Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Religion and Economics Does Not Mix Like Oil to Water

(Extracted from here)

Malaysian state may compel Muslim civil servants to pray 5 times a day
Written by St Low
Wednesday, 09 July 2008
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - A Malaysian state governed by a conservative Islamic party plans to compel Muslim government workers to pray five times a day as required by their religion, an official said Tuesday.

Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, the chief minister of northeastern Kelantan state, said Muslims who shirk their prayer obligations "are not fearful of Allah and are susceptible to committing bribery and other sins."

Kelantan is planning to introduce a law to force Muslim government workers to pray five times a day, said the minister's aide Anual Bakri Haron.

He said details on how to enforce the plan will be finalized later.

Kelantan has been ruled since 1990 by the conservative Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, which has implemented strict morality rules such as banning gambling, nightclubs and rock concerts.

- AP


Is it right for outsider to interfere on how one chooses to do his duty to God?
Isn't it the choice of carrying out his religious duty is up to the individual?
How does a law to compel people to pray, help to build the religion? Where is logic?
It does not matter if one potrays a pious image, but does not contribute to the development of oneself, to the country and to the economic. What is the point of being a very religious person, when you can't even afford to buy yourself a meal and lead a quality life?
How could being a holy and a devout follower, help the country and the ailing economy, especially in this competitive world?
You would have committed a greater sin should you neglected to the advancement and development of the economics, all because of promoting a more religious act.

Malaysia is taking another step backwards, that I can assure you.
Imagine all the manhours which can be put into good use lost if this law were to be enacted.

According to Wikipedia, total population at this state as of 2007 was 2.1 million.
Assuming 90% of the population practises this religion, that will translates to 1.89 million population.
Let's assume the average pay rate per hour for each person is RM5 per hour, and the said person will take approximately 15 minutes for each of the 2 prayer session while at work during day time (The other 3 prayer session will be at night/dusk)
That means, RM2.50/person will be lost for the 2 day prayer sessions.
And if you multiply that to 1.89 million workers, that will give us, RM 4.7 milion will be lost daily, should this law be enacted.
Multiply that to 250 working calendar days, and RM 1.18 billion will be lost annually due to unproductive hours, all because of forcing people to pray. Massive amount of money we are talking here. How can business survive with such law endorsed? And I am just analysing only 1 state. God forbid if this law is applied to the whole country.

May God saves Malaysia!

ps: And I hope that I won't get thrown to jail for writing such "seditious" article.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

C'mon. It's just a tiny challenge over at East Coast. In fact, wasting time in the name of God is much appreciated that what I am going to expose. I have not much time, so may you allow me to recycle some of your words.

According to Wikipedia, total population of Malaysia at 2008 estimated at 27 million.
Assuming 30% of the population is an educated workforce with computing & internet access, that will translates to 8.1 million population.
Let's assume the average pay rate per hour for each person is RM 20 per hour, and the said person will take minimum 2 hours each working day while at work to perform amazing yet irrelevant works tasks as per below;

1) facebook
2) computer game (zuma, anyone?)
3) surfing for non-work related stuff
4) check personal email
5) friendster
6) read online news
7) msn
8) blogging or reading blog

That means, RM40/person will be lost for each working day.
And if you multiply that to 8.1 million workers, that will give us, RM 324 milion is losing every day, as I am typing now.
Multiply that to 250 working calendar days, and RM 81 billion will be lost annually due to unproductive hours, all because of people voluntary wasting time. Massive amount of money we are talking here. How can business survive with such act unchecked? And I am just analysing only 1 country. God forbid if this trend is applied to the whole world.

May God saves Malaysia & beyond!

Anyway, I am off to facebook.

Big Bad Wolf said...

Internet should be banned from the face of the world!!