Selamat Hari Raya Haji & Aidiladha, Not Just A Festival!

By Samia, Student of President College

There are numerous religions around the world, each controls its followers`s judgments, customs and even manual festivals. Who does not know Islam, it`s a worldwide religion. This religion which has 1.5 billion followers around the world, celebrates twice a year.

After RAMADAN (August) there is a festival named (EID ALFETER), beside another one during HAJ season (November) called (EID ALADHA). Eid aladha is a very unique festival, where Muslims slaughter sheeps with an intention to please god and have a closer relationship with him.

In Islam it is not compulsory for poor or unable to afford individuals to slaughter a sheep. During EID ALADHA each person in the community has a great feeling of communication and linkage with family, friends and neighbors, not just because it is a celebration and a vibrant festival, it is also because the family who slaughter a sheep separate a specific part for themselves and the rest goes to who are in need,not only Muslims.

That is why Islam took care of individuals but never forget about the society as a whole. It seems to be all about food but it is sufficient to reduce selfishness and guarantee that each person is happy and heard. May god keep smiles and festivals for ever.

"Kesepaduan Dalam Kepelbagaian" Lecture, by Profesor Ulung Datuk Dr. Shamsul Amri Baharuddin

By Dhanesh s/o Sukumar Nair, M2 Intake

True to his saying "KESEPADUAN DALAM KEPELBAGAIAN" meaning that we as Malaysians should embrace the multitude of opportunities given to us as an independent country. Dr. Shamsul Amir states that the integration of the Malaysian society is as a work in progress. 

He also states that Malaysians should not just talk or discuss their problems, but should take the initiative to do something about it. As he compared us to Sri Lanka, a country that has gone through many hardships yet have been able to bring themselves back up, and capable to cope up with the economic conditions today.

There were many interesting and educational points as well as ideas given by the professor. The point that i agree most to is that we as a nation should band together in the effort to build a better future for ourselves, instead of gossiping about it at the "mamak shop" in the professor's own words. The talk enlightened me on many of the current issues faced by the community as well as the ways and methods of overcoming these problems by working together.

  

After the talk, my friends and i were in the privilege of meeting the professor himself. Although there were a few questions on our minds, we saw that professor was very busy and as we didn't want to delay him, Adrian, a friend of mine asked professor for his signature :) and we were on our way.

Once we have left the meeting room, there was a buffet in the DoubleTree by Hilton KL hotel where many people could refresh themselves after an interesting talk. We enjoyed the buffet and as we were eating, a discussion started about the things introduced by the professor. Once we were done, it was time to leave. Everyone as content and had learnt some valuable lessons during the talk, and we all had fun:)