Faith hardly needs a defence council.

There have been ripples in the fabric of our society lately regarding the JAiS raid on a Damansara Utama church. Apparently, the Church, who was hosting a dinner-cum-break-fast event, was trying to convert the Muslim attendees.

Someone pointed out to me one huge issue here (as if it isn't a big issue as it is): Which element of this said dinner-cum-break-fast supported the rumours of this apparent conversion? "Were they being given wafers? Were they asked to drink the blood of Christ? Tak, kan?" This person is a fellow Muslim with faith stronger than mine, in some respects.

What the predominantly-Malay-Muslim public here do not see is the sheer hypocrisy of the entire affair. We openly invite our non-Muslim friends & visitors to our mosques (just before the narrow-minded idiots who "care for the mosque" shoo them out). And yet Muslims are not allowed to visit other places of worship? We are allowed, in fact ENCOURAGED to preach the word of Muhammad S.A.W., and yet we limit the abilities of those of other religions to do the same.

And we live in a "free & fair" society? *snort*

The gist of it is the fact that the Islam taught in Malaysia, if it can still be called Islam, preaches paranoia & fear. "Non-Muslims will steal your food, rape your wives, and then thrust upon you a faith not sanctioned by Allah," or something similar to that. I can openly say that our Friday sermons (which need to be verified & edited by the State Religious Department, if I might add) are SLANTED in favour of the Malay-Muslim community (I repeat, MALAY-Muslim community. If you're not light brown with a tiny brain, do not apply). I have heard of a Chinese man, who converted from Buddhism to Islam, who goes to the Masjid Jamek mosque exclusively, because the sermon is fair & just. And also conducted in Tamil.
We have forgotten that Islam is a faith of love, kindness, and acceptance.

Oh Malaysia. We have religious departments (which apparently move freely without any political agenda *double snort*) who cater solely to the Malay-Muslim community (and openly shun converts), because obviously the Malay-Muslim community here have faith so very fragile, that simply sharing a meal with a non-Muslim will compel you to leave Islam.

Islam in Malaysia leaves a lot to be desired. The Church preaches with open arms. Any man, of any faith, of any creed, is welcome to the Church in times of need. They do not force you to believe in their ideals; but they do shower you in kindness regardless. The growing unofficial rate of Muslims leaving the faith is proof that the way Islam is taught here is SERIOUSLY flawed.

As a young man who is still in the system, I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt, that it is all about fear & intimidation. "Do this, or go to Hell," is the way they 'educate' (which kind of explains the Government, too). Hence you have people like Lina Joy, who is so much happier as a Christian, despite the Government refusing to acknowledge her new faith.

My Great-Grandfather, Tuan Haji Pateh Akhir, who was the Head of the Selangor State Religious Department back in the day, is probably rolling in his grave.

This is not Islam anymore.

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"I didn't know it was illegal."

A blind masseur was charged in court today for incest, after raping his daughter (one of eight children) repeatedly over a course of five years, resulting in her current pregnancy.

When asked by the court, he said he was unaware it was against the law. The judge then retorted: "Which state law allows such behaviour?"

This is the Malaysian system at work.

I have always believed that sexual assault takes the cake as the most heinous crime of the twenty first century (closely followed by physical abuse). Knowing several rape victims myself, I have been privy to the Malaysian state of thought on issues such as these.

In most modern countries, those in power condemn the very act of rape, saying that the public needs to be better educated on the atrocities of sexual assault. The victims are consoled, given therapy, and helped to get them back on their feet. Rightly so; There is nothing quite as emotionally scarring as having your dignity snatched from you.

That is not the case here. In Malaysia, rape victims are more likely to be accosted, saying they 'provoked' attacks, by dressing or acting provocatively. Almost as if it was their fault that the perpetrator couldn't help himself.

... eh hello. It is a woman's prerogative to dress & act in whatever manner she sees fit, no? How is it their fault when a man can't keep it in his pants?

Worse still, rape victims are shunned by family & society in general, deeming them 'dirty.' This is the worst phase; coupled with the brainwashing into making them think it was their fault, they then lose all support from the people they're closest to.

The very act of violating a woman is atrocious. In this country, the ramifications are even more horrendous than the violation itself. Can we let society continue like this?

I most certainly will not.
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And it was all yellow...

The Bersih2 rallies are just round the corner. Latest updates tell me that steering committee chairman Datuk S. Ambiga has decided to hold the event in Stadium Merdeka, as a show of respect toward Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.

... fitting that it be held in Stadium Merdeka, no?

Anyhow. After cracking up in front of the television yesterday, watching a Buletin Utama segment on how PDRM found stacks of Bersih2 tee-shirts alongside (brand new) parangs & (plastic!) Molotov cocktails, I've decided NOT to attend the Bersih rally for my own safety.

Not that I won't be there in spirit, of course. And in a show of support, I'll be wearing yellow every day until July 9th.




I find it hilarious how the Royal Malaysian Police Force has chosen to arrest anyone & everyone wearing a Bersih 2.0 tee under the Emergency Ordinance act. A case in Selangor has amounted to a victim posting RM4,000 bail.

For wearing a shirt.

Worse still, there are roadblocks everywhere around town, to nab Bersih supporters during their commutes. I quote a Minister who said the Bersih 2.0 rally would be a "nuisance" and a "general inconvenience to the public." Yet, those roadblocks, which are causing jams tens of kilometres long, somehow don't inconvenience the general public? HMM, I hear you say. HMM indeed.

Although the objective of Bersih is to rally support for free, fair & clean elections, I honestly believe that they've also managed to make the Government look more fallible. Politicians, pseudo or otherwise, have been toppled from their high perches, revealing their true colours.

And I'm sure I'm not the only one watching BN writhe & squirm as they watch their final vestige of hope, the Electoral Commission, be put under the microscope.

I'm looking forward to the next GE. Aren't you?



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