The benefits of studying history

Welcome to Sun2Surf: "Islam's status in our secular charter

I refer to your editorial 'Mashitah needs history lesson' (theSun, July 14). I am concerned that two paragraphs in the editorial may obfuscate the issue, viz. 'Although our Constitution states that Islam is the official religion of the country, nowhere does it state that it is an Islamic country. Mashitah rightly asserts that Islam is mentioned 20 times in the Constitution as the official religion, but there is nothing of Malaysia being an Islamic nation'.

May I point out that the relevant Article 3(1) of the Constitution provides that 'Islam is the religion of the Federation; but other religions may be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the Federation'.

Under the deliberations leading up to the formulation of the Constitution and independence for Malaya on Aug 31, 1957, Article 3 was widely accepted as ascribing a formal status to Islam for ceremonial purposes which is quite different from designating it as the official religion, and much less, to have the effect of constituting Malaya (and Malaysia) as an Islamic state. I append below paragraph 169 of the Report of the Reid Commission which was appointed to draft the Constitution:

'We have considered the question whether there should be any statement in the Constitution to the effect that Islam should be the State religion. There was universal agreement that if any provision were inserted it must be made clear that it would not in any way affect the civil rights of non-Muslims. In the memorandum submitted by the Alliance it was stated - 'the religion of Malaysia (sic) shall be Islam. The observance of this principle shall not impose any disability on non-Muslim nationals professing and practising their own religions and shall not imply that the State is not a secular State.' There is nothing in the draft Constitution to affect the continuance of the present position in the states on the recognition of Islam or to prevent the recognition of Islam or to prevent the recognition of Islam in the Federation by legislation or otherwise in any respect which does not prejudice the civil rights of individual non-Muslims. The majority of us think that it is best to leave the matter on this basis, looking to the fact that Counsel for the Rulers said to us - "It is Their Highness' (the Malay Rulers') considered view that it would not be desirable to insert some declaration such as has been suggested that the Muslim Faith or Islamic Faith be the established religion of the Federation. Their Highnesses are not in favour of such a declaration being inserted and that is a matter of specific instruction in which I myself have played very little part." Mr Justice Abdul Hamid is of the opinion that a declaration should be inserted in the Constitution as suggested by the Alliance and his views are set out in his note appended to this report."

Richard Y. W. Yeoh,
Director,
Institute of Research for Social Advancement

Updated: 04:55PM Thu, 20 Jul 2006

And so, you cant say we are not a secular State. And it wasnt the personal opinion of the previous PMs as claimed by some jokers now.

More intellectuals with access to historical documents must voice out and not remain silent. These are troubled times. Apathy and silence will only lead us all the wrong way.

Article 11 forum

I had been unwell for a couple of weeks, so were the kids. Everyones almost ok now.

A few of us friends attended the Article 11 forum in JB last saturday. It was more out of curiousity as we were quite aware of the issues at hand and the problems related.

We arrived at New York Hotel and proceeded to a mamak restaurant near Hotel Selesa for breakfast. There were some people who didnt appear to blend into the surroundings. Jalan Abdullah Tahir was after all more like an entertainment belt, with a few night spots.

Entering the hotel wasnt a problem, there wasnt much of a crowd at 9am. We registered without a fuss and within minutes something struck my attention. There were CID and other policemen plus some other unidentified people taking lots of video and photos of all the participants. Somehow, personally, I felt like a criminal. It was intimidation to the max.

As for the speakers, what was presented was just a brief of what was discussed in KL earlier this year. We were listening to mainly the same stuff we had read about in the papers. But then again, we were there to hear it personally. There was a mixed crowd of chinese and indians plus a few malays. Old and young.

By 1115am, we were told to end. We were told to wait for a while first though. By then there was a crowd of 100 - 200 demonstrating at the hotel entrance. Now, how come these illegal demonstrators were not arrested? The rule of law fails, yet again.

We went downstairs and was politely adviced not to exit via the main entrance, but to use the side entrance. A friend had parked his car at the multi storey carpark within, so we tagged along to make sure he was ok. While we were waiting at the lift lobby, there were two guys taking photos and videos of us. I was tempted to ask if they wanted my autograph, or to confront them to stop. But then, knowing how the system works, the slightest sign of dissent was enough of an excuse for them to haul us up with wild accusations. We kept just laughed and ignored what was happening.

Disturbing events. All over again. People not being aware of the problems some citizens face, and being manipulated to demonstrate for the sake of demonstrating. The argument against an inter-faith dialogue, runs smack against all reason. How can one talk of compassion and respect for a fellow human being, and yet deny the existence of others or the problems others face. The seige mentality is so prevalent. Some people out there just dont like the world to be a peaceful place i guess.

Security in condos

This happened at JB. Married woman visited politician's condo and they.. err not sure what they did ;)

Married woman's businessman husband and his friends breaks open condo door and catches them.

Questions to be asked:
- How the heck did the businessman and his friends enter the condo? Guards sleeping?

So much for paying service fees monthly and having people come and break open your door.

Wonder who's the politician though.

First class service in the civil service

No, there has not been any such nonsense. The title is but a dream of almost every tax payer.

We wrote a letter to the Kastam DiRaja Malaysia way back on 16 November 2005, complaining that the Land Office refuses to pay the service tax for professional fees which the latter had to pay us. The LO claimed they were exempted from paying such taxes. And on our side, we had to account for service tax when we raised our invoices.

So, being the good citizen wanting to abide by the law, we wrote in to the Kastam, asking for clarification and guidance. We had hoped that they would actually write a letter to the LO directing them to pay the taxes. One other friend in another company had written in at about the same time regarding this matter.

As usual, such things take a long time to see the light of day.

Late June, I enquired from the secretary to investigate why there was no reply forthcoming. Surprise! surprise! Kastam said they had replied to that other friend of ours, and thought it fit that there was no need to reply to our letter. KNNCB!

And so we insisted on a reply. This morning the reply comes. Why am I not surprised.

The letter merely stated serice tax is is payable for certain businesses and professions. And that theres concerns were to tax their customers. They requested us to call them if we had any doubts.

What the f$## lah. We ask a simple question and they tell us the known obvious facts. So its a wild goose chase again.

On another front, sicko had posted about our Tourism Minister's statement on the need to have more nightlife, longer opening hours etc. Reading from the Star page, its stated that he wanted more action to repaint and improve on infrastructure.

The way i see it, this country will forever be in a predicament. The need to balance religious sensitivities and short sighted/extremist views, against the need for foreign investment and tourism dollars. On one hand they spend millions asking people to invest and/or visit our country.

On the other hand, the red tape is a killer. Even after the top indian IT firm told off our number two this being the major obstacle which made them decide to set up a hub at another country, instead of here, things have not changed for the better. A foreign investor is never made to feel welcome. The tax payers themselves are treated badly. For foreigners to get a PR too will be next to impossible, unless youre a manual labourer from our neighbouring country, and of a certain religion I guess. The brilliant and/or rich ones from elsewhere will be treated like dirt. People apply for years and dont even get a reply. A potential con from across gets it or even an IC within months. I digress.

They spend millions trying to get tourists to come here, and the moment they touch down at the airports, the front line people will make life miserable for the tourists.

I was at JPJ Johor yesterday, at around 1220pm. To pay a summons. Was at the counter. By 1230 the lady had printed out something, but said the payment counter had closed at 1230pm and i had to return after 2pm if i wished to settle. What the !@#$!. This is basic customer service. Your citizens can only do such things in their free time, lunch time or days off. There are so many officers within such departments, and a few counters. Why cant they rotate staff working outs to ensure service is extended during lunch time? Surely we dont need to engage a harvard consultant to tell the government this???

Almost every government department practices the same outdated and ridiculous systems. I guess only Pos Malaysia opens its counters during lunch time.

Recently the Immigration Department got some publicity too. Major rush for passports. The director had the cheek to ask members of public who knew runners selling application forms at higher prices to complain to the department. In the first place the runners are plying their trade just outside his department. Each person entitled to 1 or 2 forms only, and how did the runners obtain stacks of them?

In the midst of all these gloom, all hope is not lost. There still are a minority within who still performs their duties to the best of their abilty and serve the public where they can. We had a need to see someone at the Land Registry here for clarification. This very senior officer took the time to listen and then answer. Very professionally, very politely. If only we had more such people.

First impressions count

Was at a dentist on Sunday. One of the molars chipped off and was hurting. Since I was too busy or lazy to get it done during work days, I headed to one near my home.

Walked in, registered and after a while I was called into the room. There they were, 3 almost fully clad ladies. No sign of the two dentists whos names adorned the door of the office.

Nevertheless, I still went in.

Sat at the chair and an assistant proceeded to tie a bib around my neck. This would prevent my tshirt from getting wet, I guessed. Didnt think much of it. Just then the lady dentist walked over. I asked if I could gargle first. Raised my head and I realised I couldnt! My neck was secured against the head of the headrest by the bib!!! I was like...huh! Complained and the dentist realised the assistant had messed up. Apologized and said the assistant was new.

She lowered the chair till I was practically horizontal! I was uncomfy. She said she was short, therefore she had to lower the seat. I was like.. huh. But then, on impulse, said its ok, I was the tall one. She proceeded to do her job and it was somewhat done in an ok manner. I thought, what the heck. Since I am there, I might as well do some polishing or scaling.

Should have stopped while the going was good. Within seconds she started and she was practically scrapping my gums. It was hurting and I just raised my hand and said, STOP! Her work was rough. And I know it shouldnt hurt as Ive done it countless times over the years. She just nodded, I paid and left.

Still cant understand the tie-up to the headrest. For a while thought I was a goner there.