kepada semua sempena sambutan Hari Kemerdekaan yang ke-48.
mmm... dah lupa dah apa atok buat kalau kat tanahair dulu2. pernah sekali ke Dataran Merdeka, tapi takde apa...hanya pekikan sumbang di sana sini: merdeka! merdeka! merdeka!... pastu bersurai. hambar...
kat sini, hari kemerdekaan selalunya dikembarkan dengan sambutan tahunan Malaysian Carnival. tapi tahun ni tak dibuat pula; pasal Dato' duta tak nak rakyat Msia buat perjalanan yang bukan kemestian dalam suasana keselamatan yang agak berkecamuk ini; terdorong dari sambutan Thai Food Festival di bulan lalu yang terpaksa dibatalkan bilamana dok tengah seronok berpesta, ada pula panggilan ancaman bom. maka terpaksalah bersurai walaupun akhirnya ternyata ia hanyalah satu panggilan palsu.
perkara utama di Msian Carnival ni ialah makan, sambil seronok2 tengok/ambil bahagian dalam beberapa acara tele-match. Kakak seronok sangatlah nak masuk semua benda... dan bila ada peluang naik pentas, dialah yang dulu. tiga tahun lepas dia naik berdansa hebat dengan lagu les ketchup hinggakan sampai sekarang ni pun masih ada orang yang cam Kakak: 'ni yang menari kat Msian Carnival tu kan?' selalu orang tanya.
merdeka dinner di kedutaan masih akan diadakan pada minggu depan. kad jemputan ni atok belum balas pun lagi, tapi dah booked cuti separuh hari untuknya. kena pakai dinner suit ataupun baju kebangsaan. tahun lepas atok pakai dinner suit je, dan 99% yang hadir pun begitu... kecuali staf embassy yang menggayakan baju melayu/kurung masing-masing. tahun lepas, kawan atok, chef shawal dari holiday villa yang masak macam-macam. tahun ni katanya orang lain.... bukan lagi holiday villa. takde chan lah nak ta-pau kuih-kuih macam last year:(
Unfortunately, there was a nasty accident near Slough that closed the M4 motorway for nearly 6 hours with tailback stretched for about 7 miles. Even when it was finally re-opened at about 2pm, it was running on a single lane... and it took us nearly 3 hours to get to London.
Nevertheless, when we finally reached the Lawrence Hall in Victoria, a couple of Madagascar musicians were on the stage. Soon, Cikgu Ariffin and his Silat group took the stage and received a thunderous reception from the floor. Then it was tarian group, brilliantly choreographed by Encik Khalid (a familiar face for anyone who went to the Visa Section at our Embassy), followed by traditional songs.
Then, a special guest Dato' Jimmy Choo OBE picked the lucky winner tickets from the draw box and finally, as always... in the true traditional Malay kenduri spirit... a joget lambak session for everyone.
It was indeed a successful event, and as announced by Art Fadzil in his closing words, 3,000 people came through the door! Well done Phillip/Faizal and the gang. And thanks for pulling together the Malays across the globe for this such a landmark festival.
Hope to see you all again next year.
Unfortunately, I received news that some did travelled far to the Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre in Brickedonbury for the annual Malaysian Carnival only to be greeted by a cancellation notice on its gate. Though many knew about this 'bizzare' cancellation via words of mouth, a few simply assumed that the event to be there as usual as it had always been in previous years. Indeed there was no official announcement of its cancellation.....or any announcement of it to happen.
Recently, a Swedish city of Malmo (a rather nice place; we were there once, on a winter holiday/skiing) adopted the 'Living Library' project. first started during Denmark's Roskilde Festival in 2000. It has since been followed by a Copenhagen library, as well as in Norway, Portugal and Hungary.
What it was: one could 'borrow' a person for a 45-minute 1-to-1 chat (free drinks provided); and the person available ranges from a lesbian, an animal right activist, an imam, a journalist, a gypsy, etc.
It was a project to make people of the city understand more about others within their society for a better integration, particularly by overcoming prejudices.
I heard this over BBC Radio 4 yesterday, and they interviewed the lesbian lady who participated in the project. She told about one Muslim 'borrower' whom she chatted and how much they benefited from the session.
I'm just wondering if Malaysia could follow suit with such a wonderful project; certainly it would help the country to improve our already great understanding among many quarters. One caveat to watch out though, we seem not to be able to verbally discuss or argue things sensibly without venturing into the physical arena in no time. Nevertheless.... I think it's still worth a try.
Dah lama saya dok perhatikan, bilamana media Malaysia melapurkan tentang berita-berita yang bersangkutan dengan Abu Hamzah, Omar Bakri Mohammad, Abu Qatada dan yang serupa dengan mereka ini, maka ditulis tajuk berita sebagai:
'Ulamak Britain..... '
MasyaAllah ! Bila masa pulak mereka ni yang begitu ekstrim dan sering memangkinkan kekacauan ditauliahkan sebagai ulamak. Saya tidak nampak pun ciri-ciri ulamak dalam mereka ini. Yang ada hanyalah retorik-retorik ganas dan melampau yang jauh terpesong dari ajaranNya. Juga tidak pula mereka ini mempunyai ijazah yang membolehkan mereka dilabelkan sedemikian.
Pernah saya bertanya hal ini pada seorang rakan yang bekerja sekian lama sebagai wartawan untuk media tanahair. Katanya, kadang tu ditambah dan diubah akan berita asal yang dihantarkan oleh wartawan sebelum ianya dicetak.
Apa yang khuatir terjadi selanjutnya akan pemesongan label ini ialah pembaca yang menerimanya... yang meletakkan mereka ini ditahap ulamak, yang seterusnya menampakkan seolah-olah guru yang membawa ajaran tulen telah dianiaya dan dizalimi. Hakikatnya sama sekali tidak benar dan tersasar jauh.
Secara amnya, mereka ini telah mempalit kotoran kepada agama mereka dan meletakkan sebahagian besar penganutnya di dalam kesusahan. Secara perundangannya pula, mereka ini telah melanggar undang-undang setempat dengan menganjurkan kekacauan. Maka mereka ini sebenarnya berada dipihak yang bersalah.
Sepertimana yang telah ditulis oleh seorang sahabat dan guru, Sheikh Muhd Afifi al-akiti, dalam fatwa beliau yang telah mendapat sanjungan dari berbagai pihak diseluruh dunia (lihat posting terdahulu):
(saya terjemahkan dari teks asal dalam Bahasa Inggeris) Jika pun sekiranya kamu tiba ke tahap hendak berlaku ganas, ketahuilah bahawa kamu boleh diklasifikasikan menurut undang-undang sebagai pengganas ataupun pemberontak (rebel) yang membolehkan pihak berkuasa mengambil tindakan ke atas kamu: walaupun pihak yang berkuasa itu dianggap ataupun sememangnya tidak adil /bersifat rasuah. (Makna pengganas/pemberontak ialah “Orang Islam yang menyanggah (bukan dengan hati dan pertuturan tetapi dengan tangan/perlakuan) pihak berkuasa walaupun pihak berkuasa itu tidak adil dan mereka (orang Islam) itu benar [al-Nawawi, Majmu’, 20:337]
Harapnya, media tanahair, termasuklah juga tapak-tapak web tidak lagi menggunakan label ini dan memesongkan orang ramai.
Last two days were very busy for Kakak (and Mummy)... again, recording for Toonattik at GMTV Studio in London (near Waterloo Stn/London Eye). This time, they shot for tv and cinema commercial... well, sort of promoting the programme. It will be soon screened at cinemas across the country, in addition to ITV and Nickelodeon channel.
Dressed in green combat trousers, black top and black gloves, Kakak was the Kim Possible. Among other acts, she had to come down on a rope from a 'helicopter'... into her heroic cartoon action. There were about 20 kids altogether. For two days, they had great time at Studio 5 and Kakak did really well.... praised by the presenters and the production team; they want her back.
It was about 8:30pm when she finally done with her stuff (from 11am), and GMTV was very kind to provide her (and mummy) an mpv ride back home, after lots of hugs and kisses from Jamie and Anna. It was 10+pm when they got home... to sleeping adik and daddy.
I found this article below, written by an amazing sufi person I've met a number of times. A few moons ago I did link his previous article.
Aptly, with the on going debate in the UK on the multi-cultural issue (actually it is more of Muslims' vs the Others' issue to me), Japanese, and obviously the current hazardous state of Malaysian west coast air quality, Tok Man's article below is an all-in-one. Enjoy.....
Malaysia’s position in the world at the present time is as unique as it is strategic. The country has earned for itself a voice in international affairs. Although the former Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir, never hesitated in many circumstances to voice vehement criticism of the Western world, its structures, strategies and modus operandi, this has not until now created an impression of Malaysia being irrationally anti-Western, anti-American, etc as has been the experience of many other “Muslim” or “Third world” countries. This must be seen as an achievement in itself.Malaysia’s relative autonomy in outspoken opinion and hence its influence in international ears and arenas is no doubt partly but not entirely due to Malaysia’s economic progress over the past few decades. This has commanded some degree of respect from the West and open admiration from nations of the South.
There are, however a number of other elements that contribute to Malaysia’s success in international affairs. Among these would be the quality and consistency of Malaysia’s diplomacy (including public relations) and the stability of Malaysia’s internal social and political climate including the very real achievement of inter-communal harmony so characteristic of Malaysian life.
International political positioning and image-making is a continual and delicate process, affected by changing perceived national interests and priorities, political alliances and the like. It is a constant matching of how the nation sees itself with how the world views the nation. Except perhaps for the very powerful, few nations can afford to rest on its laurels of achievements to maintain or enhance its overall image and respect in international eyes. The image makers and spin doctors (i.e. the more enlightened generation of modern propagandists) are constantly translating national achievements into PR imaging for international consumption. Of course; it is among governments’ duties to maintain these achievements as well as to nurture new ones. It goes without saying that many national achievements are conceived and attained purely with Public Relations aims in mind. For instance the benefits of constructing a Formula 1 racing circuit in Malaysia may seem putative. But there is a rationale. The rewards of maintaining or obtaining good Public relations imaging are not always immediately apparent in either “real terms” or, as one says in ICT, in “real time”.
Projects which are productive in PR terms may be (and usually are) on the level of economic development, scientific progress or industrial prowess in a certain field. Space projects are clearly and literally the highest vehicle for national PR imaging. Less tangible ones but equally as effective, if well managed and well aimed PR is deployed, may be in such areas as education and general educational standards, “openness” of society, tourism, cultural assets and cultural exports, especially those which have a “universal” interest or into which a “universal interpretation” can be inferred. Media exports constitute a prime PR vehicle which may well have the added advantage of being highly profitable.
There is another factor not to be ignored in international imaging: Diversity. A “developed” nation is perhaps characterized by the diversity and range of what that country has to offer. This may be in terms of products, services or activities, commercial, intellectual or recreational. Nations which are apparently “single product” or “single interest” nations hardly earn the respect nor even the interest from powerful modern nations. The derisive description for such nations in international diplomacy might be “Banana republics”. In the subtle world of national imaging; for a nation to be classed as such would be considered as a worst scenario and a PR disaster. “Oil kingdom” is not very far removed from “Banana Republic” as a PR epithet in international relations. There is no need to explain which nations can be described thus and thereby succinctly assessed complete with pejorative innuendoes. Try as they may to build museums out of the sand and promote their culture to balance out their image, the slant of “oil kingdom” remains. Wealth per se is not a PR image to be relied on. To anyone with minimal experience of human nature knows well that an excess of money in someone else’s pocket more often provokes jealousy, envy, obsequiousness at the best or at the worst predatory aggression in the heart of another, but rarely admiration unless there is something else to recommend by.
It took a long time for Western nations to reckon with Japan in relatively equal face-to-face terms. International appreciation of Japanese poetry, the spiritual traditions of Zen Buddhism, Japanese gardens and living space design, art films and quality documentaries, martial arts as well as scientific research in botany, climatic and seismic activity, probably contributed to this process as much as micro-electronics, efficient industrial production, management and sheer economic might. The West has had a better chance since the 2nd world war to look into Japanese culture with a more balanced and detailed approach. Any nation with its own culture, history and which has any vision of its own role in the world should take careful note of this when conceiving PR priorities and reverse-translate these into real projects.
The chauvinism of Western culture is well known as well as Western nations’ notorious intolerance of differences perceived in foreigners who venture into their lands. However, kept at a safe distance, cultural differences and otherness are not only expected in other nations – but even required. This is what tourism (including “arm chair” tourism) is all about.
Malaysia is uniquely endowed with many priceless assets of natural interest and “bio-diversity”. Some priceless tracts of primeval virgin tropical rain forest remain, although many are severely threatened with what one glibly calls “development”. The continued destruction of invaluable forest assets is often defended in deliberate defiance of international (mostly western, of course) calls to stop. The attitude taken is “See what they have done with their own forests and now they are interfering in our affairs. They tell us how to organize ourselves, depriving us of the possibility of developing our nation and exploiting our own resources in our own way” There may well be justification for this attitude. Nothing, however justifies “cutting off the nose to spite the face” nor one’s neighbour’s face. If one considers the extent of the treasures which are being pillaged just for timber and fast cash, which like fast food nourishes only instantly, minimally and unhealthily, one has to think again. Certainly the way in which these assets are used to enhance Malaysia’s economy and/or reputation must be carefully considered in order to avoid international ridicule and scorn. When treasures such as the Belum rainforest are lost forever it will not be a laughing matter for Malaysia.
Some of these primeval tropical rain forests are among the oldest existing in the world, with a history of millions of years! They are unique both for the flora and fauna and orang asli (indigenous people) that they contain, many of which are yet to be discovered and recorded. Clearly these assets constitute a global heritage of no small importance. The peoples who live within these forests since the time of Adam and the Garden, one might say with reason, embody living reflections of man’s primordial past, the loss of which would be inestimable and irretrievable.
Even the currently fashionable catch word of “sustainable” development or exploitation describes the most horrendous pillage of natural treasures and the national heirloom. Replanting rarely occurs as promised by companies in for a quick buck and in any case how does one replant rare or unique species? The case for the enlightened, innovative and effective conservation of such places is crystal clear and should be given serious moral priority. For this particular heirloom is as much spiritual as it is real and tangible. Its very existence is an honour to mankind invoking pride in its survival but whose thoughtless loss and destruction would be cause for shame.
Today at the beginning of the 21st century the “Environment” is without doubt the No.1 issue for people of conscience across the planet, especially in the so-called “developed” world. Institutions and charitable organizations around the world preoccupied with the conservation of the environment, threatened species, etc; collectively raise far larger contributions of money from corporate bodies, governments and individuals than does the more “humanitarian” issue of refugees. Millions of individuals around the world take a keen and active interest in the environment contributing small and large amounts to causes of conservation. The depletion and destruction of the world’s natural treasures and species is regarded by millions as a global tragedy which they see happening before their eyes. It so happens that the rain forests of SE. Asia are particularly focussed as being a flashpoint in international concern. Forests are in the limelight more than any Academy award winner could ever be! How Malaysia deals with these issues can profoundly influence how the world views Malaysia.
It is also eminently clear that Malaysia is in a position to take the limelight in the defence of the remaining tracts of virgin tropical forests within its boundaries. If this is done in a way that is innovative, “unmistakeably Malaysian” resolute, wise and effective, Malaysia stands to be regarded as an international hero in the eyes of those of good conscience around the world: and make a PR scoop of truly global dimensions. Embarking on such a project with its accompanying public relations would also have an effect of creating an eco-conscious public within Malaysia. If tropical forests are the pride of the world how can they be less so to Malaysians? Let’s face it: Malaysians are generally a notorious litter scattering lot! Countless kampongs have become strewn with mountains of non-bio-degradables and the least desirable detritus and by-products of an industrializing society.
The manner in which conservation projects are designed is important. They must be conceived in a way that there are no loopholes for further destruction. Projects must also constitute clear statements in themselves. Making conservation projects into "tourist" projects is almost a contradiction in terms, as tourism is often as destructive to the environment as urban development. Tourist development is so often just the thin edge of the wedge which leads to urban or industrial development. Conservation and tourism have each to be considered clearly in their respective context.
A project for the complete conservation of an entire natural area or site for its inherent nature makes its own specific and momentous statement, which would not be ignored. The Belum Forest project in Hulu Perak (Belum di Raja) is such a project which carries an unequivocal message of hope and inspiration for the world, now more than ever in desperate need of symbols of hope: The message will be universal in its nature and will doubtless meet with universal approval... Generally speaking the choice is nearly always between black and white: Development or conservation. To balance the two extremes is more than 20-20 vision. It is indeed a vision for the 21st century.
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Last time when I met Tok Man, he told me he divided his time between Birmingham and Puncak Alam. Whenever he spoke about Hutan Belum, he could go forever..... :)
One afternoon, a week or so ago, on our way back from Bicester Village, we dropped by at Sheikh Afifi's house. One reason was to introduce the erudite young Malaysian scholar to my parents, and the other was, it has been a while since we last visited him.
Unavoidably, the conversation transgressed into the current hot topic of (suicide) bombing. And as always, Sheikh would go into a lengthy explanation (from the fiqh ruling) condemning such act by fellow believers. At the end of it, just before we sat down for a nice mee goreng for tea, my wife said to him, "Why don't you write about it?” of which he replied, "Indeed, I am".
Now, his excellent piece explaining the very issue has been e-published by his fellow traditional scholar, the well known Sheikh Dr. Hj Gibrail Fuad Haddad of Damascus, in his website Living Islam. Please click here for Sheikh Muhammad Afifi al-Akiti's article, entitled "Defending the Transgressed by Censuring the Reckless against the Killing of Civilians."
Read it, print it, blog about it, link it, photocopy it, post it, pin it up, distribute it, pass it ... as it has been considered by many learned people as possessing the most clarity of thought and expression, backed by his deep understanding of the (Islamic) law and jurisprudence. A thing we all have been very proud of as Malaysians since his arrival at the City of Dreaming Spires a few years ago. [though my dad always reminds me that the word 'proud' should not be used, instead, we should say 'syukur'].
At the moment, effort has been made to translate this wonderful article into Bahasa Melayu for the benefits of the masses back home. InsyaAllah it will be available soon.
NB: more text by Sheikh Afifi also available within Living Islam... click here.
Al-Fatihah to a fellow Kelantanese Nik Yusuf Nik Ali (left) and Syed Omar Alsagoff (centre) who died from the A-bomb dropped at 8:15am in Hiroshima. Both were 2nd year undergaduate students at University of Hiroshima, about 1.5km from the epicentre. A 1st year student, Abdul Razak Abdul Hamid (right) was the sole Malaysian survivor.
Nik Yusuf who died soon after the mushroom cloud engulfed the city on that tragic morning was cremated at Itsuka Ichi shrine and buried by one of his professors. Syed Omar suffered severely from the radioactive exposure - his skin cracked - later died in Kyoto on 3rd Sept. Abdul Razak returned home in Nov 1945, after the war ended.
Much has been said on the justification of the most disastrous human act in history. Though the main official reason has always been the only way to prevent more sufferings and deaths due to the grotesque brutalism of the Nippon Army, new records recently emerged pointing to the reason being 'more of impressing the Russians, than defeating the Japs'.
When I was a boy, I often listened to stories from my late great grandma about the war sufferings. How they were forced to hide in holes, and survived on tapioca and fruits. Soon, epidemic of fatal diseases spread and took many lives of the vulnerable.... including one of her daughters, my late grand mother, who was then still breast feeding my dad; her only child. Al-Fatihah, and may the world be a better place.
Geta (Wooden Clog)
Miyoko Inoue (15 at the time) was doing fire prevention work with other students under the Student Mobilization Order in Zaimoku-cho at a place 500 meters from the centre of blast. This is what her mother, Tomiko, found where she searched for her daughter for three months after the bombing. Her daughter's body was never found. All students perished.
Kakak's 2009 Diary:
>The King & I @ Royal Albert Hall
>The King & I Presscall
>The King & I recall audition II
>BBC Bo The Spirit World audition II
>The King & I recall audition I
>BBC Bo The Spirit World audition
>The King & I audition
>LCB Masterclass Kakak's 2008 Diary:
>LCB Final Audition
>LCB audition
>Lion King Cub School audition
>Scientific Toys photoshoot
>Bicester Village advert casting
>BBC All About Animals photoshoot
>Stagecoach end-of-term show
>Ballet Medal Test '08
>BBC All About Animals casting
>Knorr advert casting
>Zoey 101 magazine photoshoot
>IKEA Commercial casting
>Key Stage 2 SAT Exam
>Royal Academy of Dance Ballet Grade 4 Exam
>Street Dancing 2008
>Nintendo DS casting
>Clarks International photoshoot Kakak's 2007 Diary:
>BBC Girl Talk photoshoots
>Mawi's London Debut
>Hippie-hippie Shake filming
>OMEC Merdeka Ball
>Merdeka Carnival
>LAMDA Exam
>High School Musical Summer Workshop
>'Walking Bus' Campaign photoshoot
>The Golden Compass re-shoot
>Royal Academy of Dance Ballet Grade 3 Exam
>BBC's Girls Talk audition
>Honda F1 car launching
>Northern Lights/Golden Compass filming Kakak's 2006 Diary:
>Northern Lights/Golden Compass filming
>Run, Fat Boy, Run filming
>Young Performers 2006
>Philips: The Simplicity Event 2006
>British Airways advert casting
>Ballet Medal Test/Award 2006
>Aladdin pantomine audition
>Zena Holloway underwater photo shoot
>Royal Ballet audition
>CFC-free inhaler promo photo shoot
>Clarks Shoes International photo shoot
>David Beckham Football Academy casting
>Royal Academy of Dance Ballet Exam Kakak's 2005 Diary:
>The King & I UK Tour
>Fashion Photo Shoot - Covent Garden
>Ballet Medal Test/Award 2005
>Cinderella audition
>GMTV recordings
>Nutcracker 2005
>Cinderalla 2005
Previously employed by
Ridge & Partners LLP, Oxfordshire
Syarikat Pembinaan Anggerik, London site office [contract] for the New MSD/Msia Hall project
Nevertheless, when we finally reached the Lawrence Hall in Victoria, a couple of Madagascar musicians were on the stage. Soon, Cikgu Ariffin and his Silat group took the stage and received a thunderous reception from the floor. Then it was tarian group, brilliantly choreographed by Encik Khalid (a familiar face for anyone who went to the Visa Section at our Embassy), followed by traditional songs.
Among other acts, she had to come down on a rope from a 'helicopter'... into her heroic cartoon action. There were about 20 kids altogether. For two days, they had great time at Studio 5 and Kakak did really well.... praised by the presenters and the production team; they want her back.
Al-Fatihah to a fellow Kelantanese Nik Yusuf Nik Ali (left) and Syed Omar Alsagoff (centre) who died from the A-bomb dropped at 8:15am in Hiroshima. Both were 2nd year undergaduate students at University of Hiroshima, about 1.5km from the epicentre. A 1st year student, Abdul Razak Abdul Hamid (right) was the sole Malaysian survivor.
