Syerleena unfazed by her brethren condemning her for arbitrarily stepping into NM’s houses of worship

 

THIS is not the first time and certainly not going to be the last that Syerleena Abdul Rashid – one of three Malay DAP l

Even though she has expected to be mocked by her brethren, she felt honoured to attend the annual firewalking ceremony at the Kahlee Ama Temple in Taman Padang Tembak which falls in the vicinity of her Bukit Bendera constituency in Penang.

“It’s a meaningful tradition that brings together devotees, families and the wider community in a spirit of faith, discipline and devotion,” the former Seri Delima state assemblywoman penned in a colourful Facebook post that also featured DAP advisor Lim Guan Eng and comrades RSN Rayer and Ramkarpal Singh in attendance.

“… I know some people will have something to say about it. But let me be clear – showing up at another community’s celebration is not a threat to my faith. It’s a sign of respect.”

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Editor’s Note: Recount that in November last year, the 45-year-old Convent Green Lane old pupil found herself in the line of fire for sitting in a prayer session at the Wat Chaiyamangalaram in Pulau Tikus – one of the oldest and most iconic Thai Buddhist temples outside of Thailand.

This is despite her contention that it was fine to visit non-Muslim houses of worship so long as a Muslim does not participate in their rituals.

As Syerleena who formally joined DAP in 2013 joyfully contributed RM5,000 to assist with the Kahlee Ama Temple’s on-going community and temple activities, she reminded attendees that diversity to Penangites “is not just something we mention during speeches”.

“It’s something we live every day. We visit each other. We celebrate with each other. We respect each other’s traditions. And most importantly, we show up for one another,” she envisages.

‘Baptism of fire’

“That is the Malaysia I believe in. A Malaysia where being proud of who we are doesn’t mean looking down on others. A Malaysia where respect is not weakness. A Malaysia where leaders don’t only serve people who look, pray or live like them – but everyone.”

As non-Muslims showered the DAP Penang assistant publicity secretary for “showing that you are the bigger person” and “make you stronger in your faith”, her brethren tended to think otherwise.

The mildest of comment had it that “the teaching of Islam is very clear” and that “it’s up to you to choose (to abide by it)”.

“Allah gives you brain (akal) to think, learn and consider based on the teaching of Islam,” reminded one netizen.

“Don’t ever consider things related to religion purely based on your akal. There are guidelines in your religion to guide you before you decide (to take) any actions!”

One Penangite even wondered how Syerleena arrived at the conclusion that “attending other religion’s celebration is not a threat to your faith”.

“What do you feel when you watch them performing their ritual like fire walking? … Did you make your own assumption or is there someone who taught you this? Please specify if there’s any ustaz who taught you this,” requested the old pupil of Penang Free School.

Another commenter opined that given the said firewalking ceremony would still proceed “with or without your presence”, Syerleena could have just “state your support in different ways, not just by attending it”.

“The guideline for Muslims is there …. up to you to decide … (so) don’t blame others if they comment negatively,” he jibed.

Others mocked the national DAP women’s wing executive committee member by insinuating that she would live to regret her bootlicking tendency while disregarding her own faith once she loses her political position.

Or that Syeerlena who is married to American entrepreneur Tom Osborn had not been exposed to adequate religious foundation when she was young, hence she “grows up to be liberal-minded”.

In short, a seemingly pious Muslim reckoned that given there are of guidelines to accommodate non-Muslims in their religious beliefs, it would be best that Syerleena “consult with learned scholars first so as not to let our faith be affected”. 

 - Focus Malaysia