YOURSAY ‘Jamil Khir Baharom is a joke and really no one should take him seriously.’

 

Don: Don't make Islam butt of jokes

Malaccan: I agree wholeheartedly that anyone's religion should not be made into a joke by anyone. There must be mutual respect.

 

However, adherents to a religion sometimes make themselves into a joke, and unfortunately drag down their own religion. This happens to all religions. Often the greatest liability to a religion are those who profess it.

 

Unfortunately in this case, those who hold themselves out to be the religion's defenders act in such ways as to bring ridicule to their beliefs.

 

For example, the banning the opening of these Muslim-owned eateries before 3pm. Likewise those who want to be more religious than what the religion requires by banning certain words which their own scriptures allow.

 

Indeed, there should be an implosion of outrage towards them by their own co-religionists.

 

Oracle: I was not aware that Muslim restaurant owners catered only to Muslim patrons. It is fasting that is mandatory for healthy Muslims, so why penalise the poor restaurant owners?

 

MinahBulat: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Jamil Khir Baharom is a joke and really no one should take him seriously.

 

You recall the 1Bomoh issue, he said that his department will investigate the bomoh, but till today no news. This is another of his sick jokes to ensure Muslim are pious.

 

Ratbatblue: Amazing! One new rule everyday. I am waiting for tomorrow's surprise, but at the same time I sympathise with my Muslim friends, who are being assailed from all sides, especially during this holy month.

 

While not claiming to know the religious significance of such rulings, simple logic tells me that these "rules" have been made by mere mortals with ulterior motives.

 

Political analyst Maszlee Malik rightly questions why McDonalds outlets (and other fast-food chain) being left out by this ruling. So a Muslim member of the public can patronise them at all hours?

 

If they can do so only during the "non-fasting" times, then the Muslim restaurants must be allowed to be kept open at all times to cater for non-Muslim patrons, while refusing to entertain Muslim ones. This is not Saudi Arabia, mind you.

 

Abasir: "Political analyst Maszlee Malik questioned why fast-food franchises, which operated for 24 hours, are not subjected to the same directive."

 

The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind. They are perhaps Umno-owned.

 

Fair Play: Maszlee Malik, as a right-thinking non-Muslim Malaysian, I am very happy to know that indeed there are sane and rational Muslim Malaysians among us.

 

And how would such actions help their faithful to strengthen their faith or help small Malay businesses in their livelihood in these trying time?

 

Apa Ini?: The authorities in Islam forget that fasting is an act of faith and personal devotion. Whether you open your shops or not, the devout Muslim need to decide if he buys or sells or fasts.

 

One can fast outside of Ramadan too - it just takes more discipline doing it alone. Why the need for external pressure and enforcement?

 

Cinta: All restaurants must not open till 3pm during Ramadan. Otherwise, charge those who open early for enticing Muslims to eat. Non-Muslims should learn to fast also. It’s good for their health.

 

2 Tim 1:7: “And when you fast, do not put on a sad face as the hypocrites do. They neglect their appearance so that everyone will see that they are fasting. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. When you go without food, wash your face and comb your hair, so that others cannot know that you are fasting..." (from the Holy Bible, Mat 6:16-18).

 

RZC: If Malay Muslims and shop owners are happy with this directive, who are we to say otherwise. It is they who will suffer. We can go buy our food at other outlets. 

 

 

Umno, DAP make peace over Ramadan tiff

CQ Muar: All's well that ends well... that should be the spirit of Ramadan and at all times. We're living in a multi-ethnic society, therefore should never lumped everything together in the name of politics or race.

 

Gone are the days when Chinese were freely welcomed to Malay celebrations and vice versa, and such Malaysian traditions should be persistently encouraged for a healthy nation.

 

Let's not allow some extremist oddballs to destroy such unique warmth, which otherwise will be detrimental to our peaceful existence.

All manner of spites, insults and hateful slogans must cease, and put to a halt by all parties regardless of political divide or inclinations - together we forge ahead for peace and harmony as true Malaysians free of racial animosity.

 

Bring back the spirit of nostalgia of yesteryears in which we lived as one.

 

Drngsc: Thank God there are still some level-headed Umno leaders around. This is what we need. Level-headed Malaysians who can work together despite our differences in race and religion.

 

Democrat: Hats off to Kluang Umno Youth chief Khairul Anwar Rahmat. It was a sincere gesture during an auspicious period. This is the kind of politics we want and need.

 

Roar For Truth: Indeed, Khairul Anwar as Youth chief is far more mature than some of his leaders.

 

Baiyuensheng: Nice story. Maybe Malaysiakini should publish more of this side of our social fabric.

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