Dad's name vacant because no marriage registered

The National Registration Department is at it again.

They are not allowing Teoh Beng Hock's child to have a father's name.

It is high time for NRD to understand that fathering a child doesn't require registration.

Ending tug-of-war of corpses between Muslims and non-Muslims

The body snatching cases by the Muslim religious authorities - from Moorthy to Mohan Singh would continue as long as there are conversions taking place in private. In fact, this causes the non - Muslim families much discomfort.

A Malaysiakini reader illustrated it by using the notion if Mikaeel Jackson died in Malaysia.

In the longer run, the Islamic faith would receive negative limelight due to these actions. In fact it may already be perceived negatively by the non - Muslim communities.

Yusuf Islam (formerly known as rock singer, Cat Stevens) once defined ISLAM as I Shall Love All Mankind during his visit here in the 1990s.

Unfortunately the pain endured by families such as Moorthy and Mohan Singh may not see the love at all. Only hate and disheartenment is haboured.

This does not mean to say that propagation of Islam or conversion to Islam should be stopped. That would deny freedom of to practice a faith. Plus Islam is the religion of the federation of Malaysia as prescribed in the federal constitution.

This issue can actually be sorted out via dual prong strategy by two key players - the would-be-converts and the state religious authorities.

Individuals who wish to convert must relay their intention of embracing Islam to their immediate family members. Division of properties, inheritance and child care also must be resolved to avoid another Syamala saga.

As for the religious authorities they should play a pro - active role too. The propagation of the Islamic faith is guaranteed as per Islam’s status as the religion of the federation, it does not mean that their duties are accomplished by conducting conversions per se.

Instead religious authorities must ensure that renunciation of faiths to embrace Islam is made for the sake of Islam and nothing else.

Why so? For this one should re-look at the history of Islam. Prophet Muhammad having moved from Mecca to Medina created the world’s first Islamic state.

There were several tribes who became citizens of Medina under the prophet’s administration - Aus and Khazraj who moved with the prophet from Mecca to Medina forming Muhajirin, Ansar who were the locals, Jews and a group known as Munafik

Of these groups of people, the Jews signed the Hudaibiyah treaty and later on betrayed the prophet. The Munafiks, on the other hand accepted the Muslim faith but betrayed the prophet and the first Muslim kingdom.

In a similar manner, it would be in the best interest of the religious authorities to screen would be candidates.

This pre - emptive move would also avoid unnecessary body snatching by the authorities.

I do not mean to say that converts to Islam only convert for ulterior motives. There are those who convert and become better individuals.

However there are also cases such as Siti Fatimah Tan Abdullah alias Tan Ean Huang of Penang who converted just for the sake of marrying a Middle Eastern man. Cases from M Moorthy to Mohan Singh is also happening rampantly, hence the need for screening would-be-converts.

Former Minister of Housing and Local government, Ong Ka Ting had suggested that converts be allowed to revert to their former faith if their marriage ended. Why do you need to do so? Instead it would be best if they are allowed to convert for the sake of Islam and nothing but Islam.

Do you want hypocrite Muslims who do not practice Islam as it should be? The ball is in the court of the state religious authorities.

The one term used by politicians

I watched 'Tiger' - a Malayalam movie yesterday.

In a scene, the protagonist played by actor Suresh Gopi says the following:

"The one word used by politicians to cheat people - development."

Looking at the statement from a Malaysian context, certain parties does actually use the term in every election campaign.

And yet, where is the development for the poor? Why are there underdeveloped areas?

Development can also mean development of the mind. This has been neglected and left to rot as every education ministers who takes charge make changes according to their whims.

As a result, our education standards are low.

We may have more universities than Singapore but lesser intellectuals.

Predictions for the 13th General Election

I am aware that I am writing this piece rather early. The 13th general election which is the first under the Najib administration will not take place until 2012 - 2013.

However, using the events of the past fifteen months as a yard stick, I think that the following would take place.

DAP would continue to rule Penang but would lose considerable majority votes.

PAS would lose the inroads that it had built in the multiracial constituencies in Selangor and other states. This is because the Erdogans would never be a force to reckon with within the party. Based on the current split that was caused by Hadi Awang's motion for unity government, the chances for non Muslims to have a say in the Islamist party is bleak.

PKR would lose more seats due to constant internal bickering. This is largely due to the fact that most Malay members have their origins in Umno and will continue to practice Umno's political culture.

Umno, MCA and MIC would gain more ground which would translate as regaining the seats that they have lost in the 12th general election.

As for the voters, the Malay votes would be predominantly for PAS and Umno. The Indian votes would be split with the entrance of Malaysian Makkal Sakthi party and PAHAM.

As for the Chinese they would continue to be the king makers.

Race base politics would continue to flourish since Malaysia has unfortunately been jinxed with it.

The marriage of convenience of Pakatan Rakyat component parties only seem to work best during elections, not when the opportunity to govern is given.

A good example is the 'N - trios' of Perak. Nizar, Ngeh Koo Ham and Nga Kor Ming seem to be a formidable. Unfortunately this bond is not shared by their colleagues in other states.

Another issue for the Pakatan coalition is their choice of candidates. PAS had made a major blunder in trading off the Pasir Mas parliamentary seat to Ibrahim Ali whereas PKR has erred in alloting the Kulim - Bandar Baharu parliamentary seat to Zulkifli Noordin.

Errors must be avoided to ensure the continued support of the people.