Oh My Fellow Brothers Across the Borders, What Have you Done.

[ What I have commented here is purely my opinions. References of any facts given are reflected at the bottom of the page. Readers are invited to give their views in the comment box. Please be responsible enough to comment your views moderately. Thank you.]

It was on late Thursday night when I first know about the dispute. I was lying beside my mom on the couch when I got to know of it on Suria repeated news telecast.

My mom suddenly tapped me continuously and was going like, "Adi, Adi . . Watch this. The Malaysians were having dispute over the kalimah "Allah".

"Oh really .. " I then sat up and leaned my body forward to focus more on the news.

My mom and I shared some views and before heading to bed. The last thing I knew was that, the Malaysians had left the matter to Court to decide whether were the Christians allowed to use the kalimah or not.

As I closed my eyes I pondered, "By leaving this matter to the Court, was it the best alternative way to settle the issue?" First of all, the Court as supposed to touch on social issues. How was it possible to favour or judge two parties when it comes to Religion and Beliefs? These are the sensitive issues that I don't think the Court have the ability or right to judge at the first place.

The next morning was warm and bright and as close as to sunny as the Singapore skyline allowed. My eyes were half-opened as I make my way to the toilet to shower & get ready for work. As she stirred the coffee, my mom turned and said "Guess what, the churches got burnt".

"Churches got burnt in Malaysia?" the question kept running through my mind when I was at work. Hmm. It was like, I couldn't digest the fact. How could developed country like Malaysia, where most are educated, allowed this to happen? If this were to happen to developing countries like Indonesia probably I could understand but Malaysia? It was hard for me to accept the fact.

There were many issues that popped up in my mind when I thought of blogging this up. It was messy. For what I concerned most was that, the upcoming consequences from these irresponsible actions. From the factors like racial riots to increasing threats of the terrorists, weren't possible to happen if the Malaysian Authorities do not take good control over this avoidable situation.

Again, these are the things that running through my mind ...


How Could This Happen At the First Place?

1. My Point of View On the Irresponsible Act.

Must it comes to such resort, such as burning of other religion's holy place, to claim in what-you-think is right? For what is Truly Right is that, Islam did not teach us to use any form of violence against others. Importantly, Patience Makes Up Half of Our Faith in Islam. If the irresponsible acts been done by the Muslims there, I'll say, "Shame On You". You simply do not understand the Most Basic teaching of Islam.

2. Why Must the Christians Use kalimah of "Allah"?

Hmm. I wondered. The Christians there may not have the intentions of converting the Muslims, but why on earth would you want to use the kalimah of "Allah" when you know that you are only made up 10% of the whole population and majority are Muslims? I mean like, they should know by doing so, they might confuse some young & naive Muslims there. On top of that, they could be penalized if they are found proselytized the Muslims in certain states. To begin with, the kalimah "Allah" does not even exists in the Bible. Why must they interpret the word God as "Allah" when they can use the word "Tuhan" that is more relevant because, the word "Tuhan" is in Malay Language. I find it ridiculous as they themselves are inviting trouble. But still, they don't deserve to have their church burnt down.

3. Could the Burning of Church Been Done By the Terrorists or Radical Christians?

First of all, it could be the act of terrorists because that was their perfect time to fire-up the tensions & once the Muslims go out of control, it's a good time recruit them to their forces. Secondly, I know it might sound ridiculous, but it could be an act of the Radical Christians. People would do anything to tarnish one's image. Honestly, do you really think the September 11 incident was the work of the Al-Qaeda? Or America themselves were the Al-Qaeda? For ulterior reason; Liquidified-gold.


So What's the Story Next?

Damaged has been done & no point of pointing fingers or making false accusations. I guess the most important thing that the Malaysian Government should do now is that, they should not only tightened up their line of security in the country, but also to promote racial harmony through mutual respect.

If the Malaysian Government does not do anything about it, I fear for the worst. Seriously. Besides concerning of my religion image, I'm also concerned about influx ion of "refugees" if a massive riot were to happen across the borders. On top of that, the terrorists might find their homeland if things get worsen.

I shall end my blog by saying, "Let's Pray for the Best" no matter which religion you're from. Enough of natural disasters that worries us so much, we simply do not need avoidable human disaster.


Till the next blog, with Loads of Love; Adifazely.

(PS : Please do add yourself by clicking the "Follow" icon on the left side of the page. Much appreciated. -Sincerely, Adifazely)

Some Interesting Articles for More Information:

1) Tun Dr Mahathir's Blog
http://chedet.co.cc/chedetblog/2010/01/kontroversi-kegunaaan-kalimah.html#more

2) Leaders Condemn Church Burning Incident In Desa Melawati
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/news_lite.php?id=466965 (Bernama.Com)

3) Malaysia Church Torched Amid Allah Row
http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-45233720100107?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0

Language Barrier in Transportation Service = Disaster !!

It was a warm, quiet-peaceful evening. The sun just set, allowing the moon to shine even brighter. Office workers were almost seen everywhere; either alone or with their colleagues. The train commuters were all generally seemed relaxed, not as tensed as what they looked like on every morning; regardless what day of the week. Out of the decentness, there I was to be seen hustling my way from the Bukit Batok MRT Station to the nearest bus stop. With me, I was carrying a couple of packed food for my love-Chipmunk. I need to rush because I was chasing for time as i was working later in that evening.

"Hmm . . Which bus heads to my destination. ." I asked myself as beads of perspiration rolled through my whole body. My heart beats hard & fast like the african musicians playing their drums. As my eyes wandering around looking at the bus destination information board, bus 188 came to alight. I rushed to the bus captain to put at end to my doubtness. Here's how our conversation went. .

"Uncle, does this bus takes me to Fire Station?" I asked.

"Err . . Fi-re Sta-tion . ."He muttered as if he's trying to recall the bus route.

"Ya, Fire Station." I repeat patiently.

"Err . . " He began to tilt his head to the right a little bit & his eyes shrinked as he frowned.

"Ya, the fire station. The one located near Chua Chu Kang." I began to panicked.

The middle-age man was still clueless. This went for around 3 minutes. I then began to realized there were at least more than 30 passengers in the bus staring at me as if i'm haulting the bus for no good reason. His next sentence not only made my head glowed red, but it made my heart almost explode. Illiterally.

"Me . . no-english" He said politely at the same time looking embrassed.

I was stunned. This statement is such a cliche in my full-time work place. At the same time i was like, What the heck? Our fellow Bus Captain couldnt communicate Singapore's National Language. Oh, what a shame. To be frank that was not my only encounter. I had another two occasions where bus captains just doesnt know to speak simple english.

At the end of the day, i'm facing cultural shock in my own country. I guess gone by the days where we could find friendly local bus captains that not only would inform us the route of destination when we are in doubt, but also would alert us when the bus stop that we wanted to alight has come near. Poor Singaporeans, at least for the minorities. Where has the effort in Speaking Good english campaign has flushed to?