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.

In the time of fitnah

In September 1998, when my daughter was only 12 years old, she helped me to translate from Malay to English, Professor Yusuf Qaradawi's fatwa or edict on the slander or qazaf befalling Anwar Ibrahim. When we came to the verses of the Qur'an's surah al hujurat, she read the translation concerning a slanderous person being compared to eating his own brother's flesh, she said "yurrgh". We were deeply moved and engrossed in Qaradawi's views which clearly spelt out Islam's abhorrence of slander and false accusations (qazaf), the upholding of honour, truth and justice , brotherhood and protecting the dignity of mankind.

Our translation was sent out in those days to abimlink and other mailing lists, and later it turned out that the PAS newspaper Harakah published it in full in its English section albeit without any form of acknowledgement. We were both surprised but contented. We felt that we had done our part.

Back then, when the masses were up in huge protests, the voices of official religious authorities were quite muted. So there were no local fatwas on such shameful, heinous and humiliating accusations being spouted and splashed daily by an insane and diabolical media onslaught which damaged the Muslim psyche in particular and challenged the clear position of the Islamic principles and shariah concerning testimony, morality, dignity and slander. Although pronouncements were made by many local scholars but the authoritative figures remained hushed. If there were private gestures, these efforts were not enough to bring back justice and righteousness to the fore as principles and values to uphold. It showed Malays and Muslims in reprehensible bad light.

So it came to pass, the second qazaf surfaced exactly 10 years on. Again, apparently it was all quiet on the part of the religious authorities. Instead, muftis were engaged on the issue of the taking of oaths or arbitration by swearing upon the holy book, the Qur'an. The real issue was fear of coming out in the open for a cause. The cause should have been the consensus for the accusations (qazaf) to be tried in the shariah court. It could have been nipped in the bud if those in authority had spoken out but it seems that ma'siat and fasad kept reigning their ugly heads.

Ma'siat was an unfortunate term used when the shariah court dismissed Anwar's attempt to seek justice through the shariah system in Wilayah Persekutuan. Professor Qaradawi had in his latest fatwa, specifically pronounced that the accusations against Anwar be tried under the shariah laws but to no avail.

Recently, two newly self declared UMNO young alims with salafi tendencies, succeeded in constitutionally challenging the Negri Sembilan Islamic enactment by going to the secular apex federal court. Self proclaimed salafis had sought secular judgements to overturn religious authority rulings. With friends and brothers like these, why fear the liberals, some may say.

When sports gambling was about to be legalized after being privatized, which does say a lot about Malaysia's governance, people were restive, leading it up to be one of the most unpopular government proposals of the decade. Religious authorities were restless but remained private or maybe preferring back-channels which were probably meant to save the government's appalling face. State governments which opposed the move became practical administrative stumbling blocks. Malaysian public anger and a loss of political nerve had prevented a major vice being promoted legally.

The latest clash of opinions among religious authorities concerning a popular and lucrative motivational training program shows a lack of consensus building, articulative difficulties and may yet become a major test or fitnah upon those entrusted with authority.

My son still asks about the position of scholars vis a vis current controversial issues and the answer is still the same. We respect them for their knowledge and their authority. We look up to them for guidance and we hope that they exercise their authoritative position to uphold the religion, defend truth and justice. We pray that they do all these with integrity and without fear or favour.

Gaza Freedom Flotilla Protestors take to the streets in KL

My wife's former student who is a medical houseman rang up on Friday afternoon. He sounded so excited. He called from Kampong Baru mosque in Kuala Lumpur after Friday prayers. He said Anwar Ibrahim is in the middle of a rousing speech. Anwar's spirited speech almost swept him away. He said that thousands are joining the protests.

Anwar Ibrahim has once again taken to the streets. This time it is for the cause of the Palestinians. He led the crowd to protest the recent Israeli piracy and brutal murder of humanitarian aid activists of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla. For a person who is about to be thrown out of Parliament and worse still on the verge of being imprisoned once again over malicious and humiliating charges, he shows no restrain.

The opposition party Pakatan Rakyat and other NGO's organised and led 10,000 protestors to take to the US embassy. Anwar was allowed in with other leaders to deliver the protest memorandum. This was obviously omitted and blacked out by mainstream TV and media. Instead, much was mentioned of a smaller protest at the national mosque led by UMNO Youth, Perkasa, 4B and PPIM which could only pull 200 protestors.

Anwar Ibrahim was persistently accused by UMNO of being a Zionist agent until he turned the tables on them by revealing the depth and extent of the Israeli connected APCO role in BN's government. This even caused ripples in the American Jewish organisations who labelled him anti-Semitic, their usual ploy. When asked, Anwar said that he was not being racist, he firmly believes in engagement with all sides but he could never compromise on issues of sovereignty and national security.

Malaysia has to get this one right. In trying to appease the US, Malaysia should not compromise its independence and principles in its policies either in terms of the situation in Iran, Afghanistan or Palestine.

The Ghosts of Tak Bai

Had breakfast in the morning at a small restaurant run by an old friend. During a conversation, he brought out today's news which showed Bangkok on fire. He said what they did to Tak Bai has come to their own backyard. Come to think of it, it seems to be true. The ghosts of Tak Bai have come to haunt Thailand.

Thai soldiers are shooting and killing their own citizens in the very exotic streets of Bangkok. The apparent calm, festival like protest atmosphere and the easy going bloodless demonstrations and protests by colours have been shattered.

Now, bloodletting is open season, being spilled in the alleys and corners of the Ratchaprarop area. Ratchaprarop is a mostly commercial area with high-rise buildings, hotels, and shops. It was the scene of some of the worst fighting Friday night between troops and Red Shirt anti-government protesters. In several rounds of violence since March, a total 43 people have been killed and at least 1,620 wounded, according to a government toll that includes the most recent clashes. The Thai army has designated the area in central Bangkok as a "live firing zone" in a warning to protesters and local residents.

What happened in Tak Bai?

The Tak Bai incident is an event that occurred on October 25, 2004 in Tak Bai, Southern Thailand, which resulted in at least 85 deaths.. A demonstration of 3,000 people was organized to demand the release six local men who were arrested. The protests were out of a genuine concern because so many Muslims went missing or were tortured upon arrest by Thai security forces. The police called in army reinforcements. Thai security forces used tear gas and gunfire to break up the demonstrations. Hundreds of local people, mostly young men, were arrested. They had their shirts taken off, bound with their hands tied behind their backs, and made to lie face down on the ground. Video footage shows soldiers kicking and beating those already bound and helplessly lying on the ground.

Later that afternoon, those arrested were thrown by soldiers into trucks to be taken to an army camp in the next province of Pattani. The prisoners were stacked five or six deep in the trucks, and by the time the trucks reached their destination three hours later, many had suffocated to death. Reports claim that 7 died as a result of gunshot wounds. The rest are believed to have died either from suffocation or beatings. This incident sparked widespread protests across Thailand. VCDs were made by Muslim groups showing footage of the events. The Thai government responded instead by trying to suppress information, denying any wrongdoing and blatantly refusing to conduct any investigations. For the Muslims in the southern provinces, it was the same old story of centuries' long oppression. Muslim imams, scholars, human rights activists and lawyers representing them often go missing never to be found again.

If we speak to Pattani businessmen and those migrants peddling their goods and wares, they would mention in whispers as if afraid of being overheard. They would tell us of the risks every time any of them were to go out into the estates, the orchards or the jungle to tap rubber, to pick fruits or other means to make their living. They risk being maimed or be shot on sight by unknown assailants, a common happening in the restless south. Amnesty International has renewed calls to the authorities to independently investigate many allegations of the excessive use of force in suppressing violent unrest in the country’s four southernmost provinces, and to prosecute suspected perpetrators. This includes events of 28 April 2004, when over one hundred suspected persons and the fatal storming of a mosque, Masjid Krisek.

Thaksin came to power to make matters worse by refusing to make peace and instead extended his reign of extra judicial killings and black assassination thugs. Shortly after the Tai Bai incident, PM Thaksin Shinawatra's first response defended the army's actions and said the Muslim men died "because they were already weak from fasting during the month of Ramadan." Such callous, unbecoming and insulting statements from a national leader. No wonder then that he flagrantly sold the nation's assets which led to his demise and political downfall, only to attempt a return with more mayhem through his sponsored red shirt protesters. Thaksin has since been convicted of corruption but that has not dampened his scheming ambitions of a political comeback.

As of January 1, 2006, no members of the security forces responsible were brought to justice for the Tak Bai massacre. After replacing Thaksin in a bloodless coup, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont gave a formal apology for the incident on 2 November 2006 but this is not enough because there is still no justice and thus far no one has been prosecuted. There is still no peace and justice for the south.

Bangkok continues to burn.