Thursday 24 October 2013
Hindus are not tolerating Islamic University near Tirupati. Say No to Islamic Expansionism.
Destroy Islamic University near Tirupati Temple! Remove all Islamic constructions from Hindu vicinity as they don’t allow anything near Kaba !! Stop all Islamic Institution, Mosque, Madrasha, Grave yard, Muslim Market, Muslim Cluster, Slaughter house, Beef shop, Halal Meat Shop, Muslim Hotel near/within Hindu area!!! Those will end your Hindu identity ultimately!!!! Muslims want to convert you as a Muslim or to kill you as a Kaffir!!!!! ~ Upananda Brahmachari.
Alarm over Islamic university on temple land in Tirupati.
A proposed Islamic University
is threatening to disturb the peace and tranquility in the temple town
of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, says Vicky Nanjappa…..
Vicky Nanjappa | Rediff News | 21 Oct 2013::
History shows that the land on which the proposed university is coming
originally was part of a temple pond. It belonged to the Venkateshwara
temple which was built in 1542. This temple which housed the Lord
Venkateshwara statue was destroyed by Hyder Ali in 1782.
While this has been part of the history
books for several generations, it is ironic to note that the same land
was handed over to a university which the authorities today claim has no
permission to function. No official is able to state with confidence or
give correct details about how the temple land was handed over to this
university which is under construction.
The protests against the setting up of
this mystery university are gaining momentum, and interestingly, even
the Muslims in the temple town too have come out openly against the
setting up of this university.
The local authorities have made it clear
that no permission has been granted for this institution. An official
said that what he hears is that the university aims at propagating
Islamic culture, but also adds that it cannot function as there is no
permission.
The university in question is the Heera International Islamic College, founded by a woman known only as Nowhera Shaikh.
The website of this university gives no
concrete information about the institution. Most of the webpages have
garbled messages on them. With regards to the founder, all the
information the website has is that she is the chancellor of the
university.
Shaikh is from a family which dealt in
wholesale business of vegetables, fruits and textile products. She
claims to have started an Islamic School for girls at Tirupati in the
name of ‘Madrasa Niswan’ in 1998, (under a society registered with the
Registration of Societies Act, AP, India, No: 386), with around 150
students, who she claims she provided with free education and lodging
facilities.
She also claims that she has been nominated for the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award in December 2012.
Several organisations are doing
everything that they can to stop the university from coming up. Although
the construction is on in full flow, there is no explanation about when
the college would commence its activities.
Several Hindu organisations have taken up
the issue and are protesting the setting up of this university.
Interestingly, they have been receiving a lot of support from the local
Muslims who say that this university is bad news. The Muslims who pray
at the Tirupati temple feel that the town was peaceful and now with this
university there is a good chance of peace being disrupted.
They feel that this is the doing of the
‘West’ who are trying to ‘worsen relationships between Hindus and
Muslims’. Shaikh who had met with a couple of Muslims before the project
commenced, and had claimed to be a resident of Tirupati, but no one
remembers seeing her before.
Although Shaikh, during a recent press
conference, claimed that she had the permission to run a college, there
was nothing concrete shown to this effect. She had taken part in the
press conference with around 300 burqa-clad women and had claimed that
those would be the students in the university.
Several Muslim organisations in Tirupati
have decided to fight against the university now. They say that they
want no trouble whatsoever and are happy that at least 400 Muslims
worship at Lord Balaji’s shrine everyday.
Read more from archive: Sinister
design to change the Hindu Heritage of Tirupati by building an Islamic
University for running Jihad from nearby. Villagers alleged for a racket
to occupy the lands of Hindu Temple. Posted by hinduexistence on September 18, 2013.
Illustrations are from site moderators.
At UN, Pakistan Praises Saudi Arabia for Protecting “Women’s Rights”
It’s not a joke. It’s the United Nations.And it’s that punchline to the joke that the UN protects human rights that is the UN Human Rights Council, which is always ready to condemn human rights abusers like Canada, Australia and America… but has a kind word for defenders of human rights like China, Libya and Saudi Arabia.
Today’s United Nations punchline has been brought to you by billions of your tax dollars. It’s your money. You deserve a good laugh.
As the UN Human Rights Council scrutinized Saudi Arabia’s domestic rights record this morning… out of 95 countries who took the floor, 82 praised Saudi Arabia.
Hillel Neuer, executive director of the Geneva-based human rights group UN Watch, said the country is poised to win a seat on the Human Rights Council.
“A country whose legal system routinely lashes women rape victims rather than punish the perpetrators should not have been praised effusively by members of the UN’s top human rights body,” said Neuer. “Instead the world should have addressed the Saudi regime’s use of cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments, such as flogging, amputations and eye-gouging.”
But look at who lined up to praise Saudi human rights.
Afghanistan: “We commend Saudia Arabia as they continue to enhance the protection and promotion of human rights…”
Palestine: “We take notice of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to protect and promote human rights…”
Somalia: “Saudi Arabia maintains a high priority for protection and promotion of human rights…”
Libya: “Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen human rights and promote them and this deserves our appreciation…”
Mauritania, VP of the UNHRC (and a country that practices slavery): “We commend Saudi Arabia for always seeking to strengthen human rights…We commend Saudi Arabia in terms of the progress on guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms, socioeconomic progress, participation of women at all levels and participation in society.
China: “We appreciate efforts made to protect the rights of children and to have dialogues of religious tolerance…”
Pakistan: Commended “laudable steps taken by Saudi Arabia to promote and protect the rights of children and women…”
It’s official.
According to China, Saudi Arabia which arrests Christians for praying, practices religious tolerance.
According to Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia, the terrorists running the Palestinian Authority, and a Muslim country that practices slavery, the Saudis excel at human rights.
And according to Pakistan, a country where raping women is practically in the Constitution, Saudi Arabia, which won’t let women drive or leave the house, is also breaking new ground in protecting women’s rights.
Every comedian knows when to go out on a high note. The joke that is the UN has reached its high note. There is nothing else. It’s time to disband the whole thing, admit it was a long gag, and move on to the Glasgow Comedy Festival, and maybe use the UN building to house the homeless.
There’s nothing else left to do.
Yemeni kills daughter for talking on phone with boyfriend
(AGI) Sanaa, Oct 23 - A 15-year-old girl was burnt to death by
her father in Yemen for talking with her boyfriend on the
phone. The incident took place in Shabaa, a remote village in
the southwestern province of Taiz. News reports sayd the girls
was discovered by her father while she was talking on a cell
phone with her boyfriend. According to ancient tribal
traditions in some parts of Yemen, any contact between a man
and a woman before marriage is forbidden. The 35-year-old
father was arrested. .
.
Schools should not double as abattoirs
Principal defends cow slaughter in school
Headhunter:
Religion aside, a school is no place to slaughter an animal, especially
a cow which is not small. One can imagine the effect of its cries and
the sight of blood on young children.If the principal says it is okay to carry out such slaughter in his school then I think he has got to have his head examined. Even slaughtering a chicken in front of children will have a chilling effect on them.
My Opinion: SK Puchong Jaya principal Mohd Amin Bahari, what do you mean by "consulted the teachers"? How many Malay teachers are there at your school? Almost all of them, right? And how many non-Malays dare to challenge the headmaster for fear of punishment?
And honestly, how many Chinese bother about these religious rituals and are willing to risk their heads for the Indians? Why didn't you consult the Indian community or the Indian students' parents?
Anthony John: Slaughtering animals for sacrifice on this Muslim religious day is fully accepted by all Malaysians. But the location in this instance is not appropriate. Simple!
JBond: This is part of a bigger picture of telling the non-Malays, we are the ‘tuan' (bosses) and we can do what we want whether you like it or not. If you don't like it, you can go back to where your ancestors came from.
Mohamad Abdul Malik: Slaughtering cows on the eve of Hari Raya Aidiladha is mandatory for Muslims. I do not think that it is right for others to criticise Muslims for acting in accordance to their religion.
Likewise, we Muslims too should not criticise the practices of other religions even if we personally think it's not right.
Of course when you kill a mosquito that bites you on your nose, you could classify this as 'murder' too. So we should see things in their proper perspective.
Lionking: It is not a question of insulting other religions but is it necessary to do this in a school environment? Surely this could be done in a proper and hygienic place.
Schools are not slaughterhouses and why should the children be subjected to all the noise and blood?
Gen2indian: No one is disputing the fact that Islam requires the sacrificial slaughter to be carried out. If the teachers and students were asked not to "see" the slaughter, fine, but one can always "hear" the slaughter being carried out.
Apapunboleh: Religious rituals shouldn't be done in schools. Don't set a precedent.
Norman Fernandez: "So that, young people can understand it," said the headmaster.
So, come Good Friday, can we have a re-enactment of the passion of Christ, and students can understand the real meaning of Easter?
Anonymous #039163649: I advise Malaysiakini not to go to town with this slaughter issue, it does not augur well. Body snatching at funerals and infant snatching when after the conversion of a parent are legitimate issues.
However, people practicing their culture of slaughtering cows as part of the dominant official religion should not be an issue. Let us not look for extra trouble than we already have.
Are non-Muslims next going to question the existence of suraus in schools, saying that it is a school and not a place of prayer. Let us respect that Islam is the official religion of the country, and let us build harmony and peace and not look for trouble.
Geronimo: Slaughtering a cow during Hari Raya Korban should have been done at a mosque or surau, period, since it is a religious activity. If this is not highlighted that it has been done at a school, who knows the next venue could be a supermarket.
Today, many Malay Muslim children go to Chinese schools. What if such schools decided to celebrate some religious festivities where pigs are being made as offerings though not necessarily being slaughtered? Come on, there is a place for everything.
Odin: To me, it is not so much a matter of offending the sensitivities of Hindus or subjecting children to a traumatic experience but more of social etiquette or decorum, of not doing something at an inappropriate place.
Slaughtering animals on school premises, especially during school hours, can be likened to holding a disco party in a house of worship. It isn't the done thing - not in civilised societies, anyway.
Hill: It's not the headmaster's fault alone. The Education Ministry must be held responsible for this too.
When I called the Education Ministry whether cow slaughter is allowed in schools, the answer was "Malaysia adalah negara Islam dan memang dibenarkan" (Malaysia is a Muslim country and it is allowed).
I was speechless but have resigned to accept the fact. This is only the beginning and in long run, I can't see a promising future for non-Muslims if BN continues to rule.
Plainly: A public school is not an abattoir or a place of worship to carry out religious rites. There's really no harm in exercising a little common sense.
Bekas mufti: Jangan lihat ibadah korban sahaja
Bagaimanapun, peraturan berhubung amalan tersebut perlu diselaraskan dengan amalan keagamaan lain seperti perarakan berhala.
"Pada asasnya sekolah bukan tempat untuk sembelihan dan mungkin kurang sesuai untuk sesetengah murid, namun dalam negara ini banyak lagi perkara yang tidak sesuai dan penyalahgunaan tempat.
"Antaranya jalanraya bukan tempat perarakan agama seperti mengangkut berhala atau menghempas kelapa sehingga mengganggu penggunakan pengguna yang lain atau mengotorkan tempat awam seperti yang dilakukan oleh sesetengah penganut agama tertentu.
"Jika hendak diselaraskan, selaraskan semuanya sekali," tegasnya dalam tulisan di Facebook.
Kenyataan itu timbul apabila ibadah korban di SK Puchong Jaya minggu lalu dipersoalkan oleh seorang individu yang cuba mendapatkan penjelasan guru besar sekolah terbabit.
Perbualan
individu bernama "Saravanan" dengan guru besar tersebut, Mohd Amin
Bahari, menjadi tumpuan apabila dimuatkan di Youtube.Dalam rakaman tersebut, Mohd Amin Mohd Amin mempertahankan ibadah korban yang dijalankan di kawasan sekolah tersebut pada minggu lalu.
Rakaman perbualan tersebut dimuatkan di Youtube sejak lima hari lalu.
Dalam rakaman tersebut, Mohd Amin turut menjelaskan bahawa tiada pekeliling yang melarang perbuatan tersebut.
Katanya, penyembelihan korban semasa Aidiladha perlu dianjurkan di kalangan orang Islam, terutama di kalangan pelajar.
"Dalam Islam, penyembelihan hari raya korban ini, memang sepatutnya diuar-uarkan kepada umat Islam, khususnya kepada murid-murid," katanya dalam rakaman itu.
Perkara itu perlu digiatkan agar generasi muda mengetahui bahawa ia adalah tuntutan Islam, katanya lagi dalam rakaman sepanjang lebih 8 minit itu, yang dimuatkan oleh pengguna bernama 'zeeraf87'.
Mohd Amin berkata, ibadah tersebut tidak dijalankan dengan niat untuk menghina penganut Hindu yang menganggap lembu sebagai makhluk suci.
"Memang kita digalakkan memberitahu murid-murid, kepada anak-anak kita khususnya, bahawa (ibadah) korban ini satu yang disuruh oleh agama Islam. Bukan kita buat penyembelihan ini atas dasar untuk menghina agama lain.
"Sebelum saya menjalankan aktiviti di sekolah, kita telah berbincang dengan semua guru saya. Guru-guru saya ada yang Cina, ada India, yang bukan Islamlah," katanya.
Katanya, pihak sekolah memberitahu guru dan pelajar berbangsa India, serta golongan bukan Islam lain untuk dipisahkan dari upacara tersebut.
“Kami tidak membenarkan mereka melihat,” katanya.
Mohd Amin berkata, beliau mendapatkan pandangan kesemua guru termasuk bukan Islam berhubung aktiviti sekolah seperti itu.
Polis juga dilaporkan telah memulakan siasatan ke atas individu bernama “Saravanan”
Laporan Sin Chew Daily semalam memetik kenyataan ketua polis daerah Serdang ACP Abdul Razak Elias, bahawa pasukan itu membuka siasatan ekoran laporan yang dibuat oleh guru besar sekolah tersebut.
Menurut Sin Chew, Mohd Amin bimbang dengan keselamatan dirinya dan juga keselamatan harta sekolah selepas perbualan dengan “Saravanan”.
Kes ibadah korban, polis cari 'Saravanan'
Laporan Sin Chew Daily semalam memetik kenyataan ketua polis daerah Serdang ACP Abdul Razak Elias, bahawa pasukan itu membuka siasatan ekoran laporan yang dibuat oleh guru besar sekolah tersebut.
Menurut Sin Chew, polis kini sedang mencari “Saravanan” untuk membantu siasatan.
Menurut laporan tersebut, guru besar tersebut, Mohd Amin Bahari, bimbang dengan keselamatan dirinya dan juga keselamatan harta sekolah selepas perbualan dengan “Saravanan”.
Dalam rakaman yang dimuatkan "Saravanan" di Youtube, Mohd Amin mempertahankan ibadah korban yang dijalankan di kawasan sekolah tersebut pada minggu lalu.
Rakaman perbualan tersebut dimuatkan di Youtube sejak lima hari lalu.
Dalam rakaman tersebut, Saravanan menuntut penjelasan berhubung penyembelihan lembu di kawasan sekolah.
Mohd Amin seterusnya menjelaskan bahawa tiada pekeliling yang melarang perbuatan tersebut.
Katanya, penyembelihan korban semasa Aidiladha perlu dianjurkan di kalangan orang Islam, terutama di kalangan pelajar.
"Dalam Islam, penyembelihan hari raya korban ini, memang sepatutnya diuar-uarkan kepada umat Islam, khususnya kepada murid-murid," katanya dalam rakaman itu.
Perkara itu perlu digiatkan agar generasi muda mengetahui bahawa ia adalah tuntutan Islam, katanya lagi dalam rakaman sepanjang lebih 8 minit itu, yang dimuatkan oleh pengguna bernama 'zeeraf87'.
Mohd Amin berkata, ibadah tersebut tidak dijalankan dengan niat untuk menghina penganut Hindu yang menganggap lembu sebagai makhluk suci.
"Memang kita digalakkan memberitahu murid-murid, kepada anak-anak kita khususnya, bahawa (ibadah) korban ini satu yang disuruh oleh agama Islam. Bukan kita buat penyembelihan ini atas dasar untuk menghina agama lain.
"Sebelum saya menjalankan aktiviti di sekolah, kita telah berbincang dengan semua guru saya. Guru-guru saya ada yang Cina, ada India, yang bukan Islamlah," katanya.
Katanya, pihak sekolah memberitahu guru dan pelajar berbangsa India, serta golongan bukan Islam lain untuk dipisahkan dari upacara tersebut.
“Kami tidak membenarkan mereka melihat,” katanya.
Mohd Amin berkata, beliau mendapatkan pandangan kesemua guru termasuk bukan Islam berhubung aktiviti sekolah seperti itu.
Ambank security guard shoots colleague dead in robbery
A security guard shot dead a bank operations officer in a robbery at the Ambank branch in USJ
A screenshot of the security guard who shot Noazita, a mother of two, to death. The Malaysian Insider pic, October 23, 2013.Sentral, Subang Jaya today.
Noazita Abu Talib, 37, was shot once in the face with a pump-gun in the 6.20pm incident.
It is learnt that the victim was opening the door to the vault when she was shot.
Noazita was a mother of two and had been working at Ambank for 16 years.
The security guard, who fled with an undisclosed amount of cash on a motorcycle, has been identified as a 37-year-old Sabahan with a fake IC.
Subang Jaya deputy superintendant Tan Ah Chua was at the scene when contacted and confirmed the incident. But he declined to elaborate further.
State deputy police chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Jaafar said the suspect was armed and considered to be dangerous, cautioning the public to stay vigil.
Noazita Abu Talib. - The Malaysian Insider pic, October 23, 2013.
Meanwhile, police are looking for Ardi Hamza whose last known address is 70, Jalan Apas, Batu 2, Tawau, Sabah to facilitate investigations. - October 23, 2013
A screenshot of the security guard who shot Noazita, a mother of two, to death. The Malaysian Insider pic, October 23, 2013.Sentral, Subang Jaya today.Noazita Abu Talib, 37, was shot once in the face with a pump-gun in the 6.20pm incident.
It is learnt that the victim was opening the door to the vault when she was shot.
Noazita was a mother of two and had been working at Ambank for 16 years.
The security guard, who fled with an undisclosed amount of cash on a motorcycle, has been identified as a 37-year-old Sabahan with a fake IC.
Subang Jaya deputy superintendant Tan Ah Chua was at the scene when contacted and confirmed the incident. But he declined to elaborate further.
State deputy police chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Jaafar said the suspect was armed and considered to be dangerous, cautioning the public to stay vigil.
Noazita Abu Talib. - The Malaysian Insider pic, October 23, 2013. Meanwhile, police are looking for Ardi Hamza whose last known address is 70, Jalan Apas, Batu 2, Tawau, Sabah to facilitate investigations. - October 23, 2013
Schools not the place to slaughter cows
Various parties, including Muslim groups, have voiced their concerns on the insensitivity showed by school authorities in slaughtering cows in their compounds.
KUALA LUMPUR: MIC deputy president Dr S Subramaniam today commented that cow slaughtering is a sensitive issue, thus the sensitivities of other religions must be taken into consideration.
Commenting on recent reports of cow slaughtering in school compounds during the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebrations, the Health Minister said that the slaughtering of cows was a sensitive issue to the non-Muslim community.
“We recognise the significance of the Aidiladha celebration, however, we must also take into consideration the sensitivities of other communities,” he told FMT
Several Hindu parents have complained about the use of school compounds to slaughter cows in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha celebrations.
It was reported that a primary school in Kuala Lumpur slaughtered a number of cows in its compound during school hours. Similar events were held in schools across the country.
One parent, S Dineswary said that according to her daughter, an adult cow and a calf were slaughtered for a feast in conjunction with Aidiladha celebrations.
Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo, on whose constituency a school was involved, had also urged the Education Ministry to explain why the slaughterings were allowed.
“While we respect the religious customs and beliefs of all people, there must be some level of understanding that some practices such as slaughtering cows are offensive to certain religions,” said Gobind.
He added that many complaints were received from Puchong residents who were displeased that cows were slaughtered in school compounds.
Yesterday, MIC president G Palanivel said cows can be slaughtered in mosques and suraus and other places including religious schools but slaughtering cows in schools could be a worrying problem and disturbing for non-Malay students
He added that some Muslim leaders have also voiced out their concerns on the slaughtering of cows in school compounds.
KUALA LUMPUR: MIC deputy president Dr S Subramaniam today commented that cow slaughtering is a sensitive issue, thus the sensitivities of other religions must be taken into consideration.Commenting on recent reports of cow slaughtering in school compounds during the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebrations, the Health Minister said that the slaughtering of cows was a sensitive issue to the non-Muslim community.
“We recognise the significance of the Aidiladha celebration, however, we must also take into consideration the sensitivities of other communities,” he told FMT
Several Hindu parents have complained about the use of school compounds to slaughter cows in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha celebrations.
It was reported that a primary school in Kuala Lumpur slaughtered a number of cows in its compound during school hours. Similar events were held in schools across the country.
One parent, S Dineswary said that according to her daughter, an adult cow and a calf were slaughtered for a feast in conjunction with Aidiladha celebrations.
Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo, on whose constituency a school was involved, had also urged the Education Ministry to explain why the slaughterings were allowed.
“While we respect the religious customs and beliefs of all people, there must be some level of understanding that some practices such as slaughtering cows are offensive to certain religions,” said Gobind.
He added that many complaints were received from Puchong residents who were displeased that cows were slaughtered in school compounds.
Yesterday, MIC president G Palanivel said cows can be slaughtered in mosques and suraus and other places including religious schools but slaughtering cows in schools could be a worrying problem and disturbing for non-Malay students
He added that some Muslim leaders have also voiced out their concerns on the slaughtering of cows in school compounds.
74 mati ditembak dari Januari hingga Ogos tahun ini
Selangor mencatatkan jumlah tertinggi dengan 15 kes, diikuti Perak (10), Pulau Pinang (9), Johor dan Sabah (7).
KUALA LUMPUR: Sebanyak 74 kes bunuh melibatkan penggunaan senjata api oleh rakyat tempatan direkodkan sepanjang tempoh lapan bulan sejak Januari sehingga Ogos tahun ini.
Selangor mencatatkan jumlah tertinggi dengan 15 kes, diikuti Perak (10), Pulau Pinang (9), Johor dan Sabah (7), masing-masing Kuala Lumpur, Kelantan serta Sarawak (5), Kedah dan Negeri Sembilan (4), Melaka, Pahang, Terengganu (1), dan Perlis (0).
Angka itu dinyatakan Menteri Dalam Negeri Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi ketika menjawab soalan Ahli Parlimen DAP-Bakri Er Teck Hwa yang bertanyakan pecahan kes tembak mati rakyat Malaysia sepanjang tahun 2013 dalam jawapan bertulis di Dewan Rakyat.
Ditanya punca senjata api begitu mudah didapati, Ahmad Zahid mengakui kekerapan pergerakan keluar masuk, kesibukan lalu lintas di pintu masuk serta interaksi ekonomi antara penduduk dikawasan sempadan negara jiran membuka peluang yang luas kepada aktiviti penyeluduan.
Malah kewujudan ‘lorong tikus’ di sepanjang sempadan ekoran faktor geografi sempadan Malaysia-Thailand juga digunakan untuk mewujudkan rangkaian yang mendorong kepada aktiviti penyeludupan senjata api.
Katanya, Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) telah melaksanakan dua jenis operasi khas; Ops Laras dan Ops Api dari semasa ke semasa untuk mengekang penyeludupan dan mengawal penggunaan senjata api.
“Untuk mengatasi masalah yang dikatakan anggota polis marin gagal dalam melaksanakan tugas dan tanggungjawabnya, dicadangkan pasukan polis marin diperkukuh dengan memperluas kawasan tanggungjawab dilaut sehingga lima batu nautika dari pantai.
“Kerajaan sedang mempertimbang perolehan aset dan pembinaan infrastruktur baru dalam usaha mempertingkatkan daya operasi,” katanya.
Katanya, dengan pengukuhan dan perluasan kuasa tanggungjawab pasukan polis marin, adalah diyakini pertahanan pengairan negara akan lebih berkesan dalam menangani apa jua bentuk pencerobohan yang meliputi aspek keselamatan serta ketenteraman kawasan pengairan negara.
KUALA LUMPUR: Sebanyak 74 kes bunuh melibatkan penggunaan senjata api oleh rakyat tempatan direkodkan sepanjang tempoh lapan bulan sejak Januari sehingga Ogos tahun ini.Selangor mencatatkan jumlah tertinggi dengan 15 kes, diikuti Perak (10), Pulau Pinang (9), Johor dan Sabah (7), masing-masing Kuala Lumpur, Kelantan serta Sarawak (5), Kedah dan Negeri Sembilan (4), Melaka, Pahang, Terengganu (1), dan Perlis (0).
Angka itu dinyatakan Menteri Dalam Negeri Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi ketika menjawab soalan Ahli Parlimen DAP-Bakri Er Teck Hwa yang bertanyakan pecahan kes tembak mati rakyat Malaysia sepanjang tahun 2013 dalam jawapan bertulis di Dewan Rakyat.
Ditanya punca senjata api begitu mudah didapati, Ahmad Zahid mengakui kekerapan pergerakan keluar masuk, kesibukan lalu lintas di pintu masuk serta interaksi ekonomi antara penduduk dikawasan sempadan negara jiran membuka peluang yang luas kepada aktiviti penyeluduan.
Malah kewujudan ‘lorong tikus’ di sepanjang sempadan ekoran faktor geografi sempadan Malaysia-Thailand juga digunakan untuk mewujudkan rangkaian yang mendorong kepada aktiviti penyeludupan senjata api.
Katanya, Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) telah melaksanakan dua jenis operasi khas; Ops Laras dan Ops Api dari semasa ke semasa untuk mengekang penyeludupan dan mengawal penggunaan senjata api.
“Untuk mengatasi masalah yang dikatakan anggota polis marin gagal dalam melaksanakan tugas dan tanggungjawabnya, dicadangkan pasukan polis marin diperkukuh dengan memperluas kawasan tanggungjawab dilaut sehingga lima batu nautika dari pantai.
“Kerajaan sedang mempertimbang perolehan aset dan pembinaan infrastruktur baru dalam usaha mempertingkatkan daya operasi,” katanya.
Katanya, dengan pengukuhan dan perluasan kuasa tanggungjawab pasukan polis marin, adalah diyakini pertahanan pengairan negara akan lebih berkesan dalam menangani apa jua bentuk pencerobohan yang meliputi aspek keselamatan serta ketenteraman kawasan pengairan negara.
Sothi to shatter Najib’s peace deal?
The former MIC vice president is likely to take on incumbent deputy president Dr S Subramaniam at the polls in November
PETALING JAYA: A peace deal brokered by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak in August to ensure no contest for the MIC top two positions is hanging by a thread.
Speculation is that former vice president S Sothinathan is preparing to take on incumbent party number two Dr S Subramaniam, who is also Health Minister, at the party polls in November.
If this materialises, then the peace deal brokered by Najib, who is also Barisan Nasional chief, would be shattered and result in a free for all in the largest Indian based party in the country.
The essence of the deal was to ensure the MIC top two positions remain unchallenged. Party chief G Palanivel won the presidency uncontested at the presidential election nominations in September.
But this only satisfied half of the deal. The other half is ensuring Dr Subramaniam has a clear path in retaining the deputy president’s post.
Sources claim that Palanivel would most likely ‘get someone’ to fight Dr Subramaniam, and that “someone” could be Sothinathan.
Speaking to FMT, a central working committee source claimed that Palanivel has made a “U-turn” on the deal since he now holds the trump card.
Makkal Osai, a Tamil daily rumoured to be close to Palanivel, predicted Sothinathan would take on Subramaniam at the polls to pick a deputy president, three vice presidents and 23 CWC members.
The CWC member said if this happens, then Palanivel would have to bear the blame for dishonouring Najib’s peace plan, put in place to ensure the party stayed united and no power struggle ensued.
“People may ask who is Najib and why should we listen to him? But, do not forget Palanivel’s is the one who dragged Najib into the fray,” he said.
In August, Najib averted a contest for the MIC presidency by brokering the deal. Prior to that Dr Subramaniam was expected to take on Palanivel for the top post.
The source claimed Palanivel ‘forced’ Najib to broker the deal, witnessed by two vice-presidents M Saravanan and SK Devamany, to ensure he had a free passage in keeping the top post.
Strategic move to check Subra
Dr Subramaniam, say sources, only agreed to the deal after Palanivel gave his assurance that he would not ‘push anyone’ to contest against the Health Minister.
In return, Palanivel must vacate his post to pave a way for Dr Subramaniam to become the next party chief,n March 2016.
Sothinathan almost ‘vanished’ from the party after he was defeated by Palanivel in his attempt for the deputy presidency in 2009.
He made a comeback this year, after Palanivel appointed him as CWC member on July 17, replacing newly-elected Kepong division chairman S Vell Paari, son of former president S Samy Vellu.
Although Palanivel has claimed that he had no political agenda in appointing Sothinathan to the CWC, observers believe it was a strategic move to check Dr Subramaniam.
“Sothinathan will not dare challenge Dr Subramaniam without the knowledge or blessings from Palanivel,” said a source.
Although the rumour mill is spewing speculation after speculation, the battle for top positions in party, except the president, looks to be heating up.
The noble idea that a no-contest for the top two positions will not split the party seems to be far from the truth.
Even without a contest for the party’s highest two posts, the MIC seems to be heading for a larger split with more than 10 candidates going for the three vice president positions.
This is more so with Palanivel and Dr Subramaniam preferring their own candidates for veep positions.
“Both camps will come out with a list of preferred candidates. They might not announce it in public but they will definitely resort to a whispering campaign method. This will eventually result in a split MIC.
“To avoid all this, Najib should have just stayed out of MIC and let members decide on who they want as president.
“This kind of brokering resulted in BN component parties losing support in the past but they still have not learnt their lesson,” a political observer summed it up.
PETALING JAYA: A peace deal brokered by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak in August to ensure no contest for the MIC top two positions is hanging by a thread.Speculation is that former vice president S Sothinathan is preparing to take on incumbent party number two Dr S Subramaniam, who is also Health Minister, at the party polls in November.
If this materialises, then the peace deal brokered by Najib, who is also Barisan Nasional chief, would be shattered and result in a free for all in the largest Indian based party in the country.
The essence of the deal was to ensure the MIC top two positions remain unchallenged. Party chief G Palanivel won the presidency uncontested at the presidential election nominations in September.
But this only satisfied half of the deal. The other half is ensuring Dr Subramaniam has a clear path in retaining the deputy president’s post.
Sources claim that Palanivel would most likely ‘get someone’ to fight Dr Subramaniam, and that “someone” could be Sothinathan.
Speaking to FMT, a central working committee source claimed that Palanivel has made a “U-turn” on the deal since he now holds the trump card.
Makkal Osai, a Tamil daily rumoured to be close to Palanivel, predicted Sothinathan would take on Subramaniam at the polls to pick a deputy president, three vice presidents and 23 CWC members.
The CWC member said if this happens, then Palanivel would have to bear the blame for dishonouring Najib’s peace plan, put in place to ensure the party stayed united and no power struggle ensued.
“People may ask who is Najib and why should we listen to him? But, do not forget Palanivel’s is the one who dragged Najib into the fray,” he said.
In August, Najib averted a contest for the MIC presidency by brokering the deal. Prior to that Dr Subramaniam was expected to take on Palanivel for the top post.
The source claimed Palanivel ‘forced’ Najib to broker the deal, witnessed by two vice-presidents M Saravanan and SK Devamany, to ensure he had a free passage in keeping the top post.
Strategic move to check Subra
Dr Subramaniam, say sources, only agreed to the deal after Palanivel gave his assurance that he would not ‘push anyone’ to contest against the Health Minister.
In return, Palanivel must vacate his post to pave a way for Dr Subramaniam to become the next party chief,n March 2016.
Sothinathan almost ‘vanished’ from the party after he was defeated by Palanivel in his attempt for the deputy presidency in 2009.
He made a comeback this year, after Palanivel appointed him as CWC member on July 17, replacing newly-elected Kepong division chairman S Vell Paari, son of former president S Samy Vellu.
Although Palanivel has claimed that he had no political agenda in appointing Sothinathan to the CWC, observers believe it was a strategic move to check Dr Subramaniam.
“Sothinathan will not dare challenge Dr Subramaniam without the knowledge or blessings from Palanivel,” said a source.
Although the rumour mill is spewing speculation after speculation, the battle for top positions in party, except the president, looks to be heating up.
The noble idea that a no-contest for the top two positions will not split the party seems to be far from the truth.
Even without a contest for the party’s highest two posts, the MIC seems to be heading for a larger split with more than 10 candidates going for the three vice president positions.
This is more so with Palanivel and Dr Subramaniam preferring their own candidates for veep positions.
“Both camps will come out with a list of preferred candidates. They might not announce it in public but they will definitely resort to a whispering campaign method. This will eventually result in a split MIC.
“To avoid all this, Najib should have just stayed out of MIC and let members decide on who they want as president.
“This kind of brokering resulted in BN component parties losing support in the past but they still have not learnt their lesson,” a political observer summed it up.
‘Ops Lalang brought peace, so will Sosma’
While defending the actions taken during Ops Lalang in 1987, Noh Omar said that Sosma is vital to deal with the nation's new threat - gangsterism.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia may not have been a peaceful country if not for Operasi Lalang in 1987 which saw scores of opposition leaders and members of civil society arrested and detained under the Internal Security Act, said Umno MP Noh Omar at the parliament today.
“In 1987, the nation almost saw a racial riot as some non-Malays started questioning Malay privileges. Without the ISA then, Malaysia may not have seen peace,” said the Tanjong Karang MP.
The former cabinet minister said this while debating the amendments to the Securities Offences ( Special Measures ) Act 2012 (Sosma).
In 1987, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad launched a nationwide crackdown and arrested more than 100 people under the ISA, on the grounds to protect the national security.
Although most arrested were leaders from the opposition parties, a few Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders such as MCA’s Chan Kit Chee and the then Umno MP Ibrahim Ali were also detained.
Defending Sosma, Noh said the government was looking forward in terms of national security and accused Pakatan Rakyat leaders of being regressive for opposing Sosma.
“Just because the communist threat is over, do you think there are no other threats? Look at Jemaah Islamiah. Its members were all arrested under the ISA because they were a threat to our country.
“Since ISA is no longer around, we have Sosma. Now we have new threats, gangsters,” he said.
The former Umno supreme council member said that gangsters were now wrecking havoc among Malaysians, causing public order concerns.
“When a gangster dies, his supporters get involved in a large procession to commemorate their deceased friend.
“Malaysia has become a cowboy nation where people are shot left and right. That’s why we need laws like Sosma,” said Noh.
At this juncture, PAS MP Hanipa Maidin stood up and said that the events of the 1987 were started by Umno and MCA themselves.
“Who was it who said that he wants to dip his keris in Chinese blood?” asked Hanipa, alluding to then Umno youth chief Najib Tun Razak.
At this point, the House erupted forcing Deputy Speaker Ismail Mohamed Said to adjourn the sitting for lunch break.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia may not have been a peaceful country if not for Operasi Lalang in 1987 which saw scores of opposition leaders and members of civil society arrested and detained under the Internal Security Act, said Umno MP Noh Omar at the parliament today.“In 1987, the nation almost saw a racial riot as some non-Malays started questioning Malay privileges. Without the ISA then, Malaysia may not have seen peace,” said the Tanjong Karang MP.
The former cabinet minister said this while debating the amendments to the Securities Offences ( Special Measures ) Act 2012 (Sosma).
In 1987, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad launched a nationwide crackdown and arrested more than 100 people under the ISA, on the grounds to protect the national security.
Although most arrested were leaders from the opposition parties, a few Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders such as MCA’s Chan Kit Chee and the then Umno MP Ibrahim Ali were also detained.
Defending Sosma, Noh said the government was looking forward in terms of national security and accused Pakatan Rakyat leaders of being regressive for opposing Sosma.
“Just because the communist threat is over, do you think there are no other threats? Look at Jemaah Islamiah. Its members were all arrested under the ISA because they were a threat to our country.
“Since ISA is no longer around, we have Sosma. Now we have new threats, gangsters,” he said.
The former Umno supreme council member said that gangsters were now wrecking havoc among Malaysians, causing public order concerns.
“When a gangster dies, his supporters get involved in a large procession to commemorate their deceased friend.
“Malaysia has become a cowboy nation where people are shot left and right. That’s why we need laws like Sosma,” said Noh.
At this juncture, PAS MP Hanipa Maidin stood up and said that the events of the 1987 were started by Umno and MCA themselves.
“Who was it who said that he wants to dip his keris in Chinese blood?” asked Hanipa, alluding to then Umno youth chief Najib Tun Razak.
At this point, the House erupted forcing Deputy Speaker Ismail Mohamed Said to adjourn the sitting for lunch break.
‘Ketua Pembangkang mesti setaraf dengan menteri’
Layanan kepada institusi Ketua Pembangkang amat ketinggalan berbanding negara lain yang mengamalkan sistem 'Westminister' demokrasi berparlimen yang sama, kata ahli parlimen Pakatan.
KUALA LUMPUR: Kerajaan digesa mengiktiraf jawatan Ketua Pembangkang Parlimen dengan menawarkan status bertaraf Menteri Kabinet.
Ahli Parlimen DAP-Taiping Nga Kor Ming berkata, selain pengiktirafan rasmi, jumlah emolumen dan elaun yang dinikmati Menteri Kabinet perlu sama diberikan kepada Ketua Pembangkang.
Sehubungan itu, beliau mahu Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak melakukan pengiktirafan itu ketika membentangkan Bajet 2014 pada Jumaat ini.
“Ketua Pembangkang juga perlu diberikan kakitangan pejabat yang cukup bagi membolehkannya menjalan tugas dan memainkan peranan ‘check and balance’ keatas Pusat secara efektif,” katanya dalam sidang media di lobi Parlimen hari ini.
Katanya, layanan kepada institusi Ketua pembangkang amat ketinggalan berbanding negara lain yang mengamalkan sistem ‘Westminister’ demokrasi berparlimen yang sama.
Bukan saja tiada sebarang peruntukan, Nga berkata pejabat Ketua Pembangkang hanya mempunyai tiga orang pembantu sahaja.
“Ini menyukarkan pembangkang menjalankan pemeriksaan keatas kerajaan khususnya dibandingkan dengan Jabatan Perdana Menteri sahaja yang mempunyai lebih 90,000 orang pekerja dengan jumlah bajet pengurusan melebihi RM4.2 bilion setahun,” katanya.
Di Britain, institusi ketua pembangkang diberi pengiktirafan rasmi, emolumen dan elaun setaraf dengan Menteri, bezanya hanya empat peratus.
Di Australia, selain dari status Menteri dan kakitangan tetap, ketua pembangkangnya diberi peruntukan tahunan serta pasukan petugas seramai 39 orang, begitu juga New Zealand dan Kanada.
Nga menambah, pihaknya menuntut Pusat mengamalkan sistem demokrasi yang adil dengan mencontohi Selangor dan Pulau Pinang.
Di Selangor, Ketua Pembangkang Dewan Negeri daripada Barisan Nasional (BN) diberi elaun tetap, pemandu, setiausaha kerja, kereta rasmi kerajaan dan lain-lain elaun berjumlah RM8,620 sebulan.
Manakala di Pulau Pinang, 10 Adun pembangkang daripada Umno diberi peruntukan untuk projek pembangunan kecil sebanyak RM40,000 setahun bermula tahun depan.
KUALA LUMPUR: Kerajaan digesa mengiktiraf jawatan Ketua Pembangkang Parlimen dengan menawarkan status bertaraf Menteri Kabinet.Ahli Parlimen DAP-Taiping Nga Kor Ming berkata, selain pengiktirafan rasmi, jumlah emolumen dan elaun yang dinikmati Menteri Kabinet perlu sama diberikan kepada Ketua Pembangkang.
Sehubungan itu, beliau mahu Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak melakukan pengiktirafan itu ketika membentangkan Bajet 2014 pada Jumaat ini.
“Ketua Pembangkang juga perlu diberikan kakitangan pejabat yang cukup bagi membolehkannya menjalan tugas dan memainkan peranan ‘check and balance’ keatas Pusat secara efektif,” katanya dalam sidang media di lobi Parlimen hari ini.
Katanya, layanan kepada institusi Ketua pembangkang amat ketinggalan berbanding negara lain yang mengamalkan sistem ‘Westminister’ demokrasi berparlimen yang sama.
Bukan saja tiada sebarang peruntukan, Nga berkata pejabat Ketua Pembangkang hanya mempunyai tiga orang pembantu sahaja.
“Ini menyukarkan pembangkang menjalankan pemeriksaan keatas kerajaan khususnya dibandingkan dengan Jabatan Perdana Menteri sahaja yang mempunyai lebih 90,000 orang pekerja dengan jumlah bajet pengurusan melebihi RM4.2 bilion setahun,” katanya.
Di Britain, institusi ketua pembangkang diberi pengiktirafan rasmi, emolumen dan elaun setaraf dengan Menteri, bezanya hanya empat peratus.
Di Australia, selain dari status Menteri dan kakitangan tetap, ketua pembangkangnya diberi peruntukan tahunan serta pasukan petugas seramai 39 orang, begitu juga New Zealand dan Kanada.
Nga menambah, pihaknya menuntut Pusat mengamalkan sistem demokrasi yang adil dengan mencontohi Selangor dan Pulau Pinang.
Di Selangor, Ketua Pembangkang Dewan Negeri daripada Barisan Nasional (BN) diberi elaun tetap, pemandu, setiausaha kerja, kereta rasmi kerajaan dan lain-lain elaun berjumlah RM8,620 sebulan.
Manakala di Pulau Pinang, 10 Adun pembangkang daripada Umno diberi peruntukan untuk projek pembangunan kecil sebanyak RM40,000 setahun bermula tahun depan.
‘I am still puzzled over the ban’
Author K Arumugam is baffled by the Federal Court's decision to maintain the ban on his book, March 8, stating that it is a move backwards for 'freedom of expression'.
PETALING JAYA: The author of March 8, a Tamil book on the Kampung Medan race riots in 2001, K Arumugam is puzzled over the Federal Court decision to maintain the ban on his book published in 2006.
The book centres on the violent clashes that took place between the Malay and Indian communities in Kampung Medan, Selangor on March 8, 2001.
“Even now, I am puzzled over the ban. It is a simple book with basic logical arguments without any element of fiction. It is based on a PhD thesis by S Nagarajan,” said K Arumugam who is also Suaram director, via e-mail.
Yesterday, a five member panel at the Federal Court led by Federal Court judge Ahmad Maarop dismissed Arumugam’s leave of application to review a ban on his book.
The decison to dismiss the application was made unanimously, without costs, by the panel of judges which included – Hasan Lah, Zaleha Zahari, Jeffrey Tan Kok Wha and Ramly Ali.
Arumugam was represented by lawyers Edmund Bon and Fahri Azzat whereas the government was represented by Shamsul Bol Hassan.
The Home Ministry banned the book on Nov 26, 2006 on the grounds that it was prejudicial to national security.
Arumugam first challenged the Home Ministry’s decision by filing a judicial review application at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on July 10, 2007.
On Feb 2010, the High Court dismissed his application to quash the ban. The case was raised at the Appeals Court on Aug 6, 2012 and again the ban was upheld.
Arumugam added that the Federal Court decision was against freedom of expression.
Citing the case of a book titled “Muslim Women and the Challenge of Islamic Extremism”, published in 2005 by the women’s rights group, Sisters in Islam (SIS), Arumugam said the Federal Court had agreed with the Appeals Court and maintained that the Home Ministry had erred in its decision to ban the book.
“The federal court allowed the leave application for the SIS case. Dismissing mine is a step backward for freedom of expression and due process of law.
“The decision is not one where the court judiciously exploited grounds of appeal advanced by my counsel,” said Arumugam.
Cowardice action
He criticised the Home Ministry’s decision to ban the book as an act to protect the authorities from being embarrassed for failing to maintain peace during the incident.
“Banning the book is a cowardice action to protect the executive from being exposed for the failure of the police and security forces.
“They (authorities) are supposed to protect the innocent Indians during the ethnic violence in which victims were Indians and attackers were Malays,” said Arumugam.
He added that he will consider selling his books abroad. He has printed 5,000 copies and sold over 3,000 copies prior to the ban.
PETALING JAYA: The author of March 8, a Tamil book on the Kampung Medan race riots in 2001, K Arumugam is puzzled over the Federal Court decision to maintain the ban on his book published in 2006.The book centres on the violent clashes that took place between the Malay and Indian communities in Kampung Medan, Selangor on March 8, 2001.
“Even now, I am puzzled over the ban. It is a simple book with basic logical arguments without any element of fiction. It is based on a PhD thesis by S Nagarajan,” said K Arumugam who is also Suaram director, via e-mail.
Yesterday, a five member panel at the Federal Court led by Federal Court judge Ahmad Maarop dismissed Arumugam’s leave of application to review a ban on his book.
The decison to dismiss the application was made unanimously, without costs, by the panel of judges which included – Hasan Lah, Zaleha Zahari, Jeffrey Tan Kok Wha and Ramly Ali.
Arumugam was represented by lawyers Edmund Bon and Fahri Azzat whereas the government was represented by Shamsul Bol Hassan.
The Home Ministry banned the book on Nov 26, 2006 on the grounds that it was prejudicial to national security.
Arumugam first challenged the Home Ministry’s decision by filing a judicial review application at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on July 10, 2007.
On Feb 2010, the High Court dismissed his application to quash the ban. The case was raised at the Appeals Court on Aug 6, 2012 and again the ban was upheld.
Arumugam added that the Federal Court decision was against freedom of expression.
Citing the case of a book titled “Muslim Women and the Challenge of Islamic Extremism”, published in 2005 by the women’s rights group, Sisters in Islam (SIS), Arumugam said the Federal Court had agreed with the Appeals Court and maintained that the Home Ministry had erred in its decision to ban the book.
“The federal court allowed the leave application for the SIS case. Dismissing mine is a step backward for freedom of expression and due process of law.
“The decision is not one where the court judiciously exploited grounds of appeal advanced by my counsel,” said Arumugam.
Cowardice action
He criticised the Home Ministry’s decision to ban the book as an act to protect the authorities from being embarrassed for failing to maintain peace during the incident.
“Banning the book is a cowardice action to protect the executive from being exposed for the failure of the police and security forces.
“They (authorities) are supposed to protect the innocent Indians during the ethnic violence in which victims were Indians and attackers were Malays,” said Arumugam.
He added that he will consider selling his books abroad. He has printed 5,000 copies and sold over 3,000 copies prior to the ban.
Malaysia's rights record under fire
Ahead of a visit to the UN in Geneva, critics say the situation in Malaysia is getting worse.
By Kate Mayberry
After a 30-minute briefing at Malaysia's police headquarters where he was measured for a bullet proof vest, although not, apparently, a helmet, opposition politician and human rights lawyer N Surendran is ready to join officers at their next confrontation with armed criminals after an invitation from the country's top policeman to get a "feel" for what happens.
The offer, made via Twitter over the weekend was criticised, as was Surendran for accepting, but the Member of Parliament says it's an opportunity to highlight the potential dangers to Malaysians from a force seen by some as the country's most corrupt institution.
"It's not about the risks to me," Surendran said as he arrived for the briefing last week. "It's about the risks being faced by everyone. We cannot have trigger happy enforcement officers. They keep saying they're shooting criminals, but how do they know that? They are suspects and, what do you do with suspects? You try your best to arrest them. "
Surendran doesn't know when he'll join the patrol - he's been told it could happen any time of the day or night - but he may well find himself face-to-face with a potential criminal at the same time as Malaysia's diplomats sit down at the United Nations in Geneva for what is expected to be a frank discussion on the country's human rights situation.
The government of Prime Minister Najib Razak, in its submission to the UN, highlighted its moves to repeal anti-democratic laws, but activists are likely to focus on a spate of recent decisions that have cast doubt on the government's human rights record.
An 'astounding turn'
Last month, just a year after detention without trial was ended, the government pushed through amendments to the long-forgotten Prevention of Crime Act 1959, in a move that effectively reintroduced the measure and also limited the scope for judicial review.
An apparent surge in serious crime and concerns about public security were used to justify the decision, the same reasoning behind a police crackdown in which more than 400,000 people have been "screened" since the middle of August and nearly 16,000 detained, according to official figures. More recently, the Home Minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, told a closed-door meeting that he supported a "shoot first" policy in dealing with criminals.
"Malaysia's human rights record has taken an astounding turn for the worse in the past six months that should not go unnoticed by countries at the Human Rights Council," Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director for Human Rights Watch wrote in a statement released ahead of the UN review set for October 24. "The UPR session is a moment for concerned governments to tell Malaysian policymakers to reverse course."
The country's own human rights commission, which will send a delegation to Geneva, has already warned that the latest law enforcement legislation will "open the country to scrutiny and criticism by the international community," describing the provisions as "retrogressive" and "inconsistent" with accepted international principles on human rights.
Malaysia is a signatory to just three of the United Nations' core conventions on human rights; those relating to the rights of the child, the disabled and women. At the 2009 review, Malaysia's first, the government accepted 62 of the 103 recommendations made by the UN body and "noted" 22 others.
This year's submission, compiled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed the government's "strong commitment to the rule of law, to upholding respect for human rights, and widening the democratic space," noting a series of initiatives to tackle poverty, build more affordable homes and improve access to education and healthcare. It highlights too, the July 2012 decision to repeal the Internal Security Act, which was used frequently against government critics, and assures the UN that its replacement, the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act was consistent with international human rights standards.
"The UPR process is a positive and constructive mechanism, which allows for a substantive exchange of views aimed at improving the human rights situation in the country," the Ministry said in a statement. Its delegation will be led by Ho May Yong, a senior civil servant.
'Selling point'
NGO representatives, who'll also participate in the process, have vowed to lobby permanent missions in Geneva to highlight their concerns not only about the threats to civil and political liberties but also religious freedom – Shias have been the focus of a recent crackdown – and, in a country where sodomy remains a crime, gay rights.
The review comes after a fiercely fought, and controversial, May election that was won by the race-based Barisan Nasional coalition, dominated by the United Malays National Organisation. The coalition, which has been in power in one form or another since 1957, not only won fewer seats than in 2008, but also lost the popular vote. The result raised questions about the direction of Najib's reform agenda in the run-up to party polls that took place this month.
"The ruling party has had to deal with three sets of critics - NGOs, the opposition and hardliners within its own ranks who think the party didn't do well in the election because they (the leaders) were too soft,' said Ibrahim Suffian, who heads the Merdeka Centre, Malaysia's only polling organisation. "At the same time, the Prime Minister still wants to show this moderate face abroad. Now that the party elections have been concluded we can assess whether he's genuine about his reforms. He still has an opportunity to turn over a new leaf."
Still, recent experience has left many members of the country's civil society sceptical.
In the wake of the May election, a student was detained and later charged under the Sedition Act after calling for street protests, the country's poet laureate was questioned by police for a poetry reading that took place against the back drop of a pre-independence flag associated with the left, opposition politicians were charged over attempts to organise rallies highlighting their concerns about the election result and, just this week, human rights activist Lena Hendry was in court under the Censorship Act after she organised the screening of the award-winning documentary on Sri Lanka, "No Fire Zone."
"The government doesn't walk the talk," Nalini Elumalai, Executive Director of human rights group Suaram, itself subjected to investigation by the Registrar of Societies over the past year, told Al Jazeera. "They call themselves moderate, portray themselves as the guardian of human rights, and say that there are no problems in Malaysia and that we are a peaceful country. It's just a 'selling point'."
Source: Al Jazeera
By Kate Mayberry
Many Malaysians believe there is serious corruption within some elements of the security forces [Reuters]
The offer, made via Twitter over the weekend was criticised, as was Surendran for accepting, but the Member of Parliament says it's an opportunity to highlight the potential dangers to Malaysians from a force seen by some as the country's most corrupt institution.
"It's not about the risks to me," Surendran said as he arrived for the briefing last week. "It's about the risks being faced by everyone. We cannot have trigger happy enforcement officers. They keep saying they're shooting criminals, but how do they know that? They are suspects and, what do you do with suspects? You try your best to arrest them. "
Surendran doesn't know when he'll join the patrol - he's been told it could happen any time of the day or night - but he may well find himself face-to-face with a potential criminal at the same time as Malaysia's diplomats sit down at the United Nations in Geneva for what is expected to be a frank discussion on the country's human rights situation.
The government of Prime Minister Najib Razak, in its submission to the UN, highlighted its moves to repeal anti-democratic laws, but activists are likely to focus on a spate of recent decisions that have cast doubt on the government's human rights record.
An 'astounding turn'
Last month, just a year after detention without trial was ended, the government pushed through amendments to the long-forgotten Prevention of Crime Act 1959, in a move that effectively reintroduced the measure and also limited the scope for judicial review.
An apparent surge in serious crime and concerns about public security were used to justify the decision, the same reasoning behind a police crackdown in which more than 400,000 people have been "screened" since the middle of August and nearly 16,000 detained, according to official figures. More recently, the Home Minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, told a closed-door meeting that he supported a "shoot first" policy in dealing with criminals.
"Malaysia's human rights record has taken an astounding turn for the worse in the past six months that should not go unnoticed by countries at the Human Rights Council," Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director for Human Rights Watch wrote in a statement released ahead of the UN review set for October 24. "The UPR session is a moment for concerned governments to tell Malaysian policymakers to reverse course."
The country's own human rights commission, which will send a delegation to Geneva, has already warned that the latest law enforcement legislation will "open the country to scrutiny and criticism by the international community," describing the provisions as "retrogressive" and "inconsistent" with accepted international principles on human rights.
Malaysia is a signatory to just three of the United Nations' core conventions on human rights; those relating to the rights of the child, the disabled and women. At the 2009 review, Malaysia's first, the government accepted 62 of the 103 recommendations made by the UN body and "noted" 22 others.
This year's submission, compiled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed the government's "strong commitment to the rule of law, to upholding respect for human rights, and widening the democratic space," noting a series of initiatives to tackle poverty, build more affordable homes and improve access to education and healthcare. It highlights too, the July 2012 decision to repeal the Internal Security Act, which was used frequently against government critics, and assures the UN that its replacement, the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act was consistent with international human rights standards.
"The UPR process is a positive and constructive mechanism, which allows for a substantive exchange of views aimed at improving the human rights situation in the country," the Ministry said in a statement. Its delegation will be led by Ho May Yong, a senior civil servant.
'Selling point'
NGO representatives, who'll also participate in the process, have vowed to lobby permanent missions in Geneva to highlight their concerns not only about the threats to civil and political liberties but also religious freedom – Shias have been the focus of a recent crackdown – and, in a country where sodomy remains a crime, gay rights.
The review comes after a fiercely fought, and controversial, May election that was won by the race-based Barisan Nasional coalition, dominated by the United Malays National Organisation. The coalition, which has been in power in one form or another since 1957, not only won fewer seats than in 2008, but also lost the popular vote. The result raised questions about the direction of Najib's reform agenda in the run-up to party polls that took place this month.
"The ruling party has had to deal with three sets of critics - NGOs, the opposition and hardliners within its own ranks who think the party didn't do well in the election because they (the leaders) were too soft,' said Ibrahim Suffian, who heads the Merdeka Centre, Malaysia's only polling organisation. "At the same time, the Prime Minister still wants to show this moderate face abroad. Now that the party elections have been concluded we can assess whether he's genuine about his reforms. He still has an opportunity to turn over a new leaf."
Still, recent experience has left many members of the country's civil society sceptical.
In the wake of the May election, a student was detained and later charged under the Sedition Act after calling for street protests, the country's poet laureate was questioned by police for a poetry reading that took place against the back drop of a pre-independence flag associated with the left, opposition politicians were charged over attempts to organise rallies highlighting their concerns about the election result and, just this week, human rights activist Lena Hendry was in court under the Censorship Act after she organised the screening of the award-winning documentary on Sri Lanka, "No Fire Zone."
"The government doesn't walk the talk," Nalini Elumalai, Executive Director of human rights group Suaram, itself subjected to investigation by the Registrar of Societies over the past year, told Al Jazeera. "They call themselves moderate, portray themselves as the guardian of human rights, and say that there are no problems in Malaysia and that we are a peaceful country. It's just a 'selling point'."
Source: Al Jazeera
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