam sahaja.

Selagi dia tidak memfailkan petisyen perceraian tersebut perkahwinan sivilnya bersama pasangan yang telah memeluk Islam tetap dianggap sah di bawah akta tersebut.

Jelaslah di sini ketidakadilan begitu ketara berlaku kepada pasangan yang memeluk Islam itu memandangkan beliau langsung tidak mempunyai locus standi (hak untuk mengambil tindakan atau mencabar keputusan) untuk memfailkan petisyen perceraian berdasarkan seksyen tersebut.

Namun Mahkamah Syariah menurut Jadual Kesembilan Senarai 2 Butiran I Perlembagaan Persekutuan, boleh membuat penentuan sesuatu perkara mengenai hukum dan doktrin syarak. Seksyen 46(2) Akta Undang-Undang Keluarga Islam (Wilayah-Wilayah Persekutuan) 1984 menepati semangat Perlembagaan Persekutuan ini dengan memberi kuasa kepada Mahkamah Syariah membuat penentuan mengikut hukum syarak apakah kedudukan perkahwinan tersebut.

Seksyen 46(2) tersebut memperuntukkan jika salah satu pihak kepada sesuatu perkahwinan bukan Islam memeluk Islam, maka perbuatan yang demikian tidak boleh dengan sendirinya berkuatkuasa membubarkan perkahwinan itu melainkan dan sehingga disahkan oleh Mahkamah. (Mahkamah di sini bermaksud mahkamah syariah).
Seolah-olah terdapat polemik di sini di mana kedua-dua mahkamah mempunyai bidangkuasa. Oleh yang demikian terdapatlah cadangan seksyen di atas ditiadakan bagi menyelesaikan kemelut ini. Tetapi sebenarnya bukan hanya seksyen tersebut sahaja perlu dipinda malah seksyen yang sama di negeri-negeri lain juga perlu dipinda dan mendapat perkenan Raja-Raja Melayu. Namun lazimnya ia mungkin satu jalan yang tidak mudah untuk digapai.

Sebenarnya tatkala seseorang itu telah memeluk Islam sudah pasti Perlembagaan Persekutuan memberi jaminan kepada mualaf itu mengamalkan agamanya termasuklah undang-undang diri seperti munakahat (perkahwinan). Tindakan mengheret mualaf ini ke Mahkamah Sivil merupakan pelanggaran hak kebebasan beragama bagi mualaf ini.

Seorang yang sudah mendapat hidayah daripada Allah s.w.t sudah tentu tidak mahu balik ke zaman jahiliyahnya kembali. Inilah hak yang perlu dipertahan oleh kerajaan dan bukan merobek hak ini atas alasan yang picisan yang tidak selaras dengan Perlembagaan.

Membawa orang bukan Islam ke Mahkamah Syariah pula bukanlah suatu perkara yang mudah kerana kebiasaannya orang bukan Islam enggan hadir ke Mahkamah Syariah atas alasan tidak mahu tertakluk kepada undang-undang Islam. Sedangkan apa yang diputuskan oleh Mahkamah Syariah hanyalah membuat perisytiharan di sisi hukum syarak, mengenai apakah kedudukan perkahwinan tersebut sahaja.

Lalu amatlah tidak wajar mualaf ini dinafikan hak ini. Hakikatnya ialah sebahagian orang bukan Islam tidak mengiktiraf langsung kewujudan Mahkamah Syariah ini. Mereka tidak mahu membantu Mahkamah Syariah memberi keputusan yang adil. Mereka sanggup memberi keterangan di medan media tetapi tidak di Mahkamah Syariah. Mahkamah Syariah adalah sebahagian dari system perundangan negara yang sah. Tidak ada seorangpun terutama atas nama “1 Malaysia” boleh memperlekehkan mahkamah Syariah.

Agama Anak
Perkara 12(3) Perlembagaan Persekutuan menyatakan tiada seorangpun boleh dikehendaki menerima ajaran sesuatu agama atau mengambil bahagian dalam apa-apa upacara atau upacara sembahyang sesuatu agama, selain agamanya sendiri.
Perkara 12(4) pula menegaskan bagi maksud Perkara 12(3) di atas, agama bagi seseorang yang di bawah umur lapan belas tahun hendaklah ditetapkan oleh ibu atau bapanya atau penjaganya.

Perkara 12(4) ini telah ditafsirkan oleh penghakiman mahkamah tertinggi negara iaitu Mahkamah Persekutuan di dalam kes Subahsini mlwn Saravanan.
Di mana mahkamah tersebut telah memutuskan bahawa salah seorang (bukan kedua) ibu bapa boleh menentukan keIslaman anak tersebut.

Peruntukan Perkara 12(4) dan juga tafsiran yang dibuat oleh Mahkamah Persekutuan tersebut sebenarnya selaras dengan Hukum Syarak. Sebenarnya telah disepakati di kalangan ulamak bahawa apabila salah seorang ibubapa bukan Islam memeluk Islam, anak di bawah umur mereka itu disifatkan sebagai Islam.
Ini adalah kerana anak yang dilahirkan itu adalah fitrah, dan fitrah di sini bermaksud Islam.

Undang-Undang Syariah ditegakkan berasaskan kepada Al Maqasid Al Syariah. Terdapat lima al maqasid al syariah (objektif syariah) iaitu menjaga agama (hifz al din), nyawa (hifz al nafs), keturunan (hifz an nasab), akal (hifz al aql) dan harta (hifz al mal).
Bagi mencapai maqasid ini umat Islam dipertanggungjawabkan memelihara kelima-lima perkara ini termasuklah menjaga agama dan keturunan. Oleh yang demikian agama anak itu hendaklah mengikut mana-mana ibubapa yang Islam. Umat Islam tidak dapat menerima sekiranya al maqasid al syariah ini tidak dapat dicapai.

Alasan Nazri agar mengikut 'common sense' (logik akal) adalah terlalu dangkal. Dalam undang-undang kita tidak boleh berdasarkan logik akal semata kerana dikhuatiri akan lebih menjerumus kepada kepentingan yang berpihak. Ada asas dan falsafah yang perlu ditafsirkan dan dihayati. Sebagai perbandingannya jika kita menggunakan ‘common sense’ tersebut, adakah kita boleh dianggap tidak melakukan kesalahan trafik apabila melanggar lampu isyarat merah atas alasan tiada kenderaan yang melintasi di hadapan kita? Walaupun pada “common sense” pemandu itu tidak bersalah tetapi undang-undang mempunyai falsafahnya tersendiri bagi mengawal kemaslahatan (kebaikan) sejagat. Apatah lagi 'common sense' yang dicetuskan oleh keputusan tersebut itu melanggar hukum syarak.

Keputusan jemaah menteri ini, tidak boleh mengatasi peruntukan Perkara 12(4) dan tafsiran yang dibuat dalam kes Subahsini.

Jemaah menteri juga sebagai badan eksekutif tidak boleh mencampuri urusan kehakiman (sama ada sivil ataupun syariah) apatah lagi mengganggu keputusan mahkamah dengan mengeluarkan kenyataan bertentangan dengan keputusan mahkamah.

Seharusnya segala ruang yang dibenarkan oleh undang-undang diambil bagi menangani permasalahan ini dan bukan melalui campur tangan eksekutif yang secara langsung merujuk kepada kes Muhammad Ridzuan tersebut.

Pemeliharaan Anak
Mengenai pemeliharaan anak pula. Sudah menjadi amalan di Mahkamah Syariah dan Mahkamah Sivil bahawa kebajikan anak mengatasi hak ibu atau bapa. Di dalam memutuskan hak jagaan anak sudah tentulah faktor mengenai kebajikan anak ini di titikberatkan. Kebajikan anak ini termasuklah permasalahan akidah, tumbesaran dan pembelajaran anak tersebut. Perkara sebegini boleh diputuskan oleh Mahkamah. Hak memelihara anak ini biasanya diputuskan setelah mengambil kira keperluan dan kebajikan anak.

Namun apa yang berlaku ialah masyarakat bukan Islam atas sebab-sebab tertentu terlalu takutkan Mahkamah Syariah dan menganggap Mahkamah Syariah hanya mempertahankan hak orang Islam sahaja. Sudah dibuktikan di dalam beberapa kes di Mahkamah Syariah, keputusan yang dikeluarkan oleh Hakim Syarie tidak memihak kepada orang Islam semata-mata tetapi memihak kepada keadilan.

Berbalik kepada keputusan jemaah menteri seperti yang dilaporkan oleh kebanyakan media hari ini, amat jelas keputusan tersebut gagal mempertahankan kelebihan agama Islam sebagai agama Persekutuan. Keputusan tersebut menyamatarafkan Islam dengan agama-agama lain dan perkara ini tidak dapat diterima oleh masyarakat Islam arus perdana.

NGO-NGO Islam juga mempersoalkan keputusan Jemaah Menteri yang dibuat itu langsung tidak mengambil kira pandangan NGO-NGO Islam. Dalam masa yang sama pula pihak kerajaan termasuk Timbalan Perdana Menteri telah berjumpa dengan NGO bukan Islam mengenai kes yang tersebut di atas.

Tiada usaha untuk mendapatkan pandangan NGO Islam (yang berjumlah hampir 100 pertubuhan) dilakukan bagi mendapat pandangan mereka sebelum keputusan dibuat.

Malah ada beberapa NGO Islam cuba untuk bertemu dengan kepimpinan kerajaan tetapi tidak dapat direalisasikan. Seharusnya pihak kerajaan lebih peka dengan sensitiviti umat Islam khususnya masyarakat saudara baru. Suara mereka harus didengar terlebih dahulu sebelum sebarang keputusan yang membabitkan mereka dibuat. Hak mereka untuk didengar (audi alteram partem) oleh pimpinan kerajaan sudah tiada lagi. Dimanakah audi alteram partem itu?

Justeru untuk memberikan kebaikan kepada semua pihak adalah lebih baik kepada kerajaan supaya menarik keputusan berhubung kes Mohd. Ridzuan ini. Lebih-lebih lagi bagi memelihara keharmonian dan perpaduan dalam masyarakat berbilang bangsa, kaum dan agama ini.

Ini kerana jika dilaksanakan juga, diyakini ia akan berlarutan dan tidak menemukan jalan penyelesaian secara tuntas apabila secara terang keputusan itu begitu bertentangan dengan Perlembagaan dan tidak selaras dengan keputusan kes Subahsini sebelum ini.

Malah jika bercakap soal kemanusiaan, pastinya si ibu yang masih beragama Hindu itu akan lebih menikmati keadilan dan haknya sebagai seorang ibu tidak akan dinafikan. Ini kerana sesuai dengan Firman Allah dalam Surah Al Baqarah ayat 256 yang bermaksud;

"Tidak ada paksaan dalam agama (Islam), kerana sesungguhnya telah nyata kebenaran (Islam) daripada kesesatan (kufur). Oleh itu, sesiapa yang tidak percayakan Taghut, dan ia pula beriman kepada Allah, maka sesungguhnya ia telah berpegang kepada simpulan (tali agama) yang teguh, yang tidak akan putus. Dan (ingatlah), Allah Maha Mendengar lagi Maha Mengetahui."

Malah jika kerajaan mengambil pendekatan untuk berbincang dan berkerjasama dengan para ulama, pakar perundangan Islam sehinggalah termasuk NGO-NGO berkaitan pasti kerajaan tidak perlu bersusah payah sehingga perlu melakukan sebarang pindaan terhadap undang-undang apa tah lagi membabitkan Undang-undang Syarie.

Ditulis oleh Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar, penulis adalah Setiausaha Agong Peguam Pembela Islam.

***.***.***

* Bekas Mufti Perak, Dr Asri Zainul Abidin, turut memberi pandangnya di sini.

Being No.1

There a saying somewhere "It is easier to climb the ladder of success (to be no.1), than to hold on to it", or something along that line. Having observed several nos1 in history, I guess it is true. Maybe its human nature where there will always be someone out there waiting to knock another off his perch in their quest to succeed. But then, being nos2 or 3 is no fun either - seldom does history tell us about the 2nd guy, its always 'The Man' mentioned; the head honcho, the uno numero.

Some many years back, Hertz US launched a campaign to catch up on its rival Avis (or was it the other way round. Can't remember which is which, pardon me). Hertz was no2 then and needed good publicity to outdo Avis who was the top car rental there. A bright idea was presented to them and not long after the campaign was launched, sales for Hertz jumped up. The slogan they used was pretty simple, but a genius nonetheless. All it said was "We are currently no2. Help us be nos1". Their simple honesty and admission reached into the hearts of millions.

Did Hertz reach no1? Don't know. The book I read did not mention it. But it certainly helped them close the gap. The gist of the above is actually related to Pak Zab's entry on 'Kebakaran', and my recommendation for him to get a fire extinguisher brand by the name of Cobra.

Having been introduced to the products (there's 3: extinguisher, repellent, suppression), I was like totally amazed by its capability and safety. And having learnt more about it, I set up an appointment with a telco whose Engineering Department was situated in Subang. There, the team - Cobra Sales Director, Technician, Sales Manager and that cakapaje (who was merely an introducer) - went about demonstrating the products to the Telco's top Engineers as well as Security Officials.

Now, the CSD being a gwailo, must have struck nerves with the Telco's officers. But he soon tackled their hearts with his antics. At one point of time, and to show the user-safety of one the extinguisher, he shook the canister open and poured it into a glass of water after having used the same canister to extinguish a small fire. He then drank the water and fell down on the floor much to the horror of the officers there. As sudden as he fell, his hand rose up and waved to everyone. He then stood up to show he was alright and that it was part of the demonstration, much to the laughter of everyone there. Compared to halon and one or two other products and gases, Cobra claim theirs is human and environmentally safe.

On another occasion, the CSD poured a small amount of Cobra's fire repellent liquid onto a short length of toilet tissue, which he later blow-dried with a hair-dryer. Once sufficiently dried, he poured a flamble liquid (Zippo's refuel liquid) and had cakapaje hold it on his palm. The gwailo lit the tissue and while the top part had flames, cakapaje did not feel the heat, nor did the fire burn through or consume the whole tissue - it died within a matter of minutes!

In a video demonstration, a small canister of extinguisher was thrown into an old car purposely set on fire. The canister exploded soon after due to the temperature. But when it did, it snuffed out the fire as well. The video also showed a demonstration in one of England's most reputable laboratory and experiment center where Cobra surpassed the stringent requirements of the Industry there. Then, an Engineer from the Telco asked the million dollar question "How soon will my generator and machines start if your gas is released in them?" To that, the CSD could not tell for certain and requested a live demonstration. The Engineers there however, were afraid to allow it, fearing their heads would be on the chopping block if their generator could not be started within 5 minutes. Some 3 years before Cobra's demo, their generator suffered a shutdown and subscribers such as cakapaje were left without service for more than 3 days. Each second their generator is down, their profit is severely affected. Thus, while the people in the US were willing to help Hertz make their campaign a success, the Telco's Engineers were not generous enough with Cobra. Last I heard, they are still struggling in their quest to be no.1 in their industry. I can't find their webpage but one can check a link at e-guide here.

Now, one amazing thing about the product is that it was discovered by an Indonesian Professor. Lacking finance, he teamed up with a Dutch and began production in earnest. But the downside is that the team broke up and now there are 2 companies manufacturing them. InsyAllah, in another entry, I'll download 2 pictures of their cannisters as well as the contact number of a friend who use to be with one of the companies.

On another matter of No1, the false king of Malaysia issued an edict of his own about yoga. Now, I know precious little about the subject matter and prefer to keep mum about it but is more in agreement with Dr Asri, the outgoing Mufti of Perlis. Palalah, however, went against the Fatwa, and the decrees of the Sultan of Selangor and Sultan of Perak, where both would like all future Fatwa's referred to them beforehand; they each are, after all, the Heads of Religious matters in their respective states. But Palalah, he seem not to hear this at all. That's hardly surprising since he and his tribe did ignore the Fatwa on Jom Heboh.

And on the No1 wannabe, that Bijan guy, well, if he's relying on the 'Rahman' theory to help him ascend to the throne, I think he better put on his thinking cap. That is, off course, if he has any. Because, if I read My Malaysiaku here correct, people who believe in that theory got it all wrong. Bye bye Bijan.

By the way, Muslims are encouraged not to believe in to the 'Rahman' theory as it is akin to soothsaying.


ps. I almost forget: Check out the blog belonging to the No.1 man in Perak. Kamparin, belongs to the YAB Dato' Ir Haji Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, the MB.

Astounding!

No words are needed, though I was totally mesmerised by the video. Just watch it, thank you.





Courtesy of "kewl kewl" <sayapandai@googlema il.com>

Update 16:09
baez-kun commented on the above and included his favourite nasheed which is almost similar in production to the 2 videos above. I thought it might be better to include the video here as well. Thank you baez-kun :)

A Beautiful Video

Anon Zul - who made 2 comments at my last entry - send the link for this video by Zain Bhikha. I think its a great video and would like to share with all my friends. Any thanks should be accorded to Anon Zul, and off course, Zain Bhikha.

Something Serious...A Petition

Through one of the many egroups I am in, I received the following email with regards to wikipedia putting up an illustration of our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. When I went to wikipedia last, the illustration was still there and thus I have put my name as one of the petitioners. If you think this merit your time and small effort, kindly follow suit.

* A note about the illustration: I believe it was taken from a Times/Life publication of a book series which was published sometime in 1974. I had the entire series which include civilisations and religions of the world then, but was just a mere child to either take any form of action, or was just too small to understand matters then.

From: "Shahz'd" ych.com
Subject: Petition

Dear All

Wiki have illustrations of our loving prophet Muhammad (PBUH). For removal of those illustration follow this link. http://www.thepetit ionsite.com/ 2/removal- of-the-pics- of-muhammad- from-wikipedia

Thanks and forward this so that we can prevent this kind wrong things

SHAHZ'd

ych I I I

No Vacancy

It was a meet I had not expected. Prior to it, I had the choice of putting my guard up or just be casual about it; I chose the latter. And I am glad I did, for 2 reasons. One, had I put up my guard up, I would be rather rude for it mean having suppositions about the people I was about to meet, and it would be a tense and tiring affair. And I do hate being all tensed up and hate it more later when I would be all tired over the matter. Now, the other reason is that by being casual about it, the meet became friendly, allowing some precious knowledge to enter my thick skull.

Now, before I carry on, I would like to share some simple notes a dear friend imparted to me last night. Its about a human invention that has left an indelible mark but one that may well not be liked by lovers of the fountain pen, and one that many consciously not give it a second thought - the humble lead pencil.

1. like a pencil, we are capable of doing things ..for that pencil, there's a hand that guides it to do sketches sumer kan..so for human beings.. that hand is God's hands..and God will guide us with His will lah...

2. once in a while, the pencil needs some sharpening kan..sbb tumpul..so masa tuh pensel tuh mcm 'terseksa' kejap BUT in the ned it becomes sharper than before. it goes to show in our lives that trials and tribulations are necessary to make you stronger

3. bila guna pencil, ada guna eraser jugak kan. so the point is bila kita kena buat perubahan dlm kehidupan or kalau dlm buku it says 'rub out any mistake', is not necessarily a bad thing, just goes to show that it will keep us on the right track.

4. luaran pensel tk penting, yg granite dlm tuh lagi penting. so kalo manusia, it's what inside of you yg penting..

5. pencils leave a mark. so, kita hidup pun kena conscious and aware of what we do for it too will leave a mark.

Back to the meet I had, it was with 2 elderly gentlemen from Johor. Both men are called Ustaz by the host of the house they were staying and each specialise in their respective field; Ustaz Haji tries to assist those with physical ailments via do'a and herbal medicines, while Ustaz Yusof engages visitors with Islamic thoughts and views. Together, they make a very likable pair especially with the former constantly intruding the conversation with his remarks which though true in many instances, his body and face expressions brought out small laughs amongst those present. And the conversation itself - though it was supposed to be a talk by Ustaz Yusof, was not dry and monologue, but opened to participation from those present, who beside my emak and I, were the host family members. It was only towards the later stage did I manage to engage Ustaz Yusof for a private conversation.

Surprisingly, the conversation we had later, did touch on aspects similar to the pencil above. And it was nothing too deep for my mind to handle. Yet, it was, shall I say...enlightening? Indeed it was, and most especially when he touched on my personal side. Then again, perhaps he was being diplomatic about it, and like Ustaz Haji, humorous as well? I can't say, I dare not say.

Our private conversation touched on political issues as well, which he was very obliging and I am glad to note, similar to my stand. What made me smile most was when touched on the hadharian issue with an unquoted hadith "towards the later time, there will be many false apostles prophets. Perhaps they have forgotten that the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. is the last of the prophets; the post and title of prophets have already been filled up, and there is no more vacancy".

Straight From The Heart.

UPDATE: As Cikgu mentioned, I have tagged 2 people. One of them I am not at liberty to mention now as she is rather preoccupied with her job, but the other...please do visit miqdad, he has a beautiful entry on 'Muhibah'.

At the same time, I would like to add a further 2 - just as Cikgu did; Pak Mior and Accia.

*****

Have you seen those simple Petronas Public Message Service where they asked primary schoolchildren what they think of their friends (of different races)? I like those PMS, and the message they are trying to put across. Those children, just as we once were, are colour blind. In fact, we still are to some extent. It is only the fear we have of the unknown, or the fear that was instilled in us, have caused us to be wary and cautious of people of different skin colour. Perhaps, even that is not correct as we have dark Malay, pink Malay, fair Malay and brown Malay. The same goes for the Chinese and Indians though to much lesser degree. So what is Muhibah? Honestly, I don't know!

I have lived all my life mixing with people of different ethnic background, skin colour and beliefs, the only difference I really see is in their belief to God.

One of Turkish greatest known figures of the past is Suleyman The Great, or Suleyman The Magnificent, as some would call him. He lived in the pomposity of the royal courts but had a slave boy who became his best friend and confidant, and later his best general. Yet the boy was not a Muslim during their years of growing up. And still, they forged a bond that was stronger than a friendship - each with mutual respect for the other.

Take Kublai Khan and Marco Polo; the former almost revere the latter to such an extent Marco Polo was the only European to be allowed free passage to any parts of China. Yet, they were of different skin colour, tongue and even belief!

Where am I going? Honestly, I have no clue at all! But I do know Muhibah, for what ever the word means, is basically about understanding and respect for one another irrespective of race or belief. It is not, as the politicians would make us believe, something that exist between races. It is something, which I would like to believe, that exist between one human and another.

I don't know. I have tried writing and rewriting but still have no clue to what Muhibah is. Without wanting to sound pious, perhaps I can draw inspiration from surah Al Kafirun. Though this surah is with regards between a believer and a non-believer, it clearly outlines the difference that will always be within one human and another, and that respect should be accorded to each belief. I guess that's it as I am certainly no philosopher.

Islam, by the way, cuts through all racial barriers and skin tone. Perhaps a hadith is proper here, though you must forgive me for I have forgotten the source: A child is like a white cloth. It is you who will give colour to the cloth. As with a child, so it is with society.

For The Good and Bad Times.

Before I start writing on the 'Muhibah' tag from Cikgu, I thought I'd put this entry first, a nice email someone sent.

ONE PARAGRAPH THAT EXPLAINS LIFE! Arthur Ashe, the legendary Wimbledon player was dying of AIDS which he got due to infected blood he received during a heart surgery in 1983. From world over, he received letters from his fans, one of which conveyed: "Why does GOD have to select you for such a bad disease"? To this Arthur Ashe replied: " The world over -- 50 million children start playing tennis, 5 million learn to play tennis, 500,000 learn professional tennis, 50,000 come to the circuit, 5000 reach the grand slam, 50 reach Wimbledon, 4 to semi final, 2 to the finals, when I was holding a cup I never asked GOD 'Why me?'. And today in pain I should not be asking GOD 'Why me?' " Happiness keeps you Sweet, Trials keep you Strong, Sorrow keeps you Human, Failure keeps you humble and Success keeps you glowing, but only Faith & Attitude Keeps you going...

Reading through this, it reminds of a prophet. But before that, kindly forgive me as I have half forgotten the story and perhaps, even the prophet in the story. If I am right though, it is the Prophet Ayub alaihisalam.

The Prophet Ayub a.s. was blessed by Allah s.w.t. with wealth, health, several good sons and a devoted wife. He was well known throughout the land not just a wealthy man, but also as a humble and devoted servant of Allah s.w.t. But Allah has decreed it as such, Prophet Ayub a.s. was put to severe test.

First his wealth was taken away from him leaving him as a poor man. Later all his sons died. Yet, the Prophet Ayub showed tremendous patience throughout his ordeal. But soon after, a greater test was put to him where his health deteriorated so badly, even his wife was beginning to have doubts. In fact she even asked the Prophet Ayub a.s. to ask Allah s.w.t. for mercy and an end to the trial.
In replying to his wife the Prohet Ayub a.s. asked her "How long did we have the good times of wealth, family and good health?"
The wife replied "70 years."
Prophet Ayub a.s. asked again "How long have we gone through these bad times?"
The wife replied "7 years."
Then the Prophet Ayub said "70 years of good times and only 7 years of bad times, I am ashamed to ask Allah s.w.t."

If ever there is an error in the story, it is on my part and I hope it will be corrected. Thank you.

ps. In searching for reference to the above, I came across this interesting site which has animations on the story of the prophets in Islam; do give it a look at alqaem. A word of caution though, there are lots of bogus Islamic sites on the net. If you do find any, do NOT spread the word about the site, rather just inform several trusted people.

The simple reason for this is because many of these site depends heavily on fundings from certain anti-Islam organisation. Thus these sites would need to show a strong hit - the more the hits they get, the more fundings they receive. And people being people, the more we tell them not to go to such sites, the more they will out of curiousity.

ps ps. Apologies. The picture of Arthur Ashe just would not come out right.

Give Till It Hurts.

While emak and I were having lunch today, I noticed TV3 1.30pm Buletin was airing the 'Tokoh Ma'al Hijrah' for 2008. Apparently, Tan Sri Syed Mukhtar Bukhary was named as the recipient of the award for this year. My heartiest congratulations to the man as I've heard from quite a number of people that Tan Sri is a philanthropist and deserving of the award. I have no qualms there at all. However, it reminded me of a story I read as a young boy of 10, and if I remember it well, is with regards to a remote village somewhere in either China or Taiwan. Though names of the characters and even places are completely forgotten now, the gist is not.

In a place where modern medical science was still viewed suspiciously and even thought to be a spawn of witchcraft, many children and elderlies succumbed to various ailments and many die to lack of medical treatment. The Village Elders, held a meeting and realise the need to build a hospital catering to the village need. But realising on the matter and the want to build can be 2 different things altogether as the huge majority of the people there are poor and live on day to day sustenance. Though there were several well-off families, and a particularly rich man, this was a community project and needs the contribution of everyone, be it large or small. Thus, the Village Elders later announced of their intention to collect funds from everyone for the purpose of this hospital. This, was received well by the people of the village.

As the VE went around each house, the contributions they received began to grow. Many gave without thought, while few were calculative either to the use of the fund or the benefit it would bring. Still, they gave. Despite collecting a large amount, the VE found it still insufficient and continued on collecting until only 2 houses remain.

They went to the first of the last 2 house which belongs to the richest man in the village and were greeted kindly. When asked by the rich man on the amount collected, the VE said it was still insufficient and needed at least double of what they already have. The VE reply had the rich man thinking a long while and then asking "What or after who will this hospital be named?"
The VE were stunned by the question which in the very first place, had never crossed their minds. Then the eldest of the VE replied "We will name the hospital after the best donor," to which the rich man gave the amount needed without further thoughts. Jubilated by the generous act of the rich man, the VE made their way back to the Town Hall. But on their way there, they pass by the only house which they have yet to collect donation from.

Looking at the condition of the house, the VE initially thought of not asking any. But then as it is a community project, they decided it should involve the occupants as well. The head of the poor family greeted the VE with a thin smile. As soon as he was told by the VE of their intention, he immediately the rickety wooden steps up to his house and disappeared behind the thin walls made of flimsy plywood. The poor man reappeared a short while later and without further question gave them an old leather bag containing his life savings. Without a word, he then turn back to his task of chopping firewood meant to be sold later.

Back at the Town Hall, the VE began recounting their collection and were very happy to note that it in fact, had exceeded the amount needed. Then they were reminded of the donation by the poor man in the leather bag and opened it only to find the amount contained within was a mere fraction when compared to the rich man. Yet, this was the poor man's life saving and he gave from his heart. The VE felt humbled and decided to include it to the collection.

The building of the hospital did not take long as it was small 2storey building suffice for the village need. And when it was completed, the whole town gathered for the official opening ceremony. The rich man, befitting as the main contributor, was invited as the Guest-of-Honour, and was seated on the dais together with the VE. When the time came to unveil the name of the hospital, the rich man was given the honour. And he stood proudly beside the unveiled name as the villagers, including the poor man, gathered around. And when the shoving and the noise died down, the rich man pulled the small curtain to unveil...the poor man's name.

The Village Elders, it seems, had not lied about naming the hospital after the best donor. For in their eyes, the poor man had given his best - his entire life savings - towards the success of building a hospital for the village. His unselfish act had humbled the VE, and in their eyes, he was the best donor.

Now, before anyone even think that this story have anything to do with Tan Sri Syed Mukhtar, know that it does not. As mentioned earlier, I was reminded of this story when I saw the news and thought of sharing it. Perhaps I should have written about Saidina Ali r.a. and the mango fruit. But it is a story I believe most Muslims are well aware of. Both stories anyhow, are with regards to the unselfish deeds of individuals towards their society, no matter how small one may think of them otherwise. And perhaps that very act of looking down on a contribution by others is one of the flaws of our society today; both the poor and the rich have their roles to play.

Salam Ma'al Hijrah 1429

Assalamu'alaikum warahmatullah hi wabarakatuh,

To all my Muslim brothers and sisters, tomorrow, January 10, Muslims worldwide will usher in the New Year according to the Hijrah Calender. I am not a scholar to give speeches or write sermons, but even if I am, I do not think I would. However, you are welcome to read 2 interesting postings entitled 'Hijrah Sebelum Hijrah' and 'Fasa Perjuangan Baru 1429H' which I received and have posted at respective blogs.

With regards to a New Year Resolution, I only have one: To be a better Muslim, insyAllah.

Again, I wish you Salam Ma'al Hijrah 1429.

ps. Do not forget to read the year-end and year-beginning do'as. Er, believe Doc TA would be a better person to ask about the do'a :)


Wassalamu'alaikum warahmatullah hi wabarakatuh
Your brother in Islam