Didn’t I say that I heard the word ‘Allah’ being uttered by Christians in a church in the rural outback of Long Rusu, Sarawak in the 60s’in an earlier posting? Now, after some strong words from Bumiputra and non-Bumiputra Christians in Sabah and Sarawak, Minister in the PMs’ Department Nazri Aziz, now says that it is alright for ‘Allah’ to be used by Christians in the two East Malaysian states, but not yet for Malaysian Christians in Peninsular Malaysia.
Why the double standards? Does this decision have anything to do with the likely political backlash by East Malaysian political parties that are affiliated to the BN, if ‘Allah’ is banned in the Bahasa Melayu bible used in the two states? What makes the Bumiputra and non-Bumiputra Christians in East Malaysia so different from their non-Bumiputra Christian brethrens in Peninsular Malaysia?
And JAKIM is firm in its declaration that the ruling not to use ‘Allah’ by Christians applies throughout the whole country, and not just for Peninsular Malaysia. What then will be Nazri’s next statement? Will he defer from the declaration made by JAKIM? And I just wonder too, why is Nazri getting involved in this issue? Isn’t this a matter that should rightly be handled by the Minister in PM’s Department in-charge of Islamic Affairs? Let us hear what he has got to say about this.
Come on Nazri, I think you have to admit that you are afraid that the BN will lose the support of its partners in Sabah and Sarawak, if you have said otherwise. If they do pull out of BN over this unsettled issue, you and the rest of the BN ministers will be without a job, as the strength of BN government is buttress in the BN alliance in these two East Malaysian states.
And despite more attempts to touch churches goes unabated, and even a Sikh temples for no obvious reason), Interior Minister Hishamuddin finds it most convenient to be out of the country, supposedly in search of peace and tranquility in Saudi Arabia with his cousin, the Prime Minister. Is Hishamuddin trying to seek a ‘fatwa’ from the Saudi King over the ‘Allah’ issue that is now splitting even the Malay community?
Never have we seen a large section of the Malay community, and including PAS so vehemently in support of the Malaysian Christians over the ‘Allah’ issue that clearly has brought this country into disrepute in the eyes of the international community. Malaysian Muslims that has been well known to the world as being moderates, have now to accept a tinted image.
I would conclude by saying that this whole affair has not been handled well by the government, and this is so obvious with so many conflicting statements made by our politicians. Now with eleven churches, one mosque and one Sikh temple vandalized and still counting, let us hear what IGP Musa Hassan has to say.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
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26 comments:
IGP will say "Semua nya terkawal,
Kawal sendiri, kami tak cukup anggota nak kawal"
I expect our political leaders to use their wisdom to resolve the issue in an amicable manner, a win-win situation for everybody.
I expect the Police to catch the perperators attacking churches/mosque soonest and put them away under ISA.
I wish the Malays would be more progressive and rational in their thinking and behaviour and not be misled by people using Islam for their political ends.
I wish all Malaysians reject the politics of communalism/religion and instead embrace pluralism, democracy, accountablity, transparency, civil society and respect/value the growth of our multi-ethnic cultures and religions in our country.
Maybe it's time for us to abolish political party based on religion and racial line?
On such a sensitive issue why the hell must Najib let Nazri loose to unleash his stupid statement like that? Has Najib no control over the forever arrogant Nazri the Big Nose? I guess Najib is one weak leader that Nazri can simply talk on matters that is not within his capacity and capability he could not possibly address any redress later. Why can't Nazri just shut up his big nose from being NOSEY with religious matter?
That shows UMNO is above Islam if of all the Muslims it has to be Nazri to decide who can and cannot use the word Allah. Masyaallah!
Tengku Razaleigh is the only person that condemn UMNO on "Allah" issue. Why can't we have more Malay leader like him?
,,,guess "Opportunists" are having a field day nowadays too.
,,,But if one were opportunistic or that practices opportunism from an positive approach, we perhaps can 'Right" the "Wrong" at such timely manner or as such opportunity presence too ?.
,,,Cool heads would/should chill issue out. Maturity counts and not be childish on the subject matter to help resolve it, once and for all. Its about time too-lah.
Allah's solution:
"Fain tana za'tum fi syaiin farudduhu illahi wa rosul"
(If you are at logger head in anything, go back to Allah and the Messenger)
Dear Malaysian,
Islam encompasses everything in life. Islam is ordained by Allah as "a way of life".
Allahu robbuna. Allah is our Robb (Lord/God).
We are borrowing the language of Allah.
Verily all languages belong to Allah.
Quran is kalamullah. And it is in Arabic. Arabic is just the translation of Allah's language. The real language of Allah, nobody knows.
Akidah Muslim is derived from the Holy Quran.
"Innadina indallahil Islam." Verily the religion before Allah is Islam.
"Wa man yabtaghi ghoirol islami dinan falanyuqbalaminhu wa hua fil akhiroti minal khisirin". Those who take other than Islam as his way of life, it will not be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers.
"Ya aiyhalazina amanu udkhulu fisilmi kaafah". O you believers, enter Islam completely.
Of course we always forget our promises to Allah in the world of spirit (alam arwah) before we were born when Allah asked everyone of us, 'ALASTU BIROBBIKUM QALUU BALA SYAHIDNA' Allah asked "Am I not you Rob? (Lord/God). All of us answered; We bear witness.
Not any one second we can escape from Allah's sight. Allah is All Knowing.
Allah is omni-present. He is very near even nearer than our own throats.
Allah is watching us.
So no way we can say that o this business is for religion. For the sake of religion. So when we are in parliament we discard religion. Because the secularists will say according to their motto ;'DA'MA MA LILLAHI, LILLAHI, DA'MA LIL KAIZER LIL KAIZER (Render to God, what is God's and render to Caesar what is Caesar's). And there is NO SECULARISM IN ISLAM.
The separation of states and religion is not from Islam. When our Holy Prophet s.a.w. ruled Madinah, he ruled it based on "the Madinah Charter" according to Islam.
Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. is a Messanger of Allah. He is a Ruler. He is a Military Leader. All attributes including Siddiq,Amanah, Tabligh & Fathonah are embedded in him.
He has no flaws. He is 'maksum'. He has no sins.
If we can escape the attention of Malaikat Roqib and Attid who jot down every action we do on this PLANET EARTH, only then we can segregate our life into RELIGIOUS and NON-RELIGIOUS DICHOTOMY.
ALLAH IS WATCHING US WHERE EVER WE ARE.
AL ISLAMU YA'LU WA LA YU'LA 'ALAIH. Islam is above everything and nothing can supercede it.
Politics should be put under Islam. And Islam shouldn't be politicised.
Islam is NOMOR WAHID. All other worldy buisnesses should be tailored towards ISLAM.
The state should be ruled according to Islam as it was practised during the era of our Prophet s.a.w.
Nation State is a new phenomenon in the 16th century introduced when Europe was in the dark and at that time the Islamic Empire was flourishng up to Spain.
The demise of the Ottoman Empire on 3rd March 1924 was a great blow to Islam. It is a poignant history that cannot be undone.
That was the moment Mustapa kamal Atarturk segregated between religion and state. Azan was uttered in Turkish. He changed the Arabic script to Romanised writings. The Military is the bastion of Secularism in Turkey. Hijab was attacked from the days of Mustapa until to these very days. France is learning from Turkey for banning Hijab.
If what has been decreed by Allah in the case of hijab can still become the bone of contention, what brand of Islam are we expecting that rally suits Allah in pursuit of Mardhatillah (keredhaan Allah), something to ponder.
Allah for East M'sia: Is Nazri flying a kite?
Wong Choon Mei
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nazri Aziz has been urged to clarify if his statements that Christians in Sabah and Sarawak will be allowed to use the word Allah is the government's official stance.
“Given the Umno-BN's record for flip-flop, it is best to confirm before we congratulate our friends in East Malaysia. It is actually a contradictory stance and very worrisome because it shows they have no idea how to solve the situation. Umno is still trying to play to the gallery, a different tune for a different market. This reflects the fact that they are not anchored by principles at all,” PAS vice-president Salahuddin Ayub told Harakahdaily.
“There is a sense that the Minister may be flying a kite to test the reaction of the people. He should make it clear and the government should state its official stand as soon as possible,” Ramon Navaratnam, past president of Transparency International, told Harakahdaily.
Nazri had made the remarks during an interview with a Kuching-based newspaper published on Friday. He had also suggested that while East Malaysian Christians would be allowed to Allah, non-Muslims in the peninsula would be barred from doing so to avoid the hurting the sensitivities of the Muslims.
“Christians in Sarawak and Sabah need not worry over this issue because it is a common tradition there. I have been to an Iban church service and I heard the word Allah used there,” he was reported as saying in the interview.
Clarity not confusion, leadership not indecision
Coalition leaders within the ruling elite in the Sabah and Sarawak BN have welcomed the apparent concession from the federal government. However, few of the East Malaysian people are convinced or satisfied, given the prolonged tussle and the confiscation of thousands of Malay-language Bibles.
“Nazri has opened the floodgates of further confusion. We view his statement as condescending. He should stop trying to dictate how God should be addressed,” Ronnie Klassen, a Sabah PKR leader and prominent Church activist, told Harakahdaily. “By doing so, he has not only destroyed the concept of a 1Malaysia but also the sanctity of the courts. Is he suggesting he is above the courts by tossing to us this ‘political gift’?"
The Allah row began in 2007 after the Home Ministry refused to renew the publication permit of Catholic magazine, the Herald, by invoking a 1986 Cabinet directive that banned non-Muslims from using certain Arabic words. The Home Ministry's decision was challenged by the Herald's publisher and on December 31, 2009, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that it had the right to use Allah to describe God in its Malay-language section.
The landmark court victory sparked a storm of protests spearheaded by top Umno leaders such as former premier Mahathir Mohamad, his son Trade Minister Mukriz Mahathir and Women’s Minister Shahrizat Jalil. While they do not deny the ruling was in line with the Federal Constitution, they insisted that it was offensive to Muslims and launched an 'Allah For Muslims Only' campaign.
Their inflammatory rhetoric has been blamed for the on-going series of firebomb attacks and vandalism against non-Muslim places of worship. So far,10 churches, a 100-year old Sikh temple and a Catholic school have been hit..
“PAS remains committed to its stand which is based on the teachings of the Quran. It is not haram for non-Muslims to use Allah. Again, we urge Umno-BN to stop procrastinating and put an end to this violence and vandalism," said Salahuddin.
“The government is accountable to the rakyat. The police is accountable to the rakyat. Why are the attacks still continuing, why haven't there been any arrests yet? What is going on? We need clarity and leadership, not confusion and indecision."
,,,looking at it from an language prepective, the malay language belongs to everyone that wants to utilize it cos at no time shall it be restricted to any group or individual.
,,,from a cultural prepective, it cannot be contained or caged cos evolution and changes is part of its natural process.
,,,for the nation's sake, a multi cultural state like Malaysia should cater for mutual respect and appreciation plus balance win/win for all parties in a harmonious malaysian way.
,,,for all Malaysian, salam muhibah and a cool head plus not be foolish or childish. And don't get trapped by the devils themselves in whatever shape or size, in God's Almighty name, oh for God's sake put some pants on or just shut-up and awaits for one's God Judgement Day.
i rest my case.
Great Lord!
Just wait for SACRAL INTERVENTION??????????????emmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
,,,on 2nd thought, i kind of like this approach too !! Maybe cos. am an aircrew ? hahaha.
,,,suggests that we should try to analyze failures in Malaysia's social security the way we do airplane catastrophes. When an airliner suffers an accident, major or minor, the National Transportation Safety Board convenes a group of nonpartisan experts who calmly and methodically examine what went wrong and then issue a set of recommendations to improve the situation.... "We approach airline security with the understanding that it's a complex problem, that we have a pretty good system, but that there will be failures—caused by human beings, technology, or other factors.
,,,The point is to constantly fix what's broken and keep improving the design and execution,"
,,,you get it, buddies ? Its not a 'blame game' but zeroing to the root cause-lah based on actual facts and not just on feelings.
Dear Ramli,
Thanks for the enlightening view. I read somewhere that a cabinet reshuffle is in the cards. Will Nazri bite the dust?
Dato,
,,,This country need not race politics or even a two party system. We just need a genuine civil rights movement.
,,,That’s all it takes to resolve all of these bloody nonsense plus be above politics. (CIVIL RIGHTS-lah and not your/mine/me/you/kitai bloody foolish rights)
,,,I think most malaysian dah pening kepala by now-lah. Zero leadership and nation not been managed at all. ‘Lepas tangan dan batuk di-tangga’ by the immatured politicians of the day…and unending public warnings by the police…”watch it watch it watch it”…”ISA ISA ISA”.
,,,poor rakyat been taken for a ride by by the corrupted Warlords with their big brother knows best monopoly mentality.
,,,in fact, this invisible burden is a serious challenge faced by all the "God" fearing rakyat and can result in serious mental and physical health problems in the coming months if we all do not learn how to pace ourselves and find ways of relieving the stress, other than via addictive blogging yaa ?.
,,,sleepless nights, fear, scared, worries, concerned, angry, pity, annoyed and you just name it-lah…Geeee !!
...we are all kind of pretty pissed off too and indeed an genuine civil rights movement would be the answer. (guess you are doing your part in it via your blog-lah)
As you can see even the Malays themselves are divided on the 'Allah' issue.
It is a reflection of the ongoing struggle between the traditionalist and reformist about the future of Islam in Malaysia. Reza Aslan described such situation as , "Part of an ongoing clash between those Muslims who strive to reconcile their religious values with the realities of the modern world, and those who react to modernism by reverting-sometimes fanatically-to the "fundamentals" of their faith".
Reza Aslan further pointed out, "Prophet Muhammad SAW revolutionary message of moral accountability and social egalitarianism was gradually interpreted by his successors into competing idologies of rigid legalism and uncompromising orthodoxy, which fractured the Muslim community and widened the gap between mainstream, or Sunni, Islam and its two major sectarian movements, Shi'ism and Sufism."
Such is the complexity within Islam itself and the use of 'Islam' with fellow Christians which cannot be resolved overnight, therefore it is best to go back to the status quo - that is to lift the ban on the Herald Weekly.This is the most logical and rational way forward for our country.
Note:Reza Aslan:No God but God: The Origins, Evolution and Future of Islam:ISBN 0 434 01262 9.
An Australian Missionary’s Journey to Allah
Whenever I hear the sound of the ocean crashing upon itself in never-ending movement – rising and falling as it measures out time, I think about the beginning of my life and the journey I began and am still traveling. As the tides inch their way towards me where I sit on the sand, I remember that the time of my death remains unknown to me. I feel a sense of fear; of urgency to do more, learn more, discover more before the tides of my own life rise and sweep me along to the Hereafter. I am like a grain of sand – one tiny part of human existence – a small part of all that has lived.
For many years I lived alone, isolated in a world of fear and unrest. Some happy childhood memories, times of love and joy were always covered by a cloud of uncertainty; a feeling of being lost but not knowing where my real place was. I watched my life unfold, taking note of the decisions that I made, which either drove me forward or pushed me back. I was constantly moving further away from the light or getting closer to it. It was the source of truth whose reality I recognized deep within my heart.
“And Allah increases in guidance those who walk aright and love Allah much.” (Surah Maryam (Mary), verse 76)
In my isolation, I sought help and comfort in the One Who had created me; I had no doubt that there exists a Creator and Sustainer of all things. I knew this as clearly and as surely as I know the sun rises and sets, the movement of the tides, the echo of a thunder storm and the delicate beauty of a spider’s web. No! This world was no accident! As sure as an explosion in a paint factory could never produce an encyclopedia, I always knew this world has a Designer – the Source of all peace.
On Him I called, yet at that time I didn’t know His name but only the reality of Him. His Existence and His Creation was so overwhelmingly obvious that I knew I could ask and He would give: I asked for peace in my troubled heart; I asked to understand my life and what He wanted from me. I asked for guidance for I knew I was lost.
At sixteen years of age, I prayed as I had always done, knowing that He is so Powerful and All-Encompassing that there was no need to pray in the name of Jesus (peace be upon him). I forced myself to throw off the shackles of Christianity and dependence upon Jesus as a medium between my Creator and myself. I felt a surge of peace and inner quietness. It is a feeling that guided me and still does, telling my spirit that I’m on the right way – just keep going. Step by step I moved towards the light of truth whose rays flickered far in the distance. I began to measure the success of my life by the amount of peace that I felt within, but so often in the materialistic world in which I lived, this peace and inner joy was drowned out by trivial pursuits and passing pleasures.
A deep awareness followed me that every step I took in life is significant – every word counted and followed me like the echo of my reality. So many paths of life confronted me, each one having its own destination. I was in a state of confusion but guided by my inner feeling, which acted like a radar. Surely, the one who wants to be guided, will be guided.
I always felt close to God and prayer was a way of life for me. Deep in my mind, for I could never voice any doubts, I had some misgivings about what I’d been taught about Jesus (peace be upon him): some things didn’t make sense to me, but as a missionary I felt I was calling to God, not to a particular church. I could recognize a harmony and structure in all the nature around me, yet I found an absence of order wherever I looked around people.
His Existence and His Creation was so overwhelmingly obvious that I knew I could ask and He would give…
I learned to love Jesus as a messenger of God but it seemed strange to me, that God would require a sacrifice in order to forgive us. I believed that God was above having any need.
Continue reading
http://www.islamonline.net/english/journey/2004/05/jour02.shtml
Aha! I found the root cause of all our problems. The personalities in power suffer from a phenomenon known as 'COGNITIVE DISSONANCE". According to medical doctors, this is a condition of an unshakable belief that is so deeply rooted in a person's mind, that he or she cannot see anything else, even if the visible facts present themselves that prove to the contrary. (Scott Macstravic and Gary Montrose, managing Healthcare Demand)Extracted from pg 402 Little Sandhurst,a military love affair - Nordin Yusof Ph.D.
Who cares if the country turns upside down..they are doing their dry run test round one!
See who is in the entourage...look at the names and faces...just watch the next coming act...
scene three take one!
When all hell breaks loose the NO.2 takes the rap and crap..it has always been that way....follow the expert of delegation and lay the blame GAME MASTER OF ALL!
Nasib lah MAH YUTING !
Maybe he has an answer from the KING of Saudi ! We shall hear soon!
EAST Malaysia cannot be lost..BN must hold at all cost...whatever is to be done cannot hurt their feelings....must now ask for the stars/moon also !
My fellow Muslim brothers and sisters, I would like to pose a few questions here for all of us ponder for awhile!
1. who is allah swt actually
2. who gives life and takes it
3. who gives wealth and health
4. who makes the world turn
5. who makes the beginning and the end
6. who is in control of all things
7. what language does he understand?
If the answer is him and him alone then why are we quarreling over who has the rights to call him who he is?
a. Does he only give and takes the lives of MUSLIM ?
b. Does he only gives richness and good health to MUSLIMS ?
c. Does he only make the world spin for the MUSLIMS ?
d. Does he only makes the MUSLIMS die when the world ends ?
e. Does he only control the lives of the Muslims ?
f. Does he only understand the Malay language?
So who are we referring to now as the supreme being ?
Who is he?
Where is he?
Maybe my very good and learned friend ISMETH has all the answers?
We're not folks that hold the power. We're just fellow blogger that gripe about the wrongs in our country. What can we do to help ease the tension on "Allah" issue?
We can post our thoughts on this blog and explain the situation to our fellow friends, relatives, and co-worker. It's our duty to inform other Malaysians!
Salam
Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.
Mahatma Gandhi
Why we're worry about the word "Allah"! We've bigger problems facing us now. Following are some of problems:
1. Diabetes - 800K patients and the numbers will be double in the next five years.
2. 85% of Malaysia river is polluted.
3. Rise of crime rates.
4. KL - Poor flood management
5. Poor water management
6. Illegal logging (our rivers are drying and we'll run out water resources soon)
7. Stagnation of Malaysia economy
8. Illegal immigrant especially at Sabah.
9. Organized crimes - gambling, prostitution, drug smuggling, loan shark etc
10.Poor public transportation system - Commuter train/LRT/Bus! Have you ever tried using them?
12. Military corruption?
Why ask Jamil Khir? He is as bigotted as everyone else. I know that scumbag quite well.
Salam All
Enjoy this show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vGQa-35Xok
Datuk, I came across this short "article" in one of the blog;
"A man came home from work and his children ran to him and called out ‘Ayah! Ayah!’.
His neighbor got very upset and said to him, “Can you please tell your children not to call you ‘Ayah’?”
The man asked, “Why?”
The neighbor retorted, “Because my children call me ’Ayah’ too. They might get confused and mistake you to be their father.”
Then the man told his neighbour, are you not a shame to say that your children do not know who is their 'Ayah'. So you are saying by using the word 'Ayah' , your children will call me Ayah too without knowing who is their father.
The neighbour said yes,only I should use the word 'Ayah'.
The man said, then there is something wrong in what you are teaching your children.They are not sure and do not know who is their 'Ayah'"
After reading this i laugh my a$$ off.
An open question to Murphy Pakiam and those who share his sentiment over the kalimah "Allah" issue. Those self-respecting people who do not share Murphy Pakiam's sentiment, please disregard these questions:
Do you mean to tell me and the rest of the world, that Catholics a religion much older than Islam which has seen the rise and fall of Rome, witnessed the birth of Vatican City, hosted the Counsel of Nicea to refine the religion... cannot even figure out and reach mutual complete concensus to determine their own freaking "God's" name?
Do you mean to tell me that you and those who share your sentiment are so pathetic when it comes to "What should we call God?", that you have to wrestle it from Muslim-Malays by initiating a court challenge to mislead a term based on their own language on their own promised land? Because the Malay term for "God" is "Tuhan" not "Allah". (So please Ayah Pin, and the likes of people like him... don't insult our Muslim-Malays' intelligence and think that everyone is as shallow minded as him by making that comparison of the word "Ayah" to reflect "Allah" in a Malay language context. It just shows of your own stupidity of the customary around here)
This can only mean one thing; It's either Murphy Pakiam and those who share his sentiment are following a bastardised religion or is it they themselves who are bastardising their own religion? So please do tell me... which is which? *chuckles*
Now the amicable solution to this, is to refer to the Catholic Pope in the Vatican City. What "term" does he refer to God? And that's what Catholics all around world should follow...
I think Muslims all around the world have been very consistent. We refer to "Allah" as God regardless of our Al-Quran being translated into whatever language although the word "Allah" originated from a semitic language.
It's not just about the name " Allah" but the warning from Allah to all mankind as written in the Quran.
2:2 (Y. Ali) This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah.
2:3 (Y. Ali) Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them;
2:4 (Y. Ali) And who believe in the Revelation sent to thee, and sent before thy time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter.
2:5 (Y. Ali) They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper.
2:6 (Y. Ali) As to those who reject Faith, it is the same to them whether thou warn them or do not warn them; they will not believe.
2:7 (Y. Ali) Allah hath set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing, and on their eyes is a veil; great is the penalty they (incur).
2:8 (Y. Ali) Of the people there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day;" but they do not (really) believe.
2:9 (Y. Ali) Fain would they deceive Allah and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves, and realise (it) not!
2:10 (Y. Ali) In their hearts is a disease; and Allah has increased their disease: And grievous is the penalty they (incur), because they are false (to themselves).
2:11 (Y. Ali) When it is said to them: "Make not mischief on the earth," they say: "Why, we only Want to make peace!"
2:12 (Y. Ali) Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief, but they realise (it) not.
2:13 (Y. Ali) When it is said to them: "Believe as the others believe:" They say: "Shall we believe as the fools believe?" Nay, of a surety they are the fools, but they do not know.
2:14 (Y. Ali) When they meet those who believe, they say: "We believe;" but when they are alone with their evil ones, they say: "We are really with you: We (were) only jesting."
2:15 (Y. Ali) Allah will throw back their mockery on them, and give them rope in their trespasses; so they will wander like blind ones (To and fro).
2:16 (Y. Ali) These are they who have bartered Guidance for error: But their traffic is profitless, and they have lost true direction,
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