Soon Li Tsin Mar 5, 08 8:41pm
exclusive Three days before polling day, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad told voters that the country needs an opposition that can hold up a mirror to the government.“I believe in an opposition. I have always maintained that this country needs an opposition and they should be critical of the government without which we don’t have a mirror to look at our faces. We think that we are very beautiful but it is the opposition that keeps telling us (that may not be true). “You know the government member (of parliament), sometimes they are ‘ahli bodek’ (apple polishers). They are always saying ‘you’re right’, and you have no means of assessing whether you are going in the right direction or not.”He told Malaysiakini in an exclusive interview today that it would be a “disaster” if the country “loses its opposition” as in Singapore.Looking a little frail in his trademark bush jacket since his second heart bypass in September last year, Mahathir gave his prognosis on this Saturday’s general elections.He said the government would be able to retain its two-thirds majority but could lost a few seats in Terengganu and Kedah.Mahathir also predicted that the government would win between 70 to 75 percent of Parliament seats on March 8.In the 2004 general elections, BN won 90 percent of the seats. If Mahathir is correct, then the opposition could win between 55 to 65 seats, which will be a sizable increase from its current tally of 21.Mahathir also did not think the Barisan Nasional coalition would be able to wrest Kelantan state government from Islamic party PAS.“Kelantan would be a very difficult because although the margin is very small, Kelantanese have got a mind of their own, so to speak. If they are living in KL, they are very supportive of the government but if they are living in Kelantan, the peer pressure is very strong.”Mahathir also believed that the opposition would do well in Penang, but not enough to win government, or deny BN its two-thirds majority.Two clarificationsMahathir also took the opportunity at the interview held at his Perdana Leadership Foundation office in Putrajaya to clarify that there was no prior agreement in which his handpicked successor would serve only one term as prime minister.“I want to say this, there was no gentleman’s agreement on this but my thinking was that he (Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) should serve for one term and give Najib (Razak) who by then would be much older to succeed him,” he said.The former BN leader who spearheaded BN’s victory in five consecutive elections also ticked off the opposition for seeking to capitalise on something which he had said in jest.In recent weeks, the opposition has been showing a video-clip at their ceramah where Mahathir was depicted to have conceded in a comical tone that he had brutally mistreated his then deputy, Anwar Ibrahim.“I mean any stupid fool would have seen that it was a sarcastic remark made by me but they (opposition) make use of such things and this convince voters that they are not really knowledgeable about things or they are not very sophisticated in the use of the media,” he said.Abdullah ‘lied’Mahathir was also asked to explain why he had publicly accused Abdullah of lying.“When I left, I made sure that the party, the government and the finances are in good shape. So when I am told that (my) projects have been postponed because of no money, it’s definitely not true. “If I was still the prime minister, I could go on not only with the projects that has already in the pipeline but also with new projects because we had money,” he asserted.When Abdullah came into power in 2003, he stopped a number of mega-projects that was inked under Mahathir’s tenure including the ‘crooked’ bridge to Singapore and the Bakun dam project.Although Mahathir expressed regret for appointing Abdullah as his successor, he refused to comment on the former’s performance.“It is up to the people to judge. You see, I would be bias. (It) is normal if he wants to leave his mark but the unfortunate thing is that the mark cause some losses for us. That is why I was so critical,” he said.Mahathir slams Khairy The Perdana Leadership Foundation chairperson, when quizzed about the possibility of Abdullah’s son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin being appointed minister after the elections, did not mince his words in criticising the ambitious deputy Umno Youth chief.He said Khairy should not seek protection from his father-in-law.“He (Khairy) has said that ‘I can do these things because I get protection from my father-in-law’. Nobody should ever say that. Do the right thing - you don’t ask for protection from your father-in-law,” he asserted.Asked for his message to voters on Saturday, he urged them to vote wisely.“Vote sensitively. Vote not only with party loyalty concerns but also vote in order to have good people setting up a good government.”
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Don't expect BN to lose big
This issue is the talk of the town, especially among those who are directly involve in this general election of 2008. The predict of outcome seems to wary from one person to another but yet it spun around which party that person is supporting. But maybe one might be wiser to remove oneself from the party linked, and looked at the figures of yesteryears General Elections and with careful scrutinize analysing, it may look something like this comes midnite this 8th of March.
Written by Steven Gan of Malaysiakini:
Mar 5, 08 7:06pm
When Chavalit Yongchaiyudh was running for prime minister in 1996, he was blessed by Thailand's most revered monk with, yes, a whack over the head with a rolled-up newspaper.
He won. So when the country was hit by the Asian financial tsunami a year later and his government jolted by angry street protests, Chavalit used his lucky number five to carry out a crucial cabinet shake-up.
His revamped cabinet was announced at 15.05 on Aug 15 - five new ministers were named, five sacked and five swapped posts.
It didn’t work. A month later, Chavalit quit.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, whose official car’s number is 13, may not be as superstitious as Chavalit. However, one can't help but wonder, particularly when Parliament was dissolved on Feb 13 and the campaign period set for 13 days.
Still, no one expects Abdullah to be smacked over the head with, say, a rolled-up Utusan Malaysia.
That Abdullah will emerge victorious on March 8 is beyond doubt. The only uncertainty is the magnitude of his triumph.
The palpable winds of change which Malaysia has witnessed over the past few months may have got some talking about the Barisan Nasional losing big. That's not going to happen. Here's why.
Look at the statistics. It is very difficult, impossible even, for the opposition to win the 75 parliamentary seats necessary to deny BN its cherished two-thirds majority, let alone win government.
There will have to be a major swing in votes - and it must be across the board - before we see a sizable number of seats falling into opposition hands.
EC's magic formula
This is not going to happen. The Election Commission has over the years slashed the number of single-race majority seats and increased mixed-race ones where the ruling coalition has a distinct advantage over the motley group of opposition parties.
Indeed, it's ironic that the opposition parties - all non-racial on paper - won seats in overwhelmingly single-race constituencies in the 2004 elections.
Each of the 12 existing DAP seats have a more than 70 percent Chinese-majority electorate. At the other end of the racial spectrum, the seven PAS seats have a similar proportion of Malay voters.
In contrast, BN snapped up almost every single one of the 100-odd mixed seats. The one exception was PKR's sole seat of Permatang Pauh, where Malay voters are a shade below 70 percent.
So without a swing involving all ethnic groups - both Malays and non-Malays - the opposition will not get the 75 seats they seek.
In recent elections, a swing among Malays had not been followed by a similar swing among non-Malays and vice versa. The nature of racial politics is such that if non-Malays turn against the government, this trend is used to spook the Malays.
Cheating already done
The EC has argued that our electoral process is as transparent as the plastic ballot boxes it is bringing in for this election. True, it has introduced a few new measures, but really, the cheating has already been done before polling day.
EC’s electoral boundaries have been drawn and redrawn over the past five decades to favour the ruling coalition. This is further refined and re-calibrated every few years. Put simply, the goalpost is moved at every election by the umpire himself, no less. This iniquity has been raised time and again.
Moreover, there's the issue of postal ballots - a 200,000-strong army of 'reserve voters' whose pre-marked ballots the EC can deploy, almost at will, for marginal seats to tilt the balance in BN’s favour.
And we are not even talking about the 3Ms - BN's monopoly on the media, money and machinery.
Yesterday’s shock reversal by the EC to cancel the use of indelible ink after much song and dance raises even more questions about the commission’s role.
Given this, don’t expect the opposition to win big. But the current ugly mood against the government should enable the opposition to double its haul - to about 40 seats. While this is short of its ‘deny two-thirds majority’ target, it will nonetheless mean a stronger opposition in Parliament.
The general election is an important part of our democracy. But it's not a be-all and end-all.
Our leaders are fond of claiming that once elected, they have the mandate to do whatever they wish. Wrong. Voters do not give them a blank cheque every four years.
Which is why we also need a vibrant civil society and an independent media. We have seen what both can do in recent years. Without these two pillars of democracy, there would be no talk of, among others, reforms for the police force and judiciary.
But for democracy to function properly, we also need the third pillar - a strong opposition. And if Malaysians cannot understand that, they should be whacked over the head.
Written by Steven Gan of Malaysiakini:
Mar 5, 08 7:06pm
When Chavalit Yongchaiyudh was running for prime minister in 1996, he was blessed by Thailand's most revered monk with, yes, a whack over the head with a rolled-up newspaper.
He won. So when the country was hit by the Asian financial tsunami a year later and his government jolted by angry street protests, Chavalit used his lucky number five to carry out a crucial cabinet shake-up.
His revamped cabinet was announced at 15.05 on Aug 15 - five new ministers were named, five sacked and five swapped posts.
It didn’t work. A month later, Chavalit quit.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, whose official car’s number is 13, may not be as superstitious as Chavalit. However, one can't help but wonder, particularly when Parliament was dissolved on Feb 13 and the campaign period set for 13 days.
Still, no one expects Abdullah to be smacked over the head with, say, a rolled-up Utusan Malaysia.
That Abdullah will emerge victorious on March 8 is beyond doubt. The only uncertainty is the magnitude of his triumph.
The palpable winds of change which Malaysia has witnessed over the past few months may have got some talking about the Barisan Nasional losing big. That's not going to happen. Here's why.
Look at the statistics. It is very difficult, impossible even, for the opposition to win the 75 parliamentary seats necessary to deny BN its cherished two-thirds majority, let alone win government.
There will have to be a major swing in votes - and it must be across the board - before we see a sizable number of seats falling into opposition hands.
EC's magic formula
This is not going to happen. The Election Commission has over the years slashed the number of single-race majority seats and increased mixed-race ones where the ruling coalition has a distinct advantage over the motley group of opposition parties.
Indeed, it's ironic that the opposition parties - all non-racial on paper - won seats in overwhelmingly single-race constituencies in the 2004 elections.
Each of the 12 existing DAP seats have a more than 70 percent Chinese-majority electorate. At the other end of the racial spectrum, the seven PAS seats have a similar proportion of Malay voters.
In contrast, BN snapped up almost every single one of the 100-odd mixed seats. The one exception was PKR's sole seat of Permatang Pauh, where Malay voters are a shade below 70 percent.
So without a swing involving all ethnic groups - both Malays and non-Malays - the opposition will not get the 75 seats they seek.
In recent elections, a swing among Malays had not been followed by a similar swing among non-Malays and vice versa. The nature of racial politics is such that if non-Malays turn against the government, this trend is used to spook the Malays.
Cheating already done
The EC has argued that our electoral process is as transparent as the plastic ballot boxes it is bringing in for this election. True, it has introduced a few new measures, but really, the cheating has already been done before polling day.
EC’s electoral boundaries have been drawn and redrawn over the past five decades to favour the ruling coalition. This is further refined and re-calibrated every few years. Put simply, the goalpost is moved at every election by the umpire himself, no less. This iniquity has been raised time and again.
Moreover, there's the issue of postal ballots - a 200,000-strong army of 'reserve voters' whose pre-marked ballots the EC can deploy, almost at will, for marginal seats to tilt the balance in BN’s favour.
And we are not even talking about the 3Ms - BN's monopoly on the media, money and machinery.
Yesterday’s shock reversal by the EC to cancel the use of indelible ink after much song and dance raises even more questions about the commission’s role.
Given this, don’t expect the opposition to win big. But the current ugly mood against the government should enable the opposition to double its haul - to about 40 seats. While this is short of its ‘deny two-thirds majority’ target, it will nonetheless mean a stronger opposition in Parliament.
The general election is an important part of our democracy. But it's not a be-all and end-all.
Our leaders are fond of claiming that once elected, they have the mandate to do whatever they wish. Wrong. Voters do not give them a blank cheque every four years.
Which is why we also need a vibrant civil society and an independent media. We have seen what both can do in recent years. Without these two pillars of democracy, there would be no talk of, among others, reforms for the police force and judiciary.
But for democracy to function properly, we also need the third pillar - a strong opposition. And if Malaysians cannot understand that, they should be whacked over the head.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Guess He's Got Nothing to Lose Now...
AP Interview: Election chief says media bias will make Malaysia polls a laughingstock
The Associated Press
Friday, February 22, 2008
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: The Election Commission in Malaysia needs more power to prevent one-sided campaign coverage in local media or the entire electoral system will become a "laughingstock," the commission's chairman said Friday.
Top election official Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahim's comments appeared to lend rare support to opposition complaints of pro-government bias in the press.
"If you want free and fair elections, if you want a level playground ... you must be able to have that power to level that playground," Abdul Rahim, head of the Election Commission, said in an interview ahead of the March 8 general elections.
"Without that power, then the whole system becomes a laughingstock," he said. The commission must be able "to control the media when they take sides."
It is rare for any official connected with the electoral process to speak so candidly about the media bias. The comments are even more surprising coming from Abdul Rashid, who has been criticized by opposition parties for refusing to acknowledge that voting irregularities occur in the country.
"In an election you have to produce what is called an informed choice. That's the principle. People must know who is contesting so publicity must be given to all, not just one section. And there are media bodies that take only one side," he told The Associated Press.
The mainstream media in Malaysia are either government-owned or controlled by the parties in the ruling coalition. They also need annually renewable government licenses to operate. This has ensured that virtually every newspaper and television station broadcasts flattering reports of the government. The opposition rarely gets a good mention in the papers.
The Election Commission is supposed to be an independent body, whose members are appointed by the constitutional monarch. But it is largely seen as a pro-government panel that has done little to promote electoral fairness.
Abdul Rashid indicated his hands are tied, saying the commission is in charge only of the electoral rolls and the polling process and has no power to control other irregularities, including vote-buying.
The laws need to be changed to give the commission more muscle, he said.
"Our (electoral) laws have been there for 50 years. After 50 years, I feel there must be some kind of review," he said. "There must be a law ... put in place where the EC is seen to be in full control."
Despite his frank comments that will likely be welcomed by the opposition, Abdul Rashid insisted that the electoral process itself is free, fair and transparent.
He dismissed allegations that electoral rolls, which are vetted by the Election Commission, are filled with names of dead people and people living in other constituencies. These names are used by bogus voters deployed by the ruling party, critics say.
"That never happens here. It cannot happen because the process — the polling, the counting and so on — is so transparent," he said.
"Cheating has never been proven anywhere in this country," he said, adding that the few incidents of fraud that may have taken place have been so minor that they didn't affect election results.
Fun Personality Test
Fruit for Thoughts
The Fruit you love reveals your personality. To find out your personality, take this free fun test!
Fruit For Thought
Which is your favorite Fruit?
Orange
You have patience and will power; hard work doesn't daunt you. You like to do things slowly, but thoroughly. Although shy, you are reliable and trustworthy. You love with all your heart - flings are not for you
Durian
You are extravagant, impulsive, and outspoken. You may not be the best organizer, but you're charming and make a good team leader. You enjoy travel immensely, and have an enthusiasm for life unmatched by most. Watch that temper, though.
Apple
Awww, you're a softie - loving, gentle, warm, and sympathetic. But your sweet temper makes you vulnerable to people taking advantage of you. You may lack self-confidence and be timid, yet you enjoy harmonious relationships.
Pineapple
You are quick to decide; even quicker to act. You have exceptional organizing abilities, and tend to be self-reliant, sincere and honest in your dealings with others. You don't make friends easily, but once you do, they're friends for life. You rarely, if ever, make romantic overtures.
Papaya
Although fearless, you give much thought to the things you do. You are a go-getter in your career, and have a knack for being in the right place at the right time. More then anything else, your sense of humor is what attracts members of the opposite sex to you.
Mango
You have fixed ideas - influencing you is no easy task. You tend to be an extremist with strong likes and dislikes; at times, you like to control a situation. You enjoy getting involved in something that presents a mental challenge. Strong as you may be, you are a kitten when you are with your partner.
Cherry
You often faced ups and downs professionally and financially; you are often involved in creative pursuits. Despite being sincere and loyal, you don't express your emotions easily. Your home is your haven, and you love nothing more than being surrounded by family and your beloved partner.
Strawberry
You are polite yet have a temper. You are very popular because of your warm, gregarious nature. Your zest in life ensures you enjoy everything you do.
Peach
You are friendly and outspoken. You are quick to forgive and forget. You have an independent, ambitious streak in you, making you a real go-getter. Fiery and passionate (though not in public), you are sincere and faithful to your lover, and value friendship highly.
Pear
You tend to be fickle, and have trouble completing a task with the enthusiasm you started with, because you need to see immediate results. You enjoy mental stimulation and love a good discussion. You tend to be restless, highly stung, and easily excitable.
The Fruit you love reveals your personality. To find out your personality, take this free fun test!
Fruit For Thought
Which is your favorite Fruit?
Orange
You have patience and will power; hard work doesn't daunt you. You like to do things slowly, but thoroughly. Although shy, you are reliable and trustworthy. You love with all your heart - flings are not for you
Durian
You are extravagant, impulsive, and outspoken. You may not be the best organizer, but you're charming and make a good team leader. You enjoy travel immensely, and have an enthusiasm for life unmatched by most. Watch that temper, though.
Apple
Awww, you're a softie - loving, gentle, warm, and sympathetic. But your sweet temper makes you vulnerable to people taking advantage of you. You may lack self-confidence and be timid, yet you enjoy harmonious relationships.
Pineapple
You are quick to decide; even quicker to act. You have exceptional organizing abilities, and tend to be self-reliant, sincere and honest in your dealings with others. You don't make friends easily, but once you do, they're friends for life. You rarely, if ever, make romantic overtures.
Papaya
Although fearless, you give much thought to the things you do. You are a go-getter in your career, and have a knack for being in the right place at the right time. More then anything else, your sense of humor is what attracts members of the opposite sex to you.
Mango
You have fixed ideas - influencing you is no easy task. You tend to be an extremist with strong likes and dislikes; at times, you like to control a situation. You enjoy getting involved in something that presents a mental challenge. Strong as you may be, you are a kitten when you are with your partner.
Cherry
You often faced ups and downs professionally and financially; you are often involved in creative pursuits. Despite being sincere and loyal, you don't express your emotions easily. Your home is your haven, and you love nothing more than being surrounded by family and your beloved partner.
Strawberry
You are polite yet have a temper. You are very popular because of your warm, gregarious nature. Your zest in life ensures you enjoy everything you do.
Peach
You are friendly and outspoken. You are quick to forgive and forget. You have an independent, ambitious streak in you, making you a real go-getter. Fiery and passionate (though not in public), you are sincere and faithful to your lover, and value friendship highly.
Pear
You tend to be fickle, and have trouble completing a task with the enthusiasm you started with, because you need to see immediate results. You enjoy mental stimulation and love a good discussion. You tend to be restless, highly stung, and easily excitable.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
PORPOISE IN PENANG?
Nice and warm: A porpoise having fun in the water. A pod was spotted frolicking near Kuala Sungai Burung, Penang.
He said he was sure they were porpoises as they were similar to the carcass of a porpoise that he found in 2006. The authorities had confirmed then that the carcass was that of a porpoise
A pod of six porpoises was spotted in the waters off Penang, about 200m from the shores of Kuala Sungai Burung near Pulau Betong here.
The Star photographer Wan Mohizan Wan Hussein, a part-time fisherman, saw the porpoises as he was testing his boat after some maintenance works at 11.30am yesterday.
“It looks like they were having a fun time. As I had left my camera in the car, I rushed back to shore to get it and went back to the same spot.
“I followed them for about 45 minutes on my boat,” said Wan Mohizan, 41.
.
When contacted, Universiti Sains Malaysia’s School of Biological Sciences lecturer Professor Dr Zulfigar Yasin said these mammals were known to appear in Penang waters between January and February annually.
“They normally swim along the Sumatran and Andaman coasts towards Indian Ocean.
“In our census in 2006, we spotted 114 porpoises in one afternoon,” he said. Porpoises are migratory mammals that are related to whales and dolphins.
Monday, February 18, 2008
The mark of a teacher
MALLIKA VASUGI, The Star Education Columnist wrote
You can always recognise a teacher, anywhere, anytime.
ONE of my teacher-friends, Raj, boasts that the mantle of “teacherhood” sits so firmly on his shoulders that everywhere he goes, he is greeted with a deference not accorded his more affluent business companions, despite their designer suits and flashing Rolexes.
“I don’t have to say a word about my profession,” he says.
“I could be paying bills at the post office, or buying keropok lekor in the pasar malam, or just sitting on a bench in the park.
“People always call me Cikgu when they speak to me. How they know I am a teacher is beyond me. Most times, I have never even met these people before.
“This happens when I am outstation or on holiday, too.
“Usually, the hotel receptionist will just take one look at me and ask how long the school vacation is. With a Cikgu affixed in front of my name, of course.”
My friend, Jill, sighs.
“There is no escaping this,” she says, in the morose voice she usually reserves for the last day of the school holidays.
“It is stamped all over us – the Cikgu chop. We can try our utmost best to disguise the fact that we are schoolteachers, but, somehow or other, we give ourselves away.
“The way our clothes are coordinated – she gives me a long, disapproving look) – the inflection of our speech, the words we use, the way we walk, hold a pen, even the way we reach into our handbag to pay for purchases ... they all give us away.”
“But why would anyone want to hide the fact that he or she is a teacher?” I ask.
Jill gives me another long, disapproving look.
“Really,” she says, “sometimes I wonder whether you ever switch off from teacher mode.
“OK, picture this, if you can. I’m in this exclusive boutique and want to try on this figure-hugging fuchsia slip of a thing with a plunging neckline and thigh-high slits ...
“Do you think I want the whole world to know I am a schoolteacher?
“And what if I decide to colour my hair purple, or get my tongue pierced ... Do you think I want the people at the hair salon or 'tongue piercing place' (where do you go for such things anyway?) to purse their lips and say: ‘Oh, there she is, the schoolteacher; she is such a role model for our school-going daughters.
“The point is, sometimes you just don’t want to be recognised as a teacher.”
Teacher mode ...
I think I get her point. There are times when you wish you could just let your hair down, forget that you are a teacher who has to observe a certain code of conduct and behave with decorum in public.
But then again, after years of trying to inculcate high moral standards, etiquette and proper conduct among students, it is impossible not to have elements of this rubbed off on you. Which is probably a good thing for teachers.
A friend, who is not a teacher, once said: “I can always tell a teacher by the way he or she speaks. It is usually in full sentences, with a lot of ‘please’ and ‘thank yous’. “
Another man, whose wife is a school teacher, wryly observes: “Almost every sentence that my wife speaks is preceded by, ‘Now, look here ...’ and accompanied by lots of hand gestures for emphasis.
“Having a conversation with her is like participating in a management forum.
“Even if I ask her something as mundane as where the house keys are, her answer will come out something like this: 'Now look here, first you have to remember where the keys were yesterday. Where were they the day before? What conclusion can you draw from that?’
“Why the heck can’t she just tell me that the keys are on top of the piano? But,” he admits with a shrug, “she is a great wife in other ways and the kids adore her, so I suppose I can put up with this extended teacher-mode for a few more years.
“Once she retires, I’m going to send her to a non-teacher re-education camp,” he finishes with a chuckle.
... and teacher mould
Jill has another theory about what might happen to teachers who have been teaching for a long time if they don’t take care.
“Your features slowly change,” she says, with an intent look in her eyes.
“You begin to get plastered into the teacher mould and, before you know it, you are completely stuck. You can’t break loose.
“Deep frown lines get etched on your forehead and you walk as though you are always in a hurry to catch the next class.
“You don't feel complete unless you have at least two pens and a notebook in your handbag.
“One more thing ... you have this imaginary red ballpen in your mind that goes into auto-correction each time you hear or see a mistake in people’s speech.
“You can’t even begin to imagine what a pain that can be to other people.
“But the time to really get worried is when you begin to expect every kid of school-going age that you meet on the street to greet you: ‘Good morning, teacher.’
Hail, chop cikgu!
“I don’t know if I should tell you this, “ she continues in a lower tone, “but I once knew a teacher who couldn’t switch off from being one, not even long after she had retired. A wonderful teacher she was too, although a little prim and prudish.
“She was actually charged with assault and battery. We didn't believe it at that time but it was true.
“The story goes that she hit the bread vendor on the head with her walking stick when he refused to ask for permission to leave the house after delivering bread. It’s a little scary, don’t you think?”
I mull over this a while. How much of this “teacher stamp” is on me,” I wonder.
Meanwhile Jill happily rattles on.
“It’s all those school-marmish stuff you have on. Now, look at me ... folks outside would probably think that I am some top-level representative for an international line of clothing or beauty product.
“This top I have on – this was COLA (cost of living allowance) well spent. Goodness girl, what do you think they give you cost of living allowance for?
“And these boots, very unteacher-like don’t you think? I bought them with last month’s EKA (civil service allowance).
“And, get a load of this handbag ...”
You can always recognise a teacher, anywhere, anytime.
ONE of my teacher-friends, Raj, boasts that the mantle of “teacherhood” sits so firmly on his shoulders that everywhere he goes, he is greeted with a deference not accorded his more affluent business companions, despite their designer suits and flashing Rolexes.
“I don’t have to say a word about my profession,” he says.
“I could be paying bills at the post office, or buying keropok lekor in the pasar malam, or just sitting on a bench in the park.
“People always call me Cikgu when they speak to me. How they know I am a teacher is beyond me. Most times, I have never even met these people before.
“This happens when I am outstation or on holiday, too.
“Usually, the hotel receptionist will just take one look at me and ask how long the school vacation is. With a Cikgu affixed in front of my name, of course.”
My friend, Jill, sighs.
“There is no escaping this,” she says, in the morose voice she usually reserves for the last day of the school holidays.
“It is stamped all over us – the Cikgu chop. We can try our utmost best to disguise the fact that we are schoolteachers, but, somehow or other, we give ourselves away.
“The way our clothes are coordinated – she gives me a long, disapproving look) – the inflection of our speech, the words we use, the way we walk, hold a pen, even the way we reach into our handbag to pay for purchases ... they all give us away.”
“But why would anyone want to hide the fact that he or she is a teacher?” I ask.
Jill gives me another long, disapproving look.
“Really,” she says, “sometimes I wonder whether you ever switch off from teacher mode.
“OK, picture this, if you can. I’m in this exclusive boutique and want to try on this figure-hugging fuchsia slip of a thing with a plunging neckline and thigh-high slits ...
“Do you think I want the whole world to know I am a schoolteacher?
“And what if I decide to colour my hair purple, or get my tongue pierced ... Do you think I want the people at the hair salon or 'tongue piercing place' (where do you go for such things anyway?) to purse their lips and say: ‘Oh, there she is, the schoolteacher; she is such a role model for our school-going daughters.
“The point is, sometimes you just don’t want to be recognised as a teacher.”
Teacher mode ...
I think I get her point. There are times when you wish you could just let your hair down, forget that you are a teacher who has to observe a certain code of conduct and behave with decorum in public.
But then again, after years of trying to inculcate high moral standards, etiquette and proper conduct among students, it is impossible not to have elements of this rubbed off on you. Which is probably a good thing for teachers.
A friend, who is not a teacher, once said: “I can always tell a teacher by the way he or she speaks. It is usually in full sentences, with a lot of ‘please’ and ‘thank yous’. “
Another man, whose wife is a school teacher, wryly observes: “Almost every sentence that my wife speaks is preceded by, ‘Now, look here ...’ and accompanied by lots of hand gestures for emphasis.
“Having a conversation with her is like participating in a management forum.
“Even if I ask her something as mundane as where the house keys are, her answer will come out something like this: 'Now look here, first you have to remember where the keys were yesterday. Where were they the day before? What conclusion can you draw from that?’
“Why the heck can’t she just tell me that the keys are on top of the piano? But,” he admits with a shrug, “she is a great wife in other ways and the kids adore her, so I suppose I can put up with this extended teacher-mode for a few more years.
“Once she retires, I’m going to send her to a non-teacher re-education camp,” he finishes with a chuckle.
... and teacher mould
Jill has another theory about what might happen to teachers who have been teaching for a long time if they don’t take care.
“Your features slowly change,” she says, with an intent look in her eyes.
“You begin to get plastered into the teacher mould and, before you know it, you are completely stuck. You can’t break loose.
“Deep frown lines get etched on your forehead and you walk as though you are always in a hurry to catch the next class.
“You don't feel complete unless you have at least two pens and a notebook in your handbag.
“One more thing ... you have this imaginary red ballpen in your mind that goes into auto-correction each time you hear or see a mistake in people’s speech.
“You can’t even begin to imagine what a pain that can be to other people.
“But the time to really get worried is when you begin to expect every kid of school-going age that you meet on the street to greet you: ‘Good morning, teacher.’
Hail, chop cikgu!
“I don’t know if I should tell you this, “ she continues in a lower tone, “but I once knew a teacher who couldn’t switch off from being one, not even long after she had retired. A wonderful teacher she was too, although a little prim and prudish.
“She was actually charged with assault and battery. We didn't believe it at that time but it was true.
“The story goes that she hit the bread vendor on the head with her walking stick when he refused to ask for permission to leave the house after delivering bread. It’s a little scary, don’t you think?”
I mull over this a while. How much of this “teacher stamp” is on me,” I wonder.
Meanwhile Jill happily rattles on.
“It’s all those school-marmish stuff you have on. Now, look at me ... folks outside would probably think that I am some top-level representative for an international line of clothing or beauty product.
“This top I have on – this was COLA (cost of living allowance) well spent. Goodness girl, what do you think they give you cost of living allowance for?
“And these boots, very unteacher-like don’t you think? I bought them with last month’s EKA (civil service allowance).
“And, get a load of this handbag ...”
Saturday, February 16, 2008
MM wrote this.....
Marina Mahathir wrote this......
Happy reading
Friday, February 15, 2008
The Silly Season starts
Or rather, it continues...
Well folks, get your nice little thumbs ready to be indelibly inked on March 8! Of course, as a prelude to that we have to put up with all sorts of nonsense which is supposed to help us decide who to vote for. Personally I'd like to choose from a range of intelligence , rather than nonsense, but what can you do?
For instance, today, our favourite toupee dared an army to try and unseat him. These are the reasons why people in Sungai Siput should re-elect him for the umpteenth time ad nauseam: “I have made Sungai Siput a very beautiful town. Not only that, I have solved every problem of the community. I have made Sungai Siput a really good place to live in,” Methinks, he should just stand for mayor of Sungai Siput instead rather than beautifying SS in order to build lousy highways and buildings everywhere else.
Rumour has it that Rapidfire Rafidah is going to be moved out of MITI but then we shouldn't listen to rumours. Instead we should listen to daft statements like this one the other day and make our decision:
Asked about the opposition's strength, Rafidah said about 35% of the population supported the opposition and they comprised the bloggers, Hindraf members and their supporters.
Let me see, 35% of 26 million is 9.1million. That's probably caused the Opposition to send lots of Valentine's cards to Rafidah yesterday since they never knew they had that many supporters. And all these 9.1m are bloggers and Hindraf supporters? Waaaahhhhh......!
And how's this for a young man's optimism? I don't know lah but the logo looks as if it's saying No to 18-year old people. Would be good to know if the 50,000 young Kelantanese who are outside the state are working in meaningful jobs provided by the BN government, that they would be grateful enough to go back to their home state to vote. And what exactly was the mistake (committed by whom I wonder) back in 2004 that caused BN to lose by a small majority? Hardly the most tactful thing to say about your Kelantanese colleagues, no?
And I'm not sure what to make of this from our UMNO Youth head (no dear, the real one, not the other one who talks more than his erstwhile boss): “It's all in my head as lists don't mean anything if the candidates are not qualified or accepted by all levels,”
And this: “I treat all nominations the same way, whether the candidate is the son-in-law of the prime minister, the son of a former prime minister or someone who has proven their leadership in a Felda area.” But some people are protected, right?
Happy reading
Friday, February 15, 2008
The Silly Season starts
Or rather, it continues...
Well folks, get your nice little thumbs ready to be indelibly inked on March 8! Of course, as a prelude to that we have to put up with all sorts of nonsense which is supposed to help us decide who to vote for. Personally I'd like to choose from a range of intelligence , rather than nonsense, but what can you do?
For instance, today, our favourite toupee dared an army to try and unseat him. These are the reasons why people in Sungai Siput should re-elect him for the umpteenth time ad nauseam: “I have made Sungai Siput a very beautiful town. Not only that, I have solved every problem of the community. I have made Sungai Siput a really good place to live in,” Methinks, he should just stand for mayor of Sungai Siput instead rather than beautifying SS in order to build lousy highways and buildings everywhere else.
Rumour has it that Rapidfire Rafidah is going to be moved out of MITI but then we shouldn't listen to rumours. Instead we should listen to daft statements like this one the other day and make our decision:
Asked about the opposition's strength, Rafidah said about 35% of the population supported the opposition and they comprised the bloggers, Hindraf members and their supporters.
Let me see, 35% of 26 million is 9.1million. That's probably caused the Opposition to send lots of Valentine's cards to Rafidah yesterday since they never knew they had that many supporters. And all these 9.1m are bloggers and Hindraf supporters? Waaaahhhhh......!
And how's this for a young man's optimism? I don't know lah but the logo looks as if it's saying No to 18-year old people. Would be good to know if the 50,000 young Kelantanese who are outside the state are working in meaningful jobs provided by the BN government, that they would be grateful enough to go back to their home state to vote. And what exactly was the mistake (committed by whom I wonder) back in 2004 that caused BN to lose by a small majority? Hardly the most tactful thing to say about your Kelantanese colleagues, no?
And I'm not sure what to make of this from our UMNO Youth head (no dear, the real one, not the other one who talks more than his erstwhile boss): “It's all in my head as lists don't mean anything if the candidates are not qualified or accepted by all levels,”
And this: “I treat all nominations the same way, whether the candidate is the son-in-law of the prime minister, the son of a former prime minister or someone who has proven their leadership in a Felda area.” But some people are protected, right?
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
CHINESE NEW YEAR
In Malaysia we have been celebrating CNY every year but to be honest, not many of us knew the calendar used by the chinese to determine the start of each year. It is common for us to notice that this new year is celebrated between 20th January to 20th February of each year. The movement of days in a cycle of a few years always determined that the new year will never fall other than the mentioned date above.
This short article below tell us what CNY is all about.. happy reading!
Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The 15th day of the new year is called the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade.
The Chinese calendar is based on a combination of lunar and solar movements. The lunar cycle is about 29.5 days. In order to "catch up" with the solar calendar the Chinese insert an extra month once every few years (seven years out of a 19-yearcycle). This is the same as adding an extra day on leap year. This is why, according to the solar calendar, the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year.
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are celebrated as a family affair, a time of reunion and thanksgiving. The celebration was traditionally highlighted with a religious ceremony given in honor of Heaven and Earth, the gods of the household and the family ancestors.
The sacrifice to the ancestors, the most vital of all the rituals, united the living members with those who had passed away. Departed relatives are remembered with great respect because they were responsible for laying the foundations for the fortune and glory of the family.
The presence of the ancestors is acknowledged on New Year's Eve with a dinner arranged for them at the family banquet table. The spirits of the ancestors, together with the living, celebrate the onset of the New Year as one great community. The communal feast called "surrounding the stove" or weilu. It symbolizes family unity and honors the past and present generations.
FOOD FOR THOUGHTS
Very interesting quotations about honesty. Let's indulge in them..... come on....
HONESTY
Truly, to tell lies is not honorable;
But when the truth entails tremendous ruin,
To speak dishonorably is pardonable.
Sophocles (c.495-406 BC)
Creusa, fragment 323
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Honesty is generally less profitable than dishonesty.
Plato (c.428-348 BC)
Republic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The rulers of the State are the only ones who should have the privilege of lying, whether at home or abroad; they may be allowed to lie for the good of the State.
Plato (c.428-348 BC)
Republic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pain forces even the innocent to lie.
Publilius Syrus (1st century BC)
Sententiae, Number 171
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is annoying to be honest to no purpose. (I just feel like laughing reading this)
Ovid (43 BC-AD 18)
Ex Ponto, II, iii, 14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He who conceals a useful truth is equally guilty with the propagator of an injurious falsehood.
Saint Augustine (340-430)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neither a borrower, nor a lender be;
For loan oft loses both itself and friend,
And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.
This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
Hamlet, 1600-1601
Act I, scene iii, line 65
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
They begin with making falsehood appear like truth, and end with making truth itself appear like falsehood. (True to the politicians)
William Shenstone (1714-1763)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The more honesty a man has, the less he affects the air of a saint. The affectation of sanctity is a blotch on the face of piety.
Johann Kaspar Lavater (1741-1801)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A truth that's told with bad intent
Beats all the Lies you can invent. (ha ha)
William Blake (1757-1827)
"Auguries of Innocence", line 53
Poems from the Pickering Manuscript, c.1805
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh, what a tangled web we weave,
When first we practice to deceive. (I like this)
Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832)
Marmion, 1808
Canto VI, Introduction, stanza 17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Honesty is the best policy; but he who is governed by that maxim is not an honest man.
Richard Whately (1787-1863)
Apophthegms, 1854
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A commercial, and in some respects a social, doubt has been started within the last year or two, whether or not it is right to discuss so openly the security or insecurity of locks. Many well-meaning persons suppose that the discussion respecting the means for baffling the supposed safety of locks offers a premium for dishonesty, by showing others how to be dishonest. This is a fallacy. Rogues are very keen in their profession, and already know much more than we can teach them respecting their several kinds of roguery. Rogues knew a good deal about lockpicking long before locksmiths discussed it among themselves, as they have lately done. If a lock -- let it have been made in whatever country, or by whatever maker -- is not so inviolable as it has hitherto been deemed to be, surely it is in the interest of honest persons to know this fact, because the dishonest are tolerably certain to be the first to apply the knowledge practically; and the spread of knowledge is necessary to give fair play to those who might suffer by ignorance. It cannot be too earnestly urged, that an acquaintance with real facts will, in the end, be better for all parties.
-(read again and again to understand this one)
Charles Tomlinson (1808-1897)
"Rudimentary Treatise on the Construction of Locks", 1853
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle which fits them all.
(Proverb like)
Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894)
The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table, 1858
Chapter 6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tact is the ability to describe others as they see themselves.
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lying to ourselves is more deeply ingrained than lying to others.
Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Young as he was, his instinct told him that the best liar is he who makes the smallest amount of lying go the longest way.
Samuel Butler (1835-1902)
The Way of All Flesh, 1903
Chapter 39
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That is English as she is wrote at the Colonial Office. Eleven syllables, many of them of Latin or Greek derivation, when one good English word, a Saxon word of a single syllable, would do! But it is quite sufficient.
Joseph Chamberlain (1836-1914)
23 February 1906
Former colonial secretary, of Churchill’s speech
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Not that you lied to me but that I no longer believe you - that is what has distressed me-."
Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900)
Part 4 "Maxims and Interludes", Number 183
Beyond Good and Evil, 1885-1886
Translated by R.J. Hollingdale, 1972
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The liar's punishment is not in the least that he is not believed, but that he cannot believe anyone else.
George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)
The Quintessence of Ibsenism, 1890
Chapter 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A labour contract into which men enter voluntarily for a limited and for a brief period, under which they are paid wages which they consider adequate, under which they are not bought or sold, and under which they can obtain relief, may not be a desirable contract, may not be a healthy or proper contract, but it cannot in the opinion of His Majesty’s Government be classified as slavery in the extreme acceptance of the word without some risk of terminological inexactitude.
Winston Churchill (1874–1965)
Speech to the House of Commons on the position of indented Chinese
laborers working in the Rand mines in the Transvaal, South Africa
22 February 1906
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hitler had said that if you tell a big enough lie, people will believe it, but he rather overlooked the fact that once the lie is exposed, everything else you've said is also disbelieved.
Paul Brickhill (1916-1991)
The Great Escape, 1950
Chapter 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You don't tell deliberate lies, but sometimes you have to be evasive.
Margaret Thatcher (b.1925), 1976
(Wow, this lady too????)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Take, for example, the act of lying. We hold the telling of truth as a value; we are not supposed to lie. Yet if everyone told the truth all the time so that one could have complete trust in what one is told, then the advantage that would accrue to a single liar in society would be immense. This is not a stable social situation. On the other hand, in a society of individuals in which everyone lied all the time, society would be unworkable. The equilibrium state seems to be one in which people tell the truth most of the time but occasionally lie, which is how the world really seems to be. In a sense, then, it is the liars among (and within) us that keep us both honest and on our guard. This kind of scientific analysis of lying can help us understand why we do it.
Heinz Rudolph Pagels (1939-1988)
The Dreams of Reason:
The Computer and the Rise of the Sciences of Complexity, 1988
page 330
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To live outside the law you must be honest.
Bob Dylan (b.1941)
"Absolutely Sweet Marie"
Blonde on Blonde, 1966
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We lie to you by not telling you things. We don't lie by telling you things that aren't true.
anonymous
U.S. official
Washington Post
11 January 1991
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And it does matter. An honest man or woman is an honest man or woman more because he or she is honest in the small, everyday things that "don't matter" individually, but which make up a well-lived life, than because of some single great temptation that was passed. A person who is concerned about individual rights or about individual dignity makes his or her difference not because of any sweeping great statement or action, but because of the accretion of small, individually seemingly insignificant acts that spread that dignity and confirm those rights through every action they take. It matters because every action you take, and every action I take is an expression of the human spirit.
William Oliver
Internet newsgroups misc.misc, news.admin, news.groups
15 January 1990
HONESTY
Truly, to tell lies is not honorable;
But when the truth entails tremendous ruin,
To speak dishonorably is pardonable.
Sophocles (c.495-406 BC)
Creusa, fragment 323
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Honesty is generally less profitable than dishonesty.
Plato (c.428-348 BC)
Republic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The rulers of the State are the only ones who should have the privilege of lying, whether at home or abroad; they may be allowed to lie for the good of the State.
Plato (c.428-348 BC)
Republic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pain forces even the innocent to lie.
Publilius Syrus (1st century BC)
Sententiae, Number 171
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is annoying to be honest to no purpose. (I just feel like laughing reading this)
Ovid (43 BC-AD 18)
Ex Ponto, II, iii, 14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He who conceals a useful truth is equally guilty with the propagator of an injurious falsehood.
Saint Augustine (340-430)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neither a borrower, nor a lender be;
For loan oft loses both itself and friend,
And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.
This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
Hamlet, 1600-1601
Act I, scene iii, line 65
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
They begin with making falsehood appear like truth, and end with making truth itself appear like falsehood. (True to the politicians)
William Shenstone (1714-1763)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The more honesty a man has, the less he affects the air of a saint. The affectation of sanctity is a blotch on the face of piety.
Johann Kaspar Lavater (1741-1801)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A truth that's told with bad intent
Beats all the Lies you can invent. (ha ha)
William Blake (1757-1827)
"Auguries of Innocence", line 53
Poems from the Pickering Manuscript, c.1805
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh, what a tangled web we weave,
When first we practice to deceive. (I like this)
Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832)
Marmion, 1808
Canto VI, Introduction, stanza 17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Honesty is the best policy; but he who is governed by that maxim is not an honest man.
Richard Whately (1787-1863)
Apophthegms, 1854
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A commercial, and in some respects a social, doubt has been started within the last year or two, whether or not it is right to discuss so openly the security or insecurity of locks. Many well-meaning persons suppose that the discussion respecting the means for baffling the supposed safety of locks offers a premium for dishonesty, by showing others how to be dishonest. This is a fallacy. Rogues are very keen in their profession, and already know much more than we can teach them respecting their several kinds of roguery. Rogues knew a good deal about lockpicking long before locksmiths discussed it among themselves, as they have lately done. If a lock -- let it have been made in whatever country, or by whatever maker -- is not so inviolable as it has hitherto been deemed to be, surely it is in the interest of honest persons to know this fact, because the dishonest are tolerably certain to be the first to apply the knowledge practically; and the spread of knowledge is necessary to give fair play to those who might suffer by ignorance. It cannot be too earnestly urged, that an acquaintance with real facts will, in the end, be better for all parties.
-(read again and again to understand this one)
Charles Tomlinson (1808-1897)
"Rudimentary Treatise on the Construction of Locks", 1853
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle which fits them all.
(Proverb like)
Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894)
The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table, 1858
Chapter 6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tact is the ability to describe others as they see themselves.
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lying to ourselves is more deeply ingrained than lying to others.
Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Young as he was, his instinct told him that the best liar is he who makes the smallest amount of lying go the longest way.
Samuel Butler (1835-1902)
The Way of All Flesh, 1903
Chapter 39
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That is English as she is wrote at the Colonial Office. Eleven syllables, many of them of Latin or Greek derivation, when one good English word, a Saxon word of a single syllable, would do! But it is quite sufficient.
Joseph Chamberlain (1836-1914)
23 February 1906
Former colonial secretary, of Churchill’s speech
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Not that you lied to me but that I no longer believe you - that is what has distressed me-."
Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900)
Part 4 "Maxims and Interludes", Number 183
Beyond Good and Evil, 1885-1886
Translated by R.J. Hollingdale, 1972
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The liar's punishment is not in the least that he is not believed, but that he cannot believe anyone else.
George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)
The Quintessence of Ibsenism, 1890
Chapter 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A labour contract into which men enter voluntarily for a limited and for a brief period, under which they are paid wages which they consider adequate, under which they are not bought or sold, and under which they can obtain relief, may not be a desirable contract, may not be a healthy or proper contract, but it cannot in the opinion of His Majesty’s Government be classified as slavery in the extreme acceptance of the word without some risk of terminological inexactitude.
Winston Churchill (1874–1965)
Speech to the House of Commons on the position of indented Chinese
laborers working in the Rand mines in the Transvaal, South Africa
22 February 1906
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hitler had said that if you tell a big enough lie, people will believe it, but he rather overlooked the fact that once the lie is exposed, everything else you've said is also disbelieved.
Paul Brickhill (1916-1991)
The Great Escape, 1950
Chapter 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You don't tell deliberate lies, but sometimes you have to be evasive.
Margaret Thatcher (b.1925), 1976
(Wow, this lady too????)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Take, for example, the act of lying. We hold the telling of truth as a value; we are not supposed to lie. Yet if everyone told the truth all the time so that one could have complete trust in what one is told, then the advantage that would accrue to a single liar in society would be immense. This is not a stable social situation. On the other hand, in a society of individuals in which everyone lied all the time, society would be unworkable. The equilibrium state seems to be one in which people tell the truth most of the time but occasionally lie, which is how the world really seems to be. In a sense, then, it is the liars among (and within) us that keep us both honest and on our guard. This kind of scientific analysis of lying can help us understand why we do it.
Heinz Rudolph Pagels (1939-1988)
The Dreams of Reason:
The Computer and the Rise of the Sciences of Complexity, 1988
page 330
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To live outside the law you must be honest.
Bob Dylan (b.1941)
"Absolutely Sweet Marie"
Blonde on Blonde, 1966
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We lie to you by not telling you things. We don't lie by telling you things that aren't true.
anonymous
U.S. official
Washington Post
11 January 1991
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And it does matter. An honest man or woman is an honest man or woman more because he or she is honest in the small, everyday things that "don't matter" individually, but which make up a well-lived life, than because of some single great temptation that was passed. A person who is concerned about individual rights or about individual dignity makes his or her difference not because of any sweeping great statement or action, but because of the accretion of small, individually seemingly insignificant acts that spread that dignity and confirm those rights through every action they take. It matters because every action you take, and every action I take is an expression of the human spirit.
William Oliver
Internet newsgroups misc.misc, news.admin, news.groups
15 January 1990
Another Blunder,
Teacher says sorry to parents
it shouldn't happen in the first place
IPOH: The discipline teacher who ordered six secondary students to shave off their moustaches and beards has apologised to their parents for the misunderstanding, Perak education director Hussain Harun said.
He said the department held a meeting with the parents at the school here yesterday, where the teacher made his apology.
“Investigations showed that there were nine students involved in the incident. The teacher was actually enforcing the rules which forbade the wearing of accessories.
“But in fact, he was being insensitive to the students’ religious and cultural practices,” he said.
Last Saturday, four parents lodged a police report against the teacher after he ordered the boys to shave off the moustaches and beards they had allowed to grow ahead of fulfilling their vows on Thaipusam.
The discipline teacher also ordered them to remove their religious wristband and supposedly used harsh words when they tried to explain.
One of the fathers said he had also written a letter on Jan 7 informing the school that his son would be allowing his moustache and beard to grow as he was going to fulfil his vows on Thaipusam.
The boy’s father had said that his son would be bald and have his moustache and beard removed after the religious festival which fell on Jan 23..
Meanwhile, another father who spoke for the parents, said they accepted the teacher’s apology.
it shouldn't happen in the first place
IPOH: The discipline teacher who ordered six secondary students to shave off their moustaches and beards has apologised to their parents for the misunderstanding, Perak education director Hussain Harun said.
He said the department held a meeting with the parents at the school here yesterday, where the teacher made his apology.
“Investigations showed that there were nine students involved in the incident. The teacher was actually enforcing the rules which forbade the wearing of accessories.
“But in fact, he was being insensitive to the students’ religious and cultural practices,” he said.
Last Saturday, four parents lodged a police report against the teacher after he ordered the boys to shave off the moustaches and beards they had allowed to grow ahead of fulfilling their vows on Thaipusam.
The discipline teacher also ordered them to remove their religious wristband and supposedly used harsh words when they tried to explain.
One of the fathers said he had also written a letter on Jan 7 informing the school that his son would be allowing his moustache and beard to grow as he was going to fulfil his vows on Thaipusam.
The boy’s father had said that his son would be bald and have his moustache and beard removed after the religious festival which fell on Jan 23..
Meanwhile, another father who spoke for the parents, said they accepted the teacher’s apology.
Defunct U.S. Spy Satellite Falling From Orbit
The Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer, or EUVE which fell from orbit on Jan. 30. 2002
A defunct U.S. spy satellite is falling from orbit and could hit the Earth in late February or March, agencies reports said Saturday.
"Appropriate government agencies are monitoring the situation," Gordon Johndroe, spokesman for the National Security Council, told reporters.
"Numerous satellites over the years have come out of orbit and fallen harmlessly. We are looking at potential options to mitigate any possible damage this satellite may cause," he said.
The satellite, which has lost power and propulsion, could contain hazardous materials, U.S. government officials said. Because the satellite could not be controlled any longer, it is unknown where the Earth it might hit, the officials said.
Asked whether it is possible to intercept the falling satellite with missiles before it hits the Earth, spokesman Johndroe refused to comment.
In 1979, Skylab, a 78-ton abandoned NASA space station fell from orbit in an uncontrolled manner. Its debris eventually dropped into the Indian Ocean and across a remote section of western Australia harmlessly. (Xinhua)
***** Let's hope it drops into one of the oceans far, far away from any inhabited area. It would be a terrible catastrophe if the satellite were to fall onto a city or any other densely populated zone.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
RCI on Lingam Videotape: Boys Sent To Do The Job of Men
January 20th, 2008
Extract from M.Bakri Musa blog......
Hmmmmmm, very interesting
Regardless of the outcome of the Royal Commission of Inquiry on the “Lingam Videotape,” these public hearings have already given us a rare and instructive glimpse on the inner workings of our government at the highest levels, and of the caliber of individuals in such positions.
This is also clearly demonstrated by the commissioners themselves. Their individual impressive credentials notwithstanding, they are merely boys sent to do the job of men.
In forcing Prime Minister Abdullah to convene this Royal Commission, Anwar Ibrahim has done a great service to the nation. Malaysia owes a huge debt of gratitude to him, as well as to the son of businessman Loh Mui Fah for having the foresight to tape that infamous conversation in the first place, and to the anonymous individual who subsequently gave that tape to Anwar.
The alternative media, in particular Malaysiakini and Malaysia Today, together with various bloggers and members of non-governmental entities, helped ensure that the evolving scandal was not conveniently ignored by the government. The mainstream media were, as usual, irrelevant. They not only missed this most important story but tried initially to dismiss it.
Third World Proceedings
Not being physically present, I missed important details of the dynamics of the hearings, such as the demeanors and body language of the various participants. I have to rely on the alternative media, the various blogs, and personal communications from individuals present at the hearings.
A few years back I was a spectator at a medical malpractice trial in the brand new courthouse in Malacca. The judge and lawyers looked impressive; the lawyers solemn in their black gowns, the judge wise if not owlish in his robe and wig. Unlike the Malaysian courtrooms of yore, this one was mercifully air-conditioned.
Alas only the appearance was First World. Once the trial proceeded, the Third World mentality and culture oozed out. There was no court recorder or computers or overhead projectors. Consequently the judge was reduced to scribbling furiously, barely paying attention to the witnesses and lawyers. No wonder Malaysian judges are notorious for their delinquent written judgments; they are busy being secretaries! With no overhead projectors, valuable court time was wasted circulating important documents and exhibits.
This Commission of Inquiry apparently is no different.
In an inquiry of intense national interest, I would have expected the proceedings to be videotaped, and if not broadcasted live then at least posted on the website. Certainly the transcripts should be. Alas the Commission does not even have its own website.
Poor Staff Work
The Commission’s poor staff work was evident. The commissioners and lawyers relied too much on official documents and mainstream media reports. In questioning former Chief Justice Eusoff Chin no one bothered to present the damning evidence garnered through the investigative reporting of Malaysiakini.
If the Commission were a nefarious attempt to embarrass former Prime Minister Mahathir, then that too was a bumbling failure. The questioners were easily flummoxed by Tun’s repeated “I-do-not-recall” responses. They were either intimidated by Tun or simply incompetent. The Tun easily dismissed them, and with a smile to boot. They could not elicit anything substantive from him. Those commissioners forget that no one is obligated to make their work easier.
The Tun reduced DPP Nordin Hassan to a bumbling first year law student in a moot court. Nordin would have gained more if he had asked general questions on the Tun’s philosophy and mode of filling senior appointments instead of trying to force him to recall obscure details. If nothing else such queries would reveal how we ended up with a sleepy head like Abdullah Badawi as Prime Minister. It is really naïve for the prosecutor to think that Mahathir could recall (or try hard to) specific letters written six or seven years ago.
The omissions are equally revealing. There was for example, no criminal investigation to the leaked official letters.
There are a few illuminating moments related to the proceedings. The Star dutifully published a photograph of seven pathetic members of the Malaysian Youth Secretariat carrying placards mocking Mahathir for his repeated memory lapses. This is the paper that did not see fit to print pictures of the recent massive Bersih and Hindraf rallies. What do you expect from editors who are only too eager to receive directives from the government?
Naïve Inquiry
It is an axiom among savvy lawyers never to ask witnesses questions you do not know or anticipate the answers. This requires doing your legwork thoroughly. If you anticipate “I do not recall” responses, you should avoid asking specific details and instead relate some favorable events the witness might have done or said at the material time. He would then be more likely if not eager to recall the details. Only after that would you sneak in questions about the details of the specific material item. The witness would then appear sneaky if he or she were to claim loss of memory.
The commission has considerable authority including the granting of immunity and prosecuting those who perjure themselves (give false testimony). It should use that power to depose (get sworn statements) minor witnesses like Lingam’s brother and secretary, as well as the secretaries to Tun Mahathir and Eusoff Chin well ahead of the public hearings. In calling star witnesses like Eusoff China and Tun Mahathir prematurely, the Commission committed a major strategic blunder.
The Commission is now halfway through its public hearings. Like the earlier one on the Police Force, this one too will prove to be an exercise in futility. Prime Minister Abdullah will, as usual, form yet another committee to “review” the findings, and within a short time, all will again be forgotten.
Nonetheless we have learned much on how senior governmental positions are filled and the caliber of those appointed. That should embolden us in cyber world, alternative media and non-governmental organizations to continue holding those in authority accountable.
Extract from M.Bakri Musa blog......
Hmmmmmm, very interesting
Regardless of the outcome of the Royal Commission of Inquiry on the “Lingam Videotape,” these public hearings have already given us a rare and instructive glimpse on the inner workings of our government at the highest levels, and of the caliber of individuals in such positions.
This is also clearly demonstrated by the commissioners themselves. Their individual impressive credentials notwithstanding, they are merely boys sent to do the job of men.
In forcing Prime Minister Abdullah to convene this Royal Commission, Anwar Ibrahim has done a great service to the nation. Malaysia owes a huge debt of gratitude to him, as well as to the son of businessman Loh Mui Fah for having the foresight to tape that infamous conversation in the first place, and to the anonymous individual who subsequently gave that tape to Anwar.
The alternative media, in particular Malaysiakini and Malaysia Today, together with various bloggers and members of non-governmental entities, helped ensure that the evolving scandal was not conveniently ignored by the government. The mainstream media were, as usual, irrelevant. They not only missed this most important story but tried initially to dismiss it.
Third World Proceedings
Not being physically present, I missed important details of the dynamics of the hearings, such as the demeanors and body language of the various participants. I have to rely on the alternative media, the various blogs, and personal communications from individuals present at the hearings.
A few years back I was a spectator at a medical malpractice trial in the brand new courthouse in Malacca. The judge and lawyers looked impressive; the lawyers solemn in their black gowns, the judge wise if not owlish in his robe and wig. Unlike the Malaysian courtrooms of yore, this one was mercifully air-conditioned.
Alas only the appearance was First World. Once the trial proceeded, the Third World mentality and culture oozed out. There was no court recorder or computers or overhead projectors. Consequently the judge was reduced to scribbling furiously, barely paying attention to the witnesses and lawyers. No wonder Malaysian judges are notorious for their delinquent written judgments; they are busy being secretaries! With no overhead projectors, valuable court time was wasted circulating important documents and exhibits.
This Commission of Inquiry apparently is no different.
In an inquiry of intense national interest, I would have expected the proceedings to be videotaped, and if not broadcasted live then at least posted on the website. Certainly the transcripts should be. Alas the Commission does not even have its own website.
Poor Staff Work
The Commission’s poor staff work was evident. The commissioners and lawyers relied too much on official documents and mainstream media reports. In questioning former Chief Justice Eusoff Chin no one bothered to present the damning evidence garnered through the investigative reporting of Malaysiakini.
If the Commission were a nefarious attempt to embarrass former Prime Minister Mahathir, then that too was a bumbling failure. The questioners were easily flummoxed by Tun’s repeated “I-do-not-recall” responses. They were either intimidated by Tun or simply incompetent. The Tun easily dismissed them, and with a smile to boot. They could not elicit anything substantive from him. Those commissioners forget that no one is obligated to make their work easier.
The Tun reduced DPP Nordin Hassan to a bumbling first year law student in a moot court. Nordin would have gained more if he had asked general questions on the Tun’s philosophy and mode of filling senior appointments instead of trying to force him to recall obscure details. If nothing else such queries would reveal how we ended up with a sleepy head like Abdullah Badawi as Prime Minister. It is really naïve for the prosecutor to think that Mahathir could recall (or try hard to) specific letters written six or seven years ago.
The omissions are equally revealing. There was for example, no criminal investigation to the leaked official letters.
There are a few illuminating moments related to the proceedings. The Star dutifully published a photograph of seven pathetic members of the Malaysian Youth Secretariat carrying placards mocking Mahathir for his repeated memory lapses. This is the paper that did not see fit to print pictures of the recent massive Bersih and Hindraf rallies. What do you expect from editors who are only too eager to receive directives from the government?
Naïve Inquiry
It is an axiom among savvy lawyers never to ask witnesses questions you do not know or anticipate the answers. This requires doing your legwork thoroughly. If you anticipate “I do not recall” responses, you should avoid asking specific details and instead relate some favorable events the witness might have done or said at the material time. He would then be more likely if not eager to recall the details. Only after that would you sneak in questions about the details of the specific material item. The witness would then appear sneaky if he or she were to claim loss of memory.
The commission has considerable authority including the granting of immunity and prosecuting those who perjure themselves (give false testimony). It should use that power to depose (get sworn statements) minor witnesses like Lingam’s brother and secretary, as well as the secretaries to Tun Mahathir and Eusoff Chin well ahead of the public hearings. In calling star witnesses like Eusoff China and Tun Mahathir prematurely, the Commission committed a major strategic blunder.
The Commission is now halfway through its public hearings. Like the earlier one on the Police Force, this one too will prove to be an exercise in futility. Prime Minister Abdullah will, as usual, form yet another committee to “review” the findings, and within a short time, all will again be forgotten.
Nonetheless we have learned much on how senior governmental positions are filled and the caliber of those appointed. That should embolden us in cyber world, alternative media and non-governmental organizations to continue holding those in authority accountable.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Kejadian Pada Hari Asyura'
Asyura merupakan peringatan akan di mana terjadinya hal-hal di bawah ini pada tanggal 10Muharram.
1. Bebasnya Nabi Nuh dan ummatnya dari banjir besar.
2. Nabi Ibrahim selamat dari apinya Namrudz.
3. Kesembuhan Nabi Yakub dari kebutaan dan ia dibawa bertemua dengan Nabi Yusuf pada hari asyura.
4. Nabi Musa selamat dari pasukan Fir'aun
5. Nabi Isa diangkat ke surga setelah usaha Roma untuk menangkap dan menyalibnya gagal.
kalau tak betul tolong bagi tau....
1. Bebasnya Nabi Nuh dan ummatnya dari banjir besar.
2. Nabi Ibrahim selamat dari apinya Namrudz.
3. Kesembuhan Nabi Yakub dari kebutaan dan ia dibawa bertemua dengan Nabi Yusuf pada hari asyura.
4. Nabi Musa selamat dari pasukan Fir'aun
5. Nabi Isa diangkat ke surga setelah usaha Roma untuk menangkap dan menyalibnya gagal.
kalau tak betul tolong bagi tau....
The Day of Asyura
Assalamualaikum
Peace be upon to all of you
As tomorrow is the tenth of Muharram in the Islamic calendar(actually, it is already the 10th of Muharram the moment night descends just now), a day which is known as Asyura or 'Ashura, I would like to share with you all about that particular day to everyone disregard of who they are whether they are Muslims or not. Thus, do not feel disheartened if you come across my posting, for I am verily spreading knowledge if that is possible.
So, what is so special about this auspicious Day? What good does it bring upon us all?
This is what I found in a note from a Friday Sermon about it. Well, there is a sentence which goes:
The Prophet Muhammad S.A.W* said in a Hadith (the sayings of the Prophet) narrated by At-Tirmizi:
“By fasting on the day of Asyura, I hope that Allah S.W.T will forgive last year’s sins.”
As a matter of fact, there is another Hadith from a credible resource that goes:
Abu Qatada reported that a person came to the Prophet of Allah (S.A.W) and said: "How do you observe fast?" The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) felt annoyed.
When 'Umar (Allah be pleased with him) noticed his annoyance, he said: "We are well pleased with Allah as our Lord, with Islam as our Code of Life, and with Muhammad as our Prophet. We seek refuge with Allah from the anger of Allah and that of His Messenger."
Umar kept on repeating these words till his (the Prophet's) anger calmed down. Then Umar said: "Messenger of Allah. What is the position of one who perpetually observes fasts?"
Thereupon he said: "He neither fasted nor broke it," or he said: "He did not fast and he did not break it."
He ('Umar) said: "What about him who observes fast for two days and breaks one day."
Thereupon he (the Prophet) said: "Is anyone capable of doing it?" He ('Umar) said: "What is the position of him who observes fast for a day and breaks on the other day?"
Thereupon he (the Prophet) said: "That is the fast of David (A.S)." He ('Umar) said: "What about him who observes fast one day and breaks it for two days."
Thereupon he (the Messenger of Allah) said: "I wish I were given strength to observe that."
Thereafter he said: "The observance of three days' fast every Month and that of Ramadan every year is a perpetual fasting. I seek from Allah that fasting on the day of 'Arafa may atone for the sins of the preceding and the coming years. And I seek from Allah that fasting on the day of Ashura may atone for the sins of the preceding year.
Sahih Muslim
Yes, I know it is a lengthy one but I just want to uphold honesty by listing everything down so that the originality of the Hadith will be preserved without any alterations made. Should any of you it is too long for you to read, my advice to you is just to focus on the bold line and the different colour of text used (easier said, just read the last line of the whole Hadith).
Of course, there is other religion that fasted on this auspicious Day and based on what I know it is the Jews who observe fasting. In fact, there is a Hadith that proves it which goes:
Ibn 'Abbas (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported that the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) arrived in Medina and found the Jews observing fast on the day of 'Ashura. The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) said to them: “What is the (significance) of this day that you observe fast on it?”
They said: “It is the day of great (significance) when Allah delivered Moses and his people, and drowned the Pharaoh and his people, and Moses observed fast out of gratitude and we also observe it.”
Upon this the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) said: “We have more right, and we have a closer connection with Moses than you have; so Allah's Messenger (May S.A.W) observed fast (on the day of 'Ashura), and gave orders that it should be observed.”
Sahih Muslim
At first, it seemed compulsory. But there are Hadiths which stated that fasting on the Day of Asyura is not compulsory but rather as an act of devotion.
'Abdullah b. Umar (Allah be pleased with them) reported that the day of 'Ashura was mentioned before the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) and he said: “It is a day when the people in the pre-Islamic days need to observe fast, so he who wishes to observe fast should do so, and he who wishes to abandon it should do so.”
Sahih Muslim
There are also other few Hadiths narrated by other companions of the Prophet such as the followings:
Narrated Ibn 'Umar:
Fasting was observed on the day of 'Ashura' (i.e. 10th of Muharram) by the people of the Pre-Islamic Period. But when (the order of compulsory fasting) in the month of Ramadan was revealed, the Prophet said, "It is up to one to fast on it (i.e. day of 'Ashura') or not."
Sahih Bukhari
Narrated 'Aisha:
The people used to fast on the day of 'Ashura' before fasting in Ramadan was prescribed but when (the order of compulsory fasting in) Ramadan was revealed, it was up to one to fast on it (i.e. 'Ashura') or not.
Sahih Bukhari
Basically, that is all that I could share of what I came across. But in any case, it is my pleasure to advise all Muslims reading this post to fast on the 10th of Muharram aka Day of Asyura as sins of the preceding year will be forgiven. On top of that, do take other few abovementioned Hadiths as part of knowledge –at least we learn together about the histories of the Day of Asyura instead of just observing fasting. To all the non-Muslims, I do hope you gain some knowledge from here with understanding towards the religion of Islam. Till then, stay tuned to my blog!
P.S: O Muslims, you should not fast only on Saturday as it is one of the days fasted by people from other religions. Therefore, not to imitate any religion, we need to fast on either Friday and Saturday OR Saturday and Sunday. If the Day of Asyura falls upon the weekdays (except Friday), only then you could fast ONLY for that Day.
*S.A.W is an abbreviation of "may Allah be pleased upon him" in Arab
Friday, January 11, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
This video was taken from YouTube..
I like it very much and wish to share it with those who celebrate their birthday, any day of the year my wish is may you have a happy day throughout the year...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY !
I like it very much and wish to share it with those who celebrate their birthday, any day of the year my wish is may you have a happy day throughout the year...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY !
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Doa Akhir Tahun dan Awal Tahun
Doa Akhir Tahun
Dibaca sebelum masuk waktu Maghrib
Dengan Nama Alah Yan Maha Pengasih Lagi Maha Penyayang.
Segala puji bagi Allah Tuhan pentadbir sekelian alam. Semoga Allah mencucurkan rahmat dan sejahtera atas junjungan kami Nabi Muhammad saw semulia-mulia nabi dan rasul serta ahli keluarga dan para sahabat sekelian.
Ya Allah, wahan Tuhan kami, perkara-perkara yang telah kami lakukan daripada perbuatan-perbuatan yang engkau larang dalam tahun ini maka kami belum bertaubat daripadanya pada hal Engkau memang tiada melupakannya dan Engkau berlembut tiada mengazabkan kami malah memberi peluang supaya kami bertaubat selepas kami menceburkan diri melakukan maksiat itu, maka kami sekelian memohon keampunan Mu, Ya Allah, ampunilah kami.
Dan mana-mana perbuatan yang telah kami lakukan sepanjang tahun ini yang Engkau redhai dan yang telah Engkau janjikan ganjaran pahalanya, maka kami mohon perkenankan akan perbuatan yang telah kami lakukan itu dan Engkau tidak menghampakan
harapan kami.
Amin-Amin YaRabbul 'Alamin......
Doa Awal Tahun
Dibaca selepas solat Maghrib....
Dengan Nama Alah Yan Maha Pengasih Lagi Maha Penyayang.
Segala puji bagi Allah Tuhan pentadbir sekelian alam. Semoga Allah mencucurkan rahmat dan sejahtera atas junjungan kami Nabi Muhammad saw semulia-mulia nabi dan rasul serta ahli keluarga dan para sahabat sekelian
Ya Allah, Tuhan yang kekal selamanya, sedia ada, tiada permulaan.... Kelebihan Mu Maha Besar dan kemurahan Mu sangat diharap-harapkan. Tibalah sudah tahun baru, kami mohon padaMu agar terpelihara kami sekalian di dalam tahun baru ini daripada tipu daya syaitan yang dilaknat, juga daripada kuncu-kuncu syaitan dan bala tenteranya, Dan kami mohon daripada Mu akan pertolongan mengalahkan runtunan nafsu amarah (nafsu yang mendorong membuat kejahatan). Kami mohon juga kepada Mu Ya Allah akan rasa sedia ingin membuat kerja-kerja kebajikan yang boleh mendampingkan diri kami kepada Mu Ya Allah Tuhan yang Maha Agung lagi Mulia. Ya Allah, Tuhan yang sebaik-baik mengurniakan rahmat.
Dibaca sebelum masuk waktu Maghrib
Dengan Nama Alah Yan Maha Pengasih Lagi Maha Penyayang.
Segala puji bagi Allah Tuhan pentadbir sekelian alam. Semoga Allah mencucurkan rahmat dan sejahtera atas junjungan kami Nabi Muhammad saw semulia-mulia nabi dan rasul serta ahli keluarga dan para sahabat sekelian.
Ya Allah, wahan Tuhan kami, perkara-perkara yang telah kami lakukan daripada perbuatan-perbuatan yang engkau larang dalam tahun ini maka kami belum bertaubat daripadanya pada hal Engkau memang tiada melupakannya dan Engkau berlembut tiada mengazabkan kami malah memberi peluang supaya kami bertaubat selepas kami menceburkan diri melakukan maksiat itu, maka kami sekelian memohon keampunan Mu, Ya Allah, ampunilah kami.
Dan mana-mana perbuatan yang telah kami lakukan sepanjang tahun ini yang Engkau redhai dan yang telah Engkau janjikan ganjaran pahalanya, maka kami mohon perkenankan akan perbuatan yang telah kami lakukan itu dan Engkau tidak menghampakan
harapan kami.
Amin-Amin YaRabbul 'Alamin......
Doa Awal Tahun
Dibaca selepas solat Maghrib....
Dengan Nama Alah Yan Maha Pengasih Lagi Maha Penyayang.
Segala puji bagi Allah Tuhan pentadbir sekelian alam. Semoga Allah mencucurkan rahmat dan sejahtera atas junjungan kami Nabi Muhammad saw semulia-mulia nabi dan rasul serta ahli keluarga dan para sahabat sekelian
Ya Allah, Tuhan yang kekal selamanya, sedia ada, tiada permulaan.... Kelebihan Mu Maha Besar dan kemurahan Mu sangat diharap-harapkan. Tibalah sudah tahun baru, kami mohon padaMu agar terpelihara kami sekalian di dalam tahun baru ini daripada tipu daya syaitan yang dilaknat, juga daripada kuncu-kuncu syaitan dan bala tenteranya, Dan kami mohon daripada Mu akan pertolongan mengalahkan runtunan nafsu amarah (nafsu yang mendorong membuat kejahatan). Kami mohon juga kepada Mu Ya Allah akan rasa sedia ingin membuat kerja-kerja kebajikan yang boleh mendampingkan diri kami kepada Mu Ya Allah Tuhan yang Maha Agung lagi Mulia. Ya Allah, Tuhan yang sebaik-baik mengurniakan rahmat.
The Month of Muharram and The Asyura'
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, is reported to have said, “The best of fasts besides the month of Ramadan is the fast during Allah’s month of Muharram and the best of prayer besides the obligatory prayers is the Tahajjud prayer.”
The 10th Day of Muharram known as the day of `Ashura’, is a very significant day in the Islamic calendar. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, has exhorted the Ummah to fast on this day. He is reported to have said, “Fasting the day of `Ashura’, I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the previous year.” (Reported by Muslim)
The Fast of `Ashura’
It is reported in the Sahih of Imam Bukhari and other authentic collections of Hadith that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram while they were in Makkah (before the Hijrah).
Ibn `Abbas says, ‘I did not see the Prophet anxiously awaiting the fast of any day, which he gave preference to over other days, but this day (of `Ashura’) and the month of Ramadan.’
It was a day on which people of Makkah used to change the covering (Kiswah) of the Ka`bah. Quraysh also used to fast on this day. (Reported by Al-Bukhari)After the Hijrah when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came to Madinah, he found that the Jews of Madinah also used to observe this day with fasting. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked them the reason of their fasting on this day. They said, “This is a blessed day. On this day Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy (in Egypt) and so Prophet Musa fasted on this day giving thanks to Allah.”
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “We are closer to Musa than you are.” He fasted on that day and commanded Muslims to fast on this day. (Reported by Al-Bukhari)
In another report it is mentioned that Jews of Madinah used to hold feast on this day. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told his Companions to fast instead. (Reported by Al-Bukhari)`Ashura' fasting was obligatory (Fard) in the beginning.
In the second year of Hijrah (624 CE) when Allah’s command came that Muslims should fast the whole month of Ramadan, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) then sent someone to announce to people that fasting of `Ashura' had become voluntary (Nafl). This indicates that whosoever wishes to fast, may fast and whosoever does not want to fast, there will be no blame on him/her.Imam At-Tirmidhi mentions that Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) used to say that we should fast on two days: the 9th and 10th of Muharram to distinguish ourselves from the Jewish community. (Reported by At-Tirmidhi)
Ibn `Abbas also quotes the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying, “If I live next year, I shall also fast on the 9th day.” (Reported by Ahmad)
There is a great reward in fasting the `Ashura'. There are many Hadiths that mention its blessings and virtues. It is good to fast on this day, although it is not obligatory.
The 10th Day of Muharram known as the day of `Ashura’, is a very significant day in the Islamic calendar. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, has exhorted the Ummah to fast on this day. He is reported to have said, “Fasting the day of `Ashura’, I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the previous year.” (Reported by Muslim)
The Fast of `Ashura’
It is reported in the Sahih of Imam Bukhari and other authentic collections of Hadith that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram while they were in Makkah (before the Hijrah).
Ibn `Abbas says, ‘I did not see the Prophet anxiously awaiting the fast of any day, which he gave preference to over other days, but this day (of `Ashura’) and the month of Ramadan.’
It was a day on which people of Makkah used to change the covering (Kiswah) of the Ka`bah. Quraysh also used to fast on this day. (Reported by Al-Bukhari)After the Hijrah when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came to Madinah, he found that the Jews of Madinah also used to observe this day with fasting. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked them the reason of their fasting on this day. They said, “This is a blessed day. On this day Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy (in Egypt) and so Prophet Musa fasted on this day giving thanks to Allah.”
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “We are closer to Musa than you are.” He fasted on that day and commanded Muslims to fast on this day. (Reported by Al-Bukhari)
In another report it is mentioned that Jews of Madinah used to hold feast on this day. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told his Companions to fast instead. (Reported by Al-Bukhari)`Ashura' fasting was obligatory (Fard) in the beginning.
In the second year of Hijrah (624 CE) when Allah’s command came that Muslims should fast the whole month of Ramadan, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) then sent someone to announce to people that fasting of `Ashura' had become voluntary (Nafl). This indicates that whosoever wishes to fast, may fast and whosoever does not want to fast, there will be no blame on him/her.Imam At-Tirmidhi mentions that Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) used to say that we should fast on two days: the 9th and 10th of Muharram to distinguish ourselves from the Jewish community. (Reported by At-Tirmidhi)
Ibn `Abbas also quotes the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying, “If I live next year, I shall also fast on the 9th day.” (Reported by Ahmad)
There is a great reward in fasting the `Ashura'. There are many Hadiths that mention its blessings and virtues. It is good to fast on this day, although it is not obligatory.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
MAAL HIJRAH 1429H
SELAMAT MENYAMBUT MAAL HIJRAH 1429H
SALAM KASIH SAYANG KEPADA SEMUA YANG SAMPAI KE BLOG INI
UNTUK RENUNGAN KALIAN........
Suatu hari, Imam Al-Ghazali berkumpul dengan murid-muridnya lalu beliau bertanya ( Teka Teki ) :
Apa yg paling dekat?
Imam Ghazali = " Apakah yang paling dekat dengan diri kita di dunia ini ?" Murid 1 = " Orang tua "
Murid 2 = " Guru "
Murid 3 = " Teman "
Murid 4 = " Kaum kerabat "
Imam Ghazali = " Semua jawaban itu benar. Tetapi yang paling dekat dengan kita ialah MATI. Sebab itu janji Allah bahawa setiap yang bernyawa pasti akan mati ( Surah Ali-Imran :185).
Apa yg paling Jauh?
Imam Ghazali = " Apa yang paling jauh dari kita di dunia ini ?"
Murid 1 = " Negeri Cina "
Murid 2 = " Bulan "
Murid 3 = " Matahari "
Murid 4 = " Bintang-bintang "
Iman Ghazali = " Semua jawaban itu benar. Tetapi yang paling benar adalah MASA LALU. Bagaimanapun kita, apapun kenderaan kita, tetap kita tidak akan dapat kembali ke masa yang lalu. Oleh sebab itu kita harus menjaga hari ini, hari esok dan hari-hari yang akan datang dengan perbuatan yang sesuai dengan ajaran Agama".
Apa yg paling besar?
Iman Ghazali = " Apa yang paling besar didunia ini ?"
Murid 1 = " Gunung "
Murid 2 = " Matahari "
Murid 3 = " Bumi "
Imam Ghazali = " Semua jawaban itu benar, tapi yang besar sekali adalah HAWA NAFSU (Surah Al A'raf: 179). Maka kita harus hati-hati dengan nafsu kita, jangan sampai nafsu kita membawa ke neraka."
Apa yg paling berat?
Imam Ghazali = " Apa yang palin berat didunia "
Murid 1 = " Baja "
Murid 2 = " Besi "
Murid 3 = " Gajah "
Imam Ghazali = " Semua itu benar, tapi yang paling berat adalah MEMEGANG AMANAH (Surah Al-Azab : 72 ). Tumbuh-tumbuhan, binatang, gunung, dan malaikat semua tidak mampu ketika Allad SWT meminta mereka menjadi khalifah (pemimpin) di dunia ini. Tetapi manusia dengan sombongnya berebut-rebut menyanggupi permintaan Allah SWT sehingga banyak manusia masuk ke neraka kerana gagal memegang amanah."
Apa yg paling ringan?
Imam Ghazali = " Apa yang paling ringan di dunia ini ?"
Murid 1 = " Kapas"
Murid 2 = " Angin "
Murid 3 = " Debu "
Murid 4 = " Daun-daun"
Imam Ghazali = " Semua jawaban kamu itu benar, tapi yang paling ringan sekali didunia ini adalah MENINGGALKAN SOLAT. Gara-gara pekerjaan kita atau urusan dunia, kita tinggalkan solat "
Apa yg paling tajam?
Imam Ghazali = " Apa yang paling tajam sekali didunia ini "
Murid- Murid dengan serentak menjawab = " Pedang "
Imam Ghazali = " Itu benar, tapi yang paling tajam sekali didunia ini adalah LIDAH MANUSIA. Kerana melalui lidah, manusia dengan mudahnya menyakiti hati dan melukai perasan saudaranya sendiri "
SELAMAT MENYAMBUT MAAL HIJRAH 1429H
SALAM KASIH SAYANG KEPADA SEMUA YANG SAMPAI KE BLOG INI
UNTUK RENUNGAN KALIAN........
Suatu hari, Imam Al-Ghazali berkumpul dengan murid-muridnya lalu beliau bertanya ( Teka Teki ) :
Apa yg paling dekat?
Imam Ghazali = " Apakah yang paling dekat dengan diri kita di dunia ini ?" Murid 1 = " Orang tua "
Murid 2 = " Guru "
Murid 3 = " Teman "
Murid 4 = " Kaum kerabat "
Imam Ghazali = " Semua jawaban itu benar. Tetapi yang paling dekat dengan kita ialah MATI. Sebab itu janji Allah bahawa setiap yang bernyawa pasti akan mati ( Surah Ali-Imran :185).
Apa yg paling Jauh?
Imam Ghazali = " Apa yang paling jauh dari kita di dunia ini ?"
Murid 1 = " Negeri Cina "
Murid 2 = " Bulan "
Murid 3 = " Matahari "
Murid 4 = " Bintang-bintang "
Iman Ghazali = " Semua jawaban itu benar. Tetapi yang paling benar adalah MASA LALU. Bagaimanapun kita, apapun kenderaan kita, tetap kita tidak akan dapat kembali ke masa yang lalu. Oleh sebab itu kita harus menjaga hari ini, hari esok dan hari-hari yang akan datang dengan perbuatan yang sesuai dengan ajaran Agama".
Apa yg paling besar?
Iman Ghazali = " Apa yang paling besar didunia ini ?"
Murid 1 = " Gunung "
Murid 2 = " Matahari "
Murid 3 = " Bumi "
Imam Ghazali = " Semua jawaban itu benar, tapi yang besar sekali adalah HAWA NAFSU (Surah Al A'raf: 179). Maka kita harus hati-hati dengan nafsu kita, jangan sampai nafsu kita membawa ke neraka."
Apa yg paling berat?
Imam Ghazali = " Apa yang palin berat didunia "
Murid 1 = " Baja "
Murid 2 = " Besi "
Murid 3 = " Gajah "
Imam Ghazali = " Semua itu benar, tapi yang paling berat adalah MEMEGANG AMANAH (Surah Al-Azab : 72 ). Tumbuh-tumbuhan, binatang, gunung, dan malaikat semua tidak mampu ketika Allad SWT meminta mereka menjadi khalifah (pemimpin) di dunia ini. Tetapi manusia dengan sombongnya berebut-rebut menyanggupi permintaan Allah SWT sehingga banyak manusia masuk ke neraka kerana gagal memegang amanah."
Apa yg paling ringan?
Imam Ghazali = " Apa yang paling ringan di dunia ini ?"
Murid 1 = " Kapas"
Murid 2 = " Angin "
Murid 3 = " Debu "
Murid 4 = " Daun-daun"
Imam Ghazali = " Semua jawaban kamu itu benar, tapi yang paling ringan sekali didunia ini adalah MENINGGALKAN SOLAT. Gara-gara pekerjaan kita atau urusan dunia, kita tinggalkan solat "
Apa yg paling tajam?
Imam Ghazali = " Apa yang paling tajam sekali didunia ini "
Murid- Murid dengan serentak menjawab = " Pedang "
Imam Ghazali = " Itu benar, tapi yang paling tajam sekali didunia ini adalah LIDAH MANUSIA. Kerana melalui lidah, manusia dengan mudahnya menyakiti hati dan melukai perasan saudaranya sendiri "
SELAMAT MENYAMBUT MAAL HIJRAH 1429H
Thursday, January 03, 2008
PERANGKAP TIKUS
Sepasang suami dan isteri petani pulang kerumah setelah berbelanja. Ketika mereka membuka barang belanjaan, seekor tikus memperhatikan gelagat sambil menggumam "hmmm...makanan apa lagi yang dibawa mereka dari pasar??"
Ternyata yang dibeli oleh petani hari adalah rerangkap tikus.
Sang tikus naik panic bukan kepalang.
Ia bergegas lari ke sarang dan bertempik, " Ada perangk! ap tikus di rumah....di rumah sekarang ada perangkap tikus...."
Ia pun mengadu kepada ayam dan berteriak, " Ada perangkat tikus !"
Sang Ayam berkata, " Tuan Tikus ! Aku turut bersedih tapi ia tak ada kena-mengena dengan aku."
Sang Tikus lalu pergi menemui seekor Kambing sambil berteriak seperti tadi.
Sang Kambing pun jawab selamba, "Aku pun turut bersimpati...tapi tidak ada yang boleh aku buat. Lagi pun tak tak ada kena-mengena dengan aku. "
Tikus lalu menemui Sapi. Ia mendapat jawaban sama. " Maafkan aku. Tapi perangkap tikus tidak berbahaya buat aku sama sekali. Tak kanlah sebesar aku ni boleh masuk perangkap tikus. "
Dengan rasa kecewa ia pun berlari ke hutan menemui Ular. Sang ular berkata " Eleh engkau ni...Perangkap Tikus yang sekecil tak kan la nak membahayakan aku."
Akhirnya Sang Tikus kembali kerumah dengan pasrah kerana mengetahui ia akan menghadapi bahaya seorang diri.
Suatu malam, pemilik rumah terbangun mendengar suara berdetak perangkap tikusnya berbunyi menandakan umpan dah mengena. Ket! ika melihat perangkap tikusnya, ternyata seekor ular berbisa yang jadi mangsa. Buntut ular yang terperangkap membuat ular semakin ganas dan menyerang isteri pemilik rumah.
Walaupun si Suami sempat membunuh ular berbisa tersebut, isterinya tidak sempat diselamatkan.
Si suami pun membawa isterinya kerumah sakit. Beberapa hari kemudian isterinya sudah boleh pulang namun tetap sahaja demam.
Isterinya lalu minta dibuatkan sup cakar ayam oleh suaminya kerana percaya sup cakar ayam boleh mengurangkan demam. Tanpa berfikir panjang si Suami pun dengan segera menyembelih ayamnya untuk dapat cakar buat sup.
Beberapa hari kemudian sakitnya tidak kunjung reda. Seorang teman menyarankan untuk makan hati kambing. Ia lalu menyembelih kambingnya untuk mengambil hatinya.Masih juga isterinya tidak sembuh-sembuh dan akhirnya meninggal dunia. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un.
Banyak sungguh orang datang melawat jenazahnya. Kerana rasa sayang suami pada isterinya, tak sampai hati pula dia melihat orang ramai tak dijamu apa-apa. Tanpa berfikir panjang dia pun menyembelih sapinya untuk memberi makan orang-orang yang berziarah.
Dari kejauhan...Sang Tikus menatap dengan penuh kesedihan. Beberapa hari kemudian ia melihat Perangkap Tikus tersebut sudah tidak digunakan lagi.
Moral:
SUATU HARI....KETIKA ANDA MENDENGAR SESEORANG DALAM KESUSAHAN DAN MENGIRA ITU BUKAN URUSAN ANDA...PIKIRKANLAH SEKALI LAGI.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
HOW ROMANTIC ARE YOU?
GET A PIECE OF PAPER AND NUMBER IT 1-11.(NO CHEATING!)
SEE YOUR RESULTS AT THE END OF THE TEST.
WHEN YOU SEND IT ON PUT YOUR SCORE IN
THE SUBJECT BAR.
1. WHAT SHADE OF HAIR DO YOU HAVE?
a) Dark.
b) Light.
2. OUT ON A DATE WOULD YOU WANT TO:
a) Go to a party.
b) Go out to eat.
3. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR OUT
OF:
a) Baby-Pink.
b) Yellow.
c) black.
d) Turquoise.
4. PICK YOUR FAVOURITE HOBBY OUT OF:
a) Surfing.
b) Skate-Boarding.
c ) Skiing.
5. IF YOU COULD PICK A STORE OUT OF
THE
FOLLOWI NG, WHICH WOULD IT BE?
a) Louis Vuitton.
b) coach.
c) against all odds.
6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE OUT
OF
THE FOLLOWING?
a) Hawaii.
b) London.
c) FLorida.
7. IN THE SUMMER WOULD YOU RATHER GO
TO:
a) The Beach.
b) Somewhere Cooler.
8. WHAT IS YOUR BIRTHDAY MONTH?
a) January.
b) February.
c) March.
d) April.
e) May.
f) June.
g) July.
h) August.
i) September.
j) October.
k) November.
l) December.
9. WOULD YOU RATHER:
a) Chill at home.
b) Go out with friends.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE INSTRUMENT
OUT OF:
a) Guitar.
b) Bass guitar.
c) Drums.
d) The Triangle.
11) NAME A PERSON OF THE
OPPOSITE SEX
==== NOW MAKE A WISH! ====
====== NO CHEATING! ======
** ANSW ERS**
1. a. dark= sexy [5points]/
b. light= sweet [2 points]
2. a. go to a party= playful
[2points]
b. go out to eat= romantic [5
points]/
3. a. baby-pink= cute [2]
b. yellow = loud [3]
c. black = emo [5]/
d. turquoise = sexy [5]
4. a. surfing = active [2]
b. skateboarding = determined [2]/
c. skiing = daring [5]
5. a. Louis Vuitton = tasteful [7]/
b. coach = laid back [2]
c. againt all odds = stylish [5]
6. a. hawaii = you like being around
people [2]
b. London = You are quiet, and like
the
cold [2]/
c. florida = You like to party! [5]
7. a. beach = tan, likes the sun
[5] /
b. somewhere cooler = pale and
original [2]
8. a. January = popular [5]
b. February = lovely [2]
c. March = loud [2]
d. April = playful [5]
e. May = happy [5]
f. june = chills a lot [5]
g. July = smooth [2]
h. August = fun [5]
i. September = quiet [2]
j. October = out-going [2]/
k. November = pimpin' it [5]
l. December = warm [2]
9. a. home = quiet, romantic [5]
b. go out with friends =crazy [5] /
10. a. guitar = eye-catching [5]/
b. bass-guitar = mellow [2]
c. Drums = loud [2]
d. Triangle = crazy [5]
11. This person will fall in love with you!
SCOR ES!!!!UP TO 17= LOUSY GET A LIFE MAN
1 8-20=OKEY
21-35 = Rather ROMANTIC
36+ = SUPER ROMANTIC... U ROCK !
NOW REPOST THIS IN THE NEXT 2 MINUTES AND YOU WILL HVE GOOD LUCK WITH YR ANSWER FOR NUMBER 11
SEE YOUR RESULTS AT THE END OF THE TEST.
WHEN YOU SEND IT ON PUT YOUR SCORE IN
THE SUBJECT BAR.
1. WHAT SHADE OF HAIR DO YOU HAVE?
a) Dark.
b) Light.
2. OUT ON A DATE WOULD YOU WANT TO:
a) Go to a party.
b) Go out to eat.
3. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR OUT
OF:
a) Baby-Pink.
b) Yellow.
c) black.
d) Turquoise.
4. PICK YOUR FAVOURITE HOBBY OUT OF:
a) Surfing.
b) Skate-Boarding.
c ) Skiing.
5. IF YOU COULD PICK A STORE OUT OF
THE
FOLLOWI NG, WHICH WOULD IT BE?
a) Louis Vuitton.
b) coach.
c) against all odds.
6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE OUT
OF
THE FOLLOWING?
a) Hawaii.
b) London.
c) FLorida.
7. IN THE SUMMER WOULD YOU RATHER GO
TO:
a) The Beach.
b) Somewhere Cooler.
8. WHAT IS YOUR BIRTHDAY MONTH?
a) January.
b) February.
c) March.
d) April.
e) May.
f) June.
g) July.
h) August.
i) September.
j) October.
k) November.
l) December.
9. WOULD YOU RATHER:
a) Chill at home.
b) Go out with friends.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE INSTRUMENT
OUT OF:
a) Guitar.
b) Bass guitar.
c) Drums.
d) The Triangle.
11) NAME A PERSON OF THE
OPPOSITE SEX
==== NOW MAKE A WISH! ====
====== NO CHEATING! ======
** ANSW ERS**
1. a. dark= sexy [5points]/
b. light= sweet [2 points]
2. a. go to a party= playful
[2points]
b. go out to eat= romantic [5
points]/
3. a. baby-pink= cute [2]
b. yellow = loud [3]
c. black = emo [5]/
d. turquoise = sexy [5]
4. a. surfing = active [2]
b. skateboarding = determined [2]/
c. skiing = daring [5]
5. a. Louis Vuitton = tasteful [7]/
b. coach = laid back [2]
c. againt all odds = stylish [5]
6. a. hawaii = you like being around
people [2]
b. London = You are quiet, and like
the
cold [2]/
c. florida = You like to party! [5]
7. a. beach = tan, likes the sun
[5] /
b. somewhere cooler = pale and
original [2]
8. a. January = popular [5]
b. February = lovely [2]
c. March = loud [2]
d. April = playful [5]
e. May = happy [5]
f. june = chills a lot [5]
g. July = smooth [2]
h. August = fun [5]
i. September = quiet [2]
j. October = out-going [2]/
k. November = pimpin' it [5]
l. December = warm [2]
9. a. home = quiet, romantic [5]
b. go out with friends =crazy [5] /
10. a. guitar = eye-catching [5]/
b. bass-guitar = mellow [2]
c. Drums = loud [2]
d. Triangle = crazy [5]
11. This person will fall in love with you!
SCOR ES!!!!UP TO 17= LOUSY GET A LIFE MAN
1 8-20=OKEY
21-35 = Rather ROMANTIC
36+ = SUPER ROMANTIC... U ROCK !
NOW REPOST THIS IN THE NEXT 2 MINUTES AND YOU WILL HVE GOOD LUCK WITH YR ANSWER FOR NUMBER 11
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Goodbye 2007 and Welcome 2008
Fpr those who find their way to this blog my wish below for all of you especially YOU
New Year is the time to unfold new horizons & realize new dreams, to rediscover the strength & faith within u, to rejoice in simple pleasures & gear up 4 a new challenges. Wishin u a truly fulfilling 2008
My wishes for you, Great start for Jan, Love for Feb, Peace for march, No worries for April, Fun for May, Joy for June to Nov, Happiness for Dec, Have a lucky and wonderful 2008.
Each moment in a day has its own value. Morning brings HOPE, Afternoon brings FAITH, Evening brings LOVE, Night brings REST, Hope you will all of them everyday. HAPPY NEW YEAR
New is the year, new are the hopes and the aspirations, new is the resolution, new are the spirits and forever my warm wishes are for u.Have a promising and fulfilling new year.
New Year is the time to unfold new horizons & realize new dreams, to rediscover the strength & faith within u, to rejoice in simple pleasures & gear up 4 a new challenges. Wishin u a truly fulfilling 2008
My wishes for you, Great start for Jan, Love for Feb, Peace for march, No worries for April, Fun for May, Joy for June to Nov, Happiness for Dec, Have a lucky and wonderful 2008.
Each moment in a day has its own value. Morning brings HOPE, Afternoon brings FAITH, Evening brings LOVE, Night brings REST, Hope you will all of them everyday. HAPPY NEW YEAR
New is the year, new are the hopes and the aspirations, new is the resolution, new are the spirits and forever my warm wishes are for u.Have a promising and fulfilling new year.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Bab Haji (Baca jangan tak baca)
Perkara-perkara Fardu Di dalam Haji
Fardu:
Pekerjaan Haji yang mesti dikerjakan dan ia adalah penentu bagi ibadat Haji samada sah atau tidak serta tidak wajib membayar Dam apabila meninggalkannya. Fardhu juga dikira sebagai rukun dan syarat. Semua Mazhab bersependapat tentang perkara fardhu dan wajib dalam Haji. Pekerjaan Haji yang mesti dikerjakan malah batal Haji jika meninggalkannya. Fardhu juga dikira sebagai rukun Haji.
Perkara-perkara fardu di dalam Haji terdiri dari empat perkara iaitu:
1- Berihram.
2- Wuquf di Arafah.
3- Tawaf Ifadhah.
4- Bersaie di antara Safa dan Marwah.
Semua Mazhab bersependapat tentang perkara fardhu dan wajib dalam Haji.
Perkara-perkara Wajib Di Dalam Haji
Wajib:
Wajib: Pekerjaan Haji yang mesti dikerjakan serta wajib membayar Dam jika meninggalnya.
Perkara-perkara wajib di dalam Haji terdiri dari empat perkara iaitu:
1- Berihram dari Miqat.
2- Wuquf di Arafah.
3- Bermalam di Muzdalifah.
4- Bermalam di Mina.
5- Bercukur atau bergunting rambut dan bercukur adalah afdhal.
6- Melontar setiap Jamrah.
7- Tawaf Wida'
Semua Mazhab bersependapat tentang perkara fardhu dan wajib dalam Haji.
Perkara-perkara Sunat Di Dalam Haji
Sunat:
Perkara yang digalak mengerjakannya. Orang yang mengerjakannya akan diganjarkan dengan pahala dan orang yang meninggalkannya tidak akan dibalas seksa. Sunat, mandub, mustahab dan tatawwu' ialah: Beberapa perkataan yang mempunyai pengertian sama.
Perkara-perkara sunat di dalam Haji iaitu:
1- Mandi sunat Ihram.
2- Bertalbiah.
3- Melakukan Tawaf Qudum bagi bagi orang yang mengerjakan Haji Ifrad dan Haji Qiran.
4- Bermalam di Mina pada malam Arafah.
5- Berlari-lari anak dan sopan-santun ketika melakukan Tawaf Qudum.
Kisah-kisah Al-Quran > Kisah Penyembelihan
1-Setelah Nabi Ibrahim Al-Khalil a.s berpindah dari negeri kaumnya, beliau memohon kepada Allah s.w.t supaya dikurniakan seorang anak yang soleh, lalu Allah s.w.t mengembirakannya dengan mengurniakan seorang anak yang cantik iaitu Nabi Ismail a.s yang dilahirkan ketika Nabi Ibrahim a.s berumur 86 tahun. Setelah Nabi Ismail a.s meningkat dewasa, Nabi Ibrahim a.s telah bermimpi menyembelih anaknya, dimana telah ditetapkan bahawa mimpi para Nabi adalah Wahyu. Ini merupakan ujian yang besar daripada Allah s.w.t terhadap Nabi Ibrahim a.s sebagaimana firman Allah s.w.t:
(قَالَ يَابُنَيَّ إِنِّي أَرَى فِي الْمَنَامِ أَنِّي أَذْبَحُكَ فَانْظُرْ مَاذَا تَرَى)
Yang bermaksud: Wahai anak kesayanganku! Sesungguhnya aku melihat di dalam mimpi bahawa aku akan menyembelihmu, maka fikirkanlah apa pendapatmu. Lalu Nabi Ismail a.s menjawab sebagaimana firman Allah s.w.t:
(قَالَ يَاأَبَتِ افْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ سَتَجِدُنِي إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الصَّابِرِينَ)
Yang bermaksud: Wahai ayahku! Jalankanlah apa yang diperintahkan kepadamu, insya Allah engkau akan mendapati aku dari kalangan orang-orang yang sabar. Dikatakan kedua-duanya telah berserah diri sebagaimana firman Allah s.w.t:
(فَلَمَّا أَسْلَمَا وَتَلَّهُ لِلْجَبِينِ)
Yang bermaksud: Setelah keduanya berserah bulat-bulat (menjunjung perintah Allah itu) dan Nabi Ibrahim merebahkan anaknya dengan meletakkan iringan mukanya di atas tompok tanah. (Kami sifatkan Ibrahim dengan kesungguhan azamnya itu telah menjalankan perintah kami). Setelah kedua-duanya berserah diri untuk menjalankan perintah Allah dan berazam dengan bersungguh-sungguh, Allah s.w.t telah menyeru dan memberikan khabar yang mengembirakan melalui Malaikat. Sebagaimana firman Allah s.w.t:
أَنْ يَاإِبْرَاهِيمُ، * قَدْ صَدَّقْتَ الرُّؤْيَا إِنَّا كَذَلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُحْسِنِينَ، * إِنَّ هَذَا لَهُوَ الْبَلَاءُ الْمُبِينُ، * وَفَدَيْنَاهُ بِذِبْحٍ عَظِيمٍ، * وَتَرَكْنَا عَلَيْهِ فِي الْآخِرِينَ، * سَلَامٌ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ، * كَذَلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُحْسِنِينَ، * إِنَّهُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
Yang bermaksud: Wahai Ibrahim! Engkau telah menyempurnakan maksud mimpi yang engkau lihat itu, demikianlah sebenarnya Kami membalas orang-orang yang berusaha mengerjakan kebaikan, sesungguhnya perintah ini adalah satu ujian yang nyata dan Kami tebus anaknya itu dengan seekor binatang sembelihan yang besar dan Kami kekalkan baginya (nama yang harum) dalam kalangan orang yang datang kemudian, salam sejahtera kepada Nabi Ibrahim, demikianlah Kami membalas orang-orang yang berusaha melakukan kebaikan, sesungguhnya Nabi Ibrahim itu dari hamba-hamba Kami yang beriman. Setelah tercapai maksud ujian terhadap Nabi Ibrahim a.s dan anaknya Ismail a.s serta mereka berdua bersegera untuk menunaikan perintah Allah s.w.t lalu Allah Taala mengantikan dengan seekor kibas putih yang mempunyai mata dan tanduk yang sempurna sebagai tebusan daripada menyembelih anaknya. Nabi Ibrahim a.s mendapati kibas tersebut terikat di sebatang pokok berhampiran bukit Thabir lalu menyembelihnya di Mina. Tempat ini telah dijadikan sebagai tempat mengerjakan ibadat Haji dan sunat berkorban bersempena dari peristiwa Nabi Ibrahim Al-Khalil a.s dan anaknya Nabi Ismail a.s serta berterusan sehingga kepada nabi kita Muhammad s.a.w.
Jenis-jenis Haji
Haji Tamattu`
Haji Tamattu' ialah berihram Umrah pada bulan-bulan Haji. Setelah selesai mengerjakan Umrah dan telahpun bertahalul, orang haji akan berniat Ihram Haji pada hari Tarwiah dan dia dikenakan menyembelih Dam.
Haji Qiran
Haji Qiran ialah berniat Umrah dan Haji secara serentak dan orang Haji tidak boleh bertahallul dari Ihram sebelum melontar Jamrah Aqabah serta bercukur atau bergunting. Dia dikenakan menyembelih Dam.
Haji Ifrad
Haji Ifrad ialah berniat Ihram Haji sahaja dari miqat kemudian hendaklah kekal di dalam Ihramnya sehingga ke hari Nahar (korban). Orang Haji yang mengerjakan Haji Ifrad tidak dikenakan Dam.
Umrah
Ibadat Umrah
Umrah ialah Haji kecil, ia diambil dari perkataan al-I'timar iaitu (ziarah). Orang yang mengerjakan Umrah akan berniat Ihram Umrah dari miqat, mengerjakan Tawaf Qudum, bersaie dan seterusnya bertahallul dari Ihramnya dengan bercukur atau bergunting.
Haji dan Umrah
Umrah (ﻋﻤﺮﻩ) ialah mengunjungi Baitullah di Makkah dan melakukan ihram, tawaf, sa'i dan bertahallul mengikut tertib.
Umrah adalah fardhu seperti Haji. Ini adalah pendapat al-Imam as-Syafie r.a. yang al-Azhar. Ijmak Ulama mengatakan bahawa hanya wajib dilakukan sekali sepanjang hayat bagi orang yang mampu kecuali orang yang bernazar, maka dia wajib memenuhi nazarnya.
Dalil daripada al-Quran ialah firman Allah Taala: Dan sempurnakanlah ibadat Haji dan Umrah kerana Allah (Al-Baqarah 196).
Sabda Nabi yang diriwayatkan Ibnu Majah, Al-Baihaqi dan sanad yang sahih daripada Aisyah r.a. katanya:
Aku berkata : "Wahai Rasullah,apakah wanita wajib berjihad?". Sabda Baginda: "Ya, jihad yang tiada peperangan padanya iaitu haji dan umrah".
Niat Ihram, Tawaf dan Sa'i tidak boleh dilakukan di mana-mana tempat lain melainkan di tempat yang ditetapkan. Iaitu niat ihram di Miqat, tawaf 7 pusingan mengelilingi Kaabah di dalam Masjidil Haram dan bersa'i 7 kali bermula di bukit Safa dan berakhir di bukit Marwah. Terakhir sekali bertahallul iaitu bercukur atau mengunting rambut sekurang-kurangnya 3 helai selepas itu, segala larangan dalam Ihram menjadi halal sepertimana sebelum beliau berihram.
Beza Umrah dengan Haji ialah Umrah boleh dilaksanakan sepanjang tahun tetapi Haji hanya boleh dilakukan pada bulan haji iaitu bulan Zulhijjah sahaja, dan hari kemuncaknya ialah pada hari Tasyrik 9,10,11,12 dimana jemaah berkumpul di Padang Arafah dan Mina.
Pada zaman sekarang Kerajaan Arab Saudi menetapkan mana jemaah umrah mestilah mengikut muassasah umrah dan memohon visa umrah melalui agensi umrah. Tiada lagi permohonan Visa umrah dapat dilakukan di Kedutaan Arab Saudi secara individu.
Umrah adalah fardhu seperti Haji. Ini adalah pendapat al-Imam as-Syafie r.a. yang al-Azhar. Ijmak Ulama mengatakan bahawa hanya wajib dilakukan sekali sepanjang hayat bagi orang yang mampu kecuali orang yang bernazar, maka dia wajib memenuhi nazarnya.
Dalil daripada al-Quran ialah firman Allah Taala: Dan sempurnakanlah ibadat Haji dan Umrah kerana Allah (Al-Baqarah 196).
Sabda Nabi yang diriwayatkan Ibnu Majah, Al-Baihaqi dan sanad yang sahih daripada Aisyah r.a. katanya:
Aku berkata : "Wahai Rasullah,apakah wanita wajib berjihad?". Sabda Baginda: "Ya, jihad yang tiada peperangan padanya iaitu haji dan umrah".
Niat Ihram, Tawaf dan Sa'i tidak boleh dilakukan di mana-mana tempat lain melainkan di tempat yang ditetapkan. Iaitu niat ihram di Miqat, tawaf 7 pusingan mengelilingi Kaabah di dalam Masjidil Haram dan bersa'i 7 kali bermula di bukit Safa dan berakhir di bukit Marwah. Terakhir sekali bertahallul iaitu bercukur atau mengunting rambut sekurang-kurangnya 3 helai selepas itu, segala larangan dalam Ihram menjadi halal sepertimana sebelum beliau berihram.
Beza Umrah dengan Haji ialah Umrah boleh dilaksanakan sepanjang tahun tetapi Haji hanya boleh dilakukan pada bulan haji iaitu bulan Zulhijjah sahaja, dan hari kemuncaknya ialah pada hari Tasyrik 9,10,11,12 dimana jemaah berkumpul di Padang Arafah dan Mina.
Pada zaman sekarang Kerajaan Arab Saudi menetapkan mana jemaah umrah mestilah mengikut muassasah umrah dan memohon visa umrah melalui agensi umrah. Tiada lagi permohonan Visa umrah dapat dilakukan di Kedutaan Arab Saudi secara individu.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Roket versus Penyapu
Dr SMS ini dah terbang sampai ke angkasa dan dah balik ke bumi, tapi Dr kat Slg tu nak terbang dengan penyapu, hi hi hi .....
Zaman witches bolehlah penyapu tu terbang dr oi.....
Tajuk Yang Disukai Bulan Ini - ‘Broom award’
‘Broom award’ draws flak
KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor Mentri Besar's awarding of brooms to under-performing local councils and state agencies to remind them to buck up has drawn flak from many quarters.
Many find his “broom bouquet” for poor performance in poor taste and crude.
The “broom award” was even brought up in Parliament on Tuesday.
The civil service umbrella union Cuepacs said it received calls from its members from other states complaining about the broom.
Cuepacs president Omar Osman said members asked if there was indeed no other way for Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo to express his dissatisfaction.
On Monday, at an excellence awards ceremony Dr Khir gave a broom each to the Hulu Selangor District Council and Hulu Selangor Land Office for failing to collect assessment for 2006 above the stipulated 50% mark.
Dr Khir also warned agencies that failed to hit the target for 2007 to expect the same “present”.
“We can understand the feelings of the civil servants attending the ceremony. The brooms were given openly, without even trying to disguise these by wrapping them,” said Omar on Tuesday.
“We cannot accept such an act. Although we support the Mentri Besar’s intention for all civil servants to improve their performance, there is a better way of doing it, such as giving the agencies a low star ranking or a reminder letter.”
As civil servants who form the backbone of the Selangor state government were loyal staff, they did not deserve such a treatment in public, Omar said.
Public Services director-general Tan Sri Ismail Adam declined to comment, except to say that “there are many ways of telling civil servants how to do their jobs.”
“You can tell them directly or issue them a directive. There are many ways to ‘skin a cat’ but you have to find one that is appropriate,” he said.
In Parliament, Datuk Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Haji Omar (BN-Larut) questioned whether presenting a broom, which is linked to bad luck, was appropriate as an award.
“There must be other ways to motivate the staff. Certainly not a broom,” said Raja Ahmad.
Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun, in her reply, also said that she did not agree with giving out brooms.
“But I am sure the Selangor Mentri Besar, who is intelligent, would know its suitability,” said Azizah (BN-Beaufort).
In Penang, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said that when a person had done something good, he should be praised in public but if he has failed to perform, then he should be rebuked in private.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor Mentri Besar's awarding of brooms to under-performing local councils and state agencies to remind them to buck up has drawn flak from many quarters.
Many find his “broom bouquet” for poor performance in poor taste and crude.
The “broom award” was even brought up in Parliament on Tuesday.
The civil service umbrella union Cuepacs said it received calls from its members from other states complaining about the broom.
Cuepacs president Omar Osman said members asked if there was indeed no other way for Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo to express his dissatisfaction.
On Monday, at an excellence awards ceremony Dr Khir gave a broom each to the Hulu Selangor District Council and Hulu Selangor Land Office for failing to collect assessment for 2006 above the stipulated 50% mark.
Dr Khir also warned agencies that failed to hit the target for 2007 to expect the same “present”.
“We can understand the feelings of the civil servants attending the ceremony. The brooms were given openly, without even trying to disguise these by wrapping them,” said Omar on Tuesday.
“We cannot accept such an act. Although we support the Mentri Besar’s intention for all civil servants to improve their performance, there is a better way of doing it, such as giving the agencies a low star ranking or a reminder letter.”
As civil servants who form the backbone of the Selangor state government were loyal staff, they did not deserve such a treatment in public, Omar said.
Public Services director-general Tan Sri Ismail Adam declined to comment, except to say that “there are many ways of telling civil servants how to do their jobs.”
“You can tell them directly or issue them a directive. There are many ways to ‘skin a cat’ but you have to find one that is appropriate,” he said.
In Parliament, Datuk Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Haji Omar (BN-Larut) questioned whether presenting a broom, which is linked to bad luck, was appropriate as an award.
“There must be other ways to motivate the staff. Certainly not a broom,” said Raja Ahmad.
Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun, in her reply, also said that she did not agree with giving out brooms.
“But I am sure the Selangor Mentri Besar, who is intelligent, would know its suitability,” said Azizah (BN-Beaufort).
In Penang, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said that when a person had done something good, he should be praised in public but if he has failed to perform, then he should be rebuked in private.
'Broom award' for two agencies
Unenviable award: Hulu Selangor District Council chief Tukiman Nail (right) getting the ‘broom award’ from Dr Khir at the Dewan Jubli Perak in Shah Alam Monday.
The “broom award” was printed in the programme book as Special Award Performance For Revenue Collection 2006.
SHAH ALAM: Two state government agencies were publicly rebuked when they were presented with a broom each on stage by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo for failing to collect assessment above the 50% mark required for 2006.
Hulu Selangor District Council chief Tukiman Nail received the broom worth RM3.80 at the Selangor Excellence Awards at the Dewan Jubli Perak yesterday.
The other recipient, Hulu Selangor Land Office former district officer Mislan Tugiu who is now Klang Municipal Council president, is overseas and a representative received it on his behalf. He avoided pressmen after leaving the stage.
Earlier, officers had tried to keep the two brooms away, hoping that Dr Khir would forget, but he asked for them despite the unease among the several hundred government staff who attended the event.
Many staff members shook their heads when the brooms were presented to the recipients.
“The broom is not meant to shame the officer but it is a reminder that the government wants all departments to buck up and improve to become results-oriented,” said Dr Khir.
“Many times, we have called for improvement but it has fallen on deaf ears. When agencies knew they would receive the brooms, they automatically collected their revenue, hitting 90% for 2007.
“But the broom was for 2006 and it had to be given so that officers would know that I mean business,” he stressed.
Dr Khir said that agencies which fail to hit the 2007 performance target would also get the broom.
“We can’t have those with a lackadaisical attitude,” he said.
Aku lagi tak faham khir oi, apa yang hang dok buat ni. Come on, we're living in the new millenium, ini sudah tahun 2007, bukan zaman kesultanan Melaka, di mana datuk dan panglima boleh buat apa saja...... this is not the jungle age man.... ini zaman micro cips, dan orang Malaysia pun dah sampai ke angkasa lepas lagi....
Alamak what is happening...
I hope Pak Lah is taking note of this event close to his heart and mind......
takutlah orang lain buat contoh..
Action speak louder than words.... so words khir ni tak siapa peduli tapi aksi dia hahhhhh! terlampau kan?
Nasib baik yang kena pun orang yang dia sendiri pilih duduk di kerusi tu, if not lagi kesianla.........
Kawan buat kat kawan..... ha ha
satu soalan lagi....
Awat! Pak Lah pun dok buat macamni ka?
Pemimpin tertinggi dok tunjuk jalan betul, yang bawah over tak tentu hal...
Hai gerammmmmmmmmm...nye!
Hulu Selangor diberi Anugerah Penyapu
PERLU TINGKAT KUTIPAN: Dr Mohamad Khir (kiri) menyampaikan penyapu kepada Yang Dipertua MDHS, Tukiman Nail, sebagai simbolik pada majlis anugerah sempena Bulan Kualiti 2007 di Shah Alam, semalam.
SHAH ALAM: Pejabat Tanah dan Daerah (PTD) Hulu Selangor serta Majlis Daerah Hulu Selangor (MDHS) menjadi penerima pertama 'Anugerah Penyapu' daripada kerajaan negeri kerana gagal mencapai sasaran kutipan hasil cukai semasa dan tunggakan tahun lalu.
Anugerah Khas sebatang penyapu yang diikat riben itu disampaikan Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo kepada wakil jabatan dan agensi berkenaan pada majlis anugerah sempena Bulan Kualiti 2007 Pentadbiran Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri, di sini, semalam.
PTD Hulu Selangor dan MDHS hanya memungut 55 peratus cukai semasa dan 56 peratus cukai tertunggak, manakala MDHS memungut 66.9 peratus hasil cukai semasa dan 23.4 peratus cukai tertunggak tahun lalu.
Kerajaan Selangor menetapkan semua sembilan PTD serta 12 PBT memungut 90 peratus hasil cukai semasa dan 70 peratus hasil tunggakan cukai setiap tahun.
Dr Mohamad Khir berkata, anugerah itu diberi sebagai simbolik kepada PTD Hulu Selangor dan MDHS supaya berusaha membaiki prestasi untuk memenuhi sasaran yang ditetapkan kerajaan.
"Anugerah ini bukan bertujuan memalukan, menjatuhkan atau merendahkan semangat individu atau jabatan kerajaan dan PBT, tetapi memberi kesedaran supaya berusaha membaiki prestasi pada masa datang.
"Kita dapati tiada tindakan diambil oleh pegawai terbabit walaupun gagal mencapai tahap minimum yang ditetapkan," katanya.
Dr Mohamad Khir berkata, anugerah penyapu itu sebagai simbolik dan peringatan kepada pegawai atasan jabatan kerajaan dan PBT supaya membersihkan sikap tidak produktif kakitangan bawahan.
Katanya, sejak dimaklumkan pemberian Anugerah Penyapu itu awal tahun ini, PTD Hulu Selangor dan MDHS menunjukkan prestasi membanggakan sehingga September lalu.
Tujuh PTD dan PBT mencatatkan kutipan melebihi sasaran ditetapkan tahun lalu didahului PTD Sepang yang mengutip 112 peratus hasil cukai semasa dan 73 peratus cukai tertunggak diikuti PTD Hulu Langat, Majlis Perbandaran Subang Jaya (MPSJ), Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam (MBSA), Majlis Perbandaran Sepang (MPSp), Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya (MPAJ) dan Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ).
Semua jabatan dan agensi terbabit dibawa mengadakan lawatan ke Melbourne, Australia, selama lima hari pada pertengahan April lalu sebagai insentif.
** If it's me, I won't go up the stage to receive that award... not of embarassment but more on upright principle. I think all of us are brought up to aknowledge that brooms brings no luck or meaning you are cursed if a broom comes into hitting contact upon you for any reasons. This award is a hit with the most hitting impact! Well, that man up there in the picture is all cursed up..... believe me and i wouldn't want to be in his shoes.**
:(
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Nurin Jazlin Jasimin
It a very emotional weekend for most of us who has been tracking the episod of the lost nurin. A lot has been done by the family, relatives, neighbours, friends and those who cares eventhough they have no linkage at all with Nurin Jazlin Jasimin who went missing since one month ago.
There must be a hikmah here for such a dreadful thing to happen, especially to someone who is as helpless and innocence.
We pray that Allay, bless her and her parents and gives them the courage to move on in life as they have other children to take care of. Love them more now, since you have less to love now.
Al-Fatihah
There must be a hikmah here for such a dreadful thing to happen, especially to someone who is as helpless and innocence.
We pray that Allay, bless her and her parents and gives them the courage to move on in life as they have other children to take care of. Love them more now, since you have less to love now.
Al-Fatihah
Still on DNA -
This is an article taken from - http://nurinjazlin.blogspot.com
A number of readers suggested that a second DNA should have been taken to erase all doubts.
This was what our stand initially as well upon being bried on the DNA report by the PJ OCPD at 10.00 p.m., 20th September 2007.
However, as explained in my earlier post, it was the parents who had decided to rely on the DNA coupled with the dental records in their decision to claim the body (of which now has been confirmed as Nurin) along with the acceptance that the body had various other similar features to Nurin indeed in the wee hours of Friday, 21st September 2007.
With that decision, the earlier arrangement made with IPD Petaling Jaya for a second DNA test coupled with veryfing the body against Nurin's medical records, thumb print etc on that Friday morning was called of.
When the parents informed the Police that we are now would be claiming the bosy instead, the body was then prepared accordingly to Islamic rites (mandi mayat).
When we arrived at the mortuary to collect the body, it all clear to everyone, including Jazimin that the body was no other than Nurin.
This might sound like coming from a religious movie script, but that is the fact, the face was now recognisable eventhough just a day before it was not.
There is a "hikmah" in this, the act of the parents agreeing to the DNA results (which was made available to them last), had sort of avoided the body to continue to be in limbo for a few more days.
Therefore, the family is genuinely certain that the body claimed was none other than Nurin, and there is no necessity for a second DNA test.
It is rather unfortunate that there are some parties who are trying to cast doubts to the mother's mind by continuosly asking whether she was certain of the body was Nurin and not someone else.
They had actually "integorated" her at the burial grounds itself, at a time when one was in their lowest point.
They have actually succeeded in getting some "confessions" from the mother that fits their agenda to paint the Police force as an (one) "unreliable" and "despicable" force that works around conspiracy theory.
So readers, if you are to come across any notion of such in any press (or article) reports within the next few days, please take my word, you can actually chuck the whole newspaper into the dustbin as the journalism practice in getting that news scoop was totally deplorable.
No one should be casting any doubt that Nurin has been safely buried at 2.45 pm 21st September 2007 at the Ibu Kota Muslim Burial Grounds, Kuala Lumpur.
A number of readers suggested that a second DNA should have been taken to erase all doubts.
This was what our stand initially as well upon being bried on the DNA report by the PJ OCPD at 10.00 p.m., 20th September 2007.
However, as explained in my earlier post, it was the parents who had decided to rely on the DNA coupled with the dental records in their decision to claim the body (of which now has been confirmed as Nurin) along with the acceptance that the body had various other similar features to Nurin indeed in the wee hours of Friday, 21st September 2007.
With that decision, the earlier arrangement made with IPD Petaling Jaya for a second DNA test coupled with veryfing the body against Nurin's medical records, thumb print etc on that Friday morning was called of.
When the parents informed the Police that we are now would be claiming the bosy instead, the body was then prepared accordingly to Islamic rites (mandi mayat).
When we arrived at the mortuary to collect the body, it all clear to everyone, including Jazimin that the body was no other than Nurin.
This might sound like coming from a religious movie script, but that is the fact, the face was now recognisable eventhough just a day before it was not.
There is a "hikmah" in this, the act of the parents agreeing to the DNA results (which was made available to them last), had sort of avoided the body to continue to be in limbo for a few more days.
Therefore, the family is genuinely certain that the body claimed was none other than Nurin, and there is no necessity for a second DNA test.
It is rather unfortunate that there are some parties who are trying to cast doubts to the mother's mind by continuosly asking whether she was certain of the body was Nurin and not someone else.
They had actually "integorated" her at the burial grounds itself, at a time when one was in their lowest point.
They have actually succeeded in getting some "confessions" from the mother that fits their agenda to paint the Police force as an (one) "unreliable" and "despicable" force that works around conspiracy theory.
So readers, if you are to come across any notion of such in any press (or article) reports within the next few days, please take my word, you can actually chuck the whole newspaper into the dustbin as the journalism practice in getting that news scoop was totally deplorable.
No one should be casting any doubt that Nurin has been safely buried at 2.45 pm 21st September 2007 at the Ibu Kota Muslim Burial Grounds, Kuala Lumpur.
Nurin laid to rest
Norazian Bistaman sprinkling holy water on her daughter Nurin's grave.
She was buried at around 2.25pm after which the talqin (burial rituals) was recited at 2.32pm.
KUALA LUMPUR: The body of the missing girl Nurin Jazlin Jazimin, 8, was finally laid to rest at the Ibu Kota Muslim Cemetery in Taman Danau Kota on Friday.
It was an emotional scene as scores of solemn faces of all races paid their last respects to Nurin and offered condolences to the family.
Tears and sweat trickled down Jazimin's face as he eventually broke down and hugged his wife Norazian Bistaman, who was crying and did not utter a word throughout the funeral.
Earlier in the day, Jazimin, Nurin's father, was calm and composed when he claimed Nurin's body at the Hospital Kuala Lumpur mortuary at around 11.15am.
Jazimin, who was clad in a baju melayu and black trousers, was accompanied by family members and relatives.
He evaded reporters and sped off in a hearse that was carrying Nurin's body.
They arrived at the the Madrasah As Sa'adah in Section One, Wangsa Maju where Nurin's body was brought for the prayer for the deceased at around noon.
Jazimin told reporters that he willingly accepted the DNA results, which proved that his wife's DNA and his matched that of the body found stuffed in a sports bag on Monday.
The prayer for the deceased was conducted after the Friday prayers before Nurin's body was brought to the burial ground.
At least 400 people including family, relatives, friends and well-wishers regardless of race and age expressed their condolences at the madrasah.
Roads leading to the madrasah were congested with a few police personnel manning the traffic and there was a long queue of cars looking for parking.
On Thursday, Selangor police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar confirmed that the results of the DNA test done on the blood sample taken from the dead girl matched that of Jazimin, 33, and his wife Norazian, 35.
Both parents were at first adamant that the body found stuffed in a sports bag was not their daughter, saying the body did not look like Nurin.
The parents said that Nurin had a scar on her thigh and that her teeth did not have gaps like that found on the body.
- The Star
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)