We need more intra-faith dialogue (© arte_ram / sxc.hu) DISCUSSIONS on religious issues, or a lack thereof, are increasingly defining public policy and society in Malaysia. A few key words are enough to jog memories — the cow-head protest, the whipping sentence on Muslims for drinking alcohol, Christians and the word “Allah”, concert banning, and […]
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“Islamic focus on punishment misguided”
By Shanon ShahPERTH, 2 Nov 2009: The focus on punishment of personal sins in Islam is misguided, a professor of Islamic Studies said. SaeedProfessor Abdullah Saeed was partly referring to calls from certain Muslim groups to uphold the caning sentence on Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno in Malaysia for consuming alcohol. Saeed is currently the Sultan of Oman […]
PAS’s balancing act
By Lainie YeohLainie Yeoh is a graphic designer. She drinks alcohol, goes for rock concerts, and had to choose between PAS, Umno, or spoiling the vote during the last elections. The Nut Graph needs your support
The government’s deceit
Shape of a Pocket by Jacqueline Ann SurinAPPARENTLY, President Barack Obama has done it again. Heaped praises on Malaysia as a role model Muslim nation that is progressive and moderate. The first time it was reported in Malaysia that the highly-popular US chief executive gave the thumbs up for our tiny Southeast Asian nation was on 27 June 2009 when both Obama […]
A day with the “deviants”
By Shanon ShahCorrected at 4:30pm, 30 Sept 2009 “FROM what we see, Islam [in Malaysia] appears like a one-way religion. But in the Quran, it’s not like this. Even if someone apostates, it’s not another human being’s right to persecute them,” Ainul Yakin Muhd Zin, 41, tells The Nut Graph. Perhaps this is why the sect that […]
Upholding diversity in Islam
By Deborah LohDr Hamidah Marican SISTERS in Islam (SIS) has a new executive director, Dr Hamidah Marican, who took over the helm from Zainah Anwar on 6 July 2009. Over the past 21 years, the outspoken organisation which promotes justice and fairness in the name of Islam, has often been targeted for attacks by those who deem […]
Sharing a common thread
By Nick ChooSINGER-songwriter Azmyl Yunor started out as a busker Down Under in Perth back in 1997. Since his return to Malaysia in 2000, he has tirelessly supported and developed the local independent music scene, and has gigged on a regular basis. Azmyl has also organised events such as the singer-songwriter showcase KL Sing-Song, which is back […]
Tracking Rais
By Deborah LohI THOUGHT of Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim the other day and reflected on the impact that man has in my life. He affects my work since I rely heavily on the internet. He affects my entertainment choices since I almost would not have been able to attend the Arthur’s […]
Berdialog dengan PAS
Oleh Shanon ShahDialog anjuran musicForum (Gambar oleh musicForum) “MINTA maaf ya, ustaz, saya ada pengakuan,” kata saya. “Dalam kolum saya, teruk juga saya tibai ustaz tentang pendirian Pemuda PAS berkenaan konsert Michael Learns to Rock.” Ketua Pemuda PAS, Nasrudin Hassan at Tantawi, senyum selamba saja. “Saya tak ambil hati. Kalau macam tu, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim pun mengkritik […]
Upholding what is sacred in Islam
By Hadil El-KhoulyA real dialogue (All pics courtesy of Mas Hamzah) AS a Muslim foreigner coming to Malaysia from the Arab world, I was filled with curiosity and excitement at the chance to witness Islam in a country like Malaysia which we look up to as a developed, thriving Muslim country rich in cultural and religious diversity. […]
