Friday 4 January 2008

Open letter to God (Malaysian Edition)

It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them.
-Mark Twain (1835 - 1910), Following the Equator (1897)

Dear God,
Firstly, I'd like to wish you a very good day or whatever you call it in heaven.
Please take note that this letter is being written while I'm having my regular medical-dose of the "stengah" (I recommend Chivas or Tiger beer), to assist in the process of "meditation". Might've recommended Mary Jane, had I been in Jamaica or Holland - places I hope to meet you some day.

Allow me to humbly apologize for my homo sapien ignorance - I really don't know which religion you belong to, unlike the "wise guys" to have regular communications (via teleconference facilities) with you and other friends, at their closed (possibly hotel) door private meetings, with or without any fancy outfits.

I'd also like to apologize for the fact that being a Malaysian "Kufr", I'm not permitted to call you "ALLAH". This is due to the fact that, due to the prevalent sentiment (aka "UMNO Baru culture") it is a word that has been reserved for Muslims (I really don't know if it is meant only for the "mukmeen", or also for the "munafeeq" as well), where Malaysia is concerned.

The weird part of it all, is the fact that Lina Joy and Azhar Mansor (and numerous others in secret) can legally do so, at their whim and fancy - simply because they were born into a certain "tribe"(as the Honourable Foreign Minister would put it on BBC). I object to such double standards. On second thoughts, their only other option is to be given an early appointment to meet you (by your defenders) to sort out the problem ....

Anyway I've got no problems with that - but I suppose my "brothers and sisters" in Sabah and Sarawak do. I also pity the confusion among non-Muslims from the Arab states who would visit Malaysia- they could possibly be arrested for not knowing that your name changes when they cross into Malaysian borders.

To prevent your flock from being arrested, I shall suggest to those in the travel/ tourism industry to print in bold, on all tickets to Malaysia the required information.
I shall also advise the honorable Minister of Tranport to instruct all entry points/ flights/ ports to make the neccessary announcements to all who are Alien to "Malaysian culture/ mental health". A memo with regard to this matter shall be sent via a (govt approved) courier ASAP, i.e. through the next "UMNO Baru" member who kicks the bucket.

Who said you were Almighty .... now the Malaysian Govt (aka UMNO Baru, I think) is giving you a run for the money .... sorry - for your omnipotence, I guess.
Speaking of mental health - how come our former Minister of Health is accusing all and sundry for plotting his downfall, and doesn't seem to blame you for the "blessings" that you endowed him with?

How could he, (being a doctor on top of that) have expected the people accept his apology, to tolerate sexual promiscuity/ philandering, and allow him to remain in a coveted post? Had he lost all sense of shame and decency, or did you forget to insert the software into the "hardware"? Has he (and many others in the Malaysian Corridors of Power) forgotten that they should have exemplary behaviour, and be seen to be incorruptible?

LKY down south would've used the expression "whiter than white", to describe the character required of a leader - obviously, you inserted a different software for Singaporeans, eh?

On the other hand, it could've been your nemesis, who corrupted the Malaysians' software, after they joined the "band of tuans, taikos and thalaivars" in politics after kicking Singapore out ..... that sounds more like it.

Getting back to CSL, with all the cribbing, I'm certain that he didn't resign voluntarily - so much for the God-fearing "honorable actions" of humility and accountability. He must have somehow been faced with the possibility of losing the "blessings" and "heirlooms" - I seriously doubt that it was you who threatened him. He obviously feared for his "jewels", more than you, if that were the case!!!

As far as your abode on earth is concerned, kindly be aware that Hindraf, is on the warpath to defend your rights, even if they are illegal shrines. Anyway they are also very keen on avoiding confrontation with those responsible for these actions, and have skillfully dodged them, by begging the Brits while screaming their guts out locally. Rest assured Dear God, that the "Minister of Hindu affairs" will be making his offerings and penance to you, even as Hindraf offers prayers for his soul. Please God, do not make a mockery of hairstyles, if and when you grant him reincarnation as a wild boar or dog.

By the way, why is it that many bodies (and now, children too) in Malaysia these days, tend to get snatched away by those who are permitted to call you Allah? First, it was Moorthy, then that lady who got sent for rehab, then Subashini. The latest seems to be that of a "one day old" lady in HUKM. (I have a strange feeling that some money matters are involved here).

Anyway - How could you grant the luxuries and opulence of heaven, to one who denied you all her life, gorged herself with the lovely, non-kosher taste of alcohol and pork but for only a day?? The calibration of your Dacing must be so totally screwed-up, like the NEP's "level playing field"!

I don't get it!
That simply isn't fair - I thought that you were fair and compassionate ...... it's like saying that your whole life is worthless, until the very last moment!
No wonder the adulterers, pedophiles, rapist, "sodomists", robbers, the Mona affendys and C4 culprits are unrepentant - did you give them some inside information or what?
Based on this logic, CSL might just become "whiter than white". If he just decides to convert - jumping from one "ministry" to another, each time his zipper fails and is "caught on tape", until the final moment when he chooses "the one true religion". But of course the family could lose the corpse and inheritance lah (depending on which is the last). The same goes for "Angeline Yam aka A. Yam" too!

Lastly, let me stress that I truly appreciate the divine wisdom of your "Malaysian emissaries", in making this "prohibition-of-your-hallowed-name-for-Kufrs" statement after the Visit Malaysia Year is over - now everyone can fly over, and nobody needs to visit Malaysia.

Okay lah God, I think I'll call it a day for now - nice talking to you. Hope to do this again soon.

Cheers.

Your faithful "Kufr",

Cruzeiro.

10 comments:

  1. All Muslims in Malaysia should be proud of the government and themselves. Really.

    To prevent 'confusion' among non-Muslims, let's see the Malaysian government prohibit Muslims from reciting the following verses of the Quran:

    5:17: "In blasphemy indeed are those that say that Allah is Christ the son of Mary."

    9:5: "Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush."

    47:4: "Therefore, when ye meet the Unbelievers (in fight), smite at their necks; At length, when ye have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly (on them): thereafter (is the time for) either generosity or ransom: Until the war lays down its burdens. Thus (are ye commanded): but if it had been Allah's Will, He could certainly have exacted retribution from them (Himself); but (He lets you fight) in order to test you, some with others. But those who are slain in the Way of Allah,- He will never let their deeds be lost."

    8:39: "And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is all for Allah. But if they cease, then lo! Allah is Seer of what they do."

    9:123: "O ye who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who are near to you, and let them find harshness in you, and know that Allah is with those who keep their duty (unto Him)."

    And many, many other verses in the Quran -- they all should be immediately banned and deleted from the copies of the Quran found in Malaysia, and anybody who posseses a copy of the Quran with those verses (as well as those who print or import the Quran with verses in those words especially in languages other than Bahasa Melayu, since the kafirs are deemed not holy enough for Bahasa Melayu) should be detained indefinitely without trial under the ISA for suspicion of incitement to violence and hate.

    It is only fair, in order to prevent 'confusion' among, and to protect the 'sensitivity' of, non-Muslims (for a change). After all, this is a government for all races and religion, and our Prime Minister is the "Prime Minister of all Malaysians", so let's see the non-Muslims getting some 'protection' for a change.

    I say the Herald should fight all the way in the court because otherwise, one thing will lead to another. Today it is about 'Allah', tomorrow it could be many other things! The moment you accept government interference with your internal communications, that's it -- next time they might even stop you from telling the virgin Mary story because it would be an abomination of 'Allah' to suggest that 'Allah' could beget a son and the Christians would be accused of trying to 'confuse' Muslims again!! (Quran, 6:101 and 9:30) (Which would be a wet dream comes true for many extremist Muslims, I tell ya.)

    This is simply ridiculous -- which means the ulterior motive is very obvious.

    http://juslo.blogspot.com/2007/12/believing-in-islam-would-make-you.html

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  2. Dear Juslo,
    All your quotes are just fine by me. And so are your last two paras.

    However, as for the "quranic" quotes, it would be wise to know the spirit and context in which the words were uttered, in order to understand them.

    To take scripture out of context, would render it satanic (which many "preachers" love to do to achieve their selfish interest)- such is the nature of all holy books, and even the Law (which many politicians subvert with glee). So beware rather of the preacher-man/ politician, instead of the scripture/ Law.

    The recent silly statement by the authorities is meant for political mileage, lest they are "attacked" by silly "Islamist politicians".

    I'm sure the church fathers know what they are doing .... and there is no need for any Hindruffian methods.

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  3. Dr. Cruz,
    When the government wants to control religion ie. Islam, it is already a one way ticket to Organized Religion. Otherwise how do you explain that rituals and prayers have to be done in such and such a way and other ways are considered deviants. As if God has given our leaders a monopoly on communication permits to Him!
    The very thought of this is in itself blasphemous. I say the government should be doing what it has been elected to do, governing the country and leave the business of god to the people themselves.

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  4. Dear anonymous,
    You're right in what you say.

    And whatever you'd like to say about religion, 99% are definitely "organized" by the state - "God's business always has been and is the state's business" - lest it be used against the state!

    The question is, what is their motive in "stirring passions & sentiments", of late?
    Are they feeling "shaken"? Or are they trying to delude the Malays/ Muslims into imagining a threat to the "Malay/ Muslim Supremacy" as in 5.13?
    Is there a conspiracy to "destabilize" in order to justify repressive emergency laws to gag and blindfold the masses?
    Is there an effort to provoke the Malays and the "Nons" into bringing about chaos vis-a-vis the colonial days?

    And let the idiots make fools of themselves - the Muslims will (in fact many already do) see for themselves what fools "these guys" are.
    It only shows their insecurities and faithlessness.
    "These guys" are have just dug their graves just a little deeper.

    As far as I'm concerned, my God isn't offended if I can't call him Allah (I don't do it anyways - I know my brothers in Sabah/ Sarawak and the Arabic speaking countries do) - YHWH, Illah, Deivam, Tuhan or any other equivalent makes no difference to him.

    Let us not be reactionary - God doesn't need names or words to justify his omnipotence .... so let it be.
    Remember that the "forces of the underworld shall not prevail".

    Let common sense prevail. Have faith.

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  5. Oh BTW,
    Let's not be so formal with titles- Cruz will do just fine (unless you insist).
    ;-)

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  6. dear Cruz,

    they r fine by me too, n i agree with your statements about 'contexts' etc. but my point is this...

    we, even though NON-muslims n could reasonably find them OFFENSIVE (if read literally), DON'T REALLY MIND what muslims say/preach to their followers bcos they r INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS. (if they cite those verses to me, then i'll b offended.)

    we UNDERSTAND that religions should b freely practised among the followers, EVEN THOUGH they r BOUND to say things which offend, curse or criticize the non-believers. all religions/ideologies r BOUND to say negative things about those who do not follow it. ALL ADULTS KNOW THAT.

    all i'm trying to illustrate is that if u want to talk about 'sensitivity', u have to stop at the church/mosque/temple door. u DON'T GO INSIDE n then claim to b offended by what goes on INSIDE OTHER PEOPLE'S religious practices. u DON'T go n read OTHER people's scriptures/circulars/magazines n then claim that what u read -- which r meant for THEIR OWN FOLLOWERS ONLY -- is offensive to u, THE OUTSIDER/NON-BELIEVER.

    the moment we want to regulate how OTHER RELIGIONS practice THEIR religions n what THEY say -- to EACH OTHER AND NOT TO OUTSIDERS -- that would b the END of religious freedom.

    n if it's okay for muslims to claim to b 'sensitive' or 'confused' about others' religious practices/dogmas, THEN IT SHOULD B OKAY FOR NON-MUSLIMS TO CLAIM THE SAME ABOUT MUSLIMS' practices n dogmas too, INCLUDING (ESPECIALLY!!!) what has been written in their holiest scripture, the Quran, right?? that's my point.

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  7. Dear Juslo,
    Point noted, and I agree wholeheartedly with you, with regard to what's proper, and the concept of "reciprocity".

    One thing we need to understand is the fact that there are many "primitive" people who just cannot understand the concept of reciprocity.
    These guys use their ability to inflame pent-up emotions and passions to stir up conflict wherever they go.
    It is their weapon against ideological dissent, so as to create conflict.

    It is what they wish to achieve.

    The problem is - majority of those who understand the concept of "Reciprocity" are plain cowards in the face of "holy men", due to their popularity among the uneducated. The "primitive" ones have amazing clout in religious circles due to a culture of misinformation and "limited/ restricted education" that further enslaves them.
    These guys need a "Martin Luther of sorts" to enlighten them ...... and that time will come, and they will learn in due time - it HAS to come if they want to progress.

    It was the very issue that Pope Benedict had addressed at the Regensburg address - where the primitive ones screamed for blood and his head ( and our "leaders" like TDM approved, without understanding the context of the speech), while demanding an apology - only to justify the Holy Father's contention.

    This is what I wrote in response to "anonymous", in the above.
    Responding in a "reactionary" manner is justifiable - but would you achieve your aim?

    The court, is a legitimate way to seek recourse/ justice - but don't place your trust on it. Be prepared for rulings (probably a 2:1 verdict) that are meant to promote "religious sentiments" and political agendas and don't be too upset about it, as you still can worship with one less word in the Malay vocabulary.

    Now - Do you wish to respond in a way that facilitates their "agenda"?

    That is my point.

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  8. dear Cruz,

    agree. but the moment we care about/should not react over what the 'primitive' r going to do, then we r basically letting some handful, loud minorities dictate the lives of the rest of us. we might as well surrender altogether.

    at the very least, we have to use up all the institutions, if not for the only purpose of showing that these institutions r mere charades n just for show.

    while the cowards among them choose to keep silent, we cant. i believe we should not only keep firm, but we should SHAME those educated/non-primitive cowards for being, well, COWARDS. i think that's the way we should operate.

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  9. Very true- and that'll be good, Juslo.

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  10. As a Malay and as a Muslim, I was truly dismayed to read that there was even an issue with the Christian Publication wanting to use the word "Allah" which is as many know now, the Arab term for The Almighty.

    I can understand if a select few did not know this bit, but for it to become newsworthy, that would mean that many in decision making positions along with many in the general population were not aware of this liguistic fact.

    I myself was not aware of this truth until a couple of years ago, which is not really a big deal because I don't give out licences having to do with religious publications. But you would expect that those entrusted with religious or governmental authority would have some idea of what they are supposed to be safeguarding.

    It is so frustrating sometimes to see how as a culture (either specific ethnic groups or Malaysians as a whole) we're so bogged down with our insecurities and lack of education that we react poorly.

    I think it comes from being Lemming-like, just going along with whatever we've been told by the powers that be (whether our parents, teachers, govenment) instead of really finding things out for ourselves.

    I do hope that when people know better, they will actually do better.

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