Forum: Fire forces evacuation

Fri, 10/03/2008 7:51 AM  |  Reader's Forum

Fire forces evacuation -- Sept. 23, p. 4

The construction of the new facility and purchase of new medical equipment has been surrounded by corruption allegations, which have been under investigation for the longest while now.

The new facility has been standing empty for nearly two years before opening to the sick. It now seems that all evidence of possible fraud has gone up in smoke, while the people of Kupang and around the regency no longer have a regional hospital — only the army and police medical facilities.

In any case, the last two facilities always have functioned much better than the government-operated regional hospital.
HENRY MANOE
Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara


Animal abuse --  Sept. 24, p. 7

In response to Butet A Sitohang’s letter on the abuse of animals, I agree with his views but would like to include the way in which animals are looked after.

As a tourist, I was deeply disturbed to see how the crocodile housed at Indonesian in Miniature’s (TMII) Komodo section was being mistreated. Living in filthy water and in too small an area to swim is very cruel.

When anyone has an animal in their care it is their duty to look after it properly. Regulations have to be made. Follow ups need to be made to ensure no cruelty exists. Education on treatment of animals is very important.
DIANE WIEBENGA
Melbourne


Halal certification opposed -- Sept. 24, 14

Halal issue is compulsory and there is no discussion for any good Muslim. Therefore, it is the responsibility of every individual to spend the effort to find good, halal meals that does not only contain a fork, blood and other haram substances.

The debate over the halal label food has come into the political domain. Unfortunately, politics is not religious in the country with a Muslim majority .

To make it simple, I will remind with marketing theory. Of course the businessmen must be well informed. The light of marketing is to serve the needs and wants of the customer. Hence a good businessman will follow the rule of thumb of this marketing credo.

My question is: How strong are the needs and wants of Muslim customers? There is good experience in which I am living now. More Australian businesses are aware of the halal market and they would be very happy to enter this market segment by providing halal foods and other products.

For Muslims, price does not a really matter since halal substance is not only good for health, but also for the sake of faith now and hereafter.

However, the issue that must be pondered is consumer protection. Therefore the rule of government is to serve the public interest since the bureaucrats have been paid by many people.

This points out that government must ensure no single businessman sells non-halal food labeled with a halal certificate. The rest of the decision should be in the hands of Muslim costumers.

I believe a good Muslim will not let him or herself commit a sinful action by eating non-halal meals.
NAZIRWAN
Melbourne

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