Discussion : Sultan of Selangor is the Head of Religion

Pasca General Election 2013 mark a new story for the richest state in Malaysia, the State of Selangor Darul Ehsan fondly known as the Land of Goodness. The recent event of the word Allah when the Sultan of Selangor announce the word Allah is exclusive to Muslim only has started some uproar. And since that, it has become an open debate in the social media and internet stating the Sultan is only the Head of Islam. Nevertheless, the Sultan action is actually a manifestation of the Sultan power and authority, where His Royal Highness is not just a mere Head of Islam, but the State Constitution under Article 48 clearly stated him as 'the Head of Religion'.

Having read the constitution myself, it is clear that the State Constitutional Monarchy is not just a figurehead, but an institution to be reckon with, and having absolute power over religion. The article above reserve a power for His Royal Highness that, under his jurisdiction he has the power and authority over all religions that may affect Islam. If His Royal highness's stated that the word Allah used by other religion may affect Islam, then he has a say in that matter.

And until now, the Sultan of Selangor is not alone. 2 other monarchs, His Royal Highness the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan and His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong under his capacity as the Sultan of Kedah has taken the same side as the Sultan of Selangor. Do not question the exclusiveness of the word Allah by Muslim.

Former Sultanah's case II ; Rejection from the Sharia Court

On last 20 January 2014, Her Highness Tunku Puan Zanariah binti Tengku Ahmad, the former Sultanah of Johor has failed in her case to set aside a court order that her late husband, Almarhum Sultan Iskandar had divorced her on 23rd January 2009. Judge Muhammad Khaldun Mohd Sharif has stated that, the Johor Sharia Court has been a subject to related Fatwa regarding the matter. Her Highness's Lawyer, Afshah Arifin stated to the Court that the divorced statement of the late Sultan was invalid according to the Islamic Rules. The defendant will filed an appeal regarding the matter in the future.

Maulidur Rasul 1435H

Happy Maulidur Rasul 1435H Celebration to all Muslim in the world. Today, is the birthday celebration of our beloved and the last prophet, Nabi Muhammad (pbuh). The birth day of the prophet has been debated and there exist 2 opinions regarding whether it is on 9th Rabiulawal or 12th Rabiulawal, but it is apparent that Nabi Muhammad was born on Monday morning in the year of elephant. The year had been known as the year of elephant as Makkah at the time was attack by Abrahah, a warlord from Yaman who wants to destroy the Kaabah. War Elephants were the fearsome traits of Abrahah's army and none can stop them for reaching Kaabah. Nevertheless, the attack of Makkah ended up in failure when Allah sent a flock of bird named Ababil and hailed them with a small heated rock. The people of Makkah never witness an Elephant before, thus commemorate the event in the name of year. This is the year where Nabi Muhammad was born.

Nabi Muhammad receiving his first revelation as a Prophet on 17th Ramadhan 40 years later, sending by Allah through Angel Jibrail. And through the second revelation, he is elevated as Messenger and has a responsibility to spread the word of god, not only to the pagan Makkah, but to all people in the world. The propagation of Islam at that time is hard and met with many resistances by pagan in Makkah, and after 13 years, the time had finally comes of the Hijrah, where Prophet and the Muslims from Makkah migrated to Yathrib. Yathrib at the time is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society where the pagan consist of Aus and Khazraj tribes, and there were also Jews community of Qainuqa, Quraiza, and Nadhir tribes. Propagation of Islam in Yathrib is a successful one. The name Yathrib was change into Madinah Al-Munawarah (please use Makkah and Madinah to refer to these cities and not Mecca or Medina). After 23 years as a prophet, the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) died in Madinah.

The birthday celebration of the Prophet, also known as Maulud Nabi, is to commemorate and as a remembrance for us to the Prophet Muhammad. As his followers, we need to have love and passion to him and what he has gone through for us today to receiving Islam. And there also several faction in Islam who against the celebration. But, for what? It is true that the Prophet himself does not celebrate it, but this is the symbolic gesture of love and compassion that we have and also a remembrance to our beloved prophet. If not, then on what day and at what time that we are going to specifically remembers our prophet history? Everyday? In form of what? It is true that one of the way of showing our love to our prophet is through implementing his way of life in our daily life, but it is not everyday that we can actually hears regarding our Prophet history except during his birthday.

And, this is a good opportunity for me to stated my dissatisfaction towards the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia especially towards their attitude of Islam's historical sites and artifact. Many of those places that had been commemorated in the hadith and even a very important places in Islam had been destroyed. Muslims had always been remembered of how the third holy land, the Masjid Al-Aqsa is badly treated by the Zionist, we have lost touched of our historical sites in Makkah and Madinah. A prime example is just like the picture below.

Yes, this is the house of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) where he lived in Makkah. Such important historical sites had been lost. Not to mention the Zam Zam well (which had been buried on the top), and also the three wells in Madinah located in the land of his companion where he love to drink the water (also been buried). And, also include is the place where Abu Bakar was first proclaim as the First Caliph of Islam. I'm feared if this continues, Islam will be nothing more that ritual religion and when we going to take a peek of our historical sites in Islam, we can no longer witness it. Perhaps, the last surviving historical sites in Islam would be the Prophet tomb itself. (And I don't know how long would it last.).

The Masjid Nabawi. The tomb of Prophet Muhammad located beneath the green dome

For now, I would say that many muslims nowadays have neither witness nor see how the tomb of our beloved prophet looks likes. Its so sad isn't it?

The sealed door to the Prophet Muhammad tomb. No one has ever entered the door for decades.
Here lies Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Khalifah Abu Bakr and Khalifah Umar

Cross section of how Prophet Muhammad tomb looks like

Happy Maulidur Rasul 1435H.

The word Allah ; Between Islam and Christian

The difference of opinions between the Catholic Church in Selangor and the State of Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor, JAIS) have entered a new chapter today after the Islamic Department have raided the Bible Society of Malaysia, where 300 copies of the Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia and iban were seized. The Church and the State's JAIS have been at odd especially regarding the question whether the Catholic Church in Malaysia could used the word 'Allah' to refer to the word God in the Malay translation of the Bible. The Catholic Church had contested this in court and won a High Court decision in 2009, upholding its constitutional rights to do so. Putrajaya later appealed the decision and successfully overturned the earlier decision when the Court of Appeal ruled in October 2013 that 'Allah was not integral to the Christian faith'.

HRH the Sultan of Selangor is the Head of Islam in Selangor

In the Federation, the power of Islamic Affairs are in the hand of the States. 9 of them which have hereditary rulers, also known as 'the Malay States' have separate Islamic Religious Councils and Departments, including having each Monarch as the State's Head of Islam. In the case of Selangor, the Sultan of Selangor, His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has also stated that the word 'Allah' are exclusive to Muslims and the other religions are prohibited to use it. One of the Catholic Priest in the State, Father Lawrence Andrew, openly against it and stated that all catholic churches in the State will used the word 'Allah' in their weekend services in Bahasa Malaysia, primarily attended by Sabahan and Sarawakian.

The question that usually arise is what authority that the Islamic Department has to prevent the other religion to use the word 'Allah'. The answer is simple, because the State Constitution has already been enacted about it by the previous BN government, and the State Islamic Council has the jurisdiction regarding the Islamic Affairs, as well as the other religious affairs in the State by the State's Selangor Non-Islamic Religion (Control of Propagation among Muslims) enactment 1988. Among the words and phrases that prohibits non-muslims to used in the State includes 'Allah', 'Nabi', 'Injil' and 'In Shaa Allah'.

JAIS, the Islamic religious affairs of Selangor

Personal opinion

It is more prudent for the other non-islamic religion to comply with the ruling regarding these issues. It is a sensitives issues I agreed and cannot be openly discussed. And among the Federation most prominent Ulama', among others Tuan Guru Nik Abdul Aziz bin Nik Mat also against it (even though in favour of it earlier). And personally, I too feels there is the need to neglect the confusion between these two religions.

Nevertheless, I have in the past having professional discussion with one of my Iban friend regarding the matter, and both of us actually understand the problem that we face. But what he has stated also acted as the eye-opener for me, "Only those who doesn't read Al-Quran would have confused between the verses of Al-Quran and Al-Kitab". Previously, I too have been encouraged by one of the Ulama' in Malaysia to read an Al-Quran which have both Arabic and Malay Translation every time reading it, and now I see why.

Raja Nor Jan claimed acknowledged by the International Court of Justice?

There are no one can denied that Malaya in the past were ruled by a glorious Sultanate of Malacca. From Ujung Tanah in the south to Pattani in the north, all were ruled by this rich and glorious Malay Empire. Founded by Parameswara around 1400s, the Sultanate reached its peak during the reign of Sultan Mansur Shah. It is not only a maritime power, but also the center of Islam in South East Asia. Located in the cross road of major civilization both in the east and in the west, it has never been more certain that Malacca is among the richest city in its time. But the glorious Sultanate falls after the Portuguese invasion in 1511. And from that day onwards, Malacca were left without a King.

And today, there have been some times since the infamous Raja Nor Jan has announced his claim to the throne of Malacca. But, this time, he some how manage to get acknowledgement by International Court of Justice! Well, I don't know how he do it or who sponsored his case in the ICJ at The Hague, Netherland. But this time, his claimed can be considered as outrageous. He also stated that in 2 January 2014, he claimed that he has submits the acknowledgement letter to the office of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. And reportedly will made a special briefing with the media on 4th January 2014, but the he has change the date to 6th January due to an unknown reason.

But for me, I have made several research personally and of course just my personal research and no record what so ever, but how can a descendant of Perak Sultanate can actually claimed the throne of Malacca? After Sultan Mahmud Shah demise in Kampar in 1528, his first son becomes the Sultan of Perak by invitation of noblemen there. While it is Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah who becomes the de facto successor of his father and the territory of Malacca that still loyal to the royal family. And, it is the Sultans of Johor-Riau who for several centuries had tried to captured Malacca from the Portuguese. And believe it or not, British had almost installed Sultan Hussein of Kesang from the House of Bendahara as the Sultan in Malacca to ruled the State. But the offer were rejected by the Sultan Ali because he wants to become the Sultan in Singapore.

Johorean House of Bendahara actually have a stronger claim to the State of Malacca in comparison rather some unknown descendant of Perak royalty, who have made neither effort nor accomplishment to capture the State in the past. Radin's Blog in the past have made a neutral stances regarding this issue, until now that is. Radin's Blog from this day onward reject, deny and will not acknowledge any claims from Raja Nor Jan and his descendants to the throne of Melaka.


Reason

1.) International Court of Justice only handle a cases from the entity acknowledge by the United Nations. Only a sovereign countries are allowed to submit their cases to the ICJ, example between Malaysia and Singapore regarding the Pulau Batu Putih and Malaysia and Indonesia regarding the Sipadan and Ligitan Island. The ICJ does not handled any personal or individual cases. The claim of Raja Nor Jan Shah is invalid.

2) Raja Nor Jan Shah does not have any basis by the Constitution of Malaysia to claim the throne. The State of Melaka was insert to the Federation as the Straits Settlement, and ruled by a Governor. In present Melaka, the office of the Governor are known as the Yang Dipertua Negeri.

3) The office of Keeper's of the Ruler Seal (Penyimpan Mohor Besar Raja-Raja Melayu) does not officially reply until now regarding the case. And in Malaysia civil service, a silence literally means, Boleh dengar tapi percaya jangan. (You can hear him, but don't believe him.)

Former Sultanah submits application to Syariah Court

Her Highness Tunku Puan Zanariah binti Almarhum Tunku Ahmad had filed an application to Syariah Court to set aside an earlier court order that her late husband, Almarhum Sultan Iskandar al-Haj of Johor had divorced her on 23rd January 2009. Her Highness also wants the ruju' pronounced a week later after the purported divorce be declared invalid. In her affidavit in support of the application, she alleged that the state administration, especially the religious authorities were used in an attempt to defame her and Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.

Tunku Puan Zanariah said that the late ruler did not make any application to verify the alleged divorce, adding that she and the late Sultan Iskandar were both living together as lawful husband and wife in peace and harmony until the late Sultan demise on 22nd January 2010. Almarhum Sultan Iskandar was named as plaintiff in that case while Tunku Puan Zanariah was the defendant, meaning that the late ruler was initiating legal action against his wife.

However, Tunku Puan Zanariah said that she was not informed nor served with any papers of the court proceedings and only learned about it on September 30, 2013 through a letter sent by the Mufti of Johor, Datuk Mohd Tahrir Syamsuddin. Also, the Tunku Puan also stated that she was not informed when the then Menteri Besar of Johor, Datuk Abd Ghani Othman had on December 9, 2010 written a letter to her stripping her of the title Her Royal Highness Sultanah.

Her Highness Tunku Puan Zanariah was not present, but her lawyers, Afshah Arifin and Kamar Ainiah Kamaruzaman were in the court to file the documents. Outside the court, Tunku Puan Zanariah's youngest daughter, Tunku Masera stated that, she is disappointed over the way her mother had been treated. The case will be mentioned on January 20, 2014.

Happy New Year 2014

Happy a brand new year 2014 for all of you fellow Malaysian and for the rest of the world. This year is a special year for Malaysia. This is the Visit Malaysia Year 2014. Malaysia is a federation consist of 13 States. We are not a huge country in the world, not even in South East Asia. But Malaysia are ranked among the most diverse nation in the world. We are diverse in our own right, each of the 13 States has their own unique traits and specialty. As this blog is obviously covering Malaysia Royalty, hence, I will promote certain covering for all royal events hunters out there a little scope of our interesting places.

Royal Palaces

The most important places for our royalty is definitely the Istana Negara (National Palace) located in the Federal Capital, Kuala Lumpur. Whether it is the current occupied new Palace, or old Palace located in Jalan Istana, both are open for public to see. In the National Palace, the important event would be 'The changing of the guards' at the Palace's entrance. While in the old Palace, it has been opened to public as a royal museum. Be sure to see both of it.

The National Palace
The Official Residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia

 

The Old National Palace
Currently serves as a royal museum

In the State level meanwhile, there are various interesting Palaces throughout the Federation. Among the most interesting would be the Old Palace of Seri Menanti, which has been dubbed as "The tallest timber palace in the world". It is the previous royal seat of Yamtuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan before it been removed to the new palace. It also has been changed into a museum. It is located in the Royal Capital of Negeri Sembilan, Seri Menanti.

The Istana Lama of Seri Menanti
Birth place of the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaya

From Negeri Sembilan, you can travel south to witness the Grand Palace of Johor Bahru. The royal seat of the Sultan of Johor. It is scheduled that the coronation of the Sultan of Johor would take place in May 5th, 2014. The palace had been undergo massive renovation since 2012 where the blue tile roof also had been changed to its original colour, Red.

Grand Palace of Johor Bahru
The official seat of Sultan of Johor. Also a home for Sultan Abu Bakar Museum

From Johor, you can travel to the north to the State of Terengganu and Kelantan, where both States has been exclusively a core Malay States since the independent of the Federation of Malaya. Both also have exclusively interesting Palaces such as the Syarqiyyah Palace, the new royal seat for the Sultan of Terengganu. Then, you can travel further north to the State of Kelantan, where several timber palaces since the State foundation still standing, such as Istana Jahar.

The Syarqiyyah Palace.
Official Palace of the Sultan of Terengganu

The State of Kelantan historical royal palaces is among the oldest in Malaysia, has been around since 1840. And the palaces is not to far apart.

Istana Balai Besar of Kelantan
Official Palace of Al-Sultan of Kelantan. Still in use for royal events

Istana Batu
Kelantan's royal museum

Istana Jahar
All these three palaces in Kelantan are situated near to each other

And from Kelantan, traveling to the oldest State in Malaysia, Kedah is not a bad idea. Here standing among the grandest wooden palace, the Balai Besar Palace. Kedah as the oldest State in Malaysia also a home to massive historical buildings. Such as also this one. This run-out building were a palace for one of the Sultan consorts, the Sepahchandra Palace.

Istana Balai Besar of Kedah
Its architecture design signified the grandness of the State past history

Istana Sepanchandra
Built by Sultan Abdul Hamid of Kedah to one of his consorts, Lady Sepanchandra

And from Malaya, it is a good thing also to visit the diversity of the Northern part of Borneo, in the State of Sarawak and Sabah. Also is a home to a former European citizen who been installed as the Rajah of Sarawak, the Astana in the past.

The Astana
The official residence of Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak. Previously the home of the Brooke Rajah

That's it from me for now. Have a nice trip to Malaysia if you have made a mind to coming here. This is just a little tip of the iceberg of our interesting places. Happy New Year 2014 to all.