Sabtu, 14 Disember 2013

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Sue RoS, says Selangor DAP

Posted: 14 Dec 2013 01:22 PM PST

(MM) - Fed up with being kicked around by the Registrar of Societies (RoS), Selangor DAP urged its central leadership to sue the regulator for attempting to block the party chiefs from making decisions.

Selangor DAP chairman, Teresa Kok, lashed out at the RoS for allegedly practising double-standards in barring the re-elected DAP Central Executive Committee (CEC) from making any decision on behalf of the opposition party, claiming the move was made in bad faith.

"It's time for DAP to shout to RoS, 'enough is enough'! We demand RoS to revoke its latest order. Otherwise, we will call upon the Central Executive Committee to take court action against RoS," Kok said in a speech in Selangor DAP's 17th state ordinary convention here.

On Thursday, DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke said the party headquarters received a letter dated December 6 from the RoS on December 11, which stated the agency's refusal to recognise the party leaders that were re-elected in the DAP's special congress on September 29.

In the letter revealed to the media, RoS said the DAP CEC could not decide for the party until the agency completes its investigation into "continuous complaints" which it purportedly received from party division leaders and members.

Loke said it was "ridiculous" to prohibit the DAP CEC from making party decisions pending an investigation.

"We will not rule out taking the RoS to court to challenge this decision... we had the special congress, we gave the annual return, and even then, they're not happy," he said.

DAP's leadership is set to discuss and decide next week on whether it will file a lawsuit against RoS.

The DAP has engaged in a long-running battle with the RoS stemming from a technical glitch in the tabulation of votes from the December 15, 2012, party elections that saw Zairil Khir Johari, then the political aide of secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, moving up from the 39th position to the 20th — the final spot on the CEC.

The RoS subsequently ordered the DAP, which is the second-largest party in Parliament after Umno, to conduct fresh polls after saying it was "dissatisfied" with the party's explanations.

The DAP initially refused to comply, but finally acquiesced with the directive and held a special congress on September 29 that saw the same line-up of leaders being re-elected into the CEC. 

 

All Syiah teachings in Malaysia deviate from true Islamic faith, says Jakim

Posted: 14 Dec 2013 01:17 PM PST

(Bernama) - All branches of Syiah teachings deviate from the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah Islamic faith (Sunni Islam) practised in this country, and violate Islamic law, says Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

Its director-general Datuk Othman Mustapha also categorically refuted claims that there were branches of the Syiah doctrine in this country having similarities with Sunni Islam.

He said according to studies done by Jakim, the active propagation of the Ithna-'ashariyyah branch of Syiah teachings or The Twelve Imams started in Malaysia after the success of the 1979 Islamic Revolution of Iran.

"As such, the Syiah teachings practised by the followers in Malaysia until today is The Twelve Imams stream which deviate from true Islamic teachings," he said.

Othman said among the deviations of The Twelve Imams Syiah were as follows:

Believing that the imam is infallable, that is, free from any sin;

Regarding the companions of Prophet Muhammad as infidels;

No Friday prayers;

Allowing the combining of the obligatory daily prayers in all situations without any reason;

Allowing nikah muta'ah (short-term contract marriage, also called pleasure marriage);

Rejecting the views of ulamas;

Over-revering of Ali the caliph to the extent of putting him at par with Prophet Muhammad;

Adding Saidina Ali's name in the syahadah after the Prophet's name.

On nikah muta'ah, Othman said it was a Jahiliah (the age of ignorance, before the arrival of Islam) practice that went against Quranic teachings and ulama thinking, and prohibited by the Prophet through his sayings.

He noted that the National Fatwa Muzakarah Committee had on May 2-3, 1996 met and agreed that Islamic teachings other than the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah were against Islamic law and its propagation prohibited.

"On July 24 this year, the Home Ministry declared the Pertubuhan Syiah Malaysia (Syiah Association Malaysia) as illegal.

"Spreading Syiah teachings is not just about violating the fatwa (edict), but the issue of national security is also taken into consideration by the Home Ministry in banning the Syiah movement in this country," he said.

Othman said The Twelve Imams religious doctrine could have been spread to this country through the availability of reading materials and by individuals who visited Iran or Shiites who came from that country.

He did not dismiss the possibility of some local university lecturers having played a role in spreading Syiah teachings to the students.

 

‘Pakatan leaders failed the Indians’

Posted: 14 Dec 2013 12:45 PM PST

Uthayakumar's wife hopes her husband will be released next month and continue his struggle for the Indian community 

Vignesh Kumar, FMT

Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) legal advisor M Manoharan (pic) urged Pakatan Rakyat Indian leaders to place community interest first instead of focusing on their self enrichment.

Speaking at the book launch of the life story of Hindraf leader P Uthayakumar, Manoharan said Pakatan Indian leaders have to buck up to serve the community.

Manoharan said they should not disappoint the people who trusted them and voted for Pakatan in the past election.

He said they must emulate Uthayakumar, that has put his self interest aside by fighting for the Indian community.

"Please do not use the community name for your personal agenda,"

"Stop the dramas ," he urged

Manoharan said Pakatan Indian leaders are not sincere in serving the community likewise Uthayakumar.

He said Uthayakumar is a legend and still concerned about the community despite being held in the Kajang Prison.

Uthayakumar was arrested over a sedition charge and was placed in the Kajang prison last May.

Manoharan is confident that Uthayakumar will win his case during the next court hearing on January 15 and really hopes that the Indian community to be behind him as he sacrificed a lot for them.
He also defended Uthayakumar saying that he had never used the Indian community for his personal agenda as claimed by certain quarters.

Meanwhile Uthayakumar's wife S Indra Devi, who was also present in the event, during her speech said that even though she is going through a hard time being without her husband she is still proud of him.

She hopes the community will appreciate her husband's sacrifice.

READ MORE HERE

 

The Islamic race

Posted: 13 Dec 2013 03:23 PM PST

And this is what is going to determine the outcome of the next general election. The Malay vote is going to decide the government. And Malay here means Islam, both culturally and constitutionally. Hence to win the hearts and minds of the Malays you will need to do it via Islam. And those who are seen as more Islamic will be the ones to win the hearts and minds of the Malays.

THE CORRIDORS OF POWER  

Raja Petra Kamarudin

In the past, we would hear a lot of talk about the arms race between the USSR and the US, especially during the Cold War period. Now that the Cold War has ended, the USSR no longer exists, the Berlin Wall has been brought down, and so on, there is no longer much talk about the arms race.

Nevertheless, the arms race still exists. It is just not discussed as often as before, that's all. And it exists in the Muslim world.

Political Islam is viewed as a threat to the western world. Why then do they arm the Muslim countries at an alarming rate? Today, Iraq is seen as a problem, as is Iran. But was it not the west that armed both these countries? And was it not the west that created the Taliban so that Russia can be kept in check during the Cold War?

All the problems from the Muslim world were western creations. And they knew that one day these monsters they created would come back to haunt them. Why create these monsters in the first place then?

I suppose this is for two reasons. One would be that arms and wars are big money. And the west controls the arms industry so they can make a lot of money selling their arms to countries that have plenty of money. And countries that have deep pockets and can waste billions on arms they may never use in the end would be the oil producing Muslim countries.

Secondly would be about a balance of power. If the west arms the Muslim countries and these countries were constantly on war footing then they would not be such a nuisance or a threat to the west. They would be so busy watching each other they would not have any time to disturb the west.

Furthermore, the west sells arms to only those who are friendly to them. So Muslim countries need to be friends of the west to get approval to buy arms. And if your neighbour is arming itself, then you, too, need to arm yourself. And you can only do this if you are a friend to the country that is supplying the arms.

One thing I have talked about in the past -- which was not well received -- is that other than the arms race there is also the Islamic race. And the Islamic race exists not only in the Middle East but in Malaysia as well.

Of course, when I first raised the issue of the 3Rs it was pooh-poohed by most people. Some even accused me of playing the race card. It is something they would rather not hear about and they resented the fact that I raised it because then it reminded them that the 3R issue does exist, and that it is a problem, and that it is going to become a bigger problem as time goes on.

Over the last week or so we have been swamped with news regarding the Shia issue, especially regarding Mat Sabu of PAS. Now there is talk about creating a Sharia Police that is going to enforce Islamic laws on 'deviants'. Islam appears to have just become the flavour of the day for Malaysia. And it is going to get worse before it becomes better, trust me on this.

Zurairi AR's article in The Malay Mail (In religious contest, PAS Youth chief sees a win for Malaysians), quoting PAS Youth chief Suhaizan Kaiat, explains it quite well (READ HERE). PAS and Umno are involved in an Islamic race to see who can be more Islamic than the other. And PAS sees this as healthy and beneficial to Islam.

I have said this many times before and I will say it again. Islam is not just a religion. Islam is a political system, the administration of the ummah or community, in short, a government.

Anwar Ibrahim is fond of saying that Islam is an adeen or way of life. And Anwar is right. In fact, the Quran refers to Islam as the way of Abraham and further says that all those who follow the way of Abraham, whether they are Yahudi (people of Judea or Yahuda) or Nasrani (people of Nazareth) -- meaning Jews and Christians -- are the true submitters.

We must remember that Judaism and Christianity, at the time of Prophet Muhammad, were political and administrative in nature. Today maybe these two religions are merely ritualistic but back in the year 600 this was not so. When Islam first emerged, Judaism and Christianity were a form of government.

In a way, Judaism and Christianity have deviated from what the founders of these religions had originally intended. Judaism and Christianity are no longer a form of government like how they were when they first emerged. Islam, however, has held true to its course. And this is what non-Muslims cannot seem to comprehend.

It is not that Islam has become more militant. It is that Judaism and Christianity have become less militant. And this is not the fault of Islam but the fault of the Jews and Christians who have abandoned their true faith and have allowed their religion to become watered down so to speak.

There is no such thing as liberal Islam. That is a concept created by the liberals who would like to see Islam run the same course as Judaism and Christianity -- meaning deviate from what was intended by the founders of these religions. There is only one Islam. And Islam is certainly far from liberal because in Islam there are strict rules you need to follow to qualify calling yourself a Muslim.

I have warned you about the Islamic race between PAS and Umno a long time ago. No doubt, at that time, you thought I was hallucinating or was probably on some illegal substance or smoking weed. Today, we can see the truth in what I said back then. PAS and Umno are trying to outdo each other to see who can be more Islamic than the other. 

And this is what is going to determine the outcome of the next general election. The Malay vote is going to decide the government. And Malay here means Islam, both culturally and constitutionally. Hence to win the hearts and minds of the Malays you will need to do it via Islam. And those who are seen as more Islamic will be the ones to win the hearts and minds of the Malays.

*************************************************           

Why is Saudi Arabia buying 15,000 U.S. anti-tank missiles for a war it will never fight?

No one is expecting a tank invasion of Saudi Arabia anytime soon, but the kingdom just put in a huge order for U.S.-made anti-tank missiles that has Saudi-watchers scratching their heads and wondering whether the deal is related to Riyadh's support for the Syrian rebels.

The proposed weapons deal, which the Pentagon notified Congress of in early December, would provide Riyadh with more than 15,000 Raytheon anti-tank missiles at a cost of over US$1 billion.

Regardless of how this purchase of anti-tank missiles relates to Syria, it's undoubtedly part of a larger Saudi arms build up that has been going on for nearly a decade. From 2004 to 2011, according to a 2012 report by the Congressional Research Service, Riyadh signed US$75.7 billion worth of arms transfer agreements -- by far the most of any developing nation. The United States was the major benefactor of this Saudi largesse, as the deals bumped up U.S. arms sales to a record US$66 billion in 2011 alone.

How the Saudis plan to use many of these weapons is a mystery. And it's not just the anti-tank missiles whose purpose remains unclear. Riyadh recently bought advanced fighter jets from the United States for a whopping US$30 billion -- but the Saudis' lack of pilots and ability to maintain them means that it's an open question how long they can keep them airborne, said William Hartung, the director of the Arms and Security Project at the Center for International Policy.

But purchasing the weapons, rather than any intent to use them, may be the point for the Saudis. At a time when they are at odds with Washington over the Obama administration's diplomacy with Iran and non-intervention in Syria, the kingdom's deep pockets can at least make sure their ties to the Pentagon remain as strong as ever.

"There was a [Washington] lobbyist who used to say, 'When you buy U.S. weapons, you're not just buying the weapon -- you're buying a relationship with the United States,'" said Hartung. "I think that's kind of the concept."

Read more at: http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2013/12/12/why_is_saudi_arabia_buying_15000_us_anti_tank_missiles_for_a_land_war_it_will_ne#sthash.v7YblEqs.dpbs

 

In religious contest, PAS Youth chief sees a win for Malaysians

Posted: 13 Dec 2013 01:42 PM PST

Zurairi AR, MM

Umno and PAS must remain separate entities in order to deliver healthy competition in protecting the interests of Muslims in Malaysia, PAS Youth chief Suhaizan Kaiat said.

In an exclusive interview with The Malay Mail Online this week, Suhaizan claimed the rivalry between the two parties on Islamic issues serve to benefit not only Muslims here, but all Malaysians.

"This competition is actually good... Umno has its own capabilities because it is in the government, they can make way for Islamic products such as Islamic banking. Meanwhile, PAS is in the opposition, so we can focus more on education," Suhaizan said.

"When the two of us compete with each other, for me, it is the public who will benefit from it."

According to Suhaizan, Islam can only flourish when there are active debates and discussions around it, and so far the public's comprehension towards the religion is on the rise thanks to public discourse stemming from both parties.

The Johor native also rejected calls for Umno and PAS to combine for the sake of Muslims, as suggested by delegates from both parties at their respective annual congresses last month.

"In theory, when we unite there will no longer be healthy competition. We will become complacent," Suhaizan suggested.

"When we are separate, we will be mutually critical. PAS criticises Umno, Umno criticises PAS. For me that is a good thing."

Suhaizan also admitted that both parties will lose out should they combine forces, since they would both break their own coalitions either with Barisan Nasional (BN) or Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

In addition, the move will consequently break the parties themselves, as there will always be members who would not agree with such a move, he said.

Islamic issues have dominated Umno's general assembly last month, with the nationalist party trying to capture portions of the Malay heartland alienated by PAS' move to the centre.

This comes as the Islamist party has gradually shed its conservative religious image for a more moderate approach to broaden its appeal, in a gradual approach starting from 1999.

Suhaizan, 40, who was formerly a Johor PAS wing chief, won the tight race for the top post against Federal Territories chief Kamarulzaman Mohamed and another contender Zulhazmi Sharif, after Temerloh MP Nasrudin Hassan vacated the chair to fight for a central working committee spot.

Together with his vice-chief Khairil Nizam Khirudin, 34, the two are seen as bucking the trend of ulama — Islamic clerics — dominating the wing's top posts, unlike in the previous term.

Suhaizan suggested that Umno has fallen back on Islamic issues to garner support from Malay voters, after their racial sentiments have failed to capture votes in both the 12th and 13th general elections.

The Muar-born politician also refuted that this would be a start towards both parties trying to out-Islamise each other.

However, he claimed that since the support of non-Malays have swayed a bit towards PR, Malay votes might be the deciding factor in any elections now and as a result are up for grabs within the two parties.

"Any political party sees (Malay support) as essential. Therefore, any segment in Malay interests must be fulfilled... Not just religion, but also culture, education," he said.

"We just hope Umno is sincere in bringing religious issues. Anybody who wishes to return to Islam, bringing Islamic agenda, highlighting good Muslim leaders... we welcome it."

As for PAS itself, Suhaizan said that the only way forward for the Islamist party to capture more votes is to continue its inclusiveness rather than returning to its insular nature, which had previously fostered suspicions among voters.

"In affairs regarding politics we must be inclusive because we want to approach the public... (To be inclusive, PAS must) give good national policy suggestions," he said.

"PAS Youth itself is steadying itself in the way to become government-in-waiting. To be the government-in-waiting, we must be ready in our knowledge, experience, expertise in laws, industrial fields, education, culture, and so on."

The Islamist party has opened its doors to non-Muslim members, with its PAS Supporters' Congress (DHPP) currently led by Hu Pang Chow, its first non-Muslim candidate to run under the Islamist party's green-and-white banner.

In Election 2013, Hu contested against incumbent Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong, MCA's Youth chief, for the Ayer Hitam, Johor parliamentary seat but lost by a majority of 7,310 votes.

PAS had previously fielded a non-Muslim candidate Kumutha Rahman, also from PAS Supporters' Club, in Election 2008, but she was obliged to run under a PKR ticket then.

PAS had since amended its constitution to upgrade its supporters club to a party wing, thus allowing its non-Muslim members to contest directly under the PAS banner.

 

Kredit: www.malaysia-today.net

Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News

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The Islamic race

Posted: 13 Dec 2013 03:23 PM PST

And this is what is going to determine the outcome of the next general election. The Malay vote is going to decide the government. And Malay here means Islam, both culturally and constitutionally. Hence to win the hearts and minds of the Malays you will need to do it via Islam. And those who are seen as more Islamic will be the ones to win the hearts and minds of the Malays.

THE CORRIDORS OF POWER  

Raja Petra Kamarudin

In the past, we would hear a lot of talk about the arms race between the USSR and the US, especially during the Cold War period. Now that the Cold War has ended, the USSR no longer exists, the Berlin Wall has been brought down, and so on, there is no longer much talk about the arms race.

Nevertheless, the arms race still exists. It is just not discussed as often as before, that's all. And it exists in the Muslim world.

Political Islam is viewed as a threat to the western world. Why then do they arm the Muslim countries at an alarming rate? Today, Iraq is seen as a problem, as is Iran. But was it not the west that armed both these countries? And was it not the west that created the Taliban so that Russia can be kept in check during the Cold War?

All the problems from the Muslim world were western creations. And they knew that one day these monsters they created would come back to haunt them. Why create these monsters in the first place then?

I suppose this is for two reasons. One would be that arms and wars are big money. And the west controls the arms industry so they can make a lot of money selling their arms to countries that have plenty of money. And countries that have deep pockets and can waste billions on arms they may never use in the end would be the oil producing Muslim countries.

Secondly would be about a balance of power. If the west arms the Muslim countries and these countries were constantly on war footing then they would not be such a nuisance or a threat to the west. They would be so busy watching each other they would not have any time to disturb the west.

Furthermore, the west sells arms to only those who are friendly to them. So Muslim countries need to be friends of the west to get approval to buy arms. And if your neighbour is arming itself, then you, too, need to arm yourself. And you can only do this if you are a friend to the country that is supplying the arms.

One thing I have talked about in the past -- which was not well received -- is that other than the arms race there is also the Islamic race. And the Islamic race exists not only in the Middle East but in Malaysia as well.

Of course, when I first raised the issue of the 3Rs it was pooh-poohed by most people. Some even accused me of playing the race card. It is something they would rather not hear about and they resented the fact that I raised it because then it reminded them that the 3R issue does exist, and that it is a problem, and that it is going to become a bigger problem as time goes on.

Over the last week or so we have been swamped with news regarding the Shia issue, especially regarding Mat Sabu of PAS. Now there is talk about creating a Sharia Police that is going to enforce Islamic laws on 'deviants'. Islam appears to have just become the flavour of the day for Malaysia. And it is going to get worse before it becomes better, trust me on this.

Zurairi AR's article in The Malay Mail (In religious contest, PAS Youth chief sees a win for Malaysians), quoting PAS Youth chief Suhaizan Kaiat, explains it quite well (READ HERE). PAS and Umno are involved in an Islamic race to see who can be more Islamic than the other. And PAS sees this as healthy and beneficial to Islam.

I have said this many times before and I will say it again. Islam is not just a religion. Islam is a political system, the administration of the ummah or community, in short, a government.

Anwar Ibrahim is fond of saying that Islam is an adeen or way of life. And Anwar is right. In fact, the Quran refers to Islam as the way of Abraham and further says that all those who follow the way of Abraham, whether they are Yahudi (people of Judea or Yahuda) or Nasrani (people of Nazareth) -- meaning Jews and Christians -- are the true submitters.

We must remember that Judaism and Christianity, at the time of Prophet Muhammad, were political and administrative in nature. Today maybe these two religions are merely ritualistic but back in the year 600 this was not so. When Islam first emerged, Judaism and Christianity were a form of government.

In a way, Judaism and Christianity have deviated from what the founders of these religions had originally intended. Judaism and Christianity are no longer a form of government like how they were when they first emerged. Islam, however, has held true to its course. And this is what non-Muslims cannot seem to comprehend.

It is not that Islam has become more militant. It is that Judaism and Christianity have become less militant. And this is not the fault of Islam but the fault of the Jews and Christians who have abandoned their true faith and have allowed their religion to become watered down so to speak.

There is no such thing as liberal Islam. That is a concept created by the liberals who would like to see Islam run the same course as Judaism and Christianity -- meaning deviate from what was intended by the founders of these religions. There is only one Islam. And Islam is certainly far from liberal because in Islam there are strict rules you need to follow to qualify calling yourself a Muslim.

I have warned you about the Islamic race between PAS and Umno a long time ago. No doubt, at that time, you thought I was hallucinating or was probably on some illegal substance or smoking weed. Today, we can see the truth in what I said back then. PAS and Umno are trying to outdo each other to see who can be more Islamic than the other. 

And this is what is going to determine the outcome of the next general election. The Malay vote is going to decide the government. And Malay here means Islam, both culturally and constitutionally. Hence to win the hearts and minds of the Malays you will need to do it via Islam. And those who are seen as more Islamic will be the ones to win the hearts and minds of the Malays.

*************************************************           

Why is Saudi Arabia buying 15,000 U.S. anti-tank missiles for a war it will never fight?

No one is expecting a tank invasion of Saudi Arabia anytime soon, but the kingdom just put in a huge order for U.S.-made anti-tank missiles that has Saudi-watchers scratching their heads and wondering whether the deal is related to Riyadh's support for the Syrian rebels.

The proposed weapons deal, which the Pentagon notified Congress of in early December, would provide Riyadh with more than 15,000 Raytheon anti-tank missiles at a cost of over US$1 billion.

Regardless of how this purchase of anti-tank missiles relates to Syria, it's undoubtedly part of a larger Saudi arms build up that has been going on for nearly a decade. From 2004 to 2011, according to a 2012 report by the Congressional Research Service, Riyadh signed US$75.7 billion worth of arms transfer agreements -- by far the most of any developing nation. The United States was the major benefactor of this Saudi largesse, as the deals bumped up U.S. arms sales to a record US$66 billion in 2011 alone.

How the Saudis plan to use many of these weapons is a mystery. And it's not just the anti-tank missiles whose purpose remains unclear. Riyadh recently bought advanced fighter jets from the United States for a whopping US$30 billion -- but the Saudis' lack of pilots and ability to maintain them means that it's an open question how long they can keep them airborne, said William Hartung, the director of the Arms and Security Project at the Center for International Policy.

But purchasing the weapons, rather than any intent to use them, may be the point for the Saudis. At a time when they are at odds with Washington over the Obama administration's diplomacy with Iran and non-intervention in Syria, the kingdom's deep pockets can at least make sure their ties to the Pentagon remain as strong as ever.

"There was a [Washington] lobbyist who used to say, 'When you buy U.S. weapons, you're not just buying the weapon -- you're buying a relationship with the United States,'" said Hartung. "I think that's kind of the concept."

Read more at: http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2013/12/12/why_is_saudi_arabia_buying_15000_us_anti_tank_missiles_for_a_land_war_it_will_ne#sthash.v7YblEqs.dpbs

 

Kredit: www.malaysia-today.net

Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News

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In religious contest, PAS Youth chief sees a win for Malaysians

Posted: 13 Dec 2013 01:42 PM PST

Zurairi AR, MM

Umno and PAS must remain separate entities in order to deliver healthy competition in protecting the interests of Muslims in Malaysia, PAS Youth chief Suhaizan Kaiat said.

In an exclusive interview with The Malay Mail Online this week, Suhaizan claimed the rivalry between the two parties on Islamic issues serve to benefit not only Muslims here, but all Malaysians.

"This competition is actually good... Umno has its own capabilities because it is in the government, they can make way for Islamic products such as Islamic banking. Meanwhile, PAS is in the opposition, so we can focus more on education," Suhaizan said.

"When the two of us compete with each other, for me, it is the public who will benefit from it."

According to Suhaizan, Islam can only flourish when there are active debates and discussions around it, and so far the public's comprehension towards the religion is on the rise thanks to public discourse stemming from both parties.

The Johor native also rejected calls for Umno and PAS to combine for the sake of Muslims, as suggested by delegates from both parties at their respective annual congresses last month.

"In theory, when we unite there will no longer be healthy competition. We will become complacent," Suhaizan suggested.

"When we are separate, we will be mutually critical. PAS criticises Umno, Umno criticises PAS. For me that is a good thing."

Suhaizan also admitted that both parties will lose out should they combine forces, since they would both break their own coalitions either with Barisan Nasional (BN) or Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

In addition, the move will consequently break the parties themselves, as there will always be members who would not agree with such a move, he said.

Islamic issues have dominated Umno's general assembly last month, with the nationalist party trying to capture portions of the Malay heartland alienated by PAS' move to the centre.

This comes as the Islamist party has gradually shed its conservative religious image for a more moderate approach to broaden its appeal, in a gradual approach starting from 1999.

Suhaizan, 40, who was formerly a Johor PAS wing chief, won the tight race for the top post against Federal Territories chief Kamarulzaman Mohamed and another contender Zulhazmi Sharif, after Temerloh MP Nasrudin Hassan vacated the chair to fight for a central working committee spot.

Together with his vice-chief Khairil Nizam Khirudin, 34, the two are seen as bucking the trend of ulama — Islamic clerics — dominating the wing's top posts, unlike in the previous term.

Suhaizan suggested that Umno has fallen back on Islamic issues to garner support from Malay voters, after their racial sentiments have failed to capture votes in both the 12th and 13th general elections.

The Muar-born politician also refuted that this would be a start towards both parties trying to out-Islamise each other.

However, he claimed that since the support of non-Malays have swayed a bit towards PR, Malay votes might be the deciding factor in any elections now and as a result are up for grabs within the two parties.

"Any political party sees (Malay support) as essential. Therefore, any segment in Malay interests must be fulfilled... Not just religion, but also culture, education," he said.

"We just hope Umno is sincere in bringing religious issues. Anybody who wishes to return to Islam, bringing Islamic agenda, highlighting good Muslim leaders... we welcome it."

As for PAS itself, Suhaizan said that the only way forward for the Islamist party to capture more votes is to continue its inclusiveness rather than returning to its insular nature, which had previously fostered suspicions among voters.

"In affairs regarding politics we must be inclusive because we want to approach the public... (To be inclusive, PAS must) give good national policy suggestions," he said.

"PAS Youth itself is steadying itself in the way to become government-in-waiting. To be the government-in-waiting, we must be ready in our knowledge, experience, expertise in laws, industrial fields, education, culture, and so on."

The Islamist party has opened its doors to non-Muslim members, with its PAS Supporters' Congress (DHPP) currently led by Hu Pang Chow, its first non-Muslim candidate to run under the Islamist party's green-and-white banner.

In Election 2013, Hu contested against incumbent Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong, MCA's Youth chief, for the Ayer Hitam, Johor parliamentary seat but lost by a majority of 7,310 votes.

PAS had previously fielded a non-Muslim candidate Kumutha Rahman, also from PAS Supporters' Club, in Election 2008, but she was obliged to run under a PKR ticket then.

PAS had since amended its constitution to upgrade its supporters club to a party wing, thus allowing its non-Muslim members to contest directly under the PAS banner.

 

Kredit: www.malaysia-today.net

Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News

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Perkasa chief not convinced by Putrajaya’s Shia evidence against Mat Sabu

Posted: 13 Dec 2013 01:27 PM PST

Ibrahim says Putrajaya can do better than citing Mat Sabu's admiration for Iranian revolutionary leader Ayatollah Khomeini. 

Hasbullah Awang Chik, TMI

PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu may have an unlikely ally in Datuk Ibrahim Ali, leader of the right wing Malay group Perkasa, who doubted the Home Ministry's recent allegation that the veteran PAS leader is a Shia Muslim.

On Thursday, Putrajaya linked Mohamad, popularly known as Mat Sabu, to Shia activities, and cited his admiration for the late Iranian revolutionary leader Ayatollah Khomeini.

But Ibrahim said admiring Iranian leaders is not proof that one is a Shia Muslim.

Ibrahim, one of few Malaysians who met Khomeini in person when the latter lived in exile in France, also dismissed suggestions that he too was a Shia follower as a big joke.

"If I am accused of being a Shia because I met with the Khomeini, it will be the biggest joke as my meeting with anyone cannot be used to say that I follow or agree with their beliefs.

"Admiring Iran's Islamic Revolution has nothing to do with Shia. It was a political fight by the people of Iran against its cruel leader at that time," Ibrahim told The Malaysian Insider in Kuala Lumpur, referring to the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Shah Reza Pahlavi, who was overthrown in the 1979 popular uprising.

On whether Mat Sabu is a Shia, Ibrahim said: "I don't know. It has to be answered by him alone and has nothing to do with my meeting with the Khomeini."

The Home Ministry convened a press conference on Thursday to reveal what it said were evidences to back its minister's claims that Mat Sabu was involved in Shia activities.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi first made the claim in his capacity as the Umno vice-president during the party's general assembly recently.

Most of the evidences revolved around Mat Sabu's admiration of Khomeini's struggle.

Following that, a picture of Ibrahim posing with Khomeini (above) made its rounds on social networking sites, with netizens questioning whether Ibrahim too was now a Shia.

The ministry cited an article by Mat Sabu published in the PAS organ Harakah in July 2008, in which he urged Muslims to emulate Khomeini's leadership.

However, Ibrahim felt that the Home Ministry should come out with a stronger evidence to back its claim that Mat Sabu is a Shia.

"If meeting with the Khomeini, like I did, is the basis of their accusation, then I wouldn't accuse Mat Sabu of being a Shia follower. But if the ministry has more evidence, I will not interfere with that. They have to show that Mat Sabu has joined in trainings or activities organised by Shia groups," he said.

Ibrahim reminded that former prime minister Tun Abdul Razak had met with Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Tze Tung and had started diplomatic ties with China.

"I do not think that Tun Razak supported the communist ideology.

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad also met with Cuban leader Fidel Castro but that does not mean he is a socialist," he argued.

Ibrahim, who was Mat Sabu's college mate at then Institut Teknologi Mara, said he was proud that his meeting with Khomeini was exposed in the social media as many did not believe it took place.

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Shiah row: Zahid Hamidi says ready to meet Mat Sabu in court

Posted: 13 Dec 2013 01:23 PM PST

(MM) - Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi appears unruffled for a court face-off with political foe, Mohamad Sabu, whom he has previously claimed to be a clandestine follower of the Shia school of Islam, which Malaysia does not recognise.

Mohamad, popular known as Mat Sabu, had threatened to sue Ahmad Zahid and the Home Ministry, for persisting in linking him to Shiaism, Islam's second-largest branch practised by an estimated 15 per cent of the 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide but which Malaysia, which follows the Sunni school, regards as deviant.

"I know the truth about this (Shiah) disclosure. Mat Sabu also knows the truth and so do the other PAS leaders. We have proof and I am not the least bit anxious with Mat Sabu's threat to sue me and the Home Ministry. I am ready to meet Mat Sabu in court," the vice-president of Umno, the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition's main party, was reported saying today by Utusan Malaysia.

"Because of that I hope Mat Sabu is not included among the ranks of those connceal themselves even though that is the attitude of Shiah followers. Islam is only members of the Sunnah Wal Jamaah and if there is anyone out there who is lost return to the right track."

He told the Malay broadsheet that he did not mind being the brickbats by critics, especially those from PAS he said were unhappy at his crackdown on the Shiah movement here to protect Malaysia's security and religious interests.

He reportedly said that it would be too late if the authorities only acted after Malaysian Muslims were to split into Sunnis and Shiahs and blood were split, such as has happened in Iraq, Pakistan and several other West Asian nations.

"Because of that don't see the Shiah issue in a political context. Shiah is a question of faith and security. As Muslims we must follow the true teachings which is Sunnah Wal Jamaah without compromise. And so too in the security aspect because we do not want divisions to happen," Ahmad Zahid was quoted saying.

Putrajaya has in recent months stepped up its campaign against Shiah teachings and followers in Malaysia, but this has been accompanied by suspicions that the action was politically motivated.

Ahmad Zahid had appeared to reinforce the view during the Umno General Assembly last week, when he ordered local religious authorities to act against "the number two in PAS" for alleged ties to the Shiah movement.

While it was widely believed the home minister was referring to PAS deputy president Mohammad Sabu, this was not confirmed until Thursday, when the Home Ministry presented the "proof" that led the minister to arrive at the conclusion.

This ministry listed 10 points it claimed proved Mohamad was a Shi'ite, including the popular PAS speaker's purported admiration for the late Iranian leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and an allegation by one Dr Abdul Aziz Hanafi that the Penang-born had once recited a Shiah prayer.

Mohamad has categorised the allegations as "lies" and said he will consult his lawyers over the possible defamation. 

 

Jamil Khir: States to take charge of ‘syariah cops’, roll out soon

Posted: 13 Dec 2013 01:19 PM PST

(MM) - Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom confirmed today the set up of a special police unit dubbed "syariah police", which will be managed by the religious departments of the respective states.

The minister in charge of Islamic affairs added that he is still in fine-tuning the details with his Cabinet colleague, Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, but the religious policing unit will be on the road soon.

"I am discussing with Zahid for a committee for this syariah thing," Jamil Khir told reporters, referring to the home minister.

"We very much welcome it so there will be a group which can focus on actions in syariah, and we try to form it as soon as possible to help out religious departments in carrying out their tasks."

Pointing to Article 9 of the Federal Constitution, Jamil Khir said the religious affairs are under the jurisdiction of each state, and that the federal government was only facilitate the programme.

"We are only helping to administer it at the federal level... We cannot interfere with the rights and jurisdiction of the states," he said.

Yesterday, Ahmad Zahid said the Home Ministry is weighing proposals to form a special police unit to contain the spread of the banned Shiah school of Islam here.

Among the proposals will be to embed police officers within the Malaysian Islamic Advancement Affairs Department (Jakim) as part of an "enforcement team", which could allow such squads vastly broadened powers to arrests those deemed in breach of Islamic laws. 

 

Home Ministry: Mat Sabu must prove he has no links with Syiah sect

Posted: 13 Dec 2013 12:46 PM PST

(Bernama) - The Home Ministry has urged PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu to come forward and prove that he does not have any links with the Syiah Islamic sect.

Its religious officer Ustaz Dr Zamihan Mat Zain Al Ghari said Mohamad, who is also known as Mat Sabu, must also respond to the 10 pieces of evidence adduced by the ministry against him.

"If the evidence is not solid, then he should come forward and dismiss them. It doesn't matter whether he does it face to face with the ministry or through Youtube or the newspaper," he told Bernama after being interviewed in the programme Ruang Bicara produced by BernamaTV last night.

Zamihan said the ministry was prepared to discuss the truth with Mat Sabu based on the Sunnah Wal Jamaah practised in the country.

"We have solid evidence that Mat Sabu attended Syiah classes together with Syiah religious teachers, met with Syiah leaders, visited Syiah countries, praised Syiah leaders and Syiah countries," he said.

He also said the 10 pieces of evidence on Mat Sabu's involvement with Syiah, that was provided by Home secretary general Datuk Seri Abdul Rahim Mohamad Radzi on Thursday was categorised as Grade B.

"The ministry has exclusive Grade A proof which would be exposed to the public if necessary," he said.

Earlier in the programme, he said the ministry had never targeted any individual or party, and only acted in the interest of Muslims in the country.

"This is a question of theology, we do not look at the individual, position or influence but the truth. When there is a deviant doctrine such as this (syiah) we have to act," he said.

On the action that could be taken against Mat Sabu, he said the matter was under the jurisdiction of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department or state Islamic religious department.

 
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Syariah laws for our nation?

Posted: 13 Dec 2013 01:00 PM PST

How can we ask non-Muslims to accept our sacred laws so that they can abuse it to escape capital punishment, asks the writer in his usual satirical nature. 

Iskandar Dzulkarnain, FMT

Going by the reasoning of PAS politician Nasrudin Hassan Tantawi lately, Malaysians should sigh with relief that Barisan Nasional won the last election. Past actions by PAS have shown clearly that they are neither here nor there.

Some PAS leaders think that in order for them to climb the ladder; they have to be seen to be more religious than others, especially now that party elections are around the corner.

This is reflected by the Erdogan/Ulamak controversy where certain PAS leaders feel that their pact with the PKR is not producing the desired results.

Syariah laws have already been in force in this country for many years. But Nasrudin has suggested that syariah laws should replace the pagan secular laws in this country.

Secular laws are inadequate to curb crime, according to him but the Home Ministry has just reported that serious crimes have been on a downward trend since 2008.

How can we ask non-Muslims to accept our sacred laws so that they can abuse it to escape capital punishment? Would they have to be instant Muslims by reciting (mengucap) so that they can be tried under Islamic laws?

Doesn't he know that non-Muslims do not have the sacred privilege to be judged under syariah laws unless they profess Islam? It would be taboo if non-Muslims were to opt for trial under syariah laws just so that they can escape capital punishment if they were judged under secular laws.

Wouldn't losing a limb less heavier than being hanged?

And to add to the confusion, Nasrudin says that non-Muslims can have the option to be tried under their own laws if they feel that the punishment under syariah appears heavier. That's really bewildering.

Umno-BN's consistency

At least Umno and BN had the decency to divide and separate these laws for the respective races.

Nasrudin must understand that there will always be reservations and resistance towards syariah laws by non-Muslims as they are simply non-Muslims. Those who have no reservations about syariah laws would have become Muslims by now.

He is wrong to say that syariah laws would deter crime. Syariah laws are already in place but crime in this country has not decreased. Is he saying that the increase in the crime rate is perpetrated by non-Muslims in this country?

He concurs that secular laws have failed because it lacks spirituality but how are non-Muslims going to achieve spirituality if they don't convert?

No doubt, syariah laws have been successfully implemented in many great countries like Nigeria, Somalia, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and in first world countries like Brunei, and it would also be wonderful if Malaysia becomes syariah compliant.

Overnight, there would be no more sinful businesses like massage parlours, karaoke bars, night clubs, mountain top and floating casinos, Sports Toto, rock concerts and pubs.

There will also be no more sexual harassment as all planes, trains, buses, cinemas, swimming pools, supermarkets and concert halls would be gender segregated. There will also be no more dark and dimly-lit parks or coffee houses.

While rock concerts and sexily dressed singers would be a thing of the past.

The country would experience a new cool and calm atmosphere interlaced with the soothing sound of the azan. But such a Utopic scenario is not going to happen unless everyone becomes Muslims.

The downside is that we may see many limbless VIP's who had their hands once too often in the till.

But then, the syariah law with hudud punishments is limited to crimes which are related to robberies, murder, rape, adultery and alcohol consumption.

What about corruption, graft, treason, sedition and computer fraud? Are we going to revert to British laws then?

What happens then to democracy, secularism, human rights, the rule of law and the Federal Constitution if we go ahead to implement such laws?

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