Bantah lesen minuman keras: AJK masjid Bangi perkenal dua jenis Melayu

Sebuah pertubuhan bergelar Sekretariat Badan Bertindak Bantah Arak hari ini mengemukakan bantahan terhadap cadangan sebuah pasaraya besar menjual arak secara borong.

Dalam usaha membantah penjualan arak itu, salah satu organisasi yang bernaung di bawah sekretariat itu membahagikan Melayu kepada dua golongan besar.

"Ada dua jenis Melayu di sini, satu ialah Melayu Islam, kedua Islam Melayu," kata Dr Tajul Ariffin Noordin (gambar) pada satu sidang media di Bandar Baru Bangi hari ini.

Katanya, bagi mereka yang dalam golongan Melayu Islam, belum tentu mereka melaksanakan Islam.

"Mereka ramai di Kuala Lumpur. Ada yang minum minuman keras.

"Kalau Melayu Islam, dia bangsa saja Melayu tetapi tak ikut Islam. Tetapi kami yang tinggal di Bangi, tidak minum minuman keras. Kita pilih tinggal di Bangi.

"Yang tinggal di Bangi ini memang tak pernah minum arak. Kami ini ialah Islam Melayu. Kami hidup cara Al-Quran dan sunnah," katanya yang merupakan Ahli Jawatankuasa Pembangunan Masjid Al-Umm.

Sekretariat itu terdiri daripada 42 organisasi di sekitar Bangi.

Lembaga Pelesenan Daerah Hulu Langat menerusi iklan di akhbar awal bulan ini memaklumkan mengenai permohonan Aeon Big (M) Sdn Bhd menjual minuman keras dalam bentuk borong di kawasan itu.

Permohonan pasaraya besar yang terletak di Bandar Baru Bangi Seksyen 16, mengundang keresahan dan bantahan penduduk setempat yang melihat ia perlu ditolak kerana majoriti penduduk di Bangi terdiri daripada umat Islam.

Kesal dengan cadangan pasaraya itu yang mahu memohon lesen borong penjualan minuman keras, Tajul berkata penduduk Islam di Bangi bukan saja akan menentang permohonan lesen berkenaan tetapi segala bentuk kemungkaran yang datang ke kawasan itu.

"Kami sedih, kenapa pengurusan Aeon itu tidak pernah fikir? Orang Bangi yang Islam Melayu, kita tak minum. Kenapa nak lesen arak di Bangi? Kenapa tak di Kajang, Cheras, Puchong dan sebagainya?

“Kita tak mahu yang lain juga di Bangi lepas ni, rumah urut, pusat dangdut, kelab malam, pusat pelacuran. Jangan langsung layan permohonan ini sebab yang tinggal di sini semua pilih cara hidup Islam Melayu," katanya.

Presiden Jaringan Siswazah Malaysia Abdullah Abd Karim berkata, golongan bukan Islam tidak perlu membuat tanggapan negatif terhadap bantahan mereka kerana hak golongan itu tetap dihormati.

Katanya, apa yang dibuat oleh sekretariat itu berdasarkan peruntukan undang-undang yang membenarkan mereka mengemukakan bantahan sedemikian.

"Kami menghormati masyarakat bukan Islam dan ada yang terlibat dalam industri ini meminum minuman keras. Kami tidak ada hak mengganggu urusan bukan Islam tetapi kami menyalurkan bantahan ini dalam konteks lebih 90% penduduk di sini terdiri daripada umat Islam.

"Kami menyalurkan bantahan ini mengikut proses sewajarnya," katanya.

Abdullah juga menegaskan beliau percaya tiada permintaan dibuat penduduk bukan Islam supaya minuman keras dijual di kawasan itu.

"Kita tidak melihat sebarang kewajaran bahagian pelesenan meluluskan permohonan tersebut," katanya.

Pertubuhan Ikram Hulu Langat pula berpandangan, bantahan permohonan lesen berkenaan adalah perkara biasa yang menggambarkan suara majoriti sesebuah kawasan.

Katanya, bantahan juga pernah dilakukan warga Kuantan yang tidak bersetuju dengan pembinaan kilang nadir bumi di kawasan itu, Lynas.

"Nadir bumi satu bahan yang sangat berguna untuk pelbagai kegunaan industri tetapi penduduk Kuantan tidak setuju industri sedemikian dibuat di tempat mereka.

"Begitu juga kami di sini. Kami majoriti beragama Islam dan di sana ada sensiviti dan kami berharap ia dihormati," kata Yang Dipertuanya (YDP), Sufyan Mohd Nor.

Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim) pula mengumumkan satu perarakan menghantar memorandum bantahan kepada Pejabat Daerah Hulu Langat akan diadakan pada 28 November.

“Kita akan buat bantahan ini bersama-sama dan pada hari itu semua surau dan masjid akan mengadakan solat hajat selepas solat Jumaat. Kita berusaha mendapatkan kelulusan pejabat agama untuk teks khutbah berkaitan arak di Bandar Baru Bangi.

“Kita akan berkumpul di Masjid Hasanah dan berarak beramai-ramai ke Pejabat Daerah menghantar bantahan itu bersama-sama," kata YDP Abim kawasan itu, Muhammad Nizam Samsudin. – 14 November, 2014.

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/bahasa/article/bantah-lesen-minuman-keras-ajk-masjid-bangi-perkenal-dua-jenis-melayu#sthash.kG7IOkA9.dpuf

Ending the Bible grab with no apologies, but a warning

Christians in Sarawak should be grateful, one supposes, now that Selangor has returned 351 copies of Malay- and Iban-language Bibles that were seized more than 10 months ago.

The bibles that were seized by the Selangor Islamic Department (Jais) from The Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM) on January 2 were returned to Christians in Sarawak today through the Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) in a ceremony at the Selangor palace in Shah Alam.

They were handed to Sarawak Christians and not to the peninsula-based BSM as part of the condition that such material was not to be distributed in Selangor, especially among Muslims, a statement from the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) later said.

"This settlement is to respect each other's religious beliefs and maintain the sensitivity of various religions in the country," Mais chairman Datuk Mohamad Adzib Mohd Isa said in a statement today.

There were no apologies for seizing the Bibles, which were meant for Christians in Sarawak anyway. None. Just a warning not to distribute the Bibles in Selangor.

Now, why would the authorities reframe the narrative knowing full well that the Bibles were never for distribution in Selangor? Why the warning, as if they are doing everyone a favour by returning the Bibles which they wrongly seized?

Instead of being magnanimous and saying sorry, they have changed the genesis of this episode.

After all, it is Putrajaya's cabotage policy that precludes direct imports to Sabah and Sarawak for such bulky items. All these items have to be brought through a port in the peninsula before being distributed to other parts of the country, including Sabah and Sarawak.

Why blame the BSM for bringing in the Bibles through Port Klang when it has to follow government policy on imports?

The least that the Selangor authorities can do is regret what happened, knowing full well that the Christians are a minority in the country and would not dream of breaking state laws.

And apologise for the misunderstanding. But, no: the Christians have to turn the other cheek and be grateful for tender mercies.

That should never be the case for any Malaysian, to be grateful for what is a right under the Federal Constitution. Perhaps, one day, the authorities can learn to match deeds with the fine words they used today. – November 14, 2014.

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/ending-the-bible-grab-with-no-apologies-but-a-warning#sthash.rlIFMove.dpuf

Minister: Land where Malays not welcomed

 

 In explaining the different shades of racism, Communication and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek travels north of the nation.

Though he does not mention Penang, it is obvious that the Umno supreme council member was referring to the DAP-controlled state.

He said there is a particular group who would insist on merit, as opposed to race-based policies.

"For example, in the absence of such a policy, a state governed by a particular party would say there are no cheap or low-cost houses.

"This would lead to the Malays not being able to afford to be in the same group (of house buyers) ... or enjoy the development (in the state). In other words, this is also a form of racism in the deeper sense.

"They (the ruling party) don't say it outright - that this place is only for our race, and the Malays cannot come here.

"But they use certain approaches where, eventually, only one race will enjoy (the development) and this is the form of subtle racism that is happening," he told Umno Online.

Who owns big buildings, big houses?

Shabery said those who often raise issues concerning racial and religious sentiments hide behind a racist understanding themselves.

According to him, this group would deliberately manipulate racial and religious issues, including isolated cases.

"At the same time, I wish to explain the real meaning of racism. Many do not understand that there is racism without statements and actions in this nation

"For example, this group does not say much in championing the cause of their race but would be enraged when there are those who champion the Malay cause.

"They would become angry when the Malays talk about the special position of the Malays, protection for Malays, the Malay language, Islam and so forth," he said.

"They consider such statements as racist," Shabery added.

Furthermore, the Umno supreme council member said, this group would contend that the Malays do not need policies that defend or accord special position to them.

Shabery said this group would reject the government’s pro-active steps to balance the lives of the people in this nation from various angles, and their motivation is that only race dominates everything.

"For me, anyone can talk about racial interests as long as the intention is not to oppress others. In the context of our nation, who owns the big buildings and houses in Kuala Lumpu?

"In the big firms, which race has the most shares? Therefore, I deny that when we talk about the Malay agenda, it is to stop other races from advancing," he added.

Dr M: Don't use BR1M to be popular

 

After panning the debt-ridden 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), Dr Mahathir Mohamad has now criticised Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M).

In a blog posting, the former premier reminded the government that its money is derived from taxes.

"Taxes raise the cost of living. Still the people are willing to endure the raised cost of living because they expect the government to give them security, to govern the country well, to have policies which benefit the people.

"But the people would not like to see the taxes they pay to be expended in ways that are beyond this.

"Certainly they would not want their hard-earned money to be expended on winning popularity for anyone or political parties or administrations," he added.

Looks similar to bribery and vote-buying

Mahathir said monetary handouts on a large scale such as BR1M look similar to bribery.

"And when this is given near elections or the manifesto promises this, the impression that it is about buying votes just cannot be dismissed.

"If incomes are to be increased, it should be by way of creating opportunities for work or business," he added.

Furthermore, he said such handouts also increase personal dependence on the government even for one's income, without any effort by oneself.

"It weakens the character of people and reduces their competitiveness in the market place," he added.

High income, Mahathir said, should come from increases in productivity.

"Without increasing productivity, competitiveness would not improve. And the economy would not really grow. These countries invariably depend on foreign workers, executives and entrepreneurs," he added.

Socialists and Communists tried the same

Mahathir also said it was misleading to think that Malaysian can become a developed nation by 2020 by increasing average incomes to a certain level.

"A few people with very high incomes would distort the average income. Per capita income should not be a measure of our achievement of developed country status.

"The emphasis on high income alone is not enough. In fact by itself it will not make the country a developed country. It would be even more misleading when the income is due to handouts by the government," he argued.

To be developed, the former premier said, the nation must be at par with developed countries in terms of education, technological and industrial knowhow, research and development, industrialised to a high level, commensurate infrastructure and high earned incomes for all.

"It is imperative therefore to spend money on education and training to a higher level, to build up engineering and industrial capacities, to be productive and competitive, to expend money on building first-class infrastructure and to be researchers, inventors and developers.

"Since we want to be developed in our own mould, we can reject the moral values of some developed countries.

"We see them obviously decaying because of the emphasis on unlimited materialism and personal freedom.

"We must sustain the good values that we have and acquire good ethnics which will contribute to our productivity and our income. In other words we must earn our income through higher productivity and not through handouts by the government," he added.

Mahathir said the Socialists and Communists tried to improve their people's incomes by giving them money and making free availability of support facilities to ensure they have a good life.

"But Socialism and Communism have failed. They have to resort to free enterprise and hard work," he added.

'If Umno loses, Malays may never rule again'

 

An Umno supreme council member has warned that if internal problems in the party are not resolved and BN loses the next general election, Malays may never rule the nation again.

Such a defeat, according to Ibrahim Abu Shah, would be a "dark day" for the Malays and nation.

"Internal problems, especially concerning unity among party members, must be solved immediately without taking personal interests into consideration," he said.

In view of this, Ibrahim (right) said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s recent reprimand for Selangor Umno must be taken into account by the party’s machinery nationwide to continue winning the hearts of the people.

The former Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) vice-chancellor urged Umno members to confront the “external challengers” and explain to the people so that voters, especially fence sitters, would have confidence in the party.

With the government implementing various transformation programmes, he added, there was no reason for the people not to support Umno and BN.

“If Umno and BN lose in the 14th general election, I think it would be a dark and unfortunate day for the Malays and the nation,” he was quoted as saying by Umno Online.

Ibrahim was speaking after presenting a paper at a political workshop during the Johor Umno convention today.

Umno would be holding its annual general assembly from Nov 25-29.

At the recent Selangor Umno convention, Najib said he felt ashamed that the party had still not recaptured the state, which fell to Pakatan Rakyat in 2008.

Following this, former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Selangor Umno must shed its image as being “corrupt” and called on its leaders to resign.

Umno man who punched deputy minister let off?

 

A heavy vehicle driver was yesterday charged with threatening Deputy Education Minister P Kamalanathan but an Umno man who went a step further by punching him is yet to face action, says DAP's Ipoh Barat MP M Kulasegaran.

Kulasegaran said this in reference to M Gunalan who was charged in a sessions court in Petaling Jaya over a text message threat, while teacher Muhammad Rizuan Suhaimi's assault case remains unresolved.

"Some have asked if this is because the teacher is from Umno.

"When the assault incident took place, the teacher was Hulu Selangor Umno Youth assistant secretary," Kulasegaran said in a statement today.

He questioned the sluggish action by the attorney-general (AG) against the Umno man even though the assault happened on Jan 13.

In contrast, he said, Gunalan, who issued the threat on Oct 20, was charged yesterday, less than a month after he allegedly sent the SMS.

"The police revealed that the investigation papers in the matter involving Muhammad Rizuan were submitted to the AG on Jan 15, but why the long delay in prosecuting till today? Or has the AG closed the case?" Kulasegaran asked.

He said regardless of whether Kamalanathan had withdrawn his police report against the Umno man, the AG should proceed with criminal charges to deter violent conduct of Muhammad Rizuan.

Kamalanathan on Jan 26 said he had "forgiven" the teacher for assaulting him.

However, Kualasegaran, quoting netizens, questioned whether the deputy minister was practising double standards by not being similarly magnanimous with the lorry driver.

He also quipped about the apparent attempts to threaten or hurt the deputy minister.

"Why do many people love to punch Kamalanathan? To the best of my knowledge Kamalanathan was never a boxer," he said.

Syariah not a Federal matter

Islamic laws and Islamic matters fall under the jurisdiction of the states.

FMT

KUALA LUMPUR: Gerakan has expressed surprise on a statement by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Jamil Khir Baharom, that the religious authorities in the country, all state bodies, are currently engaged in a discussion to equate the Syariah Court System with the Civil Court System.

“It’s unconstitutional. It is clear that under the Ninth Schedule, List II – State List of the Federal Constitution, Islamic laws and Islamic matters fall under the jurisdiction of the states,” said Baljit Singh who heads Gerakan’s Central Law and Human Rights Bureau.

“The existing linear relationship of Malaysia’s court system and judiciary cannot be altered.”

Baljit pointed out that Syariah Courts are set up under state laws, while civil courts including the High Courts, Court of Appeal and Federal Court are established under the Federal Constitution.

“We can establish a Constitutional Court that exists in countries like Germany and Thailand to deal with matters of high constitutional importance including the conflict of law arising from the overlapping of Syariah and civil law,” said Baljit.

At present, the Federal Court sits as the Constitutional Court.

Under the Federal Constitution, Native and Syariah Courts are inferior courts. Inferior laws, including those passed by the state assemblies, can be ruled invalid to the extent of their inconsistency with the superior law, the Federal Constitution.

Sabah speaker: Call to abolish vernacular schools ‘extreme’

(The Star) – The call to abolish all vernacular schools has been condemned by Datuk Seri Salleh Tun Said, as they have long been a part and parcel of the national education system.

“Any proposal to abolish vernacular schools is an extreme or outrageous view,” said the Sabah Legislative Assembly Speaker at the Lok Yuk Kindergarten Jinshan’s 20-year anniversary celebration and opening of its RM150,000 games hall building, financed by the Federal Government in Kota Belud.

He added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had previously given assurance that vernacular schools would continue to be a part of the education system.

“Vernacular schools play an important role in providing educational opportunities to all groups in the Malaysian society, especially in Sabah which is multi-ethnic and multi-religious,” he said, adding that Bumiputera students commonly study in vernacular schools there.

In October, several Barisan Nasional leaders came forward to defend vernacular schools, claiming that in addition to educating children on their mother tongue, it also serves as a ground to encourage mutual respect and understanding among a multi-racial society.

Deputy Petaling Jaya Utara Umno chief Mohamad Azli Mohemed Saad had earlier called for a discussion on the abolishment of vernacular schools during the party’s general assembly.

On Thursday, deputy MCA president Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said that the Government had no intention of closing down vernacular schools.

Wee, who is also a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, had said that Chinese schools were a part of the country’s legacy as they had been operating even before independence.

Ramon: Return of bibles is proof of ‘wasatiyyah’

Ramon Navaratnam appeals to all parties to celebrate with thanks, the return of the Holy Bibles to Christians.

FMT

PETALING JAYA: Prominent public figure Ramon Navaratnam has hailed the return of the 351 Malay- and Iban-language bibles to their rightful owners as proof that the principle of “wasatiyyah” or moderation was becoming a part of the Malaysian way of life.

In a statement to FMT, Ramon said, “We pray that religious understanding and ‘wasatiyyah’ will prevail always, in the interest of peace, harmony and progress in our beloved country.”

Ramon, who is Chairman of the Asli Centre of Public Policy Studies also thanked the Sultan of Selangor for his wisdom and Menteri Besar Azmin Ali for successfully securing the return of the bibles after months of heated debate among political leaders, Islamic religious bodies and the public.

Saying that what Malaysia needed more of now was much greater mutual respect for each other’s religions and cultures, Ramon added, “Let us from now show more compassion, try our best to forget past trials and resolve to practise all our great principles of peace, love and justice to humankind.”

The former deputy secretary-general of the finance ministry also said that going forward, it was imperative that Malaysians learnt from past mistakes and instituted “proper standard operating procedures” that were acceptable to all parties, especially when dealing with “inter-religious” issues.

He also suggested that more inter-faith dialogues that promoted the spirit of love for our neighbours, be organised.

Reiterating the need to uphold the principle of wasatiyyah at all times, Ramon said, “I sincerely hope that all our leaders will exercise greater care to avoid any policies and actions that will tarnish the beauty and sanctity of our religions as well as the national spirit of wasatiyyah and charity to our Malaysian brothers and sisters, of whatever race and religion.”

A Selangorian and Christian himself, Ramon also expressed his “deep relief” that the holy books seized by the Selangor Islamic Affairs Council (Mais) in January because it contained the word “Allah”, had “finally been returned to their rightful owners.”

Saying that all Malaysians should work towards projecting the rich sacredness of their respective religions, he ended his statement with the solemn wish, “May God bless Malaysian harmony and unity.”

Woman loses over RM107K to Facebook ‘friend’

Police detain 14 Nigerian men aged between 20 and 30, and a local woman in two raids in the Klang Valley.

FMT

KUALA LUMPUR: A 40-year-old woman lost RM107,350 of her savings to a man whom she believed was going to marry her.

The victim, a civil servant, had befriended the man named ‘Aakil Muhsi’ or ‘Azim’, through Facebook.

Following a report she lodged, police detained 14 Nigerian men aged between 20 and 30s, and a local woman in two raids in the Klang Valley on Wednesday.

Cheras district police chief ACP Chong Kok Sin told a media conference here today, that the suspect persuaded the victim to bank money into his account after promising to marry her.

He said the man requested for more money from the woman last August, purportedly for securing the release of his USD1 million which the Immigration department in Kota Kinabalu had seized.

The vicitm then banked in RM107,350 in stages, into eight accounts, said Chong.

He said police seized seven automated teller machine (ATM) cards, nine laptops and 26 mobile phones during the raids.

Heed PM’s words, S’gor Umno members urged

Najib’s recent reprimand should spur Umno to work harder at winning over the people of Selangor.

FMT

JOHOR BAHARU: Prime Minister Najib Razak’s reprimand of Selangor Umno should spur the party machinery nationwide to continue to win over the people.

Umno Supreme Council member Senator Ibrahim Abu Shah said members should address the challenges and continue to inform the people, especially the fence sitters so that they have confidence in Umno.

He said with the government’s efforts in implementing various transformation initiatives to accelerate the country’s development, there was no reason for the people to refrain from giving strong support to Umno and Barisan Nasional(BN).

“If Umno and BN lose the 14th general election (GE14), I think it will be bleak and unfortunate for the Malays and the country.

“Only BN can govern the country and not other parties which have different ideologies,” he told reporters after presenting a working paper at the Johor Umno Convention yesterday.

At the Selangor Umno Convention on November 1, Najib, who is also Umno president, reprimanded Selangor Umno leaders for failing to win over the people in Selangor.

Ibrahim, who is also Umno Education Bureau chairman reminded Umno members to continue to address internal problems to ensure that the party representing the Malays wins GE14 and remains relevant.

“The internal problems, particularly those affecting the unity of Umno members needs to be resolved soon for the sake of the party, regardless of personal interests.”

He added the Johor Umno convention was the best platform for Umno to face political challenges and a signal for members to work hard for the party’s survival.

- BERNAMA

Is PKR using Dr M to unseat Najib?

Rafizi's NGO called NOW invites Mahathir Mohamad to a controversial forum to scrutinise the beleaguered 1MDB.

FMT

KUALA LUMPUR: PKR and by extension Pakatan Rakyat have found an unlikely ally in Dr Mahathir Mohamad in their quest to destabilise Prime Minister Najib Razak.

In an unprecedented move, the National Oversight and Whistleblowers (NOW) centre extended an official invitation to Mahathir to attend a forum entitled “1MDB: Malaysia in Debt?” that is aimed at having frank discussions on the many grievous discrepancies in the country’s second sovereign wealth fund, 1MDB.

Confirming the invitation, director of NOW Akmal Nasir said Mahathir’s office had made contact with them this morning but had not confirmed if the former premier would indeed attend.

Explaining the decision to invite Mahathir, Akmal recounted the former premier’s outspokenness in the past regarding 1MDB, and hoped that media interest alone would persuade him to attend.

He added, “So far, I think he (Dr Mahathir) has no avenue to meet the Deputy Finance Minister Ahmad Maslan or engage directly with 1MDB.

“That’s why we thought by holding this forum, he might be interested to come, to get a chance to sit with the government and the opposition on this issue.”

Akmal also said that should Mahathir accept the invitation, it would be a stepping stone to host other outspoken politicians like Daim Zainuddin and Razaleigh Hamzah to future events.

The 1MDB forum scheduled to take place at The Club, Bukit Utama on November 19 will also be attended by Deputy Finance Minister Ahmad Maslan, CEO of 1MDB Mohd Hazem Abdul Rahman, DAP’s Tony Pua and NOW founder Rafizi Ramli.

Yesterday, Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, while speaking to the press about 1MDB in Parliament, briefly mentioned Mahathir saying, “Even Tun Mahathir agrees with me on this (1MDB) issue.”

NOW was founded in 2012 by PKR’s secretary-general Rafizi Ramli.

GMM: Can democrat Islamists curb extremism?

Global Movement of Moderates hold roundtable discussion on the moderate approach of democracy versus war.

FMT

KUALA LUMPUR: Democrat Islamists can be a solution to curb extremism worldwide as they provide a moderate approach in today’s global world through the ballot box, said academicians and politicians.

International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) lecturer Dr Maszlee Malik said Democrat Islamists, made famous after the Arab Spring, allowed Muslims to control their fate through the ballot box rather than war or in the hands of leaders who were dictators, thus ending any grievances they might have had.

“The idea of democrat Islamists has existed for a long time. Radical groups emerge because they found there was no hope for Muslims to enjoy justice, human rights and good governance,” he said at a roundtable discussion on Democrat Islamists organised by the Global Movement of Moderates (GMM) together with IIUM’s Fiqh Department.

Chairman of London-based Al-Hiwar TV channel Dr Azzam Tamimi, said that the success of the Arab Spring was a promising event that allowed for democracy in the Middle East and at the same time made the militant group Al Qaeda into an irrelevant movement.

“The success of the Arab Spring as we saw in Tunisia and Egypt was very promising, showing that this is the way forward. Some of the leaders of Al Qaeda were actually stressing fear that this model was succeeding, because it was proving them wrong,” he said.

Dr Azzam also stressed that Democrat Islamist’s definition still varies, depending on how people come into contact with the ideology and that the struggle for Democrat Islamists in the Middle East was still an ongoing process.

The GMM on its website stated that “Democrat Islamist” is a special term which refers to the new actors who seek to apply the Islamic principles to public policy within a democratic framework, including those in Morocco and Tunisia.

Meanwhile, PAS Research Centre Executive Director Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad noted that although Westerners were a little cautious of the ideology, Democrat Islamists like that of PAS were successful and have managed to exist for 60 years in Malaysia.

But he noted that Democrat Islamists had problems of balancing between being democratic and upholding the true values of Islam in order to be relevant in a diverse country like Malaysia.

“The Democrat Islamist party needs to come up with universal proposals that can persuade the people, both Muslims and Non-Muslims. Thus it must engage with the public, allow for forum of differences and be less judgemental,” he said.

Morroco’s Party of Justice and Development (PJD) Member of the International Relations Committee, Dr Driss Bouanou, highlighted the success of Democrat Islamists in Morocco as the country had been practising democracy since its establishment.

He said that since Morocco was a democratic country, it was not affected by the Arab Spring.

“We have managed to work well with the monarchy and our political rival to maintain a prosperous Morocco.

“For what we have achieved in Morocco, nobody can say that the Democrat Islamists do not exist,” he said referrng to PJD, the ruling party of Morocco.

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Prosperous Justice Party President Dr Anis Matta said although Western countries seemed cynical towards the existence of Democrat Islamists, they were actually more concerned if it will jeopardise their interest in the Muslim countries.

“For example, although Saudi Arabia is not a democratic country, Western powers are not bothered about this as long as their interests are not jeopardised. The West actually do not care what the ideology of a particular country is,” he said.

The rountable discussion is aimed at exploring the role and contribution of Democrat Islamists in promoting moderation and combating extremism in the Muslim world.

GMM chief executive officer Saifuddin Abdullah said the roundtable discussion was a preparation for an international conference to be held by the GMM Foundation in the first quarter of next year.

“We are also planning for another roundtable on another issue to promote moderation in December this year and January 2015,” he said at a press conference.

Saifuddin said the international conference next year will discuss issues such as democracy and good governance and is expected to be officiated by Prime Minister Najib Razak who is also GMM patron.

- BERNAMA

Ripples from landmark transgender ruling may reach other cases, lawyers say

Malay Mail
by BOO SU-LYN

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 ― A critical Court of Appeal decision upholding the supremacy of the Federal Constitution could influence the outcome of cases such as that involving “Allah”where constitutional rights have been abrogated by lesser laws, legal experts said.

Constitutional lawyer Nizam Bashir said the appellate court judgment in the case of three Negri Sembilan transgenders last week has unambiguously articulated the tenet that all laws ― including Shariah laws ― are subject to the Federal Constitution, based on Article 4 of the document that states it to be the overriding law of the country.

While the decision validates a superior precedent on the topic, its appearance now could serve to remind others of the principle that has been sidelined in recent court cases.

“It will be interesting to see how this judgment impacts on various constitutional challenges presently still playing out in the courts, for example the Borders book ban, the decision to prosecute Kassim Ahmad in the Shariah High Court and the right to use the phrase ‘Allah’,” Nizam told Malay Mail Online via email.

The constitutional right to freedom of religion is at the heart of the Sabah Sidang Injil Borneo and Jill Ireland cases, in which a Sabah church and Sarawakian Christian are fighting for the right to use Christian materials containing the Arabic word for God, “Allah.”

In the case of Borders Books, the Federal Court is set to decide on a challenge against a Selangor state legislation that bans religious publications deemed to be un-Islamic as the law arguably violates the right to freedom of speech and expression.

 

Muslim intellectual Kassim Ahmad, who was charged at the Shariah High Court last March with insulting Islam, has accused the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) of acting beyond the powers provided under state Islamic laws and the Federal Constitution when it prosecuted and arrested him.

Nizam said Article 74 of the Federal Constitution states that all laws, whether passed by Parliament or by the state, must not violate provisions within the constitution, noting that  those that fail this measure are vulnerable to being contested in court.

“Simply put, if a law purports to infringe (on) a fundamental liberty, it would be unconstitutional and this is what the Court of Appeal held when s. 66 of the Shariah Criminal Offences (Negeri Sembilan) 1992 was challenged, that it amongst others infringed the right to freedom of expression,” said the lawyer.

The Court of Appeal, Malaysia’s second-highest court, ruled last Friday that Section 66 of the Negri Sembilan Shariah Criminal Enactment 1992, which prohibits Muslim men from cross-dressing, was unconstitutional and void.

According to the court, the Islamic state law violates several fundamental liberties, notably the constitutional rights to liberty, equality, freedom of movement and freedom of expression.

The appellate court had labelled the law discriminatory as it fails to recognise men diagnosed with gender identity disorder ― in which male sufferers identify themselves as women ― and ruled in favour of three Muslim transgenders ― Muhamad Juzaili Mohd Khamis, Shukur Jani and Wan Fairol Wan Ismail ― who were convicted of cross-dressing under the Negri Sembilan shariah law.

In its written summary judgment, the Court of Appeal said Shariah laws cannot violate Malaysians’ fundamental freedoms that are protected in the Federal Constitution as legislations contradicting the constitution are deemed void.

Civil liberties lawyer Syahredzan Johan said the impact of the judgment on other cases would depend on how the courts viewed these.

“The principles enumerated are not new. They are in line with the Supreme Court case of Che Omar Che Soh,” Syahredzan told Malay Mail Online. The Supreme Court has since been renamed as the Federal Court of Malaysia.

He said the 1988 landmark ruling had decided that all laws ― whether federal or state, Shariah or civil ― must be in line with the secular Federal Constitution.

“When it comes to the constitutionality of a particular legislation, the Shariah courts have no jurisdiction to make a determination. It rightly must go to the civil court,” said Syahredzan.

Constitutional lawyer New Sin Yew said laws that violate the Federal Constitution must be struck down.

“Everything is subservient to the Federal Constitution,” New told Malay Mail Online.

“Fundamental liberties are enshrined in Part II of the Federal Constitution. So of course, shariah laws cannot derogate fundamental liberties like any other laws unless provided for by the Federal Constitution,” he added.

New also said the Court of Appeal judgment in the transgender case was groundbreaking for deciding that treating minorities like everyone else could be discriminatory, noting that the court had ruled that the three transgenders should not be treated like “normal” Muslims under the Negri Sembilan state law as they suffered from gender identity disorder.

“It’s really a watershed moment for those who are marginalised, like people with disabilities LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender),” he said. 

Reforms In Umno Must Begin With The Members Themselves To Strengthen Party - PM

JOHOR BAHARU, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak reminded Umno members today to begin the process of reforming the party with self-reformation as the first step to strengthen the party.

Najib, who is also Umno president, said the process of reforming the party did not rest with the top Umno leadership only but must also encompass everyone including members at the grassroots.

"Reformation means that we have motivation to struggle for the good of the party. If the people are happy with and have confidence in the Umno members, it represents the first process in building trustworthiness in Umno," he said before opening the Johor Umno convention at the Berjaya Waterfront Hotel, here Friday.

The Prime Minister also criticised the attitude of some Umno members who placed more importance on self-interest and lacked the feeling of love for the party.

"Like in the past, when Tunku Abdul Rahman did not have enough money to go to London (to negotiate for the country's independence), there were members who offered assistance but now, when we ask them to do work, some would ask what they would get in return," said Najib cynically, which drew applause from the more than 800 Johor Umno delegates present at the two-day convention.

"Don't be rich materially but lack the fighting spirit and feeling of love for the party. If we love the party, we will make extraordinary efforts for the party," said the Prime Minister.

He said that reformation must also begin with a reality check by carrying out soul-searching and subsequently implementing reforms.

"We must realise that in practicing open democracy, eventually it's a game of numbers. We must increase support for the party and subsequently interpret it in the growing number of seats to ensure that we are stronger," he said.

"If the party is strong, if the party is still in power, the struggles can be continued," said Najib.

At the same time, the Prime Minister said Umno members must be open-minded in order for the party to attract more young members so that it would remain relevant.

"If we have to make way, then give a chance to the others (young people for example). Only then the party will be perceived as a dynamic party, a fresh party that has integrity," said the Prime Minister.

Referring to an excerpt from the speech of Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin who touched on modern and progressive reformation, inclusiveness, the Malays and Islam without ignoring the other ethnic groups, he said that these were among the ingredients and work scope needed for the survival of the party in the years to come.

"It is not wrong for me to say that it is most proper for the resurgence of Umno to begin here (in Johor). It is here that the resurgence of Johor Umno and Barisan Nasional as the pillar of our strength began. I am fully aware that the survival must begin in the Umno fortress," he said.

The convention that began today was also attended by Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and party secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.

凯里相信宗伟非蓄意服药 听证结果决定奥运资格

Menteri ingatkan PAS, didik rakyat jangan nakal di Golok

Arab Students Hurl Rocks at Schoolgirls on Field Trip

In unprovoked attack, Arab schoolboys threw rocks at group of Jewish schoolgirls in national park; student, teacher hurt.

By Yishai Karov

Arab students from the Galilee on a field trip hurled stones at a girls' school on a hike in the Arbel National Park (West of Tiberias - ed.) Wednesday, outraged parents told Arutz Sheva.

The group, from Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu in Beit She'an, was hit with a "heavy barrage" once they attempted to enter a cave, a father of one of the victims said.

"The girls were hit with rocks when the teacher called for the group to enter a nearby cave," he recounted. "[My daughter] was hit by a number of rocks, injuring her."

Several students and at least one teacher were injured in the attack.

"Once the Arabs identified them as Jewish students, they began to throw the rocks," he added.

Security forces arrived at the scene and administered medical treatment to the wounded teacher and children. They were later transported to hospital nearby and treated in the emergency room.

The Arab group's guide later apologized to the school after the incident.

Police Investigate Bridenapping After Woman Jumps From Balcony

The Moscow Times

Police in Stavropol are investigating the circumstances behind the suspected bridenapping of a 19-year-old woman who leaped from a fourth-floor balcony in an alleged effort to escape her "groom."

"A young man committed the abduction of a girl with the aim of marriage, in accordance with his ethnic traditions," police claimed in a statement issued by the regional branch of the Interior Ministry on Wednesday.

On Oct. 23, a 29-year-old native of Dagestan allegedly forced the victim into his vehicle and then took her to an apartment in the southern city of Budyonnovsk, the statement said.

The victim was held in the apartment until Oct. 31, when she jumped from a fourth-floor balcony in an apparent bid to escape her captor, according to the statement.

A neighbor who happened to be standing on his third-floor balcony at the time of the incident saved the kidnapped bride, catching her by her clothing as she fell and then letting her into his own apartment before calling police.

An investigation is still under way into the incident. If the suspect is tried and convicted of the crime of abduction, he could face up to 10 years in prison.

It was unclear whether the victim was also a native of Dagestan, and if not, whether she was familiar with the phenomenon of bridenapping, where men abduct their intended brides and force them into marriage.

In many countries, marriage by abduction is considered a sex crime, but it is still practiced in certain parts of Central Asia, the Caucasus and in some African countries.

Shariah court that has same powers as civil Federal Court unconstitutional, says expert

Putrajaya's plan to set up a Shariah court that would have the same powers as the civil Federal Court is unconstitutional as religious courts were established out of state law, said law expert Professor Gurdial Singh Nijar.

He said that religious matters come under the state as accorded under the 9th Schedule of the Federal Constitution, which contains the lists of legislature under state and federal powers.

"The constitution is the supreme law of the land. So this means that when it comes to Islamic laws, Islamic matters, these are governed by the state," he told The Malaysian Insider.

Shariah courts in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya are governed by a law passed by Parliament while religious courts in other states are governed by state enactments.

Gurdial was commenting on a statement by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom that Putrajaya was looking at setting up two more Shariah courts to enable them to have the same powers as the civil Federal Court, which is the highest court in the country.

Jamil, who is in charge of Islamic affairs, was reported saying in Malay daily Berita Harian that discussions on the matter with state religious councils have been ongoing for two years and they were looking at Shariah courts that would have equal powers with that of the Federal Court.

Gurdial admitted, however, that this could be done and said the government could set up any number of Shariah courts, but the fact remained that its powers would only be limited to Islamic matters as provided in the constitution.

"They can get the same status but the subject matter will be limited to Shariah matters only," he said.

"This means that it will have control only over persons professing the religion of Islam, Islamic family laws and such."

Bar Council's National Young Lawyers Committee president Syahredzan Johan (pic, right) offered a similar view, saying that Islamic laws are under the jurisdiction of the respective states and not the federal government.

"By setting up a Federal Shariah Court, this will encroach upon what should rightly be within the jurisdiction of the states," he said.

" And this Federal Shariah Court cannot have the same powers as the Federal Court because of Article 121(1A) (which provides for the dual justice system)."

Like Gurdial, the lawyer also pointed out that Shariah courts would only have jurisdiction in Islamic laws and only on Muslims.

"And most importantly, only the civil courts have jurisdiction to decide on constitutional issues," he added.

The current Shariah Courts comprise the Shariah Subordinate Court, Shariah High Court and Shariah Appeals Court.

Former Federal Court judge Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram had previously said that in the Malaysian legal system, the constitution was the supreme law and laws passed by Parliament and state assemblies were subordinate to it.

"Shariah courts cannot be ranked the same as the civil court as the religious courts are established by state laws," he had said.

Sri Ram said Parliament and state assemblies had no power to make laws which were in conflict with the constitution. – November 13, 2014.

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/shariah-court-that-has-same-powers-as-civil-federal-court-unconstitutional#sthash.xI0f4YR2.dpuf

MAS confirms it sacked employee for alleged sexual assault

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) today confirmed that it terminated the services of a flight attendant who had been held in a Paris detention centre since August for alleged sexual assault on a passenger.

But, in a statement to The Malaysian Insider, the national carrier said it was not at liberty to discuss the matter further as the case was under the judicial purview of the Industrial Relations Department (IRD).

”Malaysia Airlines is not at liberty to comment on the matter as it is currently under the judicial purview of the authorities and we confirm that the person is no longer an employee of the company," the statement read.

Earlier today, The Malaysian Insider reported that the employee, who had served MAS for 32 years, was notified of his termination in a letter that was sent to his home in the Klang Valley two weeks after the alleged incident.

National Union of Flight Attendants Malaysia (Nufam) president Ismail Nasaruddin said the letter was sent while he was still languishing in an overseas detention centre.

Ismail said that MAS gave the attendant 60 days to appeal against the termination on grounds of "misconduct", but added that he could not appeal as he had no idea he had been sacked.

The union had since referred the matter to the IRD to reinstate the 57-year-old employee.

The attendant was detained on August 7 after an Australian passenger Laura Bushney, 26, said he had sexually assaulted her twice during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Paris.

Bushney said the first incident occurred on the flight before it took off.

The second incident took place three-and-a-half hours later while the plane flew over the Bay of Bengal, India, in international airspace.

The passenger apparently expressed her nervousness about flying over the Indian Ocean following the disappearance of flight MH370 and the downing of flight MH17.

The passenger, it was reported, lodged a police report upon reaching the Charles de Gaulle airport on August 5.

Ismail said MAS had not provided any assistance to the family of the attendant, adding that the Malaysian embassy in Paris was the one helping him and the family cope.

He said that MAS wanted to wash its hands of the incident as it was struggling from the negative publicity generated following the MH370 and MH17 incidents.

On March 8, Flight MH370, carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew members, went off the radar over the South China Sea, an hour after takeoff from the KL International Airport at 12.41am. The aircraft was bound for Beijing, China.

Efforts to locate the aircraft are still ongoing in the southern Indian Ocean but there has been no trace of the jet yet.

Flight MH17 crashed in eastern Ukraine on July 17 en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur with 283 passengers and 15 crew members on board. The Boeing 777-200 aircraft is believed to have been shot down by a ground-to-air missile. – November 13, 2014.

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/mas-confirms-it-sacked-employee-for-alleged-sexual-assault#sthash.U5va8kK9.dpuf

Mind your own business, Isma tells Nurul Izzah

 

Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) has taken a swipe at PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar for questioning if the movement is funded by the government.

In a statement, Isma vice-president Abdul Rahman Mat Dali (right) told the Lembah Pantai MP "not to be nosy".

Instead, he said Nurul should concentrate on solving the issues plaguing PKR.

Abdul Rahman said ISMA members’ attitude and motivation are totally different from members of PKR.

"Isma members, consisting of various backgrounds including professionals and businessmen, are highly committed, sincere and ready to sacrifice for the sake of our race, religion and country.

"We are not like PKR, who have confusing and contradicting agendas.

"Therefore, instead of being nosy and questioning about Isma, why don't you focus on solving problems in PKR first," he added.

Abdul Rahman also called on Nurul to reveal PKR’s funding first before questioning others.

"I am confident that the people of Malaysia are all enquiring where PKR gets their money from.

"Since you are questioning Isma's funds, are you brave enough to allow Isma to question PKR’s funding on behalf of the nation?" he said.

Nurul (left), in Parliament, had questioned if the government was funding Isma and Perkasa through the Finance Ministry’s RM30 million allocation for NGOs in Budget 2015.

"The chairperson of Isma is currently being investigated under the Sedition Act.

"If the government decides to fund the organisation, including its forum that is also being attended by (former premier) Dr Mahathir Mohamad, it indicates that the government supports someone who is seditious about racial relations," she had said.

'Create constitutional court above civil, syariah'

 

Law expert Abdul Aziz Bari has proposed the formation of a constitutional court that will be above the civil and syariah courts to resolve any lingering disputes.

The Universiti Selangor (Unisel) academician suggested this in response to a call by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom for the formation of a Syariah Federal Court.

Aziz, a former law professor at the Universiti Islam Antarabangsa (UIA), said Jamil (right) may not be aware of the repercussions of his suggestion in asserting that both the civil federal and syariah federal courts will have equal powers.

The minister’s statement, he said, would have far-reaching implications not only on the courts but also on the country's constitutional system.

Aziz said the minister's proposal for both courts having equal powers had to be taken as a proposal from Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"Najib may now affirm or deny it. Curiously, the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has declined to comment over the matter," he said.

Later, the Malay Mail Online reported that Jakim director-general Othman Mustafa confirmed that the proposal for a five-tiered syariah court system has been on the table since 2011.

In that proposal, the highest religious court would be the Syariah Appeal Council or the Syariah Federal Court.

Needing a constitutional amendment

Aziz said the Federal Court is now effectively the constitutional court, as it rules on issues pertaining to the constitution.

He said a new constitutional court would be above all other courts, whether civil or syariah.

"The new constitutional court could be based on the German model that has been followed in some Asean countries, including Indonesia, Thailand and several Indo-China states.

"The move towards forming a constitutional court will not be easy, as it requires amendments to the federal constitution and Umno-BN simply don't have the majority," he said.

Any amendment to the federal constitution requires a two-third vote from Parliament. BN lost the majority in 2008 and again in last year's general election.

Berita Harian today reported Jamil as saying he was waiting on the decision by the various state Islamic councils for a five-tiered court system, like the civil courts, to strengthen the syariah judiciary.

At present, there are the Lower Syariah Court, Syariah High Court and the Syariah Court of Appeal in the various states.

Jamil said the two additional courts proposed are the Middle Syariah Court and the Syariah Appeal Council or the Syariah Federal Court, which would have similar powers with the Civil Federal Court.

The minister said the proposal was still under discussion and approval by the Rulers Council, which is getting an explanation over this proposal from the respective state Islamic councils.

Tourism players see red over non-halal food ban

The Tourism and Culture Ministry’s move to bar the serving of non-halal food at the Fabulous Food 1Malaysia (FF1M) 2014 has raised the ire of tourism players.

With this move, they suggested, the ministry should change the event name from 'Fabulous Food 1Malaysia' to 'Halal Food Festival' to portray the 'halal only' limitation.

Some also disagreed with the ministry's way in handling the controversy, suggesting that two separate venues can be used to serve the halal and non-halal food.

"Malaysia Truly Asia is no more. Now it is Malaysia Truly Halal," Malaysia Inbound Tourism Association (Mita) secretary-general Leong Hooi Min told Malaysiakini when contacted today.

Surprised by the decision, Leong criticised the ministry for backsliding, day by day, in promoting Malaysia to the world due to growing conservatism.

"Tourism should be an 'open-minded' industry. It should not be related to any worship or religious element.

"If you intentionally sell non-halal food outside the mosque, then it should definitely be banned. But if it is just a food festival, than it shouldn’t be so sensitive," she said.

Yesterday, the ministry said that it will no longer serve non-halal food, following a reprimand in the latest Auditor-General’s Report.

The auditor-general had ticked off the ministry for serving the pork dish bak kut teh at the Fabulous Food 1Malaysia (FF1M) at Jalan Alor in Kuala Lumpur and in Taman Johor Jaya, Johor, last year.

The auditor-general also reprimanded the ministry for serving international cuisine such as the Japanese sushi and Korean kim chi at the festival.

Ministry secretary-general Ong Hong Peng said the ministry will continue to promote cuisines from difference communities, but all the dishes must be halal.

Gov't contradicting itself

However, Leong said the ministry’s decision contradicted with its own objective of attracting more tourists to Malaysia in the wake of the MH17 and MH370 tragedies.

"Malaysians faced two serious air disasters this year alone and the number of tourist visits had decreased obviously, especially visits from China.

"Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had strongly urged the government to propose and plan more strategies to attract tourists, but now, with what has happened, it all seems contradictory," she said.

Leong said although Malaysia is a Muslim majority country, its brand is its multiculturalism.

Thus, promoting the food of all races should not pose any problems.

She added that food festivals have always been successful programmes in tourism as these always attracts many tourists.

Therefore, the 'halal only' restriction will hurt the tourism business and limit promotion avenues for the industry.

"I can understand if it is other ministries, but why would you want restrict a Ministry of Tourism programme? It is unacceptable.

"We will continue to promote non-halal food to tourists despite the ministry's decision,” Leong said.

Under pressure

Meanwhile, Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA) president Paul Paw said the ministry’s reaction showed it was clearly buckling under pressure.

Paw said that to avoid confusion, the term '1Malaysia' should be removed from the festival's name as it is clearly not reflective of all of Malaysia.

Instead, '1Malaysia' should be replaced with 'halal', he said.

"I urge them to change the name from 'Fabulous Food 1Malaysia' to 'Halal Food Festival' to avoid any confusion among tourists.

"We understand the Ministry of Tourism is under a lot of pressure, but we hope the title can be put clearly," Paw added.

SUARAM wants persecution of Zunar to cease

Police action against political cartoonist Zunar goes against the recent stand taken by the Court of Appeal on his work.

FMT

KUALA LUMPUR: Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM), an NGO, has called on the Home Ministry and the police to cease all harassment and investigation of political cartoonist Zunar, or Zulkifli Anwar Ulhaque, and his staff.

The NGO also wants the authorities to stop intimidating printers, publishers, vendors and bookstore owners partnering with the political cartoonist.

The NGO further called on the Home Ministry and police to return all books confiscated from Zunar and lift the ban on his works.

SUARAM pointed out that the police action against Zunar goes against the recent stand taken by the Court of Appeal on his work.

“The Court of Appeal took an unanimous stand and lifted a ban imposed by the Home Minister on two of Zunar’s cartoon books, Perak Darul Kartun and 1 Funny Malaysia, on grounds that they were not a threat to national security or prejudicial to public order,” said SUARAM Executive Director Yap Swee Seng in a statement.

Justice Mohamad Ariff, in his judgment, stated that the law should not be abused by the executive and that public odium cannot be so conveniently equated with public order, added Yap.

In 2011, Zunar was conferred, Courage in Editorial Cartooning Award, by Cartoonist Rights Network International, a cartoonists’ rights NGO based in Washington, USA.

In Oct 2014, one of Zunar’s books, Pirate of the Carry-BN, was accepted by the Library of Congress in Washington, USA.

Ex-CJ slammed for being ‘alarmist’

Zaid Ibrahim says judges should be level-headed even in retirement.

FMT

KUALA LUMPUR: Political commentator Zaid Ibrahim today criticised former chief justice Abdul Hamid Mohamad for “outright alarmism” in his reaction to the recent Court of Appeal decision on the rights of transgendered people.

“Judges ought to remain level-headed even in retirement and should not be influenced by extraneous factors, prejudices or their own wild imaginations,” the former law minister said in his latest blog entry.

A Bernama report yesterday quoted Abdul Hamid as saying he feared that the Appeal Court decision would result in the eventual invalidation of Islamic laws, including those that permit Muslim polygamy and outlaw adultery and sodomy.

Zaid accused Abdul Hamid of “dramatising” the possible effects of the decision.

“We would hasten to assure him that none of the civil court judges will approve same-sex marriage applications because it simply isn’t permitted under federal law. Likewise, sodomy is an offence and adultery is an offence for Muslims,” he said.

“In the case of Muslim offences generally, I am sure that civil court judges will not disturb shariah verdicts if there are sufficient witnesses to prove the offence in accordance with Islamic law.”

He said Abdul Hamid, as a former chief justice sworn to uphold the Federal Constitution, should have congratuled the Court of Appeal judges for interpreting the law according to the constitution.

“As a lawyer, Abdul Hamid surely knows that all state laws must conform to the Federal Constitution,” he said. “The areas of the law on which the state can legislate are described in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution.”

When dinosaurs roamed in Malaysia

The remains of the first herbivorous dinosaur in the form of a tooth fossil is found in the rural interiors of Pahang.

FMT

KUALA LUMPUR: Some 100 million years ago dinosaurs roamed in Malaysia. This was confirmed with the discovery of the remains of the first herbivorous dinosaur in Malaysia, in the form of a tooth fossil found in the rural interiors of Pahang.

The tooth, from the Herbivorous Ornithischian Dinosaur that lived during the early Jurassic and Cretacious periods, is named Sampel UM10580 and measures just 13mm long and 10.5mm wide. It is believed to be between 100 million and 110 million years old.

The University Malaya paleontology research team stumbled on the tooth recently, making it the second discovery of fossil remains of a dinosaur in Malaysia. In February this year, the fossils of fish-eating dinosaurs were discovered.

The latest dinosaur remains were identified by the paleontology research team led by Associate Professor Dr Masatoshi Sone from the UM Geology Department, in collaboration with reptile paleontology specialist Professor Ren Hirayama from Tokyo’s Waseda University and Associate Professor Toshifumi Komatsu from Kumamoto University.

Dr Sone said that with the discovery of the fosslised tooth, the team had successfully confirmed the presence of dinosaur remains in Pahang.

“The discovery of raw samples pertaining to the tooth was made in December last year, following field expeditions and searches for dinosaur deposits in Malaysia since September 2012,” he told a press briefing at the UM today.

“They walked on two legs or four legs, and did not possess body armour…it spent half its life in the river or lake and the other half on land,” Dr Sone said.

He added that the sample was too small to provide other details, including the sex of the prehistoric creature, although they were generally believed to be territorial animals.

We talked, he proposed, I said no

Penang CM Lim Guan Eng is stupefied by Home Minister Zahid Hamidi’s claims he agrees to PPS becoming a community policing unit.

FMT

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has expressed shock that Home Minister Zahid Hamidi had told the press he had consented to the Penang Voluntary Patrol Unit being revamped into a certified community policing unit.

While acknowledging that the two did meet to talk things over, Lim maintained that all he agreed to was for a working paper by the home ministry to be submitted to the state government so the matter could be discussed further.

”I did not say I agreed to the proposal. I only said to give us the working paper on it for the exco to consider,” Lim told reporters.

Zahid on the other hand was rather confident when he told reporters a somewhat different version of what transpired between the two.

According to Zahid, Lim had agreed to revamp the illegal PPS into a community policing unit, fully endorsed by the police.

He told reporters, “PPS will be replaced with a community policing (unit) similar to those in other states.”

He also stated his happiness at Lim’s willingness to find an amicable solution to the controversial PPS issue, adding, “I hope it can be implemented as soon as possible.”

Another issue of contention between Lim and Zahid involved the legal status of the PPS.

Saying the state government was adamant about challenging the home ministry’s decision to outlaw the PPS, Lim added, “The state’s stand on PPS has not changed.”

“He (Zahid) said the banning of PPS was initiated by the Attorney-General and I reiterated that we will challenge that in court to defend the 158 PPS members who were arrested.

Zahid’s ministry meanwhile is sticking to their guns in declaring the PPS an illegal organisation for not being registered with the Registrar of Societies as well as the issue that many of its members were involved in crime.

Talking to reporters outside Bukit Aman, Zahid said police have screened 9,000 PPS members and will announce soon enough the actual number of those involved in crime.

Negara-Ku starts roadshow to reclaim Malaysia from extremism

New people's movement Negara-Ku is set to carry out its "reclaim Malaysia" agenda nationwide with a roadshow beginning in Malacca tonight to return rationality, open and civil discussion, moderation and harmony to Malaysia.

"Kembalikan Negaraku" or "Return My Country" aims to take back Malaysia from racism and extremism, and provide a platform for safe debates, even on controversial issues such as the court's recent decision on Negri Sembilan's Islamic enactments on transgenders.

More than just focusing on issues themselves, the movement's founder and chairperson Zaid Kamaruddin said they wanted to promote a climate where Malaysians could discuss matters without getting emotional.

Their aim was to also put forward the fact that all differences could be discussed with the Federal Constitution as a reference.

Zaid also said the roadshow was not just about promoting the movement but to draw all other civil society groups that wanted to promote healthy relationships among communities. Years before Negara-Ku, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak launched his 1Malaysia concept when he took office in 2009 but the slogan has since petered out.

"We support all other efforts that promote the coming together of Malaysians, to be able to express what they want," he added.

Zaid said this was "absolutely necessary" because of continued extremist rhetoric over race, religion and social issues, which Negara-Ku felt it had to counter by advocating moderation, peace and harmony.

Using the recent court decision on the Negri Sembilan transgender case as an example, Zaid said that there was concern over the way people perceived the decision.

"When discussing an issue like this, we should look at what the constitution says and be able to take the differences in opinion in a civilised manner without getting overly emotional," he added.

The Court of Appeal had on November 7 declared unconstitutional a provision in the Negri Sembilan Islamic religious enactment which made it an offence for Muslim males to dress and behave as women.

The three appellants in the case are transgender women who have experience humiliating treatment and arrest several times for violating Section 66 of the state's Shariah Criminal Enactment.

Reactions to the court case have bordered on instigation to violence, the group Lawyers for Liberty had warned in a statement yesterday.

Some of these reactions included calling transgenders "a cancer" to society, as persons who had "challenged God's law", as well as calling for "jihad" to be waged against them. Some of those who made such statements included prominent and influential religious figures, groups and the Ulama Council of political party, PAS.

Negara-Ku's roadshow will cover seven states, and will kick off in Malacca tonight at the Heng Ann Association.

Speakers include PAS politician Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusuf Rawa, who is also the chair of Gerakan Anti-Perkauman; Al-Mustaqeem M. Radui, coordinator of Lingkaran Islam Tradisional; and also Zaid.

Mujahid has been a prominent figure in interfaith dialogues, participating in forums with speakers representing other religions, visiting churches and speaking up for other faiths.

After Malacca, the roadshow will make stops in Perak, Johor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Sabah and Kuala Lumpur.

Zaid also said that the roadshow was aimed at bringing back the essence of Malaysia as a country formed on equality, secularism, guaranteed fundamental rights and a prosperous state where everyone feels at home.

These attributes appear to be under threat these days, he said, adding that if nothing is done, Malaysians may no longer be able to recognise their country in time to come.

"If we keep idle while insensitive quarters continue propagating racism and intolerance amongst us, it is an indication that hate speech and extremism are acceptable.

"It is certainly not and that message must be clearly sent," Zaid said.

Next year, there are plans for the roadshow to head for east coast states.

Negara-Ku was launched four months ago, with the aim of bringing Malaysians from all backgrounds together to counter negative developments threatening the social fabric of the country.

Negara-Ku aims to bring Malaysians back to the country's basics in the Federal Constitution, Malaysia Agreement and the Rukunegara.

Endorsed by over 60 civil society groups, the movement's patrons are former Bersih co-chair and prominent lawyer Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, national laureate Datuk A.Samad Said and former vice-chairman of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) Tan Sri Simon Sipaun.

Ambiga had said that Negara-Ku was an initiative by concerned citizens unable to remain on the sidelines while leaders did nothing to stop certain quarters from destroying the nation’s harmony.

She had also previously said the movement sought to provide information and education for people to face challenges in Malaysian society.

This would be done through videos, social media and forums and talks “to get people to listen, to question and to think," she had said. – November 12, 2014.

Negri to appoint lawyers for appeal

The New Straits Times 

SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan government has decided to appoint its lawyers to appeal the Court of Appeals’ decision that a state syariah law forbidding Muslim men from wearing women’s clothes in public as unconstitutional.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said his counterparts in other Barisan Nasional-controlled states had agreed to assist.

He said the appointment of the lawyers was agreed during the state executive council meeting yesterday.

Mohamad said he had contacted leaders of other BN state governments to discuss the matter.

He said the state government would ask for a stay of execution on the Court of Appeals’ ruling once the appeal was filed in the Federal Court, to return power to the Negri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department to reinforce the law against cross-dressing in public by men.

“It is also important for us to file this appeal. Otherwise, this ruling will stay and it will lead to bigger problems.”

Last week, the Court of Appeals struck down the state syariah law in a unanimous decision delivered by a three-man bench chaired by Datuk Mohd Hishamudin Mohd Yunus.

975 prisoners on death row awaiting appeals

The New Straits Times

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 975 prisoners sentenced to death for various offences are awaiting appeals at the Court of Appeal, Federal Court and the respective state Pardons Board.

In a reply to Liew Chin Tong (DAP-Kluang), Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told the Dewan Rakyat that only two Malaysians and a foreigner have been sentenced to death in 2012 and 2013.

“In 2013, a total of 8,481 prisoners have been sentenced to caning, involving 2,483 Malaysians and 5,998 foreigners.

“It should be mentioned that caning has helped in reducing the number of repeat offenders, especially with drug offences. We also need to continue caning for foreigners due to their influx into Malaysia, as it is more effective than imposing fines on them,” Zahid said.

Zahid added that the Prisons Department was looking to upgrade its facilities, especially for the condemned prisoners.

On another question by Bung Mokhtar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) about the waiting period for prisoners on death row, Zahid said: “The appeal cases of the 975 prisoners depend on the courts, where their cases are being heard.

“Based on state Pardons Boards reviewing such cases, we have seen that some cases have had their death sentences changed to life imprisonment or 20-year sentences. But this depends on the appeal made by the prisoner, prisoner’s rehabilitation report or the Attorney-General’s report.

“So, our legal system is good in that it ensures such factors can be used to review such cases. At the end of the day, the prison system is not merely to punish but to rehabilitate the convicts.”

Zahid said the rate of recidivism has declined from 32 per cent to 7.6 per cent.

Everyone In Malaysia Should Support Government In Role As Asean Chairman - Najib

From Minggu Simon Lhasa

NAY PYI TAW, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak hopes that when Malaysia takes over the task as Asean chairman next year, it will be supported by and receive the cooperation of the Malaysian people.

"Otherwise, it will be very difficult for us to achieve whatever we want to do when Malaysia becomes the chairman," he told Malaysian journalists after the conclusion of the 25th Asean Summit, here Thursday.

The support of everyone, namely the government, private sector and corporate bodies, the media and individuals must be focused towards this which was considered as a national pride and mission, he said.

Malaysia received the honour to become the Asean chairman in the historic year, that is, when Asean would be declared as an economic community, he added.

"This is the responsibility for all of us as Malaysians, to achieve everything that we should do as Asean chairman," Najib said.

If the people in Asean were to appreciate the slogan 'People-Centred Asean', it must begin with the people of Malaysia themselves, he said.

In order to achieve the objective, there must be an effective communication plan and various programmes involving not only the Asean leaders but also certain groups such as the young entrepreneurs, parliamentarians and women.

He said the 25th Asean Summit went smoothly and was successful as a whole.