Fudzail Md. Nor
Berita Harian Sabtu 23 Oktober 2010
(1)
KEEMPAT-EMPAT mereka bernafas kelegaan sebaik memboloskan diri dari terowong sepanjang 640 meter. Salah satu dari lebih 800 terowong di sempadan Rafah dan Gaza, terowong yang memisahkan dua dunia. Dalamnya empat meter, lebar satu meter, tinggi mencecah dua meter, cukup-cukup untuk memuatkan seorang demi seorang. Berjalan dalam kegelapan. Meraba-raba, terkadang, teraba punggung orang di depan. Berjalan perlahan, bernafas dalam kekurangan oksigen. Dalam dada berdebaran.
Apa sahaja boleh terjadi, termasuk pengeboman daripada serangan udara tentera Israel.
Datuk Ariffin terduduk dalam bangsal, mencari oksigen, meraba mencari rokok, tetapi teringat sudah berada pada bulan Ramadan. Ketiga-tiga yang lain, Datuk Rusdi, Datuk Mushil dan Datuk Imran sama terduduk di atas pasir. Awal subuh dan suhu masih rendah memberi kenyamanan dalam debaran jantung yang terus kencang.
“Fasa pertama misi sudah selesai!”
Mereka mengangguk. Menyeludup masuk ke Gaza mempunyai risiko besar. Tetapi destinasi itu bukan kebetulan. Mereka tahu dan tidak peduli. Semuanya sudah dirancang dengan teliti, sudah bersedia dengan apa saja kemungkinan. Tiada jalan kembali.
Datuk Ariffin bangkit melihat keluar bangsal, memastikan tiada kelibat pihak penguatkuasa Palestin, apalagi tentera dan perisik Israel yang menjejak. Mata liar mencari petunjuk seperti yang telah dirancang. Ternampak sebuah kereta kuning cair parkir dalam 30 meter.
“Kenderaan yang ditempah sudah menanti!”
Mereka bergegas mengambil beg, berlari anak ke kereta.
“Kata laluan!” Pemandu berkumis, berkaca mata hitam bertanya.
“Angelina Jolie!”
Pemandu mengangguk sambil mata merenung wajah keempat mereka yang cuba kelihatan tenang. Cuba untuk menjadi macho dan hebat.
(2)
PERJALANAN dari Rafa ke bandar Gaza melalui kawasan kem pelarian yang kelihatan tidak teratur dengan bangunan seperti tidak siap. Keempat Datuk dengan satu misi bersama itu menatap pemandangan dengan penuh perhatian. Seperti dalam mimpi pula untuk berada di bumi bersejarah yang selama ini hanya diketahui dari media, buku-buku dan cerita-cerita.
“Ini bukan sahaja bumi anbia, tetapi juga bumi Musyrikin!”
Yasir, pemandu yang fasih berbahasa Inggeris itu menjadi pemandu pelancong yang baik.
“Kalau tiada orang jahat, tiada diturunkan nabi-nabi!”
Yasir menyambung cerita. Dari sejarah ribuan tahun ke situasi semasa. Seperti sahaja berada dalam dokumentari National Geoghrapic. Seketika, setelah berlegar di kawasan perumahan dan kedai-kedai, mereka menghampiri sempadan Israel.
“Tengok seberang tembok, di sana Israel, tanah kami yang dirampas sejak tahun 1948! Setiap hari melihat tanah yang dirampas, setiap hari yang tidak memudarkan semangat untuk kembali ke tanah kelahiran!”
Suara Yasir mendesir bersama-sama angin Mediterranean berhembusan. Suara yang melontar dendam dan keazaman. Wajahnya serius.
Datuk Ariffin, Datuk Imran, Datuk Rusdi dan Datuk Mushil mengangguk dengan wajah-wajah yang gusar. Kehadiran mereka ke bumi Gaza di bulan Ramadan bukan lagi satu mimpi, mereka benar-benar bernafas di ruang magis. Ruang yang membawa harapan berbunga dari satu misi kudus.
“Berapa lama kalian mahu berada di Gaza?” Yasir bertanya.
“Paling lama dalam dua minggu!” Jawab Datuk Mushil.
“Tidak menyambut Syawal di sini?”
“Kalau ada rezeki, mahu juga!” Datuk Imran pula menjawab.
“OK. Setelah tiba dan rehat di hotel, saya boleh bawa keliling Gaza, melihat kem-kem pelarian dan kita berbuka puasa di salah sebuah masjid dalam kem pelarian!”
Yasir mengatur jadual aktiviti, sesuatu yang tidak termasuk dalam pembayaran, tetapi cukup melegakan empat Datuk yang membawa pakaian cukup-cukup untuk seminggu.
(3)
MELIHAT kesan-kesan perang dan serangan rejim zionis yang ganas memang menginsafkan empat Datuk. Ada kalanya air mata mereka bergenangan melihat keadaan dhaif di khemah pelarian dan apabila bertemu dengan mereka yang cacat akibat serangan bom. Apalagi bertemu kanak-kanak pelarian yang kelihatan terbiar walau ceria dan berkumpul setiap kali melihat kedatangan mereka, ‘pelawat’ dari Malaysia, sebuah negara yang menjadi sebutan ramai kerana banyak membantu dan menyokong perjuangan rakyat Palestin sejak lama.
Sebaik solat Tarawih, mereka bersantai di kawasan pantai yang mula dipenuhi ramai warga Palestin. Meriah dengan manusia mengunjungi gerai makan yang menawarkan shisha dan tayangan filem percuma.
“Ada lebih 150 masjid yang musnah akibat pengeboman, manakala 300 yang lain rosak!”
Datuk Rusdi mengulang maklumat yang diterima. Sebagai seorang yang pernah menjadi pegawai kerajaan menjaga wang zakat dan masjid, dia mengira-ngira jumlah kos yang diperlukan untuk membina semula atau membaiki masjid-masjid tersebut. Sememangnya dia tahu wang zakat yang dikutip olehnya selama ini tidak semuanya sampai kepada yang berhak, malahan ada ketirisan dan digunakan untuk urusan lain, termasuk penyelewengan dalam bentuk hiburan seperti lawatan sambil belajar atas nama urusan rasmi. Walhal, tidak lebih untuk melancong secara percuma. Kekadang pelbagai perancangan dan tindakan dibuat atas nama agama pun tidak lebih sekadar menutup pelbagai kelemahan dan kepincangan di kalangan pegawai.
“Masjid di Gaza ini semuanya ada kelas tahfiz, sudah puluhan ribu hafiz yang lahir. Nampaknya dalam keadaan seperti penjara ini, warga Palestin di Gaza tetap bersemangat untuk meneruskan perjuangan, bersedia untuk kembali ke tanah yang dirampas!”
Sambung Datuk Mushil sambil matanya sesekali meninjau wanita-wanita Palestin yang lalu lalang. Tidak dapat mengelak untuk mengagumi kecantikan mereka, apalagi buat seorang yang selama ini ada banyak skandal sebagai ketua pengarah sebuah stesen TV. Dikelilingi artis-artis glamor yang mahukan publisiti dan kemewahan hidup tanpa bekerja keras. Datuk Mushil selalu mengambil kesempatan tanpa mengira dosa pahala. Asalkan bahagia dan seronok melapah seorang demi seorang artis wanita, terutama yang baru mahu berkecimpung dalam dunia hiburan dengan impian ke persada sebagai penghibur popular, selain kalau-kalau bernasib baik disambar para Datuk yang mahu melengkapkan kuota poligami.
“Kamu perasan selama dua hari di sini, sudah keliling Gaza, kita belum bertemu seorang pun peminta sedekah. Walhal, majoriti hidup di bawah paras kemiskinan!”
Datuk Ariffin mencelah. Sebagai seorang ahli politik yang sekian lama hidup mewah di bawah kuasa politik yang mana matlamat menghalalkan cara, dia cukup arif dengan sikap ahli politik yang lebih kurang sahaja sikap, sebagai peminta sedekah, kalau tidak sebagai pencuri dan perompak wang rakyat. Malah kekadang ada kebenarannya yang ahli politik sama taraf dengan pelacur, sesuatu yang tidak dinafikan oleh Datuk Ariffin yang telah menggadai bukan sahaja maruah diri, malah bangsanya sendiri dengan bisnes atas angin dan ali baba. Menidakkan hak majoriti kerana dia termasuk golongan elit yang berkuasa.
“Betullah! Malah ada yang apabila kita mahu beri wang, menolak dan minta masukkan dalam tabung, untuk dikongsi bersama!” Datuk Imran melepaskan kata-kata sambil melihat jauh ke arah kerlipan lampu kapal-kapal. Sebagai seorang penyanyi rock veteran yang bukan sahaja glamor, pernah menjadi idola anak muda malahan hidup dalam berfoya-foya, Datuk Imran selalu mencari publisiti murahan dengan konsert amal dan aktiviti seperti berbuka puasa bersama anak-anak yatim. Semuanya sandiwara, apalagi pihak media terus memberatkan hiburan dengan menjadikan artis sebagai bahan pelaris, walhal, kebanyakan artis seperti Datuk Imran yang mendapat anugerah Datuk kerana jasa mencemarkan budaya dengan budaya rock dan hippie, tidak lebih sekadar gimik.
Hidup dalam kemungkaran, solat tidak tentu hala dan mabuk-mabuk. Lebih banyak membawa keburukan kepada masyarakat yang menjadikan hiburan sebagai pelengkap kehidupan setelah muak, jelak, mual dan benci dengan gelagat, suasana politik dan ahli politik yang tidak berhabisan berebut kuasa. Jatuh menjatuh dan fitnah menfitnah sesama sendiri terutama kalau dalam sidang Parlimen yang boleh menjadi sarkis dan zoo.
Maka dalam kemeriahan malam Ramadan di Gaza menyelubungi suasana, tetapi tidak pada keempat Datuk yang kelihatan serba kekeliruan. Masih dalam ketidakpastian walau sebelum ini bertekad dengan satu misi. Sanggup masuk secara haram ke Gaza kerana tidak mahu menunggu lama untuk visa dikeluarkan oleh pihak berkuasa Mesir.
Misi yang diharapkan boleh mengubah satu destini dan destinasi kehidupan, setelah puluhan tahun bernafas dalam dosa, noda, pembohongan dan hipokrasi. Misi yang lahir dari satu sesi karaoke di pusat perjudian atas gunung setelah melihat dengan mata sendiri, seorang Tan Sri bertaraf bilionair mati sakit jantung di atas dada telanjang seorang GRO dari negeri China.
(4)
“KAMU tahu, abang saya adalah seorang syuhada. Dia menjadi pengebom berani mati yang berjaya membunuh 15 orang askar Zionis laknatullah di bandar Jericho!”
Keempat-empat Datuk segera tersedar mendengar cerita Yasir walau cukup mengantuk. Perjalanan selepas Zuhur ke kawasan khemah pelarian terbesar dan paling padat di dunia, Al-Jabaliah memang cukup menyeksakan kerana mata terpaksa dibuka luas. Tersengguk bersama cerita Yasir yang tiba-tiba terasa menyegarkan.
“Kamu tahu ini juga bermakna, saya boleh menjadi ahli syurga kerana setiap syuhada boleh memilih 70 orang untuk bersamanya ke dalam syurga!”
Mendengar perkataan syuhada dan ahli syurga menambahkan tarikan. Semua orang mahu masuk syurga walau ramai yang mencorakkan neraka dalam kehidupan seharian.
“Sebab itukah kamu memandu berbahaya,” Tanya Datuk Ariffin yang sejak lama mahu menegur cara Yasir memandu. Ciluk sana, ciluk sini. Kadangkala laju tidak bertempat dan memotong ikut suka hati, walau Yasir bukan pemandu unik di Gaza, sedikit sebanyak mencemaskan.
Yasir ketawa.
“Ya! Saya ada lesen ke jannah!”
“Tetapi kami belum ada, kamu boleh mati syahid, masuk jannah, kami boleh mati katak di Gaza ini dengan cara kamu memandu!”
Ujar Datuk Rusdi diikuti ketawa beramai-ramai. Teringat jumlah mereka yang mati nahas jalan raya terus meningkat di tanah air, biarpun kenderaan semakin canggih dan jalan raya semakin banyak.
“Bukankah kamu berempat datang ke Gaza ini untuk mati syahid?”
Tanya Yasir kembali, setelah lima hari, Yasir sudah seperti lama mengenali empat orang Melayu awal lima puluhan yang juga sudah tidak segan silu bercerita latar belakang masing-masing.
Membongkar satu misi untuk mati syahid kerana yakin taubat mereka sukar untuk diterima. Walau berkali ke umrah dan haji, masih terasa terlalu banyak dosa dan noda untuk dihapuskan. Terlalu banyak menganiaya orang. Menipu, menyeleweng, berzina, memberi dan menerima rasuah, hantar santau, malah merogol dan merancang pembunuhan kerana persaingan dan dendam. Taraf kejahatan melampau yang menyebabkan keempat-empat mereka yang pernah bergelar golongan elit Melayu Baru itu bertekad untuk menyusup ke Gaza, berdepan dengan rejim Zionis dan kalau bernasib baik, mati syahid. Terus ke syurga tanpa hisab. Boleh bawa 70 orang lain sama-sama ke syurga.
“Kamu ahli politik bukan?” Tanya Yasir kepada Datuk Ariffin yang mengangguk.
“Di bumi Palestin ini pun ramai ahli politik yang korup. Sebab itu kami memilih parti Hamas walau dianggap teroris kerana sudah muak, jelak dan benci dengan pemimpin Fatah berpuluh tahun memungkiri janji dan amanah. Sebab itu saya cakap di sini bukan sahaja bumi anbiya, malahan bumi Musyrikin. Sebab itu orang Palestin berterusan dizalimi, dilanyak Yahudi kerana pemimpin kami ada yang sudah dibeli, korup dan mementingkan perut semata-mata. Perjuangan keramat membebaskan Palestin hanya sandiwara semata-mata. Apalagi dunia Arab yang bersetongkol dengan Israel dan Amerika!”
Tersentuh hati Datuk Ariffin yang memang selama ini sekadar proksi kepada ahli-ahli perniagaan yang menggunakan beliau untuk manipulasi kontrak. Kekayaan yang dikumpul di bawah dasar politik kronisme. Berguni-guni, malahan kadang berlori-lori wang tunai yang disimpan hasil rasuah dan penyelewengan. Hidup mewah tetapi seperti bangkai kerana makan minum duit haram.
“Kamu bayangkan nanti, berapa ramai yang kamu mesti minta maaf setelah menyalahgunakan, menyelewengkan duit rakyat, duit zakat, duit derma, seperti ramai ahli politik Palestin yang mengagihkan sesama sendiri sewaktu berkuasa dan menidakkan hak-hak kami, terutama anak-anak yatim, anak-anak pejuang yang syahid dan anak-anak yang terus dalam kemiskinan walhal hasil negara dari dana derma cukup menampung perbelanjaan untuk menanggung mereka!”
Yasir terus melepaskan apa yang selama itu terbuku dalam diri, apalagi setelah mengetahui niat dan tujuan misi empat orang Melayu bertaraf Datuk di bulan Ramadan ke Gaza, tanah genting sekangkang kera yang tidak putus dengan konflik dan terus mengorbankan jiwa para syuhada hampir setiap hari.
“Di kawasan Jabaliyah ini selalu ada tentera Israel menyusup masuk untuk membunuh mereka yang dianggap teroris. Kamu tahulah, dikalangan kami pun ramai pengintip upahan Israel yang cari makan dengan beri maklumat, kekadang maklumat salah kerana dendam dan dengki!”
Yasir memberhentikan kereta menghala ke kawasan lapang. Diperbukitan adalah sempadan Israel. Ada tembok dinding sedang dibina.
“Nampak kereta kebal, kereta pacuan empat roda yang mengawasi sempadan?”
Keempat-empat Datuk memandang dan mengangguk. Berdebaran, begitu hampir dengan sempadan Israel yang memungkinkan apa sahaja. Tentera Israel boleh bertindak mengikut keputusan mereka kerana ‘keselamatan negara Israel’ lebih penting daripada segalanya.
“Dahulu kawasan ini dipenuhi dengan pokok-pokok kurma, pihak Israel musnahkan semua dan kini menjadi kawasan lapang untuk memudahkan mereka membolos masuk. Semua kilang yang pernah memenuhi kawasan ini dibom dan diratakan, meranapkan terus ekonomi Gaza!”
Suasana menjadi hening. Hembusan bayu menerojah minda yang diselaputi bayang-bayang.
“Kalian mahu mati syahid bukan?”
Tanya Yasir. Separuh serius, separuh berjenaka.
“Nampak kereta kebal Israel itu sedang mara ke sini?”
Terpaku keempat-empat Datuk. Debaran jantung membawa gelombang ke wajah.
“Bersedia untuk melontar dengan batu-batu seperti yang kami, terutama anak-anak kami lakukan, kalian baling sebaik kereta kebal itu masuk ke kawasan Palestin!”
Yasir memberi arahan, setelah lama berteori dengan pelbagai strategi, hari ke enam Ramadan yang cerah itu boleh merealisasikan satu misi empat Datuk Melayu sebagai Laskar Syuhada, ribuan kilometer dari tanah air dan keluarga yang sudah diwariskan harta dan wang jutaan ringgit dalam ASB, Tabung Haji, akaun bank Islam, yang semuanya dari hasil tidak halal.
Kalau mereka mati syahid, bukan sahaja ke syurga malah semuanya menjadi halal, begitulah fatwa yang mereka sama-sama rumuskan di malam terakhir berkaraoke sebelum Ramadan. Fatwa yang menjadi pegangan sebagai sandaran ke syurga. Fatwa yang membawa mereka ke genting Gaza.
Seketika dalam pandangan menerpa ke arah kereta kebal Israel yang seakan laju menghampiri, imej-imej kehidupan lima dekad mereka seakan terlontar ke layar yang memerangkap perasaan. Wajah-wajah mereka yang pernah dianiaya, dirasuah, difitnah, di jadikan kambing hitam mengejek-ngejek ke seluruh ruang.
Suara-suara menuntut keadilan dan hak-hak mereka yang telah disalahgunakan berdengung, bergema, memekik-mekik ke seluruh pendengaran.
Tiba-tiba Datuk Ariffin terasa mual oleh perut memulas, Datuk Mushil pula berpinar oleh kecepatan jantung mengepam udara, Datuk Rusdi basah berpeluh-peluh kepanasan dan Datuk Imran seakan mahu terkencing. Segala-galanya begitu real sekali, tidak lagi sureal atau dalam sebuah mimpi. Sesaat yang mengerikan, mereka kini berdepan dengan tentera paling canggih dan kejam di dunia dan serentak, mereka yang lengkap berbaju raya Melayu dengan samping songket, secara spontan keluar dari kereta, berlari selaju mungkin untuk berpatah, menyusup keluar Gaza, ke terowong nun 50 kilometer di Rafah!
Orang Edgecumbe Road: Akan terbukakah mata dunia terhadap kekejaman di bumi Palestine ini? Ya Allah Ya Rabbal Alamin..selamatkanlah Umat Islam di seluruh dunia...
Monday, 25 October 2010
tunku: History a must-pass subject for SPM from 2013
tunku: History a must-pass subject for SPM from 2013: "KUALA LUMPUR: History will be a must-pass subject in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination from 2013 along with the Bahasa Malaysia sub..."
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Wednesday, 6 October 2010
Pengawasan
oleh Jarjani Usman
“Dia (Allah) tetap bersama-sama kamu di mana saja kamu berada dan Allah Maha Melihat apa saja yang kamu kerjakan” (QS al-Hadid: 4).
Peringatan dan hukuman tidak selamanya ampuh dalam mencegah manusia untuk berbuat kejahatan. Sebab, tidak selamanya peringatan dan hukuman itu menjangkau sisi-sisi tersembunyi dari niat, sikap dan perbuatan manusia. Yang paling ampuh adalah merasa selalu pengawasan Allah di manapun kita berada.
Tanda pertama pada orang yang merasa diawasi Allah ialah memiliki rasa malu kepadaNya. Hati seorang Muslim yang di hatinya ada cahaya iman yang mantap akan sangat malu kalau sudah berjanji beriman, lalu mengingkarinya.
Sudah barang tentu, tidak semua orang memiliki perasaan tersebut, tak terkecuali orang yang berilmu agama tinggi.
Buktinya, tidak sedikit juga di antara mereka yang berilmu tinggi melakukan kejahatan dalam hidupnya. Bukti ini menjadi suatu alasan bagi kita untuk memahami bahwa kalau seseorang yang berilmu agama tinggi bisa berlaku demikian, apalagi yang tidak.
Tanda kedua ialah punya rasa takut akan azab-azab Allah. Orang yang saban saat merasa diawasi Allah akan selalu tergambar dalam benaknya kepedihan atau kesengsaraan hidup di neraka, setiap ia mau melakukan kejahatan.
Dengan demikian, peringatan orang lain dan hukuman belum tentu ampuh menjadi pengingat diri kita untuk tidak melakukan kejahatan. Kata Saidina Ali, hanya diri sendiri lah yang paling ampuh menjadi pengingat.
27 Syawal 1431 H
Sumber: http://idhamlim.blogspot.com/2010/10/pengawasan.html
Orang Edgecumbe Road: Saban hari aku tertanya kepada diri kenapa umat Islam tidak gentar dengan pembalasan Allah. Di tempat bertugas, ada saja yang sanggup memburukkan orang lain agar dirinya terus popular. Memfitnah sana-sini dan menyebabkan ramai hati yang terluka. Apakah tidak pernah ada keikhlasan dalam diri untuk melakukan sesuatu kerana Allah? Apakah orang yang menjaja sana sini mempunyai ilmu dalam kaunseling bertopengkan dusta semata-mata? Doaku muga satu hari nanti Allah akan membuka hati orang ini untuk bertaubat dan janganlah kerana terlalu ghairah untuk memegang jawatan, jawatan orang pun sanggup 'dirampas' dengan pelbagai cara kotor. Alhamdulillah, hingga kini 'dia' masih dibawah pengawasan Allah. Belum tertunai lagi niat busuk menjatuhkan rakan sejawat berlaku. Apa yang berlaku pada diriku, aku anggap sebagai satu hikmah. Sudah tertulis Allah menjanjikan yang lebih baik buatku. Aku mohon Allah sentiasa menerima taubat dan segala yang ku korbankan sebagai satu Ibadah. Pada yang berkenaan, sedarlah bahawa kita sentiasa dibawah "PENGAWASAN ALLAH' sentiasa. Muga pintu taubat masih terbuka untuk orang-orang seperti ini..InsyaAllah...
Monday, 4 October 2010
In honour of teachers!
Read this. An interesting email sent by a friend....Thanks Sam!
The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.
One man, a CEO (proud of being a professional), decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, 'What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?'
He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: 'Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.'
To stress his point he said to another guest; 'You're a teacher, Mary. Be honest. What do you make?'
Mary, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, 'You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)
'Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
I make a C+ feel like the Medal of Honor.
I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.
You want to know what I make?' (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)
''I make kids wonder.
I make them question.
I make them apologize and mean it.
I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.
I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything.
I make them read, read, read.
I make them show all their work in maths. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.
I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.
I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.
I make my students stand, to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the National Flag, and sing the National Anthem, because we live in this great country.
Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.'
Mary paused one last time and then continued,then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant..... You want to know what I make?
I MAKE A DIFFERENCE . What do you make Mr. CEO?'
His jaw dropped, he went silent...
The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.
One man, a CEO (proud of being a professional), decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, 'What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?'
He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: 'Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.'
To stress his point he said to another guest; 'You're a teacher, Mary. Be honest. What do you make?'
Mary, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, 'You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)
'Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
I make a C+ feel like the Medal of Honor.
I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.
You want to know what I make?' (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)
''I make kids wonder.
I make them question.
I make them apologize and mean it.
I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.
I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything.
I make them read, read, read.
I make them show all their work in maths. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.
I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.
I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.
I make my students stand, to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the National Flag, and sing the National Anthem, because we live in this great country.
Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.'
Mary paused one last time and then continued,then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant..... You want to know what I make?
I MAKE A DIFFERENCE . What do you make Mr. CEO?'
His jaw dropped, he went silent...
TERKINI! TUN M SEMAKIN PULIH!
Alhamdulillah..perkhabaran gembira yang saya baca dari House PK mengatakan Tun M semakin sihat. Doa saya buat Tun sekeluarga agar Allah SWT akan melimpahkan rahmat dan hidayahNya. Ingin juga saya mengesyorkan kepada peminat teater dan peminat Tun, jika berkesempatan, silalah ke Istana Budaya sebelum 9 Oktober ini untuk menonton Teater Muzikal Tun Mahathir. Jalan cerita dan lakonan yang hebat! Saya bawa pelatih satu bas dari Penang. Seronok!
Apapun, yang penting, doakan kesejahteraan Tun dan kesihatan yang lebih baik...Amin.
Friday, 23 July 2010
"I DON'T KNOW WHY THEY HATE US" (by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed)
1. Americans seem incapable or more likely unable to accept the real reason why they are hated by Muslims.
2. After 9/11 Bush was reported to have said, "I don't know why they (the Muslims) hate us".
3. Later on answering his own question, Bush declared that "they hate our democracy. They hate our freedom".
4. Since then more and more reasons have been suggested as to why Muslim individuals are prepared to tie explosives to their bodies and blow themselves up in order to kill Americans.
5. Books have also been written about Islam and Muslims to explain their hatred of the Americans and the West. Much of the blame is placed on the teachings of Islam, in particular that which is concerned with jihad or holy war and martyrdom.
6. There have also been attempts to exonerate Islam and to attribute the violence against the West to the wrong interpretations of Islam by people with vested interest.
7. But the Americans almost invariably refuse to acknowledge that it was their seizure or their backing of the seizure of Palestinian land and their subsequent support of Israeli violence and oppression of the Palestinians which has caused the Muslims to hate the Americans. Each time the Palestinian tried to regain their land, the Americans would ensure that they fail by giving massive support for Israel. It is well-known that they provide financial support to sustain the state of Israel. Every time the Israelis set up settlements and build walls to break up Palestinian families, the US would back it. Israeli intransigence, Israel's disregard and breaches of international laws, disregard for normal human behaviour America would staunchly back Israel. To the Americans, Israel can do no wrong.
8. All these happened before the attack against the New York World Trade Centre. After that came the "shock and awe" invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq with the loss of life of hundreds of thousands of these people and the total destruction of their cities and countries.
9. Since the invasions the Americans have remained in occupation of these two countries, where American soldiers continue to kill civilians with impunity. Many innocent people have been detained and tortured. Muslim countries which are friendly towards the United States are not spared.
10. The so-called "war on terror" is clearly a war against Muslims. It is enough for a person to have a Muslim or a Muslim sounding name for him to be ill-treated and sometimes detained without trial for years.
11. Only Muslim countries have been attacked or are threatened to be attacked. Non-Muslim countries building nuclear weapons may be threatened but no real action would be taken.
12. So why do they, the Muslims, hate Americans? Is it because they hate democracy and freedom? Only the most stupid can suggest this. They hate Americans and Europeans generally because they aided and abetted in the seizure of Palestine, in the unquestioning support for Israel's oppression and brutalities, in Israel's settlements on Palestinian land, and all the other crimes committed by Israel.
13. They hate the Americans because without American support for Israel they, the Palestinians, could have regained their land. As it is they are not even allowed to call their land Palestine. They are just the Palestinian Authority.
14. When they are unable to withstand the oppression and the killing of their people and they hit back their action is not reported as retaliation against Israel's action. Instead when the Israelis hit with overwhelming force, killing hundreds and thousands as happened in Gaza, they were described as Israeli retaliation against the primitive Hamas rockets which did very little damage.
15. Americans should not kid themselves that they are hated for their democracy and freedom. They are not. They are not hated even for religious differences. They are hated because they join the Israelis in all their brutalities, in their illegal occupation of Palestinian land, in the protection they afford Israel intransigence against the rest of the world. And now of course in their terror attacks against the innocent peoples of Afghanistan, Iraq and other Muslim countries.
16. It is important that the Americans know and admit the true reasons for the hatred against them. It is important because until they do they will not be able to come up with any solution to the present costly war. This war can go on forever because future generations of Palestinians, of Muslims, will never forget the injustice inflicted on them by Americans.
Orang Edgecumbe Road: Muga Allah sentiasa merahmati Tun atas Perjuangan Yang Entah Bila Akan Selesai. Apapun saya sekeluarga akan tetap bersama Ayahanda Tun. AllahuAkbar..Muga Palestin akan diselamatkan suatu hari nanti. Yakinlah pada kebesaran Allah.
2. After 9/11 Bush was reported to have said, "I don't know why they (the Muslims) hate us".
3. Later on answering his own question, Bush declared that "they hate our democracy. They hate our freedom".
4. Since then more and more reasons have been suggested as to why Muslim individuals are prepared to tie explosives to their bodies and blow themselves up in order to kill Americans.
5. Books have also been written about Islam and Muslims to explain their hatred of the Americans and the West. Much of the blame is placed on the teachings of Islam, in particular that which is concerned with jihad or holy war and martyrdom.
6. There have also been attempts to exonerate Islam and to attribute the violence against the West to the wrong interpretations of Islam by people with vested interest.
7. But the Americans almost invariably refuse to acknowledge that it was their seizure or their backing of the seizure of Palestinian land and their subsequent support of Israeli violence and oppression of the Palestinians which has caused the Muslims to hate the Americans. Each time the Palestinian tried to regain their land, the Americans would ensure that they fail by giving massive support for Israel. It is well-known that they provide financial support to sustain the state of Israel. Every time the Israelis set up settlements and build walls to break up Palestinian families, the US would back it. Israeli intransigence, Israel's disregard and breaches of international laws, disregard for normal human behaviour America would staunchly back Israel. To the Americans, Israel can do no wrong.
8. All these happened before the attack against the New York World Trade Centre. After that came the "shock and awe" invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq with the loss of life of hundreds of thousands of these people and the total destruction of their cities and countries.
9. Since the invasions the Americans have remained in occupation of these two countries, where American soldiers continue to kill civilians with impunity. Many innocent people have been detained and tortured. Muslim countries which are friendly towards the United States are not spared.
10. The so-called "war on terror" is clearly a war against Muslims. It is enough for a person to have a Muslim or a Muslim sounding name for him to be ill-treated and sometimes detained without trial for years.
11. Only Muslim countries have been attacked or are threatened to be attacked. Non-Muslim countries building nuclear weapons may be threatened but no real action would be taken.
12. So why do they, the Muslims, hate Americans? Is it because they hate democracy and freedom? Only the most stupid can suggest this. They hate Americans and Europeans generally because they aided and abetted in the seizure of Palestine, in the unquestioning support for Israel's oppression and brutalities, in Israel's settlements on Palestinian land, and all the other crimes committed by Israel.
13. They hate the Americans because without American support for Israel they, the Palestinians, could have regained their land. As it is they are not even allowed to call their land Palestine. They are just the Palestinian Authority.
14. When they are unable to withstand the oppression and the killing of their people and they hit back their action is not reported as retaliation against Israel's action. Instead when the Israelis hit with overwhelming force, killing hundreds and thousands as happened in Gaza, they were described as Israeli retaliation against the primitive Hamas rockets which did very little damage.
15. Americans should not kid themselves that they are hated for their democracy and freedom. They are not. They are not hated even for religious differences. They are hated because they join the Israelis in all their brutalities, in their illegal occupation of Palestinian land, in the protection they afford Israel intransigence against the rest of the world. And now of course in their terror attacks against the innocent peoples of Afghanistan, Iraq and other Muslim countries.
16. It is important that the Americans know and admit the true reasons for the hatred against them. It is important because until they do they will not be able to come up with any solution to the present costly war. This war can go on forever because future generations of Palestinians, of Muslims, will never forget the injustice inflicted on them by Americans.
Orang Edgecumbe Road: Muga Allah sentiasa merahmati Tun atas Perjuangan Yang Entah Bila Akan Selesai. Apapun saya sekeluarga akan tetap bersama Ayahanda Tun. AllahuAkbar..Muga Palestin akan diselamatkan suatu hari nanti. Yakinlah pada kebesaran Allah.
Thursday, 8 July 2010
Rintihan Melayu Pulau Pinang..dengarkanlah...
'Selamatkan kampung kami'
SALLEH memberi penerangan tentang isu Kampung Tanjung Tokong pada sidang akhbar di George Town semalam.
GEORGE TOWN - Sambutan ulang tahun kedua pengisytiharan George Town sebagai Tapak Warisan Dunia Pertubuhan Pendidikan, Sains dan Kebudayaan PBB (UNESCO) semalam tidak memberi sebarang erti kepada penduduk Kampung Tanjung Tokong di sini.
Ini kerana kampung Melayu tradisional berusia lebih 200 tahun itu hanya menunggu masa untuk 'dibersihkan'.
Walaupun menjadi satu-satunya perkampungan yang diteroka nelayan Melayu sebelum kedatangan Kapten Francis Light yang masih kekal, namun nilai sejarahnya tidak membantu kampung itu untuk terus kekal.
Kira-kira 600 penduduk asal masih berharap pembangunan yang bakal dilaksanakan oleh pemilik tanah, UDA Holdings Berhad (UHB) dapat mengekalkan warisan dan sejarah kampung itu.
Menurut Pengerusi Persatuan Penduduk kampung itu, Mohd. Salleh Yahya, penduduk akur dengan keputusan kerajaan menyerahkan tanah kampung tersebut kepada UHB pada tahun 1972 bagi tujuan pembangunan.
"Kampung ini perlu kekal dan dipulihara demi menyelamatkan hak pemilikan tanah penduduk dengan menjadikannya sebagai zon warisan bercampur kawasan kediaman moden.
"Kami kecewa apabila UHB mengisytiharkan kampung ini sebagai setinggan menyebabkan penduduk hilang hak terhadap tanah," katanya pada sidang akhbar di sini semalam.
Saturday, 26 June 2010
TEACHER TRAINEES TO GET PERMANENT POSTS
PUTRAJAYA (June 22, 2010): Teacher trainees, who passed teaching courses, will be appointed directly as permanent teachers and no longer as attachment teachers, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
He said the move would be implemented from next intake as it would not only save cost and time but also offer better employment status to trained teachers.
"We no longer need to have trained attachment teachers, and if there are vacancies, placements can be made directly at any suitable school.
"What is important, we want adequate good teachers being offered permanent posts after undergoing a filtering process," he said after opening the Education Services Conference 2010 here today.
In his speech, Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, said in implementing the move, sharing of information on teacher trainees' data between the Education Ministry, the Higher Education Ministry and the Education Services Commission should be streamlined.
He said this would enable the appointment trained teachers to permanent posts to be carried out efficiently, quickly and effectively.
"Currently, candidates for teaching courses are selected by the Teacher Education Division of the Education Ministry and University Centre Unit of the Higher Education Ministry.
"Those who passed teaching courses are then appointed as teachers by the commission," he said.
In the meantime, he said the government would implement five recommendations proposed by a special laboratory set up to discuss ways and means to improve the quality of teachers.
He said the recommendations are:
> launching a campaign to recruit outstanding candidates for teaching courses at the institutes of teacher education (ITE) and public institutions of higher learning;
> ensuring teachers concentrate on teaching and not clerical tasks;
> enhancing accountability through the introduction of the ITE rating system based on their level of excellence;
> recruiting quality teachers in critical areas; and
> improving teachers' career path. -- Bernama
Dear All Trainees Out There...
Take this opportunity to best served the community that you will be posted to. Remember..Berkhidmat Untuk Agama, Bangsa dan Negara".
Thursday, 3 June 2010
Gaza Aid Envoy..Be Rest Assured Allah Is With Us All...
GAZA AID CONVOY
1. The Israelis claim that the activists on the M.V. Mavi Marmara had attacked their commandos with guns, iron rods, scissors and pointed sticks.
2. The last time Free Gaza sent a small boat to take relief supplies to Gaza, Israeli commandos boarded it and towed it to Ashdod.
3. The activists must know that the same thing might happen to them. But it is ridiculous to suggest that the civilian activists planned to fight against the well-armed and well-trained Israelis.
2. The last time Free Gaza sent a small boat to take relief supplies to Gaza, Israeli commandos boarded it and towed it to Ashdod.
3. The activists must know that the same thing might happen to them. But it is ridiculous to suggest that the civilian activists planned to fight against the well-armed and well-trained Israelis.
4. Claiming that the activists attacked the commandos first is equally ridiculous. The forces ranged against them were powerful and enormous, capable of sinking their boats. The Israelis have been known to ram supply boats with their armoured naval vessels. What is clear is that the Israeli's were the ones to attack first by dropping their commandos from the helicopter.
5. The Israelis claim that the activists seized the pistols belonging to the commandos. Again this is ridiculous. These are trained soldiers, wearing protective armour and most certainly skilled in unarmed combat. It is most unlikely that raw activists can disarm and seize the guns of the black-suited commandos.
6. In any case, shooting with live bullets against a group of civilians probably armed with wooden sticks is unjustified. The hazy pictures shown by the Israel propagandist of rods being used may not be iron rods at all. They could be wooden sticks as the pictures are dark silhouettes which cannot be identified as activists or soldiers.
7. Our Malaysian reporter who has been released and is in Jordan tells of wooden sticks and water jets from fire-hoseswhich were used by the activists. His story is much more credible. But knowing the Israelis, they will continue to lie about their criminal acts even if they are seen to be committing them by the whole world.
8. Incidentally, the Rachel Corrie is named after a brave 23 year old American girl who stood in front of a bulldozer which was about to destroy a Palestinian house. The Israeli operator of the bulldozer simply ran over her and killed her. This is the standard behaviour of Israelis. The much condemned Chinese faced with the same situation, stopped his tank.
9. It is no surprise that the Israeli commandos would readily kill unarmed civilians. This is the degree of their arrogance. Their sufferings during the holocaust has not made them better humans. They are worse than the Nazis.
5. The Israelis claim that the activists seized the pistols belonging to the commandos. Again this is ridiculous. These are trained soldiers, wearing protective armour and most certainly skilled in unarmed combat. It is most unlikely that raw activists can disarm and seize the guns of the black-suited commandos.
6. In any case, shooting with live bullets against a group of civilians probably armed with wooden sticks is unjustified. The hazy pictures shown by the Israel propagandist of rods being used may not be iron rods at all. They could be wooden sticks as the pictures are dark silhouettes which cannot be identified as activists or soldiers.
7. Our Malaysian reporter who has been released and is in Jordan tells of wooden sticks and water jets from fire-hoseswhich were used by the activists. His story is much more credible. But knowing the Israelis, they will continue to lie about their criminal acts even if they are seen to be committing them by the whole world.
8. Incidentally, the Rachel Corrie is named after a brave 23 year old American girl who stood in front of a bulldozer which was about to destroy a Palestinian house. The Israeli operator of the bulldozer simply ran over her and killed her. This is the standard behaviour of Israelis. The much condemned Chinese faced with the same situation, stopped his tank.
9. It is no surprise that the Israeli commandos would readily kill unarmed civilians. This is the degree of their arrogance. Their sufferings during the holocaust has not made them better humans. They are worse than the Nazis.
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Mother's Day...
Salam and Happy Mother's Day to all great mothers out there...
Yesterday, after many years I do realised now how much I love my daughter. She has always been with me and most of the time I carried out my duty of a disciplinarian more than being a mother...I must admit I am not the lovey dovey kind of mum. I have always been very firm, I guess that was how I was raised. But I love my mum more, many years after I 'left' my teenage life. Well..you know what I mean...
Yesterday, as usual, I thought I could be strong... but God! Was I wrong!. My tears were pouring like 'waterfall' (once a dear friend called it!). I never thought I could be that weak when I had to let her go...she was never out of my sight ever since I came back from Dunedin. Most of the time, I lectured her about this and that...bla..bla...
In less than 24 hours, I realised how much of the precious time that I had with her was wasted on my stupid, impatient lectures!! I got carried away over small, trivial, petty issues!
Ya Allah, please forgive me for what I have done to my children. Guide me from now on to be more emphathetic and patient when dealing with their discipline issues and other trivial matters. I want to spend every minute of my life and theirs loving them, though that doesn't mean they can get scot free with wrongdoings...argh..I am still the old me..
Ya Allah, please guide my beautiful, intelligent little princess in her studies. Remind her of every prayers that she needs to perform and to thank You for the health, wealth and happiness that You have given us so far. Let this time passes by fast, coz I am looking forward to the time of being with her again...protect her and love her Ya Allah...
As my chubby challenging son, give me strength and patience to deal with his misdeeds and guide him to be the best serving servant to you Ya Allah...
I surrender my life to You and please let us all be together again....
Kakak..thank you for the beautiful Mother's Day present..and promise never never to leave me again...
Adik...give me a chance to be a mother again to you..I love you both with all my heart...
Ibu.
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Spank vs no spanking
Posted by: Brigitte Rozario, 26-Feb-2010
Is it okay to spank or cane your child? It's an age-old question. Some people believe that if you spare the cane, you will spoil the child. Others advocate there is never a good enough reason to resort to hitting, spanking or caning the child.
Let's see what other bloggers have to say about this issue. I'm in a dilemma...
Female woes
Thursday April 22, 2010
By PATSY KAM
Bridging the information gap on body knowledge is crucial so that girls don’t grow up believing half-baked truths and myths.
WHEN it comes to the female body, it pays to know more.
So, how much do young women understand their bodies? Obviously, not enough, judging from a recent study on Myth, Misinformation And Mystery – The Kotex BodyLife IQ Study Of Young Women In South Asia.
It would appear that most girls grow into adulthood relying on half-baked truths shared by friends, snatches of information gleaned from women’s magazines, and old wives tales passed down by their mothers and grandmothers.
It’s hilarious when you read that some girls believe that stamping on their towel during menses will shorten their period to three days. Or, that many young women don’t know that menses and urine don’t flow from the same opening. And, old wives tales such as you can get sexually transmitted diseases from sitting on dirty toilet seats still persist.
But it’s not so funny when you realise that your own daughter could be part of the statistics.
The study revealed a shocking information gap whereby many young women nowadays are still ignorant of even the most basic facts when it comes to how their body works.
Conducted amongst 1,800 young women aged between 16 and 24 in India, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam, the participants were asked 10 questions divided into five categories related to myths about their bodies and essential aspects of being a woman: female biology, pregnancy, virginity and health.
The answers were obtained via an online questionaire and face-to-face interviews.
The results of the study were compiled in April last year by international research company Millward Brown and were relatively consistent across participating countries despite social, cultural and economic differences.
Key findings showed that across South Asia, more than 60% didn’t know where their hymen was, almost 70% believed in some prevalent local myth and 40% of young women wondered why they have periods. Amongst the six countries in the study, Malaysian women ranked the lowest when it comes to understanding pregnancy and virginity issues, and only 3% were able to answer all questions correctly.
Several reasons accounted for the extent of the female body-knowledge gap in South Asia.
Firstly, young women surveyed highlighted a lack of formal education or instruction by qualified professionals. Almost 40% of those surveyed have never received a sex talk from either a medical practitioner, at school or a parent.
Dissatisfaction with the quantity of education given or information provided was also evident in the research.
Many of the young women expressed a need for more access to accurate information on every aspect of the female body, ranging from wanting to know how their body functioned to the first steps of understanding and coping with menstrual cycles, right up to pregnancy and motherhood.
Over half the women surveyed said that society doesn’t allow them to talk openly about their bodies, especially when it concerned “taboo” topics like periods and pregnancy. And, while many of the young women surveyed indicated they wanted to ask questions, they felt “it may be wrong to ask”.
Despite increased access to the Internet and the outward sophistication of young women today, a combination of misinformation and mystery have allowed myths to thrive in the countries surveyed.
In all aspects of their lives apart from their bodies, all the young women revealed a contemporary and confident outlook with their sights set on a career in addition to becoming wives and mothers one day.
The top concerns cited were school and career, relationships with family and friends, and their bodies. Better body knowledge emerged as a priority amongst this group of young women, with 92% believing that having body knowledge is important as it will allow them to feel more comfortable with themselves.
Equipping our young women with the right facts about their bodies will empower them to make informed choices when it comes to relationships, marriage, motherhood and long-term health.
Orang Edgecumbe Road: During my younger days, it was almost impossible to talk about these things with my mom or even my elder sisters. I hope the younger generations would be able to do so with their moms and siblings...otherwise, where do they turn to. Glad that I could talk about it with my girl...
Rethinking Sex Education
Thursday April 22, 2010
Rethinking sex education
By Patsy Kam
HAVING schools offer sex education is a disturbing thought. But, the consequences of having teenagers grow into men and women with poor body knowledge could be worse.
If parents and educators were more open-minded, it could help young people be more aware of their own bodies and equip them to deal with the emotional struggles stemming from sexual issues.
One of the biggest problems which Dr Hera Lukman noticed in schools here is that people tend to equate sex education with biology, when in fact, there’s a lot more to the subject.
“In Canada, biology class is much like how it is here. You learn about structure and human anatomy, but it’s all taught in a very detached manner. The difference is, the students are a lot more open. They make jokes and won’t hesitate to ask questions. And, all that helps towards understanding the difference between male and female,” says Dr Hera, a chartered psychologist and expert in body image.
Dr Hera Lukman
The mode of delivery in the Malaysian education system is the chief stumbling block as students are usually not encouraged to ask questions. What little sex education there is here starts too late, and things are made worse as the body is seen as a taboo subject.
“Things (in Western countries) are more open and not done in secret or offered in parallels, for example, when you talk about the birds and bees. There is more interactive learning.
“The issues are the same so it’s not really about Asians being more closed up about the subject, it’s about the culture of openness. I’m sure there are parents in Asia who are comfortable talking about sex with their children,” adds Dr Hera, who hails from Canada and has been teaching in Malaysia for six years.
“You can’t implement sex education at a click of a button. You have to tackle the myths as well, and the educators need to be comfortable and more savvy in teaching the subject. It’s also very hard to change perception. People often feel there’s something perverse if you want to find out more about the body,” she adds.
Of course, if you can’t get information from adults or friends these days, the next quickest source of information is the Internet. The top searched word, by the way, is sex.
“Parents may have a password protected computer at home but then, anybody can access the Internet at cyber cafes. However, the right information is hard to come by. There are lots of issues associated with a lack of understanding of one’s body which affect behaviour.
“From a very young age, women have been given the message of what being pretty is about. You are the way you look and your asset is your body, and it has to be a certain shape and look. So, before kids can really understand their bodies, they’ve already been told how they’re supposed to react, look and move with their bodies. It’s objectification from a young age.”
Despite being aware that Asians are far more reserved when it came to sexual matters, Dr Hera was still surprised by the results of The Kotex BodyLife IQ Study Of Young Women in South Asia and the extent of lack of body knowledge.
“Clearly, this is evidence that the ‘what’ (part of biology) is being taught at schools but not the ‘why’. I’m afraid if we carry on this way, we’re inadvertently rewarding women for their ignorance. By saying, ‘I’m a lady, I don’t ask such things (about sex), women are doing themselves and society a disfavour.
Haniza Tahir
“Even in Canada, sex education is not taught as a separate module, but talking about relationships is important,” Dr Hera explains.
It’s certainly a pertinent point as it is because of relationships that there are sexual issues. Teaching children how to protect themselves from sexual violence is also viewed as sex education.
“When we went to the schools and held talks, the girls were very open and asked all sorts of questions like ‘when should I have sex with a boy’ and ‘why do I get periods.’ And you wonder, as you would think all these are already taught in biology class,” says Haniza Tahir, who is a marketing manager at Kimberly-Clark (distributor of Kotex sanitary pads).
(Under the Kotex school programme, health and body knowledge talks and forums are organised regularly nationwide for female students.)
“Many were unaware of how one can get sexually transmitted diseases or even HIV. Some girls still believe stories that pineapple juice can induce abortion and wearing a bra can cause cancer. If you look at it as a whole, all of Asia displayed a general lack of knowledge of the female body,” adds Haniza.
The survey involved women from various parts of Malaysia including the east coast and the northern states.
“Surprisingly, both urban and suburban girls displayed the same ignorance although the urban folk asked more sophisticated questions.
“How then do you teach a young girl something basic like how to examine her breasts for cancer?”
Dr Hera says that it’s important to also educate boys to understand girls, as they are regarded as reference points as girls want to please them.
“Essentially, the message is much more than understanding biology. It’s about empowering women, being healthy, and viewing success and achievement that’s not necessarily linked to the body,” she concludes.
Rethinking sex education
By Patsy Kam
HAVING schools offer sex education is a disturbing thought. But, the consequences of having teenagers grow into men and women with poor body knowledge could be worse.
If parents and educators were more open-minded, it could help young people be more aware of their own bodies and equip them to deal with the emotional struggles stemming from sexual issues.
One of the biggest problems which Dr Hera Lukman noticed in schools here is that people tend to equate sex education with biology, when in fact, there’s a lot more to the subject.
“In Canada, biology class is much like how it is here. You learn about structure and human anatomy, but it’s all taught in a very detached manner. The difference is, the students are a lot more open. They make jokes and won’t hesitate to ask questions. And, all that helps towards understanding the difference between male and female,” says Dr Hera, a chartered psychologist and expert in body image.
Dr Hera Lukman
The mode of delivery in the Malaysian education system is the chief stumbling block as students are usually not encouraged to ask questions. What little sex education there is here starts too late, and things are made worse as the body is seen as a taboo subject.
“Things (in Western countries) are more open and not done in secret or offered in parallels, for example, when you talk about the birds and bees. There is more interactive learning.
“The issues are the same so it’s not really about Asians being more closed up about the subject, it’s about the culture of openness. I’m sure there are parents in Asia who are comfortable talking about sex with their children,” adds Dr Hera, who hails from Canada and has been teaching in Malaysia for six years.
“You can’t implement sex education at a click of a button. You have to tackle the myths as well, and the educators need to be comfortable and more savvy in teaching the subject. It’s also very hard to change perception. People often feel there’s something perverse if you want to find out more about the body,” she adds.
Of course, if you can’t get information from adults or friends these days, the next quickest source of information is the Internet. The top searched word, by the way, is sex.
“Parents may have a password protected computer at home but then, anybody can access the Internet at cyber cafes. However, the right information is hard to come by. There are lots of issues associated with a lack of understanding of one’s body which affect behaviour.
“From a very young age, women have been given the message of what being pretty is about. You are the way you look and your asset is your body, and it has to be a certain shape and look. So, before kids can really understand their bodies, they’ve already been told how they’re supposed to react, look and move with their bodies. It’s objectification from a young age.”
Despite being aware that Asians are far more reserved when it came to sexual matters, Dr Hera was still surprised by the results of The Kotex BodyLife IQ Study Of Young Women in South Asia and the extent of lack of body knowledge.
“Clearly, this is evidence that the ‘what’ (part of biology) is being taught at schools but not the ‘why’. I’m afraid if we carry on this way, we’re inadvertently rewarding women for their ignorance. By saying, ‘I’m a lady, I don’t ask such things (about sex), women are doing themselves and society a disfavour.
Haniza Tahir
“Even in Canada, sex education is not taught as a separate module, but talking about relationships is important,” Dr Hera explains.
It’s certainly a pertinent point as it is because of relationships that there are sexual issues. Teaching children how to protect themselves from sexual violence is also viewed as sex education.
“When we went to the schools and held talks, the girls were very open and asked all sorts of questions like ‘when should I have sex with a boy’ and ‘why do I get periods.’ And you wonder, as you would think all these are already taught in biology class,” says Haniza Tahir, who is a marketing manager at Kimberly-Clark (distributor of Kotex sanitary pads).
(Under the Kotex school programme, health and body knowledge talks and forums are organised regularly nationwide for female students.)
“Many were unaware of how one can get sexually transmitted diseases or even HIV. Some girls still believe stories that pineapple juice can induce abortion and wearing a bra can cause cancer. If you look at it as a whole, all of Asia displayed a general lack of knowledge of the female body,” adds Haniza.
The survey involved women from various parts of Malaysia including the east coast and the northern states.
“Surprisingly, both urban and suburban girls displayed the same ignorance although the urban folk asked more sophisticated questions.
“How then do you teach a young girl something basic like how to examine her breasts for cancer?”
Dr Hera says that it’s important to also educate boys to understand girls, as they are regarded as reference points as girls want to please them.
“Essentially, the message is much more than understanding biology. It’s about empowering women, being healthy, and viewing success and achievement that’s not necessarily linked to the body,” she concludes.
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