Maximize the last 10 days of Ramadan

Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power) is described in the Quran as, "better than a thousand months" (97:3). Any action done on this night such as reciting the Quran, remembering Allah, etc. is better than acting for one thousand months which do not contain the night of Qadr.
Allah's Messenger used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time." (Muslim). Allah's peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet.
Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, related that the Prophet said: Look for Laylatul Qadr on an odd-numbered night during the last ten nights of Ramadan (Bukhari).
The Prophet said: "Whoever prays during the night of Qadr with faith and hoping for its reward will have all of his previous sins forgiven." (Bukhari and Muslim recorded from Abu Huraira).
Here are some tips of things we can do on the Night of Power and the time before and after it.

1. Take a vacation for Allah.

We take a break from our jobs for almost everything in life. Why not this time to focus on worshiping and thanking our Creator.
If this is not possible at least take a few days off if you can. This can make it easier to stay awake at night to do extra Ibadah, not having to worry about getting to work the next day. It will also facilitate doing Itikaf.

2. Do I'tikaf.

It was a practice of the Prophet to spend the last ten days and nights of Ramadan in the masjid for I'tikaf.
Those in I'tikaf stay in the masjid all this time, performing various forms of zikr (the remembrance of Allah), like doing extra Salat, recitation and study of the Quran. They do not go outside the masjid except in case of emergencies, therefore, they sleep in the masjid. Their families or the masjid administration takes care of their food needs. I'tikaf of a shorter period of time, like one night, a day or a couple of days is encouraged as well.

3. Make this special Dua.

Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: I asked the Messenger of Allah: 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said: 'Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.' "(Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).
The transliteration of this Dua is "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee"

4. Recite the Quran.

Perhaps you can choose Surahs or passages from the Quran, which you have heard in Tarawih this past Ramadan to recite.
If you attend a class where the recitation of the Quran is taught, this is a great time to put your knowledge into practice.

5. Reflect on the meaning of the Quran.

Choose the latest Surah or Surahs you've heard in Tarawih and read their translation and Tafseer. Then think deeply about their meaning and how it affects you on a personal level.

6. Get your sins wiped out.

Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger said: Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylatul Qadr while nourishing his faith with self-evaluation, expecting reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven. [Bukhari and Muslim).
Don't just pray using the shorter Surahs that you know. Try to make your prayers longer, deeper and meaningful. If you are familiar with longer Surahs, read the translation and explanation and then pray reciting these Surahs, carefully reflecting on the meaning while you pray.
Even if you are only familiar with the shorter Surahs, read the translation and explanation beforehand, and then pray reflecting on the message of the Surahs.
This is a good way to develop the habit of concentration, even in regular prayers, where many of us tend to be fidgety and/or easily distracted.

7. Make a personal Dua list.

Ask yourself what you really want from Allah. Make a list of each and everything, no matter how small or how big it is, whether it deals with this world or not. Allah loves to hear from us. Once this list is ready, you can do three things:
* Ask Allah to give you those things
* Think about what actions you have taken to get those things
* Develop a work plan to get those things in future.

8. Evaluate yourself.

Ask yourself those questions that need to be asked. Do an evaluation of where you are and where you are going. Let this evaluation lead you to feel happiness for the good you have done and remorse for the bad you have done. This latter feeling should make it easier to seek Allah's sincere forgiveness when making the Dua mentioned in tip number one above.

9. Make long, sincere and deep Duas

One of the best times to do this is during the last part of the night.
Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, related that the Prophet said: When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the heaven of the earth and proclaims: Who is that who supplicates for Me, and I grant his supplication? Who is that who begs Me for anything and I grant it to him? And who is that who seeks My forgiveness, and I forgive him? (Bukhari, Muslim).
That means for instance, waking up one hour before Suhoor time to ask Allah for anything and everything you want that is Halal. This can be done using the Duas of the Sunnah, but also Dua in your own language, with sincerity and conviction.

10. Memorize a different Dua every night

They don't have to be long. They can be just one line. And be sure to know what they mean generally at least, even if you don't know the exact translation in English.
You can put them on index cards (or and keep them with you during the day, glancing at them during work, while driving, waiting in line, etc.) Then practice them at night in prayer.

11. Have Iftar with the family

If you've spent Iftar time on weekdays in your cubicle at work alone with a couple of dates, now is the last few days you'll have this Ramadan to spend with your family. Use it wisely.

12. Take the family to Tarawih

Have your spouse and kids missed Tarawih most of Ramadan because you weren't there to drive them to the Masjid, which is too far away to walk to? If so, do all of yourselves a favour and bring everyone for Tarawih in these last ten nights.

13. Attend the Dua after the completion of Quran recitation

Almost all Masjids where the Imam aims to finish an entire reading of the Quran in Tarawih prayers in Ramadan will be completing their recitation in these last ten nights. They may try to end on one of the odd nights and read the Dua at the end of a reading of the Quran. Attend this particular night's Tarawih prayer with your family. See if you can attend different Masjids' Tarawih prayers the night they finish reading the Quran.

14. Finish reading a book on the Prophet

Read about the Prophet's life, which can increase your love for him and Islam by seeing how much he struggled for Allah's sake. It may inspire you to push yourself even harder during these last ten nights. This community is built on sacrifice.

15. Plan for the next year

Once you've done a self-evaluation, you can plan on where you want to go, at least in the next 12 months. Laylatul Qadr is a great night to be thinking about this (without taking away from your worship), since you'll Insha Allah, be in a more contemplative state. You may choose to dedicate one night of power for evaluation and one night for planning for the next year.

16. To do list for the Night of Power

Make a to do checklist for each Night of Power. This should define how you would like your night, the one better than a thousand months, to be used. Pick things from this list and define the sequence you would like to do things in. This will help you avoid wasting your time in unproductive chats which common in the festive atmosphere of Masjids at the Night of Power.

Govt provides 90% of education financing

TEMERLOH: The Government provides 90% of higher education financing, making Malaysia the only country allocating a huge amount of money to education, said Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.
He said the subsidy also included providing students with scholarships to pursue higher education abroad.
“In fact, students at tertiary level paid only 10 per cent of the cost of education,” he told reporters after handing over advance financing from the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) to 832 students from the Temerloh parliamentary constituency Wednesday.
Saifuddin, who is also Member of Parliament for Temerloh, said this showed the Government's resolve in promoting education to produce more knowledgeable people.
“So far PTPTN has given out RM44bil in loans and scholarships to about 1.94 million students from various races,” he said. - Bernama

tunku : pakatan rakyat can't even finance 50% of it's states university and they talks crap that BN's government should give free for higher education. show to us that we can do it in your states than dare enough to say about free education. losers.

Muslims Worship Kaaba :: Misconception about Islam

This is especially for the non Muslim as they had the misconseption that Muslim worship Kaabah.

Kaaba is the Qibla i.e. the direction Muslims face during their prayers. It is important to note that though Muslims face the Kaaba during prayers, they do not worship the Kaaba. Muslims worship and bow to none but Allah. It is mentioned in Surah Baqarah: “We see the turning of thy face (for guidance) to the heavens: now shall We turn thee to a Qiblah that shall please thee. Turn then thy face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque: wherever ye are, turn your faces in that direction.”

1. Islam believes in fostering unity [Al-Qur'an 2:144] For instance, if Muslims want to offer Salaah (Prayer), it is possible that some may wish to face north, while some may wish to face south. In order to unite Muslims in their worship of the One True God, Muslims, wherever they may be, are asked to face in only one direction i.e. towards the Kaaba. If some Muslims live towards the west of the Kaaba they face the east. Similarly if they live towards the east of the Kaaba they face the west.

2. Kaaba is at the Centre of the World Map The Muslims were the first people to draw the map of the world. They drew the map with the south facing upwards and north downwards. The Kaaba was at the centre. Later, western cartographers drew the map upside down with the north facing upwards and south downwards. Yet, Alhamdullilah the Kaaba is at the centre of the world map.

3. Tawaf around Kaaba for indicating one God When the Muslims go to Masjid-e-Haram in Makkah, they perform tawaf or circumambulation round the Kaaba. This act symbolizes the belief and worship of One God, since, just as every circle has one centre, so also there is only one Allah (swt) worthy of worship.

4. Hadith of Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) Regarding the black stone, hajr-e-aswad, there is a hadith (tradition), attributed to the illustrious companion of the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh), Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). According to Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, book of Hajj, chapter 56, H.No. 675. Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “I know that you are a stone and can neither benefit nor harm. Had I not seen the Prophet (pbuh) touching (and kissing) you, I would never have touched (and kissed) you”.

5. People stood on Kaaba and gave the adhaan At the time of the Prophet, people even stood on the Kaaba and gave the ‘adhaan’ or the call to prayer. One may ask those who allege that Muslims worship the Kaaba; which idol worshipper stands on the idol he worships?

Selangor Government Protects Criminal Like Rafizi Ramli

Selangor state government which is led by Chief Minister, Khalid Ibrahim officially agreed to cover all the legal fees for Rafizi Ramli who is charged under Banking and Financial Institutions Act 1989 (BAFIA).
Rafizi who is also PKR's Strategy Director is responsible for leaking and manipulating data and account details of NFC during the RM250 million loan issue.
Due to the controversy, Shahrizat Abdul Jalil had to resign as the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development.
Shahrizat however was confirmed to be clear from any claims after the result of RMP's investigation showed that she did not break any law neither was she involved in any corruption case nor power abuse in the issue.
Khalid's intention may be noble, to provide fund worth RM500,000 to give back to Rafizi for all of his 'contributions' who managed to turn this issue into their propaganda that it managed to tarnish the image of Shahrizat Abdul Jalil as a popular female leader in this country.
But, all of the charges faced by Rafizi under BAFIA is not just any small matter like what was said by the opposition, this issue involves the matter of integrity and honesty which needs to be defended by the banking institution.
At the same time, BAFIA act is important in defending the privacy of account holders especially for those who needs to protect their account from being manipulated by irresponsible people.
Malaysia is not the only country which implements BAFIA. Almost every other countries around the world implements the same act with the same objective - to protect the integrity of banking institutions and to protect the privacy of customers.
Rafizi is not an agent who is appointed by any authority to run a legal investigation and he was not given any privilege to reveal any of the account details on any individuals nor companies.
In short, what Rafizi has done is not noble. Instead, he had broken the law and this should not be followed by anyone.
If the crime of 'whistle blowing' is turned to a routine or culture due to Selangor government's actions in protecting Rafizi against the charge, this would provide heavy negative impact towards banking institutions in the future.
Thus, Khalid Ibrahim should really think before coming to the decision of funding criminals like Rafizi. Those money should be used for the benefit of rakyat, not to defend criminals.

PR states to adopt three different National Day themes

PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Rakyat states will adopt different themes for this year's Merdeka Day celebrations.
Kedah will use Terus Berbakti (Continue to Serve) as its state theme, Kelantan Menerajui Perubahan (Spearheading Change) while Penang and Selangor will maintain Sebangsa, Senegara, Sejiwa(One Nation, One Country, One Soul).
This was announced at a press conference by PAS secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali on Tuesday.
He said the executive council of Kedah and Kelantan decided on their themes before Pakatan Rakyat came out with Sebangsa, Senegara, Sejiwa.
"The exco's decision is binding,” Mustafa said.
The three themes would differ from the Federal government theme Janji Ditepati (Promises Fulfilled).


tunku : if they stand as Pakatan Rakyat why they need three different national day themes? this clearly shows that they are not united at all.only on surface they seems united but they are not. Kedah with "continue to serve", till now they only serves the nightclubs more than anything else. kelantan with "spearheading change", after 22 years still no clean water and not much development what changers more you will bring? selangor and penang sebangsa senegara dan sejiwa sound more like 1MALAYSIA. they should follow what the federal government theme is, be patriotic on national day matters, don't politicize it.

Manoharan apologises for Twitter remarks on Chong Wei

PETALING JAYA: Kota Alam Shah state assemblyman M Manoharan says he "deeply regretted" his tweets criticising national shuttler Datuk Lee Chong Wei's silver medal performance at the London Olympics on Sunday.
“I deeply regret the comments I have made and tender my heartfelt apologies to Dato' Lee Chong Wei and his family,” he said from his twitter account @mmanoADUN on Tuesday afternoon.
“I sincerely hope my apology will be accepted.”
Manoharan had taken to Twitter after the Olympic Games Badminton final on Sunday night, calling Lee Lee Chong AWAY' and calling for suggesting the PM to give monetary rewards promised for Lee to “poor boy” Lin Dan.
“If Chong played better than Lin Dan, why Chong Wei did not win? So who is talking nonsense?” he Tweeted, to outrage from the local Twitter sphere who pointed out that Lee had been injured and therefore had less time to train.

tunku : we only accept apologies if manoharan did this once but he had on many occasions twitted on sensitive issues and disgrace either a person or the country's flag.its very easy today you say something, day after tomorrow you apologies and then few months later you do it again and again you apologies. to hell with manoharan and his apologies. LCW should never accept his apologies ever as this apologies came after pressure from the party,it was not made sincerely.there is another species like manoharan in pas, that is nizar.

Nizar Has Bad Mental Habit, Says Zambry

LUMUT, Aug 6 (Bernama) -- Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir says Pasir Panjang Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin has an unhealthy "mental habit" for making inappropriate statements as a leader.
Zambry said Mohamad Nizar liked to create controversy by posting offending statements even at a time when Muslims were celebrating the holy month of Ramadan.
"It is a mental habit with him and it is not suprising that he will continue making inappropriate statements or tweets without thinking of the repercussions," he said.
Zambry was speaking to reporters after attending a Ramadan and Aidilfitri charity programme where 109 senior citizens, five orphans and seven disabled received contributions at the Kampung Batu 3 community hall in Segari, here, today.
Nizar, the former Perak menteri besar was known for his provocative tweeting by questioning the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim's bid for the WWW 1 vehicle registration number worth RM520,000 on May 28.
Mohamad Nizar's act prompted 46 police reports as it was considered as an insult to the people and sovereignty of Johor.
Last Saturday, Mohammad Nizar caused a public stir when he posted another tweet:" 'Promises fulfilled', unfortunate independence celebration this year by BN cabinet, denting the spirit to fly the Jalur Gemilang, Jalur Malang! (Poor Jalur!)."

tunku : nizar is not only has bad mental habit but has a stupid brain. he can't differentiate between politic and patriotism. this type of man should be hang by his balls.

Important Lessons from Ramadhan

Allah -The Most High - said: "The month of Ramadhan in which the Qur’aan was revealed, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance of the Criterion between right and wrong. So whosoever of you sights the crescent for the month of Ramadhan, he must fast that month." [Soorah al-Baqarah 2:185].
Allah's Messenger (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
"Islam is built upon five: Testifying that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and the Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing the Prayer, giving the Zakaah performing Hajj to the House, and lasting in Ramadhan." [1]
He (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) also said:
"There has come to you Ramadhan, a blessed month, in which Allah has made it obligatory to fast. During it the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained. In it is a night (Laylatul-Qadr) which is better than a thousand months. He who is deprived of its good has truly been deprived."[2]
From the many important lessons to be learnt from fasting are:
[1]: GAINING TAQWAA
Fasting has been legislated in order that we may gain taqwaa as Allah - the Most High - said: "O you who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed upon those before you in order that you may attain taqwaa." [Soorah al-Baqarah 2:183].
Talq ibn Habeeb (d.100H) - rahimahullaah - said:
"When fitnah (trial and tribulation) appears then extinguish it with taqwaa." So he was asked as to what taqwaa was, so he replied: "Taqwaa is to act in obedience to Allah, upon a light (i.e. eemaan, faith) from Allah, hoping in the Mercy of Allah. And taqwaa is leaving acts of disobedience to Allah, upon a light from Allah, due to the fear of Allah."[3]
"This is one of the best definitions of taqwaa. For every action must have both a stating point and a goal. And an action will not be considered as an act of obedience, or newness to Allah unless it sluts from pure eemaan (faith in Allah). Thus, it is pure eemaan - and not habits, desires, nor seeking praise or fame, nor its flee - that should be what initiates an action. And the preparation showed, to earn the reward of Allah and to seek His good pleasure."[4] So Fasting is a means of attaining taqwaa, since it helps prevent a person from many sins that one is prone to. Due to this, the Prophet (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: "Fasting is a shield with which the servant protects himself from the Fire."[5] So we should ask ourselves, after each day of fasting: Has this lasting made us more fearful and obedient to Allah? Has it aided us in distancing ourselves from sins and disobedience?

[2]: SEEKING NEARNESS TO ALLAH
The Prophet (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
"Allah said: Whosoever shows enmity to a friend of Mine, I shall be at war with him. My servant does not draw near to me with anything more beloved to me than the obligatory duties that I have placed upon him. My servant continues to draw nearer to Me with optional deeds so that I shall love him."[6]
The Prophet (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
"Whosoever reaches the month of Ramadhan and does not have his sins forgiven, and so enters the Fire, then may Allah distance him."[7]
So drawing closer to Allah - the Most Perfect - in this blessed month, can be achieved by fulfilling one's obligatory duties; and also reciting the Qur’aan and reflecting upon its meanings, increasing in kindness and in giving charity, in making du‘aa (supplication) to Allah, attending the Taraaweeh Prayer, seeking out Laylatul-Qadr (the Night of Power and Pre-Decree), a night which is better than a thousand months, attending gatherings of knowledge, and striving in those actions that will cause the heart to draw closer to its lard and to gain His forgiveness. Our level of striving in this blessed month should be greater than our striving to worship Allah in any other month, due to the excellence and rewards that Allah has placed in it. Likewise from the great means of seeking nearness to Allah in this month is making I‘tikaaf (seclusion in the mosque in order to worship Allah) - for whoever is able.
Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim (d.751H) - rahimahullaah - said:
"Allah also prescribed i’tikaaf for them, the objective being that the heart becomes fully preoccupied with Allah - the Most High - concentrated upon Him alone, and cut-off from being preoccupied with the creation. Rather, the heart is only engrossed with Allah - the Most Perfect - such that loving Him, remembering Him, and turning to Him takes the place of all the heart's anxieties and worries, so that he is able to overcome them. Thus all his concerns are for Allah, and his thoughts are all directed towards remembering Him and thinking of how to attain His Pleasure and what will cause nearness to him which leads him to feel contented with Allah instead of people. This, in turn prepares him for being at peace with Allah alone, on the day of loneliness in the grave, when there will be no one else to give comfort, nor anyone to grant solace, except Him. So this is the greater goal of I‘tikaaf." [8]

[3]: ACQUIRING PATIENCE
Imaam Ahmad (d.241H) - rahimahullaah - said:
"Allah has mentioned sabr (patience) in over ninety places in His Book." [9]
The Prophet (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
"The month of Patience, and the three days of every month, are times for fasting." [10]
Ibn ‘Abdul-Barr (d.464H) - rahimahullaah - said:
"What is meant by the month of Patience is the month of Ramadhan ... So fasting is called patience because it restrains the soul from eating, drinking, conjugal relations and sexual desires." [11]
He (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
"O youths! Whoever amongst you is able to marry then let him do so; for it restrains the eyes and protects the private parts. But whoever is unable, then let him fast, because it will be a shield for him." [12]
So fasting is a means of learning self-restraint and patience. With patience we are able to strengthen our resolve to worship Allah alone, with sincerity, and also cope with life's ups and downs. So - for example - with patience we are able to perform our Prayers calmly and correctly, without being hasty, and without merely pecking the ground several times! With patience we are able to restrain our souls from greed and stinginess and thus give part of our surplus wealth in Zakaah (obligatory charity). With patience we are able to subdue the soul's ill temperament, and thus endure the ordeal and hardships of Hajj, without losing tempers and behaving badly. Likewise, with patience we are able to stand firm and fight Jihaad against the disbelievers, hypocrites and heretics - withstanding their constant onslaught, without wavering and buckling, without despairing or being complacent and without becoming hasty and impatient at the first signs of hardship. Allah - the Most High - said:
"O Prophet, urge the Believers to fight ... So if there are one hundred who are patient, they shall overcome two hundred; and if there be one thousand, they shall overcome two thousand, by the permission of Allah. And Allah is with the patient ones." [Soorah al-Anfaal 8:65-66].
Thus, without knowledge and patience, nothing remains, except zeal and uncontrolled emotions, shouts and hollow slogans, speech that does not strengthen, but rather weakens, and actions that do not build, but rather destroy! So in this month, we should strive to develop a firm resolve for doing acts of obedience, and to adorn ourselves with patience - having certainty in the saying of our Messenger (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam): "And know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and case with hardship." [13]

[4]: CULTIVATING GOOD MANNERS
The Prophet (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
"Whosoever does not abandon falsehood in speech and action, then Allah the Mighty and Majestic has no need that he should leave his food and drink." [14]
He (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) also said:
"Fasting is not merely abstaining from eating and drinking. Rather, it is also abstaining from ignorant and indecent speech. So if anyone abuses or behaves ignorantly with you, then say: I am fasting, I am fasting." [15]
These narrations point towards the importance of truthfulness and good manners. Thus, this blessed month teaches us not only to abstain from food and drink, but to also abstain from such statements and actions that may be the cause of harming people and violating their rights - since the Messenger (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said whilst describing the true Believer: "A Muslim is one from whom other Muslims are safe from his tongue and his hand." [16] Thus it is upon us as individuals, to examine the shortcomings in our character, and to then seek to improve them - modeling ourselves upon the character of the last of the Prophets and Messengers, and their leader, Muhammad (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) - aspiring also for the excellence which he mentioned in his saying: "I am a guarantor for a house on the outskirts of Paradise (or whosoever leaves off arguing, even if he is in the right; and a house in the centre of Paradise (or whosoever abandons falsehood, even when joking; and a house in the upper-most part of Paradise for whosoever makes his character good."[17] So by shunning oppression, shamelessness, harbouring hatred towards Muslims, back-biting, slandering, tale-carrying, and other types of falsehood, we can be saved from nullifying the rewards of our fasting - as Allah's Messenger (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: "It may be that a fasting person, receives nothing from his fast, except hunger and thirst." [18]

[5]: SENSING MUSLIM UNITY
The Prophet (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
"Fast when they fast, and break your fast when they break their fast, and sacrifice the day they sacrifice." [19]
Imaam at-Tirmidthee (d.275H) - rahimahullaah - said:
"Some of the People of Knowledge explained this hadeeth by saying: Its meaning is to fast and break the fast along with the Jamaa’ah and the majority of people." [10]
Thus, in this blessed month we can sense an increased feeling of unity and of being a single Ummah due to our fasting and breaking our fast collectively. We also feel an increased awareness about the state of affairs of the Muslims and of the hardships that they endure, because: "During the fast a Muslim feels and experiences what his needy and hungry brothers and sisters feel, who are forced to go without food and drink for many days - as occurs today to many of the Muslims in Africa." [21] Indeed, the unity of the Muslims - and their aiding and assisting one another - is one of the great fundamentals upon which the Religion of Islaam is built, as Allah - the Most High -said: "And hold fast altogether to the rope of Allah and do not be divided." [Soorah Aal-‘Imraan 3:103]. Allah - the Most High - also said: "The Believers - men and women - and friends and protectors to one another." [Soorah at-Tawbah 9:44].
Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728) - rahimahullaah - said:
"The welfare of people will not be complete - neither in this world, nor in the Hereafter - except with ijtimaa‘ (collectiveness), ta‘aawun (mutual cooperation), and tanaasur (mutual help); mutual cooperation in order to secure benefits, and mutual help in order to ward off harm. It is for this reason that man is said to be social and civil by nature." [22]
Thus we see that Islaam lays great importance in bringing hearts together and encouraging ijtimaa‘ (collectiveness). This is not only reflected in the month of Ramadhan, but also in the other acts of worship as well. So, for example, we have been ordered by the Prophet (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to pray the five daily Prayers in congregation, and that it has been made twenty-seven times more rewarding than praying it individually. [23] Likewise, this similar collective spirit is demonstrated in the act of Hajj (Pilgrimage). Even in learning knowledge and studying it, blessings have been placed in collectiveness, as Allah's Messenger (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: "No people gather together in a house from the houses of Allah, reciting the Book of Allah and studying it amongst themselves, except that tranquility descends upon them, mercy envelops them, the angels surround them, and Allah mentions them to those that are with Him." [24] Likewise, even in our everyday actions such as eating, Islam teaches us collectiveness. Thus, when some of the Companions of the Prophet (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to him: O Messenger of Allah, we eat but do not become satisfied. He replied: "Perhaps you eat individually?" They replied, Yes! So he said: "Eat collectively and mention the name of Allah. There will then be blessings for you in it." [25] Indeed, even in the etiquette’s of sitting the spirit of collectiveness ' is demonstrated. So, one day the Prophet (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) came across the Companions who were sitting in separate circles, so he said to them: "Why do I see you sitting separately!" [26] Similarly, Aboo Tha‘labah al-Khushanee (radiyAllahu ‘anhu) said: Whenever the people used to encamp, they used to split-up into the mountain passes and valleys. So Allah's Messenger (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: "Indeed your being split-up in these mountain passes and valleys is from Shaytaan." Thereafter, whenever they used to encamp, they used to keep very close together, to such an extent that it was said: If a cloth were to be spread over them, it would cover them all. [27]
Thus, Ramadhan is a time to increase our sense of unity and brotherhood, and our commitment to Allah and His Religion. And there is no doubt that this sense of unity necessitates that: "We all work together as required by Islam as sincere brothers - not due to hizbiyyah (bigoted party spirit), nor sectarianism - in order to realize that which is of benefit to the Islaamic Ummah and to establish the Islamic society that every Muslim aspires for so that the Sharee‘ah (Prescribed Law) of Allah is applied upon His earth" [28] So we must examine ourselves during the month of Ramadhan and ask: What is my role? - and each of us has a role - in helping this precious Ummah to regain its honour, and return to the Ummah its comprehensive unity and strength, and victory that has been promised to it? Likewise, we should reflect upon our own character and actions and ask: Are they aiding the process of unity and brotherhood, or are they a harm and a hindrance to it?
So we ask Allah to grant us the ability to change ourselves for the better, during this blessed month, and not to be of those who are prevented from His Mercy and forgiveness. Indeed He is the One who Hears and He is the One to Respond.

Selangor MB Admits Unisel Facing Debt Woes

KUALA SELANGOR, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim has admitted that Universiti Selangor (Unisel) is facing debt woes for several years.
He said the tuition fees paid were not enough to pay outstanding hostel maintenance and operation costs to Jana Niaga Sdn Bhd (JNSB) as Unisel had to pay rental even during semester breaks.
"The state government has told Unisel to focus on university operations and not to worry about the payment," he told reporters after launching the state-level Tadarus and Tadabbur programme here Sunday.
He was commenting on Selangor Barisan Nasional deputy chairman Datuk Noh Omar's claim that Unisel owed almost RM15 million to JNSB, which was responsible for developing and managing hostel facilities at the university's main campus in Bestari Jaya, Kuala Selangor.
It was alleged that Unisel did not pay the company maintenance fees for 17 months and payment for hostels managed by JNSB for eight months.

tunku : where is the good governance ? where is the transparency ? where is the free education champion by pakatan? you can't even manage 1 (ONE) university. shame on you. the state government can spend money on rafizi's bafia case but cant settle the debt of unisel.

What Would You Do if You Knew This Was Your Last Ramadan?

A Reminder for Us!!

We have 30 days of Ramadan each year. Some of us look forward it because of its bountiful benefits to our spiritual self. It makes us stronger inwardly and this helps us face another new year.
But sometimes, even though we know of its many benefits, we still feel weary and tired of fasting and keeping up with our many spiritual obligations from praying to reading and studying the Quran daily, and even watching how we speak and interact with people. No one ever said that fasting would be easy - it is not simply abstaining from food and water from daybreak to sunset. It is a whole lot more. Most of us know this.
And yet, being human, we start consciously or unconsciously slacking off, be it from duties such as praying or reading the Quran. Instead, we spend our day sleeping, might eating and talking instead of prayer and relection. If we feel guilty, then we tell ourselves that we will fast "properly" the next day. In some cases, when a bad cycle begins, it can be difficult to break it. And before we know it, Ramadan has ended. We celebrate Eid and another year begins. Well, maybe next year, we'll do it "properly".
But what if we do not get another chance to fast "properly" so that God forgives all of our sins? We may be healthy and fit right now, but what is the guarantee that we will remain healthy and fit tomorrow? If you knew that this was your last Ramadan, that something might prevent you from ever experiencing Ramadan again, would you not want to observe it the right way today, the best you can? So that you can reap of its benefits while you are still able to?
One of our writers' relative suffered a small stroke while fasting recently. The stroke was not fatal, nor will it be permanently damaging. But it was serious enough that she is not expected to be able to fast the rest of the month. Perhaps since she is of advanced age, she might not be able to fast any more for the rest of her life.
But that should give us all pause. We do not know what the future holds. We may be young and healthy, and have all of bodily and mental functions intact. But that can change in an instant. It is only when we think of our own mortality that we know how limiting we as human beings actually are. And how precious time is.
Do not waste your time. Use it well. And make this Ramadan count because we do not know what the future holds, if we are lucky enough to observe another one.
"Man does not weary of asking for good (things), but if ill touches him, he gives up all hope (and) is lost in despair."
When we give him a taste of some Mercy from Ourselves, after some adversity has touched him, he is sure to say, "This is due to my (merit): I think not that the Hour (of Judgment) will (ever) be established; but if I am brought back to my Lord, I have (much) good (stored) in His sight!" But We will show the Unbelievers the truth of all that they did, and We shall give them the taste of a severe Penalty.
When We bestow favours on man, he turns away, and gets himself remote on his side (instead of coming to Us); and when evil seizes him, (he comes) full of prolonged prayer!"
(Quran, 41:49-51)
If we were to step back a moment and realize that this is the last Ramadan we will see in our lifetime, how would we spend it? Death we know can come to us at any time, yet we still remain so ignorant of the time now given to us to be utilized by Allah the Almighty.
I pray Allah gives, first of all me, and all Muslims the ability to utilize the month of Ramadan..May this Ramadan be our best so far, for we know not if we will witness the next, Ameen..
Jazaak Allah Khairan for reading.

Dap is joining BN ?

Dr Chua: DAP's ultimate aim is to knock out MCA and join BN

YONG PENG: DAP's long-term political agenda is to join Barisan Nasional in a bid to protect its supreme position in Penang, said MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.
“DAP politicians are like any other politicians, for them it is the thirst for power.
“Penang has limited resources and how long can (Penang Chief Minister) Lim Guan Eng tender his land?" Dr Chua said, adding that the DAP hoped to see the MCA disappear and be replaced in Barisan.
He urged the Chinese community not to be conned by the Opposition party.
“The DAP ultimately wants to be in the government like in Penang and now they hope to be the government at federal level,” he said.
On the opposition making Johor their frontline in the next general election, Dr Chua said in a multiracial country like Malaysia every race must work together to continue to develop and move forward.
"I would like to remind the Chinese community, if you support the DAP thinking that the Chinese are the King maker' then you are wrong,” he said.
In Johor, Dr Chua said if the state government were to fall to PAS, many projects under the government transformation programmes such as as well as oil and gas hub development in Pengarang would be affected.
“The projects which amounted to RM90bil will come to a stand still as PAS doesn't pay a lot of attention on social and economic development,” he said.
Dr Chua also rebutted Lim, who is DAP secretary-general, that Umno wanted to impose Hudud law for Muslims and non-Muslims.
"Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has already said it very clearly that Umno will not implement hudud.
"None of the Barisan states even think of amending its state constitutions to implement hudud,” he said.
Dr Chua said Kedah has also openly indicated that it would follow Kelantan's footstep if it implemented the Islamic law.

tunku : very interesting point by CSL. it's not impossible that DAP will try to join BN when they have more seats than MCA. this is because PAS and PKR won't be able to help DAP form a government at federal level. the chinese voters should back MCA which all these while working hard for the community rather than DAP which talk more than action. don't be fooled like CSL said that you won't be the "King Maker". you have to accept the reality.

Ramadhan: the Month of Qur'an

By Br. Abu Dharr, Based on Ibn Rajab's "Lata'if al-Ma'arif"

Ramadan has a special relationship with the Qur'an, of course:
"The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur'an was sent down, a guidance for mankind, clear proofs for the guidance, the Criterion; so whoever amongst you witnesses this month, let him fast it." (cf. Surah al-Baqarah 2:185)
The word 'so' (fa) in this ayah leads to the following paraphrase of one aspect of its meaning:
"Fast this month because it is the one in which the Qur'an was sent down."
Ibn 'Abbas narrates that "the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was the most generous person, and he would be at his most generous in Ramadan because Jibril would come to him every night and he would rehearse the Qur'an with him." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Eng. trans. 6/486)
This hadith contains recommendation of the following:
* Studying the Qur'an in Ramadan;
* Coming together for this purpose;
* Checking (one's memory/knowledge of) the Qur'an with someone who has preserved it better;
* Increasing recitation of the Qur'an in Ramadan;
* That the night time is the best time to recite, when other preoccupations decrease and it is easier to concentrate, as in Surah al-Muzzammil 73:6.
Further, Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated from her father (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), who told her that Jibril would rehearse the Qur'an with him (in Ramadan) once every year, and he did so twice in the year of his death. (Bukhari 6/485)
After mentioning the above aspects of the Sunnah, Ibn Rajab talks about the situation of the Salaf (the early Muslims) during Ramadan:
"... Some of the Salaf would complete reciting the whole Qur'an during the night prayer of Ramadan every 3 days, others every 7 days e.g. Qataadah, others in 10 days e.g. Abu Rajaa' al-Atardi. The Salaf would recite Qur'an in Ramadan in Prayer as well as outside it. Al-Aswad would finish the Qur'an every 2 nights in Ramadan; Ibrahim an-Nakh would do likewise in the last 10 nights specifically, & every 3 nights during the rest of the month. Qataadah would regularly finish the Qur'an in 7 days, but in 3 days during Ramadan, when he would study the Qur'an especially, and every night during its last 10 days. Al-Zuhri would say when Ramadan began, 'It is recitation of the Qur'an and feeding of people.'

When Ramadan began, Imam Malik would cease narrating Hadith and sitting with the people of knowledge, and stick to reciting the Qur'an from its pages, while Sufyan al-Thawri would leave other acts of worship and stick to reciting the Qur'an. 'Aishah would recite from the pages of the Qur'an at the beginning of the day in Ramadan (i.e. after Dawn), until when the sun had risen, she would sleep. Zayd al-Yaami would bring copies of the Qur'an when Ramadan began and gather his companions around him. ..."
Ibn Rajab later continues,
"The forbiddance of completing recitation of the Qur'an in less than 3 days applies to this being made a regular practice, but as for favoured times such as Ramadan, esp. the nights in which Laylat al-Qadr is sought, or favoured places such as Makkah for the visitor, it is recommended to increase reciting the Qur'an to avail the time and place. This is the view of Ahmad, Ishaq and other Imams, and the practice of others indicates this too."
The purpose here is not to discuss whether or not the latter view is correct or not, since that is purely academic for most of us, as we do not get anywhere near reciting the whole Qur'an in three days! However, the practice of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), his Companions, and those who followed their path, should be clear enough. As a further example, Bukhari (3/79) quotes from the noble Companion Zaid bin Thabit who answered the question, "How much time was there between the pre-dawn meal and the Dawn Prayer?" by saying, "Enough time to recite fifty ayat." Since the practice of the Arabs was to measure time in terms of everyday actions, this shows that the Sahabah were preoccupied with the Qur'an, especially in Ramadan.
Compare all this with our sad state, when we talk so much about establishing Islam, implementing the Qur'an, etc. and yet have such little contact with it, maybe not completing its recitation ever at all since childhood, or perhaps never! Hence we become unbalanced in our understanding of Islam, because there are ayat which we rarely or never hear or think about; we repeat only certain selected ayat over and over again; we lost the context of the verses, the overall flow, argument and balance of the Qur'an, all of which is beautiful & miraculous. Because of this ignorance we go astray from the Straight Path, split up into sects, lose the blessings of Allah...
"We took a covenant from those who said: we are Christians, but they forgot part of the message with which they had been reminded, so we ingrained amongst them enmity and hatred until the Day of Judgment..." (Surah al-Ma'idah 5:14)
In Sahih Bukhari (6/521), there is an amazing piece of advice from the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace): "Recite the Qur'an as long as your hearts agree on it; if you disagree about it, stop reciting it (for the time being)." Studying the Qur'an should bring people together!
In Surah al-Mu'minoon (23:53), there is mention of the people before us (in whose footsteps we would follow), who broke up their Deen into sects (zuburan), each party rejoicing in what it had. One understanding of this, from the word zuburan meaning literally 'books', is that each sect left the Book of Allah and concentrated solely on the books of its own sect, so "they split their deen up into books"!
The most twisted, ridiculous, shallow ideas, innovations and superstitions are propagated amongst Muslims when they are away from the Qur'an, because any little knowledge of the Qur'an would be enough to dispel them.
Hence, O servant of Allah, leave aside secondary books and concentrate on studying the blessed Book of Allah in this blessed month (use a good translation/commentary if needed), for it is the source of all knowledge in other books, and keep away from wasting time, especially in futile discussions and arguments which lead nowhere, for that is a sure sign of being misguided, as the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, "Whenever a people went astray after they had been on guidance, they were given to argumentation (jadl)." (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah - Sahih al-Jami' al-Saghir, no. 5633)
Finally, remember that the Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) will complain to Allah on the Day of Judgment that his people neglected the Qur'an (Surah al-Furqan 25:30). Neglect of the Qur'an is of different levels, as Ibn al-Qayyim writes:
Not reciting or listening to it;
Not studying and understanding it;
Not conveying its message;
Not judging by it in personal and communal matters, at all levels of society;
Not believing in it.
All Praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds.

Who Is Prettier For Lim Guan Eng?

A few weeks ago, the country was in for a shock regarding a scandal between Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng with his former employee, Ng Phaik Kheng.
The scandal turns even more complicated when it also involved Sidang DUN Melaka regarding a few push from MCA representative who wants Lim's wife, who is Bukit Tunggal's MP, Betty Chew to explain on the issue.
The explanation was asked because there were claims saying that Lim's forehead was bruised after being hit by Betty who was raged over the scandal between Lim and Ng Phaik Kheng.
But now, after a while, the issue which seems to have lose attention somehow got into the limelight again when Betty's friends were shocked with drastic changes which can be seen at the Penang CM's wife.
The change in style which is more elegant shocks a few but it seems to be paying off considering that many are beginning to complement over her new image.
People saw the change during an official event which was held two days ago where Betty showed her new image which grabbed multiple attention, and the story was even published by Chinese newspapers.
Betty seems younger and she looks like those contemporary styled women.
Before this, it is hard for us to see her even smile, but now, her new attitude is a lot better with her being a lot more friendlier.
Looking at all these changes, it is not hard for us to assume that there must be something that causes all of this, probably something to reduce stress or to gain back her husband's attention.
She may be a little bit older to be compared to younger women such as Ng Phaik Kheng or Rainbow, her nickname given by Lim Guan Eng, but that is not a huge issue for Lim & Betty to get back together.
it is just that now, what does Lim Guan Eng has to say about his wife's drastic change? It is impossible for him not to be able to see such efforts just so that she could get him back.
Between Rainbow who is young, beautiful and much more affectionate to be compared to his wife, Betty Chew who is a bit old but now stylish, who would he choose?
Perhaps Rainbow's affectionate attitude would attract him more or his bruised forehead would force him to praise Betty who is now a very stylish person.

KHALID’S MANIPULATIONS COMING TO AN END

The Selangor state government is now in a fixed over Talam and water issues – the state leaders have gone so far in their manipulation to the extend they now no longer have rooms to go further.
Caught in a corner wit both issues, MB Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim wanted to meet DPM Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on the water issue but the latter declined because he had already formed a Cabinet committee to solve the problem.
The Langat2 treatment plant has to be built to avoid the state and Kuala Lumpur from being without water after 2014, the issue which Khalid had wanted to delay, of course for furthering the oppositions’ political mileage.
Right now Khalid owes the Selangor voters two issues – white paper on Talam Corporation and water – besides other small issues that he has yet to resolve which have angered many voters who voted them in 2008 general election.
With the BN onslaught which is now very rapid and packed with evidence, Khalid gets jittery and his stammer gets more frequent and worse when confronted by pressmen over the issues.
Things do not look good for the PR state government despite the strong and confident front they put up, every now and then highlighting weaknesses in the previous BN state government, the only way out they feel could reduce the rapid erosion of influence among the voters.
Holding on to whatever they can get their hands on – like a person swept by the currents of the running water in a river, grabbing on to any flowing branches – Khalid tries his best to hold but the undercurrent seems very strong for him…,too strong.
Hoping only on the Chinese voters who are said to still continuing supporting DAP, the PR state government is expected to lose the state as fast as they won it in 2008.
Unfulfilled promises are the highest on the list of resentments among voters which cause the erosion of confidence and influence as voters view new promises as mere lips service and new jokes.
Like PKR strategist Rafizi Ramli spoke on doing away with tax for cars, many take the suggestion as a child’s imagination, devoid of intelligence and hard evidence.
So everything is not rosy for Khalid in Selangor and as normal, PKR Anwar Ibrahim will just sideline the issue and speak of other issues to deviate the bigger problem.

Greatest Lie: Selangor Never Issued Any Massage Parlours, Night Clubs Licenses

Based on the statistic above which was published by newspaper Suara Keadilan, Selangor state exco, Ronnie Liu, proudly announced that there were NO license issued for massage centres given by PKR government and all the centres gained license from BN government. The number of licenses which were issued by BN government were 571.
But, Ronnie failed to provide any response on why wasn’t this issue became a hot topic when BN was ruling government for the state. Why weren’t rakyat feel harassed with the current 571 massage centres? But rakyat only gets annoyed when PKR begin to take over?
It is not just the Muslims who are sensitive on this issue, even the Chinese and Indians who are a lot more open towards ‘entertainment’ feel harassed as well. For example, an NGO that represents the Chinese began to voice out since 2010. And on 2011, they made an official complaint regarding the matter, but it was ignored by the state government.
In 2009, a blog came up with ‘Gay massage offers’ which covers areas around Sheramas, Ampang Jaya, Damansara and the whole Selangor, ‘on-call’. That is how good the massage industry in Selangor is.
Obviously, not every single rakyat of Selangor support this matter as another ‘rights’ which is fought by PR. That is why rakyat is beginning to get anxious.
Once again, the focus here is that prior to 2008, there were no such complaints from neither rakyat nor NGOs regarding the ‘expansion’ of massage centres around the state.
In yellowpages, there are almost 400 massage centres which is registered and we could consider the fact that they might have been around since BN’s era. This means that there are still around 100 centres that are unregistered with yellowpages. It is not wrong for us to think that those which are listed in the yellowpages are actually centres that are clean.
According to the complaint which was made by an NGO representative who is also the President of the Malaysian Beauty Therapy Association, Profesor Dr. Clara Chee in July 1, 2011, in Pandan Indah alone, there are more than 80 massage centres, 200 in Klang and dozens more in Kuchai Lama, Damansara and Ampang Jaya. All coming close to 400 massage centres.
Okay, Ronnie could accuse that all of those centres have been around since the time of BN and they are listed among the 571 which are licensed.
But how would Rannie explain on the new centres which began to grow in new buildings after 2008 such as in Puchong, USJ, Seri Kembangan, Ara Damansara, Tropicana, Sunway Damansara, Bangi, Kajang and a few other areas in Selangor? If each of those places have around 30-50 massage centres, there might just be least 500 centres overall.
And all of them cannot be part of the 571 old ones which were registered during BN’s era, before 2008.
Thus, by denying that Selangor government had given license to those centres, is Ronnie agreeing to the fact that those centres are operating without any license?
In other words, does Ronnie want to confirm that something is wrong with his exco and the Selangor government when it comes to this massage centres issue?
The reality is, rakyat is not stupid and blind. If we walk around at night, we could clearly see the army of massage centres around commercial buildings in Selangor.
If there are only 571 massage centres in Selangor like how it was during the time of BN, obviously rakyat would not complain and turn this into a big issue.
It is clear that the massage centre issue has multiplied since the amount which BN released which were 571. The rest, well obviously the offer something that is other than health related service.
Ronnie Liu should be blind if he cannot see all of this, and certainly stupid if he feels that he could fool rakyat. What is certain, Ronnie Liu is never a good leader if he had made ‘deals’ with those massage centres’ bosses that they could operate even without licenses.
Ronnie cannot run from explaining this matter, if not, PKR Selangor would look nothing more than just puppets for the black market organizations in Selangor.
Pandan Indah alone, there are more than 80 massage centres, 200 in Klang and dozens more in Kuchai Lama, Damansara and Ampang Jaya. All coming close to 400 massage centres.
Okay, Ronnie could accuse that all of those centres have been around since the time of BN and they are listed among the 571 which are licensed.
But how would Rannie explain on the new centres which began to grow in new buildings after 2008 such as in Puchong, USJ, Seri Kembangan, Ara Damansara, Tropicana, Sunway Damansara, Bangi, Kajang and a few other areas in Selangor? If each of those places have around 30-50 massage centres, there might just be least 500 centres overall.
And all of them cannot be part of the 571 old ones which were registered during BN’s era, before 2008.
Thus, by denying that Selangor government had given license to those centres, is Ronnie agreeing to the fact that those centres are operating without any license?
In other words, does Ronnie want to confirm that something is wrong with his exco and the Selangor government when it comes to this massage centres issue?
The reality is, rakyat is not stupid and blind. If we walk around at night, we could clearly see the army of massage centres around commercial buildings in Selangor.
If there are only 571 massage centres in Selangor like how it was during the time of BN, obviously rakyat would not complain and turn this into a big issue.
It is clear that the massage centre issue has multiplied since the amount which BN released which were 571. The rest, well obviously the offer something that is other than health related service.
Ronnie Liu should be blind if he cannot see all of this, and certainly stupid if he feels that he could fool rakyat. What is certain, Ronnie Liu is never a good leader if he had made ‘deals’ with those massage centres’ bosses that they could operate even without licenses.
Ronnie cannot run from explaining this matter, if not, PKR Selangor would look nothing more than just puppets for the black market organizations in Selangor.

Penang Govt Urged To Reveal Facts And Myths On Low-cost Housing Projects

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- Penang Barisan Nasional (BN) wants the state government to reveal the facts and myths on low and low-medium cost houses constructed since 2008.
Its publicity bureau chief Tan Cheng Liang said the state government was diverting the Taman Manggis land sale issue and confusing the people.
She said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was avoiding to give explanation on the Taman Manggis land sale because he had made a blunder by saying the land was too small for housing development.
She said Penangites were still in doubt about the Taman Manggis land sale.
"He (Lim) must apologise. He has not answered the questions raised on the issue until today. As chief minister, you must be responsible for what you said. Be a responsible government and politician," she said, here, Thursday.
Barisan Nasional (BN) coordinators for the Batu Lancang, Sungai Puyu and Komtar state constituencies and Bayan Baru parliamentary seat today also joined hands to brush off Guan Eng's claim of BN not building low-cost houses when it was in power in Penang.

tunku : since when guan eng has got the guts to talk about truth. he will never and on top of that he will blame umno and bn for everything. he is not the gentlemen type that will apologize for his mistake. he will blame others as usual.

BANKING CONFIDENTIALITY vs. Whistle Blower Act

Not many people knew that the confidentiality is cornerstone or cardinal principle in the banking system. Reason is very simple -- because the very relationship between the banker and customer is based on this principle.
Bank secrecy is a legal principle in some jurisdictions under which banks are not allowed to provide to authorities personal and account information about their customers unless certain conditions apply (for example, a criminal complaint has been filed).
In some cases, additional privacy is provided to beneficial owners through the use of numbered bank accounts or otherwise.
Bank secrecy is prevalent in certain countries such as Switzerland, Singapore and Luxembourg, as well as offshore banks and other tax havens under voluntary or statutory privacy provisions.
The father of the Bank Secrecy is the Swiss Banking Act of 1934, which led to the famous Swiss bank -- where the principle of Bank secrecy is always considered one of the main aspects of private banking.
That’s why until today, there were debate on this bank secrecy until it has been widely accused by NGOs and governments of being one of the main instruments of underground economy and organized crime.
Despite this accusation, the secrecy remained while the authorities have to figure other way of getting information through some specific legislation.
In Malaysia, we follow the common law as well as British statute on banking confidentiality when we passed the Banking and Financial Institutions Act in 1989. Even that, some still complaint that our law not comprehensive enough to ensure effective legal enforcement.
Under the BAFIA, there are certain conditions or qualification before the client information can be released.
The act prevents banking officers at their whim and fancies to reveal your account anytime they like or they want regardless for whatever reason. This also applied to those who have left the banking sector.
You might argue that what Rafizi and his ex-banker counterpart did was for the exposure of the corruption cases involving NFC.
You might also argue that government need to protect him under the whistle blowing act.
However, let us be clear on this matter. In Rafizi case, it is not that straight forward as you and I could imagine.
It was alleged that information used was being passed by somebody who are previously in the banking sector (which is strictly guided by BAFIA) and started calling a press conference exposing publicly every detail of it.
He did not report the finding to the authorities first; instead used it publicly for publicity purposes, claiming the authorities did not investigate the matter or cover up.
The Whistle Blower Protection Act 2010 stated while it covers any member of public and private sectors who discloses wrongdoings, such disclosure should be made in "good faith" based on "honest and reasonable grounds at the material time" without necessitating hard evidence from the whistle blower.
It’s clearly stated the duty of gathering evidence will be tasked to the investigation unit of the enforcement agencies to ensure that the whistle blower is not compromised. However, whistle-blowers can provide evidence if it is legally available through the course of their works.
What Rafizi exposing is clearly not from the legally available because such document are protected under BAFIA and only certain people being authorised are allowed to access. Even that person is being allowed the access, he or she is still not allowed to exposed publicly as it only allowed to hand over such information at the request of the authorities who carried out the investigation work.
Apart from illegally obtaining the evidence, he also exposed publicly the evidence which actually can be presented in the court as evidence by the authorities.
You can't just expose somebody’s account based on your assumption or whatever reason you think you are right before the authorities charged the person or persons.
Just imaging if this being allowed, anybody can get hold on you banking account information and started making all sorts of allegation publicly about the money you kept in the bank instead channels their suspicion with the authorities.
Rafizi is not the first case under the BAFIA. In fact, in the past there are few cases, even some involving some genuine mistake. However, law is still a law.
Few years back, there is a case where a man has successfully sued a leading bank in Malaysia for breach of confidentiality.
In April 1997, this man opened a current account, a savings account and a fixed deposit account under his and his son’s names and gave the bank a specific correspondence address.
On 17-3-2007, without the consent of the man, the bank sent the statements of account to another address. As a result of that, the plaintiff’s wife came to know about the said accounts and this created a problem between them.
The bank admitted that this man had never informed it of any change of address and never authorised it to use any address other than the one he specified.
The judge then ruled the bank has breached the confidentiality of these men’s account, allowing him to claim for general and special damages with interest of 8% per annum.
In fact recently, a bank officer was also been sacked by its employer after been found to has exposed the banking account number involving a VIP.
Nobody is above the law; it applies to everybody, whether it is Rafizi or the NFC directors.

The Family in Ramadan

Praise be to Allah.
It is one of the blessings of Allah to the Muslim that He enables him to fast in Ramadaan and to spend its nights in prayer. It is a month in which good deeds are multiplied and people are raised in status, when Allah frees some people from the Fire. So the Muslim should strive to make the most of this month and the goodness it brings; he should hasten to spend his life in worship. How many people have been deprived of this month because of sickness, death or misguidance.
The Muslim must make the most of his time during this month; he has an unavoidable duty towards his children, to raise them well and bring them up properly, to urge them to do all kinds of goodness and make them get used to that – because the child will grow up in the manner to which his parents makes him get accustomed.
During these blessed days, the father and mother have a role to play in making the most of this time, and we can offer parents the following advice:

1 – Checking on the children’s fasting and encouraging those who fall short in this regard.

2 – Reminding them about the real nature of fasting, and that it is not just giving up food and drink, but it is a means of attaining taqwa (piety), and that it is an opportunity for sins to be forgiven and expiated.
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) ascended the minbar and said: “Ameen, Ameen, Ameen.” It was said to him, “O Messenger of Allah, why did you do that?” He said, “Jibreel said to me, ‘May Allah rub his nose in the dust, that person who Ramadaan comes and his sins are not forgiven,’ and I said, ‘Ameen’. Then he said, ‘May Allah rub his nose in the dust, that person who lives to see his parents grow old, one or both of them, but he does not enter Paradise,’ and I said, ‘Ameen’. Then he said, ‘May Allah rub his nose in the dust, that person in whose presence you are mentioned and he does not send blessings upon you,’ and I said, ‘Ameen.’”
Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah, 1888; al-Tirmidhi, 3545; Ahmad, 7444; Ibn Hibbaan, 908. See Saheeh al-Jaami’, 3501.

3 – Teaching them the etiquette and rulings on eating, such as eating with the right hand from what is directly in front of them; reminding them that extravagance is haraam and is harmful to the body.

4 – Not letting them spend too long on eating iftaar so that they miss praying Maghrib in congregation.

5 – Reminding them about the situation of the poor and destitute who cannot find even a mouthful of food to quench the fires of hunger; reminding them of the situation of those who have migrated or are fighting in jihad for the sake of Allah in all places.

6 – These gatherings offer an opportunity to bring relatives together and uphold the ties of kinship. This custom still exists in some countries, and it is an opportunity to reconcile and mend broken ties between relatives.

7 – Helping the mother to prepare the food, and to clean up and keep the food fit for eating.

8 – Reminding them to pray qiyaam (taraweeh) and to prepare for it by not eating too much and to get ready in time to perform the prayer in the mosque.

9 – With regard to suhoor, the parents should remind the family of the barakah (blessing) of suhoor and that it gives a person the strength to fast.

10 – Allowing enough time before Fajr prayer so that those who have not prayed Witr may do so, and so that those who have delayed their prayer until the end of the night may pray, and so that each person may make du’aa’ to his Lord as he wishes.

11 – Paying attention to praying Fajr on time in congregation in the mosque, for those who are required to do so. We have seen many people who wake up at the end of the night to eat, then they go back to bed and neglect Fajr prayer.

12 – It was the practice of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in the last ten days of Ramadaan to stay up at night and wake his family. This indicates that the family should pay attention to making the most of this blessed time in doing things that are pleasing to Allah, may He be glorified and exalted. So the husband should wake his wife and children to do that which will bring them closer to their Lord.

13 – There may be small children in the house who need to be encouraged to fast, so the father should urge them to get up for suhoor, and encourage them to fast by praising them and giving a reward to the one who fasts the whole month or half of it, and so on.
It was narrated that al-Rubayyi’ bint Mu’awwidh said: On the morning of ‘Ashoora’ the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) sent word to the villages of the Ansaar saying, “Whoever started out not fasting, let him not eat for the rest of the day, and whoever started the day fasting, let him fast.” She said: We used to fast and make our children fast, [and take them to the mosques] and make toys for them out of wool, then if one of them cried for food we would give him that toy until iftaar.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1859; Muslim, 1136 – the words in square brackets were narrated by Muslim.
Al-Nawawi said:
This hadeeth shows that we should train children to do acts of worship and get them used to that, but they are not accountable. Al-Qaadi said: It was narrated from ‘Urwah that when they are able to fast it becomes obligatory upon them. This is a mistake which is disproven by the saheeh hadeeth, “The Pen is lifted from three: from the child until he reaches adolescence…” And Allah knows best.
Sharh Muslim, 8/14

14 – If possible, the father and mother should take the family for ‘Umrah in Ramadaan, and that is something that will benefit them in the Hereafter, themselves and their family, for ‘Umrah during Ramadaan has the same reward as Hajj. It is better to go at the beginning of Ramadaan so as to avoid the crowds.

15 – The husband should not overburden his wife with more than she can bear of having to prepare food and sweets. Many people take this month to prepare fancy foods and drinks, and they go extremes in that. This detracts from the sweetness of this month and goes against the reason for fasting, which is to attain piety.

16 – The month of Ramadaan is the month of the Qur’aan, so we suggest that each family gets together to read Qur’aan. The father should teach his family to recite Qur’aan and help them to understand the meanings of the verses. In the same gathering they may also read a book about the rulings and etiquette of fasting. Allah has enabled many scholars and seekers of knowledge to write books which can be used for preaching and teaching during Ramadaan; the books are divided into thirty parts, so one topic can be read each day, and this will benefit everyone.

17 – They should be encouraged to spend and check on their neighbours and the needy.
It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was the most generous of people, and he was at his most generous during Ramadaan when Jibreel met him. He would meet him each night and revise the Qur’aan with him. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was more generous than the blowing wind.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6; Muslim, 2308.

18 – The parents should prevent their families and children from staying up late at night and wasting their time in things that are of no benefit, let alone things that are haraam. For the devils among mankind are more active in this month in promoting evil things and acts of immorality to those who are fasting, during the nights of Ramadaan and during the days.

19 – They should remember the family’s meeting in Allah’s Paradise in the Hereafter, and the great joy of meeting there under the shade of His throne. These blessed gatherings in this world and coming together to obey Allah by seeking knowledge, fasting and praying are only the means that lead to attaining that happiness.

Anwar decries Najib’s ‘vendetta’ against Rafizi

Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim has likened the charge against PKR’s director of strategy Rafizi Ramli to a personal vendetta by premier Najib Abdul Razak, in retaliation for the revelations that have been made.

“By continuously exposing scandals for months, (Rafizi) has (created) powerful enemies and now they are using whatever is at their disposal,” he said in a statement today.

“This is Najib’s personal vendetta being played out by the various government agencies, (as) a smokescreen to (frighten) Malaysians trying to unearth the truth behind contracts and cronyism involving BN leaders.”

Rafizi has been at the fore in exposing alleged abuse of a RM250 million soft loan by the National Feedlot Corporation, which resulted in its boss being prosecuted and his wife Shahrizat Abdul Jalil being dropped from cabinet.

Rafizi also claimed to have proof that Najib had the award of the Ampang LRT extension project in favour of George Kent (Malaysia) Bhd. An officially announcement of the award was made yesterday.

Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the state is prepared to finance the legal costs that Rafizi and former Public Bank clerk Johari Mohamed will incur in answering their respective charges.

S’gor to help fund legal cost

In a press release Khalid said the Selangor government will fight corruption at every level, and that the state will set up a special fund to help finance Rafizi’s legal costs.

Rafizi and Johari (in tangerine coloured t-shirt) were today charged in the Shah Alam Sessions Court with exposing details of four financial accounts held by Public Bank in relation to the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC).

The accounts were identified as the customer profiles of NFC, Meatworks and Livestocks Sdn Bhd, Agroscience Sdn Bhd and Mohd Salleh Ismail, who is NFC chairperson.

PKR deputy president Azmin Ali said it seems that Umno and BN are using various methods to cover up abuse of power.

“It shows that (they) are desperate … . I believe Malaysians will be united in rejecting corruption and abuse of power. PKR urges the rakyat to (unite in support of) Rafizi and urge that he is given a fair trial,” he added.

tunku : this is typical anwar style, when he or his person are charged by the authority they will say that this is conspiracy , personal vendetta etc. why it is najib's personal vendetta when the NFC issue has nothing to do with him? it is not him that create NFC ? it was not him who approved the project. enough of your crap anwar. you should explain first where the RM3billion that you robbed from the country's wealth during your tenure as finance minister.
another issue here is why the state government using state's fund to fund rafizi's legal cost? this is not a case against the state, this is personal. the selangorian should object to this misuse of state's fund for personal use.

BN Fights For Rakyat, For The Future

A good product would last long, even if more new products are introduced in the market. Even those new products might not be able to compete with the old. It often happens that consumers would always try new products and they would ended up going back to the old one simply because they think that the new ones are just copies.
The same thing goes to Barisan Nasional which is still standing after 55 years. Even if there were and are still multiple competitions from other parties, including new parties which tries to copy BN, they are never really as same as the original one.
The question here is, how can BN stand this long even after tons of attempts to tarnish its image were made? The answer, all because rakyat manages to see the real truth, year by year, that BN truly fights for rakyat and for the future of the country, not for the sake of certain individuals or groups.
And this is something that BN's opponents do not please.
Most of them, only want to 'win big' where they could have huge power by they do not even want to really fight for rakyat. That is why a few rakyat may be fooled with their promotions, ads and their theories, but in the end, coming back to BN because BN often come up with the original products.
History has recorded how BN managed to maintain peace in a critical condition. BN managed to bring us through a few world economic crisis without even bringing much harm to rakyat.
Even today, when the world faces crisis up to the point where Greeece is bankrupt, and Spain, Portugal, Italy and Britain are in economic crisis, Malaysia is still standing with economic growth with five percent better than Europe and American region.
While people in Arab nations are busy causing riots, destroying their own lives, Malaysians do not have to go through such thing even with the fact that we are a multi-racial nation.
True, our lives may be a little tough due to the rising cost of living, but we have to admit that we are still rich, considering that rakyat, especially Muslims during Ramadan still buy a lot of food in bazaars and having iftar in hotels are still a culture.
All these would not have happened if BN has not been a good government.
Not just that, BN still provide more benefit to rakyat in various forms such as BR1M, KR1M, TR1M, 1Malaysia Clinic, benefit for Felda settlers, bonus for civil servants, duit raya for Felda people etc. All to help rakyat.
It is not too much for us to say that all the help is only to maintain the luxury that rakyat already have and not to reduce any sufferings. This is because, it seems rare for any Malaysians who gets too poor that they do not have enough to eat.
In reality, all of this could not have happened to Malaysia if it wasn't for BN. We are convinced that our future is bright with BN because of its leaders' commitments in servicing on the policy of For Rakyat and For The Future (Demi rakyat dan Demi Masa Depan).

tunku : and what is PR fighting for? only for themselves. what is their achievements in their ruled states? nothing much. this is because the work less and talk more.

14 Gifts to Those Who Fast

by Shaykh `Aa'id Abdullah al-Qarnee

At this stage I cannot find a better gift or greater masterpiece than to present to those who fast gifts from the Prophet of guidance sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam. They are those practical hadiths that have been mentioned in connection with rewards and blessings. Behold! They are the hadiths that lead to the doors of happiness and the paths of goodness in this world and the Hereafter.
O you who fast! Record these hadiths and implement them:

1. The Prophet sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam said: "Whoever says at daybreak: 'There is no God save Allah alone, He has no partner, to Him belongs the dominion and the praise and He has power over all things;'... ten good deeds will be written for him, ten misdeeds will be erased, and he will be elevated ten levels. He will be protected from Satan until evening, and if he says it in the evening, he would have the same rewards until morning." (Ahmad, Abu Daud, Ibn Majah - sahih).

2. The Prophet sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam also said: "Whoever says in the morning or in the evening: 'O Allah! You are my Lord. There is no God beside You. You created me and I am Your slave and I have taken a covenant to You and promised You what I am able to do. I seek refuge with You from the evil of what I have done, I acknowledge Your favour upon me and I acknowledge my sin. Forgive me because none forgives sins except You.' If a servant died during the day or night after having said this prayer, he will enter Paradise." (Ahmad, Abu Daud, Al Nisa'e, Ibn Majah, Ibn Hibban, Al Hakim - sahih; Al Bukhari transmits another version of this hadith).

3. Again the Prophet sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam said: "Whoever says at morning or evening: 'Glory and praise be Allah the Great' one hundred times, no one will come forward on the Day of Judgement with better than he; except if someone said the same as him and added to it." (Muslim, Ahmad, Abu Daud, Al Tirmidhi).

4. "Whoever said: 'Glory and praise be to Allah the Great', a date tree will be planted for him in the Paradise." (Al Tirmidhi, Ibn Hibban, Al Hakim - sahih).

5. "Whoever says: "Glory and praise be to Allah" one hundred times in a single day his sins would be erased even if they were like the waves of the sea." (Bukhari and Muslim).

6. "Whoever implements ten verses of the Quran will not be included among the negligent. Whoever implements one hundred verses will be considered among the obedient. And, whoever implements one thousand verses will be among he extremely rich." (Abu Daud, Ibn Hibban - sahih).

7. "Whoever says in the evening: 'In the name of Allah with whose name there can be no harm in the earth or in the heavens and He is the Hearer the Knower,' three times, he will not be afflicted with a sudden calamity before morning. And whoever says it in the morning three times will not be afflicted with a sudden calamity before evening." (Abu Daud, Ibn Hibban, Al Hakim - sahih).

8. "Whoever says: 'I seek refuge with the perfect words of Allah from the evil that He created' three times in the evening will not be harmed by the bite of a serpent during that night." (Al Tirmidhi, Ibn Hibban, Al Hakim - sahih).

9. "Whoever says upon leaving his house: 'In the name of Allah, I trust in Allah, there is no movement and no power except with Allah', it would be said to him: 'You have been contented and you took precaution,' and Satan will turn away from him." (Al Tirmidhi, Abu Daud, Ibn Hibban, Ibn al Sunni - sahih).

10. "Whoever says when he hears the caller to prayer: 'And I bear witness that there is no God save Allah, He is alone and has no partner and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. I am pleased with Allah as Lord, Muhammad as Prophet and Islam as religion,' all his sins will be forgiven." (Muslim and the other five).

11. "Whoever recites the Surah al Ikhlas ten times, Allah will build for him a house in the Paradise." (Ahmad - sahih).

12. "Whoever recites the Surah al Kahf on a Friday, a light will be created for him until the next Friday." (Al Hakim and Al Bayhaqi - sahih).

13. "Whoever recites Aayat al-Kursi (the Verse of the Throne) after every compulsory prayer will not be forbidden entrance to Paradise." (Ibn Hibban and Al Nisa'e - sahih).

14. "Whoever recites Surah al Ikhlas it is as if he read one-third of the Quran." (Ahmad, Al Nisa'e, Al Tirmidhi - sahih).

This bouquet from Muhammad sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam we grant to all those who fast.
O Allah! Help us to remember You, thank You and worship You in the best way. Ameen.

PR Unable To Get Putrajaya Because Of Hudud - Karpal Singh

Numbers of DAP leaders made statements against PAS regarding hudud. They seemed to be tired of PAS twist and turns on this issue.
When the fact is, the pact between PAS-DAP-PKR, PAS had agreed that they would put aside the fight for Islamic nation and hudud. But, as GE comes closer, a PAS leader came back and began to fight for hudud and Islamic nation. Perhaps realizing that Malay support for PAS is beginning to decline especially after a tough episode with Datuk Dr. Hasan Ali.
Recently, PAS was criticized for not fighting for Islam for working alongside DAP. This party is described as slaves, followers and puppets for the Chinese chauvinist party. And PAS had a hundred percent in avoiding such call as they kept on following every word said by DAP, even for critical Islamic issue, even the murtad issue.
With the GE coming closer, PAS seems to be in a dead end to restore their image. And added with the a few artists who are not that smart filling up the party, society is beginning to have their doubt with how 'Islam' PAS is.
Thus, whether they get it or not, PAS had to use the hudud issue as promotional tool and campaign to gain votes from Malays.
This had raged DAP.
Karpal Singh then swiftly made statement saying that PAS's attempt to implement hudud is a bad reflection as PAS Leader did mention that they would scrape Islamic nation and they would begin to build Welfare nation.
Karpal also reminded PAS that there is no hudud in Buku Jingga.
The same statement was repeated by Lim Guan Eng who got panicked when asked about this issue and he pointed his finger to UMNO for wanting to implement hudud.
PAs would not be able to increase their votes by playing this issue. Hudud is not the only issue that could bring PAS nor PR to Putrajaya or even anyone to Putrajaya. PAS would not even want to implement hudud.
If there are still those who support PAS, it is not because of hudud, but because they have fallen to the thought that PAS fights for Islam. They would still support PAS even if the party ignores hudud and Islamic nation.
With PAS's inconsistency, DAP's rejection and PKR's ignorance, this shows how mixed up PR really is. The louder PAs promotes hudud, the stronger DAP rejects it, if that is the case, Putrajaya is just a dream.

tunku : don't worry karpal, when you said that pakatan unable to get putrajaya because of hudud issue, automatically pas will forget about hudud. they will just mention hudud in front of muslim audience to fish for votes but the fact is they don't dare to go against dap's wish.