So Zahid, discrimination also a perception?
YoursayPublished: Apr 29, 2014 12:31 AM | Updated: Apr 29, 2014 12:38 AM
YOURSAY 'What Zahid means is everyone is equal, but some are more equal than others.'
Zahid counters Obama, says gov't fair to all
Abasir: Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said, "I don't think there are obstacles for anyone to practise their religion."
Except that we keep churches in industrial estates, do not allow any temples in Shah Alam and make sure that burial grounds for non-Muslims are not provided for in urban planning.
Cry, My Beloved Country: "You have to respect other religions before they give respect to us," said Zahid.
Really? What about the seizure of bibles, the failure to implement cabinet decisions on conversion of underage children by one parent without the knowledge of the other, the raid on churches, the torching of churches, the call to burn Malay bibles in public by an organisation receiving funds from the government, the ban on bibles in hotel rooms by the BN government in Pahang, the prohibition of the use of a number of words, including 'Allah', by non-Muslims, and inflammatory statements by the mufti of Perak on imaginary conversions?
When did all these acts constitute "respect other religions"? The two primary requirements to practice one's religious beliefs are that nothing must appear (the key word is "appear") to confuse the majority faithful or arouse their sensitivity.
Even, "rest in peace" smacks of a Christian prayer, and may not be uttered.
Myop101: How is it equal when in schools those of non-Muslim faith are not allowed to set up clubs and societies to practice their own religions? And why is it so hard for non-Muslims to set up places of worship?
Swipenter: Try applying for a piece of land and licence to build a temple or church from the fascist Umno Baru government and then tell me non-Muslims are afforded equal opportunity to worship as the Muslims do in Bolehland.
Baiyuensheng: How many churches and temples have the government built? Singapore, which is not a Muslim country, has built mosques for its Muslim minorities.
You have an ex-judge who says non-Muslim statues are too big. You have allowed a Muslim to snatch his child from the mother who has clear power of custody accorded by the civil court, and say that it cannot be enforced.
Where is the justice and fair play? Opportunities for all? Just look around you, Zahid.
Chris Wong: Your inaction against Malaysians who disrupt, vilify and instigate against other religions speak volumes about your inherent inability to be fair.
Enough, Zahid. Nonsense coming from the nonsensical results in gibberish.
Lim Chong Leong: What Zahid said is completely different from reality. We have freedom to practice our own non-Muslim religions but only with the constant and incessant barrage of attacks and ridicule from certain Umno subcontracted bigots like Perkasa, former Court of Appeal judge Mohd Noor Abdullah, and whatever else.
We can pray but our statues like those in Batu Caves and Penang Kek Lok Si are un-Islamic and should be inconspicuous.
Valentine's Day is haram for Muslims, yoga too as it has "elements of Hinduism", a Muslim cannot wish someone Happy Deepavali and cannot say RIP (rest in peace) to a deceased friend, slaughtering of cows in public schools is okay, and many, many more.
Yes, we can practice our religion but not without constant attacks and ridicule.
Nonbeliever: Can the Shia Muslims preach in Malaysia?
Fair Play: Dear Home Minister, judging by your past rough handling of the issues raised by the right-thinking rakyat, even a moron knows you are all rhetoric without any substance.
Perhaps, as home minister, you should ponder deeply why US President Barack Obama, the president of world’s most powerful nation today chose to make this comment right here, in your turf?
Anonymous_3ee4: Hello Zahid, read Obama's text before you comment. Obama was not only talking about religion... he was talking about all aspects of marginalisation. You can write a book about all the aspects denied to the non-Muslims here.
Stevie W: Don't you understand English? The president said be fair in all things, referring to business, education opportunities, etc. Not just about religion.
In any case, the rights of the Christians are being trampled upon. And you said you are fair to all? People are not stupid.
Boonpou: If Malaysia has no racial and religious discrimination, Zahid would never stand a chance of being a minister. Zahid, you and your predecessors became ministers because of your skin colour and religion.
We believe there are plenty of really smart Malaysians that could fill your roles, and those of your predecessors, but given the racial and religious discrimination that has existed in Malaysia since the NEP (New Economic Policy), none of us who disagree with Umno had/have been given our chances to represent, regardless of our race, religion, or political persuasions.
Anonymous #19098644: A typical uncouth Umno leader who can articulate an untruth without blinking an eye. Chinese and Indians do not even make up 6% of the police, not even 10% of the civil service.
You have 5% discount for houses for one race regardless of income levels while the rest have no subsidies. Entrance to public universities is based on different criteria and requirements for different groups.
Restrictions on other religions are unique only to Malaysia, like banning use of the use of the word ‘Allah’ when the rest of the Borneo and Arab-speaking non-Muslim world has been using it for centuries.
Clearwater: It's not just about religious practices, stupid. It's about the dichotomy between the favoured Muslims versus the non-Muslims in all spheres of life in Malaysia.
Anyway, what do Umno goons care about Malaysia progressing. So long as you keep yourselves in power, you don't care about Malaysia progressing at snail's pace, or even regressing.
Well Thats Fantastic: Yes, what Zahid means is everyone is equal, just that some are more equal than others.
The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now.
Zahid counters Obama, says gov't fair to all
Abasir: Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said, "I don't think there are obstacles for anyone to practise their religion."Except that we keep churches in industrial estates, do not allow any temples in Shah Alam and make sure that burial grounds for non-Muslims are not provided for in urban planning.
Cry, My Beloved Country: "You have to respect other religions before they give respect to us," said Zahid.
Really? What about the seizure of bibles, the failure to implement cabinet decisions on conversion of underage children by one parent without the knowledge of the other, the raid on churches, the torching of churches, the call to burn Malay bibles in public by an organisation receiving funds from the government, the ban on bibles in hotel rooms by the BN government in Pahang, the prohibition of the use of a number of words, including 'Allah', by non-Muslims, and inflammatory statements by the mufti of Perak on imaginary conversions?
When did all these acts constitute "respect other religions"? The two primary requirements to practice one's religious beliefs are that nothing must appear (the key word is "appear") to confuse the majority faithful or arouse their sensitivity.
Even, "rest in peace" smacks of a Christian prayer, and may not be uttered.
Myop101: How is it equal when in schools those of non-Muslim faith are not allowed to set up clubs and societies to practice their own religions? And why is it so hard for non-Muslims to set up places of worship?
Swipenter: Try applying for a piece of land and licence to build a temple or church from the fascist Umno Baru government and then tell me non-Muslims are afforded equal opportunity to worship as the Muslims do in Bolehland.
Baiyuensheng: How many churches and temples have the government built? Singapore, which is not a Muslim country, has built mosques for its Muslim minorities.
You have an ex-judge who says non-Muslim statues are too big. You have allowed a Muslim to snatch his child from the mother who has clear power of custody accorded by the civil court, and say that it cannot be enforced.
Where is the justice and fair play? Opportunities for all? Just look around you, Zahid.
Chris Wong: Your inaction against Malaysians who disrupt, vilify and instigate against other religions speak volumes about your inherent inability to be fair.
Enough, Zahid. Nonsense coming from the nonsensical results in gibberish.
Lim Chong Leong: What Zahid said is completely different from reality. We have freedom to practice our own non-Muslim religions but only with the constant and incessant barrage of attacks and ridicule from certain Umno subcontracted bigots like Perkasa, former Court of Appeal judge Mohd Noor Abdullah, and whatever else.
We can pray but our statues like those in Batu Caves and Penang Kek Lok Si are un-Islamic and should be inconspicuous.
Valentine's Day is haram for Muslims, yoga too as it has "elements of Hinduism", a Muslim cannot wish someone Happy Deepavali and cannot say RIP (rest in peace) to a deceased friend, slaughtering of cows in public schools is okay, and many, many more.
Yes, we can practice our religion but not without constant attacks and ridicule.
Nonbeliever: Can the Shia Muslims preach in Malaysia?
Fair Play: Dear Home Minister, judging by your past rough handling of the issues raised by the right-thinking rakyat, even a moron knows you are all rhetoric without any substance.
Perhaps, as home minister, you should ponder deeply why US President Barack Obama, the president of world’s most powerful nation today chose to make this comment right here, in your turf?
Anonymous_3ee4: Hello Zahid, read Obama's text before you comment. Obama was not only talking about religion... he was talking about all aspects of marginalisation. You can write a book about all the aspects denied to the non-Muslims here.
Stevie W: Don't you understand English? The president said be fair in all things, referring to business, education opportunities, etc. Not just about religion.
In any case, the rights of the Christians are being trampled upon. And you said you are fair to all? People are not stupid.
Boonpou: If Malaysia has no racial and religious discrimination, Zahid would never stand a chance of being a minister. Zahid, you and your predecessors became ministers because of your skin colour and religion.
We believe there are plenty of really smart Malaysians that could fill your roles, and those of your predecessors, but given the racial and religious discrimination that has existed in Malaysia since the NEP (New Economic Policy), none of us who disagree with Umno had/have been given our chances to represent, regardless of our race, religion, or political persuasions.
Anonymous #19098644: A typical uncouth Umno leader who can articulate an untruth without blinking an eye. Chinese and Indians do not even make up 6% of the police, not even 10% of the civil service.
You have 5% discount for houses for one race regardless of income levels while the rest have no subsidies. Entrance to public universities is based on different criteria and requirements for different groups.
Restrictions on other religions are unique only to Malaysia, like banning use of the use of the word ‘Allah’ when the rest of the Borneo and Arab-speaking non-Muslim world has been using it for centuries.
Clearwater: It's not just about religious practices, stupid. It's about the dichotomy between the favoured Muslims versus the non-Muslims in all spheres of life in Malaysia.
Anyway, what do Umno goons care about Malaysia progressing. So long as you keep yourselves in power, you don't care about Malaysia progressing at snail's pace, or even regressing.
Well Thats Fantastic: Yes, what Zahid means is everyone is equal, just that some are more equal than others.
The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now.
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