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PM Najib visit to Batu Caves controversy a failure of religious leaders?

February 15th, 2012
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I  can’t believe this! Just few days ago, the Mufti of Perak said the following things:

Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria today expressed his dismay over the prime minister’s decision to “sacrifice his faith” to attend Thaipusam celebrations at Batu Caves recently.

 Harussani said even though he advised Datuk Seri Najib Razak every year not to join such events, the Barisan Nasional (BN) chief appeared not to place much importance on his faith or Islam.

“It’s an idolatrous act. I don’t know why this happened… when we don’t join in the celebrations of other races in their houses of worship.

“The prime minister should have sent a Hindu minister to take his place… as Muslims cannot be involved in other religions’ festivities,” he told The Malaysian Insider.

Harussani added that the minister in charge of Islamic affairs or a religious advisor should have advised Najib not to attend the event held two days ago.

“We cannot join in (on other religions’ celebrations). They perform religious rituals, and as Muslims, we cannot be present,” he said, adding that going to open houses was acceptable but not places of worship.

source: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najib-sacrificed-his-faith-to-attend-thaipusam-do-says-perak-mufti/

Another article quoted the following:

The Ulama Association of Malaysia (PUM) has urged Muslims to stay away from non-Muslims religious festivals following the prime minister’s visit to Thaipusam celebrations last week.

 Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria had criticised Datuk Seri Najib Razak for “sacrificing his faith” by attending the Hindu festival at Batu Caves last Tuesday, the prime minister’s third visit in as many years.

PUM noted that guidelines set out by the National Fatwa Council on April 12, 2005 stated that Muslims cannot attend events which incorporate ceremonies that go against the teachings of Islam.

“Based on that decision, in PUM’s opinion, it is very clear that if the non-Muslim ceremony contains non-Muslim religious rituals, Muslims cannot participate as it can threaten their faith,” it said in a statement yesterday.

All religious authorities at state and federal levels should work to ensure that “correct advice” is given to political leaders and urged the latter to abide by such counsel, the association stressed.

PUM also called on the Islamic Religious Development Department of Malaysia (JAKIM) sponsor a dialogue session to explain the importance of this restriction to state and national leaders as well as Muslims.

It added that non-Muslims should understand and respect that faith was a core component of Islam and to be more sensitive to issues concerning the religion and its laws.

Najib’s visit to the annual Thaipusam festival at Batu Caves last week prompted Harussani to remind Najib that his predecessors had sent representatives in their place instead of showing up in person.

“It’s an idolatrous act. I don’t know why this happened… when we don’t join in the celebrations of other races in their houses of worship.

“The prime minister should have sent a Hindu minister to take his place… as Muslims cannot be involved in other religions’ festivities,” Harussani had told The Malaysian Insider.

The Perak mufti said that while it was acceptable for Muslims to go to open houses, they could not enter houses of worships where religious ceremonies were being carried out.

source: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/stay-away-from-non-muslim-religious-events-ulamas-tell-muslims/

And today, he does an about turn saying this:

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s presence at the recent Thaipusam celebration in Batu Caves was not against Islamic doctrine, said Perak mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria.

 He said this after Najib informed him what actually happened when he attended the Thaipusam celebration in Batu Caves, when the two met at the opening of a Pekan Umno-organised seminar on “Professionalism of Islamic Religious Speakers” by the prime minister, here, today.

“What the prime minister did was to be at the hall to explain government policies, he was not involved in the religious procession and did not enter the cave temple,” Harussani said when met by reporters, here, today.
He said as a national leader, it was not wrong for Najib to be together with the other races in conjunction with a festival celebration.
“It’s okay if there is no intention of celebrating or endorsing the rites of other religions,” he said.
The Perak mufti was prior to this, quoted as saying that it was unIslamic for a Muslim to bless and join in a religious celebration in a temple.
On Najib wearing a kurta when witnessing the Batu Caves Thaipusam celebration, Harussani said it was only a traditional attire which was also worn by Muslims in India.
Instead, Harussani said, he was more disappointed with Pas’ action in Perak where during the Thaipusam celebration, they set up stalls and canopies and flew the Pas flag as though they were celebrating the occasion too.
– BERNAMA

source: http://www.nst.com.my/latest/pm-s-presence-at-thaipusam-celebration-not-unislamic-perak-mufti-1.47075?localLinksEnabled=false

That’s one hell of a turnaround indeed!

To make matters worse, not only the Perak Mufti is confused, so is the the others like “oxford trained people” below:

It is all right for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak as a Muslim leader, to attend non-Muslim religious celebrations like Thaipusam if he follows established guidelines, said a former Perlis mufti.

“As a (national) leader and administrator, attending (a non-Muslim religious celebration) to give advice is allowed, as long as he is not involved in the disciplines and rituals of another religion,” said Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin.

The Oxford University visiting lecturer said that Muslim leaders attending such events cannot display aspects of their dressing, or perform any act, that condones the rituals of another religion.

“The only error was that the PM was involved in a ritual.

“That does not mean he is apostate. Maybe he was not given proper advice,” opined the former mufti.

Asri explained that the proscriptions of Muslims attending non-Muslim religious celebrations are not absolute and depend on the situation at hand.

For one, he said, that those involved in administration of the event and public order such the police, are allowed to attend.

Perlis mufti Juanda Jaya agreed, blaming the premier’s religious advisors for neglecting to advise him better.

“Guidelines about this matter are there. I am disappointed with the PM’s religious advisors. This will mar the PM’s image,” he lamented.

Last week, Najib attended the Thaipusam celebrations in Batu Caves, decked out in a light yellow kurta (an Indian traditional outfit).

He was draped with a silk cloth and also donned the traditional Indian flower garland.

Najib’s actions had drew the ire of Perak mufti Harussani Zakaria, who slammed the leader and expressed disappointment, accusing Najib of cheapening the Muslim faith with his annual Thaipusam visits since becoming PM, despite advice to the contrary.

source: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/189173

pic from The Malaysian Insider.

Among the contentious issues where the attire he wore and the garland. It was said to be religious. Looks like the Mufti and his ilk need to attend some classes on religion and culture because they can’t seem to differentiate between the two. These kind of misinformed people can easily create havoc if not properly educated.  And I shudder to think that many Muslims are being influenced to be antagonistic towards other religions by these kind of misguided folks. So, everything would be viewed with a suspicious eye.

The attire is common in Indian sub-continent regardless of race. It may have even existed before these religions. Same goes for garlanding people. Its a culture to show respect towards the person. Its common to see in many events in India, like in schools, government functions, movie launches,  etc.

Temple and church weddings consist of religious rituals (as with many other religions). Does it mean that our Muslim friends cannot attend such functions? If that’s the case, what would the impression of Islam be on non-Muslims? Even our King attended Prince William’s wedding in a church. So how? These people rebuked him or not? Berani ke?

As explained by the PM below, those in power need to be careful with their words. Need to understand difference. I really wonder if these people have ever attended or mingled with Malaysians of other race/religion or not.

Efforts to promote understanding and awareness through discussion, dialogue and education are important so that the public understands clearly the differences and similarities between the various races in the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said the people should not be confused with what constituted cultural and religious beliefs.

Najib cited as an example, his attendance at the Thaipusam celebration in Batu Caves recently, which according to him, has been questioned by some quarters because he wore the “kurta”, a traditional Indian attire for men.

“But they are not aware that in India, millions of Indians who are Muslims wear the kurta daily. Are they then not Muslims,” he said.

He said this when addressing a gathering of religious leaders in conjunction with “World Interfaith Harmony Week 2012″ at at his official residence Seri Perdana here Wednesday.

Najib then gave the example of the attire usually worn by Malaysian Chinese Muslims Association (MACMA) president Datuk Mustapha Ma, which according to him, had Chinese cultural elements and should not be linked to the question of faith.

“He is a seventh-generation Muslim. This is a question of culture and not faith. Thus, issues like this, if we don’t understand, it could lead to suspicion and hatred among the races.

“As such, it is incumbent upon the committee tasked with interfaith understanding to clarify such matters,” he said.

Najib also said with the rapid advancements in information technology, whatever was said by anyone could spread like wildfire, causing the world we are in today to face a more challenging environment and requiring more efforts to promote understanding and awareneness on a continuous basis.

source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/2/15/nation/20120215183404&sec=nation

So, its indeed scary that we, after half a century of independence, and with the power of Internet, still not able to understand our fellow Malaysians culture/religion. We are living in our cocoons, imagining that we are right. And worse still, we are in the position to influence others, which can lead to hatred and anger. Our social and education systems seemed to have failed, by producing such folks.

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Parliament sitting on Deepavali eve cancelled

October 21st, 2011
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Parliament sitting on eve is cancelled. All questions for the day to be replied in writing. The request was made by DAP MPs to Speaker and Minister Nazri last week, which the cabinet also discussed and agreed to postpone in view of the religious festivals the next day. As you may know, parliament sittings can drag to night, especially nowadays. So, not only MPs affected, but also various other staff, journalists, drivers, etc.

While the decision is good, one should always take in the “lesson learnt” so that its not repeated in future. As per my suggestion, time to send officials for sensitivity and common-sense courses. No point talking about creativity and innovation when much more simpler things also we are lacking.

Read about my earlier article on the parliament sitting issue here.

source: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/2011/10/19/no-parliament-sitting-on-deepavali-eve/

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Bangi ADUN and councillors oppose cinema plans

October 19th, 2011
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Just like Shah Alam, Bangi is another place I can’t relate with.  Just don’t have the feeling of belonging.

Talking about rights, sure, you want to protect your “easily swayed” followers from the sins of the world. Fine, but why deprive other residents? Why discriminate and force them to travel further to catch a movie? Why not you station your volunteers to stop your followers from patronising cinemas instead of punishing other residents?

Is this example of how minorities can be discriminated or marginalised? They have to incur more cost and waste more time. I shudder to think what will happen if we allow religious-based politicians or leaders to rule. Surely disaster as they only think their religion is the center of the world. We can talk till our voices go hoarse that “our religion is fair and just” but remember that implementers are humans who are definitely no saints. We have our own egos, arrogance, misplaced ideals and interpretation that will easily cause hardship.

And I just wonder how many of Bangi residents have their Internet access and downloading all kinds of movies? Or subscribing to Astro? Or buying pirated DVDs? So, you ban cinemas means all OK?

There are many, many movies that come from eastern countries with “eastern values”. Plenty of good movies from India, Iran, Korea and so on. Even western movies are also entertaining and some have good values. There are movies for children too, like cartoons and animations. So, I wonder what kind of councillors and ADUN are representing Bangi, a place with plenty of educational institutions.

If these people don’t want such entertainment, why don’t the relocate to say, Afghanistan, instead of causing misery to others? Win-win situation.

I hope the next time a proposal for cinemas arrives, those responsible will get opinion from experts before making decision. Don’t just rely on your misplaced and overrated wisdom.

 

PAS has again rejected plans for a cinema in Section 15, Bangi, saying there will be films not in line with Islamic and eastern values.

Bangi residents who want to watch a movie have to travel 18km away to the nearest cinema in Alamanda Putrajaya in Putrajaya or 25km away to the Aeon Cheras Selatan Shopping Centre in Balakong.

Kampung Aman Bangi Federal Village Security and Development Committee (JKKKP) member Law Siong Deng, an avid moviegoer, said he had looked forward to finally having a cinema in Bangi and was disappointed when he found out that it had not been approved.

“I had always hoped for a cinema here so that we do not have to travel far. It can cater to the students of UKM, Mara and other education institutions in the area.

“There was a cinema in Warta but only Malay movies were screened. We hope that companies like GSC or TGV would set up a branch here and provide more variety for cinema-goers,” he said.

Taman Permai Bangi resident K. Satia Nathan, who enjoys Tamil movies, heard about plans for a cinema in the new commercial centre last week and was also disappointed that it had been rejected.

“I go to the movies twice a month with my friends or my wife.

“It would be great to have one in Bangi so I do not have to drive 30 minutes to Metro Point in Kajang,” he said.

Bangi state assemblyman Dr Shafie Abu Bakar from Pas said a few years ago there were plans to have a cinema in Komplex Warta in Jalan Medan Bangi, Kawasan Perusahaan Bangi and near the district office.

“Both plans were rejected and earlier this year there was another proposal to build a cinema in Jalan Reko.

“Six of us protested, including me and Kajang municipal councillors in Bangi. We want to uphold Islamic values.

“Having a cinema will lead to vice activities and there will be films not in line with Islamic and eastern values.

“We do not want that here to corrupt the minds of our young,” he said.

Dr Shafie said most Bangi residents were against having a cinema in Bangi.

“Among those who want a cinema here are people looking to make a profit whereas we are looking out for the society,” he said.

When pointed out that there are movies with the “U” (for general public) rating, he countered that this was not a guarantee.

“We have to monitor it, hence it is best to not have it at all.

“Besides, there are cinemas not far from Bangi. We want our place clean, free from such elements,” he said.

Datuk Mohd Zaidi Md Zain, who lives in Section 3, Bangi, agreed that it is not wise to have a cinema in Bangi.

“There was a cinema in Bangi but it closed down eventually as there was no support from the people.

“This is not a political issue but the sentiments of the people. With academic institutions in Bangi, we worry about social problems should a cinema be built here,” he said.

Law said he disagreed with the statement that certain films can corrupt the minds of the young.

“It seems that we are moving back in time. Vice activities can happen anywhere.

“Just because there is no cinema does not mean that there will not be vice activities in the area.

“Others should not be deprived of watching a movie. It is just a cinema and a place families can go to, not just couples,” he said.

Bangi state coordinator Datuk Mohd Fathil Daud, who is also the Serdang Umno chief, shared his sentiment and agreed that having a cinema would be good for the community as Bangi residents do not have to travel far.

“With or without the cinema, vice activities will still take place,” he said.

When contacted, the director of the project’s developer, Richard Cheong, said he had no idea of the ban on the proposal for a cinema at the commercial project.

“I have heard of the ban on cinemas in Bangi, though. We do not have plans for a cinema at this stage,” he said.

The five-block commerical project includes a four-storey supermarket and office blocks.

source: http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/10/19/central/9693227&sec=central

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Confusion over Deepavali holiday in IPTAs

October 14th, 2011
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The 1Malaysia Indian Students Movement (1MISM) launch at UM July this year by PM Najib saw an important announcement regarding extra holidays for Deepavali. It seems, the letter from JPT MOHE to IPTAs on 15th September stated that such holidays are to be given for Indians students only (There’s a copy of the letter here but not sure if untampered). Meaning, Indian (actually should be Hindu, this also don’t know means who la???) students will miss out classes because the classes will still go on.

Worse still, according to one FB entry, there was a comment “Najib bukan VC UKM” (refer here) when students asked why got class on 25th evening and 27th morning.

This will reflect badly on PM Najib and MIC since they were touting extra holidays, but actually its like time off only in some IPTAs. MISM (MIC) better clarify before they cause more damage.

Obviously the IPTAs are in a bind because PM already promised, but to implement, they are the ones who have to figure out ways. I think the IPTAs can do it like schools, by declaring “cuti peristiwa” (event holiday) and replace the classes on Saturdays. If they think that tolerance/sensitivity/acceptance/understanding of various cultures is important, they will find a way and not use reasons like MQA rules as an excuse.

Coming to the question: is convenience of the majority is of more importance than the convenience of the minority, even if the convenience of the minority doesn’t cost/affect much? We talk about national unity and sacrifices, but it doesn’t work for others?

It is very sad that education institutions that are supposed to instill good values of understanding others cultures, acceptance, tolerance etc is in the forefront of being ignorant, apathetic, intolerant and insensitive. What kind of impression are they giving to the students and staff? Should we blame the IPTA management entirely, or the education and social system that they grew up in? Being minority is not easy, and to think its going to get worse is indeed scary.

Even want to implement in IPTA is difficult, imagine want to ask IPTS to provide extra days off for Deepavali! So far heard that MSU having exam on the eve, while Segi KL is closing on eve (half-day) and 27th.

Certain universities are ignoring the government’s directive to give Indian students a longer break to celebrate Deepavali, said the Human Rights Party (HRP).

HRP sec-gen P Uthayakumar (right) in an open letter to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today complained of the “year in and year out recurring problem” for Hindu students who fail to enjoy similar accomodations granted other holidays such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year and Christmas.

According to him, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) was only exempting Indian students from lectures rather than giving an official break.

“This would cause the Indian students to miss their lectures for three days,” said Uthayakumar.

“Apart from UKM, we are also receiving complaints from in particular Indian students studying in Unimas and UMS that lectures will be conducted as usual even on Deepavali day, which is not even a public holiday in Sarawak,” he added.

Najib, he said, had at the launch of the 1Malaysia Indian Students Movement at University Malaya on July 27 announced that the government would direct  universities to make provisions for the Hindu festive period.

The Ministry of  the Higher Education followed up with a circular on Sept 15 to all public universities to reschedule classes and examinations to allow for a longer break for Indian students.

“In that circular, Indian students nationwide were promised a longer break from 25 to 28 October to celebrate Deepavali which falls on 26 Oct,” said Uthayakumar.

He added that they have received complaints that universities are not implementing other provisions cited by Najib, such as a students’ shuttle service to nearby Hindu temples for students and making available vegetarian food.

“Or is this part of ‘the government policy was good but it’s  implementation was bad’ political play gimmick?” said the HRP sec-gen.

source: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/178646

 

Excerpt from a report in FMT is below:

… In an open letter to Najib, HRP’s pro-tem secretary-general P Uthayakumar, named Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) as among those defying the directive.

“UKM’s deputy vice chancellor, Professor Noor Azlan Ghazali, even told the student leader, Kok Kiong Lum, that there are too many holidays in Malaysia,” he stated.

“He said that even Hari Raya and Chinese New Year holidays are only two days long so it is only fair that just one day be given for Deepavali.”

Uthayakumar further said that UNIMAS was conducting lectures on Deepavali day itself as it isn’t a public holiday in Sarawak.

“The Indian students there must also be given the opportunity to return home and be with their families on this auspicious day,” he said.

source: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/2011/10/14/keep-to-your-word-hrp-tells-pm/

 

 

 

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Parliament Sitting on Deepavali Eve Issue

October 11th, 2011
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The parliament sitting on 25th October, a day before Deepavali  is causing some negative news. Obviously those involved should know that the next day is Deepavali and that chances are high the sitting will drag until night. Of course, being people’s representatives, one can expect the MPs to brave through such inconveniences and challenges.

Being Hindus, its important to fulfill one’s dharma (duties).  So,  if its critical to be in the Dewan on that day, then the relevant MPs should be there. However, if there’s nothing much involving them, then I’m sure their absence will be accepted. You can imagine MPs balik kampung to their constituencies to celebrate with the constituents, which is also part of their duty.

DAP’s Kulasegaran had raised the issue with Minister Nazri and the Dewan Rakyat Speaker, so I hope these people will make the right decision. Perhaps can adjourn the session by late afternoon as a  mark of respect/muhibbah (whatever you want to call it) for the diverse cultures and religions in the country. Of course if the sitting is adjourned for the whole day, it would be good news for the relevant MPs.

Worse case, as mentioned above, the Hindu MPs can inform in advance of their absence to the relevant people.  Shouldn’t be a problem.

However, how about the civil servants on duty, the reporters, and others who are involved in the parliament sittings? They would also be affected if the sitting runs into night. Well, yes, its their duty as well. Probably they can try make arrangements to get colleagues who are not celebrating to cover their shift.

Interestingly, this time around MIC was able to get IPTAs to provide extra days off for Deepavali. I think the fact that semester is starting in September is also partly a reason, since the semester exams won’t be near Deepavali.

Deepavali, being a religious event, involve prayers on the eve (for the departed). However, probably the lack of exposure of the planners/authorities led to this situation. We can’t ignore this because the lack of proper exposure to the diverse background of Malaysians and too much focus on only one segment of the society (from school till tertiary education) may have led to this condition. Perhaps those in charge (not only in parliament, but in schools, IPTAs, and other dept/agencies) should be given some knowledge through courses/seminars on the diverse cultures. If not we can expect this issue to occur again and again.

So, while one hand we expect the elected representatives to do their duty, I also expect that sensitivity, acceptance and common sense is also used when making preparations. After all, if this was eve of Hari Raya or Chinese New Year or X’mas, would there be a sitting? Hypothetical question, of course. Perhaps someone should check the records and verify if there were any cases of parliament sitting being held on eve of other major religious festivals.

Wonder if we can say that the sensitivities of the majority is more important than the sensitivities of the minority. I hope not.

DAP parliamentarians have expressed displeasure that Parliament will remain in session on Oct 25, the eve of the Hindu festival of Deepavali.

“This year, Deepavali falls on Oct 26. I am therefore surprised that a parliamentary meeting has been scheduled on Oct 25,” Ipoh Barat MP M Kulasegaran told a press conference in the Parliament lobby today.

Reading out a joint statement, he said the situation would hamper preparations to hold ‘open house’ on Oct 26, as well as disrupt prayers for ancestors that are traditionally conducted on the eve by those observing the festival.

“The party hereby calls on the prime minister who is the government leader in the House to cancel the Oct 25 meeting, as it is a practice for Hindus to pray to their ancestors on the eve of Deepavali and (hold an annual) reunion with family members,” Kulasegaran said.

He pointed out that the all the main roads would be congested on Oct 25, making it difficult for the Hindu MPs to get home from Parliament.

“This morning (M) Manogaran (Teluk Intan MP, left) and I met de facto law minister (Mohd) Nazri (Abdul) Aziz and speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia and requested them to vacate the sitting on Oct 25. Both agreed to consider our request favourably and will revert soon,” he said.

The DAP representatives questioned the premier’s sincerity in announcing that issues faced by Indian Malaysians would be resolved – for instance, examination dates have often clashed with that of the festival.

They recalled that, when launching the 1Malaysia India Students Movement at Universiti Malaya in July, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had announced that public tertiary institutions would revamp their curriculum and examination schedules to ensure that these do not clash with Deepavali.

Najib was also quoted to have said the decision would resolve the two-decade-old problem affecting Indian students, who have had to miss the celebrations as their examinations have almost always fallen a day before – or even on the day of – the festival.

“Would this have happened if it were Hari Raya?” asked Batu Kawan MP P Ramasamy who was present.

‘Be sensitive in fixing schedules’

If the premier’s promise holds true, the DAP members said, the government should show the same sensitivity in scheduling sittings of Parliament and government functions.

“This could well be an oversight, but it certainly reflects the need for government officers who are involved in planning meetings to have better knowledge of all festivals (observed),” stressed Kulasegaran.

source: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/178303

There was a side issued raised, about the teachers and exam papers.

I did some checking: between 2008 and 2010, the exams dates are such that it doesn’t fall within a week or two of Hari Raya. The nearest was in 2009, where UPSR ended about 10 days before Hari Raya. For this year, the last day of PMR is about 2 weeks before Deepavali, so I think there’s ample time for the teachers involved to mark the exam papers and return them on time. Unless the answer scripts are delivered late and teachers end up having just few days to mark.

Anyway, here its mentioned “to check exam papers” so not sure what that means. But to arrange it on the next day after a public holiday is only inviting bad publicity because if the teachers take leave to balik kampung, they are forced to come back or cancel the festival plans. Not exactly a good motivation or planning by employers.

Meanwhile, Manoharan slammed the education ministry for assigning Indian Hindu teachers to check PMR question papers the day after Deepavali.

“It is embarrassing to assign Indian teachers to check question papers when they will be celebrating Deepavali. We want the education ministry to revoke the idea as well,” he said.

source: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/2011/10/11/dap-respect-time-honoured-hindu-tradition/

In short, if its not critical (life and death) matter, can always postpone. No big deal. Unless you are the type of sadistic employer that likes to torture employees.

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