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Fakulti Ekologi Manusia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
Seorang penjawat awam, telah berumahtangga dan beristeri. Menyukai respons orang ramai terhadap hasil penulisan dan berkongsi ilmu, pengetahuan dan pengalaman. Bercita-cita besar dan mempunyai tujuan hidup yang futuristik. Ingin melihat Malaysia menjadi negara maju sebelum tahun 2020 dan rakyat Malaysia tersohor di persada antarabangsa. Ingin melihat agama Islam dan umat Islam melonjak naik.

Intro

Assalamualaikum dan Salam 1Malaysia,

Manfaatkan Blog ini untuk tujuan pembelajaran dan penambahan ilmu pengetahuan.

KELAB KENEGARAAN MALAYSIA, TITAS DAN HUBUNGAN ETNIK

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Raja Dan Negara Kita


KESETIAAN KEPADA RAJA DAN NEGARA

Dr. Amini Amir Bin Abdullah
13 FEBRUARI 2009

Nilai dalam Rukunegara antaranya mencakupi aspek persoalan dalaman hati mengenai ketaatan (setia), Yang Dipertuan Agong sebagai kuasa eksekutif dalam hal ehwal kekerajaanan (raja), kenegaraan dan pemerintahan (setia pada negara), kesucian (perlembagaan) dan elemen etika serta moral (bersopan dan bertatasusila). Tindakan saman sivil Raja atau Sultan adalah tindakan yang tidak beradab dan bertentangan dengan falsafah Rukunegara. Sebarang saman semborono oleh orang awam terhadap Raja yang diperkatakan perlu disekat.

Seperkara lagi, tidak pernah seumur hidup saya mendengar orang membuat permohonan menderhaka kepada mana-mana Raja. Raja yang adil dijunjung titahnya manakala pengingkaran terhadap mana-mana perintahnya yang tidak bertentangan dengan wahyu dikira menderhaka. Raja atau Sultan bagi setiap negeri mempunyai kuasa eksekutif. Tafsiran ”kuasa eksekutif” amatlah luas. Dengan ertikata lain, Raja ataupun Sultan mempunyai kuasa dan tanggungjawab berkaitan dengan pentadbiran dalam negerinya yang dijalankan oleh Menteri Besar. Apabila Raja atau Sultan melantik Menteri Besarnya berdasarkan titahnya, kebijaksanaan dan peruntukan undang-undang dalam negerinya, maka titahnya itu tidak boleh dibantah atau diderhakai. Amatlah pelik bagi orang Melayu untuk membantah titah Rajanya atau memohon menderhaka kepada Sultannya!

Kamus Dewan memberikan pengertian kepada maksud derhaka iaitu ketidaktaatan atau pengkhianatan kepada negara, Tuhan, orang tua dan lain-lain. Menderhaka pula dikaitkan dengan menentang kerajaan (bughah), orang tua, suami dan lain-lain. Prinsip Rukunegara yang kedua berbunyi ”Kesetiaan kepada Raja dan Negara” bukanlah sekadar rukun yang tidak bermakna dan tidak mempunyai sebarang implikasi. Lawan kepada perkataan ketaatan ialah kederhakaan iaitu natijah perbuatan menderhaka. Orang yang menderhaka tidak layak tinggal dalam mana-mana negeri. Mereka umpama orang buangan.

Al-Mawardi telah menggarisbawahi beberapa kriteria pemimpin seperti jujur dan berintegriti, adil, sayangkan rakyat terutamanya yang miskin, kemahuan mendengar semua kemusykilan dan bersedia mendengar pandangan mereka yang bijaksana dan berpengetahuan. Muhammad Rashid Redha berpendapat bahawa seorang ketua negara mempunyai kuasa politik dan kuasa keagamaan serta menjadi tenaga utama di belakang proses pembentukan undang-undang negara. Pemerintah bukan sahaja mempunyai kuasa eksekutif dan kehakiman, malah beliau juga mempunyai kuasa legislatif atau penggubalan undang-undang untuk kepentingan awam dan orang ramai.

Ketua negara juga merupakan ketua umat Islam yang dipatuhi selagi keputusan yang dibuat olehnya selaras dengan prinsip-prinsip Islam dan memberi faedah kepada masyarakat. Bukankah para Sultan di sembilan buah negeri dalam Malaysia adalah ketua agama dan ketua eksekutif bagi negeri masing-masing? Bukankah para Sultan itu berhak ke atas Dewan Undangan Negeri masing-masing? Apabila Sultan atau Raja menerima pengangkatan sumpah Menteri Besarnya yang baharu, maka yang lama itu dikira berakhir. Mana mungkin terdapat dua Menteri Besar pada satu-satu masa. Apatah lagi apabila Sultan bertitah tentang ”berhenti mendapat kepercayaan daripada majoriti Ahli-ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri”, ia sudah tidak dapat disangkal lagi berdasarkan percaturan angka yang implikasinya ialah majoriti mudah (simple majority).

Culture and Integrity


Strong Cultural And Moral Integrity
23rd January 2009
Dr. Amini Amir Abdullah

Islam is not merely a set of beliefs and rituals but also a social and moral religion (Al-Din). Islam also covers a moral and method of thinking, law and jurisprudence, politics, economy, education, culture, defense, peace and others.

In 1980’s, the Malaysian government has introduced its “Islamization Policy”. The government’s argument of implementing “Islamization Policy” is based on universal values. The government gave a rationale for the implementation. According to the government, every aspect of Islamic teachings contains elements of moral universal values. They have been accepted by human beings universally as positive values and can be practiced to guide every single man towards the happiness of life. The government has also introduced the moral education syllabus in the schools, The Malaysian government has put an effort to eradicate corruption, bribery, and other social problems which have always been a crucial problem in the Malaysian society. The agenda of enhancing integrity is the concern of the government. The government also promises to combat corruption at all levels without any exception.

Corruption can weaken the foundation of a government, education and human capital. Corruption affects not only our generation now but also our next generation. Corruption undermines ethics and morality. It is difficult for us to achieve progress and sustainable development if we fail to solve the problem of integrity and corruption. The government has established Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM) and introduced National Integrity Plan (PIN) in order to produce a high standard society with integrity and accountability. The role of IIM as an independent institution is to monitor and coordinate PIN.


Allah asks the Muslims not to betray the trust of Allah. Allah says in Al-Anfal: 27: “O ye that believe! Betray not the trust of God and the Apostle, nor misappropriate knowingly things entrusted to you.” Allah orders the believers to be steadfast witnesses for Allah in equity, and deal justly because it is one of the characteristic of piety. One of the qualities of good moral conduct is to observe our duty to Allah. Allah says Surah Al-Maidah: 8: “And call in remembrance the favour of God unto you, and His covenant, which He ratified with you, when ye said: “We hear and we obey”: And fear God, for God knoweth well the secrets of your hearts.” Allah says in Surah Ali ‘Imran: 159: “It is part of the Mercy of God that thou dost deal gently with them Wert thou severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about thee: so pass over (Their faults), and ask for (God’s) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when thou hast Taken a decision put thy trust in God. For God loves those who put their trust (in Him).”

The government has tried to upgrade the moral standard of the Malaysian people. As the moral the activities of the government are becoming more intense, efforts by the government can be seen anywhere showing the serious concerns of the government.

Penderitaan Saudara Kita Di Palestin



Bantu Pulihkan Palestin
Dr. Amini Amir Abdullah
23 Januari 2009

Alhamdulilah, akhirnya penderitaan dan keperitan rakyat Palestin semakin reda dengan Israel dan Palestin mula patuh dengan genjatan senjata yang dipersetujui bersama. Setakat 20 Januari 2009, Seramai 1,314 rakyat Palestin terkorban (termasuk 416 kanak-kanak dan 106 wanita) manakala 5,320 rakyat Palestin tercedera. Angka ini akan semakin meningkat apabila usaha pembersihan bangunan-bangunan yang runtuh dilakukan. Pihak Palestin juga kerugian berbillion dolar kerana kerosakan dan kemusnahan infrastruktur.

Banyak iktibar dan pengajaran yang diperolehi daripada konflik Israel-Palestin ini. Umat Islam perlu mempunyai persefahaman pertahanan dan ketenteraan untuk mengelakkan sesiapa sahaja dengan mudah mengancam atau menyerang umat Islam. Umat Islam perlukan satu bentuk ikatan perpaduan dan solidariti di peringkat global agar tiada siapa yang berani memperkotak-katikkan umat Islam. Apakah jaminan bahawa Israel tidak akan menyerang lagi Palestin?

Israel terpaksa patuh dengan genjatan kerana tekanan-tekanan masyarakat dunia global semakin memuncak. Kita mengalu-alukan agar pihak Israel dibawa ke meja pengadilan iaitu Mahkamah Jenayah Antarabangsa (International Criminal Court), di The Hague, Belanda.

Kesengsaraan rakyat Palestin dikongsi bersama rakyat Malaysia. Hampir semua masjid menjalankan kutipan derma untuk rakyat Palestin. Inilah kekuatan rakyat Malaysia. Banyak kerja yang terpaksa dilakukan oleh pihak Palestin untuk memulihkan semula Palestin. Apa yang pasti, selagi mana isu Palestin-Israel tidak diselesaikan, selagi itulah keganasan akan berleluasa terutamanya terhadap kepentingan-kepentingan Amerika Syarikat dan sekutu-sekutunya.

Istilah Allah


Perkataan Allah Hak Milik Orang Islam
Dr. Amini Amir Abdullah
30 Januari 2009

Akhbar The Star pada 24 Januari 2009 melaporkan seorang menteri merayu kepada Kementerian Dalam Negeri untuk terus membenarkan penggunaan kalimah “Allah” dalam penerbitan newsletter Katolik “Herald” sehinggalah mahkamah membuat keputusan mengenainya tidak lama lagi. Herald dikatakan mempunyai 14,000 pembaca. Penerbitan Herald dalam bahasa Malaysia dibenarkan untuk diteruskan oleh pihak Kementerian Dalam Negeri secara bersyarat pada 1 Januari 2009 iaitu mereka tidak dibenarkan menggunakan kalimah Allah untuk merujuk kepada Tuhan mereka. Pada asalnya pihak berkuasa tidak membenarkan penerbitan The Herald dalam bahasa Malaysia tetapi dibenarkan kemudiannya setelah dinilai semula. Di antara syarat-syarat lain yang mesti dipatuhi ialah pihak penerbit Herald diminta untuk mencetak perkataan “Terhad untuk penganut Kristian” dan edarannya hanya terhad dalam gereja.

Pernah suatu ketika, Bible dalam versi bahasa Indonesia yang berjudul “AlKitab” juga diharamkan di Malaysia. Akan tetapi kemudiannya ia dibenarkan khusus untuk orang-orang Nasrani sahaja. Pada asalnya terdapat sekurang-kurangnya 36 perkataan dan 15 ekspresi kalimah yang tidak dibenarkan penggunaannya oleh pihak berkuasa. Pihak berkuasa kemudiannya bertoleransi dengan melarang empat terminologi sahaja iaitu Allah, Solat, Kaabah dan Baitullah.

Hujah Herald berkisar pada kebiasaan penggunaan kalimah Allah di kalangan orang bukan Islam dalam dunia Arab, Pakistan, Malta dan begitu juga di Indonesia. Perkara ini adalah benar. Walau bagaimanapun, perkataan Allah yang digunakan di Malaysia oleh penganut-penganut bukan Islam boleh mengelirukan dan menggusarkan penganut-penganut beragama Islam.

Terminologi “Allah” adalah hak milik ekslusif orang-orang Islam yang merujuk kepada implikasi aqidah, teologi, ibadah dan syariat orang-orang Islam. Kalimah Allah bukanlah semata-mata kalimah sekunder yang digunakan dalam syahadah, solat, Al-Quran dan Al-Sunnah, akan tetapi ia adalah kalimah Tauhid yang berkait dengan kesucian keesaan Allah yang hanya layak disembah dan dipohon pertolongan yang mencakupi keseluruhan sistem kepercayaan dan worldview Islam. Kalimah Allah mempunyai asal-usul daripada agama Islam, sejarah dan tamadun Islam sekiranya kita telesuri sejarah lampau. Justeru, orang-orang Nasrani patut berterimakasih kepada kerajaan kerana masih membenarkan perkataan-perkataan Al-Kitab, Firman, Rasul, Syariat, Iman, Ibadah, Wahyu, Nabi, Syukur, Zikir dan Doa dalam penerbitan mereka.
MORE ON INTEGRITY…
DR. AMINI AMIR BIN ABDULLAH
6th February 2009

The Malaysian government is emphasizing on a civilized society with strong ethical and moral values, a united, prosperous and progressive society. The establishment of Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) is a good step to enhance the highest moral standards with strong spiritual and religious values among the society. Moreover, the introduction of Pelan Integriti Nasional (PIN) and the establishment of Malaysian Institute of Integrity (MII) demonstrate the seriousness of our government under the leadership of our Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi to enhance moral, ethics and integrity. We need to seriously implement PIN at all level of government agencies in order to develop first class mentality among the society and to maximize the potentials of our human capital. Otherwise, we will still facing problem to develop our country with the highest level of integrity.

It is important for us to solve the problem of integrity and accountability and be prepared to address the social and economic challenges as well. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. prayed to Allah: “Say: "O My Lord! let My entry be by the gate of truth and Honour, and likewise My exit by the gate of truth and Honour; and grant me from Thy presence an authority to aid (me)." And say: "Truth has (now) arrived, and falsehood perished: for falsehood is (by its nature) bound to perish." (Surah Al-Isra’: 80-81)

Integrity is a pertinent issue that should be discussed seriously. If we want to attract investors, we should prove to them that our country has zero corruption, no abuse of power or malpractices. Reducing corruption and increasing transparency are not an easy task. We should fully support our government to combat corruption.
Allah's Apostle says, "We are the last but will be the foremost to enter Paradise)." The Prophet added, "He who obeys me, obeys Allah, and he who disobeys me, disobeys Allah. He who obeys the chief, obeys me, and he who disobeys the chief, disobeys me. The Imam is like a shelter for whose safety the Muslims should fight and where they should seek protection. If the Imam orders people with righteousness and rules justly, then he will be rewarded for that, and if he does the opposite, he will be responsible for that."
We need to address our own problem; the virus of corruption in our society. Of course, we don’t like any interference from outside to determine our future direction. Our unity is an important element to strengthen our country and enable us to move forward without any delay. The government has included anti corruption as an integral part of its good governance. The private sector also should assist our government to fight against corruption and to conduct their organizations with the highest ethical standards. Integrity is a culture. It should be part of our way of life with religion as the root and foundation.
We need to step up our effort in educating our society to change their attitude on the negative effects of corruption. Our government also had made a number of achievements in eradicating corruption. It is still a long way to go in fighting corruption. It depends on us to successfully scale down levels of corruption.
Menghadapi Krisis Ekonomi Global
DR. AMINI AMIR BIN ABDULLAH
6 Februari 2009


Kita perlu memikirkan bagaimana untuk menyelamatkan diri daripada krisis ekonomi global. Impak krisis ekonomi global sudah mula terasa bahangnya dengan penyingkiran pekerja-pekerja dari tempat kerja. Alhamdulillah kenaikan harga minyak ditangani dengan baik oleh kerajaan walaupun ramai yang tidak berterimakasih dengan 7 kali penurunan harga minyak ke paras minima. Penumpuan mesti diberikan kepada pelaburan tabungan bernilai tinggi dan tabungan ekuiti berjangkamasa panjang. Penjanaan pendapatan daripada ekspot dan pelancungan boleh memberikan impak positif kepada ekonomi negara. Perbelanjaan berhemah dalam semua sektor dan di kalangan rakyat akan dapat membantu kerajaan memperkukuhkan ekonomi negara. Pelaburan segera ke atas projek-projek berpotensi membawa pulangan yang tinggi akan membantu membawa pulangan yang tinggi. Kawalan terhadap inflasi mestilah selalu dipantau. Krisis ekonomi yang berpusatkan Amerika Syarikat diharap tidak menjejaskan perancangan-perancangan pembangunan yang memberi manfaat besar kepada rakyat dan kemakmuran negara. Tahun 2009 memerlukan kita melipatgandakan usaha-usaha penggalakkan pelaburan yang lebih ekstensif dan berkesan di kalangan negara-negara maju sebab perdagangan dunia dijangka naik tidak melebihi hanya enam peratus. Isu-isu berkaitan perdagangan dan pelaburan perlu dinilai semula untuk lebih memberikan impak yang tinggi kepada ekonomi negara. Kita juga mesti memastikan bahawa pendekatan perkapita dan gross domestic product (GDP) sentiasa meningkat. Kerajaan juga telah melakukan banyak usaha menstimulasikan ekonomi negara.

Kita perlu mengambil pengajaran dan kisah teladan yang diceritakan oleh Allah dalam Surah Yusuf (43-50). Raja Mesir telah melihat dalam mimpinya tujuh ekor lembu yang gemuk dimakan oleh tujuh ekor lembu yang kurus dan tujuh tangkai (biji-bijian) yang hijau dan tujuh tangkai lagi yang kering. Ketua-ketua kaum diminta menerangkan tentang mimpi raja itu tetapi mereka tidak mengetahuinya. Nabi Yusuf a.s mengetahui tentang tafsiran mimpi itu dengan izin Allah seraya berkata: "Hendaklah kamu menanam bersungguh-sungguh tujuh tahun berturut-turut, kemudian apa yang kamu ketam biarkanlah ia pada tangkai-tangkainya; kecuali sedikit dari bahagian yang kamu jadikan untuk makan. Kemudian akan datang selepas tempoh itu, tujuh tahun kemarau yang besar, yang akan menghabiskan makanan yang kamu sediakan baginya; kecuali sedikit dari apa yang kamu simpan (untuk dijadikan benih). Kemudian akan datang pula sesudah itu tahun yang padanya orang ramai beroleh rahmat hujan, dan padanya mereka dapat memerah (hasil anggur, zaitun dan sebagainya)".

Pengajaran daripada kisah ini ialah keperluan berjimat cermat dan berhemah bagi menghadapi sebarang kemungkinan dan bersedia sepenuhnya menghadapi keadaan gawat dan yang tidak dijangkakan. Kekuatan asas ekonomi dan pertanian negara kita adalah hasil daya kepemimpinan yang baik dan sokongan rakyat jelata. Bersatulah menghadapi sebarang kemungkinan yang tidak diduga.
PROMOTING THE APPROACH OF ISLAM HADHARI
Dr. Amini Amir Abdullah
13th February 2009


The approach of Islam Hadhari is sort of the foundation of ummah advancement. If we want changes, we have to implement a policy which can create a new civilization. It is possible for Muslims in Malaysia to become pioneers of a new civilization if we fully understand why the approach of Islam Hadhari has been introduced.

Is it possible for us to regain our intellectual and civilizational superiority? Yes, if we can develop the potentials of youth by concentrating on their personality with faith (aqidah), syari’ah and integrity until they become a glorious Quranic generation. Saidina Ali bin Abi Thalib, Khalid bin Al-Walid, Usamah bin Zaid and many others were the examples of remarkable youths during the time of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w..

We need more effort to make the Malaysian people understand and accept the approach of Islam Hadhari. We also are facing problems with those who tries to confuse people by misinterpreting the approach of Islam Hadhari. We need to picture the dynamic and progressive image of Islam by returning to Al-Quran and Al-Sunnah.

In the field of economy, Islam can play a vital role. Islam and syari'ah can be regarded as tools for economic development. The government took the effort to make Islam in Malaysia synonymous with economic progress and modernization. Under the approach of Islam Hadhari, Islamic principles are being interpreted to fit into the requirements of the general mainstream economy. Islamic Finance System, Islamic Banking, Islamic Security, Islamic Insurance, Islamic Capital, Halal Hub, Non-Interest Banking System are the examples of such efforts. The development of Islamic economy in Malaysia is able to enhance the Muslim competitiveness so that they can enjoy a prosperous life in this world. Poverty elimination programmes are another agenda of the government which manifests good governance.

We also have to create awareness of the importance of Islam among Muslims. Islam can become a source of strength. We also should resolve any ethnic conflicts and address issues related to language, youth, education, rural-urban imbalances and Malay identity and rights. The most important section of the Malay community to be concentrated on is the young, well-educated, middle class and urban-based group. We should also play a leading role and use religious slogans and ideology in returning to Islam as a way of restoring Malay unity and integrity. We should work together for the social and economic betterment of Malaysia. We also should fight against fanaticism, radicalism and extremism so that it cannot become scourge in our country.
KEDAULATAN RAJA-RAJA MELAYU
Dr. Amini Amir Bin Abdullah
20 Februari 2009


Ramai yang salah faham bahawa Raja-raja Melayu adalah raja orang-orang Melayu sahaja. Sebenarnya raja-raja Melayu.juga adalah raja bagi semua rakyat dalam negeri baginda. DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Dipertuan Agong pula adalah ketua pemerintah semua rakyat Malaysia dan bukannya orang-orang Melayu sahaja. Justeru titah baginda mestilah dipatuhi. Daulat baginda sentiasa dilafazkan, didoakan dan diberikan penegasan seperti dalam ungkapan “Daulat Tuanku”. Ramai orang bukan Melayu yang telah menerima anugerah, darjah kebesaran dan pingat dari Raja-raja Melayu. Lebih seribu orang bukan Melayu menerima anugerah daripada sekalian para Raja Melayu yang sungguh prihatin. Ayuh! Dokonglah raja kita semua! Jangan disanggah para Raja Melayu. Buruk padahnya.
Justeru, dalam Islam juga diberikan penekanan keutamaan mentaati pemimpin termasuklah para Khalifah (Sultan). Firman Allah s.w.t. bermaksud dalam Surah Al-Nisa’: 59: “Wahai orang-orang yang beriman, taatlah kamu kepada Allah dan taatlah kamu kepada Rasulullah dan kepada "Ulil-Amri" (orang-orang yang berkuasa) dari kalangan kamu. Kemudian jika kamu berbantah-bantah (berselisihan) dalam sesuatu perkara, maka hendaklah kamu mengembalikannya kepada (Kitab) Allah (Al-Quran) dan (Sunnah) RasulNya - jika kamu benar beriman kepada Allah dan hari akhirat. Yang demikian adalah lebih baik (bagi kamu), dan lebih elok pula kesudahannya.”
Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Dipertuan Agong juga adalah Raja Berperlembagaan. Di Malaysia, Raja amat berkait rapat dengan perlembagaan. Perlembagaan adalah sumber undang-undang tertinggi bagi sesebuah Negara. Semua prinsip perlembagaan menaungi undang-undang, akta atau dasar yang diluluskan oleh Parlimen dan keputusan-keputusan mahkamah. Badan perundangan, kehakiman dan eksekutif mendapat kuasa daripada Perlembagaan Persekutuan yang mengandungi 15 Bahagian, 183 Perkara dan Fasal serta 13 Jadual. Badan perundangan, kehakiman dan eksekutif tertakluk kepada Perlembagaan Malaysia. Undang-undang Persekutuan atau Enakmen negeri mengenai apa jua perkara adalah tidak sah seandainya ia bercanggah dengan Perlembagaan Persekutuan (Perkara 4 (1) Perlembagaan Persekutuan).
The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language mendefinisikan kedaulatan sebagai keagungan autoriti atau pemerintahan oleh Negara yang bebas dan berdaulat, kekuasaan diraja atau pangkat dan berkerajaan sendiri. Dengan ertikata lain, kedaulatan bermaksud kuasa politik dalam pemerintahan dan kedudukan autoriti dalam kedaulatan. Raja-raja Melayu adalah raja yang berdaulat dan berautoriti. Buktinya, apabila pihak British (melalui penubuhan Malayan Union) melakukan percubaan untuk menghapuskan kedaulatan Raja-raja Melayu dengan memberikan kuasa kepada para Sultan hanya dalam perkara yang menyentuh agama Islam dan adat istiadat Melayu sahaja, orang-orang Melayu bangkit melawan. Ini adalah kerana orang-orang Melayu percaya bahawa Raja-raja mereka mempunyai kedaulatan yang tersendiri.
Penentangan itu berlaku kerana kuasa para Sultan telah dihakis dan dikurangkan oleh pihak British. Kaedah Sir Harold McMichael mendapatkan tandatangan Raja-raja Melayu dengan ugutan dan paksaan amatlah biadap dan tidak beradab. Sultan Kedah misalnya diberikan amaran untuk menandatangani penubuhan Malayan Union ataupun bersedia menghadapi tindakan dilucutkan daripada takhta pemerintahan sekiranya ingkar. Kuasa Raja-raja Melayu dihilangkan dalam urusan pentadbiran negeri dan hanya diberikan dalam soal agama Islam, adat istiadat Melayu dan menjadi ketua Majlis Penasihat Melayu sahaja. Perkara ini juga boleh ditafsirkan sebagai ancaman terhadap kedaulatan Raja-raja Melayu.
Orang Melayu terkenal dengan ketaatan kepada Raja hinggakan sejarah perkembangan Islam di Kepulauan Melayu selalu dikaitkan dengan pengislaman istana dan juga rakyat jelata di bawah naungan Raja. Janganlah kita tunggang-terbalikkan sejarah kegemilangan Melayu dengan episod kedurjanaan, penderhakaan dan kecurangan dalam sejarah Malaysia!

Islamic Economy

ISLAM AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
21 November 2008
Suara Pusat Islam
Dr. Amini Amir Abdullah


Muslims should have the knowledge and good practice on financial management, asset evaluation, capital budgeting, capital structure, financial planning and capital management. The Ninth Malaysian Plan is consistent with the mission to develop our country with an advanced economy, balanced social development and a united citizen, well-skilled, progressive and farsighted. The Prime Minister of Malaysia says: “The state Islamic religious authorities need to take the responsibility of fardu kifayah, play an active role to develop the economy of Muslims and assist on the development of human capital.”

Islam owns its system of business ethics, including a ban on interest-bearing loans and stocks and aversions to debt, hording and overvaluing. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said: "Whoever asks for money while he has what suffices him has asked for a lot of Hellfire's embers." People asked him, "What is the sufficient amount of money above which one should not ask?" He said, "The amount he needs for his lunch and dinner." (Narrator Abu Daud) In Islam, financial management is an act of worship. Spending money should be in a moderate and fair manner. Allah says in Surah Al-Furqan: 67-68: which means: “Those who, when they spend, are not extravagant and not niggardly, but hold a just (balance) between those (extremes); Those who invoke not, with Allah, any other god, nor slay such life As Allah has made sacred except for just Cause, nor Commit fornication; - and any that does This (Not only) meets punishment”.

In this verse, Allah s.w.t emphasizes that Muslim should not spend their money extravagantly nor measly, but hold a medium way. The Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) warned us: "Whoever takes people's money with the intention of paying it back, Allah will carry out [this burden] for him. And whoever takes people's money with the intention to loose it [i.e., not pay it back] Allah will destroy him." Allah also says in Surah Al-Taubah: 121: which means: “Nor could they spend anything (for the Cause) - small or great - nor cut across a valley, but the deed is inscribed to their credit; that Allah may requite their deed with the best (possible reward)”.

In this verse, Allah gives emphasis on the attitude of spending anything in Allâh's Cause; either small or great, but is written to their credit, that Allâh may recompense them with the best of what they used to do (i.e. Allâh will reward their good deeds according to the reward of their best deeds which they did In the Most perfect manner). Allah says which means: “And render to the kindred their due rights, as (also) to those in want, and to the wayfarer: but squander not (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift. Verily spendthrifts are brothers of the Evil Ones; and the Evil One is to his Lord (Himself) Ungrateful.” (Surah Al-Isra’: 26-27) From this verse, we can learn that:

1. Full assistance should be given to the poor and to the wayfarer.
2. Not to spend our wealth in a wasteful manner or In the manner of a spendthrift.
3. Spendthrift are brothers of the Shayatîn (devils), and the Shaitân (Devil ­ Satan) is ever ungrateful to Allah s.w.t..

Ethnic Relations In Malaysia

Islam and Ethnic Relations
Dr. Amini Amir Abdullah
October 2008


We should give a special attention to solve the problem of communalism in Malaysia with reference to Islam as the solution. The need to accept Islam as a formula of ethnic unity is a must. We should avoid any failure in solving the problem of Malaysian plural society. Islam was from Allah and therefore it would produce a harmonized life for all human beings. Islam was not a racial religion and it was universal for all races and ethnic groups. If Islam was implemented in its original form, it would convince all men of its ability to become a way of life and with its terms of reference. Islam had proved its capability in laying the foundation for ethnic relations as in the nation-state of Madinah. We should implement Islam gradually and the implementation of Islam would not violate the rights of non-Muslims to practice their religion. We should implement a focus ethnic-oriented approach to achieve the objectives of integration and uplifting confidence among the people. Islam is a universal teaching which promoted a peaceful life without any racial prejudice and discrimination.

The solution for multi-racial problems is through enhancing the principles of Islamic justice based on Tawhid. From the view of Islamic justice and the concept of equality, there was no advantage of one race over another since all are originated from the Prophet of Adam. Islam also defended the impoverished and needy regardless of their ethnic and religious background. Islam promoted its followers to do justice and good ethics even to the apostates. The historical development of Islamic history had proven that Islam succeeded in solving various problem regarding ethnic relations.

The diversity of races is a fact of Allah's Power and Greatness. Islam affirms the differences in languages and colours not as sources of friction and conflict, but as mentioned in the al-Quran as ayat Allah (Signs of Allah Greatness) that people would know each other. Therefore, diversity was the basis for unity and not the basis of friction. Islam offered to the non-Muslims opportunities for interaction and building relations between each other. The universalistic teaching of Islam, which is free, from chauvinism and narrow sentiments.

Islam and The Eradication Of Poverty In Malaysia

ISLAM AND POVERTY
DR. AMINI AMIR BIN ABDULLAH
DIRECTOR, ISLAMIC CENTER
UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA
November 2008


Islam is deeply committed to eradication of poverty. Qur’an shows great sympathy with the problem of poverty, the poor and needy. Allah says in Al-Quran: They ask Thee How much They are to spend; say: "What is beyond your needs." Thus doth Allah make Clear to you His Signs: In order that ye may consider. (Al-Baqarah: 219) The Muslims are strongly encouraged to disperse in the land and seek of Allah’s bounty and work hard for their life, and remember Allah much, that the Muslims may be successful. Allah says in Surah Al-Jumu’ah: 10: “And when the Prayer is finished, then may ye disperse through the land, and seek of the Bounty of God: and celebrate the Praises of God often (and without stint): that ye may prosper.”

Dasar Ekonomi Baru [New Economic Policy (NEP)] was officially launched in 1971 through the Second Malaysian Plan, 1971-1975. the government formulated the policy with the aim of promoting national unity through a two-pronged strategy: (1)”…to reduce and eventually eradicate poverty by raising income levels and increasing employment opportunities for all Malaysians, irrespective of race.” (2) “…accelerating the process of restructuring Malaysian society to correct economic imbalance, so as to reduce and eventually eliminate the identification of race with economic function.” The policy also aimed at achieving 30% of the Malay ownership of the country’s economy by 1990. For the purpose of increasing Malay and bumiputera professionals, various programmers and plans were established especially in training and education.

The new economic policy is based on a rapidly expanding economy which offers increasing opportunities for all Malaysians regardless of their religious and ethnic origins. The process of restructuring Malaysian society would involve the modernization of rural life, a rapid and balanced growth of urban activities and the creation of a Malay commercial and industrial community. The policy also aimed at achieving 30% of the Malay ownership of the country’s economy by 1990. For the purpose of increasing Malay and bumiputera professionals, various programmers and plans were established especially in training and education. Under the NEP, the government concentrated on four aspects of racial economic imbalance in order to improve the economic condition of the society. Balance in terms of employment patterns, relative incomes, shares in ownership, and control of assets were the targets. The balance was to be achieved within a period of 20 years, Malays and other indigenous people will manage and own at least 30 per cent of the total commercial and industrial activities in all categories and scales of operation.”
As a result of NEP, the awarding of tenders, contracts and transportation licenses have been marked out for preferences to Malays. Government agencies were established and have moved rapidly after 1971 to facilitate Malay entry into business. Some actions were taken to increase government participation in the economy with the establishment of Bank Bumiputera in 1965 and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) in 1966 to promote Malay entrepreneurship, free and private enterprise.

Monday, February 23, 2009

The Significance of Time In Islam

The Significance Of Time In Islam
Dr. Amini Amir Abdullah
2nd January 2009
Let us uphold steadfast our piety of Allah by obeying all His commands and avoiding the forbidden. Every man that declares his believe in Allah should realize that there will be an end for this world. Everybody will experience that. We are getting older day by day, night by night, month by month. We have a very limited time. Time will not wait for us. Time is faster than lightning. Many of us ignores Allah’s reminder. “By the time, Verify Man in Loss, Except such as have Faith, And do Righteous deeds, and (join together). In The mutual enjoying of truth and of Patience and constancy.”
The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. says “your youth before old, your health before being (terminal) sick, your wealth, before being poor, your leisure before being preoccupied, and your life before your death.”
Islam has discussed 4000 years ago the significance of time before it was discuss in modern management discipline. Don’t waste our time, to serve to Allah s.w.t. in this world. In the modern management framework, time is the powerful and valuable resource. We should fully maximize the quality of time in our life. We should fill up our time with worship either specific worship or general worship.
a date and the destruction of the world is going to happen anytime and u have the opportunity to seed it, seed it”. This Hadith mention about the value of time in our life. We should manage it wisely. how can he getting older such as his condition now? He answered I will serve down when I walk, I will mad when I hungry, I will get bored when I eat, I will get drowsy when attending lecture, I cannot sleep while in bed.
The purpose of the Caliph in asking Ma’an is to remind those who are old to worship Allah continuously during they are still young. Every year, many of our children sit for SPM and STPM examinations. They have about 350 days for holiday within 5 years study duration. Actually, their schooling days is 4 years instead of 5 years. During we are still young we should spend our time on searching knowledge, working hard, improving our economics status and the condition of our religion as well as preparing for Hereafter.
Allah s.w.t. says in Surah Faatir
Verse 37:- Meaning: “Did we not give you long Enough life so that he that would Should receive admonition? And (moreover) the warner came to You.”
We should thank to Allah for all his bounties, his compassion and mercy. The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
says “ The best among you is those who has long life and fulfill with good deeds.”

ISLAM AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

ISLAM AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
21 November 2008
Suara Pusat Islam
Dr. Amini Amir Abdullah

Muslims should have the knowledge and good practice on financial management, asset evaluation, capital budgeting, capital structure, financial planning and capital management. The Ninth Malaysian Plan is consistent with the mission to develop our country with an advanced economy, balanced social development and a united citizen, well-skilled, progressive and farsighted. The Prime Minister of Malaysia says: “The state Islamic religious authorities need to take the responsibility of fardu kifayah, play an active role to develop the economy of Muslims and assist on the development of human capital.”

Islam owns its system of business ethics, including a ban on interest-bearing loans and stocks and aversions to debt, hording and overvaluing. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said: "Whoever asks for money while he has what suffices him has asked for a lot of Hellfire's embers." People asked him, "What is the sufficient amount of money above which one should not ask?" He said, "The amount he needs for his lunch and dinner." (Narrator Abu Daud) In Islam, financial management is an act of worship. Spending money should be in a moderate and fair manner. Allah says in Surah Al-Furqan: 67-68: which means: “Those who, when they spend, are not extravagant and not niggardly, but hold a just (balance) between those (extremes); Those who invoke not, with Allah, any other god, nor slay such life As Allah has made sacred except for just Cause, nor Commit fornication; - and any that does This (Not only) meets punishment”.

In this verse, Allah s.w.t emphasizes that Muslim should not spend their money extravagantly nor measly, but hold a medium way. The Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) warned us: "Whoever takes people's money with the intention of paying it back, Allah will carry out [this burden] for him. And whoever takes people's money with the intention to loose it [i.e., not pay it back] Allah will destroy him." Allah also says in Surah Al-Taubah: 121: which means: “Nor could they spend anything (for the Cause) - small or great - nor cut across a valley, but the deed is inscribed to their credit; that Allah may requite their deed with the best (possible reward)”.

In this verse, Allah gives emphasis on the attitude of spending anything in Allâh's Cause; either small or great, but is written to their credit, that Allâh may recompense them with the best of what they used to do (i.e. Allâh will reward their good deeds according to the reward of their best deeds which they did In the Most perfect manner). Allah says which means: “And render to the kindred their due rights, as (also) to those in want, and to the wayfarer: but squander not (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift. Verily spendthrifts are brothers of the Evil Ones; and the Evil One is to his Lord (Himself) Ungrateful.” (Surah Al-Isra’: 26-27) From this verse, we can learn that:
Full assistance should be given to the poor and to the wayfarer.
Not to spend our wealth in a wasteful manner or In the manner of a spendthrift.
Spendthrift are brothers of the Shayatîn (devils), and the Shaitân (Devil ­ Satan) is ever ungrateful to Allah s.w.t..

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