 For a university to deliberately deny its students, the majority away from home for the first time, suitable food is not merely cruel, it is a crime.
On Gastronomical 'discrimination' leaves students angry, hungry
G Thomas: Food is something close to our hearts. It not only nourishes, but has emotional and cultural dimensions as well. It is tied to memories of home and mother's cooking.
Especially for the young, leaving home is a wrench because they miss home food.
For a university to deliberately deny its students, the majority away from home for the first time, suitable food is not merely cruel, it is a crime. I am disgusted at Universiti Malaya's decision.
Variations of this dirty habit have been seen for decades in some government ministries. It has been their habit and practice to close down their only cafeteria, which serves only Malay food anyway, during the fasting month.
Don't they understand it is a violation of the cultural rights of non-Muslims? Probably faced with disgust, some now have these cafeterias at least partially open year-round.
But it is amazing when a supposed centre of learning denies suitable food to its students. It is amazing because the decision reflects, not knowledge and sophistication, but ignorance and stupidity.
It reflects stupidity because the decision will be naturally linked to some functionaries' notions about Islam and their misguided zeal to promote the religion. And by association, the decision reflects poorly on the religion.
The Universiti of Malaya seeks international recognition. Not surprisingly, it has an uphill task.
The petty bureaucrats running the university's administration should understand as a first principle that Muslim habits and practices including those related to food exist in a larger world.
They should respect the larger world and not behave like the proverbial ostrich. I wonder what Prof Ungku Aziz has to say about all this. I will not even ask what the alumni think.
Ratormo: The new UM VC has to show that he, to,o is a racist like his political masters. After all he owes his appointment to them.
If the new VC behaves anything like the fair, result-oriented and forward thinking previous female VC, he will be shown the door in no time.
So those in leadership positions please take note, this is how to keep your job.Lucid: The act of closing down services during a religious season and ignoring the need of others is sheer arrogant. This is not an attitude conducive to a multi-cultural and tolerant society. It is obvious that these are people who see their own beliefs are more important than others and does not show respect to other cultures. What is even more worrying is that this is a university. In fact, I believe that many other government and government-related organisations behave in a similar way too. That's why the people cannot trust BN to be just. They are turning their eyes away from 'cultural bullying'. And they are surprised that people of other cultures are not happy about it? People normally criticise others of a different faith or non-faith but I think what is really needed is that they take a good look at themselves in the mirror and listen to others for a change. Do it right and you don't need to say anything, the rakyat can see it. Do it wrong and the rakyat won't believe a damn thing you say. Actions speak louder than words.
On Gov't withdraws ban on Herald newspaper
JM Frank: I would like to say something about this. Some of your readers are of the impression that East Malaysian bumiputera speak mainly Malay. I don't know where this idea came from.
Why on earth should we speak Malay when we have our mother tongue languages? As a Catholic and an Iban from the central region of Sarawak, I don't care much about the ban.
The reason why is that I don't really read The Herald, especially the one that is written in Malay.
Another reason is that, not many people have Internet access or even the time to spend on reading an online magazine.
To all your readers out there, let me state that we in Sarawak do not use Bahasa Malaysia for our Mass services. It is either in Iban, Bidyauh, Melanau, English or Mandarin.
So, who would care about the ban? Hey, most of us understand English though many are not about to speak it fluently. Furthermore, one must pay to read The Herald. So I guess nobody would regret not reading the BM version of Herald.
It would be different if The Herald was written in Iban, Bidyauh, Melanau, English or Mandarin.
And it would be a good idea to write it in the local languages other than Bahasa Malaysia.
Why not commence with an Iban, Bidyauh, Melanau or Mandarin version of The Herald? I am sure the people of Sarawak would love it. As for Sabah, publish The Herald in their local languages.
This is the only way that we in East Malaysia are able to ensure the sustainability or our mother tongue language.
On Indians need practical help, not rhetoric
RS: We need a permanent social revolution to reorganise the socio- economic development of the country as well as the structure of the society for the humanity that we seek in each other.
Digest what the mass of Indian Malaysians face in their day-to-day lives for the systematic marginalisation and discrimination that dictates their survival in their own backyard.
There is no motive or a premeditated intention in all of us except for the well-being of society and accountability without fear or favor. No less, No more.
So let's take a stand rather than playing the role of lalang as the truth and reality faces you and what it expected of you.
On Time running out for 'deviationist' sect
Sohail A Choudry: I am writing to raise my concerns about the recent series of statement given by Dr Hassan Mohamed in local media in regards to the Ahmaddiya Muslim Jama'at with a notice to remove their Kalima Shahadah from their central mosque.
I regularly check to see if there is any news about the Ahmaddiya community which, sadly, is referred to as a 'deviating sect' of Islam by some. The Ahmaddiya community is, in no way, deviating from the teachings of Islam.
In fact, it is merely following a doctrine of peace and harmony, as laid out by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) with divine knowledge from the Supreme Being, Allah the Almighty.
To see hatred being propagated on this platform is truly tragic. Is there not enough hatred amongst the Muslims already?
Then why should anybody fall prey to the political gain which the 'propagators of hate' take from these unjustified activities?
I personally request you to visit the Ahmaddiya Jama'at, and also take time to watch the Muslim Television Ahmaddiya, to see for yourself if the contents any way deviate from true teaching of Islam and if at all, we spray hatred on anyone.
We believe ourselves to be Muslim and will continue to do so and will also continue to pray for the progeny of Muhammad (s.a.w) to be guided to the right path.
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