Lost: ancient kingdom of the Cham

BY MIKE HIGH : 6 MARCH 2005

SOURCE: LOS ANGELES TIMES

Nha Trang, Vietnam —  

The driver spoke no English; my Vietnamese vocabulary was limited. But we were going to spend five days together driving along the central coast of Vietnam. Hand gestures and pointing at places on a map would have to work.

Before long, I had learned a valuable motto for travel here: “Things rarely go as planned, but everything usually turns out just fine.”

I was seeking the lost kingdom of Champa, a great maritime empire that once ruled much of what is now Vietnam. For 900 years, the Cham people controlled an independent state, but they fought often with their neighbors -- the Vietnamese to the north and the Khmer to the south.

Little is known of the Cham, but their land was one of the more exotic places visited by Marco Polo on his legendary journeys in the late 13th century. Champa no longer exists by that name, but with a little imagination, it can still be seen along the central coast of Vietnam. A few temples, sensuous art and sculptures of Cham gods survive as testimony to this highly developed civilization. As a bonus, visitors can discover some of the finest scenery and beaches the country has.

I got hooked on the Cham culture a few years ago while visiting Nha Trang, a beach resort along the central coast that’s becoming popular with tourists.

I thought I knew Vietnam pretty well, having lived here for several years before the war, but Nha Trang startled me with its temples, which bore a strong resemblance to those at Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

So when I returned last March, I decided to add an excursion along the coast. Hiring a car and driver was inexpensive: I paid $75 a day, which included car, gas, driver and the driver’s lodging.

Though I had made arrangements with one of the better-known tour groups in Vietnam, no one showed up on the day of departure. After placing a few phone calls, the company hurriedly sent driver Doan Duc Hung from Hanoi in an Asian-model SUV.

Our starting point was the ancient town of Hoi An, now a popular stop for Western tourists. It was an important port in the time of the Cham, receiving Chinese emissaries and traders from faraway lands. After the Viet lords vanquished the Cham and began to move into the region in the 17th century, they used the town for their dealings with Japanese, Chinese and Western traders.

These days most visitors come by land rather than by sea, and they find their tastes catered to with dozens of handicraft shops and many restaurants, including one called Champa.

Our first stop was the Cham Museum in the nearby city of Da Nang, where an open-air building contains a large collection of sculptures recovered from the temples. I recognized old familiars from the Hindu pantheon, including Ganesh, the elephant-head god, Siva, Vishnu and Uma, as well as fanciful sea monsters and lion-elephants (gajasimha) unique to the Cham.

Much of it was exquisite; it was especially fascinating when compared to the Khmer sculptures from Angkor and other sites in Cambodia. The Khmer and the Cham took turns capturing each other’s capitals, evidently exchanging culture in the process.

Thirty miles south of Da Nang, we found the sanctuary of My Son, the oldest and most famous of the Cham sites. The Cham built it in a remote valley far out of harm’s way, and its complex of temples, begun long before Angkor in Cambodia, survived well into the 20th century. Then came the Vietnam War and B-52 bombers that had no trouble visiting remote valleys. My Son had become a hideout for Viet Cong, and in 1969, the central temples in each group -- including most of the masterworks of the Cham culture -- were destroyed.

However, the remaining buildings and the setting are still worth a trip and were designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the 1990s.

The roads to My Son are narrow but paved, finally ending near a small stream that curls around the temples. The footpath from the visitors’ center makes a circuit, which I walked in the reverse direction. This had the advantage of taking me through the most damaged areas first, and I was able to finish on a high note with the temples that are still standing.

Two of the buildings house a collection of sculptures and other temple ornaments, including a wonderful dancing Siva.

Green fields, royal courts

Traveling south from My Son on Highway 1 -- the nation’s main north-south artery -- we saw a fresh palette of colors: green fields dotted with white egrets and bordered by groves of palm trees. In the distance to our right was the range of mountains that make up the Central Highlands. On the road in front of us was an endless parade of bicycles and mopeds carrying a range of produce and merchandise. Golden rice was spread out along the roadside to dry or was mounded for collection.

About 100 miles south of Hoi An, the road crossed a series of passes through the hills that once protected Vijaya, onetime capital of the Cham kingdom. The citadel of Cha Ban is about half a mile from the main highway and was at the top of my list. This is where Marco Polo visited the royal court and found the king of the Cham, who was said to have more than 300 children.

Many battles were fought here among the warlike Cham, the Viets and the Khmer. Cha Ban was the site of a dramatic siege in 1377, when a Viet army was lured to its destruction and its king killed. One hundred years later, the Viets breached the walls of the citadel, putting tens of thousands of its occupants to the sword and ending the Cham’s supremacy forever.

Although many of the sculptures in the Cham Museum were found here, only a single temple tower remains of the ancient city. The aging Vietnamese cemetery across the road strikes an appropriately melancholy chord.

The port of Qui Nhon is not far away, and it’s the best place to pause on the long drive south from Hoi An. It is a large, modern city but is visited by few Westerners. I stood out at the Seagull, a large hotel that caters to Asian business travelers and, that evening at least, an enormous wedding party.

Leaving Qui Nhon, we found the road again bordered by the rich green of rice fields. After about 70 miles, the highway crossed another minor mountain range and passed through a region of enchanting peninsulas and offshore islands that reminded me of the California coastline. From there it descended into the town of Nha Trang, a popular destination for scuba divers and tourists.

It was a good stop on my search for Cham heritage. Nha Trang apparently was an important center of the kingdom, because the Cham built six towers here.

Four of them survive, including the main temple, which was crowded with Vietnamese paying their respects to Po Nagar (the Lady of the City), a mythological earth mother with 99 husbands and 37 daughters. The temple overlooks the mouth of the Cai River, which was packed with fishing boats.

Nha Trang has a beautiful curving beach and a protected bay. There are many affordable hotels and guesthouses in town for tourists and divers, but I treated myself to the pricey oceanfront Ana Mandara Resort. Through its gates, one finds a different world -- elegant modern bungalows in a secluded garden setting with an impeccably courteous Japanese staff.

South of Nha Trang, the scenery became dry and barren as we entered Panduranga province, the last realm of the Cham. The color palette shifted into ochre and brown with nary a rice stalk to be seen. The French called this region the “Iron Coast.”

Several reminders of the glory days of Champa can be seen here. Near Phan Rang, there are the 8th century towers of Hoa Lai and the well-preserved temple and three ruddy red towers of Po Klong Garai. The towers, which are near the main road, make a particularly dramatic impression, perched on a steep hill against a blue sky.

Po Ro Me is a little harder to find, though it’s just a few miles west of the town of Phuoc Dan. It’s worth the effort. From the lonely hilltop where it was built, visitors get a breathtaking view of the surrounding chaparral.

The temple is dedicated to Po Ro Me, the last of the Cham kings. Legend has it that he could not resist the charms of a Vietnamese princess, who tricked him into cutting down a sacred tree, leading to the fall of the kingdom. He died a Vietnamese prisoner.

Beaches and golf

About two hours after getting back on Highway 1, we arrived at the golf and beach resorts at Phan Thiet. Visitors here can choose among myriad midrange beach bungalow complexes at Mui Ne Beach, along a sandy drive that could have been on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Germans and Swiss seemed to be the most frequent visitors, although many Vietnamese were here, too, joining foreigners for some beach time.

On the last morning of my tour, I paid a visit to the southernmost surviving Cham towers, Po Sanu (also known as Phu Hai), which strike a nice pose on the ridgeline of a coastal hill just south of the resort area. These 8th century temples dedicated to two daughters of Po Nagar are plain, but their location offers great vistas of the sea, and they are close enough to Saigon to attract many tourist buses.

I left the two daughters with a bit of sadness, knowing that my expedition was at an end. The Cham retreated from here to the west, many of them settling in villages near the Cambodian border, where some now worship Allah and build mosques instead of towers. I had passed out of the magical land of Champa.

BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

Vietnam’s central coastline

GETTING THERE:

From LAX to Da Nang, connecting service (change of planes) is available on Singapore, EVA or Malaysia. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $1,440.

TELEPHONES:

To call the numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (the international dialing code), 84 (country code for Vietnam) and the local number.

TOUR COMPANIES:

Exotissimo, Saigon Trade Center, 37 Ton Duc Thang, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City; 4-828-2150, www.exotissimo.com. Custom and established tours throughout Indochina.

VeloAsia, 1283 12th Ave., San Francisco, CA; (888) 833-4533 or (415) 731-3360, www.veloasia.com. Bicycle tours include a “Highlights” tour that covers the central coast from Hue to Phan Rang.

WHERE TO STAY:

Hoi An Hotel, 06 Tran Hung Dao St., Hoi An Town; 510-861-373, www.hoiantourist.com. This hotel, conveniently located adjacent to the historic district, is made up of a group of modern colonial-style buildings in an attractive setting. As a state-run hotel, it’s always proper, if a little formal. Doubles $42.

Seagull Hotel (Hai Au Hotel), 489 Nguyen Hue St., Quy Nhon; 56-846-473, www.seagullhotel.com.vn or www.vietnamhotels.biz/seagull. This hotel, located on the beach, is older but serviceable. Doubles $45.

Ana Mandara Resort, Beachside Tran Phu Boulevard, Nha Trang; 58-829-829, www.sixsenses.com. Modern bungalow complex has manicured lawns, a well-groomed private beach, and all the other amenities you’d expect for the price. Doubles from $194 a night.

WHERE TO EAT:

L'Ocean, Victoria Phan Thiet Resort, Kilometer 9, Phu Hai, Phan Thiet; 62-813-000, www.victoriahotels-asia.com. The Victoria hotel chain has elegant neocolonial hotels at strategic tourist destinations in Vietnam. L'Ocean is lovely and overlooks the water. Vietnamese and American food. Entrees about $10.

Han Huyen Floating Restaurant, Bach Dang Street, Hoi An; 510-861-462. This on-the-river restaurant specializes in Chinese and Vietnamese dishes.

TO LEARN MORE:

Embassy of Vietnam, (202) 861-0737, www.vietnamembassy-usa.org.

-- Mike High

Copy and paste: 29 December 2022 : 5 Jamadilakhir 1444H: 6.38 pm

Tahu tentang Israiliyat

By: Editor YADIM > 9 Julai 2015

SUMBER: YADIM

Apabila menyentuh tentang Israiliyat, ramai di kalangan kita yang masih belum faham sepenuhnya maknanya. Adakah ia berkaitan dengan nama orang ataupun sesebuah kaum yang pernah hidup di Tanah Arab? Hakikatnya istilah ini harus diladeni oleh setiap orang Islam kerana ini adalah satu istilah yang telah dimanipulasi oleh bangsa Yahudi sejak berpuluh-puluh tahun dengan misi untuk mengelirukan umat Islam.

Kumpulan cerita yang dinisbahkan kepada bangsa Yahudi secara umum disebut sebagai Israiliyat. Namun dalam pembahasan mengenai tafsir al-Quran dan hadis Nabi SAW, kisah Israiliyat bukan sahaja dialamatkan kepada tradisi agama Yahudi, malah kepada agama Nasrani dan hikayat lain yang terangkum dalam tradisi Yahudi-Kristian.

Israiliyat boleh berbentuk tulisan mahupun narasi yang ditemukan dalam kesusasteraan Islam, khususnya tafsir dan hadis. Israiliyat menjadi isu penting dalam Islam sejak meluasnya penafsiran dan pemahaman terhadap ayat-ayat al-Quran dan hadis Nabi SAW. Al-Quran dan hadis merupakan dua sumber pengetahuan dan hukum Islam yang memerlukan pemahaman dan penafsiran. Sebahagian dari kisah Israiliyat dibenarkan dan diterima oleh kaum Muslim tetapi sebahagian lagi ditolak.

Pada zaman Nabi Muhammad SAW, para sahabat dapat terus bertanya kepada Nabi SAW mengenai penafsiran dan pemahaman ayat al-Quran serta hadis dan Nabi SAW dapat menjelaskan kepada mereka maksud dari al-Quran dan hadis itu. Sebahagian sahabat puas hati dengan penjelasan Nabi SAW, namun sebahagian lagi tidak khususnya ayat-ayat yang berkaitan dengan sejarah masa lalu. Untuk itu, mereka lalu menanyakan penjelasan lebih terperinci kepada sahabat-sahabat Nabi SAW yang sebelumnya beragama Yahudi dan Nasrani. Tidak semua penjelasan sahabat Nabi SAW yang bekas Yahudi dan Nasrani bersumber dari fakta sejarah yang tertulis dalam kitab suci kedua agama itu. Seringkali penjelasan mereka melibatkan unsur psikologi dan pengalaman peribadi mereka selaku bekas penganut tradisi Yahudi-Nasrani. Bahkan beberapa doktrin teologi Yahudi-Nasrani juga kerap kali masuk dalam penjelasan mereka ketika menafsirkan suatu ayat atau hadis.

Umumnya, kisah-kisah nabi dan rasul dalam tradisi Islam dikemukakan dengan mengambil inspirasi dari tradisi Israiliyat, baik Yahudi mahupun Nasrani. Dalam al-Quran, kisah-kisah tersebut seringkali disampaikan dalam bentuk pesanan moral sahaja. Contohnya, kepercayaan mengenai turunnya Isa al-Masih sebagai al-Mahdi di kalangan Ahlu Sunnah wal Jamaah merupakan kepercayaan yang berasal dari Israiliyat. Mitos Hawa yang dibuat dari tulang rusuk Adam juga termasuk Israiliyat.

Setelah Nabi SAW wafat, informasi tentang Israiliyat tersebar lebih luas tanpa penapisan. Apalagi keterangan-keterangan itu datang daripada para sahabat Nabi SAW yang dihormati seperti Ka’b al-Ahbar dan Abdullah bin Salam, dua bekas penganut agama Yahudi yang tinggal di Madinah. Pada masa generasi sesudah sahabat, Israiliyat mula mendapat perhatian serius kerana banyak riwayat yang tidak lagi hanya bersifat penafsiran sejarah tetapi sudah masuk persoalan akidah dan hukum. Para ahli hadis menjadi sangat selektif dalam menerima riwayat yang dianggap sebagai sabda Nabi SAW atau sahabat.

Riwayat-riwayat Israiliyat paling banyak dtemui dalam kitab-kitab tafsir. Bahkan tidak ada satu kitab tafsir pun yang luput dari sentuhan Israiliyat. Tafsir-tafsir besar seperti Jami’ al-Bayan karya at-Tabari, Tafsir al-Quran al-Azim karya Ibnu Kasir dan Tafsir al-Alusi karya Syihabuddin al-Alusi adalah karya-karya tafsir berpengaruh yang banyak memuat riwayat Israiliyat. Bahkan Rasyid Rida, penafsir moden Mesir yang anti terhadap kisah Israiliyat, dalam kitab tafsirnya, Tafsir al-Manar, memuat banyak riwayat yang bersumber dari Israiliyat.

Copy and paste: 28 Disember 2022 > 5 Jamadilakhir 1444H: 8.10 pm

ZHENG HE LIVES ON TODAY

SOURCE : LEGASI ZHENG HE

Zheng He was a cunuch, so how could he have decendants?

Rosay Wang Ma, a Malaysian Socio-Anthropologists claims to have discovered Zheng He's 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd generations of decendants in Chiang Mai. The reason, she says, is that according to the Chinese tradition, Zheng He was given a few children by a brother in order to carry the family name of Zheng. 

Cheerichen, the 21st generation decendant of Zheng He, is a retired Associate Professor of English and a playwright. She knows little about her relationship to the great Admiral, but knows a lot about the story of her grandfather, Zheng Chonglin. She relates the story of the spacious living room of an old wooden house which he built in 1909 in Chiang Mai. 

Zheng Chonglin was the son of a wealthy Yunnanese Muslim trader. He was mischevous "Shao ye" (Young Master) who behaved irresponsibly and aimlessly. His marriage, arranged by his parents, also failed to settle him down. As a last resort, his father gave his a caravan of 100 horses carrying silks, copper pots and pans, and ask him to leave home to fend for himself. This is how Chonglin first came to Thailand, leaving behind his young wife and 2 daughters in China. 

In the small town of Tak, he married an attractive young woman of Laos-Thai parentage. Getting rich from trading, Chonglin soon became a respectable figure among his co-religious compatriots, and the local community. Zheng Chonglin had 10 children with his second wife. His youngest daughter Puangpet Wongluekiat, the 20th generation descendant of Zheng He, is now 77 years old. She is still staying in her father's house today. 

Like his great ancestor, Zheng Chonglin had made extensive contributions to the Thai King and the country. Across the road from his house, he helped build the first Chinese mosque in Chiang Mai. He also offered land, free of charge, to the government for the construction of an airport in Chiang Mai. To facilitate the construction of the railroad connecting Bangkok and Chiang Mai, he financed the digging of a tunnel near Lampang. 

In his later years, Chonglin made generous financial contribution to public amenities and was entrusted with many responsibilities by the Thai King. At the age of 92, he set out on a pilgrimage to Mecca. He passed away the day before he was supposed to return. He was buried in the Holy Land. 

** About Rosey Wang Ma

Rosey Wang Ma started her academic career as a French Language lecturer and later went on to Education Counselling training. Presently, she is a PhD candidate at ATMA (Institute of Malay World and Civilization), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. She is also a freelance researcher in the field of Chinese Muslims. Her published work include:

1. Chinese Muslim Converts in Malaysia - 2003 Monograph.Southeast Asia Research Paper No.62. Center for Asia-Pacific Area Studies, Academia Sinica, Taiwan. 

2. Chinese Muslim in Malaysia, Their History and Development: 2003. In Chinese studies of the Malay World, A Comparative Approach (pp.140-172) (eds). Ding Choo Ming & Ooi Kee Beng. Eastern Universities Press, Singapore. 

3. The Hui Diaspora: 2005 in Encyclopedia of Diasporas (pp.113-124) (eds) Melvin Ember, Carol R. Ember, Ian Skoggard, Kluwer Academic / Plenum Publishers, New York. 

4. Shifting Indentitites: Chinese Muslims in Malaysia: 2005 > In Asian Ethnicity, Vol. 6, No. 2 June 2005. Carfax Publishing , Taylor & Francis Group. 

5. Current Project : Hui, Ho and New Brothers: Chinese Muslims in Maritime Asia, Culture and Society for the International Conference on Maritime Asia and Overseas Chinese, August 2005, Singapore.

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=614761410654534&set=pcb.614761430654532

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22 December 2022 > 28 Jamadilawal 1444H: 8.22 pm

2022 : LANAI ANGGUN ECOSKY, JALAN KUCHING, KL

By Hj Zulheimy Maamor

28 February 2024 : 1.02 pm

Pada 10 Disember 2022 Hari Sabtu, saya dan isteri telah menghadiri satu Majlis Perkahwinan sahabat isteri saya yang berlansung di Lanai Anggun @ Ecosky di Taman Wahyu, Jalan Kuching, Kuala Lumpur.

Jarak perjalanan dari rumah saya ke Ecosky hanya 14 km sahaja dan mengambil masa dalam 19 minit. 

Lanai Anggun @ Ecosky Sesuai untuk perkahwinan majlis perkahwinan, akad nikah, pertunangan, majlis hari jadi, pelancaran produk, mandi bayi, seminar, mesyuarat dan lain-lain. Konsepnya Cozy & Elegance. Mudah untuk diakses dan berdekatan dengan stesen KTM Komuter Taman Wahyu.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, KL

28/2/2024 : 1.10 pm

51 tahun Kor Risik Diraja: Antara kejayaan dan kerahsiaan

Posted by Rozza Zainal > FB PERISTIWA N' SEJARAH

Bermula dengan hanya empat pegawai, penubuhan organisasi ini mengorak langkah mendepani cabaran menyatukan organisasi dan unit-unit perisikan di dalam Angkatan Tentera Malaysia di bawah satu nama iaitu Kor Risik Angkatan Tentera.

Jeneral Tunku Osman Tunku Mohammad Jewa

la pada 7 November 1969 apabila Ketua Turus Angkatan Tentera (KTAT), Jeneral Tunku Osman Tunku Mohammad Jewa dengan rasmi telah mengisytiharkan penubuhannya.

Kesemua anggota yang sebelum itu berada dalam Malayan General Service Corps-Intelligence (MGSC-Int) telah diserap ke dalam Kor Risik.

Di awal penubuhannya, Kor Risik hanya mempunyai empat pegawai iaitu Kapten Abd Halim Hamzah , Kapten Ng Chat Seng, Kapten Abd Rahman Ibrahim dan Leftenan Ahmad Badri Yaman.

Pada 7 Jun 1997, Kor Risik dianugerahkan ‘Diraja’ oleh Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong ke-10, Al-Marhum Tuanku Ja’afar Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman.

Pengurniaan gelaran tersebut sekaligus membuka lembaran baharu kepada sejarah ketenteraan tanah air dan merupakan satu pengiktirafan terhadap jasa-jasa KRD dalam tugas mempertahankan keselamatan dan kedaulatan negara.

Bahagian Staf Perisikan Pertahanan (BSPP)

Berkuatkuasa mulai 1 Oktober 1981, BSPP telah ditubuhkan secara rasmi, diketuai oleh seorang pegawai berpangkat Leftenan Jeneral sebagai Ketua Staf Perisikan Pertahanan (KSPP) dan seorang timbalan berpangkat Brigadier Jeneral. Objektif penubuhan BSPP adalah untuk memenuhi keperluan perisikan ATM dan merangka strategi serta dasar pertahanan negara. Fungsi BSPP semasa penubuhannya ialah sebagai satu bahagian tunggal dari segi mendapatkan sumber perisikan. Ia bertanggungjawab untuk merancang, menasihat dan menyelaras semua sumber perisikan tentera meliputi perisikan di darat, laut dan udara.

Di bawah BSPP terdapat tujuh cawangan iaitu Cawangan Risik Taktikal (Risik 1), Cawangan Strategik (Risik 2), Cawangan Gambar Foto Udara/Peta (Risik 3), Cawangan Perang Elektronik (Risik 4), Cawangan Keselamatan/Risik Cegah (Risik 5), Cawangan Perangsaraf/Geraksaraf (Risik 6) dan Cawangan Urusetia/Perhubungan Luar. Objektif penubuhan BSPP ini adalah untuk memenuhi keperluan perisikan bagi membolehkan Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) merangka strategi, dasar dan merancang pertahanan negara.

91 Grup Operasi Perisikan (91 GOP)

91 Grup Operasi Perisikan (91 GOP) sebelum ini dikenali sebagai 91 Rejimen Khas Perisikan Tempur (91 RKPT). Pada tahun 2009, 91 RKPT bertukar nama selaras dengan pengstrukturan semula Bahagian Staf Perisikan Pertahanan (BSPP) bagi memperkasakan peranan, fungsi dan tanggungjawab sebagai operator perisikan di peringkat strategik.

Sebelum itu, bermula 1 April 1972 pasukan ini dikenali sebagai Pasukan Khas Perisikan Tempur (PKPT) di Kem Rasah yang merupakan sebuah unit khas KRD dan diletakkan di bawah perintah Ketua Pengarah Perisikan Pertahanan (KPPP).

Pada awal penubuhan, pasukan ini hanya berkekuatan satu Markas Trup dan tiga kumpulan Ronda Kumpulan Kecil (RKK) dengan keanggotaannya terdiri dari seorang pegawai dan 35 anggota LLP. Mereka dipilih daripada pasukan Rejimen Gerak Khas Malaysia (RGKM) yang berpangkalan di Kem Sungai Udang, Melaka.

Anggota RKK Rejimen Khas Perisikan Tempur yang terlibat dalam Operasi Khas di kawasan Sungai Gapis, Serendah, Selangor.

Kejayaan demi kejayaan yang dicapai oleh PKPT dalam gerakan-gerakan khas yang dilaksanakan telah menjadikan trup ini dikenali ramai dan menjadi popular di kalangan pemerintah-pemerintah tertinggi Tentera Darat Malaysia (TDM) khususnya Panglima Briged, Cawangan Khas Polis dan pihak atasan Kementerian Pertahanan.

Pasukan Khas Perisikan Tempur memeriksa salah seorang anggota PGK yang terbunuh.

Pada tahun 1978, pasukan ini telah diperbesarkan daripada satu Trup kepada satu Skuadron. Susulan itu, anggota yang terlatih dalam bidang perisikan terutamanya dari Rejimen Askar Melayu Diraja (RAMD) dan Rejimen Renjer Diraja (RRD) telah diambil dan ditumpangkan ke skuadron ini.

92 Angggota Tentera Cawangan Khas (92 ATCK)

Secara ringkasnya, sejarah ATCK bermula sejak darurat pertama diisytiharkan pada tahun 1948 yang dikenali sebagai British Special Military Intelligence Service (SMIS) dalam mengendalikan tugas-tugas perisikan tempur bagi membanteras ancaman pengganas komunis.

Berakhirnya darurat pertama pada tahun 1960, bagi memacu ke arah konsep pengisian perjawatan oleh anak tempatan, SMIS telah ditukarkan nama kepada Military Staff Special Branch (MSSB) yang beroperasi di bawah Sel E7A, Cawangan Khas Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM).

Pada 1 Oktober 1962, MSSB ditukar nama ke bahasa Melayu yang dikenali sebagai ATCK. Cawangan ini beroperasi di bawah Cawangan Khas, PDRM namun bertanggungjawab kepada KTAT bagi memenuhi keperluan perisikan taktikal untuk membanteras ancaman komunis. Pada tahun 1983, nama ATCK telah ditukarkan kepada 92 ATCK.

Pasukan keselamatan dan PTT mendapatkan maklumat daripada penduduk kampung berkenaan aktiviti PGK.

93 Rejimen Semboyan Peperangan Elektronik (93 RSPE)

Pasukan Risik Elektronik ditubuhkan pada tahun 1966 dikenali dengan nama Trup Elektronik. Trup ini ditempatkan di sebuah rumah kerajaan, Kuala Lumpur dengan keanggotaan seramai dua anggota risik dan enam anggota semboyan.

Pada bulan Februari 1968, trup ini telah ditukar nama kepada Trup Bebas Corong dan dipindahkan ke Kementerian Pertahanan (KEMENTAH).

Pada bulan November 1968, sebuah penempatan Trup Bebas Corong telah ditubuhkan di Kem Lapangan Terbang, Tawau, Sabah dengan kekuatan seramai 14 anggota yang diketuai oleh seorang pegawai risik sebagai Ketua Trup.

Trup ini dari semasa ke semasa terus diperbesarkan sehingga menjadi sebuah skuadron dan rejimen yang dikenali sebagai 93 Rejimen Semboyan Peperangan Elektronik (RSPE).

Penutup

Sepanjang 51 tahun penubuhannya, pelbagai kejayaan telah dilakar oleh Kor Risik Diraja. Kejayaan penangkapan ejen perisikan asing di Malaysia sehinggalah kepada penglibatan sebagai penggerak perjanjian damai melibatkan pelbagai pihak bertelagah di luar negara. Tidak pernah terucap nama Kor Risik mengaku pelaksana.

Kerahsian yang dipegang dan sikap berdiam diri KRD seringkali menyebabkan umum tertanya-tanya siapakah mereka dan apakah yang mereka lakukan. Namun itulah nyawa dan jiwa penubuhan mereka. Segalanya bukan kerana nama, Hanya demi Agama, Bangsa dan Negara tercinta.

Selamat Hari Ulang Tahun Kor Risik Diraja ke 51.

Kredit : AirTime

#PeristiwaNSejarah

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9 Disember 2022 > 15 Jamadilawal 1444H: 9.50 pm

ISLAM Q&A

SOURCE: MULTIRACIAL REVERTED MUSLIMS

What is Islam and who are Muslims?

Islam is a natural and complete way of life that encourages one to give due attention to their relationship with God and His creation. It teaches that souls find true happiness and peace through performing good actions that are approved by God and which benefit both the society and the individual. 

The message of Islam is simple: to believe in and to worship The One True God alone, and to accept Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as His final Messenger. The word "Islam" means submission to God, and its followers are known as Muslims, who can be from any racial or ethnic background. 

What is the purpose of life?

God did not create humans to simply wander aimlessly. Rather, we have a higher purpose - to acknowledge and worship God alone, so that we live upon the guidance of our Creator. This guidance enables us to live a successful and blessed life in all aspects, in this world and the hereafter. The test of one's faith is in using one's intellect and reasoning abilities to contemplate and recognise God's signs and to live according to His guidance. 

Who is Allah?

Allah is the personal name of The One True God. Allah has no partners, equals, parents or children. All of Allah's attributes are perfect, such as The Creator, The Most Merciful, The All-Powerful, The Most Just, The All-Wise and The All-Knowing. No human or object shares in Allah's lordship and His divine attributes, as such, He alone deserves to be worshipped directly and exclusively. 

Who is Muhammad?

Muhammad (pbuh) is the final Prophet in the long line of Prophets, sent to call all mankind to the worship of God alone. He was an ideal father, husband, teacher, leader and judge, and a perfect example of an honest, just, compassionate and brave human being. Although greatly respected, he, like the other Prophets, is not worshipped by Muslims. 

Why believe in God?

There are many reasons for believing in God including those based on simple logic (summarised below) and through revelation (discussed in the next section). 

Begining of the Universe : - A fairly straightforward reason for believing in God relates to reflecting on the origin of the universe. Where did the universe ultimately come from? 

The universe hasn't always existed (it has a beginning according to modern science) and it couldn't have come from nothing or create itself. A reasonable conclusion is that it was created: Unlike the universe, The Creator of the Universe. God is eternal, has no beginning and has always existed. 

Order of the Universe: - Another simple reason for believing in God is by pondering over the order of the universe using the following logic:

1. Anything that is ordered indicates intelligence
2. Our solar system is highly ordered with intricate laws, systems and patterns. 
3. Therefore, the order in our universe indicates the existence and intelligence of the Creator. 

What is the Qur'an?

The Quran is the literal word of God and the final revelation to mankind. The provides a strong argument for the existence of God for those who are open-minded and sincere. It is unmatched in its style, wisdom, guidance, beauty and eloquence. It is the literal word of God, as revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) through the Angel Gabriel, and supersedes all previous revelations, such as the Gospel and the Torah. It is the primary source of Islamic knowledge. It explains and clarifies many issues like the purpose of our existence, the correct concept of God; the actions liked and disliked by God;the stories of the Prophets and their lessons; accounts of Heaven, Hell and the Day of Judgement. One of the great miracles of the Quran is that it has been preserved and unchanged since it was revealed over 1400 years ago. It also contains many scientific and historical facts that were unknown to the people of that time and have only been discovered recently, which is one of the proofs it is from God. 

What are Islam's main practices?

1st Pillar: The Testimony of Faith:- To declare that there is no God worthy of worship except Allah, and Muhammad (pbuh) is His final Messenger. 

2nd Pillar: Prayers:- To be performed five times daily, once each at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon , after sunset and at night. 

3rd Pillar: Prescribed Charity :- This is an annual compulsory, charity paid to those less fortunate and is calculated at 2.5% of one's total wealth. It is paid by those who have excess wealth beyong their basic needs. 

4th Pillar: Fasting in the Month of Ramadan:- Throughout this month, Muslims must refrain from all food, drink and sexual relations with their spouses, from dawn to sunset. It promotes self-restraint, consciousness of God and empathy to the poor. 

5th Pillar: The Pilgrimage:- Every able Muslim is required to make the pilgrimage to Mecca in their lifetime. It involves prayer, supplication, charity and travelling, and is a very humbling and spiritual experience. 

What do Muslims believe about Jesus & other Prophets?

Jesus was born miraculously without a father and performed many miracles - all by the will of God. 

Thousands of Prophets were sent by Allah, at least one to every nation, with the same message to worship Allah alone and not associate any partner with Him. Some of these Prophets include Adam, Noah, Joseph, Abraham, Jacob, Isaac, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them all). 

Jesus (pbuh) was one of the greatest Prophet sent by Almighty God. Jesus is not God or the son of God or part of the Trinity as this clearly contradicts the pure teachings of God in Islam. 

Consider the following:

• There are many examples in Christian teachings of Jesus speaking and behaving as if God is a separate being to himself, e.g. Jesus prays to God - if Jesus was God, who would he be praying to?
• The term "Son of God" is symbolically used in the earliest biblical languages for a "righteous person" for many people - not exclusively for Jesus. The problem arises when using the term literally or in other ways. 

Although Muslims love and respect Jesus (and all other Prophets), they do not worship him nor attribute to him divine attributes, as this is reserved solely for God. 

Are all religions the same?

While most religions generally have the same teachings regarding good manners and kindness to others and so on, Islam additionally focuses on the Greatness of God with no compromises with his Oneness and Perfection. Unlike other religions, Islam primarily teaches that God is completely different and unique compared to His creation and that all praise and worship is due directly and exclusively to Him. Islam is also comprehensive;simple yet profound; has revelation that is preserved; does not reject any of God's Prophets but states that they all came with the one and same message. 

What happens after death?

Death is a passage from the brief life into the next eternal life. Each person will be resurrected to be held to account on the Day of Judgement. If a person live a good, honourable life by worshipping and obeying Allah, they will be entered into Paradise, through Allah's Mercy, if they choose to disbelieve, Hellfire awaits them. 

If there was no afterlife in which the good were rewarded and the bad punished, that would contradict the perfect justice of God, and life would not be fair. 

How does Islam view women?

In Islam, men and women are viewed as equals before God, in terms of both receiving equal reward and accountablitily for their actions. Allah,the Creator of both genders, has assigned different roles and responsibilities for each, taking into account their differences. Women are given the utmost respect and honour, with no form of oppression condoned towards them. 

Does the concept of the Original Sin exist in Islam?

The concept of 'Original Sin' does not exist in Islam. God is just; so, no person is held accountable for any sin they themselves were not responsible for. 

What is Jihad?

The essence of Jihad is to struggle and sacrifies for one's religion in a manner which is pleasing to God. Linguistically, it means to 'struggle" and can refer to striving to do good deeds, giving charity of fighting for the sake of God. The most commonly known form is the military Jihad which is permitted in order to preserve the well being of society, to prevent oppression from spreading and to promote justice. 

Does Islam condone terrorism?

In war, the targeting of innocent non-combatants is a despicable act which Islam clearly prohibits. In fact, Muslims are not even allowed to destroy plants and animals  unnecessarily, let alone innocent humans. This is just but one example of many ethical guidelines of war stipulated in Islam. However, it is important to distinguish between  terrorism and legitimate resistance to occupation, as the two are very different. 

What is Halal Food?

Halal or lawful, foods are those permitted by Gods for Muslims to consume. Generally, most foods and beverages are considered halal, with the main exceptions being pig and alchol. Meats and poultry must be slaughtered humanly and correctly, which includes mentioning God's name before slaughter and minimising the suffering of animals. 

Who can become a Muslim?

Becoming a Muslim means acknowledging the greatness of the Creator and developing and maintaining a close relationship with Him by obeying Him. This will lead to happiness and contentment in this life and the next, and the realisation of one's purpose of life. 

Allah has opened the doors of Islam to all of mankind, regardless of their past or current situation. Therefore, anyone can become a Muslim at any time by simply believing in, and uttering the following testimony of faith:

"I bear witness that there is no God worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is Allah's Messenger. "

More Information:

Multiracial Reverted Muslims

Wisma MRM

12-1, Jalan 4/27F, Off Jalan Genting Klang

Taman Melati, Setapak

53300 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03-4144 3300

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Hj Zulheimy Bin Maamor

Lembah Keramat, KL

7 Disember 2022 > 12 Jamadilawal 1444H: 1.30 pm