His Hollowness The Imam of Islam Hadhari
You can tell much about a creed by its practices, in particular that of its leader. By this measure, Islam Hadhari is a cruel hoax perpetrated by Abdullah Badawi on the citizens. This recently concluded Ramadan was Abdullah’s fifth as Prime Minister. On none of those occasions did he see fit to live or demonstrate the spirit of generosity and forgiveness that is the hallmark of Ramadan.
During the tenure of Mahathir, as well as others before him, it was traditional for the King on the advice of his Prime Minister to pardon prisoners during the last days of Ramadan, in time for them to join their families for Eid celebrations. We had the writer and philosopher Kassim Ahmad as well as the scholar Syed Hussin Ali, prisoners of conscience under the ISA, thus released. My classmate, once a fast rising star in UMNO and a former cabinet minister, was also pardoned of his murder conviction and released.
Abdullah has had five Ramadans to demonstrate the generosity or magnanimity of his Islam Hadhari. He missed them all. Equally significant, during the recent 50th Merdeka Anniversary, Abdullah did not see fit to have any amnesty program for prisoners. Nor did he have one on assuming power.
In his typically sermonizing Hari Raya message he exhorted Muslims to be generous and gracious. That was as far as he went; nothing beyond dispensing homilies.
On closer scrutiny, there was nothing in the ten stated principles of his Islam Hadhari about generosity or charity. How foolish of me to assume that the “Islam” of Islam Hadhari would at least have some redeeming qualities like charity, a pillar of our great faith!
Abdullah’s idea of generosity during this last Hari Raya was to host a multi-million ringgit “Open House” at the Putra World Trade Center. Rest assured that the funding of this mega bash would come out of the public treasury. It is easy to spend or give away money when it is not yours.
During this past Ramadan, Abdullah hosted an iftar, (communal breaking of the fast) and then proceeded to lead his guests in the obligatory Maghreeb as well as the optional Taraweekh prayers. A more gracious (and modest) host would have had some other ulama or ustaz from among the guests to do the honors. Not Abdullah, he hogs it all, in the name of piety and humility (or his public demonstrations thereof). His version, that is.
On another occasion, this time with members of the media (only those with demonstrated sycophantic sentiments), he had the writer and political observer Syed Hussein Alattas (Pak Habib) partake in a simple meal of ubi rebus (soup of tuber roots), a cheap staple made infamous during the hard days of the Japanese occupation. The normally perceptive and critical Pak Habib was so taken up by Abdullah’s “humble “ gesture that Pak Habib gushed at the “humility” of the Prime Minister.
This was nothing more than a crude and ineffective attempt at “slumming” for the benefit of the members of the media to see and thus report. You can bet that no such soup would be served on board the newly acquired luxurious RM200 million corporate jet reserved for Abdullah’s use.
The normally “not-easily-bought” Pak Habib, a political commentator I admire greatly, went so far as to have his picture taken with the “humble” Prime Minister clad in his peasant-style sarong and modest baju Melayu. The snap shots of the duo affectionately embracing each other were of course emblazoned on his website. The independently wealthy and fiercely unconventional Pak Habib could not be had with flattery or money, but a simple ubi rebus did it!
He Did Not See as Head of OIC
Thanks to the efforts and international stature of his predecessor, Abdullah assumed the leadership of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) on becoming Prime Minister. While Mahathir was forceful in pursuing the interests of Islam and of Islamic nations in foreign forums, Abdullah has been busy maintaining his so-called “elegant silence” abroad.
His presence at the recently concluded UN General Assembly was hardly noticed, except of course by the Malaysian media. Consequently and by default, the world now increasingly views Islam and Muslims as represented by such crackpots as Iran’s Ahmadnejad.
As head of OIC, he is silent over the two continuing major tragedies occurring in the Muslim world – the American occupation of Iraq, and the horrifying human sufferings in Darfur. His silence reflects indifference. It is a measure of his callousness to human sufferings, just as he is indifferent to the fate of the many prisoners of conscience in his own country. That again reflects his understanding of Islam, and the guiding principles of his Islam Hadhari.
Closer to home, Abdullah is equally oblivious of the atrocities perpetrated by Myanmar’s thuggish military junta. As the self-proclaimed Imam of Islam Hadhari, I would have expected him to have some modicum of sympathy for the brutal oppression of those fellow leaders of faith, the monks. Alas, there was none.
In secular America, President Bush and other senior leaders have to declare publicly their income tax returns. From such disclosures the public gets to know how much these leaders have contributed to charity. It turned out that both Bush and others had contributed generously. God bless them!
Zakat (charity) is a major pillar of Islam. Although not specifically stated in its ten major principles, I would expect that Islam Hadhari too would emphasize charity. If Abdullah could afford to vacation regularly in Turkey and Australia, as well as host a multimillion ringgit Hari Raya bash, I wonder how much this Imam has donated for his zakat this year?
Abdullah and others have been busy proclaiming Malaysia to be an Islamic State. Let’s begin with that basic prerequisite of Islam: making all Muslims give their fair share of zakat. Once we have achieved that, we can then consider implementing the other rules of the Syaria.
Islam Hadhari notwithstanding, one thing is certain under Abdullah’s leadership. The rats that are his cronies and family members have been busy nibbling away at the state’s precious assets. With time all that would be left is a state treasury that resembles Swiss cheese, full of holes with only a thin crust to hold its shape. This is what happens when we have as chief executive a kaki tidor (sleepy head), or to pursue my metaphor, a cheese head (kepala kosong – empty head).
No toast to His Hollowness The Imam of Islam Hadhari. Instead, let him be toast.
October 21st, 2007 at 10:55 pm
Last year, Lebanon ws bombed by Israel.
Since the Chairman of OIC cum Imam of Islam Ad Had & Ada Hari was on a vacation in Australia, going yatching with Ferari team owner, opening Nasi Kandar in Perth, and staying at my-crony-not-mine-but-repeatedly-used vacation home in Perth, there was not even not even a statement to condemn Israel’s encroachment in a OIC mmber state!
The condemnation came after he returned home … 2 weeks after event! Thats Imam Islam Ada Had & Ada Hari!
October 22nd, 2007 at 6:14 am
Malaysia sudah kena penyakit Islam Hadhari, lebih teruk daripada SARs dan Avian Flu. Rosak teruk tetapi banyak rakyat di desa belum sedar lagi. Ini lah yang amat sedih sekali.
Terima kasih kepada rakan saya dari Kedah, Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Othman. Orang Melayu kena goreng.
October 22nd, 2007 at 7:44 am
…managing piety image is a survival trait in religio-politics, this is not unique here. Listen to what palestinian president Abbas reportedly said in the paper ‘ I am not a secularist, I am a good muslim’, guess all muslim leaders will somewhat use similar lines to counter critics, to say that they are secular is just like commiting political ’suicide’.
October 22nd, 2007 at 8:22 am
Imam of Islam Hadhari or Grand Master of Duplicity? Check this
out my friends:
http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/pictures.php?itemid=9087
October 22nd, 2007 at 9:34 pm
What to expect from his hollowness when he is hollow, shallow and slow.
October 22nd, 2007 at 10:17 pm
ubi rebus= boiled tapioca
October 23rd, 2007 at 1:25 am
Jong,
You are giving the man too much praise by crowning him with the title “Grand Master of Duplicity”. He is, in fact, the epitome of the absurd, or a ubi rebus as Asri says, and a circus clown who is being manipulated by the son-in-law and his cohorts. In such a man we entrust the fate of our country. Don’t you think the time has come for change!!
October 23rd, 2007 at 6:54 am
Pak Din,
Circus clown is too generous an expression, a moron is more appropriate.
He was in Ipoh today to launch Perak’s own Cyberjaya which was hailed by the Perak MB as a new beginning for the stalled K-Perak programme. His wife was at his side never wanting to miss out on another round of pampering by loyalist, Tajol Rosli, one of his ardent “kaki bodek”. It was a spectacle to watch and, of course, the mainstream media were there to eulogise the pair. I am about to throw up.
October 23rd, 2007 at 8:26 am
I’m surprised! Not too long ago Syed Hussein Al-Attas had fiercely questioned PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s motive for promoting “Islam Hadhari”, even accused the PM of further confusing muslims in this country with such unnecessary branding of Islam.
But now I understand a frugal meal of ubi kayu rebus(tapioca) finally did the trick? ..with Syed Hussein Al-Attas all smittened?
October 23rd, 2007 at 8:35 am
hahaha Din Merican, you still believe AAB doesn’t deserve the title “Grand Master of Duplicity”? Who can outbeat him?
October 23rd, 2007 at 10:58 am
AAB should be named Grand Master of Deception. He managed to fool all the people with his Mr Clean image all the while cleaning out the national treasury, Tabung Haji and Khazanah National. He take several vacations, buy luxurious planes, boats and who knows what and at the same time asking the citizens to tighten our belts and giving us the “feel good” propaganda. He is always doing the opposite of his advice. So the Grand Imam of Islam Hadhari is not doing what he is preaching.
October 23rd, 2007 at 7:02 pm
Outcold,
I try to be civil and polite as I can about the Imam of Islam Hadhari in the public domain. But in private, I have plenty of words in the vernacular to describe this man. The man is a disaster worse than Katrina and the raging forest forest fires of Southern California (I hope my dear friends Bakri and Shrek and their families are not in harm’s way).
This Imam is one of the reasons, among many reasons, why I decided to become a political activist with KeADILan and if you are disgusted with him, you should join my team of young,committed and very smart Malaysians (not just Melayus!!). We are looking for volunters with ideas and suggestions on how we should get our message that the rot must be stopped across to the Malays in the desas and small towns. Please contact me at dmerican@yahoo.com .
Jong,
With all the money to fight elections and “bribe” voters, control over the Elections Commission and the media and ability as Minister of Internal Security to use the repressive powers of the Police and fascist laws like the ISA and the Official Secrets Act, etc, even an idiot can win. The question is whether Badawi will win big like in 2004. The Malaysians have the chance now to give a thumping. But will we?
I met a street philosopher in Bangsar Baru, in fact in the fame tea tarik joint, Devi’s Corner. He is a student and disciple of Nietzche. He said to me “Brader, your Prime Minister asks Malaysians to work with him, not for him. You Malaysians are very loyal buggers. Since he is not working and instead sleeping, you buggers are following in his footsteps. You too are asleep and are not working. No wonder, Malaysia is rotten”.
I could have said it better. To me, Badawi is a simpleton and the guys doing the spin and deception are on the 4th Floor, Prime Minister’s Department in Putrajaya. The Imam is too busy with Jeanne Danker Abdullah. Is he really interested in the job? Leave you, Jong, to respond to that.
If you want change and to stop the rot, vote KeADILan and our friends and convey the message to the powers that be enough is enough. Don’t be so cheap that you are willing to accept a few hundred rinngits and a few sticks of satay when you go to the polls and sell the country.
In fact, the UNMO-BN people should be charged with bribery by the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA). Alas, the ACA is something else!!
October 23rd, 2007 at 7:06 pm
Correction : “volunteers” and ” I could not have said it better”. Bakri, could you make these corrections, please.
October 23rd, 2007 at 8:41 pm
Bro Din
Perhaps the Imam of Islam Hadhari can say a prayer for all residents of Southern California affected by the firestorms. The Governor of California was at the scene the day after the fire started and visited Malibu and San Diego. He also ordered the California National Guard to provide air support for Southern California. President Bush will visit So Cal Thursday and had ordered Homeland Security and FEMA to render assistance.
300,000 residents had to be evacuated and as far as I know maybe a couple of Malaysians were affected. Anyway the winds have died down and the fires are subsiding but the loss was tremendous.
October 23rd, 2007 at 9:09 pm
Dear Outcold and Din Merican,
What about Jeanne Danker, guys? Is she not doing a good job?
Paklah is always awake with her around, a role so different from
that of Rosmah Mansor keeping watch on Najib at Kazakhstan.
October 23rd, 2007 at 9:20 pm
Jeanne Danker? She’s still one of those “my-hubby-is-the-boss-crap” wife! She’s everywhere where Pak Lah’s is. Always want a piece of the mic.
October 23rd, 2007 at 9:56 pm
Hahaha sounds so familiar to one bimbo I know! Well in Jeanne’s case, she’s wife of No.1 ceo of Malaysia, its justifiable like it or not.
October 23rd, 2007 at 10:26 pm
Dear Jong,
How are things in Ipoh? Keep your eyes on the ball and do what you can to convey a message to Ipohites that all is not well in Bolehland,although we now have “conquered” space through the efforts of Angkasawan Negara, Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, and two Scorpene submarines made in Cherbourg, France (one is KD Tunku Abdul Rahman and the other to be launched in 2008, KD Tun Razak) to boost our defence and protect our territorial waters.
Jeanne is doing her best for the man she loves. Unfortunately, she has to make the best out of the material she has to work with. If the material is just a “pochi” (hopeless in Tamil), she cannot do much. All the same, I will give her an A+ for her effort and for her persistence.
I already see some effect on the man himself–his hair style, choice of ties and shirts, and mannerisms. That is progress. Good job on this score for Jeanne. She has now to teach him to be honest and true to his words and be on time for his appointments. Maybe, she should give him some time to sleep.
As I have said before, apart being intelligent and good looking, Jeanne is a smart lady as most Dankers are. They are Eurasians and as a community their contribution to our country must not be discounted. The Dankers knew how to handle the Dutch!! I have a cousin in Alor Setar whose name is Jane Danker.
Here is my message to Jeanne:
” Selamat Hari Raya and take care, Jeanne. KeADILan is on a strong rebound from 2004 and will have an impact on the outcome of the next elections with the help of our partners and the voters. A David has all the skills and resolve to take on the Giant UMNO-BN political machine.
Let us play on a level field for the next contest of ideas and programmes for the benefit of all Malaysians, not use money politics. It is in the interest of the government to have free and fair elections for a proper mandate to govern.”
Thanks.
October 24th, 2007 at 12:02 am
Pak Din,
I am apolitical leaving the gerrymeandering to the experts. I prefer the righteous path. Have committed too much sin already. Will make my vote count at the next GE. Will it mean much?
Jong,
Is Jeanne doing a good job? I can’t really say. It may be a case of too little too late. But she is playig her role as an obedient wife to the hilt. After all that’s what a Malay man expects from his spouse(s). Pak Din may have more to say.
October 24th, 2007 at 12:45 am
Outcold,
You can make a difference. One vote for the alternative means one less for the ruling party. Do not underestimate your own capacity to influence others to do the right thing, and to do it right. Support the party that best represents your interest. In my book, it is KeADILan to fight for my rights.
“Isteri orang Melayu mesti ikut suami. Kalau tidak kena balun lah”. This is changing of course, especially when the laws with regard to Muslim marriages and divorces are amended and the rights of Muslim women are respected. That is the easy part. but changing the mind-set of Muslim men in Malaysia will be the challenge.
It is for this reason I have always supported the position of Zainah Anwar’s Sisters in Islam (SIS). Do you notice her column in the NST has been terminated? I suspect this is because her position and comments on the rights of women, especially the Muslim women, are too honest, genuine and hence painful to be accepted by the Imam of Islam Hadhari and the mullahs in our religious establishment.
That is democracy Malaysia style for you. But we must not give up. Who ever says change is easy?
Thanks.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:03 am
Dear Din Merican
My vote and those of my family members are definitely going to KeAdilan.
The UMNO dogs are going for Anwar now, using the Lingamgate tape as an excuse to book him for not cooperating with the ACA. Anwar should have expected this and I hope he and the others at KeAdilan will get international support and condemnation of the ruling regime’s dirty tactics.
To those who still believe in Imam Badawi’s brand of Islam, I say you’ve been Had-hari!
October 24th, 2007 at 9:58 am
mr musa,
“Zakat (charity) is a major pillar of Islam”. 110% AGREE
the fact about zakat in malaysia is interesting. more than 90% of zakat payer is individual rather than business entity. only 20% of Public Listed GLC pay zakat of not more than 25 million. GLC unpaid zakat is estimated between 100-500 million. Majority of muslim controlled public listed co never pay zakat at all. what about other business entity. what a shame to the muslim in malaysia.
i wonder if the righteous Khalifah Abu Bakar still alive, surely he will declare war to those who refuse paying zakat. he has done it before. there can be no piety without pillar of islam ie solat or zakat.
yes it is nonsense to discourse on politic, islamic state etc wihout observing the pillar of islam. pepatah melayu, ibarat burung murai……. mulut kecoh berderai… ekor berlumuran tahi…
may God bless us all and malaysia
October 24th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Din Merican,
So what, Dr Shiekh Muszaphar Shukor, Malaysia’s first space- traveller has gone to space and came back?
This “angkasawan project” is nothing but a great ‘Malaysian joke’! While umno has gone gaga celebrating and telling our school children what a great achievement it has been for Dr SMS and Malaysia, their parents the Malaysian tax-payers are poorer directly/indirectly by rm90 million!
To me there seems to be a concerted effort by those desperate irresponsible umno/bn leaders to screw up the whole nation, with lies and more lies! And they are not about to stop.
Malaysia Boleh! It’s worrisome, we’ve now a very ’sick’ society to deal with, read what our 1st Malaysian space-traveller Dr SMS has to say on his return:
“I have been telling myself that I want to return to the ISS for six months and hoping that it will be as its commander. God willing, I will prove that I can do it,” he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama from the post-space mission quarantine centre in Star City, Moscow.
No shame, no shame!
http://the-malaysian.blogspot.com/2007/10/malaysias-angkasawan-aspires-to-return.html
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition16/index.html
October 24th, 2007 at 10:22 pm
Outsider,
We are all outsiders, when we disagree with the Badawi Government. Those who push the envelope beyond what the Government perceives to be politically acceptable will find themselves facing the full weight of existing repressive laws like the ISA, the Official Secrets Act of 1972 and the notorious Printing and Publishing Presses Act of 1984. It is the end of freedom of expression and assembly for all of us.
Even the Anti-Corruption Agency is now being used to harass and pressure responsible citizens who report instances of corruption in high places and among the UMNO-BN clique. The AG Office is now the de facto agency in charge of the Anti-Corruption Agency since the Prime Minister has abdicated this responsibility.
The Government has become the enemy of the people and the leadership feels it is under siege. Given their mental state, they and public officials cannot see beyond their noses, so to speak.
Please spread the word around that the state of our country is rotten and our institutions serve the politicians, not the people and that is the biggest tragedy for Malaysia in the 21st century. As a people, our dignity is rapidly eroding and the time has come to restore it.
Thanks for your support.
October 28th, 2007 at 8:46 am
My as well pardon everyone in the prison to be fair!
March 4th, 2008 at 1:06 am
They make a point there in their everyday-make me -want to puke cover of tv ad- ‘We are on the right track’ ya la babe track to HELL that is ha ha.
Enuff la…..time for him to say good bye