I was just at a DAP forum on the Lina Joy case. I must say that I am both disappointed and encouraged by what I saw and heard.
On the one hand, some of the speakers were terribly disappointing. To be fair, I shall not point them out. On the other hand, the turn out, which could have been anywhere between 700 to 1,000 people, shows that many Malaysians still care and dare to speak their minds.
Well, considering there were so many lawyers, politicians and Islamic scholars at the “dialogue”, I just had to say my two sens’ worth and ask the panel a few questions.
My comment and questions went something like this:
“I like to take a purpose approach or teleological approach – not theological approach – to things. There are certain things that are ends in themselves, and certain other things that are means to these ends.
For example, the law is the means to achieve justice, which is an end in itself. Similarly, philosophy is to find meaning in life or happiness, perhaps especially for those who do not have any particular religion.
Now, from what I understand of Christianity – I used to be a Christian, or at least called myself a Christian – its end is spiritual salvation. And now, subscribing to Buddhist philosophy, I know that its end is spiritual enlightenment.
My question to the Islamic scholars is whether there is such an end in Islam. And if there is such an end, would the prohibition of people leaving Islam serve this end?
And to the lawyers and politicians, would it be fair to say that the issue that we have here is not so much a legal question but a political one. As we all know, the end of politics – for most politicians, at least – is power.”
Well, the President of the Bar Council, I am proud to say, handled the question very well. Being true to her identity as a lawyer, she confidently said that it is a legal matter, but it has been hijacked by politicians. I don’t recall any politician commenting on my question or rebutting her.
However, the most disappointing thing for me was that whilst the President of ABIM constantly complained about the dialogue not being in a proper setting, he did not take the opportunity to enlighten the audience by responding to my questions. Indeed, he even mentioned my name but quickly moved on to other questions without addressing my questions.
Thus, my question still stands. What is the end of Islam? Is it the salvation of humanity or the ignorance of humanity. Ironically, both answers may be correct, depending on which “end” you are talking about.
You are a dishonest man. It is impossible for you to have ever been Christian as you say “called myself a Christian”. Being Christian is being part of the body of Christ, called the Church and not by self-proclaimation only! If you were baptised then you are Christian forever, even if you stop observing its tenets because sacrament of baptism cannot be revoked! I doubt _you_ were ever part of the body of Christ, so you are merely a Christian in name. That makes you a hypocrite;)
It is possible to leave Islam, and the easiest way is to remove PAS from both parliament and DUN, particularly Kelantan DUN. International human righs laws is clear that PAS is a “racist” party as it advocates “genocide” on murtads (apostate Muslims). Murtads are ex-Malays, thus non Malays. Any party advocate to kill non Malays is racism!
i think the end in politics is not Power, but Responsibility. Otherwise it’s not politics but just a glorified ‘drama’ to get power to oppress ppl and squander nation’s wealth.
[...] following article by me was previously published in Suara PRM, sometime in May 2003. A comment on my previous post has prompted me to republish the edited version [...]
Thank you for your comment, munirah. I agree with you. As you can see from the previous comment, I’ve posted an old article of mine in response to your comment. Peace.
Ibn Juferi, you are entitled to your opinion. Peace be upon you, Brother.
Ibn Juferi: “It is possible to leave Islam, and the easiest way is to remove PAS from both parliament and DUN, particularly Kelantan DUN. International human righs laws is clear that PAS is a “racist” party as it advocates “genocide” on murtads (apostate Muslims). Murtads are ex-Malays, thus non Malays. Any party advocate to kill non Malays is racism!”
its a wierd, wierd comment, I must say. I hope you’re not a muslim cause you sounded like you dont know a thing about Islam, Malays and about PAS.