Mucked In A Jam

The End

2010-05-12T20:17:00.001+08:00

Well, as mentioned in my last post about a week ago, this blog has come to an end, and I've moved lock, stock and barrell to the new address at www.miaj2.wordpress.com

It has been a good journey, beginning in 2006. I just realised that 4 years have passed by. So quickly!
And for some strange reason, I'm thinking of friends, relatives and acquaintances who have passed on these last few years. Bloggers too, and public figures, some who have been inspirational to me.

It's been a good ride. But it's time to say "Goodbye Blogger" now....

See you on the other side...... here: www.miaj2.wordpress.com

MIAJ ON HIBERNATION!

2010-05-07T17:43:00.000+08:00

I had a call from a friend who asked why this blog has not been updated for about a month now...

Well, I didn't realize I had a fan club (or even half of that...) but the news is that I am on indefinite hibernation.

Just taking some time out for a breather while pursuing future options. Nevertheless, I'm also working on ways to improve MIAJ. Hopefully, this will come sooner than later. In the meantime, take it easy and enjoy life!

Jude

Live: Hulu Selangor Nomination Day

2010-04-17T09:41:00.001+08:00

For live updates, click here, thanks to Anil at Hulu Selangor.

The Times - They're A Changing

2010-03-22T19:01:00.005+08:00

"The times - they are a-changing"..... so crooned Bob Dylan back in the sixties in his trademark half sung half spoken voice. Forty years on, similar stirrings are beginning to happen here in Malaysia.

Just a few years ago it would have been unthinkable that a PAS Member of Parliament would consider initiating a dialogue with Christians in Malaysia. Yet, in the three months of this year, the PAS Chairman for National Unity, YB Dr. Mujahid Yusof Rawa, MP for Parit Buntar has done three sessions in three different Catholic churches in Penang. Last Sunday about 250 Catholics attended the dialogue on the "Allah" issue at the St. Anne's Church in Bukit Mertajam. Also in attendance were some 40-50 PAS members.

It seems incredulous that it took us this long to come together to talk and listen to each other.
Nevertheless, the walls of division, misunderstanding and suspicion are beginning to crumble.
According to a friend who was at the previous two sessions, the one at St. Anne's seemed to have attracted the most participants. I returned home to find my Malay Muslim neighbour asking me where I'd been. When told we were just returning from church, she immediately asked, "Did you attend the dialogue too?" I was pleasantly surprised to say the least.

In hindsight, it now seems that the gamble by certain desperados to hang on to power at all costs has backfired. The game is up. The people aren't as gullible as we once were. Times have changed. The playing field too has changed somewhat dramatically. And, like most Malaysians have sensed, this is simply the beginning of the end of one dynasty.

For some reason, the picture that comes to mind is how the mighty Soviet empire crumbled in the wake of "perestroika" and "glasnost" within a short space of time during 1987-1991. I wonder if history is going to repeat itself here within the next few years.

Meanwhile, here's Dylan to keep us thinking, hoping and working for that change to happen:

Save Penang Update

2010-03-08T13:10:00.002+08:00

The answers to some of the questions plaguing on many of our minds I suspect.....

Anil reports of some startling revelations at the Penang Forum 2.

Read on.

Forum: Save Penang!

2010-02-11T08:04:00.003+08:00

Lucia posted this post in her blog today.

There have been so many allegations against Lim Guan Eng and company by some of his own Pakatan people. The word on the ground is it's simply a case of "sour grapes" from those who expected a "windfall" or two from the current state government. For what it's worth, instead of listening to hearsay, coffee shop talk and etc., the forum should at least merit an attendance from concerned Penangites:

Date: Feb. 12, 2010 (Jumaat/Friday)

Time: 9 malam (9.00pm – 11.30pm)

Venue: Tapak Pesta Sg Nibong, Pulau Pinang (Sg Nibong Pesta site)

Speakers:

YAB Lim Guan Eng, Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang (Penang CM)

YB Mansor Othman, Timbalan Ketua Menteri (Penang DCM I)

YB Malik Kassim, Exco Kerajaan Negeri (State Exco)

YB Chow Kuan Yeow, Exco Kerajaan Negeri (State Exco)

YB Ravin, ADUN Batu Uban

YB Sim Tze Tzin, ADUN Pantai Jerejak

Follow updates and other events in the DAP Penang website here.

"Men do less than they ought, unless they do all they can" - Thomas Carlyle.

Malaysia heading towards instability

2010-02-10T09:35:00.002+08:00

Coming hot on the heels of the "legitimate" MB of Perak decision by the Federal Court in Putra Jaya yesterday, here are a couple of more sombre headlines on Malaysia by the Hong Kong based PERC Report:

1. The Malaysia Insider quoted the PERC - a political risk consultancy, on how Malaysia is heading towards instability; and

2. The PERC also spills the beans how countries like India, Malaysia and Thailand face the highest political and social risk among Asia-Pacific countries in 2009, mainly because of internal instability.

If At First You Don't Succeed....

2010-02-02T17:36:00.008+08:00

"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again....." so goes the quote by writer William E. Hickson.

Normally, I wouldn't associate these words with our elected reps (on both sides of the divide) .... but the events that have occurred over the past year and a half keep showing that these people are dead serious about their jobs... and that they will go to any lengths to keep, fight, take over, legally, ethically or otherwise, what they consider as rightfully theirs. And without ever failing to remind that they are indeed fighting to "serve" us! Err...ah...hmm...

Whether it's a case of Barisan vs Pakatan, as has been the slug fest mostly since 2008, or Pakatan vs Pakatan as is unraveling now, one thing is crystal clear. These guys sure take their roles seriously. So, they keep trying their darndest.

They tried at Perak..... and won, for now at least;

They tried in Kedah, and were thwarted ...... for the time being;

They tried, still are, and doubtless will keep on trying in Selangor, presumably because that's where the "pot of gold" lies;

And now, they've finally brought the circus to Penang. I was wondering why it was taking them so long - presumably they must have been very busy with the necessary "ground-work"! See how hard they try!

But, rather unfortunately for them (and us), Malaysia Insider paints a more bleak picture about the true state of affairs here and my own local YB Chong Eng was prompted enough to state the obvious. But then I suspect we knew that already!

Let's presuppose a few facts. Most would agree that this country is in a mess. We were not like this all the time. It took us at least 30 years to get where we are now. We know all about the corruption, cronyism, racism, discrimination, incompetence, insecurity, brutality, etc.e ctc. . By that same token, wouldn't it take an equal length of time to set things right again? And if that were true, wouldn't it be mere wishful thinking to want all the wrongs righted within a couple of years?

There's a lot that needs to be Unlearnt, Undone and Uprooted.
Then only the new Seeds can be Planted and Nurtured.
Then maybe in due time, we (well, maybe not us, but our children & their children) will harvest the Fruits of our Labour.

In the meantime, we need to remember those faces and the names that belong to them that are "trying" so hard. Because come next GE, we can give all of them an almighty kick - out of public office, which is what they really deserve - try or no try.

In which case, this Quentin Crisp quote may sound just right:

"If at first you don't succeed, failure may be your style".

In the meantime, it would be great if those of us who consider ourselves as conscientious citizens, take time to meet up with others, for the kind of collaboration that is needed to take the rakyat's struggle one step further. Like the one happening below this Friday, 5th Feb in Penang:

Forum: Pakatan Rakyat's Common Policies Framework - Meeting Voters' Expectations?

5th Feb 2010, 8.30 p.m., Caring Society Complex, Penang.

Speakers include:

Tunku Abd. Aziz Ibrahim (V-Chairman DAP)
Dr. Zulkifli Ahmad (Central Committee Member PAS, MP Kuala Selangor)
Sivarasa Rasiah (V/President PKR, MP Subang)

Take 2 Headlines

2010-02-02T12:36:00.002+08:00

Two different stories, one funny, the other not:

1. Malaysia In The Dock - from the Wall Street Journal;

2. Malaysia files suit against Apple IPad for copyright infringement

Finally, for live news of Sodomy II, go here

Doctor! Doctor! What's ailing me?!

2010-01-29T20:29:00.005+08:00

The story begins in The People's Parliament blog run by Haris who had posted a Malaysia Insider quote attributed to Dr. Mahathir as saying that " “If there was no social contract, the terms and conditions of allowing citizenship to non-Malays would have not taken place. One million outsiders were given citizenships at the time.”

Now, that got Harris curious and he goes on to probe that statement further in his blog. And his...err..." investigations" reveal some surprising details.

Raja Petra also has a link to the post here.

Like Harris and I suspect many Malaysians, I don't give a hoot what, who, or from where we supposedly (pre and post Merdeka pendatangs, citizens or whatever we chose to call ourselves) came from. The fact is we are here. And I suspect that those of us who have remained here have either simply accepted there is no choice (and if you look at wherever we came from, is the grass really green on the other side?) or that we'd stay back and fight for our rights. For ALL of us.

Unfortunately, the good doc continues to play the "race" stunt every time something doesn't go according to his plan.

Which is why Robert S. Mendelsohn's (himself another M.D.) words sound so chillingly right: “The reason doctors are so dangerous is that they believe in what they are doing.”

The MI quote above is merely Dr. Mahathir's latest yarn. But, here we are, and especially after a watershed election, and despite all that's happened to us over the course of the past 30 years, many of us are trying, in our own ways, to make things right, make things better, trying to be fair to all, and trying to build a new way forward. Admittedly, this is going to take time, given the fact that there is so much damage that needs to be undone.

The people at the grassroots seem to have accepted the reality of the situation that we find ourselves in. Which is one reason why, despite all the recent provocations, the people have largely refrained from "ultra" reactions with the exception of the extremists which exist in any society. The problem is that we have let the politicians (and who may be doctors too!) dictate too much what this country is all about and the direction we in are headed as a nation.

When public men indulge themselves in abuse, when they deny others a fair trial, when they resort to innuendo and insinuation, to libel, scandal, and suspicion, then our democratic society is outraged, and democracy is baffled. - J. Wiiliam Fulbright.

Which is why I totally agree with Susan who had this tag on her blog, "Politicians should be changed often, and for the same reasons!"

Meantime, since it's Saturday.... it would good to just take some time out, thank God for all that we already have, and chill out with The Young Rascals' video "Good Lovin" - heard asking the family doc for advice right here!

A Stink is Brewing?

2010-01-29T13:18:00.002+08:00

I got this is in an email recently.

Written by columnist Wong Choon Mei, it was originally published in The Harakah Daily online newsportal.

Names such as KJ, Najib, Muhyiddin, and Mahathir are all mentioned. This article might throw some light in making sense of all that's going on now in the country right now. And the stakes are very high. Which would explain a lot of the rhetoric, inaction, double-speak, etc. etc we have been subject to lately.

We are not at a crossroads. We crossed that point on 8 March 2008. What we are experiencing now are the after-shocks of that tremor. The past 20 months have shown us to what extent and how bitter the struggle for power continues in the aftermath of that GE.

At this point in time however, there seems little to hope for from a government bankrupt of ideas, innovation, and political will to turn the ship around. The question is how much longer can the nation sustain such a flawed system.

Something's Up

2010-01-27T13:05:00.003+08:00

There certainly seems to be a pattern to it. The latest desecration of places of worship. Malaysia Insider reports here of pig-heads being thrown into two mosques in K.L.

Anil Netto picks up the trail here.

I have to agree. Somebody is trying to deliberately create tension. Which means that all right-thinking Malaysians must not get caught up in this grand scheme. Because if we do, then we ALL lose. The only winner will be those shadowy figures.

What Are We Teaching Our Children?

2010-01-19T23:51:00.003+08:00

Oscar Wilde is deemed to have quoted in The Decay of Lying: "Who is incapable of learning has taken to teaching."

Which is why I think in the last couple of weeks here in Malaysia, we learned more about ourselves, others, events, thinking patterns, belief systems and goings on around us than we would be normally accustomed to. We probably know now who NOT to listen to, and we heard from moderate, fair-minded voices too. We also were privy to double-speak and flip-flops coming from leaders at the very highest of public office. In the midst, we too would have vented our thoughts and feelings based on our own perceptions and understanding.

If I were to compare the whole of life as one big lesson, then I could also say that we are all teachers and learners - at the same time. Every time we speak, we are teaching. And every time we teach, someone is listening. Like my 8 year old son who asked what the fuss was all about regarding the "Allah" word.

A friend whose son is in a sekolah bestari in KL said that one of the teachers there complained to him that more and more kids seem to be using derogatory words at other children of another race or ethnic group. Can it be just coming from the kids? Or, as I suspect, the adults are failing them?

My son's bas sekolah man shared another story. He's a 36 year old Malay who put his two sons in a local Chinese school. I asked him why. He said... "so that they will study...if I leave them here (the local sekolah kebangsaan), they won't... there're too many of their own kind here..."

Ironically, I am quite happy with the sekolah kebangsaan! The teachers seem dedicated, they don't go MIA from classes, they are strict when needed, my son seems to enjoy studying there and he's got a good crowd of friends.

What then do we teach our children?

Dorothy Law Nolte wrote the following poem - "Children Learn What They Live".

Looking at the long and winding road Malaysia is heading on, I think we could all, as adults, take heed and emulate these classic values in our lives and teach our children the same:

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.

If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.

If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence

If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.

If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.

If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.

If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Church Arson: Update 3

2010-01-12T14:08:00.003+08:00

A couple of pieces worth reading:

1. Bakri Musa's "It Happened Under Your Watch, Najib"

and,

2. Anwar Ibrahim's statement following a meeting with Church leaders in Petaling Jaya:

On Sunday January 10th I attended a gathering of Church leaders in Petaling Jaya to express our solidarity with the Christian community where I read the following statement:

We are outraged by the tragic attacks on our Christian brothers and sisters and reiterate our unequivocal condemnation of the bombing of churches in Malaysia. Today’s attack on the oldest standing church in Malaysia, the All Saints Church in Taiping, is an attack on our nation’s heritage.
As a nation we struggle to uphold the spirit of unity that our founding fathers envisioned at independence. We must hold fast to Article 11 of the Federal Constitution which guarantees freedom of religion and the right of religious groups to manage their own affairs. In such times the spirit of engagement and dialogue must transcend those voices that would seek to sow discord and enmity across our land.

The people of Malaysia must unite against those who exploit race and religion to incite hatred for political gain. We must renew our commitment to religious understanding and religious freedom.

This is a time that tests the resolve of all religions for peace and mutual respect. We must remember that the God who we worship is in fact the same God, the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe.

With respect to the use of the word Allah, for example, it cannot be disputed that Arabic speaking Muslims, Christians and Jews have collectively prayed to God as Allah throughout the last fourteen centuries. While sensitivities over its usage have arisen in Malaysia, the way to resolve these conflicts is not by burning churches and staging incendiary protests but by reasoned engagement and interreligious dialogue.

Muslims must recall the memory of our own tradition’s remarkable commitment to understanding and coexistence with the People of the Book. Islam clearly grants respect to Christians and Jews. In the Quran’s second chapter, God says:

Say: O People of the Scripture! Come to a common word between us and you: that we shall worship none but God (Aal-Imran, 3:64)

And in the 29^th Chapter He says:

And dispute not with the People of the Book but say “We believe in the Revelation which has come down to us and that which came down to you…our God [Allah] and your God [Allah] is One, and it is to Him we bow (al-Ankabut, 29:46)

Jesus is himself revered as one of the greatest prophets whose noble example should be followed. The Caliph Umar, who visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in 638 AD, was careful to ensure that the Muslims respect the sanctity of Christian places of worship. What then of our own Police’s hesitation to offer an assurance of safety and security for Malaysian churches?

Much of the blame for the recent attacks can be placed at the doorstep of the UMNO-led BN ruling party. Its incessant racist propaganda over the Allah issue and the inflammatory rhetoric issued by government controlled mainstream media especially, Utusan Malaysia, are reprehensible. Such wanton acts of provocation are indeed criminal and demonstrate the duplicity of the 1Malaysia campaign.

I am encouraged by the swift condemnation of the attacks issued by Muslim organizations and leaders. I likewise applaud our Christian leaders for their strong statements calling for calm and forgiveness and resisting revenge and retaliation.

The need for interfaith dialogue in Malaysia is an idea whose time is long overdue. We must now advance the spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood which is inherent in our religions and enshrined in our Constitution. Pakatan Rakyat will collectively take steps to ensure that the necessary dialogue and discussion take place throughout the country. Our fellow Christians must feel safe and secure in this country knowing that their freedom to worship is protected.

ANWAR IBRAHIM

Opposition Leader

Church Arson: Update 2

2010-01-09T07:10:00.003+08:00

Kudos to Marina Mahathir for taking the initiative and and proposing a few timely and uplifting responses to the attacks on churches. From her Rantings blog:

1. Some young Muslims have have volunteered to go clean up the after effects of the fire mess at the Desa Melawati Metro Tabernacle Church;

2. Another person has suggested a 1-3 minutes time for prayer every hour on the hour to give people some time to pause and reflect;

3. Many are taking time to refute malicious rumour sms-es that have been circulating since yesterday.

Church Arson: Update

2010-01-08T20:06:00.003+08:00

There has been at least 1 sms circulating now "advising" Christians to refrain from having rosaries and other religious articles in their vehicles as there were mobs attacking such cars in and around Bangsar, Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam.

A quick check shows no evidence of such attacks taking place. Most probably this is another false sms.

The Facebook community Malaysian Catholic Christians has updates and suggestions as what and how to respond. It also recommends everyone read an article by the Rev. Eric Matsumoto from Dharma Ohana titled "Bamiyan", on the Buddhist response to the destruction of the Bahmian Buddha statues in Afghanistan during the Taliban rule. An edited version is available here.

It may be difficult, confusing, mad times right now especially for the religous minority in Malaysia. But Carl Jung, the Swiss psychologist once said:

“The most intense conflicts, if overcome, leave behind a sense of security and calm that is not easily disturbed. It is just these intense conflicts and their conflagration which are needed to produce valuable and lasting results.”

In the Name of Allah

2010-01-08T17:48:00.004+08:00

I've stayed away from blogging for the past few months, both for personal and other reasons.

However, this latest episode of torching churches with regards to the usage of the word "Allah" by The Catholic Herald has got many people riled up for different reasons and wanting more information on the subject. Already there have been sms-es flying around. Not all of which are true. Maybe a little clarity will help. A little bit of understanding by all parties can calm hot-heads down, and hopefully reduce the danger of mob-incited violence, as what happened in the early hours of today in KL.

Some interesting blogs and news items to check out:

1. PKR media statement

2. Anil Netto's ongoing updates

3. Bishop Paul Tan talks about a "political" ploy.

Meanwhile the Prime Minister has denied allegations that the ruling party UMNO was responsible for the current tense situation. Malaysiakini has the Bahasa Malaysia reports here.

Malaysia Insider also has the story.

In the midst of all thls, the words of St. Francis of Assisi probably never rang more true:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

Update: PENANG CAREER & POSTGRADUATE EXPO 2009

2009-11-12T19:49:00.003+08:00

For more information on the 6th. Penang Career & Post Graduate Expo 2009 from 14-15 November at PISA (Penang International Sports Arena), check out the following links:

1. Penevents

2. Star Online

And, it's on Facebook too.

PENANG CAREER & POSTGRADUATE EXPO 2009

2009-11-11T11:04:00.002+08:00

It's all happening at the Penang International Sports Arena
from 14-15 November 2009, 10.00 am - 6.00 pm.

67 prospective employers and counting.

Pass the word around.

160909: Hari Malaysia Update

2009-09-17T09:58:00.003+08:00

The first Penang gathering of the Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia initiative in Penang drew 10 people to the Pelita Nasi Kandar restaurant in Jalan Macalister last night.

Lucia Lai has the details.

Meanwhile, the Center for Independent Journalism reports that more than 50 civil society groups have endorsed the "New Nationalism - Freedom with Empowering Peace" statement that was released in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebrations yestrerday.

The CIJ press release in full.

One of the things that most disturb governments, entities or individuals that wield power is the right of others who may not agree with them to dissent. Henry Thoreau has another view, something which I think is closer to the truth:

"...as most legislators, politicians, lawyers, ministers and office-holders, serve the state chiefly with their heads; and as they rarely make any moral distinctions, they are as likely to serve the devil, without intending it, as God.

A very few, as heroes, patriots, martyrs, reformers in the great sense, and men, serve the state with their consciences also, and so necessarily resist it for the most part; and they are commonly treated as enemies by it" - in "Civil Disobedience".

160909: Hari Malaysia

2009-09-16T09:08:00.003+08:00

Today, we commemorate the formal formation Malaysia, bringing together the Federation of Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore as one nation.

Although not a public holiday, nevertheless there's plenty of action going around all over the nation today, including:

1. The "Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia" initiative, conceived by lawyer Haris M. Ibrahim to be launched today at the Rumah Anak Bangsa Malaysia, No. 66, Lorong Setiabistari 1, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.

2. There is also a similar event up North organised by blogger Lucia Lai at Nasi Kandar Pelita Restaurant, Jalan Macalister, Penang (near the UMNO building) tonight at 7.30 p.m.

3. Earlier this past week, the KL and Chinese Assembly Hall (KLCAH) together with Civil Rights and Packet One Network jointly organised a "1 Malaysia, 15 Films" or simply known as "15Malaysia" screening of 15 short films produced by 15 Malaysian film makers on local socio-political issues.

4. There is also a "Fast for the Nation" initiative by Sivin Kit to unite Malaysians to fast and pray in solidarity for unity and peace.

Let's not dwell much on recent divisive actions being carried out by self serving people in the name of race, religion and what not, rather CELEBRATE with all Malaysians of goodwill the re-birth of Malaysia.

Happy Birthday Malaysia!

Negara Kita Tanggungjawab Kita

2009-09-08T11:44:00.003+08:00

I just found out about a local volunteer and advocacy group that calls itself "Pahlawan Volunteers". It also has a presence on Facebook with the same name. I was more impressed by its slogan "Negara Kita, Tanggungjawab Kita." The letter below was originally posted on the Pahlawan Volunteers blog.

MCCBCHST (Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism & Taoism) notes with deep concern that the cowhead incident in Shah Alam is not an isolated case. Another recent example of this kind of insensitivity was when the Holy Eucharist was desecrated when certain persons went to a church, took the consecrated bread and spewed it out.

Such irreverent and sacrilegious conduct should not be condoned and allowed to be repeated with impunity. In seating the organisers of the recent demonstration in Shah Alam to his right and left during his press conference, the home affairs minister seemed to have bestowed honour to the perpetrators of a gravely offensive and dangerous event whereby seditious speeches accompanied by the stepping on the severed head of the cow were made. What signals would this send to the people?

Not surprisingly, therefore, the same disrespectful, unruly and unwilling to listen behaviour on the part of some rendered the town hall meeting between the Menteri Besar and Section 23 residents to discuss the issue on September 5 2009 unmanageable and unproductive.

The same rules must apply to all.

MCCBCHST is concerned that wheareas in the August 28 2009 Shah Alam incident the police had stood by while the demonstrators desecrated the cow head and made seditious speeches, the police acted strongly against would-be candlelight vigilers in the vicinity of Dataran Merdeka on September 5 2009. Also, Malaysiakini has now been warned by MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission) not to make the video showing the terrible acts in the Shah Alam incident available for viewing to their readers.

Thinking Malaysians will rightly raise the question: Which comes first- the act or the video which exposes the act? How do we as a country go about resolving our problems? In this case, stopping the video of the act will not unmake the act. We must surely first prevent the act and the video would not have existed.

For the sake and good of all Malaysians and peace and order in Malaysia, consistent, fair, just and rational measures should be applied regardless of religion, ethnicity, culture, gender or political connection.

There must be one rule for all Malaysians.

All who incite ill feelings amongst religious communities, denigrate any religion, desecrate the religious symbols of any religion or threaten to commit violence against others must be promptly deterred and held accountable. They must face charges and given a fair trial in a court of law.

Sacrilegious acts committed by adherents of any one religion upon another religion must never be condoned. We hold to the principle that all human beings and communities have a sacred right of freedom of choice as far as their religious belief and practice is concerned.

We stand with Malaysians of all religious and political persuasions who were outraged by the flagrant disregard for the sensitivities of others shown by the Shah Alam demonstrators.

We welcome the partnership of all Malaysians of goodwill. Together we can weather the mischief and bigotry of those who seek to drive a wedge between us and divide rather than unite the people of this land.

We Malaysians live in a pluralistic society and accordingly we must respect our neighbours and endeavour to learn about their beliefs, customs and sentiments. It is upon such understanding of others and what is dear to them that our nation can be firmly rooted and grow strong and united.

The way to manage our differences is not by creating enclaves whereby Malaysians will be segregated and separated from one another but through understanding and respect. Let us live together next to one another rather than to live apart. Each succeeding generation of Malaysians should grow closer rather than to be pulled apart.

The site chosen in Section 23 of Shah Alam for the Hindu temple to be relocated to complies with local government conditions. It is over 300 meters away from any housing area, six times more than the 50-meter requirement. If the authorities accept the objection to it by certain quarters, the social dynamics of Malaysian life will be affected and the consequence on national integration will be very serious indeed.

We must not subscribe to the view of thinking about Malaysians as majorities and minorities, and majorities versus minorities.

MCCBCHST therefore calls upon all Malaysians of goodwill to be in earnest prayer for the peaceful and just resolution of the issue. Those in authority at the community, religious and governmental level must be firm to unequivocally reject unreasonable, unfair and anti-social behaviour and demand.

Rev. Dr Thomas Philips, MCCBCHST President

MP's Open Letter to Section 23 Residents

2009-09-04T18:27:00.003+08:00

Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad of PAS has blogged an open letter to the residents of Section 23 Shah Alam.

Read it in full at his blog.

Khalid is one and the same MP who first set foot inside the Catholic Church of The Divine Mercy in Shah Alam on 27 March 2008. While there, he reassured Christians that they could continue to use the word "Allah" in their worship without fear of persecution.

Which brings me to this story:

A visitor to a school asked the principal, 'When in your schedule do you teach religion?"

And the reply was: "We teach it all day long.

We teach it in Arithmetic, by Accuracy.
We teach it in Language, by Learning to say what we mean.
We teach it in History, by Humanity.
We teach it in Geography, by Breadth of mind.
We teach it in Handicraft, by Thoroughness.
We teach it in Astronomy, by Reverence.
We teach it in the Playground, by Fairplay.
We teach it in Kindness to animals, by Courtesy to servants, by Good Manners to one another, and by Helpfulness in all things.
We teach it by showing the Young, that we, their Elders, are their friends." - (Author Anonymous)

In pictures and videos taken in front of the State Secretariat building that day, I saw a few youngsters in the midst of the some 50 odd crowd. I wonder what kind of religion the ELDERS in the crowd taught the young ones that day.

Finally, Some Common Sense!

2009-09-04T08:52:00.005+08:00

"I can see clearly now, the rain is gone..." so goes the opening line in Johnny Cash's 1972 classic song of the same title. Strange though that Hishamuddin Hussein too has changed his tune now, a day after his eloquent defence of the cow-head demonstrators.

Abraham Lincoln once said "You can fool some of the people all of the time, and you can fool all of the people some of the time but you can't fool all of the people all of the time". Seems, Mr. Double H is beginning to find that truth out for himself, while the newly re-appointed IGP is still denying that "the police were not serious in handling the matter." Unlike our recently "enlightened" H2, the poor sod doesn't realise that he just keeps sounding like a broken record! And we all know where broken records end up!

At a time when various assorted self appointed mob squads, politicians and enforcement officers continue to try derail unity among the common people, Azmi Sharom and Farish A. Noor have provided a couple of gems for us to ponder on.

Just maybe, we can all see clearly then.

The Hand(s) behind the Cow Head Identified

2009-09-03T12:18:00.002+08:00

Dalang kepala lembu di dedah.

Remember the names. It will come in handy when the next GE comes along.