Marina Mahathir had a posting entitled “The Ugly Malay” up two days ago.
She was referring to the uncouth, uncivilised behaviour of the same ‘cow head’ protestors who made their way to the Selangor state government dialogue last Saturday, hijacked the same and allowed no room whatsoever for the voices of reason from within the section 23 community to be heard.
More of my thoughts on that dialogue in another post.
Here, I want to share with you about a little gathering last Friday in Shah Alam that, for me, at least, put on display all that is beautiful about our people.
Including the Malays.
It will help us to take heart that the ugly Malay that Marina spoke of and that we all have had to painfully witness is not your typical Malay.
On Thursday last week, I received the following e-mail from a Malay friend.
“We are very concerned about last week’s protest against the construction of a Hindu temple through cow heads. As individuals we are very disturbed by this and the implications it has on the unity of Malaysia. We are therefore inviting our Muslim friends and colleagues to join us in an attempt to show our solidarity to the Hindu community in Shah Alam and our refusal to allow these provocative and disgraceful acts to be done in the name of Islam. Please join us this Friday,the 4th of September, 8:30 pm in front of the De Palma Inn Hotel in Shah Alam where we will be picked up by someone from the temple to take us there”.
Take us where?
To the temple in section 19, Shah Alam. The temple that was proposed to be re-located to section 23. The temple that sits in the eye of the controversy.
Jaya, Robert, Danny and I set out for the De Palma hotel on Friday evening. Dominic and Chin Huat were going to get there on their own.
We were all at the temple a little after 9pm.
Bearing flowers and fruit that Mas and friends had put together, we were greeted by temple committee members and welcomed into the temple even as prayers were going on.
Jaya leading the way
Very quickly, I made two new friends.
Ramesh serves on the temple committee
I asked Lechumanan if I could take photos within the temple and he helpfully took me on a quick tour to the inner rooms where the deities were housed
Lechu mentioned the names of the deities but, except for one, I can;t remember the others. Sorry, Lechu
This, I think, is Lord Ganapathy, sometimes also called Lord Ganesha. If I'm wrong, forgive me, folks
Prayers were underway so we sat on the floor and joined the congregation.
Food, Not Bombs activists at the back. Chiin Huat in front
If I remember correctly, Joanna on the extreme left whilst Hafizi is on the far right. Didn't get the names of the two ladies in the middle. Slacking in my old age
Another Food, Not Bombs activist
Mas on the right
As the prayers proceeded, temple committee member Selva and Shah Alam local councillor Uthayasoorian
shared with us the problems that the devotees faced.
Temple committee member Selva
Local councillor Uthayasoorian
The issue of relocating the temple has been hanging over their heads for almost two decades.
If special prayers to be held might draw a larger than usual crowd, a police permit must be sought.
A police permit to pray?
They are not permitted to effect repairs to the temple floor, although some parts clearly could do with some repair.
Ramesh pointed out to me a zinc fencing next to the temple.
“The area now fenced in used to be an open space where devotees could park their cars when they come for prayers. In December last year, Pewaris came and fenced off the open space, so that devotees now have no place to park.”, he said
Chin Huat made a lovely suggestion that given that it was the holy month of Ramadhan, how about picking a day where the Hindus could also fast and then host a buka puasa of vegetarian food so that more Muslims who wanted to share fellowship with their Hindu brothers and sisters could come and buka puasa at the temple.
Mas told me today that she will liaise with Selva and see if Chin Huat’s suggestion might be taken up.
After the prayers, we mingled with some of the not-so-shy devotees.
Fellowship after the prayers
More fellowship
Before we left the temple, we got together for a group photo.
Danny's behind the camera. Some were camera-shy. 6 non-Muslims. One not sure. The rest Muslim
Outside the temple, someone spotted a Pewaris signboard just outside the fenced-ff area that Ramesh had alluded to and thought that this would be an ideal place to hold a peaceful demo.
There is hope yet for our country.
The People's Parliament 
Paul Warren
September 7, 2009
So there it is for you Haris. UMNO’s Malay and the rest of you. So where do the majority of Malays fall under?
Perwaris put up the fencing in defence of Islam. that justified to them their actions. As a non-Muslim it makes me wonder why their faith needs so much protection and their religion requires even more. What is wrong?
densemy
September 7, 2009
Islam needs to be protected because its too vulnerable to objective analysis and there is too much at stake in terms of power and money
Ken
September 7, 2009
Well, then the first thing is the Muslim should topple UMNO, hell of money and powers…..
splim
September 7, 2009
Is there still hope for the country? Yes, there are many beautiful Malays out there. But they have been cowed (forgive the pun) into silence by the ugly Malays.
Those beautiful Malays who dare to take a stand are on the fringes.
Below is the conclusion of the comment by Maria J. Dass in the Sun today on the ‘dialogue’ between the State Govt and the residents of Section 23. It’s really sad that we have come to this point.
If anything, the encounter has forced some Hindu residents of Section 23 to take a hard look at their neighbours.
One woman said: “We have been close to our neighbours all this while and have looked out for each other, but this incident has shown how our neighbours view us and where we stand.”
Pat
September 7, 2009
Simply beautiful, Haris. Simply beautiful.
rocky
September 7, 2009
who the hell is Pewaris to fence up a empty space/parking lot? is it their property? If not, bringb the fence down MPSA
yoges
September 7, 2009
Indeed there’s hope left for the country. 🙂 This news is certainly a welcome reprieve what with all the negativities going around. Sad that this news will never make it onto the mainstream newspapers.
francis ngu
September 7, 2009
May the beautiful flowers bloom and bloom for ever. Their fragrance and their warna-warni will blow away the stench of the most vile and putrid.
Hang Jebat
September 7, 2009
Its nice to see a good will gesture by true Muslim who does not share the same view of the Section 23 folks! All is not dead in Malaysia,as a new faces of democracy and fairness and religious tolerance is still vey much alive.
It remind me of my younger days in the estate that was neighboring a Kampung. We lived in peace and respecting each other believe and faith wityh respect. Puasa,bubur lombok, muruku,thosai were part of our festive way of life….may all these new breed of malaysian be blessed with love and health by the almighty
Hafidz Baharom
September 7, 2009
It’s Hafidz, Tn. Haris, not ‘Hafizi’. 🙂
Hafidz,
Sorry, bro
Ken
September 7, 2009
We should have more of this. The silent majority need to speak
kunta
September 7, 2009
I have many beautiful Malay friends. They helped me in many ways
when at times my own clans not able to..
My Grandpa used to recall many fond memories living with the Malays
in the yesteryears.
Dont give the Malays a bad name just becos of few who are lost in Greed….
antiilluminati
September 7, 2009
The problem is that the ratio of beautiful malays versus ugly malays is 1 : 9. I used to mingle with many beautiful Malays when i was in primary school. But now, in my adults life, i hardly find them nowadays.
I still believe we need God’s intervention to save our nation.
Malaysian
September 9, 2009
Don’t wait for God’s Intervention, God only helps those who help themselves. No fatalistic attitude, act for positive results for positive goals, and you can be sure that God will be with you then.
I hope this case will properly spark a positive reaction. We all live on this world, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, Taoist, Zen, even Pagans. Not to mention Chinese, Europeans, Middle-easterns, Africans, Inuits, Indians, Indonesians, Malaysians, Thai, Japanese etc. We are all of this world. Why cause dissention when all it will bring is sorrow and hatred for everybody.
Sam01
September 7, 2009
Well done anak-anak Malaysia. Hope more Malays will step forward the next time.
MarinaM
September 7, 2009
Nice counterpoint to mine, Haris. By the way, one of the ladies you couldn’t name is my daughter, Ineza. The other is Juana’s sister.
Hi Marina,
If the temple does the buka puasa, come lah.
Habib RAK
September 7, 2009
Really Marina, im humbled. You are a true muslim parent. I sincerely mean it. Habib
aceswin
September 7, 2009
Marina kudos to you!!! What a fine parent you are.
sharath
September 8, 2009
Marina…there is just one word to describe your inner personolity…truly u a `GEM `.
A true Malaysian
September 13, 2009
Marina M,
I am proud of you. You are very different…
Mohd Hussain Mohd Ibrahim
September 7, 2009
Religious misunderstandings comes from ignorance.More and more muslims must read the Koraan with translaions side by side. For the English translation, I would suggest Yousuf Ali’s.
Now there are “tafsir” in Bahasa too. In my later emails, I will point out the chapter and verse dealing with the current issues.
Surah/Chapter AlAnnam verse 108 clearly stipulates that no true muslim must condemn other religions.When I can collect all the material, I shall post to your esteemed website. Just keep in touch with me.
All of us muslims and non-muslims are children of Adam and Eve.
Salam.
abetterpenang
September 7, 2009
Terima Kasih, Sdr Haris, for your sharing of a wonderful gathering of that evening
My salute to you and to all True Malaysians and their struggles for justice, peace and harmony for all !
It’s beautiful, indeed, not just the Malays, but of all the people
Think of what our country could have been if it wasn’t under the rule of those ugly beasts under the barisan neraka banner for the past 52 years; Think of how far we could have progress and how much all people could have contributed towards the building of our country
It’s sad, isn’t it? That our country is still under control of those ugly beasts?
Goldee
September 7, 2009
I can’t believed my eyes looking at these most meaningful photos, where muslims are giving their support to other fellow Malaysians of a different faith at times of distress. It brings tears to my eyes.
How I wished and hoped that one day we will have a Government who speaks as a Malaysians for Malaysians, otherwise there is no chance of us living peacefully as neighbours like in the fifthies.
Its BN’s 50 years of ruling and its policies that have divided the people of different faith. We seems to be a bunched of people who can’t tolerate living as neighbours.
To my opinion, the only hope is we need to change the present Government. These so called Leaders are incapable to manage the country. They simply have no clue and idea how to handle the social and economy problems of the country. They are just busy concentrating their energy to grab power from PR rather than working with the PR Government on strategies for the good of the country.
It is sad to see the Federal Government not recognising and refused to work with the State Governments. There is a long way for our Politicians to grow up and be matured to see beyond politics.
Patrick C
September 7, 2009
It s not easy to get an accurate number of beautiful malays in Malaysia. My personal opinion is they are more than half of the Malays but because they are so quiet the ugly but vocal Malays dominate their image.
Penang Voter
September 7, 2009
One of my best friend is a Malay and I am proud to call him “BROTHER”.
The Whisperer
September 7, 2009
Questions, Bro..
Why are many of us not inform of such walk?
Why are we suddenly segregated from performing such walk?
Is there any changes that have been made without our knowledge?
Please clarify as I am not alone feeling such.
The Whisperer,
Ask me this question again when I see you next and I will tell you.
I don’t want to put my reply in the public domain
headsup
September 7, 2009
I am touched.
A glimpse of the future…
Tan Lai Seng
September 7, 2009
Dear Encik Haris,
I must applaud you and the rest of the muslims who took the bold step to counter the negative image about Islam as portrayed by some residents of section 23. My thought is that this country is hijacked by some very extreme people who bend on creating hatred and disunity among the population while they can go on plundering the nation’s wealth.
Those hooligans who tried to disrupt the meeting on Saturday are undoubtly from a political party. They have specific agenda to create havoc to portray the failing of the Pakatan government. You can read the PM comments in the aftermath. They are all one gang. The moderate and beautiful Malays must stand up and
reclaim the helm of the nation, because the minority
can only watch helplessly. Leaders like Zaid Ibrahim,
Anwar, Nizar, Khalid Ibrahim are fine example of national Malay leaders that are accepteable, and only hope for future Malaysia. Please continue the good work.
Ineza
September 7, 2009
All this glorifying of these ‘beautiful malays’ is a bit uncomfortable la. These are just biasa sane people. Your ‘average’ citizens la. The ‘ugly malays’ are the odd ones.
Hopeful
September 7, 2009
Hi Ineza,
Learn to “receive” with grace and just say “thank you” ;)-. You have “given” so generously with this simple loving act and that’s why you are now “receiving” so much. As the saying goes, the more you give, the more you will receive.
Yes, we are all equally human. It’s not glorifying. I believe everyone who read this felt so touched and humbled. It’s like gems which are so rarely seen in the open. What we expressed is sincerely from the heart and really appreciates such gestures. I guess it came as a surprise. Wow! …kind of thing.
BobSam
September 7, 2009
Ineza
Ur comments bring tears to my eyes. I m proud of you as well as of your parents. (I know of ur mother, and am also truly very proud of what she has been doin). God bless her.
U remind me of my Malay friends of long ago. U getting me very nostalgic. God bless you too.
I pray 2 the Abrahamic God but mine is of a different theology with reference to Jesus than you and the majority people of Malaysia.
Nevertheless both of Holy Books agree that Jesus will be our “JUDGE” at the end of time. I await judgement, ashamed of my shortcomings. I was there on Saturday night, but I left by 7:30pm.
So Sam, the cops didnt allow me to cross the road to the Dataran, so I left. I saw the video of the action taken against the marchers. The Chinese police officer said that the people had 2 minutes to disperse. But his men (they did not listen to the “Pendatang” officer, and they moved in when the count was still within one minute.
temenggong
September 7, 2009
Good job Haris.
Most of the deities in the temple are Guardian Angels. Now that the temple is not welcome in Section 23, I fear for the residents. They are on their own, without protection from astral attacks by inner world beings.
People just don’t understand what havoc they are doing. We will read news of Section 23 in future.
parvathy
September 7, 2009
What a beautiful gesture in this testing times. There is yet hope for us. When we are steady in our beliefs nothing can shake our faith, on the contrary we will start looking for the similarities and rejoice in it. The buka puasa suggestion is real good one, wish l can join in.
jungleboy
September 7, 2009
It is obvious that the ugly malays are the umnoputras trying to create trouble so as to topple the state govt for the benefit of the toyol.Do other states besides Selangor, Kedah, Penang and Perak have this type of problem? Thankfully, those hooligans are the minority, but if not handled wisely, they can create havoc.Watching the video convinced me that the few were from UMNO while the majority were there sincerely wanted to discuss the issue.
Sharath
September 7, 2009
Mr.Haris u r a god gifted person. bez of ur type of true personolities…despite so much of sh…t things happening from UMNO goons…..Many Non malays do respect Holy religion Islam. we all pray GOD to fulfill all ur true and meaningfull dreams of ur life.
Emmanuel
September 7, 2009
Its all in the upbringing. If a person’s heart is taught nothing but hate, and his intellect nothing but a steady input stream of hate programming, it is very difficult to break free from the shackles of hate.Thats what this protesters have within them, hate.Which can only be broken with love, love and more love 🙂
So keep spreading the love Haris!
Two wolves live in a man’s heart, engaged in a perpetual fight.Their names are Love and Hate.Who wins? The wolf you feed more.
dbctan
September 7, 2009
Beautiful.I am thrilled and delighted at the display of grace and generosity!
Paul Warren
September 7, 2009
Hey, a barrel full of nice ole Malays will make very little noise. But an almost empty barrel full of Ugly Malays will make quite a din. Reality check here. The ugly Malays are indeed a minority. Not a majority. this is why I feel quite at home going into Kampung Baru.
hor siew weng
September 7, 2009
these are the pictures that frighten UMNO, that Malaysians can live with each other. show them at the ceramahs but without political spins …. cheers
Dr.Sid
September 7, 2009
please read my latest post,
http://writtenbyhim.wordpress.com/2009/09/07/saya-pernah-bermain-di-gereja-rakan-kristian-saya-tinggal-sebelah-masjid-kami-tiada-masalah-pun/
yap
September 7, 2009
This is one of the sign that there is still hope for this country.
masakini
September 7, 2009
masakini:
Haris, not only you made my day but you what a gift that the Creator has endowed you with that this small incident brought tears to my eyes.
90% of my friends are Malays. I am not religious person and I don’t even pray because I am a free-thinker but the relationship we have built over the years was the one I held to close to my heart that helped me to recover from the initial shock of despair and sadness over the strong language and rowdyism shown by some. I fast with them, break fast with them and the friendship we share is wonderful.
More so than the understanding shown through this gesture, you are a shining example of the strength of your faith in Islam, believe in its compassionate message and the fairness it preaches. Through your actions, many will understand Islam better, the face that everyone loves to see and hear about, not that hijacked by some hooligans. Saladin fought and won the holy lands, but his greatest victory was winning the hearts and minds of all the races and religions.
This is the point I have tried many times to write on my dissatisfaction and opposition to Hindraf guys. Either we stand together with all the races or we will fall, everyone of us.
Good day to you sir.
pillay
September 7, 2009
my tears couldn’t stop flowing…
Dinesh
September 7, 2009
Keep up the great community-building Haris…no better antidote exists against chaos-causing politicians and extremism
Kev
September 7, 2009
This is a good model for everyone to follow. Why should there be people who instigate or protest when we all live under one roof? Our objectives are the same – to help this country grow. Sadly what had transpired over the past months have caused this growth to be somewhat stunted.
I’m so happy to see people of different races going to the temple to join the peaceful gathering. It should’ve been held on a larger scale (even if a police permit was needed) – to show solidarity. Nevertheless this is a great start.
shar101
September 7, 2009
There’s hope after all –
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/112291
“New site, also in sect 23, found for temple”
Wanna subscribe to Mkini now?
Scared
September 7, 2009
no more intimidation please,leave us alone,let our children live peacefully is all we ask from the powerful peoples.
pathma
September 7, 2009
Thank You Haris
frags
September 7, 2009
Good move in solidarity of those that weren’t able to voice out their opinion.
Latest news. New spot found for temple. Still in Section 23.
http://malaysiakini.com/news/112291
atanco
September 7, 2009
When is the CHARITY MAKAN GATHERING for all the races in Malaysia and foreigners to be organised by Pakatan Rakyat ?
Tell to the nation and the world we are one big happy family.
Tell to the limited “PROTECTED SPECIES ” what racial tension they are talking about ??
Jonathan Yee
September 7, 2009
Hi Ineza,
It is so rare that Malays come out of their way to lend a hand to non Malays, so, their actions, albeit simple, shines like a beacon of hope to the nation. En Haris and friends, Thank you.
Ineza
September 7, 2009
Hi Jonathan,
I know. I was there. Maybe uncomfortable wasn’t the right word. I meant it’s almost sad that so many are glorifying (as much as I appreciate it) an act that should be quite common place. The fact that you say it’s a rare thing is sad….
sang kancil
September 8, 2009
Ineza,
I agreed with Jonathan. To you it may seem a simple decent act but to us non malay/muslim, it is indeed rare to witness such ‘simple’ but magnanimous action.
Salam
sinkeh
September 7, 2009
This is the route to true Bangsa Malaysia!
Let’s hope the politicians take heed. Let’s hope all those who were uncomfortble about the unruly way the Sec 23 dialogue turned out take heed.
rosman b bakar@robert
September 7, 2009
Assalam & Happy Day.
I love this article so much.All the great values belong to Islam. That been promoted by our prophet Muhammad pbuh for the last 1500 years.We do appreciate all these values full of love,sharing, tolerance and compliment as well.I been there at one time.Because my primary school was SRK Sri Thandayuthapani, Jln Ipoh.Every morning while walking to the school compound I need to pass by the temple next to my shool.So use to all the bell ringing even as a kid we so use to collect the coconut and eat. Nothing wrong with that.I’m still strong muslim with Quran as my guide.I can talk about Quran and Sunnah from Versus 1 to 114. Islam is all about values. What has been presented by ISLAM UMNO HADHARI in recent event in Shah Alam none other than “Wrong Islam” and against what been convey by the Prophet. Just imagine if that the behaviour of our Prophet teaching what is going to happen to Islam than.Nothing wrong with the people in that event of “Cow-Head” but just matter of fact they don’t understant about Islam and just inherit the Islam from their parents Malay UMNO Islam Hadhari. The truth is that Muhammad pbuh never inherit his believe from the parents and they have the diffrent Kitab. Suhuf Ibrahim and Al-Quran. I don’t think this Islam UMNO Hadhari can comprehend this. I contest them by all means that the “KAFIR” in the Quran not belong to INDIA, CHAINESE,SIKH, KRISTIAN etc. But the term is meant for us among muslim especially for those directly involve in Sek 23 event of “Cow Head”.
Paul Warren
September 7, 2009
One thing the Section 23 Malays promoted to the rest of the world the kind of people they are. Good Malays with money will not want to stay anywhere there. I cannot imagine any nice people will want to stay anywhere near such bigots. I wonder if anyone is selling property in Section 23? Wonder if anyone is lining up to buy any residence there. Now, whats going to happen to the market value of property in Section 23, I wonder!!
Ravindranath
September 7, 2009
G’day Harris,
Just a thought.
Wouldn’t it be more meaningful if the moslems of Section 23 invited their Hindu neighbors to a buka puasa in their mosque? Or is that too much to ask?
But kudos for trying to tear down the walls of racism and bigotry. Perhaps you should organise this more often.
cheers
Truth Seeker
September 7, 2009
I want to believe that Michael Jackson — may he finally rest in peace — was right when he said if you want to heal the world and make it a better place, then you’ve got to start with yourself and make the change.
I want to believe that we can live and let live.
And I believe we can.
The former Buddhist chief high priest of Malaysia and Singapore, the venerable Dr K. Sri Dhammananda Nayaka Maha Thera, was once asked: “What’s the best piece of advice you have for people of different beliefs?”
He was among a panel of religious leaders at a camp for mid-level managers wanting to make a real change in their lives.
Many expected him to regurgitate the common mantra about doing unto others as you would like others to do unto you, or one of its variations. He had dozed off halfway through the session, you see.
Instead, he started telling a story from when he was a young man and shared a car with a devout man of a different faith.
The car’s engine died when they were caught in a sudden flood. So they were forced to push the car for several kilometres and were drenched to the bone because of that.
Luckily, he said, they managed to find shelter at a church. The resident priest invited them in to dry off and spend the night.
And when the Christian priest learnt that Dr Dhammananda’s companion was worried that he would not be able to perform his prayers as required by his religion, the priest quickly told him of a spare room available and gave him a compass.
Turning to his now enraptured audience, the wily old storyteller said: “I learnt a most valuable lesson that day, that is to help another man remain as true to his religion as you can.”
A few months later, the venerable priest passed away peacefully at the Subang Jaya Medical Centre. It was August 31, 2006. He was 87.
– Debra Chong
malgal128
September 7, 2009
Dear Haris
One of my good Malay friend told me that in West Malaysia, she is afraid of going into a Chinese shop to drink or whatever because of the pressure. When she returns to East Malaysia, Sarawak, she has no problem. She says it is only in West Malaysia that the muslims are being pressured. Such a sad case.
Taikohtai
September 7, 2009
High time Malaysians wrest back the country from the hijackers BN. PR is definitely the better platform that the next generation can pin their hopes on. BN is untenable and come next election, bury it 6 feet underground. No, make that 60 feet as 6 feet may not be deep enough to stop the pong from coming out.
Dry Diver
September 7, 2009
This brought tears to my eyes. Thank you all for your wonderful sprit leading the way to show how we all ought to live together in this beautiful land of ours.
God bless you all!
Dharm
September 7, 2009
I was very moved by this. Simply brilliant! Yes, Malaysians are truly a united bunch. It is the politicians that try and divide us.
Hopeful
September 7, 2009
Dear Haris,
Tears welled up in my eyes when I read this beautiful gesture. It is very touching. This is an act of Love. Hope there are more beautiful Malays come forward to share and espress. I know there are many out there.
There are also many non-Muslims who would love to share in many ways without force. Managing Malaysia thru’ treating all as human beings equally and fairly is the only way. It is about loving everyone equally. Only then can Malaysians progress as a whole.
Thank you, Haris.
Alice
September 7, 2009
After a series of depressing news (cow head incident, renewal of IGP contract, etc), this gathering at the temple is really uplifting. Thanks for highlighting it to us. A vegetarian buka puasa with all races is such a wonderful idea.
Shams Fatani
September 7, 2009
Hi
Umno malays condemed Nik Aziz attended Bhuddist temple ceremony in a kampung in Tumpat. They said that he had sold his religion,his faith, his soul, his race, his dignity to kafir siam bhuddist. I was taken aback…& I know that he will not look back. It was unthinkable then as a political leader, religious leader, community leader….to do that in deep deep conservative and religious malays. The chain of bigotry has broken…. the racial, religoius, chauvanist culture bigotry that structured in our notions & mentality. Our universe is guidence, compation, love, dignity, pride, understanding & they are not lost through simple smile and say hello to each other……. This is how we build hunanity & civilisation…the inner and spritual dialog of civilisation & we build better world. We need each other…the warmth, the friendliness…..we care much each other….spritually & materially simple minded…we care and love the world….we submit our self to the most compassionate to give guidence…
sunny
September 7, 2009
Thank you for this. this means so so so much. thank you. I am humbled by this.
fungus
September 7, 2009
That’s the way to go la….
Our country would be such a beautiful place if everyone respect & cherished each others’ differences.
How much richness has been robbed because the powers that be do not encourage it!
Lynn
September 7, 2009
Dear Haris
I enjoying coming to PP because most of the time, I feel uplifted in terms of being a Malaysian. Thank you for sharing with us this episode of our beautiful Malay Malaysians standing up to show solidarity with the nons.
From PP, this will spread via other blogs, emails, Facebook, etc. Firstly, this ought to inspire more beautiful Malay Malaysians to speak up and show solidarity with the nons. Secondly, more nons will read about the real Malay Muslims and breathe easier and sleep better.
Shams Fatani
September 7, 2009
Hi
….& to Ineza M, u r 1 of the most beautiful malay…don’t be shy young girl…u take the right footstep and destiny as a beautiful malay……
Regards
Uncle Pin
September 7, 2009
After reading this and some of the comments posted, it brought tears to my eyes knowing that all is not lost, also partly because it brought back memories eons ago. Between 1959 and 1962, my family lived in a small kampung in Kota Barn called Kerbun Sultan. It was justed opposite the sultan’s palace. We were the only Chinese family living among the malays in the small kampung. Our landlord was a retired army officer. All the malay folks there treated us not only just like one of their own but make extra effort to make us feel really welcomed. During the years there we attended numerous Malay customary functions like angkat nikah,bersandings,circumcisions,etc. We ran around naked(truly naked, nothing on) in the rain together, plucked berries, caught spiders and fighting fishes(in the big drain where dead cats or mice were only inches away). One incident which was etched in my mind forever was when my younger sister fell ill my landloard’s grandson(he was only 4)kept vigil at her bedside for almost 3 days until she was well enough to go out and played with him.That’s why the memories brought tears to my eyes. The BEAUTIFUL MALAY.
Parli-Man
September 7, 2009
Dear Haris,
Just too good, keep it up
Ken
September 7, 2009
Bravo! This is so call Malaysia unity, not the 1 Malaysia. We no any any program to unite us, as long as UMNO did not disturb us and provoke racial and religioes issues.
malayamuda
September 7, 2009
i read this article with tears in my eyes
Shakuntala
September 7, 2009
After the fiasco of the sacrificial cow (for nothing at all) after the inhuman behaviour of a pack of foolish men aided and abbeted by the honourable the Home Minister, after power being used to arrest innocent persons, after a lot of bruhaha by the PDRM, after a lot of time wasting, after a lot of distress and disrespect……..Ooooooooooooooops…soft landing!
We are back on the spiritual plane and calling God once again!What would we do without HIM?
Sounds a bit preachy…..but,
He just wants us to behave intelligently, to look at each other as equals and be kind….isn’t this all there is to it?
frags
September 7, 2009
Wah Haris your story got picked up my Malaysiakini.
http://malaysiakini.com/news/112333
So are you going to sue them for ‘stealing’ your story? I think you can since Rocky said he will be doing that to Malaysia Today for stealing Malay Mail exclusive.
http://rockybru.com.my/2009/09/thief-thief.html
Anyway sorry for the off topic.
Shakuntala
September 7, 2009
Oh, by the way, Haris, thank you for the soulful song by Ella Baker……the repetition pounds away in your own soul.
Let’s keep hanging on there. …till we get hold of it.
My little doggie never stops barking till I open the door and set him free!
草禾刀
September 7, 2009
Thank you, haris..
i read this with tears… so nice!!
Rat6
September 7, 2009
haris bro.
my tears almost come out from my eyes after i saw the pictures and your artical.i was thinking we are the minority hindus in this beautiful country was left out by all the people especialy muslims,after saw your photos and the artical then i reallise there are still wonderfull muslim people respect other peoples belive.i never write comment in any blogs but i cant stay quite after saw this.thank you very much mr Haris
Su
September 7, 2009
Thank you for putting this up.Its definitely made a lot of difference 🙂
MsMatch
September 7, 2009
So touching Mr Haris. Wish more would do likewise and peace and understanding will prevail.
God bless all Beautiful Malays and also the ‘not so beautiful’ ones too .
dharma
September 7, 2009
thanks haris for showing to us disillusioned ones that love, freedom, and hope is still alive and well in KL. peace.
rajan
September 7, 2009
This gesture of muslims and non muslims supporting each other in times of need is 1MALAYSIA that najib is talking about but he appears not to understand the concept of 1MALAYSIA which got diluted by too much spinning.
The apparent “RISK” taken by these compassionate muslims who even dared venture into the temple, sat there cross legged and gave moral support to the devotees by their mere presence is something the goons are not going to be happy about. We can expect negative comments in their blogs , like how nuraina samad experienced when at ITM when her father was ISAed”anak kommunis”etc and how her feeling were then and now if she remembers her pain.
I SALUTE all the muslims who were there, You are true muslims.Thank you .
I was at blog house for the multi faith prayer session for TUN when he was ill in the spirit of goodwill and compassion and now looks like marinaM practices what she preaches and daughter like mother.Hope your gramps will be proud of your compassion and guts.
A good example of SAYA ANAK BANGSA MALAYSIA and not forgetting the spirit of 1malaysia without the spin.
PM take note the essence of 1malaysia is the deeds of these muslims .
MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL !
naren
September 7, 2009
Its touched my heart. LOVE, PEACE and HARMONY….
esse
September 7, 2009
Wonderful! True unity lies not in uniformity but in love, humility, respect, and acceptance of others, celebrating diversity and freedom of belief, thought and speech. That’s the true One Malaysia for all.
Leo
September 7, 2009
This has earned respect for Islam and Muslims in a proper way. Well done!
pandian
September 7, 2009
thank you Haris,
one reads such news not everyday in m’sia!
the ugly minority you’ll find in every society
but they only surface and exhibit their ugly tactics
if the majority remains silent.
keep up the good work!
sathya
September 7, 2009
if this is what we are capbale of as a nation, despite our differences, then it will be also our strength as a nation. Let us see if politicians ( who should be at the end of the food Chain!!)can beat this!!
Like most of us believe, that this is the soil that we have benefitted from and this is the soil we will protect from scums of the earth.
ls
September 7, 2009
“Peace Be With You” to all who champion this cause
Ramesh
September 7, 2009
This is so call Malaysia unity.This is the route to true Bangsa Malaysia!,if this will come true in Malaysia,i’ll put some of our PKR leaders photo on my prayer room.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
All of us muslims and non-muslims are children of Adam and Eve.
TYKo
September 7, 2009
Dear Haris,
Thank you for your beautiful effort. Thank you to all beautiful Malaysians!
Yes, indeed in this dark hours of Malaysian chapter, we need more beautiful and positive news to counter all the bads created by a small group of people.
We need to continue to highlight and demonstrate to all Malaysians and the World, we are a group of beautiful, gentle, civilized, caring and kind Malaysians. By creating more lights, the darkness will fade away. It is only by shinning the darkness with lights not with more darkness or hatred.
Let us show more CARE, LOVE and bring more lights to this land!
Abigail
September 8, 2009
i love Malaysia… ^^
Abigail
September 8, 2009
thanking all Malay frens that are caring & understanding…^^
calmatlast
September 8, 2009
Dear Harris,
Your blog is a bridge to ‘One True Malaysia’. Glad to know they are many beautiful Malays like you.
juanajaafar
September 8, 2009
Assalamu’alaikum Encik Haris and readers.
i contemplated writing this comment in Malay but i want to be understood properly by your readers so i’ve decided to write this in English.
firstly, thank you Encik Haris for documenting the visit which was initiated and attended by private citizens of Malaysia. and might i add, with the exception of my beloved mother and a number of gentlemen, the group was made up of young people.
reading some of the comments here, it sounds as though until this post was published there were no decent “Malays” left in this country. so much so that our visit to the temple comes as such a pleasant surprise to many of your readers here – to the point of tears. imagine if you didn’t publish this post. we would all be left in our bigoted belief that the vast majority of Malays/Muslims in our country are arrogant and intolerant.
one of your commentors even said that it is “so rare that Malays come out of their way to lend a hand to non Malays”. perhaps such people should socialise a bit more and not depend on newspapers and blogs for generalised “truths” of how members of other races behave.
we would like to think of ourselves as intellectual and complex for our ability to carefully identify all the political culprits who are responsible for the sorry state of our perpaduan today. but we, the Rakyat, are ourselves too self-righteous to even admit that WE are the most responsible party in this mess. we let this happen.
bless the internet for today we have an avenue to share information and discuss more openly. but at the same time, cyberspace has become a place for thousands of Malaysians to become yea and nay sayers without doing much else.
if you really like what you see here, get your own little group together and visit your neighbourhood’s places of worship and offer a hand shake. and yes, that should include your neighbourhood mosque or surau. if you want to bring a buah tangan to these places of worship but you’re not sure what’s appropriate, bring something safe. we brought flowers. and jelly.
we don’t always have to move in big groups to make our point. and we certainly cannot afford to wait for another incident to happen before we make our move.
wassalam.
Salam Juana,
Well said.
rajan
September 8, 2009
Hi JUANA,
I think your parents brought you up right.It is not that malays and the nons dont interact but its the norm these days to do things on race and religion,” untuk bangsa, agama and negara”See what i mean,the country comes last.
I feel that religion is personal,very close to ones heart,it not to be used as a political tool.”To you yours ,to me mine”and mutual respect for all religion should be firmly implanted in ones mind.
ON why i was surprised by your friends and your visit, I have NEVER SEEN IT HAPPEN IN ALL MY 58 years.To you it seems ordinary but to most it is unbelieveable coming from youngsters like yourself and your friends without being asked to by anybody.If its a political leader doing this,Like the pms visit to batu caves and with a huge cut out of the pm “waving to his beloved subjects” is actually “copied from india and its type of politics”.Samy velu must have ordered it of course with ulterior motives and his visit also smelt of ulterior motive.
BUT on your groups visit,unannounced and under”wraps” is most selfless , compassionate and caring for the hindus in shah alam with NO ULTERIOR MOTIVE but WITH SINCERITY.
I pray that other youngsters of the various faiths will emulate your groups gesture.
Thank you JUANA and friends.You are true muslims.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Your MUM and the OTHER ADULTS who accompanied you youths to the temple ARE GODS GIFT TO HUMANITY.
Bukan bodek2 but in all sincerity.
ALL THE BEST ALWAYS.
Oxymoron
September 8, 2009
I agree completely! I’ve been wanting to pop into the mosque nearby and meet some of the leaders. But I really don’t know how to go about doing it.
Any suggestions? I’m not a Muslim.
Bob
September 8, 2009
Buddy
Most important thing is not to go during prayer time. If u r female, plz get clarification on which areas are restricted for women. My wife inadvertently entered a restricted area, but she apologized, and the imam knew our reason for going there, so he was ok with it. But please ask, “Boleh saya jumpa dengan Imam atau Ketua”. DONT TAKE FOOD STUFF, the issue of halal will arise.
My suggestion would be to organize the residents and ask the mosque for help in assisting the poor and needy. I would love to see a focussed move to help the single women with children, and the elderly. There are so many elderly who are eligible for government welfare support and are not aware of it. Get the Mosque to help with identifying families that need help or people who can help.
Lets bring back the Malaysian which was a “caring” land. Remember the late 60’s. If tragedy befell anyone, we would help irrespective of race, religion or gender. Although I guess a pretty face would get more attention than someone like me…
juanajaafar
September 9, 2009
Dear Mr. Rajan, Oxymoron; Encik Haris and friends.
My family and I were mere participants, concerned citizens of Shah Alam who otherwise couldn’t find the Temple on our own as it was located deep in a housing estate. There were a few amazing young women who put the trip together and you can be sure they will continue this effort to build bridges among Malaysians.
Mr. Rajan, I am sorry you have not seen this kind of positive relationship between Malaysians in your 58 years, but I am glad you’ve lived to see this post about our visit. I don’t speak for other young people but I personally do not want to carry whatever baggage the older generation has been carrying all these years. I am afraid that it would weigh us down and would thicken our prejudices and suspicion among fellow Malaysians.
As it is, the country is on hostile mode and people are generally uneasy. Distrust between communities in Malaysia has reached alarming levels and something has to be done. That ‘something’ would have to be a people’s initiative. In our case, we visited the troubled Temple.
The parading of the cow’s head in Shah Alam offended not just Hindus who worship at the Section 23 Temple but Hindus everywhere. Likewise, the behaviour of the few Muslims who paraded the cow’s head, and thereafter screamed and yelled at the Townhall meeting, probably incited disgust and hate towards Muslims in general [After all, other than a group of celebrity Muslim bloggers who have openly condemned this kind of behaviour, who’s to know how other Muslims feel about it?]
But the issue here is not just this Temple, is it? What happened in Shah Alam was a manifestation of a greater problem in our society. Which is why I suggested small, privately organised community visits to places of worship. The risk in doing this is that you may not be welcomed. But hey, we took that risk too and Alhamdullillah, our visit went smoothly.
Oxymoron, perhaps it’d be good to write to the mosque/surau and tell them you and a small group of friends from around the hood would like to pop by to introduce yourselves as neighbours over a cup of tea at a time convenient to them. Or instead of writing, you can go solo or with a friend to make that appointment. Based on our recent visit to the Temple, I suggest you go in a small group so that it’s more manageable … and less intimidating. I pray they will receive you as guests, even if they turn out to be a boring lot! But at least you guys get to meet and extend your friendship.
Salam.
rajan
September 9, 2009
Hello again juana and the amazing graceful ladies and men,
A small factual story.m an old young man with lots of stories to tell so be prepared .Dont go to sleep ah baby! hehe
I was born in sentul in 51.Sentul consisted mainly of railway employees and housed in rows and rows of quarters according to positions one held at malayan railways., in the middle where la salle, methodist boys school ,a tamil school, a chinese school within 100 metres of each other, i lived here,.about 800 m from here there is the convent school and 200m further there is a malay school another 2 chinese school, and at the main road, ie jln ipoh there is the maxwell school and the thandayuthapani school in front of it rows and rows of quarters.[note: Convent secondary supplied most of the wives to methodist sec. sch, Mine too, tangkap when form 3 married when 32}
The area near the sentul police and toddy shop are a terrifying place to stay ,Then. Gangs 08,04, loong fu thong hong fah aiyoooo so many gangs lah every other day you see that guys carrying parangs as long as penang bridge and chop chop clashing .I dont know for what purpose.
That area housed PWD{JKR} quarters and a boys home[for naughty boys lah} Not so IN place lah to stay.
Further down after the convent school, you have another not so nice place to stay mostly indians.Heavy clashes everyday. Go further there is an indian kg on left and a malay kg on the right.Go a bit further you have a chinese kg.
Diversity. I wish young folks now could have experienced those times.
I cut location, the point.
Those days we mix with each other by school and location of house. You know ” my area your area stuff”All races indians malays and chinese were so free with one another and so close ,provided you are from the same area hehe.;not race.
We eat in one anothers house, ponteng school and lepak at the mining pool,now its known as bander baru sentul,hehe,.etc etc lah.
RACE RELATIONS ok!
MAY 13 lah.
It was not may 13 to us, of course the indians outnumbered malays, the malays were confused,indians were confused chinese were confused.Reality came in only about 730pm {sori ah those days no HP and the odd house had a workable line phone etc} when news of the killing fields in kg baru and opp dang wangi lrt station where rows of shophouses {now known as asian heritage row} which was occupied by mostly chinese and indians,{till 2day you can see the burnt out row of shop houses} reached us.
We were a mixed area.The residents arranged for defences to be set up. Guess what? The malays, indians and chinese stood together protecting from any outside threats. We made no differences among us lorong lima folks.
Curfew was imposed. You know what that means? Freedom burnt.Food was not a problem cos those days{like a typical old man ah }we buy a months provision of imperishable goods.
Those days every family had a rose gdn and a vege gdn.dont have to buy fruits or veges lah, open the back door, pluck what is there and cook it.
My neighbor a malay [youngsters called him uncle hamzah] is a heavy 555 smoker, out of stock, he climbed over the wall that divides our bathroom and asked my dad ,uncle2 ada rokok ah? My dad said ada tapi curut lembu {cow brand,goat brand and bidi} he took it and smoked only to get his worst nightmare with his head spinning like a top.
The malays indians and chinese were so helpful to one another it was really amazing to remember those days lah.We were more like extended family.A lot of good memories to write but Harris might blow his whistle .
So you see dear , It it not that i was surprised by your gesture, i missed that gesture of sincere friendship your group showered to the indians. Brought back memories of yesteryear.
Even now my child hood friends meet up and do the things we did with our wives[nagging of course to show everyone who runs the circus} and kids when we get the space to do it.We never changed but what to do, we are racing against the ‘lights off law’ hehe Some of my dear friends had their lights switched off.
It is really sickening to read or see this recent happenings.
Politics.
Let the politicians fight it out and must never involve or instigate the people with their racist ways.That is cruel.
If you had the seen video footage where the pony tailed guy pulled the chair from under the indian guy and if the indian guy would have punched or hit the pony tail guy, which he nearly did,ALL HELL WILL BREAK LOOSE. That was how close we were to mayhem.Thank god, the indian guy backed off. I dread to imagine what would have happened if he had a few indian guys with him.Full scale race riot it sure would have been Killing, chopping, burning cars houses i dread to think that the mother of all may13 could have happened .Now got HP, it spreads like wild fire and people, i mean, MALAYS,INDIANS and CHINESE ALL OVER will be killed blindly every where not only shah alam, it spreads to all parts of malaysia till ALL ARE LOSERS .Thanks to our racist MPS.
Tq for memories and i wish through the younger generation we are back to those days where friendship,respect and love for one another comes back to life.That will be wonderful.
If your gramps around ask him to go back in time and you will understand what i mean, maybe your dad and mom could share their memories .It was wonderful i tell you.
Bye ,take care and tq for listening/reading.
My prayers are for your friends and you.Study hard and do your best in all that you do.
dorairaj
September 8, 2009
every time I am broken hearted with the route this country is taking, I come to your site and (sometimes) find solace. You, art harun and marina are among the few that can keep us believing that malaysia (not 1malaysia) can exist and that malaysia will not become another myanmar
Stan
September 8, 2009
Uplifting! Malaysia has some hope left!
tmf
September 8, 2009
Dear Harris, Thanks for telling us that there are concerned and good muslims around, actually we already know that. Remember the saying ‘All it takes for evil to triump is for those the good people to do nothing’?
It is expected everywhere that good people are normally the silent majority who will not do anything. You are the minority in this group of well meaning people.
Somehow, we have to find a way to deal with those loud agent provocateurs who I believe can be defeated and punished easily.
I remember you have suggested a national day of Hartal which eventually was not too practical as it would also hurt many innocent business people. However, we can achieve the same objective by being specific. Let us identify all those racist politicians, agent provocateurs and religious bigots, after careful confirmation on the identity, we shall collect details on their business involvement, be it petrol kiosks, restaurant, hotels, motels, used car centre and any others.
Once the facts are carefully confirmed, the details of all these people who are committing serious crimes against the well being of this nation can then be posted to a specific blog for all to boycott.
Therfore, when we are not allowed to vote with the ballot papers, we vote everyday with our money.
I believe that once it is known that their evil act will be punished in the market, they will think twice before behaving irresponsibly.
wira
September 8, 2009
God doesn’t need man to protect him.
If he does, He is not God.
So those who claim to fight for God is actually fighting for his own interest or he is simply misled by others.
mkaru
September 8, 2009
I am indeed happy to see there are many beautiful Malay in Malaysia, do not bother about the ugly Malays, cos they are not intersted in becoming 1 Malaysia, they are afried to loose their identity.Well the Malays are given their rights in the Constitution and that cannot be question, we respect that and hope that the ugly malays read the Constitution well before and decide wheather to becom Ugly .Thanks again for the Many beautiful Malay.
Shakuntala
September 8, 2009
Haris, guard this particular post and pics of yours. HISTORICAL!
A breakthrough….against the barriers of religion and race the two pillars of bigotry in this country…
The Germans just say, “Wunderbar” for the best of anything which is indisputeably and undeniably so…brave, encouraging and….WONDERFUL!
In the eighties there was this song,which most persons would easily remember,
“For united we stand, divided we fall
And if our backs should ever be against THE WALL
We’ll be together, together…
You and I.”
Joining with the others to say, what a great togetherness it has been and has to continue to be.
Sharon Nelson
September 8, 2009
Dear En Haris,
It made me feel good, this piece. It really did. And I honestly appreciate the gestures and bonds that were made that day.
But a part of me also feels that such behaviour ought to be standard — at least we should strive for it to be.
The event indeed sounds beautiful. But I have my eye set on the day when such beauty is our way of life.
warmest rgds,
sharon
Syam
September 8, 2009
INDIANS KILLING INDIANS
Death Toll : 5
Raped : 1
Drug charge : Many
1. JOHOR BARU: The body of a man wrapped up in a carpet was found stuck in a garbage trap near the Pulai water reservoir here. R. Maniam, 30 is believed to have been murdered elsewhere and dumped into the river.
2. SEREMBAN: A man found guilty for the murders of a politician and his son five years ago was saved from being sent to the gallows — as he was one month short of his 18th birthday when the killings took place. The man, who turns 23 next month, was convicted of killing former Rahang MIC branch chairman D. Balakrishnan, 54, and his 21-year-old son Kartigesan in September 2004.
3. JOHOR BARU: A 30-year-old man was jailed 12 years by the High Court here after he pleaded guilty to causing the death of his month-old son in June. G. Arumugam admitted to the offence. Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Fazaly Mohd Ghazaly said the baby suffered multiple injuries caused by a blunt object on his head, chest and abdomen.
4. KUALA LUMPUR: The main suspect in the murder of a woman whose body was found buried in a concrete staircase landing is a violent man with a history of child abuse and assault. The wife of the man had admitted during police questioning that she saw her husband killing the woman after a heated argument. The dead woman has been identified as Chitra, 43, a divorcee
5. KUALA LUMPUR: A 27-year-old woman was being raped by two men in a shed when a passer-by, who heard her screams, alerted the police who rushed to the scene and rescued her. ACP Rahim urged anyone with information on the whereabouts of G. Dyayalan (I.C. No 840410-14-6187), whose last known address is 22-00-09 Gombak Setia, Batu 5, KL, to alert the nearest police station
6. KUALA LUMPUR: A drug trafficking syndicate operating within the compounds of various temples in the city has been smashed following the arrest of five of its members. Initial investigations showed that the members would wait for their clients in areas around Brickfields, Pantai Dalam and Bangsar. Three men and a woman, aged between 31 and 51 years, were nabbed at the temple at 10.45pm. All of them tested positive for opium.
Bob
September 8, 2009
Syam
Can I tell u a story? Plz bear with me.
Let say that a boy was born in a particular area where his parents and their parents had worked in say 1960. The house he lives in was built by his father and his grandfather. (Something like the short film, “House”).
Now the place where he lived which was in a rural area. He went to a Tamil school. He prayed at his parent’s temple which was a stone’s throw away.
Now in 1980, the management of the estate decides to sell the estate to say, ManU-the devil incarnate, a subsidiary of the giant conglomerate Cement Derby.
Now Cement Derby is a plantation giant that is now going into Property Development and township building. So CD’s MUDI start constructing a brand new township, lets call it SLIMEAIRPORT JAYA. New double story houses are built, kilometer after kilometer of houses. Of course the former residents were promised a house once the whole township is completed. So this boy and his family are moved out. CD/MUDI loose the paperwork that links the boy to the future house. So no house.
They were relocated to some area far away, no temple to pray.
Most probably no job as no more estate to work.
A great Malaysian who helped in designing the Felda scheme had requested that these people who were thrown out of their estates be allowed to be a Felda “peneroka”. Unfortunately these people didnt get the chance to do so.
Now, no job, home far away, no temple. Probably no IC becoz their father didnt register them when they were born. So what happens to these kids.
When I was young, 18immortals, Botak Chin, 36, 108 and all those gang were Chinese controlled becoz they were in the new villages and were facing the same problem. Now a different racial group is taking control of the lower levels of crime. Just look at what’s happening in the American cities. The Irish & the Italian Mafia’s used to control the place. Now the South American gangs have taken over. It is the displaced and the poor who will resort to crime.
Thank u 4 reading my long story, (hope u r still awake).
My dream is that you will help eradicate the poor. Give them education, get them jobs, let them be useful members of society.
I promise u crime will go down. I promise u a Shangri-la here in Malaysia. Haris reported on the group that has started a very long journey. I hope you will be part of that journey. My hope is that all of u who have teared and said how great a job these young people are doing, will also do it.
Haris will turn around and say, Bob, what r u doin? I will try and light a lamp in my corner of the world, and try to be the salt in that area.
Goodnight Malaysia, where ever u r. But I rest a bit easier after reading Haris’ story.
sampalee
September 8, 2009
Our problems is a human problem and it is world wide.The kithab of all religions exhort us to KNOW THYSELVES.If we can just tear away the intellect[personum which is greek for mask]We share in one GOD;s essense.
Politics and philosophy are the silent poison and mankind must return to religions enmaase and not reinvent Truth.
Oxymoron
September 8, 2009
We are Chinese and live in a mixed neighbourhood with many Malay families. We are close to two of them. Ironically, one supports umno and the other pas! The umno family took care of my eldest for a few years – without payment! The pas family is equally generous. If we ask them for some sugar or salt, they’ll give us a whole bag full!
Happy Ramadhan and thanks to these beautiful Malays!
sambal.muncha
September 8, 2009
My students would often ask: ‘Where is God?’ to which I’d answer: ‘Maybe you’ll find the answer if you ask ‘When is God?’
This is an example of ‘When is God’
Wassalam
Saiful
September 11, 2009
“My students would often ask: ‘Where is God?’ to which I’d answer: ‘Maybe you’ll find the answer if you ask ‘When is God?’”
Sambal.munca,
Like a baby in search of its mother, man is always in search of his Creator. Questions like “where is God? “ or “Why can’t I see God?” therefore, can only come from persons who are yearning to see how his Creator looks like . But, of course, they can’t see Him. Such quest, in the past, has led some people to carve out statues to represent Him according to their imaginations. This is how idol worship started.
This was also the case with pagan Arabs. When Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born, the Masjid al Haram was under the control of the Quraish who placed 360 deities of various shapes and sizes around the Ka’abah. Each day was represented by one deity. As he grew up, the prophet was well-liked by everybody – they even called him “The Trustworthy” – but this liking turned into hatred and persecution when he exhorted them to worship Allah, the Unitarian God, to the exclusion of any other. With polytheism being institutionalized and entrenched in their minds, they just could not accept the idea of abandoning their deities and, instead, worshipping the one Supreme Being whom they could not see with their naked eyes.
So one day they accosted the prophet and asked “O Muhammad, describe to us how your God looks like.”
For one second the prophet was speechless as he himself had not seen God. Then Allah revealed to him the required description as enshrined in Surah 112 (Al-Ikhlas) of the Holy Quran:
“Say (O Muhammad). He is Allah the Unitarian. The Eternal, the Absolute. He neither begets nor is He begotten. And there is nothing like unto Him.”
This is how Allah describes Himself. Obvious from this revelation, whatever that one sees, hears, fantasizes, dreams of, is definitely not God. And unlike His creatures He is not confined by either time or space.
Coming back to the question of “where is God?” or “why can’t I see God?”, the explanation is quite simple, really. An invention is invented to serve the purpose set by the inventor. Likewise, a creation is created to serve the purpose of the creator.
Take the case of a telescope, for example. Its purpose, as set by its inventor, is to help you see distant objects – the moon, the stars and so on. Don’t ever use it on the insects, the viruses etc. because you are not going to see anything. There is nothing wrong with the instrument, though. There is something wrong with its usage.
Similarly, our eyes are created by Allah – our Creator – for the specific purpose of seeing His Signs – His greatness: the moon, the stars, the seas, the oceans and so on. NOT for the purpose of seeing Him. So there is no need to waste time trying to see Him or to find out where He is. Rather we should concentrate on doing all the good deeds in search of His pleasure.
In the Hereafter, the favoured ones among us will be given specially made eyes for the specific purpose of seeing Him. There and then only can we see Him in all His Glory.
Naracantona
September 8, 2009
I was stunned and amazed by this small group of people entering the Sek 19 temple. But at the same time when i read about a sudanese woman being punished for wearing trousers, i’m getting worried. Is it Islam or the Muslims are threatning? For me Islam is a beautiful religion, but why is there so much of this unnecessary rules being laid out in open for the world to see and wonder Islam is really brutal.
sang kancil
September 8, 2009
There is hope. I can see a glitter of ray from the horizon of our beloved Malaysia. Slowly but surely we the rakyat will stop this EVIL regime and heal the sorry state of our nation they have plundered for more than 5 DECADES.
Saiful
September 8, 2009
Quoting Haris,
“We were all at the temple a little after 9pm. Bearing flowers and fruit that Mas and friends had put together, we were greeted by temple committee members and welcomed into the temple even as prayers were going on. Very quickly, I made two new friends. Prayers were underway so we sat on the floor and joined the congregation.”
Islam has no problem with Muslims going into churches, temples etc. if the purpose is to merely act as passive observers of the rituals being performed and not doing anything that can be construed as desecrating either Islam or the other religions.
But participating in the rituals is another matter.
By meeting people of other religions in their places of worship, like what YB Khalid Samad once did, we are accepting plurality of religions which is not only allowed but encouraged in Islam. Hence you see Mosques, Buddhist and Hindu Temples co-existing in PAS ruled Kelantan.
But participating in any part of the rituals of other religions would be tantamount to accepting pluralism i.e. all religions are equal, which is not allowed in Islam and also, I believe, not allowed in other religions as well. By such participation, a Muslim would risk going out of the pale of Islam.
As Rajan correctly pointed out, somewhere:“….religion is personal, very close to ones heart, it is not to be used as a political tool. ‘To you yours , to me mine’ and mutual respect for all religion should be firmly implanted in one’s mind.” This, in fact, is the essence of Surah 109:1-6 of the Holy Quran.
But, of course, the atheists and the agnostics can disregard all those rules.
hew
September 8, 2009
wow!! haris,
this is a small but most incredibly effective action! and it has touched most of us. at grassroots and any local level, this can counter all the venom from utusan and bn.
juana is a most perceptive young lady. her suggestions make good sense. i will take her suggestions. lets hope that our local religious leaders prove as intelligent as she is.
thank you for the ray of hope!
RH
September 8, 2009
“Ugly Malays” ?
I think “Barbarians” are more apt .
Shakuntala
September 8, 2009
Mr. Oxymoron
DO NOT FEAR!…just walk into the mosque and ask what you want to.I don’t think you HAVE to be a Muslim and nobody is going to do you any harm and neither has anyone any right to, not let you in….whether a church, a temple, a mosque…each is a house of God.
If you agree,…
Just pop in….and do your thing.
You say, you have lived in a mixed neighbourhood with Malays who had shown you kindness? So, there’s no reason why the mosque officials will not show you kindness too.
In this country, religion and fear are both instilled into people…
sinkeh
September 9, 2009
We should cultivate and further develop such inter-faith visits for better understanding.
Hopeful
September 9, 2009
Dear Juana, Ineza, Saiful & friends here,
I wish to share this so that it creates more understanding among us and to answer the “Why?”.
Why does this gesture bring tears to eyes and touched hearts…amazed, stunned, unthinkable etc? Practically everyone writes about that. Conversely, it may come across just as mind boggling to you all and other Muslim friends why we are making such a big deal out of this. Just quoting some of you who mentioned that you feel uncomfortable…”being glorified”, being just a mere participant, orang biasa and so on. You can imagine how much we have been segregated from each other and intentionally so.
I (am sure many) applaud all of you (the group) for extending your hand to the Hindu community. It is so heart warming, truly.
You made a difference and you dare to step out of the box. It’s time we all do the same if we haven’t. It is not just about socialising or mixing around more with each other. I have very close Muslim and Indian friends. I stay in a 90% Muslim area. Left and right I have muslim neighbours. My neighbour looked after my house, water my garden whenever I balik kampung. Really, how many of us even dare to invite Muslims to our temple or church lest we land you into hot soup. It just stop short at that.
We have been instilled religious fear (Islam) all this while, lack of understand of each other’s faith – all these created sensitiveness which makes people very cautious of their actions.
Look at Nik Aziz, he got condemned when he visited a Buddhist temple; the reporters who went undercover hoping to catch Muslims in the church are just but some examples. As for this visit, what do you think will happen if it were to be known that you were going to visit the Hindu temple? I can imagine. However, keep it up and don’t let anyone stop us anymore.
Saiful, thanks for your beautiful explanation. Adds to my knowledge and helps to break down walls.
We need to heal Malaysia. It starts from us, from each of us individually; truly living by the teachings of our own religions (or none) and traditions, which all teach us to respect, understand and love one another regardless of race, colour or religion. We need to heal ourselves first and our nation will be healed. Only then will Malaysia be a peaceful nation. Make peace.
I will keep my candle lighted.
Great blessings to you, my friends. Happy Ramadhan!
Saiful
September 10, 2009
One fundamental belief shared by Muslims and Christians is that all mankind descended from the same parent – Adam and Eve (Hawa). So the human race is actually one big family and we are, in reality, brothers, sisters and cousins (distant though we may be) – our religious differences notwithstanding.
God could have made all of us belong to just one race or just one religion. But no, He didn’t will it that way. He explains why in Surah 49 (Al Hujuraat) verse 13 of the Holy Quran i.e. we are created into nations and tribes so that we can get to know one another (religions, cultures etc.) and live in peace and harmony in total submission to Him.
God also warned us not to discriminate against one another because the most honourable among us, in His eyes, is only the one most steeped in piety. There is also no need for us to squabble because He has provided enough for everybody’s need. But unfortunately, It is human greed (for power, wealth, fame etc.) that is causing all the problems. The Shah Alam incident, is a case in point.
In this “godless society” that we now live there is a dire need for everyone to return to his or her religion. Make sure you know your religion well, and not be misled by those with vested interests, and then put whatever you know into practice. A knowledgeable and practicing Muslim can always live in harmony and mutual respect with an equally knowledgeable and practicing Hindu, Christian, Buddhist or whatever. But let a half-cooked Muslim, half-baked Christian or a half-boiled Hindu share the same table, then the stage is set for trouble!
Saiful
September 10, 2009
My last line should read:
“But let a half-cooked Muslim, a half-baked Christian or a half-boiled Hindu share the same table, discussing religious issues, then the stage is set for trouble!”
Hopeful
September 9, 2009
Correction, I should say…
“Great blessings to my bros and sisters. Happy Day and Happy Ramadhan!”
Neoh
September 9, 2009
When the Nut Graph recently asked for readers’ suggestions of Merdeka award nominations, I suggested that it should be given to the NEW MALAYS, for they are the ones who will become the vanguard towards a new Malaysia. A Malaysia where none of her citizens will be discriminated against because of his/her race or religion.
The Beautiful Malays. Mmm, it sounds wonderful but maybe too romantic?
The NEW MALAYS – Yes, that’s what I shall call you, you brave and beautiful people.
leess
September 9, 2009
you warm my heart… tq
J
September 9, 2009
I am so glad to have read this blog. Thank you for your good heartedness and peaceful thinking. There must be hope for the country with citizens like you.
LEE YK
September 9, 2009
Beautiful. Simple and pure.
Thank you
FixFariz
September 9, 2009
Thanks for all the comments. There are many malay AND muslim majority outhere who not only opposed but despised the acts by some people who claimed they where representatives of section 23 folks. But brothers, please, do not REPEAT do not make counter accusations that UMNO is the one to blame. Period.
Why not blame the Indian leaders who represents the Indians in the government ? Or, those Indians who has made it to help the lesser Indians. If I am not mistaken, Ananda Khrishnan is the richest man in Malaysia.
As for the temple issue, why not blame the PKR led government for insisting the building of the temple and refused (the word is REFUSED) to listen to the arguments of the affected people of section 23.
Tnak you.
kumar
September 9, 2009
Dear Harris, i’m very proud of you. God bless you. This is call 1Malaysia.
pandian
September 9, 2009
FixFariz,
I was really dreaming of paradise on earth reading these lovely comments and YOU have to wake me up to reality.
you’re talking like Najib, who swore on the Koran and said he was innocent and period, punkt, fullstop! we have to believe it!
its apparent that you want the indians to care for the indian welfare, the chinese for chinese welfare and umno for malays. this is what we have for the last 52 YEARS. can’t you see that it did’nt work??
we would appreciate it if you could clarify why you think umno is not behind it or whatever. we listen to reasons thats why we are in a blog.
have a nice day
Peace Lover
September 10, 2009
God bless us all.
We born, live and die.
That’s the truth.
All of us are human being. Let it be you or me, muslim or non-muslim, man or woman, child or adult, all of us can feel and think.
From my point of view, if we understand that all humans are equal in the eyes of God, no one is superior than another, and we can change this world with Love. We human beings should realise that this life is too short to fight or argue in the name of race, religion or God.
If you Believe in your God, than you will Believe in Love, Respect, Mercy, Grace and YOU.
No race or religion teach us to be hatred, so let us Unite. God is Love and Love is God. God bless our Malaysia.
**A very special THANKS to this ‘blog team members’ for letting us to communicate freely and sincerely. We humans make mistakes. But we can CHANGE.
“You believe in yours and I believe in mine.”
All praises to God.
God bless Malaysia.
Hong
September 10, 2009
Is it lack of education? Our education system? Or is it political influence by some political individuals making use of religion for thier personnal benifits? It’s disturbing and shocking that events like this actually still occuring while vision 2020 is just around the corner by now. Wait… I don’t think anybody remember there’s such thing called 2020 now. Political group now cares about who gets election and the rakyat’s now watching the drama and the game. Is there people who actually care about the country and join politics for the comunity? ‘Hey u should get involved in politics, its gonna bring YOU far. You’ll have alot of benefits later on.’ I’m broken inside… this article is beautiful… it shows hope. Its funny how…
Why cant we make the world we living in right now Heaven for everyone? Instead of fighting against each other for the Heaven they are going to after this?
Patricia
September 10, 2009
So wonderful! I am neither a Hindu nor Muslim but i feel touched! A big Thank You to our Muslim friends for showing our Hindu friends friendship, understanding and care.
KingKungKong
September 10, 2009
Simply a very heartwarming gestures but alas this is just one of a billion or more of a WWW blog! I wouldn’t have known about it if I didn’t click the link from STAR online. Very few Malaysian read Star and surf blogs.
I challenge you all to do it in KL and ON TV cameras with CNN, Reuters etc. Of course get the Prime Minister to get the Polic Permit. If there were 50 cow head paraders we want to see 50,000 anti-cow head paraders. That way the whole world will know! That way investors will salute Malaysia…..
Come on Muslims!!!! Let’s see it.
Joshua N
September 11, 2009
I’m a Malaysian who has been living overseas for the last 10 years (9 in Singapore and 1 in Dubai)…
I follow the events happening in Malaysia very closely over the Internet and all that has happened recently has been terribly saddening to watch… To see the country go down the path it was going was very disheartening…
Having read this article, it really gives a great sense of joy and some relief after all the nonsense that has happened recently as well as in the past…
It just shows that for every “ugly Malay” out there, there are at least 2 beautiful Malays, who know what it means to be MALAYSIAN…
I think leaders also should stop preaching about religious tolerance.. This is wrong.. What we really need is religious ACCEPTANCE.. That’s the only way forward…
Thank you once again for this beautiful and heart warming article..
zainal
September 11, 2009
I think you are munafik…I don’t think you practising islam…is better for you to declare yourself as murtad so that all the malays knows that you are non muslim. By doing this we can distinguish either you kafir laknat or kafir dhimmi. Kafir laknat or munafik, Allah promise you the lowest level of hell. When you declare yourself murtad, at least you “tak melagakan orang2 islam”. Please if you love very much the Lord of Ganesha…just practise hindusm.
PuvanMalaysian
September 12, 2009
Dear Mr. Haris… Kudos to you and your buddies. Its people like you who time and again remind the non muslims that we are still part and parcel of mother land MALAYSIA as we have been since our fore fathers set foot in this LAND centuries ago.So much sweat and blood has been shed by our fore fathers to bring our mother land MALAYSIA to where SHE is today . We the minority non muslims are being pushed to the limit this days and its Great Souls like yours that has been choosen by GOD to see that the limit is not broken. WE non muslims of mother land MALAYSIA will always pray for your well being and hope more and more HARIS like souls will emerge to bring Muslims and Non Muslims together as ONE MALAYSIAN FAMILY.
Thankyou Mr. Haris. We all love you very much.
AnakBangsaMalaysia
September 14, 2009
Only UMNO manipulated goons will make an issue about temples and Malay rights. True muslims like Tok Guru Nik Aziz help to facilitate the building of temples in Kelantan. PAS are the true defenders of Islam. How does having a temple or doing yoga make you become less Muslim. Religion is a personal choice and a private as well as spiritual matter. If your too weak to hold true to your beliefs, then your just weak….period.
No doubt, the majority of Muslims in Malaysia are not cow heads like those thugs who are trying to incite hate and intolerance.
Michelle Chin
September 15, 2009
A simple gesture that’s huge in its meaning. Brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing
hotel-murah
September 17, 2009
it’s very beautiful when we can live together in harmony
Jay
October 9, 2009
Haris,
U are truelly ASIA!! Kudos
PuvanMalaysian
October 12, 2009
My dear fellow Malaysian’s, I would like to share a favourite song of our beloved legend of India Mahatma Gandhi Ji. It goes like this …..
” Raghu Pathi Raghavar Raja Raam
Pathit Paavan Seeta Raam
Ishwar , Allah Tere Naam
Sabko Sanmathi De Bagwaan… ”
The literal beautiful meaning is thus
” The Lord GOD Is One, People Call HIM By Different Names
Some Call HIM Ishwar And Others Call HIM Allah.
O Beneficient Lord, Bestow On Humanity
THE PEACE OF THY HARMONY ”
So My Dear Friends Love All , Spread Love And This Planet Will Be As Blissful As Heaven.
Dear Haris….you are an ANGEL Of Humanity…