Thought's Treasure Trove

Membaca dan Intrig Elitisnya

2011-09-19T11:05:00.004-05:00

Mungkin ada yang mengatakan membaca itu boleh dilakukan oleh sesiapa dan di mana-mana sahaja pada tiap ketika. Benarkah? Menyebut 'membaca amalan mulia' senang sahaja menitip pada arakian kempen dan slogan itu dan ini, walhal impaknya pada benak pemikiran massa tak ubah seperti 'merokok membahayakan kesihatan.' Mengapakah begitu sukar untuk menanam budaya membaca di kalangan massa sedangkan perpustakaan-perpustakaan, kedai-kedai buku, sekolah-sekolah, hatta rumah-rumah ibadat dan tempat tinggal persendirian pun sudah hampir pasti ada bahan bacaan yang entah berapa banyaknya? Tiada pula undang-undang yang mengharamkan kegiatan membaca! Malah, ada rebat cukai lagi kepada ulat-ulat buku sebagai ganjaran kerana sanggup mengulati lembaran-lembaran kertas berjam-jam lamanya.

Namun, sangatlah sedikit golongan ulat-ulat buku ini kerana mereka ini golongan elit. Iya, membaca adalah budaya elit! Membaca itu mudah sahaja. Kita membaca setiap hari daripada anda bangun tidur sehinggalah kita tidur kembali. Jika anda sedang menelaah penulisan ini, maka anda sedang membaca. Jika anda sedang 'PM' di Facebook pun anda sedang membaca. Tak kurang juga kita 'melihat' papan-papan tanda di tepi jalan yang bertulis "Kota Samarahan 10" atau "BERHENTI," pun anda sedang membaca! Tapi apa bezanya kita ini dengan sang ulat buku itu? Banyak! Ini cuma sebahagian daripadanya. Pertama, membaca bagi sang ulat buku adalah suatu budaya, bukannya kebiasaan. Budaya bermaksud ia telah menjadi suatu kegiatan dalam sedar yang berulang-ulang sehingga ia menjadi suatu disiplin. Disebabkan kegiatan itu berulang-ulang maka wujudlah corak, cara, gaya dan rentak yang membentuk identiti membaca si ulat buku itu. Hasilnya, ruang minda sang ulat buku pun bertambah yang terkesan pada cara dan tajuk percakapan, penulisan dan tindak-tanduknya.

Tapi untuk orang kebanyakan pula, membaca cuma suatu kebiasaan.Kebiasaan dalam ertikata ini bermaksud perkara yang selalu diulang-ulang sehingga ia menjadi sesuatu yang tidak disedari lagi akan kewujudannya. Begitulah 'membaca' bagi orang ramai: memadailah sekadar tahu membaca (melihat?) 'BERHENTI,' atau 'KUALA LUMPUR 30km,' 'lol,' dan 'i luv u' di paparan papan tanda tampak dan maya. Tiada pula disiplin kerana amalan 'membaca' itu dilakukan di luar sedar lalu corak, gaya, cara dan rentak tidak dapat dirakam oleh benak pemikiran 'yang melihat' itu kerana amalan-amalannya rawak. Hasilnya, tajuk dan cara percakapan, penulisan dan tindak-tanduknya pun terkesan, cuma ruang minda yang melihat itu tidak pula bertambah, malah ada yang merosot.

Pun begitu, itu hanya sebahagian daripada kisahnya. Wah, senang benar melabel orang itu 'ulat buku, sebab itu dia pandai' dan orang itu 'bukan ulat buku, sebab itu dia bodoh' tanpa menyelidik terlebih dahulu norma-norma di sekelilingnya. Di tempat kita, bahan-bahan bacaan berkualiti amatlah mahal harganya. Jika tiada Lima Puluh Ringgit di dalam dompet (atau di dalam akaun bank jika ada pengguna kad debit; jika anda pengguna kad kredit, anda memang orang elit!), kus semangat, lupakan sahaja niat untuk memiliki naskah yang terpampang pada rak buku itu! Benar ada bahan bacaan yang murah dan berkualiti. Pergilah ke rak buku bahagian 'Classics,' 'Local Interests,' 'Agama,' atau 'Value Buy,' nescaya anda akan terjumpa bahan bacaan itu. Tapi jangan harap (atau mengharaplah) anda terjumpa yang lebih daripada itu tanpa wang Ringgit di tangan.

Ini adalah satu kecondongan dalam amalan membaca. Benar ada yang sangat ingin membaca lebih atau belajar membaca tetapi tidak punya kemampuan ekonomi untuk berbuat demikian. Makanan-makanan minda yang berkhasiat di pasaraya-pasaraya yang biasa menempatkan gedung-gedung buku selalunya diimpot. Bahan-bahan impot pula selalunya mahal. Bukan tiada makanan-makanan minda tempatan yang berkhasiat lagi enak dijamah akal, akan tetapi reputasinya sama seperti midin dan laksey: enak dimakan bagi sesiapa yang pernah merasanya, murah juga tetapi tidak ramai pula yang mengetahuinya, apatah lagi membelinya!

Mahal itu satu, tapi yang satu lagi adalah penguasaan bahasa dan teknik membaca membezakan ulat 'enggang' dan ulat 'pipit.' Benar, melihat dari kiri ke kanan sambil menyebut ungkapan dan perkataan yang dibaca itu pun membaca juga, tetapi sangatlah berbeza gaya membaca orang itu dengan mereka yang boleh dengan yakin berinteraksi, mengkritik, membidas, memperkaya, menyokong, dan menilai apa yang dibaca. Untuk membina kemahiran-kemahiran membaca pula bukan usaha sehari-dua; itu kerja bertahun-tahun lamanya. Si pembaca perlu membaca dengan banyak dalam bidang yang meluas, baharulah lenggok-lenggok halus setiap bidang bacaan itu dapat dikuasai satu persatu yang semestinya perlu ditatih dan dilatih.

Latihan ini jauh menjangkau sempadan kata kerja membaca itu sendiri. Ini berkaitan dengan perkembangan minda dan pemikirian yang antaranya terangkum, tapi tidak terhad kepada, ilmu-ilmu retorik, penaakulan, perbahasan, perbincangan, puisi, pengiraan, logik mantik, falsafah, agama dan spiritual, dan yang lain-lainnya yang menerbit rasa minat untuk membaca itu sendiri. Tambah pula membaca mestilah ada tujuan biarpun tujuan itu untuk berhibur sekalipun. Semakin jelas tujuan bacaan itu, semakin tajam pula mata akal melihatnya maka semakin banyaklah makanan minda dapat dituai. Nah, ini bukan kerja orang elit?

Seterusnya, tahap penguasaan bahasa bahan yang hendak dibaca juga sangat penting untuk menghadam bahan bacaan. Yang tinggi tahap penguasaan bahasanya boleh menghadam diksi-diksi yang 'berat' (walhal takrifnya tidaklah sesusah mana pun) kerana kayanya pengetahuan dalam kosa kata, sintaks dan rencana penggunaannya. Yang rendah tahap penguasaan bahasanya pula terpaksalah pula berpuas hati dengan bahan bacaan yang lebih mudah. Ini membuatkan mereka ini takut untuk menyentuh buku yang 'berat' kerana sedar bahawa mereka hanya punya kail sejengkal, tiada layak menduga lautan dalam. Yang hanya mampu menjala jerung di lautan hanyalah mereka yang berpukat berkapal - dalam pengamatan bahasanya lalu luweslah pemahamannya.

Satu lagi kedangkalan persepsi terhadap sang ulat buku 'besar' ini adalah mereka semestinya juga berkaca mata seinci tebal, berseluar dan bertali-pinggang 'tinggi', dan 'skema.' Ini usaha pembodohan massa! Sang ulat buku 'besar' boleh jadi remaja miskin yang tinggal di kabin pedalaman Amerika, pemuzik Rock berambut warna-warni panjang, dan agamawan berjubah serba putih! Iya, rupa mereka sama sahaja dengan golongan-golongannya. Bezanya sang ulat 'besar' ini tahu lebih, terutamanya dalam bidang yang diceburinya, dek usahanya mengulati siratan-siratan ilmu pada naskah-naskah yang diamatinya.

Gerbang ilmu, walaupun luas, ada penjaganya. Tidak semua penjaga itu baik, ada juga yang tidak kurang bodohnya. Ada mereka yang sengaja menjadikan bacaan itu susah dengan segala macam istilah yang memeningkan. Tujuannya menulis bukan untuk mendidik, tetapi untuk mengelirukan, atau menunjuk-nunjuk bahawasanya dialah empunya kunci ilmu itu. Ada juga penjaga yang mencuri hasilan ilmu orang lain. Katanya itu idenya walhal yang penat bersengkang mata menelaah siang malam membuahkan ilmu itu adalah orang lain! Ada juga yang ingin menjadi penjaga ilmu jadi tetapi pemalas. Impiannya mahu menjadi pendita agung tetapi kerjanya potong dan tampal sahaja. Itu pun dikiranya sudah membaca!

Tapi yang paling malang ada yang menyangka ia menjaga, tetapi sebenarnya ia memusnahkan. Dilarangnya orang mengaji buku orang asing kerana mereka bangsa penjajah, kononnya. Dilarangnya pula orang mahu belajar bertutur selain daripada bahasa ibunda, kerana itu tidak patriotik! Yang paling membiulkan ialah dilarangnya orang bertanya kerana mungkin apa yang ditanyakan itu terlalu sukar untuk dijawabnya, lalu dilekehkan pula mereka yang berfikir dek usang tubuhnya kerana terlalu lama menaakul beribu-ribu helaian mukasurat. Berharga sungguh umur yang dihabiskan untuk menggilap permata akal itu, mahal pula akibatnya!

Sungguh hairan, perpustakaan-perpustakaan ada pengunjung, tetapi yang datang sudah ada dengan buku rujukannya sendiri! Datangnya cuma untuk 'menjawab' dan 'memuntahkan' soalan-soalan yang mempunyai jawapan 'pasti!' Banyak khazanah yang bernilai di sebalik rak-rak panjang itu. Tetapi itulah, tidak ramai yang mahu dan mampu menatapnya, dek kerana miskin harta dan/atau miskin ilmu. Apa mudah untuk menjadi kaya? Kempen membaca? Fikir semula, kerana besarlah intrignya dek mendokong bawaan elit persis teori konspirasi, cuma lebih sedikit daripada omongan kosong. Tapi membacalah dan jangan gusar; kebulur akalmu jika tidak dijamu.

16/9/11: What a Malaysia Day Parade!

2011-09-15T22:17:00.005-05:00

A well staged Malaysia Day parade after a momentous Prime Minister's speech last night. Head of Sarawak and Head of Sabah are recognized second and third from the Supreme Ruler of the Federation in degree of importance in protocol, implicitly recognizing the Constitutional State components of Malaysia: Sabah, Sarawak and Malaya.

Najib did not leave together with the Lordly departures. Instead, he stayed behind for a brief ad-lib Malaysia Day thank you speech with a loud 1Malaysia and Merdeka hail in the end, aiming his notes to young Malaysians.

Merdeka Day seems to receive a second degree importance to give way for Malaysia Day:"Freedom from British the colonist" sentiment is now suppresed to give way for "a united people of Malaysia" sentiment.

Orang Asli and Siamese ethnic costumes, however modified, are now mentioned and made public by the mainstream media in the cultural dress parade, in addition to the omnipresent Malays, Ibans etc.

None among the formal opposition leaders were seen present. Instead, Pakatan began the day to claim credit for ISA abolishment and touted about Buku Jingga, not congratulate the Federation for its 48th Malaysia Day.

Najib's Federation politics maneuver is reaching a new height.

Sarawak 10th State Election: a Reflection

2011-04-17T02:33:00.008-05:00

Sarawakians have decided on April 16th that Barisan Nasional (BN) again shall rule the State with 2/3 majority. BN seized 55 seats and receives 54.53% popularity votes (PV), seconded by Democratic Action Party (DAP) 12 seats with 19.75% PV, People's Justice Party (PKR) 3 seats with 17.15% PV, and Independent 1 seat with 2.94% PV. Sarawak National Party (SNAP), Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) and Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM) appropriated no seats from the fray. Percentage of voter turnout is 70% which is among the highest in Sarawak state election history. Many might be puzzled and even disappointed because the 2008 12th General Election political tsunami did not reach East Malaysia's shore. While a tsunami did not happen, a wind of change is certainly blowing fresh in Sarawak politics.

Sarawak, despite being the largest and a major entity-component of Malaysia, is arguably among the least known in terms of its religious, ethnic, social, and cultural dynamics that influence its voting pattern. Sarawak is connoted by some as BN's "safe deposit" - a blanket term to label the State and her voters as docile followers of BN. While Sarawakians usually show strong support towards BN, this is not without reasons. In this election, the trend continues with a significant exception - the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) and the Independent reaped sixteen for the opposition chairs with sound legitimacy, consent and will of general Sarawakians.

THE FEDERAL AID

It is no surprise BN is utilizing each and every government machinery possible. This time, this force is multiplied with direct intervention from Putrajaya, Malaysia's federal government, to insure BN's victory. The Prime Minister himself camped for six days in Sarawak to campaign for BN along with his deputy, key ministers, and UMNO campaign workers imported from the Peninsula. Institutions such as KEMAS and JASA are used by BN ant armies to penetrate deep into Sarawak grassroot voters especially in the rural areas. Liquid and capital assets such as cash money and cars (read: Chevrolet SUV with "G1M XXXX/G1M XXX plate number") are flushed in to ensure the mobility of these machineries. Promises of new projects, instant and long term, are made right before and during the election campaigns. These are just few open secrets of BN well known to Sarawakians.

MONEY POLITICS

Some claim money politics in terms of vote buying one of the defining factors that determine the outcome of Sarawakian elections. While this may be true to some extent, especially when the amount is large relative to basic income of the receivers, there is a larger issue at hand. The receivers, usually from targeted specific groups of urban and rural poors in hotly contested constituencies, are cogitating more than which-candidate-to-vote factors when they receive their money.

Based on ground interviews, these receivers attribute the money acquired from political parties, or candidates and representatives of political parties, are simply compensation for their absence in their daily work. Others treat it as the matter of goodwill from a patron: a gesture similar to saying "how are you" and "thank you." Little is this act attributed to moral reasoning that lead to "wrongness" and "unfairness" among the receivers. Still, the receivers reserve their rights to vote whoever they want: receiving (or not) the money is an entire different question altogether, leaving the effect of "money politics" an interesting factor to be explored in Sarawakian elections.

DEVELOPMENT! DEVELOPMENT!

Development is perhaps the cardinal factor that determine the voting factor of Sarawakians. The context of development can be understood in different ways depending on specific needs of each constituency. In rural area, "development" means catering to basic needs such as constant clean access to water, electricity, school, medical center, roads and jetty. In urban area, "development" means catering the wants of a metropolitan society such shrewd town planning, more job opportunity for skilled labors, and infrastructure building. In this election, BN is able to convince the voters it is the capable force of propeling development in the rural areas and some parts of the urban areas.

Instant handouts of water tanks and concrete jetty constructions are examples of immediate goodies received by rural folks as preliminary proofs that BN is able to do more. The long term ones are delivered in terms of pork-barrel projects by means of promises made by key leaders of BN. The execution of those projects in time or as promised is an entirely different question.

As for the urban areas, the Malay-Melanau community is buying the development promises wholesale. SCORE, GTP and ETP (1 MALAYSIA) viewed as the way forward towards advancing Sarawakian economic growth. This is also the group that had benefitted most from Sarawak's urban development from the past fifty years many among the urban Malay-Melanau voters would attribute to the contributions of BN. This is also true for the urban Chinese community for a long time, until recently.

PRIME MINISTER NAJIB AND 1MALAYSIA

The Prime Minister himself seem to be an icon in this general election especially among the rural voters. Where public images and repertoire of state BN leaders fail, Najib seem to fill the void with his constant chant of 1MALAYSIA: a concept he himself learn and believe is rooted deep within the Sarawakian society. He creates an image of being 'on the ground' Prime Minister, willing to traverse the wilderness of Ba'Kelalan and meet the people there to address their concerns especially on development, had won the heart of rural Sarawakians. The core principle of 1MALAYSIA - unity, is his image label.

THE CHURCH AND THE STATE

The Bible in Malay (and "Allah") issue does not seem to translate in votes for most Sarawakian Christians and Muslims. While the churches are implicitly calling for the 'righteous government,' nowhere is the Bible issue hold ground in any major political rallies and manifestos in contending parties. Perhaps it is shrewd for the Chief Minister and Prime Minister to visit Sarawakian Christian leaders for the first time in history, but the visits draw very little (or quiet?) attention from the mass voters. Even the Malay-Melanaus, whom are the Muslim majority in the State, are not responding to the issue. No rally at the mosque, no heated Friday Islamic sermons whatsoever.

"ANASIR LUAR" A.K.A "OUTSIDE INFLUENCE"

The "anasir luar" sentiment are played by at least three (major) sides among the contenders: BN, PR and SNAP. SNAP is suggesting "anasir luar" is the "orang Malaya, their associates and parties" altogether and focusing on the appeal of Dayakism. BN is suggesting the VALUES brought by (i.e. fiery campaign speeches, character attacks, and "violent acts") "orang luar [= orang Malaya of the oppositions?]" is the "anasir luar." PR is pinpointing "anasir luar" directly to the Chief Minister's wife and associating it with ultra-expensive wedding jewelry! All are expressed in terms of negative campaigns to discredit the oppositions but none seemed have real active and explicit influence on the votes, save maybe the BN versions in campaign banners and posters in the Chinese area (and also on vandalized campaign billboard) sort of saying "we reject the Islamic State."

THE ROCKET FLEW HIGH, SOUPING SUPP

DAP won 12 out of 15 seats and blasted off SUPP's Prime at his own ground. This is clearly the urban Chinese factor, combined with effective DAP campaign machineries, availability of resources, and decades of experience in serving the needs of the Sarawakians, especially in Chinese majority area. Campaign posters, banners and billboards are well worded and presented in sassy, Hong Kong style artist promotions. The cute rhinocerous hornbill mascot and t-shirt, UBAH, sold out in minutes, in the festive-like gatherings that draws thousands and tens of thousands crowd strong. DAP sentiment is clear and attuned to the Chinese community: "Pek Moh," which is a call for a change in the highest strata of Sarawakian administration. There is also elements of protest votes due to non-performance of SUPP to represent the Chinese community in the government.

ONE EYE ONLY FOR THE ONE-EYED

PKR, despite its ambition for 49 seats, seized only three. Despite the presence of its big guns such as Anwar, Nurul Izzah, Azmin Ali, Saifudin Nasution, Tian Chua and Wan Azizah, they carry little weight when it comes to vote counts. Their winning in three seats are exceptional: in N.11 Batu Lintang and N.34 Krian mainly because of the Chinese momentum borrowed from PKR's association with DAP. In N.70 Ba'Kelalan, its candidate is a well known long time activist and lawyer to the locals against an unknown BN candidate. In other words, N.70 is the Baru Bian factor, not the PKR factor.

Perhaps PKR's biggest flop is that it was unable to capture the local sentiment and woes of the voters. PKR's campaign machineries and ant armies are poorly trained and equipped.They scare the folks away (who wants to talk to you when the first question you asked is asking for their IC?) instead of making the folks listen to them. Their posters, banners, and campaign rallies reflect little with the sentiment on the ground. Some of the glossy handouts even speak about PKR's ambition to Putrajaya with all its Federal manifestos - which the rural folks couldn't care less. It is true that Anwar is PKR's campaign icon where he attracts crowds whenever he goes, but his charisma alone is far from sufficient when it comes to winning Sarawak. This lack of attention to local sentiment costs PKR dearly both in terms of its material cost and votes - only an eye Sarawakian attention for the one-eyed insensitive party.

SNAP SNAPPED

SNAP, one of Sarawak's oldest and once most influential party, suffers a major defeat in this election - it wins none from 26 contested seats and reaps only a total of 15 663 votes. Its ambition to be Sarawak's kingmaker (or the King?) is buried when its investment for Dayakism, a sort of Sarawak land for the native Dayaks, does not pay well in this election. Its former strength is much diluted - its splinter such as SPDP is doing well in BN. SNAP loses and turned against its PR alliance in this election. How will SNAP rejevunate is all for us to see.

THE IRRELEVANT THIRD FORCE, SAVE THE MINOR INDEPENDENT

PCM contested in 6 seats, lost all seats, and garnered only a total 2895 votes, wiping away the possibility of breeding a viable third faction in the near future. However, independents are exceptions to be pondered: 41 of them contested in the election. Although some 26 of them lost their deposit money, the fact that they are willing to enter the election nonetheless without the direct umbrella of BN, PR, and SNAP is something for all to reflect - are there noteworthy political issues missing in the mainstream debate? The fact that the total of 20 064 for the independents, some twofold more than PAS, speak something of their presence. The independent even seized N.54 Pelagus.

PAS PASSED OUT

At first, there seemed to be hope for PAS with its carefully selected 5 seats it contested. Among them, N.24 Beting Maro was the most promising. Hoping to gain Malay-Muslim majority with significant Iban minority presence, PAS played the usual card: the "Islamic" card, which does not bode very well among Sarawakian voters, even among Sarawakian Muslims.

The exception is in Beting Maro where even the non-Muslim Ibans are joining the 'selawat' rally towards the 'penamaan calon session,' not because they are now subscribing to PAS' Islamic ideology. Rather, it is a march of discontent to the non-performing incumbent BN YB over there who is not addressing to the rural Beting Maro Ibans' (and Malays') economic needs. There is also a general rejection over PAS' notion (or popular perception) of Islamic state (read: NOT the rejection of Islam the religion because Sarawak has its own Muslim dwellers for centuries). This fear of state-ideology-induced brand of "Islamization" prevents PAS from entering the shores of Borneo.

But to PAS' credit, despite its very limited resource availability, PAS goes rustic by moving house to house to preach their messages. Unlike PKR campaign machineries, PAS workers are seen as "people-friendly" where they have sleepovers in the rural villages they are contesting (imagine the likes of Nik Aziz 'menumpang bermalam' at your house, 'insufficient,' even the basic needs, i.e. water... how would you feel?). Alas, the people is not ready yet for PAS. PAS must also learn to understand the local culture - thinking that organizing a karaoke competition as 'berdosa' that requires 'sembahyang taubat' certainly does not help with the campaign.

THE UNEVEN PLAYING FIELD

Not even BN claims it is playing fair in the election. This is pretty obvious where the blatant use of government machineries, resources, and media are thinly veiled behind 1MALAYSIA and is then directly attributed to BN. Some claim BN's total expenditure of RM500 million just for this election, dwarwing its opponents altogether. But perhaps BN's cardinal advantage is decades of experience and deep understanding of the local context had made it a successful party that continues to govern Sarawak until today. Sarawak BN's rhetorics on development and harmonious community are not without basis. Some would say the Sarawakians are naturally so. If this is true, then Sarawak BN leaders must be credited for utilizing and taking time to understand the fine niches within Sarawak's diverse ethnicity, geography and demography.

Of course this had been an uphill battle for the rest. Yet, the fact that there are now 15 opposition seats and 1 independent seat proves that winning is not impossible. Furthermore, no Sarawakian disputes the legitimacy and credibility of the opposition's victory, especially that of DAP. They are hard earned, well strategized and appeal to Sarawakian voters. Certainly there are concerns of vote rigging, phantom voters and other irregularities, but these are far overshadowed by a strong majority given by Sarawakians to most candidates of BN and DAP. Both fought hard and won in their own terms.

THE ZEPHYR OF CHANGE?

Indeed change is coming in Sarawak political landscape, but not as a tsunami or as a hurricane some quarters might expect. People are subtly calling for new faces to propel the higher echelon of Sarawak leadership. Pakatan Rakyat, led by DAP, is making their inroads as the alternative to Sarawak politics. A sudden shoot in voter turnout (70%) suggests a renewed interest among Sarawakians to be involved in politics. The presence of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, key Federal ministers, the Head of Opposition, and key Federal opposition leaders prove Sarawak is something too precious to lose.

Perhaps they may learn from their brief visits in and around Sarawak's flourishing urban area such as Kuching and Miri, and the rural, almost inacessible, poverty stricken rumah panjangs and kampongs in Ba'Kelalan, Belaga, and Beting Maro, will bring them lessons in devising government and opposition policies in the system of check and balance. Sarawakians themselves must now learn to engage in politics and participate in development.

BN must realize that Sarawakians no longer tolerate a sitting duck. Already the Rockets are hitting hard in town areas. BN is now relying on the rural seats to maintain its cracking shell of political invincibility, and its 10% decline in popularity votes since previous election is the harbinger not to be ignored. Pakatan Rakyat must put faith in Sarawak's polity - forcing a change not well grounded and contextualized on local concerns and understanding will only spell a blind, empty hope of victory.

But in the end, it is not about which party that wins in the election. It is more about the party and the system that can best serve needs of the Sarawakians and sustain its commodious harmony enjoyed from generations upon generations. It takes something special to govern a State about the size of Peninsular Malaysia with 27 different race and ethnicities with various religious beliefs, cultures, and social norms. By choosing to become partner in forming Malaysia, Sarawak expects to give and at the same time enjoy what it means to be part of the Federation. This can only be fulfilled with a working government that serves the people.

As for now, Sarawak had spoken... so let it be.

Kisah Hawa Dijadikan daripada Tulang Rusuk Adam

2011-02-04T05:36:00.001-06:00

The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field.

But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

The man said,

"This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for she was taken out of man."

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.

(Genesis 2:18-25, The Bible New International Version)

Nota: Di dalam al-Quran, tidak terdapat ayat yang nyata merujuk kepada Hawa dijadikan daripada tulang rusuk Adam, tidak seperti di dalam Kitab Bible.

Adalah menjadi sesuatu yang menarik kerana banyak puisi dan nukilan cinta 'Islamik' yang berkitar di Facebook dan laman-laman web pada masa kini adalah berkisar pada pemahaman ini.

Ini boleh dilihat daripada beberapa sudut. Pertama, mungkin ada yang melihat kisah ini bertepatan, atau sekurang-kurangnya tidak bertentangan, dengan pandangan kisah kejadian Adam dan Hawa di dalam al-Quran. Kedua, kisah ini telah diterima sebagai hujah atau penyokong hujah yang digunakan untuk menjelaskan ayat-ayat al-Quran tertentu di dalam konteks dan pemahaman tertentu. Akhir sekali, mungkin ada yang berfikir bahawa kisah Hawa dijadikan daripada tulang rusuk Adam ini datang daripada al-Quran itu sendiri.

Krisis Keyakinan Intelek

2011-01-08T02:14:00.004-06:00

Sejak kebelakangan ini, kita sering mendengar rungutan daripada banyak pihak: kerajaan, badan-badan bukan kerajaan, parti-parti politik, para cendekiawan, para mahasiswa, pihak media dan rakyat jelata tentang betapa cabaran demi cabaran, daripada berita kenaikan harga minyak sehinggalah kepada isu mazhab yang dilempar di dada-dada akhbar, blog-blog, ceramah-ceramah dan status-status di Facebook yang seperti tiada penyelesaiannya.

Komentar-komentar yang diberi oleh orang-orang tertentu pada isu-isu nasional ini pula tidak jauh lari daripada retorik politik; lebih malang lagi adalah apabila persepsi pembaca terhadap apa yang dibaca dan dihidang di dalam media massa dan media baru semuanya bermotif politik, sehingga ada ada yang mengaku ‘neutral’ dengan harapan mereka sememangnya neutral secara politiknya! Alahai, apakah yang sudah terjadi kepada dunia ilmu dan kesarjanaan kita yang kian kering dan lesu, sehingga tradisi ilmu yang berteras pada kekuatan hujah, daya fikir dan kemampuan menyelesaikan masalah, boleh disamakan dengan pula dengan persepsi politik perdana yang rata-rata berkisar pada engkau kerajaan dan aku pembangkang (atau sebaliknya)?

Perkara ini haruslah dibedah dan diteliti dalam-dalam bagi mencari pokok pangkal penyakitnya. Mungkin saspek utama kepada kemiskinan intelek yang kita hadapi pada hari ini ialah krisis kemelaratan melahirkan ide-ide baru dan segar daripada gedung-gedung ilmu seperti di universiti-universiti, sekolah-sekolah, perpustakaan-perpustakaan, dan tempat seumpamanya. Benarkah gred ‘A’ dan PNGK 4.00 dan segulung ijazah dengan Kepujian kelas sekian-sekian itu benar-benar memberi makna kepada kemampuan intelek seseorang itu yang boleh menjadi kayu ukur kepada nilai sumbangannya terhadap masyarakat, atau sekadar cantik dipandang mata semata-mata tanpa nilai intrinsik yang sebenarnya jauh lebih utama di dalam dunia ilmu dan kesarjanaan?

Adakah kita sedang mengalami kemelesatan peradaban masyarakat di mana antara salah satu tandanya ialah kurangnya minat kita untuk meneroka dan menggali ilmu, akan tetapi suka pula mendengar khabar-khabar angin dan konspirasi itu dan ini, tanpa menaakul dalam-dalam intipati dan asas kepada ilmu-ilmu tersebut yang kita makan dan hadam hari demi hari? Sedang kitab al-Quran menyuruh kita menyelidik berita dan cerita yang sampai kepada kita terlebih dahulu(Qur’an 49:6), namun apakah yang menyebabkan kita suka untuk mempercayai sesuatu kerana ia selalu diuar-uar, tanpa menyelidik punca, dan menganalisa kekuatan hujah dan kebenaran berita dan cerita itu terlebih dahulu?

Jika mahu menuduh, maka antara mangsa-mangsa yang paling senang untuk dituduh adalah seperti berikut: 1) Iblis dan Syaitan, 2) pihak kerajaan, 3) ahli-ahli politik, 4) nasib badan dan takdir, 5) penyanyi dan penghibur, 6) media massa, 7) masalah sosial. Senang bukan untuk menuding jari pada orang, entiti, dan faktor luaran lain yang selalu digenang di dalam kotak pemikiran kita bahawa mereka inilah sebenar-benar masalahnya; tanpa pula mendasari tuduhan-tuduhan tersebut dengan bukti-bukti dan jika disabit benar, menyertakan usaha dan cadangan untuk menjatuhkan hukum dan penyelesaian terhadap pertuduhan tersebut.

Kita selalu disuruh membaca, malah kita sering kali diingat oleh guru-guru agama untuk meneliti surah al-‘Alaq ayat 1-5 dan mengamalkannya di dalam kehidupan seharian. Tetapi pernahkah kita mempersoal kualiti dan kebenaran tentang apa yang kita baca itu? Sedang kita tahu membaca itu kepada gerbang ilmu, kita juga harus tahu membezakan jenis-jenis bahan bacaan yang benar-benar menjana dan mengembangkan daya fikir dengan bahan-bahan picisan dan bahan-bahan pseudo-intelek. Perumpamaannya mudah: sama baikkah air minuman perisa tiruan itu dengan air jus perahan buah asli? Kedua-duanya melunaskan dahaga tetapi berbeza khasiat, malah yang satu memudaratkan dan yang satu lagi menyihatkan.

Demikianlah juga makanan kepada akal. Jika banyak akal ‘memakan’ bahan-bahan yang berkhasiat, maka banyaklah akal-akal yang sasa yang menganggotai bala tentera intelek yang mampu mempertahan serangan-serangan intelek dengan hujah-hujah yang disusun rapi dan kemas; dengan adanya akal-akal yang sasa ini juga boleh melahirkan ide-ide baru yang ampuh lagi segar dalam menyelesaikan isu-isu semasa tanpa asyik bergantung kepada pandangan-pandangan cendekiawan yang telah lama meninggalkan kita, seolah-olah kita tidak yakin dengan kemampuan diri sendiri untuk menyelesaikan masalah hari-hari.

Perlukah suara dan getusan ilmu dirantai dan dibisu kerana takutkan perubahan? Sesungguhnya perubahan itu sentiasa berlaku selama mana jam dan waktu itu berdetik; bezanya adakah kita akan mendokong arus perubahan itu, atau kita terus hanyut dibawa arus, mengangguk sahaja setiap watak yang diberi hatta menjadi seekor lemming pun. Ayuh, bangunlah minda-minda yang lena. Musuh kebodohan sedang mencandu kita: bukan bodoh tidak mengerti membaca, menulis, dan mengira, tetapi bodoh tidak mahu menggunakan akal itu sendiri di dalam melihat, menelaah, mentafsir, menaakul, mencerna, dan merasional tentang hakikat Kebenaran itu sendiri telah menyebabkan hati itu buta melihat ayat-ayat Tuhan sehingga yang bukan Tuhan pun dipertuhankan; mintalah dijauhkan.

Penjenamaan “Islamik” Malaysia akan Terjejas Sekiranya Industri Pelancongan Berasaskan “Urban Entertainment” Diberi Penekanan

2010-10-27T09:51:00.003-05:00

Terdapat ura-ura yang mengatakan akan lebih banyak kelab malam terkemuka serta syarat mengendalikan konsert hiburan antarabangsa yang lebih longgar merupakan sebahagian daripada strategi baru di dalam usaha negara untuk menarik lebih ramai pelancong luar (sila baca habis: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/146435 “ETP: Lebih banyak kelab malam, spa akan dibina”).

Jika dakwaan-dakwaan tersebut benar, negara akan mengalami implikasi negatif di dalam strategi penjenamaan negara di dalam usahanya untuk menarik pelabur-pelabur dan pelanggan-pelanggan asing dan dalam negara, terutamanya daripada negara-negara Islam dan mereka yang beragama Islam.Di kalangan negara-negara bukan Islam dan mereka yang bukan Islam pula, Malaysia berpotensi dilihat sebagai sebuah ekonomi yang mempunyai "split-personality," yakni ekonomi yang berasaskan nilai moral-agama dan nilai 'sekular' serentak! Malaysia sebelum ini mencanang dirinya sebagai hab perbankan dan kewangan Islam se-dunia yang berasaskan ekonomi Islam serta hab makanan halal se-dunia.

Keadaan ini berpotensi memberikan imej yang mengelirukan terhadap bidang pengkhususan ekonomi negara yang juga melibatkan imej kelebihan kompetitif (competitive advantage) yang dibina negara selama ini. Dari sudut imej, adakah negara sedang beralih daripada penjenamaan “Islamik” kepada penjenamaan “hab hiburan” seranta? Dari sudut pelancongan pula, negara pernah menekankan aspek sosial, budaya, dan keindahan semula-jadi sebagai aset utama menarik pelancong-pelancong luar. Adakah aspek-aspek tersebut akan ditukar ganti dengan konsep"urban entertainment"?

Tambahan pula, kesan-kesan terhadap strategi pembangunan seperti ini perlu dilihat kesannya kepada strata sosial dan nilai moral masyarakat. Bayangkan jenis peluang pekerjaan apakah yang akan dihasilkan hasil daripada pembinaan lebih banyak kelab malam eksklusif dibina. Bagaimanakah dengan terbinanya tempat-tempat tersebut boleh mengubah persepsi masyarakat terhadap nilai-nilai moral yang selama ini disandarkan kepada kepercayaan agama, terutamanya Islam, dan nilai-nilai keTimuran?

Adakah ini menandakan negara sedang menghadapi suatu kekeliruan ideologi mencorak wacana ekonomi negara? Jika benar pihak berwajib serius mahu terus mempromosi negara sebagai hab “aktiviti ekonomi Islam,” maka pemikir-pemikir di kalangan pihak berwajib ini haruslah mengambil kira sudut pandangan Islam terhadap aktiviti pembangunan ekonomi negara. Mengejar kemajuan ekonomi semestinya penting kepada sesebuah negara, tetapi apalah kemajuan itu jika ia dilihat daripada lensa yang pincang menilai dirinya sendiri?

Perceiving Wealth and Its Players

2010-10-21T00:10:00.007-05:00

We are often taught by our elders the value of saving what little we have. Sikit-sikit, lama-lama jadi bukit is the credo, suggesting the virtue of patience, discipline, and consistency in building wealth. This credo is then strengthened with various mathematical formulas and indices, showing how our money will grow and eventually reaches the coveted one million amount and hence, counting ourselves among the millionaires.

The credo maybe true, but is only limited to personal finance of the ‘commoners’ and many millionaires. But, as for multi-millions and billions of Ringgit/Dollars transactions, which is the event reserved almost exclusively in macroeconomic situation, we need a whole different mindset to grasp what it means to achieve a financial goal.

In endeavoring billions-worth economic project, the consideration lies not only in financial profitability of the project. Many other factors are also considered such as the impact on the national economy as a whole, acceptance from the public, environmental and ecological changes that may occur, potential political adversities, intra and inter-level competition of participating economic players, international influences, and not the least, the legacy (or notoriety) forever attached to the project and its builders.

Therefore, it is fallacious to measure the weight of such project solely with fiscal measures. Other forms of measurement, tangible and intangible must be taken into the calculations as well.These other forms of measurement can be as cryptic as Adam Smith’s invisible hand: unseen yet consequential. Power in political, social, and economic form may be a reliable measure to evaluate the outcome of such project.

By knowing who is who: motivations, academic, professional and family background, net assets, and networks of these economic players, both individuals and institutions can determine how powerful these players are and their potential impacts on the project. Ideals and ideologies behind the tangible art of building may become next that may describe from what philosophies, doctrines and beliefs regarding the value of a material the project is based on. This will open visions towards the type of civilization taking shape in light of such endeavors.

Unlike in personal finance where individuals may be squarely blamed and punished for their financial mismanagement and infidelity, in national (or macro-) finance, it is harder to do so. Often, the economic players are guised behind the institutions they serve as the institutions act as their persona to decide and act, and hence taking responsibilities to all those decisions and actions. It is true in some cases where the topmost leader of an institution may be held accountable for their deeds and misdeeds. But often, external inquisition will be diluted with institutional forces, vertical and/or horizontal that save the players from blames and punishment.

Orthodox logic on savings, investments, borrowing, lending, and spending is at best referential to making economic decisions in such grand project. The decision is no longer based on what the economy has and what it is able to do. Instead, the decision is based on what the economy may have and what rewards the project may bring, assessed as current worth of the endeavor. This leads to handsome borrowing practice, a practice assuming current debts will be compensated with potential multiplicity in volume of future rewards assessed in current paradigm.

Borrowing has become a spree, not a necessity, which results in the justification of profiteering in capital and its representative by institutional and omnipresent lenders, presented as prodigies of wealth. Savings is collectively and detachedly treated in this economic decision, by taking account more the unit-number of currency (-ies) gained instead of the savers and their purposes of savings.

As a result, a notion of healthy economy is depicted when savings reaches a certain level and not more or less than a certain level with less consideration on what is healthy of the savers’ purposes. Notions of guaranteed and hefty returns are promoted, while the mechanistic workings of the systems are obscured with jargon known only to the initiated, leaving the blithe mass nodding in their whims.

In the frame of something mega, the margin is of little concern. Hence, the delicate intricacies of decisions derived from households of the micro-level economic are either modified, ignored, or lead to affirm the macro-interest. Suddenly, the private household must prioritize their economic motivations and preferences according to need of such grand project. Marketable talents with qualifications become tags to simplify those choices among the many discounted niches.

What then is perceptible to decipher what it means to be cognizant of the workings of wealth? Perhaps it is the more judicious pondering of the passing hours and real labors that breed real, not personified, wealth for deserving hands. Yet, for all their fleshly desires many men brood for wealth. But as for many beautiful things it seems, wealth will cloak itself in many forms of veils hidden in plain sight.

If I Were Entrusted to Mastermind a Mega Project

2010-10-18T05:28:00.005-05:00

(Note: All the characters, events and places described in this article are fictional and theoretical, of course.)

Sometimes, I wonder how policy makers gleefully announce the building of not few mega projects in so short a time: in less than 5 financial cycles! Then this comes into my mind: what are in their minds that make them decide they are going to build such humongous projects? Lots of money, I mean… lots of return can be gained from such endeavors. That may be, but as the financial credo states, high risk yields high return. Yet, we are often fed with the high return part, which is the second clause of the sentence while forgetting the first clause: high risk.

What are the risks of embarking in such gigantic project(s)? Well, that depends on what projects we want to endeavor in the first place. Building a mega-dam is almost different game altogether than building a multimedia super-corridor with one definite similarity: they require a lot of money, I mean, resources to build. But let’s just assume I’ve been entrusted to build a 100 storey commercial tower here with RM1 billion budgets.

The first thing that comes into my mind is… dang, this is a lot of money! I wonder if I can put some of them in my own pocket first. Not much, just 1%, even 0.1% will do… I won’t mind sharing 10% out of that proportion with you if you keep quiet, yes? Now, this is the first problem: a large scale project by itself is prone to embezzlement – the players, even before the board is set, are already thinking their about their shares usually extracted in the most convenient way, in order to maximize their profit.

But wait, I do not have the RM1 billion yet, I only have the order to plan this entire Sky Tower project from the scratch. So, I need to do some, umm… a lot of fundraising! Remember when you were 9 years old Scout member, forced by your Captain to fundraise RM100 for that annual jumble sale? Before, that little you scurried here and there, shyly knocking at the not-so-familiar next (and the next etc.) door neighbors’ door and ask them to ‘invest’ or ‘donate’ just that little 5 Ringgit (10 Ringgit would be better, hehe) in your worthy cause. Then in your mind you would fervently pray, “Please give me the bucks, pretty please!”

It is the same game for this pointy Sky Tower, with a little larger amount. Like a little niner, I need to find the sources of capital for this project. If a little niner feels lucky if mom could give him RM50, I definitely feel lucky if the IMF would give me RM500 million to fund the project. I must also convince private shareholders comprising individuals and financial institutions to cough up the RM500 million and by assuming the IMF will give me the full amount. Of course, interest rates will jack the price higher up. This is the second problem.

Now I am starting to scratch my head: how on Earth am I going to build skyscraper alone? I need friends, umm… other professionals to help me out with this thing. I maybe good at administering the project and supervising the site once it is up because I have that flashy Civil Engineering degree from Stanford and an MBA from U Penn. But I can’t draw like Ah Leong, my old batch mate majoring in Architecture when we were in Stanford. (By the way, he works in overseas now because he said the pay is better) And I need to recruit more professionals like Ah Leong in other fields as well.

Then I launch a mega interview session similar to AF-style uji bakat, tailored specially for seeking ‘professionals.’ But hey, unlike would be singers, these home bred professionals are hard to find to occupy my long list of job vacancies. I know some fellow Malaysian guys and girls who were honor students in their fields a long time ago, but similar to Ah Leong, they preferred to stay overseas. *sigh* Knowing that I am not going to be able to do this alone, I am now delegating some (or half) of the task in the open market. In other words, I’m offering tenders and contracts to the business world.

Then all of a sudden office phone rings every fifty seconds, my emails and mailboxes filled with tender applications, hi and hellos, flirt calls, special requests… you name them! And after scrutinizing the applications, I notice a pattern: wait, why are the boss (or bosses, or umm… shareholders) in Company Rising Son the same as in Company Pisces? And these companies are huge! Oh well, they offered the lowest price and they claim to have the manpower… sorry Little Shiny Co., I wish you better luck next time!

Now I’ve got the capital – promissory notes promised to be paid in full in 5 years (hope those lenders won’t just be selling their silver tongues and the interest rate won’t go up), the big machines (Kobelco cranes and stuff), and the people, skilled and unskilled (lots of Mr. Engineers, hard laborers etc.). Now, at least on paper, those are all set.

Wait, I forgot about the land. Where on Earth must I exactly place this pointy Sky Towers so that it can be an envy to outside visitors, a pride to my people, and of course, a money generating machine?

“Ah, that one on the green hill near K City seems to be a good place,” I thought to myself.

So, I went there to the Department of Land and Survey to ask about who’s the owner of the land and then crossed my finger while contacting the land owners...

“RM 400 million,” that was their price and I already had ants in my pants. That is already 40% of the budget gone and only RM600 million left to build a tower like Burj al-Dubai.

After much negotiation, I managed to buy the land at RM300 million and I ordered all the workers and the machines to the site and uh-oh, I see a little village over there and its inhabitants picketing along the highway, refusing entrance of the machines and workers. They claim they already live there for three generations and those in power had been promising that place to them for many years.

Noticing the heat of the news, foreign and national media are amassing themselves around the site and so are YBs from the government and the opposition, taking turns to turn the tide of the story. One side calls for justice, the other calls for the greater good for many. But I just sit there and see the drama as it plays…

From the East, people wail, “why are beautiful buildings and tall towers are always built in your already big and beautiful city while we are lacking even water and electricity?” From the North, people shout, “you guys are building yet this another white elephant using our oil money!” Oh boy, how am I going to answer them?

This is a scaled down version of just one hypothetical scenario of mega-sized project. I have not even begin to touch about how I am dealing with investors, government officers, non-governmental organizations and international bodies. Now imagine five or six of them being built almost in unison…

Hey wait, why do we need this pointy tower again? Oh, so foreigners will come and shop there and envy at its beauty. And we are proud to have the pointiest tower in the world even Uncle Sammy cannot match.

Now this reminds me one day when a little guy asked, “where is your country, again?”

I frowned, “you don’t know?”

“A-a,” he shrugged.

“Do you know where the little Tiger-Isle is?” I said.

“Yea…,” he smiled.

“It’s just north (and east) from that little isle,” I retorted with a smile, almost stuttering.

Ulasan Simposium Antarabangsa Tentang Islam, Penyelamatan, dan Hujung-Nasib Mereka Yang Lain (Bahagian 2)

2010-04-19T18:33:00.001-05:00

Khan (University of Delaware, “Intolerance Is in the Eye of the Beholder: Revisiting the Status of the Other in the Quran”) pula melihat topik tema dari sudut yang amat berbeza – mungkin kerana latar belakangnya sebagai ahli sains politik dan bukan ahli teologi. Baginya, penyelamatan adalah “here and now” dan bukannya “afterward forecast.” Untuk itu, beliau cuba merungkai persoalan “political salvation” umat Islam Amerika Syarikat yang berdepan dengan cabaran integrasi di negara ini. Beliau juga tegas mengkritik “legal fiction of equality built on moral fiction of inequality” yang membezakan piawaian moral “public realm” dan “private realm.”

Beliau juga mempersoalkan ketertiban naskh (abrogation) 2:62 oleh 3:85 kerana 5:69 memperkuat 2:62. Pluralisme juga adalah “recurring theme of the Qur’an,” tambahnya lagi berdasarkan 5:45-6,8. Makna baru ayat ayat-ayat naskh (abrogated verses) juga hendaklah sekurang-kurangnya sama baik dengan ayat yang sebelumnya (maka tingkah eksklusivis menegatifkan 2:62 menggunakan 3:85 boleh dipersoalkan.) Baginya, konteks untuk memahami al-Qu’ran itu ialah politikal. Beliau juga memberi contoh senario politik kalimah “Allah” di Malaysia yang baginya tafsiran itu “embedded in contemporary socio-political reality.”

Legenhausen (Imam Khomeini Education and Research Institute Iran, “Non-Reductive Pluralism and Religious Dialogue”) menekankan pluralisme keagamaan itu adalah suatu nilai. Jika “truth would set you free” (John 8:32, the Bible), maka sempadan kebenaran itu “would set you to salvation.” Beliau mengkategorikan golongan-golongan pluralis kepada tiga yakni: 1) religious pluralist, 2) equality pluralist dan 3) degree pluralist. Kata akhirnya berbunyi, “[it is important to] observe professional respect in theological differences while disagreeing.”

Chittick (Stony Brook University, “The Ambiguity of the Qur’anic Command”) pula pada dasarnya menyatakan perbahasan berkenaan penyelamatan menurut pemikiran Islam “can be both ways,” yakni menyokong pemikiran eksklusivis, pluralis, mahupun inklusivis kerana “the ambiguity of the Qur’anic Command.” (aku tidak hadir di kuliah ini, cuma meminta ulasan seorang rakan yang hadir.)

Esack (University of Johannesburg, “The Qur’anic Portrayal of Jews and the Possibilities for Its Redemption and their Salvation”) dengan panjang-lebar cuba merungkai persoalan tentang hujung-nasib kaum Yahudi menurut pandangan al-Quran. Katanya, “Qur’anic texts do not espouse monolithic position towards Jews.” Beliau membezakan Zionisme dengan agama samawi Yahudi. Yahudi di dalam al-Quran ada kalanya disebut secara kolektif dan ada kalanya secara individu. Baginya, terdapat ahli kitab (Yahudi dan Nasrani) yang “righteous” dan “unrighteous.” Tambahnya lagi dengan memetik kata-kata seorang sarjana, “Muslim fetishism of the text” patutlah dielakkan kerana “all of this will perish.”

[Hari pertama simposium berakhir.]

(Bersambung di Bahagian 3)

Ulasan Simposium Antarabangsa Tentang Islam, Penyelamatan, dan Hujung-Nasib Mereka Yang Lain (Bahagian 1)

2010-04-19T03:22:00.001-05:00

Tajuk asal simposium: (International Symposium on Islam, Salvation and the Fate of Others), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 16-17 April 2010.

Alhamdulillah masa hujung minggu aku terisi dengan suatu majlis ilmu yang sungguh bermakna. Sudah lama juga sebenarnya aku menanti kupasan tajuk seperti ini yang aku kira amat penting untuk diduga, diamati, dan ditekuni oleh para pemikir Islam dan bukan Islam tentang penyelamatan (salvation) dan hujung-nasib(fate) mereka yang lain (bukan Islam; Others) menurut sudut pandangan Islam. Mana tidaknya, tajuk yang dianggap provokatif dan sensitif ini tidak biasa dihebah kepada awam – mungkin ada pihak yang risau akidah atau kepercayaan awam akan terpesong.

Tetapi aku berpandangan disebabkan kelesuan inteleklah tajuk ini terbiar lengang begitu sahaja di dalam arena intelektualisme dunia Islam pasca-moden. Kalau ada pun sarjana-sarjana yang berkecimpung dan menela’ah bidang ini dengan serius, sangatlah sedikit bilangannya. Banyaknya yang mengiyakan sahaja pandangan-pandangan sarjana lampau yang meletakkan landas wibawa intelek al-Ghazali, Ibn ‘Arabi dan Ibn Taymiyyah tanpa melunaskan sesuatu yang baharu – takut ‘terpesong,’ ‘hilang pedoman’ atau ‘tidak cukup kredibiliti’ katanya.

Mungkinkah simposium ini menjadi satu titik tolak kepada pembukaan semula ruang fikir, debat, dan diskusi tentang soteriologi, yakni diskusi teologikal dan doktrin penyelamatan mereka yang bukan Islam menurut pandangan Islam? Ada juga yang sinis menyatakan simposium ini hanyalah untuk memperbesar-besarkan suara-suara minoriti yang tidak mengikut rentak-alun gendang perdana. Biarlah, masing-masing ada konklusinya tersendiri. Berikut adalah pengamatanku terhadap mesej-mesej yang cuba disampaikan oleh cendekiawan-cendekiawan pelbagai aliran ideologi dan latar belakang. Ada yang beraliran ‘eksklusivis,’ ‘inklusivis,’ dan ‘pluralis’ (awas, pelabelan – hanya untuk pembezaan dikotomi pemikiran semata-mata dan jangan diambil hitam-putih!) yang beragama Islam, Yahudi, Kristian dan lain-lain (yang aku tidak tahu.)

Sesi pertama bermula dengan membuka persoalan kepada tema. Daniel A. Madigan daripada Georgetown Universiti dengan tajuknya “When It Comes to Salvation, Who Is the Other?” mengupas “pendekatan orientasi berbanding dengan pendekatan territorial.” Menurut Madigan, as-sirat al-mustaqim (Q. 1:5) adalah orientational, bukan territorial. Maka, patutlah ia ditekuni berdasarkan pendekatan orientasi kerana ini akan membawa persoalan yang melangkau lebih jauh daripada persoalan “di mana?” (jalan yang lurus itu.) Baginya, perlu ada unifikasi hasil daripada “fruit of dialogue.” Konklusinya, “when it comes to salvation, there is no Other – we are in this together.”

Freidenreich (Colby College, Food of the Damned) pula membahas isu tentang perbezaan pendapat tentang makanan zabihah-halal (bahasa slanga: ‘katok’) lebih berpaksi kepada pertembungan ideologi ulama medieval Sunni yang inklusivis dan Shi’ah yang eksklusivis. Eksklusivisme dan inklusivisme seolah-olah menghasilkan “imagined foreigners” (yakni golongan Zoroastrian, Kristian dan Yahudi) yang akhirnya membawa kepada fatwa ‘pengharaman’ makanan ahli-Kitab. Apa yang boleh diambil ialah “pemikiran Islam itu telah ditapis oleh tafsiran (exegesis).” Beliau menutup sesi kedua dengan melemparkan persoalan “are we different from our Medieval ancestors and see others in our own mirrors?” dan mengajak kita melihat “political consequences of certain kind of construct.”

Reinhart (Dartmouth College, Failures of Practice or Failures of Faith: Are Non-Muslims Subject to the Sharī‘ah?) membahaskan beberapa posisi cendekiawan-cendekiawan lampau berkenaan dengan kedudukan yang bukan Islam di dalam Shari’ah. Perbincangannya halus meneliti proses-proses fiqh dengan persoalan “[are the] kuffars morally responsible for Islamic moral practices?” Katanya lagi, “rational intolerance” adalah posisi baru di dalam Undang-undang Islam dan posisi ini diambil tatkala didukung sebagai pertahanan ketika umat Islam berada di dalam kedudukan minority. “Shari’ah is a grace, not a burden” adalah kata-kata penutup Reinhart.

Afsaruddin (Indiana University, “Negotiating Exclusion and Inclusion: The Hermeneutics of Moderation in Qur'anic Exegeses”) membawa kepada pengamatan Qur’an 5:66 yang berkenaan dengan “Righteous Jews and Christians,” dan “balanced community” (ummah al-muqtasidah) yang boleh membuka kepada persoalan penyelamatan. Beliau juga menyeru pengamatan kepada ummah wasatan, yakni “just community.” Maka harus didugalah dikotomi eksklusivis-inklusivis, intra-inter itu…

(Bersambung... lihat Bahagian 2)

Sarawak Bersedih Hari Ini - "PAS ucap takziah kepada keluarga Sulaiman Daud" -TV PAS

2010-03-23T22:04:00.010-05:00

PAS ucap takziah kepada keluarga Sulaiman Daud: bukti perbezaan ideologi kepartian, kerajaan-pembangkang dan Semenanjung-Sabah-Sarawak bukan sebab untuk tidak mengenang jasa seorang negarawan; bukti juga masih ada sinar harapan untuk masa depan suasana politik Malaysia yang lebih baik.

Terharu aku melihat sebak Hadi Awang mengenangnya.

Lihat juga:

Dr Sulaiman, an Experienced Minister with Almost 20 Years Service (BERNAMA)
Dr Sulaiman Daud Disenangi Rakyat (Malaysian Insider daripada Berita Harian)
King Pays Respect to Late Sulaiman Daud (BERNAMA)
PBB Most God-Fearing Politician Passed Away (Sarawak Update)
Sulaiman Tidak Pernah Harap Jawatan (Utusan Malaysia)

Sebagai anak jati Sarawak, aku ucapkan berbanyak terima kasih di atas jasa yang telah almarhum taburkan sebagai salah seorang pemimpin negeri Sarawak dan negara Malaysia.

Al-Fatihah. Takziah buat keluarga almarhum. Semoga rohnya dicucuri rahmat dan digolong bersama orang-orang yang beriman dan berbuat kebajikan, amin.

Remember Doraemon

2010-03-22T18:26:00.001-05:00

In memory of Doraemon. To those who grow up during its time - Doraemon the finale (unnoficial):

It is Possible to Become Muslims Without Believing (God forbid!)

2010-03-17T23:22:00.005-05:00

While reading the translation of the Quran, I encountered the following verses; I was struck by them:

The Bedouin Arabs say: "We have believed."

Tell them: "You have not believed; rather say 'We have become Muslims'; for faith has not yet found its way into your hearts. If you obey Allah and His Rasool[Messengers], He will not deny you the reward of your deeds; surely, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."

True believers are those who believe in Allah and His Rasool[Messengers], then never doubt; and make Jihad (exert their efforts)with their wealth and their persons in the cause of Allah. (Quran 49:14-15, Malik trans.)

I am not an Ulama' nor an exegete. But from my rather rough reading, I conclude it is possible to become Muslims WITHOUT believing if we lack certain criteria, as mentioned above - God forbid!

Of Plastic Money: a Snippet

2010-03-11T00:24:00.001-06:00

Question:

What about plastic money. You can bring a single piece and can reach almost everywhere in the world!

Answer:

Yes, that is an argument for plastic money. In terms of demographic access, plastic money can be used in all major cities around the world plus many other areas, especially in the “First World” countries. It is also a major “currency” for internet transactions. But on the same account, plastic money does not represent many retail transactions done in the Third World or even in the Developing World.

Also, in terms of access of usage, one needs to be in certain “credit standing” (i.e. “good standing”) to be able to use it. And guess who are able to use this “feature”? Yes, only from those with “good credit standing” of the middle and upper class. Those of the lower class would most probably shy away from using the “service” or are weeded out through some kind of filtering mechanism by credit rating bureaus.

Furthermore, the buyer and/or seller must PAY for plastic money by servicing the debt (from interest rate or all other kinds of “financial fees”) and membership fee. Despite many kinds of perks and benefits the owners of plastic money may lure people about, many have fallen into endless debt cycles in their lives.

Why must we, buyers and sellers, pay extra for private transactions every time? Yes, these kinds of “taxed” transactions do distort price equilibrium in the market. Most often, the buyers who are left to pay all the extraneous transaction cost – when the sellers decide to factor in the transaction cost into goods they sell. Does this do justice to those who don’t use plastic money?

Must read: Islam and Authoritarianism by M. Steven Fish

2010-03-10T00:39:00.001-06:00

Islam and Authoritarianism (M. Steven Fish) - A must read article! (I bet you can find one by searching it in EBSCO or research services your university may have.)

Please somebody, but not limited to, who are studying political science (or other social sciences) and/or religious studies read this.

Thesis statement: "Muslim countries are democratic underachievers... [mainly because] ... the subordination of women." (p.4-5, Fish)

I'd like to know if there are other researches done to further back the claim or rebut it. Also, if there is any serious researches done by scholars in the Muslim world in answer (either supporting, rejecting, or expanding the premise).

Imagine: "Mosque Open House" in Malaysia

2010-03-08T11:50:00.005-06:00

When I received an email newsletter from a student organization this morning, my eyes were caught on this:

Friday March 12: "Mosque Open House"
TIme: 1-2:30pm
Location: CIMIC

Yea, that's right... Friday during the Juma'ah prayer time, the Muslim community decides to hold an open house. Now, how can that be? Would the Non-Muslims then listen to the Khutbah (sermon) delivered by the Imam? Why not? As far as my experience goes with the previous "Mosque Open House" occasions, things went pretty well. Chairs were lined up just like the saffs (the formation of straight lines of prayer); non-Muslim men with Muslim men in front and non-Muslim women with Muslim women at the back.

The event attracted many curious minds certainly and of various religious backgrounds and ethnicity. Caucasians are common sight, but there are also people of Japanase and Korean origin. By the way, the "Open House" is for "Islam Awareness Week" program for the campus. So, this week is kind of special with more stuff going on around the Mosque and campus with speeches, seminars, performances and exhibitions regarding Islam. But even during "normal" Juma'ah prayer, there will be chairs readily lined up (though not as many as the Awareness Week) for visitors who would like to come and lend their ears to the Khutbah.

Why not we emulate this example back home? No, the point is not with the intent of proselytize (convert) the visitors (I refuse to say da'wah because da'wah can be interpreted much larger in context other than to proselytize alone). Rather, to introduce the visitors to what Islam is and who the Muslims are. One of the best way to do this is to open the door of the House of God so that the visitors themselves may witness how the Muslims pray, what kind of speech does the Khatib (the ones who give the sermon) may say, the many kinds of Muslims of various ethnicity and background, and yes, the beauty and vibrant dynamic of the Mosque institution itself.

Every year, we have "Hari Raya Open House" (as well as other festivals) in Malaysia. That is good enough. Why not we expand the already ingrained openness and acceptance in our culture to the Masjid institutions as well? That way, with good intent, more understanding can be achieved. We are rife with the rhetoric of religious diversity and harmony, but if we are asked about what our neighbors and friends who are non-Muslims about what they believe in what are they religious taboos and practices, how many would be able to answer? On the same account, so are theirs.

In Malaysia, we have great opportunities because of the omnipresence of Mosques, unlike in the West where one almost need to pinpoint the location to find a Mosque just to pray. From the humble ones at the corner of a Kampung, to the elegant ones in Putrajaya, each and every Mosque is unique in their own ways in terms of representing the local culture of Muslims inhabiting the particular area. I understand Masjid Putrajaya are open to tourists for viewing, but to reflect the spirit of Islam, there is more than about beautiful marble stones and intricate calligraphy.

Here during Ramadan, you will see people (Muslims and non-Muslims) flocking to the Masjid for good food. Thanks to diversity of Muslims here, we have rotations from Bangladesh food, Arab food, Indonesian food, Pakistani food, American food, etc. etc. that makes us students can't thank God more for free and sumptuous food! Of course, at times, the food are humble or 'not as expected'. But my point is, there is always food during Ramadan, and the food is shared for all. Yes, this is the effort of the community - the local Masjid here does not receive a cent from the government for their activities and maintenance, the wealth comes from the resource of the people.

We can certainly emulate this! You know, in Malaysia, our Bazaar Ramadan is filled with us and certainly there are food provided by the local Masjid. Why not we invite, a day or two, our local non-Muslim neighbors and friends to come to the Masjid and eat with us during the iftar? Even better, invite them to fast for a day (I can tell you youths and teenagers would love this as a challenge to them) with us? Even if they refuse, it is fine because sharing the joy of breaking the fast during Ramadan is what counts... after the hunger and all.

Let us move beyond terms, speeches and languages that may scare and hence prevent our non-Muslim (or even some Muslims!) friends and neighbors to visit and know the Masjid. The Masjid is supposed to be the heart of particular Muslim society who reside at that particular area - it reflects Islam in context of practice within that community. If the Masjid is like a Forbidden Palace, a place reserved and enclosed but to the "elites", then how do we expect the perception of others about Islam to be any different?

Where Wealth Does NOT Equal to Paper Money

2010-03-07T20:16:00.001-06:00

It is often perceived that money equals wealth. We have been taught that we must work in order to acquire some money. Why money? Because money can buy many good things in life. Generally, the more Green Bucks (or whatever currency) one possesses, the more one is able to get things that he/she wants by the means of purchasing them from market transaction(s) that recognize the currency he/she uses.

So simplified is the concept of money that we are taught to think that the paper money we are using is wealth by itself. So far the concept had derived from it that we even treat those paper currencies as commodity, as if the paper by itself has an intrinsic value that can be used to make something or something that can be readily consumed. This is a betrayal to concept of money, where whatever we use to represent our wealth is supposed to be grounded as true representation of wealth, not mere imagination of it.

It took me a long time to understand why the Bible make such a strong statement regarding money:

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6:10, New International Version)

Notice the Bible (or the Bible translators) did not use the term 'wealth' as the root of evil. Rather, the term 'money' is used. This calls for scrutiny, is the concept of money is at fault or the medium we are using as money is at fault, or both? Now let us identify some possible consequences of lazy stereotyping of money equals wealth.

First, imagine if the entire monetary system crumbles overnight (or almost overnight) due to loss of trust in the banking system. This had happened in Latin American history and Japanese Banana Currency in Malaya. As a consequence, whatever monetary value (i.e $100 000) one has in the bank or in hand, the value is now useless in terms of representing wealth. In short, one is just as broke regardless of certain amount of Green Bucks with a person possessing none. But with seemingly unrelenting confidence of the mass with this 'fiat money' system, they rest their fate based on mere trust on the 'legal tender' of the government that their money really have real value!

Paper money is not equal to wealth. A wealth is a material good that one can use for consume and/or to produce other goods. For example, a pound of rice is wealth because one can eat the rice and consume it. A pair of male and female goats are also wealth because they can give birth to more goats - adding to more wealth of similar kind to the owner. But paper money is being treated as wealth in our modern society. People invest in interest-giving accounts and in money market in hope that it can serve to multiply their wealth, in terms of making more money.

But when it comes to issue of stability, paper money is hardly stable. The value fluctuates daily and its perceived value is determined by the Central Bank of the government that produces the money. Interest rates are used by Central Banks to determine the purchasing power of money - meaning if the Central Banks will, they can make one (artificially) rich and poor by decreasing and increasing the interest rate and/or amount of money in the market.

And the derivatives that come from this paper money is no better. The prevalence of plastic money and now, online money, adds more to the misrepresentation of wealth. The material goods, which is supposed to exist and can be seen (picture the living pair of goats and a bag of 1lb of rice), is now imaginary numbers in one's head. Transactions are now perceived as the increase and decrease of those numbers instead of real transactions that involve real transfer of wealth. Let alone outrageous interest rates charged by those who operate in the plastic money industry, almost literally enslaving those unawares with a vicious cycle of debts.

Nor does paper money money a good motivator to create real wealth if it is to be seen in the electronic transactions of Wall Street and Nikkei. Those involved produce more money (or lose them) by mere clicks, form fillings, and shouts of the computer and at the floors of the stock exchange, not planting apple trees and nurture them until they bear fruits that can be consumed or produce more apple trees. Again, the former is derived from the assumption of the credibility of imagined value, and the latter is derived based on true creation of wealth.

There must be an alternative to this system. The concept of money itself is not a problem, but they way we treat money as equal to wealth is. What alternatives are available out there? Should we resort to barter trade? Should we use other commodities (i.e. gold, silver, or precious metals) to represent money? Or should we rethink the entire concept of market transactions based on money?

Also in:
http://krazikonomikz.blogspot.com/2010/03/where-wealth-does-not-equal-to-paper.html

1st Original Guitar Solo Compose: What a Day

2010-02-26T22:36:00.002-06:00

Hey everyone,

This is my attempt ever to compose a song with music. The song is about happiness in everyday life of himself/herself of small good things in life such as good weather and company from friends and family. He/She hopes to be able to share and give the happiness to others too as he/she enjoys it.

WHAT A DAY

Oh what a lucky day to see
the sun shines so brightly,
The sky so blue and the earth so green
with sweet fragrance of flowers.

What a lovely day
to see wide smiles of people,
Greeting "peace"
as they meet each other.

How I wish the world
will never be sad,
But I know the world
will never be like that,
But I'll try!

Oh what a happy day
to watch kids playing by,
Running and leaping
As they burst with laughter.

What a joyful day to be
with my loved ones,
Tender kisses and hugs they give
oh so warm!

But there are times
we must be far apart,
And the loneliness and hardship
will come by,
Never give up!

Oh how grateful I am
to still have the chance,
To see and feel
the blessings of life.

I will find my way to give
the happiness to others,
So they can share
the blessings, too!

Dear Malaysians, Whose "Allah"?

2010-02-15T00:54:00.003-06:00

Perhaps this video would offer an answer, or a reflection of an answer.

23rd Birthday: Two Things to Endeavor

2010-02-15T00:34:00.004-06:00

As for my birthday this year, I promise to myself to:

1. Give up drinking all sodas/pop drinks.
2. Give up Kentucky Fried Chicken (NOT fried chicken in general).

See if I can keep it until my birthday next year, Insha Allah. God give me the will and strength, amin...

Quote of the Day

2009-12-16T01:36:00.001-06:00

"Remember howsoever you are played or by whom, your soul is in your keeping alone even though those who presume to play you be kings of men of power. When you stand before God you cannot say, 'But I was told by others to do thus'... or that virtue was not convenient at the time. This will not suffice." -The King's advice to Balian, Kingdom of Heaven

My Second Instrumental Piece: Tinta Jiwa

2009-12-10T23:06:00.001-06:00

Here's my second piece. Enjoy! :)

Judaism vs. Zionism; Know the Difference

2009-12-03T13:40:00.001-06:00

My first ever instrumental piece: Senang

2009-12-01T10:33:00.001-06:00

Here's my first ever attempt to make my own musical piece. Enjoy!

Senang

Between Two Love

2009-09-30T23:38:00.004-05:00

Have you ever been in love or enamored by things or people that forever leave a trail or a mark your memories before? If so, then you may know what I am about to deliberate. The feeling is so strong that it shakes and shrivel even the most astute of mind and heart. Yet, it is hard to comprehend even by the lovers, let alone the bystanders. And so as we the trudge on journey of life, when it comes to choose between The two, which one will we take?

Thank you Raihan brothers for the reminder.

Antara Dua Cinta (Between Two Love) - Raihan

Apa yang ada jarang disyukuri
What one has is seldom appreciated
Apa yang tiada sering dirisaukan
(But) what one has not is often envied
Nikmat yang dikecap barukan terasa
Attained blessings is only understood
Bila hilang di dalam genggaman
When they are lost within the grasp

Apa yang diburu timbul rasa jemu
What one hunts are soon wearied
Bila sudah di dalam genggaman
When it is within the grasp

Dunia ibarat air laut
The world* is like sea water
Diminum hanya menambah haus
When consumed, it only adds the thirst
Nafsu bagaikan fatamorgana
Desire is like a mirage
Indah di mata namun tiada
Pleasing to the eyes but nonexistent

Panas yang membahang disangka air
The blazing heat is reckoned as water
Dunia dan nafsu bagai bayang-bayang
The world and desire are like shadows
Dilihat ada ditangkap hilang
Can be seen, but gone when captured

Tuhan leraikanlah dunia
God, unlace (the love of) the world
Yang mendiam di dalam hatiku
that rest in my heart
Kerana di situ tidak ku mampu
Because I am not capable
Mengumpul dua cinta
Of accumulating two loves

Hanya cinta-Mu
It is only Your love
Ku harap tumbuh
I yearn to grow
Dibajai bangkai nafsu yang kubunuh
Fertilized by the remains of desire I slew

*Dunia = borrowed from Arabic word, dunya, that literally means "the world". However, it has a deeper connotation of negative attachment, lust, longing, and desire for worldly things. One of the interpretations in Arabic for dunya is "grasping for the grape that one can never reach", perhaps sums up the meaning of "dunia".

Terima Kasih Cikgu!

2009-05-16T16:17:00.005-05:00

Terima kasih cikgu!
Mak ceh cekgu!
Syukran ya mu'allim!
非常感谢老师！
先生、度もありがとうございます！

Those are few appreciate words, worth a grain of salt they are compared to what my teachers had done for me. Every year in Malaysia, Teacher's Day is celebrated with joyous festivity in virtually every primary and secondary schools. Songs from students thanking their dedicated teachers are sung, pledges by the teachers sworn to continue to teach without tire are made: an event full of reflections about the deeds of the teachers.

But then, I was not that appreciative as I am now. To me, yea, the "Terima Kasih Cikgu" (Thank you, teacher) sing-along along with other 750 fellow students during much of my younger days in school were fun. Imagine a packed assembly hall, full with 750 excited children with mellow voice, rung the humble hall of wooden stage - resulted a sort of sonorous ad lib orchestrated choir, but that was pretty much for me. Not until now.

Looking back about 17 years ago when I first set my foot in a school, frightful, knowing not what to expect, then came a lady of my mother's age, saying to me, "来，来在这里“ (come, come over here), pointing to me a sit. I blinked, holding tight my father's hand with my right hand, sticking fast on his leg with the other. But she the lovely lady, my teacher, smiled and took my hand from my father's, and led me to a sit - a boy to the left, and a girl to the right. Slowly but surely, I released my father's hand and lend my hand to hers, and so begun my very first day in school, learned to greet "你好(hello)! and wrote the word “水(water).” About 12pm, the school ended, and so ended my first day in school. Not bad!

Primary school was giggly fun. I understood then, my teachers' job was to 'teach' (or more like to 'preach'), and that was it. Some teachers were so 'garang' (I don't know the English translation; mean, perhaps?) while others kindly angelic. And so the standard was set: 'garang' teachers equals 'bad' teachers, 'kindly angelic' teachers equals 'good' teachers. How simple was a mind of a child, no?

Secondary school... now I'm getting older and quite obviously aware of the concept of 'teaching'. No, it was not all about 'preaching', rather, it is something more than that. But then again, a half-developed mind did not grasp the full conclusion. Still youngster, a youngster acted. The idea of a 'good' teacher then was a teacher who grades loosely during exams, and those who only use about 50% of 1hour 30minutes of every class session to teach, and gives the other 50% to us to do random things. But hey, people starts to learn LOVE 101 in school. Some may even classify good teachers based on their 'cuteness', 'prettiness' or 'handsomeness'! Such were the days...

But now, things are different. Some of my colleagues are now even school teachers themselves! I begin to understand teaching is not that easy as it seemed to me, let alone educating. Reminiscing back my younger days remind me of something: if I were not taught by these noble ladies and men to write, to count, to read, and what more important is to be a human, then who would I become?

Even today, the memories of being nagged and caned by my teachers are still clear in my mind. But thanks to their long preaches and long canes, had made me for who I am today. At least I have the basic tools to work on with my life and endeavors.

Thank you teachers, may Allah bless you all. As for those who have passed, Rest in Peace and may Heaven be your final resting place, ameen. :)

Symptoms of Swine Flu

2009-04-27T22:26:00.001-05:00

Signs of the Last Day in Christianity and Islam

2009-04-17T01:32:00.003-05:00

Salam,

I want to share an interesting forum regarding abovementioned topic.

Trivial Words and Weighty Thoughts

2009-04-15T01:29:00.006-05:00

Heavy are trivial words to the heart,
For they empty it,
Light are weighty thoughts to the mind,
For they fill it.

So many words are spoken,
Yet little meaning they carry,
Alas, alas...

So little thoughts are given,
Yet many things demand them,
Alas, alas...

Such world, dreamworld!
Trivial is weighty,
Empty is full,
Lie, illusion!

Don't fall for it...
Don't crave for it...
Don't, don't!

Crisis of Credit Explained

2009-04-06T02:10:00.003-05:00

MUST WATCH! MUST WATCH! I promise there will be no weird econ jargon and outlandish theory right here...

Sleeping in Econ class? Wondering about the economy is going "bad" and not even know what that means? Here's an excellent, easy-to-understand explanation regarding current economic crisis haunting the world (especially in the United States):

A Short Tale of Earthlings, Their Masters, and the Tongue

2009-03-12T17:53:00.007-05:00

Have one ever feel powerful when one utters something beyond comprehension of the ears that listen? Be those utterances are only simple greetings or statements, or perhaps an explanation for a chord of complex mathematical formulas, the speaker of the tongue, because of the obscurity of his or her speech to the one who lends his or her ears, had managed to confound the attentive ears. Who love to be confounded, intentionally or unintentionally? It takes more than a time to lend those ears and yet the return of those priceless investment is confusion and incomprehension!

On the side of the tongue that speaks, perhaps he or she may possess deep understanding about the words he or she utter. But because of his or her alien tongue, how on earth and its unfortunate earthlings to understand a crumb of what he or she is saying? To guess the earthlings may, but not for long because guessing alone would only lead to a labyrinth which the earthlings will never find a way to escape. In the end, the earthlings will decide to just be content to sit in the labyrinth, or made to be contented, just because of the endless incomprehensible twists of their Master's tongue.

Such is the pride of their Master: to keep their high ideals and piles of golds and the thrones upon themselves. Such obscure utterances are their pride even though the utterances are in fact of lesser utterances among many utterances. Yet, they strive to adopt those Grand Words despite their earthlings' total lack of comprehension of those words! To be as grand as them the Master convinced the earthlings, and the earthlings nodded without questions - an empty nod of course.

Ten dials have passed and the earthlings are as they were : obscured by their Masters' tongue, envying the Martians who are now far more sophisticated than they are. Of course the Martians still speaks Martians, but the difference is that the Martians can utter the Grand Words with ease, along with other lesser Words. Then few of the earthlings that know staged up an uprising to the Master, demanding restoration of their earthly tongue, leaving the Masters' challenged of his/her wisdom.

Still, the saga continues...

(Unfinished story...)

Dengarkan Apabila Malique dan M. Nasir Berprosa

2009-03-03T10:07:00.004-06:00

Mereka datang dari latar irama yang sangat berbeza,
Tapi dalam dendangan ini mereka berdua,
Dengarlah wahai rakan dan saudara,
Sangat tajam sindiran dan dalam maksudya.

Mantera Beradu

Masih belum sempurna..

Gerakkan Hati... Hati gerakkan...
Pandanglah aku.. aku lah dia..

kulitku tebal.. ku kebal.. ingatku kebal..
hanya berbual makan angin kembung perut mual...
resah dan tidak senang.. hidup tak pernah lenang..
ku schizo paranoia takut pecah tembelang

pecah tembelang... peta dah hilang...
bangau dah pulang... suara sumbang..

lidahku kaku tak selicin kuku
teman baikku buku
bini ku pena.. tak pernah lena
aku suka mengintai pantang ditenung
berakhir pertelingkahan dalaman
pasti belum

ikut gerak hati.. pena melayang
dilihat dua layang pandang
tak lah sekarang
takat meradang
tanya.. abang gedang, apa barang?
badan macam badang
main macam belakang parang

kuhunuskan keris musuh ada pistol
tradisi kekalkan adaptasi harus betul
tujuh baris keramat tujuh garis penamat
baik berpada biar jahat asal selamat

ramai saudaraku yang baik telah dipijak

awan mendung yang berarak
bawa tangis bawa resah
rebah rindu yang terkumpul
semua birat dan kalimah
semua janji yang terikat
lebur disisimu

yo ijazah terbaik datangnya dari jalanan
dari pengalaman bercakap dan bersalaman
konflik motivasi cuba medatasi
positif dan benci jadi inspirasi pagi

peduli itu interpretasi basi pekakkan sebelah
halang biar keduanya muka cantik
soalan bodoh yang ditanya jadi melodinya
lebih hina dari zina

lu bikin dosa ku bikin prosa
testosterone testarosa
citacita sosa kl kl kosa nostra
jalan berliku ku harung roller coaster
gah sentosa tiada penyesalan
luas pandangan jauh dah berjalan
tak sempurna masih ada kejanggalan
gagal merancang, merancang kegagalan

kucing bawa tidur rimau bawa igau
masuk tempat orang bawa otak bukan pisau

naik bukit angkuh cakap ayah jangan risau
turun bukit pucat dengar tiga miaww
kucing bawa tidur rimau bawa igau
masuk tempat orang bawa otak bukan pisau
tolak pintu gua tiga kerat tenaga
kosong tak dijaga sampai datang tiga naga
ingat nak berlaga tapi tak kan boleh menang
menang dengan otak tak mesti dengan pedang

sebelum jadi bangkai ikan koi renang renang
pura pura salah jawapan untuk naik berang
panggil lima kawan atau biar pergi laju
risaukan pekara remeh kita tak akan maju
muka sama hijau hati siapa tahu
merah dah menyala pasti mati siapa mahu
gagap tiga kali bercakap benar saja
bulan terang ramai yang keluar buat kerja

panjat pokok buluh cari tukun air terjun
naik sampai nampak dah terpegun turun
tiga ular ikut lompat atau paut
kalau lari mati jika jerut maut

puisi hati mu... hati mu puisi
palu hati ku palu hatiku

kulit tak besalin walau saling ganti baju
pandang sini pandang sini
ku berbahasa baku kata kata nahu
himpun jadi satu
mantera beradu dengan irama dan lagu

akhirnya sempurna....

Rethinking Politics

2009-02-25T00:36:00.005-06:00

I wonder how the world would be if the mainstream political thinking would be based on this:

"Oh mankind, We created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Verily, the most honored among you in the sight of God is the most righteous of you..."

Rather than this:

"Humans are selfish, two-legged animals."

Or this:

"[Human life is] solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short."

Or this:

"Might is right."

Or this:

"[distrust] the multitude'".

Or this:

"The general will"

Or this:

"Imperialism"

Or this:

"State"

Or this:

"Nation-state"

Or this:

"People's power"

Or this:

"Democracy"

Or this:

"Republicanism"

Or this:

"Communism"

Or this:

"Monarchy"

Or this:

"Socialism"

Or this:

"Fascism"

Or this:

"Capitalism"

Or this:

"Human capital"

Or this:

"The World Bank"

Or this:

"Fiat currency"

Or this:

"National security"

Or this:

"Racism"

Or this:

"Social contract"

Or this:

"Conservatism"

Or this:

"Liberalism"

Or this:

"Libertarianism"

Or this:

"Extremism"

Etc...

Out of all, we wonder ourselves why politics is so "dirty" and yet in the end, we point our crooked fingers to this and that politicians, never to bother about the underlying assumptions and principles that define and govern politics itself. Whereas we strive to classify and differentiate ourselves from others with so-called "group identity" and "mutual interest", are they alternatives to these thinking that calls for not "group identity" , rather, "commonality"; not "mutual interest", rather, "selfless interest"?

Philosophers and thinkers throughout the ages deliberate much about how their brethren behave such and such especially when it comes to "power", "authority" and "legitimacy". What they found were a whole lot of behaviors (of human vices and virtues) whilst scholars of today generalize them into a whole continuum and spectra of what is "left" and what is "right" or what is "good" and what is "bad".

The result? Well, the outcome is more often than not, as effective as passing resolutions in the United Nations. Despite our economic, technological, and material advancement, why are cries of the world getting ever louder longing for justice, peace, and compassion? Why are we getting ever restless despite having all the comforts that we have from a well-heated room to the fastest-broadband connection to the virtual world?

Perhaps there are other missing variables that we forgot to throw in when we consider our philosophy that governs our thoughts and principles; perhaps we just simply gulped in whatever is thrown at us without really looking at the ingredients? Perhaps we should embark an extensive research on this, no?

Of What We are "Taught"

2009-02-22T11:09:00.008-06:00

In school and college:

Textbooks are (almost) always right - don't ever attempt to contest their contents if you want to get an "A" and maintain a public image (Chances are you will sound like a freak if you question a point or two from those "holy books" that cost you an arm or a leg every time the school opens).
Study FOR exams: Study hard guys and girls so that in exam you guys can get an "A". Whatever happens to what you've learned after exam does not matter - trash it or keep it, your choice as long as you excel in exams.
Get into Deans List and Honors program to demonstrate your "intellectual gifts".
Fulfill certain hours in certain subjects with certain grades, and get a piece of paper to be used to find a "good job".
Party, have fun and be merry. People are young after all. Once you are married, you are 'tied' and no longer have 'freedom' of bachelors' life.
CGPA is all-important: Flunk it and there goes all the points above down the drain.

In TV:

Watch drama, watch more series, more and more. You know, we should feel sad and cry because that beloved, handsome, macho hero had died and we gotta know what's next. Can't afford to miss 'em!
Ah, beauty and get sexy! Girls, wear as few as possible because that is liberty and a sign of self-confidence. Have certain size on your waist, trim certain hairs on your face, show up your assets, and act kinky-innocent so guys will drool over you. Guys, remember... fat bank account, being Mr. President, a silver tongue, and a six pack are the ideals. Fall short of that, and no chicks would adore you (you know... no shouts of aaaaaaaaahhhhhh... when you pass by them).
Buy and buy and buy! Dude, nobody uses your week-old phone anymore. Go grab a new one NOW!
Watch news guys and get "informed". Watch people die, skies crumble, shouting matches, and more! Yeah, you don't have to think too much about them since the news channels already have the analysis done for you from their "enlightened" "prophets" and "sages". Make sure you do what they tell you to do, or else...
Make sure to follow who's at the top of the mountain this week. Is she her in who's the most chicky contest? That bands of guys who can ran 3 miles at full speed and kickin' - yeah, lots of pompom girls, too. Be like them for their way to success is indeed an example.

In the Internet:

Let yourself be known. Make sure to update your profiles, add new pictures, write stuffs, so that your friends (and others) can know about you. You know, many would have been concerned if you changed your status from "male" to "female" especially from those who matters.
Cheap deals and it's just one click away!
(same as pt. #1, 3, 4, 5 in TV)
Watch and put anything your heart desires, ANYTHING!

About money:

Remember to keep that green paper safe and have lots and lots of digits in your bank account (even though the green paper has no real value at all... that's right, not even an ounce of gold)
Work FOR them. With them, you can show love to your wife by giving her that 1lb. diamond, bring your children into that Lala land where dreams come true, and of course... get that dream sports car, exotic pina coladas... ONLY money can BUY you those... (forget about "there are things money can't buy", it is just an empty slogan).

About faith and religion:

Come on, don't get too serious (even better, don't get serious at all). Let's laugh at the naked Jesus (it's just a joke), and don't make a fuss with Muhammad with a bomb on his head (freedom of speech and expression, you know).
Come on, you get other better things to do than attending boring sermons and reading stuffs only for goody-two-shoes: you won't even get extra credits for your CGPA from them. Also, there are many, many other fun stuffs ready-made just for you. Just tune in the TV...
Be a (seemingly) good man and woman, but what is in the heart doesn't count.
Know that God exists, but serving Him or not is another matter.
What are in there in those Scriptures? Come on, you are reading fairy tales! Read other stuffs instead, for pundits... read world-class and certified compiled booklets to get your facts right. For slackers, ummm... wanna get hot with some Playboy?

About governance and government:

Yup, the boss is always right. If your boss is in the blue team and you're in it, you better listen and give your best against the red team and vice versa.
Never mind the Constitution, who bother to read them after all. Let others read it for you instead, shall we?

About natural sciences:

Biology: Remember, only the fittest survives and in whatever means!
Chemistry: Ultimately, we are indestructible building blocks that we know as "material".

You can add up the list on your own...

What the world we are living in...

Reminiscing the Story of Puteri Santubong

2009-02-08T00:15:00.022-06:00

I am about to share a legend-song told by my parents and grandparents, and sung again and again by my people.
This is a song entitled "Puteri Sentubung" (English: Princess Sentubung); it is a pride of my people:

The lyrics in Bahasa Sarawak with English translation:

O… Puteri Sentubung,
O… Princess Sentubung
Sejinjang sayang,
Beloved Sejinjang
Kesah lamak,
An old story
Jaman menseya mayang
Of forgotten time

Puteri Sentubung, Puteri Sejinjang,
Princess Sentubung, Princess Sejinjang
Penjaga gunung negeri Serawak,
Guardians of Sarawakian mountains
Manis sik ada dapat dilawan,
Beatiful they were, unmatched
Anak dak dewa turun kayangan
Daughers of gods descended from the heaven

O… Sentubung puteri,
O… Sentubung the princess
Bertenun kain malam,
Who weaves fabric at nightime
Ooo… Sejinjang puteri,
O… Sejinjang the princess
Menumbuk padi siang
Who thumps paddy at daytime

Satu hari nya duak kelaie,
One day they quarreled,
Beranok-anok sik henti-henti,
Exchanging words unrelentingly,
Sorang madah dirik bagus agi,
One said she was better
Sorang sik kalah walau sampe ke mati.
The other did not give in, even to death

Puteri Sentubung, Puteri Sejinjang,
Princess Sentubung, Princess Sejinjang
Penjaga gunung negeri Serawak,
Guardians of Sarawakian mountains
Manis sik ada dapat dilawan,
Beatiful they were, unmatched
Anak dak dewa turun kayangan.
Daughers of gods descended from the heaven

O… Puteri Sentubung,
O… Princess Sentubung
Sejinjang sayang,
Beloved Sejinjang
Udah bermusuh berpanjang-panjang,
Are now enemies for a long time
Sayang...
Pity...

Udah lejuk nya duak kelaie,
Endless altercations wore them out
Lalu bertukuk nya duak puteri,
Finally, fighting they were
Sejinjang mengayun aluk ke pipi,
Sejinjang swung a slap to her (Sentubung’s) face
Tebik sentubung sampe gitok ari.
Sentubung became dented, until today.

Tapi Sentubung membalas juak,
But Sentubung fought back,
Lalu ditikam batang belida,
A daggered pole she threw, then
Lalu terkenak sejinjang ke palak,
Right at Sejinjang’s head it went
Lalu bertabur jadi Pulo Kerak.
(Sejinjang) shattered and became the Isle of Monkey

Puteri Sentubung, Puteri Sejinjang,
Princess Sentubung, Princess Sejinjang
Penjaga gunung negeri Serawak,
Guardians of Sarawakian mountains
Manis sik ada dapat dilawan,
Beatiful they were, unmatched
Anak dak dewa turun kayangan.
Daughers of gods descended from the heaven

Kesah Sentubung kesah Sejinjang,
The story of Sentubung and the story of Sejinjang
Asal berkawan jadi musuhan
Once were close friends, then became bitter enemies
Kinek tok tinggal jadi kenangan,
Now are left to be memories
Pakey ingatan sepanjang jaman,
As a lesson for all time

Puteri Sentubung, Puteri Sejinjang,
Princess Sentubung, Princess Sejinjang
Penjaga gunung negeri Serawak,
Guardians of Sarawakian mountains
Manis sik ada dapat dilawan,
Beatiful they were, unmatched
Anak dak dewa turun kayangan.
Daughers of gods descended from the heaven

Puteri Sentubung, Puteri Sejinjang…
Princess Sentubung, Princess Sejinjang...

Legend about Puteri Sentubung and Puteri Sejinjang (as so it was passed to me and how I understand it):

Puteri Sentubung and Puteri Sejinjang were daughters of the King of heaven and were two most beautiful Princesses in the world. They were descended from their heavenly palaces to take care of mountains in Sarawak and people who lived there. On Earth, they worked just as normal people did: Puteri Sentubung worked as a weaver while Puteri Sejinjang worked as a paddy-thumper. Puteri Sentubung and Puteri Sejinjang were best friends. As best friends, they did many things together: they grow up together, eat together, played together etc. But their friendship did lost last forever...

One day, a handsome Prince from land afar came to Sarawak. His name was Putera Jaya (other version: Putera Serapi) [English: Prince Jaya/Prince Serapi]. Putera Jaya met both Puteri Sentubung and Puteri Sejinjang. Awed by the handsomeness and manly behavior of Putera Jaya, Puteri Sentubung and Puteri Sejinjang had a crush with him... in secret. As time went by, Putera Jaya fell in love with one of them; his heart preferred Puteri Sentubung over her best friend, Puteri Sejinjang.

At first, things were okay between Puteri Sentubung and Puteri Sejinjang. But eventually, things changed. Sentubung were deep in love with Putera Jaya. She cared nothing except Putera Jaya. Sejinjang, once her best friend, is now ignored just because of Putera Jaya. Not only that, Puteri Sentubung was also careless in her heavenly job as Warden of the mountain and its people and his earthly job as paddy-thumper. Her days and nights were spent with Putera Jaya and Putera Jaya alone.

Of course this did not bode well for Puteri Sejinjang. Not only she lost her bestfriend, she also has to shoulder extra responsibilities of guarding the mountain and its people alone! With Puteri Sentubung neglecting her paddy-thumping job, many paddies were not processed into rice. As a consequence, starvation reigned throughout the land. Morevover, Sejinjang had a heart for Putera Jaya. But knowing that he is her bestfriend's love, Puteri Sejinjang tried to ignore her inner feeling for her best friend's sake. But, love, when suppressed, is a hard thing to contain - it bursts! From suppression it becomes jealousy, from jealousy it becomes enmity.

Finally, Puteri Sejinjang lost her patience. Puteri Sejinjang then hurled words to Puteri Sentubung, accusing Sentubung for neglecting her jobs and her endless mingling with Putera Jaya. Dismayed, Puteri Sejinjang replied, "I am better than you!" and her claim was true.... until she uttered the very claim. Between the two, Puteri Sentubung was naturally more beautiful than Puteri Sejinjang. She was smarter and did many things better than Puteri Sejinjang. When they were child, the King of heaven favored Puteri Sentubung more than Puteri Sejinjang because of her superior beauty and skill. Perhaps this is a ground for Puteri Sentubung to claim her superiority over Puteri Sejinjang.

Now, they no longer talk to each other. The only time the two princesses talk were the time when they hurled curses and accusations over each other for each others' weaknesses and mistakes. But, it was not them who were hurt the most: it was the mountains and people who lived there that suffered the most! Once, people had little food and natural disasters because of Puteri Sentubung's neglect. Now, in addition to the former, they now live naked because Puteri Sejinjang no longer provided clothes for them. Furthermore, diseases as a result of heat and cold now ensue the people - thanks to Puteri Sejinjang.

Long time had passed. The once large, thriving and prosperous mountains and people under Puteri Sentubung and Puteri Sejinjang's protection are now almost reduced to nil. On one hand, Puteri Sentubung is blinded by excessive affection. Puteri Sejinjang, on the other hand, is bogged by excessive hatred. And one day, Puteri Sejinjang made her mind. Because of Puteri Sentubung, she becomes the way she right now: full of hatred, unproductive, and not having a lover. She no longer remember the sweet time when she and Puteri Sentubung were holding hands and singing together. The only thing she knows now that Puteri Sentubung is a thief of her soulmate, a betrayer of friendship, and an irresponsible ilk: it is time for REVENGE! And so she went to see Puteri Sentubung, for one last time...

At so they met and clashed. First, with words. But later, with hands. Puteri Sejinjang started the great fight - it was told that people suffered great thunderstorms lasted for days because of the fight. Puteri Sejinjang, due to her anger, swung her hand very hard and fast that it landed squarely on Puteri Sentubung's face and displaced Puteri Sentubung's jaw and bled Puteri Sentubung's mouth - a fatal blow to Puteri Sentubung's beauty. That is why when one sees the Santubong mountain today, one can see a dent on the higher part of the mountain - a physical manifestation of the "great slap" by Puteri Sejinjang on Puteri Sentubung's face, and so the legend tells.

Of course Puteri Sentubung did not stay silent. Now she had lost her eternal beauty. She did not want to be succumbed by what she perceived as inferior Sejinjang. In a flash, she took a daggered pole and threw it towards Puteri Sejinjang. The pole hit right at Puteri Sejinjang's head and shattered it subsequently. And this marked the end of Puteri Sejinjang's life. Today, if one passes by Mount Santubong, one can see a group of small islands right beside Mount Santubong. These are Pulo Kerak (Isles of Monkey), a remnant of Puteri Sejinjang. And so the legend tells.

Puteri Sentubung won the battle but it was not a sweet victory. Suddenly she regretted her misdeed - she killed her very own bestfriend and the only true friend she had. Putera Jaya, once he learned about the killing, soon deserted Puteri Sentubung. She then turned to the mountains to see the people but the people rejected her as she rejected the people. In great forlorn, she went to Puteri Sejinjang's dead body and cried over and over...

After many days of crying and neglecting herself, she is now weak, physically hurt, and ugly. At the brink of her death, she called to the heaven, a place she had long forgotten. The heaven King , who was her own father, she ignored simply because of a man. To her father then she begged for mercy. But as King, her father chose justice over mercy towards her. Because she had neglected her jobs, many lives were lost and nations destroyed; because she had abandoned her friends, she had sown hatred and enmity inside the heart of a sincere friend; because she chose blind andunrestrained affection towards Putera Jaya over genuine love of Puteri Sejinjang, she opened a way for Puteri Sejinjang's jealousy and feelings of loneliness that finally bred contempt and evil deed; because she failed to give love and friendship to Puteri Sejinjang, her beauty was stripped from her and her stripping the life of her best friend; most importantly, because of her arrogance, her thoughts that she is better than Puteri Sejinjang, had led her to do to all misdeeds and maladies mentioned.

In the end, she died a dishonorable death. The heaven cursed her to become a mountain - Mount Santubong, as a lesson for all people to see the dire consequence of arrogance and neglect of friendship. While Puteri Sejinjang was condemnable of her jealousy and hatred, her faults was not as great as Puteri Sentubung's. That is why Pulo Kerak (the Isles of Monkey) are relatively hidden from eyesights by towering Mount Santubong itself that can be seen many miles away, and so the legend tells.

Such is the sad story of Puteri Sentubung and Puteri Sejinjang; a story passed down for generations and shared by all people of Sarawak as a reminder for themselves and for others.

Lest we forget.

THE END

p/s: Although I do not subscribe to paganistic elements of the song, the moral behind the story is well worth taking note.

Solidarity Rally for Gaza at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA

2009-02-06T02:10:00.007-06:00

And the Illinis have spoken: we choose not to remain indifferent to issues of the world. A rally for Gaza was held at The Quad on Jan. 27th in support for the people of Palestine and against the Israeli's aggression and occupation:

For peace with love from Urbana-Champaign, USA.

A Cup of Peace and A Sip of Joy

2009-02-03T01:32:00.012-06:00

Salam...
I wrote and sang a piece of song entitled as above. I wish to dedicate this song to everybody who want to see peace and joy for everybody and to those who are still finding their peace and joy.

The Lyrics:

A cup of Peace and a sip of Joy,
That's what I'm longing for.
I ask from you a little favor
to appease this thirsty soul...

A cup of Peace and a sip of Joy,
I wonder how they taste?
I heard those are gifts from Heaven,
Please share me the Peace and Joy.

Peace,
Peace and Joy,
Please share along...

Peace,
Peace and Joy,
Don't spill them gone!

A cup of Peace and a sip of Joy,
Please spread them all around.
So that everybody
would have a taste of Heaven.

A cup of Peace,
and a sip of Joy...
Those are the tastes of Heaven.

Innocent Cartoons and Fancy Brands? Think Again...

2009-01-28T23:28:00.006-06:00

Warning: Watching cartoons, dramas and movies, reading comics, and vying for the Brand may NOT be as fun and indulging as before after reading what is below. If you think it is better to keep "the fun and indulgement" of doing those stuffs (not all, but overwhelmingly many), then EXIT now! If you wish to continue, then I pray may we together open the parachute of our mind.

Before I begin with what I am going to elaborate in this post, allow me to quote a translation of Al-Nas, a chapter in the Noble Qur'an, which more or less as follows:

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Say: I seek refuge with the Lord and Cherisher of Mankind, The King (or Ruler) of Mankind, The God (for judge) of Mankind, - From the mischief of the Whisperer (of Evil), who withdraws (after his whisper), - (The same) who whispers into the hearts of Mankind, - Among Jinns and among Men. (The Qur'an 114:1-6)

When I was a little child, perhaps people of my age, cartoons such as Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, the Lion King etc. were the "staple food" of our life (yes, I mean that quite literally). Why not? Those cartoons teach "good values" such as being good to other people, being loyal etc.? And what's wrong with watching cartoons, other than school hours and homework sessions, for kids? They are totally harmless and what more, cartoons spur creativity among children and make their parents easier to take care of them because they don't go out and play outside the house that make them "tame". I for once, subsribed to this line of thinking...

Next is about the Brands and their so-acclaimed luxury, statuses, deliciousness (whatever positive qualities associated to them). No, I am not talking about the things here (this is a different story altogether), rather, I am talking about the logos, mottos, and catch-phrases that may be familiar to us. So familiar that we don't even have to take our time to memorize those logos and catch-phrases over and over again that they suddenly come at the tip of our tongue at the first instance's call - we are imbued with them. Harmless?

Yes, those were harmless, fun, invigorating, indulging, etc. (and so I thought) until I get acquainted with the term subliminal message (watch the video clips I am about to provide and you'll know the definition). Yes, the subliminal messages are all around us. We did not realize them because they are so sublime (halus). They are powerful tools used to penetrate our mind and instill us with values and ideas without we even realizing them. That's how powerful they are.

Are you ready to shatter your childhood dream of being a cartoon hero and do away with all those the egos of branded stuff ? You can still turn back, NOW! If not, here you go...

Sex Subliminal Message in Cartoons and Advertisements

Sex Subliminal Message in a Very Famous Ninja Cartoon of Our Time

More Sex Subliminal Message from One of the Most Favorited Cartoons of My Time

Subliminal Messages from Popular Brands and Cartoons (some images may be recur, similar to videos before)

Getting acquainted with subliminal messages and where they hide already? Now, do the "detective role" yourself. See if you can pick them up. (Hint: not necessarily, but not limited to, graphics; they may come in form of sounds as well):

To conclude, now remember the Whisper mentioned in the Quran as I quoted earlier? Yes, sublime indeed, they are. They have agendas to poison our mind and cloud our thinking and so we must protect ourselves from those malevolent agendas by equipping ourselves with due knowledge and sharpen our senses - especially our mind and our spirituality. An advice for me and you: be ever watchful of what enters our mind; what are seemingly innocent are not necessarily innocent. I pray we be safe from those evil whispers.

Perhaps it is time to rethink and reassess ourselves - are we still dreaming in broad daylight? Are we dreaming while we are awake and live in a false reality?

The Bible reminds us:
"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32)

O God, "show us the straight way"! (The Quran 1:6)

Amin.

President Obama's Foreign Policy: No CHANGE? A Comment by Dr. Ron Paul

2009-01-26T22:39:00.008-06:00

Have you have ever heard about Dr. Ron Paul? I bet not many outside the United States (and even in the United States herself) know much about him because of the media blackout he suffered. Just a very quick introduction about him: he was a running candidate of the Republican party for President (yes, that's the same party as John Mc Cain and Sarah Palin; Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton were candidates from the Democratic party); he is a present Congressman of Texas. More about Dr. Paul here.

Listen to what he has to say about President Obama's foreign policy:

Dr. Paul, from time to time, posts his video responses at YouTube. Why not visit his site at YouTube here?

President Ahmadinejad 2008 Christmas Speech

2009-01-25T15:09:00.006-06:00

This is yet another moving speech made by President Ahmadinejad. I think Jews, Muslims, Christians, the people who hold to the values of Abrahamic faith, and the people of conscience should listen to this:

President Ahmadinejad's Interview with Larry King

2009-01-25T14:13:00.006-06:00

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the President of Iran, is depicted as notorious in the United States by its media and its government. Being curious about his notoriety (is he really that bad as a man and as a President?), I sought through YouTube videos as usual and found President Ahmadinejad's interview with Larry King dated on Sept. 23, 2008:

(Part 1)

Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6

Judge the man yourself!

p/s:

I like the ending part (Part 6) of the interview when Mr. King asked how many children does President Ahmadinejad have. Then, the President smiled and answered, "1 girl and 2 sons".

The President later mentioned, "in America too, I know the family is given a lot of values".

Mr. King then thanked the President and described the conversation as "... very illuminating, fast-paced hour". It seemed both enjoyed talking to each other.

In the end, we are people, aren't we? ;)

What Now, is President Obama Planning a War with Pakistan?

2009-01-25T00:32:00.008-06:00

This video just left me scratching my head without feeling scratchy:

Questions and more questions...

Er... President Obama, First Days in Office and Seventeen People Dead Under Your Order Alrealdy?

2009-01-23T20:56:00.011-06:00

And so the confetti and trumpets celebrating the 44th President and the 1st African-American President of the United States is over. Euphoric scenes can be seen in US media depicting a sea of people attending Mr. Obama's inauguration. Fair enough.

But, Mr. Obama, WHY did you decide to kill seventeen people during the first day of your office in the name of "war on terrorism"?

You should have know better President Bush used the very same reason for his invasion of Iraq, a war which you vehemently oppose. Where is the audacity of hope that you promise to the forgotten corners of the world? Does this means that this is just another "audacity" in American foreign policy to destablize another region (after the Middle East) of the world?

Where is HOPE and CHANGE that you trumpeted throughout your campaign? Are we dreaming an empty hope here? Is change that you promise is only a change in venue of war that your country is waging?

Mr. Obama, on the day you won your ticket as a President of the United States, the world cheered for you hoping that you would be a symbol of the end of racism, a symbol of tolerance, a symbol of peace, and a symbol of United States' reclaim of her honor. While I agree with you that there are tremendous tasks ahead for you and the American people, you should have know better that by launching a covert operation (and killing people) during the first days of your Presidentship does not bode well in your record as well as dealing with a very intricate issue in Indo-Pakistan area right now. Why do you think your ally, President Musharraf, do not agree with the attack on the first place? Don't tell me that you are discounting your own ally's opinion: remember that American troops are in fact in their territories right now and they ought to know better!

Now that you are the 44th President of the United States and there is only one American President in the office and that is you; can you please make a statement about Gaza? The world is much it the waiting of what this new President of hope and change has to say about the ongoing issues of Israeli-Palestinian confict that are currently robbing thousands of lives in just a few weeks. Don't tell me business as usual for the Palestinians and the Israelis; quite obviously, if you watch YouTube about Gaza, business is not as usual as you may expect (or you may already know).

Last but not least, what is your plan about current financial crisis haunting your nation and the world right now? Your people and the world is waiting for your words right now. Will we hear a whole series of bailouts again in the media or is there a more viable alternative other than helping these corporate giants on their knees and helping ordinary Americans instead? Hey, perhaps you should listen more to guy such as Ron Paul in formulating your methods to tackle current financial crisis - his voice is so cornered in the Congress and yet is so sound when it comes to addressing about issues regarding Israel-Palestine and the economy.

Just a rant from a boy who really HOPE for CHANGE from POVERTY to PROSPERITY, INJUSTICE to JUSTICE, INDIFFERENCE to CONSCIENTIOUSNESS, and from INSECURITY to PEACE really do happen during my time.

We don't want another war, please.

The world is watching you, dear Mr. President.

My God is NOT One-Eyed!

2009-01-21T07:38:00.002-06:00

Out of all movies, documentaries and series that I watch, this one made me cry, literally:

The Arrivals

For this, I wish to thank Noreagaaa and Achernahr Production for their great effort producing this series; may Allah bless you all.

My God is NOT One-Eyed!

"A letter from a Christian to Muslim women"

2009-01-20T01:50:00.004-06:00

I think this is a brilliant article that I decided to post it on my blog. It is a MUST READ for all girls and ladies (of course for guys, it would be a very good read, too). Thanks Hanis for bringing this up.

A letter from a Christian to Muslim women
March 7th, 2007
By Joanna Francis
Writer, Journalist - USA

Between the Israeli assault on Lebanon and the Zionist “war on terror,” the Muslim world is now center stage in every American home. I see the carnage, death and destruction that have befallen Lebanon, but I also see something else: I see you. I can’t help but notice that almost every woman I see is carrying a baby or has hildren around her. I see that though they are dressed modestly, their beauty still shines through. But it’s not just outer beauty that I notice. I also notice that I feel something strange inside me: I feel envy. I feel terrible for the horrible experiences and war crimes that the Lebanese people have suffered, being targeted by our common enemy. But I can’t help but admire your strength, your beauty, your modesty, and most of all, your happiness.

Yes, it’s strange, but it occurred to me that even under constant bombardment, you still seemed happier than we are, because you were still living the natural lives of women. The way women have always lived since the beginning of time. It used to be that way in the West until the 1960s, when we were bombarded by the same enemy. Only we were not bombarded with actual munitions, but with subtle trickery and moral corruption.

Through Temptation

They bombarded us Americans from Hollywood, instead of from fighter jets or with our own American-made tanks. They would like to bomb you in this way too, afterthey’ve finished bombing the infrastructure of your countries. I do not want this to happen to you. You will feel degraded, just like we do. You can avoid this kind of bombing if you will kindly listen to those of us who have already suffered serious casualties from their evil influence. Because everything you see coming out of Hollywood is a pack of lies, a distortion of reality, smoke and mirrors. They present casual sex as harmless recreation because they aim to destroy the moral fabric of the societies into which they beam their poisonous programming. I beg you not to drink their poison. There is no antidote for it once you have consumed it. You may recover partially, but you will never be the same. Better to avoid the poison altogether than to try to heal from the damage it causes.

They will try to tempt you with their titillating movies and music videos, falsely portraying us American women as happy and satisfied, proud of dressing like prostitutes, and content without families. Most of us are not happy, trust me. Millions of us are on anti-depressant medication, hate our jobs, and cry at night over the men who told us they loved us, then greedily used us and walked away. They would like to destroy your families and convince you to have fewer children. They do this by presenting marriage as a form of slavery, motherhood as a curse, and being modest and pure as old-fashioned. They want you to cheapen yourself and lose your faith. They are like the Serpent tempting Eve with the apple. Don’t bite.

Self-Value

I see you as precious gems, pure gold, or the “pearl of great value” spoken of in the Bible (Matthew 13: 45). All women are pearls of great value, but some of us have been deceived into doubting the value of our purity. Jesus said: “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you” (Matthew 7: 6). Our pearls are priceless, but they convince us that they’re cheap. But trust me; there is no substitute for being able to look in the mirror and seeing purity, innocence and self-respect staring back at you.

The fashions coming out of the Western sewer are designed to make you believe that your most valuable asset is your sexuality. But your beautiful dresses and veils are actually sexier than any Western fashion, because they cloak you in mystery and show self-respect and confidence. A woman’s sexuality should be guarded from unworthy eyes, since it should be your gift to the man who loves and respects you enough to marry you. And since your men are still manly warriors, they deserve no less than your best. Our men don’t even want purity anymore. They don’t recognize the pearl of great value, opting for the flashy rhinestone instead. Only to leave her too! Your most valuable assets are your inner beauty, your innocence, and everything that makes you who you are. But I notice that some Muslim women push the limit and try to be as Western as possible, even while wearing a veil (with some of their hair showing). Why imitate women who already regret, or will soon regret, their lost virtue? There is no compensation for that loss. You are flawless diamonds. Don’t let them trick you into becoming rhinestones. Because everything you see in the fashion magazines and on Western television is a lie. It is Satan’s trap. It is fool’s gold.

A Woman’s Heart

I’ll let you in on a little secret, just in case you’re curious: pre-marital sex is not even that great. We gave our bodies to the men we were in love with, believing that that was the way to make them love us and want to marry us, just as we had seen on television growing up. But without the security of marriage and the sure knowledge that he will always stay with us, it’s not even enjoyable! That’s the irony. It was just a waste. It leaves you in tears.

Speaking as one woman to another, I believe that you understand that already. Because only a woman can truly understand what’s in another woman’s heart. We really are all alike. Our race, religion or nationalities do not matter. A woman’s heart is the same everywhere. We love. That’s what we do best. We nurture our families and give comfort and strength to the men we love. But we American women have been fooled into believing that we are happiest having careers, our own homes in which to live alone, and freedom to give our love away to whomever we choose. That is not freedom. And that is not love. Only in the safe haven of marriage can a woman’s body and heart be safe to love. Don’t settle for anything less. It’s not worth it. You won’t even like it and you’ll like yourself even less afterwards. Then he’ll leave you.

Self-Denial

Sin never pays. It always cheats you. Even though I have reclaimed my honor, there’s still no substitute for having never been dishonored in the first place. We Western women have been brainwashed into thinking that you Muslim women are oppressed. But truly, we are the ones who are oppressed; slaves to fashions that degrade us, obsessed with our weight, begging for love from men who do not want to grow up. Deep down inside, we know that we have been cheated. We secretly admire and envy you, although some of us will not admit it. Please do not look down on us or think that we like things the way they are. It’s not our fault. Most of us did not have fathers to protect us when we were young because our families have been destroyed. You know who is behind this plot. Don’t be fooled, my sisters. Don’t let them get you too. Stay innocent and pure. We Christian women need to see what life is really supposed to be like for women. We need you to set the example for us, because we are lost. Hold onto your purity. Remember: you can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube. So guard your “toothpaste” carefully!

I hope you receive this advice in the spirit in which it is intended: the spirit of friendship, respect, and admiration.

From your Christian sister "With Love"

* This article is republished with the kind permission of the author. The original can
be found on Crescent and the Cross. Joanna Francis is a writer and journalist. She
manages her own blog.

Source:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/note.php?note_id=50621652060&ref=nf

Solidarity for the Palestinians: Witness the Conscience Awakens!

2009-01-15T19:34:00.017-06:00

No, the world will not be deceived anymore:

(If you like the background song, you can download it here.)

For Palestine, for justice, and for peace; this young lady is a fine example of the cause. We may not be as her, but her spirit is worthy to be followed:

There's a lot to be done this year hereafter.

But let's get our voice right. It's not the Jews that we are against; we are against the Zionists!

And this is what some Jews (not Zionists!) have to say about war in Gaza:

What are difference between Zionism and Judaism, you may ask? Perhaps these short clips may give some answers:

It is also important to note that not all Israelis support the war. Witness a Gaza war protest in Tel Aviv:

Now things can be quite curious, eh? Perhaps its time to educate ourselves more about Israel-Palestine issue and about Zionism.

Hint: YouTube may be a good place to start. Search 'Zionism and Judaism', 'Gaza protest', 'Israel' and there's a good chance that you can come up with tons of videos about pertaining topics.

But there's no shortcut if we want to really understand these complex topics (Israel-Palestine conflict, Zionism and Judaism), though; we really must read a lot, join forums, and be engaged with the communities.

Now, care to get involved and ride along the peace train?

Interfaith Understanding Against Prejudice

2008-12-05T22:08:00.013-06:00

If you were a ______ (fill in the blank, with Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist etc.), would you be angry if others of different belief system than you utter the following to you?

Muslim:

Muslims? Bah, I've had enough of them causing troubles with their endless jihads of suicide bombings.
Look at their girls, why are they in the veil thingy? Poor people, oppressed by their lustful males.
They are violent people, I tell you. They chop hands, they stone people without mercy!

Christian:

I wonder if they have any values left at all? Other than attending Church on Sunday, or having "Angelina" as one's name, what defines a "Christian"?
Those warmongers from big (Christian?) nations are Whites. Many Whites are Christians. So, it must be Christianity that teaches them to bomb other nations, right?
I hate it when those do nothing but trying to "save" me by knocking at my door, and then quoting verses from the Bible that I could not even comprehend. Oh, they forgot to say hi, too.

Buddhist:

All Buddhists are Chinese, right?
You guys are cool Kung Fu masters. With bald head and orange robe living over the mountain, "civilization" must be the last thing you know.
Who is Buddha anyway? I think he's a God or something. Umm... what is Buddhism anyway? I only know that big fat statue standing, sitting, or leaning in a temple when you say the word, "Buddha".

Hindu:

You don't eat beef? Come on! Beef is tasty, beef is good! (Eat a Quarter Pounder in front of a Hindu Brahmin)
Hindus = Indians. Indians = Hindus. (period)
What's up with the cows? They're VIPs!

Etc.:

I could not care less. Not my concern.

Those are just few examples of pure prejudice. Although in daily life, we may not commit prejudice to such extreme degree, in some way or another, we may be ignorant to what others may think or belief, and thus live life they way they are.

Throughout the course of history, many battles have been fought in the name of religion and in the name of God. Most often, the outcome had been a terrible bloodshed that leave a relentless legacy of revenge and indignation. Some departed away from religion with the belief that religion has indeed imbued its believers with feelings of self-supremacy that ultimately leads to fanaticism and endless conflict.

But others maintain that it is not religion that sparked the violence. Rather, a complex strand of politics, economics, social and nationalistic interests did so. Also, the base feeling of men - his self-centeredness to survive and to be glorified ARE the main causes of prejudice and violence.

But it is true however, all religions and teachings in any matter and any way, intend to educate their believers towards the higher values and moralities, away from animalistic and base feelings of human lust and desire. But contenders of this point may argue that certain verses in the Holy Book(s) of the religion such as the story of Rama in the Battlefield in Bhagavad Gitta, and the verses calling for Jihad in the Qur'an do indeed propagate violence among the believers. However, the people from this quarter failed to realized the entire spirit of the religion. More often than not, misquotations and partial-quotations are not uncommon in their speeches and literatures; for whatever motives have in mind.

But, among the believers themselves, not many know at least to a functional degree, about the belief system of fellow believers. Usually, the only time they get to know other religions are through biased and mediated speeches and/or articles spoken/written by the people of "authority", be it from the government or from religious institutions. Little personal effort had been made to understand why other belief so-and-so and do so-and-so. It is unfortunate only when a crisis come, when somebody bombed a building, then will only these naive believers flow onto the streets, chanting for justice.

Let us see what the Qur'an has to say about this:

"Unto every one of you have We appointed a [different] law and way of life. And if God had so willed, He could surely have made you all one single community: but [He willed it otherwise] in order to test you by means of what He has vouchsafed unto you ..." [Qur'an 5:48]

"Have, then, they who have attained to faith not yet come to know that, had God so willed, He would indeed have guided all mankind aright?" [Qur'an 13:31]

"And [because He is your Creator], it rests with God alone to show you the right path: yet there is [many a one] who swerves from it. However, had He so willed, He would have guided you all aright." [Qur'an 16:9]

"For had God so willed, He could surely have made you all one single community; however, He lets go astray that wills [to go astray], and guides aright him that wills [to be guided]; and you will surely be called to account for all that you ever did!" [Qur'an 16:93]

For what seemed to me here that in every community, there are always the good and evil doers. One has the right, in his right-minded conscience, to submit to whatever belief system he/she wishes to belief. But one has not the right to smear others' religious belief in the name of God.

What the Qur'an prescribes mankind to follow is this:

"O people! Behold, we have created you from a male and a female and have made you into nations and tribes to that you might come to know one another. Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most deeply conscious of Him. Behold, God is all-knowing, all-aware." [Qur'an 49:13]

Thus, let us listen to the voice of reason, not the voice of ego. No, this is not a call for a compromise in fundamentals of religious belief. Rather, a mere call for the voice of tolerance to prevail over the voice of hatred and discrimination.

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose,
By any other name would smell as sweet." [Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)]

"But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God." (Leviticus 19:34)

By the way, I happen to encounter an inter-faith love-prayer song that I think is interesting to share. For we who are unfamiliar with how people from other belief systems praise the God (some say, the One), this song gives a good introduction of prayers and praisewords:

Interfaith Yoga Kirtan Chant by Jaima James

Yoga?

2008-12-05T20:53:00.006-06:00

Of late, there have been altercations back in Malaysia regarding a fatwa on banning Yoga for Muslims. Intrigued by the issue, I decided to embark on to research a bit about Yoga, its origin, meaning, types, and practices.

Yoga: the Definitions

Yoga, according to Wikipedia, is "traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India; to the goal achieved by those disciplines; and to one of the six orthodox (āstika) schools of Hindu philosophy."

According to Gethin, Yoga "...approximately means 'effort' or 'work' and relatively early in the history of Indian religion came to refer to specifically spiritual work and techniques." (The Foundations of Buddhism, 174)

Yoga according to Rabinovitch:

Yoga according to QuarkTech Inc:

Thus, we can conclude from above definitions, that Yoga must be a certain form of practices combining the elements of physical, mental, and spiritual with the aim of unionizing the three with the purpose of self-realization.

Types of Yoga (all quotes in this section are from Wikipedia)

1. Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

"Patanjali is widely regarded as the founder of the formal Yoga philosophy.^[21] Patanjali's yoga is known as Raja yoga, which is a system for control of the mind.^[22] Patanjali defines the word "yoga" in his second sutra,^[23] which is the definitional sutra for his entire work:

This terse definition hinges on the meaning of three Sanskrit terms. I. K. Taimni translates it as "Yoga is the inhibition (nirodhaḥ) of the modifications (vṛtti) of the mind (citta)".^[24] Swami Vivekananda translates the sutra as "Yoga is restraining the mind-stuff (Citta) from taking various forms (Vrittis)."^[25]

Patanjali's writing also became the basis for a system referred to as "Ashtanga Yoga" ("Eight-Limbed Yoga"). This eight-limbed concept derived from the 29^th Sutra of the 2^nd book, and is a core characteristic of practically every Raja yoga variation taught today. The Eight Limbs are:

(1) Yama (The five "abstentions"): non-violence, non-lying, non-covetousness, non-sensuality, and non-possessiveness.

(2) Niyama (The five "observances"): purity, contentment, austerity, study, and surrender to god.

(3) Asana: Literally means "seat", and in Patanjali's Sutras refers to the seated position used for meditation.

(4) Pranayama ("Lengthening Prāna"): Prāna, life force, or vital energy, particularly, the breath, "āyāma", to lengthen or extend. Also interpreted as control of the life force.

(5) Pratyahara ("Abstraction"): Withdrawal of the sense organs from external objects.

(6) Dharana ("Concentration"): Fixing the attention on a single object.

(7) Dhyana ("Meditation"): Intense contemplation of the nature of the object of meditation.

(8) Samādhi ("Liberation"): merging consciousness with the object of meditation.

2. Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita ('Song of the Lord'), uses the term yoga extensively in a variety of ways. In addition to an entire chapter (ch. 6) dedicated to traditional yoga practice, including meditation,^[26] it introduces three prominent types of yoga:^[27]

Karma yoga: The yoga of action
Bhakti yoga: The yoga of devotion
Jnana yoga: The yoga of knowledge

Madhusudana Sarasvati (b. circa 1490) divided the Gita into three sections, with the first six chapters dealing with Karma yoga, the middle six with Bhakti yoga, and the last six with Jnana (knowledge).^[28] Other commentators ascribe a different 'yoga' to each chapter, delineating eighteen different yogas.^[29]

3. Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga is a particular system of Yoga described by Yogi Swatmarama, compiler of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika in 15th century India. Hatha Yoga differs substantially from the Raja Yoga of Patanjali in that it focuses on shatkarma, the purification of the physical body as leading to the purification of the mind (ha), and prana, or vital energy (tha).^[30]^[31] Compared to the seated asana, or sitting meditation posture, of Patanjali's Raja yoga,^[32] it marks the development of asanas (plural) into the full body 'postures' now in popular usage.^[33] Hatha Yoga in its many modern variations is the style that many people associate with the word "Yoga" today.^[34]

Yoga and Islam

The development of Sufism was considerably influenced by Indian yogic practises, where they adapted both physical postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama).^[45] The ancient Indian yogic text, Amritakunda, ("Pool of Nectar)" was translated into Arabic and Persian as early as the 11th century.^[46]

Malaysia's top Islamic body in 2008 passed a fatwa, which is legally non-binding, against Muslims practicing yoga, saying it had elements of "Hindu spiritual teachings" and could lead to blasphemy and is therefore haraam. Muslim yoga teachers in Malaysia criticized the decision as "insulting".^[47] Sisters in Islam, a women's rights group in Malaysia, also expressed disappointment and said they would continue with their yoga classes.^[48] The fatwa states that yoga practiced only as physical exercise is permissible, but that yoga teachings such as uniting of a human with God is not consistent with Islamic philosophy.^{[49] (ibid.)}

Alternative readings for Yoga and Islam:

1. Islam and Yoga (Penkalai Kâtalikkirên) - article
2. Is Yoga Allowed in Islam? (TurntoIslam.org) -opinion response
3. Believe in Yoga (Jakarta Post) - opinion, editorial
4. Ketua Pengarah JAKIM bidas Dr Asri bidas isu alternatif yoga (MStar Online) - news article

Further readings for Yoga and Islam:

1. Islam and Yoga: A Comparative Study of Congruence Between Two Traditions
2. The Yoga of Islam (Ashraf Nizami) - book

Yoga online:

1. Yoga Journal

Barat dan Aku

2008-12-05T01:37:00.006-06:00

Kenangan bersama teman lamaku yang kini berada di Mesir. Aku menjejakkan kaki menuntut di dunianya. Dia pula pergi ke dunia lain kerana maksud yang sama. Semoga ketemu nur yang dia cari-cari itu.

Ada kala apabila aku berseorangan sambil memerhati orang lalu lalang di stesen bas mahupun di kaki lima, terkadang terusik benak fikiranku melihat jenis dan gelagat mereka yang beraneka macam. Pandang kanan, aku nampak sepasang kekasih yang sedang asyik bercinta penuh romantis. Pandang kiri pula, aku nampak seorang lelaki berkulit gelap bertubuh sasa yang hampir dua kaki lebih tinggi daripada ku. Gerun aku apabila terfikir kalau-kalau penumbuknya melayang ke arah muka ku; ada harapan aku kehilangan tiga atau empat batang gigi kekalku! Walaubagaimanapun, itu cuma pemikiran liarku sahaja. Di sebalik aneka ragam orang Barat dan segala macam karenahnya, aku sebenarnya kagum dengan tamadun yang mereka bina dan prinsip yang mereka pegang walaupun ada di antaranya tidak selari dengan pegangan hidupku.

Yang paling aku kagumi ialah sifat keterbukaan dan penerimaan yang mereka ada. Penerimaan bermaksud mereka boleh menerima ku seadanya walaupun pandangan hidupku, alur lidahku, dan wujud fizikalku ternyata berbeda daripada mereka. Keterbukaan pula bermaksud mereka sedia mendengar apa yang aku ingin sampaikan - tidak pernah aku rasa dikongkong daripada meluahkan idea atau isi hatiku sepanjang berbicara dengan mereka baik semasa kuliah bersama Professor mahupun bersama teman-temanku. Malah, ada yang berminat sehingga mereka mengajukan soalan-soalan dan meminta aku bercakap tentang diriku, negaraku, bangsaku, dan agamaku. Hmm... mungkin inilah prinsip kebebasan expresi dan bersuara yang dicanang oleh mereka yang telah lama termaktub di dalam perlembagaan negara mereka.

Kedua, kadangkala aku malu sendiri apabila aku melihat ada di kalangan mereka yang begitu komited dan percaya di dalam apa yang mereka perjuangkan. Seorang temanku ini begitu gemar menjugel. Boleh dikatakan hari-hari aku nampak dia menjugel di padang legar universiti jika hari cerah. Lambat laun, ramai yang tertarik dengan kepandaiannya menjugel. Mungkin sekarang dia telah menjadi Pengasas dan Presiden Kelab Jugel Illini. Seorang lagi adalah teman seasrama ku ketika kami berada di tahun pertama. Apabila bertemu sahaja, leka aku dan dia berbicara tentang Bahasa Arab, Islam, dan Al-Quran. Dalam minatnya mendalami ilmu-ilmu itu telah membuatkannya menjejakkan kaki ke Mesir! Hatta pada bulan Ramadhan di Mesir, sanggup dia berpuasa, walaupun belum lagi bergelar seorang Muslimah; mahu merasa bagaimana "budaya" menjadi seorang Muslimah, katanya. Tergelak kecil aku - pada satu sudut, lucu kata-katanya itu. Tetapi lubuk hatiku sangat mengagumi keberaniannya untuk mencuba memahami sesuatu perkara yang sangat asing buatnya!

Ketiga, tentang buku. Belek-belek sikit di sana sini, terpacul nama Frederick Denny, John Esposito, dan Karen Armstrong yang banyak menulis dan melontarkan idea-idea segar tentang agamaku, Islam. Di mana penulis-penulis kita terutamanya yang berasal daripada Nusantara? Bukan itu sahaja, hujah-hujah yang mereka lemparkan sangat kemas, aku sangat menghormati hujah-hujah itu walaupun ada kalanya aku tidak bersetuju dengan apa yang mereka sampaikan. Pendek kata, mereka ada kolam ilmu yang luas lagi dalam, terpulanglah kepada kita untuk memancing dengan kail sepanjang mana dengan umpan jenis apa.

Mungkin banyak lagi yang aku perlu pelajari daripada mereka... Dalam pada masa yang sama, mungkin aku boleh menjadi duta kecil kepada apa-apa yang aku wakili!

Hevenu Shalom Aleinu - Ma Ana Ajmal Min Salam!

2008-11-18T20:59:00.012-06:00

Arab-Israeli conflict is arguably the most bitter and still ongoing conflict haunting the world today. We have heard of statements from politicians of both sides (and/or of parties supporting either side) signaling as if the conflict would stay for another hundred years. While Arab-Israeli conflict is a complex and delicate matter to comprehend, let alone to solve, there still exists among Arabs and Israelis as people of the same root to coexist and live in peace together as they once did many, many years ago.

Politics aside, I wish to invite dear readers to listen to these beautiful voices calling for peace between Arabs and Jews. The singers are Arabs and Jews themselves and is sung in Arabic and Hebrew:

Hevenu Shalom Aleinu ( Hebrew for: We Brought Peace Upon Us):

Another song I would like to invite readers to enjoy is a peace song in Hebrew entitled "Od Yavo Shalom Aleinu". This is a simple song, yet, with a message profound and telling:

Od Yavo Shalom Aleinu (Hebrew for: Peace Will Come to Us):

Od yavo' shalom aleinu
[Peace will come to us]
Od yavo' shalom aleinu
[Peace will come to us]
Od yavo' shalom aleinu
[Peace will come to us]
Ve al kulam (x2)
[and on everyone]

Salaam (Salaam)
["Peace" in Arabic]
Aleinu ve al kol ha olam,
[On us and on everyone]
Salaam, Salaam (x2)

Yes, we do not listen to too many of these songs and their likes in the mainstream media. More often than not, what we hear and witness from the mainstream media are failed peace talks, suicide bombings, guns rattlings, and wounds and deaths from these two brethren (the Arabs and the Jews) in conflict, as if reconciliation between them is impossible. And yet, there are among these two brethren who do not give up hope for peace as their conscience still speaks loud in them, albeit in many occasions cornered by opportunists of the fray.

Mencari Pasangan Hidup

2008-11-16T23:27:00.002-06:00

Baik secara diam-diam atau terang-terangan, golongan belia yang sebaya dengan saya pastinya sudah mula berfikir dengan mendalam tentang tajuk di atas (malah, ada yang telah menjumpai pasangan hidup masing-masing pun). Menurut konteks hari ini, saya percaya adik-adik di sekolah menengah pun sudah mula memikirkannya. Apa tidaknya, deras arus maklumat dan kemajuan teknologi digital pada hari ini telah berjaya merobohkan tembok sempadan umur dan kematangan fikiran, maka ramailah yang sudah merasai cinta ataupun bahangnya walaupun usianya baru menjangkau usia pertengahan belasan tahun. Untuk kali ini, saya ingin berkongsi dengan pembaca satu sesi forum bersama Dr. Fadzillah Kamsah, Dr. Mashitah Ibrahim, dan Aziz Desa (sebagai Pengerusi majlis) yang menyentuh tentang topik ini. Saudara/i boleh menonton forum tersebut pada capaian di YouTube di bawah:

Forum Petua Mendapat Pasangan 1/14
Forum Petua Mendapat Pasangan 2/14
Forum Petua Mendapat Pasangan 3/14
Forum Petua Mendapat Pasangan 4/14
Forum Petua Mendapat Pasangan 5/14
Forum Petua Mendapat Pasangan 6/14
Forum Petua Mendapat Pasangan 7/14
Forum Petua Mendapat Pasangan 8/14
Forum Petua Mendapat Pasangan 9/14
Forum Petua Mendapat Pasangan 10/14
Forum Petua Mendapat Pasangan 11/14
Forum Petua Mendapat Pasangan 12/14
Forum Petua Mendapat Pasangan 13/14
Forum Petua Mendapat Pasangan 14/14

Rata-rata, banyak juga input menarik yang boleh didapati daripada forum tersebut. Ada pula idea-idea yang dilontarkan tidak ubah seperti apa yang terkarang di dalam karya-karya Barat seperti Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus oleh John Gray. Kedua-dua ahli panel bersetuju bahawa untuk mendapat pasangan hidup yang baik (baca: BAIK, tidak semestinya IDEAL) supaya seseorang itu boleh mengecapi nikmat cinta sejati, tunjang kepada segala nikmat dan perbuatan tersebut mestilah berlandaskan kepada Islam dan prinsip-prinsipnya. Bagi saya, kedua-dua ahli panel telah menghuraikan dengan jelas bagaimana etika-etika pergaulan di dalam Islam (seperti menjaga tutur kata, pandangan mata dsb.) dan yang lebih penting prinsip ketauhidan kepada Allah itu boleh menarik pasangan yang matlamat akhir hidupnya secocok dengan matlamat akhir hidup kita - yakni ingin mencari keredhaan Ilahi.

Kedua, untuk mencari pasangan hidup, perlulah ada komunikasi yang berkesan. Berkesan yang dimaksudkan adalah memahami dari sudut mana lelaki "menggunakan bahasa" yang sememangnya berbeza daripada golongan Hawa "memahaminya". Begitu juga dari sudut bahasa badan - terdapat seribu satu macam rahsia Adam dan Hawa menuturkan dirinya walaupun tanpa menggunakan sepatah perkataan pun. Pemahaman kepada yang bahasa-bahasa halus inilah yang memainkan peranan yang agak besar di dalam menentukan efektifnya atau tidak sesuatu komunikasi. Dan juga, ahli panel ada menyatakan keberanian untuk berkomunikasi itu penting. Ha... nampak gaya prinsip perigi mencari timba, dan lelaki pemalu sememangnya konsep yang dicabar menurut pemikiran ini.

Seterusnya adalah doa. Ini termasuklah doa-doa khusus yang dianjurkan oleh ahli-ahli panel (nak tahu, tontonlah video itu sendiri! :P). Dan juga kata-kata yang diungkap serta bisikan-bisikan hati boleh membawa kepada sampainya mesej cinta walaupun tidak diluahkan secara terbuka. (Ketawa saya apabila mendengar jenaka Aziz Deza yang mengatakan, "kalau begitu marilah kita pakat-pakat tepuk bantal malam ni sebut nama si dia [dan mengharap si dia akan mimpi sama-sama dengan kita!]). Ini berdasarkan kepada teori yang mengatakan bahawa wujudnya gelombang-gelombang otak yang membolehkan seseorang itu berfikir satu frekuensi dengan seseorang yang lain. (Hmm... macam telepatilah pulak...)

Akhir sekali, tidak lupa sepotong ayat al-Quran yang sering kali menjadi quotation apabila terbitnya tajuk-tajuk perbincangan seperti ini yakni Surah An-Nur ayat 26 yang kira-kira bermaksud:

(Lazimnya) perempuan-perempuan yang jahat adalah untuk lelaki-lelaki yang jahat, dan lelaki-lelaki yang jahat untuk perempuan-perempuan yang jahat dan (sebaliknya) perempuan-perempuan yang baik untuk lelaki-lelaki yang baik, dan lelaki-lelaki yang baik untuk perempuan- perempuan yang baik. Mereka (yang baik) itu adalah bersih dari (tuduhan buruk) yang dikatakan oleh orang- orang (yang jahat) mereka (yang baik) itu akan beroleh pengampunan (dari Allah) dan pengurniaan yang mulia.

Tapi apa yang menariknya, kedua-dua ahli panel, pada saya, berbeza pendapat tentang bagaimana kita patut melihat ayat ini. Dr. Mashitah lebih membayangkan bahawasanya menjadi lelaki yang baik adalah prerequisite untuk mendapat perempuan yang baik dan sebaliknya. Dr. Fadzillah pula membayangkan bahawa ayat ini lebih merupakan satu peringatan dan nasihat kepada seseorang untuk menjadi seseorang yang lebih baik, bukan jaminan Allah yang semestinya seseorang itu mendapat pasangan yang serupa dengannya, kerana menurut Dr. Fadzillah, ada sahaja perempuan yang baik mendapat lelaki yang jahat.

Walau apa pun, persoalan mencari cinta sejati telah menjadi dugaan, bahagia dan sengsara manusia sejak azali lagi. Cain dan Abel berbunuhan sebab cemburu di dalam cinta. Romeo dan Juliet juga menjadi korban cinta yang tidak kesampaian... dan juga pelbagai tradisi seperti Hikayat Sita dan Rama, Laila dan Majnun, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Cinderella, yang semuanya merujuk kepada betapa besarnya pengaruh cinta di dalam kehidupan seseorang yang bernama manusia. Akan tetapi, dalam pada kita mencari cinta manusia, jangan pula kita lupa menjunjung Cinta kepada Pencipta cinta. Saudara Dawud Wharnsby Ali ada mesej yang halus untuk memahami itu!

Politics of Honor: A Lesson Learned from US Primary Election

2008-11-05T23:21:00.006-06:00

I wish to save the analysis about the outcome of the election results which should be mushrooming right now as we speak in blogs, journals, and mass media alike. However, I would like to highlight a lesson I learned most in Obama-McCain Presidential Election, of what I call "politics of honor".

After enduring through a long and hard campaign, Obama and McCain met at their final battle yesterday, and the the world had witnessed Obama's triumph. Yet he is not an arrogant winner. Even during early on in his victory speech, Obama reverenced his opponent as "brave and selfless leader" who had "endured sacrifice for America that most of us cannot even begin to imagine". The same goes to McCain who is one of the better examples of creditable politicans. In, his concession speech, offered his sincere condolence to Obama's late grandmother and recognized her role for raising a "good man", Obama. Even during at the emotional peak of his crowd, he managed to remain amazingly calm and prevented his crowd from booing his opponent. Now, that's noteworthy!

I can continue quoting on and on with their honorific words towards one another. But, I think it is best for you to witness yourself:

Obama's Acceptance Speech:

(Part1)

(Part2)

(Part3)

McCain's Consession Speech:

In short, the two candidates can be summarized in one word: honorable. Perhaps we have heard too much of Machiavellian politics that it is almost imbued in us, even spelling out the word "politics" itself implies some sort of necessary evil that underly it. But, after following the America's most recent election, I believe that there is still good in politics, and good men and women are alive and well in it. Yes, Obama and McCain are licking each others' wound after a long fight for the Presidency. Yes, both agree that they need to work together for towards the building of a nation. Yes, they both addressed the blessings of their American citizenship where equality and opportunity are cherished towards achieving a common goal, for America, however the differences between them. Indeed, America is lucky to have two great men competing for the highest office of the State. Indeed, both are highly credible men of reason. Only this time, America had chosen Obama.

Last but not least, perhaps this is a sign for the world that the old order of politics is reaching its end, and the new dawn of political scenes are emerging. With Obama (assisted by Biden) leading the greatest nation in the world, and McCain being his prime balancer, we are going to witness "audacity of hope" and "change" that shall reshape America.

Soon, the winds of change shall reach distant shores around the world. To quote the Scorpions:

"The wind of change,
Blows straight into the face of time,
Like a stormwind that will ring the freedom bell,
For peace of mind."

I am looking forward to see what impact it shall bring to our nation. As excited as I am, let us also move forward for a better Malaysia. (Psst... we don't want to be left behind, do we?)

Al-Fatihah

2008-11-04T16:33:00.004-06:00

I wish to announce the unexpected passing of my uncle yesterday. At first, I found the news shocking and I was caught offhanded. Later then I realized such is the nature of life and such is a reminder to the living that we belong to Him.

To my beloved cousins and lovely aunt, may I convey a deepest condolence from the bottom of my heart; I pray you be strong facing this great challenge. May solace and peace be upon the soul that had passed and also be upon your sullen heart.

To my family, I pray may all be strong. I have faith in your resilience.

Al-Fatihah...

A Genuine Smile...

2008-10-30T15:31:00.001-05:00

It is free and it is one of the best gifts!

Leave the Dwelling of Yesterday

2008-10-26T22:48:00.012-05:00

Pilgrim o pilgrim,

Leave the dwelling of yesterday,
For the abode is no more,
Leave the happiness that may,
Together with sigh and sorrow.

Vagabond o vagabond,

Leave the dwelling of yesterday,
Lest its shadow shall haunt you,
With stories deceased,
And in your mind they shall persist,
And so shall you perish,
If you choose yesterday to cherish.

Wanderer o wanderer,

Leave the dwelling of yesterday,
For the present is here knocking at your door,
Hoping much from you to shape its way,
To walk and work for evermore,
Until the time come when you will rest,
And so shall you witness the Blest,
Of your deeds and endeavors,
Thus, walk now for your good favor!

Traveler o traveler,

Leave the dwelling of yesterday,
For the oasis of today,
But watch out the mirage of tomorrow,
For hopes, dreams and ambitions are not straight arrows,
Yet never give them up altogether,
Lest your spirit shall wither,
By losses of the past and caravans of the present,
Keep walking nonetheless,
Keep seeking nevertheless,
At your very best.

A Dialogue Between "Me" and "I"

2008-10-23T18:48:00.014-05:00

I said to Me:

The sun may not be as bright,
And so the tide that does not necessarily turns our way,
The heart may not be as light,
As there are many things that made it sway.

When all the troubles seem to double,
Even the pillar-less sky looks ready to crumble,
When a cry is a silent cry,
Even the deepest ocean is thought to be dry.

Why, why and why?

Me said to I:

Hail and hearken, thee!

Look at the clouds; dark and heavy they may seem,
Yet they still bear the silver-lining gleam,

And the rage of the storm,
Will not forever haunt and roam,
Thy survival,
Will only spell thy revival,
Like the blooms of spring,
After a long, cold winter.

O I,

Let not you say life is such and such,
Just because things do not work thy way,
And whine not at troubles too much,
For troubles would bind thy day.

I said to Me:

Oh how easy it is to say,
In rhymes and rhythm to spell the troubles away,
If words and stanzas can solve them all,
Then bloods would not be spilled,
And hearts would not be torn.

Tell me O Me,

What worth a grain for efforts done?
Then, lo and behold!
In minutes, those efforts are gone,
Null and void as they clutch no hold.
Like fire that sweeps the dry grass,
Burning all those in-between so fast.

Worse is the story of hours of work,
And in the end I do not see any,
Except a barren land and a dork,
Which is I by numbers many.

Me said to I:

O I,

Do you not know?
A plant does not grow,
And bear fruits in a day?
Some takes decades for them to show,
What had been sown long ago,

Patience, patience dear.
But patience is not enough.

If you were to grow a flower,
And yet to it you seldom attend,
Not days had passed then will you water,
Not weeks had gone then will you fertilize the sand.
How do you expect for it to bloom, then?

I said to Me:

O Me,

Perhaps what you said is true.
Perhaps I will keep abreast.

Me said to I:

Come then, take my hand.
Perhaps I have forgotten you.
That has made you turned all blue.
Let us make amend.

For better days ahead, amen!

Searching for Love

2008-10-18T01:48:00.008-05:00

I laughed a few times and had broad smiles in my face while watching this:

How cute and pure an innocent love could be.

How I wish I could be so.
How I wish my nation could be so.
How I wish the world could be so.

If I were to fall in love, then let the love set my heart right.
Unruffled by a false sense of superiority, narcissism and selfishness,
for the message in the Holy Book is clear:

"Oh mankind, We created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Verily, the most honored among you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you - and Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted with all things."
[The Holy Qur'an 49:13]

Perhaps too much politics had rendered the world weary and wistful,
robbed of its innocence and innocuousness.

Yusuf Islam said, "maybe there's a world that I'm still to find":

I agree. For I am still searching for that world, too.

John Lennon said, "imagine all the people living for the day... imagine all the people living life in peace":

Oh, how I dream such world truly exists. Yes, you are a not a lone dreamer, Mr. Lennon.

Perhaps, such world does exists! Louis Armstrong had seen it. "What a wonderful world," he declared:

If I were to fall in love... then let it be this cup of love that I drink.

This Life of Mine, Ain't the Life I Had in Mind...

2008-10-11T00:32:00.011-05:00

Days of late, I have been thinking a lot about something called 'life'. Questions such as these popped out in my mind:

What is it exactly that I want in life?
How can I make sense with what I am learning right now in college and how to utilize them?
Am I doing all the studies just for the sake of collecting papers with scores of A's, Dean's Lists, and Honors' grades so that I could show them off to my would-be employer(s) in the future?
Who am I as a person?
What can I give to my parents, my family, the people around me, and the world?
A married life - when and what to expect?
Am I really utilizing my 24/7 to the fullest?

And I smiled when I listened and pondered upon this:

"This life of mine,

This life of mine,

Ain't the life I had in mind,

But if I’m bold enough, wise enough then I can make this life worthwhile,

I can make this life worth a smile." - Kareem Salama

Indeed, indeed! :)

Eid Mubarak to My Beloved Family and Friends

2008-10-01T00:26:00.004-05:00

Assalamualaikum wbt.

I wish to extend by heartfelt gratitude and apology to my family members back there in Kuching, especially mom and dad, my brothers and sisters: hani, e, kai, na, and pit.

I would also like to extend a similar message to my friends wherever you may be: Malaysia, USA, Ireland, UK, Jordan, Egypt, Indonesia, Czech Republic - anywhere in this Land of God.

Even at this peak hour of busyness with examinations and whatnot, the advent of Eid is always a significant one - it serves to remind me (and I believe, my fellow colleagues) of spiritual victory. As always, every year, 1st of Shawwal is always a unique one for each passing year and of course for every Shawwal, there lies priceless memories and sentimental values to reminisce for time and again.

Ahlan' ya Shawwal (Welcome o Shawwal).
Ilalli-qa' ya Ramadan (Until we meet again, o Ramadan).

From the very heart of mine,
Salam Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin! :)

Dedicated to all:

Education Beyond "A's"

2008-08-12T01:19:00.007-05:00

Soon, students from all over Malaysia of different levels shall face yet another annual ritual of the nation: the public examinations. Primary 6 pupils shall strive to glean that 5 (or 6) A's in their UPSR; so shall the 15-years olds who drool for that clean straight 8 (or 9) A's in their PMR result sheet; more for SPM candidates as they have the privilege of taking teens (or -ty) of examination subjects in hope to ace them all; the same rhythm and melody for STPM would-be takers. As we witness, year-in year-out, with pride, the media (and the Ministry of Education) would boast about the super-achievers getting tons of A's with their behind-the-scene stories of the secrets and trials to their success. Then, we would be told, relative to last year, the performance level of our education has "improved" by a show of statistical data mentioning the increment of people getting an "A" in certain examination subjects and the decline in numbers of those getting an "F" in the other.

With all due respect to the super-achievers (those getting 17A1's, 8A's etc.), I would like to invite the reader to rethink the value of "A" we get in our examination result sheets; by getting that "A", does it really means that we have a certain degree of mastery in that particular subject that enable us to see that "A" in its actual implementation? Must we conclude then people getting a "B", a "C" or a "D" is less able to function in that particular discipline of knowledge compared to those getting an "A"? Thus, the bottom line of the issue: is getting straight "A's" equals academic success?

Sometimes, I am confounded when I think great people of the past and present, most if not all of them have never really cared about getting straight "A's" (or 4.00 CGPA or other statistical measure of "success" in institutionalized academic) in order to be recognized as "successful" in their respective area. From the Classical Era, recall Plato, Socrates, Hippocrates and their legions - they have never knew what straight A's means. Even people such Lao Tze who was born in the exam-oriented China (oh yes, the Chinese then took exams not primarily for "academic success" or "getting a deeper understanding of anything". Rather, to be employed in a decent government posts of the Emperor Dynasty) never ever dreamed about straight A's before. Therefore, why now our students are being put into so much pressure and their thoughts indoctrinated to get nothing less than straight A's as if life would be a failure if they fail to hoard A's in public examinations. This, a deeper analysis of our education system and culture is needed.

Ponder back during our days in high-school classrooms, rote learning was (and is?) the prevailing system; the more one memorizes and the more one is able to accurately recall what one has memorized, the likelier one is going to be "successful" (getting an "A") in the subject he/she "studied". No, differing answers are not accepted because they are not in line with skema jawapan (the answer scheme). To rigorously dispute a teacher about a "fact" in would be kurang ajar (rude) and it would be a taboo if one takes a different stance, beliefs, or opinions other than what the teacher had said pertaining to a subject-matter. In the end, the student has to be a yes boy/girl in order to be a good boy/girl and ultimately getting "A's" in their academic subjects and sikap (manner).

Some of the "beliefs" I have identified and willingly/forcefully made to be believed unto me based on my own experience during my tender years in school are as follow:

Must get straight A's in public exams whatever it may take. Do as one must: buy ten exercise books, go to five tuition classes in the weekend, skip lunch, and even, hide textbooks in toilet (to cheat in exam) for that precious "A". Failure to do so: mom and dad would be malu (ashamed); no reward in Ringgits (yes, by getting straight A's can make one rich(!) as the school, government institutions, parents and NGOs will give one money for one's "excellent" result); kena rotan (caned); there is a good chance that teachers would not remember your name, and malu with friends who get more A's than one does.
Screw all activities other than "study", "study", and "study"! (if a social/pure science subject: memorizing, memorizing and memorizing; if a math subject: practice, practice and practice)! Phew, how vigorous a task it was to memorize (better if verbatim memorization) a 700-pages Physics reference book so that one could easily recall and write exactly the same experiment, utter exactly the same definition, and recalling exactly the same "facts" mentioned in the reference book if asked in an exam. Who cares about learning to cook - it is not asked in school exam. Who cares about helping out in a charity house in the weekend - one won't get an "A" for that! Who cares about jogging and doing some light exercise - I'm young and still healthy: life is better spent with "study"!
Scoring straight "A's" makes one a rock-star. In the end, it is an A-student who will be rewarded and remembered even though a C-student did all the experiments, cleaned the apparatuses, and searched for information beyond textbooks.

The Consequences

To the students

This "'A' in the paper-exam is everything" norm ultimately only creates a stereotype, intellectually lazy, uncreative, uninnovative, visionless, indifferent, and unmotivated person. Why? Because their vision has been largely narrowed down to see only straight "A's" as a measure of success in contrast to the spirit of education itself to produce Insan Al-Kamil (the complete human) or umo universal (the versatile human). This then leads to students becoming more like bio-machines - doing without thinking, following without knowing - in their daily deliberations.

To the teachers

The tendency to spoon-feed the students is very high because one's reputation and "academic credibility" is at stake here. Thus, giving tons and tons of notes and mock-exam questions would be considered as "worthy" in contrast to letting the students explore the academic discipline themselves by allowing a conducive plane for intellectual debates, experiments and researches. Moreover, the "we must follow and finish the syllabus" would echo long in their creed to avoid the blame-game later if the public exam's (SPM, PMR etc.) turnout did not meet the school's target. Thus, rooms for a deeper intellectual exploration are suppressed because of the over-commitment of following the syllabus (even if the teacher is aware then the "facts" in the syllabus are obsolete) and finishing them up (so that all the "facts" are now thrown to the students).

To the school institutions

The rat-race between schools in the same cage within the same wheels shall continue. Schools will keep on competing with each other by claiming their excellency based on how many straight A students they produce annually. Other aspects of education such as physical, social, and spiritual development (and genuine intellectual development) will be put aside as peripheries to give way to obsessive meritocracy based on A's. Motivations to leak and to find the leaking sources of public examination questions are high among the school institutions as there is a good chance, too, that they will do everything in order to maintain the school's status quo in prominence.

To Malaysia

Uncreative and unthinking people shall borne a civilization lacking of its capability for self-sustenance. Because the world is changing, new discoveries, theories and technologies are made everyday, Malaysia would ultimately lose its competitiveness if it refuses to reevaluate its education system that overemphasizes the on-paper "A's".

Because getting "A's" is the door for scholarship opportunities (and rewards of such), I fear students will mistakenly believe that getting straight A's is the only recipe for success in life, without weighing heavy enough other aspects of human development that are just as important for a balanced human being.

The current situation...

Imagine that you walk on the local streets and ask random school students these questions. How do you think they may respond?

Which do you read (or at least, know), Kreko or Encyclopedia Britannica?
Who do you know better, Prof. Diraja Ungku Aziz or Mawi?
What is your opinion about the recent "oil-price rise"?

Hence, this is high-time for all to ponder deeply about the frenzy of getting straight A's. Ultimately, it is not A's that defines "success". Rather, it is how much positive impact one had done to oneself and others that defines "success".

Perhaps we need some revamp in our education system?

Kem Eksplorasi Minda 2008 in Borneo: A Reminiscence

2008-08-08T06:47:00.032-05:00

Alhamdulillah, it has been a week since Kem Borneo 2008 has ended and yet its heat can still be felt even today with all the loving memories of fellow facilitators, orators, and participants - all contributed to the success of the event.

The Kem is a 10-days program for SPM candidates aimed specifically for students in Sabah and Sarawak with an emphasis on brushing up study skills for SPM, awakening the 'sleeping conscience', and sharing studying abroad opportunities as well as personal life experience overseas from the facilitators. I wish to thank and congratulate the Program Director, Azri Bohari, for his unrelenting efforts that has made this noble endeavor possible.

Kolej DPHA facilitators line-up, Kuching

The Core Business

Syafeeq (http://syafeeqridzam.wordpress.com/), a fellow facilitator of the program, deftly summarized our program activities as noted below in red:

Ust. Hasrizal with us in Kolej DPHA dormitory

Ceramah daripada Ustaz Hazrizal: This prominent Saifulislam.com blogger and motivator was with us in Kuching, Sarawak for the whole duration when we were there. You can read his thoughts about the camp here: http://saifulislam.com/?p=2380
Ceramah Akhi Mukhtar Suhaili: Also not foreign in the blogosphere, meet Brother Mukhtar Suhaili. He joined us in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah for the whole term there. Feel free to read his writings about the program here: http://muhtarsuhaili.wordpress.com/2008/08/03/kem-borneo-2008-jujur-kepada-diri-sendiri/#comment-5513
IRP- Intensive Revision Programme (study group) cara berkesan: As can be drawn from the name, this session is about how to study effectively within the constrain of time and pressure faced by students at the corner of major examination (for this case, SPM). Also, there is an LDK (In-Group Activity) that followed for this session.
Mind Mapping: Inspired by Tony Buzan, the session is aimed to utilize the usage of mind maps instead of conventional line-to-line sentences in order to write notes. It is believed that the use of mind maps are much more effective for recalling facts and organizing information and so an LDK session tailed the main session to further cement the participants' understanding of the fundamentals of mind mapping.
Sharing Moments (gelintar faci-faci di oversea): To me, this is the most interesting session of all when facilitators were given time to share their experience first-hand with the participants regarding the facilitators' living and studying style overseas. Each country were given 15 minutes to share everything they could. Videos and Powerpoint Presentations were used to entice eager ears. Yea, for all schools that I presented, the acceptance level was at least egalitarian. Among the pearls shared were living and studying culture presentations in the UK, Ireland, USA, Indonesia, France, Czech Republic, Egypt, and Russia.
Bee Movie: A movie-watching session and then with elaboration of lessons that can be drawn from the movie. Some never thought that watching a cartoon movie can be full of lessons in tandem with full of fun!
Ini Sejarah Kita: This was a 'heavy' session intended to expound the history of the Muslim Civilization.
Amal Islami: A session for Muslims. This is the only session I missed to attend.
Shift your paradigm video: An excellent 20-minutes video encircling the history of the Muslim civilizations, the problems facing the world today, and a call for a spiritual awakening towards solving the maladies of the world and a conscience for the hereafter. Very good reflections of the video were also made by students from SMKA Inanam, Sabah.
What to do after SPM: This session is contributed to give a rudimentary picture of how life after SPM would be (i.e. where to go next, the mission and vision in life beyond SPM etc.). An LDK session followed to clarify the topic.
QnA Forum: A session dedicated to answer questions from the participants by all facilitators. Too many questions there were and many of them are still left unanswered. A blog is to be dedicated to answer the unanswered questions.
Riadah Ukhwah: A friendly sport session to shatter the remnants of unbroken ice between the facilitators and the participants. For male participants, the games played were friendly volleyball matches, friendly futsal matches and traditional Cap Kelicap game of mimicry.

The program was held in five different schools in Borneo States of Malaysia namely Sabah and Sarawak. The venues were:

1. SMS Kuching, Kuching, Sarawak
2. Kolej Datu Patinggi Haji Abdillah (DPHA), Kuching, Sarawak
3. MRSM Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
4. Sekolah Menengah Agama Inanam, Sabah
5. Sekolah Menengah Agama Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

The Response

Our presence were cordially welcomed by the schools willing to host the event. No, even describing the manner of welcoming as cordial is an understatement. Imagine, in Kuching, we were welcomed by a contingent of Kolej DPHA students together with a teacher once the facilitators from Peninsular Malaysia arrived at Kuching International Airport. The experience in Kolej Abdillah dormitory cannot be sweeter; for six times each day we were served full-course meals (breakfast, brunch, lunch, tea, dinner, and supper) with student-servers ready to refill our empty cups and plates. During the first day in Kolej Abdillah, we were tired. Thanks to the Collegians (that is what Kolej Abdillah students call themselves) who even sent the supper meals inside our sleeping quarters (and even cleaned up the mess the next morning)! Also, during a rainy time one evening, they helped to move our towels from a drying yard and saved the towels from getting soaking wet.

Not forgetting also the astounding level of enthusiasm, exuberance and participation from the students of the school that I were in: Kolej DPHA (the best!), SMS Kuching, SMA Inanam, and MRSM Kota Kinabalu. Many were not shy to ask questions, crack jokes and share opinions during the session. Oh yea, I still remember "the school song dance" (that is how I describe the verb) by the Collegians: a very interesting one. I am very confident that it is the first time in my life (and the life of other fellow facilitators as well) to witness people actually dance when singing their school song! And yea, to add up the spice, there were dancers in front of the stage who were the main dancers; when it comes to certain stanzas in the school song, people at the back 'replied' the dance with some sort of dance again together with uttered choral harmony. Such creativity!

Kolej DPHA "school dance"

Talking about creativity, I was deeply immersed with the theme song of the program, Aku Berlari (I Run). My first impression about the song was it was just another "Kau Boleh" and "Gemilang" song or some sort of melodic nasheed song with religious overtones. However, little did I expect that the song is so compelling that I keep repeating it in my song playlist! I shall refrain discussing more about the song, however, as I plan to write a post solely dedicated to it sometime in the future. But as far as the program is concerned, the song is very relevant: it is understandable to people of various background transcending races and religious beliefs; its modern-style rap-music is in-trend and is appealing to young listeners; it includes all - not only for the participants, but also the facilitators and all involved in the program!

Introducing Borneo

In the Penambang, a scary excitement

Among the memorable part of this program was introducing my place to fellow friends from Peninsular Malaysia. As I told one of my close friends from Johor who also joined as a facilitator for the program, "in Sabah and Sarawak, you will see the other face of Malaysia."

Yes, it was the stories of myth-shattering and re-defining the meaning of Malaysia. Perhaps some may believe that Sabahans and Sarawakians still live on the trees and the main transportation is the rakit, and that there are no shopping malls in Borneo states. Well, now I believe those are only assumptions of the past. Only that for Sarawak, culture, nature and modernization in goes hand-in-hand as witnessed with skyscrappers standing side by side with rivers with penambang and Kampung Melayu near Kuching-waterfront.

Also, in terms of population composition, surely it is radically different from Peninsular Malaysia. Whereas there are at least 80% Muslims and Malays of the total population in the Peninsular, in Sabah and Sarawak, there are at most 30% Muslims and only 25% Malays of the total population statewide. Not forget to mention a diversity of cultures and languages the Borneo states possess that has result a dynamics of society different from Peninsular Malaysia. These my fellow friends had (formally) witnessed in Sarawak Cultural Village and (informally witnessed) during interactions with the locals (Hard to guess who is a Muslim, who is a Malay, and who is a Bidayuh only by the face, eh?).

Of course, places of interest and state icons and special food were not left behind. We witnessed Mount Santubong with the visage of lying Puteri Santubong and heard its legend, we rode the Penambang that was and is still the main river-transport that connects the village and the city center, we took pictures at the Cat Statue, we climbed up to the hill of North Kuching City Hall etc. The food: Laksa Sarawak, Ikan Terubok Masin, Bakso, Mee Kolok, Kek Lapis, perhaps most if not all the States' main delicacies had been brought to taste. Only that we missed were the more natural setting of the island: the Orang Utans, the Rhinocerous Hornbills and the Giant Phytons, live! Another time perhaps...

Last but not least, the uniting language: the "Sarawak Language" for the Sarawakians and the "Sabah Language" for the Sabahans. I heard a lot of excitement from my fellow friends and glees and joys as they diligently learn the language totally foreign to them. In no time, they mastered the usage of "kitak-kamek", "aok-sik" and the "bah" and "o tedah" in their phrases as they speak. Such reminds me when I were in the Peninsular when I tried to learn Kelantanese and Terengganu language from my fellow coursemates. And yea, this also reminds me the blessings and beauty of Malaysia: separated by just a small South China Sea, and yet so different and so diverse but still are wiling to understand each other.

Knowing Sabah

Female Facilitators line-up in Sabah

Male facilitators line-up to Sabah

I am also blessed when I learned a lot about my nearest neighbor (yet the least-known) state of Sabah. Traversing the scenic seaside view of Kota Kinabalu, snorkeling, speed-boating, and banana boating over the coast of Manukan Island had proven to me the fabled natural beauty of Sabah. Not forgettig the warmth of the people. Before, I only get a glimpse of how Sabahans may live their life as I observe the interactions of few Sabahan friends that I have. Now, I have witnessed them in their homeland and thus have a fuller grasp of the Sabahan friendliness. And yea, I could also re-practice my rusty Sabah language that I left quite some time ago.

Learning the Virtue of Giving

The one thing I learned most from this program is the virtue of giving. I must admit, prior to the very days of the program, my heart was filled with doubts whether this program was worth an ounce of my holiday time. But certainly is not worth an ounce, it is an immeasurable lesson that I think would serve long in my mind and in my heart for a lifetime. Yes, the program was dreadfully exhaustive - but the exhaustion was compensated with the smiling face of eager participants who gave their utmost commitment to keep bearing with us despite we causing them almost fatal boredom at times.

Yes, the program was costly for our pocket since most expenses came out directly from our own pocket money - but none the money in the world could buy the great times again knowing great people such as Ustaz Hasrizal and Brother Suhaili, high-spirited facilitators with various personal and educational background and great little brothers and sisters whom their voices and dreams would echo long after the program ends.

And yes, perhaps now I understand more noble phrases such as "erti hidup pada yang memberi", "tangan yang memberi adalah lebih mulia daripada tangan yang menerima", and "the more you give, the more you get" in their fuller terms. No, mainstream capitalist method of thinking cannot measure the return. But the heart knows that the return is much more rewarding than Ringgits and Cents.

Conclusion

On the speed-boat. Next stop: Manukan Island

Indeed, I have learned a lot from this program with a great mix of emotions and experiences. From the excitement of introducing my homeland, the asperity of commitment, the austerity of financial reserves, the camaraderie of friendship, the charms of scenic beauty, and to the bonds of brotherhood - this program has taught me to be a person; a person worthy not by how fat his bank account or how much fame he possesses. Rather, a person worthy by his deeds and actions in his effort in serving his fellow men and God.

Smilers Never Lose, Frowners Never Win

2008-07-21T08:27:00.005-05:00

"Oh, how felicitous this transient life would be if the world is always smiling at you and you at them", as I tell and smile at myself, teased by the jovial lyrics of You Are My Sunshine. Considering the seemingly relentless turbulences in life we are facing today, we tend to forget the brighter part of life. They say, for every cloud there is a silver lining; smiles would certainly be that silver lining that embroider even the darkest cloud. Yea, sometimes we just tend to forget the act - the act of smiling.

But how do we smile always without exceptions? Nay, I do not think we have to show the smile in our face at every occasions of hardship and solemnness; people would think one is out of mind and even heartless when someone smiles during a burial ceremony. Also, in certain occasions, smiling does hurt especially when that smile is forced, and even worse, faked. Therefore, what makes smiling still a viable option for curing an emotional wound, then, if it is not always applicable for every situations?

My answer to this is while the physical action of smiling may not be at all times relevant, the sincere intention, the attitude and values associated with the act of smiling would be definitely the reasons why we should smile in most occasions. A sincere smile suggests a lot of positive attributes: warm greetings, satisfaction, gratitude, love, amicableness, sincerity, etc. Few would dispute that those positive attributes should be around at all times.

But drawing a sincere smile is not always easy. While a smile can be drawn anytime - be it forced or fabricated, a genuine smile needs certain preconditions that needs to be fulfilled before one can really throw that golden smile. This, I think, the song "You Are My Sunshine" has something to tell:

"My mommy told me something,
That little girls should know,
It's all about the devil,
And I've learned to hate him so."

That's right, the bottom line of happiness is avoiding everything evil. While saying it is way much easier than implementing it, if we reflect back to ourselves, when did we last made that big, sincere smile towards others and when did we last receive the smile of similar nature from others? Perhaps a time for self-reflection would do...

"But hey, I saw that babe in the TV smiling at me just now," one may argue. Well, how many of those smiles really make one happy? It is the heart that can answer.

Regardless, smiling should be a positive attribute for many cases - though the intention and reaction of smiling may differ. Should we smile? YES, for "... smilers never lose, frowners never win" (in emotional sense)!

A Day in the Cat City

2008-07-17T23:07:00.061-05:00

Two days ago, my friends and I decided to run an errand as tourists in our own city, Kuching, the Cat City. Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak, Malaysia, located at the western part of Northern Borneo island. Here is the story:

Once upon a time, in an island afar, there were four vagabonds namely Lynn, Alpi, Suha and Janie.

They began their trip by witnessing Kuching from atop of Dewan Shuarah. From there, they saw...

The Sarawak River amidst the city center. Crocodiles live there. Fish also lives there.

Southern Kuching. Southern City Hall is right in the middle. The inhabitants there be blessed.

Roads and roundabouts with trees and greeneries

Then, they moved to the Amphitheater (Panggung Udara)

The Amphitheater...
... is where the Kung Fu masters fight like gladiators, hiyaa!

...is also a place where the love blooms.

After done with all the dramas, all went to Taman Budaya (Cultural Garden?). There, they...

... wanted to be "young at heart" while reminiscing the days when they were young.

Along the journey, a map is referred in case they lost, just like life.

Also just like life, things sometimes turned childish...

Sometimes... umm... less than appropriate.

Or even not appropriate at all...

But every cloud has a silver lining. Along the road, they think and smile.

And so the walk goes on, and so does life.

At the Museums...

All of a sudden, the group stride their feet to the once residents of the White Rajah. Now, the residence is resided by the State's relics, rare and rousing.

Ponder him that he may understand the meaning of all these - those ancestral relics long lost in the pace of time.

More of them reminding about the past, telling thousands of stories untold, yet never said a word.

Then to the dwelling of the creatures of the water (the Aquarium) the group visited...

They decided with a statue of a dugong they must stand along with for reasons unknown. They say, life is full of uncertainties.

From Kuching Waterfront to Kampung Boyan to visit Fort Margaritha...

To the river ya 'all, to the river for night is getting nigh!

And so they get into the penambang; the penambang's owner warmly greeted.

Plain sailing all over the way!

Hey look, Astana Negeri (the State's Palace) is at the riverside! Where is the Governor?

The New Sarawak State Parliament in the making. Greetings to the big boat. O big boat, don't get too close to them lest they sink before thy very eyes.

Arrived at the other side of Sarawak River. Arrived safe and sound.

At Fort Margaritha...

*Read the sign carefully* Don't wanna get lost in the middle of this hilly jungle.

The FORT! The FORT!

Where? There! INCOMING!!!

Back to Kuching Waterfront...

They were tired and now retired from the fort. Penambang rider wannabe?

An advice for the travelers.

Some are fit to be a crocodile tamer, others are not.

Borneo High Court, where justice is sought. Hey, the girls have done injustice to him!

Kuching map circa 1870's. How does this place looks like, then?

All in all, the trip began about 10:30am in the morning and ended about 8:45pm in the evening. They were all exhausted but were very happy... All slept soundly that night.

____________________________________________________________________

This is a place where civilization and nature infused together; this is where I grow. this is a place I call home.

At the golden triangle, the heart of Kuching City...

For I am Kuching! :)

Lesson I learned:
Revisiting the places of interests in my own place really makes me feel special. The places once I took for granted, now reassert my identity on the face of the world.

*Kuching (in Malay) means "cat" in English. Malay is one of the languages I speak and is also one of the common tongues in Borneo.

Never Again

2008-07-05T06:19:00.003-05:00

Gone are the days with long hair,
And so will the days remain in the note of history,
And so life shall be reassessed and redefined,
May this marks a milestone in life,
Of identity renewed.

Never again will the past days be revisited,
Except for lessons of history,
In leading the present life,
For a promising future.

A Month or So in Borneo

2008-07-05T01:19:00.002-05:00

It has been a month or so in Borneo, my homeland, my hometown, my love. After a long recess, the non-update of my blog, I believe this is the time to get rolling again despite the stark difference of online capability I have here (in Borneo) as compared to that of Chambana's. This time, I would like to notate few observations and thoughts I deem deserving to be shared to fellow readers.

When I first arrived after a long journey from Chicago - Los Angeles - Hong Kong - Kuala Lumpur - Kuching, I did not hesitate to appreciate more my safe arrival to my homeland.

"Alhamdulillah (Thank God)", I uttered to myself once the MH airfleet grounded its wheeled foot on Borneo soil - safe and sound. And that marks the first moment of precious time in my homeland.

My family picked me up - my parents and my siblings were present. All noted my physical change - my long hair. Besides that, they still "complaint" that I'm still not much difference *ehem* in terms of weight. Well, that's about my physique. But I would like to reflect more on what I've witnessed so far on what I've seen in my hometown, Kuching.

After two years leaving the city, I have seen quite an astonishing material development of the Cat City. The most pleasant one is the existence of a Mid-Valley style Megamall - the Spring, which was once quite a distant dream for Borneo inhabitants is now available especially to the Kuchingites. Also, the opening of another large emporium, the Boulevard, also signifies that Kuching is fast becoming a metropolis of the exotic Borneo.

Next, the roads. When I first arrived, I was confused by the roads in Kuching. This is because many new roads have been built since I left. These include few long flyovers and intersections to better serve Kuching residents. Though confused, certainly I am happy with longer miles of tarred roads in Borneo.

Third, my own family. I have moved to a new house and my siblings are now matured than before. Yea, I notice this with less ramblings and cat fights in the house - a sooth.

With the changes, I am pleased to think that Sarawak is developing at the reasonable phase despite the already long hiccups in world and national economic situation we are facing. The advent of two large shopping malls, newly build roads and oh, some completely new residential and commercial areas definitely are signs that Sarawak is progressing in its economic development. Before, to shop in high-end stores was only equated to Kuala Lumpur for many Sarawakians. Now, they can shop those in their very capital city. This can also be a proof that Sarawakians' living standard has improved - now, at least the gap between fellow Malaysians in the West Coast of Malaysia is lessened though there is still much to be done.

However, not all are roses; there are also thorns. My experience of living in the West for two years has taught me to be more observant about civic awareness and civic values of our citizens - for they are still lacking both.

I cannot help but compare the reckless driving culture of my fellow citizens with the conscious driving culture of the Americans. Now I realize how dangerous Malaysian roads are not primarily because of the quality of roads we have, rather the driving habit of the people. In the States, pedestrians and light-vehicle users (bicycles etc.) are respected but not very much here. In the States, cars slow down when they see crossing pedestrians even when the pedestrians are "guilty" (jaywalking is not allowed in the States) but not here whereas here car drivers (not all) pretend not to see the crossing pedestrians despite the red-light for them and the green-light for the pedestrians at the crossroads!

Next, the queue. Perhaps the first cultural shock that I have once I set my foot in Malaysia is our inability to form a proper queue in public spaces. This happened when I tried to enter a train from KLIA International Terminal to KLIA Domestic Terminal. Waiting for the arrival of the next train, my fellow colleagues (who went back to Malaysia with me) and I were forming a line at the frontest of the train entrance door. Well, a line looked like a line when there were about 2 minutes before the arrival of the train. However, once the train zoomed near the platform, the lines are now… wiggles! The entrants wanted to push their way in and the exiters wanted to gleam their way out. This reminds me of waiting in Champaign bus stations. Even during snowy days, people still care to line up. Not to mention them helping the less able to board the bus with the ramp-facility and trained dogs they have…

Another that disappoint me is our young generation - my generation. Contrary to my prior thinking, I thought this "lepak" culture was a sickness inherited from the hedonistic Western culture. Only after I returned to my homeland I realize that this is a unique sickness of our own. There, I rarely, if ever, see young teenagers (aging 11 - 17 years) loitering around malls, roadsides and bus stops. Here, it is almost like a ritual. I see the lepakers with bizarre guises and hairstyles, boys and girls, with perhaps their only activities are watching people passing by, chatting with themselves and teasing girl bypassers. In Chambana, I see these youngsters volunteering for charity groups and their school. Even if they sit still, they sit with a book in their hands. Oh adik-adikku… :(

Political situation… This is perhaps the most highlighted story of the day by our media, our bloggers and our storytellers. Let alone the judgment of sodomy and the Altantuya case issues to the side. What I want to highlight here is our political culture that is centralized on attacking personal characters rather than discussing on policy matters. No wonder what is defined as "newsworthy" in our 8pm Prime Time News is when our Parliamentarians exchange among themselves words such as "katak" and "barua" rather than an insightful speech about the problems of constant power outage in Sabah and the answer related to it. Do we need more of these?

Economic situation… Well, it is a shock to me when Utusan Malaysia a few days ago reported that our projected inflation rate is anywhere around 6-7%. What does that mean? It means that our money is shrinking in value. Even the high yield of Tabung Haji and ASB dividends are almost neutralized if that is true. Oil price? It is soaring… with the purchasing power of the people hardly able to catch up. Also, the food shortage (especially the rice) is a looming worry for the nation. The rice is getting expensive due to the international shortage and export limit imposed by rice-exporting nations. What next? I think we should plant our own food in our backyard.

Time to pen off for now.

Selamat Hari Guru

2008-05-14T02:00:00.007-05:00

Salam...

Bulan Mei merupakan bulan keramat bagi negara kita yang saban tahun menjadi lambang bagi memperingati jasa dan pengorbanan para guru yang telah banyak mencurahkan jasa dan bakti kepada anak-anak bangsa; saya tidak terkecuali daripada menerima didikan dan kasih sayang kepada insan-insan yang bernama guru sejak saya di sekolah tadika lagi sehinggalah sekarang.

Pada kesempatan ini, saya ingin mengucapkan selamat hari guru kepada seluruh warga pendidik pada amnya dan guru-guru yang pernah mengajar saya khasnya; jasa kalian amatlah saya hargai.

Teringin saya menyingkap semula zaman sekolah menengah dahulu. Inilah pembikinan video untuk hari guru sempena tahun akhir kami semasa berada di sekolah menengah kira-kira 4 tahun lampau:

Jasa kitakorg x pat kmk lupak. Ktkorglah antara sebab kmk jadi kmk ari tok. Terima kaseh byk2... mudahan panjang umo dan murah rezeki ktkorg, cekgu2 kmk.

Berilmu, Beriman, Beramal!
Al-Itqan Fil 'Amal!
Learning and Labor!

Selamat Hari Guru! :)

Summer Reading List

2008-05-12T02:19:00.006-05:00

Finally, the Spring Semester is done and I am free from the burden of classes, exams and research papers! Now, I can concentrate my time on doing something else: reading.

My reading list for this summer:

Must finish:
1. The Holy Qur'an (Translation by Abdullah Yusuf Ali)
2. The Bible
3. Bhagavad Gita

Motivated to finish:
4. Islam and Economic Challenges (M.U. Chapra)
5. The Book of I-Ching
6. Issues in Contemporary Islamic Thought (Al-Alwani) Done! (5/14/08)
7. Rethinking Muslim Women and the Veil (Katherine Bullock)
8. Islam and Democracy (Esposito and Voll) Done! (7/12/08)
9. Islam in Transition (Donohue and Voll)
10. The Cross and The Crescent (Richard Fletcher)
11. The Undercover Economist (Tim Harford)

Optional read:
12. Tajdid al-Fikri'l Islami (Muhsin 'Abd. Rahman)
13. Contemplation: An Islamic Psychospiritual Study (Malik Badri)
14. Treatise on Maqasid al-Shari'ah (Ibn Ashur)
15. The Palestine-Israeli Conflict (Cohn-Sherbok and El-Alami)
16. World Philosophies (Ninian Smart)
17. IDIOT'S Guide to Philosophy (Jay Stevenson)

Reading time commences: Monday, May 12,2008
Reading time ends : Sunday, August 24, 2008

I hope I could finish all the readings before the Fall Semester begins. Gotta catch up with a lot of stuff! {>.<}

In Defense of an Idea - the Evolution of American and Malaysian Media

2008-05-05T19:50:00.017-05:00

Earlier this morning, I had a final exam, a rather unconventional one, that is presenting what we had found in a month-long research about media and politics in the United States. More specifically, we embarked on research regarding the nature of coverage of American print media in respect to Vietnam War - its biases, slants, agenda setting, etc.

Shazani, Abby, and Brooke representing the research team (Rebecca and Leila were absent from the picture)

Deliberating the case and the evidences

Defending the case

From the research, we had concluded some findings that are rather surprising especially for me who are relatively unfamiliar with American media. Some of the findings are:

1. Depiction of gory pictures in American media then are common, as opposed to contemporary norms.
2. The sub-humanization of the North Vietnamese Armies (NVAs): the diminution of their military capabilities and their reference to a particular politically-adverse connotation to an ideology.
3. The progress of American media: from being sympathetic to US Government and US Army, into being sympathetic to war protesters and the Vietnamese.

For me, none surprise me more except for the third factor: the change of American media's attitude as the war progresses. Before, I thought American media was 'free' and 'unbiased'. It was not until embarking deep into the research - into the news articles themselves during the 1960s that I discovered that American media had also undergone a process of evolution. Even during the earlier part of Vietnam War, the one-sided propaganda was rife - it was not until during the Tet Offensive to the Battle of Hamburger Hill period that the American media was really 'adverse' against the US government (this period is called the 'adversarial period' in US media history).

Now, allow me bring this discussion into the context of Malaysian media. I believe that Malaysian media is also undergoing the process of change as the American media had about fourty years ago. With the advent of new media such as the blogs and YouTube, the definition of 'media' is being radically redefined especially in the case for Malaysia. It is well known today that the dominance of mainstream American media is shattering (Althaus); this also stands true for Malaysian media when we had witnessed the 'political tsunami' that had denied the Ruling Party the 2/3 majority for the first time in the modern history of Malaysia, arguably partly because of the influence of the new media.

Is the media revolution good or bad for the future development of Malaysian media? Well, let me lay the ground for the two major contending arguments regarding the development. 1) It is bad because the new media is not mediated - people are too free to speak whatever they want including specious and seditious claims. 2) It is good because it promotes space for Democracy and advancing it to a higher level. Now, allow me to elaborate on the first argument.

Perhaps the first argument, in context of Malaysian media, could be explained by Daniel Hallin's Three Spheres Model. According to Hallin, there are three spheres in defining 'fair reporting' namely the Sphere of Consensus, the Sphere of Legitimate Controversy, and the Sphere of Deviance. The first sphere, the Sphere of Consensus, encircles uncontroversial issues agreed by the majority in the society. For example, in context of the American society, capitalism is legitimate, communism is bad, and there is nothing against that. The Sphere of Legitimate Controversy encompasses gray issues where the debates between two-party is equal, or almost equal, in strength. For example, in the United States, the issue recreational drugs - some are for it, others are not. Last but not least, The Sphere of Deviance covers the issues that the society itself as unworthy to be heard. For example, in American society, Marxism is worthless.

Now, in context of Malaysian society, to 'jaga air muka' is very important, especially for the Malays. Unlike other cultures who can 'just fire 'em up' while making condemnations and giving advice, the Malays prefer the subtle way of 'sindiran', 'jangan cakap depan orang', and 'cakap one-on-one' should the need for condemnation and advice arises. The 'jaga air muka' value is so ingrained in the society, or least according to a majority of a society, or a defining power that maintains it, that everything that goes against the norms fall into the Sphere of Deviance. Thus, even the notion of creation blog(a blog by itself is neutral), but if it is associated with the notion of 'menjatuhkan air muka', must be rejected by the society and the dissenters should be punished, and so the argument says.

Now let me bring you to the second argument, that the new media (the blogs, You Tube etc.) spurs Democracy. For this, allow me to utilize the Trustee Model and the Republicanism approach to the understanding of Democracy - this is the model envisioned by America's founding fathers to create a 'just' and 'equal' society based on the constant participation of the people in the matters of national governance and politics. This model requires that there is a need for the people to be constantly informed about the problems in a society so that they could formulate arguments, and the argument will be discussed through a forum, where the best argument prevails. In this context, blogs can be likened as a space for the forum and the cyberspace as the Parliament where arguments can be traded. Because of the lack of space in conventional media that ultimately stifles Democracy because it prevents the right of free-speech, this argument says, the new media provides a ground for those who are unable to get their voice out in the mainstream media to sell their ideas in the cyberspace, the Virtual Parliament.

In respect to the last General Election's result, as far as my faculty of thoughts could offer, I think that the latter argument seems to win more supporters than the former. Although the causal effect (at least an academic research that verifies it, as far as my knowledge goes) is yet to be determined whether or not the new media is the direct cause of the 'political tsunami' in Malaysia, it is obvious that the social activists and politicians are utilizing them to disseminate their ideas to the public - short-circuiting the mainstream media. Secondly, the receivers - the new generation, whom many are computer-literate and whom at least had received the secondary-level of education, are not buying unilateral arguments given the variety of arguments available for them in the Virtual Parliament, the internet. In fact, they can indeed be one of the Virtual MPs themselves by presenting their own arguments in their own blogs and "vote" by making their stand on particular issues.

Now does that mean that the first argument should be debunked? Not in totality because it also has its point - that the space should be conducive for everybody to have meaningful debates and deliberations. If in actual Parliment we have 'Peraturan Mesyuarat' (Point of Order), in Virtual Parliament, we should have similar orders as well. Thus, malicious, blind accusations, vulgar languages and similar misbehavior should not be tolerated by the fellow Virtual MPs, the bloggers. Then can the virtual MPs be credible, respected by other fellow virtual MPs and the virtual rakyats watching them.

Therefore, where to go from now? Is there a chance for mainstream media coalesce with new media given the current situation in Malaysian context. There is a chance, given the will of the people and the acceptance that change is happening over time - forcing the classic model of media understanding, the Hypodermic Needle Model, obsolete. With the advent of new media, everybody who has access to the internet now has a chance to speak - an whoever speak with most substance are supported by the majority, wins!

Reference:
Althaus, Scott L. "Free Falls, High Dives, and the Future of Democratic Accountability". The Politics of News The News of Politics. 2nd ed. 2008. CQ Press:Washington D.C. 5 May 2008.

USA and the Muslims - My Own Experience

2008-04-20T02:04:00.004-05:00

Have you ever wondered how the Muslims may have been treated treated in America? Well, I have wondered, too, and I have wondered for a long time. Currently living in America myself, as an international student, taught me a lot about this civilization. Below is the video that may shed some light (and even a lot of surprises) about how Muslims are treated in the United States:

Now that I assume you have watched the entire video.

To be honest with you, I think my Muslim girl friends do share quite a similar experience with the young lady. I dare saying so because I had a first-hand experience walking along with them along the streets of Urbana-Champaign and get 'reactions' from the by-passers. I shall categorize the reactions into three namely positive, neutral, and negative.

For positive reactions, this usually happen during the daytime and in 'orderly' places such as the Student Union and the classrooms (of course, the streets are not entirely excluded here). What I mean by 'positive' is there are strangers conveying 'salaam' (the greetings of peace and salutations) with such a mild manner that is pleasing to the ears that listen and the eyes that see. Yes, I mean it, because there was once walking down the street, with few of my Muslim girl friends when suddenly a shabby-looking man at the side of the road (I think he is homeless, based on his look), delivered a 'salaam', "assalamualaikum" to us. And of course, we were surprised, and pleasantly surprised! This "incident" happened more than a year ago when I was barely three weeks in America when I was a freshman. Now I am a sophomore, almost a junior.

For the neutral reactions, well, I consider glimpses and gazes from other people 'neutral'. This, I think, that I (or more accurately, my Muslim girl friends) receive more often than the 'positives' and the 'negatives'. Well, you know, you can always feel the 'beam' when somebody tried to catch a glimpse of you when you are queuing up to buy coffee or while you are studying somewhere in the corner of the library. Of course, too much glimpses makes you feel uneasy. But ultimately, I really can't judge because I can't read their mind, can I? It may well that they are thinking about something else (or may be even looking at something else), so, let's cast the pre-judgments away and allow the benefit of the doubt.

For the 'negative' reactions. Now this is a thing unpleasant. Yes, it happens. But to be fair, this situation happens the least of the time if compared to the positives and the neutrals. I had witnessed once, maybe twice, such ugly sight, though. Once, I clearly remembered when we were walking during one night (well, it is well advised that we ought not to loiter the streets at night but we did anyway), a car suddenly passed and the people in there shouted, "GO BACK TO YOUR OWN COUNTRY!!!" and they left. Wowwww... what an experience. And yes, I remembered a friend of mine reported that she had a rotten-egg been thrown at her by the rascal in the car. Drunken guys? Hmm...

Well, for the above cases, I think it happens primarily to the girls, presumably because they wear the hijab on their head. This makes their Muslim identity more revealing. But for me, my 'Muslimness' is more invisible presumably because I am a guy, hence I do not have an immediate religious symbol attached to me and I don't keep beard. Thus, here my personal story follows:

For me, I think my personal experience as a Muslim here is more pleasant. Yes, I make friends with a lot of Americans from various races: Caucasians, African-Americans, Japanese Americans, Chinese-Americans, and even international students from various countries (Austrians, Koreans etc. etc.) and not even once they look down on me because I'm a Muslim. In fact, we had our good time together.

I remembered, during my freshman year, I live in a dorm called "Global Crossroads" (GC). There, I met lots of people from different cultures from various places and yes, later, many of them turned to be my good friends. In GC, every month, we celebrate birthday parties without a miss, thanks to our awesome Resident Advisor, a Korean. Late at night, I still remembered when I had serious talks (with topics ranging from religions to world peace) and pep-talks (such as which girl do you like most) with my dorm-mates from various backgrounds and races.

And do they care me as a Muslim and ask about Islam? Yes!

Yes, they do ask about Islam. One of the most popular question is "why do your [Muslim] friends (the girls) wear the 'thing' on their head (referring to the headscarf or the hijab)? And I need to answer to that. Also, they seem to be quite surprised when I explain to them why Muslims don't drink and they seem to pay their attention to that and yes, they even respect me for not drinking!

I still remember at one time when I joined my American friends in a farewell party at her house. As more people come, they bring along with them And yea, 'Bud Lights', 'Chardonnay', 'Sonoma Valley Red Wine', you name them... and I just counted how many bottles and cans they were and starting to wonder whether they could still be sober after the party is over. Of course, they do not forget me, they bought me a dozen of pepsis and sprites because I told them that I am a teetotaler. And yes, even one of my Austrian girl friend said to me: "well, I tell you, you don't miss a lot of thing by not drinking. there is much more other delicious things that you can drink beside alcohols", when I asked her about what does the wine tastes like. Well, that's about the classic college party. Now I shall bring to you how does American classrooms and professors treat me.

About American classrooms, this is even more interesting. I took few political science courses as well as literature courses in this university. And one that I could never forget is the experience of the openness and integrity of learning in the American classroom. One time, I had a Professor, a Hindu, a very prominent one, his last name is "Gandhi" (and yes, if you remember history, Mohandas Gandhi. My Professor is his grandson). Now, we had this special topic about 'Terrorism, the West and Islam' with him. And guess what? I still remember how my Professor DEFENDED Islam against the stereotypes that may Western colleagues may have learned from the media and their ill-willed politicians. I still remember my Professor's lines, "...it was not Islam who caused the war in Rwanda, it was not Islam who caused the Holocaust, it was not Islam who caused the Vietnam War. Thus, is it fair to blame Islam about the terrorism issue that is plaguing the world today?", and he noted this in a high-strung manner, almost getting angry, I perceive.

Also, I have a Professor, a Christian and a Republican, whom I respect a lot. While I'm doing my Honor research project with him, we discuss lots and lots of thing about matters of the world today, religious issues included. And I can't tell you more how happy and intellectually satisfied I am when I meet him - we exchanged views regarding religion - and yes, he is very much interested in learning what is happening with the Muslim world and about Islam (About why my name has 'Bin' on it etc. etc.). And I am learning from him the wisdom of the Western civilization as well as getting a clearer picture of how a good Christian ought to live their life (now it really reminds me about verses in the Quran saying something about the People of the Book who are sincere and not arrogant).

About my colleagues, I can name you at least two of my American friends who have the Quran and its translations in their possession and are learning Arabic. When I ask one of them why she learns Arabic, she replied: "so that I could understand the Quran better and in its own language." Haha, you know what, I couldn't tell you how humbled I am at the time because there are others who are willing to learn about Islam! Yes, they took the pain of learning Arabic (remember they have no basic at all, not about Islam, not about Middle Eastern languages, not even about Muslims... they start from zilch!). And yes, at other times, I meet with my American friend to have chit-chat, at coffee house, etc. and exchange opinions about life and matters. And yes, they do ask a lot about Islam!

Well, I could write more, but I think this is suffice to give you the general overview about the experience of being a Muslim here in the United States. Of course, I can't speak on behalf of everybody, but certainly, I speak on behalf of myself in my case here in the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I thank God for giving me such a wonderful experience here by living and learning in the cradle of the West, the United States.

Pssst.... let's join the ride of Yusuf Islam's "Peace Train" and let our face be blown with the Scorpions' "Winds of Change"! :)

Canto de Andar

2008-03-24T14:55:00.005-05:00

It has been quite sometime since I've put something to put on my blog. I wanted to write about Malaysian political situation right now but it obviously takes quite an amount of research to get some substantive points out of the box. I also wanted to write more about Rachel Corrie but it also demands some amount of research so that thoughts regarding her stories would be worth to ponder about. So, after going through few mind-circus and contemplation (and a certain amount of randomness), I decided to end up writing about a Galician* song namely *Canto de Andar by Luar Na Lubre.

Well, it would be best if you listen to the "song" yourself in the first place:

Not familiar with the Galician language? Me neither. This is the lyrics that I found in YouTube, thanks to shangqinli:

Amence pasenino nas terras do solpor
As bretemas esvaense coas raiolas do sol
Meu amor, meu amor, imos cara o maior
Mina amada, meu ben, imos polas terras do Alen
Acarina o silencio e escoita o corazon
Que moitos dos teus sonos latexan ao deu son
E tempo de camino andar e de non esquecer
Que o futuro que ha de vir e o que has de facer
E o sol vai silandeiro deitandose no mare
Facendonos pequenos con tanta immensidade

And here's the English translation and a credit to lamarga1 (I have edited it a bit to make it sounds nicer in English):

It is dawning slowly in the lands of the sunset
the -- fade with the first sun rays
My love, my love, we go to face the age
My beloved, my sweetheart we're going through the lands of Alen.
Caress the silence and listen to your heart
Because most of your dreams beat at the same song
And it's time to go across the way
And not to forget the time that will come and what you have to do.
And the sun goes silent, delighting in the sea,
Making us small with so much immensity.

*Canto = a long epic poem, Latin cantus, "song" (Wikipedia)
*Andar = to walk, to function, to do, to go along, to be (About.com)

I am posting this song because it is for me, a rare piece of love song where the singer actually advises his/her lover about the philosophy of life. Hmm... I think we didn't get to hear that too often in the lust-ridden, beauty-worshiping contemporary love songs the TVs, the radios, the I-Pods, and the internet are feeding us today.

Have peace listening to it! :)

Falling in Love with this Girl

2008-02-08T23:32:00.001-06:00

Who's this? Is she another American Next Door lass, you may ask? A fair question. The answer is... yes! But NOT just another American next door girl. To be honest, I have so much love with this girl (wow, it's amazing to make an open confession of love in a public blog like this. Now gossips would spread... haha). She's young, she's pretty, I agree. But there's more... much more than those. What are they? Perhaps this video would tell:

Now you know why I love her. You even know her name; it's no secret.

Insya Allah, in the future, I will write more about this wonderful girl, her life, her cause, and reflections that we could learn from her.

For now, it is suffice for me to stop here for the love story may be long; the love story well beyond Romeo and Juliet, Sita and Rama. This is a love story of peace and justice; a love story transcending nationality, culture, race, and beliefs...

No More SN's Masterpieces in KOMSAS?

2008-02-03T18:56:00.002-06:00

The video is about A. Samad Said's grievance regarding the absence of of SN's (Sasterawan Negara) masterpieces in the new syllabus of KOMSAS (Komponen Sastera). In this video, he also renounced his Sasterawan Negara title. He now claims to become 'Mantan Sasterawan Negara' and will not accept any invitation for a speech in events except by his own name without the title.

There is a rumor that the SNs and the Literature Prize Winners' writings will be replaced with excerpts from the pop-novels by Ahadiat Akashah, Zaid Akhtar, and Sharifah Abu Salem.

From Utusan Malaysia:

“SAYA [A. Samad Said] kini mantan Sasterawan Negara dan tidak mahu lagi menggunakan gelaran tersebut. Saya juga tidak akan menerima sebarang jemputan ceramah atau program berkaitan Komponen Sastera Dalam Mata Pelajaran Bahasa Melayu (Komsas).

“Mungkin saya lebih selesa bergerak atas nama individu dalam kegiatan-kegiatan sastera dan jika ada jemputan, lebih baik atas nama peribadi,’’ kata Sasterawan Negara, Datuk A. Samad Said.

Beliau menegaskan, tindakan tersebut merupakan aksi demi masa depan generasi sastera dan dunia kreatif di negara ini yang kelihatan semakin terpinggir.

Ia berkaitan dengan desas-desus terbaru bahawa karya-karya Sasterawan Negara dan penerima Anugerah Penulisan SEA (SEA Write Award) tidak akan tersenarai sebagai buku yang dicadangkan untuk teks baru Komsas bagi sekolah menengah yang disemak semula dan dijangka digunakan pada 2010.

Selain itu, semakan tersebut juga tidak menyenaraikan puisi, cerpen, novel dan drama dari pemenang Hadiah Sastera Perdana Malaysia (HSPM), hadiah sastera peringkat negeri dan swasta.

Kementerian Pelajaran telah mengumumkan baru-baru ini untuk menukar teks sastera sekolah dengan novel-novel remaja popular seperti karya Ahadiat Akashah.

Antara alasan yang dikemukakan oleh Pusat Perkembangan Kurikulum (PPK), Kementerian Pelajaran ialah sebahagian teks sedia ada terlalu berat dan tidak sesuai untuk pelajar di peringkat sekolah menengah.

Sebaliknya, karya-karya popular yang banyak beredar di pasaran tempatan hari ini dapat mengurangkan tekanan dan kebosanan yang dihadapi oleh pelajar.

Hingga kini antara pengarang karya popular yang disenaraikan ialah Ahadiat Akashah, Zaid Akhtar (Mohamad Yazid Abdul Majid) dan Sharifah Abu Salem."

If the news regarding the replacement of KOMSAS materials is true, then it will be a sad news for the intellectual development of the young Malaysians. This is so because the secondary school students will lose the opportunities to address and to analyze the economic, social and political issues raised by thinkers such as Pak Samad in their writings. I deem that the awareness of the younger generation regarding economic, social and political issues is important in order for them to be able to realistically reflect the issues of local communities and at the same time, to give them room for their creativities to prescribe the solutions from the questions raised by those thinkers.

If the difficulty of understanding the masterpieces written by those thinkers is the main reason for the abolition of their writings for the KOMSAS syllabus, then we should analyze why. These include identifying whether it is truly the pieces that are difficult that they contain some outlandish philosophical arguments or is it caused by other factors such as technical and pedagogical shortcomings.

I am convinced that the other factors, other than the unconventionality of the ideas presented in the writings, play more role in shying away the pupils from the literature. This is so because the way that the literature is taught is too dry and boring. The pedagogy is too focused on the 'schematic answers' provided by the teacher and that other interpretations are rendered awkward, if not unacceptable.

Furthermore, the syllabus is too focused on the technical aspect of the literature - the diction, the syntax, the plot etc. rather than appreciating the artistic, moral, and social values advanced by the writings. I still remember during my heydays in the secondary school. When it comes to Malay literature, the first thing I knew was I must memorize some verses from the proses that were speculated to be out in the exam so that I would be able to justify my answer that those articles indeed contain 'literary values' such as alliteration, assonance, etc. Little that I went more than by citing more five or six lessons (pengajaran cerita) as noted by Sasbadi reference book.

What about literary critique, authors' reflection of the literature, or at least... some open-ended argument sessions? Almost none... or none!

Why this rote learning? Why do we reduce the value of literature to its technical aspects that we lose grasp of the purpose of why the literature is written in the first place?

So, is replacing those masterpieces with the pop version of literature would make things better? Well, to catch the attention of the early teenagers with metropolitan love stories, of the heroism of mat rempits, and the higher-middle class ideals, maybe they will be more interested in those... But remember that the danger of the impending mental laggardness of the younger generation if those are the values that we expect to ingrain to our children and younger brothers and sisters. We will be the community of pop-cultures instead of high-cultures. We don't want our children to be able to recall every gossips regarding Britney Spears and naming the top fifties in the MTV while not knowing a single fact about the maladies of our society, do we?

Thus, please... don't remove these diamonds from their rightful place. Don't replace them with glasses... Yes, glasses are cheap many would easily buy. But those who really work hard to obtain the diamonds would be truly deserving of their worth and beauty.

Connie Talbot and Her Musical Talent

2008-02-03T17:42:00.000-06:00

Now this is a rising star in Britain's musical industry. No, she's not a 20 years old American next door hottie nor a 14 years old Hannah Montana from Disney; she's an adorable, innocent, teethless (her front teeth were missing), 6 years old girl at the time when she competed in the BGT (Britain Got Talent) final.

"The best six years old in the world" as she was proclaimed to be, perhaps this young girl would wreck the current musical industry with her magical musical talent and her childhood innocence.

She sung "Over the Rainbow" for in the final and ended up being the first runner-up.

___________________________________________________________________
Over the Rainbow (Arlen-Harburg)
Singer: Connie Talbot

Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
There's a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby

Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true

Some day I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where troubles melt like lemondrops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me

Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh why can't I?

If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?

___________________________________________________________________

Psst... another Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam on the rise? ;)

A New Place, A New Hope...

2008-02-03T16:48:00.000-06:00

Hello there,

I guess this is a new place for me express my thoughts. I tried to move to WordPress before but I found out that I was 'lost' with all the tools it had. So, I guess this one would be more fitting to me.
Happy reading!

ATU 12 in Memory

2008-02-03T16:37:00.000-06:00

If you ask me about what is ATU a.k.a ADFP (American Top Universities @ American Degree Foundation Program) about a year and a half ago, I wouldnt' be able even to give a hint of it. None that I know that it is a preparatory program specially designed for students going overseas (or more specifically, to The United States of America). Nor do I have any idea studying overseas is all about; until one day, everything has changed - I signed myself for ATU (twelfth batch) program and the story unveils...
Being an alien in a foreign land (well, Peninsular Malaysia was quite alien to me by then), I stepped my foot to INTEC Section 17, UiTM Shah Alam. OMG, where the hell in the world is that place? All I knew was everything new. There, I saw people like me hustling and bustling around busy completing their chores of registration and getting familiar of the condition itself. That time, I still remember that I left a very important document back home in Kuching! My father was mad at me then! Huhuhu...
Then I stepped in Cemara Block 1 room 511 of where I lived for the first semester. Cold and dingy the room was. When I first stepped in, I was downtrodden by the 'aura' of the room itself, how dirty! Cobwebs everywhere on the ceiling, 3-inches age-accumulated coal black dusts on the malfunctioning ceiling fan with a dead bee on it, not to mention the sticky and slimy sensation of the foot as I walked in the room! *sigh*
Soon I met my first roomate, Kai Yuen, ahaks! He looked as innocent and heartbroken as me as he entered the room. That time, he was with his parents and sister, Kai Li (of which I thought to be his younger secondary school sister, which is false). Then we greeted each other and made a pact to spring clean the room. Hehe, thanks for Kai Yuen's mom and Kai Li, they were really good cleaners!
Then came Yazid, or Hotai Melaka, and Usamah. My heart was then further levitated when I knew that they are from Qisas, ahaks! (A place for reference in religious issues!) And after the mild greetings and further spring cleaning, the life of the first semester begins...

During the first semester...

I was in ATU 12A California, where I really learned a lot not of our similarities in getting A's, rather our differences and unique personalities. There, I met people with differing, and even opposite, view of life than I. Below are some of them:

Joe the philosopher: Huhuhu, I always pondered (and wondered) what is inside his mind. He writes unconventional English with outlandish ideas. Yet his ideas are intruiging to my mind! A SAT genius... I really admire him for that.
Chear the computer expert: This is the other kind of a talented person. I am grateful to be able to meet this genius in computer. His genius is well reflected in OC presentation class when he presented a virtual robot to the class that made us and Datin Minda agape!
Fizah and Fareza: Huhu... I often confused the person and the name. They has opened my eyes to the world of feminine. Well, I never quite understand why girls love pink until I met these two lovely and lady-like girls.
Khirul the Class Rep: The one who sits next to me in the class. An outspoken and well-groomed person he is. He helped me a lot in SAT maths (thanks Khirul!). We often played poke and choke when we are sleepy (right, Khirul? hehehehe...).
And others... lecturers and Californians... all are very intelligent people.

To be continued...

The Blessings of Leisure Time

2008-02-03T04:12:00.000-06:00

Tonight, I have just done with my final paper for this long, tedious, busy semester. Well, it is indeed a hard time for me... working and taking overload hours at the same time and somehow I feel that the burden is overbearing for my shoulders of responsibility. Alhamdulillah, it is done now and how relieved I am to treasure this moment of leisure. And yes, at this moment, I would like to talk about the bliss of leisure, in commemoration of my "liberation" from the arduous semester that basically drains my physical energy and mental vigor.

When talking about leisure, one may not miss to talk about free-time. And yea, I believe the theory of scarcity stands true here, when we talk about the value of free time: it is much more valuable to you when it is scarce. Have we ever pondered about boredom? Well, boredom can mean two things... either one has too much free-time until he/she does no longer treasure the leisure time he/she has, or has too few free-time until he feels tired of everything he/she is working on with.

The symptom for the former is because either one is too lazy, to complacent in his dwelling in time, because of it is too plentiful. Like a tap water, we often ignore valuable time passes over with little regards of its value because it is 'cheap' and 'easy to get'.
If we look at the diametrical opposite, the all-time busy schedule, we get the same result, I think. That result is laggardness, too, as the outcome from the exhaustion from the relentless work.

This is easy to tell for students who had been studying nights and days, especially for the "cramming ritual" that they usually have near the end of the semester - they have these sort of rebellious feeling against the tenacity of work as compared to the opposites of 'having fun'.
But, is 'having fun' really have to do with 'leisure time?'. For me right now, yes! Because the leisure time itself is like a relieving release from the chains of chores and business. The feeling is that as if I am free to decide what I want to do with my own time instead of what my schedule dictates me to do with the time I have. Hmm... sounds rebellious to the order of schedule? Sure, especially when the schedule is 'cruel', too demanding, like a tyrant, coveting his servants' properties like his own.

But will this notion of freedom last? Of course not because it is the tendency of human being to forget things that are plentiful to him/her (for this, just observe the food on the table, and compare how we disgust the food and waste them, seldom to pause a second to think about the less-fortunate in Palestine or Africa). That is where I think that the best means to maintain 'fun' of having the leisure time itself is to make a 'just schedule'. Like a just ruler, it will give some sort of meaningfulness and direction to the life of its follower and so the well-balanced schedule. I think, if I were to list what do I learn most this semester, that is to teach myself to treasure the value of making a fair schedule for myself - not pushing myself to the brink of madness.

So, let's recap. The equation of blessings in leisure time is simple. Keep some of the leisure time for yourself, do whatever you like with it. Make sure that its not too much until you feel that that the things that you are supposed to like turns out to be a chore already, and not too few that you crave for the next 'leisure time' like a thirsty man in a blazing desert. Just like making a tea, good to have it sweet, but not too sweet, neither too bland. ;)

-Shazani