My comments in alagankulam website on what Dr. M tells Indian Muslim

It is an interesting subject to talk about.

Let me quote what Dr. Mahathir said in his (in)famous book, The Malay Dilema. According to Tun, in his book, , “a Malay by definition is one who profess the Islamic faith. This insistence has confined the acquisition of Malay citizenship to Indonesians, Arabs and Indian Muslims. Thus we have Malays who are distinctively Arab, Indonesian or Indian.” Based on his writing, he believe in Malaysia, as long as one profess the religion of Islam, he is considered a Malay.

Generally, the Malays see us as a fellow Malay despite of our origin. Personally, I have a lot of Malay friends who accepted me as a Malay and make me part of them.

Now, let look at what the Federal Constitution definition of Malay. i.e

• Profess the religion of islam,
• Habitually speaks the Malay language,
• Conforms to Malay custom,
• Born in Malaysia .

Perhaps, this could be the reason why some Indian Muslims can be UMNO members and even a Mentri Besar. Also not to be missed the former Prime Minister, Tun Mahathir. Based on the above definition in Federal Constitution, KIMMA request the Government to recognise Indian Muslim as a bumiputera status. I know some don’t agree to this.

The older generation prefers to be Indian Muslim. They contend that as an Indian and Tamil is our language, we must defend all the way. I guess we must respect their views. Like it or not, they are absolutely right. A good exemplary individual that I can think of is Tan Sri S.O.K Ubaidullah.

I personally felt that many Malays accept us as their Malay brothers. For this reason, we too must accept them. I don’t feel awkward or feel small when I joined them. In short, Islam is the reason for all this to happen. Directly or indirectly, I get a lot of benefit by doing this.

But dear bros and sisters, I do agree that there are some who thinks that the Islam is for them only. This is where you will notice that your salam is not answered simply because you are dark skinned and are Indian. And more so, some of them purposely wish Deepavali or Thaipusam greetings despite knowing that we are Muslims. But let be assured that the majority of them are good people.

The older generation prefers to be called Indian Muslim. We can see some say ‘Saya mamak la! Or Saya India la! Sekarang apa!. They contend that as an Indian and Tamil is our language, this must be defended all the way. I guess we must respect their views. Like it or not, they are absolutely right. A good exemplary individual that I can think of is Tan Sri S.O.K Ubaidullah.

The newer generation beg to differ. Many I see, think and call themselves Malay. One simple thing, some cannot even speak or write Tamil or only speak with broken language to the parent. They speak English or Malay well but often refused to learn Tamil or associate with the Indian Muslims culture. Are we suppose to ignore it or make amend to this, we have to find out.

How about inter-marriages with Malays. Are we ready to accept it. To what extent. Perhaps, we may accept our sons to take their daughters but will refuse to surrender the daughters to their sons. But this may change in future. We never know. If there is a subject on this in future then I will reserve my comments.

I reproduced part of the Bernama report on what Tun Mahathir said:-

“To a claim that the Indian Muslims in the country had been neglected, he said they should choose to either become a Muslim or an Indian.

"The country is very liberal and I think they (Indian Muslims) will be accepted by all if they can pick either to become a Muslim or Indian."

Tun Mahathir said there was no difference between the various races as everyone were Malaysians. "The federal constitution also defined a Muslim very clearly.

If they want to become a Muslim then just follow the constitution."

He said if Indian Muslims in the country still called themselves as such, others might think that they still had links to the origin country. "The problem of Indian Muslims will be resolved if they can decide and choose to become either a Muslim or an Indian," he added.”

I think it does no harm to take Dr. M’s advice. If calling ourselves Malay will provide the benefit and achievements, then why not. After all, one day, we will return the deeds to our Muslim brothers especially Malays and Nation.

Like a friend of mine quoted. It is not what Dr. M tells Indian Muslim. It is what Dr. M tells “HIS PEOPLE”.

Salam

Mohd Faisal

Annual tax filing for YA 2009 - are we ready

With one week left to complete the current year, we can still tax plan for the next annual tax return for assessment year 2009. The annual tax filing due date for individual with employment income is 30 April 2010. Individual with business income is on 30 June 2010.

Here are some of the reliefs and rebate that you can check to minimise the tax liability. Do consult and work with your tax agent to ensure your claim is in order. And remember to keep the receipts and supporting documents as the Inland Revenue Board will require them for inspection.

· Education relief

Fees for acquiring technical, vocational, industrial, scientific, technological, law, accounting, Islamic financing, skills or qualification at tertiary level or any course of studies at post graduate level – max RM5,000

· Medical expenses

a) Medical expenses for self, wife and children on serious diseases - maximum claim RM5,000 (also include medical examination expenses of RM500).

b) Parent medical expenses - max RM5,000.

• Purchase of books, magazines and other similar publications for self, wife or children- max RM1,000.

• Purchase of computer – a maximum of RM3,000 is given once in three years. If separate assessment is elected, spouse will be eligible for a separate claim.

• Saving for children in Skim Simpanan Pendidikan Nasional (SSPN) - max RM3,000.

• Purchase of sport equipment – RM300 (attire and shoes not included).

• Interest paid on housing loan – Relief of up to RM10,000 is given for 3 consecutive years from the first year the housing loan interest is paid. Subject to following conditions:-

1. Malaysian citizen and resident;
2. Limited to one house including flat, apartment or condominium;
3. The sale and purchase agreement is executed between 10 March 2009 and 31 December 2010.

• Spouse and children relief

Spouse relief

If a husband/wife has no source of income or elects for combined assessment, a relief of RM3,000 is given to the spouse.

Child relief

a) Relief can be claimed by husband or wife.

b) Child below 18 years – RM1,000

c) Child above 18 years – overseas and local universities, colleges and similar establishments – RM4,000

d) Disabled child (unmarried) – RM5,000

e) Disabled child pursuing tertiary education – RM4,000

• Relief for EPF (or other approved fund contributions) and life insurance premiums savings – max RM6,000.
• Insurance premiums for medical and educations – RM3,000 max

• Disabled relief

1. Disabled person will be given a further deduction of RM5,000.
2. Purchase of supporting equipment for disabled will qualify for RM5,000 relief (parent, wife and children included).

• Rebate for zakat

Settle the zakat dues by 31 December and you can claim rebate from taxes due. On top of that you can cleanse and purify your wealth. It is best investment of all investments.

Selamat Mencuba,

Salam,

Faisal

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri

To all my relatives and muslim friends, Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri Maaf Zahir Batin.

I have been trying to write something to be posted but just could not do it. As usual, one will only do it if spare times are available. During Ramadhan, I have been busy helping my wife running her shop. Besides with my job, of course.

She has been progressing well. Moreover, with she been fascinated with brooches and scarfs, she shows strong desire to excel in this business. I call upon friends and relatives to continue pray for her and give her support. Give her comments and ideas to enable her to move forward.

May Allah be with her all the times.

Salam,

Faisal

Salam

Salam everyone. I am very excited of having my own blog to share views and the opportunity chatting with people. Do come and visit this blog frequently.

Before I end up, I wish my wife, "Selamat Berjaya" in her business venture. Let's pray she will do well.

Wish all of you well as guys.

Salam