Allah - the Loss of Innocence

First, my deep apologies if, at the end of this posting, the reader gets all angsty and angry.
I just want to be direct.
Gloves' off, braders and sistahs, because I feel that my Malaysia Stability Alert Level has gone from an Orange Zone (where it has been since the March 8, 2008 general elections) into a Light-Red Zone.

I didn't want to specifically comment on what I thought on how Malays and Muslims in Malaysia would feel when the Allah verdict came through on Thursday.
I only commented on the fact that the non-Muslims were celebrating and saying the Malaysia court is independent and brave and free (of course, if the court had ruled the opposite, venom would be spouted by these same guys, who do not seem to care that they are destroying the name of the country every time they attack the courts without any proof).

Instead of saying 'Jesus Christ be praised', many were writing 'Allah be praised'.
So there we have it.
What Muslims in Malaysia (and even in Singapore) had feared all along, that the decision now means:
Allah = God = Jesus Christ = Trinity.

That was why you saw and read some Muslims over in KL kept stressing that Allah means 'one true God'.
They meant to say it is different from the Christian's understanding of a triune God.
Never mind that the Arabs and those in Indonesia may feel differently. In the minds of Malays there in KayEL and beyond, Allah is different from the 'Christian God'.


Now, after three days of reading so many reactions, I could sense that the Malays and Muslims in Malaysia feel deeply aggrieved indeed.
Wow, sooooo many anguished hearts and angry heads.
(Even after we minus off those idiots who always stir in dark waters, like some from Umno, Khir Toyo and Ibrahim Ali).
Well, I thought the Muslims would be angry, but as a semi-outsider, I didn't want to put my case too early for fear of being called an instigator.

All I can say is that the Malay-Muslim position in Malaysia was much weakened in the last five years, by a former prime minister and his stupid advisers (let's not beat around the bush anymore) who thought opening the floodgates of expression and debate were good for the country.
Of course, he lost control, his advisers were too busy making hay, so the country is now in purgatory with too much politicking and debate over race and religion.
To the point that Malay-Muslims now feel the 45 per cent minority groups are pushing at the gates to open up everything and anything for questioning.
Of course, you cannot blame the minorities from pushing! They feel oppressed by 22 years of Mahathirism.
But how I wished the doors to debate and forum had been opened slowly, not thrown open by Badawi and left ajar without controls.


THE SINGAPORE EXPERIENCE
Looking at it from Singapore, where Islam and Malay-Muslims are a mere 15 per cent minority religion and race:
Singapore had never opened the gate to freedom of expression and debate, so that anybody can say anything about religion and think they can hide behind anonymity.
In Temasek, I daresay, the position of Islam and Malay-Muslims are MORE PROTECTED that in Malaysia, where Islam and Malay-Muslims are now "under siege" (according to some Malaysian Muslims).

In Temasek, there had been several cases where young men in internet forums attacked Islam and Muslims in Singapore anonymously. They were tracked down and dragged to court.
- See here, here and here. Reactions among Singapore bloggers.
(Do read these. It will show you, that a Muslim minority like me can just complain to the government about some internet attack against my religion or race, and the government will take action!
(Dey, forget about the schoolgirls kissing in that picture, will you!? There is a long separate story on that 'lesbo' picture alone! The school got into big trouble).
- And a Christian couple who went around giving leaflets on the religion, to Muslims, were jailed.
See here, here and here.
And look what PM Lee Hsien Loong said about aggressive proselytisation (aka dakwah).

No one, my dear, can belittle Islam and Malay-Muslims in Singapore openly and hope to get away with it (Nor can Muslims attack other religions, of course!)
In short, Singapore says there are several issues that we are not ready for open freewheeling debates and discussions yet.
Race and religion are among those.


ADJUSTING POSITIONS
Now that the can has been opened in Malaysia, we shall see whether it contains more worms, or diamonds.
My fervent hope is common sense prevail.
Peace, y'all.

Those Malay-Muslims in PAS and PKR who loved to play politics and hear their own voices - and hoped to gain votes from Chinese and Indians in the Peninsular, and from Sabah and Sarawak Christians - better now decide where they want to go.
We know where Umno stands.

I see top voices from PAS quoted in Utusan - dewan ulama chief Harun Taib, youth chief Nasruddin Hassan and deputy president Nasarudin Mat Isa - standing against the court's decision. Seemingly. Khalid Samad is okay with it.
We shall wait for Brother Anwar, Tok Guru Nik Aziz, PM Najib, DPM Muhyiddin and others who live in the clouds to come down to earth and see how they want to play the game now.
Kit Siang in his blog reported the court's decision, but has not made any personal comments.
Also silent are the MCA and Gerakan heroes.

There are enough unhappy Malay-Muslim voices out there that I have read - go and visit the small blogs along with the big ones, and see the zillion comments below stories and postings - to show that the so-called 'silent majority' among Malay-Muslims are finding their voices.
Because of this one issue alone.

The Malays were quite muted in their reactions on these issues: alleged police abuse, MACC and Teoh Beng Hock, AP and Rafidah, relaxation of Bumi rules in economy. This despite 'Malay' institutions and companies were shamed and named.
Why? Because quietly they acknowledged there were some abuses.

But in an Agama issue like this, there will be political fallout.
And whether the non-Muslim minorities and the politicians like it or not, they now have to adjust their positions accordingly in the next few weeks and months.
To many Malays in Malaysia, the court's decision has meant the Loss of Innocence.


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PostScript:
A good story to be done is to ask Merdeka Centre, Vox or some other indy research bodies to poll Malays and others on this issue.
Aiyah, don't just poll 1,084 people lah, since many will then say those are not representative views. Poll like 5,000 all across Malaysia.

Sunday Is A Day Of Rest...

The holidays are over, the Christmas decorations are packed away, the house cleaned and the laundry done, back to work tomorrow, but for today....REST is on the agenda, and REST it shall be. So what's on your agenda today?

As always, thank you for stopping by my little piece of heaven, here in the desert, that I so love to call home. Country hugs and so much love...

EK PYAARA SA DOST,HAMARA BHI HAI KOI !

3rd,January,2010

Sunday

8p.m

Dear Friends,

Good morning!Happy and Prosperous New Year To All O f You!

The beaches were packed with tourists.this is the time for new beginnings and new resolutions.messages of peace have to be proclaimed.It's very difficult to adpot a few resolutions as they will be painful for others.but it is better not to carry over new worries in the new year.am I right?Kal ho na ho;let us live the moment peacefully. :)so,mast raho,doston!

It's the season for peace and happiness,to spread the word of joy among fellow men,a time to rejuvenate spirits and faith.festive seasons excite everyone and bring in energy,joy and excitement.

during my Christmas holidays when I was in Trichur,I had been to my Father's village,Andathode, a beautiful location enriched with sea and fields.here as children we used to spend our holidays.the memories are evergreen;For the first time I saw the sea here.looking at the rising waves,I cried and shouted and ran fast to the distant shore.still the cries echo in my ears.[now I wake up tolooking at the sea]. :)the water filled fields,the ducks,the three storeyed mansion of my Father,the realtives,Achamma-my Father's Mother-[who had a new bed time story every night]have left deep imprints.I love the place,the pople of Andathode.The famous writer Ms.Kamala Das lived in the neighbourhood,Punnayoorkulam.I felt so nice to visit my Dad's relatives after so many years.Marriage is coming up in this month;so we were busy inviting our relatives.I'm happy the grand mansion is still intact and the moments spent there took me back to my childhood.the house overlooked into the fields but they are filled up and coconut trees are planted.the important turning point of my life took place here.:)

I was happy to come across a blogger from the neighbourhood.it was in last May[2009].I was thrilled and excited to know someone from my Achan's place.we could relate very well to the beautiful places.when I see his photos of the sunset or sunrise I go back to my childhood.[he loves photography].I had ample reason to rejoice on the New Year Day.surprises are often pleasant.:)it was unexpected.someone gifted me a photo post for the first time and it was Andathode beach.:)words fail to express my emotions.

The surprise was, I could talk to him who is on annual holidays.the soft,sincere words confirm what a thorough gentleman he is!very few names stay close to one's heart.So,I thought of sharing my experiences and thoughts of Friendship.friends are my strength and I don't have a life without you.

''Friendship is a feeling of comfort and emotional safety with a person. It is when you do not have to weigh your thoughts and measure words, before keeping it forth before your friend. It is when someone knows you better than yourself and assures to be your side in every emotional crisis and better understanding. Friendship is much beyond roaming together and sharing good moments, it is when someone comes to rescue you from the worst phase of life. Friendship is eternal.''

I don't have to see you,

Let's never meet ,dear,

The unheard songs are sweeter,

The unseen friends are better.

The down to earth nature impressesd me a lot;

Your mind longs to capture,

The beauty of nature.

And we are touched by your photo posts.

Which are really amazing.

Keep that smile on your face;

You have soothing words for soul.

There was a time in my childhood,

When the world was a simple place;

I didn't have to bother,''where's the party tonight?''

Life has changed a lot,

Daily events make the life stressful;

The workload gives me sleepless nights.

I am happy that I have come across people,

Who have time to listen to me,

Who have lifted my spirits.

You have always shown me sweeter ways,

How to proceed from the crossroads.

For strange reasons,I do get stuck;

Not knowing what to do.

The loving calls,the passionate mails,

Made me stand up and walk ahead.

I believe in my dreams;

Your presence made me dream higher.

Big or small,your gestures are appreciated.

I'm sure,I'll never run out of friendship.

Thank you,guys,for your goodwill,

Moral support and presence felt.

Once a while let's do the soul searching,

Taking time for introspection.

Enhancing the relationships on true feelings,

Let's welcome this wonderful new year!

Friends,

I dedicate this post to all my friends,specially to the dost from Andathode.[even if you won't be able to read this post].please enjoy the video.this is Kishen's choice.

this is my first post of 2010.when I think about tomorrow I need my friends with me .I do bank on your love,trust and understanding.I wanted to be Rani Lakshmi Bai in my childhood and teens. :)Now let me be just Anupama at sincerely yours.I might be mysterious at times,but always sincere with you.

It's Anu signing off..........

when I take one step forward,please don't call me from back.you walk by my side.your company doubles the joy and enthusiasm.

Na saathi na humsafar hai koi,

Na kisike hum na hamara hai koi,

Par aapko dekh ke keh sakte hai,

Ek pyaara sa dost hamara bhi hai koi!

Wishing you a relaxing Sunday,

Reminding you Anu loves you a lot,

R equesting you to help me to cause a smile always,

Sasneham,Anu

Investigation and Insight; Alexander Palace

An insight of the Alexander (Niburu) Palace
Be prepared for an awesome visual and sound experience!
On Youtube by: spacecowboy1954

Investigation and Insight - Part 1 of 4


Investigation and Insight - Part 2 of 4


Investigation and Insight - Part 3 of 4


Investigation and Insight - Part 4 of 4

Daim's third coming? MiG has high maintenance?

With newspapers around the world losing money online because readers expect FREE content ALL the time, more and more newspaper chiefs have decided NOT to give free content.
Their reason is simple.
If you give free content, then who will pay the journalists to chase those great stories?
Who will pay for his computer, office space, newsprint, etc. Who will pay for the editors' salaries, etc.


That is one reason sooooo many newspapers and magazines in the West world have closed down or shrunk drastically.
Either way they lose: If they don't give free content on the Net, people don't visit their websites. But if they do, then they lose money because salaries have to be paid to the journalists.
So most papers, like The Straits Times in Singapore, gave a mix of free content and those that you have to pay for.
Today, there are websites dedicated to overseeing the death of suratkhabar lama.
Kesian kami.
Like this one: newspaperdeathwatch.com .

Last year was the worst for the newspaper industry around the world, with 142 papers in the US alone closing shop.
Coupled with the global economic crisis, you have a lot of jobless newspapermen and women who are desperate for jobs.
My company Singapore Press Holdings, potong our gaji between 4 to 8 per cent last April. Only this month restored HALF of the pay-cut. Whew. Lucky it didn't retrench people!

In the world of journalism, only one newspaper, really, make money by SELLING its content - the US's big daddy Wall Street Journal.
Because of its reputation for scoops and insightful journalism, people in the US and around the world are willing to PAY to read it daily. Yes there is free content also, but the juiciest stories are not free.


In Singapore, there is The Straits Times - ahem, I daresay one of the biggest newspapers in Asia, outside of Japan, in terms of readership, profits and number of journalists on board (between 200-300 just for ST).
You could argue this is because of its near-monopoly status, though then again if the contents are lousy people won't buy it and advertisers would run away.


ST - we call it ST lah in Singapore like they call that famous paper NST in Malaysia - decided some years ago to only make limited content available on the Internet.
Otherwise, Singapore most readers in Temasek would just read the stories free of charge rather than buying the physical newspaper.

So because you are not paying clients of ST online, you might have missed these stories - dah panjang cerita baru masuk bab Daim dan MiG-29!
Tak apa I kasi free sebab cerita menarik tentang Malaysia.

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1) In the year-ender pages, people around the world to watch.

The third coming of Daim


Daim Zainuddin
Malaysia’s former finance minister


CORPORATE Malaysia is starting to stir with increased talk of takeovers and mergers.
And when this sort of corporate fever grips the nation, one of the key movers and shakers, Tun Daim Zainuddin, 71, is usually in the thick of things.
As Malaysia grapples with its largest budget deficit in decades, the government is under pressure to raise more revenue to make up some of the huge shortfall.
Mr Daim and his group of high-flying business associates, who have been busy exploring business deals overseas in fairly recent times, are now eyeing opportunities at home.
The man himself is staying tight-lipped, but close associates say the former two-time finance minister has been spending more time in Malaysia and has developed close ties with Prime Minister Najib Razak.
They say that key lieutenants of Mr Daim are quietly lobbying the Najib administration in an attempt to take over the operations of large government-controlled assets, including the nationwide toll-road network and several power-generation installations.
Mr Daim, dubbed “Muscles” by close associates as because he punches well above his weight in politics and business, served as finance minister from 1984 to 1991, and again from 1999 to 2001.
As the chief trouble-shooter of former political strongman Mahathir Mohamad, Mr Daim also served as purse-keeper held the purse of the United Malays National Organisation (Umno) and was widely considered to be the brains behind its business empire.
But the Asian financial crisis of 1997-98 put a strain on the relationship and he left the government under a cloud after a falling out with Dr Mahathir over differences on the management of Umno’s business assets that were eventually taken over by the state.
The third coming of Mr Daim is going to be more about business rather than politics, though his knowledge of the ways of politics is bound to help.
By LESLIE LOPEZ



------------------------------------------------------
2) Translated from Utusan, by Azmi Hassan, "a geostrategist at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
The article was originally published on the website of Utusan Malaysia on Dec 30."
Original article posted here.


He was writing about the plan to replace Malaysia's MiG 29 jet fighters with news ones, a plan attacked by Dr M already in his blog.

Mr Azmi wrote:
- "Secara puratanya kerajaan terpaksa membelanjakan sehingga RM260 juta setahun hanya untuk senggara 16 MiG-29N iaitu satu nisbah kos senggara per pesawat antara paling tinggi di dunia."
- In English: On average, the government spent up to RM260 million a year for the upkeep of the 16 jets - among the highest maintenance cost per aircraft in the world.

Why is it sooooooo expensive to maintain the MiG to the point that it becomes among the highest in the world.
I am not saying there is hanky-panky at all, because I have zero facts.
But if the writer is correct, someone should go dig up this issue.
Because there are many other air forces in the world that use the MiG, but why is it that the hot weather in Malaysia affects these machines more?
Or maybe because there is too much rain?
Indeed, there could be very legitimate reasons for this high maintenance cost. The government could then go back to Dr M and other critics to explain why the MiG-29 have to be sold away.

Alang, kau tunggu apa lagi?

A Give Away and The First Happy Pink Saturday For 2010

Happy Pink Saturday "Pinkies".

Today is the First Saturday for 2010.

Pink Saturday is hosted by our lovely Ms.Beverly
@ How Sweet the Sound.




Click the link above to view her site with a list of many other Pink Saturday participants. Please take the time to go and visit all of the "Pinkies".

Six months ago I started blogging, and participating in Pink Saturday with Ms Beverly and each of you "Pinkies". I cannot begin to tell you what joy you have each brought to me. I have found a "Happy Heart". Thank you, each of you, for helping me find my way in blog land. What a journey!!!

Ms. Beverly asked us to kick off the year with a project we would like to finish this year, or accomplish this year. Well I am steppin out, and you are about to find out my little heart's desire. It isn't a big WISH, and I just think it would be so very therapeutic for me. Keep my hands busy.

Incase you can't tell, or don't know what this is? It is a knitting bag, to carry all of your items for knitting in. I decorated the photo for a little Pink Saturday gathering ofcourse. I bought this bag at the start of last year, and tried to teach myself to knit. I didn't get very far as you can see below, but I did give it my all. I just want to learn so badly.

Well guess, what I have decided to try it again. I am going to check with Jo-Ann's Fabrics and find out when their classes are going to be held again, and I am going to sign up. I want to make a baby blanket. I am getting a new grand baby in June. My youngest son and our DIL our having a baby. We don't know what it is, but I have my own opinion, and below is the yarn I am going to work with. Can you tell what I think it is?

Yep! I think it's a GIRL. Happy Pink Saturday Pinkies, and please wish me luck. If any of you have a book, or know of a book that would help me learn incase they aren't offering lessons, please let me know. I have until June so I figure I am starting early enough, I hope?

Now to kick off this New Year, and our first Pink Saturday. I am having a giveaway. Take a look at these. Now, I am going to draw (3) names, and the order they are drawn in you will have your pick of the 3 necklaces. I hope you all will enjoy them, as much as I did making them. I decided what "Pinkie" wouldn't love a little bling to start off the new year with.

And if this isn't cute enough: A flamingo, a teapot or a heart, take a look at this side of the necklaces...

A little pink bling for the "Pinkie" at heart. Don't you just love it? Entering this give away is simple. 1. Just be a follower and 2. Just leave a comment as to why you love being a "Pinkie". I will draw the winning names on Friday, January 8th and post the winners in my Pink Post on Saturday, January 9th. Now isn't that just the easiest entry of all? Now if the number of entries grows, and gets to large, then I may be tempted to make a couple of more necklaces.

As always "Pinkies", thank you for stopping by my little piece of heaven, here in the desert, that I so love to call home. Country hugs and so much love for this New Year,

And We Are Off To A New Start in 2010...

There is no

Beginning or End..



Yesterday is

History...

Tomorrow is

A Mystery...

And today is

A Gift.




Welcome to 2010 my sweet precious friends. What a wonderful year this is going to be. New beginnings, new memories, and new treasures to seek and find within ourselves. I can hardly wait.



As always, thank you for stopping by my little piece of heaven, here in the desert, that I so love to call home. Country hugs and much love,