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The Malaysian DNA Conundrum

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The Malaysian DNA Conundrum
by Dr. Sheik Johari Bux, Dr. Farouq Musa, and Dr. Musa Mohd. Nordin

Virtually the whole of Malaysia is now talking about DNA. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) has become a buzz word, featuring in conversations at coffee shops; offices and even our august parliament.

We must thank Crick and Watson who discovered the double stranded helical structure of the DNA molecule in 1954 which has since unleashed a plethora of advances in biotechnology. Forensic DNA is one of the many breakthroughs in this research in an impassioned endeavour towards advancing justice through DNA technology.

Justice and fairness should be the buzz word of the rakyat, the parliament , political leadership and the impartial media. This unfortunately is a far cry considering the various statements issued and the nuances of the mainstream media. Overnight, a handful of parliamentarians have turned pseudo-geneticists, shouting for surrender of DNA material ! Some have even sentenced the alleged assailant an unequivocal guilty verdict !

Beginning with the end, it is important to emphasise upfront that with all of the available DNA techniques, conviction cannot be based on DNA evidence ALONE if there are a host of other conflicting and non-corroborative evidence. For example, if a victim claimed rape in a condominium in KL whilst the accused was addressing a seminar in Singapore at the material time, no amount of DNA recovered at the crime scene is going to make any difference.

We hope this would moderate the DNA mania which is incessantly hyped, the latest by the father of the alleged victim.

Notwithstanding, what is worrying from the hypothetical case scenario is, how DNA of the alleged assailant got into the condominium. In the language of forensic medicine, there is an outright breach of the chain of custody in this hypothetical case.

Surrendering blood for DNA testing is NOT the central issue in the current stalemate. Maintaining the chain of custody is the CRITICAL factor for any DNA evidence. It demands a strict record of individuals who have had physical possession of the evidence and the process used to maintain and document the chronological history of the evidence. The chain of custody of the specimens must be strictly guarded to ensure the collection, delivery, testing, storage and rigorous documentation of the results are preserved and protected from any unauthorized and illegal access.

The historic trial of 1998 laid bare the extreme flaws of the country’s DNA squad, by design or otherwise. The grave concern from all quarters, national and international on the conduct of the current investigation is understandable and reasonable given the experience we were subjected to the last time this play was enacted. The accused and family who endured those humiliating moments of the last sham trial must be gutted by this sequelae.

We offer below a short brief on DNA as an idiots guide to the correct medical procedures to be followed in cases of alleged sodomy. It is grounded on back to basics forensic medicine, founded on evidence and not emotions.

  1. If the alleged victim claimed “the latest violation” on 26th June 08, had “counsel on 27th June 08 and reported to police on 28th June 08, it is highly likely that nature’s most efficient plumbing system would have flushed out whatever foreign fluids and tissue deposited within that most currently spoken of orifice. Almost all humans need to answer the big call at least once a day!
  2. Notwithstanding the above, if indeed the alleged accused’s specimen was obtained from the “hole”, it would be imperative to verify the authenticity of the collection to ensure no foul play was involved in collecting the specimen.
  3. DNA from the sample obtained in (2) can then be readily compared with the DNA fingerprint of the accused, assuming his DNA profile from the last trial had been safely archived. That is the role of the National DNA Database. It is hence nonsensical for the incessant calls for the accused to give his fresh blood to perform a match with the sample from (2). Unless of course in typical Malaysia Bolehland fashion, the accused’s DNA fingerprint records have gone missing! This then does not speak well of the professionalism of the investigating team. But then again it is but a recurring theme in so many other investigations of late.
  4. The prime minister and the deputy IGP, amongst others have insinuated that old DNA from 10 years ago is of little or no use in the current saga. Let it be known by all and sundry that there is no expiry of DNA. For purposes of DNA fingerprinting alone, even the Jurassic dinasours DNA can be analysed , unless of course there is a sinister intention for use of the accused’s fresh DNA that is almost unthinkable.

We offer the following solution to the current impasse for the authorities kind consideration :

If at all it is legally required for the DNA of the accused to be analysed from a fresh blood sample, the following is the recommended procedure.

There must be three specimens

  1. Blood from the accused
  2. Blood from the alleged victim
  3. Specimen from the “hole”

There must be two aliquots (portions) of each specimen and these must be presented concurrently to prevent any tampering by either or both parties. The chain of custody of the specimens must be strictly adhered.

DNA analysis of the three specimens can then be conducted independently by a laboratory of their choice (both parties getting 1 aliquot of each specimen). A holding watch of each process can be agreed upon.

DNA matching from the above can then be used as corroborative evidence to either acquit or convict. DNA does not lie provided humans handling them don’t.

As all Malaysian citizens would have realized by now, politics and medicine is a very volatile mix. The political sodomy of medicine in the trial of 1998 should make all of us even more wary of the innuendos which the current saga brings to fore.. This, despite the exclusion of the IGP and AG from the investigating and prosecuting teams and all the assurances from the powers that be.

The Malaysian public in particular and interested parties around the world awaits the truth of the matter in this episode of “Sodomy Malaysian Style”. We pray that this time around truth will not be sacrificed at the altar of political gamesmanship!

In ALLAH we trust and HE knows best.

News / Announcements

MPF Statement: Karpal Singh’s rhetorics to “Who Needs an Islamic State”

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MPF STATEMENT
The Muslim Professionals Forum (MPF) regrets Karpal Singh’s knee jerk political rhetorics to our public forum titled “Who Needs an Islamic State” held at the Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam on 20th April 2008 (Karpal tells PAS to drop Islamic state policy; Malaysiakini 22nd April 2008)

What makes it even more regrettable was that it was not evidence based and hence devoid of any grasp of the course of events in Kiara. It is evident that Mr. Karpal’s entrenched position is based on old prejudices, out of synch with the openness that Malaysia’s new politics expects.

Maybe Mr. Karpal needs to widen his reading horizons and references and heed to the investigative reporting by “alternative media” which among others wrote “PAS research director Dr Dzulkifli Ahmad was well received by the audience even though he apologised at the onset that his preparation for this morning was the bare minimum (although he added in a few points while Abdelwahab was speaking). Quoting verses from the Quran effortlessly and framing his discussion within the local context, he said that the supreme objective of Syariah is justice. Quoting an ulama, he explained: “Syariah is the public interest of humanity, avoiding harm, enriching (with) benefits.” With his witty and friendly style, he engaged the audience by explaining how the construct or form really does not matter, as what counts is the substance. For those who had long thought of PAS followers as turban-wearing mullahs, Dzulkifli came across as balanced and not rabidly religious.” (No answers, but a good beginning to a “heavy” question” The Malaysia Insider; April 21, 2008,).

And to authenticate the report, allow us to quote Dr. Dzulkifli who said : “And I am of the conviction that the word called Islamic State, it is not found in the Quran anyway, and not even found in the prophetic tradition of the prophet (peace be upon him). And its almost like a derived political phraseology or conception that came a lot later…I am not here to defend a particular form of Islamic state and the idea of advocating the Islamic Khilafah or otherwise. To me this is not the be all or end all or the purpose of the Islamic movement and the Islamic political party.”

This is very much in accordance with the main theme of Dr. al-Affendi’s work, who, as early as 1991 (1st edition of the book “Who needs an Islamic state”) moved away from the idea of Islamic state as a theocratic construct to that of a modern polity based on Islamic values of justice, good governance and respect for fundamental rights, a polity that is not incompatible with the ideals of democracy. Dr. Zulkifli himself at the beginning of his talk said that “I could have been the author of this book”.

Anyone familiar with the Malaysian political scenario would know that Dr. Dzulkifli has been consistent in advocating such vision of Islamic polity since he came to prominence as the Director of PAS Research Centre under the illustrious, the late Ustaz Fadhil Noor. He is indeed instrumental in the re-invention of PAS and the party’s manifesto for PRU 12 that clearly reflects such polity.

It would be unfortunate for the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) if her top echelon at the negotiating table are to be swayed readily by the mainstream press. The de facto leader of the Pakatan Rakyat and the august Pakatan Rakyat consultative council needs to rein in these dinosaurs who are much too often “celupar” and are myopic as to what constitutes fact and fiction.

That “cool, lazy Sunday”, lived up to its decorum as an intellectual discourse which has always been uppermost in the minds of the MPF board.

We even issued an invitation to YB Gobind Singh Deo DAP MP for Puchong to sit on the panel, but he politely declined for various pressing reasons. Even Imtiaz was pleasantly surprised when he remarked : “I never thought I’d be sharing the stage with somebody from PAS and actually saying pretty much the same thing.”

Malaysia post-2008 elections is embracing a new political landscape which is based on the bedrock principles of universal justice, equity and fairness and an ethno-religious discourse which is transparent, civil, sensitive yet non-emotional. Unfortunately, it would seem that there are still giants of Malaysian politics who are invariably trapped in the archaic time zones of “Jurassic Politics”.

Dr. Mazeni Alwi
Chairman
Muslim Professionals Forum

News / Announcements

Joint memo to Datuk Seri Nazri

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Joint memo to Datuk Seri Nazri

1. JOINT MEMO TO DATUK SERI NAZRI

Our Ref: MPF/MMN/003/06

March,20, 2006

YB Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz
Minister
Prime Minister’s Department
15th Floor, Parliament House
Tower Block
Kuala Lumpur

Assalamualaikum WBT

Dear Yang Berhormat,

JOINT MEMORANDUM TO THE MINISTER IN PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, LAW PORTFOLIO, DATUK SERI MOHAMED NAZRI ABDUL AZIZ IN SUPPORT OF HIS STATEMENT IN DEWAN RAKYAT ON 16 MARCH 2006 THAT THE ISLAMIC FAMILY LAW FEDERAL (TERRITORIES) (AMENDMENT) ACT 2006 DOES NOT CONTRADICT HUKUM SYARA’ AND SHOWED NO DISCRIMINATION TO WOMEN.

We jointly support the above said statement by Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz on the above amendments to the above Act. In addition, we would like to jointly recommend the following actions:-

Malaysians must reaffirm Islam as the official religion of Malaysia. Sensitivities of Muslims must be respected and unwarranted comments on Islam avoided.

  1. We take pride in Malaysia’s multi-racial and multi-religious make-up, the source of our rich cultural heritage. Our harmonious co-existence hinges on mutual respect of different faiths and racial communities.
  2. Some Non-Muslims understandably cannot relate to Muslims’ reverence of the Islamic sacred texts. The current trend of comments by Non-Muslims on Islamic jurisprudence such as Islamic Family Law (Federal Territories), Amendment Act 2006 has caused concern among Muslims.
  3. Offensive and inflammatory criticisms of Islamic sacred texts are unacceptable. We do however; welcome positive dialogue to advance our society’s understanding of Islam.

The media should play a responsible role in interfaith understanding and goodwill.

  1. Media bias undermines journalistic standards and ethics.
  2. Media must acknowledge attempts to correct the distortion and confusion regarding Islam. Printed letters are truncated rendering them ineffective in response.
  3. We ask that the media be more responsible, truthful and fair in its reporting because the media is a very powerful agent of influence
  4. We urge the media to be sensitive and NOT publish articles that are offensive to Muslims. Dissemination of information through media must be within parameters of professionalism not sensationalism.

Statements on Shariah matters should only be made in full recognition that it is a specialised science with its own specific methodology.

  1. Islam is a divinely-revealed religion based on the holy Qur’an which is the literal word of Allah, and the Hadith, which is the meaning of the word of Allah embodied in the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
  2. Islam is absolute submission to Allah. “I hear and I obey” is the obligation of every Muslim to Allah in matters which are definite and have been clearly prescribed in the Quran and Hadith.
  3. Islamic jurisprudence is Islamic laws derived from the Qur’an and Hadith. Muslim scholars of Islamic jurisprudence were people of deep learning, piety, exalted character and high integrity. Their authority has been recognised and accepted by generations of scholars and Muslims.
  4. Accusations of erosions of fundamental liberties and gender biasness in the interpretation of Islamic law are unfounded.

Appointment of more judges well versed in both substantive and procedural aspects of the Shariah.

  1. Shariah Courts perceived as sluggish, uninspiring and of a different status compared to civil courts. The inefficiency of Shariah Courts is caused by the problems of the courts: burdensome caseloads, excessive trials, insufficient court structures and case handling procedures.
  2. Shariah Court to be upgraded and allocated more resources:
    • More judges and personnel
    • Ample remuneration
    • More court rooms
    • Increased training for Shariah Court personnel in communication: public relations and language skills

Note: Studies have shown that there is no empirical evidence of discrimination against women in the Shariah system.

Thank you.
Yours truly,

Dr Mazeni bin Alwi
Chairman
Muslim Professionals Forum Berhad

2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

JOINT MEMORANDUM TO THE MINISTER IN PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, LAW PORTFOLIO YB DATUK SERI MOHAMED NAZRI ABDUL AZIZ, IN SUPPORT OF HIS STATEMENT IN DEWAN RAKYAT ON 16 MARCH 2006, THAT THE ISLAMIC FAMILY LAW (FEDERAL TERRITORIES) (AMENDMENT) ACT 2006 DOES NOT CONTRADICT HUKUM SYARA’ AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE WOMEN

The Islamic Family Law (Federal Territories) (Amendment) Act 2006 hereinafter called IFLA, became a controversial piece of legislative amendment when views of dissent were instigated by certain women based NGOs and sensationalised by the media.

Various Islamic NGOs took the initiative to study the IFLA in depth in order to address the controversial issues raised. The study noted that IFLA does not contradict Hukum Syara’ and shows no discrimination to women, though admittedly there are grey areas that need to be addressed. The good office of the Attorney General will rectify and amend any provisions where necessary.

Members of the Islamic NGOs consisting of Muslim Professionals Forum Berhad (MPF), Pertubuhan Jama’ah Islah Malaysia (JIM), Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM), Islamic Information and Services Foundation (IIS) and International Muslim Women Union (IMWU – Malaysian Chapter) and Khalifah Institute made a visit on 20 Feb, 2006, to YB Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, Minister in the Prime Minister’s office, Law Portfolio. The meeting discussed at length several issues, among them, the need to upgrade the Shariah Court, uninformed statements made on Shariah matters, unwarranted statements on Islam and the critical role of media in interfaith understanding and goodwill.

Pursuant to the above meeting, a coalition group of Islamic NGOs is tendering a joint memorandum to YB Datuk Seri Nazri on 20 March 2006 at the lobby of the Parliament House. This joint memorandum is not only to reiterate their support of YB Datuk Seri Nazri’s statement on IFLA but also to put forward several recommendations among others: improving the efficiency of the Shariah court, addressing unwarranted comments on Islam from certain quarters and responsible reporting by the media in interfaith understanding and goodwill.

Attachments

  1. Joint Memorandum
  2. List of NGOs and background information
  3. Press Statement
  4. Press Clippings
PRESS STATEMENT

ISLAMIC NGOs SUPPORT THE STATEMENT IN DEWAN RAKYAT ON 16 MARCH 2006 BY MINISTER IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S DEPARTMENT, LAW PORTFOLIO YB DATUK SERI MOHAMED NAZRI ABDUL AZIZ THAT THE ISLAMIC FAMILY LAW (FEDERAL TERRITORIES) (AMENDMENT) ACT 2006 DOES NOT CONTRADICT HUKUM SYARA’ AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE WOMEN

A coalition group of Islamic NGOs supports the Islamic Family Law (Federal Territories) (Amendment) Act 2006, hereinafter called IFLA. On 20 March, 2006, at the Parliament House, this group tendered a joint memorandum to YB Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, Minister in Prime Minister’s office, Law Portfolio. This joint memorandum serves as a declaration of support for YB Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz statement on IFLA that it does not contradict Hukum Syara’ and does not discriminate women.

The coalition group jointly recommends several actions to be taken such as: to improve the efficiency of the Shariah Courts, to address uninformed statements made on Shariah matters, unwarranted comments on Islam by certain quarters and responsible reporting by the media in interfaith understanding and goodwill. The coalition group agrees that the IFLA contains certain grey areas in some of its clauses which have led to the misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the law. We leave it to the good office of the Attorney General to rectify and amend any grey areas as necessary.

The coalition group was led by the Chairman of Muslim Professionals Forum Bhd (MPF), Dr Mazeni Alwi and a statement based on the joint memorandum was read by Founding Director, Puan Farah Pang Abdullah.

The coalition group deeply appreciates YB Datuk Seri Nazri for giving them the opportunity to personally hand-over the memorandum to him and making time to listen to their views. The group feels confident that YB Datuk Seri will give his utmost support and cooperation for the betterment of the Muslim ‘ummah’.

Attached is the list of Islamic NGOs endorsing the joint memorandum.

For further information, please contact Pn Zainuriah Abdul Rahman at 017-8722968.

Dr Mazeni Alwi
Chairman
Muslim Professionals Forum Berhad

3. LIST OF SIGNATORIES

JOINT MEMORANDUM TO THE MINISTER IN PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, LAW PORTFOLIO, YB DATUK SERI MOHAMED NAZRI ABDUL AZIZ IN SUPPORT OF HIS STATEMENT IN DEWAN RAKYAT ON 16 MARCH 2006 THAT THE ISLAMIC FAMILY LAW FEDERAL (TERRITORIES) (AMENDMENT) ACT 2006 DOES NOT CONTRADICT HUKUM SYARA’ AND SHOWED NO DISCRIMINATION TO WOMEN.

LIST OF ISLAMIC NGOs ENDORSING THE JOINT MEMORANDUM

  1. Allied Coordinating Committee of Islamic N.G.O.s (ACCIN)
  2. Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM)
  3. Darul Syifa’
  4. Global Peace Mission Malaysia (GPM)
  5. Grup Pengkaji Tamadun Dunia
  6. Ikatan Pengkajian Islam Pahang
  7. Ikatan Siswazah Muslim Malaysia
  8. International Muslim Women Network (IMAN) (protem)
  9. International Muslim Women Union (Malaysian Chapter)
  10. Islamic Information and Services Foundation (IIS)
  11. Islamic Outreach ABIM (IOA)
  12. Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM)
  13. Kelab Pemikir Muda
  14. Kesatuan Pelajar Islam Johor
  15. Kesatuan Pelajar Islam Melaka
  16. Kesatuan Pelajar Islam Perak
  17. Khalifah Institute
  18. Majlis Bertindak Wanita Islam
  19. Muslim Professional Forum Berhad (MPF)
  20. Muslim Women Consultative Council
  21. Pergerakan Belia India Muslim Malaysia(GEPIMA)
  22. Persatuan Al- Hunafa’
  23. Persatuan Al-Hidayah
  24. Persatuan Cina Muslim Malaysia (MACMA)
  25. Persatuan Darul Fitrah Malaysia
  26. Persatuan Guaman Syarie Malaysia (PGSM)
  27. Persatuan Kebajikan Pelajar Islam Sarawak
  28. Persatuan Kebangsaan Pelajar Islam Malaysia (PKPIM)
  29. Persatuan Pembimbing Pelajar Islam Kelantan
  30. Persatuan Pembimbing Pelajar Islam Pulau Pinang.
  31. Persatuan Pendidikan Islam Negeri Sembilan
  32. Persatuan Pengguna Islam Malaysia (PPIM)
  33. Persatuan Ulama’ Malaysia (PUM)
  34. Persatuan Wadah Pencerdasan Umat (WADAH)
  35. Persekutuan Pertubuhan India Muslim Malaysia (PERMIM)
  36. Persekutuan Seruan Islam Selangor dan Wilayah Persekutuan (JAM’IYAH)
  37. Pertubuhan Kebajikan An-Nidaa’ Malaysia
  38. Pertubuhan Kebajikan Islam Malaysia (PERKIM)
  39. Pertubuhan Muafakat Sejahtera Masyarakat Malaysia (MUAFAKAT)
  40. Research & Information Centre on Islam (RICOI)
  41. Sekretariat Himpunan Ulama Rantau Asia (SHURA)
  42. Teras Pengupayaan Melayu (TERAS)
  43. Yayasan Pembangunan Ummah (YPU)
4. STATEMENT BY PUAN FARAH HAMZAH, SPOKEPERSON FOR THE DELEGATION

MEETING THE PRESS AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE, MARCH 20 2006

OPENING STATEMENT

  • Thank you once again for being here today. We are here as concerned citizens of 43 Muslim NGOs to share with you some key issues we have on the role of the media. We have 4 major concerns and it is with sincerity that we speak to you in your capacity as responsible media reps in the country.
  • First, I will highlight the 4 issues we want to talk to you, after which you can ask questions. With me are my colleagues who will be happy to engage you in Q & A. after this.

1. Sensitivities of Muslims must be respected · Malaysians must recognize that Islam is the official religion while at the same time take pride in its multi-racial and multi-religious fabric. Our harmonious coexistence hinges firmly on mutual respect of different faiths and culture.

· This value of mutual respect has lately been abandoned when non Muslims openly make unwarranted comments on Islamic jurisprudence such as the Islamic Family Law (FT) Amendment Act 2006.

· Some have also made inflammatory and offensive criticisms of Islamic texts that have provoked Muslims. Let me give you some examples. When a non-Muslim editor of a media said that the hijab is not ‘imperative’ for Muslim women and when another non-Muslim correspondent said that Muslims reacted to the cartoons because of insecurity, it looks like open season for all to take liberties with Islam – and that is certainly a worrying trend.

· We strongly advise non- Muslims to refrain from making any unwarranted and uncalled for remarks about Islam, just as we have observed the same respect for the other religions in Malaysia. We also urge the media not to print any of these articles or statements made by non –Muslims.

· You may say that public discourses are important in an enlightened modern society and that press freedom is important to you, the media. But does press freedom encourage others to tread unkindly on people’s religion? Does press freedom subscribe to blasphemy and sedition?

· Having said that, we are happy to hold dialogues with non- Muslims to advance our society’s understanding of Islam.

2. The need for truthful and balanced reporting by the media

  • We all know that a responsible media is a powerful agent of influence and because of this special role, it must be mindful at all times to publish and air truthful and balanced articles on all issues, especially those that concern religions.
  • Lately we see that the media has been biased in its reporting concerning Islam. It does not validate facts on Islam before print. It sometimes sensationalises articles written by privileged individuals who have a flair for distorting and confusing Islamic issues.
  • When concerned Muslims write in to correct the misconceptions, you will not print our rebuttal and if you do, you truncate the articles rendering them ineffective in response. The latest example concerns relegating Muslim women to the ghetto in apartheid community.
  • When you do that, you undermine your own journalistic standards and ethics. And by extension, you therefore, undermine your important role as an agent of influence.
  • Like us, we know you value religious coexistence. We urge you the media to be sensitive and NOT publish or air articles offensive to mainstream Muslims.

3. Statements on Shariah matters

Statements on Shariah matters should only be made by parties in full recognition that it is a specialized science with its own specific methodology.

As Islam is a divinely revealed religion with its sources of knowledge enshrined in the Holy Quran and the hadiths, any attempt by individuals to misinterpret them to suit their own needs and desires is unacceptable.

· We also observe that the media has been publishing articles and statements that accuse Islamic laws of eroding fundamental liberties and encouraging gender prejudice. Such accusations are unfounded and reflect either ignorance or deliberate avoidance of the truth in the sacred texts.

· These individuals need to respect Islamic jurisprudence which is Islamic laws derived from the sacred texts. Muslim scholars who spent their entire lives studying the texts were people of deep piety and impeccable integrity.

· The media needs to do research to check the content accuracy with the relevant authority before publishing them. We look forward to the day when media self censures articles they know can be offensive to mainstream Muslims. This will be the hallmark of responsible reporting.

4. Upgrading the Shariah Courts

· Shariah courts, being State courts have been perceived as being different from civil courts and have also been seen to be inefficient.

· A recent research recognizes that the inefficiency is caused by heavy caseloads, excessive trials and inadequate court structures and case handling procedures.

· It is imperative that we upgrade the Shariah courts by appointing more judges who are competent in both substantive and procedural aspects of the Shariah. It is also necessary to bring up the status of the Shariah judges to be at par with the civil court judges.

· The Shariah courts also need more resources like funds, personnel, ample remuneration and court rooms. Equally important is the training for Shariah court personnel in communication, public relations and language skills.

· We urge the Government to provide more resources to the Shariah courts in Malaysia to enable them to be more effective and efficient in carrying out their responsibilities.

CONCLUDING REMARK

Thank you for hearing us out and we sincerely ask that you give us correct and fair coverage for this special meeting with you.

News / Announcements

MPF @ Rumah Solehah

3,060 Comments

From Husna’s Blog …

Saturday, December 22, 2007

MPF @ Rumah Solehah

We had a makan2 thingy last night @ Rumah Solehah, the new house (their very own home, no need to move like nomads now) is sumwhere in Jln Thavers, Kg. Pandan where we got lost !! The MPF (individuals la) did some Qurban for the kids of Rumah Solehah; a shelter for the women and kids with HIV and AIDS. Since my dad is the chairman of the house thus MPF is somehow related too. Last two years we did a fundraising for the house (raised close to 250K), and of course the usual visits. So technically my dad is the father for all the kids there, 25 or 26 of them. But sadly not all of them came last night, they were still in the old house @ Bdr Tun Razak because most of them were not well. We had yummylicious nasi pilau by Aunty Azra, and the main dishes of kerutup daging & fried chicken by Aunty Rohana (sedap giler !) , mee by Aunty Elya, different types of salad by Aunty Aishah, heavenly desserts cupcakes, donuts by Aunty Gee & Aunty Mils and cream caramel by Datin Wan and lots more. The whole family of Uncle Dr. Mazeni did the slaughtering & cooking at their animal fram in Klang. Uncle Manan brought a box load of presents and goody packs for the kids. And my mummy provided the crockeries ie paper plates, paper cups, forks and spoons and doubled as the mandor delegating all the responsibilities. And we had to send some of them back to the old house otherwise Mak Wan needs to make two trips. Kesian the kids cuti tak pegi mane-mane pun.

For those who are free, please do drop by Rumah Solehah and see by yourselves the kind of life they are living, the kids are desperately in need of your love and care. Just spend an hour or so playing with the kids will make you feel very much attached to them, indeed they are very special.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Tribute To The Kids of Rumah Solehah.
(a shelter for the =iv/aids women and kids)

The Smiles of Not Knowing

They came into this world without knowing
They go through the days without understanding
They live dear life innocently without much fear
They bear the sufferings with venerable vigor

All they crave for is your understanding and caring
Your warm touches, hugs and kisses
Your love and lots more
To live their dear life with a little bit of hope

The smiles of not knowing
Dear Lord, bless these tiny souls

UchnanaBanana
14th Dec 2007

(obviously edited a bit by the DV)

(will be featured in zatiandfarha’s BOOK)

Events

Humanitarian Relief – The Muslim Response

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Dr Hany El Banna is co-founder and President of Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW), an international relief and development organisation which aims to alleviate poverty and suffering of the world’s poorest people.

Born in Egypt, Dr El Banna graduated in medicine from Al Azhar University, Cairo, where he also obtained a Diploma in Islamic Studies in 1976. He was awarded the Hamilton Bailey Prize in Medicine, Dudley Road City Hospital in 1981, Birmingham UK. He completed a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in foetal pathology from the University of Birmingham Medical School in 1991.

He was awarded the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2004. In the same year he was conferred the Ibn Khaldun Award for Excellence in Promoting Understanding between Global Cultures and Faiths (UK). The Egyptian Medical Syndicate honoured him in 2004 for his services to humanity and medicine. In 2005 he received the Kashmiri and Pakistani Professional Association Award and in 2006 he was awarded the Asian Jewel Lifetime Achievement Award. Acknowledging his universal work and influence in 2007, the UK Muslim Power 100 awarded him their lifetime achievement award.

He is a member of the Three Faiths Forum (UK) and was selected to be a member in the West-Islam World Dialogue Council of 100 Leaders group which is a part of the World Economic Forum.

Dr El Banna is a trustee of the Disasters Emergency Committee (UK) and a member of The Advisory Group to the International Department of The Charity Commission (UK). He initiated the Humanitarian Forum which sought to build bridges between Muslim and non-Muslim NGOs around the world.

Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) now works in over 35 countries. IRW responds to disasters and emergencies, and promotes sustainable economic and social development by working with local communities – regardless of race, religion or gender. In doing so, IRW focuses on water and sanitation, orphans, basic health care, education, income generation, and Waqf (Islamic Endowments).

Articles

Muslim Women in the Midst of Change: Making waves

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Making waves

Stories by SHAHANAAZ HABIB

A convert speaks about the unreasonable pressures on new Muslims.

AUSTRALIAN Susan Carland’s mother was very blunt about what she thought about Islam.

“I don’t care if you marry a drug dealer, but don’t marry a Muslim!” she had told her 17-year-old daughter. Understandably then, when Carland converted to Islam two years after that – and she did not do it for a man! – she didn’t have the guts to tell mum.

Susan Carland: ‘We often expect brand new converts to start behaving in ways that we may have taken years to be able to do.’

“I was really frightened. I didn’t relish the reaction of my mother and friends. It was agonising at that time and I was caught in a lonely place … I felt like a hypocrite,” said Carland, one of the key speakers at a conference on “Muslim Women in the Midst of Change”, held in Kuala Lumpur early this month.

It didn’t take too long for fate to intervene. She came home one day to find her mother happily cooking pork chops for the family. As nervous as she was, Carland was forced to come clean about being a Muslim.

“My mum cried when I told her and things became very tense at home,” she said. She moved out shortly after that.

It has been eight years since and the rift between mother and daughter has healed. “Now, my mum even buys me head scarves and sends presents to my children for Eid.”

But others have not been so accepting. At times when the head-scarved Carland was out shopping back home in Australia with her children, she had people hurl abuses and tell her “to go back from where you came from”.

But she takes such things in her stride – because she has bigger concerns on her plate. Some of her ideas are daunting, such as urging a re-look at mosques, while others are downright pragmatic, like telling those born Muslims to give new converts a break.

Speaking at a dinner talk during the conference, organised by the Muslim Professionals Forum and the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, Carland, who was named Australian Muslim of the Year in 2004, was brutally honest about the treatment of converts at the hands of “born” Muslims.

“Lifting the Veil” (as her talk was aptly titled), what she had to say certainly made many cringe.

Barely have the last words of the shahada (proclamation of faith) left the lips of new converts, she said, they find themselves bombarded with rules to adhere to.

“Never mind that the sister doesn’t know how to pray. She is told she must get rid of all her old clothing, because it is too Western and thus unIslamic and put on the hijab (head scarf) immediately.

“Don’t worry that our new brother has only been a Muslim for three minutes. He’s already been told that he has to throw out all his music and get rid of his dog or he’d be committing a big sin.”

The list of unreasonable pressures on converts includes telling converts to leave their so-called haram jobs immediately, even if the person had no other source of income.

The newbies are asked to give up hobbies like painting, photography, dancing or playing instruments. They’re advised to move out and sever ties with their kafir (infidel) family and non-Muslim friends, while female converts are urged to get married as soon as possible.

They are often expected to give up their own cultures and take on Arab, sub-continental, Malay or other cultures because these are deemed to be more “Islamic”.

Carland, a lecturer at Monash University in Melbourne, described these demands as not only unreasonable but also “very dangerous” as they made things unnecessarily hard for the convert.

“We often expect brand new converts to start behaving in ways that we may have taken years to do so. By expecting too much of them, too soon, the beauty of the religion that attracted them can quickly become a terrible burden that is simply too much to endure.

“The complete message of Islam was revealed over 23 years. And the Prophet taught almost nothing but tawhid (oneness of God) for the first 13. Alcohol, too, was not banned all at once, but over three stages and several years.So why do we expect new converts to be fully practising Muslims as soon as they convert?”

Carland also takes the Muslim community to task for having an almost schizophrenic attitude towards converts.

On one hand, she pointed out, Muslims liked converts because they made them (the Muslims) feel good about themselves and their faith. But on the flip side, converts were often made to feel inferior by those born Muslims

A practising Muslim herself for years, she finds it maddening whenever “born” Muslims ask her to recite verses from the Quran to prove that she is really one, and knows enough to pray.

“Such encounters are degrading and condescending. How would anyone here feel if I were to ask her to recite some Quranic verses for me to prove her Muslim-ness? Obviously it would be quite insulting. As one convert asked me, ‘When do I stop being seen as the convert and start being seen as a Muslim?’”

As for converts who feel bitter and want to leave Islam, Carland urged Muslims to be gentle and give the person the space to work things through.

“Sometimes all he or she needs is a sounding board, instead of pressure and ridicule. If you have a convert come to you in a state of spiritual angst, he or she may say things that are challenging, perhaps even blasphemous, But we owe it to them to listen and just let them talk it through.”

Converts often have a challenging mind, which is one of the factors that made them Muslims in the first place. Sometimes, having someone listen could be the last thing that helps these people hold on, she said.

“Sometimes just being able to say some things and getting them out is enough. Hopefully they will come out the other side with their faith stronger than ever.

“If not, you can stand in front of Allah on the Day of Judgment and say, ‘I tried. I did my best for this person.’ After all, it is not up to us to change their hearts. You can only do what you can.”

On mosques, Carland said these institutions were just not supportive enough of new converts.

“Female converts report being shouted out, criticised and, worse, simply ignored by both other women and men, the first time they nervously enter a mosque. Often they report leaving in tears,” she disclosed.

In countries like Australia, where Muslims are a minority, the mosque is the one place where new female converts can feel a sense of community, belonging and support. To deny them this haven is simply “injustice and short-sightedness in the extreme”.

Listening intently: Participants at the ‘Muslim Women in the Midst of Change’ held in Kuala Lumpur.

She cited an incident in which the father of her close Chinese friend in Malaysia had gone to a mosque here to convert, but was told to leave instead.

She also questioned why mosques seem to have become quiet, silent places of worship, where people go to pray and then leave.

“That’s not our tradition. That’s not how the Prophet saw the mosque and not how His wives or companions saw it. It is supposed to be a social place and a community centre.

“Why can’t we put up a basketball court in the mosque yard and try to get the young to see it as their place? Why can’t we teach Muslim kids hip hop on mosque grounds?

“Right now the young feel isolated from the mosque. It is seen as a place for middle-aged men. If we keep going on this way, we will not have second- or third-generation Muslims. We need to re-think and reinvigorate the mosque.”

Carland’s unconventional ways may ruffle some feathers, but they have won her fans among young Muslims in Australia.

“Often the only interaction young people seem to have with the religion is being told what they cannot do. Don’t listen to music – it’s haram. Don’t have a boyfriend – it’s haram. Stop showing your hair – haram, haram, haram.

“It doesn’t sound like a whole lot of fun when you are young and there’s a whole lot of peer pressure. You’ve got to show the young people that Islam is something they can be proud of. And that fun can be halal.”

Once, after asking young Muslims what they would like, she followed through by getting male and female dance teachers and organising separate classes for boys and girls. She even got a bunch of Arab comedians to show up and tell a whole lot of halal (clean) jokes This proved to be a hit with the young Muslims.

“You don’t have to just sit in your room and recite the Quran and that is the sole existence of your life. You can still come out and have a good time, within a certain framework.”

There are certainly some among the Muslim community who do not approve of what she does. But for Carland, it is worth it to reach “a bit further” and engage disenfranchised Muslims, some of whom have never set foot in the mosque.

As for the lot of women, she told how gossip was often used, successfully, to control them.

She noted how Muslims (men included) tended to talk of great Muslim women like Khadijah and Aishah, the wives of the Prophet, and yet “not allow the women of today to walk the talk”.

“Women should get out there. Use the wives and female companions of the Prophet as evidence that we can do these things. Sometimes you’ve just got to make waves. Someone has to go out on a limb, and that’s when things change.

“Women have an amazing capacity to change society – much more than men. So just do it,” she said.

Carland has undoubtedly gone out on a limb to make change. Even if she has not made waves, she has certainly made ripples.