Azwan Ismail - I am Gay, I am Okay :)

Peace and sigh ...

Some ignorant Muslims want to kill Azwan simply because he confessed his feelings - that he is attracted to men, not women.

Something he has no control, something innate in his brainworks (go read the latest abt brain science). In short he is Gay. ( read here )

Some years ago, another Muslim by the name of Sulaiman X created a storm in doing the same. Not surprising, if you read the comments and threats thrown at him is similar to Azwan's case. I wrote back to him, with kind words and suggesting he be strong.

An ignorant Muslim was quik to write me a crude post - and straight away played God and called me a gay too, simply because I was kind to Sulaiman :)

Below, i reproduce the letters. In it there are some key points to ponder for those who want to kill Azwan :)


Subject: Salam
Date: Tue, 29 Dec 1998 15:28:12 +0800 (MYT)
From: Zubedy
To: gaymuslims@geocities.com

On At 10:32 12/28/98 PST, this chap wrote me this comments which i assume being a reaction to my note to Sulayman X on the subject earlier. They are derogatory remarks in crude language for Malaysian.

>Hoi!!!
>BArua cilaka lu..pondan gay ....
>Haram jadah ....
>Pundek>>>>>>>
>PAndai-pandai keluar fatwa...
>Setan Babi
>
>Kelab AntiGay SeMalaysia
>Vice President...
flowcontrol@hotmail.com

MY ADVISE/LETTER TO HIM/HER.

Salam,

I am not gay, pondan, etc and very much a lover of the Quran. My sexual inclination is 100% heterosexual. I belief in Allah, the Last Day and Taqwa. I read the Quran or Islamic writings almost everyday of my life. I think your note is very UnIslamic. Do not do that. Remember that our Prophet was even kind to his greatest enemies. So was Prophet Isa and all our past Prophets.

If you want to help the Gays you hate so much, you must first learn to understand and care for them. That is what I am trying to do. But first we must have enough knowledge. For example, being Gay does not mean you must be a pondan. Pondans are transvestites or those such as who are born with a male body but want to be a female. By saying someone is a male gay, it is
usually implying that he is a man who finds another man attractive. He will not for example find a transvestite attractive. Similarly to a female gay(lesbian), she will find another female attractive and perhaps even a transvestite.

Furthermore, there are also those who were born with two sex organs. So , this subject is larger than we might think. What about heterosexual men who also get a kick at looking at transvestites?

If you are a Vice-President of the club, humbly I suggest you expand your knowledge on the subject. I hope you are aware that in history, Islamic Civilizations are the most tolerant to gays or 'khunsa' as compared to other civilizations. If you are serious about the subject and really want to make Islam relevant to our and the future generation, write back to me like a Muslim should with proper salutations of salam and I will help you understand things better.

If you prefer to just take the simple route of throwing insults without really striving and working hard, than go ahead but nothing much will grow out of your work.

As the Quran stressed ' Do you think that you would enter Jannah while yet God knoweth not those of you who
really strive, not knoweth those(of you)who are steadfast '(Quran 3:142).

Say you are right. That Islam is against homosexuality as you see it. What than is God trying to tell us in Quran 52:24-28 about Paradise? For your benefit I will provide you all the translations below in Bahasa Malaysia

Quran 52:24-28
'Dan mereka dilayani oleh anak-anak muda lelaki yang sentiasa beredar di sekitar mereka, (yang cantik parasnya) seolah-olah anak-anak muda itu mutiara yang tersimpan dengan sebaik-baiknya.Dan (dengan berada dalam ni'mat itu) mereka berhadap-hadapan satu sama lain sambil bertanya-tanya.Mereka berkata: "Sesungguhnya kamu dahulu, semasa berada dalam kalangan keluarga kami selalu merasa cemas takut (daripada berlaku derhaka kepada Allah),"Maka Allah mengurniakan kami (rahmat dan taufiqNya), serta memelihara kami dari azab neraka.'"Sesungguhnya kami dahulu tetap menyembahNya (dan memohon pertolonganNya). Kerana sesungguhnya Dialah sahaja yang sentiasa melimpahkan ihsanNya, lagi Yang Maha Mengasihani"

In my entire reading about our Prophet's call for Islam even to
those who tried to kill him, those who humiliated Muslims and Islam, torture good Muslims etc. etc. never once I found the Prophet using the arabic equivalent to the words you used like 'haram jadah,pundek,celaka, setan babi'.

For example " His own treatment with his bitterest enemies is the noblest example for his followers. At the conquest of Mecca, he stood at the zenith of his power. The city which had refused to listen to his mission, which had tortured him and his followers, which had driven him and his people into exile and which had unrelentingly persecuted and boycotted him even when he had taken refuge in a place more than 200 miles away, that city now lay at his feet.

By the laws of war he could have justly avenged all the cruelties inflicted on him and his people. But what treatment did he accord to them? Mohammad's heart flowed with affection and he declared, "This day, there is no REPROOF against you and you are all free." "This day" he proclaimed, "I trample under my feet all distinctions between man and man, all hatred between man and man." ("Islam and Modern age", Hydrabad, March 1978-By Prof. K. S. Ramakrishna Rao)

Surely you must have learned those words from outside the Islamic traditions. Do choose your teachers carefully.

" Are those who know equal with those who know not?
But only men of understanding will pay heed" Quran 39:9

If you have yet to understand my message, what I am suggesting is simple. Even if you are right about Islam's position with regards to Gays, your behavior is totally not Islamic.

Salam,

Anas Zubedy
29/12/98

Good and Balance Article - Meritocracy tempered with Social Justice

Wednesday December 22, 2010
Social justice for all
THE STAR


EVEN the most fervent supporter of meritocracy will know that a truly level playing field is not possible in real life.
Whether one is choosing a person for a scholarship or a promotion, it is not realistic to say that the candidates are starting from the same point and can, therefore, be judged strictly on merit.

Using a tangible set of criteria — like the number of As, coupled with extracurricular scores — provide a guide, but the system cannot be foolproof.

Which is why we have this perennial problem whereby many who feel that they deserve a scholarship because of merit cry foul when they don’t.

There are, of course, some scholarships, particularly those that are industry-driven, which only target the academically brilliant so that they become real assets to the companies after they graduate. Even if you were a billionaire’s son, you would still qualify, provided you can prove that you are truly made of the right stuff.

Then there are the socially-driven scholarship providers where the disadvantaged will get the edge.

Somewhere in the middle are government scholarships. The dilemma is that all of us believe we are stakeholders because we are taxpayers and therefore must have an equal chance when it comes to such official largesse.

The Prime Minister’s remarks that the Government will strike a balance between meritocracy and social justice when rewarding students for outstanding academic achievements must be seen in this context.

He is correct to say that while rewarding students based on meritocracy is important, it is also imperative not to sideline others who come from low-income families and still achieve fairly good results despite not having the advantage of studying in a dynamic or conducive environment.

“We will continue to recognise those who are outstanding and excellent. However, while we aim for excellence, we need to find a good balance between meritocracy and social justice. We need to give opportunity to students from rural areas or from low and middle-income families the same opportunity when their results are fairly good,” Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said on Monday when presenting education grants and financial assistance from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) to 330 students who excelled in their STPM and SPM examinations last year.
“We need to give the same opportunity to a student from Kampung Bantal in Ulu Tembeling (Pahang) who obtained fairly good results as is given to a student whose results are better and lives in Kuala Lumpur.”

We also have to understand that it is not just about the geographical divide, where students in the rural areas are at a disadvantage compared to their urban counterparts.
Even in an urban setting like the Klang Valley, for example, there is no equal access for everyone. A student with a highspeed broadband connection being chauffer-driven to a tuition centre can happily co-exist with a student staying in a longhouse just down the road.

Both may get the same number of As in the examination, but the effort they each have to put in cannot be considered similar.
The fact remains that we are not quite a land of limitless opportunity in which individuals can go as far as their own merit takes them.

Which is why a commitment to social justice is one way to balance out the situation.

Social justice is always about addressing needs. Just as there are the very rich and privileged among all ethnic communities, likewise there are the poor and underprivileged among all of them as well.

Be that as it may, transparency is important so that no one uses the “social justice card” to trick the system into believing that he is the more deserving candidate.

Likewise, we cannot continually play the “ethnic card” to suggest that only one community is socially disadvantaged.

A fair and just nation is one where justice is tempered with mercy. Meritocracy can only be considered fair when it is tempered with social justice.

Merry Xmas! - Our Advert tomorrow 22/12 in The Star

Have a Meaningful

ChristmasBro. Lawrence Spitzig’s life (1918-2009) was a reminder of the call to love God; and, to love our neighbours as we would love ourselves.


Do it for Unity:

Can we achieve unity through competitive racial politics?

The political parties we have today are largely racial and religious based. We’ve inherited a divided society from our past. Under British rule we were divided by race, geography, economics and administration. We can recognize this as something from our shared history.

But if we allow our political institutions to remain racial and religious based, we will continue to see ourselves as separate groups instead of a single nation. It is a damaging cycle - as the Rakyat see themselves as belonging to distinct groups, our leaders continue to support what they see as the Rakyat’s vision. The cycle repeats itself. It is a condition in which our political institutions serve to divide rather than unite. Slowly we will deteriorate further into disunity.

We need to stop practicing this detrimental form of politics. The time has come for us to interrupt this vicious cycle. Our vision for the future is unity.

To gain something, we must let go of something else. We must let go of our dependence on racial and religious politics and learn that what will really bring growth to all our people is unity. Stop fighting for only individual groups and start standing up for everyone. Be confident that we can speak for Malaysians - not just for Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Ibans, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, or any other group. Malaysia is the sum of all its Rakyat, all races and religions included.

Let us nurture political institutions that are not based on race or religion.

At zubedy, our programs draw strength from shared values and traditions. We believe that at heart, all Malaysians want good things for themselves and for their brother and sister Malaysians, simply because our nation cannot prosper as a whole if some of us are left behind.

Let’s be first and foremost Malaysian.

Let us add value,
Have a meaningful Christmas

Anas Zubedy

SHI’ITES: A SECURITY THREAT? - Dr CM

SHI’ITES: A SECURITY THREAT?

The arrest of 200 Shi’ite followers by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) on 16 December 2010 has raised some disturbing questions.

If those arrested are “fanatics and a threat to national security” as stated by the JAIS Director, Datuk Muhammad Khusrin Munawi, shouldn’t he support his allegation with incontrovertible evidence? If they are a threat to national security, why were they arrested by the JAIS and not the Police under the relevant security laws? JAIS is in charge of religious affairs, not national security matters. Shouldn’t the JAIS Director also substantiate his claim that members of the group known as Hauzah Ar Ridha Alaihissalam believe that other Muslim groups are “infidels” and it would be lawful to kill them?

In the absence of proof, the discerning public may begin to wonder whether the arrests are directed at Shi’ism as such. After all, there are Islamic Religious Departments and Muslim politicians in Malaysia who regard Shi’ite teachings as “deviationist.” They are obviously wrong.

There is no need to emphasise that Shi’ism is a legitimate part of Islam. Shi’ites subscribe to the same fundamental principles of the religion and practise the same basic tenets of the faith, as the majority Sunni Muslims do. Like the Sunnis, they too have contributed immensely to the growth of Islamic civilisation. There are about 180 million Shi’ites today who belong to the larger Muslim family ( ummah) of 1.7 billion people.
It is of course true that there are certain Shi’ite concepts and rituals that are not acceptable to the Sunnis, and vice-versa. But that does not justify labelling either party as “deviant” or “infidel.” Besides, variations in rituals and conceptual differences among the four main doctrinal schools within the Sunni community are generally accepted by Islamic scholars. To promote greater unity and solidarity within the ummah, the same consideration should be extended to the Shi’ites.
What this suggests is that historically rooted and politically generated antagonisms should not be allowed to distort and destroy ties between the two communities. Sunni-Shi’ite animosities, often manipulated and exploited by vested groups within and without the Muslim ummah, have already led to the killing and maiming of thousands in recent years, especially in Pakistan and Iraq. It is undoubtedly the most divisive ideological split within the ummah today.

Fortunately, some modest attempts are being made by both Sunni and Shi’ite theologians and thinkers in various parts of the world to improve relations between the two groups. This is a positive development that we in Malaysia should support. JAIS officials and other ill-informed individuals in Malaysia should help, rather than hinder, the process.

Dr. Chandra Muzaffar,
President,
International Movement for a Just World (JUST).

Malaysia.

19 December 2010.

Have a meaningful Deepavali ( Today in The Star - Advert)

Have a meaningful Deepavali

“Hinduism believes in the oneness of not merely all human life,
but in the oneness of all that lives,” - Mahatma Gandhi 1869 – 1948


Do it For Unity :

Say, “I am first and foremost Malaysian”

Unity is our most important Goal. Choosing to be Malaysian first is a commitment to becoming One nation with One destiny.

Some of us already see ourselves as first and foremost Malaysian. Some are not sure what this means. Even when we see ourselves as first and foremost Malaysian, we are still forming our ideas and we may not all agree, on what it
all means. Being Malaysian does not make us less Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban or Kadazan. We are intact as components of a nation while we become part of a larger whole.

And if today you see yourself as your ethnic group first, it also does not mean you are less Malaysian. That is the beauty of being Malaysian, we are able to be who we are and exercise our traditions and practices.

In one way or another, we are all striving to add, layer, mould and form a Malaysian-first consciousness. To own our nationhood, to feel we truly belong to the larger nation, Malaysia. To acknowledge that we are the sum of all our people, all the ethnic races and people are one Rakyat; Malaysians.

Say, “I am first and foremost Malaysian,” and ask what it feels like.Together let’s continue exploring what it means, define ourselves as we move forward as One, towards a future as One.

Brother and sister Malaysians, let’s be first and foremost Malaysian.

At zubedy our programs draw strength from shared values and traditions. We believe at the heart, all Malaysians want good things for themselves and for their brother and sister Malaysians simply because our nation cannot prosper as a whole if some of us are left behind.

Let us add value,
Have a meaningful Deepavali

Hari Malaysia Advert abt Our Constitution - The Star 15/09

Have a meaningful

Hari Malaysia

The author of An Introduction to the Constitution of Malaysia, our Lord President from 1974 to 1982, an exemplary, towering and honourable Malaysian - Tun Mohamed Suffian Hashim 1917 - 2000

What is to be done?

Return to our Unity Document; the Constitution

Our constitution is our Document of Unity. It is our written Social Contract.

It defines our legal, political and social life. It provides the foundation on which our nation and Rakyat rest. It tells us who we are, our responsibilities, freedom and rights. It characterizes how we became One, how we formed a nation, first as Malaya in 1957 and Malaysia in 1963.

It is a balancing act, bringing together a myriad group of people from differing backgrounds, wealth and locations into a peaceful society. It is written with love, care and pragmatism. Our constitution’s overriding goal is to create a nation of happy, performing and prosperous people. It defines who gets what, when, how, where and why.

The spirit of our constitution is one of tolerance, compassion and compromise. Through this spirit it unites the old and the new, idealism and realism, the native and the foreign. It unites, us.

Our Constitution is one of the most important formative forces of our society. Yet we have neglected this document of Unity. It is not taught in schools and institutions of higher learning as standard curriculum. Even the educated and the leaders amongst us are clueless of its content, meaning and implications. It is a document we must know deeply, understand and appreciate.

We fail to appreciate the pain, hard work, and compromise that our forefathers carved into this Social Contract that has provided the basis of more than 50 years of political stability, economic prosperity and an exemplary record of people of differing backgrounds living in peace.

Our Document of Unity shows us how to breathe the spirit of give and take in our daily actions. To know that we have enough for everyone’s need but not for anyone’s greed, no one gets everything, but everyone gets something.

We need to breathe back that spirit. We need to reaffirm this Social Contract. We need to go back to our Constitution of 57 – Our Document of Unity.

At zubedy our programs draw strength from shared values and traditions. We believe at the heart, all Malaysians want good things for themselves and for their brother and sister Malaysians simply because our nation cannot prosper as a whole if some of us are left behind.

Let us add value,

Have A Meaningful Hari Malaysia

BFM-Unity Series - Hari Raya Aidil Fitri

September 8th



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Do the right thing for UNITY - Hari Raya Advert, Tomorrow Full page The Star

Have A Meaningful

Aidilfitri

A great scholar who promoted the understanding of people of different faith and background - Fazlur Rahman Malik 1919-1988


What is to be done?
Do the right thing for Unity.

1. 
   We nurture our hearts and minds to see ourselves as first and foremost a Malaysian, then only our race or state.
2. We speak up for all Malaysians regardless of race, not just for our own communities.
3. We support affirmative action for all who are poor and needy – to eradicate poverty regardless of race.
4. We nurture institutions that are not based on race or religion especially in party politics. As such, we encourage the merger of race and religion based parties (either in their constitutional make-up or membership) and promotes the direct membership to Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat.
5. We focus our talent and energy to develop and enlarging our economic cake, not argue who gets the bigger slice.
6. We help each other in business and transfer knowledge and skills from one community to the other without the need of government intervention.
7. We do not introduce racism to our children both at home or in school.
8. We respect, learn and try to understand the religions of our fellow Malaysians.
9. We remain true to our Constitution – accepting it in total and not pick and choose out of context to suit an argument.
10. We ask for forgiveness ‘zahir dan batin’ from all the hurt we may have caused the other especially those in the form of racial slur and religious intolerance.

At zubedy our programs draw strength from shared values and traditions. We believe at the heart, all Malaysians want good things for themselves and for their brother and sister Malaysians simply because our nation cannot prosper as a whole if some of us are left behind.

Have A Meaningful Aidilfitri

zubedy (m) sdn bhd

BFM- Zubedy Unity Series - Merdeka Day

Aug 30th




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BFM-Zubedy - Organ Donation, Unity and Hoong Ling's book launch

Aug 16th



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BFM-Zubedy - Unity In Diversity

July 30th





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BFM-Zubedy Unity Series - Multigenerational Workforces - Lessons to be Learned from the Business World

July 15th 2010




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BFM-Zubedy Unity series - Why Support Unity Efforts?

July 8th 2010




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BFM-Zubedy Unity series - World Interfaith Day

June 17, 2010





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Worlf Interfaith Day - June 22nd this Tuesday

Peace!

Peace!

This Tuesday June 22nd is World Interfaith Day. I would like to take this opportunity to create awareness of this day of unity and to use it as a platform for Malaysians to get know each other better. We are in a unique position where interfaith understanding can be practiced daily. We have the opportunity to live among Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Sikhs and etc.

Failing to make full use of this environment would be unwise and wasteful. I hope you find ways to promote this day; talk to each other, talk to your family, talk to your children and talk to anyone who is willing to share.

Here’s something on education :

Bhagavad Gita 4.38
“Verily there is no purifier in this world like knowledge.”

Buddha - Sutta Nipata
“A good, all-round education, appreciation of the arts, a highly trained discipline and pleasant speech; this is the highest blessing.”

Confucius
“If you are planning for a lifetime, educate the person.”

The Bible Matthew 7:7
“Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock and it will be opened for you.”

Quran 96.1
“Read in the name of your God!”

Guru Angad -Guru Granth Sahib page 139
"Salvation can only be gained by education and knowledge and not by futile acts or rituals."

Peace, anas

BFM-ZUBEDY Unity Series - One Country, Two People

June 10, 2010




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THE FLOTILLA TRAGEDY: A TURNING POINT? by Dr Chandra Muzaffar

In the wake of the flotilla tragedy of 31st May 2010, are there signs to suggest that the struggle of the Palestinian people and other Arabs for justice and peace has entered a new phase? Are some elements of the shift more obvious than others? How should we encourage the change that may be taking place?
There are five signs that we may want to focus upon.

One, the flotilla has underscored the growing significance of people’s movements and citizens’ groups in the Palestinian struggle. In a sense, people’s movements have always been part of the resistance to Zionism. It was people’s movements that first stood up to the intensification of organized Zionist colonization of Palestine, following the Balfour Declaration of 1917. The general Arab uprising of 1936 was an example of this.

However, after Israel was established in 1948, Arab states played a big role in resisting Israeli aggression. All the early wars — 1948, 1956, 1967 and 1973 — involved states. Of course, Palestinian groups such as Al-Fatah were also at the heart of the resistance. In November 1987, people power came to the fore once again through the first Intifada. Since then, people’s initiatives have remained important. In the last 20 years there has been a proliferation of people’s movements and citizen groups in the Palestinian struggle, including groups that are part of the Palestinian Diaspora.

People’s movements and citizens’ groups are a source of strength to the Palestinian cause. Since they are less constrained by considerations that inhibit governments from committing themselves totally to the Palestinians — considerations such as their relationship with the United States in an international system dominated by the West — these forces are able to adopt principled positions on behalf of the oppressed and the dispossessed. Though US and Western dominance is declining, there are still many governments in the Arab and Muslim world that are eager to project themselves as allies of Israel’s most devoted patron and protector. In such a situation, it is not surprising that people’s movements and citizens groups have been able to campaign with much greater vigour and vitality for Palestinian rights.

Two, the flotilla has also shown that the movement for Palestine is becoming more and more multi-religious, multi-ethnic and multi-national. There were a number of prominent individuals from outside the Muslim and Arab world in the six ships that were part of the 31st May flotilla and in earlier flotillas — the most notable of whom was the Irish Peace Laureate, Mairead Maguire. Equally significant, the active and extensive involvement of Turkish nationals has taken the Palestinian struggle beyond Arab boundaries.

Of course, even in the past, there were non-Arabs and non-Muslims who defended the Palestinian cause. It is not widely known that Mahatma Gandhi was one such public figure who expressed his support in writing way back in the late nineteen thirties, in the midst of creeping Zionism. There is no need to emphasize that over the decades there have been scores of Jewish intellectuals and activists committed to Palestine.

The Palestinian movement should be encouraged to become more diverse in every sense of the word. It is when it embraces the whole of humanity that it will have the moral might and power to overcome Israel and Zionism, with their inordinate influence over US elites in every sphere of life. Some Muslim groups that tend to see the Palestinian struggle in exclusive religious terms will have to learn to appreciate the imperative importance of an all-encompassing movement that transcends the Muslim ummah.

Three, the flotilla episode has also highlighted the value and virtue of peaceful, non-violent protest. The flotilla was a protest against the inhuman, unjust, illegal, blockade of Gaza imposed by the Israeli regime since 2007. None of the boats was armed. None of the passengers carried weapons.

If violence erupted on the lead ship, the Mavi Marmara, it was because the Israeli commandos who hijacked the ship in international waters intended to kill some of the peace activists. It is when they started shooting that some of the activists retaliated with knives and sticks and pistols they had seized from the commandos. This is the allegation made by the leader of the Malaysian team of 11 activists on the Marmara, who claims to have seen the commandos’ hit list. According to the autopsies performed, many of the nine Turkish males who were killed were shot four or five times, and at close range.

It is this brutal barbarism of the Israeli commandos in contrast to the humanitarian mission of the flotilla that has created so much moral outrage among decent men and women everywhere. When stark violence is employed to crush peaceful protest, human sympathy is transformed into human solidarity with the victim. It is because the Israeli regime under Benjamin Netanyahu knows that non-violent resistance to Israeli power has tremendous psychological impact upon people that he is going all out to convince the world that the Marmara activists were violent.

Israeli propaganda in fact reinforces the case for non-violent resistance and non-violent protest. And indeed, non-violent resistance and non-violent protest has been gaining more and more adherents in recent years. Apart from flotillas, there have also been attempts to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza through land routes. Groups in Turkey, Malaysia and Britain have pledged that they will continue to organize many more land and sea missions to bring food, medicines and other essentials to the beleaguered people of Gaza. Universities in Britain have voted to boycott Israeli academics; churches in the US have divested from Israeli companies that operate in the occupied West Bank; and Swedish workers have launched a week-long blockade of Israeli ships and goods arriving in that Scandinavian nation.

As non-violent opposition to the Israeli regime gathers momentum, as rejection of Israel’s arrogance and intransigence becomes a global phenomenon, it will be totally isolated in the international arena. Even its ardent defenders would be too embarrassed to come to its aid. Israel’s isolation brought about through its own haughtiness will eventually compel its protector, the US, to force Israel to change its policies and to recognize the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

This is why Palestinian freedom fighters themselves should not at this critical juncture undermine their own struggle by resorting to acts of senseless, mindless violence. Killing Israeli civilians or indulging in revenge for its own sake, will not advance the Palestinian cause. The goodwill and support generated by the flotilla tragedy should be harnessed to the hilt to strengthen the struggle.

Four, as a consequence of the flotilla episode, advocates of Palestine should step up efforts to tell the world their story. The world is at the moment in a mood to listen. An oppressed people who have justice on their side should not hesitate to convey the truth to millions who still do not know how the Palestinians became the dispossessed, how Zionism and Colonialism conspired to deprive them of their land, how the UN betrayed its own Charter and the inalienable right of the Palestinians to self-determination in order to create the state of Israel, and how over the last 62 years through wars, expulsions, usurpation of land, and territorial expansion, successive Israeli regimes have sought to cleanse an ancient land of its indigenous population. Compared to Israel and the Zionist propaganda machine whose tentacles extend to every nook and cranny of the planet, the Palestinians have been rather ineffective in sharing their pain and anguish with their fellow human beings.

It is not only the Palestinian case that should be put across with intelligence and eloquence; Israeli manipulations and machinations, its distortions and its fabrications, its atrocities and its injustices should be disseminated as widely as possible. Because of Zionist media control, not many people know that Israeli discrimination against its Palestinian–Arab citizens is so pervasive and so extensive that it is even worse than the apartheid of the old racist Pretoria regime. Archbishop Desmond Tutu was appalled by Israeli apartheid. So was Nelson Mandela who once described Palestine “as the greatest moral issue of our time.”

Advocates of the Palestinian cause should inform the general public of all this through both the conventional and alternative media. The alternative media has been a boon to the cause. It is partly because of the new channels of communication that the truth about the flotilla tragedy reached a huge segment of society. Much more can be accomplished through the alternative media.

Five, if the flotilla tragedy has succeeded in bringing almost the whole of the human family together in condemnation of the Israeli action, can it help to unite the two warring Palestinian groups? Is there anything to suggest that the Palestinian Authority that administers the West Bank and Hamas that is in charge of Gaza, will now bury the hatchet?

If PA and Hamas cannot work together, if their feud continues unabated, will all the other changes that we have talked about here mean anything at all? Without unity and cohesion, without a single overriding purpose that transcends group interests, what hope is there for the Palestinian struggle?

Perhaps the Turkish leadership which has been playing such a positive role in Palestine and the Middle East, can help to bring the PA and Hamas together. And after the flotilla tragedy that impacted directly upon Turkish nationals, Ankara may be more inclined to try its hand at resolving the intra-Palestinian conflict.

For their part, Palestinian leaders from the PA and Hamas should realize that if they do not turn to one another in amity, the flotilla tragedy of 31st May might not be a turning –point in the Palestinian struggle for justice and peace.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Chandra Muzaffar is President of the International Movement for a Just World (JUST) and Professor of Global Studies, at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia.

BFM-Zubedy Unity Series - Peninsular, Sabah and Sarawak

June 3rd, 2010





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BFM-ZUBEDY Unity Series - The Misunderstood Keris

May 27, 2010





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BFM-ZUBEDY Unity Series - The Quran and I

May 20th, 2010






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i.gemz's second album - sadhu! sadhu! sadhu!

Daniel, one of the lead in i.gemz used to work with zubedy. I often seek his opinion and ideas whenever I want to know more about Buddhism. He has given me a few really helpful books too. A very talented writer, he and his gang recently launched a second album. Many of the songs are universal in nature and inspirational. Do check it out.

To daniel and frenz, sadhu! sadhu! sadhu!

Buddhist Gem Fellowship (BGF) launched i.gemz’s 2nd album – “Rainbow of Blessings” on Saturday, 15th May 2010 at 10.00am at BGF Centre, 60A, Jalan 19/3, 46300 Petaling Jaya. The launch ceremony was officiated by Datuk Dr Victor Wee, President of Buddhist Gem Fellowship.

Under the parentage and guidance of BGF, i.gemz aims to promote the teachings of the Buddha and inspire spiritual friendship amongst listeners through inspirational music. Having successfully launched their debut album “Cradled in Buddha's Arms” in 2005, i.gemz is happy to launch their 2nd album, entitled “Rainbow of Blessings”.

BGF realizes that spiritual youth development is one of the most important aspects of promoting the growth of Buddhism amongst youth. i.gemz is embracing this challenge by sharing their new songs, each containing reflections from the Buddha's vast teachings. In Rainbow of Blessings album, the songs speak of the importance of maintaining spiritual friendships, reaching out to those in need of companionship, practicing the Buddha's teachings, and being thankful and grateful for all blessings received.

Why the 2nd Album?
When i.gemz was first formed in 2003, they were simply a group of like-minded friends with a common passion for Buddhism and Buddhist music.
With the passage of time, i.gemz realized that they had an obligation towards the Buddhist community. There was a need to encourage the Buddhist youth’s spiritual development through inspirational music. With this aim in mind, they set forth to record their first album, Cradled in Buddha's Arms, which was released in December 2005. The songs in that album have since been a part of the popular culture among the young English-speaking Buddhists, gracing events such as INCOVAR Dhamma Camps, Inter Sunday School Hymns Singing Competitions, and large scale local and international Buddhist concerts. The song, “Cradled in Buddha’s Arms” has become a staple in many Sunday services, while songs such as “My Beautiful Friend” and “Reach Out” have been widely sung for promoting spiritual friendship and compassion in action.

As the songs from their first CD became popular with English-speaking Buddhists, the i.gemz soon realized that the demand for contemporary Buddhist music is great. They are continuing the trend set in motion by the pioneer of English Dharma songs, the Wayfarers. With this in mind, they made a commitment to share their inspirational songs and messages.

Rainbow of Blessings contains 11 songs that speak of the importance of spiritual friendships, meaningful companionship, the practice of the Buddha's teachings, and being thankful and grateful for all blessings received. More diverse than these themes are the variety of musical genre of these songs- pop, hymnal, country, bossanova – yet all infusing the most important aspects of the BuddhaDharma.

i.gemz hope that fans and listeners will be inspired by their songs from their second CD, and be inspired to learn and practice the BuddhaDharma. This is i.gemz’s small way of promoting the growth of Buddhism and encouraging the Buddhist youth’s spiritual development.

Profile of i.gemz
i.gemz is a well-regarded and popular Buddhist musical group in Malaysia which aims to promote the teachings of the Buddha through inspirational music, as well as to inspire spiritual friendship amongst listeners.
Formed in the year 2003 as a group of musically-inclined friends, they have a common passion for singing, songwriting and sharing inspirational contemporary Buddhist hymns.

They have performed in various local and international events, notably the Buddhist Arts and Culture Festival, the International Buddhist Youth Exchange program, and the Global Conference on Buddhism and lately the Sound of Compassion. Their songs are fresh and vibrant, subtly reflecting upon the Buddha's teachings and values.

Currently, i.gemz consists of 10 members whose diverse skills range from singing to songwriting, from musical arrangement to production.

BFM-ZUBEDY Unity Series ; - EMPATHY - By Dr Chandra - Must Listen

May 13th, 2010





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BFM-ZUBEDY UNITY Series - Recoloring May 13

May 6, 2010





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We are looking for GOOD PEOPLE - Pls send to your frenz and if u r interested, write in lah ...

" Teaching is one of the most meaningful professions. "
- Jubal Lourdes


zubedy (m) sdn bhd is a fast growing human development and training consultancy that specialises in soft-skills development. Our clients include multinationals, banks, financial institutions, quasi-government bodies, corporate, small and medium industries as well as IT firms.

At zubedy, we aim to add value to the life and work of organisations and individuals through understanding, awareness and behavioural change. We are looking for qualified and self-motivated persons with the same mission, to be part of our team.


Full Time Facilitators

Responsibilities:
- Facilitate, sell and assist in development of products in one or more of these areas:
- Change & Personal Development
- Time Management
- Interpersonal Skills
- Presentation Skills
- Human Resource Programs
- Management Skills
- Sales & Sales Management

Requirements:
- Passionate about teaching and sharing
- Able to work weekends and outstation
- Able to teach in Bahasa Malaysia and English, ability to deliver in Mandarin or Cantonese would be an advantage
- We prefer practitioners (Line practitioners who want to move into training)
- Must have excellent presentation skills
- At least 5 years working experience in related fields
- Bachelor’s Degree in any field (candidates with Masters would have an added advantage)
- Own a car


" Why sales people go to heaven?
Because they create jobs for others"
-Anonymous


Marketing and Sales Manager

The Job
- Manage and develop both marketing and sales function of the company
- Manage client accounts and sourcing for new clients
- Develop staff potential and lead the sales team
- Able to conduct sales training

Requirements
- Minimum 3 years experience in sales
management
- Minimum Degree holder
- Incentive driven, self initiated and goal oriented
- Excellent organisational skills

The Benefits
- Attractive package

Business Development Executive

Responsibilities:
- Generate new sales
- Conduct sales activities and brand management for zubedy training programs
- Develop and maintain business relationships with current and potential clients
Requirements:
- Possess a Bachelor's degree in any field
- Passionate about Sales
- Organized
- Pleasant personality, good interpersonal skills and hard working
- Fresh graduates or below 2 years working experience encouraged to apply
- Must possess own transport

The Benefits:
- Incentive based remuneration with good basic salary
- Self development and learning opportunities with an established softskills training provider

Please submit a written application
(preferably via email) to hr@zubedy.com with a comprehensive resume stating expected salary and a recent passport-sized photograph. Only short-listed candidates will be notified for interviews.

let us add value
zubedy (m) sdn bhd (301425-u)
Wisma WIM, 3rd floor, 7, Jalan Abang Haji Openg,
Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur.
Fax: 603-7727 0759 Email: hr@zubedy.com
Website:
www.zubedy.com

Have A Meaningful Gawai and KeAmatan

...perhaps next year zubedy can afford to add these festivals into our full page adverts too :)

Blanket Subsidies - We need to rise above politics!

I humbly suggest that politicians from both sides to view and act upon the subsidy issue based on economics rather than politics. Do not use the issue for political mileage, gain points for both internal party politics as well as the general elections. Whoever helm their party or the country sooner or later will need to face the consequences of blanket subsidies. There should not be any blanket subsidies, period . Here is an article I wrote with regards to the petrol subsidy – click here

Good to read :)

1. 
   We are many things at once by Tunku ’Abidin Muhriz click here
2. Integration with Integrity by Art Harun click here
3. May 13: Navigating our ethnic co-existence by Dr Lim Teck Ghee click here

Support Unity Efforts : Wesak Day Advert This Wednesday

Have a Meaningful Wesak

"Please tell me according to your ability, be it much or little. It will be my task to penetrate its meaning by way of a hundred or thousand methods." - Sariputta, the Buddha's chief disciple.

What is to be done :
Support all who is for Perpaduan regardless of race, religion, party or background.

Support Perpaduan and support all who support Perpaduan; do not tolerate Perpecahan; send a clear message that divide and rule has no place in today’s Malaysia.

Support unity and support anyone who believes in unity and are taking steps to unite us. Whether it comes from an NGO or individuals like Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM), the government - 1MALAYSIA, or an internationally affiliated organization like Malaysian Interfaith Network (MIN), anyone who promotes unity deserves our full backing.

We the Rakyat must do all we can to uphold our Perpaduan. Do not allow others to poke holes, belittle in any way or look down on efforts of togetherness. When we allow the non support of Perpaduan, we are promoting Perpecahan and allowing the ultras to win. Support Perpaduan, give credit and honour efforts; regardless of whose efforts they are; as long as it is an effort to unite us, give your vote, lend your voice and join in the support. Even when we are being critical, be constructive and always speak in the positives.

Encourage racial and religious based organizations to embrace a more universal approach. Promote inclusivity; when speaking of the poor, speak of the poor from all races, give data from all groups. When talking about uplifting education standards, talk about how we can lift the standards for all groups of Malaysians, not just any one group.

Let our leaders know that we want them to speak to all of us, to all Malaysians, and not to speak only to Malays or Chinese or Indians or East Malaysians or Christians, Buddhist, Hindu or Muslims, for we are Malaysians and we are all these, so speak to us all as one, as Rakyat Malaysia.

Brother and Sister Malaysians choose Perpaduan and choose it wholeheartedly; only then can we win over those who promote Perpecahan.

At zubedy our programs draw strength from shared values and traditions. We believe at the heart, all Malaysians want good things for themselves and for their brother and sister Malaysians simply because our nation cannot prosper as a whole if some of us are left behind.

Let us add value,
Have A Meaningful Wesak

Malay Mail on Recolor May 13th :)

Malay Mail

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

FINDING THE WILL WITHIN: Anas feels that people could take wisdom from May 13.

TODAY is May 13 - a date that has lived in infamy for most Malaysians, especially those who've lived long enough to hear about or experience the race riots that happened in Kuala Lumpur back in 1969.

Now and then, we hear politicians or people with political interests - from all sides of the divide - harping on the issue, using May 13 as some sort of 'bogeyman' or 'victim's tale' to further their agenda.

Well, one man has stepped forth with a unique agenda and plans for May 13. Anas Zubedy, corporate trainer, wants to inspire Malaysians to accept and even embrace May 13 as part of our history.

"May 13 pops up now and then and it is always used for negative purposes - 'do this, and May 13 will happen'," said 46-year-old Anas, during a lunch break at one of his corporate training sessions on Tuesday. "However, I believe that May 13 is part of our history and we should not sweep it under the carpet."
Anas believes that Malaysians first need to recognise that there was a May 13, that the riots and the killings did happen.

"We must acknowledge that we - as a country - made a mistake on May 13. We couldn't learn to agree to disagree and respect each other's opinions, which we allowed to escalate to physical violence," said Anas. "Still, the nation did not fail. Only a marginal few got violent, and I believe that 99.9 per cent of Malaysians were more concerned with their own safety rather than trying to kill people."
In fact, Anas believes that Malaysia came away from May 13 better than before. For one, the number of violent rioters was small, compared to the entire Malaysian population. It wasn't a nationwide event, though it was an event of national interest.

"The way I see it, it was just some groups of people who got really physical. Most Malaysians don't hurt their neighbours of a different race. In fact, we protected each other from the craziness happening in some parts."

He also illustrates that there are many uplifting stories where Malaysians of different races protected each other from violent rioters. These stories, he believes, are proof that Malaysians in general care for their fellow countrymen.
"It is in this neighbourhood spirit where Malaysians have shown how May 13 also brought us together in ways we could not have imagined," he said.

Another pet peeve of his is when people point at each other as to who started the violence.

"Look, whoever started it were bad people, no denying that," said Anas. "Whoever reacted to that were stupid. You followed the actions of bad men, so you are stupid."

This is all well and good, but when it comes to the mechanics of actually instilling a new perspective on May 13, Anas believes that it will have to rely on constant effort on his part as well as a slow snowballing of movement on the grassroots level.

The Star on Live & Inspire Recolor May 13th Chat :)

Malaysians urged to vote for unity

The Star May 14th, 2010

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians should give their support to those politicians who want unity and not those who want to fight, said entrepreneur Anas Zubedy.

“At the end of the day, it is not about Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Rakyat.

“It is about who wants unity and who doesn’t, being inclusive or exclusive, to monopolise or to share the country.

“Vote for those who want to unite, and not those who want to fight,” said Anas, who is known for his newspaper advertisements carrying the message of social harmony.

Go for the good ones: Anas Zubedy (in white) at the interactive session with 50 over participants in a shopping mall yesterday.

He told some 50 people gathered at his interactive session on cultivating national unity at a shopping mall here that Malaysians should “Recolour May 13” from being a dark spot in history by learning from their past mistakes and celebrating shared values that united them despite their diversity.

“It is not wrong to be racial, but it is wrong to be racist,” he said during the session, which was also attended by social activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir.

When asked by a member of the audience if he had plans to enter politics, Anas said he had not considered the idea.

“Politics is not the only way to achieve change. I still have shallow needs.

“I want my BMW, a house and a sports car. If I enter politics, I have to be like Ghandi or Prophet Muham¬mmad (with no material needs),” he said.

BFM-Zubedy Unity Series - Let's Recolor May 13

May 6 , 2010

For Facebook readers, click here

Recolor May 13 - The Sun Daily today

Recolouring May 13
By ZAKIAH KOYA and KAREN ARUKESAMY


"Two new books attempt to change the way Malaysians view the date, by replacing fear and embracing the shared values that unite them despite their diversity"

KUALA LUMPUR (May 10, 2010): Anas Zubedy was five years old when the May 13 racial riots occurred in 1969. Yet, he remembers clearly his father returning home in a hurry and locking all doors and sitting up all night with a parang.

"I think if anything were to happen to us, I am sure that despite being the only Malay family in the Chinese neighbourhood, our neighbours would have come to our rescue," said Anas, an entrepreneur and trainer.

Anas, together with academician Dr Chandra Muzaffar of International Movement for a Just World (JUST), are on a quest – to recolour May 13 as a day when all Malaysians should learn from their past mistakes and celebrate by embracing the shared values that unite them despite their diversity.

"When we talk about May 13, what comes instantly to mind is the racial riots. We should stop blaming each other for what has happened and learn from our mistakes and talk about the positive side. We can blame others for what happened, or we can choose to transform things for the better, to be change agents and constructively fill our hearts and minds with what needs to be done so May 13 does not ever happen again, and that no one uses the day to bring about fear and negativity," said Anas.

On May 13, 1969, racial riots broke out in Kuala Lumpur, officially leaving 196 dead, leading to a state of national emergency and suspension of Parliament.

To promote unity and spread the positive vibes of May 13, Anas has written a book titled "The Quran and I", chronicling his life story of being raised as a Malaysian Muslim and at the same time growing up with friends of all races and religions.

Chandra’s book, "A Plea for Empathy – The Quest for Malaysian Unity", is a compilation of his articles on national unity written over a period of 34 years.

"It is an interesting take that we celebrate May 13 from a different perspective as people will always remember it as a day of racial riots – it is a date associated with the shattering of the fabric of our society," said Chandra.

The book dissects various important issues such as the communal polarisation, ethnicity time bomb, solutions to resolving issues in a multi-religious society and Malay sovereignty.

Chandra said that he hoped with the publication of such a compilation, Malaysians would not only have a deeper understanding of issues pertaining to national unity but also develop empathy for one another.

"I hope books like this would be bridge builders and break the walls that divide us," Chandra said.

A plea to celebrate the day with holding thanksgiving feasts can be read at Anas’ blog http://letusaddvalue.blogspot.com/.

The books will be launched on Thursday at Starbucks, Bangsar Village2. -- theSun

LET'S RECOLOR MAY 13

Dear Brother and Sister Malaysians,

I would like to re-color May 13, to breathe new spirit into the date, to dilute and eventually erase the negative thoughts and replace them with positive meanings and values. We are placing a full page advertisement in The Star this May 13 , with a call to re-color the day.

When reflecting on May 13, 1969, we can blame others for what happened, blame the situation, or we can choose to transform things for the better, to be change agents and constructively fill our hearts and minds with what needs to be done so May 13 does not ever happen again, and that no one uses the day to bring about fear and negativity.

What thoughts can we cultivate to make a difference to how May 13th is viewed? What actions can we take to shine a light on this day so it will forever be a day we learn from mistakes, a day we strengthen unity in our diversity and recommit to respecting one another and working together?

At zubedy we believe in re-coloring May 13 with all our brilliant hues, the many diverse peoples that we are, under this one great nation called Malaysia. We believe it is a day to reaffirm our shared values and traditions and rejoice in what unites us. A day for young and old to constructively talk about what makes us one people and how we can remain strong together.

This May 13 we are launching two unity books available at major bookstores to commemorate the day.

1. A Plea for Empathy, A Quest for Malaysian Unity by Chandra Muzaffar, is a collection of twenty-three articles on Malaysian national unity that appeared in newspapers, magazines and academic journals between 1974 and 2008. Dr. Chandra looks at language, culture, religion, the economy, politics, human rights, education, ethnic accommodation, ethnic conflict and trends in ethnic relations over the decades. The writing embodies the essence of his thoughts on the causes of disunity and the solutions that are possible. ( Retail price at RM 39.20 WM)
2. The Quran and I by Anas Zubedy is a collection of reflections and childhood memoirs featuring among others, inter-faith and inter-racial friendships and depictions of how the multi-cultural Malaysian setting is fertile ground for personal growth. The book highlights universal values found in the Quran through daily life experiences and serves as a simple introduction to the Quran. (Retail price RM 36.40 WM)
Please join us and make May 13 a day of Unity. Find ways to understand each other better, bring to light our Unity in diversity and share your stories with children and young people. Organize gatherings and discussions, Unity parties and kenduris. Or simply take a moment and reflect on where we are today and give thanks; we have much to be grateful for.

Peace and Let us add value,

anas zubedy

NOTE : FEEL FREE TO POST THE RECOLOR MAY 13 LOGO IN YOUR BLOG AND USE IT WHENEVER IT CAN HELP THE CAUSE, TQ

Have a meaningful and happy Mother's Day

Note : Pictures are from my Mother & Child Collection :)