What R ur Views In A Diffrent Approach to Hikayat Hang Tuah

A culture cannot aspire for greatness if it treats its thinkers and intellectuals with callous disregard. In any other culture, a talent like Kassim Ahmad would be amply rewarded, his achievements widely acknowledged. Yet, the best that Malaysia could offer him shining star was a high school teaching position. This was at a time when the number of Malays pursuing graduate work was miniscule. Kassim had taught at the School of Oriental and African Studies, London. Worse, he was once detained under the ISA for daring to espouse his political views.

I first came to know of Kassim Ahmad through his writings while in secondary school thanks 2 my BM teacher MR Om . His novel and radical interpretation of the Malay classic, Hikayat Hang Tuah, shook the way I and most of Malays generally looked at our traditions and culture.

The traditional thinking was that the hero was Hang Tuah, hence the title. He personified the ideals of a Malay hero, someone loyal to the sultan. Even his name portends great things. Tuah means exceptional; a worthy name for a hero.

His protagonist, Hang Jebat, was the traitor who dared challenge the sultan. Even his name rhymes with jahat (rascal), an apt name for a purported villain.Then came Kassim's Perwatakan Hikayat Hang Tuah (the Characters in Hang Tuah). It would have remained an obscure academic exercise except for the fact that Dewan Bahasa was desperate to publish works in Malay. It had to resort to publishing student's theses!

Kassim frontally challenged the orthodox Malay thinking on authority, and royalty in particular. According to Kassim, the real hero is not Hang Tuah, rather the hitherto presumed renegade, Hang Jebat. To Kassim, Tuah is the typical palace sycophant who willingly sells his body and soul to the sultan, a loyalty conveniently reinforced by whatever largesse the sultan could bestow.Jebat is the rugged individualist, not awed by those who wield power. His loyalty is to institutions, not individuals. To Kassim, Jebat is the true hero, not the prodigal son, Tuah.It is a conflict of commitment to principles and institutions represented by Jebat, versus personal loyalty as presented by Tuah. It is this universal conflict, concretized in the setting of a traditional feudal society, which makes Hikayat Hang Tuah such a powerful and enduring piece of literature.

The account of his incarceration, Universiti Kedua (Second University), makes painful reading. A poignant passage describes the guards, under the guise of friendship, taking away for "safekeeping" Kassim's painfully written manuscript for a new novel. They then proceeded to destroy it in front of his eyes. Such cruelty! The spite of the guards was exceeded only by their ignorance. At a time when published works in Malay literature were sparse, this was an unbelievable act of utter stupidity, if not a crime against our culture.When reading Universiti Kedua, I could hardly contain my rage against the authorities for their cruelty to this man. I felt great sorrow for Kassim, but far greater sorrow for my fellow thoughtless countrymen.
A culture that treats its intellectuals with such cruelty cannot aspire for greatness.The Indonesian writer Parmoedya Ananta Toer suffered through the same humiliation while in prison, but he was unfazed. He committed his novel to memory by retelling it repeatedly to his fellow inmates. When freed, he quickly published his Pulau Buru quartet, as well as his memoirs, Nyanyian Sunyi Seorang Bisu (The Mute's Soliloquy) to international acclaim. Kassim, however, never quite recovered, and the world of Malay literature lost forever Zaman Pencaroba (Era of Crisis).Kassim's ability to shake the collective Malay psyche remains undiminished. In 1986, he released his Hadis: Satu Penilian Semula (Hadith: A Re-evaluation). This Book Was Banned In Malaysia but the English transalation is available in the library of the University of Arkanasas

Believe ME.....We r FOoLs..!!!!

Kassim Baba's novel interpretation of our literary classic, Hikayat Hang Tuah, forced me (and I hope also others) to look differently at our culture and world. I felt a sense of grand wonderment after reading his work, as if a thick veil had been lifted off me. Kassim whetted my youthful rebellious spirit. It fortified me to challenge the certitudes forced upon me by my culture. In the process, I saw the beauty and elegance of the world and of my culture. At the same time, I also became painfully aware of the ugliness of that world and my culture.Today, decades later and presumably much wiser as well as more accepting, I am still filled with wonderment on reading Kassim’s masterpieces, but for different reasons.Here I am in the Mecca of capitalism and fully embracing as well as benefiting from free enterprise, full of admiration and respect for this man who is an ardent and committed socialist.I believe firmly that free enterprise is the best avenue for achieving individual and as well as society’s fulfilment, while Kassim is fully committed to the egalitarian ideals of socialism. Our utopia is the same: a just, caring and prosperous society where citizens are free to pursue their personal ideals and dreams.While I am separated from Kassim by the vast knowlegde that he has, and philosophically even further away from him, yet I feel intellectually close to him. I greatly appreciate his works and welcome his views and ideas. I admire the man for his courage, talent and commitment. I respect him even more for such qualities are rare, and even rarer is the combination.In Malaysia, today, specifically in Malay culture, we remain deeply divided over trivial differences. We do not hesitate labelling each other as traitors for inconsequential political differences. With impunity, we denigrate each other as infidels for simply daring to express minor differences in interpretation of our faith. Our leaders disparage our young as being ungrateful for boldly asking uncomfortable questions.It is as if we expect Malays to be clones of one another.

In our culture, we are told to loathe and ostracise the black sheep. In doing this we implicitly compare ourselves to a flock of sheep, mindlessly following the shepherd. Indeed leaders especially those with a dictatorial bent would like their followers to be like sheep.It is well to remember that while a benevolent shepherd would lead his flock to greener pastures, a blind one could just as easily lead them off the cliff, and a deaf one to the wolf’s den.I have been exchanging views and letters with Kassim Ahmad for quite some time. The medium of the Internet brings us closer together as if we were in nearby villages. If a core capitalist like me and a staunch socialist like Kassim can be respectful of each other’s views and be welcoming of each other’s contributions, I fail to see why our larger community remains unnecessarily divided into liberal and fundamentalist Muslims, UMNO and PAS politicians, or monarchist and republican Malays. It pains me immensely, and I am certain Kassim too, to see our country thus polarised. Our diversity is our strength, not our weakness. It is our prized asset, not a cursed liability. We are humans, not sheep; we should expect and indeed welcome differences in taste, views and choices.

In the classic epic, the two heroes Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat could not resolve their differences. Their conflict consumed their friendship, and ultimately their honour and lives. It also divided and destroyed their community. There is no reason why modern day Hang Tuahs and Hang Jebats have to follow suit and allow that to happen to themselves and their community. If we must battle it out, let it be in the battlefield of ideas, and only there.

Anak Yang Soleh (The Prodigal Son)

When growing up, my Bahasa Malaysia teacher Mr Om Kumar(the Best BM teacher i had ...i was his Murid Kesayangan in SMk St Paul) used to tell me stories of Anak Yang Soleh (The Prodigal Son),knowing how much i loved politics in my school goin days.As the individual who would do society good. His reasons for relating such stories were obvious, as expressions of teaching duty as well as hope.Living in an alien world away from my familiar culture, these three provide my anchoring stability that bonds me to my traditions and values.In my view, Kassim Ahmad is one anak yang soleh. It pains me greatly that our society has chosen to ignore this man. Kassim however would prefer this state of affair. The last time the authorities paid heed to Kassim, he ended up in jail under the Internal Security Act! When members of the Islamic establishment read or claimed to have read Kassim’s works, they labelled him anti-hadith.In time, those establishment ulama will disappear with their pension, but Kassim and his ideas will endure. Thanks to insight of Kassim, our grandchildren and their grandchildren will still be debating Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat, and learning useful lessons from the discourse.I am always amused when my friends sarcasticly compliment me for my “courage” in expressing my views in a topic nodody gives a damm of.My response; I live in a society that prizes individual freedom; besides, I am beyond the reach of the ISA(harap harap laa). In truth, it is individuals like Kassim Ahmad who are truly courageous. They have felt the wrath of the authorities and yet continue to speak out against injustices and tyranny.Kassim Ahmad rejoined UMNO in 1986. He is a severe and persistent critic of the Malaysian brand of “politics as usual”, in particular political shenanigans and blatant corruptions. Nonetheless, he can be generous in his praises. In this interview as well in his earlier essays, he spoke warmly and favourably of Tun Mahathir. This led many to the mistaken belief that the man had “gone soft” or worse, become an apologist for the status quo.


An original narration i had from Mr Om when I was in Form 5 Basilian,yr 2005..Thank u Sir..for enlightening me...

Rewritten for Humanity and the New Breed of Young Malaysians by Kavinash...

The Cracks Have Been Covered...Lets Hope It StayZ That Way...!!

DATUK Seri Rafidah Aziz vehemently defended herself and her family against allegations that she had abused her position to issue approved permits (APs) to her relatives and certain individuals.
The International Trade and Industry Minister, who was challenged by Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang to explain claims that she had given APs to her son-in-law and that she was being investigated by the Attorney-General for corruption, was clearly miffed when she replied:
“I will not put up with slander against myself and my family. Don’t play with me. If I am a queen, you are the court jester. I will sue you!”
She was referring to Lim’s recent remark comparing her to a queen for her rare appearance in the Dewan.
Rafidah, who came to Parliament to answer two questions, demanded that Lim retract his statement and told him not to touch on her personal affairs.
“I am proud of my integrity in discharging my duties. Jangan seronok cakap celupar di sini (Don’t simply shoot off your mouth here).
“Your accusations touched on my personal affairs. I don’t want my integrity to be challenged. Don’t doubt my integrity. I don’t have any relation to any AP holders,” she said in a raised voice.
It was the Cabinet’s decision to give APs to MPs in 1997 after they had requested it, she said.
Rafidah had regained her composure by the time she replied to a supplementary question by Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (BN – Bintulu) on the rationale she had called for the abolishment of APs.
“Whether or not it would be abolished depends on whether it had achieved the objective of developing bumiputra entrepreneurs in the industry.”
Lim then stood up and cited the Standing Order to propose a motion that the House refer him to the Privileges Committee for slandering Rafidah, as she had claimed.
“I’m willing to do this as I did not slander her. The minister must reply to the corruption issue. I propose that the Dewan refer Ipoh Timur to the committee,” said Lim.
Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Yusuf Yaacob, who allocated about 45 minutes for Rafidah’s reply during question time, disallowed the motion.
Earlier, when Rafidah stood to reply to a query by Datuk Wan Hashim Wan Teh (BN – Gerik) on the national automotive industry, he remarked that the MPs were honoured by her presence in the House to personally answer the questions.
Rafidah started by explaining that she was unable to attend sittings for the first three days to reply to questions on her ministry as she had been away.
To a question by Datuk Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar (BN – Larut) who wanted to know why the ministry claimed that Proton was making profits while the information given to MPs stated that the national car company was recording losses, she said the ministry had never mentioned Proton’s losses or gains.
“It is up to the company to announce this. We’ve not ever stated that Proton was making profits or losses as we don’t control Proton. I’d like to put this on record,” she said.

The End Is Near!!! R the Cracks Visible?

ONE of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s favourite TV shows is the popular 1980s British sitcom, Yes Minister, about a thick-eared Tory politician Jim Hacker, who by the miracles of the democratic process became the Minister for Administrative Affairs.In one episode, the politician, played by Paul Eddington, told his wife that he was not worried about what his constituents were complaining about.Hacker said he only had to face the people once every five years but he was scared of his fellow MPs, who would query and grill him in Parliament.“It’s the question time I am worried. The public can vote you out every five years but the backbenchers can get you out by the end of the week,” said the panicky politician to his wife Annie in one episode.Like Pak Lah, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and other Malaysian leaders also watched the long-running political satire.International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz had obviously not taken seriously the one-hour allocation for questions and answers when the Dewan Rakyat sat from Monday to Thursday.On Thursday, there were resentment and anger from fellow Cabinet members and Barisan Nasional backbenchers when she did not attend the sitting to reply to the MPs on the controversial Approved Permit (AP) issue to import cars.It did not help that she decided to reveal the names of MPs who had received APs, with the elected representatives saying it was a move to arm-twist them into not speaking up on the issue.As far as the MPs were concerned, she should have been there to face them but rightly or wrongly, she chose to snub them.They told the press in no uncertain terms how they felt, and certainly did not care if she was away on a trade mission.Her absence could well be a turning point in her political career, with many now saying that her Cabinet position was untenable and that her holding to her position stubbornly would only hurt the Government.Just a few months ago, she was heckled and booed by Umno members at the party general assembly over the AP controversy.If that was not enough, she also ended up having an exchange of words, to put it mildly, with some of her fellow Cabinet members.One news report had it that she sniped at a minister who was smiling when the hot topic was brought up while another colleague was reportedly told to take care of his ministry first.Her colleagues described her as “combative”, “confrontational” and “abrasive” and one minister reportedly said the longest serving Miti minister was dismissive of anyone who disagreed with her.At the core of the controversy are the unanswered questions on the huge allocation ofAPs to a few individuals.Of the 67,000 APs issued this year, more than 28,000 went to Tan Sri Nasimuddin SM Amin, Datuk Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim, Datuk Mohd Haniff Abdul Aziz and Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad.The ministers felt Rafidah had not replied to several crucial issues on which they wanted answers.To put it bluntly, her integrity as a minister has been questioned at all levels and now, MPs from both sides of the benches, have spoken up openly against her with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz slamming her for not turning up to field questions on the AP issue.On Thursday, the Opposition attempted to refer her to the parliamentary privileges committee but what was astounding was the silence of government backbenchers when the DAP motion was rejected by Speaker Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib.The usual table thumping to signify approval was missing, a point certainly noted by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who attended the morning session on Thursday.They were obviously incensed that the names of MPs who received APs were revealed without an explanation.MPs and senators are entitled to an AP once in their lifetime as part of their perks.An irate Nazri told reporters that the AP issued to each MP and senator was not meant for them to resell for financial gain but for their own individual use.He said what probably raised the hackles of the MPs most was that Rafidah’s name was not on the list.In fairness to Rafidah, it was a question from Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang and she was merely providing a written reply.The public are actually interested in knowing which MPs have enjoyed such a perk but it would mean a lot to these elected representatives if her ministry took the trouble to explain it was only a one-off thing.But there is now a new dimension to the issue – Rafidah has stayed away from two Cabinet meetings chaired by Najib, although the Deputy Prime Minister has downplayed this sportingly.In August, she did not turn up for a Cabinet meeting where she was supposed to explain the AP issue, saying she was sick and needed treatment for a knee problem.On Wednesday, Rafidah was again absent from the Cabinet meeting chaired by Najib, This time, she is away in the United States on a trade mission.She should have turned up at the Dewan Rakyat to face the MPs, who are the people’s representatives, and to clear whatever doubts they might have.While the minister could have been on an important mission for Malaysia but the Dewan Rakyat is the most important forum.The perception now is that she had run away from the MPs or she had decided to ignore them. Either way, it’s bad for her image and reputation. The Government needs to move away from the AP issue.Despite the setting up of a committee, headed by the Prime Minister, to review and decide on all issues related to APs, the issue has not gone away.It has taken up too much of government time and attention.Rafidah has got herself into a corner because of her own doing. Worse, while she has put the Government in a tight spot she may have put her Cabinet job on the line now.

Lonely...Lonely...I am so lonely..I have nobody for my own...this dreaded lyrics of the most annoying song i've heard..Full of meaningfull words and hidden messages in the lyrics yet so damning in truth and hurtfull in reality.As i sit here in my room..this dreaded song finaly takes its effect on me...Staring at my computer screen blankly,my mind wanders off to all to the start of a day which in reality had a BAD start the moment the digital alarm clock in my room showed 12.00 a.m.

Its been real fast the way time flies and this fact reli hit me hard on the head real bad today.It jus seemed like weeks ago i was enrolling in to this Uni.But infact its been about 3 months since i set foot in the grounds of this campus and it reli hurts me because i know i din make the best of use my time.....watever it is,with the finals looming large the fear factor has kicked my my brain into an overdrive frenzy and to make matters worse i din sleep the whole night because of 2 of my troubled frens Kevin Isaac and Syikin.

I actually covered my whole HD study guide inside 3 hours,back to back,Non-Stop and i did almost all the T/F questions that were given....All this while being accompanied by the mesmerizing beats of Dj Tiesto's synthesizers pumping away the best rave and trance music around.Damm..that was so relieving..my brain is waiting to switch on the GET UR ASS ON THE BED mode button while my Self Conciousness jus wants to keep me up while filling my soul with all kindda sentimental crap.Why u might ask?

Am i a troubled soul or a soul that is in trouble?Truth is,Even i cant answer that because i always refer to myself as a very very special person,Smart,talented,yet i still find myself in all kinds of shit holes that NOW i feel So shitty and dumb!!!!(Wat the Fuck did i jus type)...

Damm .....My brains jus needs to have an overdose of oxygen so i am gonna go hang out in the scenic and cool atmosphere of Bukit Beruang( i am jokin rite?) So i am jus go out for a while....

Well....Whats the point of this POST?? Damm..i Still Dunno

Better Late Than Never!!!!

Hey ppl....sorry laa..lama d i din update...had sum crap to settle and this damm financial Eng crap is a taking a toll me...newayz since most of this blogs have ppl showing of their skills in poetry and watever English Crap..i jus wanna go against the normal flow laa....(laa..sumtin i learned from Rach) hehe....This is a piece of ....ermm.....well....Masterpiece laa...Thanks Mr Om and Ms Noraini.....and yea to my malay fren Syikin 2.....This is sumtin i Did in Form 4 laa...Won the Pesta Bahasa Melayu organised by JPNS....Here goes



Aku menulis syair ini
kerana ku ada pengalaman Bercinta.
Namamu adalah seni yang paling indah
pernahku dengar.
Wajahmu, kecantikan paling indah pernahku saksikan.
Daku merinduimu setiap kali melihat barang cantik.
Tiada madah yang boleh gambarkan kecantikanmu.
Berikanlah biola supaya bolehku mainkan muzik
yang dapat mengambarkan Kecantikan mu


Hey Its My own effort k....Real tear jerker wen i completed it....this was wat i used for my lisan test aso..hehe...My malay boleh tahanlaa..maybe not as hi tech n boombastic like razin's but i am sure it will still pass..hehe...newayz got to go...got quiz tom....

Sayonara...

P/s: Razin U dumb ASCHLO !!...

A New Dawn IS Born......Back In Bizness, Finaly!!!!

heya there............welcome to myself.after weeks of thinking of sum crap to do to pass my my free time..i finally decided to Blog.....ermmm well........the idea was mooted by Rachel laa...the mischievous Brat in my class....so here I am........ermmm......dunnolaa.....No Idea Redi .Well..., oh yep Man Utd won their 1st game..so hopefully lady luck keeps on Smiling on them...Hell Yeah.........Blue IS the New Black!!!