Why Defacement of the Alkitab is NOT Desecration

First, the view of Ng Kam Weng of Kairos Research Centre in his article Why Defacement of the Alkitab is Desecration - http://libertysentinel.wordpress.com/2011/03/21/why-defacement-of-the-alkitab-is-desecration/

One comment left on this post is by a Lee Yik Sheng. I agree with it. I've bold and italicize the important bits.

Lee Yik Sheng Says:

March 24, 2011 at 2:37 pm

Although I disagree strongly with the policy of the home ministry (more so the attitude of the minister as reported in the media), I think using the word desecration is not appropriate and could raise more confusions than finding solutions.

Our bible is inspired by God and because of this, it is considered the word of God worthy of following and submitting our lives to. But the bible is not by itself, a sacred religious object like what pagans considered some objects to be, which would mystically bring miraculous powers to the wielder.

Such an object can be desecrated, but this is very much a pagan concept. However, such a concept, in my view, should not be applied to our bible because in its physical nature, the bible is just another normal object, made out of paper and print, or digital ink if you wish.

Nevertheless, it is holy and it is the word of God in every spiritual sense because when we follow or preach it, God chooses to work through it, confirming it with miraculous signs, as if saying that these are His words that represent His character. Only in this sense, I believe, is our bible considered holy and sacred.

Nothing from the outside can defile a person, says our Lord. Equally, nothing done by man physically to our bibles can ‘desecrate’ it because the ‘desecration’ of our bibles, God’s word, can only happen from within our hearts, when we ourselves choose to ignore, dishonour and disobey it.

Yes, we resist the kind of high handed way in which the home ministry and the obnoxious minister are handling the issue, but we ourselves must not be confused and raise unwarranted fears when the circumstance does not warrant it.

My two cents to clarify on the issue to lessen the confusion, and to reduce the tension. May the peace of God be with you.

For a really long, and I mean LONG analysis of the issue, have a read of this - Alkitab Stamping & Serialization: Response 2.0 - http://szezeng.blogspot.com/2011/03/alkitab-stamping-serialization-response.html

I'm still following the story

A solution to end all Racism?

A funny, and some might consider racist video from a UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) political science student has recently been the talk of the internet. The original video had been removed by the girl, but as with all things on the Net, once it's up, it's there forever.

In it, she, a white American, complains about Asian students. It lasts all of 2.52 minutes.

Was it funny? Yes.

Was it racist? Probably.

Why don't you see it for yourself first - Re-Post: Asians in the Library - UCLA Girl going wild on Asians, then come back to finish reading this.

Now, obviously, the talking heads had to analyze the issue and give their pearls of wisdom. Here's from the New York Times, U.C.L.A. Student’s Video Rant Against Asians Fuels Firestorm, The Nation, FIRE, Alexandra Wallace, and Defending Offensive Speech, and San Francisco Chronicle, High price to be paid for controversial social-media mishaps. Very reasoned and fair comments. No doubt about that.

However, a nice Vietnamese guy decided to give tit-for-tat. He made his own 2.17 minute video, in the same style as the girl's video, as a riposte. I found it absolutely and brilliantly hilarious. Have a look - Asian guy responds to Asians in the Library (Alexandra wallace)

Now, was it the politically correct (PC) way to respond to the girl's video? Probably not. But, was it the smack bulls-eye-on-the-head-of-a-

nail way to respond to her? ABSO-freaking-LUTELY!

The civilized, PC, way to respond to the girl was obviously not what the Vietnamese guy did. But you know what, HIS way was, to me, the appropriate way to respond. It was eye for an eye. No more, no less.

He did not veer from style, nor from content. He did not go overboard and he did not ramble. And, this is important, he made it entertaining. To me, any person offended by her would, after watching his video, be laughing so hysterically that any ill-feeling would be soon forgotten. They would move on with their lives, chalking the whole experience up to a silly girl, and guy, ranting.

Perhaps THIS is the secret to combating racism: Allow offensive remarks to be countered by equally (not more) offensive and FUNNY retort. The racist is shown up for the ignoramus that he/she is, and we all get a good laugh, along with a lesson.

But this secret ingredient must be present: Everyone must be able to take as well as they give. If the givers have thin skins with bullies at their beck and call to boot, then it's best to stick to the long laborious process of PC dialogue, talk, discussion, conference, mission statement ... yada yada yada ....

Oh, by the way, there is a very entertaining song to cap this whole episode - Asians in the Library Song (Response to UCLA's Alexandra Wallace)

I still prefer the Vietnamese guy's rant tho :-) Thank you for reading, and, "Have a nice day!"

Kitten killer case - "The measure of a society can be how well its people treat its animals."

To: editor@thestar.com.my
c.c.
1. SPCA Selangor, Malaysia, spca@streamyx.com
2. Christine Lai, via http://www.facebook.com/pages/Malaysian-Dogs-Deserve-Better/64173243307

Kitten killer case - "The measure of a society can be how well its people treat its animals."

Dear Sir,

I refer to your article on March 8, 2011 titled “Activists: Law must not pussyfoot on Chow’s cruelty”.

As much as we would like to hang Xiao Wei out to dry for her actions as soon as possible, our society, our country, has laws; and we live by those laws. The law says that an investigation will have to be conducted by the relevant department and if prosecution is recommended, the Attorney General will then have to say either ‘Yes’ or “No”.

If the case is prosecuted in Court, the fact that she has confessed would make the trial very short. But this process of law involves one final step: Mitigation. This is where the convicted person addresses the Court, in person or through an advocate, and puts forth the extenuating facts or circumstances that she wishes the Court to take into account before passing sentence. The prosecution will then have the opportunity to address the Court and cite aggravating facts or circumstances that it feels necessitates a harsh sentence. All these factors will then be considered by the Judge (Magistrate in Xiao Wei’s case) before he/she decides on the appropriate sentence.

That is our system of criminal justice. It is for all - the weak and strong, male and female, old and young, rich and poor. We may not believe it is perfect - we may even believe that it is broken. But if we skip any one of those steps, if we say, “Forget about going through the process, it’s so OBVIOUS she’s guilty and she should be punished; forget about what stupid excuses she has,” then woe on us. Woe on us all!!! Because that is when we cease to be a society governed by laws and we degenerate to a rabble governed by mob justice.

Get off your high horse, and come down from your ivory tower. We have not walked a foot, much less a mile, in Xiao Wei’s shoes. How dare we say she is making up stories? How dare we say she is not psychologically traumatized from her parents’ divorce? How dare we prejudge her without giving her the benefit of the doubt?

At the end of the day, the same conclusion may be reached, i.e. She is guilty as sin and that she should be punished to the full extent of the law. But it only becomes a meaningful conclusion if we took the time to go through the process of the law; because that is, ultimately, what we fallible imperfect human beings have: a process. And if we short-cut that process, well, what are we then? Clairvoyant? Omniscient? Who would dare say that?

So, let’s just all take a moment, back off, and let the due process of law run its course.

If nothing happens, then join your local animal rights organization and lobby for prosecution of Xiao Wei. If you don’t like the measly punishment imposed, then lobby your wakil rakyat to change the law to impose harsher sentence. THAT’S the correct way to do things. Unless of course you’ve already tied your knots and have picked a suitable tree for the lynching. Then I want nothing to do with you - you inhumane animal.

Jason Kay
Malacca

Big Sweep lottery gambling

05th March, 2011

To: Nasrudin Hassan - tantawy08@yahoo.com, tantawy09@ymail.com, ketuapemuda@pas.org.my and The Editor, The Star editor@thestar.com.my

Hi,

Now, on the assumption that The Star has reported your words and message accurately in the article "PAS Youth wants lottery sales and all forms of gambling prohibited", may I (hopefully) be the first to give you a pat on the back and say, "Haha, bro, you funny la. You seriously fun-ny!"

*pat on the back*

I could type type type and say why I disagree with you ... but I think in the next few days, you'll be getting a deluge of response to your stand here :-)

Anyway, on this issue, Syed Akbar Ali has posted an article entitled "Kemungkaran". I found it an interesting read. Don't worry, it can't compare to the sheer 'laugh-out-loud' moment I had when I read your comments. You still da man
:-D

But, lest you think I'm too frivolously jovial now, do know that I have noted that only The Star has carried this story for 2 days in a row; and also do know that I have read your in-depth interview, again in The Star (this paper seem to really like you) entitled "Of V-Day and other matters". Brilliant stuff (I don't agree with you on quite a number of things, but it's good to see your thoughts in bigger chunks and not merely soundbites)

Wishing you a good weekend
:-)

Jason Kay
Melaka

Alcohol, Secularism and Religion (oh, what a combo)

05th March, 2011

To: Editor, The Star - editor@thestar.com.my
c.c. IKIM - info@ikim.gov.my

Hi there :-)

I read this first, Need to understand other religions, so naturally I also clicked on the link the read High time to cut alcohol abuse. Interesting stuff.

If you're going to edit my letter, don't bother publishing it. So, for your eyes (and whoever happens to pass by my blog), here's my sweet and short comments on the issue/article.

1. Sweeping generalizations are so funny. For example, "The truth is that all religions are against liquor. That’s why secularism is a common enemy to all religions.", & "Followers of all religions must deem liquor as a substance prohibited by God.", & "Even atheists are advised to despise it on moral and ethical grounds.", & "All must stay away from it for the good of all mankind." Absolutely HILARIOUS stuff!!!
   
2. Did you do heavy editing, and I mean seriously heavy editing, on the IKIM piece? Disjointed is a charitable way to describe it.
   
3. Christians, for the uninformed, do use wine (which contains alcohol) during Holy Communion a.k.a The Lord's Supper, which is a sacrament. I'm sure you know the big words in the preceding sentence. For the uninformed, I introduce you to my friend named Google - go ahead, knock yourself out. It's fun learning new things without being spoon-fed. Even if I wanted to, Article 11(4) of the Federal Constitution prohibits me from spoon-feeding.

So that's it, the short and sweet comment.

Jason Kay

Freedom of Speech and Changing Laws

I'm finally breaking with the theme of this blog and will write a piece that is not addressed to anyone. Merely just airing my thoughts.

On 03rd March 2011, it was reported that "(United States of America) Supreme Court sides with churchgoers who picketed military funeral". The full report can be found at the bottom of this post.

About the same time, it was reported that "Christian politician killed by Pakistani gunmen (in Pakistan)". The full report can be found at the bottom of this post.

Both stories troubled me. Below are my views.

This is supposed to be the current outer limits of freedom of speech in the US of A today

Supreme Court sides with churchgoers who picketed military funeral - March 3, 2011

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-court-protests-20110303,0,7382749.story

"... the Supreme Court on Wednesday said that even anti-gay protesters who picketed the funerals of U.S. troops with signs reading, "Thank God for Dead Soldiers," cannot be sued ... In an 8-1 decision ... Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said that when the disputed words "address matters of public import on public property" and when the protest is conducted "in a peaceful manner, in full compliance with the guidance of local officials," they are protected."

The Westboro Baptist Church protest. Undoubtedly, they have NO CLASS. It's a funeral lah for goodness sake. Certain things are sacrosanct.
Does the law in the US of A says they can act like idiots? Yes.
Is that law a good law? Yes.
Are they idiots nonetheless? Yes yes yes.
I'll say no more on this because buang masa commenting on idiocy.

Christian politician killed by Pakistani gunmen -

http://photoblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/03/02/6170515-christian-politician-killed-by-pakistani-gunmen

"Gunmen shot and killed Pakistan's government minister for religious minorities on Wednesday, ... for urging reform of harsh blasphemy laws that impose the death penalty for insulting Islam."

The shooting of the minister in Pakistan.
As far as I know, asking for reform to a country's laws via the legal way is the correct way for civilized people to effect change. Opposing views can be ventilated in the normal way and whatever happens, the PROCESS will eventually decide whether a law is changed, or not. The losers can fight another day, or leave the country if they think it's a zero sum game of reform or die (it's not. Nothing usually is).

I am reminded of what happened in our country about 2 years ago when Zulkifli Nordin announced that he was going to propose a private member's bill/motion to amend Article 3, 4 & 11, and also Sch 9 of the Constitution. 2 articles - first, and second.

I supported him because even though I do not agree with his proposed amendments, he was absolutely right to try to effect change in that manner.

Shooting a guy you disagree with is, therefore, in my mind, an incorrect method to express dissent.

I wonder if anyone will join me in the above views?

===================================================

Supreme Court sides with churchgoers who picketed military funeral
The justices say members of the Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas have the right to carry anti-gay and other signs at U.S. troops' funerals, however offensive their message may be considered.

By David G. Savage, Washington Bureau

March 3, 2011

Reporting from Washington
Ruling in a case that pressed the outer limits of free speech, the Supreme Court on Wednesday said that even anti-gay protesters who picketed the funerals of U.S. troops with signs reading, "Thank God for Dead Soldiers," cannot be sued.

In an 8-1 decision, the justices upheld an appellate court's decision to strike down a jury verdict against Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan. Phelps and his family gained national attention — and stirred deep anger — for using military funerals as a backdrop to proclaim an anti-gay and anti-military message.

The church believes that the United States is too tolerant of sin and that the death of American soldiers is God's punishment.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said that when the disputed words "address matters of public import on public property" and when the protest is conducted "in a peaceful manner, in full compliance with the guidance of local officials," they are protected.

Roberts cited past rulings that shielded offensive words and outrageous protests.

He pointed to the decision that freed protesters who burned the American flag and another that protected a Hustler magazine satirist who portrayed the Rev. Jerry Falwell in an outhouse. Last year, Roberts spoke for the court in striking down on free-speech grounds a law that made it crime to sell videos of illegal dog-fighting.

The "bedrock principle underlying the 1st Amendment," Roberts said in quoting the flag-burning ruling by the late liberal Justice William J. Brennan Jr., is that the government cannot punish words or ideas "simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable."

The decision Wednesday drew a howl of protest from Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. — like Roberts, a conservative — who said that the father of the dead Marine who sued the protesters was "not a public figure" who could be expected to tolerate such an onslaught, but a private person who sought to "bury his son in peace."

"Our profound national commitment to free and open debate is not a license for the vicious verbal assault that occurred in this case," Alito wrote. "In order to have a society in which public issues can be openly and vigorously debated, it is not necessary to allow the brutalization of innocent victims."

Five years ago, Phelps and his daughters were sued after they picketed near the funeral for Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder, who died in Iraq in 2006.

Police had kept picketers at least 200 feet from the funeral procession. The demonstrators' signs included one that said, "Thank God for IEDs," a reference to the roadside bombs that have claimed many soldiers' lives in Iraq.

The messages did not refer to the late Marine. His father, Albert Snyder, testified that he saw the signs only when he watched television coverage in the evening.

A few weeks later, however, Snyder saw a posting on Westboro church's website that scorned him and said he had raised his son to serve the devil.

A jury awarded Snyder $11 million in damages for the emotional distress he suffered, but a judge reduced the amount to $5 million. A U.S. appeals court, siding with the Phelps family, said the verdict could not stand.

The Supreme Court took up the case of Snyder vs. Phelps. The issue was difficult for the justices because the public picketing targeted a private family funeral.

If the picketing had taken place at the Pentagon or Capitol Hill, no one would have questioned the Phelps' right to carry their signs, even with their offensive messages.

Lawyers for the father argued that the verdict should stand because he was a private figure, not a public person, and because the protest was a targeted assault on a private memorial service.

In the end, the justices concluded the picketing was more a public protest than a mean-spirited private assault.

The picketing, Roberts wrote, "is certainly hurtful and its contribution to public discourse may be negligible. But Westboro addressed matters of public import on public property, in a peaceful manner."

"On the facts before us, we cannot react to that pain by punishing the speaker," Roberts wrote. "As a nation we have chosen a different course — to protect even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate."

The decision does not appear to affect the laws in 43 states that seek to keep the protesters away from military funerals. In the past, the court has said that officials may regulate where marches and protests take place, so long as they do not ban them or their message entirely.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars said they were "greatly disappointed with the result."

"The Westboro Baptist Church may think they have won, but the VFW will continue to support community efforts to ensure no one hears their voice," said Richard Eubank, the VFW's national commander.

david.savage@latimes.com

Copyright © 2011, Los Angeles Times

========================================

Christian politician killed by Pakistani gunmen

Elena Grothe writes:The AP reports:

Gunmen shot and killed Pakistan's government minister for religious minorities on Wednesday, the latest attack on a high-profile Pakistani figure threatened by Islamist militants for urging reform of harsh blasphemy laws that impose the death penalty for insulting Islam.

The killing of Shahbaz Bhatti, a member of Pakistan's Christian community, was another major blow to Pakistan's besieged liberals, who say the attacks are a symptom of an increasingly radicalized Muslim-majority public. Earlier this year, Punjab province Gov. Salman Taseer was killed by a bodyguard who said he was angry that the politician opposed the blasphemy laws — and many ordinary Pakistanis praised the murderer.

Bhatti was on his way to work in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, when gunmen riddled his car with bullets, police officer Mohmmad Iqbal said. The minister arrived dead at Shifa Hospital and his driver was also wounded badly, hospital spokesman Asmatullah Qureshi said.

Pakistan’s minorities gripped by fear and despair

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but private Pakistani TV channels showed pamphlets at the scene of the killing that were attributed to the Pakistani Taliban warning of the same fate for anyone opposing the blasphemy laws.

=================================================

Zulkifli Noordin’s jihad
Tuesday, 24 March 2009 05:30pm

©The Nut Graph (Used by permission)
by Shanon Shah

PARTI Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Member of Parliament (MP) Zulkifli Noordin recently tried to move a series of constitutional amendments that would elevate the status of Islam in the country's administration.

We know what he is asking for, but do we actually know why he is doing it? The Nut Graph spoke exclusively to Zulkifli via e-mail, and he tells us what his motivations and strategies are.

TNG: What are the chances of your motions — to amend the Federal Constitution — being heard in Parliament? According to PKR vice-president Sivarasa Rasiah, it is virtually impossible for opposition MPs to have their motions heard in Parliament because of Standing Order 15(1) which privileges government business.
Zulkifli Noordin: I agree that it is almost impossible for a private member's motion to be tabled and debated in Parliament because of Standing Order 15(1). However, there is always that slim chance that it may see the light, especially if anyone in government, especially a minister, picks it up.

I'm betting on those chances, hoping maybe any of the ministers will pick up on the motion. As the saying goes, you stand a better chance of getting a fish if you cast your line. So why not give it a try?

Why have you brought these motions forward, especially the ones to amend the Federal Constitution to elevate the status of Islam?

It is my opinion that based on the principle of freedom of religion as enshrined in Article 11(1), every person has the right to profess and practise his or her religion.

As you are aware, Islam is not a religion concentrating only on ritualistic practices. It is a religion that encompasses a whole body of jurisprudence that covers the entire aspect of life. From the simple issue of what to wear, to what to eat, how to govern, the economy, business, law, and so on.

So I believe Muslims should be allowed to profess and practise their religion to the fullest. And anything that prevents a Muslim from doing so should be removed, especially legal barriers. For example, a Muslim flight attendant with MAS or AirAsia should be allowed to cover herself, if she chooses to, in accordance with the Islamic dress code.

The same also applies to Muslims who commit crimes, for example, theft or murder and so on. Subjecting a Muslim to a non-Muslim law will be very unfair to him or her, unless he or she chooses to be subjected to that law.

If Muslims are tried based on Islamic law and jurisprudence, and then convicted or sentenced, that will not only serve as punishment in the world. It is also a means to relieve punishment in the hereafter as they have already been punished in accordance with Allah's law in the worldly realm. A Muslim's conviction or sentence in accordance with human-constructed laws will only serve as punishment to him or her in the worldly realm, but will not relieve him or her of punishment in the hereafter.

That's the reason, you see, that I have proposed almost 20 motions that are inter-related.

One thing I wish to highlight is that none of the motions will subject non-Muslims to Islamic law or jurisprudence. It only covers, and only subjects, Muslims to Islamic laws and jurisprudence.

If the motions do get a chance to be debated, do you think you will be able to get the requisite support from the floor to pass the amendment?

I believe in this verse: "If you assist Allah in His religion, He will assist you and put you in a firm position." (Al Quran, Surah Muhammad, Verse 30)

There are 132 Muslim MPs in Parliament currently. Any Muslim worth his or her salt would definitely support the motions that I've put forward.

Sivarasa says this is merely your personal view and not the party's stand. I'd like to clarify with you whether or not the party, or Pakatan Rakyat, is supporting you in your motions?

I agree that those motions are my personal crusade. I don't even know what is PKR's stand on this issue. I do wish that PKR would make a very clear stand.

I must say, though, that there is an understanding among the Pakatan Rakyat [about] respect for freedom of religion and for Islam being the official religion. But on the general stand of PKR that every person has the right to profess and practise his or her religion, I believe the stand that I take does not contradict the general stand. I am merely upholding the right of Muslims to profess and practise their religion.

Will you keep pursuing these motions, even if they are not given the chance to be debated this time around?

Definitely! It is my personal jihad to uphold the right of Muslims to profess and practise their Islamic religion. And I will do so to my last breath. If I have to die in doing so, then I'm more than happy to give my soul for that struggle. It is my jihad to do so.

The big question that Muslims are asking now is, can we have our lives as Muslims back? And I'm nothing but an instrument of Allah to achieve just that — we Muslims just want our lives back.

-------------------

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
written by Jason Kay Kit Leon, Wednesday, March 25 2009 11:52 pm

I'm glad to see Zul Nordin trying to change the law in this legally proper manner.

Jason Kay Kit Leon
Melaka

==============================================

Zulkifli moves to amend Federal Constitution
By Shanon Shah | 23 March 2009 |

PETALING JAYA, 23 March 2009: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Member of Parliament (MP) Zulkifli Noordin has tried to move four motions in Parliament to amend the Federal Constitution regarding the status of Islam.

The first motion is to amend Article 3(1) to: “Islam is the religion of the Federation, including in terms of laws and legislation.”

The second motion proposes to amend Article 4(1) to: “This Constitution is the supreme law of the Federation and, except for Islamic laws and legislation, any law passed after Merdeka Day which is inconsistent with this Constitution shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void.”

The third motion proposes to amend Article 11(1) to: “Every person has the right to profess and practise his religion, including changing his religion except for those adhering to Islam who must be subject to Islamic laws and legislation.

“To define those who adhere to Islam, the question of conversion to or apostasy from Islam must be determined by the syariah courts, which have absolute authority over the matter.”

The fourth motion is to amend the Ninth Schedule, List 2(1) to expand the powers of the syariah courts to try, judge and sentence non-conforming Muslims in accordance to Islamic laws and legislation.

In this motion, Zulkifli also asks for the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 to be amended accordingly.

Zulkifli is also trying to move 16 other motions, some of which involve elevating the status of Islam, but these do not entail constitutional amendments.

These motions were published in the Dewan Rakyat’s Order Paper, dated 16 March 2009.

The Nut Graph made several efforts to contact Zulkifli for more details about the motions but was unsuccessful.

Personal, not party views

However, PKR vice-president R Sivarasa dismissed concerns about the controversial MP’s motions, and told The Nut Graph: “These are Zulkifli’s personal views — the party doesn’t endorse those views.”


Sivarasa Sivarasa added that Zulkifli’s motions would most likely not even come up for discussion.

As of 16 March, Zulkifli’s motions were listed at the bottom of 65 motions being moved in Parliament.

“This is what I experienced myself when I tried several times to move a private member’s bill for freedom of information legislation last year,” Sivarasa said.

Sivarasa said that parliamentary systems in other democratic countries allow for a certain number of days during which opposition-sponsored bills, private members’ bills, or other motions can be discussed.

He said the Malaysian Parliament’s Standing Order 15(1) for the Dewan Rakyat, however, states that government business has precedence over private members’ business.

Zulkifli was a prominent participant in the 300-strong demonstration against the Bar Council forum Conversion to Islam: Article 121(1A) of the Federal Constitution, Subashini and Shamala Revisited on 9 Aug 2008, together with others from PKR, PAS, Umno and various Muslim non-governmental organisations.

He was given a show cause letter by his party on 7 Sept 2008, but publicly refused to apologise for his actions. After delaying action on Zulkifli for months, PKR deputy president Syed Husin Ali said on 5 March 2009 that the matter had been “settled internally” some time in 2008.

Syed Husin declined, however, to elaborate on how the matter was settled.

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