MH370 ; Flag at half-pole for Johor and Perak

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj has announced all government and private agencies in the State to lowered the flag at half-pole. The announcement were made after the Sultan of Johor has acted to fluttered the flag at half mask as a respect for Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 Kuala Lumpur - Beijing. Also in tune with the State of Johor was the State of Perak when the Regent of Perak, His Royal Highness Raja Dr Nazrin Shah also announced the flag at half-pole as a respect and sympathy to the ill-fated MH370.

The actions were made after the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak in his Press Conference, stated that the Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 has ended at the south part of the Indian Ocean. Even though the MH370 location has been confirmed ended in the Indian Ocean, the fate of MH370 and passengers on board is still unclear.

Tengku Bendahara Selangor died at 83

His Highness the Tengku Bendahara of Selangor, Tengku Azman Shah Al-Haj ibni Almarhum Sultan Hishamuddin Alam Shah Al-Haj had died on last March 23, 2014 at Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital, Klang. He was 83 years old. He is an uncle to the reigning Sultan of Selangor and a member of Selangor Royal Council of Succession (Dewan Diraja Selangor). The funeral of the Tengku Bendahara was proceeded according to Selangor Royal Custom on March 24, 2014. The prayer of the late Tengku Bendahara was done around 10.30 am at the Masjid Istana Diraja, Istana Alam Shah before been put to rest at the Royal Mausoleum. Also present in the funeral were His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and the Menteri Besar of Selangor, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

The Tengku Bendahara was born on 1st January 1931 and were the third son of Almarhum Sultan Hishamuddin Alam Shah Al-Haj by his second wife, Che Puan Hajah Kalsum binti Hj Mahmud. He was married to Tengku Thuraya binti Sultan Ibrahim IV of Kelantan on December 27, 1950 and was appointed as the Tengku Bendahara of Selangor on May 13, 1959. He also have been proclaimed as the Regent of Selangor.

Tengku Azman Shah Al-Haj ibni Almarhum Sultan Hishamuddin Alam Shah Al-Haj

The Tengku Bendahara of Selangor

1 January 1931 - 23 March 2014

AL-FATIHAH

MH370 ; King and the Conference of Rulers expressed their concern

On last March 8, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flights 370 went missing while on its flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. The flight carries 239 passengers including 12 crews on board. The flight went missing around 1.30am and lost contact with military radar. It was officially reported missing to the MAS around 2.30 am. The lost of the flight has been an international concerns up to date and until this article was posted, the MH370 are still yet to be found.

His Majesty Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah of Kedah, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia and the Queen, Tuanku Hajah Haminah has stated their concern over the incident, and also their empathy to the families and relatives of the crews and passengers. Their Majesties also encouraged for the Solat Hajat to be done to offer prays for the missing plane.

Meanwhile, the Conference of Rulers also expressed its disappointment over the missing MH370. The statement were made by the Keeper of the Ruler's Seal, Dato' Sri Syed Danial bin Syed Ahmad. The Keeper of the Ruler's Seal also stated that the Conference of Rulers follows the development over the case and shows its gratitudes of all efforts that has been done by various parties in the search and rescue operation of MH370. The conference of Rulers also encourage all Malaysian despite their religious and political backgrounds to stand united to overcome the tragedy.

Semoga mendapat rahmat dan petunjuk daripada Allah S.W.T serta segala usaha menemui hasil terbaik. di samping mendoakan semoga kaum keluarga dan sahabat handai waris terlibat diberikan kekuatan, ketabahan dan ketenangan bagi menghadapinya. 

May all received the blessing and guidance from Allah and all efforts will bear the best results, while praying may the families and relatives of the victims involved will be given strength, endurance and serenity to face it.

In recent event, His Royal Highness Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang and Her Royal Highness Sultanah Kalsom of Pahang has consent to visit the families of the passengers on MH370 at the Hotel Everly, Putrajaya on March 17, 2014. The royal entourage arrival was greeted by Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat, the President of Perbadanan Putrajaya. In the visit, the Sultan informed the passenger's relatives of MH370 that all efforts has been done in the Search and Rescue operation to find the missing plane.

The new Governor of Sarawak

On last March 1, 2014, the State of Sarawak received her new Governor after His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah consent to deliver the instrument of appointment to Pehin Sri Abdul Taib bin Mahmud as the new Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak on February 28, 2014, on the same day he step down from the position of Chief Minister of Sarawak which he held for 33 years. Pehin Sri Abdul Taib bin Mahmud becoming the State's 7th Yang Dipertua Negeri, replacing Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin who term's ended on the same day. 

His Excellency sworn in as the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak on 11.00 am located at the State Assembly Building, Kuching in front of the newly sworn in Chief Minister of Sarawak, Tan Sri Adenan bin Satem. The Chief Minister read the instrument of appointment. Pehin Sri later sworn-in as the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak before the High Jugde of Sabah and Sarawak, Tan Sri Richard Malanjum after signed the instrument of appointment. 

The Four Undangs of Negeri Sembilan

Negeri Sembilan is unique in term of history as it is the only State in Malaysia which practice elected monarchy instead of linear dynasty. The State, known as Negeri Sembilan derived from the word 'Sembilan' which means the number 9. Represents the nine principality inside the State which form a sort of federation system and these 9 small states is ruled by Ruler who resides in Seri Menanti, the Royal Capital. The 4 biggest principalities in Negeri Sembilan elects a leader called Undang, who is also the 'King-maker' of the State. When the Yang Dipertuan Besar (Great Ruler) of Negeri Sembilan died, the 4 Undangs will be call upon to appoint a successor from the Four Princes of Negeri Sembilan.

The Four Undangs is as follows :-

1. The Undang of Luak Sungai Ujong

Sungai Ujong has a very long an ancient history. Previous from 1760, there exist several leaders who govern Sungai Ujong. During the brief period of Johor Empire ruled, the ruler of Sungai Ujong was bestowed a hereditary title of Dato Kelana Petra Sri Jaya. In 1773, Sungai Ujong formed the State of Negeri Sembilan.

In full, the Undang of Luak Sungai Ujong is addressed to as :- 

Yang Teramat Mulia Dato Kelana Petra Sri Jaya of Luak Sungai Ujong.

The position is elected among two noble houses known as Waris Hulu and Waris Hilir. The succession is followed the matrilineal line of the Waris.  

The incumbent for the position is :-

Yang Teramat Mulia Datuk Mubarak bin Dohak.

16th Dato Kelana Petra Sri Jaya of Luak Sungai Ujong

2. The Undang of Luak Jelebu

Jelebu is also one of the nine autonomous states which later formed the State of Negeri Sembilan in 1773.

In full, the Undang of Luak Jelebu is addressed to as :-
Yang Teramat Mulia Datuk Mendelika Menteri Akhirul Zaman, the Penghulu of Luak Jelebu
The position is elected among four noble houses, known as Waris Jelebu, Waris Ulu Jelebu, Waris Sarin and Waris Kemin.

The incumbent for the position is :-

Yang Teramat Mulia Datuk Hj Musa bin Abdul Wahab [Waris Sarin].

15th Dato Mendelika Menteri Akhiruz Zaman, the Penghulu of Luak Jelebu.

3. The Undang of Luak Johol

Johol is one of the component state which formed Negeri Sembilan in 1773. Originally known as Pasir Besar, renamed as Johol in 1723.

In full, the Undang of Luak Johol is addressed to as:-
Yang Teramat Mulia Datuk Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa Setiawan of Luak Jelebu.
The position is elected among the male descendants through the female line of the first ruler, Dato Putri Siti Awan. Customarily, the son of the eldest sister of the previous title-holder to succeed. The Heir Apparent is addressed to as Baginda Tan Mas.

The incumbent for the position is:-

Yang Teramat Mulia Datuk Hj Mohd Jan bin Abdul Ghani

14th Datuk Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa Setiawan of Luak Johol

4. The Undang Luak of Rembau

Rembau is one of the component States that makes the Negeri Sembilan in 1773. The Luak Rembau was founded in 1540 by two Minangkabau Chief, named Datuk Laut Dalam and Datuk Lela Balang. They have made a pact that the State shall be ruled by alternation between their descendant in the female line. In modern day, the northern district of Rembau becomes the Luak Tampin ruled by the Tengku Besar of Tampin while the Southern district still retain the name Rembau.

In full, the Undang of Luak Rembau is addressed to as :-
Yang Teramat Mulia Datuk Lela Maharaja (if the incumbent of the Waris Jakun)
Yang Teramat Mulia Datuk Setia Diraja (if the incumbent of the Waris Jawa)
Even though subject to election, the position of the Undang of Luak Rembau is alternates between the descendant of Datuk Laut Dalam, later bestowed a hereditary title of Datuk Lela Maharaja by the Sultan of Johor and the descendant of Datuk Lela Balang, later bestowed a hereditary title of Datuk Setia Diraja by the Sultan of Johor. Succession through the female line and usually the son of the eldest sister of the previous title holder will succeed.

The incumbent for the position is :-

Yang Teramat Mulia Datuk Hj Muhammad Sharif bin Hj Othman

The Datuk Lela Maharaja, 21st Undang of Luak Rembau

Seditious Statement to the Sultan ; Karpal Singh found guilty

The Chairman of Democratic Action Party (DAP), Karpal Singh have been found guilty by the High Court for sedition after questioning His Royal Highness the Sultan of Perak 's action in removing Dato' Seri Ir Nizar bin Jamaluddin as the Menteri Besar in 2009. Justice Datuk Azman Abdullah set March 7 for sentencing after Karpal Singh counsel who is also his son, Gobind Singh Deo, informed the court that his father is unwell  and needed time to prepare his mitigation.

Karpal Singh, 73, was charged with having said at his legal firm in Jalan Pudu Lama on Feb 6, 2009 that the removal of Dato Seri Ir Mohammad Nizar and the appointment of Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir as the new Menteri Besar by the Sultan could be questioned in court. The charged, under section 4 (1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948 , provides for a maximum jail term of three years and a fine of RM5,000 or both, upon conviction.

The High Court had, on June 11, 2010 acquitted and discharged Karpal Singh without calling for his defense but, following an appeal by the prosecution, the Court of Appeal, on Jan 20, 2012 ordered the MP of Bukit Gelugor to make his defense. Azman, in his judgement, said the Court found that Karpal Singh's testimony, delivered after seven days, and that of another defence witness had failed to raised a reasonable doubt in the prosecution's case.

Karpal Singh told the reporters that he respected the decision of the High Court, and that he would appeal soon after the court meted out the sentence.

Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak ; Term expired February 28

His Excellency the Yang Dipertua Negeri (Governor) of Sarawak, Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin bin Abang Barieng term will expired on February 28, 2014. The ended of the term was made during the last instrument of appointment from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia last year, which only extended the term for another year. On accounted in the last month of the Governor's services, His Excellency has made a tour all around the State of Sarawak during the Chinese New Year Celebration 2014.

Among of His Excellency last acts as the Head of State was bestowed the State Honorary Medal and awards. During the last investiture ceremony held on last February 13, 2014 was the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. The Deputy Prime Minister received the State Order of Yang Amat Mulia Bintang Kenyalang Sarawak which carries the title of Datuk Patinggi. 

The expiry date of the Yang Dipertua Negeri who is also on the same day as the resignation date of the Chief Minister of Sarawak, Pehin Sri Abdul Taib bin Mahmud had spark a series of speculations of whom shall be appointed as the next Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak, or whether the Pehin Seri himself will be the next Yang Dipertua Negeri. The same event also occur in the past when Tun Abdul Rahman Yaakop who resigned as Chief Minister becoming the State's Governor and his nephew, Abdul Taib Mahmud inherited his position as the Chief Minister of Sarawak.

The State Constitution has stated that the position of the Yang Dipertua Negeri is appointed by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia after made consultation with the Chief Minister of Sarawak.

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.