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Oleh/By : DATO' SERI DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Tempat/Venue : PUSAT DAGANGAN DUNIA PUTRA,
KUALA LUMPUR
Tarikh/Date : 05/09/97
Tajuk/Title : UMNO GENERAL ASSEMBLY
REDEEMING DIGNITY OF RELIGION
1. This is the 40th year UMNO is leading the
Government which rules independent Malaysia. Our party
can be proud for being able to govern the country for so
long. Actually this is not the case with most political
parties which struggled for independence and succeeded
to form the government. Once the countries gained
independence they could not remain as the ruling parties
even for one or two decades, especially if the system
practised is democracy. The people are easily bored
with a political party although it has succeeded and
served the people in the struggle for independence.
2. A political party which rules a country that has
just gained independence is different from a party which
rules a country that has never been colonised. The
government of a country which has just been given
independence is not only required to administer, but
also to fulfill the independence and develop the country
so that it is more progressive than during the time it
was colonised.
3. Even governing and imposing laws, rules and
regulations will not be easy for a government which has
just taken over. The administrators are usually not
experienced may not be efficient, honest or can easily
be bribed and so on. If it is not democratic, if it is
feudal or run by a single party or a dictator,
oppression, cruelty, misuse of power and deviation can
easily crop in. The people may be forced to topple a
dictator and destroy everything in the process. But, in
a democratic country, an effective government cannot be
established if tussle for power and irresponsible action
of the people are always happening. Actually there is
no political system or government which can guarantee
the progress of a country. Many other factors are
needed.
4. Thanks to Allah, we in Malaysia do not have a
dictatorial government. We are democratic. We know
democracy has certain weaknesses. The people could be
bribed with money or wasteful development; the people
may choose a senseless leader, one who is greedy, who
only wants position, who is corrupt and so on because
the voters are influenced with certain propaganda,
including racial and religious sentiments. It is not
exactly right to say that the majority of the people are
wise and know how to choose a leader. Because of
loyalty to certain individuals or influenced by the
ideology or parochialism, the majority may make an
unwise choice which can be detrimental to the country.
5. After being elected, the leader may be found to be
unsuitable, not keeping his promise, corrupt or the
like. Unfortunately in a democracy, bringing down those
who have been elected is not easy. There are those who
will continue to strongly support these leaders because
of self interest, because they have been bribed, because
they like to protect the party ideology and for many
other reasons.
6. What is clear is that it is not easy to just form a
government and run a country . What more to develop a
country. For a democratic or undemocratic country, what
is easy is to just let the situation perpetuate while
the leader basks in his status and power. Today, it's
the turn of this leader, tomorrow the turn of another
one to enjoy the position.
7. Thanks to Allah, Malaysia has succeeded in using
the democratic system, elect the Government and enjoy an
effective administration. But merely this will not
ensure our progress. To progress, we need good ideas,
an approach that can realise the ideas and capable
managers. When our country progresses and our
programmes materialise it means these factors are with
us.
8. But we cannot be complacent with the normal
progress. In this era, we need strength to prevent from
being colonised in a new way. The strength does not
mean in the military form, although to a certain extent
it is needed. The strength we need is the strength that
comes from political stability, economic health, social
justice, efficient administration, the acquisition of
knowledge and sophisticated technology which is no less
than that of developed nations.
9. The question is are we capable of acquiring this
comprehensive strength? We should remember that those
who chase must be faster than those being chased.
Otherwise we will certainly not get to our target. Our
target moves and will not wait for us. Can we, the
Malays and Bumiputeras, move fast until we can achieve
our objectives?.
10. Simply thinking about the immensity of the
challenge that we face can frustrate us from the start.
Those who are frustrated normally reject the need to
pursue the target and cheat oneself with the claim that
it is not true that the targets are better than their
situation. This is the sour grape psychology as they
cannot enjoy it.
11. This type of people try to deny their weaknesses by
saying that wealth, strength, efficiency and knowledge
possessed by others do not bring any good. Those said
to be progressive are not really progressive as progress
cannot be measured with material achievement. Success,
they say, has a different meaning. Actually those said
to be left behind are more successful although they may
not be seen to be successful.
12. There are those who are frustrated because they
had failed, and start to terrorise blindly. Children,
when angry and disappointed, destroy what they have with
them to vent their anger. Those who fail and do not see
how they can overcome their failures also vent their
anger in the same manner. They terrorise, kill, bomb
and bring down aircraft together with innocent
passengers. They vent their anger on the weak, often on
their own people and their own country.
13. By doing so, they will continue to be left behind,
humiliated and oppressed. But they do not know other
ways than these negative means.They will not change
tactics, will not try to pursue progress, will not turn
to more rational means because from the start they
believe they are not capable, will not succeed or are
not ready to persevere with the long time needed to
pursue success. They do not believe in themselves.
Therefore they will continue with their negative ways
and remain backward permanently.This is what we see in a
number of countries, especially Muslim countries which
face problem of violence by extremist religious groups.
14. Are we included in these groups? Frustrated,
believe that we cannot possibly succeed, cheat ourselves
and vent our anger? There are among us who have this
kind of thinking, consciously or otherwise. Therefore,
they want us not to try to make ourselves successful.
They want us to arrogantly claim we are already better
off, more successful and bigger than others no matter
what proof is given to deny this claim.Deep in their
hearts, they know their claim is not true. They know
they are not the masters, but actually slaves. But
because they are not confident that they can become
masters, they cheat themselves by making claims
repeatedly that they are the masters.
15. Thanks to Allah, now more people believe we can.
And of course we can. We are not yet able to achieve
everything we try, but Insya'Allah, we will. We can do
them with repeated attempts; we can do them through
perseverance, learning, trying and trying again until we
can.
16. What are we short of? From the physical aspect,
from mental and determination, we are no different from
races which have advanced. The difference is our
culture, our value system and the civilisation that we
have built. Are we going to lose our identity, the
identity of our race if we improve our values until we
can establish a new culture and civilisation for
ourselves? Culture and civilisation which are more
suitable for progress, which can redeem and uphold the
dignity of our race?
17. For example, we respect diligence. But we know we
are not so diligent. If we do something, we do not go
all out until we really succeed, until the outcome of
our work achieves very high quality. We are easily
satisfied with the result of our work. Not so good,
less durable, not so lasting, not so beautiful and not
so clean does not matter. As such the outcome of our
work is not so good, not very lasting and is substandard
in all aspects, that is of lesser quality.On the
contrary, an advanced race is so diligent, so critical
of the results of their work, so particular about
quality and durability and so on.
18. For instance, not many things are left behind by
our ancestors. In developed countries, old buildings
still stand magnificently although built a thousand
years ago. Their fortresses are still strong and can be
used. The original beauty is still there.
19. Buildings of our ancestors are not there anymore.
They did not build permanent buildings. They did not
construct buildings with lasting and strong material.
As long as they could be used at the time, it was
enough. What was the need for buildings that last? We
are not going to use them after we die. It is
sufficient for them to be only temporary - one day, one
month, one year, 10 years. Why the need for buildings
to last 100 years?
20. In Europe, we find building in villages and towns
with fortresses of more than 1,000 years old still
inhabited and used for trade and defence. In fact,
these towns have unique shapes and are so attractive to
tourists; and become the source of income to the people
until today.
21. We made boats, for example, crudely. As long as
they could be used and not sink, it was enough. Whether
they were for the rulers or dignitaries or the country,
they should not be anything more than temporary. They
were made crudely, with planks nailed without
consideration to the length. Some were wide, some not.
The floor were placed simply, no roof, no room, not
sufficiently equipped and not decorated. The quality of
work was not important. As long as they could be used,
that's enough.While in the west as time went by, larger
boats were built until they became ships, then made from
steel, equipped with rooms and decorated like palaces;
our boat did not grow, still made from wood, not
equipped with sailing materials and left just like that.
22. We used rows or sails without taking into
consideration the sizes or their efficiency. We did not
make sailing an area of study that needed research and
be recorded so that others who wished to sail could
learn and apply them.We did not provide comprehensive
sailing maps. We simply guessed. We asked those who
probably knew or used to it and made rough guides. We
used it just once, we did not record it for us to
remember later or to become the guides for others. If
we remember fine. If not, doesn't matter. Only ask
when we get lost.
23. People say, if a German is asked to write about a
mosquito, we will find volumes of thick books which
contain everything about the insect; from its shape,
rough or smooth, so indepth to the extent of its habit,
its died, the way it breeds, its home and one thousand
and one things about it. For us, probably two or three
sentences are enough on this useless insect. What's the
point of wasting time on an insect which only knows how
to bite. Because of the kind of views we have that we
do not relate mosquito with malaria which killed
hundreds of thousands of people. Certainly even if we
know that the mosquito bite is dangerous, we assume that
all mosquito bring malaria and do not care to learn that
only the aedes mosquito which has a certain shape and
certain habits cause dengue.And because we do not know,
we cannot save ourselves from this fatal disease. If
not for other people of different culture undertaking
research, we may just accept malaria in our country as
natural and even worst, we may even blame God. That God
equip us with the brain and then we fail to use it, does
not cause us to feel guilty at all.
24. These examples show how different is our culture
with that of and advanced race. We may think that
cultural difference is not important. But actually it
is these difference which help determine who is advanced
and who is not.The question is are we prepared to accept
and practise the culture that can make us progressive.
Are we going to become less Malay or less Iban or
Kadazan or less Malaysian because we accept certain
aspects in a foreign culture? I do not think we will
become less Malay, less Iban, less Kadazan or less
Malaysian just because we are more interested to learn
something indepth, we are more knowledgeable, we are
more disciplined and systematic in terms of methods and
approach and are more concerned with the knowledge we
accumulate which can possibly be used not only by us but
also by others and other generations.We do not become
Europeans because we wear coat and tie, speak English,
practise democracy and not feudalism.
25. Compare the open research in the Western culture
with the attitude of our bomoh and dukun. If our bomoh
and dukun find or invent a potent medicine, they will
hide the ingredients from others. They will not write
in the journal on the matter . They will not conduct
studies sincerely, that is without being influenced by
self interest.Whether potent or not, the claim on the
effectiveness of their medicine continues and the recipe
hidden. When they die the recipe is lost, the potent
medicine is lost. Unfortunate will be for those who fall
sick after the bomoh or dukun is not around anymore.
26. Today knowledge on medicine expands rapidly because
advanced races did not hide their knowledge. We can
also share this. But can we share the knowledge of our
past and present bomoh and dukun?Isn' t it a loss to us
when knowledge is hidden just because those who invent
the medicine want to keep the benefits that can be
reaped from it for themselves? Despite this, we know
that there is no dukun who became wealthy because of his
knowledge, no generations of dukun or bomoh who are
academic, respectable and wealthy.On the contrary,
although the medical experts of advanced races exposed
their knowledge, they did not lose because of it. The
world respects them and their names are written ink gold
ink and are always remembered. Many were awarded with
Nobel Prize. Certainly they became richer than our
bomoh and dukun who have ingredients of potent medicine.
27. That is the extent of difference between our
culture and that of the advanced races. Did they become
progressive because of this culture of theirs or that
they can practise this culture because they are
advanced? Can we say this culture does not influence the
progress that they have achieved? Let us ponder to
gether.
28. There are many more differences in culture and
life's values between those who are less advanced. We
are half advanced race and certainly some of the things
in our culture are different from those who are less
advanced than us.We see how those who are less advanced
always struggle for power, practise corruption openly,
do not like to live with rules and laws, indisciplined,
lazier than us, never make an attempt to absorb better
system and approach and many other differences. That is
why they are less advanced than we are. And we often
say things which are not good about them, why they do
not do this and that like what we do.
29. These less advanced people are probably more
advanced than the primitive races who live slightly
better off than God's creations which have no capability
to think. If we study the difference in the
achievements of these races, we will definitely see the
link between culture and the performances of the races.
30. We can be proud of our level of progress thus far.
Unfortunately when we begin to easily feel satisfied
with the little things we have, the sign is our
performance of progress will decline. This is because
those who have already advanced are not static. They
continue to progress and leave us who do not move
behind; as time goes by, they progress further, until we
are considered by them as a primitive race.
31. And that is not all. They will oppress us, will
enslave us. Maybe we just accept being humiliated and
enslaved. What's wrong? But we like to claim ourselves
as the master. We want people to respect us. We want.
But people will not give just because we want. They
will only give to us if there is something within us
which forces them to respect us, forcing us to become
their master.
32. An English proverb says, "There is no need to
reinvent the wheel". The wheel has been reinvented,
just copy. What is needed is that the wheel needs to be
improved so that it become faster. A round tree trunk
can be cut to make a wheel, but this wheel will be
heavy, easy to break and will not be fast. If a hole is
bored in the middle of this thin wood, it becomes
lighter, faster but easily breakable. But if the wheel
is tied with steel around it, the wheel will become
stronger and more durable. And if the wheel is
installed with compact rubber tyre or with air tyre,
the wheel becomes more efficient. For a culture with
gives priority to continued progress, research is made
continuously to invent better things.
33. Although we do not need to invent wheels, we should
upgrade the sophistication of the wheels we use.
Similarly if we want to progress, the ways and culture
to progress are already there. There is no need for us
to invent new ways and culture. We only need to drop
what is considered not good and improve the copied
culture which can bring benefits.
34. The Arabs during the pre Islamic days were
ignorant. They were so influenced by their tribes that
they never stopped fighting among themselves. They must
have forgotten the reasons that led to them being
enemies, but their enmity and fights continued.
35. Their culture was uncivilised and hostile. They
often killed their daughters. They did not respect
women, seeing them as an asset that was changeable with
other goods and as the slaves of the family.
36. In short, the Arabs before Islam were left behind,
unprogressive, unrespected by anyone, ignorant,
uneducated and illiterate. This was the culture of the
pagan Arabs.
37. Later on these ignorant Arabs accepted Islam which
not only advocated faith in one God Allah and his
Messenger Muhammad, but also noble values. They were
united in Islam to the extent they became brothers,
respected the women, gave priority to justice,
appreciated and respected the Quran and other holy
books, they considered knowledge important and they
sought knowledge which had been explored by the Greeks
and other races.
38. The Arab culture changed radically after they
embraced Islam. From ignorant and weak people and only
knowing how to live in the desert in a primitive way
they succeeded in building an empire which almost
covered the entire world at that time, that was before
America was discovered.
39. They not only managed to acquire knowledge in
science, mathematics, geography and other old knowledge
possessed by the Greeks and Romans, but also explored
new knowledge like sailing, astronomy, algebra and
logarithm. They recorded their researches until many
scientists from Europe went to learn their knowledge
from their madrasah.
40. They were advanced in all aspects. They could used
iron and minerals to the extent that Damascus was known
for its high quality steel, glass and ceramic, buildings
decorated with Arabesque inscription and gardens which
had fountains whose water was derived from a far away
mountain.
40. These people of the desert were successful in the
agricultural field in countries they conquered like
Spain. Their sailors sailed to the East up to the
islands in the Malay Archipelago and to the West and up
to Spain.Their traders were successful over the world.
Alkaf and Alsagoff are names of Arab traders who were
rich and at one point controlled the entrepot trade in
Singapore and Jawa. The culture absorbed by the pagan
Arabs after they accepted Islam clearly made them
successful in this world. Therefore it is not true the
claim that Islam is a religion strictly for the world
hereafter.
41. That was the effect of the acceptance of Islam and
Islamic culture on the Arabs who were uncivilised and
ignorant. From an unprogressive race and one who only
knew how to fight among themselves, they became a race
who was united and were far advanced that Europeans
during that era.
42. Today, the Arabs are considered backward, found to
have been left far behind in all aspects. They are
being humiliated and often fooled by Europeans who at
one time conquered all Arab nations.
43. Why did this fate befall them while they are still
Muslims? Is Islam and the Islamic culture not suitable
anymore in this modern time?
44. The answer is although the Arabs are Muslims, they
have ignored many of the teachings of the religion. For
example, while Islam professes that Muslims to unite as
brothers, the Arabs not only do not act like brothers,
but even fight among themselves. They return to their
uncivilised ways by being permanent enemies between one
Islamic Arab country with another. Money and weapons
are used to fight and kill fellow Muslims. The non-
Muslim are taken as partners to fight with other
Muslims.
45. Wars are normally influenced by greed, the desire
to get the wealth of other Muslim countries of due to
different political ideologies. Sometimes the excuse
given was that the other parties were less Islamic, had
deviated and could not be regarded as brothers in Islam
anymore.Small groups in the Muslim community who were
frustrated because their opinion of Islam was not
accepted by the society terrorised and killed other
Muslim blindly.
46. Knowledge that is said to be related to Islam is
not sought anymore. Certainly studies and explorations
in science and other fields are not given attention by
Arab Muslim and non-Arabs. As such, the Muslims become
backward, weak and depend on others, including those who
are their foes, for almost all their requirements and
defence in this modern era.While they reject knowledge
that is considered non-Islam, they unashamedly buy and
use the products derived from the non-Muslim knowledge,
including weapons to kill other Muslims.
47. Concentration and attention are on small matters
which are insignificant in the progress of Muslims or
protecting them. Though Islam has freed women from the
culture of the uncivilised Arabs, injustice to women has
resurfaced so much so there were those who said that all
social problems were the result of women. So, attempts
were made to segregate them so that they could not
seduce men. But men do not become better because of
this action. We feel ashamed to mention it, but in our
country certain crimes which are caused by sexual desire
occur more often among the Malays who are Muslim than
the non-Muslims. Islamic teachings are not wrong.
The fault is with us who pay attention to the question
of covering the aurat more then from the effect of
covering the aurat of our moral. Just like the horses
and swords which are no more effective for defence,
covering the aurat of Muslims is not effective anymore
in containing the lust in the multi-racial society.
This is because today many Muslims visit the countries
of non-Muslims who adopt different cultures. The mass
media had made the prohibition to cover the aurat not
implementable .This method in handling problems is
similar to trying to prohibit the enemies from using
modern weapons because we want to use swords and
horses.
48. Because of this, the Muslims Arabs who were
advanced in the past are backward. The Muslim empire
established by the generation of pagan Arabs who
embraced Islam are not around anymore.Those who wished
to revive the glory of Islam and the Muslims by
following the interpretation of the Islamic teachings
during the Islamic glorious period were
obstructed.Others only try to pacify their hearts by
claiming that the progress of the non-Muslims is
actually not progress. They also try to claim directly
or indirectly that the world hereafter is theirs, as if
they know they are sinless although they ignore many of
the important teachings of Islam.
49. We are Malays who are Muslims. More than the Arabs
or other races who are Muslims, Malay nationalism is
directly associated with Islam. A person is not a Malay
unless he is a Muslim. That is our stand towards
Islam.If the pagan Arab who accepted Islam could become
so advanced and strong until they succeeded in building
the Islamic Empire is it not possible the Malays with
such a strong faith in Islam can also enjoy progress and
successes ad the pagan Arabs who embraced Islam? Is it
nor possible that the culture of the Malays change so
that it is consistent with the progress and successes
which at one time were found among the Muslims?
50. We Malays do not intend to build an empire. Our
aspiration is moderate. We like to be just as
progressive as other races who have progressed. With
that we can redeem the dignity of our race, to a certain
extent the dignity of our religion and even the dignity
of Bumiputra in this country.
51. For more than 50 years Umno has struggled to redeem
the dignity of the Malays. Umno's struggle cannot be
separated from the struggle of Muslims because it is
clear that when Umno succeeds, when Malaysia succeeds,
the world acknowledges Islam has succeeded.Although
there are many non-Muslims in Malaysia, this does not
deny the fact that Malaysia is a country led by Muslims.
Actually there has been no Islamic country led by
Muslims that has been considered successful. What more
with our country where the Muslims who from the majority
group need to lead the non-Muslims without causing
adverse effect on the country's Islamisation and
promoting it. However, without using force, Umno has
succeeded.
52. We are not shouting that we are the hero of the
Muslims. But Malay nationalism and Islam cannot be
separated. When the Malays succeed Muslims succeed too
as all Malays are Muslims. There is no need for us to
make noise, beat our chests and shout "We are the Muslim
fighters".
53. But we certainly know that we have not succeeded
enough. To really redeem the dignity of race and
religion, our progress must at least be on par with
those said to be advanced in this world, those
respected, even feared by all including Muslims and
Islamic countries.It is clear that our struggles have
not ended yet and will not possibly end in a short
period because we are pursuing a moving target, a target
which does not wait for us.
54. From what I have mentioned on the role of culture,
on the successes of progressive people, on the impact
Islam had on the uncivilised Arabs and the developments
in the history of Islam during the glorious period and
during backward time, it is clear that we can achieve
progress if we are prepared to change and form a culture
suitable to achieve successes. Our capabilities are
not less than those of others who are now progressive.
Not the colour of the skin weather or race which
determine achievements. Certainly it is not Islam which
is an obstacle to progress. What obstruct progress is
the culture we have formed for ourselves, which we
consider suitable with Islam and giving identity to the
Malays; this culture has obstructed our progress to a
level which is our aspiration.
55. It is not that the culture is all unsuitable. If
it is 100 percent not suitable, we certainly would not
have reached today's level. But to place our race on
par with those who have advanced in this world and so
that we are not humiliated and oppressed by other races,
we must consciously and wisely form a culture which can
ensure that we can achieve the objective of becoming a
progressive race.
56. In this effort Umno must become the pacesetter and
pioneer. If Umno does not dare to show good examples,
believe me our race will become backward, left behind,
laughed at by others and humiliated. We are not
arrogant but there is no other party or organisation
which can and has the opportunity to form a new culture
for the Malays so that they can face the challenge of
the modern world, especially in the information
technology era which knows no borders among countries.
57. Many things have been done by Umno so far. The
Malay culture in this era is not the same as the culture
of the Malays when Malaysia was colonised, in fact not
even the same with the Malay culture when we were
fighting for independence and during the early post-
independence period. The greater part of the new Malay
culture was formed consciously and often unconsciously
too by Umno and the change in the country's social,
political and economic climate brought about by the
administration of Umno's leadership.
58. Generally the change of culture among the new
Malays has helped made them successful. Today they do
not drop out, are not isolated from the country's
economy, politics and social development.In business and
industries, they have shown the capabilities we do not
even expect they would have. They managed to acquire
the knowledge and skills which they themselves believed
before were possessed by others. They do not feel
inferior and shy as before when the country wealth was
almost 100 per cent owned by others. Generally they
have more or less succeeded in redeeming the dignity of
their race.
59. But they also have to admit that not all the new
culture is good. There are many elements which are not
good in the new Malay culture. If in the past the
Malays were not involved in negative activities such as
dadah addiction, today the majority of dadah addicts are
Malay youths. It is the same with AIDS, social crimes
such as rapes dumping of babies, child and wife
battering, slandering and many other things.We are
worried with these elements, the efforts to establish a
new culture among the Malays may not succeed of may be
half successful, not enough for us to promote them fully
and make them a progressive race.
60. That is why we are very serious about the problem
of corruption in the administration and in the party as
well as the problem of money politics. Corruption will
cause the greedy, those without morals and the
unqualified, to be chosen as party and government
leaders. This kind of people will always abuse power to
enrich themselves while in position and to ensure that
they would continue to get support. The people will be
bribed with the Government's money which should be used
for national development, for the prosperity of the
people.
61. Corruption will only benefit certain
people, people who can use their power as a leader for
their own interest. It is not possible for all the
people to benefit. The majority of the people will be
disappointed. Everything will be more expensive because
the element of corruption needs to included.If it is not
curbed corruption will spread and become a normal
practice by those who hold any position. An office boy
can also force a client to bribe him in order for
something to be done. And those at the top will not
prevent him from accepting bribes because they would
also want their share. And on until the Minister and
Prime Minister.It is not possible for these people who
accept bribes known by all officers and staff members to
prevent and discipline any of their subordinate.
62. All costs involving Government dealings will go up
because of bribery for those at all levers-officers,
staff members and Minister. And then the banks will be
involved and capital costs and every loan will become
more than the cost of interest. Bribery to bank
officers, known as `football money' was very widespread
not so long ago. Whenever something is in shortage and
difficult to obtain, there is a need for bribery to get
it, even though it is from businessmen. This is also the
same with essential services from the Government or
private sector.
63. In short when corruption becomes part of the
national culture, every cost, from Government dealings
to the production of goods or services and selling
prices, will increase. Every type of work will take a
longer time to be done.There is no certainty in any
dealings, in terms of cost or time. It is not possible
to achieve efficiency and all development will be
interrupted.Trade in and outside the country will be
difficult and not competitive because of the high cost
and inefficient service. In the end the performance of
national development will decline. Everyone will be poor
although earnings are high because everything is
expensive. Those involved in corruption will also face
the consequences because they are living in a poor and
backward country and they will be looked down by other
people and other races.
64. Corruption is not the only culture practice which
can destroy us. There are other bad practices and
values that can destroy us. And we must eliminate these
bad values.
65. But we cannot be passive, protecting ourselves from
the negative. If we want to advance we need to plan and
implement a strategy that can enable us to advance.
66. Here we need to determine our objective and
strategy. Do we really want to become an advanced race
or isn't this important or necessary to be attained
because progress does not bring about any advantage.Many
have said that we should be satisfied with what we have.
In fact, some have claimed that fate has determined what
we have and we should just be thankful. The little that
we have cannot increase (Rezeki secupak tidak akan
menjadi segantang). Poverty in life will be rewarded
with wealth in the hereafter. Humiliation in this world
will be rewarded with greatness in the hereafter.
67. We will reject this claim. But our attitude of not
wanting to work hard, easily satisfied, quick to waste
when we are a little well-off, quick to move from
chasing wealth to chasing fun which is sometimes
forbidden, shows that we have not absorbed honourable
values that give priority to dignity more than
fulfilling desires. The little wealth that we are
enjoying has already destroyed our morals and our young
generation. They loaf around, are involved in bohsia,
use drugs and so on. Are we really convinced that the
progress that we have attained can be perpetuated by
those who will inherit from us.
68. If really want to progress, because progress in
this world is equally important with happiness in they
hereafter; if we want to progress because we value our
integrity; if we want to progress because we want to be
master in the true sense; than we have to be sure that
we are capable and in a position to be `master'. It is
useless if we claim ourselves to be `master' while we
and our people easily oppressed and humiliated.
69. To be `master' we need to have certain qualities.
We have to have certain knowledge and efficiency. We
will not acquire knowledge and efficiency if we are not
prepared to pursue them through the right way and
approach.
70. From the history of Islam, we know that Muslims
were able to acquire knowledge pioneered by Greek
philosophers. Because the Greeks did not write in
Arabic, the Arabs must have surely learnt Greek to learn
and acquire the knowledge of the Greeks.
71. It is the same with us. If we want to acquire
knowledge and efficiency of foreigners, then we must be
prepared to learn foreign languages. The higher our
command of a particular language, the easier it is for
us to acquire knowledge pioneered in that language.
72. The view that we can only be nationalists if we
understand only our language is wrong. Whether or not
we are prepared to admit it, the reality is that much of
the knowledge we need for progress is not pioneered or
documented by us. We are not even able to translate
vital knowledge because in order to translate we need
people who are experts in three things-in his own
language, in a foreign language and highly educated in
that field of knowledge. We do not have these people.
Even if we do, they are doing other work which under
existing conditions, we regard as more important.
73. We cannot wait for the time when we can get enough
of these experts. Knowledge and sophisticated
technology are not static. More so than in the past new
knowledge and technology is created so fast. In the
micro-chip era which increases manifold in strength
every 18 months, technology will expand more rapidly.It
is not possible for us to have enough experts to
translate into out language every knowledge that is
pouring out, the result of other people's research and
pioneering. If we wait, we will be left behind, we will
be backward, and will not understand the spread of
knowledge and technology, past, present and future.
Our race will be a primitive race, to be fooled,
humiliated and oppressed by others. We may be more
nationalist in our view. But a nationalist who accepts
being humiliated is not a nationalist.
74. The true nationalists are those who work hard to
advance their race and are capable of competing
successfully with those who have progressed. A true
nationalist is one who is respected because he is part
of a successful race who can defeat others in any field.
A true nationalist is one who can ensure that his race
will be respected and held in esteem, through what he
has excelled in.
75. Having command of other languages does not make us
less of a nationalist or less patriotic than
nationalists who only have command of their own
language. If it is to the dignity of our race that we
know another language and the knowledge in that
language, then we will not be less nationalistic or
patriotic than the nationalists who are only fluent in
their own language and do not possess knowledge that can
contribute towards the redemption of the dignity of the
race. Actually, those who know other languages and
certain knowledge are far more nationalist than those
who are only capable of shouting about their
nationalism.
76. In our effort to redeem our dignity, it is very
important that we acquire knowledge in whatever
language. If we need to prepare a certain time for this
purpose, then we should be prepared for it.Diligence,
determination and patience or time are needed to learn
something. If we do that, God willing, we will succeed,
we will develop our race, we will become the true
master. If that is our dream.
77. The acquisition of knowledge has to be done from a
young age. The Umno-led Government has already provided
facilities needed for the learning of knowledge and
languages of knowledge. But many parents have
different views. They are not interested to see their
children acquire vital knowledge for the progress of the
race and country. Instead, they want their children to
supposedly realise the spirit of Malay nationalism.
They do not give encouragement to their children to
learn English, for example, seriously. They also do not
give attention to their children's work and performance
in school. That is why there are so many pupils and
students of our race who are all over shopping complexes
after school or sometimes during school hours.
78. Many parents want their children to be religious.
Because of this, many talented children are not able to
acquire knowledge in other fields. Later, when they
pass their religious studies, they find that they do not
have that many opportunities to work in fields that
offer a high income. They feel disappointed that society
is not fair to them. And they are angry with society
especially other people who have studied others fields
and who are leading a better life than them. And they
are angry with the Government which they have stamped as
secular. If is in troubled waters that many will try to
fish.
79. It is not that we do not give attention to
religious education. Actually, the facilities provided
for the learning of religion are better now than before.
Anyone who wishes to study religion can study it to the
highest level. But, what will happen to the Muslim
society if the knowledge that they have is only limited
to that related to only religion, usuluddin and feqah.
There are no doctors, engineers, army chiefs,
businessmen and entrepreneurs, farmers and other people
among them important for the prosperity of society.
Surely, a society that is limited to religious people
only will be rigid and weak. They can pray for
everything from God but Allah SWT has said in the Quran
that He will not change our fate if we do not work hard
to change it ourselves. It is clear then that prayers
alone will not make us successful and happy.
80. It is certainly not true that all Malays send their
children to study only religion. Many are learning
other things too. But we are in need more of those
educated in fields of knowledge that can help us
successfully compete with others. Only when we have
enough of them to save us, can we then say that we have
fulfilled fardu kifayah. If there are not enough, then
we have sinned.
81. Defending the ummah is something that is compulsory
for muslims. Those involved in defending the ummah are
actually helping society fulfil fardu kifayah, that is,
in carrying out religious obligation. Because of them,
the muslim community will be saved. And because of
them, the Muslim community is free of committing
sins.Those who deliberately do not work hard to fulfil
fardu kifayah that is so heavy, are surely sinning.
Those who only wish to see their children become experts
in religion only and neglect the security and prosperity
of the ummah are surely not following the teachings of
Islam.
82. To ensure that we succeed in our defence, we no
longer need a horse and sword. We need sophisticated
weapons. We cannot depend on the supply from others who
have other interests. To invent and produce weapons and
defence equipment, we need all sorts of knowledge which
is not specifically related to religion. Therefore,
there is a need for more of our children to be
encouraged to command these fields of knowledge as
fulfilling religious requirements, as a religious
obligation.
83. Comments about religious education is very
sensitive. If anyone says that Muslims should learn
other things than religion, he will be condemned and
regarded as not so Islamic. Parents who send their
children to study religion are regarded as people who
obey the requirements of Islam. In fact, those who give
priority to saving and defending Islam and Muslims and
have their children learn certain knowledge are no less
Islamic, but are fulfilling an obligation be helping to
fulfil fardu kifayah. So too is the religious adherence
of political parties and the government which urges more
muslim children to study knowledge which can save and
strengthen the muslim community and Islam. Because many
governments of muslim countries neglect this need
Islamic nations today are oppressed and Islam,
humiliated. Are those who cause Muslim nations to be
oppressed and Islam to be humiliated better than those
who protect the dignity of Islam and Muslims?
84. Umno as a political party should not fear
allegations that we do not give priority to Islam. when
we plan the Multimedia Super Corridor, we are actually
working hard to save Muslims during an era that is
challenging now and in the future. Without any
knowledge of information technology and ways to use it
to strengthen Muslims and their adherence to Islam, we
will not only be left behind but exposed to attacks on
our way of life, religion and culture.In fact, the
CD_ROM technology has already made it easier for us to
learn Islamic teachings and to spread these teachings.
It is easier to listen to the Al-Quran and its accurate
interpretations through the computer than just to read
the Al-Quran. It is such a waste for us if we read the
Al-Quran as an obligation but not wish to know its
contents.
85. It is true that there is a possibility that our MSC
project will be misused or will give rise to undesired
things. But if we do not know about multimedia
technology and management, there is a greater
possibility that we will not be able to control the
negative elements and we cannot use the technology for
our good.
86. We certainly know that if we do not have control
over the ways and technology of television, for example,
we will be exposed to purely foreign propaganda and
culture. But because we know how to manage and use
television, we therefore are able to reduce the negative
effects from foreign propaganda and use it for our
benefit.
87. So it is with information and multimedia
technology. If we do not have control of this
technology, then we will be attacked by all types of
information which is useless, and can destroy and damage
our morals and culture. The Multimedia Super Corridor
is a project to enable us to have control of the latest
technology and use it for our benefit.
88. Indeed it is easy to discredit the Multimedia Super
Corridor by claiming that the Serambi Mekah is better,
but the claim to make Kelantan a Serambi Mekah is
something that has long been done. What we see now are
the incidents of drug abuse, AIDS and khalwat happening
more in Kelantan than in other States. The claim to
have Kelantan under a certain political party as Serambi
Mekah is merely a political propaganda which uses as a
tool the strong adherence Malays have to Islam for the
political interst of people who are willing to see
Muslims become backward and suffer as long as these
people can enjoy high positions.
89. Of late, all sorts of fatwa on matters related to
the lifestyle of Muslims in Malaysia have been made.
Under Islamic laws in the Federal Territory, the mufti
makes a fatwa which is later to be endorsed by fatwa
council, chaired by the same mufti. When it is endorsed
and declared or gazetted, the fatwa then becomes law.
90. But the same laws also provide that the mufti can
nullify his fatwa or any other fatwa issued before that
by him or another mufti. This provision is surely
because of the possibility that there could a fatwa that
is wrong or not suitable which needs to be nullified.
In other words, the law admits the possibility that
fatwa issued could be wrong. The power of the mufti in
making and annulling fatwa is very big.
91. The mufti is a position created by the rulers of
Muslims countries after the death of the prophet to help
make decision related to religious matters. The post of
mufti was needed because of the tendency of people
claiming themselves as ulama to make fatwa and
individual interpretations which were often conflicting
among themselves and confused Muslims. With the
existence of mufti, then the Mufti Department alone
could make and nullify a fatwa . In this way, there
would not be conflicting fatwa in relation to the same
matter.
92. Throughout the history of Islam, many fatwa were
accepted and used and were later nullified and
disregarded. So it was with the carving of the face and
shape of human beings or animals which was forbidden by
Islam. The reason was that long ago, the Arabs and the
followers of other religions liked to worship idols
which they carved to resemble man or animals. There
were also those who carved and drew the faces of their
gods and later worshipped these carvings and pictures.
93. To prevent Allah from being associated with other
objects or attempts to create an image of Allah to be
later worshipped, Islam forbids the carving or drawing
of the face and shape of humans or animals. Until the
end of the Muslims Empire of Turkey, this ban was
enforced.
94. But in this age, this can no longer be enforced in
the entire Islamic world because of the existence of
cameras and television. Pictures of Islamic
personalities and ulama can be obtained just anywhere.
95. Are Muslims then no longer obeying Islamic laws in
relation to the carving and drawing of humans and
animals? In this matter, we should refer back to the
reason why the law to forbid it was made. The reason
was to prevent the jahiliah Arabs who embraced Islam
from returning to their worshipping of idols, drawings
and so on which they were doing before.
96. If we make statues or pictures and we worship them,
then we have indeed violated Islamic teachings. But we
are not the jahiliah Arabs who just embraced Islam. We
know how to differentiate between the God whom we
worship, that is Allah SWT and the carvings or pictures
which we do not equate with God and we do not worship.
We do not also violate this law forbidding the carving
or drawing of God or the Prophet. Therefore we are not
violating the meaning and intention of this law
forbidding the carving and drawing of humans and
animals. We do not worship any carving or drawing as
God or as the symbol of our God.
97. Nevertheless, many Muslims regard the intention or
meaning of a law in Islam as not important. What is
important is only the way or approach. By giving
priority to ways, the meaning and intention of Islamic
teachings often are not achieved.
98. Islam is not religion of obligatory rituals which
need to be carried out without considering that a
particular intention is required to be carried out.
Everything that is asked by Islam is connected with the
prosperity in the life of Muslims. That was why every
time the jahiliah Arabs embraced Islam, they achieved
extraordinary progress.
99. But in time, the priority given to the obligation
of making rituals and what was related to the form and
shape of Islam became stronger. The attire of the Arabs
during the Prophet's time and several centuries after
that, and worn by all Arabs, Muslims or Christian, was
made a symbol of Islam. And Muslims wore this attire
but they were often at war among themselves without
regard to the heavier requirement in Islam for Muslims
to be kins.
100. In the question of security, Muslims were asked to
have horses and swords to frighten their enemies. In
this age, horses and swords will not frighten anybody.
If we adhere to the instruction that we have a horse and
sword, then today, we will not be able to do anything
because our enemies are not afraid of horses and swords.
But if we concentrate on intention contained in the
Quranic verse for us to frighten our enemies, then we
will surely have ready a battle force equipped with
sophisticated weapons that can frighten our enemies.
101. It is the same with covering the aurat. The
intention for this is because during the time of the
Prophet, the jahiliah Arabs were lustful to the extent
the they often abducted and raped women from other
tribes. The result was unending wars among themselves.
102. But, in this age in Malaysia, we very
strong about the covering of aurat. Severe punishment
is set for those who violate the law on this. That
people who cover their aurat abandon babies, abuse and
kill children, rape and commit all sorts of sexual
crimes, we do not relate it to the intention of covering
the aurat. Just like preparing a horse and a sword to
frighten one's enemy, and the carving and drawing of
humans and animals not to be worshipped, the covering of
aurat has lost its effect.
103. This does not mean the Al-Quran is wrong. We are
wrong because we give priority to the covering of aurat
and not to the fight against sexual crimes which are the
primary intention of Islamic teachings. Just like
pictures and carvings which we can no longer prevent,
the exposure of aurat can be seen by all Muslims in this
age. The stress should be on Islamic moral education
and not showing the differences between Muslims and non
Muslims because this cannot prevent sexual crimes which
are widespread in Muslims society.
103. Because of the wrong emphasis, because of priority
given to ways and not intention, that today's Muslims
are in conflict among themselves, disunited and weak.
The real enemy we do not care about. Friends and kins
of the same religion are condemned and made enemies
because they are regarded to be less Islamic.In the
entire Muslim world, this is what is happening. As long
as something is claimed to be a requirement in Islam,
other actions which are clearly unIslamic, are allowed
(halalkan). Just like fitnah, slander and allegations
made to the extent that the killings of other Muslims
are permitted because of the pursuit of what is claimed
to be demanded by Islam.
104. Covering the hair on the head had the same
intention as covering aurat which is to prevent sexual
crimes. No one is preventing this practice but many
wish to force more than what is asked to the extent that
children and the elderly are made to cover their heads.
And we should not forget that those who do not cover
their heads have also committed sexual crimes, not less
than those who do not cover their heads. This is
because we give priority to covering the head and not
fighting sexual crimes. As long as we cover our head,
we have perfected our amalan.
105. Mean while, the Islamic teaching on kinship among
Muslims, on not to shame of disappoint others, on
defending the ummah, on justice, on preventing chaos in
society, on happiness and prosperity in the life of
Muslims, is neglected. Muslims then become weak and
without knowledge, fooled and humiliated by the enemies
of Islam. All this is not because Islamic teachings are
wrong, but because emphasis is given to only half of the
teachings of Islam that is to the ways and not the
meaning and intention of Islamic teachings.
106. I realise that what I am saying will not make many
people comfortable, including Umno members. But we are
facing a problem of increasing intolerance to anyone who
does not give priority to the form and shape of Islam to
the point that the sunat is made compulsory and the
wajib (compulsory) is enhanced and tightened further,
with the claim that anyone who does not carry it out is
not Islamic or murtad (an apostate).In several other
Muslim countries, the fanatic groups are prepared to
kill people of the same faith because they want to seize
power to implement their opinion. In Malaysia, groups
like these have already reached a level of slandering
and denying the `Muslimness" of others. If left like
this, we will also become like certain Muslim countries
which are already weak and oppressed by foreign power.
We have to defence the true Islamic teachings before
tragedy befalls us.
107. Malaysia is regarded by other Muslim countries as
an exemplary country. This is not our claim. In
newspapers in Muslim countries, in the speeches of their
leaders, and in their talks with us and with others,
they not only state that Malaysia is an example to other
Muslim countries, but they are very proud of and awed by
Malaysia as a progressive Muslim country. And they ask
for the formula of success of a Muslim country which has
many non Muslims.
108. The reason they are awed by and proud of Malaysia
is not that we have exhibited the kind of Islam which is
extreme but that we practise moderation in Islam.
Malaysian Muslims have successfully dealt with the
problem of ruling a multiethnic and religious
population. They, the non-Muslims, believe the way we
implement Islamic laws to be very good because it is
clear that it has brought peace and progress to our
country which they admit and regard as a Muslim country
as we have officially recognised.
109. They are actually very disappointed with the action
and opinions of the groups among the Muslims who are too
extreme to the extent of being violent in the name of
Islam and put emphasis on trivial issues in their
community. They wish to see Islamic policies and
practices like those in Malaysia practised by their
people. The leaders of their governments also wish for
that.
110. If those lead and live in Muslim countries are
overwhelmed by our moderate Islamic ways, why then do we
wish for extreme ways which have caused other Muslim
countries to face problems and not develop. Why are
there among us who like better Islamic symbols like
attire and sporting beards and not concentrate on more
serious matters for Muslims like kinship and defence.
Do they like us to be disunited and weak to the extent
that we will be oppressed by others who have their own
interest and who like to see us continue to be weak.Who
is the one to be truly fighting for Islam? Those who
give priority to what they regard as Islamic symbols or
the Government and Umno which give priority to the
defence and prosperity of Muslims in this country and
more or less in other countries too.
112. I have taken quite a long time to discuss matters
related to the Islamic religion and practices in this
country. In this regard, there will be those who hold
the opinion that as a person who has not studied
religion specifically and does not understand Arabic, I
have therefore no right to speak on Islam.
113. I would like to stress that the split among Muslims
into several mazhab (schools of thought) and groups with
all sorts of practices and understanding while there is
only one Islamic religion, was caused by the
interpretations and teachings of others who specialised
in religion and understood the Arabic language.
Understanding the religion and Arabic language does not
guarantee that their interpretations and teachings were
accurate true and similar. In fact, because of specific
interests, there were among them who wrongly interpreted
the teachings of Islam.
114. Saidina Abu Bakar, the first Caliph of the Muslims,
was also prepared to be criticised if he did something
wrong. But there are people with little knowledge of
Islam and Arabic who claimed they could not be
criticised. Are they then bigger than Saidina Abu
Bakar? Can they so easily accuse other people as kafir
(infidel), murtad and firaun? Have those whom they
accused no right to defend themselves?
115. Muslim leaders and society not only have the right
but the responsibility to lead the Muslim community. If
the leaders find that there are teachings which are
wrong or which disregard matters important to Muslims,
Muslim leaders not only should criticise but must
criticise.Muslims today are oppressed and humiliated
because the leaders of Muslim countries do not criticise
Islamic teachings and practices that can easily weaken
and disunite Muslims. Until today Muslims in Malaysia
are not attacked by diseases that have struck many other
Muslim countries. All this while we do not have an
extremist group that attacks and slaughter other Muslims
who do not accept their teachings. But we can see those
who are interested in this extremist way, who want our
Muslim society to give priority to the prevention of
small sins while the bigger sins are committed. This
flow must be curbed and Umno as the ruling party which
is responsible must be brave to fight this unhealthy
trend.
116. It is 40 years since Umno has led the Government
which rules a multi-racial and religious country.
Throughout the history of independent Malaysia we have
seen how our country which was backward and weak freed
from the shackles of colonialism, advanced and
progressed until it has become an exemplary country to
other developing countries.
117. Although the Malaysian population is made up of
many races diverse in religious worship, language and
culture, the Umno-led Government has been able to
safeguard peace.
118. The Malays and other Bumiputra who are weak in
terms of economy, have been absorbed in the trade and
industry community until distinction is no longer
glaring between them and other ethnic groups in terms of
efficiency and acquisition of sources of wealth.
119. Although from the beginning there were attempts to
split the Malays through religious politics, this
attempt failed. The majority of Malays had a moderate
attitude as is required in Islam, and not an extreme
attitude that is condemned in Islam.
120. Because of all this, Malaysia, has become rich and
strong and is able to help others who are oppressed and
victimised, including the Muslims in Bosnia, Palestine,
Somalia and elsewhere. We do not experience the problem
of riots by extremist groups found in many other
developing countries, including many Muslim countries.
121. Because of this we can plan to further develop our
country so that it can become an advanced country by
2020. Whether we can achieve this objective depends on
many factors. From outside the country, there are many
enemies who would like to colonise us again indirectly.
They are helped, consciously or unconsciously, by groups
in the country inclined to extremist ways and not
tolerant, including Muslim groups who are not happy
because we do not exhibit ways which to them are Islamic-
that is to riot condemn, and to always accuse other
Muslims as unIslamic.
122. We in Umno need to deal with every threat for the
freedom and peace of our country and the prosperity and
security of Muslims and other ethnic groups in our
country. I believe that if we allow extremist groups to
do as they pleased without fear, we will be just like
several Muslim countries which today face chaos, riots,
are weak and oppressed by bigger powers.
123. Umno's responsibility is big. The challenges which
we have faced and overcome in the past are small
compared to the challenges ahead. If we are not brave,
if we lack conviction of the truth and honour of our
struggle, if we are preoccupied with wealth and
materialism, if we are involved in corruption, if we
allow people who use religion to act wildly, then the 51
years of our struggle for religion and race will be
futile.
Translated Version By NSTP.
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