Friday, February 19, 2010

Of public caning and Malaysia

Source: http://www.thenutgraph.com/

Read the original post here. I thought the comments are more insightful, as ever...

dbctan Posted: 19 Feb 10 : 10.59AM

And all this is happening while bickering politicians (on both sides) make sham pledges to uphold the federal constitution. Islamist advocates may be getting the country they want, but tragically Malaysians are getting the country they deserve by default.

Peter Posted: 19 Feb 10 : 11.48AM

We are always being led by our noses by the country's leadership. Our daily issues and problems are highlighted and "played up" by them. As long as (1) the leaders continue to play the race and religion cards for votes, and (2) we do not grow up and start thinking of the big picture as one nation, we will continue to subject ourselves to this vicious never-ending cycle.

Zaki Posted: 19 Feb 10 : 11.50AM

There is no problem if people don't look for it. However, people like to look for a problem, so they can argue but most people argue selfishly. So in the end, the argument is a waste of time.

Who knows more Posted: 19 Feb 10 : 11.56AM

To those who don't know (especially the author) about the Islamic punishment (caning), they just don't deserve to judge it. This thing is acceptable in Islam since a thousand years before. The author ask why did Hishammuddin take so long to inform Malaysians about this historic round of caning. This is because all the Muslims had accepted it for a long time but nowadays all of the non-Muslims love to interfere with the Islamic religion, practice and administration. I'm not trying to be bad here but to all non-Muslims, stop bothering our religion!

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For the record, I am a practising Muslim.

Shanon Shah
Columns and Comments Editor

Dahlia Posted: 19 Feb 10 : 12.47PM

It's opportunism at its worst - Umno out to assert its "Muslim credibility", whatever that it is. Indeed, who speaks for Islam?

AR Posted: 19 Feb 10 : 12.51PM

I like to think that my religion is one that encourages dialogue and reflection. Just because this was appropriate (or was it?) centuries ago, does not mean it is appropriate now.

But then someone will tell me that questioning this is tantamount to questioning the Quran and that I "menghina" Islam. And what's the punishment for that according to the Syariah Law as practiced in the Federal Territory? Fine of not more than RM3,000 or imprisonment for no longer than two years, or both.

Z00L Posted: 19 Feb 10 : 1.07PM

Referring to the caricature, does "enjoying their freedom" include having extramarital sex?

As far and wide freedom's borders can go, [there are still borders].

lovetointerfere Posted: 19 Feb 10 : 1.20PM

In response to Shanon Shah, all I can say is that your religion is a cruel and demeaning one indeed. Corporal punishment can never change the inner state of being. For your info, not all non-Muslims 'love to interfere with the Islamic religion'.

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I think you've got the wrong person. I, Shanon Shah, am the journalist who wrote this commentary, and I sometimes respond to comments here, since I also edit and approve comments. I am not the person who wrote that non-Muslims "love to interfere with the Islamic religion".

In stating that I'm a practising Muslim, I was merely responding to the commenter lest he/she assumed that I am non-Muslim.

And I suppose it is up to you to believe that my religion is "a cruel and demeaning one". I am Muslim and in my column and commentaries I have clearly critiqued the focus on corporal punishment in a lot of Muslim societies. So, I think your response is just as problematic as the comment you take issue with.

Shanon Shah
Columns and Comments Editor

Hidayat Posted: 19 Feb 10 : 1.24PM

Malaysia oh Malaysia - they never really stop using religions for politics. Why so much fuss and efforts on syariah punishment, when there are more important and essential issues to deal with, like improving education, helping families, reducing pollution, improving health services etc. (which are more beneficial to all Malaysians). Something that has been acceptable in Islam for a thousand years (like caning) does not make it automatically suitable for today's times. Not changing our mind and lifestyles for a thousand years would leave us behind in this ever-changing world.

Nurul Posted: 19 Feb 10 : 2.45PM

It is sad to know that many Muslims have failed to understand their own religion, hence failed to make our non-Muslim fellow friends understand and respect Islam as a religion. Do not blame our non-Muslim friends for their confusion and misunderstanding on Islam. They can't be blamed bacause they just don't know.

Forky Posted: 19 Feb 10 : 2.59PM

With Islamisation increasing and being politicised by our politicians for their own political mileage, I am wondering whether Malaysia will end up like Iran. Or worse still, another Saudi Arabia or Afghanistan in the future.

This latest event is also unfortunate since it happened just after the controversy surrounding the "Allah" issue and the ongoing sodomy case against Anwar Ibrahim.

With all these negative publicity and reports about Malaysia, I am wondering whether Malaysia will be able to attract FDIs and remain competitive. The recent PERC report about Malaysia also speaks for itself.

By the way, thanks Shanon, for your excellent article. What you said in your article is truly a wake-up call to all right thinking Malaysians to question whether Malaysia is becoming an Islamic state that we deserve or by default.

Therefore, it is up to Malaysians to decide what Malaysia will become in the future. Therefore, we Malaysians must vote wisely in GE13 for the sake of Malaysia's future and survival.

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Thanks Forky, and I think it's important to stress that our concerns cut across religious lines - both non-Muslims *and* Muslims are grappling with all that you have pointed out.

Shanon Shah
Columns and Comments Editor

Peter Posted: 19 Feb 10 : 3.14PM

@Nurul

The religion is NOT the issue. The use of religion for political control of the country is.

As long as you are convinced by the leaders that your religion/way of life is "under attack", you (and many like you) are convinced that you will need to protect this way of life.

Question: In Malaysia, we have NEVER subjected woman to public caning before. Never in history. Why is this suddenly "a way of life" to be protected when we have never practised this before?

TK Posted: 19 Feb 10 : 3.44PM

Well...well...well...looks like someone is trying to play God and it's getting me confused. Whatever I do is between me and God and not between me and flesh-and-blood! Being a social drinker, I never borrow money from others to buy a mug of beer or two nor will I disturb others. I will definitely make sure that it's between me and Him. It is better than giving fiery "ceramahs" condemning others. I am really confused about the Malaysian legal system. Damn!

lovetointerfere Posted: 19 Feb 10 : 3.51PM

In that case Shanon Shah, I'm sorry if I offended you. I got it wrong. My apologies. That comment was aimed at 'Who knows more'.

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No offence taken :-) Thanks for contributing to the discussion.

Shanon Shah
Columns and Comments Editor

fracker Posted: 19 Feb 10 : 3.58PM

Umno is hiding behind the banner of Islam to impose their undemocratic rule and actions. Their selfish actions are destroying the nation and are leading this country into Zimbabwe- [and Iran-]type rule.

Hoyohoyo Posted: 19 Feb 10 : 4.31PM

Ummmm, stoning was and is probably practised for years, so it can be said it's "acceptable" thereafter huh?

Castration was "accepted" by the Chinese for more than two thousands years by the way...