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Dr Ridhuan Tee Abdullah writing in Mingguan Malaysia (27th December 2009) under the heading “Antara tuduhan penjahat dan jahat” certainly invoked a myriad of responses from the public. Outright, I must admit that I am shocked that such writing came from a learned Muslim like him. To be fair to him, my commentary must be read together with his own original writing in Utusan or the one that is available on The Malaysian Insider. This to ensure that there is no misinterpretation on either side.
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The core content of Dr Tee writing is on the defense of Utusan which has been labeled as a racist newspaper. To make things worse, he uses his creative mind to extrapolate the racism to all staff of Utusan. This is wrong and does not augur well for a man of his stature. He claims people who call Utusan as a racist newspaper can invoke cause serious disharmony among the various ethnic groups in Malaysia. It appears that in his vocabulary, writing a racially seditious article is fine but calling one that writes such article is seditious. Having said that, he is right when he questions why various (opposition at federal level) political party tabloid is not labeled as evil when they write seditious materials?
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I have to agree with Dr Tee that most political tabloids are racist. To this aspect, this includes UMNO, MCA, MIC and other component member’s newsprint as well. PR various tabloid is also in the same league. It is only expected as the political parties in this country are structured along ethnic lines and is not base on values. BN was able to maintain power by juggling the balancing game of productivity and fanning racial sentiments. They invoke the sense of fear among the people from time to time and they also showed as if they are the only good guys that can maintain the racial harmony in this country. They are good at this pulling and pushing game. Unfortunately not many can see it from a helicopter view.
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In a guarded manner, Dr Tee admits that Utusan is also fanning racial sentiments. What Dr Tee failed to highlight is that Utusan is not a political party tabloid that is restricted to its members. It is a newspaper with long historical followers behind it. Based on 2007/2008 newspaper circulation, it commands 13% of market share. This is even ahead of The Star newspaper by 1%. Via its large customer base, it can easily influences the masses. It is also able to enhance the flame of racism far more successfully than any other political tabloids which is only restricted to its members.
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Dr Tee also failed to highlight the fact that Utusan is owned by the powers at-be and appears to have the legal immunity in fanning this racial flames which the other political party tabloid don’t. In my humble view ALL MALAYSIAN must stop thinking and do things along ethnic lines. Malaysia survival as a nation depends on it. If this country fails, those in the country will be doomed.
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Dr Tee also touched on the issue of Islam and ethnic dominance in this country where he hide behind the term of “social contract”. Respectfully, as one Muslim to another I felt his understanding of the matter is too shallow and has been oversimplified. He is looking at it with a tunnel vision. Allah did not create all Malays to be Muslims. Neither did Allah restrict Islam for the Malays only. A person ethnicity and religion is two dichotomous issues. Tee himself is a living example where he is a Muslim (and probably a better Muslim than me) and a Chinese.
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Fact remains that the religious freedom in this country is enshrined in the Federal Constitution (FC). It is engraved in stone. The right of practicing one religion is clear and it is not superior then the other religion despite Islam being the official religion of the country. To use the social contract as the basis of denying others of their right is very wrong and totally un-Islamic. It is a sign of weakness. As a Muslim, I detest those who say that we Muslims are weak. Dr Tee writing had embarrassed me on this matter and I take offense of it. We must appreciate that the term “social contract” is an UMNO recent creation that is being used as a defensive line to ensure their political survival. Legally and socially, such thing does not exist.
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It took me quite a while to figure out, who Dr Tee was targeting in this writing. I felt that it has something to do with Tony Pua questioning our Minister on Federal financial allocation on Islam and other religion in this country. Instead of addressing the matter intelligently, certain quarters made a police report and claim it is to be seditious. What is wrong with us in this country that has led us to a point that we cannot even ask questions? Was it a difficult question that has no answer? I don’t think so.
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Personally, I am not in the position to answer the question posed by Tony as I do not have all the facts. However I can confidently says that the new mosque that was built in Melawati and in Bukit Antarabangsa recently WAS NOT funded by the Federal or State government. The funds came from JAIS which derived its income from Zakat collection from the Muslims in Selangor. There were also some individual donors. I suspect it is the same case with many mosques, churches and temples in this country where it is built based on collections from the members of their religious fraternity. On occasion, the government makes donation to all religious community.
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All religion teaches humans to do good. It is the people who use the religion selectively that made it bad. Rightfully the government must allocate finances for each religion to prosper on an EQUITABLE basis and not on equal basis. Equitability is to be measured on the basis of needs. This is very clear in the FC. We need to understand the FC and apply it accordingly. We SHOULDN’T use the constitution as a political tool to divide and rule this country. The constitution is not design as such. It should be use as AN ADHESIVE to bring people together as one nation.
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Dr Tee had proposed a formula on financial allocation for the various ethnics and religious groups in Malaysia. He suggested that financial allocation is to distribute along religion and ethnic lines based on population ratio. Respectfully, this is probably the worse idea that I have ever heard in my lifetime coming from an academician. I think Dr Tee proposal is far too complex. He should simplify it by just asking the every State in this country to divide the land into along ethnic groups and relocate the people like what India and Pakistan did and tell the people to stay within those borders. The more I read, the more I begin to question this guy sanity.
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I hope the government will not consider Dr Tee view seriously. If they do I believe we are heading for a disaster. I believe Dr Tee had intentionally overlooked the fact that the wealth creation of this nation is not segregated along racial or religious lines. Therefore why the expenditure should be looked in that manner? We cannot be building prayer house on the basis of ethnic distribution. What we should do is to look on the basis of community needs and optimal resources management. If there is really a need to have ten churches in 1 square mile then so be it. Build it. The same goes with building of mosque and temples. The same principles should be applied for burial grounds and other religious related matters.
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Dr Tee relates a story on how a Padre questions him on why Islamic teachings are allowed in schools where as the other religions are not allowed to do the same. Is it wrong to question that he had to resort to such a reaction? This might be a bit sensitive but I will address it in a way that I hope will not anger anyone.
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Personally in my opinion, the Padre is right. I have asked the same questions many years back in my children school. Some non Muslim parent’s questions why their children are being asked to sit at the back of a school assembly and listen to the reciting of Quran and the Yassin by the Ustaz on Friday mornings. I manage then to diffuse the situation by getting the HM to release all the non-Muslim kids to the library and art classes.
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My argument is simple. If we Muslim cannot accept if our children are forced to listen to religious sermon, prayers or Mantras provided by a Padre, monk and Swami, then we should not force it upon them. As a Muslim we must be fair to others. That is what my religious teacher thought me. He never thought me to force other people to accept Islam. Islam is not limited to the ritualistic element. There is more to it that we can use it universally. As a Muslim we must show the true values of the religion that would attract people to it and not focusing on ritualistic elements or creating barriers between Muslim and Non Muslim. The more barriers we create, more non Muslim will stay away from Islam. The Prophet Mohamed pbuh did not create the barrier in his life time. It was the pagan Quraysh who did so but today we are doing the reverse.
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Again, Dr Tee has complicated this simple matter. When I was in primary school, official school hours focused on living skills and the knowledge of arts, science, mathematics, sports and learning social interaction with all my friends. Religious classes were done at the school after school hours. Why did the government change it? It was beautiful system then. One PM came and wanted JQaf and Islam Hadhari and now we have Arabic language program in schools. I have to agree that there is too much Islamic infusion during school hours which is a burden to the non-Muslims. This should not be the case. It should be done after school hours.
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Going by Dr Tee formula, he would want the Christians to be given 9% time allocation for the Christians Padre to preach all the children and the Muslims will be given 60%. What will happen next is that the Ustaz, Swami and Padre will confused all the kids and led them to fight with each other.
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At this point, though I have not addressed all Dr Tee argument is his long article, I felt it is enough. It pains me to read the rest. For the obvious reasons we now can appreciate why Utusan Malaysia hired him as a columnist. He is there to add the necessary fuel to ensure that this beloved nation of ours continues to be divided along ethnic and religious lines. I do not think Utusan will hire people like me.
Hey Doc,
It wasn’t me, it was my colleague Nga Kor Ming
No probs. The argument remains.
Tony
dear dear dear all,
,,,Reading the various comments make one realize/wonder that as if religion is the most poisonous and corrupt scam invented by man to oppress others. !!.
,,,God or Heaven forbid (that) I should do anything illegal – (Dios me libre de hacer nada ilegal)
i rest my case !. merci and ampun ma’af.
Dear Capt,
Just thought I post I final comment on this issue before it becomes obsolute.
You wrote in the other forum ” V.A.” that the POLITICIANS are the SCUMBAGS to use RELIGION to oppress others…., I Agreee…100%
……but my advice…to fellow commentator’s who were harping on the privillages from been Muslim, Malay..or Bumiputra..against the the non privillage Malaysian citizens……, just let it go and let us live life as one in a family.
Those who feel….they need this handicap….as malay, muslims or bumiputras……should be given their opportunity……, for even now they claim these is their born rights.
Let’s move on…., we non malay’s , non muslim’s and non bumi….., togather with those who have been accorded the privillage….., but feel it’s irrelevant….., to learn to be COMPETITIVE…., SINCE IT’S NOW A GOBALIZE WORLD,
If they feel comfortable on not wanting to fish …., but wait for Handouts of Fish….., to bad…..!
We should learn to fish……, so we can have as much as we want….., for a Pauper who knows how to fish will never be hungry…..
…but these guys who are so used to handout of FISH…., with some believing…it will drop through their roofs…., be aware…..these handouts….., will oneday..run DRY….,
then you would become a pauper…..who will not have fish….., because you never wanted to learn fishing…., and I promise you will all be Pauper’s in HUNGER.
Keep your Privillages……, but please don’t ever and never create HATRED…..among Malaysian’s….., we are all ONE Family……
Have you not heard of Muslims and non Muslims…., sharing their organs after their death……, to make other peoples live a full life……..
My FOOD OF THOUGHT FOR 2010……., ” Just Realise We Belong To The Same Creator….”
” HAPPY NEW TO ALL & WISH YOU ALL & YOUR FAMILY THE VERY BEST ”
PS. My GURU……., Bless me on this day as a Brother.
Capt,
Since my reply to you and other commentator’s was removed by Dr Rafick……, I feel it would be nice for Dr. to send it via mail to you and sme relevant commentators.
” Happy New Year To All….Just Hope It Will Be Better Then 2009.”
Dear Dr. Rafick,
Sorry……, if I jump the gun…..it just dissappeared from my screen.
” Happy New Year.” to you , sis and the kid’s
hope all your wishes are fullfilled.
Dear Dr. Rafick,
I don’t know if I should write this….., it’s at your discreation whether to appear as a comment.
A so call Uncle ( a friend of my late father ) who died age 87 in 2006., he told me once when he was about eighty…, and I used to spend sometime with him over the sundays…., he said ” I see you more often then my own children……it’s fate I assume.” then jokingly I ask him…what I should do if he passes away……, and he said
” Just cremate me ….. and dump my ashes in the river.”
Then he told me this ” God did not create one particular Religion for all……., he created them….., when he saw them ready….., ” I assumed it as when we become civilize.
Then he said ” You will know all the true religion send by God by seeing their civilization…., there is only Four ”
Forgive me I was lost….., then he said this part of our world were not even ready for any religion….., thus the war of propagation within the Christian and Muslims…, not knowing that Hinduism and Buddisim ( a sect of Hinduism.. correct me if I’m wrong ) were already starting civilizing the people of the land in this region.
Trust we have in GOD
balasi,
Om Mani Padma Hum – mantra of Avalokiteshvara
Dear Capt,
Again…..please say it in lay men’s term……the other’s will be confused….., not only me.
PS… Never trust a man made of Cotton.
Have a nice day.
balasi,
,,,your uncle is a learned religious man and perhaps he wanted you to know the Buddhists believe that saying the mantra (prayer) Om Mani Padme Hum, invites the blessings of Chenrezig, the embodiment of compassion.
,,,remember what he said to you ?… ” You will know all the true religion send by God by seeing their civilization…., there is only Four ”
,,,May i suggest that you think deeper on many other good advise or saying of his, cos he knows more about the good teaching than you ever realise. You had an interesting kind uncle, from what you wrote.
Note; nothing to mistrust any cotton man (in fact, most call him Guru of peace !)
Dear Capt,
Please no hard or soft feelings….., from the first time I read your comments in this blog……, i knew you were a bro/ mentor ……a a man of virtues….,
PS. – cotton man…..just lepas stress
Thanks for the reply .
The religion that god sent was perfect as in Islam…the misinterpretation by HUMANS has done the DAMAGE..and continues to do so till doomsday, not only here but the world over!
The best example is here in Malaysia…
The word commonly heard and the phrase used is: “Sudah Masuk Melayu!”
In the USA after every Firday Prayer, it will end up with at 3-4 persons becoming a Muslim brother or sister…he or she just recites the Syahadah and that’s it > He ain’t going to be an ARAB for heavens sake!
He remains what he/she is: Black, White, Latino, Chickano!
But in Malaya it is always MASUK MELAYU!
So, this confusion started when Malays, they thought that they were the rightful owners of Islam in this land….so we need to re-educate not only the Muslims but further more enlighten the people who are not muslims.
A single bad muslim gives the whole religion a very very bad name..
I always hear people referring to Tok Guru Nik Aziz as a solid example of a true Muslim, from all walks of life, especially the political parties who once hated and opposed this man so much!
If indeed he has changed their hearts, than his work is effective and fruitful! We must look for good living examples not the BAD apples that we have a lot in this country!
My 5 cents worth, bro,,..!
,,,If one treats everyone else and does everything with integrity, has no fear or worry, he has peace of mind!. His strength/goodness will be beaming throughtout his world and lifetime,,,indeed he has CHARACTER in the highest/noblest form and is one of the most respected and powerful features of a person. Character is even more important than reputation, its like a diamond that scratches every other stone.
,,,Without strength of character, one is reduced to some kind of animal, like a worm or parasite and as such those that have had taken their character for granted, you are just no better than an animal plus parasite to the rest of us !!.
I rest my case….and to some of these not too funny characters yaa !!.
,,,For all the troubles in the world, its the individual not the religion that causes trouble and hardship to fellow human beings.
Dear Capt,
You nailed it……, and we have plenty of them in our midst….., due to brain washing……, Fikiran sempit.., just so stupid and naive like the suicide bombers creating havoc……till it tarnish the name of religion.
Dr,
Akhbar tabloid politik mana yang di hadkan untuk ahli mereka sahaja? Esok saya akan suruh anak jiran saya pergi beli.
Semua agama adalah fundemental . Sekiranya ada agama yang mengalakkan perluasan kepercayaaan agama lain, ada sesuatu yang tidak kena dan salah mengenai agama itu sendiri.
Seperti “King Richard the Lion Heart” dan Sallehuddin Al-Ayubi mereka berdua adalah contoh pemerintah yang benar-benar memahami agama masing-masing.Seperti juga Israel,cuma Israel mengunakan pendekatan menzalimi dari pendekatan berdakwah.
Dr, is it true that if you pay Zakat, you get rebate on your income tax?
I believe I have replied you..
i do agree with u that the national sch is becoming too islamic in a sense that the moment u touch the ground of the sch u could already hear the sound of loud speaker citing the quran. Then during the assebly they baca doa again. Before entering the class another doa. Before starting the lesson another doa. Before going home another doa…..It happened only in the 90s not during my sch days.
I got a small story to relate what had happened in a sch….. this happened in the 80s.
It was the month of ramadan…bulan yang terbaik di antara bulan-bulan lain dlm islam. So one malay lady teacher was given some zakat money to be distributed to poor pupils. In the sch some pupils were rich enough with parents as docs, officers, teachers and so on. So she started to give the money to the malays pupils. Until she reached a class with a chinese pupils. She was a well behave girl. What happened the teacher did not give her the money instead told her the money could not be given to non muslim. She got tears in her eyes…. A girl who is only 10 yrs old what could u expect from her……wish you could say something on zakat collection which i feel unfair to non mulsims interms of tax deductions. In my kg Dr non muslims can donate to the mosque but muslims IS NOT ALLOWED to donate to temples or churches…..
Nasikerabu
I believe logic will show that to make a donation it is matter of personal preferences. Certainly priority must be given your own religion. I believe all faith also practice the same.
Dr. Rafick,
You are wrong in this sense. As far as Buddhism is concerned, we donate on compassionate ground to all, not just to Buddhists only.
Do you know during the tsunami, a Buddhist organisation, Tzu Chi Foundation, http://www.tzuchi.org/ is the very first one to response to help out the victims, especially in Aceh, Sumatra. You can know more about this by watching the Da Ai TV programme http://www.newdaai.tv/.
What I cannot understand is that why God believers praise their God as “compassionate” and yet the followers themselves only compassionate to their fellow believers, not non-believers. I don’t mean this applies to all God believers, certainly there are some exceptions.
Would you care to give your view on this? Thanks in advance
A True Malaysian
Are you sure i am wrong?. I think you misunderstood what I had written. Please read again.
Dr. Rafick,
You commented “Certainly priority must be given your own religion. I believe all faith also practice the same.”
Buddhists do not practice that. If he or she do, then he or she doesn’t practice the Dharma, i.e. Buddha’s teachings.
A True Malaysian
I was talking from an individual point of view.
Some people donate RM10 to one mosque,RM10 to one temple and RM 10 to one church.
Others donate RM 10 only to temple or merely donates to whatever charity he likes. That is personal preferences.
If a budhist has RM 10 and there a mosque and a temple in front of him, would he donate Rm 5 to each prayer house or he will donate to mosque or temple. I believe a buddist will give to his temple. Maybe you are different where you would split equally to all the prayer house.
Many people have misconception of Buddhism, Buddhist inclusive.
Likewise, many Muslims claim they are true Muslims, but in actual fact, they are not.
I recommend you, Dr. Rafick, and all readers here, to visit this blog “Life Is Like That” http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ in order to understand more about Buddha’s teachings.
We Buddhists do not believe in “conversion”. You are what you are. It is the essence of putting its teachings into practice, that is what matters to Buddhists.
Religions are just “labels” to us, and can be very divisive to mankind if we over-zealously try to impress others that our beliefs are the true ones, while others are false.
To me, donation is on compassionate ground. Big or small amount doesn’t matter so long you have the heart in doing so.
In the case related by nasikerabu, if the teacher counted the little girl in, definitely that will bring much goodwill on Islam to all.
Helping each other compassionately irrespective of race and religion is what we human, especially Malaysians need to do to foster goodwill among us. If we can do that, politicians will have no openings to play around with race and religions politics.
In the case of Dr. Redhuan Tee, he is not a politician, yet he is playing politics. You have my utmost respect for speaking against Dr. Redhuan Tee, Dr. Rafick.
Cheers.
I agree with the very fact that “MONEY is never RELATED to RELIGION”.
RELIGION IS A PROFOUND FEELING THAT BRINGS PEACE AND HARMONY, WITH MANKIND”. GURU NANAK. SUARA 1 PAGE 1. GURU GRANTH SAHIB, “EK O ANG KAR”.
ALL THESE FEELINGS ARE GENERATED TRUE SERVICE IN ANY FORMS, THAT BRINGS US NEARER TO A BLISSFUL LIFE.
dr amrit,
,,,there is no such thing as a really rich victim !,,,and for every giver there must be a receiver, and for every receiver there must be giver.
hahaha,,,I am an excellent receiver. I an open and willing to receive massive amounts of money into my life !!,,but I choose not, but just for love and honesty. What’s money ??…. you/I can’t bring it to our grave yaa ??.
Capt,,
Money is evil,
Money is friend,
Money is also that,
revolves the world around,
Should we be living greedily,
without any feelings for human, enviroment and animals.
Dear Dr. Rafick,
You made a mistake here….., you should have corrected Nasikerabu……., it was not duit Zakat but could have been just duit raya.
dr armit again hi hi !!
,,,talking about money !!
“rich people have their money work hard for them yaa !! but poor people work hard for their money !?.”…and are healthier in health and body for it too BUT rich people are healthy in their bank and mind…..So balance -lah !!
,,,hopefully no one is straving in our country, if they really do, something is very wrong somewhere. In fact, I notice lots of wastage in the nation of ours…plus leakage too !!.
,,,the trick is to get educated !!, indeed very simple just read alot and focus from ‘active’ income to ‘passive’ income and don’t wait to buy real estate, buy real estate and wait !!. hahaha. actions, actions, and more actions shall lead to results. To the dreamers pls wake-up and act on it-lah. Geee !!…..o.k just 26 hrs and 7 mins to the new year and counting…… hahahaha.
Dear nasikerabu,
You got all the fact’s wrong….., a teacher does not dispurse duit zakat……, it might be just that she wanted to give Duit raya to the muslim students who have fasted for about 26 days. It’s her money…., she decides who she want’s to give it to..
Mightbe she was wong in doing it openly…., she could have just call the muslim students to the teachers room.
PS. Just to add, f I was her/him…….., I would have given it to all……., duit raya saja mah !…., lebih lebih seringgit……, ini bukan daging KHEKAH….., itu pun tenguk tempat orang bukan islam bolih rasa.
To All,
Duit Zakat…..became a issue…., when the Selangor Government wanted to use it for the wellfare of all and our HRH the Sultan of Selangor disagreed….., so subject Close.
Zakat and donations …..are two different things…., we have to digest that before we comment…., some might have over look….., correct me if I’m wrong…..duit ehsan…, itu tentu donation.
So close this and jump to the next issue.
balasi,
,,,Zakat is the most powerful tool for social justice and poverty alleviation. Islam had it compulsory on all Muslims who have balance of money in cash or kind after one year and after all expenditures are met. Ramadan is the best month for taking stock of the wealth and distribute amongst the deserving people as prescribed in the Holy Qur’an.
ameen.
Dear Capt,
When it’s compulsory….., it’s not a Donation…. it’s a must….., whether you like it or not….., then again it was meant for derserving people and not all. It was meant for all, irrespective of the orgin, race and religion.
Rest my case…..please carry it to a another level.
Dear Capt,
The second last sentenance shoul read ” meant to be distributed to all deserving human’s……
dr. rafick,
your point on #15 was right. that where the ayat quran which mean “tiada paksaan dalam agama” is applicable. and that ayat quran was meant for that. not for other purpose. we can preach but we cant force. if the kids have an option that the way it is.
He cannot be a better muslim than you. Islam does not teach to differentiate by skin colours or races. How can he claimed to be a devout muslim if he kept on harping on skin colours or races. It is against the teaching of Islam. Although I am a non-muslim, I believe racism is a form of sin in Islam. He claimed he believe in Islam’s Allah but only obey selectively. Why he chose to embrace Islam? Only he knew but wasn’t it obvious?
I believe racism is a sin in every religion. Correct me if I am wrong, please.
Not only racism but also discrimination against anyone
Yes, agreed racism is a sin in whatever religions. I was refering to Islam because this guy professed to be muslim and an ustaz and yet racist in nature. People like them are the one who gave God a bad name. No wonder people are turning away from God.
Gentelment/Ladies,,
I am an ardent traveller in this and other regions of this
MA BUMI or MOTHER EARTH.
Why is Racialism very prominent among Malaysian Muslims, but not in any other parts of the world, where Islam is also a Religion?
So why fear other religions or races?
Normally, its FEAR FACTOR that causes man to respond to danger, but if your ‘IMAN and DHARAM’ is strong in your heart and mind, then there is nothing to fear about.
FEAR only TRANSPIRES, when there is LACK of KNOWLEDGE WHICH, CAUSES LACK OF UNDERSTANDING and INFORMATION, IN THE LANGUAGE TO UNDESTAND, THIS RESULTS INTO LOST OF CONFIDENCE.
Why do you think the MOE is emphassising on BM (So there is No progress) in Schools rather than ENGLISH (is of Knowledge)
As it is always a fact that, NO RELIGION DESPISES, ANOTHER HUMANS IMAN AND DHARAM’.
Are other races and religions stipulated as H1N1, Swines, or Leprous, by the Holy Quran?
Is it that Muslims in Malaysia being a fact that the Holy Quran,
which is written by Arabic Characters and in Arabic Language, is not comprehensable by them, thus resulting in uncomforming practices to the holy religion?
Is it that the people who are aware or do understand the language are interpreting, the “HOLY QURAN” in the wrong stance, of course with due respects to Nik Aziz, Ex-Mufti of Perlis and so many that I have heard, the good of the HOLY QURAN?
IN ANY RELIGION THERE ARE TWO VERY STRONG TENETS “IMAN AND DHARAM”.
Both these tenets are in an individual’s self. If you dispell them by not comprehending, the messages of a Holy Bible in the right sense, any individual will interprete in his own knowledge of understanding and this is when Catastrophy of Human Being Begins.
We can see this in countries near to us in, Pakistan Yesterday, when Shi’ite Muslims were holding a Religious Procession Al,Quaida Muslims Bombed and killed 43 innocent people in broad daylight.
Couldn’t the Killing Muslim Brother, realise of the Muslim Procession, whom he/she has just killed, were
PEOPLE OF A RELIGION?
WHAT WRONG HAS ANY RELIGION DONE TO THE HUMAN MANKIND?
ARE WE LIVING IN THE LAW OF THE JUNGLE?
Dr Rafick
Some mis-use their intelligence due to ego or political purposes but Dr Rafick, you speak with wisdom. I choose those with wisdom regardless of race and religion.
The thing is, a non-Malay can becomes a Malay legally according to the FC, but, in essence, he is not a Malay.
I wonder what Dr. Tee regards himself as, Chinese or Malay. I hope he can clarify that.
Dear Dr Rafick,
Thank you for your insightful and very rational article. It’s refreshing to read such a balance and fair article on matters related to religion and race.
I just have a question to ask, which maybe you or your readers can help answer.
When a non-Bumiputra (Malaysian of Chinese, Indian, etc) embraces Islam, is he/she immediately recognized as a Bumiputra thus able to enjoy whatever privileges associated with that status?
If not, what about his/her children? Will they be recognized as Bumiputras?
I see a loop hole that benefit-seeking individuals can exploit the situation. Assuming I embrace the Islamic faith and accepted the name Mohd Redzuan Lim Abdullah. When my children come, I can name them Taufik Mohd Redzuan and Fauziah Mohd Redzuan etc. Isn’t it hard to tell they are ‘real’ Bumiputra or otherwise.
Thank you.
Dear Lim
(1) In actual fact, Islam does not requires you to change your name to a Malay name. You can still retain your old name+”son of Abdullah”. Unfortunately it is our country law that says that you need to change your name. I believe it comes under lthe aws related to National Registration Department.
(2) To answer your other question whether you can become a Malay after becoming a Muslim, a quick answer is YES provided you meet the definition under Clause 2, Article 160 Constitution of a Malaysia. The article defines a Malay as a Malaysian citizen born to a Malaysian citizen who professes to be a Muslim, habitually speaks the Malay language, adheres to Malay customs, and is domiciled in Malaysia or Singapore
(3) The keyword here is (a) born to a Malaysian citizen (b) a Muslim (c) habitually speaks the Malay language (d)adheres in to Malay customs (e) lived in Malaysia or Singapore. Once you become a Malay, then you automatically become a Bumiputra. The term Bumiputra was created by Tunku. It is a concept that embodies the Malays and the Natives of this land as one group. The word itself is not used in the constitution. It recognized the “special position” of the Malays provided in the Federal Constitution of Malaysia, in particular Article 153. Unfortunatley the definitions of bumiputra in public use vary among different institutions, organizations, and government departments,agencies and the man in the street.
So, to answer your question again. Yes you can become a Malay and automatically be recognize as a Bumiputra after you meet the Article 160 of the FC. There is no loophole. The law was intended as such for anyone to become a Malay if he choses to be.
Trust this clarifies
Drrafick, if I may add some inputs (may or may not be agreed by others)
Art. 160 (extracts from the Federal Constitution reprint 2006)
(Clause 2): “Malay” means a person who professes the religion of Islam, habitually speaks the Malay language, conforms to Malay custom and —
(a) was before Merdeka Day born in the Federation or in Singapore or born of parents one of whom was born in
the Federation or in Singapore, or is on that day domiciled in the Federation or in Singapore; or
(b) is the issue of such a person;
My layman interpretation ….
Scenario 1 (Pre Merdaka)
——————————
1. Mr.X(a non_Malay) was born in 1956 before Merdaka day to a Buddhist family.
In 1975, he decided to convert to Islamic faith. He’s thus a Muslim.
BUT Mr.X cannot be defined as a Malay as he didn’t fulfill clause 2, AND either one of subclause (a) or subclause (b) above.
(However, if Mr X was born to a Muslim family then, by definition of A160, he is a Malay)
2. Now, let’s say same Mr X married a muslim girl in 1976. They had a child in 1978.
That child according to existing Malaysian laws can be defined as a Malay, since the child fulfill Clause 2 AND sub-clause (b)
Scenario 2 (Post Merdeka).
——————————-
Mr Z was born in 1980 to a Hindhu family. In 2005, he decided to embrace Islam. He is a Muslim, BUT he is NOT a Malay.
Perhaps, some readers or constitutional experts can enlighten us layman regarding the definitions.
For refresher, Rewind few months back …
Remember some Mamak Muslim groups wanted the Govt to give them Bumiputra status, and also allow them to join UMNO ??
UMNO said NO …. cos UMNO is a MALAY organisation.
Same answer given to the Chinese Muslim converts who wanted to join UMNO (for whatever reasons or benefits…).
Bottom line – being a Muslim doen’t automatically means a Malay.
Classic example – The legendary boxer Cassius Clay embraced Islam and his name was Mohamad Ali.
So Is he a Malay, or He’s not a Malay, right ?
Yeah..it’s a bit long winded …just hope it makes sense.
GhostBuster,
The best thing to do is to drop the definition TOTALLY from the FC.
If one is a Malay, he or she is a Malay
If one is a Muslim, he or she is a Muslim
Why need to be defined? Agree?
Zaid Ibrahim’s “Saya pun Melayu”. To me, that is the Melayu I know of, not according to FC definition.
I cherish those Malay values that fast diminishing. I found such values in Art Harun, Haris Ibrahim, Khalid Ibrahim and of course Dr. Rafick here.
“…the new mosque that was built in Melawati and in Bukit Antarabangsa recently WAS NOT funded by the Federal or State government. The funds came from JAIS which derived its income from Zakat collection from the Muslims in Selangor.”
“..In Malaysia, there is a rebate in income tax for money paid to the government in form of “zakat”, or the obligatory alms Muslims must give to the poor.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_religion_in_Malaysia)
if wikipedia is not missing the entire picture, zakat is meant to help the poor. besides, a rebate on the tax due to zakat means loss of public revenue. (mind you it’s a REBATE, not relief)
in that case, the loss of public revenue was channeled to the building of new mosques in Bukit Antarabangsa – and the public still consists of muslims and non-muslims.
anything to add?
Dear Kookgeek
What you describe is something that is provided by the law. The contribution to zakat authorities is treated no differently as any donation by individuals to approved charitable organization. Many churches and temples sets up a similar organization and seek approval for tax exemption for donors from Income tax department and approval is usually give. In all cases, the tax payor can apply for tax deductions.
In this aspect the law is color blind. Trust this clarifies.
This man an ustaz to boot, is alike a false prophet. He uses islam for his own selfish gain. His conversion is not from the heart but for material gains. By being fluent in bahasa (like many of us kelantanese) doesnt make us a malay. Being eloquent in english doesnt make me an englishman.
His ability to argue 1sided and fan racial hatred is his forte. I have listened to him beforeand my muslim/malay friends are equally incredulous by the religious words and hatred this man can spew.
I wonder if hs children are given the bumiputra status…that of course was part of his material gain…
Dear Dr.R
It was Ngeh Koo Ham who raised the mosque issue in parliament, and not Tony Pua. Anyway why even bother to reply to this moron, opportunist by bringing yourself to his level, which is so low. He is really doing great damage to what the PM is trying to do via his 1Malaysia concept.
Really, hmmm.. oops.. Boo Boo on me!
Dr Tee is a convert and what a way to prove his loyalty to UMNO and Islam.
Frankly I am not surprised that Dr Tee is a product of Malaysian educational system.
I have fond memories of the days gone by where Malay were able to mingle with other races without any fear or suspicions – those P Ramlee days!
Material wealth and power have probably brought the worst out of many Malays especially UMNOputras. Many non-Malays too are attracted by such perks and who can blame them joining the gravy train. So far Malaysia was able to afford so much leakages but for how much longer?
Many have migrated and who can blame them. I should know because I am an immigrant, not in Malaysia but in UK.
Would Tee embrace Islam if there were no perks for his offspring?
We can test the sincerity of non-Malay Muslim converts if offspring of converts are not accorded bumiputra status.
Azli
As much as I dont agree with his views, I believe his intention to convert has nothing to do with perks for him or his offspring.Lets stay objective in commenting.
This is subjective, you cant read his thoughts either way. But looking at his writings, he wants to be Malay Muslim which he is not and will never be. Why? is the big question, something obvious will be the special position of the Malays and the exploitation of this constitutional special position by the Umnoputras.
Anyway, all this Malay, not Malay thing stinks and there should only be a Malaysian (its been several generations now). Ethnicity should take a back seat and it will (together with racism) once all things are equal and assistance is given on need based and not a privileged position.
????
he is a prick not worth to reply his stupid article. Our land…hello since when it is your land la, your were not Malay when you were born and youare not Malay either except the constitution says so. but then you do not respect the constitution. Just another ball carrier trying to advance his career. Islam is a lot greater than Tee can imagine in his small mind. and the malays are much more refine than him.
I believe Dr Tee views in Utusan
(1) Was not about defending himself
(2) He certainly defended Utusan and attacked PR(or its component party)
(3)He defended Islam with a very narrow view which indirectly has defamed islam
(4) He defended the rights of the Malays which is provided by the constitution
(5) He looks at rights of the non malays from a negative perspective
(6) He oppresses the non malays in his writings
(7) Provided a barbaric solution that is probably fit to be applied a 1000 years ago.
Dr. R,
I beg to differ and I think you are being myopic here
myblog
I agree to disagree
Hmm … Just wondering.
In this Land of Confusion ……. what comes out from Utu Sense….. make Non Sense !
Then again, what else to expect … nothing but mostly Moo moo here, and Moo moo there .
Many are sick and tired of the pitch made by the cows with their moo-ings noises, plus the stinking shit droppings !
Better have them quarantined in isolation out in some far away farms.
Otherwise the whole country may be infected by the highly contagious Foot and Mouth disease !!!
Year 2009 will be gone in about 48 hours.
A New Year (2010) resolution …. Go away, you silly cow or the Bull (named The Redo One ).
Spain will be a good place , and the Matadors will love to have this Bull in the bull-ring, Yes?
Ole’ Ole’ senor !
read malaysia insider -http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/opinion/breaking-views/47878-ridhuan-tee-do-not-be-kiasi–george-lee
dont worry, doc.
tell the racist i wont build a big graveyard at his expense.
when i die, only my ashes will remain. and i will tell my kids to take along with it in their new country. no, no big deal. people like tee must have a bigger palyground. for me, who am i but an immigrant. let the slit eye has bigger space. i wont fight.why should i?
Dear Dr. Rafick,
Would you agree with me that Religion is not Race base…, it belongs to everyone….., and we are only answerable to GOD.
I sincerely feel that this Dr.R.TEE……, was brain wash.., like another preacher from Klang (Indian)….., to just make the non malays feel uncomfortable.
So…the Goon’s will have their SAY.!
balasi,
,,,unfortunately the nation’s LEADERSHIPs have not carried out an serious study and professional analysis i.e. by a team of sociologists or behavioural scientists on the malaysians’ ethical codes & value systems of all the races in our country. The bloody politicians in the past and presently are claiming the right to make such final judgements of their own and when challenged by the rakyat, its normal comment is that its sensitive AND if we push it harder, we will be ISA…. BULL shit-kan!!.
,,,maybe via blogging, we can throw more light on this little understood so called not so funny SENSITIVITY subject in an mature manner, if nothing else, it might at least help all malaysians to understand/appreciate the subject better !?. If NOT why NOT yaa ?…nothing to lose But lots to gain, if you were to ask me….very value added-kan.?.
I rest my case.
Dear Folks, suggest you guys go read at his web site directly, so many other articles written to charge up goons and created hatred amongst the races!( RIDHUAN TEE )…
this DR RT is a dangerous character…he is holding on to a ticking time bomb..if it explodes or implodes it is ok, and if he is the only casualty then its fine…
What worries me is that a lot or pea brains out there who are “ultra kiasu dan kiasi” trust and believe what he says!
I hope Dr. Tee knows what he is doing. There is a saying: “An act that needs repentance is not act worth doing.”
I am saddened and not pleased by DR Ridhuan Tee’s article and the commentaries/condemnations that followed there on.
Religious and racial are touchy subject. No religion and race will give in and we all better learn to appreciate this basic order if we wish to live peacefully in a multi racial country like Malaysia.
What is utmost importance is to practise religious and racial tolerances. Why cannot we accept our diversity , work in strenghtening the bond that we are as Malaysian, the spirit of co-operation that we can and should foster together.
Till the cows come home we will still remain different religions and different races in 1 Malaysia.
well said
We need to put things right, this guy is giving Islam a bad name by his stupid justifications and reasoning!
He gives Islam a bad taste, a real bad name and a very bad image indeed!
That is why Islam is being hated all over the world, because of a few idiots!
He is an recognized Uztaz, reputed to be learned and well read, he has appeared on airways, TV and hosted forum Perdana at one time!
His credentials are supposed to be good, and people trust him and his words.
That is the damaging thing he is doing! Not telling the truth!
He has gone against the true and real teachings of ISLAM…!
We cannot allow him to propagate HATE !
Islam does not propagate hate!
Poor guy is a jobless man and he needs work desperately!
His PHD is a waste, wonder how he got it and where he got it from?
Suggest UPNM conduct and inquiry, he is a government officer and he speaks for who?
Why is it so?
He is a shame he was born a cina apek!
He wants to be a melayu!
He wants to be like Bosnia – have a civil war along religious and ethnic lines, he is a dangerous war monger dressed as uztaz and lecturer in UPNM
Lets check if the trainees in UPNM thinks like him.
If this country have future military leaders with his kind of thinking, we will all be doomed!
drrafick,
,,,just sharing and my take ?
,,,,same here buddy, am not that religious too myself in practice but strong in faith in all religions in/across the world at large…but as i aged am getting closer & closer to the Almighty both in spiritual plus ritual practise and practice-lah.
,,,for some appreciation of many religious practices, like meditation, yoga and vegetarianism, are undertaken for a spiritual purpose. This tends to be thought to characterize Eastern religion more than Western. Perhaps this comes from the perception that Eastern religion is more marked than Western religion by mysticism. This perception might be true to some degree,but even Western religious traditions that eschew mystical practices often have many practices and rituals which could count as a ‘spiritual practice.’
,,,In any case, Western religions, speaking generally, tend to focus on professed theological ideas more than in the east.
,,,The Islamic salat, for example, confesses the shahada, and Christian prayer in its many forms often focuses on God, God’s character, Christ, or the surroundings of the person praying.
,,,By contrast, Buddhist meditation focuses on deepening our experience and understanding of the mind or of Buddha, these things often being understood to be the same thing. In Zen practising koans focuses on the contemplation of unsolvable paradoxes as a tool for the emptying of the mind or no-self.
,,,am bloody lucky in the sense that I was brought up in an open minded family, my dad sends all his children to various types of school, in my case to ASC Ipoh where-by I attended christian classes in the morning and islamic studies in the evening, it was not compulsory for me to attend the christian classes but was encouraged by my dad to learn other religions while at that tender age too !. There is a Hindu temple close to our home too and I was allowed to participate/join in many of their religious activities with my hindu friends. My late mother’s side of the family has Thai/Indian blood and some of her relatives are still Buddhist and I learn more about Buddhism too later in life for better appreciation of the good teachings of Lord Buddha too. In fact, I brought my wife to Bangkok way back in 1983 to appreciate more about the teachings too. She studied in the Convent School in Alor Star, Kedah, as such is very open minded on religious matter, she is a very devoted Muslim both in ritual & practice as compared to myself that I must admit-lah !.
,,,For all the troubles in the world, its the individual not the religion that causes trouble and hardship to fellow human beings. I silently hope and pray for all to open their hearts to Almighty GOD and to practise kindness to fellow beings/animals/plants and be greatful at all times while/for being born to taste the fresh air and sunshine as one live b4 one pass away finally.
,,,Life and living is/are very precious and time limited. Lets make the best of our day and have peace of mind and best of health always.
,,,One of my best of friends is a Jew and we don’t have any issues regarding religion ?!. True ! why should we ?.
,,,Mind you, am color blind too ,,,,,hahaha !!.,,,,,,perhaps kind of an Adonist too on an island in the middle of the South China Sea somewhere ?. Talking about the South China sea, in fact it was Admiral Cheng Ho plus others from China too that also brought and propagated Islam to the Malays in the early days when they were Hindus/Buddhist and Idol worshippers.
,,,My great grand father was from China too.
You ACS boy…. what year. Was Brian the hockey coach there, then.
dr,
,,,yap ! he was my English teacher/discipline master/hockey coach plus one hell of a story teller too…back in 1964 to 1966 b4 i left for TI Penang/Polytechnic Ungku Omar Ipoh and to the rest !!!!. hahaha…indeed a bloody small world yaa dr ?…IPOH mali mah !!. hehehe.
ipoh mali ma
Dr Rafick! Are you from ACS? I’m from SPM class of ’91. If I remember correctly, I think that was about the last one or two years that Mr Brian was on the school teaching staff. After he left, the school’s discipline just went downhill…I’ll never forget his Hitler look!
Dear Capt,
What more to say…? If only we had more of you and Dr. Rafick among our midst…., not only your Kapas but Malaysia on the whole will be Heaven
By the way ….please prepare for the next election…, symbol Pirate tak bolih……so we use Symbot (C=L*W)
Have a nice day Capt.
balasi,
,,,the secret for our country future success is for all the races be integrated, not only would RACIAL politics becoming more restrictive or anachronistic but racial political parties would definitely plus indisputable fail to gather support or to even survive in Malaysia.!!. Trust me on this yaa..buddy.
,,,just form an TRULY INTEGRATED Party and its the way forward for all Malaysian…..and vote me in as PM hahaha.!! Whatever & Whichever we have NOW are just bloody nonsense….ALL of them indeed.
I admit I did not bother to read the whole article of Dr Rafflick and the Tee fella, or rather an insult to the other deserving PhD
Just off my mind:
1) Dr Tee would not write for free; calculated stupidity and narrow mindedness have its market in M’sia despite the recent calls for economic reform by the Najib administration
2) I wonder how Tee’s Chinese New Year celebration with his Chinese family is year on year, and by the way, I wonder what race he chosen his spouse from, assuming he actually has 1
3) Tee does not deserve such attention & space. I would equal his ranting like a mad dog barking at a passing lorry but can Malaysians, like the lorry, leaves the barking dog choking on dust?
This guy is now lost. Forgive him, for he has gone astray.
How is it possible that a man should belong to Allah and at the same a victim of corruption?
Dear Dr Rafick,
I have on many occasions been close to tears reading the hate messages of Ustaz Tee. Tears for many reasons – why so much hate, why so much angst, and why let his cross be born by all Malaysian Chinese? His personal conflicts are incredibly channeled to the detriment of his genetic-kins. How can a man who professes his devotion to an loving God called Allah do this to people whom he does not even know personally. Something must be very wrong.
I thank God for your message because helps me to have a balanced picture of Islam. Of Malays. The caricature of a Malay Muslim sketched by Dr Tee is a weak, mentally under siege and delusional of grand achievements (borrowed images of a grand race called the Arabs).
Thanks.
Colin Wong,
This guy can carry with him a PHD…., only God knows who accorded it to him….., but this MORON …., with the credentials with him don’t even know the difference of Race, Place of Orgin and Religion.
Pathetic….a STUPID MSM like UTUSAN MELAYU can offer this idiot a place as a BALLS LICKING COLUMNIST.
This Arsehole needs to REPENT,
Our ustaz Tee forgot to propose :
1. Muslims should pay 60% of total tax and non-muslim 40%
2. 40% of all land in Malaysia should be given to non-muslims
3. Non-muslim get 40% of money given by the Government to religious entities.
4. University quotas should restrict bumi students to 60% enrolment not like 70 – 80% right now.
Dr Tee, do you want these?
Just a question.
He is a lecturer in the National Defence University of Malaysia in Sg.Besi ??
Doing what….a preacher ???
With his type of mindset, wonder what propaganda had been dished out all this while.
He should be kicked out of that place before more damage is done to our young cadets studying there !
Ghostbuster,
Damage has been done over years….., damage control will also have problems……, once doctrine…..difficult to erase.,
One more generation gone to waste…., have to start picking the pieces…., for this is no ordinary Uni…., we are talking about the future Army leaders here.
It is fortunate, 10 out of 10 of my Malay friends from the rural Malay heartland dismissed this Tee article as rubbish. Some even label him as kurang ajar and malukan orang kaum Melayu.
It seems ordinary kampung folks has more common sense than him and his strings of degrees.
Thanks Dr. Rafick for a neatly well written article. I was just wondering to myself, why everything have to bring in religion’s together. Religion is between Him and me only. No body can force us what we want to choose and believe in.
Dear Dr. Rafick,
I just hate to comment on this……, just suffice for me to say that new converts…..alway’s act and try to be perfect Muslims….., and in this case this particular MORON of a Chinamen wanted to prove he was more Malay then the Malay’s just like the Indian Muslim you know who.
Dr Rafick, I would like to Thank you specifically for voicing out as a Muslim. Like Art Harun in his response to Dr R. Tee, I am very glad that you voice out, so that the comments will be viewed as just instead of defensive.
This is very important because in some of my experience trying to explain or seek clarification on certain Islamic issue, they will response that they-know-better-than-you because I am new in the religion and obviously not a malay – to them a fact they believe deeply that a born muslim practices better (if not perfect) Islamic practice.
This is just some of my worse personal experiences while I have good Muslim friends who are not bias and always shower me with kindness and genuine friendship.
it pains me too. the journey of my “conversion” to Islam is constantly filled with such challenges which is illogical to a logical mind. For a start, the term conversion implies that the person is denouncing his/her previous religion in order to become a Muslim, which may not necessary be the case.
The greatest challenges I encountered so far is the fact that they cannot differentiate race from religion. so they automatically assumed that by becoming a Muslim, I will have to act like a Malay, speak like a Malay and some of the times, expect me to dress like a Malay.
It therefore pains me more, when Dr Ridhuan Tee, a learned Chinese Islamic scholar behaves as such.
Dear Citizen,
Please address this to our Former Indian Muslim PM.
That “Dr” looks like a muslim scholar, sounds like a muslim scholar but inside, he’s all ultra UMNO sycophant . He must be pretty miffed being born of a non-malay parent (guess he wants to be like Mahathir and forsake his ancestry!).
Shudder to think this type of lecturers are shaping the mind of our youths and indoctrinating them with his brand of “narrow minded” Islam too…. He clearly is in the same league as “Dr” Rais Yatim, both have PhD but the PhD really meant “Person having Delusions”. Just the kind TDM likes them.
Nick,
This Dr. R.Tee….., is actually sick…., a ball licker if I could call him for he does not serve God or Proh. Mohd. PBUH,
he serves the UMNO Dogs.