War cries from ex-Generals

I have been following the retired generals in their ceramah trail all over the country in support of the opposition and was impressed with the reasons and facts they provided for their intention to campaign against the BN. They may be retired generals and advanced in age with over 30 years of experience in the Armed Forces but yet they humbled themselves to come out of the comfort zones to support the opposition to overthrow the BN at the coming 13GE.

 Former generals at forum of national security

 

The five are former deputy army chief Lt-Gen (R) Abdul Ghafir Abdul Hamid, former chief of logistics at headquarters air logistics Brig-Gen (Rtd) Abdul Hadi AlKhatab, former chief of staff logistics Navy fleet headquarters Rear-Admiral (Rtd) Imran Abdul Hamid, former director of the Army Corps of religion Brig-Gen (Rtd) Najmi Ahmad and chief of staff of army, Gen (Rtd) Md Hashim Hussein.

They also help form the People’s Security Advisory Council (MPKR) to advice the Pakatan leadersip on tactical moves related to national security issues and later if Pakatan forms the government to help in charting national defense policies and strategies. The establishment of such council would go a long way to enhance the professionalism in the armed forces and strengthen the national security.  

The decision of five retired generals of our Armed Forces to come forwards and openly support Pakatan comes at a very crucial time when the nation is going to which needs the support of the rural Malays o most important election, the 13GE, called the mother of all elections. Their entry into the Pakatan camp is a great boost for the opposition coalition which needs a bigger support of the rural Malays in order to win Putrajaya. 

The participation of the retired generals is an achievement for opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who should be commended for bringing them together in service to the nation. We hope they succeed in uniting the people especially the rural Malays to support Pakatan for change.

It is very reassuring to hear from the generals that the Malaysian Armed forces will be very professional in handling the elections which allays the fear created by some irresponsible politicians of the possible race riots if there is change of government. It is also reassuring to know that the Armed Forces will stand behind whoever the people choose to rule. These  reassurances from the former top brass in the Armed Forces will allay the fears and encourage the people to go out in full force on voting day to fulfill their duty as voters.

We salute these generals for coming out of their retirement to start a second round of national service.At a time when they should be resting and enjoying the lives with their families and grandchildren, it is indeed very generous of them to come forward to sacrifice their time and energy for the nation at a very important point in its history to help the people to set right the wrong course the nation is being steered.

They do not want to be mere spectators watching the possible history being unfolded on election day but want to be active participants of that history.If Pakatan succeeds in wresting Putrajaya from BN at the 13GE, these generals will go down in history as the five great warriors who were there when the nation needed them most.

Inter-faith peace by a caring community

30 March 2013 Last updated at 09:05 GMT

Christian Church opens doors to Muslims

By Divya Talwar BBC Asian Network

St John's Episcopal Church has opened its doors to Muslims for Friday prayers

On a bitterly cold and snowing afternoon in Aberdeen, the doors of St John's Episcopal Church are open to hundreds of Muslim worshippers, arriving for daily prayers.
The familiar sounds of Christian hymns have been replaced with Islamic prayer in the chapel this Friday lunchtime and the church priest with the imam from the neighbouring mosque.

Muslims from the Syed Shah Mustafa Jame Masjid mosque next door share this church with Christian worshippers up to five times a day.

Church leaders believe this may be the only place in the country where Christian and Muslim worshippers pray side by side.

The rector at St John's has opened his doors to Muslims because there was not enough space for them to pray in their own mosque and many were forced to worship outside on the street.

The Reverend Isaac Poobalan, who grew up in Southern India surrounded by Islam, said he would not have been true to his faith if he did not help his neighbours.

Reverend Isaac Poobalan grew up in Southern India surrounded by Islam

"It was a very cold day, like today, and when I walked past the mosque I saw dozens of male worshippers praying outside, on the streets, right near the church.
''Their hands and feet were bare and you could see their breath in the freezing cold.
''Jesus taught his disciples to love your neighbour as yourself and this is something I cannot just preach to my congregation, I had to put it into practice."
Reverend Poobalan adds: ''I felt very distressed when I saw my neighbours praying out in the cold and I knew I needed to do something to help.''
''I know I cannot solve the world's problems, but when there is a problem I can solve, I will.''

The mosque is next door to the church

Reverend Poobalan asked his congregation for permission to open the church doors to Muslims.
At first, Muslims were reluctant to accept the invite, but they have now settled in well into their new home.
Worshipper Mozhid Sufiyan said: ''We are so grateful to the church for giving us a space for our prayers.

"It was very difficult, especially for the elderly, to pray outside on the floor.
''Father Poobalan has been very kind to us all by inviting us into his church.'
''He has respected all of our beliefs and made us feel comfortable."
There has been some opposition to the arrangement, with Reverend Poobalan facing abuse by online trolls on social networking sites.

The Bishop of Aberdeen said it could be a lesson for the rest of the world

Christians believe Jesus is the son of God, while Muslims regard him as a prophet.
But despite these differences, there does not seem to be any tension in St John's Church, with both faiths having learnt to respect each other.

Peter, a member of the church congregation, said: "Any opposition is from people who do not belong to the church and do not understand the arrangement we have here.
"We do not have any issues with sharing our building.
''My faith says if you see anyone out in the cold, you invite them in, so I don't have any problem with it all."

Muslims and Christian worshippers at St John's Church hope their special relationship could serve as a model for the rest of the country.

The Episcopal Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney, Dr Robert Gillies, said the arrangement at St John's could serve as a lesson for the rest of the world.
''What we are doing here, is something local that has global significance,'' he said.
''We have demonstrated that Christians and Muslims do not have to agree with one another.

''But they can learn to respect each other's different beliefs and actually come to get along and even like one another."


 Comments

A very good article for us in Malaysia where there is so much racial and religious intolerance.Something which we should all reflect and try to adopt such a tolerant attitude towards others.Our actions may be small but they will have far reaching consequences as people will come to know about us.

The people of St.John's church have demonstrated that Christians and Muslims do not have to agree with one another to live in peace.What it needed is an open mind to agree to disagree on our differences.

Let us propagate peace by adopting mutual respect and tolerance for one another by our small acts of love and care in our small environment as that is what every religion teaches.We will never know that we may be igniting the fire of peace that could spread far and wide.

 

"All religions show the right way to God,doesn't matter what name we choose to call Him"

Zaid urges Malays to vote Pakatan for more benefits

 

Zaid urges Malays to vote Pakatan for more benefits

 

9:33AM Apr 6, 2013                                                      Malaysiakini

 

Zaid Ibrahim, the vocal former minister in the Prime Minister's Department, has pleaded to Malay voters to back the opposition in this general election for if Pakatan Rakyat is stronger, they will get even more cash handouts in the event that BN wins.

In his blog posting yesterday, Zaid said Malays formed the largest block of voters and he called on them to give the opposition the opportunity to form the next government.

"A new government will enable you to make a comparison with the one we have now. You have been told time and time again that no one, besides Umno-BN, can govern and protect you.

"But wouldn't it be better for you to try to find out for yourself? How can we know if Pakatan will be worse than Umno if we do not give it a chance?" Zaid asks.

He said it made sense to vote for Pakatan because the opposition coalition has more Malays members than the BN, "and for this they will not harm you".

In fact, he said, money and projects have only been given to the people because the opposition was strong and if the opposition gets stronger in the event that BN wins GE13, the people will still benefit.

"If the opposition had been weak, you wouldn't have got the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M1 and BR1M2). It makes sense to vote for the opposition if you want more from the BN. Learn to value your votes to improve your livelihood," Zaid urged the Malay voters.

He said Umno would use scare tactics by telling the people that Islam would no longer be the official religion and that the Malay rulers would disappear if the opposition won in the coming election.

Zaid advised the voters to ask their children and grandchildren if this was true.

Let PAS be your 'protector'

He said the Malays needed to change their loyalty and instead support PAS as their "protector".

"PAS is a Malay party, just like Umno. The difference is that PAS has never been entrusted to rule the country," he said.

"If the Malays can give Umno 50 years to govern, surely it's not too much to give PAS at least five years. The opportunity for PAS to rule (in the coalition, of course, with PKR and DAP) is a historic moment for the Malays to seize.

"If PAS is not able to govern well, then the people can always go back to Umno. Choice is what the Malays need for their own well-being - for they have not had it in the last 50 years," he exclaimed.

Zaid conceded that it would not be easy to persuade the Malays to go against the present leaders.

The Malays, he added, would be told to be grateful and that BN and the government were one and the same, so that if they wanted more from the government, only the BN leaders could help them.

"Again, I urge you to talk to your children and grandchildren. The monies or salaries that BN leaders give in exchange for votes do not belong to them, but to the people of this country. It's wrong for leaders to bribe you for votes.

"They have not been sincere to you. It's not wrong for you to vote for the leader or party of your choice and still keep the money.

"In fact, if you vote for the opposition, then the BN will have to give you more next year. Either way, you win by supporting the opposition," Zaid enthuses in his blog.

 

 

Zaid is right in urging the Malays in voting Pakatan for a change in govt.After 55 years.Not only Malays but all races should vote for a change.They have nothing to lose but everything to gain as by stopping corruption all will gain.The billions saved from corruption will come back to them in many forms to reduce their financial burdens - free education,cheaper cars,cheaper petrol,less on tolls.etc.Now they are paying heavily for the crony's luxurious lifestyle.

Umno-BN has lost touch with the ordinary citizens,including the Malays and only by giving them leave for1 term they will learn to become more people-oriented again.The 5 years will give time for them to get rid of the existing old horses which have become too comfortable,arrogant and corrupt.They have to be replaced with new blood to start nation building all over again.

 

So dear fellow Malaysians,let us do the right thing come this 13GE.It is a chance of a lifetime to bring change and must not let it elude us.Think very very hard in the last  few weeks left.

Let's vote for change

 

GE13 - Parliament dissolved,let’s do our part now

 The long awaited moment has finally come. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has finally found the courage to dissolve  Parliament. Whether he did that willingly or was forced to do so remains uncertain. Win or lose it looks like the game is over for him.

It is puzzling but encouraging that Najib has promised that there will be a peaceful transition of power should there be a change in government after the 13th general election. Why the need to talk of transition of power at this stage? Is he conceding defeat even before the game has even started?  

However his statement, "We respect democracy, we are committed to our political transformation, we are committed to respect the voice of the rakyat", is very reassuring and gentlemanly. We hope that he will be able to keep his promise and ensure such a peaceful transition if the need arises. That is what the people want and that is what he must fulfill as the outgoing Prime Minister.

The next part of the game is in the hands of the Elections Commission (EC). The EC is duty- bound to ensure a clean, fair and free election which the people at large are doubtful. Despite the many protests from the opposition, NGOs and even the public, the EC has refused to seriously address the discrepancies in the electoral roll. It did not do anything to correct its image as being biased towards the ruling party, with which it has been aligned for so many years. 

For the first time in 55 years, the people feel they have the power to change, that they have the power to make history and it is the first time the leaders fear the judgment of the people. Such a scenario is good for democracy in which the people are the real masters.  It is therefore deeply disheartening and disturbing to know that the people are going to the most crucial 13GE with a EC that is not truly independent to conduct the elections fairly without fear or favour. Will the people’s votes carry the weight as they should? Will their votes truly reflect the final outcome of the elections? These are the doubts in the minds of the people as they prepare to go to the polls.

For the political parties and the politicians who want to contest to be elected as the people’s representatives, it is their duty to strictly adhere to the election rules and adopt the right reasons for choosing to stand for elections. It should not be for power or monetary gains but for service to the rakyat. We hope they adopt a highly professional attitude in their attempt to gain the support of the people and accept whatever verdict given by the people. The people deserve the best candidates; with highest level of integrity, honesty and commitment to serve the rakyat. The political parties must ensure these qualities in their candidates otherwise they risk being rejected by the increasingly wise voters.

For the people this election, called the mother of all elections, is a very important one that must be taken very seriously. The time has come when they must make one of most important decisions in their lives. They must not take it lightly but vote with great care and discern. Each individual may have just one vote but that single vote will go long way to determine the destiny of our nation and our future generation.

For the police and other law enforcement agencies, they must act fairly to ensure peace prevails before, during and after the polls. They must be highly professional in carrying out their duties to safeguard the peace and security of the nation.

For Malaysians it their solemn duty to abide by the laws of the country to avoid untoward incidents. They must not do or say anything that will provoke anger and hate which can lead to violence.   It is an opportunity to show the world our wisdom and maturity as citizens of a democratic nation. Whatever the results of the polls we must accept in a peaceful manner. The world is watching our democratic process in action and we must not let our country down.

For all right-thinking Malaysians who want a better future, GE13 would be the definitive general election to chart the destiny of generations yet to come. The power to change is in our hands. Let’s bring it on. Let us go out in full force to vote to prevent our fate from being decided by all the phantom voters and illegal immigrants who were granted citizenship. Only an extra-ordinarily large turnout can offset the many obstacles on our way to realize our dreams for a united and progressive nation where all citizens can live harmoniously in peace, justice and equality.

My fellow Malaysians, with the use of the power in our votes, we may be creating history at the 13GE. Let’s contribute and participate directly in whatever manner we can in this historic process.

Hunger strike won’t solve Indian woes

 

After 22 days of fasting Hindraf leader Waythamoorthy finally was forced to end  hunger strike after he collapsed and had to be rushed to hospital. The question in everybody’s mind is whether his hunger strike achieve his intended objective. 

I do not think prolonging the hunger strike in general will serve any purpose in our country today. The Indians cannot afford to lose a leader like Waythamoorthy especially at this most critical time of the nation's history when Malaysians are bout to re-write its destiny. Many of the Indians in pathetic states of poverty and socio-economic problems need to be assisted to stand on their own feet as they are debilitated after years of marginalization and neglect by BN and MIC.

Not many of us may agree with the ways of Waythamoorthy and his Hindraf to represent the Indians but we still need their services and their participation in national politics especially in Pakatan. They have the much knowledge and experience of the Indian problems which may be invaluable in the formulation of long-term policies to uplift the Indian community.

I am sure all well-meaning Malaysians of all races would join me in urging Waythamoorthy to stop his hunger strike and get back on his feet to continue his struggles peacefully with Pakatan leaders who offer the only hope for the Indian community after 55 years of miserable failure. The Indian community needs the services of all right thinking citizens of Indian origin including, Waythamoorty in their struggle to improve their well being and that of the country.

Kudos to the retired generals who come marching in

The establishment of the People’s Security Advisory Council (MPKR) by Pakatan Rakyat headed by former army chief Hashim Hussein is indeed a positive move in strengthening the national security of the nation. The role of the council to advice the Pakatan leadersip on tactical moves related to national security issues and help in charting national defense policies and strategies would go a long way to enhance the professionalism in the armed forces. 

The decision of five retired generals of our Armed Forces to come forwards and openly support Pakatan comes at a very crucial time and a great boost for the opposition coalition just before the general elections. It is an achievement for opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who should be commended for bring then together in service to the nation.

We salute these generals for coming out their comfort zones and begin another term of national service. At a time when they should be resting and enjoying the lives with their families and grandchildren, it is indeed very generous of them to come forward to sacrifice their time and energy for the nation at  a very important point in its history - to set right the wrong course it is being steered.

If Pakatan succeeds in wresting Putrajaya from BN at the 13GE,these generals will go down in history as the five great warriors who were there when the nation needed them most.

Opposition to Penang's traffic plans

  http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/224533

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Lately CM Lin Guan Eng has met with strong opposition from groups to the Penang state government's traffic decongestion projects of three highways and one under-seabed tunnel. The CM took great pains to reply in detail to CAP and others against his plans which is indeed a honorable act and we commend him for that. We also commend him for having numerous public forums on the issue  which shows he values and cares for public opinion which is badly lacking in our political system today.

I agree we need a well-planned and comprehensive public transport system for Penang to decongest the traffic situation especially on the island. The plan by the state government is a massive one involving 3 highways and a under-sea tunnel   costs  could go into much more later in the course of the construction. Land in Penang is very limited and precious and we must leave enough of it for the future generations. Today much of the land has been taken up by unnecessary and redundant structures built earlier that have now become neglected and an eye-sore.  

CAP and others who are against the mega projects for now are also equally interested in the well being of the state and its future. Yes, facts are sacred and must be preserved at all costs but opinion including dissenting ones although may be free but are most precious as they come from only those who are concerned and committed to improve what we already have.

While we all agree that we need a proper and well-thought of traffic plan but we are extremely anxious over the use of precious state land that are to valuable to be wasted on projects that will later become redundant in the near future.

The big question here is whether we are ready yet for such a mega projects all in one go? Don’t we have more pressing issues to attend to now? Shouldn't we be preoccupied with setting up of better system of governance, to improve the system that has become too rotten and put into effect practices that will change the mindset of Malaysians to think as Malaysians first?