APA ITU NEGARA MERDEKA SEBENARNYA..?

Merdeka bermaksud "bebas" atau "merdeka". Ia adalah kata dalam bahasa Melayu yang melambangkan kemerdekaan dan kebebasan dari penjajahan atau keterbelengguan. 

Makna ini telah menjadi sangat penting dalam sejarah banyak negara, terutama yang telah mencapai kemerdekaan politik dari penjajahan asing.

Secara umum, merdeka merujuk kepada hak untuk menentukan nasib sendiri dan menguruskan urusan dalam masyarakat tanpa campur tangan luar. 

Ia melibatkan kedaulatan politik, kebebasan berpendapat, hak asasi manusia, dan keadilan sosial.

Istilah "Merdeka" menjadi simbol penting dalam perjuangan bangsa-bangsa yang berjuang untuk membebaskan diri mereka bukan hanya dari penjajahan fisik semata-mata, tetapi juga dari pengaruh asing yang mungkin membatasi kemerdekaan dan kedaulatan mereka.

Merdeka memiliki makna yang lebih luas dan tidak terbatas hanya pada pembebasan dari penjajahan saja.

Merdeka sebenarnya melibatkan pemulihan hak-hak asasi manusia, kebebasan politik, sosial, budaya, dan ekonomi. 

Ini berarti bangsa yang merdeka memiliki hak untuk menentukan nasib sendiri, mengambil keputusan yang mempengaruhi kehidupan mereka, dan mengatur urusan dalam masyarakat mereka tanpa campur tangan atau penindasan dari pihak asing.

Merdeka juga mencakup pembebasan dari penindasan dan ketidakadilan dalam segala bentuknya, termasuk ketidakseimbangan sosial dan ekonomi. 

Merdeka berarti menghormati martabat manusia dan memastikan keadilan serta kesetaraan bagi semua individu dalam masyarakat.

Dengan demikian, merdeka bukanlah sesuatu yang mutlak atau terbatas pada aspek fisik semata, tetapi juga mencakup kebebasan dan kedaulatan dalam segala aspek kehidupan.

Lihatlah berapa banyak negara yang mencapai kemerdekaan secara fizikal, tetapi masih lagi dijajah secara bukan fizikal. 

Kepesatan teknologi hari ini telah memudahkan ancaman penjajahan bentuk baharu terutamanya dalam bentuk budaya dan pemikiran. 

Benar penjajah sudah lama pergi. Tetapi budaya dan pemikiran mereka masih kental mencengkam setiap aspek bernegara daripada sistem politik, ekonomi ataupun sosial.

Jadi, apakah erti kata merdeka atau kebebasan yang sebenar? 

Merdeka dari sudut Islam

Pandangan dan konsep Islam tentang merdeka didasarkan pada prinsip-prinsip agama yang melibatkan kebebasan individu, keadilan, dan kemerdekaan yang lebih luas.

Dalam Islam, konsep kemerdekaan berakar pada pemahaman bahwa Allah SWT adalah satu-satunya autoriti tertinggi, dan manusia memiliki kemerdekaan untuk menyembah-Nya secara bebas dan mengikuti petunjuk agama-Nya. Islam mengajarkan bahwa setiap individu memiliki kebebasan untuk memilih dan mempraktikkan agamanya dengan penuh keyakinan dan tanpa paksaan.

Selain kebebasan beragama, Islam juga menekankan pentingnya kebebasan pikiran, pendapat, dan ekspresi. Konsep "ijtihad" dalam Islam memberikan kebebasan kepada individu untuk memahami dan menafsirkan ajaran agama sesuai dengan konteks dan keperluan zaman mereka. Ini mencerminkan pendekatan inklusif dalam mencapai kebenaran dan memahami keanekaragaman dalam pemikiran dan pendapat.

Namun, penting untuk diingat bahwa kemerdekaan dalam Islam tidak berarti kebebasan tanpa batas. Islam menggarisbawahi keadilan dan ketertiban dalam masyarakat. Kemerdekaan individu harus dijalankan dalam kerangka syariat Islam dan tidak boleh melanggar hak-hak orang lain atau nilai-nilai moral yang ditetapkan oleh agama.

Dalam konteks sosial dan politik, Islam menekankan pentingnya kedaulatan dan kemerdekaan bangsa dalam mengatur urusan internal mereka. Pemerintahan yang adil dan berdasarkan prinsip-prinsip syariat Islam dianggap sebagai landasan bagi masyarakat yang merdeka.

Secara keseluruhan, pandangan dan konsep Islam tentang merdeka mencakup kebebasan beragama, berpikir, dan berpendapat, serta kemerdekaan politik dan sosial yang dijalankan dengan prinsip-prinsip keadilan dan syariat Islam.

Sementara itu, Alexis de Tocqueville dalam bukunya Democracy in America (1835) melihat kebebasan (kemerdekaan) sebagai sesuatu yang boleh dan sering merosakkan. 

Walaupun begitu, kebebasan sentiasa akan membuka jalan untuk pembinaan semula dan apa yang dibina dengan kebebasan selalunya akan kekal lama. 

Namun, menurut Tocqueville, akhlak dan agama adalah pra syarat kepada kebebasan kerana kebebasan tanpa akhlak adalah tidak bermakna, dan akhlak tanpa agama tiada gunanya.

Jati diri

Perkara itu juga dipersetujui oleh seorang sasterawan bahasa Melayu dan pemikir keturunan Minangkabau.

Sebab itu beliau mencirikan konsep merdeka sebagai 'berubah daripada segala perbuatan dan kepercayaan yang bodoh, mematikan akal dan menyekat kemajuan kepada perbuatan dan kepercayaan yang cerdik, membebaskan fikiran dan menggalakkan kemajuan'. 

Kepada beliau, kemerdekaan yang sebenar adalah kemerdekaan minda dan jiwa yang dipupuk menerusi pembinaan jati diri yang dibentuk oleh empat aspek utama: agama, bahasa, pendidikan dan sikap (akhlak). 

Aspek terpenting di antara keempat-empat itu sudah tentulah agama. Menurut Za’ba, hanya dengan agama sahajalah jiwa manusia akan mengecapi kemerdekaan yang sebenar.

Menurut beliau, hanya ajaran dan amalan agama yang betul akan memerdekakan manusia daripada bertaklid dan pasrah secara membuta tuli kepada mana-mana makhluk. 

Dalam masa yang sama agama juga menjadi pengimbang kepada penggunaan rasional akal secara berlebihan. 

Sebab itulah elemen islah berdalilkan al-Quran yang bersendikan akal dan ilmu pengetahuan sentiasa ditekankan oleh Za’ba dalam membetulkan segala kekurangan atau kelemahan.

Perkara inilah nanti yang akan menukarkan segala kekolotan fikiran dengan pemikiran yang lebih ideal dan seterusnya memerdekakan jiwa manusia.

Malah, Islam turut memperlihatkan bagaimana Nabi SAW diutuskan ALLAH SWT untuk memerdekakan manusia daripada kesesatan dan kezaliman kepada kebenaran dan keadilan. 

Kedatangan Islam menjadi simbol kemerdekaan manusia daripada segala bentuk belenggu dan penjajahan kepada kebebasan yang sebenar agar manusia tidak tunduk dan takut kepada mana-mana makhluk atau kuasa selain ALLAH SWT.

Dengan bertauhid dan sentiasa mengamalkan suruhan-Nya, Islam membebaskan jasad dan akal manusia daripada belenggu duniawi yang sempit dan fana. 

Lantaran itu, umat Islam akan sentiasa berusaha untuk melakukan yang terbaik di atas kesedaran bahawa dunia hanyalah persinggahan sementara dan segalanya akan diperhitungkan oleh ALLAH di akhirat kelak.

Justeru, konsep kemerdekaan tidak boleh berdiri secara sendiri dan mutlak. Ia harus disandarkan dengan kehakikian akal dan jiwa manusia yang fitrahnya merdeka.

Hanya dengan membebaskan jiwa dan minda daripada segala dogma yang sesat dan sempit menerusi rasional akal, ajaran agama serta akhlak yang baik sahaja akan mampu menerbitkan erti merdeka yang sebenar.(MHO0523)

A Sunday Culinary Journey

 A Sunday Culinary Journey

In each confident stride, I savored the moment,

Contemplating where to indulge, a delicious component,

Ahtong's tempting delights or CA Mohammad's fare,

A tantalizing decision, as I strolled with care.

The vibrant scenes around me still caught my eye,

As flavors danced in my thoughts, reaching the sky,

The aroma of spices mingled with nature's sweet scent,

Enhancing my journey, leaving me content.

With every step, anticipation grew,

As I weighed the options, both old and new,

Ahtong's flavorsome creations, a taste sensation,

Or CA Mohammad's curry, invoking pure elation?

The culinary feast awaited, a savory affair,

Each establishment's reputation beyond compare,

Should I savor Ahtong's noodles, a local pride,

Or CA Mohammad's curry, a spicy joyride?

Nature's beauty whispered, guiding my choice,

Reminding me to cherish each savory voice,

For it's not just the destination, but the journey too,

A blend of flavors and scenery, an experience to pursue.

So, as I savored each stride, I let my thoughts roam,

Weighing the flavors, considering taste's home,

In this peaceful Sunday morning, I found my delight,

A fusion of culinary wonders and nature's exquisite sight.

For it's not just the food, but the memories we create,

The moments we cherish, the flavors we appreciate,

So, with each stride, I embraced the uncertainty,

Ready to embark on a culinary odyssey.

In this brisk walk, where taste and nature unite,

I found the balance, pure and right,

Ahtong or CA Mohammad, a choice to make,

But in the end, the experience is the joy I take.

(MHO 07/05/2023)

Saint Angela's Triumphs Over Chung Hwa Middle School in Thrilling Footba...

Saint Angela's School Triumphs Over Chung Hwa Middle School in Thrilling Football Friendly Match In a thrilling football match held at Padang Arena Seria, Saint Angela's School emerged victorious over Chung Hwa Middle School with a score of 5-0. The match drew a large crowd, including students, parents, and friends from both schools, who showed up in full force to cheer on their teams. The game started off with both teams displaying their skills and tactics, but it was the Saint Angela's School team that took control early on. The team's precise passing and impressive teamwork enabled them to score the first goal within the first 10 minutes of the game. Despite the best efforts of Chung Hwa Middle School, the Saint Angela's School team continued to dominate the game, with their attacking players managing to outwit the opposition's defense on several occasions. By halftime, the score stood at 2-0 in favor of Saint Angela's School. In the second half, the Chung Hwa Middle School team tried to make a comeback and put pressure on the opposition's defense, but the Saint Angela's School team remained resolute and held their ground. The Saint Angela's School team continued to create chances and score goals, adding three more to their tally to secure a resounding victory. The match ended with a final score of 5-0, with Saint Angela's School emerging as the clear winners. The team's players and supporters erupted in joy and excitement as they celebrated their hard-earned victory. The players were awarded medals for their exceptional performance, and the school principal praised the team for their hard work and dedication. The football match between Saint Angela's School and Chung Hwa Middle School was a great display of determination and sportsmanship. Both teams showed remarkable spirit and played the game with the utmost respect for each other, making it an enjoyable experience for all who were present.

BERAYA bersama keluarga besar NDP

     Alhamdullilah dapat berhari raya bersama keluarga besar Parti Pembangunan Bangsa (NDP) pada 29 April 2023 di Limabruh Hijau, Markas NDP di Jerudong.

    Dimajlis tersebut saya diberikan penghormatan selaku Pengerusi Lembaga Penasihat NDP menyampaikan ucapan sambutan Hari Raya Idul Fitri.

    Saya mengucapkan salam kepada Presiden, Timbalan Presiden, Setiausaha Agung, Pengerusi Tetap, ahli-ahli Majlis Tertinggi dan ahli-ahli NDP yang hadir.

    Saya menyentuh tentang suasana kegembiraan ketika merayakan Hari Raya Idul Fitri dan berharap semua orang dapat merayakannya bersama keluarga dan sahabat tercinta. 

    Saya meluahkan harapan agar rasa kasih sayang dan kegembiraan Hari Raya dapat memperkukuh kesatuan kita semua bukan sahaja sebagai satu keluarga besar NDP tetapi sebagai satu bangsa yang sehati dan sejiwa.

    Selanjutnya, saya menegaskan bahwa kita semua harus terus bersama dan bersatu dalam memperjuangkan kepentingan rakyat dan negara kita. 

    

    Saya juga menyeru agar menggunakan momentum Hari Raya ini untuk memperkuat hubungan silaturahim dan komitmen kita untuk bekerja bersama demi masa depan yang lebih baik untuk bangsa dan anak cucu kita.

    

    Saya mengingatkan diri saya sendiri dan semua anggota NDP tentang prinsip kesatuan dalam perjuangan politik NDP. Prinsip atau dasar kesatuan dalam Parti Pembangunan dibentuk melalui pendekatan konsep kesatuan dalam konteks Islam, yaitu (lita ra’afoo, lita ‘awanu arrahman arrahim) berkenalan-kenalan, bertolong-tolongan, dan berkasih sayang.

    Saya menegaskan bahwa berkenalan-kenalan, bertolong-tolongan, dan berkasih sayang adalah hal-hal yang sangat dianjurkan dalam Islam untuk membentuk masyarakat yang saling menghargai dan saling membantu.

    Oleh karena itu, kita harus terus menjunjung dan menghayati prinsip tersebut sebagai asas keutuhan dan survivaliti parti ini. MHO/05/23

    

    

   

    

Renung-renung, bersyukur dan usah bersedih

 Sesungguhnya Allah itu maha pengasih lagi maha penyayang.

 Kita manusia dirahmatiNya dengan berbagai macam nikmat.

 Nikmat kesihatan, keselamatan, nikmat udara untuk bernafas, nikmat air untuk minum, mandi dan cuci, nikmat pakaian, makanan dan bermacam-macam lagi nimkat.

 "...Dan jika kamu menghitung nikmat Allah nescaya lemahlah kamu menentukan bilangannya...” (Surah Ibrahim 14: 34)

 Semua disediakan untuk kita umat manusia tetapi kita tetap hidup dalam kejahilan.

 "Tidakkah kamu memperhatikan bahawa Allah telah memudahkan untuk kegunaan kamu apa yang ada di langit dan yang ada di bumi, dan telah melimpahkan kepada kamu nikmat-nikmatNya yang zahir dan yang batin? Dalam pada itu, ada di antara manusia orang yang membantah mengenai (sifat-sifat) Allah dengan tidak berdasarkan sebarang pengetahuan atau sebarang petunjuk; dan tidak juga berdasarkan mana-mana Kitab Allah yang menerangi kebenaran”. (Surah Luqman 31: 20)

 Allah ciptakan untuk kita telinga, mata dan lidah, serta dua kaki dan dua tangan.

 “Maka yang mana satu di antara nikmat-nikmat Tuhan kamu, yang kamu hendak dustakan (wahai umat manusia dan jin)? (Ar Rahman 55: 13)

 Coba bayangkan jika kita berjalan tanpa kaki. Bayangkan kita tidak ada hidung untuk menghidu bau-bauan yang nyaman, masakan yang lazat dan menghidu bauan yang boleh memudaratkan.

Bayangkan betapa nyenyaknya kita tidur di katil yang empuk dan dalam bilek yang berhawa dingin.

Dan coba kita renungkan berapa ramai manusia yang tidak dapat menikmati tidur yang nyenyak seperti kita.

Apakah kita sudah lupa sedang kita menikmati makanan dan minuman yang lazat lagi berkhasiat, berjuta manusia yang lain kelaparan kerana kemiskinan, sakit dan menderita penyakit yang ditimpakan kepada mereka.

Renunglah betapa nikmatnya kita yang mempunyai telinga yang boleh mendengar dan mata yang boleh melihat sedangkan ramai lagi manusia lain yang tidak diberikan nikmat sedemikian.

Renungkanlah betapa nikmatnya kita dapat menggunakan otak untuk kita berfikir sedangkan ramai manusia yang ditimpakan penyakit mental tidak dapat merasakan nikmat sedemikian.

Sungguh betapa tidak ternilai harga nikmat yang Allah berikan. Semua nikmat itu sudah tentu tidak kita mahu ditukarganti dengan wang ringgit atau dengan emas sekalipun.

Tetapi manusia mudah lupa. Ia selalu bersungut, mudah bersedih dan mudah stress apabila hajat tidak kesampaian, apabila apa yang kita inginkan tidak dapat tercapai.

Manusia mudah lupa bahawa Allah sudah menyediakan kunci untuk kita melalui kehidupan yang dirahmatiNya dengan nikmat kebahagian hidup yang melimpah ruah.

Maka renung-renungkanlah dan bersyukurlah kepada Allah yang telah memilih kita untuk dicurahkaNya dengan rahmat nikmat hidup secara FOC.

Semoga dengan kesedaran sedemikian kita dapat melalui kehidupan yang tenang, sejahtera dan bahagia tanpa stress dan perlu depress. Walllahuwalam bisawab.

Endemic Phase – What it means

Brunei is entering COVID-19 endemic phase sooner than expected.

Thanks to its massive and rapid vaccination drive. As of today, almost 80% of the population in the Sultanate has taken their two-dose vaccination.

“With the vaccination success rate that has been achieved so far, Alhamdulillah, we have almost reached the target of 80% of the two-dose vaccination rate among the population in this country and will move into the Endemic Phase soon”, announced Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr. Mohd Isham Jaafar
Wednesday 24 November 2021.

He said the Ministry of Health is now actively monitoring and examining the situation of the COVID-19 infection in Brunei as well as current developments abroad.

“Given that the Transition Phase has been implemented less than a week ago, the COVID-19 Steering Committee needs more time to consider the implementation of the Endemic Phase”, said the minister in his media statement.

He advised the public to wait for the announcement of the start of the implementation of the Endemic Phase.

Endemic Phase – What it means

First, let us be clear about the words like a pandemic, epidemic, and endemic.

We have been hearing these words regularly when the COVID-19 virus spread all over the world resulting in a global crisis of unprecedented reach and proportion.

Over time, we became familiar with these words yet some of us perhaps still confused about the distinction between them.

What is an endemic, epidemic and, pandemic?

Now we are in a transition phase from pandemic to endemic.

So what does it exactly mean?

Understanding those medical terms is important.

It can help us digest public health news better and give appropriate responses.

So what is "ENDEMIC"?

"ENDEMIC" is a disease that affects a large number of people within a community, population, or region.

In this case, we are talking about COVID-19. The disease emerged in Wuhan, China in late 2019.

At first, it was an "EPIDEMIC", a sudden outbreak that spread rapidly among the people in that city.

Despite strict quarantine measures, public health officials were unable to contain the virus.

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared it a "PANDEMIC", meaning that it had spread widely around the world.

A year later, the COVID-19 pandemic was still raging. However, in early 2021, almost 90 percent of researchers surveyed predicted that it would become endemic over time.

In other words, they believe it will not be completely eradicated but instead will have a constant presence among particular populations in various parts of the world.
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If so, then, like other endemic diseases, COVID-19 may flare up from time to time, resulting in local epidemics.

So "ENDEMIC" is when COVID-19 is contained to a particular people or country.

The spread of the “ENDEMIC” disease is described as an “EPIDEMIC” and it became a “PANDEMIC” when it started to spread over multiple countries and continents.

Just remember a “PANDEMIC” is an “EPIDEMIC” that travels everywhere across the world.

What happened during the endemic phase?

This we have to wait for the announcement of the start of the implementation of the Endemic Phase.

However, of course, we expect most restrictions to be gradually lifted, mass testing, contact tracing, and quarantine will eventually stop, and travel without quarantine will be reinstated.

We will also expect some measures to stay in place because cases may continue to be imported.

People will probably be encouraged to continue wearing masks in crowded places and maintaining hand hygiene. Perhaps social distancing would still be around for a while.

Testing for COVID-19 may still be needed, but likely only to check if someone who is sick has the disease.

How about conducting tests in the community setting or tracing and quarantining close contacts of those infected? Maybe there is no need for that anymore.

Testing at the borders will probably be imposed, but perhaps more selective, depending on the country the traveler is coming from.

So, there will be so many other things that will need to be taken into consideration and looked into in how to carry on with our lives with COVID-19 in the Epidemic Phase.

As stated by the minister of health, given that the Transition Phase has been implemented less than a week ago, the COVID-19 Steering Committee needs more time to consider the implementation of the Endemic Phase.

Can Brunei move away from Covid-19 pandemic?

The answer is with us, the people of Brunei.

The first wave of the pandemic stormed the Sultanate in March 2020.

We were not that ready then to battle the raging virus. Daily caseloads of Covid-19 in the country rose, putting our health care system under pressure. Our education system and social economy too were impacted by the pandemic.

We immediately went on high gear to stabilize the critical situation. We put the country under semi lockdown. We imposed restrictions on people's movement, interactions, gathering in public places, temporarily closed mosques and other places of worship, schools, malls, marketplaces, shops, and offices in efforts to put the spread of the virus under control.

We decisively took action to ease the pressure on our health care system by setting up quickly isolation centers to care for those infected in categories 1, 2, and 3.

It was a hard battle but with people strongly behind the government efforts, we amazingly were able to prove our resilience and emerge from the shock of the first wave Covid pandemic.

Lives return to almost normal for almost over a year after months of vigorously battling the pandemic with the 'Covid Zero approach'

Then came August 2021, Covid-19 cases spiked at their highest in 15 months: 42 new cases to bring up the total confirmed cases to 406.

This time we were ready.

Brunei again immediately went into semi lockdown and began her fight to bring the Covid pandemic under control. Within over three months, Brunei managed to tame the spread of the virus at the same time launched a massive vaccination drive to achieve herd immunity in the Sultanate.

We did it once and we did it twice. No reason now that we could not this time around.

Brunei shall emerge stronger from the shock of the second wave Covid-19 pandemic that hit the nation over three months ago, in sya Allah.

On the path of living with Covid

On this auspicious day (Friday), Brunei with her highly vaccinated population begins its journey on the path out of the pandemic.

The nation is now moving forward, albeit in phases to adapt and live with the Covid-19 virus that will be around forever like SARS, H1N1, and other influenza-like
illnesses.   

As of yesterday, over 90 percent of the population have a single dose vaccination while over 70 percent have double dose vaccination.

Only 21 new cases were recorded yesterday with active cases going down to 444 out of which only five cases in category 5.

With the reopening of businesses and places, the loosening of restrictions for dining establishments, workplaces, and entertainment venues, Covid-19 cases - driven by over-excitement, complacency, and carelessness - are expected to spike in the coming days and months.  

Unless we behave well, contained our excitement, strictly follow the MOH Covid SOP and follow the lead by the government in living with the Covid-19, then we will not be far from reaching the endemic stage. In sya Allah.

COMPLACENCY, COVIDIOTS CAN RUIN OUR EFFORTS TO RECOVER

NOV 10, 2021: Businesses and places are reopening come Friday 19 November 2021. We are reopening them because of the economy and not because it is safe now.

Like others, our economy too is not shielded from the Covid pandemic's economic consequences.

We need to move quickly to recover from the serious economic downturn caused by the pandemic.

We need to quickly adapt to living with covid that will stay with us forever like HN1N1 and many other influenza-like illnesses.

We expect very minimal numbers of daily active cases during this first phase of 'Operasi Pulih' (Operation Recovery). Probably below 100 a day or less.

MOH will of course closely monitor the situation. It will be closely watching particularly the number of cases in categories 3, 4, and 5.

If it sees a sign that active cases in those categories are shooting up and will overwhelm our health system in no time if necessary measures are not taken immediately, then we will be back to square one; the whole nation's semi lockdown.

But this situation can be avoided if we continue to follow the MOH COVID PANDEMIC SOP when out and about in our daily life during the recovery period besides being fully vaccinated.

Complacency plus covidiots are the biggest threat to our health and safety during this recovery period.

Complacency leads to carelessness, covidiots couldn't be bothered, and reckless. Both spell disaster if not addressed, regulated, and managed effectively.

So during this recovery period, we need to focus more on managing these threats. We need to be extra vigilant against these two factors that can ruin our efforts to regain normalcy which we have lost during the pandemic. MHO