I am confused: Am I living in an Islamic state?

These were the words of our Deputy Prime Minister, Najib Tun Razak

‘Malaysia is an Islamic state and not a secular one’
‘Islam is the official religion and we are an Islamic state’
‘We have never been secular…’

I am confused?

I have read about the Reid Commission responsible for drafting the Constitution and how we were taught taught in school about the equality and human rights and that we were (at least until last week) not an Islamic state.

Our first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman said on the occasion of his 80th birthday as reported by the Star in February, 1983.:

‘The country has a multi-racial population with various beliefs. Malaysia must continue as a secular State with Islam as the official religion’.

Tunku was not alone.

This how the report in the Star reads :

‘Former Prime Minister Tun Hussein Onn has supported Tunku Abdul Rahman’s view that Malaysia should not be turned into an islamic state…”The nation can still be functional as a secular state with Islam as the offical religion,” he said’

[Source: The People's Parliament]

Looking at Islamic states today in the other parts of the world, not only am I confused, I am also afraid. Afraid of what the future would be here. I am not surprised when many if my friends tells me they are either in the process of emigrating, planning to emigrate , thinking of it and for those who are not so well-off, dreaming about it. Anyone not in any of the above state of mind - raise your hands! Wonder how many hands we will see.

How do you feel? Confused as I am?

Perhaps if we all read and learn about our Constitution, we will be less confused. Not sure if our politicians ever read them - I doubt it. You might want to read it and send a copy to them for them to read.

I think you can purchase it from the Malaysian Law Journal or some of the following sites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Malaysia
http://confinder.richmond.edu/admin/docs/malaysia.pdf
http://www.pogar.org/publications/other/constitutions/malaysia-e.pdf
http://www.gov.my/MyGov/BI/Directory/Citizen/LegalMatters/Constitution/**
http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/our_malaysia/government/constitution.cfm**
**Cannot find the Constitution proper, let me know if you can find it

More readings at The Malaysian Bar Council

Rebirth of Malaysian Soccer?

I thought I could be a little positive (or as positive as I can be) relating to this issue. I guess the last straw is the current Asian Cup tournament - it so painful to watch our Malaysian team play like school kids. It's also really depressing as well. Much has been said in the local media already.
Perhaps I would like to say this to the President, " I do not think you are a coward, just not competent" - please resign and have professionals run FAM"

I look forward to the day I could take my children to the soccer stadium, experience the sights and sounds - of course watch great matches by our national team. Alas, I guess I may not see it again this life time but I hope my children will. FAM have buried the glory past and when the President said that he will not step down - the last rites to Malaysian soccer. As of to day our ranking slipped another 5 points to 154. So, to the people and FAM: "Just Leave!"

An observation though, the interesting thing about this whole episode is how the press, particularly the NST went after the FAM, seeking the justice people demand. This is indeed a rare occasion, it would really be good if the NST couple tackle corruption with this same determination of even hit on our education systems to drive changes. But when I browsed the NST today - the same meekly news (if some can be called "news") showed up. Sigh.

Let wisdom, tolerance and understanding pervail

Late though, I am happy Revathi is finally released - at least physically. Mentally she is still imprisoned. Technically, she is released to the custody of her parents. What does mean when a 29 year-old is released to the custody of her parents? I can understand if she is under 18 years of age, but not this situation. Despite her release, she is not allowed to leave Islam and she will continue to receive "counseling" from the Malacca Islamic Council - not sure how long these "counseling" sessions will last. Sad to day but the there is no release yet - the imprisonment still continues.

What happens to the baby, Diviya? She still does not have a birth certificate. It is also clear that Revathi has not changed her religion and will not do so. I am not sure how long this will go on and when it will end. I personally hope Revathi's personal rights and freedom of choice is respected. Some bedtime reading here, here, here, and here and much more on the internet if you type "Revathi released" search on Google.

Despite the gloom, I feel this is the right time and opportunity for people involved in this case to show tolerance. The Syariah Court, "in its wisdom" has granted the release (The Sun, Jul 6) could continue to demonstrate compassion that made Islam as a great world civilization that it is. This is expressed here and here. I feel this is a time when the world needs to see the true face of Islam in its beauty, depth and splendor.

I pray, wisdom, tolerance and understanding prevails.

Thai constitution drafters vote not to make Buddhism national religion

I feel the right decision is made...

Thai constitution drafters vote not to make Buddhism national religion

my earlier random thought on this matter here.

Buddhist Needs to be more Engaged

Over the past months, we we have been hit by news of religious intolerance and fanaticism. Many concern people have voiced their opinions and through the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Toaism (MCCBCHST) have organized prayer gatherings, vigils and even a memorandum to our Prime Minister. I am sad that it seems that the Buddhist community does not seem to show much concern or awareness of such issues.

A quick glance of blogs and websites that carried the MCCBCHST news and activities are mostly Christian-based websites. There seems little or no news carried in any of the major Buddhist websites or blogs. Am I wrong to say that the Buddhist community are not aware or we not concern about these issues. I do hope I am wrong.

While we focus the mind and the breath during meditation, we need to be aware of the quality of air we are breathing, what will be the point of meditating when the air we breath is dirty. So to with our community, where is real metta, karuna or mudita when we do not feel and act to the injustices in our community.

I pray we can and will make a positive impact to our community.

Where is tolarance?

I am not sure how many people heard about the incident in Bangsar recently. The NST's Syed Nazri wrote a commentary here only after Lim Kit Siang highlighted it here. We shake our heads and wonder what's happening to our society. I am sadden to know that the Revathi and Suresh case is still unresolved, in the name of religion families get broken up and happiness gets thrown out the back door (or front door). Where is tolerance? I feel it makes more sense that the inter-religious dialogue be carried out immediately and I think the Inter-Religious Commission is a good move to start with. I also appreciate the MALAYSIAN CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL OF BUDDHISM, CHRISTIANITY, HINDUISM, SIKHISM & TAOISM (MCCBCHST) in their efforts. One such effort in the the publication of a booklet that represents a memorandum of concern submitted to our country’s highest authority which sadly has not been responded (at least not publicly). It is good to know that the MCCBCHST is been active in the forefront here and elsewhere.

Where is tolerance when the putting up of the images of different religions is not accepted like in recent case in Bangsar? Where is tolerance when in schools only religion is made dominant. We have heard of so much horror stories of the death of religious tolerance in Malaysia such as here and here. It does not help when other religions makes disrespectful remarks about other religions here. I am sure there are much more website and blogs that expresses their own opinion. Is this a sign that the degeneration of our society getting worse?

It it also sad when within religious organizations continue to have bickering and in-fighting happens, and allow the personal ego to dominate. Yes, there are and will continue to be differences in thoughts and perspectives, in the Buddhism is is called ditthi (interesting article on karma and ditthi by Bikkhu P A Payutto here).

I personally feel we all need to see the bigger picture of social justice, tolerance and development. Yet, we must see them from the smallest perspective - our own personal spiritual practice and communication with God.

Can play a role, each and everyone of us? I pray, we look into our hearts to find that peace to bring back tolerance into our society.
May all beings be well and happy.

Happy Fathers' Day Dad!

my personal fathers' day message from Amrita

Fathers’ Day was last Sunday (Jun 17). One of the biggest challenge of Fathers’ Day (like any other “days”) the challenge is to separate the commercial environment telling us what to do, how we should celebrate or even how to spend money on such an occasion from the genuine celebration to appreciate fatherhood. For me, just being with my family gives joy and happiness. Having my kids make cards for me is just as special. I got some of the best cards this year and every year. Here are the cards and letters I got this year.

Sam in her usual creative style

I guess more importantly, Fathers’ Day is beyond the reminder of my responsibilities to my family. I guess any father (or mother) knows the responsibilities. Even my children can list these responsibilities out – especially since I realized that in school she "studied" moral, civic and character building as actual subjects! Lord (interpret any lord) knows why there must be these three such subjects in school. Academically, they have learned well. On the other hand, practice is another matter. As I was saying, responsibilities are a given – something that needs to be done.

An attempt by Arian (with help form her sisters I guess)

Beyond responsibilities, fatherhood is about facing challenges. Such are these challenges that can so easily tell us to just give-up trying. It is so easy to retreat inwards and feel pity for ourselves. If you happen to be the sole breadwinner in the family, you will encounter this as an even greater challenge – especially when there so much uncertainty in our livelihood and factors beyond our control.

For me, fatherhood is not merely about fulfilling commitments and responsibilities; it’s about – personal development and breaking down of our mental barriers - working hard and being happy at the same time. It is extremely difficult to go through tough days at work, yet come back without bringing some of these negative energies back home. For this I appreciate my dad. He has gone through good and challenging times and up till today, he will not stop at anything to help his children. Yet he finds the time and space for himself. I have not made any card for my dad but I want to say I appreciate the things you have done and I love you dad!

Happy Fathers’ Day (and everyday) and to all fathers reading this.

KV Soon

The content of
Amrita's letter

Malaysia, My Root

Last night I caught the Premier of the series "Malaysia, My Root" on ASTRO AEC (Channel 19) by Wong Kew Lit. This series documents the Chinese in Malaysia and how it is assimilating in to Malaysian society. The first in the series, talk about mainly the Peranakan Chinese in Melaka and Kelantan (yes, Kelantan). One interesting thing highlighted was that one of the Masters of the Wayang Kulit is a Peranakan.

There were several other features in the hour-long documentary including several youths who have been observing Thaipusam by participating in the Kavaadi.

I feel this is a very interesting documentary which I recommend everyone to watch. This documentary is special to me as it help me understand my own roots as Chinese as we continue to evolve and change in our Malaysian community. I feel we must understand, appreciate and link history with our lives.

I am definitely excited about the program and will watch the rest of the 12 episodes.

Remember:
ASTRO Channel 19
Time: 7.30 pm
Sundays

Farewell Week

It was a busy and hectic past 2 weeks and have not been able to blog much. Last week was dominated by news of death. First it was the 100 days anniversary of my Wai Leng's father passing. Then it was a friend's mother who passed away in the early morning while cleaning the house. On the same day, another friend's grandfather passed on - he was 99. On the same day, we heard the news of the demise of Loga the Alleycats. I have always enjoyed the Alleycats ever since my schools day when they came and played our school event. I dedicate this song to my friends who have lost dear ones........."jangan-lah kau bersedih hati"



Let's remember the good thing of our dear ones and continue to dedicate merits.

May 13 - finally got a copy

MAY 13 - Declassified Documents on the Malaysian Riots of 1969



Actually, I got it last week. Came into my office in a mysterious package, without the sender's name. Thank you Praveen! It was a pleasent suprise. Reading through the early part of the book really shakes the foundation of my historical knowledge - mainly the "official" history. It seems that our nation needs to relook and rethink our entire mind-set of what it means to be Malaysian - at least this is what I felt. I will share more thoughts after I finish reading the book. I think every Malaysian should get a copy of this book.

You can obtain them at (taken from Elizabeth Wong's Blog):

a. MPH said they don’t want to sell it, as KDN has advised them not to, even though the book isn’t banned. In the updated English version of the news there appears to be a change of instructions.

b. Kinokuniya said, because the book is controversial, they will practice self-censorship and not sell it.

c. Popular said, they will sell it - and this is exactly why I hold a Popular Bookstore card for the past five years.


d. You can also get copies online at Malaysiakini's Kinibooks

You can also drive to Singapore to get one.

SMART ART

You are welcome to visit my children's art blog

http://smart-art-designs.blogspot.com and give us your comments .

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Poles apart from the all inspiring talk by Carly Florina. Sometimes I wonder if I should laugh or cry to see the highest decision making body in our country in such a manner. I am also wondering how or what to teach my kids....... (still trying to figure this out) anyone has ideas, let me know.

Lecture by Carly Florina

Just heard Carly Florina's lecture on my MP3 phone. It was a lecture in the series The DFJ Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders Program held weekly lecture where entrepreneurial leaders share the lessons of experience with the Stanford community. I have following this lecture series for over a year now, heard many speakers - enjoyed most of them. But Carly's lecture was by far the most inspiring I have heard so far.

To me what was interesting was her experiences as leader and her thoughts about leadership and change and making the right choices. She started he career as a secretary because she was "unemployable" with a Medival History and Philosophy degree, parents objection after she dropped out from law school and having to make decisions and weigh options each time she came to a wall. How she ended with one of the biggest technology company was also interesting.

There were many things said on but what struck me was the how she made her choices "life is not one choice and done......... we need to do the pros and cons (and) search your heart........". That pretty much sums up a lot of my own situations and thought processes.

I don't want to tell everything here but I recommend you listen to this lecture and be in touch with the rest of the other lectures thay might interest you.

Credit: picture source from Wikipedia by António Milena/ABr., 2004

Links:

1. Carly's lecture here: http://edcorner.stanford.edu/downloadMaterial.html?mid=1679&fileId=6471

2. STVP Website here: http://stvp.stanford.edu/

Buddhism: Official Religion for Thailand?

Are our neighbors going down the path of Malaysia? I was reading a news article in the Bangkok Post, April 7 where it was quoted that the concern that if Buddhism is not adopted as the official religion it "will entail grave consequences because Buddhism can be overtaken by other aggressive religions if the state authorities will not provide sufficient protection". This remark is sending a chill down my spine, especially after a recent highlight of religious issues here in Malaysia and the Al-Jazeera program on apostasy. I pray Thailand do not walk this path.

In the Buddha's teaching, the Buddha constantly reminds us about the danger of me, mine and the attachment to the self as a cause of dukkha. I think this is situation is exactly the opposite of what the Buddha teaches. Some monks have claimed ownership to say Buddhism in Thailand is theirs and will vow to fight to protect it.

The article further remarked that According to supporters, the national religion clause is only a matter of recognizing social reality because most people in Thailand are Buddhists while the national culture and history are closely intertwined with Buddhism. Besides, the King is constitutionally required to be Buddhist.

According to the same article, the military has already expressed support for the Sangha's moves. The parliamentary committee on religion has also turned the clergy's demand into its own proposal to the Constitution Drafting Committee, thus making the Sangha's petition officially in the legislative pipeline.

It also quoted that the Sangha sent a troop of monks to the sacred Bodhgaya pilgrimage site in India, to take a fighting vow. There they publicly declared that the Sangha would lead a nationwide boycott against the draft constitution if Buddhism is not institutionalised as the national religion.

In another article, it seems that there are sensible people who feel that it is more important to understand why youths are turning their backs on Buddhism. They too felt that the sensitivity is needed especially in light of the seemingly endless violence in the deep South, where the gap of mistrust between Muslims and Buddhists remains as wide as ever, and any move to nationalise Buddhism could easily be exploited by the Islamic extremists to further widen the divide.

Phra Paisan, a respected and socially-engaged Buddhist monks in Thailand questioned the Sangha's motive and gives a very poignant perspective. I feel that his article is a stark reminder to the Buddhism to look inward to solve our problems and not to look outside to the Government to solve the problem of social problems and the decline of Buddhism.

Hence, I cannot agree more that Buddhism is a religion of peace and compassion. Which explains why Buddhism and other religious faiths have, for centuries, co-existed in peace and harmony in Thailand. To mix Buddhism with nationalism is a dangerous gamble which does not bode well for multi-religious harmony in the long term.

Links to this article:
Clamoring of a national religion (By Sanitsuda Ekachai, Bangkok Post, April 7, 2007)
Thailand: Keep religion out of charter (The Bangkok Post, April 7, 2007)
Thailand: Not in need of 'status crutch' (By PHRA PAISAN VISALO, Bangkok Post, April 19, 2007)