25 July 2001

'I joined Al-Ma'unah after silat demo'

KUALA LUMPUR, Tues. - An Al-Azhar University graduate told the High Court today that he was attracted to join the Al-Ma'unah movement after watching a silat demonstration which applied inner strength ability in May 1999.

Mohd Bukhari Ismail, 29, said during the demonstration held by senior members of the group in the compound of a mosque in Machang, Kelantan, he saw a man freeze an attacking opponent just by snapping the flap of his handphone when the opponent was drawing near.

Mohd Bukhari, who graduated in Islamic Studies from the university in August 1998 and returned to Pasir Putih, Kelantan, in October the same year, joined Al-Ma'unah in June 1999.

On the day he registered as a member, Mohd Bukhari said he saw the group leader Mohd Amin Mohd Razali's ability in defeating his "opponents" during another silat demonstration.

"Mohd Amin only twisted his beard to make his attackers fall and they rolled on the ground like small children, before they could even get close to him," he said.

Mohd Bukhari also said that when Mohd Amin undid his turban and flung it into the air it became stiff.

He said he also saw a banana leaf frond become hard after Mohd Amin infused his inner strength into it.

Mohd Bukhari was answering questions from his counsel Hasnal Redzua Merican.

He also said that he saw how Mohd Amin stopped water that was thrown at him from touching his body.

Mohd Bukhari was making his defence at a trial in which he, Mohd Amin and 17 others were charged with waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at three places in Perak between June and July 6 last year.

They allegedly committed the offence at:

* Pos 2, Km 19, Kuala Rui, Jalanraya Timur Barat, Grik; * Batalion 304, Infantri (AW), Kem Grik, Grik; and, * Bukit Jenalik, Kemajuan Tanah Ngor, Sauk, Kuala Kangsar.

Mohd Bukhari said his interest in joining the group increased after being told by the group's East Coast leader Abdul Manaf Harun that the teachings in the group was inherited from the Wali Songo (the Nine Saints) of Indonesia.

Mohd Bukhari said he used to join similar movements that taught the application of inner strength when he was in school and during his undergrad years which were also inherited from the Wali Songo.

Hearing before judge Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin continues.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76757201/joined-al-maunah-after.html

22 July 2001

Take up silat, Abdullah urges youths

SHAH ALAM, July 22 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today called on Malaysian youths to take up silat, the Malay martial art which has been accepted by other races and recognised internationally.

"There should be more silat exponents as silat is beginning to be accepted at the international level," he told reporters after opening the general meeting of Malaysian National Silat Federation (Pesaka).

The Deputy Prime Minister said silat was gaining recognition as the practices it advocated contained good values.

"Every practise adopted by a silat exponent will usually make him a good individual," he said.

However, it was also important that he stayed away from practices that were not part of the true teachings of the art, especially practices that went against religious teachings, said Abdullah.

He said Pesaka was in the best position to monitor silat associations throughout the country to ensure that they did not indulge in activities that did not confine to Islam.

At the opening ceremony, Abdullah also launched Pesaka's website -- www.pesakamalaysia.com.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76710342/take-up-silat-abdullah.html

20 July 2001

Pencak silat fighters aim to grab SEA Games overall title

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian pencak silat fighters hope to atone for the 1999 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games by claiming the overall title at the Kuala Lumpur Games in September.

"All the fighters are concentrating on grabbing the overall title. We are facing tough challengers but we'll do our best," men's fighter Tri Widodo, who competes in the 50 to 55-kilogram B class, said on Thursday.

"We can win the title as long as we can focus on each match and have a better spirit than our opponents. Most of my opponents in the Games are similar to my opponents in the World Championships here last year. I already know their styles," he said.

Indonesia will face strong opposition from host country and Vietnam.

Women's 70 to 75-kilogram F class fighter, I Made Arya Dwi Damayanti, echoed the sentiments of Tri.

"Competing in the SEA Games is a new experience for me, but I am optimistic of bringing home a gold, especially after winning gold at the last two National Games.

"I strained some arm muscles during a practice but it is not anything serious. It is only a small thing and I will recover soon," she said.

Coach Maryatno said the fighters were busy preparing themselves for the competition and working on their strategies.

"We are preparing 16 fighters in the fighting events and another nine for the martial arts events.

"Vietnam is the main contender on the women's side, while on the men's side all countries have an equal chance," he said.

The Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI) has not announced a gold medal, only saying it was aiming to grab the overall title. The National Sports Council (KONI) expects the fighters to win 10 of 21 gold medals at stake.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Equestrian and Horse Racing Association (Pordasi) is hoping KONI will pay for a French coach for the dressage events.

"Pordasi and the equestrian society will finance two other coaches for show jumping and the three-day events. We need to pay each coach US$3,000 per month," said equestrian project manager Johan Pitoy.

"We have yet to name our core team members as the lineup announcement will take place on Aug. 26. We have a quota of five riders in each event but we'll only send four participants."

Pordasi is aiming for two golds from the dressage and three-day team events. Indonesia won one silver and a bronze at the 1995 SEA Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand, when the sport was last featured.

"We will ship our own horses using a Navy landing ship next week to adapt to the venue, as well as to participate in the World Cup," Johan said.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76662541/pencak-silat-fighters-aim.html

18 July 2001

NS PESAKA LODGES POLICE REPORT

SEREMBAN, July 16 (Bernama) -- The Negeri Sembilan Malaysian National Silat Federation (Pesaka) today lodged a police report denying that a fight broke out among silat competitors on the fourth day of the 8th Negeri Sembilan Silat Championship.

Negeri Sembilan Pesaka secretary Ismail Syed Mohamed lodged the report at the Seremban police station here at 1pm. He was accompanied by Negeri Sembilan Pesaka treasurer Tunku Amiruddin Tunku Yusof and committee member Johari Hassan.

A newspaper report today claimed 30 silat competitors were involved in a fight at 11:40pm at the State Youth and Sports Complex in Paroi last Saturday after a dispute over the judging of an event.

Meanwhile Negeri Sembilan Pesaka president Datuk Darus Salim Bulin, at a news conference here, said that no fight occurred on the fourth day of the championship.

The event, jointly held by the State Youth and Sports Department, State Culture and Arts Office and State Sports Council ended yesterday.

Darus Salim said he did not receive any report on the incident and he was also informed by the championhip's competitions head Mohamad Mat Amin that no such fight happened.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76607858/sports-ns-pesaka-lodges.html

17 July 2001

Referee confirms fracas at Negri Sembilan silat championship

SEREMBAN, Mon. - One of the 14 referees involved in the just-concluded Negri Sembilan silat championship has confirmed that a fracas broke out among some of the exponents on Saturday night.

Mohd Faid Musa, 44, however would only say that a few silat exponents and supporters were involved in the fight which occurred at 11.45pm following a misunderstanding among them.

"The problem was settled amicably between the exponents after that. A commitee member from the Dewan Pendekar was assaulted. However, he did not retaliate.

"However, I don't think that any referee was involved in the fight," Mohd Faid said when contacted.

He added that since the matter had been settled, there was no need to point fingers at anyone or to play up the issue.

The five-day silat championship, held at the State Youth and Sports Complex in Paroi, ended yesterday.

Meanwhile, the State Youth and Sports Department said it had not received a report on the incident.

Its director Mohd Nor Md Said said the department could only act if, and when, a report was made.

Meanwhile, the Negri Sembilan Federation of Silat Associations denied that there had been a fight.

Its president Datuk Darus Salim Bulin said the association always stressed the need for discipline among its members and that no fight had taken place between members since the championship was introduced years ago.

The association did not receive any complaint or protest during the just-concluded championship, he told a Press conference at Kelab Melayu.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76583722/referee-confirms-fracas-negri.html

Silat prize presentation

The Brunei-Muara District Silat Association held a prize presentation for its exponents at the Pusat Belia yesterday in conjunction with His Majesty's 55th Birthday celebrations. Photo left shows the Secretary of PERSIB, Pg Hj Jaluddin Pg Hj Md Said congratulating a woman exponent and (right) a silat demonstration by the Pencak Silat Gerak 41.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76582809/sports-silat-prize-presentation.html

16 July 2001

Silat exponents turn it on for real in Paroi

SEREMBAN, Sun. - More than 30 martial art exponents taking part in the five-day Negri Sembilan silat championship turned it into a free-for-all at the State Youth and Sports Complex in Paroi last night.

They started fighting when one of the losers confronted a referee outside the complex and started to throw punches at him about 11.45pm.

The victim, in his 60s, fell after he was punched and kicked a few times, but did not retaliate.

Several other competitors who tried to help the referee were attacked.

A 34-year-old trader who tried to "cool down" the situation was also set upon. He suffered bruises on his face and body. His assailants also destroyed one of the water containers he used for his business.

The altercation lasted for about 20 minutes before policemen came to disperse the crowd.

The trader lodged a report at the Seremban police station today. Fifteen teams took part in the championship which ended today.

About 11am today, another fight occurred when one of the competitors was said to have abused his challenger.

However, no arrest was made.

An official, who wanted to remain anonymous, said fighting among the exponents was "nothing new" and that it happened each time the championship was held.

He attributed the problem to indiscipline among the exponents and their coaches (mahaguru).

Despite the fights, no police report had been made so far as such incidents were considered as "the association's internal problem".

All the participating teams are registered under the Negri Sembilan National Silat Federation.

The referee, when met after the closing of the championship by Menteri Besar Tan Sri Mohamad Isa Abdul Samad, described the whole incident as "a small matter".

The man, who sat on the Negri Sembilan National Silat Federation's highest body (Dewan Tertinggi), said he did not retaliate as it would only make his attacker, an exponent from the Seni Silat Gayong Malaysia, more indisciplined.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76558083/silat-exponents-turn-real.html

08 July 2001

Accused: I took a fall at silat practice

KUALA LUMPUR, Thurs. - An Al-Ma'unah member told the High Court today that he pretended to have been defeated by the group leader during a silat practice just because he wanted to obtain a certificate at the end of the course.

Mohd Ramly Mohamood, 46, said he pretended to have been thrown back by the powers emitted from the leader, Mohd Amin Mohd Razali, when he (Ramly) and a few other members tried to attack him (Amin) during a course in Cherating, Pahang.

Ramly, who is from Tanah Merah, Kelantan, said he pretended to fall after being scolded by Amin because he did not fall when other group members did so.

"At that time I did not feel anything (Amin's powers) when other group members were thrown back after they faced Amin," he said.

Asked by his counsel, Zainal Ithnin, what Amin said when scolding him, Ramly said:

"He said if I did not fall I would not be able to increase my knowledge in silat and traditional medicine."

Ramly, a driver with Felcra before his arrest, agreed with Zainal's suggestion that he would not get a certificate at the end of the course if he did not fall.

"If I did not fall, I was afraid that I would not be able to get a certificate. Therefore I had no choice but to make myself fall."

Ramly said it was important for him to obtain the certificate at the end of the course.

"Only if I have the certificate would I be able to learn advanced techniques in traditional medicine from Abang Manaf."

Abang Manaf (no full name) was the Al-Ma'unah khalifah (leader) for Kelantan.

Ramly was making his defence in the trial in which he, Amin and 17 others were charged with waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at three places in Perak, between June and July 6 last year.

They were alleged to have committed the offence at:

* Pos 2, Km19, Kuala Rui, Jalan raya Timur Barat, Grik,

* Batallion 304, Infantri (AW), Kem Grik, and

* Bukit Jenalik, Kemajuan Tanah Ngor, Sauk, Kuala Kangsar.

On his involvement in the Bukit Jenalik incident, Ramly said he participated in the course after six other group members from Kelantan who were supposed to take part could make it at the last minute.

Hearing before judge Datuk Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin continues on Tuesday.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76385740/accused-took-fall-silat.html

06 July 2001

AL-MA'UNAH MEMBER DID NOT BELIEVE IN GROUP'S SILAT, COURT TOLD

KUALA LUMPUR, July 5 (Bernama) -- An Al-Ma'unah member told the High Court here today that he did not believe in the silat of his group because he did not feel anything when he underwent training in the martial art.

Mohamed Ramly Mohamood, 46, a Felcra Tanah Merah driver in Kelantan, said he was not floored when he faced the group group leader, Mohamed Amin Mohamed Razali, nor when training in Cherating, Pahang.

He said he pretended to fall back during training just to get the certificate from Mohamed Amin so that he could acquire further medical knowledge.

"If I did not fall back Mohamed Amin would scold me," he said, adding that his leader told him that if he did not fall he would not be able to enhance his silat and medical skills.

He was making his defence together with Mohamed Amin and 17 other Al-Ma'unah members on a charge of waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in three places in Perak between June and July 6 last year.

They are alleged to have committed the offence at Pos 2, Kuala Rui, Gerik, 304 Infantry Battalion, Gerik Camp, and Bukit Jenalek, Sauk.

The offence under section 121 of the Penal Code carries the death sentence or life imprisonment on conviction.

Mohamed Ramly said that after becoming an Al-Ma'unah member he attended two courses held by the group in Cherating, Pahang, and Tok Uban.

On both occasions the members were driven to the venues which were not disclosed to them beforehand.

After the two courses he was asked to attend another one, also at an undisclosed venue, on June June 28 to replace a friend who could not make it, he said.

Another group member, Mohamed Zaini Mohd Zainal, 26, when continuing his testimony, said he felt normal when carrying out Mohamed Amin's order to don army fatigues before proceeding to the two army camps because he thought that he was going to train with the army.

He said although he was not a military personnel, he felt that it was not an offence to don the fatiques because he thought that the uniforms were loaned to the Al-Ma'unah.

The hearing before Justice Datuk Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin continues on Tuesday.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76331561/al-maunah-member-did.html

05 July 2001

Games squad stacked up with champs

ONE former world champion, one world runner-up and four Sea Games gold medallists have been shortlisted along with 21 other silat exponents for the Sea Games in September.

They are 1997 world champion Azhar Ahmad, 2000 world silver medallist Nik Adli Nik Abdullah, 1999 Brunei Games champions Mohamed Azrin Malik and Marwan Mat Rus, 1995 champion Ahmad Faisal Omar and 1993 Games champion Roslan Hamid.

Also in the list that has a mix of of national team A and team B following a trial on Saturday are Brunei silver medallist Shalina Abdul Ghafar and bronze winner Rina Jordana Adnan.

Their mission is to win eight gold medals in the coming Games, three more than our Games best in Manila in 1991.

National Silat Federation (Pesaka) secretary-general Megat Zulkarnain Omardin believes they have what it takes to achieve that.

"They are all capable of winning gold," he said yesterday. "However, the sport has many 50-50 situation where points can go either way in a fight and this can be subjective as shown in many silat tournaments before."

Malaysia won three gold medals in Brunei while Vietnam emerged as the best with seven.

Malaysia will compete in 19 out of the 21 events here.

"We don't agree with the new regulations for the solo show. They want to standardise the movements meaning there will be no more freestyle. So we are not sending any exponents in both the men and women's solo show," he said.

There are 10 classes for men and six for women and each will be represented by one exponent while three names Nik Adli, Abang Erdie Fauzerul and Ismail Darus have been listed for the men's class A and B.

Pesaka have also listed two names each for men's class F and women's class C and F, meaning four exponents must be dropped later.

THE LIST - Putra: Ismail Darus, Nik Adli Nik Abdullah, Abang Erdie Fauzerul, Ahmad Shahril Zailuddin, Shamsudin Md Darus, Muhamad Fajar Subhi, Roslan Hamid, Azman Mat Zain, Azhar Ahmad, Shamsul Nizam, Mohd Azrin Malik, Ahmad Faisal Omar; Putri: Rina Jordana Adnan, Hamidah Jaafar, Syarina Abdul Fatah, Shabnan Mohd Mokhtar, Siti Sukmah Buang, Mastura Sapuan, Suryatu Azlinda Jack, Norr Haslida Halim; Tempur Putra: Marwan Mat Rus, Muhammad Zainal; Tempur Putri: Noor Syahidda Wati Abdullah Sani, Shalina Abdul Ghafar; Jurus Wajib: Mohd Syafridzan Muhamad Baid, Idzir Shaik Abdul Razak, Mohd Roslan Ibrahim.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76294125/games-squad-stacked-up.html

PESAKA NAME NATIONAL SILAT LINE-UP

KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Silat Federation (Pesaka) today named the national squad, who included six new faces, for the 21st SEA Games here on Sept 8-17.

Pesaka secretary-general Megat Zulkarnain Omar Din said Malaysia would compete in 19 of the 21 silat events in the SEA Games.

"We decided to skip the Putra and individual events in the seni category to protest against the scoring system which favours the Indonesians," he told a news conference here today.

However the squad named today were not the final line-up as Pesaka would make some changes to it after the centralised training stint in Johor Baharu which began Sunday, he said.

He said three exponents - Ismail Darus, Nik Adli Nik Abdullah and Abang Ernie Fauzerul were vying for the Putra Class A and B while Roslan Hamid and Azman Mat Zain were competing for the Putra F category.

Megat Zulkarnain said Syarina Abdul Fatah and Shabnan Mohd Mokhtar were vying for the Putri Class C with Suryati Azlinda Jack and Noor Haslinda Halim tussling for Class F.

"The final line-up will be known by Aug 8," he said.

He said the exponents named to the national squad were picked based on their performance during trials held last month.

The lineup:

Putra: Ismail Darus, Nik Adli Nik Abdullah, Abang Erdie Fauzerul, Ahmad Shahril Zailudin, Shamsudin Md Darus, Muhammad Fajar Subhi, Roslan Hamid, Azman Mat Zain, Azhar Ahmad, Shamsul Nizam Abdul Rashid, Ahmad Faisal Omar.

Putri: Rina Jordana Adnan, Hamidah Jaafar, Syarina Abdul Fatah, Shabnan Mohd Mokhtar, Siti Sukmah Buang, Mastura Sapuan, Suryati Azlinda Jack,, Noor Haslinda Halim.

Silat Seni

Tempur Putra: Marwan Mat Rus, Muhammad Zainal

Tempur Putri: Noor Syahida Da Wati Abdullah Sani, Shalina Abdul Ghafar.

Jurus Wajib: Mohd Syafridzan Muhamad Baid, Idzir Shaik Abdul Razak, Mohd Roslan Ibrahim.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76292769/pesaka-name-national-silat.html

03 July 2001

Silat group signs MoU with police to promote activities

KUCHING, Sun. - Rumpun Silat Sarawak has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the State Police contingent to hold development activities for youths.

The signing ceremony was held during the opening of RSS Silat Masters Convention at the Indoor Stadium here last night. It was witnessed by Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Acting Commissioner of Police Sarawak Dr Yusoff Nook signed on behalf of the force while RSS president Datuk Wan Ali Tuanku Yubi signed for the silat organisation.

Wan Ali said the MoU was aimed at fostering closer relations with the force particularly on silat activities for the youths.

He also disclosed that the police would incorporate silat classes under its cadet programme in schools.

"Under this programme, all cadet members will automatically become RSS members," said Wan Ali.

He also expressed confidence that the co-operation with the police would also help RSS to cultivate an interest in silat activities among students.

On the one-day convention, Wan Ali said it was attended by more than 500 silat masters from Sarawak.

"We have also invited silat masters from Jakarta who will demonstrate some of their unique silat movements," said Wan Ali.

The objective on holding the convention is to foster closer ties among silat masters.

It was also enhance their commitment and dedication towards the development of the martial art.

"Some of the masters are head of departments, farmers, fishermen, professionals as well as enterprenuers," Wan Ali said.

Set up in 1987, RSS is the main body regulating the silat activities in the State and recognised by the National Silat Federation (Pesaka).

He also said RSS would continue to improve the standard of silat activities in the State as well as to scout for potential silat exponents who could represent Sarawak at both national and international events.

Wan Ali also said the Pesta Silat Borneo would be held annually starting next year.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-76164579/silat-group-signs-mou.html