Welcome All New Students to International Islamic University Malaysia

Kami Mahasiswa Prihatin

Di dalam kandungan ibuku tersayang,
Amannya kurasakan,
Degupan jantungmu, jantungku,
Irama penuh syahdu,

Dimanakah ibu, dimanakah ayah,
Bonekakah atau manusia,
Anak tidak berdosa menjadi mangsa,
Oleh hawa nafsu yang serakah

The lyrics “Harapan Tanpa Suara” or “Hope without Voice” by Habsah Hassan with the melody arranged by S. Atan is a very meaningful song. Recently, the effort done by Utusan Malaysia through launching a campaign named “Kami Prihatin” on 23rd March 2010 is something that should be complimented. The campaign which also received support from the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (MWFCD), Astro Awani and Persatuan Karyawan Malaysia (Karyawan) aims to raise awareness among the community on child abuse and abandoned babies.

According to the Deputy President of the National Council of Women Organisation (NCWO), Faridah Khalid said the reason of having this problem is that: “They feel embarrassed for being pregnant and they are embarrassed to seek help from the people who cannot accept non-marriage pregnancies. I believe that some of the girls as far as possible do not want to terminate the lives of their babies”.

In response towards this issue, Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Minister from the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (MWFCD) said she is very shocked and upset with what that had happened and further said her ministry is willing to take responsibility to cater to those innocent babies since their legal parents already neglect and abandon them.

In her statement, she once said: “Banyak orang nak bantu, kalau tak mampu, bawa ke hospital atau balai polis. Saya percaya hospital akan terima. Kalau tak nak, bagi saja pada kita!”

Few questions to ponder, until when can these welfare institutions that exist nowadays really cater in raising up these innocent kids and babies? Is the real reason because those mothers feel ashamed to face the public since they had given birth to a child out of wedlock? We are not sure what the exact reasons behind it are, but one thing for sure, there is a need for some action to be done to overcome this matter.

As a student who is really concerned on this issue, I do believe that there is a solution for this matter, example, from what the Quran had taught us. In the holy Quran Allah said:

“And come not near to unlawful sex. Verily, it is a Fahishah (immoral sin)) meaning a major sin and an evil way”
(Al-Israa' 17: 32)

Therefore, as students we urge that the campaign “Kami Prihatin Anda Jauhi Zina” should be extended and publicized among the public. If we don’t start to curb this issue from its roots, it will never end. Referring to the statistics done by National Registration Department (JPN), between 2000 until July 2008, there are more than 257 000 birth certificates produced by the department being registered without the name of the father. This means that, there are about 2,500 cases of a child born out of wedlock happening monthly and approximately 83 cases daily.

Besides, students at university level should play a vital role to tackle this issue. It should be reminded that, this is a never ending issue if precautions are not taken by us. According to Puan Rosmawati Zainal, the Director of Raudhatus Sakinah, a welfare institution managed by Jemaah Islah Malaysia (JIM), not less than 30 % of the community in that institution are among university students. It is very sad to see and hear this fact which indirectly has tarnished the name of university students.

Quite surprising when these people who are among the educated, hoped by the nation to provide a good example towards the public out there, but in return what has happened is otherwise. With reasons to want to enjoy their lives and try new things, it only ends with committing immoral acts.

Based on what that has already been highlighted, are we really alert on this issue? Can we guarantee that people around us, example, our friends and siblings are free from doing such an immoral act? Realizing various campaigns exist like “Kami Prihatin”, it should not be targeted towards the parents only however, it should be extended amongst the youth too. They should be exposed on how Islam teaches us with regard to the relationship between men and women who are not muhrim and particularly on Islamic akhlaq.

All of these knowledge already exists in Al-Quran and Sunnah, thus as a true Muslim believer, don’t deny what that is already outlined since all of them are actually in line with the nature of human being as well. In conclusion, let us work hand in hand to overcome this matter in line with the proverb that says “prevention is better than cure”.

Tazkiatunnas

"Sesungguhnya malaikat Jibril itu diutuskan untuk menyempurnakan hajat manusia. Apabila seseorang kafir itu memohon, Allah memerintahkan Jibril agar menunaikan hajatnya kerana Allah benci mendengar katanya. Dan apabila seorang hamba yg Muslim,yang dikasihi memohon, Allah memerintahkan kpd Jibril agar menahan, menangguhkan dan jangan disempurnakan dengan cepat hajatnya kerana ALLAH AMAT RINDU mendengar suaranya.

Sesungguhnya, takkan ada walau sedetik pun rasa sunyi dalam diri umat Islam yang beriman kerana teman yang paling dekat dengannya adalah Allah SWT yang lebih hampir dengannya berbanding urat nadinya sendiri..."

Visit by University Malaysia Sabah

University Malaysia Sabah has visited International Islamic University Malaysia on 2 June 2010. They came at 8pm untill 11pm. Students' Representative Council 2010 was together with them visited the IIUM library, Mosque, and having some discussion regarding Students Welfare, programs and etc at HS Lt1.

Student's Representative Council 2009/2010 Bai'ah & Endorsement session

Students' Representative Council 2009/2010 has done the Bai'ah and Endorsement session on 10 February 2010 at the Deputy Rector Student Affairs meeting room. This session started at 5pm with opening remarks by Dr. Nor Asiah Mohamad. The Bai'ah session has been lead by Muhammad Firwan Bin Norliza, President of Students' Representative Council 2009/2010 in front of Rector of IIUM. It was continued with the speech from the IIUM Rector, Prof. Dato' Sri Dr. Syed Arabi Idid. There are also question and answer session between SRC exco's member and IIUM Rector.

Pictures on Effort to Decrease the Number of Monkey and Dog around IIUM

Thank you for everyone who participated.

Report About Dogs And Monkeys Issue

On 27th April 2010, we have sent complaint letter to Occupational, Safety and Health Unit (OSHU) with regards to the wild dogs and monkey problem. We attached the testimony from the students together with the letter. In addition, we also rose up this issue during the meeting with IIUM President, Tan Sri Sidek Hassan.

On 7th May 2010 we received a reply letter from OSHU concerning this issue. In the letter, OSHU gave an explanation on what has been done by the university in settling the problem.

Among the efforts that have been done by the university are:
1. Collaborate with Majlis Perbandaran Selayang (MPS) to catch the dogs
2. Get the assistance from ‘orang asli’ to catch the dogs.
3. Put cages to catch monkeys
4. Conduct a dialogue session between IIUM staff and students together with Jabatan Perhilitan and Majlis Perbandaran Selayang.

We have been told by OSHU, amongst the reasons why the number of the animals keep increasing was because of there are so many animal lovers who like to feed them. Therefore, the students are advised to stop giving food to those animals. Alhamdulillah, currently the numbers of monkey and wild dogs has decreased.

Baby Hatch : Between Solutions and Opening of Problems

Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, in collaboration with Orphan Care have launched a child protection centre, or better known as the Baby Hatch on the 29tt of May 2010. The launching of this Baby Hatch is aimed to provide a special place for desperate mothers from throwing away their babies. Generally, I very much agree with the suggestion from the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development in establishing this Baby Hatch or child care centre for unwanted babies that is seen as a way to deal with the problem of throwing away babies that has become more and more serious by the day.

However, I am in view that the establishing of the Baby Hatch is not the best solution for this problem. What that is being done is only one way out from many other alternatives. The establishment of this Baby Hatch will bring about a bigger impact to the community especially towards the teenagers. The establishment of the Baby Hatch seems to give them a green light to engage in sex without marital relations, this is because they would not have to worry when the time comes for delivering the baby as there is already a special place in which to place the baby. Thus, the establishment of the Baby Hatch is seen as an encouragement to the social problem that is happening.

In this case, I personally think that it is time for the government to go back to the religious approach, as well as giving education and awareness to the community to deal with this problem. The government should act by formulating firmer Syariah Laws and consequently act to realize it in stages to those involved. For example, the implementation of the caning sentence to the unmarried fornicators and the stoning sentence towards married fornicators as in line with what that is promoted by the Islamic Syariat. This is the firmest answer to tackle this problem that would never have its end. As that is known, after years, the criminal Syariah Laws in Malaysia is still unchanged with the maximum number of 3 years of imprisonment, an RM 5,000.00 fine and 6 lashes of caning. This matter should be looked upon closely by the parties involved, as the sentence for Syariah crimes in this country is viewed lightly by some groups in the community who are able to pay for the meagre amount of fine. The same matter has been raised by Tuan Hj. Zainul Rijjal during the 10th Seminar on Issues of the Syariah Court (National Level) at IIUM with the theme; "Towards Empowering the Justice Administration of Crimes in the Syariah Court of Malaysia" on the 12th to 13th November 2008/ 14-15 Zulkaedah 1429H.

I am also in view that the weakness in the Education and Social Systems in Malaysia are the main factor that has contributed towards the increase of the crime of throwing away babies in this country. Thus, the government should investigate in a more detailed manner regarding the effectiveness of both the systems so that this problem can be handled as soon as possible. Reviewing back the country's education system especially the Islamic education system and its implementation in the community should very much be done as a plus point for the government's effort to handle social problems in this country.

Therefore, I view the issue of the establishment of the Baby Hatch as not one of the absolute way towards the reduction of problems, of throwing away babies in this country. As a varsity student, I would prefer if the government takes a more comprehensive approach which is to tackle this problem from its roots. Thus, all parties including the government, mass media, parents, educational institutions, religionist groups and also the community should play a role in handling the crime of throwing babies from getting much more problematic in the Malaysian society. As the slogan that says, "Prevention is better than Cure".

MUHAMMAD FIRWAN NORLIZA
President
Students’ Representative Council 2009/2010
International Islamic University Malaysia

Condemns The Israeli Attacks on Gaza International Aid Convoy

Students’ Representative Council, IIUM condemns the violent attacks on the International Aid Mission to Gaza. The convoy of ships was carrying over 700 passengers and over 10,000 tons of food supplies, medicine, and others. The brutal attack raised anger of many people around the world, especially Muslim communities. The attack came shortly after Israel ordered its army commandos to carry out an attack on the aid ships Lifeline for Gaza (LL4G) "MV Mavi Marmara" resulting in 20 people being killed and dozens more were injured.

Students’ Representative Council, IIUM calls upon all people, all over the world regardless of their race, religion and political views to condemn and denounce the irresponsible actions by Israel on Gaza International aid convoy. We would like to emphasize that the oppression and murder of Palestinians and the "MV Mavi Marmara"’s passengers are clear violation of human rights and international maritime law which asserts that no country is allowed to act arbitrarily on international waters. Israel’s move was seen as a barbaric act and a clear violation of the law outlined by the UN Security Council.

Thus, we urge the UN Security Council and the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) to take drastic action against Israeli attacks on Gaza International Aid Convoy. Malaysia as the Chairman of OIC should immediately convene an emergency session of the state's stand on this issue. We would also like to urge the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Yang Amat Berhormat, Dato' Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak to convene a special session of Parliament to discuss this issue.

We are with the opinion that Islamic countries around the world must unite to overthrow the regime of Israel. We believe and trust that the unity and strength of Muslims around the world will be able to overthrow the Zionist regime.

Hence, all must contribute to ensure the successfulness of this mission. Students, professionals, intellects, religionist, ministers and NGOs must do their best to make the public aware about the importance of "Unity for Palestinians'. This is because the Palestinian issue is an issue that involves religion, law and humanity.

Finally, we call upon all Muslims to pray Qunut Nazilah. Let’s unite our hearts and pray to Allah to grant His assistance to those involved in the convoy.

MUHAMMAD FIRWAN NORLIZA,
PRESIDENT,
STUDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL,
INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA

Students of the International Islamic University Malaysia Urge on the Withdrawal Upon the Release of the World Cup 2010 Betting License.

Students here insists in urging the Malaysian government to withdraw the release of betting license issued to Berjaya Group's Ascot Sports Sdn Bhd which will start this coming June.

Negative responses from various parties including those from Non-Muslim communities, has shown clearly that the issuance of this betting license leads to the current public outcry towards this issue. Deputy Minister of Finance’s response saying such a predicament is carried out in order to deter the wide spreading of illegal gambling problem is perceived as implausible as gambling is prohibited by any religion. Though gambling is something that is legitimate in this country, its prohibition has been stated clearly in the Holy Quran without any compromise, therefore legalising gambling is not something justifiable.

Current objections and uproar against legalising gambling is portraying the people's objections towards this sensitive matter. Declaring one nation as an Islamic state seems ironic in this issue of legalising gambling.

Gambling is clearly known for its negative effects towards the family institution and also on teenagers. This has triggered our concern on the ramification of this predicament should it cause a severe social woe. Therefore, we are seeking an explanation as well as sending a message to the government to review on the decision of issuing the betting license.

Thus, we would like to call for Muftis, intellectuals, and concerned Malaysian citizens to continue this insistence with the hope that the Malaysian government will revoke the issuance of the betting license.

MUHAMMAD FIRWAN NORLIZA
President,
Students’ Representative Council 2009/2010,
International Islamic University Malaysia

The Death of Aminulrasyid: IIUM Students Urge for Justice to be Prevailed

The case of the death of Aminulrasyid, a 15 year old form three student of Sekolah Menengah Seksyen 9, Shah Alam has attracted the public attention when he was shot dead in the head by the police. This incident was not the first involving police officers, as before this there was a case involving Shahril Azlan Ahmad Kamil, a 25 year old who faced a horrific ordeal having been shot by a police officer on the 16th of April 2009.


IIUM students are of the view that certain parties should take effective steps in order to curb and tackle this kind of cases. The authorities especially the Royal Malaysian Police should take a cautious step to avoid the same incident from happening again in the future. Police officers should always abide by the procedures and ethics as underlined in the Penal Code when they are on duty. It is our suggestion for the Royal Malaysian Police to explain thoroughly the proper procedures and ethics on the use of fire arms in order to avoid false or bad perception being made by the public. Besides that, a just and transparent investigation should be conducted to revive back the public confidence towards the integrity of the police as the law enforcer. As a result, the credibility of the police department will not be questioned again.

IIUM students would like to invite the public at large to view this issue through several angles. It would be unfair to put the sole blame on the police force. Without prejudice, Aminulrasyid Amzah committed an offence for driving without a license. The question here is, how could this underage boy be given the permission to drive a car? Who should be responsible to allow the boy driving the car in the middle of the night, as late as 2 a.m.? Without doubt, this responsibility should be bear by the parents themselves. There’s a reason why the law has been drafted, forbidding children under 18 years old to drive a car.

In this case itself, it can be seen that it was an immature decision or action taken by the 15 year old teenager by refusing to stop when being asked by the police. Possibly, as he was afraid and scared, he could not think properly and appropriately. Consequently, a wrongful decision has been made. Therefore, parents should always play their role in handling their children wisely. The children should always be trained to let their parents know of their whereabouts or to where they are going. This will nurture the feeling of respect and love towards their parents and indirectly will ease them in handling their children. In other words, the children will not feel like they are being controlled by their parents 24 hours a day as it is the discipline that has been cultivated since they were small. Being strict does not mean that the children are less treasured. Loving the children on the other hand does not mean in letting the children to do whatever they want without any control from the parents.

IIUM students take this chance to offer condolences to the family of Allahyarham. May Allah bless him and we pray he will always be placed with those loved by Allah. We urge for everybody including the government, the Royal Malaysian Police, and the Malaysian society at large to view this matter seriously. It is our ardent hope that justice should always be upheld by considering the interest of each party. Finally, it appears that, we should not blame any party for all these in order to avoid any hostile feeling towards each other before the truth has been revealed.

MUHAMMAD FIRWAN NORLIZA
President,
Students’ Representative Council 2009/2010,
International Islamic University Malaysia

What do you need to know about the New Economic Model (NEM) @ MEB?

MEB was announced by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak on the 30th of March 2010.

Principles of MEB
1) Having a high income (Aim; AS$ 15,000-20,000 per capita by the year 2020)
2) Inclusiveness (Making it possible for each and every community to enjoy the country's wealth to the fullest)
3) Sustainability (Fulfilling the current needs without affecting the future generation)

Divided into two phases:
Phase one: Started on the 30th of March 2010
Phase two: Will commence after the 10th Malaysia Plan @ RMK-10

Affirmative policy with four principles
1) Market-friendly
2) Merit based
3) Transparent
4) Based on the needs

The industry as driving force to the country's economy
1) Electrical and electronics
2) Oil; Example: palm oil
3) Petronas
4) Tourism industry and services
5) Green technology, solar, bio-diversity products
6) Financial sector
7) Development between cities
8 initiatives for strategic renewal (IPS)
1) Nourishing back the private sector
2) Developing a quality workforce and lessening the dependence towards foreign workers
3) Bringing forth a domestic economy that is competitive in nature
4) Strengthening the public sector
5) Affirmative action that is transparent & market-friendly
6) Building an infrastructure based on knowledge
7) Increasing the source of growth
8) Making sure of the sustainability of the growth


What is the relation of MEB with varsity students?

In the year 2020, students who are roughly between the ages of 18 to 24 will be 28 and 34 respectively. Do we realise that WE are the fillers for MEB. Varsity students should be familiar with MEB because it will play a major role in our lives and careers, and also of the economy later in the future.

Prediction of the country’s economy by economic experts from the level of 4.5 % to 5% has now gone down to until 8% to 11%. A depression that is positive from the earlier predictions in the first and second quarter of 2010.

But the question is, how many percent exactly is being contributed by the Malays and Muslims for the country's economy?

Is it 5%, 4%, or 3%? Maybe even more or less than that?

Varsity students as catalysts of the country's economy in the future should try to equip themselves with knowledge related to finance. A sudden thought to the work written by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter entitled "Rich Dad Poor Dad" whereby the current education system does not teach university students on how to organize their financial matters when in truth, that is the reality they will be encountering after completing their studies.
What is the aim of a student? It is obvious that the answer would be of the knowledge to be gained, but not to be forgotten of too, the income! MEB should move forward in line without disregarding the importance of varsity students.


MUHAMMAD FIRWAN NORLIZA
President,
Students’ Representative Council 2009/2010
International Islamic University Malaysia

Report Meeting With ITD

On 12nd May 2010, 2.30 - 3.45 pm at the Office of ITD, there were 2 representative from SRC and the advisor of SRC has meeting with Director of ITD. The main purpose of the meeting is, ITD now is promoting MySMS service which is for students. Instead of using IIUM Portal to check the result, students can use the service to do so. ITD are encouraging students to use the service, so that IIUM Portal no need to serve many user especially during peak time. This service is very easy to use with some charge need to pay by the user. ITD hopes that students will utilize the service wisely.

ITD now also try to get the feedback from students about the service. The director of ITD said, ITD now are working hard on restructure the official website of IIUM. So, they need the opinion or idea from students what need to be in the website so that our website will be the best website among the universities in Malaysia. Other than that, the Director hope that, students can hosting their website using IIUM hosting. In addition, he said that our university have many programs but the visitor do not know about the program due to outside hosting.

Regarding wireless issue, the Director said, their target is to ensure that IIUM is cover by wireless connection. The performance of the connection is other issue due to budget. However, ITD will try their best to give the best wireless service to students. Furthermore, Director of ITD recommended students to have the original version of antivirus software. He said, many students used free version of antivirus and this is not good either for laptop or desktop where the protection is not optimum. This situation can affect the connection is IIUM because the biggest user of wireless in IIUM is students itself. So, the Director recommended students to use F Secure Antivirus. Students can get it at the ‘koperasi’ near center with price about 75 ( 3 users).

Other than that, the Director also mention about the students webmail. Each student to have their own webmail and they can use it for free. He said, students must take the advantage of having the webmail because there are a lot of feature we can get from the service. ITD is collaborated with the Microsoft for this webmail service.


Prepared by:


Izyan Hazwani bt. Ahmad
Chairperson
Welfare Secretariat
Students’ Representative Council 2009/2010


Acknowldged by:


Muhammad Firwan Norliza,
President
Students' Representative Council 2009/2010

Colours of SRC

Students’ Representative Council (SRC) 2009/2010 Session
Shura and Briefing
Date : 30th-31st January 2010
Venue : Flamingo Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

Session with Rector of IIUM
Date : 10th February 2010
Venue : Office of DRSA

Visit by PM
Date : 12th February 2010
Venue : Mahallah Ali cafe

1st Shura SRC 09/10
Date : 16th February 2010
Vanue : SRC Office

Photography Session
Date : 19th February 2010
Venue : SRC Office

Baca @ LRT
Date : 20th February 2010
Venue : LRT Terminal Putra until LRT Setia Jaya

Suara Siswa : “Mencipta Keperibadian Unggul”
Date : 23rd February 2010
Venue : Studio 1, RTM

Down to Earth 1
Date : 24th February 2010
Vanue : Mahallah Salahuddin

2nd Shura SRC 09/10
Date : 27th February 2010
Venue : SRC Office

Invitation to Ummatic Week Opening Ceremony
Date : 1st March 2010
Venue : Main Hall, CAC

Suara Siswa: “Siswa Si Tanggang Moden”
Date : 2nd March 2010
Venue : Studio 1, RTM
____________

SRC 09/10 Subcommitte Recruitment
Date : 8th - 12th March 2010
Venue : Econs, AIKOL, HS, Engine and Mosque

Bicara Negarawan
Date : 25th - 30th March 2010
Venue : Genting Highland and KLCC

Meeting with KSN/IIUM President
Date : 27th April 2010
Venue : Putrajaya

Meja Bulat: “Masihkah Pemimpin Mahasiswa Menjadi Penggerak Masyarakat”
Date : 29th April 2010
Venue : Astro Awani

GAZA National Convoy
Date : 8th May 2010
Vanue : Stadium Melawati, Shah Alam

Welfare Issues: Wild Dogs and Monkey
Date : 11th May 2010

Meeting with Dr Asiah
Date : 14th May 2010
Venue : S-Dev

Konvensyen Belia Negara
Date : 15th May 2010
Venue : PICC, Putrajaya

Down To Earth 2
Date : 17th June 2010
Venue : Mahallah Zubair


Announcement of SRC 2009 / 2010

Invitation to Majlis Professor Negara

Visit by Mukhriz