Archive for the ‘BornInMalaysia’ category

Malay woman buried as Buddhist

June 17th, 2008
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In a rare case, a lady who died at the age of 78, Selimah Mat, was buried as a Buddhist after the Perlis Syariah court ruled (based on Perlis Religious Affairs Dept) that the lady is not a Muslim at time of death. She was taken to Thailand at the age of 16, and came back 8 years later with a son. She admitted to marrying a Buddhist and living as one.  Her sister said that Selimah did not want to return to Islam.

The issue ran for 4 days, after the son applied to bury Selimah according to Buddhist rites.  Selimah was also seen actively participating in the local Wat.

I guess this is one of those lucky ones!

Both Star and NST carried the news.

schools construction delayed claims Penang CM

June 17th, 2008
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Earlier, we read how Hishamuddin, the Education Minister asks about Pakatan Rakyat states’ plans on creating more vernacular and Agama schools. He chided them, saying no plans or proposals have been submitted to Education Ministry, but many promises were made during election campaign.

This was followed by announcement of the ministry’s own to-be-drawn Mini-blueprint for such schools, something done after so long. And note the “to be drawn”.

Yesterday, Penang government said that schools construction had been delayed since land were handed over by state to the ministry. Penang CM urged the ministry to provide fast-track approval for additional schools.

“To make matters worse, the state government cannot reclaim the land ownership once it is given up. As such, I want the ministry to give its assurance that the construction works will start immediately after the land title is surrendered to the federal authorities,”

source

So, one one hand we have the Education Minister saying no plans are forthcoming from Pakatan held states, while on the other hand we have Penang Chief Minister saying construction works are delayed after land had been given to the Ministry.

And the people will still be waiting for new school.

Education Ministry to draw mini blueprint

June 16th, 2008
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Hmm…Education Minister can ask others about their plans, but own ministry now only  “WOULD” draw up a special “MINI-blueprint”. Reminds me of the a 50 years old gigantic pot calling the 100-days old small kettle black.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the ministry would draw up a special “mini-blueprint” focusing on the development of various types of schools receiving capital grants. This, he said, would be incorporated into the main blueprint to form a complete masterplan and would ensure that the schools receive the same attention as national schools.

“This shows how much we value Chinese schools, Tamil schools, mission schools and religious schools. “This is part of comprehensive measures my ministry is taking to help all students, regardless of what type of school they come from,” he said.

… According to Hishammuddin, the mini-blueprint will address the welfare and development needs of the schools. Aspects such as the development of basic facilities, allocation of land for building new schools, upgrading of infrastructure and other financial needs will be looked into.

source

Perhaps that’s what Samy meant when he announced recently that Education Ministry “agreed in principle” that all Tamil schools will be converted to fully-aided status. Meanwhile, PPP’s Deputy Minister Murugiah is busy talking about Tamil Schools Fund. What is actually happening? Can these two parties sit down and talk first before making further announcements that may confuse the community?

Syariah court enforcers?

June 16th, 2008
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Hmm..i suppose body snatching and kid-napping may enter the job scope as well since Zaid says that “job scope is still being worked out”.  He mentioned that:

The Syariah Judicial Department has set up a special division, to enforce syariah court decisions on family-related and divorce cases.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said experienced officers who made up the family support division would be based in all syariah courts to help in the enforcement of judgments

“If, say, in a divorce case, a husband fails to pay matrimonial claims as decided by the courts, the officers will act accordingly to make sure the husband follows the order.

“The officers may have to apply for a court order or do other things they deem fit.”

Obviously it will be helpful for single mothers who suffer because the husband does not pay alimony. However, in cases of suspected conversion and matters arising from conversion, it may create problems. If wrongly executed, enforcement will create more stressful situation for cases like divorce, conversion, property division etc. Perhaps it will be prudent to send the officers for soft skill courses like communication skills, counseling, public relations etc.

As malaysians are becoming increasingly wary of syariah courts in last few years, we have enforcement officers roaming around soon. Hopefully the plans to streamline conversion applications process gets attention like the enforcement officer proposal as well.

There should also be some check and balance to ensure these officers are not exposed to bribery or become little Napeleons of their own. We have read in papers about reports on officers from religious departments receiving bribes or soliciting sexual favors in return for not taking action.

Well, don’t get me wrong. I’m quite wary on such plans since the issue of impact of syariah law on non-muslims itself is a sore point.

Hishamuddin asks about land for schools in Pakatan states

June 15th, 2008
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Very interesting indeed. What if someone asks him back about 50 years track record? What guarantees are there that requests from these states will be given due consideration? One can just hope.

BINTULU: The Education Ministry wants Pakatan Rakyat state governments to disclose how much land would be set aside for the construction of new vernacular, mission and religious schools in the respective states.

Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said his ministry had yet to receive any plan from these states although the Opposition made lavish promises to the people during the general election campaign.

“Now, I want to see them fulfil their promises.

“Even in Penang, the DAP has yet to talk about allocating land for Chinese schools, Tamil schools, Sekolah Agama or mission schools.

source