Taking the Higher Moral Ground

Inter-Faith Council Wants Action Against ‘Datuk T’

From Malaysiakini

The Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) has described the recent emergence of a sex video as slander designed to humiliate Anwar Ibrahim.

In a statement signed by president Reverend Thomas Philips, the council urged the government to take swift action against ‘Datuk T’, the code-name used by three individuals who have admitted to being behind the release of the video. “Their aim in publicly humiliating (Anwar Ibrahim, the) Opposition Leader of Parliament offends the sensitivities of decent people, no matter to what race or religion they belong,” reads the statement.

The MCCBCHST said this “sad sordid episode once again, brings the nation to prominence for the wrong reasons”. “Over the few decades, we have been treated to and numbed by numerous financial scandals, social scandals and political scandals committed by those supposedly dedicated to leading our citizens through ‘leadership by example’.

“This latest video clip to slander a fellow Malaysian, albeit a Muslim MP, is viewed by our members with great concern and revulsion.” The exposure of the video at this juncture, the council said, has made it the “mother of all moral scandals” perpetrated by titled personalities and so-called leaders.

“Since the involvement of the trio has surfaced, the Malaysian public are once again feted with disgusting material that begs the question, ‘where is all this leading to?’ in spite of the many seasonal national slogans that challenge us to greater heights of achievement and harmony.”

The trio – former Malacca chief minister Rahim Thamby Chik, former honorary Thai consul Shazryl Eskay Abdullah and ex-senator Shuib Lazim – were behind the screening of a 21-minute video to journalists last Wednesday, showing a man having sex with a woman in a hotel room. They claimed that the man in the video is Anwar, but he has denied this and lodged a police report. The police have since called in the trio to record their statement.

‘Disgusting personal agenda’

The statement further said the scandal does not inspire the younger generation to trust in the political process or to observe cultural, religious, social and moral norms. “The violation of basic decency and privacy is abhorrent and despicable not only to the mature adult but more importantly, to the vulnerable and impressionable young in our midst and communities.

“Our consultative council that represents non-Muslims is disheartened and uncomfortable with the whole episode. It does not bode well for the future political and cultural landscape of this multi-cultural and multi-religious nation.

“Malaysia’s image is further tarnished by irresponsible and selfish leaders like those who acknowledged their shameless involvement.” Hence, the council called on the government to take swift and firm action against all those behind the scandal.

“We further urge the government to distance itself from all forms of deceit and cunning and bring the perpetrators of this latest mischief to face the full extent of the law. “Furthermore, the government should employ every means to quell the rising anger, disquiet and dismay over this uncalled-for sordid and despicable attempt, by an unscrupulous few, to achieve their own personal disgusting agenda.”

Pembohongan Besar

Pertama-tamanya kita perlu pastikan YB 110% dari Kulim dikalahkan dan dibenamkan di Shah Alam atau kita harap dia berubah sikap. Kalau dia enggan maka wajarlah dia tanggalkan kopiahnya. Itu saja lambang kemuliaan yang tinggal pada dirinya.

Kenapa kita marah? Ini kerana orang yang membawa berita bohong itu golongan kamu juga - Melayu, Muslim, insan dan saudara. (mafhum ayat daripada surah al nur)

Lagipun "projek" tuduhan palsu, qazaf, zina, salahlaku moral untuk kesekian kalinya ini cuba memperbodohkan rakyat, memperlecehkan orang Melayu, menghina agama Islam serta mengalihkan tumpuan dan keutamaan daripada agenda mengangkat martabat umat. Padahal misi suci umat adalah sepatutnya mengimarah dan mengislah, memanfaatkan dan membahagiakan, pencerahan dan pencerdasan umat manusia bukan menyebar kebejatan dan kegelapan hati dan membenamkan jiwa.

Mungkinkah kejahilan atau kedangkalan ilmu terhadap seerah riwayat hidup Rasulullah s.a.w. menyebabkan umat Islam tertipu dan keliru dalam menentukan pendirian apabila berdepan dengan sesuatu isu berkaitan maruah Islam dan umatnya. Ditambah lagi dengan serangan pemikiran bertubi-tubi yang dilancarkan oleh golongan munafiqin yang menjadi duri dalam daging tanpa disedari.

Seerah (riwayat hidup Rasulullah s.a.w.) mengkisahkan tentang peristiwa dalam perjalanan pulang ke Madinah selepas peperangan dinamakan peristiwa hadith al-ifki yang merupakan ujian terhebat yang pernah menimpa maruah ahlul bait keluarga Rasulullah s.a.w. dan umat Islam dalam sejarah. Semua ini hasil propaganda golongan munafiqin dan juga sebahagian muslimin yang terpedaya dengan hawa nafsu serta tidak berhati-hati menerima sebarang berita yang tidak pasti. Sehinggalah wahyu turun bagi membersihkan nama keluarga Rasulullah s.a.w., menetapkan hukum, menyelamatkan serta membetulkan umat.

Umat Islam ditanya kenapa pada waktu mendengar berita bohong itu, orang-orang mukminin dan mukminat tidak bersangka baik terhadap diri mereka sendiri, dan mengapa tidak berkata : “ Ini adalah suatu berita bohong yang nyata”.

Kemudian kita dapat ransangan pula bahawa dengan tekanan fitnah dan mehnah ini maka kita perlu sedar, bangkit, lawan kejahatan, seru kepada kebaikan, cegah kemungkaran dan kita perlu bangun bersama membetulkan keadaan. Ada asasnya, ada pedoman al Qur'an dan Sunnah bagi menyemarakkan perjuangan untuk keadilan. Kita sebenarnya tidak nampak akan hikmah iaitu Allah swt sahaja Maha Mengetahui - Jangan kamu menyangka bahawa berita bohong itu buruk bagi kamu, bahkan ia adalah baik bagi kamu.

Oleh itu, eloklah kita saling berpesan-pesan kepada saudara mara dekat dan jauh, rakan dan kawan, masyarakat dan umat agar berusaha menjauhi dan mencegah fitnah ini demi kesejahteraan semua. Jika tidak, maka bermula daripada perancang utama, pembesar pembawa cerita, pemberita sampai ke juru gosip, tukang sembang, jurucatat, pembisik-pembisik, pengangguk-pengangguk semua terpalit dosa. Tiap-tiap seorang akan mendapat balasan dari dosa yang dikerjakannya. Dan siapa yang mengambil bahagian yang terbesar dalam penyebaran berita bohong ini, baginya azab yang besar.

Bila diminta untuk dihadapkan semua ini kepada keadilan shariah Islam, semua yang terlibat berpakat menolak dengan serba alasan. Shariahlah sepatutnya menjadi benteng bagi memastikan pelaksanaan keadilan dan menegakkan kebenaran Islam. Mereka yang menolak keadilan sistem shariah, maka jelas adalah pendusta dan pembohong belaka. Mengapa mereka (yang menuduh itu) tidak mendatangkan empat orang saksi atas berita bohong itu? Oleh kerana mereka tidak mendatangkan saksi-saksi,maka mereka itulah di sisi Allah swt orang-orang yang dusta.

Kemudian ada yang masih menganggap tuduhan-tuduhan keji dan liar ini dosa kecil atau remeh sahaja tanpa sedar betapa besar implikasinya. (Ingatlah ) di waktu kamu menerima berita bohong itu dari mulut ke mulut dan kamu katakan apa yang kamu tidak ketahui sedikit juga, dan kamu menganggapnya suatu yang ringan sahaja. Padahal ia di sisi Allah swt adalah besar.

Kita lihat orang-orang yang mulia, tokoh-tokoh agama, orang awam yang celik hati dan pencinta keadilan akan segera menolak fitnah jahat ini kerana keimanan, ketaqwaan dan keinsanan. Dan mengapa kamu tidak berkata, di waktu mendengar berita bohong itu, : “ Sekali-kali tidak wajar bagi kita memperkatakan hal ini. Maha Suci Engkau Ya Tuhan kami, ini adalah dusta yang besar.

Ada pengajaran besar daripada dulu hingga sekarang sampai selamanya peristiwa ini dan sekali lagi kita mesti berserah kepada Allah swt. Allah swt memperingatkan kamu agar (jangan) kembali memperbuat yang seperti itu selama-lamanya, jika kamu orang-orang yang beriman. Dan Allah swt menerangkan ayat-ayatNya kepada kamu. Dan Allah swt Maha Mengetahui lagi Maha Bijaksana.

Ada yang sewewenangnya terlibat dalam konspirasi jahat mungkin merasakan komplot, rangkaian, pengaruh, kuasa dan institusi semuanya dalam tangan boleh dibeli, disogok, dirasuah, dipaksa, dikawal dan ditundukkan tanpa sebarang kebimbangan. Mereka diberi amaran keras. Bagi orang-orang yang ingin agar berita perbuatan yang amat keji itu tersebar bagi mereka azab yang pedih di dunia dan akhirat kerana Allah swt mengetahui sedang kita tidak mengetahui.

Ada yang jahil dan meminta-minta, mendesak supaya bersumpah sampai ada yang merasa bangga dengan laungan lafaz sumpah semata-mata. Hampir-hampir perbuatan ini mencabar takdir seolah-olah menginginkan instant retribution - pembalasan segera. Ada yang sanggup ke masjid tempat ibadah yang suci bagi mengeluarkan kata-kata kesat lafaz sumpah seolah-olah berdabik dada menunjukkan tiada perasaan ketakutan atau rasa bersalah. Padahal terlupa kerana sekiranya bukan kerana kurnia Allah swt dan rahmatNya kepada kita semua, nescaya kita ditimpa azab yang besar.

Peristiwa Hadithat al Ifk boleh di rujuk pada al Qur'an - Surah An Nur dan Hadith-Hadith sahih.

Rujukan baik tentang peristiwa ini, sila lihat http://alhafizah.blogspot.com/2008/10/hadith-ifki-analisa-hukum-dan.html

http://wadahutara.blogspot.com/2013/03/dr-siddiq-fadil-hadithat-al-ifk-fitnah.html

Sandiwara Insan

P Ramlee telah berkata supaya jangan mengguna dadu lebih`tiga kali dalam adegan filem Ali Baba Bujang Lapok. Lebih daripada tiga akan berlaku pecah tembelang. Segala kelentong dan temberang akan terdedah. Begitulah jenaka dan seloroh tentang pembohongan Ali Baba dan perompak jalanan.

Ketiga-tiga dato' yang membikin video lucah di hotel warisan kemegahan penjajah Carcosa Seri Negara semacam tidak sedar petua penipuan Ali Baba dan angkatan penyamun tarbusnya. Maka ketiga-tiga dato' menerima pelbagai kecaman dan hamunan hinggalah ke akhir mereka nanti di langit dan di bumi, melalui pesanan ringkas sampai ke alam maya. Mereka dikutuk sebagai bermoral rendah, paedophile, peniaga korup dan penganjur pertubuhan rasis. Begitulah kebencian orang kepada ahli maksiat dan kebejatan.

Iras dan wajah banyak persamaan ibarat pelanduk dua serupa. Muka si Dato' pun menimbulkan serba satu andaian. Mungkin itulah hikmah shariah mensyaratkan kesaksian empat orang adil bukan kecurian percikan DNA, belitan CCTV atau manipulasi forensik perubatan.

Tidakkah mereka sedar atau ingat bahawa umat Islam tidak akan menerima berita atau keterangan atau saksi daripada orang fasik. Ini ingatan kitab suci al Qur'an. Orang jahat tidak ada tempat di sanubari orang beriman.

Mereka mengaibkan orang dan terlupa tentang perumpamaan seolah-olah mereka memakan daging saudara mereka sendiri. Betapa buruknya perbuatan.

Mereka menghina orang, keluarganya serta masyarakat dan tidak sedar bahawa manusia ada karamah kemuliaan insan. Rasulullah s.a.w. berpesan pada khutbah perpisahannya menyeru umat memelihara darah dan kehormatan sesama insan.

Mereka ingat dosa yang mereka lakukan itu kecil tetapi lupa betapa besarnya ia di sisi Allah s.w.t. serta pasti menerima balasan.

Marilah kita pesan memesan supaya berpegang teguh kepada iman dan ihsan.

Dengan cahaya iman kita tidak akan terpedaya dengan sandiwara insan.

Overkill

What started as a lie is now malignant and a life of its own like cancer devouring innocent people's lives invading minds, thoughts and the homes of the religious, the educated, the simple folk, the family, old and young even children shall not escape being tainted by the evil touch of qazaf and zina.

Trying to kill the political life of an opponent over and over again. That's Malaysia's brand of unique democracy. Clinging desperately to power seems to involve proving culpability through revealing a series of shameful "holes" where light rarely falls. Where truths, law, ethics, science, medicine and forensics are just charades of a dangerous and insane power play. A crescendo of wild accusations in resurrections in the form of a deja vu like humiliating trial, reprising DNA duels, an old political terminator's memoir and now blazing sleazy secret tapes. Where else in the world do we find DNA illegally and stealthily sprinkled onto a dirty mattress which was paraded day in and day out as if it was the prosecution's star witness in the first shameful episode of an unending saga. Tarts are employed and reemployed to add to the sordid incredulity of it all. All because of a persistent fear of losing power. The powers that be seems infatuated with looking over their shoulders wondering when Anwar intends to overtake them to wrest control of Putrajaya. So Putrajaya has to been defended by any means. Any other politician would have been obliterated but no, not Anwar.

Probably these are all they have got left. They have deployed the full array of engineered defections, treachery, spies, trojans, moles and sleepers. The controlled media has gone wild and mad over and over again spewing obscenities and machining character assassinations with scant regard that news have values, purpose and outcomes. It was still deemed not enough. Finally, they had to unleash the actual act of zina (adultery) itself, not satisfied with just illusory accusations or committing qazaf (false accusations of adultery). They had to engage people to make a show to perform such despicable scenes just to convince and influence the public at large for the sake of votes and to stay in power. What started out as a lie has now become malignant and has a life of its own like cancer devouring innocent people's lives invading the minds and the homes of the religious, the educated, the simple folk, the family, old and young even children shall not escape being tainted by the evil touch of qazaf and zina. People may not want to know about it but they shall hear of it, read of it , be informed of something vile that was intended to ruin one politician and his family.

If ever it is fated that Anwar is vanquished in the end, what is left is putrid. It is the end of justice. Lies and falsehood triumphs. Grace and honour are trampled upon. Corruption shall rear its ugly head. The economy is sliding down, our finances are shaky, no one is mending good governance, many people would be made poorer, businesses losing competitiveness, purchasing power is eroded , lower standards of living and hurtful pockets. Read the auditor general's comments on our GLCs' governance and how massive the leakages are.

This regime of corruption has to go. Like the refrain of the revolutionary Arab masses on the streets of Maghreb to Bahrain. As shab, urid, isqatin nizam. " we, the people want the regime to fall".

Being on the wrong side of history

A friend of mine told me that while on the board the flight that was taking Malaysian students safely back from Egypt, officials asked them to prepare thank you notes and posters showering praise on the government for helping them. It seems anything goes for propaganda and cheap political mileage. It shows the shallow state of mind of some of us.

The Malaysian prime minister made some baffling statements concerning Sheikh Yusuf al Qaradawi and the Ikhwan Muslimin - the Muslim Brotherhood. He was said to paint them as extremists. But probably upon realising the implications, the strong reaction and condemnation from many quarters, he made some twists of adjustments. He clarified that he only wanted them to change their ways and reject extremism. This made it even more astounding. People do remember that it was his august office that awarded the prestigious Malaysian Maal Hijrah title in 2009 to Yusuf al Qaradawi in recognition of his outstanding scholarship and contributions in the world today. Malaysian politicians do say and do awful things sometimes.

The PM's mission to Turkey was to probably get endorsements as he desperately wanted to be seen as the the voice and star of Muslim moderation in the world today. People probably believe he got an earful from Turkish PM Erdogan concerning Anwar. Some say that the PM received the same from Qaradawi when he was here.

The prime minister's sudden alarmist interest in the views of al Qaradawi is not surprising if he seems to want to align himself to those of Tony Blair, old Europe, the Neo cons and the Liebermans. His choice of media in Washington seems to be the extremely right wing conservative press like the National Review although he claims to be a moderate Muslim. This sort of appeasement may be acceptable and expedient in the short term but in the end, the world has changed and the right wing agenda shall never have a place anymore in liberated Arab and Muslim minds. Even the US and its allies will have to change to accepting the will and free determination of the people of the Middle East or anywhere else.

The Muslim brotherhood has a long and illustrious history. They were the resistance to colonialism, fighting against imperialism and the Israel project. They raised the dignity of the people and transformed the youth to be principled Muslims and to be upright upholding truth and justice. They rejuvenated and reformed Muslim society. They were put down brutally and suffered decades of severe suppression but kept on going with faithful resilience. They never took up arms against the state no matter what it did to them. They were never greedy for power. They were the voice of moderation and the conscience of the majority. The people were forever with them even through banishment and years of persecution. It is then for the Egyptian people to decide and not for us.

They certainly do not need dubious analysis or misguided advice from a prime minister who is headed for the wrong side of history.

The Terminator's List

Finally, it has come to this.

Anwar's being suspected and investigated of being a terrorist.

Wonder what other accusations would come from such conjurists.

Back in the 70's he was accused of being a Libyan agent, Gaddafi's activist.

Later he was inferred as a follower of Iranian revolutionists.

When he was in Kamunting, he was smeared as a communist.

He has often been called a fire brand Islamic fundamentalist.

While in UMNO, he was said to be a populist.

Now, Malay newspapers harp on as if he is an agent of the Zionists.

Ironically, an extreme right wing Washington tabloid, the New Ledger calls him a militant Muslim extremist.

The worse and most shameful charge, two times over, is of being slandered as a ............ No, not going to mention such expletives.

In politics, he's seen as a liberalist.

Controversially, he is also being criticised as a pluralist.

Feel free to add on to this terminator's list.

Beware of Greeks bearing gifts

The proverb is not intended to offend Greeks in general but refers to the celebrated and infamous cunningness and trickery in the guise of a Trojan Horse. In mythology, a Trojan Horse was left by the departing Greek army who failed in their siege of Troy. Unknown to Troy, inside the giant statue were hidden well armed Greek warriors. This statue was pulled into the centre of the walled fortress city by the victors. These warriors then came out late at night to kill all of the soldiers of Troy who were fast asleep after a night of celebrations. Trojan horses like computer viruses are meant to sabotage and implode the system or the political party from the inside.

Like the legendary Troy, Parti KeAdilan Rakyat is such a formidable political foe that from its beginning it has had its fair share of spies, moles, plants, infiltrators, agen provocateurs, pretenders, opportunists and trojans. The ever welcoming and charming Anwar Ibrahim seems to invite and trusts everyone into the party even into making up the upper echelons of leadership. However there are some in kind who do betray their trust. Latecomers and self promoted liberals like Zaid is the latest in the line of those upon disenchantment with the party who gnaws it with sharpened gnashing teeth and stabs it with steely knives. Others fall out gracefully and keep their honour and respect. There are others who upon leaving lose their sense of sanity to keep on cursing and swearing to the point of being maniacal in an unusual outpouring of hate for the party , their ex-colleagues and estranged comrades.

Then there are also outsiders, one in the form of an ex mufti and self promoted progressive alim who ought to know better. His offering of advice which was apparently seen to be orchestrated from high above was for the de facto leader of PKR to step down. This is politically not plausible but he does not care. He quickly backtracked when faced with severe criticism and the threat of losing his reputation.The ex mufti said the same of Pak Lah when the latter was on his way down. This person has never been consistent but he has a place for ranting pieces in Utusan of all places.

One anecdote has it that when rumours abound of a mass exodus of ulama opting to join UMNO, our youngest son asked his eldest sister about it and its effect. His sister asked if Ustaz Nik Aziz of PAS was one of them. Her brother said no but so and so was mentioned. Her terse reply came, "if he's the one who says this and that is religious innovation then its OK, UMNO can have him!"

Like they say, beware of Greeks bearing gifts.