Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Travelling
Haven't really been posting on this weblog for some time due to my frequent travels. Now I am back, will start to make new postings. So stay tuned.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Capital Punishment for Rape
Excerpts from The Malay Ideals (2002)
If serious crimes were meted out with stricter and harsher punishments, we are confident that their numbers would reduce dramatically. In Malaysia, serious sexual offences such as rape is strikingly on the increase. In 1985 there were 522 reported cases of rape and by 1996 it had more than doubled to 1071.[1], [2] A later study announced that 2.4 cases were reported daily in 1993 and the figure had risen to 4.1 in 1998. For every reported case there were 10 others unreported. i.e. every 1.7 hours, a person is raped in Malaysia.[3] Perpetrators of such heinous crime are even willing to kill their victims[4] to avoid identification and indictment.[5] Since June 1995 up until June 2001, 70 teens had been raped and killed.[6] School children within school compounds have been targeted.[7] Young children are not safe either.[8] Even the elderly are not protected from such terrible ordeal. Rape is even committed by university students[9] and police officers.[10] Incest is also increasing. Fathers rape their own children, brothers rape their own sisters. These rapists feel no remorse for their action.[11]
Under the Penal Code Section 376, offenders for rape can be sentenced to a minimum of 5 years of imprisonment and a maximum of 20 years. They are also liable to be fined or whipped up to 6 strokes of the rattan. The law also stipulates under section 289 of the Criminal Procedure Code that an offender above the age of 50 years be exempted from being caned in consideration of his physical condition.[12] The punishment for rape does not seem to deter criminals. The incidence of rape has not reduced in number. Regrettably it is on the increase.[13]
The fear of being discovered or detained is a big factor for a perpetrator to abandon his intention of a criminal act. If the criminal thinks that he will never be identified and get caught ¾ or very unlikely that he will ever be ¾ he will commit the act. If he thinks otherwise, he would not proceed. In other words, the perception of how effective the authority is at discovering the act, identifying the criminal, apprehending and detaining him, is a key factor that determines whether the crime is acted upon. The fear of being apprehended is a deterrent in itself.
The harshest punishment should also be imposed because this too is a source of deterrent in itself. It is in our opinion that in the case of rape, the assailant if found guilty and convicted, ought to receive the capital punishment. The logic for advocating this punishment is taken from the Shari'ah in accordance with hadiths advocating it for adulterers.[14] Although some may argue that the punishment of death to adulterers is not mentioned in the Qur'an and may even contradict the Holy Book[15] ¾ if we took the prescription of the hadith as true for the sake of argument, we shall see the relevance for advocating the death penalty for rape. It is known that in the case of adultery, according to stringent Islamic law as mentioned above, the act is punishable by death.[16] A person who willingly submits to having extramarital sexual relationship and dishonouring the marriage is condemned to capital punishment. In rape, the victim is neither willing and is forced against her own wish. Her life was also under threat. In most cases, the victim will suffer emotional and psychological disturbance and her sexual life will be affected considerably even if not throughout her entire life. Because of the inhumane nature of rape, the threat on the victim's life, the dire consequences it imposed upon the victim, and the nature of the enforced sexual assault, the form of punishment should be equal or more severe than the punishment for adultery. Therefore capital punishment is advocated for the case similar to rape.[17] However, statutory rape is a different matter. Statutory rape implies consented sexual intercourse of a minor with an adult. The classification of statutory rape might have to be phased out if a law that is to be more attuned to the Islamic Shari'ah is to be applied. This is because according to Islam, sex before marriage is prohibited. Statutory rape is still classified under adultery or fornication.
Even if we did not apply the death sentence upon a rapist, a harsh enough sentence such as the hundred lashes[18] ought to be instituted. In the case of incest, death sentence, is reasonable.[19] Currently incest is charged under rape but the government is amending the Penal Code in order to allow for a stiffer (minimum 6 years instead of 5 years as for rape) punishment in the case of incest and to categorise it as a separate crime to rape.[20] Incest is worse than any case of rape because the perpetrator is a part of the family where the girls and women depend upon to confer protection. But the very people they depend upon now victimise them. The psychological trauma must have been unbearable. A study have shown that in nearly half the cases of incest, the perpetrator is the victim's own natural father.[21], [22] The whole concept and nature of the family breaks down. There is no worse a sexual crime than incest. Worse still, the vast majority involve Malays.[23]
It should be noted that before the Hadd punishment can be imposed on the accused, there is a need to ensure that there is only the barest level of doubt concerning the culpability of the assailant. If possible, no doubt at all of course this is onerous to achieve. Nevertheless, Islam requires that four witnesses are brought to dispel any doubt because to impose such a punitive measure requires that the burden of proof lies at the higher level of "certainty". If there is any element of doubt beyond the barest minimum, then a less harsh a punishment should be instituted in place of the Hadd punishment.
In the case of fornication, even if the culpability of a fornicator is never doubted, at times it is better to be merciful. The Holy Prophet, in the few instances that such cases were brought to his attention by the perpetrators themselves, he (the Prophet) would prefer not to hear their case at all. It could be inferred from this treatment that the Prophet had wished the perpetrators to repent, and to cover their own shame. He time again, turned them away when they came to him for judgment. However upon their unrelenting insistence, the Prophet passed on the Hadd punishment.[24] During the time of the Prophet, not a single case of adultery or fornication was established by the use of four witnesses. All were based on confessions.
In the case of rape, a lesser form of punishment may be necessary because there is hardly a case whereby the victim can bring in four witnesses to testify to the crime. In the case of rape, this requirement is almost an impossibility ¾ even so in the cases of fornication. These acts are virtually never acted upon in full view of the public. If however there are other means of ascertaining the crime to the higher requirement of "certainty" or does not create doubt beyond the "barest minimum of doubt" such evidence as a medical examination that verifies the presence of the assailant's semen in the coital passage coupled with the evidence of forced entry (in rape) then the Hadd punishment may be instituted in place of a confession on the part of the criminal or the presence of four witnesses. Circumstantial evidence should be allowed and so is forensics.[25] However, if the criminal act can only be ascertained to the level of "beyond reasonable doubt" and not to the higher level of "certainty", then, a hundred lashes seem desirable as a punishment for the crime of rape as a deterrent under Ta'azir.[26]
Footnotes:
[1] Statistics from The Royal Malaysian Police, Sourced out from 'Shame, Secrecy and Silence : Study of Rape in Penang', Coordinated and Edited by Rohana Ariffin; Penang : The Women's Crisis Centre, Penang 1997 p 9.
[2] In the year 2000, the number of rape cases had increased to 1,210 (3.3 cases per day) and by 2001, the figure stood at 1,354 (3.7 cases per day) ¾ The Star 4 February 2002 "Cops : One murder, three rape cases reported daily".
[3] The Star 8 December 1999 "Rape Cases on the Rise, Says Study".
[4] e.g. the case of Noor Suzaily Mukhtar, a lady engineer who was raped, sodomised and murdered on a bus on October 7th 2000. School girls Farra Deeba Rustam and Nurul Hanis Kamil, also met the same fate on February 13th and July 3rd 2001 respectively.
[5] Reported number of rape victims in 1995: Malays (645), Chinese (139), Indians (97) Others (124) 'Table 3 : Rape Victim at National Level According to Race (1995)' The Royal Malaysian Police; Sourced out from 'Shame, Secrecy and Silence : Study of Rape in Penang' p 11.
[6] The Star 17 August 2001 "70 Teens Raped and Killed Since 1995".
[7] Even school children are not safe from rape, rape within school compounds Sunday Star 12 February 1995 "Rape Report Leaves Parents Very Worried".
[8] Young girls are lured, kidnapped, gulled and forced into prostitution.
[9] New Straits Times 13 April 2001 "Nine Students Held Over Gang-Rape" and The Star 27 April 2001 "USM Undergrad Charged with Raping Schoolgirl".
[10] The Star 28 March 2002 "Three More Cops Held for Rape".
[11] There is no longer the fear of God in the human heart. There is no longer taqwa (God consciousness). Faith, is deficient. Thus such crimes are prevalent.
[12] 'Shame, Secrecy and Silence : Study of Rape in Penang' p 114.
[13] Ibid. p 9.
[14] "Sahih Muslim Hadith (Abridged)" "Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him) said to Ma'iz ibn Malik: Is it true what has reached me about you? He said: What has reached you about me? He said: It has reached me that you have committed (adultery) with the slave girl of so and so? He said: Yes. He (the narrator) said: He testified four times. He (the Prophet) then made pronouncement about him and he was stoned (to death)."
[15] Holy Qur'an 24:2 "The woman and the man guilty of adultery or fornication flog each of them with a hundred stripes: let not compassion move you in their case in a matter prescribed by Allah if ye believe in Allah and the Last Day: and let a party of the Believers witness their punishment."
[16] Abdur Rahman I. Doi "Shari'ah: The Islamic Law" London : Ta Ha Publishers 1984 pp 244-246.
[17] Some advocate crucifixion as punishment. Mingguan Malaysia 27 June 1997 "Perogol Dihukum Mati" (Rapist Punished by Death) "Rape falls under the category of Hudud or highway robbery and punishable by execution or crucifixion, of the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides or exile from the land: Crucifixion is considered correct".
[18] See note above (24:2).
[19] The Royal Malaysian Police suggested the death penalty be imposed upon those who commit incest on victims below 12 years old "Perogol Dihukum Mati" (Rapist Punished by Death) op. cit.
[20] Utusan Malaysia, 26 July 2001 "Kanun Keseksaan Dipinda" (Penal Code Amended).
[21] "A study reported 48.8 per cent of incest are committed by natural fathers, 24.4 per cent step fathers" Mingguan Malaysia 27 July 1997 "Cadangan Polis Memang Wajar" (Police Suggestion is Fitting).
[22] Another study of reported cases of incest showed that in 1995 there had been (173 cases) of which incest committed by natural father was (62 cases) or [35.8 per cent], 1996 (200) (father - 65) [32.5 per cent], 1997 January-April (56) (father - 20) [35.7 per cent]. The study classified incest as rape by natural fathers, uncles, natural brothers, grandfathers, close relatives, step fathers, step brothers, brothers-in-law and distant relatives Mingguan Malaysia 27 July 1997 "Jumlah Kes Merogol Keluarga Semakin Meningkat" (Total Rape Cases on the Increase).
[23] "Cadangan Polis Memang Wajar" (Police Suggestion is Fitting) op. cit.
[24] "Sahih Muslim Hadith (Abridged)" "A person belonging to the clan of Aslam, who was called Ma'iz ibn Malik, came to Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) and said: I have committed an immoral crime (adultery), so inflict punishment upon me. Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him) turned him away again and again. He then asked his people (about the state of his mind). They said: We do not know of any ailment of his except that he has committed some crime and he thinks that he will not be able to relieve himself of its burden unless the Hadd is imposed upon him. He (Ma'iz) came back to Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him) who commanded us to stone him. We took him to the Baqi' al-Gharqad (the graveyard of Medina). We neither tied him nor dug any ditch for him. We attacked him with bones, clods and pebbles. He ran away and we ran after him until he reached the stony ground (al-Harrah) and stopped there and we stoned him with the heavy stones of the Harrah until he became motionless (he died). He (the Holy Prophet) then addressed (us) in the evening saying: Whenever we set forth on an expedition in the cause of Allah, some of those connected with us shrieked (under the pressure of sexual lust) like the bleating of a billy-goat. It is essential that if a person having committed such a deed is brought to me, I should punish him. He neither begged forgiveness for him nor cursed him."
[25] Holy Qur'an 12:26 He said: "It was she that sought to seduce me from my (true) self." And one of her household saw (this) and bore witness (thus) "If it be that his shirt is rent from the front then is her tale true and he is a liar!
[26] See note above on Islamic Jurisprudence for an explanation on Ta'azir.
If serious crimes were meted out with stricter and harsher punishments, we are confident that their numbers would reduce dramatically. In Malaysia, serious sexual offences such as rape is strikingly on the increase. In 1985 there were 522 reported cases of rape and by 1996 it had more than doubled to 1071.[1], [2] A later study announced that 2.4 cases were reported daily in 1993 and the figure had risen to 4.1 in 1998. For every reported case there were 10 others unreported. i.e. every 1.7 hours, a person is raped in Malaysia.[3] Perpetrators of such heinous crime are even willing to kill their victims[4] to avoid identification and indictment.[5] Since June 1995 up until June 2001, 70 teens had been raped and killed.[6] School children within school compounds have been targeted.[7] Young children are not safe either.[8] Even the elderly are not protected from such terrible ordeal. Rape is even committed by university students[9] and police officers.[10] Incest is also increasing. Fathers rape their own children, brothers rape their own sisters. These rapists feel no remorse for their action.[11]
Under the Penal Code Section 376, offenders for rape can be sentenced to a minimum of 5 years of imprisonment and a maximum of 20 years. They are also liable to be fined or whipped up to 6 strokes of the rattan. The law also stipulates under section 289 of the Criminal Procedure Code that an offender above the age of 50 years be exempted from being caned in consideration of his physical condition.[12] The punishment for rape does not seem to deter criminals. The incidence of rape has not reduced in number. Regrettably it is on the increase.[13]
The fear of being discovered or detained is a big factor for a perpetrator to abandon his intention of a criminal act. If the criminal thinks that he will never be identified and get caught ¾ or very unlikely that he will ever be ¾ he will commit the act. If he thinks otherwise, he would not proceed. In other words, the perception of how effective the authority is at discovering the act, identifying the criminal, apprehending and detaining him, is a key factor that determines whether the crime is acted upon. The fear of being apprehended is a deterrent in itself.
The harshest punishment should also be imposed because this too is a source of deterrent in itself. It is in our opinion that in the case of rape, the assailant if found guilty and convicted, ought to receive the capital punishment. The logic for advocating this punishment is taken from the Shari'ah in accordance with hadiths advocating it for adulterers.[14] Although some may argue that the punishment of death to adulterers is not mentioned in the Qur'an and may even contradict the Holy Book[15] ¾ if we took the prescription of the hadith as true for the sake of argument, we shall see the relevance for advocating the death penalty for rape. It is known that in the case of adultery, according to stringent Islamic law as mentioned above, the act is punishable by death.[16] A person who willingly submits to having extramarital sexual relationship and dishonouring the marriage is condemned to capital punishment. In rape, the victim is neither willing and is forced against her own wish. Her life was also under threat. In most cases, the victim will suffer emotional and psychological disturbance and her sexual life will be affected considerably even if not throughout her entire life. Because of the inhumane nature of rape, the threat on the victim's life, the dire consequences it imposed upon the victim, and the nature of the enforced sexual assault, the form of punishment should be equal or more severe than the punishment for adultery. Therefore capital punishment is advocated for the case similar to rape.[17] However, statutory rape is a different matter. Statutory rape implies consented sexual intercourse of a minor with an adult. The classification of statutory rape might have to be phased out if a law that is to be more attuned to the Islamic Shari'ah is to be applied. This is because according to Islam, sex before marriage is prohibited. Statutory rape is still classified under adultery or fornication.
Even if we did not apply the death sentence upon a rapist, a harsh enough sentence such as the hundred lashes[18] ought to be instituted. In the case of incest, death sentence, is reasonable.[19] Currently incest is charged under rape but the government is amending the Penal Code in order to allow for a stiffer (minimum 6 years instead of 5 years as for rape) punishment in the case of incest and to categorise it as a separate crime to rape.[20] Incest is worse than any case of rape because the perpetrator is a part of the family where the girls and women depend upon to confer protection. But the very people they depend upon now victimise them. The psychological trauma must have been unbearable. A study have shown that in nearly half the cases of incest, the perpetrator is the victim's own natural father.[21], [22] The whole concept and nature of the family breaks down. There is no worse a sexual crime than incest. Worse still, the vast majority involve Malays.[23]
It should be noted that before the Hadd punishment can be imposed on the accused, there is a need to ensure that there is only the barest level of doubt concerning the culpability of the assailant. If possible, no doubt at all of course this is onerous to achieve. Nevertheless, Islam requires that four witnesses are brought to dispel any doubt because to impose such a punitive measure requires that the burden of proof lies at the higher level of "certainty". If there is any element of doubt beyond the barest minimum, then a less harsh a punishment should be instituted in place of the Hadd punishment.
In the case of fornication, even if the culpability of a fornicator is never doubted, at times it is better to be merciful. The Holy Prophet, in the few instances that such cases were brought to his attention by the perpetrators themselves, he (the Prophet) would prefer not to hear their case at all. It could be inferred from this treatment that the Prophet had wished the perpetrators to repent, and to cover their own shame. He time again, turned them away when they came to him for judgment. However upon their unrelenting insistence, the Prophet passed on the Hadd punishment.[24] During the time of the Prophet, not a single case of adultery or fornication was established by the use of four witnesses. All were based on confessions.
In the case of rape, a lesser form of punishment may be necessary because there is hardly a case whereby the victim can bring in four witnesses to testify to the crime. In the case of rape, this requirement is almost an impossibility ¾ even so in the cases of fornication. These acts are virtually never acted upon in full view of the public. If however there are other means of ascertaining the crime to the higher requirement of "certainty" or does not create doubt beyond the "barest minimum of doubt" such evidence as a medical examination that verifies the presence of the assailant's semen in the coital passage coupled with the evidence of forced entry (in rape) then the Hadd punishment may be instituted in place of a confession on the part of the criminal or the presence of four witnesses. Circumstantial evidence should be allowed and so is forensics.[25] However, if the criminal act can only be ascertained to the level of "beyond reasonable doubt" and not to the higher level of "certainty", then, a hundred lashes seem desirable as a punishment for the crime of rape as a deterrent under Ta'azir.[26]
Footnotes:
[1] Statistics from The Royal Malaysian Police, Sourced out from 'Shame, Secrecy and Silence : Study of Rape in Penang', Coordinated and Edited by Rohana Ariffin; Penang : The Women's Crisis Centre, Penang 1997 p 9.
[2] In the year 2000, the number of rape cases had increased to 1,210 (3.3 cases per day) and by 2001, the figure stood at 1,354 (3.7 cases per day) ¾ The Star 4 February 2002 "Cops : One murder, three rape cases reported daily".
[3] The Star 8 December 1999 "Rape Cases on the Rise, Says Study".
[4] e.g. the case of Noor Suzaily Mukhtar, a lady engineer who was raped, sodomised and murdered on a bus on October 7th 2000. School girls Farra Deeba Rustam and Nurul Hanis Kamil, also met the same fate on February 13th and July 3rd 2001 respectively.
[5] Reported number of rape victims in 1995: Malays (645), Chinese (139), Indians (97) Others (124) 'Table 3 : Rape Victim at National Level According to Race (1995)' The Royal Malaysian Police; Sourced out from 'Shame, Secrecy and Silence : Study of Rape in Penang' p 11.
[6] The Star 17 August 2001 "70 Teens Raped and Killed Since 1995".
[7] Even school children are not safe from rape, rape within school compounds Sunday Star 12 February 1995 "Rape Report Leaves Parents Very Worried".
[8] Young girls are lured, kidnapped, gulled and forced into prostitution.
[9] New Straits Times 13 April 2001 "Nine Students Held Over Gang-Rape" and The Star 27 April 2001 "USM Undergrad Charged with Raping Schoolgirl".
[10] The Star 28 March 2002 "Three More Cops Held for Rape".
[11] There is no longer the fear of God in the human heart. There is no longer taqwa (God consciousness). Faith, is deficient. Thus such crimes are prevalent.
[12] 'Shame, Secrecy and Silence : Study of Rape in Penang' p 114.
[13] Ibid. p 9.
[14] "Sahih Muslim Hadith (Abridged)" "Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him) said to Ma'iz ibn Malik: Is it true what has reached me about you? He said: What has reached you about me? He said: It has reached me that you have committed (adultery) with the slave girl of so and so? He said: Yes. He (the narrator) said: He testified four times. He (the Prophet) then made pronouncement about him and he was stoned (to death)."
[15] Holy Qur'an 24:2 "The woman and the man guilty of adultery or fornication flog each of them with a hundred stripes: let not compassion move you in their case in a matter prescribed by Allah if ye believe in Allah and the Last Day: and let a party of the Believers witness their punishment."
[16] Abdur Rahman I. Doi "Shari'ah: The Islamic Law" London : Ta Ha Publishers 1984 pp 244-246.
[17] Some advocate crucifixion as punishment. Mingguan Malaysia 27 June 1997 "Perogol Dihukum Mati" (Rapist Punished by Death) "Rape falls under the category of Hudud or highway robbery and punishable by execution or crucifixion, of the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides or exile from the land: Crucifixion is considered correct".
[18] See note above (24:2).
[19] The Royal Malaysian Police suggested the death penalty be imposed upon those who commit incest on victims below 12 years old "Perogol Dihukum Mati" (Rapist Punished by Death) op. cit.
[20] Utusan Malaysia, 26 July 2001 "Kanun Keseksaan Dipinda" (Penal Code Amended).
[21] "A study reported 48.8 per cent of incest are committed by natural fathers, 24.4 per cent step fathers" Mingguan Malaysia 27 July 1997 "Cadangan Polis Memang Wajar" (Police Suggestion is Fitting).
[22] Another study of reported cases of incest showed that in 1995 there had been (173 cases) of which incest committed by natural father was (62 cases) or [35.8 per cent], 1996 (200) (father - 65) [32.5 per cent], 1997 January-April (56) (father - 20) [35.7 per cent]. The study classified incest as rape by natural fathers, uncles, natural brothers, grandfathers, close relatives, step fathers, step brothers, brothers-in-law and distant relatives Mingguan Malaysia 27 July 1997 "Jumlah Kes Merogol Keluarga Semakin Meningkat" (Total Rape Cases on the Increase).
[23] "Cadangan Polis Memang Wajar" (Police Suggestion is Fitting) op. cit.
[24] "Sahih Muslim Hadith (Abridged)" "A person belonging to the clan of Aslam, who was called Ma'iz ibn Malik, came to Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) and said: I have committed an immoral crime (adultery), so inflict punishment upon me. Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him) turned him away again and again. He then asked his people (about the state of his mind). They said: We do not know of any ailment of his except that he has committed some crime and he thinks that he will not be able to relieve himself of its burden unless the Hadd is imposed upon him. He (Ma'iz) came back to Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him) who commanded us to stone him. We took him to the Baqi' al-Gharqad (the graveyard of Medina). We neither tied him nor dug any ditch for him. We attacked him with bones, clods and pebbles. He ran away and we ran after him until he reached the stony ground (al-Harrah) and stopped there and we stoned him with the heavy stones of the Harrah until he became motionless (he died). He (the Holy Prophet) then addressed (us) in the evening saying: Whenever we set forth on an expedition in the cause of Allah, some of those connected with us shrieked (under the pressure of sexual lust) like the bleating of a billy-goat. It is essential that if a person having committed such a deed is brought to me, I should punish him. He neither begged forgiveness for him nor cursed him."
[25] Holy Qur'an 12:26 He said: "It was she that sought to seduce me from my (true) self." And one of her household saw (this) and bore witness (thus) "If it be that his shirt is rent from the front then is her tale true and he is a liar!
[26] See note above on Islamic Jurisprudence for an explanation on Ta'azir.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Human Trafficking & the Sex Trade
This problem has been there in Malaysia for ages and there isvery little being done. Indeed the authorities and government are not serious. They raid a place and the place itself springs up again the very next day. The perpetrators go scot free, and these enslaved workers get detained for having no legal documents.
I dont think the US is wrong in their statement that Malaysia is one of the worst countries involved in human trafficking. Only we are in self denial.
The government would justify, especially in the case of the sex trade that the trade cannot be rooted out, and may even provide justification to have these forced sex workers/slave in this Muslim country! Call it social responsibility and providing much needed services!
I call on the government to shut up and buck up! I bet in 1 year's time, after all this fiasco is over, after the war of words have subsided, there would be more people being trafficked into Malaysia and the sex trade will flourish to an even the government would still be doing nothing meaningful to stop the trade. Mark my word.
I dont think the US is wrong in their statement that Malaysia is one of the worst countries involved in human trafficking. Only we are in self denial.
The government would justify, especially in the case of the sex trade that the trade cannot be rooted out, and may even provide justification to have these forced sex workers/slave in this Muslim country! Call it social responsibility and providing much needed services!
I call on the government to shut up and buck up! I bet in 1 year's time, after all this fiasco is over, after the war of words have subsided, there would be more people being trafficked into Malaysia and the sex trade will flourish to an even the government would still be doing nothing meaningful to stop the trade. Mark my word.
Today is Friday
6:162 Say: Lo! my worship and my sacrifice and my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the Worlds.
Since it is a Friday, a holy day for Muslims, what better ways to blog about the above verse from the Holy Quran.
A beautiful verse above succintly describes how the life of a Muslim ought to be. At least, this is what Muslims must aspire to be: to worship, sacrifice, to live and die for the sake of the Almighty God.
In other words, the Almighty God must dominate our thinking, remembering Him, choosing the correct path to take when confronted in any situation, choosing the path that we know what God would want us to do.
If we only applied this simple principle, to live and die for Almighty God, I bet this world would indeed transform for the better.
Since it is a Friday, a holy day for Muslims, what better ways to blog about the above verse from the Holy Quran.
A beautiful verse above succintly describes how the life of a Muslim ought to be. At least, this is what Muslims must aspire to be: to worship, sacrifice, to live and die for the sake of the Almighty God.
In other words, the Almighty God must dominate our thinking, remembering Him, choosing the correct path to take when confronted in any situation, choosing the path that we know what God would want us to do.
If we only applied this simple principle, to live and die for Almighty God, I bet this world would indeed transform for the better.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
KL Downpour : A Surprise Visit
It rained for four hours on 11.06.2007, reminiscing the downpour recorded on an exact date in 2003, a revisitation.
And the result?....flash floods that even prompted the Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to make a surprise visit to the DBKL (Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur) the day after, requesting explanations and making recommendations and demands. This is the sort of leadership that Malaysia requires, far from the half-hearted response seen during the previous massive floods late last year that hit southern Malaysia in which we saw the PM seemingly prioritising his end of year holidays than that of the fate of the rakyat.
This is a good sign that AAB is on his toes, perhaps a result of his new marriage. The Premier seems to have acquired a new burst of energy and enthusiasm in his work. Let's just hope that this is a start to a better leadership which I must say is rather lacking for the past few years since Tun Mahathir Mohamed stepped down.
And the result?....flash floods that even prompted the Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to make a surprise visit to the DBKL (Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur) the day after, requesting explanations and making recommendations and demands. This is the sort of leadership that Malaysia requires, far from the half-hearted response seen during the previous massive floods late last year that hit southern Malaysia in which we saw the PM seemingly prioritising his end of year holidays than that of the fate of the rakyat.
This is a good sign that AAB is on his toes, perhaps a result of his new marriage. The Premier seems to have acquired a new burst of energy and enthusiasm in his work. Let's just hope that this is a start to a better leadership which I must say is rather lacking for the past few years since Tun Mahathir Mohamed stepped down.
Every Single Individual Malay Is Ultimately Responsible
Excerpts taken from The Malay Ideals (2002)
To strive for excellence must be every Malay's single obsession and priority. This is the only way to improve themselves collectively. This is because every human organisation ¾ be it political, economic, scientific, cultural, religious, and others ¾ including the community and the nation are made up of single individuals. To strengthen an organisation, one has to invigorate the individuals that make up the organisation. If the individuals that make up these organisations are weak, the organisation itself will be weak. If the individuals are rich for example, the nation will become prosperous, and so forth. If individuals are superior, then the community will be superior also. Bearing this in mind, it is obvious and expedient that every individual Malay has to vie for superiority. Mediocrity will not improve the fate of a people substantively. Each Malay person, man or woman therefore has to strive and struggle in impelling himself or herself to the limit. Each person must be the cog in the wheel helping to support the wheel of Malay progress through sheer individual strength. If the cogs are weak, the wheel will be in ruin. If Malay individuals are weak, the Malay community will be frail. Also, Malay individuals must not be satisfied with his or her achievements. They must continuously improve. They must be intent on achieving perfection and to better perfection even.[1] There is little use in having a few leaders, corporate individuals, or intellectuals striving very hard when the rest of society is not concerned. Leaders will not be able to make much change if the masses refuse change. Every individual Malay must be motivated and dynamic before the Malay community as a whole can become strong. Every individual must be productive before the Malay society can produce results. The Malay mindset has to covet greatness through struggle, toil, strenuous efforts, persistence and fortitude. They must strive hard, in all their efforts and undertakings. This must be made the Jihad (striving) of the Malays the new mindset of the Malay salient feature. This, has to be their unwavering belief and commitment. Only through this mechanism can they become truly successful.
[1] Perfection here implies excellence. Perfection is only relative to one's given knowledge and skills. With increased knowledge and skills, excellence can be pushed further into a greater state of perfection.
To strive for excellence must be every Malay's single obsession and priority. This is the only way to improve themselves collectively. This is because every human organisation ¾ be it political, economic, scientific, cultural, religious, and others ¾ including the community and the nation are made up of single individuals. To strengthen an organisation, one has to invigorate the individuals that make up the organisation. If the individuals that make up these organisations are weak, the organisation itself will be weak. If the individuals are rich for example, the nation will become prosperous, and so forth. If individuals are superior, then the community will be superior also. Bearing this in mind, it is obvious and expedient that every individual Malay has to vie for superiority. Mediocrity will not improve the fate of a people substantively. Each Malay person, man or woman therefore has to strive and struggle in impelling himself or herself to the limit. Each person must be the cog in the wheel helping to support the wheel of Malay progress through sheer individual strength. If the cogs are weak, the wheel will be in ruin. If Malay individuals are weak, the Malay community will be frail. Also, Malay individuals must not be satisfied with his or her achievements. They must continuously improve. They must be intent on achieving perfection and to better perfection even.[1] There is little use in having a few leaders, corporate individuals, or intellectuals striving very hard when the rest of society is not concerned. Leaders will not be able to make much change if the masses refuse change. Every individual Malay must be motivated and dynamic before the Malay community as a whole can become strong. Every individual must be productive before the Malay society can produce results. The Malay mindset has to covet greatness through struggle, toil, strenuous efforts, persistence and fortitude. They must strive hard, in all their efforts and undertakings. This must be made the Jihad (striving) of the Malays the new mindset of the Malay salient feature. This, has to be their unwavering belief and commitment. Only through this mechanism can they become truly successful.
[1] Perfection here implies excellence. Perfection is only relative to one's given knowledge and skills. With increased knowledge and skills, excellence can be pushed further into a greater state of perfection.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Well Wishes
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on his marriage to Jeanne Danker Abdullah this Saturday. May this union bring into the 1st family a positive balance of opinions that may have influenced the PM's various views on Malaysian Politics.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
11th Hour
At 4pm, a day before the murder trial took place, the AG found it fit to change the prosecution team.
Is this to ensure that the prosecution will be more effective?
Is this to ensure that the prosecution will ultimately fumble?
I've never seen a single case change defence lawyers and prosecutors at this rate in history. This should go down in the Malaysia's book of records or perhaps the Guiness world book of records.
For goodness' sake, can't we just go on with the trial without manipulating who is ultimately to be found guilty and who is to be allowed free? For goodness' sake, someone's life has already been stolen, and you people ought to be thankful that it is not your life that was stolen. Imagine if it was indeed you who were being blown to pieces. Who will look after your dependents? How has this aggravated the lives of many who depend on the deceased, the young ones, the elderly. Have the murderers and plotters ever thought of this? It is not just the life of the deceased that was taken, it is also the lives of those around her that was taken away for good. You would not want this to happen to you or your loved ones and you find it fit to do it onto others? How misguided you have become. And you think you will be safe and go unpunished?
Indeed humanity has lost its soul. I pity those who think they can get away with murder. They might be safe in this world, but they will never escape punishment. And they think they can live forever? No, indeed they will realise that time is relative. And that a hundred years on earth is but a blink of an eye. They will not escape punishment. Never.
Is this to ensure that the prosecution will be more effective?
Is this to ensure that the prosecution will ultimately fumble?
I've never seen a single case change defence lawyers and prosecutors at this rate in history. This should go down in the Malaysia's book of records or perhaps the Guiness world book of records.
For goodness' sake, can't we just go on with the trial without manipulating who is ultimately to be found guilty and who is to be allowed free? For goodness' sake, someone's life has already been stolen, and you people ought to be thankful that it is not your life that was stolen. Imagine if it was indeed you who were being blown to pieces. Who will look after your dependents? How has this aggravated the lives of many who depend on the deceased, the young ones, the elderly. Have the murderers and plotters ever thought of this? It is not just the life of the deceased that was taken, it is also the lives of those around her that was taken away for good. You would not want this to happen to you or your loved ones and you find it fit to do it onto others? How misguided you have become. And you think you will be safe and go unpunished?
Indeed humanity has lost its soul. I pity those who think they can get away with murder. They might be safe in this world, but they will never escape punishment. And they think they can live forever? No, indeed they will realise that time is relative. And that a hundred years on earth is but a blink of an eye. They will not escape punishment. Never.
Strive Hard We Must
94:0 In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
94:1 Have We not expanded thee thy breast?-
94:2 And removed from thee thy burden
94:3 The which did gall thy back?-
94:4 And raised high the esteem (in which) thou (art held)?
94:5 So, verily, with every difficulty, there is relief:
94:6 Verily, with every difficulty there is relief.
94:7 Therefore, when thou art free (from thine immediate task), still labour hard,
94:8 And to thy Lord turn (all) thy attention.
As far as I know, there is not a verse that is repeated in this manner in the entire Quran; one right after the other. This is to emphasise the importance of facing whatever hardships may come our way and that relief is often close by.
Indeed, with every difficulty and hardship, there is relief although we might not realise it. There is always something to gain from the hardships we face if we manage to wade through it somehow.
This is also an injunction for us to be patient. An injunction for us to remain steadfast and to continue to strive hard although we might be free from any occupation.
This surah (chapter) is also telling us to never rest on our laurels. That we must continue to improve ourselves every single day. And of course we must always have the thought that God is ever watchful of our every action because this will keep us in check.
If this simple commandment is implemented wholeheartedly by every single Muslim, rest assured that they will always be masters instead of slaves.
Before a Muslim nation can attain greatness, individual Muslims must attain individual greatness. If the vast majority of Muslims are of sterling quality, the Muslim nation will assuredly be great. Thus to be a great Muslim nation starts at the level of every single individual. The responsibily rests on our own personal and individual person. No one else will be responsible.
94:1 Have We not expanded thee thy breast?-
94:2 And removed from thee thy burden
94:3 The which did gall thy back?-
94:4 And raised high the esteem (in which) thou (art held)?
94:5 So, verily, with every difficulty, there is relief:
94:6 Verily, with every difficulty there is relief.
94:7 Therefore, when thou art free (from thine immediate task), still labour hard,
94:8 And to thy Lord turn (all) thy attention.
As far as I know, there is not a verse that is repeated in this manner in the entire Quran; one right after the other. This is to emphasise the importance of facing whatever hardships may come our way and that relief is often close by.
Indeed, with every difficulty and hardship, there is relief although we might not realise it. There is always something to gain from the hardships we face if we manage to wade through it somehow.
This is also an injunction for us to be patient. An injunction for us to remain steadfast and to continue to strive hard although we might be free from any occupation.
This surah (chapter) is also telling us to never rest on our laurels. That we must continue to improve ourselves every single day. And of course we must always have the thought that God is ever watchful of our every action because this will keep us in check.
If this simple commandment is implemented wholeheartedly by every single Muslim, rest assured that they will always be masters instead of slaves.
Before a Muslim nation can attain greatness, individual Muslims must attain individual greatness. If the vast majority of Muslims are of sterling quality, the Muslim nation will assuredly be great. Thus to be a great Muslim nation starts at the level of every single individual. The responsibily rests on our own personal and individual person. No one else will be responsible.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Proton Lost More
The Star 1.06.2007:
PETALING JAYA: Proton Holdings Bhd failed to meet its key performance indicators (KPIs) for the fiscal year ended March 31 (FY07) as revenue dropped 37% to RM4.9bil from RM7.8bil in FY06.
It posted a whopping net loss of RM591.4mil against a profit of RM46.7mil previously. Loss per share stood at 107.7 sen compared with earnings per share of 8.4 sen in FY06.
Proton has almost depleted its cash reserves of RM3 billion after the new management took over since end of 2005.
When the new management took over, I was sceptical. I thought the government made a wrong move by appointing new people into executive positions at proton when the previous management did not do too badly, having accumulated cash reserves of more than RM 3 billion.
At the back of my mind, I had an inkling that the Proton's financial results that were to come thereafter would show it to be in a worse rather than better condition but of course I couldn't say for sure. The reasons for the shake up at Proton previously was not that of mismanagement, but it seemed more of a political appointment in order to get rid of a certain individual who had a mind of his own, who would stand up and speak out, whatever the costs.
After the old CEO was dropped out, the sale of Augusta too effect at a sobering Euro 1 although the motorbike itself was chosen to be the best motorbike in the world for that particular year. The reason given was to streamline operation and concentrate on its core business as well as cut losses. Proton wanted to go into collaboration with other car makers, one after another, with deadlines extended but without much success, until now. It then expressed desire to pay off RM150,000 for each vendor that was to close shop as compensation (I didn't know it was so lucrative to close a non-viable business until Proton showed that it can be so).
I had a feeling that Proton was to be in worse hands after the management shook out. Not because its CEO seemed overconfident or even sounding arrogant.
And today, I was proven right. It is about time that the government acknowledges its mistakes and right its wrong.
PETALING JAYA: Proton Holdings Bhd failed to meet its key performance indicators (KPIs) for the fiscal year ended March 31 (FY07) as revenue dropped 37% to RM4.9bil from RM7.8bil in FY06.
It posted a whopping net loss of RM591.4mil against a profit of RM46.7mil previously. Loss per share stood at 107.7 sen compared with earnings per share of 8.4 sen in FY06.
Proton has almost depleted its cash reserves of RM3 billion after the new management took over since end of 2005.
When the new management took over, I was sceptical. I thought the government made a wrong move by appointing new people into executive positions at proton when the previous management did not do too badly, having accumulated cash reserves of more than RM 3 billion.
At the back of my mind, I had an inkling that the Proton's financial results that were to come thereafter would show it to be in a worse rather than better condition but of course I couldn't say for sure. The reasons for the shake up at Proton previously was not that of mismanagement, but it seemed more of a political appointment in order to get rid of a certain individual who had a mind of his own, who would stand up and speak out, whatever the costs.
After the old CEO was dropped out, the sale of Augusta too effect at a sobering Euro 1 although the motorbike itself was chosen to be the best motorbike in the world for that particular year. The reason given was to streamline operation and concentrate on its core business as well as cut losses. Proton wanted to go into collaboration with other car makers, one after another, with deadlines extended but without much success, until now. It then expressed desire to pay off RM150,000 for each vendor that was to close shop as compensation (I didn't know it was so lucrative to close a non-viable business until Proton showed that it can be so).
I had a feeling that Proton was to be in worse hands after the management shook out. Not because its CEO seemed overconfident or even sounding arrogant.
And today, I was proven right. It is about time that the government acknowledges its mistakes and right its wrong.
Reduce the Price of Cars
The inflated prices of cars (Cars are ironically more expensive in Malaysia than in more wealthy nations such as Japan, UK, Korea, France or the US) is leeching out money from the average household.
For a nation which is still developing, we require more capital to push start Small Medium Industries and Entreprises which is a key area in generating new economic opportunities. Without much capital, such endeavour would be placed on the backburner.
The inflated price of cars bleeds the household of capital accumulation opportunity. Instead of having more money to keep as possible capital, more is being paid to their bankers and of course to the government. Less money is available for spending.
Many individuals spend on their cars to settle their loan. Car instalments can take up 30% of their small salaries compared to those of the West which is far less than this figure. In some cases, it is higher than this.
In taxing too high on cars and imposing various duties and other levies, the price of cars in Malaysia has inflated to an unreasonable figure, and as a result, the people have to spend years (7 years etc) slugging it out just to pay up. Instead of having more money to have better living conditions, now they have to cut on their food, clothing, family outings, education and other more important tasks. This does not happen in Western countries.
If we reduce the price of cars, we would have more money for savings and have enough to accumulate capital for perhaps entrepenurial pursuits, which will push start small medium industries.
Moreover, with the reduction in the price of cars, there will be less accidents on the road that will rob one individual's life potential loss of earning of RM30,000,000 (average lifetime worth of a single individual) and not to mention the cost of disability and the effects on the families involved. More individuals will be able to afford a car as opposed to a motorcycle (The vast majority of road traffic accidents which result in fatalities are bikers).
It is not reasonable to continue paying for your car up to 7 years. The more likely figure would be below 3 years. More money should be channeled into other more essential spending rather than that of a car and it should not take up a vast portion of your income.
With greater disposable income as a result of paying less for your car, there will be more economic activity. There will be increased velocity of money, and as a result, increasing income for businesses and as a corollary to this, increased government expenditure. But more importantly, more money can be channel into more purposeful spending that benefit the household itself rather than enriching the banks through mortgage and remortgage.
No! reducing the price of cars will not make our country poorer. Instead, it will generate more economic opportunities.
For a nation which is still developing, we require more capital to push start Small Medium Industries and Entreprises which is a key area in generating new economic opportunities. Without much capital, such endeavour would be placed on the backburner.
The inflated price of cars bleeds the household of capital accumulation opportunity. Instead of having more money to keep as possible capital, more is being paid to their bankers and of course to the government. Less money is available for spending.
Many individuals spend on their cars to settle their loan. Car instalments can take up 30% of their small salaries compared to those of the West which is far less than this figure. In some cases, it is higher than this.
In taxing too high on cars and imposing various duties and other levies, the price of cars in Malaysia has inflated to an unreasonable figure, and as a result, the people have to spend years (7 years etc) slugging it out just to pay up. Instead of having more money to have better living conditions, now they have to cut on their food, clothing, family outings, education and other more important tasks. This does not happen in Western countries.
If we reduce the price of cars, we would have more money for savings and have enough to accumulate capital for perhaps entrepenurial pursuits, which will push start small medium industries.
Moreover, with the reduction in the price of cars, there will be less accidents on the road that will rob one individual's life potential loss of earning of RM30,000,000 (average lifetime worth of a single individual) and not to mention the cost of disability and the effects on the families involved. More individuals will be able to afford a car as opposed to a motorcycle (The vast majority of road traffic accidents which result in fatalities are bikers).
It is not reasonable to continue paying for your car up to 7 years. The more likely figure would be below 3 years. More money should be channeled into other more essential spending rather than that of a car and it should not take up a vast portion of your income.
With greater disposable income as a result of paying less for your car, there will be more economic activity. There will be increased velocity of money, and as a result, increasing income for businesses and as a corollary to this, increased government expenditure. But more importantly, more money can be channel into more purposeful spending that benefit the household itself rather than enriching the banks through mortgage and remortgage.
No! reducing the price of cars will not make our country poorer. Instead, it will generate more economic opportunities.
Lina Joy
Lina Joy's application to have the name Islam removed from her Identity Card was turned down. This is the correct decision given the laws that pertain to Muslims as well as those who wish to renounce Islam because in this particular matter referral to the Syariah Court is required. And the Syariah Court is no less inferior to the Civil Court:
Federal Constitution 121 [Judicial Power of the Federation] (1) There shall be two High Courts of co-ordinate jurisdiction and status, namely * (a) one in the States of Malaya, which shall be known as the High Court in Malaya, and shall have its principal registry in Kuala Lumpur; and (b) one in the States of Sabah and Sarawak, which shall be known as the High Court in Sabah and Sarawak and shall have its principal registry at such place in the States of Sabah and Sarawak as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong may determine;(c) repealed ; and such inferior courts as may be provided by federal law; and the High Courts and inferior courts shall have such jurisdiction and powers as may be conferred by or under federal law. (1A) The courts referred to in Clause (1) shall have no jurisdiction in respect of any matter within the jurisdiction of the Shari'ah courts.
I however feel that we should not keep Muslims who wish to leave the flock. Their leaving Islam will not weaken the Muslim community, on the contrary, it will strengthen it. Why would the Muslim community wish to keep those who no longer want to remain in the community. Indeed we should councel them because there are many attempts by missionaries to influence Muslims to convert to other religions (because this region and the Malays are said to be the last frontier of missionary activities). But in the event in which after councelling has been given, if they wish to leave (for whatever reason), it is best to let them go because a weak Muslim will render the Muslim weaker. It is better to have Muslims who are strong than Muslim who are weak and non-believing. For every 1 Muslim who wish to leave Islam, there are 10 non-Muslims who wish to enter into Islam. This is a natural process of weeding out what is unwanted and seedling new and stronger seeds.
109:1-6 Say: O disbelievers! I worship not that which ye worship; Nor worship ye that which I worship. And I shall not worship that which ye worship. Nor will ye worship that which I worship. Unto you your religion, and unto me my religion.
2:256 There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower.
Federal Constitution 121 [Judicial Power of the Federation] (1) There shall be two High Courts of co-ordinate jurisdiction and status, namely * (a) one in the States of Malaya, which shall be known as the High Court in Malaya, and shall have its principal registry in Kuala Lumpur; and (b) one in the States of Sabah and Sarawak, which shall be known as the High Court in Sabah and Sarawak and shall have its principal registry at such place in the States of Sabah and Sarawak as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong may determine;(c) repealed ; and such inferior courts as may be provided by federal law; and the High Courts and inferior courts shall have such jurisdiction and powers as may be conferred by or under federal law. (1A) The courts referred to in Clause (1) shall have no jurisdiction in respect of any matter within the jurisdiction of the Shari'ah courts.
Article 11 (of the Federal Constitution) [Freedom of Religion] "(1) Every person has the right to profess and practise his religion and, subject to Clause (4), to propagate it.(2) No person shall be compelled to pay and tax the proceeds of which are specially allocated in whole or in part for the purposes of a religion other than his own.(3) Every religious group has the right (a) to manage its own religious affairs;(b) to establish and maintain institutions for religious or charitable purposes; and (c) to acquire and own property and hold and administer it in accordance with law.(4) State law and in respect of the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Labuan, federal law may control or restrict the propagation of any religious doctrine or belief among persons professing the religion of Islam.(5) This Article does not authorise any act contrary to any general law relating to public order, public health or morality."
Since Lina Joy was a Muslim before she renounced Islam, she would still be subject to the law of the Syariah because in Syariah Law, there is provision for cases involving apostasy. One must respect the rule of law and go through the due process of law in any given situation. Had this not been the case, lawlessness would prevail. The argument that says the Syariah does apply in her case because she renouced Islam and therefore no longer is she subject to the Syariah Law is similar to an individual getting tangled up with the law suddenly announces that he or she has renounced the citizenship of Malaysia and therefore is no longer subject to the Law of the country because she no longer believes in Malaysia. Or a more appropriate comparison would be someone born in Malaysia and is automatically bound by the laws of the land without choice. You did not choose to be born in Malaysia you might argue, but this argument is futile. This is similar to a Muslim as regards to the Syariah Law, so she is still bound by Syariah Law.I however feel that we should not keep Muslims who wish to leave the flock. Their leaving Islam will not weaken the Muslim community, on the contrary, it will strengthen it. Why would the Muslim community wish to keep those who no longer want to remain in the community. Indeed we should councel them because there are many attempts by missionaries to influence Muslims to convert to other religions (because this region and the Malays are said to be the last frontier of missionary activities). But in the event in which after councelling has been given, if they wish to leave (for whatever reason), it is best to let them go because a weak Muslim will render the Muslim weaker. It is better to have Muslims who are strong than Muslim who are weak and non-believing. For every 1 Muslim who wish to leave Islam, there are 10 non-Muslims who wish to enter into Islam. This is a natural process of weeding out what is unwanted and seedling new and stronger seeds.
109:1-6 Say: O disbelievers! I worship not that which ye worship; Nor worship ye that which I worship. And I shall not worship that which ye worship. Nor will ye worship that which I worship. Unto you your religion, and unto me my religion.
2:256 There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower.
Monday, May 28, 2007
NST: 28.05.2007 Women's Dressing: Drastic change of mindset needed
"It is a fallacy that "provocative" dressing leads to sexual crimes. And yet this fallacy persists, not just in the minds of some men, but also in the minds of some women."-NST
This statement needs to be qualified first before it is being dished out as a matter of fact.We ought to conduct a study between "provocative" dressing and sexual related crimes. Perhaps the best way to do this ought to be conducted by sociologists, comparing Asian countries that still maintain a degree of moral dress codes with that of the open dress codes of Western countries.
Looking at previous statistics, studies and reports, it seems that sexual crimes against women in Western countries far exceed those of Asian countries. Although this is not a direct cause and effect, it does seem to point to a certain direction and we may speculate with a high degree of probability what the outcome of the studies mightt be had it really been undertaken.
We may also ask some questions. If dressing provocatively is not reason for fear of increasing sexual crimes, then why do we not allow topless bars, nude shows, and playboy magazines (we will not mention pornographic films) and the like to operate in this country?
Will the presence of such increase rape in the country? From the argument of those who oppose the linkage between proper clothing attire and crime such as rape, we would suggest that their answer would be a resounding "No". But of course we know that this is not true.
In Thailand a few years ago, there was a trend for young women/ school going teenagers to wear a top without bra, because this would be more attractive as one would be able to take a peak at the jutting nipple. This mode of dressing was subsequently banned because it was deemed immoral.
Would we allow women in Malaysia to dress in the same manner? Perhaps we should allow it because some say that there is no relation between dressing and sexual crimes.
I remember not too long ago when people were shocked to see the natal cleft of a women through the exposed part of the back of her jeans. Now, it can be witnessed everywhere since there is a new trend of donning low cut jeans. Nobody screams anymore but if this "indecent exposure" is not indecency, I dont know what is.
And if men see this as sexually stimulating, who are we to blame?..those wearing them or those looking at them?
We may then pose another question, if everybody starts to dress in this manner, even if the men wanted to avoid looking at what attracts them the most, could they really have avoided it, when they are surrounded by these 'attractive' ladies? And in the course of one's daily goingabouts, if images of these women constantly bombard the brain of virile men, and as a result, increase their baseline/resting sexual arousal, and with that, tip them over the scale....then who are we to blame?
Is this not sexual harrasment of the visual kind, I may ask? We have no choice but to look at them although we wish it would be otherwise. As a matter of fact, we would be happier going about without having to be caught staring down someone's backside or bossoms. If it does not incite sexual cravings in virile young men, the least harm it does is distract someone from their work and attention.
But mind you we know that most women care for attention. Well, who doesn't, its human nature. Exposing some parts of their anatomy is one way of gaining attention because women know what attracts men. And women like attention, as do men.
This statement needs to be qualified first before it is being dished out as a matter of fact.We ought to conduct a study between "provocative" dressing and sexual related crimes. Perhaps the best way to do this ought to be conducted by sociologists, comparing Asian countries that still maintain a degree of moral dress codes with that of the open dress codes of Western countries.
Looking at previous statistics, studies and reports, it seems that sexual crimes against women in Western countries far exceed those of Asian countries. Although this is not a direct cause and effect, it does seem to point to a certain direction and we may speculate with a high degree of probability what the outcome of the studies mightt be had it really been undertaken.
We may also ask some questions. If dressing provocatively is not reason for fear of increasing sexual crimes, then why do we not allow topless bars, nude shows, and playboy magazines (we will not mention pornographic films) and the like to operate in this country?
Will the presence of such increase rape in the country? From the argument of those who oppose the linkage between proper clothing attire and crime such as rape, we would suggest that their answer would be a resounding "No". But of course we know that this is not true.
In Thailand a few years ago, there was a trend for young women/ school going teenagers to wear a top without bra, because this would be more attractive as one would be able to take a peak at the jutting nipple. This mode of dressing was subsequently banned because it was deemed immoral.
Would we allow women in Malaysia to dress in the same manner? Perhaps we should allow it because some say that there is no relation between dressing and sexual crimes.
I remember not too long ago when people were shocked to see the natal cleft of a women through the exposed part of the back of her jeans. Now, it can be witnessed everywhere since there is a new trend of donning low cut jeans. Nobody screams anymore but if this "indecent exposure" is not indecency, I dont know what is.
And if men see this as sexually stimulating, who are we to blame?..those wearing them or those looking at them?
We may then pose another question, if everybody starts to dress in this manner, even if the men wanted to avoid looking at what attracts them the most, could they really have avoided it, when they are surrounded by these 'attractive' ladies? And in the course of one's daily goingabouts, if images of these women constantly bombard the brain of virile men, and as a result, increase their baseline/resting sexual arousal, and with that, tip them over the scale....then who are we to blame?
Is this not sexual harrasment of the visual kind, I may ask? We have no choice but to look at them although we wish it would be otherwise. As a matter of fact, we would be happier going about without having to be caught staring down someone's backside or bossoms. If it does not incite sexual cravings in virile young men, the least harm it does is distract someone from their work and attention.
But mind you we know that most women care for attention. Well, who doesn't, its human nature. Exposing some parts of their anatomy is one way of gaining attention because women know what attracts men. And women like attention, as do men.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
NST:26.05.2007 A TRAIL OF BROKEN DREAMS: Debts brought Ganesh here
R. Ganesh did not live to experience the life of comfort he had hoped for. Eight months after coming to Malaysia, the Indian national was dead. The cards seem to be overwhelmingly stacked against foreign workers in terms of poor working conditions, laws that do not adequately protect and employers who just do not care.
Where have we lost our sense of humanity? Are humans to be used and abused? We don't do these sort of things to animals, let alone another human beings. But, we have subhumans living amongst humans who exploit other fellow human beings recklessly.
Privatisation Move: China's Bursting, Loss of Confidence with the Malaysian Economy & Temasek
There has been talk that the various privatisation moves by publicly owned companies is a prelude to sharp sell of in the Market due to the impending burst of China's economy and the stock exchange.
It is also possible that privatisation moves show that these companies no longer have confidence in the Malaysian economy and the would rather list their shares overseas.
However, there is another talk in town that such move is a prelude to a takeover by the Singapore's investment arm Temasek, especially Maxis'.
We cannot verify if this is indeed what is happenning, however it might be plausible given the history of Temasek and its efforts to gain strategic control of the region.
It is known that Temasek did purchase Thailand's communication company Shin Corp but with dreadful repercussions due to Thailand's very nationalistic stance against foreign domination. Temasek has learnt its lessons well and a similar move would cause similar reactions in Malaysia. The only way that it might be done is taking the entity private (to reduce antagonism from the public) and buy up a significant share of the private company using nominees to hide its name.
In Thailand, subsequent investigations revealed that " Thai nominees owned 24.1% of all shares on the Thai stock exchange, and up to 36% of all shares in the technology sector." (wikipedia) In Malaysia, we do not know how much nominees own publicly listed companies and what percentage of this represents foreign interests. However, if this scenario is representative of the situation in Malaysia, we ought to be gravely concerned, and perhaps instruct similar investigations of Malaysia's public listed companies.
Slowly, our companies are bought over by foreigners and they hold all the strings. In the end, we work to enrich foreigners and our fate is in the hands of others.
It is also possible that privatisation moves show that these companies no longer have confidence in the Malaysian economy and the would rather list their shares overseas.
However, there is another talk in town that such move is a prelude to a takeover by the Singapore's investment arm Temasek, especially Maxis'.
We cannot verify if this is indeed what is happenning, however it might be plausible given the history of Temasek and its efforts to gain strategic control of the region.
It is known that Temasek did purchase Thailand's communication company Shin Corp but with dreadful repercussions due to Thailand's very nationalistic stance against foreign domination. Temasek has learnt its lessons well and a similar move would cause similar reactions in Malaysia. The only way that it might be done is taking the entity private (to reduce antagonism from the public) and buy up a significant share of the private company using nominees to hide its name.
In Thailand, subsequent investigations revealed that " Thai nominees owned 24.1% of all shares on the Thai stock exchange, and up to 36% of all shares in the technology sector." (wikipedia) In Malaysia, we do not know how much nominees own publicly listed companies and what percentage of this represents foreign interests. However, if this scenario is representative of the situation in Malaysia, we ought to be gravely concerned, and perhaps instruct similar investigations of Malaysia's public listed companies.
Slowly, our companies are bought over by foreigners and they hold all the strings. In the end, we work to enrich foreigners and our fate is in the hands of others.
Sick of Despicable Malays
I also sickened by the behaviour and attitude of Malays.
If you look at the youngsters, many are headed for doom. They imbibe alcohol, take drugs, practise free sex, dabble in anti-God movements, rape and molest yet their own race..Malay girls, waste time trying to be circus performers & stunt men (Mat Rempits with their acrobatic motorcycle acts) etc etc (the list is too long).
Truly, these are not Muslims. Muslims do not conduct themselves in this manner. They are just Malays losing their religion.
In a country in which the Malays are inferior to the other races, you would have thought that they would try their level best to be the best they can. Alas, this is not the case with the Malays.
If they are bent on destroying themselves, then let it be. We Muslims do not need these sorts of Malays. Perhaps their gravitation towards the drug culture is an evolutionary process over time to weed out intellectually inferior Malays and leave the better ones to survive.
If you look at the youngsters, many are headed for doom. They imbibe alcohol, take drugs, practise free sex, dabble in anti-God movements, rape and molest yet their own race..Malay girls, waste time trying to be circus performers & stunt men (Mat Rempits with their acrobatic motorcycle acts) etc etc (the list is too long).
Truly, these are not Muslims. Muslims do not conduct themselves in this manner. They are just Malays losing their religion.
In a country in which the Malays are inferior to the other races, you would have thought that they would try their level best to be the best they can. Alas, this is not the case with the Malays.
If they are bent on destroying themselves, then let it be. We Muslims do not need these sorts of Malays. Perhaps their gravitation towards the drug culture is an evolutionary process over time to weed out intellectually inferior Malays and leave the better ones to survive.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Western Fear of Increasing Muslim Citizens
There is a fear in the Western world that the increasing number of Muslims in their own countries will in the future cause extreme dissent amongst its citizens and may bring about a clash of civilisation in their own backyard.
There are some who advocate extreme policies of curtailing the freedom of religion in the West because they foresee that Islam is hell bent on destroying their very own political and secular system.
There are some who wish that the influx of Muslims and the increasing growth rate of Muslims in Western countries ought to be reversed.
The increasing number of Muslims and their inevitable increase in political and economic influence can no longer be reversed.
Part of the reason why there is an influx of muslims into the western world is due to past colonisation of Muslim lands. Western states colonised and plundered Muslim lands for hundreds of years and thereafter felt obliged to admit these when the various Muslim nations faced persecution and wars (cf seperation of India/Pakistan..persecution and civil war in North Africa etc)
THis is perhaps a classic case of past misdeeds coming to haunt the West.
And since there is no way of reversing the scenario, the West will just have to learn to adapt with the Muslims increasing in numbers and mixing with the population.
I foresee Muslims will over time, slowly gain the acceptance of non-Muslims, provided the Muslims themselves abandon zealous religious extremism.
This can be attained, provided of course justice could be served in Iraq, Palestine and other Muslim countries trampled by the West for the West's self interests.
This choice is left to the political masters of the West. They hold the key to assuage the increasing disattisfaction of Muslims in the West. There must be an about-turn in Western policies on the Middle east and Muslims countries if they were to avoid the scenario of Muslims in the West becoming more hostile to their own governments.
If this is effected into place, then I foresee Muslims and Non-Muslims living amicably in Western countries and integrating freely in the future.
There are some who advocate extreme policies of curtailing the freedom of religion in the West because they foresee that Islam is hell bent on destroying their very own political and secular system.
There are some who wish that the influx of Muslims and the increasing growth rate of Muslims in Western countries ought to be reversed.
The increasing number of Muslims and their inevitable increase in political and economic influence can no longer be reversed.
Part of the reason why there is an influx of muslims into the western world is due to past colonisation of Muslim lands. Western states colonised and plundered Muslim lands for hundreds of years and thereafter felt obliged to admit these when the various Muslim nations faced persecution and wars (cf seperation of India/Pakistan..persecution and civil war in North Africa etc)
THis is perhaps a classic case of past misdeeds coming to haunt the West.
And since there is no way of reversing the scenario, the West will just have to learn to adapt with the Muslims increasing in numbers and mixing with the population.
I foresee Muslims will over time, slowly gain the acceptance of non-Muslims, provided the Muslims themselves abandon zealous religious extremism.
This can be attained, provided of course justice could be served in Iraq, Palestine and other Muslim countries trampled by the West for the West's self interests.
This choice is left to the political masters of the West. They hold the key to assuage the increasing disattisfaction of Muslims in the West. There must be an about-turn in Western policies on the Middle east and Muslims countries if they were to avoid the scenario of Muslims in the West becoming more hostile to their own governments.
If this is effected into place, then I foresee Muslims and Non-Muslims living amicably in Western countries and integrating freely in the future.
AFP 24.05.2007 : Manchester United dump Malaysia match
An invitation to Manchester United to play in Malaysia should not have been extented to the club in the first place whilst FAM is still bound by a contract with AFC.
This goes to show that the FAM and government either does not read agreements or that they do not wish to honour agreements.
Precisely due to this, we have created a problem which is unnecessary. Had they looked into the matter earlier, we would have spared this unnecessary trouble and needless time wasting and not to mention creating a tense relationship between AFC and FAM and the government.
This could have been avoided but instead a problem is created. For what purpose? For nothing..if you ask me. What a waste of time, resources as well as energy.
This is not a mark of good governance.
This goes to show that the FAM and government either does not read agreements or that they do not wish to honour agreements.
Precisely due to this, we have created a problem which is unnecessary. Had they looked into the matter earlier, we would have spared this unnecessary trouble and needless time wasting and not to mention creating a tense relationship between AFC and FAM and the government.
This could have been avoided but instead a problem is created. For what purpose? For nothing..if you ask me. What a waste of time, resources as well as energy.
This is not a mark of good governance.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
The Star:23.05.2007: Women asked to be raped
It is human nature and more specifically that of men that they are attracted to sexy women or sexily dressed women.
Otherwise, why would you have topless bars and nude bars and porn movies?
And of course some men cannot control their desires (due to their mental fault) and the begin to harass women.
So, sexily dressed women do attract the attention of men and may have a cause in the increase in sexually related crimes on women. Having said that, men ought to be able to control their actions. Women dressing sexily is a separate issue from men raping women. However, dressing does play a major role in causing men to be more sexually alert and consequently may play a role in criminal acts.
Otherwise, why would you have topless bars and nude bars and porn movies?
And of course some men cannot control their desires (due to their mental fault) and the begin to harass women.
So, sexily dressed women do attract the attention of men and may have a cause in the increase in sexually related crimes on women. Having said that, men ought to be able to control their actions. Women dressing sexily is a separate issue from men raping women. However, dressing does play a major role in causing men to be more sexually alert and consequently may play a role in criminal acts.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
The Reluctant Politician
This book traces the life of the late Tun Dr.Ismail. For some, especially devout Muslims, there are certain aspects in the book which is rather distasteful which ought to be left out in this sort of biography. I shall not mention what these are ( I will leave it to the reader), and I too think that these aspects do not need mentioning because it might taint the image of this powerful political figure and it does not add anything to the book.
The jist of the book is to portray events surrounding the Tun's political ascendency and decisions that he made and his arguments as regards to various aspects of the formation of a new independent county and policies.
From these events we would learn a great deal just about what the man stood for and his principles.
I am most impressed by his unwavering sense of fairness and justice and his distaste for individuals lacking competence and discipline. I believe these qualities are missing in many politicians these days. His attitude reminds me of headmasters of previous years who were strict and feared by students; who stand by their unwavering sense of duty and discipline. These qualities are seriously lacking in today's world and we ought to urgently bring these back.
If we have more leaders such as the late Tun Dr.Ismail, our country would definitely be ahead of many Asian countries.
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