Salam, my dear grandchildren,
Peace be upon you.
Photo: Konrad Mostert
Today I was just wondering how you all are doing with your studies. I guess it must be interesting learning about the great history of Islam in the Middle East, and your classes must be full of interesting stories about the characters in the Quran.
Your Malaysian “history” classes should be interesting too. Did your books mention that bloggers are evil anti-government jobless housewives who behave like apes? Or did they omit any mention of bloggers?
You will read about the great achievement of the fifth Malaysian Prime Minister and the ruling coalition. On August 27 2007, they won a great victory by officially declaring Malaysia to be an Islamic State.
Those of you in the future might wonder what’s the big fuss. After all, it’s just a term right? Actually the big fuss is not about the term Islamic State, Theocratic State or Secular State. The big fuss are the unsaid implications that come with these terms.
A small change like this prepares a precedent for a landslide of amendments and deletions to existing constitutions, laws and policies.
The issue is some people could be saying things to win over voter hearts, without realising that their words, declarations and actions can bring the country in a different direction in the future, long after they are dead and gone.
I wonder if you are still able to attend church. I pray that your parents will be strong and will continue to teach you well, that they will not give in to any persecution.
Perhaps… you are now Muslim as well. Next month will be the holy month of Ramadhan. Ah Kung (grandpa) and Ah Ma (grandma) always looked forward to the fasting month to enjoy the wonderful goodies sold by our Malay neighbours.
In any case, know that Ah Kung and our generation are praying hard. And I won’t blame you for being Muslim. But I will be blaming myself for all of eternity.
Regards,
Ah Kung
August 29, 2007 at 11:21
What an irony.
Wait for the fasting month for all the good food ^-^
Adino: Come to think of it… yeah it’s ironic hehe
August 30, 2007 at 15:49
You forgot to mention Negarakuku
Adino: I wish I had the MP3 of that song… I’m gonna buy his CD when its released.
September 3, 2007 at 23:47
A timely and well written post, Adino. I couldnt agree with you more.
it’s time for the voters of Malaysia to WAKE UP, we urgently need a much stronger opposition, an unbiased an independent judiciary system, a free media, and an untainted electoral system.
and for all those who regularly bleat ‘i’m so apathetic and apolitical, i’m not even going to register as a voter’, well dont bother to whine about how the system is screwing you out of your entitlements/benefits/rights as a bangsa Malaysia…
Adino: I think everyone is feeling the same way.