Category: Sosial

Mufti Negara: Umat Islam Singapura Sambut Aidilfitri Rabu, 6 Julai

Umat Islam di Singapura akan menyambut Aidilfitri lusa, Rabu 6 Julai ini.

Demikian diisytiharkan oleh Mufti Negara, Dr Mohd Fatris Bakaram, selepas terbenam matahari malam ini tadi (4 Jul).

Menurut beliau: “Mengikut kiraan hisab, anak bulan Syawal tidak mungkin dapat dilihat di atas ufuk Singapura setelah matahari terbenam petang tadi (4 Jul) kerana bulan terbenam lebih awal.

Ini bererti, esok adalah hari pencukup bulan Ramadan 30 hari dan awal bulan Syawal bagi tahun 1437H jatuh pada lusa, Rabu bersamaan 6 Julai 2016.

Ustaz Dr Fatris juga mengucapkan Selamat Hari Raya Eidul Fitri kepada sekalian Muslimin dan Muslimat Singapura.

Semoga Allah menerima segala amal ibadah yang sudah kita lakukan sepanjang Ramadan ini dan semoga Allah melanjutkan umur kita sehingga bertemu Ramadan tahun hadapan,” ucap beliau lagi.

Source: http://berita.mediacorp.sg

July 5, 2016
Bangladeshi Foreign Workers Steadfast Observing Ramadan Despite Gruelling Schedules

On the last night of Terawih Prayers before Ramadan comes to an end for our Muslim friends, I had the privilege to witness and photograph how the men who built our houses practise their faith.

Many of the construction workers in Singapore are Bangladeshi, and many Bangladeshi are Muslim, so I’ve always wondered how they continued to be faithful during the Holy Month despite their punishing and gruelling working lives here in Singapore.

Last night (4th July 2016) I photographed these Muslim workers saying their Terawih Prayers outside their dormitory in Tuas, where space is so limited within the dorms that they have had to bring their faith out onto the roadside.

*Please feel free to share this*

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Source: Darren Soh I Photographer

July 5, 2016
Mass Anti-Muslim Protests In Rakhine

Myanmar’s bitterly divided Rakhine State saw mass protests yesterday as thousands of Buddhists, including monks, demonstrated in a show of opposition to a government edict referring to Muslim communities in the restive province, organisers said.

Anti-Muslim rhetoric has spiked across Myanmar recently, with two mosques torched by Buddhist mobs in just over a week in a country where sectarian violence has left scores dead since 2012.

Home to around one million stateless Rohingya Muslims, Rakhine State has been hardest hit by religious violence that has left tens of thousands of the persecuted minority in fetid displacement camps.

The Rohingya are reviled by Rakhine Buddhists who refuse to recognise any shared rights to the province and instead call them “Bengalis” – or illegal immigrants from nearby Bangladesh.

Ms Aung San Suu Kyi’s new government has sought to defuse the row over the term Rohingya, ordering officials to refer instead to “Muslim communities in Rakhine”.

But protesters yesterday said that this term was also unacceptable as it handed Muslims recognition in a Buddhist state.

“We reject the term ‘Muslim communities in Rakhine State’,” protest organiser Kyawt Sein said, adding that more than 1,000 people, including monks, had joined the rally in the state capital.

Demonstrators there shouted slogans including “Protect Rakhine State”, while a protest in the town of Thandwe drew similar numbers.

“Bengalis should be called Bengalis,” said local Rakhine youth group leader Phoe Thar Lay, adding that 17 townships across Rakhine were participating in protests yesterday.

Most Rohingya live cut off from the Buddhist community in displacement camps or remote settlements since sectarian riots tore Rakhine apart in 2012.

Persecution and poverty have forced tens of thousands to flee by sea, but the dangerous trafficking route south through the Bay of Bengal was closed late last year during a Thai crackdown on people smuggling.

Ms Suu Kyi, a veteran democracy activist who championed her country’s struggle against repressive military rulers, has drawn criticism from rights groups for not taking up the cause of the Rohingya.

Instead she has carefully sought to sidestep controversy, urging the international community to give the country “space” to unpick its sectarian problems.

The Rohingya are not recognised by the government as an official ethnic minority.

After a 12-day visit to Rakhine and other conflict sites in Myanmar, a United Nations rights investigator warned last Friday that “tensions along religious lines remain pervasive across Myanmar society”.

Ms Yanghee Lee urged the country’s new civilian government to make “ending institutionalised discrimination against the Muslim communities in Rakhine State… an urgent priority”.

On Friday, a mosque was torched by a Buddhist mob in the town of Hpakant in the far north.

That incident came eight days after a crowd of Buddhists destroyed another mosque in central Bago, forcing the Muslim community to seek refuge in a neighbouring town.

Source: The Straits Times

July 4, 2016
11-Year-Old Girl Traumatised By Debt Collectors

Primary school pupil has traumatic stress reactions after debt collectors plagued her family night after night

The angry banging and loud voices at the door would go on for hours.

“Open the door! Owe money pay money!” the men would shout, calling for her mother or father.

For 11-year-old Eileen (not her real name), the confrontations between the debt collectors and her family have turned her life upside down.

Close to tears, she tells The New Paper on Sunday: “I thought my life was going okay.

“I thought my family was doing okay until all this happened.”

Licensed debt collectors had been going to the home from January to March this year to collect on a debt which the family is disputing.

They would go to the family’s four-room Housing Board flat in the western part of Singapore.

Sometimes Eileen is alone, other times she is with her 67-year-old grandmother, who suffers from an anxiety disorder.

Cases like Eileen’s are not new here. The Singapore Children’s Society says it has noticed that more children are being affected by their parents’ financial woes recently. (See report on facing page.)

Eileen, a Primary 5 pupil, says: “I am very scared because they shout very loud. Even though I know they can’t come in, I am still scared.

“I find a place to hide, usually behind grandma. I hold her hand. She is very frightened too.”

They often appear in the evening when she is doing her homework or resting after school. They stay for hours each time.

CONFRONT

In one incident on March 29, her frustrated father, 44, opened the door and confronted the debt collectors, resulting in a vulgarity-laden shouting match.

Eileen used a mobile phone to record the incident. She broke down into loud sobs as she eventually ran away from the commotion.

She watched her grandfather, who is 69 and has a history of heart problems and stroke, kneel and beg the debt collectors to leave.

The debt collectors have since stopped going to the home after the family got a temporary court order against them over their use of vulgarities.

But the damage has been done.

In early April, Eileen was admitted to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital for “traumatic stress reactions following harassment by debt collectors”. She now has to see a school counsellor.

“I have to tell the counsellor all about my fears. I feel very sad because I love my family a lot. I try to forget all these things but I cannot,” she says.

A schoolmate who lives above her flat asked her why there were debt collectors at her home.

She says: “I didn’t know what to say. I couldn’t deny it because (the debt collectors) were shouting my unit number.”

Her performance in school has slipped, triggering a letter from her form teacher.

The teacher wrote that Eileen was a pleasant class monitor and added: “Recently, she seems withdrawn and easily distracted during lessons.

“Some of her teachers even noticed her being depressed…

“As for her CCA, she did not attend one of the tests although she was well prepared for it.”

Eileen does not understand the difference between loan sharks and the licensed debt collectors who have been visiting her flat.

Her father, a chicken rice seller and a former general contractor, says the debt collectors were hired to collect about $38,000 from his wife, 34, for contracts he claims are invalid.

He could go to court but was advised that the legal fees would exceed the claimed amount.

When asked if he was willing to bite the bullet and pay off the debt collectors to stop them from further affecting his family, especially his daughter, he says no.

He insists they do not deserve the money.

Says Eileen’s father: “They speak so aggressively to us. Why would I let them speak to my wife?”

The director of the debt collecting firm blames the father for involving his daughter and family.

He says: “His wife’s name is on the contract, and we could have talked outside the home amicably as we have done in many other cases.

“But he does not cooperate and chose to involve his entire family.”

AUTHENTIC

The director says his firm has researched the contracts and is satisfied by their authenticity.

“If he thinks he can dispute the claims, he can always take us to court.”

But no one can deny the detrimental effect the situation has had on Eileen.

Says her father: “We have been trying to find a new place for my daughter but it hasn’t worked out.”

Her grandfather adds: “I am worried that this will impact my granddaughter for a lifetime.

“It took me 20 years to build this home – our sanctuary and haven. The debt collectors have converted this into a living hell.”

“I am very scared because they shout very loud. Even though I know they can’t come in, I am still scared. I find a place to hide, usually behind grandma. I hold her hand. She is very frightened too.”

— Eileen, 11

“His wife’s name is on the contract, and we could have talked outside the home amicably as we have done in many other cases. But he does not cooperate and chose to involve his entire family.”

— The director of the debt collecting firm

Stress may have long-term effects

When the economy slows down, more children are affected as problems at home increase.

Since last year, the staff at Singapore Children’s Society (SCS) have been seeing more cases of troubled children coming to them due to financial problems in the family.

Says its chief executive officer Alfred Tan: “Financial hardship is a major concern that we have.

“As the economy slows down, people get retrenched and that financial hardship can impact the children in the family.”

Mr Tan could not provide statistics on such cases as SCS does not track if the lack of money is the root cause.

He explains: “It is complicated to track such figures. Financial problems often cause other issues.

“Typically, these money problems can result in tension in the family and fights at home.”

But one thing is sure. As the economy dips, we can expect to see more cases like Eileen’s, say Mr Tan.

LIFELONG EFFECTS

He says a case like hers could have lifelong effects.

“Even at that age, 11-year-olds know they are not living in a perfect world, this stress can aggravate their situation and create greater tension between them and other people.

“This is a crucial period in her life when she needs to communicate with others and develop friendships.”

Dr Adrian Wang, a consultant psychiatrist at Gleneagles Medical Centre, agrees that the “traumatic stress reactions” experienced by Eileen could have long-term effects.

Says Dr Wang: “An 11-year-old does not have the emotional maturity of an adult to deal with debt collectors, and so they experience trauma.”

In such cases, he believes the parents need to get their act right before they can help the child.

“When debt collectors are at the door, the parents are probably not okay too. There is no point making empty promises to the child that everything will be okay and all right,” he says.

“It is best to bring someone outside in to help, such as a counsellor or a social worker.”

Source: The New Paper

July 4, 2016
Malaysia Digesa Haramkan Pelawak Singapura; Fakkah Fuzz Minta Maaf

Kerajaan Malaysia digesa menyenaraihitamkan dan menyekat pelawak Singapura, Fakkah Fuzz daripada memasuki Malaysia.

Gesaan itu dibuat oleh anggota Jawatankuasa Eksekutif Pemuda UMNO, Nazir Hussin Akhtar Hussin, menurut laporan akhbar Sinar Harian hari ini (3 Julai).

Fakkah dikatakan “mempersendakan” dan menjadikan Perdana Menteri Malaysia, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, sebagai bahan sindiran dalam jenakanya di persembahan ‘stand up comedy’ beliau baru-baru ini.

Sebuah video yang memaparkan aksi Fakkah menyebut nama PM Najib ketika berjenaka tentang perbezaan penggunaan bahasa Melayu antara warga Singapura dan rakyat Malaysia tersebar luas di lelaman media sosial.

Fakkah sudahpun meminta maaf atas perbuatannya itu dan berkata beliau tidak berniat untuk menyakiti perasaan rakyat Malaysia, dalam catatan di laman Facebooknya semalam.

Encik Nazir dalam kenyataan media seperti ditukil Sinar Harian menyifatkan tindakan pelawak itu sebagai biadab dan “seolah-olah memperlekeh rakyat Malaysia sendiri.”

“Tindakan itu (sekatan) perlu dilakukan agar tidak ada pihak luar yang secara biadab mempersendakan pimpinan negara kita dengan menjadikan Perdana Menteri sebagai bahan lawak,” katanya.

Encik Nazir juga ditukil Sinar Harian sebagai berkata, Pemerintah Singapura perlu mengambil tindakan terhadap Fakkah kerana tidak menjaga sensitiviti rakyat Malaysia.

Beliau turut menjemput Fakkah berjumpa beliau secara peribadi.

Dengan nada sinis, Encik Nazir berkata beliau mahu bertemu dengan pelawak itu “untuk mengajar beliau kehidupan bersopan santun rakyat di negara ini, kerana saya yakin ada bahagian pada otaknya yang masih belum bercantum.”

“Jangan kerana kelakuan pelawak yang tidak cukup masak ini, rakyat Malaysia tidak lagi menghormati rakyat Singapura,” tambah beliau dalam kenyataannya.

Encik Nazir mendakwa ia bukan kejadian pertama sedemikian yang melibatkan seorang rakyat Singapura – katanya, seorang penggubah lagu Singapura pernah mengakui tidak mengenali Perdana Menteri Malaysia “sedangkan dia turut mencari makan di negara ini.”

Beliau juga ditukil Sinar Harian sebagai berkata, hak kebebasan bersuara di Singapura sendiri kerap menjadi kritikan antarabangsa.

Pemuda UMNO Wilayah Persekutuan turut meminta Kementerian Dalam Negeri (KDN) mengharamkan Fakkah Fuzz daripada memasuki Malaysia, lapor laman Malaysiakini.

Ketuanya, Mohd Razlan Muhammad Rafii berkata, tindakan pelawak tersebut tidak sepatutnya berlaku memandangkan kedua-dua negara mempunyai hubungan rapat.

“Sebagai pelawak, tentunya ada pelbagai cara dan idea lain untuk membuatkan orang tertawa. Tapi menjadikan pemimpin negara jiran sebagai bahan sindiran, itu adalah tindakan tidak bijak dan matang.

“Negara kita tak sedikit pun rugi sekiranya orang sebegini tidak berada di Malaysia,” kata beliau seperti ditukil Malaysiakini.

FAKKAH FUZZ MINTA MAAF

Sementara itu, Fakkah Fuzz semalam (2 Julai) meminta maaf atas perbuatannya itu dan berkata beliau tidak berniat untuk menyakiti perasaan atau mencetuskan sebarang pertelingkahan.

Beliau juga berkata kedua-dua video beliau menyebut PM Najib dalam jenakanya itu sudahpun diturunkan dari laman media sosial oleh beliau sendiri.

“Saya ingin secara ikhlas memohon maaf jika saya secara tidak sengaja menyakitkan perasaan saudara-saudara saya di seberang Tambak.

“Ia bukan niat saya untuk menyakiti atau mencetuskan pertelingkahan di kalangan sesiapa. Saya juga bukan menuduh sesiapa apa-apa. Ia hanya jenaka berdasarkan ehwal semasa,” katanya dalam catatan di laman Facebooknya.

Follow up to “Difference between Singaporan Malays and Malaysian Malays” Yes both my videos were taken down by me. But by that time, it was already shared on many social media platforms in Malaysia. And being a newbie to this whole online attention thing, I let the comments get the best of me. I admit that. As much as many if you loved/liked/shared the video, there were a few that were very defensive towards my statements. I would like to sincerely apologize if I unintentionally hurt my brothers and sisters across the causeway. It was not my intention to hurt or cause unrest among anyone. Nor was I accusing anyone of anything. It was simply a joke based on current events. The joke is basically “we say this, you say this”. Im just saying what I hear. Not saying “This person is guilty of this!” Not at all. Please don’t take what I said out of context as I’m not out to slander anyone. That is very very far from my intention. I just want all of us to laugh. Thats all. Like the likes of my idols, Chris Rock, George Carlin, Jim Jefferies. That just talk about current events as jokes. I understand that it might be a new concept to some. So here I am, introducing it. Having said that, everyone needs to open their minds, be a little less sensitive and learn to take a joke once in a while. I promise u life will be much better if you do. I’d just like to make it clear that political satire is not to be taken seriously as opinions. They are just jokes people. So I hope u guys can find it in ur heart to chill abit and just enjoy the next time I post something up. If you love it, great. Dont like it, just click away. No one is forcing you to watch anything. This is the internet. When I posted the video, I didn’t expect there to be such an overwhelming response. I have all of you to thank for that. As much as I recieved much praise, I also got a lorry load of criticism. I am grateful for both. I wont repost the video here cuz I can’t be bothered to engage, or watch anyone engage in political debates on my page. Its not in my interest. Im just here to entertain. I wish you all Selamat Hari Raya in advance! Peace and love to all nations!

Posted by Fakkah Fuzz on Friday, 1 July 2016

Fakkah menambah, beliau hanya mengatakan apa yang beliau dengar, bukan menuduh sesiapa membuat kesalahan.

“Jenakanya ialah ‘kami katakan ini, anda katakan ini.’ Saya hanya katakan apa yang saya dengar. Bukan berkata ‘Orang ini bersalah membuat perkara ini!’ Sama sekali tidak.

“Tolonglah jangan ambil apa yang saya katakan di luar konteksnya kerana saya bukan hendak memburuk-burukkan nama sesiapa. Ia benar-benar jauh daripada niat saya.

“Saya hanya mahu kita semua ketawa. Itu sahaja. Seperti idola-idola saya Chris Rock, George Carlin, Jim Jefferies. Mereka bercakap tentang ehwal semasa sebagai bahan lawak. Saya faham ini mungkin konsep baru untuk sesetengah daripada anda. Jadi di sini, saya memperkenalkannya,” tulis Fakkah di Facebook.

Bagaimanapun, pelawak Singapura itu menggesa orang ramai supaya membuka minda dan bersikap kurang sensitif serta belajar untuk menerima jenaka dan gurau senda.

“Saya berjanji, kehidupan anda akan menjadi lebih baik jika anda boleh berbuat begitu. Saya hanya mahu jelaskan di sini bahawa satira politik tidak seharusnya diambil secara serius sebagai pandangan. Ia hanya jenaka saja.

“Jadi saya berharap anda semua bertenang dan menikmatinya setiap kali saya memuat naik sesuatu. Jika anda suka dengannya, bagus. Jika anda tidak suka, biarkan sahaja. Tidak ada sesiapa yang memaksa anda menontonnya. Ini Internet,” kata Fakkah.

Source: Berita MediaCorp

July 4, 2016