The Palestinian Conflict

As Palestinian casualties continue to rise with the Israeli military ground assault into Gaza, we yet again hear the usual clarion call for “Muslim Solidarity” against Israel. The Minister in the Prime Minister Department Datuk Seri Dr Zahid Hamidi today called for a “Muslim Peacekeeping force” to be sent to Gaza…under the auspices of the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC).

The Palestinian Israeli conflict since time immemorial has never been about religion. If the “Muslim Peacekeeping force” were to be sent into Gaza, who would they be protecting the Palestinians from? Israeli Christians? That religion is once again conveniently manipulated in conflict by Umno (and Barisan National) politicians is well documented.

The actions of the Israelis is not about their military response to Hamas militants firing home-made rockets into Southern Israel as claimed. It is the manipulation of the existing conflict by the current Israeli governing party hoping to starve off defeat in the coming elections. Israel is the aggressor and with the backing of the most powerful nation in the world, the United States; continues to deprive the Palestinians of their human rights and legitimate homeland.

It is worth noting that Hamas was overwhelmingly elected by the people in Gaza and continues to enjoy that support. The Palestinian Authority under Mahmoud Abbas remains largely ineffective and continues to be plagued with corruption.

Hamas themselves are not innocent either. They were clearly aware that their home-made rockets were going to be no match against the might of the Israelis, let alone propagate the notion that they were able to take on the enemy. The firing of rockets is part of their overall political struggle to continue "engage the enemy" to ensure the issue remains on the world stage. Hamas will always attribute any resultant Palestinian civilian casualties on the Israelis.

Also, why do any appeals for action has to be associated with Islam? The call to action should be about correcting an injustice and has nothing to do with religion. Also what has the OIC done so far beyond getting together and coming up with platitudes? What did it do, when women and children were massacred in the Darfur conflict in Sudan? The Malaysian response should be from ALL Malaysians regardless of religion, creed or colour? Does it mean that if the victims are not Muslims, they are less deserving of our support? As an example, Malaysia should have protested strongly to China at the actions of Chinese Military police inhumane treatment of Tibetan Buddhist monks in Tibet last year.

Right is right AND wrong is wrong. Justice is the issue here and NOT religion. We should continue to push for a UN response to the aggression shown by Israel and call on the OIC to facilitate any international efforts to resolve the Palestinian Conflict.

" X-Myth "

I have always enjoy reading blogs which provide an alternative medium for people to comment on a range of issues affecting their lives or the country they live in. Traditional media is invariably owned by vested interests groups or as in the case in Malaysia, interests tied to the ruling National Front. As such blogs can play a role in shaping public opinion and provide the forum for citizens to engage with each other on issues affecting them.

Commenting on issues of the day is one thing but the discipline involved in putting up regular entries is another. For the last two years of so, I have contemplated starting a blog but kept deferring it because of other pressing demands on my time and also the fact that I would not be able to sustain my interest in it. Time has changed and my resolve is a bit stronger. Accordingly, I am starting this blog to express my thoughts on everyday issues affecting Malaysians but from someone who subscribes to Humanist values.

Blogging also brings with it the added challenge of keeping the blog relevant and appealing to its readers. To this end, it will not be my intention to do likewise. I will put in regular entries or commentaries from time to time as long as it does not greatly affect my daily routine. Also, if you happen to come across this blog and wish to comment on any of my postings, be my guest.

Soon it will be Christmas. Will I be celebrating Christmas? Of course, I will join in the festive occasion but Christmas does not have the religious significance for me as it would have for others. For me, is just another significant event, an opportunity to indulge in uncontrolled feasting and the public holidays which accompanies all significant religious occasions. Am I being hypocritical for doing so? Nahhh because I don’t live in isolation. Most of us would have been brought up in some religion of sort. I myself have been brought up as a Taoist Buddhist with an added focus on ancestor worship. Human beings enjoy relating to one another and festive occasions provides the opportunity for them to engage with each other.

Wouldn’t it be great if we also celebrate occasions like Darwin’s Day and events which reinforces and nurtures the human spirit and values such as sharing and tolerance. Maybe we can have a "Godless Day" or an "Evolution Day". We can all be "good without god" you know?