Correct way to write our official name

We get our names when we are born. Parents or guardians give us a name and the name sticks to ourselves to our grave, too. In fact, this is the name that is inscribed on the tombstone.

Lately, we see a trend among people to write their official name in various ways, not adhering the rule and regulation. For example, some use their mother’s name or husband’s or wife’s name together like K Sujatha Mohan and Nagalingam Veeramah Shanmugam, the first name being their father’s name or his initial and last name as husband’s name. This is not the official way of writing the name. Probably, they do it to give their mothers, wives and husbands some form of honour and respect to them!

Any way there are specific rules and regulations pertaining to use of your official name. For example, an American will write his/her name this way James Thomas Collins or May Mary Maxwell, which consists of three names, the surname, family and personal name.  Likewise, the Indians write their name as Naveen Nathesan and Shameena Nathesan, with their personal name followed by their family name, i.e his father’s name. There are two ways of writing the official name, N. Nathesan or N. Shameena and the initial letter refers to the father’s name.

The Malays write their names as Mohammad bin Ismail and Aminah binti Harun. Sometimes the bin and binte is omitted as Mohamad Ismail and Aminah Harun. Where else, the Chinese write as Lim Chong Tong and Lim Mei Lin, and Lim being their surname or family name and the second and third name denotes the given name.

So, let us write our names according to the stipulated rule and not according our whims and fancies.  We should be proud and pleased to carry our official name as this was the name given by our parents when we were born. 

Patriotism of the 61st National Day Celebrations

Malaysia will celebrate its 61^st Independence Day with the theme ‘Sayangi Malaysiaku’ (Love My Malaysia) on 31 August 2018. We have barely a few more days before the celebrations.

Preparations are already underway for the grand celebrations, as said by our Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo. The theme chosen, says Gobind, is to celebrate and boost the people’s love towards this country.

The 61^st Merdeka Celebrations this year is unique in the sense that it will be the first time celebrated by a newly elected government, i.e. the Pakatan Harapan (PH) at the Federal Capital of Putrajaya as requested by our Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir. Gobind Singh said this decision was to symbolise the administration of the new government under Pakatan Harapan.

In the eve of forthcoming celebrations, let us take time to reflect on the import of the celebrations.

Independence generally means freedom. In the context of a nation, it denotes freedom from their colonial masters or from another ruling country. We obtained our independence from the British on the 31 of August 1957 without any bloodshed but through negotiations and finally ending with an independence treaty with the British.

The younger generation perhaps may not understand the untiring efforts and toils of our leaders to obtain this independence, unless they have learnt about their struggles in their history lessons.  

There are many ways people show their patriotism -- the feeling of loyalty and allegiance to a country. In our nation, we proudly display our Jalur Gemilang in our homes, offices and public places to show our allegiance to our beloved country. The Prime Minister recently said flying the Malaysian flag will strengthen the bonds between the people.

Some also display the Malaysian flag in their vehicles. A few hard-core Malaysians paint their cars with the Malaysian flag and parade with it during the merdeka season.  There are also some who wear the Malaysian flag as their outfits to show their patriotism.

There are also communities who organize Merdeka prayers for the well-being and prosperity of the nation, in particular the Baha’i community.  In these gatherings, all Malaysians, despite their religious background are invited to come together to pray for the nation. Prayers from all religious scriptures are recited. Such events truly signifies solidarity and unity among the participants at the event as the participants will be united in prayers and supplications for the nation. 

Of course, the highlight of Merdeka celebrations will be the national parade to be held on 31 August this time around at the Federal City of Putrajaya and also in all state capitals in the country.

In all these parades, national and state leaders will address the peoples of Malaysia who come from all walks of life to celebrate this national occasion. Those who are unable to come, will catch it over the media broadcast.

This is an event which we truly celebrate as Malaysians, not based on our ethic background. Perhaps, more such national events should be fostered by the PH government to instil the feeling of fidelity and patriotism towards the nation.

In achieving national unity, we should go beyond our parochial distinctiveness and racial identity. We need to think as Malaysians and citizens of one nation to achieve national unity and comradeship.

In conjunction with the coming of Merdeka celebrations, let us all wish our nation a happy and prosperous 61^st Merdeka Day. Long life Malaysia, My Malaysia.

MALAYSIAN FIRST, PLEASE

The recent 14^th General Elections (GE14) has taught us many useful lessons, some painful too,   especially for the political parties. Now the political parties in the country needs to take stock after looking at the results of the historic election ever held in the nation. Time has come now to rethink about the stand of all political parties.

The colonial masters practiced the principle of ‘divide and rule’ during their reign of our nation. Of course, this rule is now outdated, yet a few political parties still adhere to this outmoded principle. We see parties that are only open to a certain race and in that way it is only championing one race. This trend does not augur well for our nation which is multiracial, multicultural, multi-religious, and multilingual.

Today, we need political parties that speak for the rakyat, be it a Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban, Kadazan, Eurasian, or even a Punjabi. As, all of them belong to this nation of ours, it is important the political parties speak for all of them. Although we are divided by own ethnic, language, religion, and culture, but all us belong to the family of one nation, Malaysia.  

We are Malaysians first, then comes our ethnicity. Look at the Americans, they constitute a population from different ethnic groups, but they are proud to call themselves as Americans, and wish to be known as Americans, not as an African, a Spaniard, a German, or a British.

Likewise, we should forget our ethnicity and feel honoured of being a Malaysian first, as aptly said by our present Finance Minister YB Lim Guan Eng at a press conference recently. We want this noble concept ‘I am a Malaysian first, then my ethnicity’ to be practiced by all Malaysian, be it young or old. Of course, this will be not easy going. We have to cross the ethnicity loop which actually divides us. We need to accept wholeheartedly the concept of a Malaysian, a patriotic feeling or a sense of togetherness among the peoples of Malaysia.

Let our future generations to be known as Malaysian and no more on based on our ethnicity, please.

Awarding state and federal accolades to our rakyat

The practice of bestowing honours and rewards to rakyat by the royalties can be traced to the Melaka Sultanate. This noble practice has been continued to the present day when the state governments and federal government confer titles and awards to the rakyat who have contributed significantly to the nation, be it in the field of education, medicine, science, social service, sports and so on. The dignified practice is still observed by many countries, like the United Kingdom.

Unfortunately, in the recent times, the precious and noble awards have been misused by some quarters in the country. We read and hear about how even criminals and frauds have received the most coveted awards from the state and federal government.

We also have foreigners like cinema stars getting bestowals from the state governments. What is their contribution to our nation by these celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan from Mumbai, India or Radha Ravi from Chennai, Tamil Nadu? We also hear about money laundering in obtaining the awards from the government.

In such ways, genuine persons are deprived from receiving the awards. Instead, rather worthless and unscrupulous people only receiving the awards.

The practice of giving awards to politicians need to the looked anew again. In fact, the bulk of recipients seems to the politicians. Their contribution to our beloved nation is unquestionable at times. Practically, every political leader has some titles. In fact, some join politics to get perks including awards from government.

Whenever the list of names of receipts are published in the media, the politicians top the list and the ordinary rakyat’s list is just a handful. The politicians should serve the rakyat and identify their contributions and propose their deserving names to the government to get awards.

Of course, some state governments have been stringent in giving awards to their rakyat. This is most welcomed. Let the deserving ones get the awards, not any disreputable, undeserving and unworthy persons.

It is shameful to read that a Datuk being charged in court for criminal acts or a Tan Sri for illegal activities in the country. Awards like Datuk or Tan Sri carries a lot of respect and admiration. Let it not be tarnished by these unscrupulous persons. 

At this juncture, I earnestly appeal to the present government to look into all such malpractices in awarding titles and awards to the rakyat. Please ensure only genuine and the most deserving people get the rewards.

We also notice there are many deserving rakyat not getting or proposed to receive these precious awards. These people have given their best to the nation in their respective fields and domains. Alas, their contributions have gone unnoticed by the government and leaders. Many of these people have even passed away without getting any credits or awards from the government. Class, creed, colour should not be the criteria for selecting potential recipients, but rather credibility and excellence.

I believe the present Malaysia Baharu government and leaders will recognize those who have contributed immensely to the nation and thereby ensure their services and contributions are appreciated. These are the people that are to receive the most honoured titles and awards of the nation.

Spelling of place names in Malay

Many of the people in Malaysia have expressed their dissatisfaction over the spelling of places in Malay as the spelling does not adhere to the Sistem Ejaan Baharu which was introduced in the Malay Language to replace the older spelling system known as Ejaan Lama. The guidelines to spelling in Malay is explained clearly in the booklet called Pedoman Umum Ejaan Bahasa Malaysia, published by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) in 1975.

As a linguist, let me explain that the existing names of places in Malay need not adhere to the spelling rule as stated in the Sistem Ejaan Baharu, prescribed by DBP, the guardian of the Malay Language and national language of Malaysia. According to DBP, the rule is only applicable to names of places after the year 1972. This means names of places will be retained in the original spelling as before. For example, the name of the place Air Itam in Penang and Air Hitam in Johor will be spelt as it was.  Likewise, names like Kota Bharu, Johor Bahru and Kuala Kubu Baharu will be spelt accordingly. Places like Tronoh, Bachok, Batu Anam, and Kuching, too will also retain the original spelling, and not spelt as Teronoh, Bacuk, Batu Enam and Kucing.  So, it warrants no change to the spelling of old names of places.  

DBP further explains that the geographic nomenclature of names of places that existed before 1972 will be retained by its original spelling. Naming a new place name now, that is, after 1972 needs to follow the coordinated Malay spelling. So, names of new places will be spelt according the rules of the language after the year 1972. We have new places like Iskandar Puteri in Johor, Setia Alam in Selangor, Bandar Indera Mahkota in Pahang, Seri Iskandar in Perak, and Hang Tuah Jaya in Melaka which are spelt according to the stipulated rule now.

I also wish to clarify that the determination of place names is not decided by DBP, but rather by the local authority of a state. The name will be decided after some considerations by the local authority. As previously mentioned, place names before 1972 retained the original spelling and place names after 1972 will  be spelled with the official spelling structure of the Malay language.

I hope this simple explanation clears the erroneous view of the people in the country about spelling of Malay names of places.

International Women's Day- where are we today?

This year the International Women's Day will be celebrated across the world on March 8 with its theme – Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030. At the 61st session of the Commission on the Status of Women at United Nations, the issue of women's economic empowerment in the changing world of work will be debated.

Have we achieved the status of 50-50 in the workforce, government and as well as private sector in Malaysia? If not, can we achieve it by 2030? What about discrimination and prejudice against women in the workforce? What about the managerial position for women? These are some pertinent questions regarding the issue of gender equality.

Women are the other half of the human population. Women and men are like two wings of humanity. Inequality would surely hamper the flight of humankind to lofty heights of progress and development.

According to government statistics, we have about 50% of women in the civil service workforce. This means the other half are men. At the managerial position, women take up 35.65% of top level management posts in the government. According to Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa, there are 1,419 women at the top level management. This statistics show that the government is serious about gender equality.

Ali said measures would be taken to empower female leadership in the country's development, particularly towards making the 2050 National Transformation a reality. We also appreciate the government's stand in increasing the number of women in the workforce, including managerial positions in the years to come.

The story in the private sector is rather disappointing. Still it is a male-dominated sector. Women have also been severely discriminated in the workforce in the private sector. Despite having the credits and qualifications, women are always sidelined in jobs as more promotional positions are given to the men.

To cite an example, my daughter who works in the private sector has always been prejudiced and sidelined when she attends interviews for promotions, despite having better qualifications. Gender prejudice brings damaging effects not only to women but to society at large. Inequality also retards not only the advancement of women but the progress of civilisation itself.

Some private companies are dominated by men and by a certain ethnic group only. Men and women from other ethnic groups are not accepted in such companies. Even when the promotional post is advertised, it is outright discrimination when it states that only the selected ethnic group can apply for such posts.

We are a nation with many ethnic groups. We are all Malaysians and why should parochial ideas dominate the private sector. Jobs should be given to men or women, according to merit and qualification for the post, not based on gender or ethnicity.

There needs to be a new understanding to reshape our society based on gender equality.

All forms of discrimination should be discarded in the workforce, whether in the government or private society. Discrimination against women still remains the most widespread injustice in the world.

Award for Muar as a clean town

As a resident of Muar, I am delighted and honoured to read that Muar Town has been declared as one of five cleanest town in Johor (NST, 11 Dec 2016).  All the repute and applaud should be credited to the Local Municipal Council of Muar and the community for their excellent work and collaboration to achieve such as an accolade.

Such an award surely will inspire the Muarians to ensure cleanliness prevails throughout all times in the town. It gives us honour and prestige to be categorized as a clean town in Johor.  Muarians surely would want preserve this award dearly. We now stand tall among other towns in Johor and as well towns in the country. 

It is now the duty of all residents to preserve and sustain such a recognition throughout all times. This award will surely boost the morale of the residents to maintain cleanliness in all parts of the town.

Cleanliness although a physical thing, nevertheless influences the environment.  A proverb says "cleanliness is next to godliness". Therefore, cleanliness should become the hallmark among the residents of Muar.

Syabas and well done, the honourable President and the members of the Muar Municipal Council, and not forgetting the workers on the ground to maintain cleanliness in the town. 

Award for Non-Malay Writer by Johor Government

Award to Non-Malay Writer

Loan words in Malay Vocabulary

As a Malay linguist, I am duty-bound to elucidate the issue of vocabulary borrowing in Malay Language. 

First, we should understand that the Malay Language has been significantly enriched by loan words and phrases over the years from many languages via language contact, from Sanskrit to English language. Therefore, we owe a lot of words from these languages. 

Etymological studies conducted has ascertained this linguistic fact and truth. Influx of borrowed words do not in any way kill a language, including Malay Language. Rather, it is an appropriate way to develop a language, particularly the vocabulary.

Borrowing is part and parcel of language development. It is an essential element in vocabulary development. More than 80 percent of the current English words is said to be borrowed words from European, Latin and other languages. Does this mean English is a ‘polluted’ or ‘corrupted’ language?

In language, borrowing synonymous words for existing Malay words has become a norm and trend among users. We have many such words in Malay that were actually borrowed from other languages to become an alternate word, like aktiviti (activity) for kegiatan,  politik (politics) for siasah and program  (programme) for rancangan. As to the use the ban (bund) in Malay, the word has been long accepted in Kamus Dewan as an alternative word to permatang. Nothing is wrong in the usage of this word.

To avoid coining words and borrowing words according to the whim and fancy of users, rules and regulations have been put in place to ensure that the borrowing is done in accordance to the guidelines and rules of Malay Language.

We must also understand that not all words that are used are accepted as the standard form in Malay Language. Coined new words whether borrowed or coined, need to adhere to certain rules and regulations stipulated by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), the guardian of the Malay Language in Malaysia. 

For example, the popularly used word bajet (budget) is not a standard word but rather a colloquial one. If you look into Kamus Dewan 4^th Edition, the word bajet is categorized as kata basahan (colloquial word). The standard word, of course, is belanjawan.

Malay Language is truly a beautiful language. Borrowing words does not in any way tarnish or spoil the beauty of the language. Does the classical Malay texts, like Sejarah Melayu which is plenty of Sanskrit and Arabic words, in any way diminish the beauty of the language?

As said by our eminent Malay linguist, Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Nik Safiah Karim, borrowing is one facet of language development. Let us not be unduly perturbed by the use of borrowed words in the Malay Language. Accept it a norm and allow borrowing to enrich the vocabulary of our national language. 

Correct way to pronounce RM

The issue of correct pronunciation among language users in Malaysia has always been a concern of linguists, like me. One such pronunciation is the word ringgit and the symbol RM used to denote our currency. There are still many, including radio deejays and television commentators and even teachers who pronounce it wrongly. How do you actually pronounce RM - RM, ringgit, or ringgit Malaysia?

Etymologically, the official use of the word ringgit began in August 1975 to replace the British Malaya and Borneo dollar which was introduced in June 12, 1967. Although the name ringgit was officially accepted, but the currency was still called or referred as dollar ($). The symbol RM was then introduced in the 1993 by the government to replace the $ or M$ symbol to denote our currency. Although the symbol RM was used officially since 1993, but still there has been some confusion in the use of this symbol, in particular the way it is pronounced.

Firstly, we need to understand that there is a symbol and code for each currency used by a country. Currencies are expressed with currency code like AUD, USD, GBP, CNY and BND. For example, the American dollar is USD10 (ten American dollar), IDR 1000 (one thousand rupiah in Indonesia), and JPY100 (one hundred yen in Japan), EUR10 (10 euros in Europe), and GBY10 (ten pounds in Great Britain) and so on.

To denote the currency, we also use symbols like RM10, ¥100, € 10, £10 and $10. As such, when writing nine ringgit or ten ringgit, it should written as RM9.00 or RM10.00. As for Malaysia, the symbol for the Malaysian Ringgit is RM and its code is MYR. This is used exclusively to denote the Malaysian currency only. No other country use RM or MYR as its name or code for their currency, except in Malaysia.

There are several reasons for the use of RM for our currency. As there are several countries that use currencies that begin with the letter R, like Riyal, Rupee, Rupiah, and the Renminbi, our currency is named as RM. If the letter R only is used, perhaps there will be confusion of the name of currency’s country. To prevent this, in Malaysia we use RM, i.e. the letter R is that is followed by letter M to indicate the name of the country.

As explained RM is a symbol of our currency. Therefore, we need to put it at the beginning of our currency to demonstrate the value of our money, like RM10. It is not appropriate to be placed after the currency, like 10RM or any other way.

Now, how to you pronounce the symbol RM? Currently, we notice that some users are pronouncing RM inappropriately. For example, to say the ten ringgit (RM10.00), some say it as 'r-em' ten ringgit, some as 'r-em' ten, and some as ten ringgit. Which one is correct?

As explained earlier, the right way to pronounce it is ten ringgit. So when we say or read a sentence, “It costs RM10 to have a good meal”, we should say, “It costs ten ringgit to have a good meal”. It should be not said as “It costs r-em ten ringgit to have a good meal” or “It costs r-em ten Malaysian ringgit to have a good meal”.

We hope this brief explanation will help users to use the word ringgit appropriately, either as a term or its pronunciation.  We also hope radio deejays, television commentators, and teachers pronounce RM correctly so that the standard and correct way of pronouncing the ringgit is promulgated among the language users. In this way, we can help to standardize the use of term and pronunciation of the word ringgit among fellow Malaysians.

Origin of popiah

As a linguist, I am fascinated with the recent debate on the origin of popia as reported in local dailies. We read that the Indonesians claimed that popia or lumpia as it called in Indonesia originated from Indonesia.

As we all know, popiah is a popular food enjoyed by all Malaysians. Popia is not only popular in Malaysia and Indonesia, but also in other Asian nations like Singapore Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. 

This spring-roll actually originated from China and it was introduced by the Chinese when they settled in South-east Asia as early as 15^th century. As they settled in many parts of Asia, this delicacy was introduced as a food item in all these countries, including Indonesia and Malaysia.

According to the renowned linguist, Russell Jones, etymologically the word originated from China. In his book Chinese Loan-Words in Malay and Indonesian (2009), Jones states that the word popia comes from the Chinese word pop-pia, and lumpia from lun-pia. Over the years popia has undergone much improvisation according to the culture and location. For example, popia is a fresh spring roll where else lumpia is fried version of the delicacy.  

The word popiah was first was recorded in Malay Language by Teuku Iskander in his compilation, Kamus Dewan published in 1970 by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, the custodian of the Malay Language.  Tthe word popiah has also entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 1986, as a Malay Chinese word originated from the Hokkien dialect, meaning a thin pancake.

I feel it is futile to debate on such petty issues as commented by Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Nik Safiah Karim recently. Chef Wan has also correctly pointed out that it is fruitless to argue whether popia or lumpia belongs to Indonesia or otherwise. Both are delicacies in each country.

Ironically, the Chinese are not even claiming that popia comes from China. The very fact remains that popia is a delicacy in Malaysia and as well in many Asian countries like Indonesia. In each country, it is called in different names.

So let us forge on without any enmity between the neighbouring nations of Malaysia and Indonesia focusing on much urgent issues of mutual cooperation and understanding among the peoples of the two nations. After all, language is just a tool to name items found in the world, including food items. 

The Other Side of Social Media

Today’s social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Facebook, Viber, Live, We chat, and Twitter has become an essential and indispensable tool for most of us. Facebook was first launched in 2004,  WhatsApp in 2009 and Viber in 2010. According to Wikipedia, we have more than 600 million active users for WhatsApp, 1.3 billion Facebook active users and 100 million Viber active users.

Besides individuals, institutions like universities, colleges, schools, departments have created WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and Viber accounts to disseminate information in a faster mode among lecturers, teachers, staffs, colleagues, friends, students and acquaintances. Organizations and business sector also benefit from the social media. These media serve as instant messaging platforms, and are currently available free of charge. I too utilize WhatsApp to convey information to my students and fellow-colleagues. Of course, with these media we save time, and it is indeed a speedy way of conveying information.

For many of us, not a day will pass without us updating our social media. Some even update these social media before going to bed and the first thing in the morning after they rise from their beds. There are also media users who post messages in Facebook in order to get the most number of likes.

We also hear stories of how housewives, school and college going students hang-on to the social media every available time to log-on to these media to see the latest updates. With these media, information is disseminated fast and across boundaries within seconds from a person to another, and from one end to another end.

Although these media are useful for disseminating news, information and sometimes photos and videos, the other side of the ill-effects of the media needs to be looked at. At times, controversial issues and divisive issues and matters are posted in the media to attract more likes, especially in Facebook.

Among the controversial issues are on personal life, politics, religion and sex. We had many such cases reported in our country itself. Some of the social media users were brought to court for judgment. Medias like Facebook should be for individual and personal use and purpose. At times, users transgress the boundaries by posting and updates by insulting or smearing the names of others.   

We also have users, especially the young users posting trivial matters in their Facebook. It is irritating at times to read such updates, like “I am now having my coffee now at Starbucks Mid-Valley” or “I am now lazing around in Times Square”. Such updates are very personal and should not be shared in the social media.  Users should be cautious by not updating such petty stuffs.

Social media came to existence since early 2004 for the purpose of dissemination of information and news in a rapid way through instant messages and information. Let us utilize the best of the media, and not abuse them for personal gains and glory. Technology is for the betterment of society, and moderation should be the key word as regards to the use of social media.  In all matters moderation is desirable. If a thing is carried to excess, it will prove a source of evil.

Unity pivotal for the nation

                  

       The nation’s 57^th Independence Day will be celebrated by Malaysians of all walks of life on 31^st August. This year’s theme is “Malaysia, Where Love Grows”.  This theme is chosen with the hope that the citizens of this nation will show more love and patriotism towards building a strong nation and become resilient to all challenges. Where there is love, nothing is too much trouble and there is always time. When our hearts are filled with love everything seems beautiful and delightful to us.

As a nation, Malaysia is unique compared to many countries of the world. Malaysia is a multi-racial society with diverse cultures, language, beliefs, and races, including indigenous groups.  In such a multi-racial context, I believe unity among the people of this society is pivotal. Without unity, harmony and solidarity among the citizens, I am sure the nation could not have achieved such heights, progress and achievements in all sectors. Our leaders acknowledge that the unity in diversity as the plus point for the nation.

Truly, unity is the key for the progress of our nation.  As such, unity should be preserved and treasured at all cost. Unity among the members of our society can be promoted by inter-faith activities among believers of the all Faith. We should learn to consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship.

More inter-ethnic studies should be initiated among the students to understand the different ethnic groups living in Malaysia. In such ways, tolerance and understanding will prevail among the peoples of Malaysia.

Unity should be regarded as a stepping stone towards lasting material and spiritual prosperity of the nation. People of all walks of life should actively engaged in determining the direction of our nation. We have the ownership of our own future and have come to realize the collective power we already have to transform ourselves. United we stand tall, and divided we fall.

Any incidents that cause disunity and contention among the citizens of the nation should be condemned. Severe penalties should be enforced for those who incite hatred and prejudice against segments of the Malaysian society. Unity should be upheld at all cost. We cannot afford to ruin the strong foundation of unity that has been painstaking built by our forefathers of this nation.

 We hope that the principle of unity in diversity will serve as a guiding light for the way forward for our nation, Malaysia. Long live Malaysia, motherland for more 27 million Malaysians.

True prayer is the heart

Often we get messages, emails or phone calls saying that someone is not well, or recuperating after a surgery or admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICU). Lately, I received two emails informing that a friend of mine is recovering from a major operation and another one about a friends’ wife receiving treatment in ICU. It was really sad to hear such news. We always feel grieved hearing such sorrowful news because of our close intimation with the unwell persons.

Often, we want to express our sincere feelings to these ailing persons. So, we call them, send SMS or bouquet of flowers to them or their family members. If possible, we want to visit them personally to show our deep concern. Often times, in such occasions we are requested to say prayers for their speedy recovery.

Sometime ago, a friend of mine used to visit sick persons admitted in hospital to say prayers for them at their bedsides. Although he does not know them personally, he visits and chats with them to give assurance of speedy recovery. Before he leaves, he says a prayer for them, if they permit. He also leaves behind a copy of the recited prayer.

What a novel gesture! If all of us can emulate his act, many sick persons will find some relieve while recuperating at hospitals.

Saying prayers is a special way to show our care to the sick persons. What is actually a prayer? In a healing prayer, words are uttered for one’s good health and speedy recovery of the ailing person. In such a prayer, the ailing one is remembered and thought of.

Actually, the very thought of the ailing person in our mind is already a prayer. True prayer is the heart. Prayer is from the sincere heart. The words said in prayer contains genuine concern for the person remembered. By this mere act of focusing on the well-being of a person, the sick person’s illness gradually improves. This is the special potency of prayers. Mahtama Gandhi once said prayers is the most potent instrument of action if it properly understood and applied.

Recently, the air tragedy involving MAS killed many passengers and crew members. We need to remember them in our prayers. It is really soothing to hear that many prayers gatherings are held for the departed souls. Such gatherings are really wonderful and humane in nature. Only human beings can demonstrate such compassion, concern and sympathy to other fellow human being at times of perils and difficulties.

Let us all always pray for ailing people and down-trodden ones, whether we know or we don’t know them. Prayer should not be resort in times of trials and afflictions only, but rather become a way of life. Only we, as human beings can offer prayers for the well-being of fellow being. 

Remember our mother and father

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are usually grand annual celebration in May and June.  Many events and occasions are held to honour the most senior members of a family, i.e. the mother and father by other family members, in particular children.

Special lunches, dinners, outings, gifts, package tours and cutting of cakes are some events organized by children sorely for their mothers and fathers. All such events are truly heartening and pleasing for mothers and fathers. Tears sometimes do trickle during these occasions. It could be an emotional occasion, for some. After all, this relationship and bond between mothers, fathers and children is about passionate feelings between them.

As stated these are some occasions where mothers and fathers are appreciated, valued, thanked and honoured. Even my eldest daughter came all the way down to celebrate Fathers’ Day with me and my wife. We really had good time.

But, all the pomp and fancy that encompassed Mothers and Fathers’ Day seems to have subsided with the passing of time. Everyone is back to their daily chores.  The mother and father are again left to themselves as many children are far away in cities and towns earning their living.

It seems Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day looks like just an annual event to appreciate the parents. The point that needs to be stressed is that every day should be a day remembered for the sacrifices of a mother and father.  It should not be just focused on a special day only. The fathers and mothers endured difficulties and hardships for their children during their entire life.  

Hence, the sons and daughters are duty bound to serve their mothers and fathers.  The sons and daughters should also show forth utmost obedience towards the mother and father and seek diligently to ensure the comfort and welfare of their loving mother and father, and always prioritize fathers and mothers good pleasure. 

Show kindness and consideration to parents so that they are pleased and contented. All this should do frequently as there are many avenues to do it.

There are times when the children reach maturity, the father and mother pass on to the next world. So, the fathers and mothers rarely see the reward of the care and trouble they had undergone for the children.

Of course, there are children who remorse greatly when the fathers and mothers are no more in their midst as the opportunity to serve them is not available. I too missed my mother as she passed away when I was young. I always feel the sense of guilt for not being able to repay all that she did to me while she was alive.

Therefore, we all should know that we need to honour our parents and pay homage to them when they are still around. When we do this, the blessings will descent upon us. This is assured. But, do all our children realize and acknowledge it?

In this life travel, there at times children would have committed that which would sadden the hearts and mothers. Seek pardon and forgiveness from fathers and mothers. The parents’ good pleasure ensures children happiness and advancement in their life.

Let family ties and bond go deeper with more frequent interaction between the children and parents, not only on Fathers and Mothers’ Day though such celebration is an excellent way to further strengthen the bond and ties.

Teachers generate transformation in education system

Teachers Day  is dedicated to all teachers for their contributions to the education of children.

In Malaysia, it is celebrated on May 16 annually with a theme. This year’s theme is “Teachers Generate National Education Transformation”, which is aimed at bringing transformation in the education system.

What is transformation? It simply means complete change, that is, from the current system to a new system. But, how can teachers play their role in the change of the system?

Teachers first need to take owner­ship of the transformation that is expected in our education system.

They should also give up the notion that they are the source of all knowledge. Rather, they should form a partnership with their students in a shared learning process.

Students should be made to realise that they are directors of their own learning and as indivi­duals they can determine the courses their wish to take. Teachers should play the role of facilitators and mentors.

As children are inherently noble, teachers need to cultivate students’ noble attributes, virtues, qualities as well as living skills as this would enable children to contribute their share to the building of an ever advancing civilisation.

Devoid of these values, children will be lost in this material world. It is not only facts and figures that the children should learn about but also moral values. These noble values will be their stronghold throughout their lives.

Education should not only consider the physical and intellectual side of children but also spiritual and ethical aspects. Sadly, our educational system laid too much focus on the cognitive domain.

Therefore, education should strive to develop an integrated set of capabilities; technical, artistic, social, moral and spiritual, so that individuals can lead a meaningful life and become agents of positive social change.

The curricula and methodologies used in schools should foster such inter-related capabilities that will require an education system that responds and is governed by universal spiritual principles.

Happy Teachers Day to all our teachers who have slogged all year round to educate our children.

Work is Worship

Labour Day is celebrated on May 1^st annually throughout the world to appreciate all those involved in toiling in various types of jobs. This includes work contributed at the lowest level to the highest level. Work has been always a predominant issue in our society. Without the workers, all activities will come to a standstill. At this juncture let us salute all the workers who have toiled to make our nation progressive and prosperous.

What is work? Work is something that one is doing, making or performing especially as an occupation or understanding as explained in a dictionary. All men and women are obligated to engage in any work, whether trade or any other profession to earn a living. But what kind of engagement is wanted in carrying out our work?

Let us view the perspective of work in a spiritual sense.

Firstly, the desire to work should be paramount. It is pointless if a worker has no desire to work but merely carries out work as a mundane one. This kind of mendacity should be wiped out in the work force as it brings no betterment for the employer and the nation.

Work should be seen as a form of worship which means work performed in a spirit of service.  Work should be done in the right spirit. i.e. in a spirit of worship. Work is not carried out merely for monetary gains only but as a form of service rendered for the betterment of society at large.

If such a notion prevails among our workers, I am sure we will have an excellent work force in our nation.  Such a notion is conducive for our budding nation. Work is truly worship. 

Spirituality and Education

At the World Education Forum 2014, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Deputy Prime Minister cum Education Minister recently made a noteworthy statement, citing ethics and spirituality should be taught in schools. As an educationist, I truly welcome this courageous announcement.

Basically education taught at large is secular in nature. Spiritual education is always not given prominence in education. I believe Malaysia is one of the few countries where Moral Education and Islamic Education is taught in schools. School is the source of various kinds of knowledge. Spirituality should be one the most prominent one to be imparted to children.

Ignoring values, ethics and spirituality in education is not acceptable at this juncture as rightly put forth by the Deputy Premier. Education without the spiritual element is not a wholesome education.  In fact, spiritual elements are the basics of a human being. Spirituality differentiates human being and other creations of the Almighty. Children can attain human perfection through spiritual qualities. 

Spirituality teaches us unity, union and harmony among men, to show respect elders and others, promote tolerance and brotherhood. If all these values are taught and embedded in the young minds of children, we have a more peaceful and beautiful world. Every child is potentially the light of the world and the same time darkness; therefore the question of education be accounted as of primary importance.

Let us hope embedding compulsory spiritual education in schools a step towards making our children excel in their life and thus become a brilliant child to their parents and  outstanding citizen to this nation. 

Mental Health of Children

 It is disturbing to read the report in English daily that some 20 per cent of children in schools are depressed as shown by a study conducted by NHMS. One of the causes cited for depression was lack of parental guidance. Parents fail to  understand their children, in particular, their emotional needs.

 As advocated by deputy director-general of health (public health) Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman, schools, in particular, parent-teacher associations (PTAs) should provide social support through holding parenting courses. Parenting seminars and courses should be made mandatory to identify mental health problems among children.

Parenting skills are essential for parents to cope up with the mental issue of students talked about much today. One of the best ways to impart the skills is through parenting seminars, workshops and courses. At large, not many parenting programmes are organized in schools, whether primary or secondary schools. In the West parenting programmes for parents are conducted regularly to educate the parents on the parenting skills, unlike in Malaysia parenting programmes are scarcely conducted in schools. 

As one who is involved in conducting such programmes, I see this as a wake-up call to all PTAs and parents.

They need to collaborate and tackle this problem. We should not allow more of our children to succumb to this mental problem.