Perkasa, a non-governmental organization (NGO) supposedly representing Malay rights has proven that it is very biased. The Malayan-based English language daily, The Star reported that Perkasa, through its Secretary-General has made a police report against the newspaper.
Syed Hassan Syed Ali in his report claimed that The Star has insulted a court decision through one of its articles which questioned a recent court decision.
In January this year, Perkasa staged a demonstration outside the Federal Territory Mosque in Kuala Lumpur to protest a court decision allowing the Roman Catholic Church to use the term "Allah" in its newsletter, The Herald.
Was that not an insult to a court decision?? Which is more insulting? To hold a demonstration in front of a place of worship carrying placards or writing an article in the newspaper?
Perkasa has proven that it is nothing but an empty garbage can!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Boy Caned By Teacher, But Father Investigated
The Daily Express today reports that Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz has asked the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) to ascertain the religious status of a Sarawakian man.
This is because the man's 10-year old son was recently caned ten times by a teacher for consuming pork sausages in school. The boy's mother had packed him the lunch for school. Now, what is interesting is instead of concentrating on action against the teacher and ensuring that this incident does not recur, Datuk Nazri has asked JAKIM to investigate the status of the boy's father.
This was due to allegations by an independent Member of Parliament, Zulkifli Nordin that the boy's father Baginda Minda is a Muslim. Baginda has since refuted Zulkifli's claim.
Now, even if the boy's father was a Muslim, the teacher has no right to cane the boy. Sarawak like Sabah is a secular state according to the Malaysia Agreement. And even if the teacher concerned wanted to impose Sharia law on the boy, he should have reported the matter to the relevant religious authorities. The teacher has no right to impose punishment on any student. And eating pork in schools is not a crime.
What is most saddening is that this has happened in Borneo which is known for its religious tolerance. And even more saddening is the establishment where the incident occured; a Christian missionary school!
This is because the man's 10-year old son was recently caned ten times by a teacher for consuming pork sausages in school. The boy's mother had packed him the lunch for school. Now, what is interesting is instead of concentrating on action against the teacher and ensuring that this incident does not recur, Datuk Nazri has asked JAKIM to investigate the status of the boy's father.
This was due to allegations by an independent Member of Parliament, Zulkifli Nordin that the boy's father Baginda Minda is a Muslim. Baginda has since refuted Zulkifli's claim.
Now, even if the boy's father was a Muslim, the teacher has no right to cane the boy. Sarawak like Sabah is a secular state according to the Malaysia Agreement. And even if the teacher concerned wanted to impose Sharia law on the boy, he should have reported the matter to the relevant religious authorities. The teacher has no right to impose punishment on any student. And eating pork in schools is not a crime.
What is most saddening is that this has happened in Borneo which is known for its religious tolerance. And even more saddening is the establishment where the incident occured; a Christian missionary school!
Friday, November 5, 2010
BN Wins Batu Sapi
The Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition has won the Batu Sapi by-election through Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS). Its candidate Datin Linda Tsen garnered 9,773 votes while Ansari Abdullah of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) polled 3,414 votes. The Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) gained 2031 votes through its candidate Datuk Yong Teck Lee.
It is no wonder the BN won as North Borneo Herald had earlier stated that the percentage of illegal citizens in Batu Sapi is high. These illegal citizens have no sense of patriotism to the country as they are actually foreigners. And fearing they may get deported if the government party loses, it is only natural that they voted overwhelmingly for BN.
North Borneo Herald wishes BN a hearty congratulations and hopes Datin Linda Tsen would do her best for her constituency. As for PKR and SAPP they are only dreaming if they think they can win areas with foreigner-majority unless they come up with an extremely brilliant strategy, which is highly unlikely.
It is no wonder the BN won as North Borneo Herald had earlier stated that the percentage of illegal citizens in Batu Sapi is high. These illegal citizens have no sense of patriotism to the country as they are actually foreigners. And fearing they may get deported if the government party loses, it is only natural that they voted overwhelmingly for BN.
North Borneo Herald wishes BN a hearty congratulations and hopes Datin Linda Tsen would do her best for her constituency. As for PKR and SAPP they are only dreaming if they think they can win areas with foreigner-majority unless they come up with an extremely brilliant strategy, which is highly unlikely.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Of Interfering In Other Religions
Mohd Hisamudin Yahaya, a representative of the United Malays National Organization's (UMNO) youth wing from its Putrajaya* division has lodged a police report against Lim Kit Siang, the advisor of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) for supposedly labelling UMNO members as infidels. This was reported by Bernama.
Lim Kit Siang has since denied the allegations, and has many credible alibis and witnesses to prove that he was not at the place where such words were uttered.
However what is interesting here is what Mohd Hisamudin said to the press regarding his police report against Lim Kit Siang according to Bernama. He said "It was clearly an act of provocation and against the constitution, which states that people of other religions cannot interfere with a community's religious faith".
In that case this Mohd Hisamudin should ask, why then did the Home Ministry interfered in the affairs of the Christian faith when it decided to ban the usage of "Allah" by The Herald, a Catholic weekly which is circulated only among Catholics? And why did the Home Ministry confiscate Christian books containing that same word, which were intended for use within the church?
Now, where was Mohd Hisamudin when all these interferences took place? There are also some states which issued decrees against usage of many terms by non-Islamic religions. One of the word which was prohibited in these decrees was "iman" which means faith. It is rather strange to ban that word from religious usage. It is as though as non-Muslims have no faith in their religion.
Why did Mohd Hisamudin not speak against those decrees? This blog is not asking him to speak against those decrees, but should we not be wondering where is his principle of being against interference of other religions? More so, when those interfering belong to the same faith as him.
It is hoped that Mohd Hisamudin will do unto others what he expects others to do unto him and his community.
*Malaysia's administrative capital located in Malaya
Lim Kit Siang has since denied the allegations, and has many credible alibis and witnesses to prove that he was not at the place where such words were uttered.
However what is interesting here is what Mohd Hisamudin said to the press regarding his police report against Lim Kit Siang according to Bernama. He said "It was clearly an act of provocation and against the constitution, which states that people of other religions cannot interfere with a community's religious faith".
In that case this Mohd Hisamudin should ask, why then did the Home Ministry interfered in the affairs of the Christian faith when it decided to ban the usage of "Allah" by The Herald, a Catholic weekly which is circulated only among Catholics? And why did the Home Ministry confiscate Christian books containing that same word, which were intended for use within the church?
Now, where was Mohd Hisamudin when all these interferences took place? There are also some states which issued decrees against usage of many terms by non-Islamic religions. One of the word which was prohibited in these decrees was "iman" which means faith. It is rather strange to ban that word from religious usage. It is as though as non-Muslims have no faith in their religion.
Why did Mohd Hisamudin not speak against those decrees? This blog is not asking him to speak against those decrees, but should we not be wondering where is his principle of being against interference of other religions? More so, when those interfering belong to the same faith as him.
It is hoped that Mohd Hisamudin will do unto others what he expects others to do unto him and his community.
*Malaysia's administrative capital located in Malaya
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Batu Sapi by Election
The Batu Sapi by-election will be held on November 4 following the death of Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Edmund Chong Ket Wah in a traffic accident recently.
The contesting parties are Ansari Abdullah of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Datin Linda Tsen of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) representing the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition and Datuk Yong Teck Lee of the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP).
The results are difficult to predict. First of all the PBS candidate seem to be despised by many Muslim voters if news reports of what transpired during nomination day is true. Reports say crowds appeared demonstrating against Datin Linda's candidacy through PBS.
And when nominations were announced many newspapers showed Datin Linda Tsen being carried by members of the United Malays National Organization (UMNO)'s female youth wing.There were no PBS flags to be seen nor did PBS supporters turn up in huge numbers carrying flags and wearing party shirts. This is if photographs appearing in local newspapers and footage on television captured every detail correctly.
This is a sharp contrast to the PKR and SAPP candidates, both of who were carried around and celebrated by their respective party members draped in party colours and carrying their respective party flags.
But then again the prospects might not be too bright for both PKR and SAPP as both are in the opposition. And both parties contesting in the same battle would probably split the opposition votes and give a win to PBS. Furthermore both Ansari of PKR and Datuk Yong of SAPP are not locals of Batu Sapi.
Then there are also those who are superstitious who say that SAPP might win. This is because a jetty built in a strong BN area collapsed while the PKR candidate was making his rounds and caused him to fall in the sea. They say that this means PBS contesting under the BN symbol would fall because a jetty in an area it it is strong has collapsed. And these superstitious lot also say that PKR would fall as their candidate had taken an early fall.
There is also the question of the possibility of illegal citizens having big role in giving PBS and BN a win. AS we all know, Batu Sapi has become a Muslim-majority constituency over the years thanks to the influx of illegal immigrants who have since obtained citizenship through the back door.
Therefore the Batu Sapi fight is an equal battle for all three parties. May the best man (or woman) win.
The contesting parties are Ansari Abdullah of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Datin Linda Tsen of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) representing the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition and Datuk Yong Teck Lee of the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP).
The results are difficult to predict. First of all the PBS candidate seem to be despised by many Muslim voters if news reports of what transpired during nomination day is true. Reports say crowds appeared demonstrating against Datin Linda's candidacy through PBS.
And when nominations were announced many newspapers showed Datin Linda Tsen being carried by members of the United Malays National Organization (UMNO)'s female youth wing.There were no PBS flags to be seen nor did PBS supporters turn up in huge numbers carrying flags and wearing party shirts. This is if photographs appearing in local newspapers and footage on television captured every detail correctly.
This is a sharp contrast to the PKR and SAPP candidates, both of who were carried around and celebrated by their respective party members draped in party colours and carrying their respective party flags.
But then again the prospects might not be too bright for both PKR and SAPP as both are in the opposition. And both parties contesting in the same battle would probably split the opposition votes and give a win to PBS. Furthermore both Ansari of PKR and Datuk Yong of SAPP are not locals of Batu Sapi.
Then there are also those who are superstitious who say that SAPP might win. This is because a jetty built in a strong BN area collapsed while the PKR candidate was making his rounds and caused him to fall in the sea. They say that this means PBS contesting under the BN symbol would fall because a jetty in an area it it is strong has collapsed. And these superstitious lot also say that PKR would fall as their candidate had taken an early fall.
There is also the question of the possibility of illegal citizens having big role in giving PBS and BN a win. AS we all know, Batu Sapi has become a Muslim-majority constituency over the years thanks to the influx of illegal immigrants who have since obtained citizenship through the back door.
Therefore the Batu Sapi fight is an equal battle for all three parties. May the best man (or woman) win.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Mee Goreng Basah
It might never occur to us that food in Malaya with the same name as that in Sabah could be very different. However what is interesting is that though some of the food in Malaya and Sabah might share the same name, they may actually be different.
For example, a reader told the North Borneo Herald that he had visited Lahad Datu a few years ago and ordered his favourite Mee Goreng Basah. Now, in Malaya Mee Goreng Basah means stir-fried noodles with extra soy sauce, giving the noodles a wet look. However when this reader had the Mee Goreng Basah sent to his table, he was surprised to see pale looking noodles soaked in thick gravy.
This serves as a lesson to us all, that the next time we are in Malaya, Sarawak or anywhere else and order our favourite food, make sure we ask what it is. Anyway the North Borneo Herald believes such diversity adds more colour to the already colourful cuisine of Malaysia.
As for the reader who sent his story to the North Borneo Herald, he said that the Sabah version of Mee Goreng basah was very tasty indeed.
Send your stories to: northborneoherald@gmail.com
For example, a reader told the North Borneo Herald that he had visited Lahad Datu a few years ago and ordered his favourite Mee Goreng Basah. Now, in Malaya Mee Goreng Basah means stir-fried noodles with extra soy sauce, giving the noodles a wet look. However when this reader had the Mee Goreng Basah sent to his table, he was surprised to see pale looking noodles soaked in thick gravy.
This serves as a lesson to us all, that the next time we are in Malaya, Sarawak or anywhere else and order our favourite food, make sure we ask what it is. Anyway the North Borneo Herald believes such diversity adds more colour to the already colourful cuisine of Malaysia.
As for the reader who sent his story to the North Borneo Herald, he said that the Sabah version of Mee Goreng basah was very tasty indeed.
Send your stories to: northborneoherald@gmail.com
Monday, October 11, 2010
Malaysia Wins Gold Medal Through Sabah
Sabahan weighlifter Arrico Jumitih from Manggatal won the gold medal in the 62kg category of the weightlifting competition at 19th Commonwealth Games currently being held in India.
The best thing about his winning is that Arrico was wearing a shirt with the Sabah flag! This should not be an issue as everyone knows that Sabah is part of Malaysia. When English athletes wear their England shirts, it does not make them less British. So what is the fuss. Kudos to Arrico and kudos to Sabah!
The best thing about his winning is that Arrico was wearing a shirt with the Sabah flag! This should not be an issue as everyone knows that Sabah is part of Malaysia. When English athletes wear their England shirts, it does not make them less British. So what is the fuss. Kudos to Arrico and kudos to Sabah!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Mathurin Daim Dies
Mathurin Daim, former District Officer of Sipitang, former member of the United National Kadazan Organization (UNKO), former secretary to Chief Minister Peter Lo and a former USNO man has today left us all to return to his Creator.
The North Borneo Herald offers its deepest condolences to all his family members. It is hoped that his vision to see the creation of the Borneo National Party (BNP) will one day be realized.
His remains will be buried at the Limbahau Catholic Cemetery in Papar on Friday at 1pm.
The North Borneo Herald offers its deepest condolences to all his family members. It is hoped that his vision to see the creation of the Borneo National Party (BNP) will one day be realized.
His remains will be buried at the Limbahau Catholic Cemetery in Papar on Friday at 1pm.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Happy Independence Day!
The North Borneo Herald wishes all its readers a Happy Independence Day. It was on this date in 1963 that Sabah gained its independence from the United Kingdom!
LDP Confronts UMNO!
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has publicly stated that it cannot work with the Sabah chapter of the United Malays National Organization (UMNO). Its Deputy President Datuk Chin Shu Pin has publicly criticized Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman, who is also chief of Sabah UMNO.
Datuk Chin has said that LDP can no longer work with UMNO in Sabah. He has also called for the investigation into several businessmen who may have links with Datuk Musa in some sort of financial scandal which he (Datuk Chin) did not reveal.
LDP's open attack against the state UMNO came after a meeting of the parties within the ruling coalition in which Datuk Musa refused to entertain requests for the resumption of construction of a Chinese Buddhist statue initiated by former LDP president, Datuk Chong Kah Kiat.
No matter what the outcome of this spat between LDP and UMNO, it is hoped that a solution would be forthcoming. If not, LDP might as well leave the ruling coalition.
Datuk Chin has said that LDP can no longer work with UMNO in Sabah. He has also called for the investigation into several businessmen who may have links with Datuk Musa in some sort of financial scandal which he (Datuk Chin) did not reveal.
LDP's open attack against the state UMNO came after a meeting of the parties within the ruling coalition in which Datuk Musa refused to entertain requests for the resumption of construction of a Chinese Buddhist statue initiated by former LDP president, Datuk Chong Kah Kiat.
No matter what the outcome of this spat between LDP and UMNO, it is hoped that a solution would be forthcoming. If not, LDP might as well leave the ruling coalition.
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