They Are Ill, Hungry And Thirsty

On The Day Of Resurrection:

"Son of Adam, I fell ill and you did not visit ME."
"Ya ALLAH, how shall I visit YOU when YOU are RABBUL 'Aalamiin, LORD of the worlds?"

"Did you not know that My servant so-and-so had fallen ill? 

Why didn't you visited him not? 

If you did, You would have found ME with him." 

"Son of Adam, I asked you for food and you did not feed ME."

"Ya ALLAH, how shall I feed You when You are RABBUL 'Aalamiin, LORD of the worlds?"

"Did you not know that My servant so-and-so asked you for food? 

Why didn't you feed him? 

If you did, you would surely have found the reward for doing so with ME." 

"Son of Adam, I asked you to give ME a drink and you did not give ME." 

"Ya ALLAH, how shall I give a drink when You are RABBUL 'Aalamiin, LORD of the worlds?"

"My servant so-and-so asked you to give him a drink and you did not give him a drink. 

If you did, you would have surely found ME." 

- Hadith Qudsi. 

The Wise Man's Donkey

A farmer took some grains to grind at the mill.
After grinding, he loaded the heavy grains on his donkey and started his journey home.

Nearing his best friend's house, a wise man, the donkey began limping and dropped to the ground.
The farmer knocked on the wise man's door, asking the wise man to loan him his (wise man) donkey, for it to carry his load for the rest of the journey.

The wise man treated his donkey well.
He made a promise to the animal, never to mistreat it.
So he told the farmer that he did not have any donkey.

As soon as it was said, the animal's bray was heard.
The farmer overheard the braying, and insisted on borrowing the wise man's donkey.

The wise man was angry, and scolded his good friend.
"Don't you know that donkey is the most stupid animal on earth?
Everybody knows I am a wise man. They listen to me.
We have been friends for fifty years, but you don't listen to me.
You listen to the donkey."

Another Vehicle Was Stolen

I am always grateful that everyday, around 1 to 2pm, there is always a Balai Polis Bergerak, sort of mobile police post, passing by my house.
The policemen on wheels usually make their rounds, around the neighbourhood, while most people are indoors having their lunch, or taking their afternoon nap.

The owner of the provision shop in front of my house was twice robbed of their earnings.
The second time, his hand was severed, almost totally chopped off by the robbers.
Since then, the shophouse was always grilled.

A 24-hour restaurant at the corner of the street was also robbed.
Although the sign 'Restoran Kassim' is still displayed, it has since shifted its business to a nearby shophouse along a busy road.

My children had their motorcycles being stolen too, but not at home.

My son had his bike stolen at the parking lot of Giant Plentong.
Earlier on, when he was still studying, his bike was stolen in the gated compound of his friend's house in Shah Alam, in the month of Ramadhan.
Someone, using machinery, lifted it out of the compound during sahur time.

My daughter then sent her motorcycle to his brother, as he needed it more than her.
She had once had her bike stolen too, while parking at the U surau where she is still studying today.

****** 

This evening around 6.30, while I was transfering a plant to a bigger pot, a worried looking man was seen frantically running up and down the road.
With a flimsy paper, like a delivery invoice or quotation, in his hand, I assumed he was looking for the right address.
I kept seeing him walking neither here nor there, but at the extreme opposite side of the road where I was.

When it was 7, about time that I retreated, he suddenly walked in front of me.
He knew I was observing him all these while.

"Lori saya kena curi." 
Then he hurriedly ran and walked away.

His lorry was stolen.
All I can say to myself, pity that deliveryman and lorry driver, for wanting to earn an honest living...                 

Wasn't It 'Abdullah Al-Mubarak During The Haj?

Turkish descendent 'Abdullah bin Al-Mubarak, born 118 years after hijrah, was entering Kufa in Iraq.

On his way to Makkatul Mukarramah to perform his haj, he saw an old woman sitting on a rubbish-heap plucking a duck.
It occurred to him that it was indeed a carrion, dead and rotting, not fit for her consumption.
He stopped his mule, and asked the woman if the duck is slaughtered or already dead.

When she answered the latter,
he asked, 'then why are you plucking it?'
'So that my family and I can eat it,' was her reply.

'Abdullah Al-Mubarak told her that ALLAH Subhaanahu Wa Ta'aala forbid carrion consumption in a country of abundance.
The woman kept chasing and shooing him away, for being a busybody .

After a long exchange of words, he asked the whereabout of her house.
He then left the spot, and rented a proper lodging for him to stay.

At the rented lodging, he then approached a man.
He offered the man some monetary reward if the man accompanied him to the address given by the woman that he had earlier met.

Once reaching the place, 'Abdullah Al-Mubarak requested the man to knock at the door with a stick that he had.
The woman asked who was at the door.
When 'Abdullah asked her to open the door, she partially opened it.
He insisted that she opened it wide, all the way.

He got off his mule and hit it with the stick that he had.
The mule went into the house.
Then he said to the woman that the mule with all the provision on it, money and clothes are all hers.
For this world and the Next.

'Abdullah Al-Mubarak stayed behind.
He did not proceed to Makkatul Mukarramah, until the haj season ended.
He returned home when all pilgrims had returned after performing their haj.

****** 

Some of his country folks went to greet him.
They congratulated him for accomplishing his haj.

He told them that he was down with illness and did not go on haj.
But one of them said,
"Subhaanallaah!
Did I not leave my goods with you, while we were at Mina on our way to 'Arafah?"

Another person said the same thing.
He turned to them saying, he did not know what they were saying.
Once again, for himself, he did not go on haj that year.

*** 'Abdullah Al-Mubarak dreamt that someone was telling him,
''Abdullah, rejoice! for ALLAH has accepted your sodaqah.
HE sent an Angel in your form, performing the haj for you.'"

Chasing The Truth

 
Chasing the truth: Anti-graft activists (left to right) Ronald Rofiandri, Apung Widadi and Roy Salam present their findings on irregularities at several House of Representatives’ renovation projects during a press conference at the Indonesian Corruption Watch office in Jakarta on Sunday. (JP/ Jerry Adiguna) 

Source: The Jakarta Post - Sunday January 15, 2012

Placenta, Anyone?

As appeared in Saturday's Star,

the above 35-year old accounts manager Mandy Chong, from Petaling Jaya, had in May last year, paid RM8,180 for four injections.
An assistant administered the injections, not a doctor, on her buttocks with what the beauty centre she went to, claimed to be sheep placenta from New Zealand.
The beauty centre spoke highly of the product during her treatment.

But when the injected area started swelling, she could not bear the pain.
She then went to a specialist hospital and discovered they had actually injected silicone.
She had to spend over RM15,000, double the amount she paid the beauty centre, to rectify the damage caused by the beauty procedure.

Since October last year, she had made six attempts to contact the beauty centre for a refund but was ignored.
She had been unable to work for over a month after the operation, as she is still suffering from pain.
She fears further side effects as doctors said the silicone has entered her bloodstream and there may be long-term effects.

In response, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, in cautioning the public against going for such treatments.
He said, the ministry’s National Phar­maceutical Control Bureau had not approved the use of any injectable placenta products.
As of now, only 31 oral health supplement products that contain placenta, 3 from deer and 28 from sheep, are registered with the bureau.
None of them are injectable.

******

It is known that not too long ago, the rich used to go to Switzerland to have US$20,000 placenta injections.

Placenta, found in the inside layer of the womb, helps foetus get its food.
Because of its nutritious qualities, placenta is hailed as an excellent skin healer, stimulating cell renewal function in the body.
Cell replenishment function helps to slow down the human aging process.
The once every two years injection in Switzerland, is known to have dramatic effect, in maintaining anti-ageing benefits and enhancing quality of life.

When used for skin care products, pig and human placenta are biologically similar to the human skin.
Studies had shown that the use of human and pig placenta extracts benefit the users.
But issues have been raised where Muslim consumers are concerned.
For them, it is sheep placenta, or more commonly known as ovine placenta.

Placenta usage strictly for the rich?
It used to be.
But today, the usage are for people of all ages and races.
There are plenty of placenta-based natural skin care products, from wrinkle creams and facemasks.
Users claimed it produce wonders for the skin.

******

Can the placenta be eaten? No? Yes?

Once, a father, after visiting his wife in hospital, brought home his baby's placenta meant to wash and bury it. Local culture greatly believe that the placenta needs proper burial.
But, his grown up daughter thought her father had bought organ of an animal.
Without giving much thought to it, she boiled, fry and cook for the family.
When the father asked where she bought the meat from, only then they realised they were eating the baby's 'friend'.

In April 2006, 43-year-old Tom Cruise told a magazine that he was going to eat his baby (Suri)'s placenta. 27-year old Katie Holmes was about to deliver their baby anytime.

In 1998, chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall fried a placenta with shallots and garlic.
He served it to the baby’s parents, along with other 20 guests.

During my earlier days in JB, a sister admitted that whenever she delivered her babies, their placentas would be buried.
But their umbical cords were cooked together with porridge, for their (at least ten) children's meal.
No rivalry, she said.
But as I see it now, after the mother had passed away, all of them are no different from other children who did not consume umbical cords of their siblings.

Of Clay And Polong

I had, on many occasions, told Tina*, to 'berbakti pada tanah', do some good to the earth that we step on everyday. 

'Macamana?' she asked, 

'Macam tanam pokok, cabut rumput, sapu, bersihkan halaman rumah.'

'Kenapa?' she was curious at my suggestion.

'Kita ada interaction dan buat baik pada makhluk TUHAN yang tak pernah buat dosa, dia do'akan kita. 
Makhluk yang tidak ada dosa, do'anya cepat makbul.'

******

My curiosity with the soil arose when I was in Bantul, Indonesia, after an earthquake.
After the sun had set, some traumatic old man and woman, barefooted, would climb up higher ground to spend their nights, sleeping among the graves.

Their close interaction with mother nature, walking barefooted, pricked the inside of me.
No wonder all of them are slim, no one store excess body fat in their bodies, unlike my civil servant relatives, whose sandals and slippers kind of creating that 'modern looking societies' - excesses in the body.

Mother earth will extract the 'unwanted' and toxin trapped in us.
That's the reason why in religion, we are needed to use clay, 'tanah liat', when in contact with 'najis mughallazah'.

Many written articles I've came across, about those cancer suffers who has had their miracle cure, when they  spend their time doing gardening, sitting or lying on open fields...

******

Last Christmas, Tina's family was out.
Her mother brought her sister's family from Perak, picnicing  at Desaru.

Tina called, asking me to accompany her.
She was being followed by polong the night before.

To entertain that family from Perak, they all went to Danga Bay for dinner.
Her uncle was smoking his cigarette.
Somehow, a stray polong, disowned by its owner, followed the trail of the cigarette smoke.

It aimed Tina amongst all, in her uncle's company.
Since many of the creature's friends are in Tina's body, the weakest among all, it followed her home.

Polong owned by someone, is said to be fed with blood.
But the strayed ones, I'm not sure.

Tina was possessed at 1am, and was sent to seek for a cure at that wee hour.
I've been blogging a lot about Tina, sincerely not to shame her, but to share the first time experience of being in an entirely different world.
Things happened are all an eye opener for me, realising the vastness of GOD's creation.
The realisation in me, being handicapped, with almost nil knowledge of HIS, makes the need in me more, to study more of his other beings.

******

The healer took some clay and rub on Tina, who was still under possession.
She scolded him, saying she's made of fire, and nothing will make her compromising herself with the dirty soil.

When the real Tina came around, she was asked to 'mandi selut', cover herself with clay, or any clean earth, it does not matter.

The topic of 'berbakti pada tanah', doing good to the earth we step everyday, now make sense to Tina.
But whenever she was covered with soil, there is an usual great resistance from the inside of her, always fighting with her inner self, often she found herself grasping to breathe.

Praying for the day when all those unseen beings will go away.    

And We have certainly created you, [O Mankind], 

and given you [human] form. 

Then We said to the angels, 

"Prostrate to Adam"; 

so they prostrated, 

except for Iblees. 

He was not of those who prostrated. 

[ Allah ] said, 

"What prevented you from prostrating when I commanded you?" 

[Satan] said, 

"I am better than him. 

You created me from fire and created him from clay." 

- Al-A'raf: 11 - 12

Snake No More

There is a TNB's transformer room - Bilik Jana Kuasa - sprawled behind my kitchen.

In front of it, is a big ketapang, catappa, or almond tree.
Under that shady tree, it used to be a dumping ground - A real eye sore.

Few weeks before last year's Ramadhan, several men erected a new fencing around the transformer room. They gave the room a new coat of paint.
They needed water supply for their work, and got it from my place.

I seek their permission, and took that opportunity to clear the dumping ground under the ketapang tree.
I planted several tapioca plants and placed potted roselle around the tree.
Neighbours and public had been told, they are free to pluck the tapioca leaves,

and the roselle flowers.
The plants are all meant for everybody's use.

****** 

Laila*, whose father's restaurant is facing the tree, came to me, asking why I took the effort to clear the dumping ground around the tree.
A real eye sore, my answer.

"Don't you know, it's the house of a very big snake?" She asked.
"Is it?" I wasn't aware of it.

She said, that shady tree was once naked, without even a single leaf.
Mysterious wind kept blowing all of the leaves, into her father's restaurant - Not any of her neighbours shops and offices.

The mystery began to unfold when one day, Laila saw a very big snake.
It twirled its long body, round and round the tree trunk, from the ground, to the topmost of it.

The hissing snake kept blowing all the leaves into one direction - The restaurant.                               

That Flesh Eater, Now Dead

There is an empty house behind Tina*'s in-law's house.
She 'saw', beyond description (she said), a horrible looking woman.
With long messy hair, she was sitting at the edge of the roof, with let loose and swinging legs, while enjoying eating a foetus deliciously.
Blood was all over her hands and mouth.
While describing that, Tina suddenly vomited, 'seeing' the eerie scenario while she was under therapy.

Ustaz then recited some verses, to which she said, the woman's long messy hair all stood up straight.
It's body swayed a little.
Tina thought it was going to fall from the roof top.

But no.
It flew away to a nearby cluster of bamboo trees.
Under that bamboo trees, villagers used to bury or discard their 'unwanted' belongings.

Once reaching the bamboo trees, the horrible looking woman perched on the tree top.
This time, it ate the carcass of a dead bird.
Tina vomited again, 'watching' the never seen before sight.

****** 

Once reaching Tina's in-law's house, she stood at the doorway, watching what Ustaz was going to do.
As usual, he threw generous amount of salt all around it.

Tina's legs went soft, aching all over.
She fainted again and again...                    

Acknowledgement From The Grave

We gathered at my eldest sister's place for breakfast last Saturday, 31st December, 2011.
My daughter, her husband and their 10-month baby, flew in from Subang, that very morning to join in the birthday celebration of her cousin.
After zohor, they were sent to the airport to catch their 3pm flight home.

All those while, my brother-in-law did not get out from his bed, even when his and my siblings with their families, gathered together at his house.
He had been on the bed for the past few days.

"Lain kali, bawak pergi hospital," 
my auntie sound my eldest sister.

"Tak pe, dah tak de lain kali lagi."
I told my auntie.

The next morning, 1st January, 2012, Nora*, who is with my mother, called to say my brother-in-law had passed away at 8am.

My brother-in-law, who has only a son, loves my daughter as his own.
He himself, would stock the fridge with my daughter's favourite food, whenever she's in Singapore.
He was a very proud parent on my daughter's wedding day, as it was celebrated at his house too, beside Johor Bahru and Putra Jaya.

******

When my sister, my daughter and I attended a wedding in Shah Alam around 3 years ago, it was during that time that we knew, my sister's late principle's grandson is attending UM as my daughter.
My sister knew her late principle's family well.

Then as fate want it to be, although both are still students until now, wedding preparation was made for them within a short time frame.
My son-in-law is about to complete his Master, and my daughter, by pass it, is now doing her PhD.

For these, I am forever thankful to my daughter's parents-in-law.
They support them in persuing their studies.

The mother, a professor at a local U, renders her full support for their goals.
She had underwent that family live living oversea as student.
So, she understands well, how both of them are living their lives now.

They were in Singapore again the next day, 1st January, 2012, when they heard about my brother-in-law.

******

My eldest sister called last Thursday.
She said, she was still on her 'sajadah', when the late Ustaz Taha ( here and here ) appeared, offering her gift.

She asked him what it was, to which he said,  
"Kan saya baru dapat cucu." 

He just has had a grandchild. 

Yes, my daughter is his grandchild-in-law.
Her grandmother-in-law is Ustaz's sister, the late Ustazah Sa'adah Suhaimi.

Al-Faatihah.

*** Marriage Consent From The The Grave here

The Not-So-Real Asatizah At Work

"Kenapa ustazah tak tunjuk saya rumah kosong ni dari awal?" 
I kept my silence to his question.

Ustaz was upset that the empty house, with rubbish strewn all around, is the dwelling place of many unseen beings.
"Mari masuk sini, ustazah. 
Saya tunjuk mana tempat dia duduk."

The sun had settle down.
It was already dark, so I did not go beyond the front door with a big basin of salt in my hands.

"Tina pengsan lagi."
Tina's mother came to tell the condition of her frequent fainting daughter.
She lugged along another big bundle of salt.

After Ustaz did his work at the common big dumping bin placed not far from the entry into the house,
"Ada lagi satu rumah kosong sebelah dengan dapur."

Hearing that, he looked at the reduced salt supply and said, let the father do the same thing to that house.

******

I had told Ustaz many times, I am no ustazah.
Just a family friend who sees and shows support when another family being tested.
I feel out of place to be called ustazah, but he insisted calling me so.

******

I had, on many occasions, watching Tina being 'ruqyah' by Ustaz.
Although Al-Qur'an is in his heart, I was needed to check on his recitation.
He recited not from quotes of verses from the Qur'an, but the whole Surah, even if it is the 286 verses of the Al-Baqarah at one go.

His speed?
Faster than movement of my eyes to check the prints on the Qur'an.

******

Yasin used to be my daily Surah before I proceed to continue my reading during my free days.
Ustaz told me to continue Yasin with the first page of the next chapter, As-Saffaat.
When I asked him why, he said, just do as I told you.
If you ask again, I'll add more to your reading.
I stopped there and then.

****** 

I was supposed to follow Tina's family travelling northwards, back to their hometown, on the third week of December.
Ustaz wants Tina to lead a normal life once again.
She will pinpoint places where she often saw during her 'ruqyah' session.

Since my daughter was in Singapore and there were many weddings, I went downwards instead.

****** 

In Penang, Ustaz needed someone to check on his recitation.

Ustaz is not a real Ustaz.
I just called him so, as he has, and is imparting knowledge to me.
Whoever I get his or her knowledge from, they are my Teachers.
For that, I am forever grateful.
Al-Faatihah to these people after my prayers.

He did not attend any formal education institution, as I was told.
It is just that, he feels compelled to assist others in need.
He has been doing so for the past 60 years, just like his ancestors from Hadramaut, in Yemen.
It is in his blood.
He often check on Tina whenever he passed by Johor Bahru on his way to Singapore.

****** 

As he put it, others looked down on him, upon knowing of his educational background.
He was advised to be extra careful with his recitation and tajwid.
He said, about 5 or 6 'hafiz' who had studied in 'pondok' in Kedah was invited to witness what this Arab will be doing and reciting.

When the 'ruqyah' session started, these 'hafiz' took him lightly, because of his educational background, compared to them.
He is just another outsider trying to outwit Tina's family and those around him.

But when he continuously reciting one Surah after another at lightning speed, people began to come forward, volunteering to be scanned too...

Few days after he returned to Batu Pahat, I called him.
He was still without voice.
Too many 'ruqyahing' those in Penang.                                                

Working Holiday In New Zealand

The couple in their 20s, are both medical students.
The wife is presently attached with one of the government's hospital in KL.

An independent only child who hailed from Kedah, the husband, after his secondary education, went to Italy to work for few years.
He took the opportunity to backpack and travelled all over Europe.
When he felt he managed to put aside enough fund for his parents and his education, he returned to Malaysia  furthering his education.
He is focused to become a specialist in heart surgery.

Now married, he had given a hard thought.
He decided to take leave from his study to finance and to let his wife finish with her study.
He will then continue where he had left.

The first time the couple spent their night at my place was during the recent Ramadhan.
They then went to New Zealand Immigration Office the next day at Ngee Ann City, only to be told that no more 2010's quota left for working holiday. 
The husband wants to make enough $ for their parents and educations.

He wasted no time, this time around.
They were at Takashimaya yesterday, when visa application was available a day earlier.

They returned to my place with great relief, thanking GOD, things went smoothly.
He will be in NewZealand, InsyaALLAH, in February.

He is no son nor relative of mine, just another person HE sent to me.

Those interested, here's the link:
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/workingholiday/malaysiaworkingholidayscheme.htm.

Good Luck.     

The Salt, Clorox, And A Ball Of Fire

It had been 2 months since I last visited this space.
I had not been going on silent mode though.
In fact, still full gear, but in another space, most of the time.

Few nights ago, at around 10pm, I spotted a big ball of fire flying across the night sky in Pelantik area, in Majidee.
My husband said it is a low flying aeroplane.
But with that flaming red-orange fire around it?

Despite his claim, he stopped at the roadside.
We both gazed up, witnessing the ball of fire flying southwards.
I recited Aayatul Kursi and kept repeating the last verse.
The size of the ball of fire was reduced considerably before it finally vanished.
We then headed home.

It was the first time I witnessed such incident.
I wonder what the ball of fire is, really???

******

Earlier, Ustaz was showing me what the toilets, the left and right empty houses, and garbage bins had to do with Tina*.
She kept fainting whenever Ustaz threw generous amount of salt and poured clorox to these areas.

After Tina* was her usual self again, Ustaz then asked me to recite any Surahs from the Qur'an for her.
I chose Ar-Rahman as I placed my right palm on her head.
Goodness, no adverse reaction from her.
The salt and clorox had helped to improve her condition tremendously.
Otherwise, her breathing, her facial reaction... She was not herself...

Before we left Tina*'s house, Ustaz asked me to read out aloud the translation of Surah Al-Jinn to about the ten of us.
Is the Surah really has to do with the ball of fire?

72.1: Say, [O Muhammad], 

"It has been revealed to me that 

a group of the jinn listened and said, 

'Indeed, we have heard an amazing Qur'an. 

72.2: It guides to the right course, 

and we have believed in it. 

And we will never associate with our Lord anyone. 

72.3: And [it teaches] that exalted is the nobleness of our Lord; 

He has not taken a wife or a son  

72.4: And that our foolish one has been saying about Allah 

an excessive transgression. 

72.5: And we had thought that mankind and the jinn 

would never speak about Allah a lie. 

72.6: And there were men from mankind 

who sought refuge in men from the jinn, 

so they [only] increased them in burden. 

72.7: And they had thought, 

as you thought, 

that Allah would never send anyone [as a messenger].  

72.8: And we have sought [to reach] the heaven 

but found it filled with powerful guards 

and burning flames.

72.9: And we used to sit therein in positions for hearing, 

but whoever listens now 

will find a burning flame lying in wait for him. 

72.10: And we do not know [therefore] 

whether evil is intended for those on earth 

or whether their Lord intends for them a right course.

72.11: And among us are the righteous, 

and among us are [others] not so; 

we were [of] divided ways. 

72.12: And we have become certain that 

we will never cause failure to Allah upon earth, 

nor can we escape Him by flight.

72.13: And when we heard the guidance, 

we believed in it. 

And whoever believes in his Lord 

will not fear deprivation or burden. 

Source: Al-Jinn 1 - 13 

Arafah Day, Today

 
As the sun of 9th Dzulhijjah rises, most pilgrims already set their feet on 'Arafah.   
Takbir, Tahlil and Talbiyah.

From noon, until dawn the next day
“Labbaikallaa Humma Labbaik” 
O God, here I am answering your call, by nearly three million pilgrims from around the world. 

The once in a lifetime journey of faith. 
The faithfuls gratefully come to Makkah to discharge their owed duties to HIM.  

Haj is ‘Arafah.
Immense spiritual congregation in 'Arafah during this sacred moments.
On the plain, and at hilly slopes of 'Arafah, is where pilgrims standing and supplicating to the ALMIGHTY s.w.t., seeking HIS Forgiveness and Mercy.
Not only to be physically presence in 'Arafah, but mentally too.
Believers are promised during these 'Arafah hours, HIS Forgiveness and Mercy are bestowed.
HIS Presence thus felt weather one is asleep, awake, lying down, resting, sitting, or even walking.

Men, draped in two white unsewn pieces of cloth, an extraordinary symbol of unity and equality.
Men and women formed a massive stream of white.
Getting to 'Arafah is not without difficulties for many.
Hardship aside, having reached 'Arafah is a dream come true, for all pilgrims. 

'Arafah, peaceful, is where the connection with GOD takes place.
Dzulhijjah after Dzulhijjah, over and over again.
The beginning, the present, and the future.
All believers, from all corners of the world, come together to 'Arafah, to pray to GOD.
The feeling of wanting to be near to HIM, HE who Observes from above, the whole body shivers...
While in 'Arafah, wise pilgrims spend the day making supplications to ALLAH s.w.t.

Rasulullah s.a.w said, 

“The best du‘a is the du‘a on the day of ‘Arafah.”

- Abu Dawud.

It is the ultimate day to ask for forgiveness of every single sin of us.
Rasulullah s.a.w. also said,

“There is no day 

in which Allah s.w.t. sets free more souls 

from the fire of Hell, 

than on the day of ‘Arafah.”  

- Muslim.

People spent the day in worship and supplication.
Pray for our needs.
Pray for the welfare of all.
Never mind wherever we are now, in Asia, Africa, America, Australia or Europe.
In this sacred moment, the 'Arafah day, HE opens the sky for all our prayers to directly reach HIM.
The day where HIS promise delivered.
Seize the opportunity.
Rasulullah s.a.w. spent his day at 'Arafah until almost sunset.

Unity in prayers itself has created a peaceful atmosphere, at the most peaceful place on earth. 
"Labbaikallaa Humma Labbaik”,
reenacted again and again, since fourteen centuries ago.
Answer the call of ALLAH s.w.t. and pray for peace and tranquility.
Pray sincerely, spread humanity.
They set out, chanting that they have come to answer GOD’s call.

The endless sea of  'white' pilgrims, in their endless chants,
"Labbaikallaahumma Labbaik”
Ability to make connection with ALLAH s.w.t. is an individual experience.
Unexplainable...
No words can explain one's feeling, although everyone is on the sacred ground of 'Arafah is obviously with one intention - HIS acceptance.

Performing Haj is obviously about communication and connection to ALLAH s.w.t.
The spiritual faith.
The inner peace is felt by  those whose Haj is accepted.
It is reflected in us, in our doings, in our daily life. 
Mabrur...

The Road Less Travelled, Senai-Desaru Expressway

A-G’s report lists faults and cost overruns for Senai-Desaru Expressway

PETALING JAYA: Despite the land acquisition costs for the Senai-Desaru Expressway project in Johor ballooning from RM365mil to RM740.6mil, the highway has been found to be unsatisfactory and a danger to road users.
According to the Auditor-General’s Report, among the reasons for the doubling of land acquisition costs were the compensation payment which exceeded market prices, high injurious affection and severance payments, and interest of 8% due to late repayments.
The completed 77km-Senai Desaru Highway, worth RM1.37bil, was also found not to be in accordance with specifications, resulting in damage to the road surface and endangering road users.
“Although the project for Package 3 was 100% completed in April, the road surface is undulating and river protection has not been built on the Sungai Selat Mendana, Sungai Layang, Sungai Papan, Sungai Semenchu and Sungai Chemaran.

Bad job: Despite its high cost, the Senai-Desaru Expressway was found it to be a danger to road users.

“Revetment protection has yet to be constructed along the Pulau Juling Highway causing soil erosion along the area and pollution to the mangrove swamps,” the report said.
The construction agreement for the project was signed between the Federal Government and the concession company on July 31, 2004, with the intention of linking Johor Baru to the Desaru tourist area, and to reduce the congestion on the Pasir Gudang Highway.
The report also found that the statistics prepared by the Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA), which regulates the project management of the highway, showed that the actual number of vehicles using the highway was less than the traffic forecast by the concession company (which was approved by the Road Planning Division of the Public Works Ministry in December 2001).
The actual traffic volume achieved was only 1.9% of the forecast for three months in 2009, and 8.3% in 2010.
The report also found that the concession company had failed to complete the construction work in the stipulated period and did not maintain the highway satisfactorily.
“The concession company has yet to take action to resolve the non-compliance reports issued by the MHA,” the report said, adding that delays in completing the project had resulted in delays for the Government receiving the income of 20% of the profits of the toll collection.
The report then recommended for MHA to review the feasibility studies done by the concession company to ensure that the facts presented were accurate, and to take into account realistic land acquisition costs to avoid unnecessary significant cost increases, and for the concession agreement to be reviewed thoroughly.
The Treasury Department said that, although the initial planning had been done thoroughly, the land conversion factor as well as the development order by the state authority had contributed to the spike in land acquisition costs.
“This is because the Government had to pay a high compensation rate on buildings which had already been built,” the Treasury said, adding that the acquisition cost was first estimated in 2002, while Valuation and Property Services Department had valued the land based on rates as at November 2004, which was higher than in 2002.
“To prevent this from recurring, allocation for land acquisition will be capped for highway privatisation projects.
“If the land acquisition cost exceeds the capped amount, then the additional cost for the land acquisition should be borne by the concession company,” the report stated.
On the issue of the undulating road surface, the Treasury said all 15 problematic locations had been identified and the report for the repair work had also been submitted to MHA on April 29.

Source: The Star - Saturday, October 29,2011

******

Motorists want extension of lanes
By DESIREE TRESA GASPER

KOTA TINGGI: Motorists have expressed their disappointment on the last stretch of the newly opened Senai–Desaru highway.
The last stretch spanning 27km from Cahaya Baru to Desaru includes a single plane cable styled bridge across Sungai Johor but most of the road only has two lanes.
Safety officer S.Amuldass, 50, said that the last stretch was more like a trunk road.
“Of course our travelling time is shorter by half, but we were puzzled as to why the road only has two lanes instead of four,” he said.

Only two lanes: The new stretch of the Senai-Pasir Gudang- Desaru expressway which was officially opened recently. Many users were disappointed with the new stretch of the expressway as it only has two lanes.

Factory worker Looi Hock Kiat, 44, who agreed with Amuldass said that it was the only flaw on the new highway to the dual passageway.
“If the road is not expanded, I foresee traffic jams in the future as many people will be travelling to Desaru especially during the holiday season,” he said.
Assistant manager Mohd Azman Emus Abdullah, 41, said that he was also surprised to discover new stretch with only two lanes.
“The only area along the stretch which has four lanes is the bridge itself but the moment you cross the bridge, you are back to a two-laned highway,” he said.
Desaru Tourism Association chairman Lt Kol (Rtd) Mohd Jamal Salleh however said that the opening of the highway was a blessing for the tourism industry in Desaru.
“Most of the resort owners and other tourism players here have upgraded their services and renovated their premises because we are all anticipating greater tourist arrivals with the opening of the highway,” he said.
Commenting on the matter Senai-Desaru Expressway Bhd (SDEB) chief executive officer Mustaza Salim said that the decision to build two lanes for the last stretch was based on earlier traffic forecasts conducted in the area.
“We will continue to monitor the flow of traffic and if needed we will widen the roads,” he said adding that so far he has received positive feedback from motorists.

Source: The Star - Tuesday, June 14, 2011

******

Read More: Senai-Pasir Gudang-Desaru Expressway

Drowning Sorrows In Bedok Reservoir

Chinese national Lin Xiao, 23, had been missing since April 28.
On the day he went missing, mother and son left for work together that Thursday morning.

When 43-year old Madam Hu Ping Zhu, a hawker, returned home from work in the afternoon, her son's mobile phone was on the table.
She discovered he did not report to work as an apprentice at Kaki Bukit.that day, after reading an SMS from his colleague.
His divorced parents had paid $6,350 agent fee to get him a job here.
The university graduate arrived in Singapore last year in November, to live with his mother.
She married a Singaporean more than two years ago.

A quiet person with no other relatives and no friends in Singapore, Hu was worried that her son could have run away due to work stress.
He had once asked if the agent fee could be earned back.
Although the mother had never asked his son for repayment, she felt he could have been pressured to earn the money back.
For the sake of her son's safety, the mother was willing to let him return to China if he reappeared.

Described as diligent by a colleague, Lin found it tough being in Singapore.
His mother spent sleepless nights not only roaming the streets near their home, but forested areas in Kaki Bukit near his workplace too, searching for her only son.
She printed and distributed 30 fliers.
She also searched temples and churches, with hope that he had gone to the temples for the free meals that these places provide.
She searched relentlessly for almost two months for her missing son.

Lin's parents offered $10,000 to anyone for information leading to the son's whereabouts.
48-year old Mr Lin Zuliang, a plant nursery owner in Zhejiang, flew to Singapore from China on May 13 scouring the island for his missing son
In February, the son had reportedly sent an SMS to his father in China, stating that he (Lin) was useless, could not fit into society, could not speak well, did not have enough strength, and not smart enough.
The father did not think much of it.
Instead, he advised him to work harder.

The mother's hopes of her son's safe return was dashed on Monday, June 20, after 20 days of frantic search.
Her worst fears was realised.
The police had gone to her flat after a PUB officer made a report about the highly decomposed body found floating in the reservoir, 2 km away from their residence in Chai Chee.
The mother had earlier filed a police report after her son went missing on April 28.

A bunch of keys was found on the partial body discovered in Bedok Reservoir.
Police officers found the keys fit for the door.
Even before the police has the DNA test results, the depressed mother recognised her son's black Puma belt and the faded jeans she had last seen him wearing.
Undertaker Roland Tay handled the cremation for free.
He used a bamboo board to complete the body.

******      ******      ******

After two years of courtship, Tan Sze Sze and Willy Chin registered their marriage in 2006.
Not long after the registration, she found a condom in her husband's car.
He claimed it belonged to his friend.

While renting a flat in Ang Mo Kio, Tan became pregnant.
They returned to their respective parents' homes before their baby was born.

The 31-year old ex-secretary started suffering from post-natal depression after giving birth to her baby, but refused to seek help. 
She then became temperamental..
She was increasingly short-tempered and irritable over the past year.

An introvert and easily depressed by nature, she was extremely protective of her son, whom she called "Baby".
Her relationship with her husband soured about two years ago.
She initiated the divorce proceedings.
She told her mother that life had become too much of a torture.

She was fiercely protective of her 3-year-old Jerald Chin Le Hui.
She spent most of her time looking after him.
She had frequent fights with her estranged husband over their son.
She became increasingly upset after being embroiled in a bitter child custody battle with her estranged husband.

Last year, Madam Tan had once allowed her ex-husband to take their son home.
But the then 2-year old came back with a nose that did not stop bleeding for two days.
He cried constantly.
From then on, the mother refused to let her son go with his father.
The boy was only allowed to see his father in the vicinity of their home with her, or his grandmother's presence.
53-year old Tan Geok Lai, claimed her ex-son-in-law would kick up a fuss at their home.
She admitted to yelling at him to go away. 
The elderly mother use vulgar language to tell him off. 
Once, he called the police when his mother-in-law use a shoe to hit him.

Things turned ugly when he threatened them with a lawsuit.
He had to call in the police and applied for a court order for access to the boy on weekends.

Once, when policemen came knocking at their flat in French Road, the mother grabbed her son and crouched in a corner, repeatedly saying that she was afraid.
They told her that if she did not comply with the court order, she would be fined.
She might have to go to jail, or punishment would be heavier the next time, if she could not pay the fine.

Tan had been fined earlier, for not allowing her husband access to their son.
She was worried that she would be jailed if she could not pay up.
She lived with her part-time fortune-teller mother, and four other family members in a one-room rental flat in Lavender area.
Unemployed, she lived on her mother's Central Provident Fund savings, as well as $300 monthly allowance from her husband.

The father would come to the flat every week for more than a year, pleading to see his son.
Often, the door would stay shut.
Or Tan would be chasing away her husband with a slipper and swearing at him.
The father had been seen waiting or squatting by the door and called out his son outside the flat, with a bag of diapers for him.

Tan was afraid that her son would be snatched from her.
Her son was her life.
Just before she went missing on Tuesday, September 20, Tan told her mother that she planned to kill herself and take her child with her.

On Thursday, September 22, Tan was found floating face down in Bedok Reservoir, with her son.
When PUB officers found them, Madam Tan was hugging her son.
The pair were pronounced dead about 10 minutes later.

They were joined by red string at their wrists and wore red T-shirts.
Both mother and son's fingernails were painted red.

They were were last seen in Clementi Central on Tuesday morning.
The elder mother was at work in Clementi Central when her daughter arrived with Jerald.
She cried inconsolably, saying she was a disappointment.
She was unable to protect her son.
After they left, Tan switched off her mobile phone.
When the family could not reach her, they called the police, who then released a missing persons statement to the media at about 7pm on Wednesday.

Family members found Tan's house keys in the mailbox.
There was also a box with photo album in it, and the namecard of undertaker Roland Tay, who handled her father's funeral three years ago.
A suicide note was attached and instructions on what to do after her death.

The stress of her broken marriage, and fear of losing the custody battle for their son, pushed her over the edge.

******

Mr Willy Chin arrived at the wake early Sunday morning at 6.50am to pay his last respects to his wife of five years, and his son, for a short five minutes.
He was to avoid meeting the family.

He was earlier deprived by his wife's relatives from attending the funeral wake.
He had secretly gone to the wake seeing his deceased family on Friday night, but was angrily accosted by relatives of his wife.
They crowded around his van, tried to drag him, hurled vulgarities and accused him of causing double deaths.

He managed to escape, but was subsequently confronted at his house by Madam Tan's mother, sister and her husband and two other relatives.
The police were later called to the scene.
The sister's husband was arrested when he refused to leave.
On Saturday, Chin went to Roland Tay's office, crying and begging the undertaker to speak to his wife's family.


In life, Chin wanted to give his son the toys he had painstakingly collected - more than 50 of the Happy Meal toys, which only come out once a week.
That's more than a year's worth of toys.

In death, the colourful toys were his last present to his only child, Jerald Chin Le Hui.
He arrived at the wake with three shopping bags full of toys and clothes for his son.
But again, Mr Chin never got his wish.
The toys did not follow his son to the other world as he had wished.

His last gifts to his son were later stuffed in black trash bags and left at the rubbish collection area.
It was unceremoniously thrown away by Jerald's 8-year-old cousin and his maternal grandmother.
Madam Tan's grieving family members believe Chin's act was only a show.
They will never forgive hm.

Although this is the second incident of bodies found in Bedok Reservoir, it is the ninth case of dead bodies found floating in waterways and reservoirs in Singapore this year.

cont'd...

While Waiting For Eidul Adha...

Praise belongs to ALLAH s.w.t.
Peace be upon Rasulullah s.a.w., his family and companions.  

Dzulhijjah days are among the most magnificent days in Islamic calendar.
Dzulhijjah has many virtues, based on many things, particularly in its first ten days.
The first ten days of Dzulhijjah are the days of virtue and righteous deeds.  
Quranic verses and Hadith indicate that the first ten days of Dzulhijjah are better than all the other days of the year.

The first ten days of Dzulhijjah have been preferred by ALLAH s.w.t. over all the other days of the whole year,
except that the last ten days of Ramadhan,
which are considered better than them for they include Lailatul Qadr
- the Night of Power,
which is better than a thousand months. 

Celebrate the Praises of ALLAH s.w.t. during the appointed days: 
Tasbih (Subhaanallah), 
Tahmid (Alhamdulillah) 
Takbir (Allahu Akbar) and
Talbiyah (Labbaikallah Humma Labbaik).

It is our duty to appreciate the blessed month of Dzulhijjah,
having more concentration in our prayers,
always on our very best. 
Dzulhijjah is a wonderful moment
immersing ourselves as much Iba'dah, acts of worship, as possible.
Devotion and sincerity do have its reward.

Abdullah ibn Umar r.a., the son of Saidina Umar r.a.,
reported that The Prophet s.a.w. said: 

"There are no days greater in the sight of ALLAH 
and 

in which righteous deeds are more beloved to HIM 
than these ten days, 

so during this time 
recite a great deal of 
Tahlil (Laa Ilaaha Illallah), Takbir and Tahmid." 

- Reported by Ahmad

Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. commanded the believers
to recite a lot of Tasbih, Tahmid and Takbir during these days.

Ibn Abbas r.a. reported that The Prophet s.a.w. said: 

"There are no days 
in which righteous deeds 
are more beloved to ALLAH 

than these ten days." 

The people asked, 
"Not even jihad for the sake of ALLAH?" 

He said, 

"Not even jihad for the sake of ALLAH, 

except in the case of a man 
who went out to fight giving himself 

and his wealth up for the cause, 
and came back with nothing." 

- Bukhari

These ten days are a great blessing from ALLAH s.w.t. to all of us.

Even for us, who are not undertaking the Haj,
the first ten days of Dzulhijjah are a special time to remember ALLAH s.w.t.
A great opportunity to sincerely correct oneself.
Bettering our deeds and seek HIM for forgiveness and guidance.

The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
encouraged people to do righteous deeds
due to the virtue of these days
and the Haj season during which the Haj season is situated.
The Prophet s.a.w. said that
the first ten days of Dzulhijjah
are a special time for devotion,
for during these ten days that most of the Haj rites occur.

i) - 9th Dzulhijjah is the 'Arafah Day (Yaumul 'Arafah),
the date when all pilgrims assemble on the plain of 'Arafah, six miles away from Makkatul Mukarramah.
Pilgrims perform the most essential part of the prescribed duties of Haj - Wuquf  - the stay in 'Arafah.

Yaumul Arafah is the day when the Mercy of ALLAH s.w.t. descends in Abundance. 
Yaumul 'Arafah is the day when sins are Forgiven,
and do'a Accepted,
all through HIS Compassion and Mercy.  
Yaumul 'Arafah is the day which ALLAH sw.t. perfected one's Religion.

The Prophet s.a.w. was asked about fasting on Yaumul 'Arafah.
He s.a.w. said,  

"It compensates for the (minor) sins of the past 
and the coming year."  

- Ibnu Majah

The 'Arafah fast has been emphasized by the Prophet s.a.w.
as a desirable act.
Fasting on these ten blessed days,
or at least a day, on the 9th Dzulhijjah, will bring us closer to HIM.

Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. has said,  

"One fast during these days 
is equal to the fasting of one complete year, 

and the worship of one night during this period 

is equal to the worship in the "Lailatul-Qadr".

For us not performing the Haj,
it is desirable to fast on this day.

ii) - Beginning from the Fajr of the 9th Dzulhijjah up to the 'Asr prayer of the 13th,
it is encouraged on us to recite the Takbir of Tashriq after each daily prayer. 

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,

La Ilaha Illallahu, Wallahu Akbar,

Allahu Akbar wa Lillahilhamd.

(There is no other God but ALLAH and ALLAH is the Greatest, 

Allah is the Greatest and to ALLAH belongs all Praise).

iii) - 10th Dzulhijjah is Eidul Adha.
Unlike 'Eidul Fitr,
sunnah is not to eat before the 'Eid prayer.

iv) - The Qurban.
An act of total submission to ALLAH s.w.t.
and a complete obedience to HIM, without hesitation.
It is encouraged for all to make sacrifices for themselves and their dependents.
The sacrifice of animals - goat, sheep, cow or camel - during the 10th, 1lth and 12th of Dzulhijjah.

Looking beyond its mundane benefits,
it is to understand the spirit of most superior qualities so necessary
to keep humanity in a state of lasting peace and welfare.
Qurban is but a powerful symbol of the required human conduct
submitting to the DIVINE commands.
The spirit of total submission to HIM,
irrespective of difference in our economy or society.

Pine not, whine not, if we are unable to slaughter a sacrifice.
For general Qurban included all acts of charity too, all year round.
The purpose of charity is nothing,
but to seek ALLAH s.w.t.'s pleasure.
And, sacrifices are in many forms too.

Sincerity is always priorotised.
Verily, good deeds remove small sins.
A gentle reminder for the mindful, for those who accept advice.

Perform sincere prayers.

"And establish regular prayers at the two ends of the day 

and at the approaches of the night: 

for those things that are good remove those that are evil: 

be that the word of remembrance 

to those who remember (their LORD)"

- (Hud: 114).

Pray that HE Bless us with HIS Virtues.
Pray that HE Bless us with spiritual gains
Pray that we are all Blessed in these magical moments of Dzulhijjah.

Reflecting of our past doings will have great benefits for us:
People around us, family, neighbours, relatives and friends.
Pray for the very best.
For His Bounty of what's already in our possession.
His Reward, not a burden:

"On no soul do ALLAH place a burden 

greater than it (the soul) can bear. 

It gets every good that it earns, 

and it suffers every ill that it earns. 

(Pray): 

"Our GOD, 

condemn us not if we forget or fall into error. 

Our GOD, 

lay not on us a burden like that 

which YOU did lay on those before us. 

Our GOD, 

lay on us not a burden greater 

than we have strength to bear. 

Blot out our sins, 

and grant us Forgiveness. 

Have Mercy on us. 

YOU are our PROTECTOR, 

Help us against those who stand against Faith." 

- Al-Baqarah : 286  

Our Children's Education, At Its Best ?

Pilot project for vocational training
By NELSON BENJAMIN

SINGAPORE: A total of 50 schools have been selected to carry out a pilot project offering a subject on basic vocational training for students entering secondary school, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.
Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, also said the subject would be offered to students in Form One to Form Three beginning next year and would be on a voluntary basis.
“We will issue them with certificates and if they want to continue after that, they can pursue vocational training until diploma level,” he said, adding that the subject would be taught during school hours.
He said the ministry had adequate manpower to teach the subject.

Quizzed: Muhyiddin (middle) asking hospitality student Michelle Yap (left) during his visit to the Institute of Technical Education.

 

Muhyiddin reiterated that this project was in line with plans to carry out a transformation of the existing vocational training model being used in the country.
He added that the ministry was keen to learn from Singapore’s model as, presently, 20% of those entering the republic’s schooling system opted for vocational training.
“At the moment, 70% of their vocational courses are based on practical applications while 30% involves theory.
“Although the Singaporean model is different, we are interested to learn from them as they started early,” he said during a press conference after his two-day official visit to the island nation recently.
While in Singapore, he visited the Institute of Technical Education College West to find out more about its vocational training.
During his trip, Muhyiddin had inspected the Tuas South Incineration Plant.
He said Malaysia would have to follow Singapore’s steps to build such incinerators as part of its long-term measures to manage solid waste in the country.
“Back home we have a lot of challenges, especially managing people’s concerns whenever we decide to build such a plant.
“But whatever system we use, it will be the best as in Singapore. They not only dispose of their waste this way, but also generate electricity with it,” he added.
On other matters discussed during the visit, Muhyiddin said all issues agreed by both countries, especially with regards to the handing over of KTMB land in Tanjung Pagar, the handing over of the Singapore water treatment plant to Johor and the development of property projects, were proceeding as planned.
“One issue that both parties have agreed to take to a mediator is the development charges imposed on certain pieces of land in Singapore,” he said.
Earlier, at dinner with about 250 Malaysians living in Singapore, Muhyiddin called for citizens to return home and contribute their skills to the country’s development.
He said the country was in need to professionals and those with these skills should think about returning to Malaysia.
“It is good that you have served the Singaporean community. Now it is time to think about Malaysia.
“There are many avenues for you, especially through Talent Corp,” he said in his speech during the dinner.
Muhyiddin added that talent is needed to fill at least three million jobs that will be created through the various economic and transformation models being carried out by the government.

Source: The Star - Saturday, October 29, 2011

******

Where we have gone wrong in education

DEPUTY Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has indicated a desire to learn from Singapore’s vocational and technical education.
May I point out that success in any field at higher levels does not happen in isolation?
A lot of work has to be done at the foundation so as to pave the way for such achievements to occur.
Trying to emulate whatever is happening at the top level without first scrutinising and doing the same at the foundation is bound to lead to failure.
As far as the Singapore model is concerned, it does not take much to see what they have been doing at the foundation.
At a very simplistic level and one that is obvious to all but those who refuse to see:
> HAVE only one national education system that caters to all;
> MEDIUM of instruction – English; and
> PAY the teachers well to attract the best to enter the profession.
Do we not realise that what Malaysia has done and is doing is directly the opposite to the above?
This is our situation:
> OUR education system is split: There exists national schools which are primarily Malay medium, national-type Chinese and Tamil schools, and private ones which cater to parents who want their children to have the advantage of learning in English.
> MULTIPLE mediums of instruction in school which multiply the difficulties for our children when they enter institutions of higher learning because of the lack of fluency in English, which is the medium used in most universities abroad.
And now with the imminent reversal of PPSMI, the problem of poor fluency in English in subjects for which a command of the language is of utmost importance in order to ensure progress will resurface.
> LOW and unattractive salary scale for the teaching profession.
The notion of trying to overcome problems by tackling the issue(s) at the wrong level is evident in the way the Government is trying to instill racial integration through programmes like National Service.
Does it make sense to tell the youth at age 17 or 18 to learn to live together with other races in harmony when they’ve lived out their entire formative years in racial isolation in schools which have segregated a majority of them by race?
Save the money currently being poured into National Service and use it to reboot the failing school system.
Put our children together in schools where, from a young age, they can interact with all races and a natural outcome of this will be racial integration.
Listen to the voices of Malaysians united across the racial divide, encompassing all ages, over the request to continue PPSMI for the benefit of our future generations.
Then maybe young Malaysians in future will instead have the upper hand and be able to teach the Singaporeans a thing or two about education instead of being condemned to lag behind them forever.
As a matter of interest, can the public be informed as to which schools the children/grandchildren of the politicians, who are against the PPSMI, are in?
If the PPSMI is not retained, can it be made mandatory for them to be enrolled in the national school so as to be able to get the “best” education possible for them?             
H0OR YOU MEI,
Kuala Lumpur.

Source: The Star - Sunday, October 30,2011

******

Don’t tinker with PPSMI

I REFER to the letter “Where we have gone wrong in education” (Sunday Star, Oct 30). I cannot agree with her more.
The Education Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, on an official visit to Singapore, sang praises about the vocational and technical education system in Singapore.
Did he fail to realise that as a whole, parents in Malaysia are envious of the good education system in Singapore?
It is not only vocational education alone that is worth emulating. The schools in Singapore are well funded, teachers are motivated, the standard of teaching is high.
But more importantly, they teach in English, the language of science, commerce, and diplomacy of the 21st century.
The National University of Singapore (NUS) ranks consistently as one of the top 30 universities in the world.
Universiti Malaya, the precursor institution of NUS before the two universities split in the 1960’s, struggles to stay within the top 200, despite numerous attempts by many vice-chancellors to improve its ranking.
This is an example of how our education system has deteriorated. It is all because of meddling by our politicians since the early 1960s.
Now we know why there are bus loads of school children crossing the check point in Johor Baru at 4am every morning.
Not something that you would want for your children if you do not believe that studying in English gives them an edge in the job market.
I cannot understand the statement made by Muhyiddin yesterday, that it would be ‘kucar kacir’ (chaotic) if parents are given the choice to choose the medium of instruction for Science and Maths.
This situation arose only because of the Education Ministry’s weak position on Teaching of Science and Maths in English.
I could sense that the level of English among our teenagers was improving because of this policy.
Malay, Chinese and Indian kids no longer give you a blank look when you speak to them in English.
The children themselves agree that their English is improving. So what if we do not have enough competent English teachers for now?
The teachers’ English proficiency will definitely improve over time.
Do not underestimate our children’s ability to cope on their own, with the help of the Internet, tons of study materials are available in English compared to Bahasa, and also the fervour of the parents helping their children with school work. We need at least 20 years to see results.
An entire generation of school children will benefit if this policy is carried through with strong will.
Unfortunately, our Cabinet, together with the ministry, saw it fit to again tinker with something that works, pandering to grouses of a few short-sighted Malay and Chinese educationists and numerous obscure pressure groups who may not even have school-going children!
I also find it extremely hypocritical that our ministers and senior politicians have no shame when they mention that their children are studying in international schools instead of national schools.
Why the need to study in international schools? Is it not because they can learn in English?
Why is the future of our children less important than theirs?
I urge the Deputy Prime Minister and his colleagues in the Cabinet to think again for the future of other people’s children, and do not back track on this policy of teaching of Science and Maths in English.
It is the only semblance of a good education the average child can hope for in this country.
YAP BOON KAH,
Kuala Lumpur.

Source: The Star - Monday, October 31, 2011

Singaporeans Only

Johor moots quicker immigration checks for Singaporeans
By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal October 29, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 — The Johor Immigration Department is now providing mobile counters to allow Singaporeans to register for a biometric system which will get them through immigration checkpoints quicker, the Singapore Straits Times said yesterday.
Introduced in 2009 to attract investors to the Johor Iskandar region, the Malaysia Automated Clearance System (Macs) was extended to all Singaporeans and permanent residents earlier this year.

A statue of the Merlion, a symbol of Singapore, is seen illuminated in front of the city-state’s financial district at dusk in Singapore. The Immigration Department is making it easier for Singaporeans to enter Malaysia. — Reuters pic

For RM30 (S$12), applicants for the biometric system will get a special sticker with a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip attached to their passport, valid for a year, which allows them to use dedicated lanes at immigration checkpoints and bypass filling out immigration forms. Registration would take only five minutes, state director Nasri Ishak was quoted as saying in the report.
The mobile counters, open between 10am and 10pm, are located in the City Square Johor Baru shopping complex, Giant Hypermarket in Tampoi, Jaya Jusco in Tebrau and Holiday Plaza and will be open till November 15.
Last year, tourists from Singapore made up more than half the 24.6 million visitors to Malaysia. Visitors from Singapore made some 13 million trips, an increase of 2.4 per cent from 2009.
The Johor Immigration Department made headlines on June 14 when two Singaporean women, who had intended to drive to Johor Baru for supper, were questioned by immigration officials, handcuffed, thrown behind bars and made to do squats while naked.
The two women claimed they drove through uninspected because the immigration lane was unmanned, and that no one answered the intercom.
Following their punishment, they were allowed to return to Singapore after 48 hours with a warning.
Both women have reportedly vowed never to return to Malaysia after the incident, which drew criticism from Malaysian opposition MPs who called the act “humiliating and ridiculous.”
The Singapore government has that it has not ended the probe into allegations that the two women were forced to perform nude squats by Malaysian immigration officers.
Singapore said it was told on September 9 by the Malaysian High Commission “that a thorough investigation of the case had been completed.

Source: The Malaysian Insider

Thousand Years Later, A Letter, Rightfully Delivered

When the people of Madinah, the Ansar (the Patrons), heard that Prophet Muhammad sollallaahu alaihi wa sallam was coming to Madinah from Makkah on His Hijrah in 622 AD, they started making preparations for his arrival.
The Ansar cleaned the streets and spring cleaning their houses.
All of them wanted Muhammad s.a.w. to be welcomed into their houses.

To overcome the generosity of Ansar, The Prophet s.a.w. came up with a proposal.
His camel was to rein free.
The camel was let loose.
Let his camel go its own way for the ship of the desert is guided by its CREATOR.

When the camel finally knelt, Rasulullah s.a.w. did not dismount.
Up on its feet, went down the streets ambling for some distance, it then turned back and knelt at the same spot as before.
Adjacent to the spot where the camel knelt was the house of Abu Ayyub Ansori rodhiallaahu 'anhu.

Abu Ayyub r.a. quickly lifted the saddle from the camel and took it home.
Rasulullah s.a.w., with his sense of humour, remarked that
'A man must follow his saddle,”
He followed Abu Ayyub r.a.
Masjidin Nabwi was then built on that very spot where the camel stopped.

Born in 576 AD as Khalid bin Zaid bin Kulaib, Abu Ayyub r.a. hailed from the tribe of Bani Najjar.
Aptly called Abu Ayyub, as an indication he's the father of Ayyub.

Rasulullah s.a.w. stayed in Abu Ayoob r.a.'s house for seven months until the erection of Masjidin Nabawi had completed.
Ironically, the house was built for Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. by the king of Yemen, Tab’a Awwal Hamiri, a thousand years earlier.

****** 

Muhammad s.a.w., saw the servant of the house was approaching him.
The Prophet s.a.w asked if the servant of the house is Abu Laila.
Abu Laila (father of Laila) was surprised, having his name mentioned by Rasulullah s.a.w. who had just came from Makkah.
But knew his name.

The Prophet s.a.w. continued that He's the Messenger of ALLAH.
He wanted to have His letter which was sent by the then king of Yemen, Tab’a Awwal Hamiri.
It was written a thousand years earlier.
Abu Laila was asked to bring the letter, which he had been entrusted to, for safekeeping.

He appeared before Rasulullah s.a.w. with the letter.
It had been passed down from generation to generation for over a thousand years from King Tab’a Awwal Hamiri.
After Rasulullah s.a.w was presented the letter, upon acknowledging it, He congratulated the pious GOD's servant Tab’a Awwal Hamiri.

The letter from King Hamiri stated that he pledged his faith in Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. and in the Book (Qur'an) that will be revealed to this Prophet.
He follows the path of Muhammad's religion.

If he is fortunate enough to see Rasulullah s.a.w., then it will be a great pleasure for him.
If it is not possible, he request Prophet Muhammad s.a.w for His intercession (Syafa'ah).
Not to forget him on Judgement Day.

The king believe in Muahammad s.a.w.'s Prophethood.
He pledged his spiritual allegiance (Bai'ah) in advance, before Rasulullah s.a.w.'s arrival.
He, Tab’a Awwal Hamir, swear that there is only one ALLAH and that Muhammad s.a.w. is HIS true Messeger.

******      ******      ******

About 2500 years ago, the king of Yemen, Tab’a Awwal Hamiri, went on a tour in his kingdom, and its neighbouring countries.
In the entourage of this rich king, with him, were 12,000 knowledgeable men ('Alims) and physicians, including 113,000 soldiers.
Wherever they went, people would gather and lined the roadsides to watch and welcome them.
There were much pomp and ceremony.
There were always great procession for these men and soldiers.

But when this entourage reached the outskirts of Makkah, no one came to welcome them to the valley town in the desert.
The king was greatly surprised.
He asked his chief minister,
'Where have all gone to, instead of gathering together in droves to welcome them?'

The minister replied that there is a house in the town Baitullah. 
All folks have great respect for it.
The king's entourage has no comparison to it.
Not only neighbouring people, but from far flung places, came for their pilgrimage to Baitullah.
Everybody, poor and peasants, will show no importance to the wealthy or their rulers.
They show more importance, they have greater respect to the Holy House, Baitullah.

The king was furious when he heard the statement.
He declared that he will raze the House to the ground and will kill all the people living in Makkah.

Just after he said that, blood started oozing from his eyes, mouth and nose.
Men in his entourage kept their distance from their own king.
They wanted to stay away from the nonstop oozing blood.

He was sleepless nights after nights.
His condition worsened.
Doctors and physicians were unable to provide the best treatment for their king.
Nobody could help nor provide the badly needed treatment.
But the king wanted to be treated by any means and at any cost.

One of the GOD fearing physician amongst the king's entourage inspected him.
Upon taking his pulse, the physician claimed that the cause of the king's bad condition is about spirituality.
No other form of medicines will work on him.

If the king harbours evil intention, his condition will not improve.
But will probably worsened.
If the king abort his ill intention, he will be forgiven.
His misery will be alleviated.

The GOD fearing physician advised his king to take back his ill intention of wanting to destroy the Ka'bah and killing the valley's folks.
The king should repent, asking forgiveness from the Almighty GOD.

Taking the GOD fearing physician's advice, the king did what he was advised to do.
He needed treatment at any cost.

Soon after he repented, blood stopped spurting from his eyes, mouth and nose.
Miraculously, he was completely cured.

Happy with the recovery, he ordered Ka'bah to be covered with silk material.
He presented gold and silk clothings for all residents of Makkah valley.

******

The entourage continued their journey to Yathrib (Madinah).
The knowledgeable men, those 'Alims had studied Books that had revealed the Prophets who had come earlier before them, and the yet to come Prophet too.
Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.'s Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah is also indicated in these Books.

They went around Yathrib, the other Holy Land that is blessed.
They were overwhelmed with joy having stepped on the sacred land.
They wished to live their lives in Yathrib.
If opportunity arise, GOD Willing, they would meet the Beloved Prophet s.a.w.
Or, at least, The Prophet s.a.w. would visit their graves.

The king, after consultations and advice from his knowledgeable men, made his decision to build 400 homes for his men who wished to stay in Yathrib.
He left financial support for these 400 'Alims who decided to stay behind.
He asked for a house for Rasulullah s.a.w. to be built too.

He left instructions that Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. is to stay at that house, should Muhammad s.a.w. land in Madinah.
He requested the senior among his 'Alim to present his letter to The Prophet s.a.w., when He eventually comes to Madinah.

But should the 'Alim die earlier before Rasulullah s.a.w.'s arrrival, the letter should be kept and passed on.
The 'Alim's generation will present it to Rasulullah s.a.w.

Generation after generation of the Chief 'Alim, the letter was treasured.
From the initial 400, the number of these 'Alims families, children and their offspring had grown.
They now formed a large community in Yathrib.

Abu Ayyub r.a. (tomb above, in Turkey. Source: Today's Zaman) possessed the letter.
He's the descendent of the Chief 'Alim.
He handed it to his servant, Abu Laila for safekeeping.
Abu Laila then delivered it to Rasulullah s.a.w., the rightful owner.