Tag: Singaporeans

Walid Jumblatt Abdullah: Don’t Let Secular Fundamentalism Be The Norm

I refer to the letter “Efforts of Pink Dot ambassadors should be lauded, not condemned” (May 13). I take issue with the statement that “it is important to not let religious-driven emotions cloud our judgment when it comes to contentious issues such as this”.

It is problematic for two reasons: It assumes all religious beliefs are based on “emotions” and are therefore irrational; and it promotes the idea that in our version of secularism, ideas based on religious or moral convictions should not enter the public discussion.

Each one of us has a code of values that defines what is moral or not, and which can be based on religious or non-religious ideas. Neither is inherently more rational or emotional than the other; both sets of values must be open to scrutiny and critiques once they enter the public domain.

Every citizen has a right to air his/her views as long as they do not violate any law. Religious-based views, as our Prime Minister has said, can be aired in the public domain and can contribute towards public discourse.

To dismiss one set of values before it is properly discussed, and to disallow religious-based opinions from entering the public realm of ideas, sounds to me like secular fundamentalism, which is not the version of secularism Singapore practises.

However, I agree with the letter writer that there is no room or need for attacks on the Pink Dot ambassadors’ personal character. One must discuss the issue itself and not attempt character assassinations of those championing a particular cause.

At the same time, just as the ambassadors have a right to propagate their beliefs, others must be given the same right to critique their actions. Doing so based on reasoned arguments should not be equated with personal attacks, and is to be expected when entering the public domain.

It must be noted that religion is dear to many people, as much as freedom and notions of liberalism are to others. Expecting religious people not to base their judgments on their beliefs is, unfortunately, fallacious.

Discussions on notions of morality and what is acceptable will be here to stay and will probably intensify in the coming years.

I hope all sides will remain civil in this discussion and that none will be discriminated against for whatever beliefs are held. All sides must also make it clear that attacks on one’s character should be avoided under any circumstances.

Source: www.todayonline.com

May 15, 2015
Mohd Khair: Disrespectful Of Pink Dot To Feature Muslims As Ambassadors

As a Singaporean, I have friends, neighbours, colleagues, associates, clients and vendors who come from all walks of life, regardless of race, language or religion. And that’s typical of any Singaporean.

We respect each other’s religious beliefs, social customs and ethnic practices.

Non-Hindus know that the cow is a sacred being among our fellow Hindu Singaporeans. We respect that belief. We don’t poke fun on it. We don’t provoke by asking our Hindu friends to promote any activities that demean the sacred cow or that promote the consumption of cow. That’s NOT what we do as Singaporeans. We respect each other. We don’t make fun nor offend nor provoke each other’s cultural, ethnic or religious sentiments. Even if there are Hindus who consume beef, hypothetically speaking, we Singaporeans take that as an exception rather than the rule. If such Hindus were to do it, again hypothetically speaking, they could do it within their private spheres and we Singaporeans don’t generalise that Hindus now consume beef. That’s blasphemous.

Likewise, non-Muslims know that our fellow Muslim Singaporeans do not consume pork. We respect that belief. We don’t poke fun on it. We don’t provoke by asking our Muslim friends to promote any activities that glorify pig or that promote the consumption of pork or that suggest that pork is halal. That’s NOT what we do as Singaporeans. We respect each other. We don’t make fun nor offend nor provoke each other’s cultural, ethnic or religious sentiments. Even if there are Muslims who consume pork, hypothetically speaking, we Singaporeans take that as an exception rather than the rule. If such Muslims were to do it, again hypothetically speaking, they could do it within their private spheres and we Singaporeans don’t generalise that Muslims now consume pork or that pork is now halal in Islam. That’s blasphemous.

Likewise, the organisers of this year’s pinkdot event are well aware that the lgbt lifestyle option is not Islamic and is not accepted by Muslims in Singapore. And yet, as in previous years, they keep on featuring Muslims as if the lgbt lifestyle option is part of being Muslims. Featuring Muslims as ambassadors of pinkdot and advocating that such act is laudable are instead provocative and confrontational. They know and yet again disrespect the cultural, ethnic and religious sentiments of Muslims in Singapore. They know and yet again provoke.

Isn’t that blatantly disrespectful?
Isn’t that outrightly confrontational?
Isn’t that very unSingaporean?

Source: Mohd Khair In We are against Pinkdot in Singapore

May 15, 2015
Ariffin Sha: Amos Yee Irresponsible For Maliciously Smearing The Reputation Of Vincent Law

While we lament about the susceptibility of the media (both MSM and alternatives – lets not pretend only the MSM were duped), we should not not gloss over Amos Yee’s culpability. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Mr Vincent Law – his act of stepping up and putting his money where his mouth by bailing Amos out was only a fraction of all the the good he has imparted on society through his work as a counsellor and a social activist.

Amos’ baseless accusation was unacceptable, regardless of his intent. It shows sheer disregard for the actions of his bailor. Also, his counterintuitive ‘apology’ did neither him nor Vincent any favour. It was nothing short of a dick move.

Whatever your political beliefs may be, manipulating journalists (they waited not beacuse they necessarily believed you but because it was their job) and maliciously smearing the reputation of the hand that feeds you is very irresponsible and we must not shy away from calling a spade, a spade.

Source: Ariffin Sha

May 14, 2015
Rafeah Abdul Kadir: No Choice But To Be Superwoman For My Children

In a small three-room f lat, she lives with nine of her children – three sons and six daughters aged between three and 17.

The 35-year-old also has two other daughters, but gave one to each of her sisters when they were just toddlers because she was not able to take care of them.

Madam Rafeah Abdul Kadir’s youngest daughter, three, suffers from a number of ailments including a lung condition, epilepsy and cerebral palsy.

And just last year, her husband, the sole breadwinner of the family who brought home $800 monthly, left her for another woman. They were married for 17 years.

Yet, Madam Rafeah said quietly but firmly: “Don’t pity me. I have made it this far and I will continue to survive.”

But she wasn’t always this strong.

In fact, when she caught her husband red-handed cheating on her with his colleague last November, she was devastated.

“I even begged him to come back. I couldn’t imagine life without him,” she told The New Paper.

“But he didn’t. He did not even visit us to see the kids,” she added, softly.

“I was upset for the first few months, but I had my kids to think of and I couldn’t let them down,” said Madam Rafeah as she played with her youngest daughter, Nurqistina.

It is clear that she has since got past the heartbreak and betrayal.

She spoke about her husband, who worked as a cleaner, matter-of-factly.

Today marks her first Hari Raya as a single mother.

The family plans to visit her parents and her inlaws.

She will cook rendang (a traditional Malay beef dish) after the visits and they will have dinner as a family at home.

She is adamant that her husband’s absence will not hamper the festivities.

Breaking out into a shy smile, she recalled how they have survived this year.

Her typical day would begin at about 7am with Madam Rafeah cleaning the house.

She then gets her children ready for school. Then, she does the marketing and cooks for the family.

Madam Rafeah proceeds to do the laundry after that.

Not being able to afford tuition, she helps the younger children with their homework.

She laughed as she said: “I’m simply a teacher and these are my childcare students.”

And she does all this with young Nurqistina at her hips.

She said: “I have no choice but to act like a super woman. It’s what any mother would do for her children.”

With a grin, she added: “Sometimes, even I don’t know how I can do all this.”

Challenges

Of course, there have been challenges, says Madam Rafeah, who cannot work as she has to care for her daughter full-time.

“Sometimes it is a struggle for me because she goes in and out of the hospital and I have to rely on my older children to take care of household matters,” she said with a sigh.

Nurqistina’s bills are subsidised fully by KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Madam Rafeah added: “January was a tough time for me because I was still coping with my husband’s leaving and I also had to get my kids ready for school.

“I didn’t have enough money to buy school supplies like books and bags.”

She had to cut back on some expenses to afford these supplies.

Madam Rafeah receives $800 from the North East Community Development Centre, $980 from the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) and another $300 from the Lee Foundation.

Her eldest son, 17, who is studying at the Institute of Technical Education, sometimes helps out by taking on part-time jobs.

Despite having nine mouths to feed, she insists that the money she receives is sufficient and is grateful for the support.

“I’m so glad to be receiving all this help,” she said. Her plight is known to some in the Malay community.

Last Sunday, Fatimah Mohsin Wedding Gallery treated Madam Rafeah and her family to a makeover and a photo shoot.

“Everyone was so happy – and so I felt happy as well,” she said.

This year, her family’s clothes were provided by First Lady & Second Chance.

During the interview at her house in Hougang yesterday, a father and daughter pair came to Madam Rafeah’s flat to hand over some groceries and cash.

Mr Zul Abdul Karim, 40, a taxi driver, said: “My wife read about her story on Facebook and we decided to come here to give alms.”

So far, four families have donated basic necessities and cash in the past week to Madam Rafeah, who said she does not rely on these donations nor does she expect them.

“While I’m grateful, I can also survive on my own,” she said.

But one kind of support she hangs on to is moral support.

Her parents and her in-laws, who live on the second storey, constantly check in on her to see if she is okay.

But it is nine of her close childhood friends that she relies on most.

“Every time I feel myself getting overwhelmed and start to break down, I just let my friends know through our group chat on Whatsapp,” she said, with a smile.

They call themselves “My fair ladies” and they are ready to provide words of strength whenever she is struggling.

“That is all I need to go on,” she said.

She added: “Of course, this year, Hari Raya is different because I have to take care of everything from cleaning the house to going to the market.

“But at least, I’m happy. And so are my children.

“It will still be a good Hari Raya.”

Source: http://news.asiaone.com

May 14, 2015
Persatuan One Kampong Glam Dibentuk Demi Mempromosi Niaga Dan Mengekalkan Warisan, Budaya Di Kampong Glam

Sebuah persatuan baru, Persatuan One Kampong Glam, telah dibentuk bagi mempromosikan perniagaan dan mengekalkan warisan dan budaya di kawasan penuh bersejarah di Kampong Glam.

Banyak inisiatif telah disarankan persatuan itu hasil rundingan dengan pihak berkuasa seperti Lembaga Pelancongan Singapura (STB) dan Penguasa Pembangunan Semula Bandar (URA).

Ia termasuk penutupan jalan raya di Haji Lane, mengubah tempoh masa tempat meletak kereta dan mempromosikan Kampong Glam bagi para pelancong, menurut Presiden Persatuan One Kampong Glam, Encik Saeid Labbafi.

Sebelum ini, wujud Persatuan Perniagaan Kampong Glam tetapi persatuan itu sudah ditutup, kata presidennya, Dr Ameen Talib, bekas pemilik Restoran Al-Majlis di Arab Street yang telah menutup restorannya.

“Kawasan Kampong Glam ini mempunyai banyak potensi tetapi ia belum diterokai sepenuhnya.

“Kita mempunyai Little India dan Chinatown di negara-negara lain tetapi kita tidak mempunyai Kampong Glam di negara lain.

“Selain Masjid Sultan, pelancong tidak banyak mengetahui tempat lain yang menarik di kawasan Kampong Glam.

“Di kalangan rakyat Singapura sendiri seperti bangsa Cina, mereka juga sudah bertahun tidak menjejakkan kaki ke sini,” kata Encik Saeid yang membentuk persatuan itu pada pertengahan tahun lalu.

Encik Saeid, seorang penduduk tetap (PR) Singapura berasal dari Iran, merupakan usahawan permaidani yang sudah menjalankan perniagaan di Arab Street sejak 12 tahun lalu dan mempunyai sembilan kedai di Arab Street seperti Aria Carpet dan Serapi Carpets.

Dengan matlamat mempromosikan kawasan Kampong Glam, beliau berkata persatuan itu bukan hanya dianggotai peniaga bahkan dibuka kepada semua pihak yang mempunyai minat terhadap kawasan itu termasuk penduduk Kampong Glam.

Sejak dibentuk, banyak isu yang dikemukakannya kepada URA termasuk isu penjualan alkohol di kawasan berdekatan dengan Masjid Sultan menyusuli maklum balas peniaga, kata Encik Saeid.

Persatuan itu juga telah mengusulkan kepada URA yang bersetuju menjalankan ujian perintis bagi penutupan jalan raya di Haji Lane pada hujung minggu – dari 6 petang hingga tengah malam pada hari Jumaat, dan 12 tengah hari hingga tengah malam pada Sabtu dan Ahad.

Inisiatif itu yang telah menjadikan Haji Lane lebih rancak turut mendorong persatuan itu mengusulkan kepada URA supaya meluaskan penutupan itu di Bussorah Street dan Bali Lane pada waktu sama sejak Disember tahun lalu.

Bagi menghuraikan masalah tempat letak kereta yang terhad, Encik Saeid berkata persatuan itu juga telah berunding dengan URA yang bersetuju mengubah tempoh waktu tempat meletak kereta awam percuma di Kampong Glam.

Sebelum perubahan itu, tempoh meletak kereta awam percuma disediakan dari 5 petang pada hari biasa hingga Sabtu, tetapi kini telah diubah bermula 10 malam. Tempat letak kereta percuma pada hari Ahad juga dimansuhkan.

“Rasional ia dibuat kerana ramai pengunjung yang memanfaatkan tempat meletak kereta percuma di situ tetapi membeli-belah di Bugis. Ia tidak memberi manfaat kepada peniaga Kampong Glam.

“Perubahan itu juga membantu meredakan kesukaran mendapat tempat meletak kereta,” katanya.

Untuk mempromosikan Kampong Glam kepada para pelancong, persatuan itu telah berunding dengan STB untuk menyertakan Kampong Glam dalam risalah bagi pelancong serta mempromosikan Kampong Glam dalam iklan promosi yang disiarkan di luar negara.

Bahkan, Encik Saeid berkata pihaknya turut menyarankan supaya STB meletakkan kaunter pelancongan bagi memudahkan pelancong mendapatkan maklumat mengenai kawasan itu.

“Kami ingin menarik lebih ramai pengunjung mengenali lebih mendalam mengenai Kampong Glam.

“Sejak syisya dilarang, ia telah mengurangkan bilangan individu yang datang ke sini untuk syisya tetapi ia juga bermakna kami menarik lebih ramai keluarga dan anak-anak mereka menjamu selera di sini,” tambahnya.

Source: http://beritaharian.sg

May 14, 2015