Discussion ; Hudud Implementation in Malaysia

The implementation of Islamic Law of Hudud and Qisas in Malaysia has always been a sensitive and controversial topic. Since the independent of Malaya in 1957 and after the formation of Malaysia in 1963, Malaysia by its constitution has always been a secular country even though Islam has been acknowledge as the official religion of the federation. Malaysia is a multi-cultural and multi-religious society where Muslim only formed around 60% of its population. Due to the fact that Malaysia's colossal neigbour, Indonesia where more than 80% of its population are Muslims does not implement Hudud, gives Malaysia's leaders a good scapegoat to not implement Hudud in Malaysia, and always been stated that Malaysia is not conducive for Hudud to be implement. Until now that is, especially when Malaysia's small neighbour, Brunei Darussalam have announced the implementation of Hudud starting officially on May 1, 2014. Even though small in size, the demographic of Brunei is similar to Malaysia where there exist a sizable numbers of non-muslim population.

The fight to establish an Islamic State in Malaysia has started as early in 1940s during the time of Hizbul Muslimin. The mission is now still continued throughout the pre-independent period of Malaya by Pan-Malayan Islamic Party (PAS) and until now, it is still stated in the party's constitution and currently the sole fighter in Malaysia whom fights to establish an Islamic State in Malaysia. The implementation of Hudud in Brunei gives sudden momentum to PAS to implement Hudud in one of Malaysia's State, Kelantan. Kelantan since 1959 has always been PAS, and after the State falls to PAS again in 1990, the State has become the only State in Malaysia which still retains a strong conservative Islamic-Malay influence, also known as 'Serambi Kaabah' or the veil of Kaabah. And the announcement by His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei of Hudud implementation in Brunei has gain PAS's momentum of political will where PAS's MP wants to proceed of Hudud implementation in Kelantan through a Private Member Bill in Malaysia's Parliament this August.

Even though PAS MP does not represents even a plurality in Parliament, the other Malay party which still have a strong Malay support, UMNO have announced that it has never against Hudud and will support it when the Bill is presented in the Parliament. Meanwhile, other non-malay based parties specially DAP and MCA has announced openly that they are against Hudud. Nevertheless, MCA depleted numbers of seats in Parliament and even doesn't have any representatives in the Prime Minister's Najib administration left DAP as the only strong voice that against Hudud. The outcomes is extraordinary almost win situation for Hudud implementation where the combination of UMNO-PAS only needs another 4 MPs supports to gain Simple Majority support (if Sabah's UMNO members are in favour of the bill).

The public on the other hand have mixed feelings for the implementation. Most of the Malays are in favour of the bill, especially with the successful hudud's implementation in Acheh and Brunei. Meanwhile the non-malays are against the implementation, even though several factions are in favour of public sentences of hudud.


Personal Opinion

For me, the idea of Hudud Implementation should be not limited in Kelantan, but should covers at least all the Malays States of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Perak, Kedah and Perlis. I am in favour of the Bill not just because I am a Muslim, but also because this is the only laws that can ascertain the safety of the community as a whole. Human Rights activist has always against the Islamic Laws under the name violates the human rights, but, for me, the laws is the only laws that can ascertain my rights as a citizens.

For example, thieves who sentences in Islamic Law for stealing, his hand will be cut. But, it is not as easy as that to cut someone's hand. His acts must also by his own free will, not mentally ill, not because of desperation, and there must be a certain value of the stealed properties equal to the value of certain amount of gold, as must be in a well-protected place. If one of the requirements is not met, the Hudud sentences will be drop and he will be sentence by Ta'zir (other sentences stated by act) law. Whether or not we have the political wills to do it, lets us pray and look in the upcoming Parliament Seating.

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.

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.

Discussion ; The power of the King

Malaysia, our country today is among the most unique country in the world. In term of power sharing, we are consist of 4 branches of Government - Executives, Legislative, Judiciary and Monarchy. So what are these branches do? In easy word, Executives is the administrator (Prime Minister and his cabinet), Legislative is the one who makes law, Judiciary is the one who enforces the law. The monarchy on the other hand, approve the law.

Technically that is the unique traits of Malaysia's power sharing. Each had been design to have check and balance in the government. Nevertheless, this unique traits have been protected by generation of Prime Ministers, until the time of Tun Mahathir Mohamad as the Prime Minister that is. The Tun Mahathir at the time not only removed the power of Parliament, but at several extend changing the Judiciary as well. Even how the Malaysian hate Tun Mahathir, something that they can agree on is many of them actually praise Tun Mahathir for removing the powers of the monarch. Nevertheless, that is the same action that has resulted the problems that we faces today.

Even when the the power of the Parliament and the Judiciary was removed at the time, the people still does not hate the Kings enough to let Tun Mahathir removed the power of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong 30 years ago. This gave the King and the Prime Minister a good check and balance because the King still has the authority of not signing the laws which he considered un-democratic, and that is a good thing. Because it prevented Malaysia to become dictatorship, because the Prime Minister need to have the consent of the King to do anything, or to pass any laws.

Nevertheless, the Tun Mahathir need to back down as his first attempt to remove the power of the monarchy failed.

The attack on Rulers

In the Tun Mahathir first attempt, not only the people are objecting the idea reducing the power of Monarchy, several prominent UMNO members were also against the idea. Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, Ku Li was opposed with Tun Mahathir at the time, and even went all over Malaysia to campaign against it. Personally he is related to His Royal Highness Raja Perempuan Anis of Kelantan. When Tun Mahathir realized that not all faction of UMNO supported him, the one who opposed him was left out when UMNO was re-registered as UMNO (Baru) and were forced to formed Semangat-46 in the end.

As clever as he may be, Tun Mahathir does not back down with the idea, but instead launch a consecutive personal attack to the monarchies by his fellow apprentices, his deputies. His deputies, the late Tun Ghafar Baba and Anwar Ibrahim are both hailed from Melaka and Pulau Pinang respectively. Thus, lacking the spirit of 'unreserved loyalty to the King' like many of the Malay in other states has. So, what does they do?

They have created a consecutive coverage of the royals ill-doing or abused of power in the government controlled mainstream media. Some of these stories were true. Regarding the Sultan of Johor (the murder issues) or the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan (selling of awards and titles) and so on. But there were also lies.

1. Anwar accused His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kelantan of smuggling. Among others were also allegation of the tax on the car (Sultan's Lamborghini) had not been paid. Anwar said the Conference of Rulers approves only a certain number of tax-free cars for the Rulers and that the Sultan of Kelantan had exceeded his quota.
   This is downright lies because it is not the Conference of Rulers but Kelantan UMNO State's Government that approves the number of tax-free cars for the Sultan of Kelantan. And the Sultan had not exceeded his quota of tax-free cars.
2. The media then covers the footage of a Chinese towkay's mansion in Penang and said that the house was a house built by the Raja Muda of Selangor (now Sultan) using taxpayers money. The same footage also showed a Kedah House along Northam Road in Penang and said that this was a mansion owned by the Sultan of Kedah, and also built with the taxpayers money.
   The so-called mansion is an old colonial and rundown house owned by the UMNO Kedah State Government for the use of Kedah Civil Servants who visit Penang on business and is not owned by the Sultan at all.
3. Then, the media showed a 'revelation' of a person called 'Tengku Wong' in Pahang, who was alleged to be the business partner of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Pahang, was ripping off the State's of millions in timberland. Nevertheless, this so called 'Tengku Wong' were the Menteri Besar's (Tun Mohd Khalil bin Yaakob) business partner who was a strong supporter of Anwar.

And the list went on and on until the people could no longer take it and there was much hatred against all Rulers all over the country. And that is the time when he launched a second successful attempt to amend the law so that any laws pass will become laws in 60 days even without the approval of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The aftermath

People until today went on and on stating that Tun Mahathir was good for 'controlling' the monarchy. But looking at the current circumstances, which branch of Government that need to be control? Who is the one who has the power to increased the payment of GST, toll prices and etc nowadays? And all of us say, Tun Mahathir was brilliant to reduce the power of the monarch? Yes, very not wise. Returning back to the topic, what is the result that exactly we gain by reducing the power of the Monarch?

We have lost the only power that can denied the Prime Minister. When British left this country, it has gives us a very good system of power sharing and check and balance system between the government branches. But that all change in 1980s when the Prime Minister gain control of all government branches. In my opinion, the royal authority should be restored. Because, this is the only power that can denied any ruled that is un-constitutional and un-democratic.

Reference :-
Malaysia Today - The Myth of the Constitutional Monarchy

Chin Peng ; The Villain of Malaya for eternity

This year we have celebrated the 50 years anniversary of Malaysia formation and also the 56th Independence celebration for the States of Malaya. The independence of the States of Malaya were achieved on 31st August 1957 through the formation of the Federation of Malaya. In history lesson, we were thought that Malaya achieving her independence in peace and harmony without any to bear any arm. Well, it is true for one part, but mostly it is not entirely true. Why? Because many lives had been lost in order to gain the independence for Malaya. And among the challenges that we have faced including the revolt of the Malayan Communist Party (MCP). And recently, a news broke out that the leader of MCP during the communist insurgency had died. After 56 years, a figure that for once had brought terror to the realm had been considered as hero by several factions of Malaysian.

This is the price that had to be paid by Malaysia's peace and harmony for all this while. We have lost in touch with our bitter history. Has anyone ever learned of the history of MCP? Who's exactly is Chin Peng and what has been done to our nation? Did everything that he has done was even worthy enough for us to be considered him as hero? No. Absolutely not.

Chin Peng or his true name, Ong Boon Hua was a leader of currently defunct Malayan Communist Party. The Communist Party of Malaya was formed in 1930, as an agent of Communist Party in Vietnam. So, what does it aim? "Overthrow British Colonialism, Abolish Malay Feudalism and set up a Malayan People's Republic". These three are the main aim of MCP, and it is true they are the freedom fighter and some point (because British at that time need support to fight the Japanese Invasion), but trying to abolish the Malay Rulers and set up a Communist State under the name of Malayan People's Republic is something that can't be considered as hero. And somehow, this idealism still inherited through their followers up until this very day.

MCP has been acknowledge as one of Malayan political parties after the war. Nevertheless, the political atmosphere at the time diminished its relevance in Malaya. Because in 1948, the Federation of Malaya was formed with restore the Malay rights and priviledges, scrapping the idea of Malayan Union which offered equal citizenship to both Malays and non-Malays. This is the very reason why the MCP started to revolt. Today, the chinese dominated party of MCA and DAP strongly lobbying for Chin Peng to return or today, to be laid in peace in Malaysia. It is very ironic because the very person also the one responsible for the death of many Chinese during the insurgency. The same tone does not even heard from this faction when the late Rashid Maidin died in 2006.

And because of this, the British government's even made a request to the Malay Rulers to gives settlement to the Chinese in formed of 'Kampung Baru' (new village). Since then, even when the loyalty of Chinese to the government were questioned when they are reluctant to join the national service, the Kampung Baru still enjoyed facilities far better than the Malay villages despite the Malay community is a strong supporter of the government. (History did repeat itself I guess even after 56 years). 

So, personally in my point of view, Chin Peng does not even deserves any sympathy from Malaysian for what he has done. Chin Peng personally does not applied for Malaysia citizenship and does not even seek forgiveness from Malaysian and considered what he has done is a just way. Yes, he wants to establish the Malayan People's Republic under the banner of Communist Party just like what has been done in North Korea where the Kim's family reign supreme. So, for those of Ching Peng supporter or known as Ching Peng Zhee, please re-consider your actions. All of you has eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to feel. What Chin Peng has done is seriously not a just way. Are you seriously thinking throwing a baby into the fire in Bukit Kepong is a just way?

Think Again.

Discussion ; Yang di-Pertuan Agong, An Emperor or not?

Assalamualaikum and Peace be upon to all of you

Happy Eid-Fitri to all of you. In this lovely morning, I have a brief period of leisure to put an article in the blog's Royal Discussion. Today topic that I want to highlight is regarding the title of our beloved King, His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Literally translated as 'He who is made Lord', but the most accurate meaning is 'The Supreme Ruler/King'. As Agong in Malay Language brought a meaning of 'Supreme'. Nevertheless, despite all the effort of elected a Supreme King to become the Head of the Federation, why the title is just King? Why the nation does not used the title Emperor to the Supreme Ruler even though it is apparent that the Supreme King enjoys privileges and precedence over States Rulers.

I have made my research regarding this issued whether the Yang di-Pertuan Agong can be known as Maharaja or Emperor. A most basic ingredient to become an Emperor is that, an Emperor must lead an Empire.


A Malay Empire

We in Malaysia never run short of Empires. Sabah and Sarawak previously is a territory of the Sultanate of Brunei, which previously covers a mass land of Northern Borneo and have severals sisters States in present day the Philippines up to the Metro Manila. In Malaya, three major Sultanate have ruled the region during the times of a Malay Sultanates. The Sultanate of Johor-Riau, the Sultanate of Malacca and the Sultanate of Acheh. The quadruplet have a basic ingredient as an Empire but unfortunately, all of them are currently exist as a Sultanate.

Brunei Darussalam enjoys privileges as the richest Sultanate in the region, nevertheless its territory today has only covered a small sections of Borneo. Johor, even though still in existant, the modern Johor is a State founded by the House of Temenggung which is a remnant of the fallen Johor-Riau Empire. Malacca which a major power in the past has ceased to exist and all Malaccan royalty descendant who ruled a State of Johor, Pahang and Perak in the past has all ceased to exist. Johor and Pahang royalty nowadays is a descendant of Bendahara Tun Habab, Marhum Pedang Saujana while Perak is a descendant of Siak Royalty.

So, a direct line to the past Malay Empire is save to say, has all ceased to exist and no longer ruled any States or nation.


An ingredient of an Empire

Probably all of us has been wondering what is the characteristics of Empire? Here is the main characteristics to become an Empire.

1. The populations of an Empire is culturally and ethnically distinct from the imperial ethnic group. (Our beloved King are known as Malay Royalties and Malay by racial composition. Malaysia also exist as multi-racial country. So, Yes. We have the first ingredients).
2. Empire is form by either Direct Conquest by military expansion control with force or Indirect Conquest control with power. (Malaysia was formed when Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore federate with States of Malaya. So, No. we do not have the second ingredient. And modern Malaysia never gain any territory by military might.)

Conclusion

By the second characteristics, I supposed we will have ourselves a Constitutional Crisis if we're to used the term Emperor to describe our King. The description clearly stated that Empire controls its territory by force and power unlike federation which composed of voluntarily extensive territory of autonomous states and people. We never forced Bruneian to insert the Sultanate into the new country in 1963 who clearly against the Malaysia idea. Even though we can actually said that Singaporean has in some way been forced to accept Malaysia because they can't say no when their government held a referendum regarding the union, even though only 25% chooses not to vote in the referendum.

In conclusion, the title of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the best title to describe our beloved monarch as a symbol of unity to all Malaysians. A radiant yet down to earth royal title as a pillar of the nation and defender of the people. Daulat Tuanku. 

Discussion ; The Line of Prophets, The Line of Caliphs, The Line of Kings and the Line of Dictatorship

We as a mere human being is a humble servant of Allah. Under the theory of evolution, it is said that human is an evolution form from monkey. How such ridiculous theory can be think of is not the question. The main point here is, the Human Race that lives in earth today is a descendant of Adam and Hawa (Eve), the first human ever to walk on earth. In theory, we are not a life form which are local on earth. We are a celestial life form as Adam and Hawa were created in the Heaven. After time pass, Adam and Hawa were sent to earth as a punishment for eating a fruit forbidden by Allah and from that time forward, the descendant of Adam lives and prosper in the face of the earth.

Nevertheless, in the history of human, this intelligence being always forgotten their creator. Usually ended up worshiping other being that they scared. Thus, in our life on earth, Allah has sent a number of 124,000 prophets and 313 of them were elevated as His messengers to propagate the teachings of Allah to worship the oneness of God. As my blog is a blog specifically written for royal news, did actually the concept of King in Islamic leadership acceptable in the teachings of Islam? The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has stated in his hadith regarding the line of leadership.

“We were sitting in the mosque of the Messenger of Allah (saw), and Bashir was a man who did not speak much, so Abu Tha’labah Al-Khashnee came and said: ‘Oh, Bashir bin Sa’ad, have you memorised the words of the Messenger of Allah (saw) regarding the rulers?’ Huthayfah replied, ‘I have memorised his words’. So Abu Tha’labah sat down and Huthayfah said, ‘The Messenger of Allah (saw) said ‘Prophethood will be amongst you whatever Allah wishes it to be, then He will lift it up if He wished to lift it up. Then there will be a Khilafah on the way of the Prophet, and it will be whatever Allah wishes it to be, then He will lift it up if Allah wished to lift it up. Then there will be an inheritance rule, and it will be whatever Allah wishes it to be, then He will lift it up if He wished to lift it up. Then there will be a coercive rule, and it will be whatever Allah wishes it to be, then He will lift it up if He wished to lift it up. Then there will be a Khilafah on the way of Prophethood.’ Then he was silent.”

The line of prophethood in the Al-Quran is as follows :-

1.  Adam
2. Idris
3. Nuh 
4. Hud
5. Salleh
6. Ibrahim
7. Luth
8. Ismail
9. Ishak
10. Yaaqub
11. Yusuf
12. Ayub
13. Syu'aib
14. Musa
15. Harun
16. Zulkifli
17. Daud
18. Sulaiman
19. Ilyas
20. Ilyasa'
21. Yunus
22. Zakaria
23. Yahya
24. Isa
25. Muhammad (pbuh)

The line of Caliph is as follows :-

1. Abu Bakar As-Siddiq
2. Umar bin Al-Khattab
3. Uthman bin Affan 
4. Ali bin Abi Talib
5. Hassan bin Ali

The line of inheritance started after the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Hassan bin Ali gave up his position as Caliph and been given it to Muawiyah bin Abu Sufian. Thus started the new age of rule by inheritance (usually refer to as the age of Kings/Royal). - will be update in the future.

The line of coercive rules beginning after the end of the line by inheritance rule. This line usually known as the line of Dictator. - will be update in the future.

After the end of the dictators rule, the leadership shall be return back to the age of Caliph. And later the prophets was silent. The silence represents that after the age of Caliph is the end of the world.

Royalty ; the Dilemma of Sulu Sultanate

The recent ongoing event of Filipino armed intruders in Sabah probably is just beginning of the claimant of Sabah episode by the descendant of Sulu Sultanate. In 1963, Malaysia was founded by the 4 entity of previously the colony of British, Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak. Sabah which previously was a territory of Sulu Sultanate was leased (or ceded, according to the agreement) to the North Borneo Chartered Company and after World War II, its been transferred to British as a Crown Colony. The Sulu Sultanate up until this day still dispute the inclusion of Sabah into the federation and try to claimed it back as their territory even though the Sultanate of Sulu is visually, non-existence.

There are two questions that I would like to highlight in this Royalty discussion topic.

1. The Sulu Royalty since 1836 had always tried to claimed back Sabah rather than focusing their struggle to gain independence from the United States. Why?
2. In comparison to others non-reigning Sultanates in the region, each and every one of their royalty united under the name of one pretender. But to Sulu Royalty, there are numbers of pretenders. Why?

How can the Sultanate sinks into her current state today? Here is the explanation.

The designated Sultan

The last Sultan of Sulu, His Highness Sultan Jamalul Kiram II is the Sultan of Sulu who had signed an agreement known as the Carpenter Agreement which transferred all of his sovereignty to the United States. Nevertheless, the Sultan died heir-less. Thus the throne was succeeded by his brother, the Sultan Mawallil Wasit.

The Sultan Mawallil Wasit only reigning only for six months before he died due to poisoning. The death of Sultan Mawallil Wasit in 1936 has triggered a series of succession crisis in Sulu. A niece to Sultan Jamalul Kiram II, Dayang-Dayang Hajah Piandao has acted as "Sandah" or Regent during this time. Nevertheless, the Dayang-Dayang Hajah Piandao has done the outrageous act which proclaimed her husband, Datu Ombra Amilbangsa as the Sultan of Sulu, Sultan Amirul Umara II even though his husband is not the rightful heir to the throne. 

Not only that she proclaimed her husband as the Sultan of Sulu (Clearly due to her own personal gain), She also the one who filed a claimant to the High Court of North Borneo regarding the Sabah payment according to 1876 Agreement (Claiming Sabah is more important to her rather than fighting for independence from United States I supposed). The other members of the royal family who against the act proclaimed another member of the Royal family named Datu Tambuyung, who is the great-grandson of Sultan Shakirullah (1821-1823) as the Sultan of Sulu using the reigning named of Sultan Jainal Abirin. This is the starting point of the Sulu Royalty to have more than one Sultan at one time. (Not to mention those who are not Royalty also try their luck to become the Sultan of Sulu.)

It is under this time that the Philippine Government under the memorandum of 20th September 1937 does not acknowledge any heirs from Sultan Jamalul Kiram II as the Sultan of Sulu.

The Claimant of lost territory

It is unpredictable to say of what will happens to the Sulu claimant of Sabah in the future. Nevertheless, it is safe to say that it took a wise, brilliant and dependable Sultan to do the job of reclaiming the lost territory. We doesn't have to look far into other continents because this so called the claimant of territory lost due to cession agreement example is here in our own backyard. Not to mention we have the example of Those who dropped the claimed, Those who succeeded in the claimed, and those who failed.  

Those who dropped the claimed

The case of Sulu and Sabah has a very closed resemblance with the case of Sultanate of Kedah and the State of Pulau Pinang, both are States of Malaysia. The Penang Island and Province Wellesley are both ceded to the British during the agreement of Francis Light and Sultan Abdullah of Kedah in order to protect the Sultanate from the Siamese invasion. Up until this days, the State of Penang still paid an annual cession payment of RM10,000 to the Sultanate of Kedah. Even though there are attempt by historian to claimed Pulau Pinang back to the Sultanate, the two States are living quite harmoniously and co-existence with one another. 

Those who succeeded the claimed  

Remember, it took a brilliant and dependable Sultan to succeed in the claimant of lose territory. And Sultan Alang Iskandar Shah of Perak is an example of a brilliant Sultan in his days (Something that Dayang-dayang Hajah Piandao lack). The territory of Dindings were once previously ceded to British and at some point becoming a Straits Settlement. Nevertheless, Sultan Alang Iskandar Shah manage to reclaimed back his lost territory and currently the Dinding is a district in the Sultanate of Perak. Many Malaysian, even Perakian has already forget that the Dindings were previously a Straits Settlements.

Those who failed.

After witnessing the House of Bendahara been ousted from Singapore, it is inevitable for Temenggung Abu Bakar to witnessed that  he also would lost the territory of Singapore to British (which once a territory of the Sultanate of Johor). In the agreement, British would paid S15,000 annually to Temenggung Abu Bakar as cession payment of Singapore. Nevertheless, he is also a brilliant leader to not accepting the payment but made one slight twist in the agreement. Rather than received the payment, he would like a permanent grant of land settlement in Singapore. Which the British agreed and the Sultan of Johor, even though lost the island of Singapore, manage to deflect a total lost where his personal property in Singapore still belong to him. And up until this day, the Flag of Johor still waving proudly in the heart of Singapore, and the Masjid Temenggung on the piece of land still been managed up to this day, by the Government of Johor.

Conclusion 
 

So, as the conclusion, it is already too late for the descendant of Sulu Royalty to claimed back the Sabah territory as the Sabahan up until this day rejecting the idea of handed over the State back to Sulu. It is also weird to think about it, because how a small island of Sulu has the guts to claimed a vast land of Sabah. (All the above land concession mention above only cover a piece of land of the respective Sultanate's vast territory). It is best to give suggestion for the Sulu Sultanate to learn how to co-exist with the State of Sabah peacefully just like how the Sultanate of Kedah and State of Pulau Pinang can live with one another and not came up with barbaric solution of announcing war to others. 

PS :: picture will come as soon as possible.

Royalty ; Proclamation, Installation and Coronation

All hail to the new ruler, His Majesty Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah who recently were installed in a lavish ceremony at the Istana Negara at Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur. The 14th King, as well as among the most experience Sultan compare to all. His Majesty is currently the longest reigning Malay monarch who inherited the throne of Kedah in 1958. The installation ceremony were proceeding smoothly even though I have to agree, there are certain times that I feel nervous if anything were to happen to Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah. Alhamdulillah, God wills it and everything are according to plan.


But, there is I think problem that need to be clarify, especially by royal terms used for the ceremony. Due to the fact that Malaysia adapted the Bahasa Melayu as a National Language, all the royal terms were used in Bahasa Melayu and rarely translated to English. Even in the newspaper or blogger alike, they usually mistaken the Installation ceremony as 'Coronation' ceremony, which is wrong. In Bahasa Melayu, there are three phrases used during the enthronement of the new King and Queen, they are Permasyhuran (Proclamation), Pertabalan (Installation) and Permahkotaan (Coronation). So where do we used this phrases? We will cover it in this royalty discussion segment.


PERMASYHURAN (PROCLAMATION)

Proclamation is the first process of enthronement of the new King. It was done after the death of the former King but prior to the former King's funeral. The latest proclamation can be seen during the proclamation of Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong. There are also recent example such as :-

i) Proclamation of His Royal Highness Tuanku Muhriz as the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan


ii) Proclamation of His Royal Highness Sultan Ibrahim as the Sultan of Johor


iii) Proclamation of His Royal Highness Sultan Muhammad V as the Al-Sultan of Kelantan.

PERTABALAN (INSTALLATION)

The installation ceremony were the common practice of most States in Malaysia including in the federal level. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan of Pahang, Sultan of Perak, Sultan of Kedah, Raja of Perlis and the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan are all installed in a Official State Installation ceremony. It is almost like a coronation ceremony, but we do not called it coronation because these States does not have a State Crown in their Royal Regalia. So, it is called as Installation instead.

The recent example of course the Installation of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Installation of the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.



PERMAHKOTAAN (CORONATION)

This is the common practice especially in the European nation where the new King/Queen will be crowned with a State Crown. In Malaysia however, only 4 States has a State Crown in their possession, Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu and Selangor. Here are among the among the rare footage of Malay Royal Coronation ceremonies.

i) Coronation of Sultan Ismail Al-Khalidi as the Sultan of Johor. Notice the Johor's State Crown and State Diadem were worn by the Sultan and Sultanah.


ii) Coronation of Sultan Ismail Petra II as the Al-Sultan of Kelantan. See the Kelantan's State Crown?


iii) Coronation of Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin as the Sultan of Terengganu. The Sultan worn the first State Crown of Terengganu.


iv) The latest coronation would be the coronation of Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah as the Sultan of Selangor.


Why the State Coronation are so rare to see? First of all, only 4 States can used the phrases coronation. Secondly, some of these Sultans were not consent to have a State Coronation such as the Sultan Iskandar of Johor, who wanted the money that would be used for his coronation to be used for better purposes for his people. We should also expecting the Coronation of Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan, but even him refused the State Coronation.

Currently, there is nothing decisive can be said whether Johor will witnessed the Coronation ceremony for the Sultan Ibrahim, but with the renovation currently take place at the Istana Besar of Johor, we can say that something major will going to take place in 2013.

It is in my deepest desire that all of us should not make anymore mistakes regarding the term of Installation and Coronation. Just remember, coronation ceremony will need the State Crown. That's all for now.

Salam

The death of Raja Ashman Shah and succession

Assalamualaikum and Peace be upon to all of you.

Welcome to my blog.

The death of His Royal Highness the Raja Kechil Sulong, Raja Ashman Shah ibni Sultan Azlan Shah has shocked many of Malaysians, probably more than that of what I would imagine. In this last two days, I have checked my blog and this so call 'electrical surges' still continue. The death of a humble and down-to-earth Prince have effect the life of everyone especially the Perakian Royal Family itself. Looking at the sad face of His Royal Highness the Raja Muda (Crown Prince) of Perak, Raja Nazrin Shah at the funeral ceremony who is also the elder brother of the late Raja Ashman Shah, I can imagine the sadness and lost that he had to face. It is best for now, we prayed to the Almighty Allah so that the late Raja Ashman Shah shall rest in peace.

The death of Raja Ashman Shah left the position of Raja Kechil Sulong of Perak vacant. There is nothing ordinary if we talking about Perak line of succession even though I agree it is too early to discuss about it. The Raja Kechil Sulong is a Perakian Royal-Rank title which brought with it to any Perakian Royal Princes who been invested the title the position of fourth in line to the Perakian throne. Even though it is called as Sistem Penggiliran Tahta Negeri Perak, it is clearly not a rotation-based line of succession but more to a rank-based line of succession. Probably the only kind of it in the world. Where, in this system, the line-of-succession only reserved six place for six royal princes lining up for the throne. Who shall be in the line? It is under the judiciary of the Sultan of Perak with the advice of Dewan Negara Perak (Royal Council of Succession) to decide.

Those who are among the six Princes in the line of succession, which can also be refer to as the Hereditary Princes is the only one and only them can inherit the throne. The other royalty, even the son of a monarch are barred to inherit the throne if the reigning monarch chooses not to appoint him to the position. When one seat is vacant, the lower seat will fill in the vacancy and the Sultan will appoint another descendent of Perakian royalty into the most junior seat in the line of succession. Since amendment in 1953, the six position in the line of succession is as below :-

1. Raja Muda (Crown Prince), the Heir Apparent. It is clear that he will the first to ascend the throne.
2. Raja Di-Hilir, the First Hereditary Prince. The second in line to the throne
3. Raja Kechil Besar, the Second Hereditary Prince. The third in line to the throne
4. Raja Kechil Sulong, the Third Hereditary Prince. The fourth in line to the throne
5. Raja Kechil Tengah, the Fourth Hereditary Prince. The fifth in line to the throne
6. Raja Kechil Bongsu, the Fifth Hereditary Prince. The sixth in line to the throne

Currently, the seat of Raja Kechil Sulong and Raja Kechil Bongsu are vacant.

Future development.

Currently it is the rarest opportunity to witness the flow to the throne. Currently, following the vacancy of the Raja Kechil Sulong, the holder of the title of Raja Kechil Tengah will fill in the vacancy. The Raja Kechil Tengah currently is held by the son of the late Raja Ashman Shah, Raja Ahmad Nazim.

So, the first position is cleared. Nevertheless, who shall fill in the vacancy of Raja Kechil Tengah and Raja Kechil Bongsu? Like I said previously, it is under the jurisdiction of the Sultan of Perak to decide. Nevertheless, it is not hurt to make an early prediction. Currently, there are three royal houses held the position in the line of succession.

Descendant of Sultan Azlan Shah

Currently, all male heir of Sultan Azlan Shah has been appointed as the Hereditary Prince with exception of one, the son of Raja Muda (Crown Prince), His Highness Raja Azlan Muzaffar Shah. Nevertheless, the 4 year-old prince is unlikely to be appointed until he is much older. In the future maybe. In this 2,3 years.. probably not.

Descendant of Sultan Abdul Aziz

Currently the heir of Sultan Abdul Aziz who is the member in the line of succession is His Royal Highness the Raja Di-Hilir of Perak, Raja Jaafar bin Almarhum Raja Muda Musa. He is married to Raja Nor Mahani and the marriage produce a son and a daughter. It is unknown when his son is born, but it is safe to say before 1976. A suitable age to bear a responsibility as the Hereditary Prince.

1. Raja Shah Azman bin Raja Jaafar

There is more but for now, I keep it just for the line of Raja Jaafar.

Descendant of Sultan Idris II

Sultan Idris Shah has many offspring from his several marriages. The only heir of Sultan Idris Shah II who is in the line of succession is His Royal Highness the Raja Kechil Besar of Perak, Raja Iskandar Zulkarnain ibni Sultan Idris Shah II. He is married to Tunku Soraya binti Tunku Abd Aziz, who is by chance an adopted daughter and niece to the Sultan of Kedah, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah. His sister, Her Royal Highness Raja Zarith Sofia is the consort of the Sultan of Johor. His marriage produced five children, three sons and two daughters.

1. Raja Nabil Imran
2. Raja Idris Shah
3. Raja Siff ud-din

Looking at the background of Raja Idris Iskandar and his consort, their sons is another good example of Princes to hold the responsibilities as a Hereditary Prince.

Well, this is just a prediction. This is the uniqueness of Perakian line of succession. Where the Sultan have the power to appoint several Princes from various descendant to inherit the throne, even though the most senior line will have the precedence to be appointed. This is the main reason of how Perak gets its best line of great Sultans like Sultan Idris I, Sultan Abdul Jalil and Sultan Alang Iskandar Shah. Let's wait until the Succession Council convened and discuss the matter.

We end here for today. Until next time.

Royalty ; Between the Tengku Ampuan and Permaisuri

In the Malay royal circle, the inheritance of the throne only limited through a male heir. Women are prohibited to inherit the throne, even though a number of States has been ruled by a Queen Regnant by their own right. In this segment of Royalty Discussion, we will not cover this Queen Regnant, but just a Queen Consort. In today modern world, any woman whether born as royal Princess or Commoner, if married to a royal Prince, legally a Princess by marriage invested with the title of Her Royal Highness. And, if her husband became King, she will become his Queen. But, during the age of the Malay Kingdoms in the past, that is not the case.

According to custom, a Malay Royal Princes did not suffer the consequences like that of German Princes when marrying a commoner by losing their royal status and rights to the throne. He still can succeeding the throne and become King. Nevertheless, his commoner wife is unable to become Queen. In Malay Royal title, Queen Consort is styled as Her Royal Highness the Tengku Ampuan or Raja Perempuan (according to respective State), a title reserved only to a royal-born consort of the King. And it stop not only there, the son of a royal-born mother have a precedence to succeed the throne over their brothers by commoner-born mother. A child to royal-born mother is known as Anak Gahara (Full-Blood Prince), while a child of commoner-born mother is known as Anak Gundek (Half-Blood Prince). The case of the State of Pahang Darul Makmur served as the best example where, during the time of Sultan Abdullah Al-Mu'tasim Billah (1917 - 1932), no consort of his were invested the title of Queen. He has three wives and all of them are commoner-born.

Over time, the male Royalty have lesser and lesser number of wives. And, in the modern world, many of this royal princes married to a commoner. By rights, any consort of the King should be crowned by his side as Queen. Nevertheless, they still agreed that the title of Tengku Ampuan should be reserved to a royal-born consort. An alternatives were set up to allow a commoner to become Queen. She will be invested with a new title of Her Royal Highness the Tengku Permaisuri. The State of Selangor gives us a recent example during the reign of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah. When he is crowned King in 1961, his consort the Tengku Rahimah were crowned as Tengku Ampuan Rahimah by his side. The Tengku Rahimah is the Princess of Langkat, daughter of Sultan Abdul Jalil Rahmat Shah of Langkat.

When she died in 1993, the position of Queen were left vacant even though Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah has another wife at that time, Lady Siti Aishah. A commoner whom he married in 1990. It is only in 1998 when the coronation ceremony were held to crown Lady Siti Aishah as Tengku Permaisuri Siti Aishah.

Nevertheless, there are States that acknowledge any consort of the King, regardless of her background as royalty or commoner to become Queen. An easy example are the States of Kedah and Johor, where a title of Sultanah is used to the consort of the King. In Johor for instance, a multi-racial consorts from all over the world has been crowned as Sultanah. Among those who are commoner were Sultanah Fatimah (Cantonese), Sultanah Khadijah (Turks), Sultanah Rogaiyah (Indian), Sultanah Helen (British) and Lady Marcella (Romanian). Nevertheless, since 1959, all Johorean consorts of the King are royal-born princesses.

The title of Sultanah also been used as an alternatives to Tengku Permaisuri title. For example, the Sultanah Nur Zahirah of Terengganu were crowned as Permaisuri Nur Zahirah during the coronation ceremony in 1998. Nevertheless, the title were change as the Sultan's wish in 2006.

There is a question arise of whom shall have the title of Queen if the reigning King is polygamous. In this case, according to States, the most senior royal-born consort have the precedence over the commoner-born consort. While the other consort will be styled as 'Che Puan', also can translated as 'Lady'. It is an exception to the States of Perak however, where ALL consorts of the King shall be known as Queen. If he has four wives at that time, then he will have all 4 becoming his Queens, with the royal known as Raja Perempuan and the commoner known as Tengku Permaisuri. Nevertheless, it is an exception with the current Queen of Perak, Her Majesty Bainun however, where she was invested the title as Raja Permaisuri of Perak, where supposedly the title 'Raja' can only be invested to the royal-born consort.

That's all for today's discussion topic regarding the variant of title to the Queen Consort. There are many issue to be discussed, but we will cover it in the next session. Until next time.