The Cabinet next Wednesday should order the immediate suspension of school principals who acted as “Little Napoleons” in unilaterally and arbitrarily imposing rules and regulations which trample on cultural and religious rights and sensitivities in a plural society – demonstrating that they lack the most fundamental qualification to be school principals.
The latest manifestation of such “Little Napoleons” is Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar (formerly English College) in Johor Bahru in making “songkok” part of the compulsory uniform of school prefects in the school.
I put up on my blog the protest letter of a parent of a school prefect in Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar who said his son, who is in Form Five, would resign as a school prefect – appointed since Form II because of his exemplary conduct – if he is forced to wear the songkok. There are over 160 responses in the two threads in my blog on this issue in the past 24 hours, showing the intensity of the sensitivities over the matter.
Recently there have been an unchecked increase of incidents whether in schools, universities or involving the government decision-making process showing growing indifference, disrespect and even contempt for the sensitivities and rights of the diverse races, cultures and religions in the country – which are most detrimental to the goals of nation-building and the Vision 2020 objective of creating a Bangsa Malaysia.
Yesterday, Malaysians learn to their shock another incident of the “Little Napoleons” running wild in Malaysia – the confiscation of English language Christian children’s books said to contain offensive caricatures of prophets from several bookshops in Johore Baru, Senawang (Negri Sembilan) and Ipoh by state enforcement officials of the Publications and Al-Quran Texts Control Department under the Internal Security Ministry.
What happened in Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar, Johor Bahru goes against the 2004 Barisan Nasional general election manifesto to create public confidence in national schools by making them as the educational institution of choice of all Malaysians.
In his last year as Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was quite outspoken in expressing his concern at the failure of national schools as instruments of nation-building and national unity.
He openly admitted that there had been two hijackings of the national education system from its original objective to cater to all races in Malaysia, alienating non-Muslims as in denying the right of the Chinese and Indians to learn their own languages and introducing Islamic practices in the school system which “puts off the non-Malays”, with boys forbidden from wearing shorts, even for playing games, and “even games are discouraged”, when “before, we had no problems with girls wearing skirts and boys wearing shorts, especially for games”.
When Abdullah became Prime Minister, he pledged to carry out Mahathir’s “unfinished business” to end such extremism and intolerance by the “Little Napoleons” so that the national schools will become the school of choice of all Malaysians regardless of race.
Instead of “walking the talk” and delivering his election pledge to end the intolerance and extremism in the schools, the reverse has taken place with “Little Napoleons” running wild in the schools, whether as principals or other capacities, creating a situation even worse than during Mahathir’s time.
The latest songkok issue in Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar in Johor Bahru is the latest known manifestation of such “Little Napoleons” in the national schools. Other recent “Little Napoleonic” outrages include:
• The segregation of boys and girls in SMK Seremban Jaya in Senawang although it is a co-ed school. Boys and girls were not allowed to mix whether to study in the same classroom or eat at the same table in the canteen. In fact, a new block was built to ensure their classrooms were located away from each other.
• Islamisation of Penang Free School, once the premier school in Penang and the country, with what many old boys regard as the “last straw” when a Jawi signage was installed at the main entrance of the school.
Although the scandalous segregation of boys and girls at SMK Seremban Jaya in Senawang has been ended after a public outcry, no action has been taken against the “Little Napoleons” responsible for such outrageous rules.
I call on the Cabinet next Wednesday to order the immediate suspension of school principals in these three schools and in others where there are principals who acted as “Little Napoleons” in unilaterally and arbitrarily imposing rules and regulations which trample on cultural and religious rights and sensitivities in a plural society.
The Cabinet should also institute a national inquiry into all the national schools to smack down the “Little Napoleons” whether principal or administrator for their disrespect and insensitivity to the rights and sensitivities of diverse races, religions and cultures in plural Malaysia – giving the aggrieved parents an opportunity to publicly voice their objections and protests at such perversion of the national education policy and nation-building objective.
(Media Statement when launching the 2-day 12-place “whistlestop” campaign in Perak to highlight the DAP national general election theme of “Good Cops, Safe Malaysia” at the Bidor market (first of the 12 stops) on Saturday 12.1.08)
#1 by Old Geezer on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 11:52 am
“To those who cannot write in proper English, please refrain from writing. You are lowering the level and the standard of English.
Young people, please do not impose, brag or give false information. Thank you.” max2811
If you were referring to Kanasaikia’s post, many people send SMS that way to reduce the number of characters. You just go for the sound when you read it, not the spelling.
I come to this blog because I am more interested about information, ideas, and the comedy.
I can overlook the English as long as I understand what the poster is saying.
To demand a high level of English in today’s Malaysia is asking a bit too much.
But it is up to the owner of this blog whether to agree with you, and impose the conditions you seek.
I am curious how you know the person who “impose, brag or give false information” is a young person.
#2 by Tickler on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 11:53 am
UMNO is fast using `terror` tactics and they learnt that a long time back. Not to forget that the Education Minister comes from Johor, and Johor delegates form one of the largest groups to UMNO general assemblies, and that the PM needs their support very badly.
#3 by Old Geezer on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 11:57 am
There is a language mistake in my previous post and I better correct it before max2811 crucifies me.
“I come to this blog because I am more interested about information, ideas, and the comedy.” should be
“I come to this blog because I am more interested in the information, ideas, and the comedy.”
#4 by justiciary on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 12:27 pm
Sometimes we may have to overlook the poor English used by the young people these days.I have spoken to young working local graduates and was quite dismayed at their command of English.They could not master the parts of speech and also failed to use the correct tense.Most of the time they mixed BM with English and frequently used the ‘ma’ and the ‘la’ in ending sentences.However,the low standard of English today is the result of the switching of the English medium of instruction in schools to BM in the early 80s.With that Malaysians lost their fame in their command of English and we are now witnessing a whole generation has been sacrificed and wasted by the implementation of the unwise language policy.
#5 by Old Geezer on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 12:38 pm
As I have mentioned in the other thread, we have to look at all the facts first before arriving at a conclusion.
If Kanasaikia is right about the songkok being part of the ceremonial uniform for the prefects in MSAB for many years (and another poster has confirmed that to be true in the other thread), wouldn’t it make us all look a bit stupid to make it an issue for nothing? Wouldn’t that also make YB Lim lose some credibility for asking the principal of MSAB to be suspended if it is true that the songkok has been a tradition for several years?
The person who complained should check the facts first before causing other people in trouble.
Both Malays and non-Malays may have misconceptions about the songkok.
So, YB Lim should instead ask the govt to announce whether the songkok should be an Islamic symbol to inform both Malays and non-Malays, and then proceed from there.
Otherwise, it would be tragic if a Chinese gets beaten up by an ignorant Malay mob if he happens to eat or buy pork in his ceremonial head gear on his way home from an official function.
#6 by greenacre on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 1:02 pm
A friend of mine told be that this practice is also prevalent in Sekolah Sultan Abdul Jalil, Kluang ,Johor.
YB Lim could you check it out and highlight the matter and get this dungus kicked out of the education system.
#7 by shortie kiasu on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 1:08 pm
Teaching professions in Malaysia: teachers, headmasters, principals… are not infiltrated by the religious lunatics. Whether the schools or colleges is co-ed or not, it is immaterial to these lunatics and fanatics. They are one tracked mind and they see only tunnel-vision.
So the pupils & students churned out by these lunatics and fanatics cannot not be better off; can only be worse off.
In time to come, the Malaysian society will be flooded with such characters. One can guess the type of future in the country without much difficulties.
We need a strong opposition or an alternative government to bring “Change” – the key words now being thrown around in the current Primaries of the American Presidential election!
#8 by grace on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 4:25 pm
Mr Lim,
The MOE and PM are just as dumb as usual. They cannot make decision.
They should make it known to all HMs and Education officers that guide lines and policies of the school have been fixed. At no timeshould they introduce any extra dress codes or practices, like segregating males from females.
If they were to do that, the officials or HM should be sacked because they are going against national policies
#9 by Tickler on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 5:58 pm
YB Lim could you check it out and highlight the matter and get this dungus kicked out of the education system.- greenacre
YB can only do that if the people elect a new govt. to replace the odious BN.
#10 by mauriyaII on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 6:11 pm
Not only Pak Lah is sleeping and let the ministers in his cabinet run the country, it looks like the ministers are sleeping as well. If Kerismuddin stops weilding his keris and stop dozing at every opportunity, then we won’t have little Osamas run riot in their little fiefdoms.
Ever since the Malay agenda became prominent, every dungu seems to outdo the other. All these clowns can do as they please because because the head honcho is getting to be senile.
#11 by amus on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 6:22 pm
Maybe to solve the problem of the songkok wearing enforcement for the prefects would be to teach the malays how the songkok become part of the malay traditional costume.
you see, the songkok does not originate from malaysia, indonesia or thailand.
it originated from india and had been worn by the indian muslims there. so you see the little napoleans, ministers or the malays do not really know or couldn’t be bothered to know or simply ignorant of their own culture.
let not the indians stake a claim to this episode and did what indonesians had done to the rasa sayange traditional song.
#12 by Jeffrey on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 7:13 pm
I refer to Old Geezer’s posting at 1:52.29 questioning Max2811 why Max2811 was making an issue of Kanasaikia’s English
and how Max2811 would know that the person (Kanasaikia) “who impose, brag or give false information†is a young person.
To Old Geezer, I can understand where Max2811 is coming from, and I urge you to consider the following:
1. Kanasaikia made his defence of the songkok for prefect system Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar (formerly English College) (“ECâ€) not in one but two or three threads in this blog. (This shows determined motivation to defend EC’s position).
2. His first defence of EC was written in complete sentences – eg “ I’m a prefect in EC currently†(Old Geezer, this is where Max2811 knew that Kanasaikia was a young person, quite apart from his other enquiries that Max2811 said he made) “& I would like to tell you all this that this songkok wearing thing didn’t just come out recently. It has already been there for nearly 30 years & for vetaran like us (currently in upper 6), wearing green songkok is a tradition.†See: thread here – http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/01/11/894/
3. Kanasaikia’s version was refuted and challenged by Dranony in his posting of 11 Jan in this thread link – http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/01/11/894/
Dranony posted this : “kanasaikia, I have reliable information that you have only been a Prefect at EC for only SIX(6) months!That _hardly_ qualifies yourself to be a “veteran†(btw it is not “vetaranâ€) of the Prefectorial Board. It is plainly evident from the initial post by EC Parent that his son has been a prefect much longer than you have, and this issue had NEVER been raised in ALL the entire time that the son had been a prefect So PLEASE Do NOT mislead everyone here into thinking that wearing of the songkok had been ongoing for the past thirty years.â€
4. Strangely, when Dranony posted this accusation, kanasaikia came out in own defence in a completely different gibberish English different in style and language from the one that he first posted eg : “Well! Y i say i’m vetaran becoz i study in dis school for nearly 7 years even thought i’m not a prefect be4 det but I noe well in dis abt songkok stuff ( i hv a lot of fren wic is prefect) n becoz dis this songkok thing started 2 vanish in my form 4 years ( wic is wen det prefect get himself in 2 de prefectorial board. Det time he is form 2) det is y he didn’t noe abt de songkok matter. If u dun believe dis songkok thing reli existed be4 he came, u can ask ppl of my batch or be4. I swear dey will tell u de same answer as i said.†See this link – http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/01/11/songkok-compulsory-wear-for-jb-english-college-prefects/
5. Kanasaikia, in your posting you said in clear English“ “I’m a prefect in EC currently†which is not completely in sync or consistent with your latter posting “i study in dis school for nearly 7 years even thought i’m not a prefect be4 det but I noe well in dis abt songkok stuff ( i hv a lot of fren wic is prefect) n becoz dis this songkok thing started 2 vanish in my form 4 years ( wic is wen det prefect get himself in 2 de prefectorial board. Det time he is form 2)â€
6. Kanasaikia, with all respect, I think you have created a credibility problem for yourself here. I am beginning to think that if what Dranony said is true – and I am more inclined to believe Dranony – you may well have an agenda in writing what you did, as if to deliberately diffuse and deflect the attention of this blog or LKS or the public from the recent goings on in Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar (formerly English College) (“ECâ€) as if this is quite normal (songkok for prefects) for many years. Why are you doing this? Are you still currently a prefect of EC (as you suggested) doing this to help your principal?
Old Geezer, you said that “if Kanasaikia is right about the songkok being historically a part of the ceremonial uniform for many years, won’t it make us all a bit stupid to be making a storm in a tea-cup for nothing? Both Malays and non-Malays may have misconceptions about the songkok. So, ask the govt to announce whether the songkok should be an Islamic symbol to inform both Malays and non-Malays, and then proceed from there.â€
I would say in response to what you said:
(a) whether songkok is historically a part of the ceremonial uniform for many years in EC is the present issue in contention. What Kanasaikia said and the way he said it in 2 postings is suspect. We have Dranony who contradicted Kanasaikia. Do you have a reason not to believe Dranony’s version?
(b) Even if it was a ceremonial uniform for many years in EC for prefects – this is not so for secondary schools nation wide, so are you saying that it is alright for EC to continue if this is wrong and the prefect and his parent object?
(c) On issue of right and wrong, you seem to opine that that is determined, on the question of fact, whether the Songkok is an Islamic symbol, and you’re suggesting that the govt should be asked to announce whether it is.
No, I don’t think it revolves on whether Songkok is an Islamic symbol. It revolves around whether the Songkok is a Malay cultural emblem and symbol to which others like the boy prefect have to subscribe. Do you dispute that it is?
We all know Islam is very much a part of the Malay cultural identity. That notwithstanding, the objections to what EC has done revolves on the premise that Songkok is a Malay emblem.
To ask whether a Songkok is an Islamic symbol, and to say that fact has to be ascertained before we discuss further and judge the issue, is to point a wrong direction of where the discussion should be heading. It is a red herring that distracts the discussion here from the main issue.
#13 by Kanasaikia on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 7:59 pm
Thx jeffery to make a summary on it. Ok! I wana say that i don’t wish to side anyone. I have given my view in my latest blog post. If u all feel free then go n hv a look. Yes, i’m still a EC prefect & a student there. If you still suspect my credibility than come to EC. I will introduce myself to everyone & bring you all around. See-ing is better than listening.
#14 by Jeffrey on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 8:08 pm
Kanasaikia, thanks for reverting. What you said is fair enough.
#15 by Jeffrey on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 9:29 pm
BTW I have just discovered a posting by mindenn on January 11th, 2008 at 00: 02.52 (21 hours ago) in this thread link – http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/01/11/songkok-compulsory-wear-for-jb-english-college-prefects/ in which he said “I grad from EC 6 years ago, during that times all the male prefects wore the songkok regardless of races as told by Kanasaikia, so it’s really not a new issue in EC”. However JB EC Parent said “My son who is in Form Five this year, has been a Prefect in EC since he was in Form Two”.
There seems to be a genuine dispute as to facts here. The only way to explain it is that the practice of requiring male prefects to wear songkok is an “off and on” thing; it isn’t a new thing if it was implemented 6 years ago (but certainly could not be as far back as 30 years ago as Kanasaikia appeared to suggest in his first posting), but apparently it wasn’t implemented in last 3 years based on what JB EC Parent said “My son who is in Form Five this year, has been a Prefect in EC since he was in Form Two” (when obviously there was no such thing).
In view of the doubt as to facts, I would retract what I said to Kanasaikia about “I think you have created a credibility problem for yourself here” and ” Why are you doing this? Are you still currently a prefect of EC (as you suggested) doing this to help your principal?”.
I however stand by whatever rest I said about the issue.
The rest
#16 by rubicante on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 9:44 pm
I am also a student of Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar. It is compulsory for all of the Muslim students to wear the baju melayu and songkok on Friday. However, I’m not sure that the school has the authority to force the students to wear those. Moreover, in the top Form Two class, there are 24 Muslims and only 11 non- Muslims even though many of the non-Muslims in the more lower classes outperformed the Muslims in the top class in studies.
#17 by dranony on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 10:08 pm
Thanks Jeffrey for summarising the problem.
It is obvious from the posting of daniel
(See:
http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/01/11/894/#comment-69440 )
that songkoks were NOT part of the compulsory uniform in the mid seventies.
However, mindenn said that 6 years ago, it was part of the uniform.
(See here:
http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/01/11/songkok-compulsory-wear-for-jb-english-college-prefects/#comment-69317 )
So Jeffrey may be right that this is an “on and off” thing.
However, many of Jeffrey’s points are valid, esp these:
(http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/01/12/suspend-little-napoleon-school-principals-who-trample-on-rights-and-sensitivities-of-plural-malaysia/#comment-69465 )
“Even if it was a ceremonial uniform for many years in EC for prefects – this is not so for secondary schools nation wide, so are you saying that it is alright for EC to continue if this is wrong and the prefect and his parent object?
We all know Islam is very much a part of the Malay cultural identity. That notwithstanding, the objections to what EC has done revolves on the premise that Songkok is a Malay emblem.”
The original letter questioning whether Sikhs have a right to resist compulsory wearing of the songkok, remains unanswered.
Are Sikhs exempted from wearing the songkok? If Sikhs are exempted from wearing the songkok, where then is the uniformity?
Or are Sikhs excluded from being appointed to become an EC prefect?
This then makes me wonder – now that policewomen are compelled to wear the tudung, how many policewomen who are chinese or indian have enlisted as policewomen?
#18 by kaybeegee on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 11:05 pm
Take them to court. the civil court not the shariah court. And if the civil courts judges say that the songkok is a symbol of islam than go to the syariah court.
Unless you tell UMNO that the songkok is not a Malay invention but from India(what a place) than the songkok will be dropped.
#19 by kaybeegee on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 11:09 pm
Sorry, you should ask the Mufti of Perlis. He will tell you that the songkok was from INDIA, and not a Malay invention. Jai Hind
#20 by undergrad2 on Monday, 14 January 2008 - 1:46 am
“This then makes me wonder – now that policewomen are compelled to wear the tudung, how many policewomen who are chinese or indian have enlisted as policewomen?”
I think there is a difference between the ‘songkok’ and the ‘hijab’ (or tudung as it is referred to). The ‘hijab’ serves a religious function i.e. to cover the hair of the Muslim women from public view. She can take it off at home.
Not so with the ‘songkok’. It is more a traditional Malay attire of choice when you are attending official ceremonies like weddings and funerals or mosques. Islam does not mandate a Muslim male to cover his hair while praying. But the women do need to put on the ‘hijab’ to pray.
Any Muslims around?
#21 by scorpian6666 on Monday, 14 January 2008 - 2:40 am
I always thought the songkok in malaysia is islamic by observation. They usually wear it in the mosque and when you became a “Haji” you dont wear it anymore but a white cap of some sort.
Correct me if I am wrong ?
The Flag of Malaysia has an islamic Cresent, but no nobody seem to have any problem with that.
I believe as present, wearing a songkok for the non-malay would not be readily accepted as the normal thing to do and making it a rule would be seem as arrogant or even stupid.
But of course we always have people like Kanasaikia who probably doesnt quite give a shit to sure a thing.
#22 by Old Geezer on Monday, 14 January 2008 - 3:25 am
Jeffrey, unless you are “max2811″, he/she did not specifically mention Kanasaikia and appeared to be making a general statement. He/she said “Young people, please do not impose, brag or give false information. Thank you.”
There are posters (probably Malays, even on RPK blog) who mentioned that the songkok has nothing to do with Islam, and some here even said it is not of Malaysian origin. But then, there are also Malays who think it is Islamic and some may even be upset for the non-Malays to touch it. Likewise, as is evident here, there are non-Malays who think it is Islamic.
With such conflicting views, what responsible suggestion would you give in a situation like this?
What official headgear would you suggest for the uniformed corps that has a Malaysian identity? I asked that question in another thread and nobody has suggested one. Ask the St John Ambulance people why they picked the songkok-like cap more than 30 years ago? I just checked their website and it is still part of their ceremonial uniform.
Asking the govt to clarify is not diverting the issue but to make it clear for everybody so that Malays and non-Malays can feel comfortable seeing a non-Malay wearing one.
When there is an official dress code, you have to respect it, like you don’t wear a necktie with a batik shirt. Otherwise, you can just choose to stay away from the function.
There is a reason I bring this up and it involves the DAP.
When the DAP ADUNs and MPs are required to meet the Agong or Sultans and if there is a dress code that involves the songkok for the men, what would the DAP ADUNs or MPs do?
Before somebody suggest boycotting the Audience with the Agong or Sultans, let me remind them that, as citizens, all Malaysians have sweared allegiance to the Agong and the Sultans. By being elected representatives of the people, the DAP ADUNS and MPs represent the wishes of the people. So, you have to meet the Royalty and follow the protocol.
An opposition party should have a platform policy that it only represents different policies and ideas in the running of the country, and for the common good of the country (inclusive of the Malays and non-Malays). It should assuage others that its aim is not to turn the country upside down by disrespecting the Agong and Sultans, or the system of government.
In Japan, Britain and other Western countries, voting the opposition into power does not alter their traditional respect for the Royalty or the system of government.
The DAP should earn respect from the Agong and Sultans by first of all respecting the position of the Royalty and to follow the royal protocol. If the protocol involves wearing the songkok, so be it.
Otherwise, the DAP would find it hard to earn the trust of the Malays and the Royalty; and would have no credibility as a responsible political organization working for all Malaysians.
I am old enough to know that people do give bad advice and suggestion to get you into trouble. Just like a scene in a movie where a man stands on the ledge of a high rise, attempting to jump. People would gather around and some would try to dissuade him not to jump, but others simply chant “jump, jump, jump”. Which would you follow?
#23 by Old Geezer on Monday, 14 January 2008 - 4:30 am
My English is getting crappy.
Grammatical mistake in my posting above..
“sweared” should be “swore”.
“dissuade him not to jump” should be “dissuade him from jumping”.
There may be more but you all know what I meant.
#24 by Old Geezer on Monday, 14 January 2008 - 4:42 am
Maybe I should just stop checking my own posting or to compose it somewhere else first before submitting.
“have sweared” should be “have sworn”.
“somebody suggest” should be “somebody suggests”
#25 by Jeffrey on Monday, 14 January 2008 - 5:27 am
Thanks for the comments/discussion, Old Geezer,
My Response:
1. My comments have proceeded based on your own hypothetical context – “If you were referring to Kanasaikia’s post†– in relation to what max2811 said about “Young people, please do not impose, brag or give false information†that max2811 has, so far, not denied.
2. The “songkok” (traditional Malay cap) is a headdress worn with the traditional outfit for men of Malay race in Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia and although there are some differences of opinions whether it is also Islamic, I rather think it is not considering that not all muslims in other countries like say Saudi Arabia, Iran or even Taliban Afghan wear it. It is not like the‘hijab’ that undergrad2 has, in his above posting, drawn a clear distinction. Anyway since many postings here objecting to EC’s prefect attire are based on hegemonic cultural imposition of the majority race, I supposed it does not matter, in this context, to argue whether songkok is more Malay or Islamic a headgear.
3. Regarding St John Ambulance people, the fact that their caps look or are shaped like the “songkok†do not make them “songkoks†as the term “songkok” is defined or understood. The “fez†used in Morocco, Greece or Balkans (and head gear of J Nehru) also look in shape like Songkok but one can’t call them a songkok. Some headgears of military in Britain & US are also shaped like songkok but that does not make it one. In fact I think they call it the shape of “pileus†hat.
4. Lastly, there is really no basis to compare the issue of prefect uniform in Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar (formerly English College) with that of dress code required as part of Palace Court rituals, regalia and etiquette when (Non Malays whether DAP ADUNs and MPs) seeking an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or Sultans including during the taking of the Oath, Installation Ceremony, Birthday and Investiture Ceremonies.
Respecting the position of the Royalty and whatever the justifications of following the royal protocol are not the samme justifications for and should not used to justify requiring the wearing of songkok by prefects of Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar.
#26 by Count Dracula on Monday, 14 January 2008 - 8:03 am
Don’t forget the French caps that French like to put on their heads. They do not resemble the ‘songkok’ which Malays like to put on theirs.
#27 by Old Geezer on Monday, 14 January 2008 - 8:13 am
Now we come to semantics of what is a “songkok”.
Just to cut short any argument about that, this is what is on St John Ambulance Malaysia website on official headgear:
(ref:http://www.sjam.org.my/images/1001/uniform2.pdf)
SONGKOK
Black songkok 90 mm (3 1/2 inches) high. Base of songkok to have a white silver lining. The
Songkok may be worn by all ranks in Ceremonial Order accordance with the provisions of the
orders of dress described in Orders of dress.
#28 by undergrad2 on Monday, 14 January 2008 - 8:21 am
On the subject of what is Islamic and religious and what is Malay and may have religious connotations to the Malays, there are gestures and not just attires that are un-Islamic.
For example, the ‘sembah’ is definitely un-Islamic. You only ‘sembah’ Tuhan and when a Malay ‘sembah’ their parents and Malay sultans (not Governors?) they are what Muslims say ‘menduakan Tuhan’ – and to say that it is consistent with Islamic theology is blasphemy.
Malays ‘sembah’ and kiss the hand of members of the royalty. There is nothing Islamic there.
Tun Razak and Tun Hussein never accepted the ‘sembah’ and the kissing of their hand from members of the public – which are reserved for Malay royalty. Mahathir broke that tradition and accepted both as if he was royalty.
There is confusion even among Malays about what is Islamic and what is non-Islamic and what is just Malay tradition. So under the circumstance should you expect non-Malays to understand the difference?
#29 by scorpian6666 on Monday, 14 January 2008 - 8:24 am
Questions for Old Geezer,
Did the Agong and Sultans make Songkok the “Official” headgear for all Malaysian or just for the Malay?
Since you have to bring the DAP here, did the Agong and Sultans also give only the Malay special Privilege even over-looking the poor NON Malay ?
What if the Agong and Sultans make it a “protocol” for all the non-malay to change their name to Malay name which is also Islamic Name, would you still say ” SO BE IT ! ”
Somehow Malaysian embrace the Batik without question but not the Songkok, Why ?
Why should the headgear of Malaysia you suggested be Songkok which do not reflect the ” multi-culture living in harmony ” Malaysia is trying to tell the world ?
Would wearing a songkok signified “Trust” and if so what about the Malay wearing Hindu headgear to prove they also trust the Hindu ??
Please list some of the Royal’s “Protocol” for DAP to follow.
Do you know of any countries in the world that forbid the malay not to wear songkok if they choose to wear it ?
Did you know the OFFICIAL Religion in Malaysia is ISLAM ? By the same token, do all Malaysian HAVE to be converted to win the trust of the Malay ?
The Official Language in Malaysia is Bahasa Malaysia, but usage of English on subject such as Science is encouraged, Why ?
How old are you ?
Today you will be another day older and i hope you could see you could very much contributed in giving a bad “suggestion”
#30 by Jeffrey on Monday, 14 January 2008 - 8:32 am
These St John Ambulance Malaysia guys use all kinds of hats – in the same link referred to by Old Geezer, there’s also peak cap and bowler’s hat, and even beret -
http://www.sjam.org.my/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=99
#31 by Old Geezer on Monday, 14 January 2008 - 9:14 am
Jeffrey, there are different headgears for different occasions, just like the police wearing blue uniform for normal duty but something white and elaborate for parades, etc. That is why we have the term dress uniform or ceremonial uniform.
My political stand is always moderate. I can be liberal on some issues and very conservative on others, but also believe there is a middle ground on many issues.
Some in UMNO are extreme on the other end and I can see from this blog that some in DAP can also be seen as extreme on this end.
But first and foremost, it is important that discussions and criticisms be on facts and not knee-jerk reactions.
I have always advocate caution when making critical comments.
According to some arguments here, the songkok is Malay and since Malay is Muslim, therefore songkok is Muslim. Wouldn’t that be an excuse for not wearing a songkok if demanded by a royal protocol in the audience before the Royalty? This is the type of argument that can be disastrous for a political party that claims to represent all Malaysians.
DAP can fall into this trap involving the songkok and the Royal protocol if they don’t adopt the correct policy for its ADUNs and MPs.
I remember reading some time ago about DAP ADUNs not attending a Royal ceremony in one of the states for some reasons. That did not give a good impression among the Malays.
If we simply act on every complaint by somebody without first studying the issue and the facts, there would be riots in Malaysia every now and then.
That type of mentality does not bode well for the future of a multi-cultural Malaysia.
As someone commented in one of the blogs, wearing Malay attire especially on official occasion as required by protocol does not make one any less of a Christian or Buddhist.
My PhD hood is based on a headgear of Medieval Christian monks. I am not a Christian but should that offend me? Should Muslim be offended? No, that would be really foolish. I am not a Muslim either and a songkok as an official attire would not offend me.
Scorpion6666, I won’t bother arguing with you because it is obvious your comments are a bit extreme, unreasonable and rude.
I am going to change my handle and won’t bother replying.
#32 by undergrad2 on Monday, 14 January 2008 - 10:34 am
I don’t think you can change your handle?
#33 by dranony on Monday, 14 January 2008 - 11:05 am
It all boils down to a perception of “hegemonic cultural imposition of the majority race,” as Jeffrey puts it so accurately.
The majority race has to realize that there must exist a sense of mutual understanding, and of mutual respect. This unfortunately seems to be lost on those who are in minor positions of power, preferring instead to impose their beliefs and values and cultural preferences unto the minority races.
Like some have said, if the minorities were simply left to choose for themselves, many may well adopt some cultural practices willingly. The wearing of Batek is a good example.
However, the forceful imposition of one cultural emblem or practice unto another minority, serves only to alienate them and make them feel even more marginalized.
The principle of mutual respect and reciprocity must be upheld.
Will a Malay tolerate being forced to don attire and emblems of other races and religions? If they cannot accept it, then they should NOT, by the principle of mutual respect and reciprocity, force others to do so.
We pride ourselves in declaring to the world that we are multi-racial, and multicultural.
We declare Malaysia as “Truly Asia.”
We should really be celebrating our cultural diversity, and respect our minority cultures, instead of surreptitiously imposing the cultures and values of the majority unto the minorities in a creeping fashion, with a series of incremental small impositions.
#34 by ChinPeng on Monday, 14 January 2008 - 12:48 pm
I might be wrong here but the songkoks was a part of Malay dressing not link to any religious, I remember during our scouting days we did wear one the resemble songkok shape. Since 1980 everyone is affected by the NEP policy and it did happen in my old school too where the surau was turn into a size of mosque while others facility was lacking such as labs, sport equipment, library and etc. So it really sickining and yet these little napolean was never be reprimand? I do hope every Malaysian whole who to truth democracy value who believe we all are Rakyat Malaysia shall vote for a change in coming GE.
#35 by scorpian6666 on Monday, 14 January 2008 - 1:32 pm
C’mon Old Geezer,
You stated:
I am rude, unreasonable, a bit extreme and some in UMNO are extreme on the other end and I can see from this blog that some in DAP can also be seen as extreme on this end.
I am really surprised you also stated:
“But first and foremost, it is important that discussions and criticisms be on facts and not knee-jerk reactions.”
I don’t have a PHD of any kind, so do forgive me, but dranony put it beautifully for all of us here.. thanks dranony
My Questions for you, is basically to ask you to state your facts not your “knee-jerk reactions.” You seem to have suggested that The Royal has imposed the wearing of the songkok for the non malay! If the Sultans have not done so, by the principal imposing the songkok without prior approval from the Agong himself, don’t you think the Principal is overstepping his shoes. If this kind of altitude is not put in check, it would only serve to degrade the peaceful existence of multi-culture malaysian society or cause
exactly what you stated:
“If we simply act on every complaint by somebody without first studying the issue and the facts, there would be riots in Malaysia every now and then.
That type of mentality does not bode well for the future of a multi-cultural Malaysia.”
You seem to be very preoccupied by how Malay feel but insensitive to how the non-malay feel. Not much mutual understanding or it is? This to a ” to wear or not to wear songkok thing” and not a matter race though related. To me, it is about policy, and very anti-multi cutural indeed.
Sorry if i seem to be rude, as i mentioned above. I have no PHD of any kind…..do forgive that my criticisms is not based on fact but on your lack of it……
Don’t change your handle (whatever you meant), I would rather and hope you change the way you think …… be a little bit more sensitive to the feeling of the minority ……… and this is sure going to be much better…..
#36 by requiem87 on Monday, 14 January 2008 - 1:59 pm
Uncle Lim ,
The mid-sem break in UUM is 1 week before the Chinese New Year….Why can’t they make it the week during CNY ?? They do it on purpose so that the Chinese can’t enjoy their new year ??
This has to stop and they must respect and be more sensitive towards other’s culture ~!!!
#37 by laifoong on Monday, 14 January 2008 - 9:39 pm
You seem to be very preoccupied by how Malay feel ….and I think you’re an Umnoputra ….. and like all Umnoputras, being of the majority race ….. you don’t realize how insensitive you’re although you claim you’re not… what’s the point of changing handles?
#38 by Jeffrey on Monday, 14 January 2008 - 11:32 pm
I would like to bring to YB’s and all readers attention that “as far as the ‘EC prefect wearing songkok issue’ is concerned,…the issue has been resolved amicably as the headmaster himself has announced today during an emergency prefects meeting that it is NOT compulsory for the prefects to wear the songkok for whatever function or duty…” – according to a commenter ‘needtospeak’ who posted this on the first thread on this matter : http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/01/11/songkok-compulsory-wear-for-jb-english-college-prefects/
She continued, “I am glad that we can put this all behind us now. I just hope that there will be no other teachers or headmasters elsewhere in the nation, who would impose their personal values and cultural practices upon student minorities. After all, we all want to live in a happy and harmonious society despite our cultural differences”.
I would like to think that, if true, this Blog and highlighting for discussion of the issue has served a purpose, and it underlines the importance of resisting such trangressions of litle Napoleons in this Blog.
#39 by dranony on Tuesday, 15 January 2008 - 12:06 am
I agree with Jeffrey.
There will surely continue to be those who will commit these minor incremental transgressions, which if not highlighted and corrected, will slowly but surely erode the rights and values and cultures of the minorities, especially those who choose to simply remain silent and suffer the indignities in the belief that they are helpless to do anything.
But we know that those who do wrong hates attention, and will not wish to have attention drawn to the misdeeds, for fear that the misdeeds will be exposed.
Thank you YB Lim, for providing this blog as a forum where misdeeds which shun attention, are exposed; and unrighteousness corrected. And thank you for highlighting this specific problem, without which the matter would probably not have been resolved.
Reminds me of a passage I’d once read,
“Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be plainly seen…”