PKR first off the block in cyberspace battle
Wednesday, 13 August 2008, 10:41 am | 655 views
The Online Citizen thanks Malaysiakini for allowing us to publish the following article which first appeared on its website on August 11.
Rahmah Ghazali
While Barisan Nasional is still mulling over its candidate for the Permatang Pauh by-election, PKR nominee Anwar Ibrahim has already taken his electoral battle into cyberspace.
The site, an initiative of PKR Permatang Pauh, seeks to post news and announcement of events relating to the by-election, which will take place on Aug 26 after a 10-day campaign.
“This will help voters, election workers and the media to get direct information on what is happening in Permatang Pauh,” said Annuar, who is based in Penang
A team of 10 helped construct the website, and they plan to have content in all four main languages than the present two, added Annuar.
“We are still working on getting Chinese and Tamil content but as for now, we think that Bahasa Malaysia and English are the best languages to send our messages across to the people.”
Aim to post original news
But will the plug on the website be pulled after the by-election? “No, it will never die,” said Annuar.
The news stories presently are from various news feeds pertaining to Permatang Pauh constituency and the opposition candidate, Anwar.
“We will however eventually produce our own news stories - only short ones, not as lengthy as Malaysiakini.
“We will ensure (over the election period) that the audience will get an updated version of our stories every two hours or less,” said Annuar.
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Dear People,
Tell PAS to stop back-stabbing Pakatan on the grounds that Pakatan is non-Muslim and non-Malay. What is Anwar Ibrahim doing to Malaysia ? Even PAS has problems with his so-called liberal approach to Islamic and Malay issues !
People of Singapore - Malaysia is a lost cause. The Malays in Malaysia have a lot to think about . Is Islam a factor in their backwardness ? How about their racial and non-secular approach to politics ?
People of Singapore - please do not be fooled by superficial outward appearances. The problems of the Muslim world are very deep and go back to the 10th century. the Muslim world has very serious problems with a multi-cultural, cosmopolitan modernity. Islam as we know it today - has yet to undergo a Reformation or Enlightenment.
Anwar Ibrahim or Pakatan CANNOT solve these problems….Its about the nature of Islam and non-secular politics…….Deep problems….It will take another 100 years before these problems can be resolved……….Just look at PAS in Malaysia……….
Playing the race or religious card is despicable , another evidence of how dirty politics is. Who will be the eventual victims in this political wrangling? The ordinary folks who will be used as pawns in the so called disguised cause of the religion and race. The ordinary folks must not be blind and unwittingly be embroiled to further the ambition of the selfish and self serving politicians. These folks have everything to lose.
Dr. Syed Alwi, please enlighten me. Is umrah or ummah the ideal and desired state of all Muslims?
Dear zhummeng,
First of all - Islam as we know it today - REJECTS Secularism ! Therefore in Muslim countries - politics and religion plus race - IS the way they conduct their affairs. From Malaysia to Indonesia to Pakistan to the Middle East to Central Asia - Muslim countries are NOT secular because Islam rejects secularism ! Personally I feel that Islam is due for a Reformation - but I know it will not happen anytime soon…………….
That is why PAS cannot truly fit well in the Pakatan Rakyat. Indeed the Malaysian Malays themselves reject secularism on Islamic grounds. Its the same situation throughout the Muslim world. Anwar Ibrahim cannot solve these deep problems. It is he who is the impostor pretending to have the answers to questions which bedevil the entire Muslim world !
The Muslim world faces very difficult challenges in adapting to a multi-cultural, cosmopolitan modernity. But to reform Islam will take another 100 years ! I do not see any solution in the forseeable future. Expect more trouble ahead for the Muslim countries…….
Politics and religion must not be mixed, otherwise it will have conflicts between races and religion. In Malaysia, politicians use religion and race, to achieve their own interest. Please don’t play with fire. Lee KY knows about it.
Dear Tew NS,
I am NOT talking about Singapore ! I am referring to Muslim countries in general and Malaysia in particular. Do not worry. Singapore is NOT a Muslim country and it is 100% secular !
By the way - I prefer to live in secular Singapore and the West - rather than in Muslim countries !
Dear People of Singapore,
What would you do if PAS came to power in Malaysia and Islamises it as a genuine Islamic State ? And what if Indonesia follows suit ?
For me - when that day comes - I shall migrate to the good old US of A or something !
Do you honestly want to see Malaysia ruled under PAS with Indonesia closely following suit in Islamisation ?
My dear Dr Syed Alwi,
As much as I respect your view , I however would suggest that you should take some time to have a deeper understanding about Islam before citing it as a source of “trouble” in countries that adopt the Islamic code and the Syariah law.
To non-Muslims, I firstly apologise that the next few lines may sound abit preachy but its just information and one should take it with a pinch of salt.
Islam dictates the perfect way to lead a life in this world. Though difficult but if a Muslim is to follow and abide to it then, with God’s will, the fellow individual will lead a fruitful life and afterlife. Islam never creates trouble, its the Individuals that run the show that creates the trouble. Cause Dr Syed (I apologise if you are not a Muslim but your name suggests you are one) if you believe that Islam needs reformation then I guess you believe that God needs to run for an election as well to see if HE deserves to be God. Islam and the Quran will be everlasting till Judgement Day, but during the period of now till armageddon, individuals will always find means and ways to manipulate and abuse Islam’s teachings. Never blame Islam for these “troubles” you speak of cause its the same as you are blaming God.
Are you really sure that Singapore is secular? I hope you realise that the Big Boys here rely heavily on Geomancy when embarking on big state projects. Or I’m sure you have heard the story on why our $1 coin is of octagon shaped. So is that 100% secular like you so attest to??
Dear Mr Sorry,
I am a modern, progressive Muslim who does NOT interpret organised religion literally. I believe that society evolves and in the current context - contemporary society necessitates the re-interpretation of various religious texts and dogmas.
I have lived in Malaysia and I can tell you that the environment there is a little overwhelming for me.
Finally - please show me one SUCCESSFUL example of a modern, industrialised, multi-cultural and cosmopolitan Muslim country ? Sad to say - but there are NONE.
We simply cannot go around implementing the Hudud or rejecting bank interest or denying the right of people to apostasise and so on. Women are emancipated. They work and have rights over their bodies and so on. We no longer subscribe to 10th century values……For me - I have absolutely no doubts whatsoever - the time has come for Islam to reform. otherwise it will simply lose relevance as one Muslim country after another FAILS…………………
Dear Dr Syed Alwi,
That’s the beauty of Islam that many fail to see. Islam will stay and be relevant to whichever century or time one belongs to. It is up to Individuals to evaluate the relevancy of the Islamic code and conduct in context to our current society. Like I said earlier, Islam never needs changing, its the mindset of individuals that has to change.
Pardon me for not being a PhD holder but could you enlighten me on what factors living in Malaysia that made it overwhelming for you? I have relatives on the other side of the causeway and they are certainly enjoying a more fruitful and more carefree way of life, though a simpler and less materialistic one. One thing I really admire about them is that they take the natural joy of having children and certainly do not need Govt grants and baby bonuses to entice them to having and raising kids.
If leading a modern, industrialised and cosmopolitan way of life is the prerequisite you use to gauge on the success of a certain country, then I suggest that you take a more broaden mindset on life itself if you are truly a Muslim that you say you are. Cause if that’s the way you measure SUCCESS, then I’m sorry to say that you have a problem. However if you can wait long enough, Dubai might be of some interest to you.
Another suggestion from one Muslim brother to another is that, spend some time in a “FAILED country” which holds the Al-Masjidil Haram and al-Nabawi. It might do you some good as a Muslim, modern or otherwise….
Dear Mr Sorry,
Dubai is a flop ! It relies on foreigners to provide technical expertise. I am of Arabic ancestry and I can tell you that once the oil runs out - no one will respect the Arabs. They are wasting valuable time by NOT modernising and industrialising. Instead they waste money by asking foreigners to do all the jobs ! What indigenous technology do the Arabs have ? None……….
No - I do NOT have a problem. I can easily fit into a multi-cultural, cosmopolitan modernity without having any hang-ups regarding organised religion. It is these Islamists who have a problem. it is they who demand that the whole world change to fit into their scheme of things. Modernists like me do NOT impose on others - unlike the Islamists. I do not go around asking women NOT to wear make-up just in case they excite some men !
Ultimately my friend - the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Islam is successful only insofar as Muslim countries are successful. If Muslim societies fail - then Islam fails along with them.
Finally I simply cannot take the very Muslim environment and socio-dynamics of Malaysia. I am glad that I live in secular, Non-Muslim Singapore. Majulah Singapura !
Dear Mr Sorry
By the way - God forbid that I should live in Saudi ! Do you know that they are still debating whether birthday parties are Islamic there ? My God……!!!!!!
Dear Mr Sorry,
One more comment - in Malaysia, the Bumiputras have special privileges and Muslims in general - are a favoured lot. Perhaps that is why they can take things easy and relax and have many children. Its all the NEP and the crutch mentality.
Here in Singapore - I am glad that I stand on my own two feet. Enough said.
Dear Dr Syed Alwi,
I can easily rebut every remark that you made but I decided not to do so. You are no better than a Munafiq now but since I’m no God, it will be wrong of me to label you as one. Apologies for that.
Plus of all the comments that you have posted, you have yet to answer any of the questions that I have posed to you. Thank you for that. It just reaffirms me of what type of person you are. You do have issues, I can assure you that. Non-denial is always the first sign of it. I wonder if other readers of TOC see that as well.
However I still wish you the very best and much happiness for your faith in “secular” Singapore. You must be leading a very happy life now and I hope you will continue having such a life. I just pray that God can one day open up your heart to see things in a clearer picture.
Forgive me if I had offended you in any manner, intentionally or not.
Dear Mr Sorry,
On my part - I do NOT apologise for my views. I do NOT want to live in an Islamic State and will fight tooth and nail to defend secular Singapore against any attempt to Islamise her.
You will not rebut my comments because it will publicly reveal your true Islamist colours and will invite the anger of the Non-Muslims. Thats all. I have debated many of you Islamist before. Taqiyya mumbo jumbo.
Whatever it is - you can bet that I will not support Political Islam. By the way - if you find secular Singapore to be not to your liking - then you are welcome to migrate to a Muslim country. Suits me just fine.
Dear Dr Syed,
This is getting kinda personal don’t ya think. At the end of the day, you have your rights to your own views and you can carry on believing in the kind of system that you deem is beneficial for you. As like I have my own views and what I believe in. However the reason I started this rebuttal with you in the first place was that it is not right for a fellow Muslim (gauged that from your handle and I didn’t expect you to be one at first honestly but you claim you are in the latter comments) to go and make such remarks on your own religion. I have no problem in you having issues with Individuals running the Islamic countries or their political system that in your views did not do a good job.
But you, Dr Syed Alwi, as a Muslim and to blame Islam, the religion itself, saying that it is in a need of a change and a reformation is just plain wrong. To me its like you are denouncing and bad mouthing your own biological parents. Might as well embrace another faith. Moreover I did not ask of any apology from you, just that I hope you’ll accept mine (if you don’t that’s fine too).
Yes I am a Muslim and I’m proud of showing my “Islamic colors” by enlightening non-Muslims to any queries that they might have on Islam (as best to my knowledge of course) and inviting them to celebrate Adilfitri and Aidiladha over at my place. Plus I am also proud to be a Singaporean and showing off my “Singaporean colors”, enjoying it with friends and relatives of different races and religions as well. I never once said or made any innuendos in my comments which states that I do not like living or I am unhappy in Singapore. Nor did I make any stance on the type of political system that I support. So in the end of the day, don’t be too quick to judge a person based on your emotions and reading a few lines of comments in a forum. There is usually more to a person than meets the eye.
To all the TOC readers,
Today’s ST carries reports on the PAS Muktamar (rally/conference). Obviously PAS is NOT happy with Pakatan since their Islamic State has been sidelined by Pakatan.
That proves me right despite all the rhetoric from my detractors. Its a very difficult thing to admit - that Islam itself needs a reform. 10th century values and laws cannot be implemented in the 21st century.
At the same time, you people ought to remember the UN report which conclusively shows the Muslim world to be far behind others in terms of Science, Technology and Education.
In secular, modern Singapore - the only kind of Islam that can integrate into contemporary Singaporean society is the modern, progressive, NON-LITERAL Islam - the type which I subscribe to. NOT the PAS or Saudi type of Islam.
At the end of the day - I sincerely and personally believe that in this day and age - society MUST have lingering doubts and questions when it comes to the dogmas and beliefs of Organised Religion as a whole (including others besides Islam)………
Dear Mr Sorry,
Islam is not monolithic. The kind of Islam which PAS, Saudi, Hizb-ut-Tahrir, Muslim Brotherhood (Ikhwanul Muslimin) etc presents - CANNOT fit into a globalised, multi-cultural, cosmopolitan modernity that is the 21st century world.
You cannot go around with a moral police squad - forcing people to accept your morality and values. You cannot force men and women to do such and such. The world has changed. You have to accept the Freedom of Choice and Human Rights. Maybe in the 10th century - it is alright to impose your values and views on others. But not today.
You say Islam does not need reform. That its perfect etc. Well - do you honestly think that the kind of Islam as practiced in the Middle East is suitable for Singapore, Malaysia, ASEAN and East Asia ? I do NOT think so. I have often debated on Islam-Online for example. It is very very clear that the Middle Eastern brand of Islam is NOT suitable for ASEAN. The Arabs cannot fit into a multi-cultural cosmopolitan society. They cannot accept diversity because they always want to impose their values on others whom they perceive to be different ! And they claim that this behaviour of theirs - is derived from authentic Islamic teachings !
I put it to you that Islam is NOT monolithic and that the kind of Islam that is compatible with our Singaporean society is a liberal, progressive and NON-LITERAL Islam. The Middle Eastern or PAS version is NOT suitable for us.
You have to make a choice…I do NOT mince my words. I am not a hypocrite as you suggest. I don’t hide behind excuses !
Reform Islam today !
To the two individuals discussing Islam here: excellent insights from the both of you. Just that maybe Mr. Syed Alwi may need a little word-mincing… Adequate respect for religion is necessary, even if you feel it needs changing.
Now, for my point of view as a non-Muslim. Islam is a highly respectable religion, with decent morality. I do respect many of the Malays in our country. Without the bumiputra system, they have become excellent workers in society while still keeping up their moral code of conduct. As this brand of Islam seems far more successful than the Al-Qaeda brand (a far less understandable one) or the Shi’ite brand, I respect this the most.
I have to respect the devotion that the more extreme brands of Islam show to their religion. their willingness to die for their religion does invoke deep respect for them. However, my respect is even deeper for the everyday Malay who, despite their deferring opinions, have become a part of Singapore and have worked to make it a success. Hats off to all of you.
Somehow my last comments I made a week ago are awaiting moderation…