The Federal Government has decided to scrap the coal power plant project in Lahad Datu. The Federal government should be congratulated for its bold decision in reversing its earlier decision.
As for those who supported the project, they must be the ones who had money to make from the project. Secondly, they could also be those who are ill-informed of the negative environmental impact of a coal power plant. This group could also be those who think that whatever power problems they have now is as a result of the absence of a coal plant. Obviously this group is illiterate or too oblivious of current happenings. As for the first group, their hopes of making money out of an environmental destruction has been dashed, fortunately.
It is an indeed a very brave decision by the government considering the hosts of businessmen and opportunists they would be disappointing.
The government certainly deserves an applause.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Sulu Sultan Should Go Back To Sulu
The recent istallation of a state UMNO (United Malays National Organization) member as the Sultan of Sulu is a downright insult to the sovereignity of Sabah. Sabah was colonised by the Sulu Sultanate for hundreds of years.
When the North Borneo Chartered Company took over Sabah, they sort of "liberated" Sabah from both the Brunei and Sulu Sultananates though the company owned Sabah. In 1963, Sabahans became truly independent when it was declared as such on August 31st, though Sabah would be part of a Federation two weeks later.
So, by having this character installed as a Sulu Sultan on Sabahan soil is a grave insult to us. If he is so interested in in his crown, then he should have stayed in Sulu and give up his Malaysian citizenship.
The fact that this individual can still be an UMNO member and can even hold a post in a prominent Islamic missionary organization shows the sad state of affairs in Sabah.
We should never forget the deeds of our past leaders like Tomanggung Koratud and the rest who fought pirates, some of whom fought in the name of the Sulu Sultanate. The Sulu Sultanate is gone, and it should stay that way, at least in Sabah.
When the North Borneo Chartered Company took over Sabah, they sort of "liberated" Sabah from both the Brunei and Sulu Sultananates though the company owned Sabah. In 1963, Sabahans became truly independent when it was declared as such on August 31st, though Sabah would be part of a Federation two weeks later.
So, by having this character installed as a Sulu Sultan on Sabahan soil is a grave insult to us. If he is so interested in in his crown, then he should have stayed in Sulu and give up his Malaysian citizenship.
The fact that this individual can still be an UMNO member and can even hold a post in a prominent Islamic missionary organization shows the sad state of affairs in Sabah.
We should never forget the deeds of our past leaders like Tomanggung Koratud and the rest who fought pirates, some of whom fought in the name of the Sulu Sultanate. The Sulu Sultanate is gone, and it should stay that way, at least in Sabah.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Time Non-Muslim Ministers Stand Up
Recently, Sabah Progressive Party(SAPP)'s vice-presidednt, Amde Sidek voiced concern over the building of the Faith Rehabilitation Centre in Kinarut.
It is indeed very courageous of him as a Muslim to speak out against it. Unfortunately Kadazandusun and Murut politicians who are not Muslims including those who sit in the state cabinet choose to be mum over the issue.
Perhaps they do not wish to interfere in issues which they may consider an Islamic problem. The fact is, when people are detained for converting to another religion, then it is no longer an Islamic issue. What if a person converts from Islam to Christianity? Then the authorities would be detaining a person who belongs to the Christian faith.
And when non-Muslim politicians say they are doing something about it, but not wanting their efforts to be published, we should also be wondering. Why is it that those who trample on non-Muslim rights can freely have their intentions published, but those wish to defend the non-Muslims cannot do so? Is it cowardice? Or is it because these politicians are afraid of losing their positions if they speak out.
There have been many issues affecting non-Muslims in recent years but the number of non-Muslim politicians speaking out is few and at times non-existent. In the case of the "Allah" issue not a single one spoke out save for Tan Sri Bernard Dompok of the United Pasok Momogun Kadazandusun-Murut Organization (UPKO). But that was not enough.
When the Federal Court denied Lina Joy, a Christian the right to be called a Christian, still the leaders kept quiet.
But see what happened when the High Court ruled that Christians had the right to use the word "Allah". Many Muslims including ministers spoke out against the decision.
It is time the non-Muslim leaders in Sabah and Sarawak woke up and rally together as one voice to speak out against all these injustices. If only they spoke out as one voice, even the government-owned media will not be able to ignore them. This is because several ministers speaking out against injustices at the same time and together will surely attract foreign media, both print and electronic.
This should not be seen as going against the government, but should be seen as protecting the Malaysia Agreement of 1963 from irresponsibe people.
The question is: for the sake of the non-Muslims in Sabah and Sarawak, will the leaders of these communities willing to come together and speak against the current injustices? And do they have the guts to stand up for their people?
Saying they are already doing something about it is not enough. It proves nothing. We need to see press statements coming from this leaders, not one leader but all these leaders.
Issues:
1. Ban on the word "Allah" for Christians
2. Restrictions on the Malay-language Bible and Malay-language Christian literature.
3. Edicts against building of non-Muslim statues in public places.
4. Mazu statue.
5. Building of Faith Rehabilitation Centre and enforcement of anti-apostasy laws.
It is indeed very courageous of him as a Muslim to speak out against it. Unfortunately Kadazandusun and Murut politicians who are not Muslims including those who sit in the state cabinet choose to be mum over the issue.
Perhaps they do not wish to interfere in issues which they may consider an Islamic problem. The fact is, when people are detained for converting to another religion, then it is no longer an Islamic issue. What if a person converts from Islam to Christianity? Then the authorities would be detaining a person who belongs to the Christian faith.
And when non-Muslim politicians say they are doing something about it, but not wanting their efforts to be published, we should also be wondering. Why is it that those who trample on non-Muslim rights can freely have their intentions published, but those wish to defend the non-Muslims cannot do so? Is it cowardice? Or is it because these politicians are afraid of losing their positions if they speak out.
There have been many issues affecting non-Muslims in recent years but the number of non-Muslim politicians speaking out is few and at times non-existent. In the case of the "Allah" issue not a single one spoke out save for Tan Sri Bernard Dompok of the United Pasok Momogun Kadazandusun-Murut Organization (UPKO). But that was not enough.
When the Federal Court denied Lina Joy, a Christian the right to be called a Christian, still the leaders kept quiet.
But see what happened when the High Court ruled that Christians had the right to use the word "Allah". Many Muslims including ministers spoke out against the decision.
It is time the non-Muslim leaders in Sabah and Sarawak woke up and rally together as one voice to speak out against all these injustices. If only they spoke out as one voice, even the government-owned media will not be able to ignore them. This is because several ministers speaking out against injustices at the same time and together will surely attract foreign media, both print and electronic.
This should not be seen as going against the government, but should be seen as protecting the Malaysia Agreement of 1963 from irresponsibe people.
The question is: for the sake of the non-Muslims in Sabah and Sarawak, will the leaders of these communities willing to come together and speak against the current injustices? And do they have the guts to stand up for their people?
Saying they are already doing something about it is not enough. It proves nothing. We need to see press statements coming from this leaders, not one leader but all these leaders.
Issues:
1. Ban on the word "Allah" for Christians
2. Restrictions on the Malay-language Bible and Malay-language Christian literature.
3. Edicts against building of non-Muslim statues in public places.
4. Mazu statue.
5. Building of Faith Rehabilitation Centre and enforcement of anti-apostasy laws.
Friday, January 21, 2011
PM Says Religious Freedom Shows Fairness
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today that the religious freedom practised in the country shows that the government is fair to all. Najib said that the government's stand in maintaining racial and religious harmony could be seen through the One Malaysia concept which is based on unity. He said this when addressing a crowd at a Hindu celebration in the northern Malayan state of Kedah.
It seems that the our Prime Minister is finally serious in upholding religious freedom in the country. This means now, Muslims who want to convert to other religiouns may be free to do so. It also means the government will no longer object to Malay-speaking Christians using the word "Allah". It will also mean that senior posts in the government will no longer be reserved for Muslims.
People like Revathi Masoosai and Lina Joy who have previously failed in their attempts to convert out of Islam will now be free to do so. Non-Muslim school principals with excellent track records may now be able to head state education departments. Non-Muslim religious programmes may also now be broadcast on radio and television. Subjects like Bible Knowledge will now be allowed to be taught within school hours. Non-Muslim places of worship will no longer be mercilessly demolished.
The Prime Minister should be commended for his commitment to religious freedom. From his speech it is clear that Malaysia is finally stepping through the door to true religious freedom. Kudos to the Prime Minister.
It seems that the our Prime Minister is finally serious in upholding religious freedom in the country. This means now, Muslims who want to convert to other religiouns may be free to do so. It also means the government will no longer object to Malay-speaking Christians using the word "Allah". It will also mean that senior posts in the government will no longer be reserved for Muslims.
People like Revathi Masoosai and Lina Joy who have previously failed in their attempts to convert out of Islam will now be free to do so. Non-Muslim school principals with excellent track records may now be able to head state education departments. Non-Muslim religious programmes may also now be broadcast on radio and television. Subjects like Bible Knowledge will now be allowed to be taught within school hours. Non-Muslim places of worship will no longer be mercilessly demolished.
The Prime Minister should be commended for his commitment to religious freedom. From his speech it is clear that Malaysia is finally stepping through the door to true religious freedom. Kudos to the Prime Minister.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Irrational Reaction by Extremist Minority
Hundreds of protesters burned efigies and demonstrated against a person who complained against a mosque in Kampung Kerinchi, Kuala Lumpur. The man had apparently complained that the loudspeakers used by the mosque was too loud.
It was alleged that some of the demonstrators even called for the complainant's housed to be burned down. Thankfully this complainant was reported to be alligned to a member of the ruling coalition, the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA). Or else, the issue would have been politicised. But then again, there is no guarantee that this issue would not be politicised as some politicians are extremely sly.
Looking at this news report, we should be thankful that the Christian community was mature and calm when certain extremists called for the ban on the use of the word "Allah" in Christian worship. Even when terrorists burned down a church in Kualau Lumpur, the Christian community exercised calm and maturity.
And recently, when news went around that a Christian church was asked to take off crucifixes from walls during the visit of a very senior politician, the Christians still remained calm.
This shows that the Christian community in Malaysia are extremely rational and calm. In fact, when a Malayan-based newspaper published an insulting cartoon of Jesus holding a beer bottle, the Christian church was willing to forgive the newspaper.
Let us hope that the narrow-minded and adrenalin-driven immature demonstrators in Kuala Lumpur could also be more mature and forgiving. The North Borneo Herald believes this group of demonstrators do not represent all Muslims. The Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament (MP) Nurul Izzah Anwar was a reflection of a true Muslim when she urged Muslims to be calm in the incident.
It was alleged that some of the demonstrators even called for the complainant's housed to be burned down. Thankfully this complainant was reported to be alligned to a member of the ruling coalition, the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA). Or else, the issue would have been politicised. But then again, there is no guarantee that this issue would not be politicised as some politicians are extremely sly.
Looking at this news report, we should be thankful that the Christian community was mature and calm when certain extremists called for the ban on the use of the word "Allah" in Christian worship. Even when terrorists burned down a church in Kualau Lumpur, the Christian community exercised calm and maturity.
And recently, when news went around that a Christian church was asked to take off crucifixes from walls during the visit of a very senior politician, the Christians still remained calm.
This shows that the Christian community in Malaysia are extremely rational and calm. In fact, when a Malayan-based newspaper published an insulting cartoon of Jesus holding a beer bottle, the Christian church was willing to forgive the newspaper.
Let us hope that the narrow-minded and adrenalin-driven immature demonstrators in Kuala Lumpur could also be more mature and forgiving. The North Borneo Herald believes this group of demonstrators do not represent all Muslims. The Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament (MP) Nurul Izzah Anwar was a reflection of a true Muslim when she urged Muslims to be calm in the incident.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Centre to "Rehabilitate" Faith
A Malaysiakini reports says that the Sabah Government will enforce anti-apostasy laws aimed at curbing conversions out of Islam once a "faith rehabilitation" centre is completed in Kinarut.
This is a worrying trend that is aimed at curbing a fundamental freedom guaranteed to Sabahans in the Malaysia Agreement. It is no doubt that there is political weight behind the above decision. And the political party in charge of Sabah today is Malayan-based, so we could expect it to copy laws from Malaya without regard for the freedoms guaranteed to Sabah in 1963.
Sabahans of all races should speak out against this. This is where the voice of non-Muslim leaders is most needed.
This is a worrying trend that is aimed at curbing a fundamental freedom guaranteed to Sabahans in the Malaysia Agreement. It is no doubt that there is political weight behind the above decision. And the political party in charge of Sabah today is Malayan-based, so we could expect it to copy laws from Malaya without regard for the freedoms guaranteed to Sabah in 1963.
Sabahans of all races should speak out against this. This is where the voice of non-Muslim leaders is most needed.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
The North Borneo Herald would like to wish all its readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
In Malaysia, Only Money Does Not Need To Have Halal Certificate
What is becoming of Malaysia? The nightmare is evolving and those caught in it are mainly the non-Muslims, and perhaps multinational corporations with operations in Malaysia.
Its so sad and what a terrible economic and commercial tragedy that a hard working, honest, dedicated entrepreneur like your goodself has to face such kind of rulings in the food business.
It must also been horrific and financially disastrous that Dato Jackson 's 'Sliverbird' factory is forced to close down under such heart breaking circumstances.
I know about the IKEA's restaurant's shut down because of the so-called question on the alleged foodstuff halal certification.
May the mercy and compassion of God Almighty be upon 1Malayasia!!
God help this country!!
Dr.Martin,
The Halal Hype that is going on in our country will force many SMIs involved in food production and distribution to close shop. JAKIM has muscled its way to make itself the Monopoly of the Halal certificate. In April 2011 the Halal Act will be passed by Parliament where only Jakim has the monopoly to issue the certificate.
Each certificate cost about RM1000 and with 2000 line items in my company I will have to foot out RM2,000,000 and that is if I am lucky to get all those approved. I might as well close down my business and retrench all the 60 staff with some 100 odd dependents.
The Government will be deprived of some RM800,000 worth of taxes and duties. The Food standard will definitely decline as chefs will have less ingredients to work with. The Halal procedures will increase the food cost by 10%. JAKIM does not care for the economy of the country. All it cares for is its rice bowl to ensure that it is relevant and seen to be working hard.
Look at the way it closed down IKEA for two weeks. Look at the way it closed down Silverbird in Nilai. It does not care for the business environment in this country.
Even mineral water has halal logo. Eventually all vegetable, fish, grains, rice, etc., will need halal logo. Eventually all Muslims will not touch all non Muslims if the Halal fever is allowed to spread. Even Saudi Arabia is not as strict as Jakim. I have suppliers who could sell their products into Saudi Arabia but not in Malaysia.
80% of the food industry is run by Non Malays. One of the criteria to obtain the Halal Certificate for restaurants is to employ Malaysian Muslim. If you do not have any Malaysian Muslim in your restaurant you will not be issued with a Halal certificate.
Where are we heading????
Editor's Note:
The above piece was originally circulated via e-mail. The North Borneo Herald is not the author of the above, however we decided that this e-mail is worth sharing with our readers.
Its so sad and what a terrible economic and commercial tragedy that a hard working, honest, dedicated entrepreneur like your goodself has to face such kind of rulings in the food business.
It must also been horrific and financially disastrous that Dato Jackson 's 'Sliverbird' factory is forced to close down under such heart breaking circumstances.
I know about the IKEA's restaurant's shut down because of the so-called question on the alleged foodstuff halal certification.
May the mercy and compassion of God Almighty be upon 1Malayasia!!
God help this country!!
Dr.Martin,
The Halal Hype that is going on in our country will force many SMIs involved in food production and distribution to close shop. JAKIM has muscled its way to make itself the Monopoly of the Halal certificate. In April 2011 the Halal Act will be passed by Parliament where only Jakim has the monopoly to issue the certificate.
Each certificate cost about RM1000 and with 2000 line items in my company I will have to foot out RM2,000,000 and that is if I am lucky to get all those approved. I might as well close down my business and retrench all the 60 staff with some 100 odd dependents.
The Government will be deprived of some RM800,000 worth of taxes and duties. The Food standard will definitely decline as chefs will have less ingredients to work with. The Halal procedures will increase the food cost by 10%. JAKIM does not care for the economy of the country. All it cares for is its rice bowl to ensure that it is relevant and seen to be working hard.
Look at the way it closed down IKEA for two weeks. Look at the way it closed down Silverbird in Nilai. It does not care for the business environment in this country.
Even mineral water has halal logo. Eventually all vegetable, fish, grains, rice, etc., will need halal logo. Eventually all Muslims will not touch all non Muslims if the Halal fever is allowed to spread. Even Saudi Arabia is not as strict as Jakim. I have suppliers who could sell their products into Saudi Arabia but not in Malaysia.
80% of the food industry is run by Non Malays. One of the criteria to obtain the Halal Certificate for restaurants is to employ Malaysian Muslim. If you do not have any Malaysian Muslim in your restaurant you will not be issued with a Halal certificate.
Where are we heading????
Editor's Note:
The above piece was originally circulated via e-mail. The North Borneo Herald is not the author of the above, however we decided that this e-mail is worth sharing with our readers.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Rejection of Pluralism. Islam or IKIM?
According to the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), the Director-General of the Institute of Islamic Understanding of Malaysia, Datuk Nik Mustapha Hassan has issued a statement saying that Islam rejects religious pluralism which espouses that all religions are equally good and true.
This statement seem to have been issued in the wake of the recent statement by several Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leaders' rejecting the concept of Malay supremacy.
According to the Quran, Those who believe, and those who are Jews, and Christians and Sabaeans- whoever believes in God and the Last Day and does right- surely their reward is with God, and there shall nor fear come upon them neither shall they grieve. (Quran 2:62)*
Religious pluralism was promoted by several Muslim rulers in the past such as Emperor Akbar Jalaluddin Mohamed of India, and also Muslims saints such as Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi of Persia (Iran).
In a country where Muslims make up slightly over 50% of the population, it is mind-boggling when there are groups out there who do not accept religious pluralism.
However, IKIM's stand that all religions are not equal can be true in a way. For example Buddhism, Christianity and Islam for example should never be seen as equal because they each have their own concepts, doctrine, theology and theosophy. It would also be wrong to view one religion by comparing it with another as this would be akin to comparing spaghetti to stir-fried noodles.
But to totally reject pluralism? No wonder then, groups like Al-Qaeda have no qualms about killing other human beings, because they feel those human beings are less than equal than them (Al-Qaeda). This is the kind of thinking Sabahans and Malaysians in general should be up against.
*see Mohammed Abdul Malek and Sajeda Malek's study of this verse in astudyofquran.org
This statement seem to have been issued in the wake of the recent statement by several Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leaders' rejecting the concept of Malay supremacy.
According to the Quran, Those who believe, and those who are Jews, and Christians and Sabaeans- whoever believes in God and the Last Day and does right- surely their reward is with God, and there shall nor fear come upon them neither shall they grieve. (Quran 2:62)*
Religious pluralism was promoted by several Muslim rulers in the past such as Emperor Akbar Jalaluddin Mohamed of India, and also Muslims saints such as Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi of Persia (Iran).
In a country where Muslims make up slightly over 50% of the population, it is mind-boggling when there are groups out there who do not accept religious pluralism.
However, IKIM's stand that all religions are not equal can be true in a way. For example Buddhism, Christianity and Islam for example should never be seen as equal because they each have their own concepts, doctrine, theology and theosophy. It would also be wrong to view one religion by comparing it with another as this would be akin to comparing spaghetti to stir-fried noodles.
But to totally reject pluralism? No wonder then, groups like Al-Qaeda have no qualms about killing other human beings, because they feel those human beings are less than equal than them (Al-Qaeda). This is the kind of thinking Sabahans and Malaysians in general should be up against.
*see Mohammed Abdul Malek and Sajeda Malek's study of this verse in astudyofquran.org
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
China Shows True Colours
The communist People's Republic of China has shown its true colours when it pressured 16 countries not to attend the recent awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Liu Xiaobo, a human rights activist who is currently in jail in China.
It is also saddening to note that one of Southeast Asia's prominent democracy, the Philippines has also yielded to China's pressure. It is understood that the Philippines is in the process of acquiring arms and other military equipment from China. But the Philippines has denied that it is not attending the award ceremony because of China, but says that its envoy has another function in Denmark.
Western countries who have all this while opened up to China and invested in that country should think twice about their China ties. Today China has pressured several countries from attending the Nobel Peace Prize award, we do not know what will China pressure other countries to do in future. China is acting like a gangster who would not have anything that is not its way, and will use any pressure on others to toe its line.
The world must not forget the victims of the Tiananmen Square Massacre in 1989 where thousands of unarmed Chinese people were mercilessly massacred by the communist regime. And also the world should not forget the plight of the Tibetans and Uighurs who continue to suffer under the communist regime of China.
It is also saddening to note that one of Southeast Asia's prominent democracy, the Philippines has also yielded to China's pressure. It is understood that the Philippines is in the process of acquiring arms and other military equipment from China. But the Philippines has denied that it is not attending the award ceremony because of China, but says that its envoy has another function in Denmark.
Western countries who have all this while opened up to China and invested in that country should think twice about their China ties. Today China has pressured several countries from attending the Nobel Peace Prize award, we do not know what will China pressure other countries to do in future. China is acting like a gangster who would not have anything that is not its way, and will use any pressure on others to toe its line.
The world must not forget the victims of the Tiananmen Square Massacre in 1989 where thousands of unarmed Chinese people were mercilessly massacred by the communist regime. And also the world should not forget the plight of the Tibetans and Uighurs who continue to suffer under the communist regime of China.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)