Sunday, February 20, 2011

Flash floods (Week 3)





Across the news, be it from newspapers, and even to the radio, there were emergency news flashes regarding floods. Affected areas are Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Northern Sabah and other areas but primarily Johor was affected with harsh flash floods. And to add on with the whole situation at hand, its heavily affecting those who are celebrating the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations. Locals are in need of ways to transport themselves to and from for the upcoming celebrations but are put to a halt because of the flash floods. To add on to the loss, even shop owners are facing a heavy loss due to the damage caused by the floods, and not to mention, the loss of sales also due to the floods as well. Other than Johor, other heavily struck areas are Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Johor and Melaka with a total loss of 4 lives so far. The last victim in record was a man who was found in Negeri Sembilan. With much sorrow and anticipation for any form of updates, all prayers and hope goes to affected families and affected locals who arent able to celebrate the upcoming celebrations. All we can do is hope for the floods to subside so that affected parties can get on with their prosperous celebrations and celebrate it with joy instead of sadness.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Mubarak To Step Down (Week 4)

The President of Egypt, Hosni Mubarak will step down shortly and transfer the authority to the Egyptian Higher Council of the Armed Forces, a senior Egyptian official confirmed to to Fox News on Thursday. The group group is comprised of the minister of defense, Field Marshall Hussein Tantawi -- who stands atop the military hierarchy -- along with the military's chief of staff, the chief of operations, and commanders of the Army, Navy, Air force and Air defenses. The source pointed out that the transfer of power will occur outside of the constitutional framework because under the Egyptian constitution, Mubarak's resignation ordinarily would mean that the speaker of the house would become President, and the elections would be held within 60 days. In this case, the Military council will not be governing under the constitution of any legislation, the source noted. "So, they will have to define the format under which they are taking power.
As a case in point, the official cited the committee to amend the constitution that had been formed, including with opposition membership, and which he said had agreed swiftly on the six article of the constitution to be reformed.
The residents of Egypt have been celebrating in the streets of Cairo and other cities after hearing news that president Hosni Mubarak is stepping down. However, some of the Egyptians who supported Mubarak seems to be very disappointed.




Friday, February 11, 2011

Big fuss Over Valentine's Day (week 4)

Valentine's Day is celebrated on the 14th of February every year. This tradition has been carried on by people for the past centuries. It's a celebration of love,celebration for a saint named St.Valentine. On the very day itself, young people would exchange gifts or the guy would get roses,chocolates or even jeweleries for their loved ones. The gifts somehow represents a token of love and appreciation towards each other in a relationship. However, in Malaysia (only in Malaysia), the celebration of this joyful day which is arriving soon, has been conquering the media for the past week. Apparently, some Muslims, especially those who are from an Islamic party, namely PAS, are not very happy with Valentine's Day celebration. PAS Youth chief Nasrudin Hasan At-Tantawi reportedly said the sate governments is Kedah, Kelantan and Selangor had directed the local authorities to work closely with the police and Rela to check on immoral activities that day. This movement is however disagreed by the SIS, (Sisters In Islam). Yasmin Masidi stated that this moves violates personal dignity and privacy. In another act to go against Valentine's Day, The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) is launching an anti-Valentine's Day campaign. Besides that, there's is also a video circulating in Facebook and Youtube. This video is about a Ustazah giving her debate on why Muslims should not celebrate Valentine's Day and she urge all the Muslims to say no to any invitation to parties on Valentine's Day. It so said that most of the baby-dumping case is caused by Valentine's Day as the young people go 'wild' on that very night.

I don't understand why they (the PAS leaders) making such a big fuss over Valentine's Day. All the bannings, playing moral police are not at all necessary. What makes them think that young people out there only carry out immoral activities during Valentine's Day? There are 365 days in the year and they are making such a big deal about ONE day. In my mind, is it the celebration of Valentine's Day they are worrying about or they're just merely pointing fingers at other religion to express their unsatisfaction? Plus, as state government, don't they have something else more important to worry about? So again, why the big fuss???