21st Century Undergraduates: Facing Challenges and the Current Reality

Undergraduates are the generation hoped to inherit the country’s leadership in the future. Undergraduates are considered to be those who are knowledgeable and suitable in facing current trials and tribulations. The 21st century needs undergraduates who are excellent in all aspects including academic and self-personality. Hedonism, identity crisis and clashes of thoughts are the challenges and current problems that needed to be faced by undergraduates of the 21st century. As such, preparation from the view point of academic excellence only is insufficient to give birth to quality and international undergraduates.

Idealism, activism, and intellectualism are the major key factors for undergraduates in realizing the government’s intention to give birth to first class graduates. These three elements are the pre-conditions to form 21st century undergraduates who are full of self-personality and importance to the country and society. In this modern era, intellectualism and the appreciation process of knowledge through idealism should be expanded in activities that can stimulate analytical and critical thinking to make way for new ideas which are more practical for the self and society’s betterment. Strength in thinking and intellect may be able to ward off attacks of thinking that can destroy the society.

In line with the government’s intention as lined in the core strategies of the 10th Malaysia Plan which is to grow and maintain a world class human capital, I view that the undergraduates are the main targets to achieve and realize this strategy. In this context, I am in the opinion that undergraduates should view this matter in a wider context, inclusive of all aspects in their lives during campus life. Undergraduates’ involvement in clubs, societies, and NGO’s is important to ensure undergraduates who are more open, active and competitive. Focus in academic learning per se will give birth to passive, rigid, fatigue-ridden and uncompetitive undergraduates. This matter should be manipulated as best as possible because campus life is the training ground useful in preparing undergraduates to face real challenges and to live in a community.

Other than that, I hope that the undergraduates of the 21st century are the undergraduates having the nature and mentality as a thinker for religious, country, race and ummah problems. If the history of movements and power of undergraduates in India and Indonesia were to be highlighted, it is seen how they were one of the factors contributing towards the development in their countries. As such, I view that the power in the undergraduates is actually big and can be maximized for the interest of religion, country and race.

Nevertheless, if viewed from the reality of undergraduates in Malaysia, I am a bit aggrieved and disappointed when undergraduates which are those that are being said as the intellects, involved in crimes and social problems. The involvement of undergraduates in crime and social problem is always being reported by the media. Every day this problem increases and I think that this situation is worrisome and a loss to the country. It is to be remembered that in passionately pursuing the mission to make universities and undergraduates of Malaysia as world class, we should not disregard these kinds of problems. There is no use in only being excellent academically but failing in other aspects. As such, a balance in all aspects is very much needed.

As undergraduates, I want to invite all undergraduates in Malaysia to be big hearted in facing challenges and the current reality. I think that it is time undergraduates should have idealism, and be brave and mature in all matters for creating and maintaining a world-class human capital because undergraduates are the agents to change religion, race and country’s future.


Muhammad Firwan Norliza
President
Students’ Representative Council 2009/2010
International Islamic University Malaysia

Ragging and Abuse, Where is the Empathy?

The death of Royal Military College (RMC) student, Naim Mustaqim Mohamad Sobri that is believed caused by ragging, is definitely something to worry. The media is now filled with responses and opinions of public in regard to this issue. Same goes to cases of child abuse that also seems to be a big hit for the current media. I can only think that these problems of ragging and child abuse arise, due to the lack of empathy towards each other.

The vicious cycle of ragging is commonly triggered by tradition of the institution. Activities that are supposed to be fun turned into series of humiliating others, which may seem as 'entertaining' to the audience. However, it is a different case for the 'humiliated' that he/she may hold grudge against the perpetrator. But the victim can never return the 'favour' as the senior will remain superior to him/her. Therefore, the favour is returned to the newly registered juniors when the 'humiliated' become seniors.

This cycle can never be stopped until somebody decided to change the tradition. The victims of ragging may find it unfair, but reality always hit you hard. Orientation week is supposed to introduce you to campus life and prepare you for adulthood. Respect can never be gained unless you learn to respect others first. We should apply the principles of; treat others the way you want to be treated. Varsity students are the leaders of tomorrow. Stephen R Covey said 'seek first to understand then to be understood' in his book of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. At least, we of all people should know that.

Jemaah Islamiah Influence in Campus: Implication and Action

Recently, we have been shocked yet again with the issue of the Jemaah Islamiah movement in Malaysia after a string of arrests on a group of foreign nationals in an area in Gombak, believed to be involved with this movement. This issue has increasingly become the topic of conversation among people from the government and private sectors, academicians, politicians, the university and also the public. The government considers the Jemaah Islamiah movement as a high profile and not to mention dangerous issue, and can also threaten the country's safety especially if it affects the public and private higher education institutions in this country.

As an extension of this matter, the government has taken an initiative to have a meeting with all deputy chancellors of universities in Malaysia with the Ministry of Higher Education to discuss the issue that is considered to be able to threaten the country's safety. Because of that, the university has been urged to find and detect university students who are suspected to be involved with the Jemaah Islamiah movement at all of their campuses.

I view this issue as an important one that needs to be explained seriously by the Malaysian government that has alleged that there is involvement of students from local higher education institutions with the Jemaah Islamiah movement in this country. I suggest for the Malaysian government to be able to give clear and accurate explanations, for example by submitting proofs, case facts, list of university students involved and anything else related to this issue to all students in public and private higher education institutions so that they can get a clear general idea regarding this issue. Other than that, I too would like to urge university students in all higher education institutions especially IIUM students to be more sensitive and aware with this issue and to also avoid from getting involved with any militant group that can threaten the safety of any party.

Following all the above mentioned, I think that this Jemaah Islamiah issue will give a big impact to the country especially towards local higher education institutions when there are parties which allege that the Jemaah Islamiah influence is brought by overseas students studying in Malaysia. Consequently, this matter would maybe affect Malaysia's relationship with the countries associated. Other than that, this issue would also give a negative effect to Islamic movements around the world. Addition to that, this issue is viewed as though the Islamic movement is related to violence and indirectly has opened space and opportunity to the enemies of Islam to bring down Islam in a subtle way. Nevertheless, I am confident and I believe that Islamic movements around the world have their own arguments and stance in dealing with the issue.

Thus, I hope that this issue can be explained and resolved precisely, and in a just and smart manner by the government. If the Jemaah Islamiah issue is seen to actually exist in local higher education institutions and proven that there are those amongst university students involved, then the government should take appropriate actions to contain this issue. As a conclusion, everyone should give their cooperation and should ensure that this issue gets to be solved and conducted in a smart and mature way without taking into account the importance and prejudice of any party involved.


Muhammad Firwan Norliza
President
Students’ Representative Council 2009/2010
International Islamic University Malaysia

Film Industry and Malaysian Drama as Platform for the Formation of Teenagers' Personalities.

The development of the country's entertainment industry especially in the filming and drama industry is considered as the greatest achievement and very meaningful for several parties, specifically those who are directly involved in this industry. Generally, the Ministry of Art, Culture and Heritage Malaysia is also proud with the achievement of the country's entertainment industry, and the Ministry had even provided a huge amount of expenses for the development of this industry.

However, in the vigorous way of how this industry is expanding, I see that the maturity and quality of film and drama in this country as still not quite encouraging. This is because, most films and dramas that have been published are less interspersed with elements of identity formation, morals and effective lesson learned to the community. As an undergraduate, I am more prone to see the film and drama industry to be made as a platform for the formation of personality and morals especially of the teenagers. If today's situation is viewed, most films and dramas that are made are only to entertain without helping from the angle of the mind and intellectual development of the community. Films and dramas that are made also failed to teach teenagers today due to most of the films and dramas that are being showed on television or at the cinemas are more towards the western or extreme entertainment elements which conflict clearly with the Eastern values.

I am in view that the community especially the teenagers today are already matured in choosing the kind of entertainment that is beneficial to them, but it is rather unfortunate that we actually lack quality films and dramas to be shown to the public. If to be compared with the film industry and Indonesian drama, they are far at the forefront and even smart to use the opportunities available in this industry. Most films and dramas produced are also able to give a positive impact and teach the community. I feel that this action is important and should be followed because it shows the maturity of the film and drama industry of a country. Other than that, I am also in view that the film and drama industry should be made as the main channel in presenting preaching elements as can be seen of the West which also uses the entertainment as their propaganda agenda.

As such, in line with the modernization and hedonism challenges, I suggest for the country's film industry and drama to stress and adopt moral elements and identity development through films and dramas produced. Films and dramas produced must be mature in shaping and helping the development of good personality for the continuity of an excellent generation of a country especially the young generation. I see this as an important step in realising and strengthening more the government's desire to produce a first class human capital, as not only wanting to be excellent, brilliant and distinct in the economy development and infrastructure and physical solely, but also excellent in the human development itself whereby it is in line with the the country's education philosophy which is Physical, Emotional, Spiritual and Intellect. The country's noble intention can be reached with cooperation from all parties including those involved in the filming and drama industry in Malaysia.

Other than that, FINAS is also urged to refine the existing policy in passing films and dramas produced. As a responsible party, I suggest for FINAS to tighten the policy used to produce quality films and dramas in all aspects and not prioritizing the profit solely. I am confident, and I also believe that the country's filming industry and drama are able to develop more and succeeding at the international arena if renewal in the industry can be implemented.


Muhammad Firwan Norliza
President
Students’ Representative Council 2009/2010
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”.

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

PUBLIC DIALOGUE

Enforcement of wearing helmet in IIUM: What say you?

Beginning on July 2009, the university authority will be enforcing the practice of wearing helmet for the motorcyclist. The move, as said by the rector of IIUM, Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Syed Arabi Idid during the meeting with the Students’ Representative Council was done in order to create the walking environment and for the safety of the students themselves. From the session with the rector its look like the move is inevitable. However the IIUM authority is still accepting for a dialogue with the students, therefore on 27 Mei 2009, the SRC will be organizing a dialogue session to discuss this matter in depth.

What will be the effect on the student when the enforcement begins?

Well for one thing it is for the safety of the student itself, where most of death cases involving the motorcycles resulted from the head injury, hence by imposing the rule it can prevent the worst case scenario. We could however imagine that motorcyclists have to go to the kulliyyah wearing helmet, and not only kulliyyah, even when they want to go to the field or café in the next mahallah or even at ‘Waqec’, helmets must be on their head. Whether this will be the reality, it is still in the dark on the affected condition, however the possibility is there. Surely this will discourage the students to ride motorcycle in this campus, hence the intention of the IIUM authority to create the walking environment in IIUM. Is safety the serious concern in IIUM? Do many accidents with serious injury on the motorcyclist occur in our university? In-depth research needs to be done on this matter, and SRC is currently looking into this matter. However we need to know the views of the students, especially the motorcyclist regarding this issue.

Let us know your views and suggestions through our email at srciium.presidential@yahoo.com or response to our blog at http://src-iium.blogspot.com or SMS to 017 3982531. Your opinion is highly significant in determining the future of this issue in IIUM.

WHAT IT TAKES FOR THE REVEREND JESSE JACKSON

Biography of The Reverend Jesse Jackson

Civil rights activist, Baptist minister, and presidential candidate, born October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, USA.

Son of an Alabama sharecropper (he adopted his stepfather's last name), Jesse Jackson was a good enough athlete in high school to be offered a contract by the Chicago White Sox, but he turned it down because a white player was given so much more money.

He also turned down an athletic scholarship at the University of Illinois when he was told that as a black he could not expect to play quarterback. Instead he attended the mostly black Agricultural and Technical College of North Carolina in Greensboro, and in addition to being an outstanding athlete, student, and campus leader, he took a lead in protests that forced Greensboro, NC, to integrate its restaurants and theatres.

Jesse Jackson trained for the ministry at Chicago Theological Seminary and, having joined the protest movement led by Martin Luther King Jr and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), he was named head of the Chicago branch of Operation Breadbasket (1965), becoming its national head in 1967. Operation Breadbasket was the SCLC's programme to persuade American businesses to hire blacks and to get companies to sell products made by blacks, and Jackson proved highly successful in this for several years.

He also helped create the Chicago Freedom Movement (1966) to press for integrated schools and open housing. He was beside King when he was assassinated (1968) and although Jackson was viewed by some as the potential successor to King as the leader in the struggle for rights, he never quite gained the full support of all elements of the black community.

Ordained a Baptist minister in 1968, he concentrated his fight for rights in Chicago, and after a falling-out with the SCLC removed him from Operation Breadbasket (1971), he founded his own organization, PUSH (People United to Save Humanity), which would continue to work for improving African-Americans' lives in a variety of fronts.

Increasingly more active on the political scene, in 1972 he led a group that successfully challenged Mayor Richard J Daley's slate of delegates at the Democratic national convention. Backed by yet another of his organizations, the Rainbow Coalition, he ran twice in the Democratic presidential primaries (1984, 1988), gaining enough votes to make him a presence at the convention.

And although his occasionally extreme rhetoric and sometimes angry demeanor seemed to frighten off the broadbased support he sought, he constantly won favor with surprising constituencies as he inserted himself into a variety of events, including rushing off to Syria to gain the freedom of an American pilot, and joining picket lines at all kinds of labor actions.

In January 2001, Jackson decided to withdraw temporarily from public life following revelations of an extra-marital affair with a staffer that resulted in the birth of a daughter. He reemerged on the political scene in 2004 following the voting debacle that plagued the presidential election. He called for a congressional debate on the matter, asking for a fair count and national voting standards.

In 2008, Jackson came under fire again after using a racial slur in reference to President-elect Barack Obama. Jackson, unaware that he was on a microphone, made several negative comments about then Senator Obama. He later apologized for the comment.

*Source: http://www.biography.com

SRC 08/09 were invited to attend the Public Lecture by The Reverend Jesse Jackson last 21st June 2009. And Alhamdulillah we thank God we attended the lecture. Reverend Jesse Jackson which his biography is written above is the founder of the Rainbow/PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) Coalition.

Islam has always been a religion of peace and all Muslims know it will always remain that way. What made this lecture worth listening is, we are listening to the concept of peace that Islam has always propagated from the speech of a Reverend. Though this statement might sound sarcastic, the truth is, all religion has always propagated peace though some might have been potrayed in a different way. IIUM, which its birth was originated from the hope of the Ummah, having The Reverend Jesse Jackson giving a lecture on peace here in this campus will definitely be one step ahead towards the realisation of the Ummah's dream, which is peace.

There are many interesting things that he has brought up during his lecture and of course he was 'bombarded' with many questions during the Question and Answer Session. Sadly, not all of the questions can be entertained because of the time constraint.

These are the quote of his lecture that we thought, worth pondering.

• In the name of peace, of MANY we are ONE
• We love God, but in the name of God, we kill each other
• In the name of peace, we should learn to live together (accepts others' differences)
• Let us not fear of the unknown
• Let us tear down wall and build bridges

Each of us will interpret things differently and it is of our own justification. But, something is worth pondering and let us think how similar each of us despite of our differences.

"In peace, hope is a weapon, cynicism is slow suicidal"