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PAS : KE ARAH PEMERINTAHAN ISLAM YANG ADIL
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Raja Ahmad Aminullah Raja Abdullah,
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia.
4 June 2001
Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Kamarul Ariffin,
Pengerusi Eksekutif,
Utusan Melayu Malaysia Bhd,
46, Jalan Chan Sow Lin,
Kuala Lumpur.
Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri,
LETTER OF RESIGNATION
I am writing this letter with a heavy heart.
Nevertheless I feel compelled to write especially
after I was invited to meet you the other day. In
short, I did not expect the meeting that afternoon to
lead to what transpired.
I would like to take this opportunity to proffer my
heart-felt thanks at Tan Sri's concern on this matter
as expressed during our meeting two weeks ago. I have
always regarded Tan Sri as an acquaintance and a
friend. My personal respect towards Tan Sri will never
change but please allow me to express my views on the
matter that you requested last May 14th 2001.
In between our cordial and interesting discussion on
culture, fine arts, films and social problems of the
Malays that serene evening Tan Sri told me that Yang
Amat Berhormat the Prime Minister was very angry (amat
marah) about the appeal letter on Datuk Seri Anwar
Ibrahim's medical treatment, which I had initiated
with a group of friends.
According to Tan Sri although the matter had not been
communicated directly by YAB, nevertheless messages to
that effect had been communicated. That letter was
written as an appeal to the Prime Minister for due
consideration to be given to Datuk Seri Anwar
Ibrahim's choice of treatment in view of the fact that
his illness had given risen to some concern.
While acknowledging appreciation for the professional
treatment afforded by the nation's medical authorities
in treating Datuk Seri Anwar, the signatories also
humbly appealed to the government's goodwill to
display compassion as well as humanitarian responses
towards a citizen who had previously contributed his
services towards the country.
"We humbly appeal that Datuk Seri Anwar be given the
possibility of being afforded the medical treatment of
his choice. From our knowledge, we understand that he
wishes to be treated by Dr. Thomas Hoogland at the
Alpha Clinic in Munich, Germany.
"It is our understanding that a prisoner will not be
precluded from the specialist medical treatment of his
choice. "The government's magnanimity and humanitarian
gesture in this matter will be highly appreciated not
only by all Malaysians but the international community
as well".
The 108 signatories represent a cross-section of
society, with different experiences, professions,
interests and preferences. (I append a copy of the
appeal letter for Tan Sri's perusal).
Tan Sri also told me that the "Sec.Gen" (Secretary
General-Tan Sri Khalil Yaakob) of the party was very
angry at the initiative and had communicated as such
directly to Tan Sri. You also told me that there were
others who expressed their regret at my action in
coordinating this appeal.
However if we have regard to the original vision of
the establishment of Utusan Melayu in the 1930's, I
would imagine the struggle to promote the interest of
the Malays would include the interest of ALL Malays
regardless of their inclination especially when such
expression is founded in humanitarian concerns. Hence
any humanitarian appeal even one coordinated by "orang
kita" should not invite such an angry reaction.
Utusan Melayu was established with the support of the
'rakyat' in the 1930's from all level of society.
Support came from the man in the street as well as
from the palaces. Its early editorial policies clearly
sought to create an open progressive modern and
non-feudal society.
In my view, the move to dismiss me from the Board of
Directors of Utusan Melayu (M) Bhd. is tantamount to
restraining my freedom of expression. The Utusan
newspaper that was at one time responsible for
mobilizing the people in creating an awareness of the
inequities of British colonialism subsequently thus
gave an impetus to hastening the process of national
independence whilst then it was seen as representing
the 'rakyat' now it represents a small segment of the
society.
I find it strange that the act of sending an appeal
letter founded on sincere and well-meaning intention
should invite such "anger". How wrong can it be for a
small group of citizens (who are concerned with the
medical treatment of a fellow citizen who has
contributed in no small measure to this society) to
articulate their appeal based on empathy and
humanitarianism?
It is widely known by now that this effort consists of
a small and loose group. Nevertheless a number of them
are citizens who have contributed in varying degrees
to this society and this nation. A number of them
consist of younger talent who are bound to continue
their contribution in developing our society. They
come from various professions, life experiences; have
differing interests as well as preferences. The
initiative was based solely on basic humanity and
essential compassion.
Tan Sri,
The choice of medical treatment that has been
requested by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is not
preferential treatment, but in line with existing
legal provisions which would allow any incarcerated
person or prisoner to opt for the medical treatment of
his choice.
It is widely known by now that the right of a person
to his preferred cause of treatment is not abrogated
by the fact of him or her being imprisoned.
It would seem that the expression of humanitarian
concern is now seen as an expression of opposition. A
humanitarian appeal is now viewed as a statement that
comes from the opposite reaches and at times as a
subversive action. How have we arrived to this point
where values appear to be convoluted? What kind of
psychosis do we want to create or establish?
What is obvious is that a kind of psychological
scarring has taken place and a generation has been
scarred. Too much time and effort has been poured into
this matter whereas that energy and time could be
spent more effectively in building up this society.
YAB the Prime Minister himself in a speech quoted in
the newspaper on 29th May 2001 stated that this
society has spent too much time on political matters.
My question is this; how has this situation arisen?
Investigate the origin and we will find the answer. No
amount of browbeating, diversions, or attempts to
deflect the issue can help in the resolution.
Tan Sri has requested me to write a letter of apology
to YAB Dr. Mahathir to smoothen or lessen his anger
and thus I would then be allowed to continue sitting
in the Board of Directors instead of having to resign.
Why should I apologize for being, essentially, a human
being?
Why should I apologize for responding out of a basic
decency to appeal for a fellow human being to be
allowed to undergo the medical treatment of his
choice?
Why should I apologize for sharing a basic common
humanity with my friends?
If the roles were reversed or varied I would be
thankful for someone to remind me of my basic
humanity. How is it that a small gesture such as this
has allegedly incurred YAB's and "Sec.Gen's" anger
such as to require their "pound of flesh" ala Shylock
in the Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice.
What is the great offence that has been caused by this
Malaysian?
As citizen of this country; we have been culturalized
with a long historical tradition. Obviously we would
want to learn from that history. We do not want the
scenario from Sulalatus Salatin (the Malay Annals)
where the youthful Hang Nadim was sacrificed (out of
fear of his potential) to be repeated across the ages.
Whether the incident is to be interpreted literally or
metaphorically it would appear to be a case of
shooting the messenger instead of heeding the message.
I would have thought it a reasonable assumption that,
by joining a party, even a ruling organization, I am
not thereby precluded from having (and stating) any
opinion what more on a matter of general human
compassion and of basic common humanity.
I had never realized that there was a (party) policy,
in addition to humiliating and denying all the
contributions of a former deputy party leader (this is
of course in contradiction to previous practice and
precedent), all and sundry were also prohibited from
expressing their concern and empathy for his health
condition, irrespective of their political affinities
or preferences, or none.
I have repeatedly told my friends that this was a
humanitarian initiative. The fact that the Dr.
Mahathir's reply politicizes the issue is not of our
doing or intent.
I would wish that a kinder and gentler society, the
so-called caring society that is touted, but not
generally practiced - will emerge, flooding and
washing away the sins of commission and omission that
are visited upon us now at this juncture.
Some friends tell me I must be naive in assuming that
such an appeal would strike a human chord. To this I
invariably reply that I am an eternal optimist who
always chooses to believe in generosity and kindness
of a human being, and of the magnanimity of the human
spirit.
I am not inclined to be an oppositionist. For almost
15 years I have contributed to this society within my
capabilities through my NGO activities, social
activities, organizing of forums and seminars
including the 1st national level seminar on 2020 in
1991 in Ipoh Perak. I have also held office from
branch to divisional level (as divisional vice head)
of UMNO.
I am certainly not someone incapable of understanding
political realities. What I am incapable of is to
continue stomaching the inhuman and inhumane treatment
of a senior leader of our country.
Many people have told me their personal predilection
on this matter. Many in UMNO, even in leadership
circles, have mentioned their feelings on this matter
in private. The fact that they have chosen not to
express it publicly is one of their own individual
choosing. I would certainly not be judgmental nor
speculative in this respect, although people are
talking of a "culture of fear", sindrom bisu, of
waiting till PM goes off before speaking out.
I choose to believe in the indomitability of the human
spirit and the goodness of the human soul.
Tan Sri,
When I entered your office that evening, I felt a
certain electricity in the air. However, as someone
who respects Tan Sri, I felt bound to lessen your
discomfort that evening.
Finally after discussions pertaining to culture, and
mentioning your personal sympathy towards Datuk Seri
Anwar's health condition, you suggested that I have to
apologize to Dr. Mahathir in order to retain my
position in the Board of Directors of Utusan Melayu
(M) Bhd.
I realize that in this society we are not bereft of
people who have compassion as well as concern in their
hearts. This is perhaps not the occasion for me to
dwell on the role of intellectuals or man of goodwill
that lately has been seen by our people as behaving
like the proverbial ostrich - preferring to bury their
heads in the sand.
History will one day tells us that this group in the
end allowed themselves to be led so that their eyes do
not see, their ears do not hear the cries that emanate
from the bowels of their society, even though such
feelings possibly also tug at their heart-strings.
I have been brought up to be familiar with the
traditions and culture of the Malay society. In a
personal context, I am reminded of an education, which
may seem trivial and insignificant, but which
substantially informs our life.
The lesson that I am referring to is the principle of
tauhid, which teaches us that our perennial loyalty is
to the Creator. Any profane and temporal anxieties or
worries should not result in jettisoning this
principle. This understanding is not designed to make
us extraordinary human beings but merely to help us
navigate our life as universal citizens who choose to
believe in divine greatness.
We have veiled ourselves from expressing our views
with honesty, sincererity and equity. In fact as the
Malay proverb says "bagai bajak wangkang makan
berangkat", we continue saying YES even though our
conscience tells us otherwise.
All our discourse about the finesse of culture becomes
empty when the reality shows our voice to be absent at
the time when they need to be heard. All our knowledge
and experience should in fact motivate us to act in
accordance with our conscience. Where are the cultural
values that we laud, the pantun, which we read on the
television screens, whereas in the same breath our
humanity remain concealed or unexpressed?
It is at times like this that I remember some lines
from the Palestinian poet Mahmud Darwish;
"Where do we go now
After the last sky"�
Where else can this appeal be addressed to after all
the requests from the various levels of society have
been rejected?
What else can be done when humanitarian voices cannot
be expressed? And when expressed are summarily
dismissed?
This is because in addition to our initiative various
groups of individuals, NGOs, political parties and
lately SUHAKAM have forwarded their appeals and
received negative response.
In fact the news that YAB the Prime Minister agreed to
meet the deputation of political party leaders on
condition that one of them not be included was very
unfortunate.
People are bound to ask; is the unreadyness to meet
with this woman, a wife, a mother, not because she is
a doctor, not because she is a professional (even
though she is all that and more), a confirmation of
the perception that, in the final analysis a person
will not be able to gaze into the eyes of the person
(or his or her spouse) against whom he has acted
unjustly?
The problem is that sections of our intellectuals have
not carried out their responsibilities. We take the
easy road because it is less complicated and not
cumbersome; in the end our humanitarian instinct that
should open our eyes and our ears, and lead us to
voice out the truth appear to be silenced.
The expression of truth is deferred while diversionary
devices are used and created in social and political
machinations. Let us hope that the procession of dark
clouds that is hovering over us will soon move on.
We have to make efforts to widen the feeling of
compassion, love and care in our society.
In practical terms as in the case of Datuk Seri Anwar
Ibrahim, it means we have to avoid "eating the
carcass" of our fellow men. We should resolve to
remove the veil, which has caused us not to believe in
ourselves; and to keep at a distance unnecessary
anxiety and worry based on our principles.
Tan Sri,
I have the greatest respect for you as an experienced
person who has contributed to the society including in
art and culture. I would like to thank you for your
advice, leadership and inspiration that you have
afforded me in the 14 years that I have been with the
company.
Rest assured that I understand your predicament and in
no way intend to cause you any harm or offence.
What I had stated is merely an expression of my
feelings in the most moderate way possible. I would
wish of course that this could be done through other
means; I have searched my conscience and this is my
response.
Between apologizing for coordinating a letter
appealing for due consideration to be given to Datuk
Seri Anwar's choice of medical treatment based on
compassion, and having to resign from the board, my
answer is clear and unequivocal.
I hereby tender my resignation.
Yours sincerely,
(Raja Ahmad Aminullah Raja Abdullah)
=====
Harun Aminurrashid:
DeNgaN IziN ALLAH BN PasTi TeWAs !!!
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