INDONESIA BOLEH....MALAYSIA PUN BOLEH

It was indeed a pleasure and memorable to attend my sister’s graduation in West Sumatra recently. Yes my little sister finally graduated as a Medical Doctor from the Universitas Andalas, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia – for me she was a person who was much focused, determined and never say die as I have seen how she struggled in achieving her and my parents dreams in becoming a Medical Doctor.

What I am going to write today has got nothing to do with her graduation, but, what happened during her graduation. Not only it impressed me, but, it made me surprised, shocked and unbelievable. I sure as my friends who have been following my writings you would also be shocked (If you are a Malaysian – you will be shocked even more).

This is a true story and not written just for the sake of writing;

Indonesia it is not an Islamic state, however, it is the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation, with almost 86% of Indonesians declared Muslim according to the 2000 consensus. 11 % of the population is Christian, 2% are Hindu, and 1% Buddhist.

With such a huge Muslim population, I would imagine that they would be very strict and would be guided with plenty of Islamic Laws which is being practiced not only in Malaysia but many other Islamic state or nation.

I don’t know if I should say I was shocked or surprised when I saw the Vice Chancellor (a Muslim) handing over a copy of Bhagavad-Gita (a Hindu religious book) along with the scroll to her. Not only did my sister receive her Bhagavad-Gita, her friend, a Christian girl received a Bible.

I asked my sister if this is the normal procedures during graduation. She said YES and not only that, she went on to say that, she was also asked to take an oath in front of a Hindu priest on the day she received her status as a Medical Doctor.

AMAZING!!! Can this ever happen in TANAH TUMPAH NYA DARAH KU (The Land that I will die for)

At that moment, I was speechless, confused and shocked. A country with nearly 86% Muslim population is so very liberal and all this while I was under the impression that a Muslim cannot touch Bhagavad-Gita or a Bible and I learnt in Indonesia that it was wrong of me to think like that.

Now, I wonder if in Indonesia this is possible, can this be possible in Malaysia?

Would a Muslim become a Hindu or a Christian buy just handing over a Bhagavad-Gita or a Bible to a Hindu or Christian?

Will there be a day when a Vice Chancellor from a Public or Private University in Malaysia do the same thing which was done by the Vice Chancellor of the Universitas Andalas?

Although my sister did mention to me that she has to buy the Bhagavad-Gita herself and pass it on to the University, I guess for me it does not matter – but what is important is the fact that the University has got an excellent way to show their acceptance of any person’s religion and there would not be any favouritism shown to any students.

MY VIEWS …..

KEPERCAYAAN KEPADA TUHAN ……..
BELIEF IN GOD ……..

Is the first principle of RUKUNEGARA (Principles of the Nation). This means that we need to believe in GOD, irrespective of what religion we are. That line could also mean that we need to respect other religion as well in this country. It would be nice for us to start this system in the Malaysia by requesting the Malaysian University to implement what’s being done by our neighbours.

We should not be shy in copying certain action which is being implemented by our neighbours if it can bring UNITY amongst ALL MALAYSIANS.

I am sure buy a Muslim giving away a Bible or Bhagavad-Gita it would not make him a Christian or a Hindu and vice-versa.

MY HUMBLE APPEAL

I have been receiving some comments from friends and anonymous readers, not many comments like how some of my blogger friends have been receiving.

I would like take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation to all my readers and your comments, almost all of their comments have been moderated and published here.

However, I must admit I am not able to approve some of the comments as they were very vulgar and if those words were directed to me, I would have still published it, but it was not.

I may not be an influential or a famous blogger. In my writings I don’t criticise anyone, I just put my opinion in a much disciplined manner as such it is only right as readers you could also understand those values.

It is only a few bloggers (I am sure you know who you are) who has some problems in their upbringing, thus, words which are not cultured are used. It is because of bloggers like this many good bloggers are affected.

I just hope that they will learn and be responsible. GOD BLESS YOU.

SCIENCE FAIR FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

It was during my drive back from AIMST University, Sungai Petani, Kedah I realised how important was PUTERA MIC’s decision in supporting and assisting in the organising of the Science Fair for Young children.

At the moment of the time I was thanking my good friend Dr. Yunus Yasin for introducing PUTERA MIC to the Science Fair.

It has been a whole new experience for me and my colleague at PUTERA MIC. Why not? As we are the 1st Malaysian Indian Political Party to be involved and working together with some well renowned NGO’s in the country in organising an unique and exemplary project.

My first reading about the Science Fair for Young Children was in 2007 – it was at that time I told my self, it would be wonderful if PUTERA MIC could work on this project (at that time, it was just a wish) but never did I realise that PUTERA MIC would be part of it and besides thanking GOD I must thank CCI (Centre for Community Initiatives) & TAMIL FOUNDATION for giving us this opportunity and off course through Dr. Yunus Yasin.

Now after witnessing 2 events organised by PUTERA MIC Kedah and PUTERA MIC Johore – I dare say it was one of the best decision which we made and have no regrets.

To see a child presenting their research and explaining how they worked hard to see the results is actually a scene that can never be forgotten and on top of that, students have actually mastered the English language so well.

While we can go on and talk, shout and even demonstrate on the reducing numbers of Tamil School in this country, we must also work on areas that can actually develop the minds and thoughts of a child in the tamil school.

a) We need to find ways on how we can create confidence within the students.

b) We need to give them an opportunity to express their opinion via education.

c) We need to create platform for the students to excel.

d) We need to encourage, motivate and let them know that we would not mind being a bridge for them for the educational successes.

But, SERIOUSLY – HOW MANY OF US ARE DOING THAT?

We in PUTERA MIC are very committed in creating the confidence within the students, we want to give them an opportunity to excel via education, we want to be one of the platform providers along with many other good hearted Malaysian Indians for their education excellence and we want to motivate, encourage and we want to make them top be the best.

Thus, we have now created a new idea – TO CREATE A NOBEL PRIZE WINNER AMONGST THEM – Its not just a dream it’s a reality if we put all our energy and resources together.

Please help us to help them.

As a backgrounder, PUTERA MIC was formed to work with Young Indian Graduates to assist Malaysian Indian Students in their education as well as promote the usage of the ICT facilities in this country.

MY VIEWS….

The students need a trigger point to excel, let us be that trigger point.