Terengganu State Constitution Crisis

13th May has always been a dark history for Malaysia due to racial tension that occur in Kuala Lumpur. It resulted the State of Emergency to be announced. One fascinating thing about history is that, its always repeated itself. Even though it is not as severe as racial tension, 13th May 2014 marks the dark episode in the State of Terengganu when the State's face its second constitutional crisis for the second time in just over a period of 5 years. The crisis was triggered after the State witness the appointment of the new Menteri Besar, the State Assemblymen of Seberang Takir, Datuk Ahmad Razif bin Abd Rahman replacing Datuk Ahmad Said. The sworn-in ceremony was held at Syarqiyyah Palace before His Royal Highness Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu late in the evening.

After the sworn-in ceremony, the former Menteri Besar announced his resignation as an UMNO's members and becoming an Independent Assemblymen in the State's Assembly. His action later were followed by 2 other State Assemblymen resulted Barisan Nasional suffered a minor seat back. In the last General Election, Barisan Nasional manage to secure 17 seats out of 32 State Assembly contested seat. When 3 members of BN becoming Independent, Barisan Nasional at the time becoming a minority with only 14 seats, losing to the opposition Pakatan Rakyat who has 15 seats. The outcome of BN would face a vote of no confidence and the new Menteri Besar becoming the shortest serving Menteri Besar in Malaysia history was alarming.

Meanwhile, Terengganu's Pakatan Rakyat led by Tuan Guru Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang only taking "wait and see" stance regarding the issue. The social websites at the time were buzzing with the prospect of the new PR Government rise in power in Terengganu. Nevertheless, much of PR's supporters were in favour of a new fresh State's Election rather that seeing a coalition government with the Independents. In addition, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang also have a faith to the reigning Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin who have the capability to steer the State in the troubled time. This is the fifth Menteri Besar in the reign of Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin since his accession to the throne in 1998. In 1999 and 2004 respectively, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh were both appointed as Menteri Besar without much of a problem. The first constitution crisis occurs in 2008, when the palace has lost favour of Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh and appointing Datuk Seri Ahmad Said instead.

While the people seeing the crisis with much anticipation, it is still certain the BN Government still standing when the Speaker of the State Assembly using his prerogative to side with BN and that increase the numbers of BN in the Assembly to 15-3-15 in par to that of PR and Independent (with much resentment from the public). After a week, the Independent Assemblymen has announced rejoined back UMNO and the majority of BN in the State Assembly is secured. The new Menteri Besar did also announced that his administration will retain the line set by his former. Probably so that the crisis will end on a soft ground. In election 2013, it is said that Datuk Seri Ahmad Said will have a troublesome time after the election to steer the State after witnessing several bad omen, it looks like they were right after all.

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.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong greets the President of USA

In conjunction with the 3-days State visits of the President of USA, Malaysia pull all the stops as the country of 30 million people greets the US President, Barrack Obama with a 'red-carpet' treatment. As Malaysia wished "Selamat Datang" to the President of USA which meant "Welcome" in Malay, a red carpet was rolled out during the official welcoming ceremony at Parliament Square last Saturday. Also present at the ceremony were Their Majesties the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah of Kedah and the Raja Permaisuri Agong of Malaysia, Tuanku Hajah Haminah of Kedah. Also present were the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abd Razak and his Deputy, Tan Sri Muhyiddin bin Yassin.

Obama later inspected the Guard-of-Honour mounted by 107 officers and men from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment led by Major Amriza Mohd Asshari. The ceremony marked by a 21-gun salute. The President of USA visits to Malaysia is a part of Obama's four-nation of Asia is a first by a sitting US president in 48 years since President Lyndon B. Johnson's in 1966. Obama had visited Japan and South Korea, the final of his Asia's trip is the Philippines.

The President's later was invited to the official State Banquet held at Istana Negara at night. In the banquet, His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in his royal address has expressed Malaysia's gratitude for the United States's unwavering support and cooperation in the search operation of the lost Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370. The Supreme Ruler also stated that he was pleased to see the ties between Malaysia and the US gaining so much traction, as over the years, their common interests and shared values had flourished. His Majesty then concluded in his speech with hope that President Obama would enjoy Malaysia's hospitality and return to the US with fond memories of the country. "We hope your visit to Malaysia is both meaningful and memorable. We pray for your continued good health, as well as that of your family, and for the people of the US".

Royalty and the citizen ; The royal circumcision and piercing ceremony

The children of Tengku Muda of Pahang from left :- Tengku Eddie Akasya, Tengku Ameera Asya and Tengku Ahmad Firman Shah

April 20, 2014 - Over 40,000 people gathered at the Istiadat Raja Bersama Rakyat in conjunction of the royal circumcision and piercing ceremony of the children of His Royal Highness the Tengku Muda of Pahang, Tengku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang that has been done for the first time ever at Dataran Temerloh, last night. The ceremony was attended by Their Royal Highnesses the Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah and Sultanah Kalsom of Pahang. Also attended the ceremony were His Royal Highness the Tengku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah and members of Pahang Royal Family. Also present were The Honourable Menteri Besar of Pahang, Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob and wife, Datin Seri Junaini Kassim.

The ceremony was done according to Pahang royal customs and the children of Tengku Muda, Her Highness Tengku Ameera Asya and Their Highnesses Tengku Eddie Akasya and Tengku Ahmad Firman Shah were paraded on elephants in the royal procession of 20 meter long to the royal chamber for Merenjis ceremony. The arrival of the royal procession were greeted with the welcoming dances and the merenjis ceremony was started by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Pahang. After the ceremony, the children of Tengku Muda consented to mingle with the audiences. His Highness Tengku Ahmad Firman Shah stated that, the ceremony is meaningful to him and he will never forget.

The consort of Tengku Muda, Her Highness the Cik Puan Muda of Pahang, Julita Aishah stated, the ceremony was organized accordance to the Tengku Muda's wish who wanted to show the people of Pahang the side of Pahang royal customs that never shown to public.

MH370 ; Several reactions from Malaysian States Rulers and Governor

The lost of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 has received various reactions either inside or outside of the country. As it has becomes an international concerns, several international media has slammed how Malaysia handled the case, including several accusations of mismanagement and lack of coordination. As the case takes longer and longer time to solve, not to mention the lost flight is still yet to be found, patience has grew thinner and thinner by the passing day. In Malaysia, several States Rulers has stated their opinion regarding the matter.

On April 7, 2014, His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah in his royal address during the State Opening session of Selangor State Assembly, expressed his sympathy over the disappearance of MH370. "I pray that the search will have a definite and satisfying answer for all parties, especially to those who are waiting for news. I hope the Malaysian Government will continue the search to find the right answer to the tragedy and I hope they will be patience in facing this dire situation". He said when opening the first meeting of the second session of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly.

On April 10, 2014, His Excellency the Yang Dipertua Negeri (Governor) of Sabah, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin also expressed his sympathy over the lost Malaysian airliner. "Let us pray and hope that the families of the passengers and crews will have the patience and courage to face the situation". He said when opening the first meeting of the second session of Sabah State Legislative Assembly.

On April 11, 2014, His Royal Highness the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir and her royal consort, Her Royal Highness the Tengku Ampuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Aishah Rohani as well as the citizens of Negeri Sembilan are deeply concerned and express regrets over the incident of MH370. "I hope family members of the passengers and crew of the aircraft will be strong in facing the challenge and fate", he said when opening the First meeting of the second session of Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly seating. In the same session, the Negeri Sembilan State Assembly unanimously passed a special motion on MH370 tabled by the Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

Monarchs of the world

In today segment, we will witness the countries which are ruled by Monarchs. Until this article were posted, there are officially 44 countries with a monarch as Head of State. Here is the list of the World's monarchs still reign today.


JAPAN

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan

Consort : Her Imperial Highness Empress Michiko

Monarch since : 7th January 1989

CAMBODIA

His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni

Consort : -

Monarch since : 14th October 2004

THAILAND

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej

Consort : Her Majesty Queen Sirikit

Monarch since : 9th June 1946

MALAYSIA

His Majesty Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah

Consort : Her Majesty Tuanku Hajah Haminah

Monarch since (Malaysia) : 13th December 2011

Monarch since (Kedah) : 13th July 1958

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Muizaddin Waddaulah

Consort : Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha

Monarch since : 4th October 1967

BHUTAN

His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk

Consort : Her Majesty the Druk Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema

Monarch since : 9th December 2006

OMAN

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said

Consort : ??

Monarch since : 23rd July 1970

SAUDI ARABIA

His Majesty the custodian of two holy mosques

Abdullah bin Abd Aziz

Consort : ??

Monarch since : 1st August 2005

BAHRAIN

His Majesty King Hamad Ibn Isa Al-Khalifa

Consort : Her Majesty Queen Sabika binti Ibrahim

Monarch since : 6th March 1999

QATAR

His Majesty Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani

Consort : Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad Al-Thani & Anoud bint Mana Al-Hajr

Monarch since : 25th June 2013

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

His Highness President Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan

Consort : Shamsa binti Suhail Al-Mazrouei

Monarch since : 3rd November 2004

KUWAIT

His Highness Emir Sabah Al Ahmad

Consort : -

Monarch since : 29th January 2009

JORDAN

His Majesty King Abdullah II

Consort : Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Yassin

Monarch since : 7th February 1999

MOROCCO

His Majesty King Mohammed VI

Consort : Her Majesty Princess Lalla Salma

Monarch since : 23rd July 1999

SWAZILAND

His Majesty King Mswati III

Consort : currently have 15 wives

Monarch since : 25 April 1986

LESOTHO

His Majesty King Letsie III

Consort : Her Majesty Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso

Monarch since : 7th February 1996

UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
AND 16 COMMONWEALTH REALMS

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Consort : His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh

Monarch since : 6th February 1952

SPAIN

His Majesty King Juan-Carlos I

Consort : Her Majesty Queen Sophia

Monarch since : 22nd November 1975

MONACO

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II

Consort : Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene

Monarch since : 6th April 2005

ANDORRA

His Serene Highness Joan Enric Vives I Sicilia (Co-Prince)

Monarch since : 12th May 2003

His Excellency François Hollande (Co-Prince) ex-officio as President of France

Co-monarch since : 15th May 2012

LIECHTENSTEIN

His Serene Highness Prince Hans-Adam II

Consort : Countess Marie Kinsky

Monarch since : 13 November 1989

LUXEMBOURG

His Serene Highness Grand Duke Henri

Consort : Grand Duchess Maria Teresa

Monarch since : 7th October 2000

BELGIUM

His Majesty King Phillipe

Consort : Her Majesty Queen Mathilde

Monarch since : 21st July 2013

NETHERLANDS

His Majesty King Willem-Alexander 

Consort : Her Majesty Queen Maxima

Monarch since : 30th April 2013

NORWAY

His Majesty King Harald V

Consort : Her Majesty Queen Sonja

Monarch since : 17th January 1991

SWEDEN

His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf 

Consort : Her Majesty Queen Silvia

Monarch since : 15th September 1973

DENMARK

Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II

Consort : His Royal Highness Henrik, Prince Consort

Monarch since : 14th January 1972

VATICAN CITY

His Holiness Pope Francis I

Monarch since : 13th March 2013

TONGA

His Majesty King Tupou VI

Consort : Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau'u Tuku'aho

Monarch since : 18th March 2012

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.