Tuesday, 22 January 2013
Bangladesh cleric sentenced to death for war crimes
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Bangladeshi attorney general Mahbubey Alam
speaks to reporters outside the court
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(BBC) A court in Bangladesh has sentenced a well-known Muslim cleric to death for crimes against humanity during the country's 1971 independence war.
Abul Kalam Azad's conviction is the first verdict handed down by the controversial tribunal.
The cleric, a presenter of Islamic programmes on television, shot dead six Hindus and raped Hindu women during the war, prosecutors said.
He is thought to be in Pakistan and was found guilty in absentia.
BBC Bengali editor Sabir Mustafa says the verdict is being seen as a triumph for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has made prosecuting war crimes a key goal of her government.
Critics of the tribunal, however, say the charges against Maulana Azad and others are politically motivated. The court is not endorsed by the United Nations.
Tribunal officials said Maulana Azad's family failed to co-operate with his court-appointed defence lawyer, and they did not provide any witnesses to testify on his behalf.
As a result, the case was concluded fairly quickly.
Mr Azad was a junior leader in the student wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami party in 1971 and a member of the Razakar Bahini, an auxiliary force set up to help the Pakistani army by rooting out local resistance.
The Razakars were notorious for their operations targeting Hindus as well as civilians suspected of being sympathetic towards Bengali nationalists.
The International Crimes Tribunal was set up by the Awami League-led government to try those Bangladeshis accused of collaborating with Pakistani forces who attempted to stop East Pakistan (as Bangladesh was then) from becoming an independent country.
Those charged include a number of senior Jamaat leaders and a former minister from the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
All of the people currently indicted by the tribunal deny the charges and opposition leaders accuse the government of carrying out a political vendetta.
Bangladesh government figures estimate more than three million people were killed during the independence war, although some researchers put the figure at between 300,000 and 500,000.
Americans killed in Algerian attack are identified
In the final assault Saturday, the remaining band of terrorists killed seven hostages before 11 of them were in turn cut down by the special forces.
Three Americans were among 37 workers killed in the siege of an Algerian gas plant in which Islamic terrorists used hostages as human shields after their attempted mass kidnapping for ransom went awry, U.S. and Algerian officials said Monday.
The State Department on Monday said Americans Victor Lynn Lovelady, Gordon Lee Rowan and Frederick Buttaccio died in the four-day standoff between a Muslim jihadist group and the Algerian military.
"As the president said, the blame for this tragedy rests with the terrorists who carried it out, and the United States condemns their actions in the strongest possible terms," spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said.
Nuland said seven U.S. citizens survived the attack. Buttaccio was identified as a Houston resident, and Lovelady hailed from Nederland, Texas, according to the Associated Press. A hometown for Rowan was not released.
Earlier Monday, Algeria's prime minister said the terror attack was orchestrated by a Canadian citizen and the attackers wore Algerian military uniforms and had cohorts working inside the plant.
"I cannot find words to adequately describe my feelings over this heinous and cowardly act," Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal said.
The dead hostages represented at least eight countries. Five foreign workers remained unaccounted for, Sellal said, saying they may have been killed, escaped or held in captivity by terrorists who got away.
He said 29 terrorists were killed during assaults by Algerian military forces to end the four-day standoff and "a few" may have escaped after having used hostages as shields from the Algerian military. Sellal said the terrorists came from Egypt, Canada, Mali, Niger, Mauritania and Tunisia, and that three were captured.
Algerian special forces stormed the plant on Saturday to end the siege, moving in to thwart what government officials said was a plot by the Islamist terrorists to blow up the complex and kill all their hostages with mines sown throughout the site.
On Sunday, Algerian bomb squads sent in to blow up or defuse the explosives found 25 bodies, said a security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.
"These bodies are difficult to identify. They could be the bodies of foreign hostages or Algerians or terrorists," the official said.
Special forces continue to secure the facility and look for more victims, said Algerian spokesman Mohamed Said.
The plant was a joint venture operated by British firm BP, Statoil of Norway and Sonatrach of Algeria. Hundreds of workers were employed at the plant, including many foreigners.
On Monday, Philippine Foreign Affairs officials said six Filipinos were among the hostages killed. Spokesman Raul Hernandez told reporters that 16 Filipinos have been accounted for and four others are still missing.
British Prime Minister David Cameron said Sunday that three Britons were killed and another three are believed dead, as is a British resident.
"Now, of course, people will ask questions about the Algerian response to these events, but I would just say that the responsibility for these deaths lies squarely with the terrorists who launched a vicious and cowardly attack," Cameron said.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said his country is awaiting word on five missing workers.
"We have to face the fact that Norwegian lives might have been lost," he said. "But we also have to feel relief that (eight) have been already saved."
In the final assault Saturday, the remaining band of terrorists killed seven hostages before 11 of them were in turn cut down by the special forces, Algeria's state news agency said. The military also said it confiscated heavy machine guns, rocket launchers, missiles and grenades attached to suicide belts.
The Algerian government defended its actions against the al-Qaeda-linked group who call themselves "Signers in Blood," headed by an Algerian jihadist named Mokhtar Belmokhtar who has conducted kidnappings for ransom in the past.
"The terrorists were determined to be successful in their operation; they had planned to blow up the gas complex and execute all the hostages," Said said, citing the "sophisticated arsenal" of weapons recovered.
The State Department issued a travel warning Saturday night for Americans in or traveling to Algeria, citing credible threats of the kidnapping of Western nationals. The department also authorized the departure from Algeria of staff members' families if they choose to leave.
The terrorists attacked the In Amenas gas plant early Wednesday after initially assaulting a bus with facility workers en route to the local airport. The terrorists, made up of at least six nationalities, then retreated to two different sections in the facility. Algerian special forces began an assault on the facility to free the hostages Thursday, in a move that took Western nations by surprise because they weren't consulted beforehand.
In a statement released to the ANI news agency in Mauritania, the Signers in Blood had said that the operation at the natural gas facility was planned some time ago and was chosen after an "intelligence survey."
The prime minister said the majority of the terrorists came into the country from Mali. They used cars with Libyan license plates, painted in the colors of state energy company Sonatrach, according to El Khabar, an Algerian newspaper.
Some of the terrorists were able to cross the border from Libya into Algeria because the Libyan border guards thought they were dealing with Libyan officials, sources in the Algerian security force told the Algerian news outlet Tout Sur l'Algéri.
According to Algerian officials, the terrorists' initial intention had been to intercept a bus heading to the local airport, and take those hostages to Mali for ransom. But after they were repelled by security officers near the bus, the hostage-takers split into two groups, one occupying the residential quarters of the plant while they took over the gas facility.
Those in the living quarters were quickly surrounded by Algerian special forces. They tried to rejoin their cohorts who were heading out in a convoy of cars with three to four foreign workers in each when helicopters attacked those vehicles, blowing some up and killing about a dozen hostages.
On Friday evening, the terrorists tried to detonate explosives planted in a gas pipe to blow the plant up but the military assisted by plant workers managed to limit the impact of those bombs, the prime minister said. If they had succeeded, the impact would have been felt more than three miles away, said Sellal.
On Saturday morning, Algerian intelligence heard the last statement by a leader of the group command the terrorists to kill all the remaining foreign hostages. That led the Algerian military to storm the facility, Sellal said.
The terror group said it would direct more attacks toward states taking part in the conflict in Mali.
Algeria has been fighting a war against militants for two decades and refuses to negotiate with terrorists. French President Francois Hollande gave his backing to Algeria's tough tactics, saying they were "the most adapted response to the crisis."
"There could be no negotiations" with terrorists, the French media quoted him as saying in the central French city of Tulle.
'Was Bawani planted at UUM forum?'
In an interview with the little-known Media Putrajaya, Sharifah Zohra Jabeen Syed Shah Miskin said she does not know whether Bawani was being “used”.
“I'm really not sure but it seems like she waited for her cue to come in, and then, provocational [sic]. The statement was provocative,” she said without elaborating.
A nine-minute video recording of the interview was uploaded to YouTube yesterday.
Sharifah
Zohra was explaining why she repeated the word 'listen' 11 times to
stop Bawani from speaking during the forum on Dec 8.Referring to herself as 'Kak Shah', Sharifah Zohra conceded that she had been ‘emotional’ when confronting Bawani.
“Even when we are reprimanding our children, maybe Kak Shah can choose a better way or other ways that suit them more ... but that time your emotion, your feeling, does not spare anybody. Everybody has emotion. Probably she is emotional too,” she said.
Sharifah Zohra claimed that Bawani had not followed the programme protocol, as the question-and-answer session had come to an end but she refused to stop talking.
[Her remarks are reproduced here, without editing.]
“Kak Shah gave her chances, not once but about 22 times. The chance to calm her down. That means when I was making my speech, she interrupted but yet, I went down to her because the programme has finished and we were doing lucky draw.
“I shook hands with her and gave her chance to speak. When she is speaking, she does not know when to stop. So when she does not know when to stop (and) time is running out, it is our programme, so she failed to see the protocol.
“During question-and-answer, she was not there. During end of the programme, she came up and asked (a question).”
Sharifah Zohra, who heads an NGO called Suara Wanita 1Malaysia (SW1M), then vehemently denied that she stopped Bawani from speaking.
“So when you repeatedly tell her to calm down, and then continue with eight times. I repeated 'listen', she couldn't stop, she continued with the shouting, she was not talking, she was shouting, she was demanding...
“So I continuously tell her 'let me speak', and there is no such thing as stopping her from talking. What I am trying to say is to get her to calm down. So that, to make her understand that there is always a way to send your message.”
‘I’m still smiling ...’
On the criticism that she compared university students with animals in her argument against Bawani, Sharifah clarified that it was merely an analogy to mean that every being created by God has its own problems.
“I'm
trying to say that, if you have a problem, there is always a way to
actually deal with it properly instead of just jumping, shouting. This
is not our way. This is just not our way especially coming from a
student.”Unperturbed by her critics, Sharifah pledged to continue SW1M's struggle to protect the rights of women and children.
“Truth will always prevail. In fact until now I'm still smiling ... I will always smile no matter what, and I will continue doing what I do, and nothing will break the spirit of Kak Shah and Kak Shah's team from continue to fight,” she added.
In another interview, Sharifah Zohra had claimed that the video showing her confrontation with Bawani during the forum has been “creatively spun” to gather support for an opposition party which she did not name.
As at 5pm today, the video had recorded 736,729 views.
'Recognise public outrage'
In a related development, MCA Youth education bureau chief Chong Sin Woon in a statement today said Sharifah Zohra's response clearly showed her failure to understand the public anger against her.
"It is plainly obvious that Sharifah Zohra still misses the point on why the public is put off by her manner and method of leveraging on 'right is might' to patronise and belittle Bawani before an audience of 2,300 undergraduates with rhetoric that lacked substance," Chong said.
"Sharifah's latest reaction will not in any way help the 1Malaysia cause and spirit. We urge Sharifah to reflect and recognise citizen outrage."
Chong also commended Bawani's magnanimity, maturity and generosity for having urged the public not to direct sexual innuendos at Sharifah Zohra.
"Our bureau also reiterates that there is no room for talking-down to students or any human being by any individual who assumes that having a degree mounts him on a higher pedestal than anyone who possesses SPM/O-level qualifications," he added.
"In fact, a person may have earned a PhD which gives one the right to prefix 'Dr' to one's name, but this does not qualify or justify the doctorate holder looking down and demeaning any individual who is illiterate, does not have formal education or is not academically inclined."
Call to burn Bible: Has PM forsaken the Christians?
Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo said Najib could no longer remain silent on Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali's call, which the DAP leader deems "criminal in nature".
He went on to call on Najib to prove his sincerity in telling Christian Malaysians last month that the government has "not forgotten" them.
"I
call upon Najib to use all the might at his command as prime minister
of Malaysia, as prime minister for all Malaysians, to speak up and
correct this most gravest of wrongs perpetuated against Christians and
all Malaysians."Silence on part of the prime minister in these circumstances will smash into bits the concept of 1Malaysia advanced by none other than he himself, and prove his critics correct in saying that such (a concept) was merely a hollow sham that was purely politically-motivated," Gobind said in a statement yesterday.
His sentiment was echoed by Movement for Change, Sarawak (MoCS), which said the Pasir Mas MP has been permitted to go administering his "religious poison", uttering offensive and inflammatory words against Christians and that this was the "last straw".
"How can any Malaysian, let alone government leaders with the right sense of mind, continue to tolerate the likes of Ibrahim Ali and his Perkasa group?" MoCs leader Francis Paul Siah said in a statement.
"We are very disappointed with the prime minister for doing nothing about it. At times, we wonder whether Najib is the prime minister of Sarawak and Sabah as well or only of Malaya," Siah said.
Better for Sarawak to leave
Siah is so outraged by Ibrahim's attacks on the Christians - majority of whom live in the Borneo states - that he suggested Sarawak would be better off being independent.
"The
list is too long to detail here but as it stands today, I cannot think
of one good reason why Sarawak should remain in Malaysia," Siah (right in photo) said."We, Sarawakians, want no part in this heated quarrel over the Allah issue. The people of Sabah and Sarawak have no religious or racial problems and we don't wish to be contaminated with ‘religious poison' from bigots and ‘dangerous' politicians like Ibrahim Ali from Malaya."
MCA central committee member Loh Seng Kok said Ibrahim's actions were unbecoming of an MP who is supposed to represent Malaysians of all races and religious beliefs, and was not reflective of BN's multiracial approach.
Ibrahim last Saturday urged Muslims to burn the Malay-language Bible for using ‘Allah' for ‘God', saying this was the "only way" to stop non-Muslims from stirring the sensitivities of Muslims in Malaysia.
Facing the truth on illegal immigrants
Whatever the findings of the RCI, we must realize that all these migrant streams – past and recent – have contributed to our country and deserve their place in the sun.
COMMENT
The main line of defence used by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in justifying the distribution of identity cards to foreigners and their registration as voters in Sabah has now emerged.
According to Mahathir, “One should also look back and remember that Tunku Abdul Rahman was worse than me, he gave one million citizenships to people who are not qualified and not even tested.”
“Why is it when he does it, it is not wrong, and when I do it, it’s wrong?” he asked.
He has since asked for a Royal Commission of Inquiry to look into the granting of citizenship during the pre-Merdeka period.
This suggestion appears to be borrowed from the pro-Umno author and blogger Syed Akbar Ali, who in a post critiquing the Royal Commission of Inquiry on illegal immigrants in Sabah, had argued that it would not be out of place to have a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate why one million immigrants who were mostly Chinese and Indians were given citizenship in Malaya in the 1950s.
According to him, “Let’s not argue about the fairness. Let’s have a RCI first on the issue – how and why one million Chinese and Indians [including my mamak gang of course] were given citizenship.”
Mahathir’s response has drawn widespread derision since his remarks have appeared in the Internet media.
His was not only a shallow attempt to divert attention away from his role in this unconstitutional operation by playing up to the chauvinistic feelings of the Malay audience. He also chose to malign a deceased prime minister in his attempt to get off the hook for masterminding the massive influx of illegal immigrants into Sabah.
There is no comparison between the widely-publicised citizenship deal for non-Malay residents who became citizens of the country based on the principle of “jus soli” (right of the soil) and the surreptitious citizenship-gifting racket that Mahathir and his gang ran.
One was open, transparent and agreed to by all the major political stakeholders in the country, including the Rulers. The other was underhand, opaque, known to only a small group of conspirators and objectionable to the citizens of Sabah and the country as a whole.
Pure idiocy
For anyone to suggest that this recent (and other similar) political gifting of citizenship is equivalent to that which was carefully negotiated to secure our independence is to scale new heights of political expediency, if not idiocy.
It is necessary amidst the scorn poured on Mahathir to note that he is correct in pointing out that the inflow of people from the southern Philippines into Sabah is not a recent phenomenon.
The free movement of people in that region is indeed part of a long historical trend. But this free movement was ended by the establishment of the two new nation states –Malaysia and the Philippines.
As a key figure in protecting our national interest – a responsibility which he swore to uphold when he accepted the position of prime minister – Mahathir should be the first to recognise the difference between the unrestricted movement of people during the pre-colonial and pre-Independence period and the illegal influx that he authorised.
The RCI hearing may yet bring out new discouraging disclosures on the way the former prime minister abused his power to ensure a decisive electoral advantage for the Barisan Nasional and how he sought to prolong his rule over the country by unfair means.
While we may not be able to do anything to revoke the illegal citizenship papers provided to non-Malaysians by the Mahathir regime, amidst all the gloom however, there is perhaps one positive development that we might console ourselves with.
This is that we are indeed a nation of migrants with the latest large scale influx of Indonesians, Filipinos and other non-Malaysia migrants – illegal or otherwise – adding to the diversity of the country.
The ‘other Malaysians’
Nearly 80 years ago, R Emerson, in his classic work, “Malaysia: A Study in Direct and Indirect Rule”, noted the large size of alien communities as “an admirable index of the extent to which the Malayan way of life has been superseded by the new economy” (Pustaka Ilmu edition, University of Malaya Press, 1964, p.195).
From his table (below) derived from the Census Report, 1931, we can see that “other Malaysians” comprised close to 10% of the population of the Unfederated Malay States (UMS) and Federated Malay States (FMS).
The census at that time had defined “other Malaysians” as covering “immigrant peoples from the Archipelago, ethnographically akin but politically alien to the Malays of the Peninsula, and “aboriginals ethnographically far removed from the Malays but more truly ‘people of the country’ than any other race – in fact the only autochthonous population”.
It is an irrefutable fact that a large proportion of the country’s now politically and statistically defined indigenous Malay population migrated to Malaya at the same time or perhaps even later than the immigrants from China and India.
The demographic record is that the Malay Peninsula was thinly populated by Orang Asli and native Malays for a long period of time. Beginning from the late 19th century onwards, economic development of the country accelerated with the establishment of British colonial rule.
This economic development was the catalyst for the large-scale arrival of Chinese, Indians, and migrants from other parts of the Malay Archipelago – notably Sumatra and Java.
Whatever the findings of the RCI, we must realise that all these migrant streams – past and recent – have contributed to our country and deserve their place in the sun.
Lim Teck Ghee is the director of the Centre for Policy Initiatives.
COMMENT
The main line of defence used by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in justifying the distribution of identity cards to foreigners and their registration as voters in Sabah has now emerged.According to Mahathir, “One should also look back and remember that Tunku Abdul Rahman was worse than me, he gave one million citizenships to people who are not qualified and not even tested.”
“Why is it when he does it, it is not wrong, and when I do it, it’s wrong?” he asked.
He has since asked for a Royal Commission of Inquiry to look into the granting of citizenship during the pre-Merdeka period.
This suggestion appears to be borrowed from the pro-Umno author and blogger Syed Akbar Ali, who in a post critiquing the Royal Commission of Inquiry on illegal immigrants in Sabah, had argued that it would not be out of place to have a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate why one million immigrants who were mostly Chinese and Indians were given citizenship in Malaya in the 1950s.
According to him, “Let’s not argue about the fairness. Let’s have a RCI first on the issue – how and why one million Chinese and Indians [including my mamak gang of course] were given citizenship.”
Mahathir’s response has drawn widespread derision since his remarks have appeared in the Internet media.
His was not only a shallow attempt to divert attention away from his role in this unconstitutional operation by playing up to the chauvinistic feelings of the Malay audience. He also chose to malign a deceased prime minister in his attempt to get off the hook for masterminding the massive influx of illegal immigrants into Sabah.
There is no comparison between the widely-publicised citizenship deal for non-Malay residents who became citizens of the country based on the principle of “jus soli” (right of the soil) and the surreptitious citizenship-gifting racket that Mahathir and his gang ran.
One was open, transparent and agreed to by all the major political stakeholders in the country, including the Rulers. The other was underhand, opaque, known to only a small group of conspirators and objectionable to the citizens of Sabah and the country as a whole.
Pure idiocy
For anyone to suggest that this recent (and other similar) political gifting of citizenship is equivalent to that which was carefully negotiated to secure our independence is to scale new heights of political expediency, if not idiocy.
It is necessary amidst the scorn poured on Mahathir to note that he is correct in pointing out that the inflow of people from the southern Philippines into Sabah is not a recent phenomenon.
The free movement of people in that region is indeed part of a long historical trend. But this free movement was ended by the establishment of the two new nation states –Malaysia and the Philippines.
As a key figure in protecting our national interest – a responsibility which he swore to uphold when he accepted the position of prime minister – Mahathir should be the first to recognise the difference between the unrestricted movement of people during the pre-colonial and pre-Independence period and the illegal influx that he authorised.
The RCI hearing may yet bring out new discouraging disclosures on the way the former prime minister abused his power to ensure a decisive electoral advantage for the Barisan Nasional and how he sought to prolong his rule over the country by unfair means.
While we may not be able to do anything to revoke the illegal citizenship papers provided to non-Malaysians by the Mahathir regime, amidst all the gloom however, there is perhaps one positive development that we might console ourselves with.
This is that we are indeed a nation of migrants with the latest large scale influx of Indonesians, Filipinos and other non-Malaysia migrants – illegal or otherwise – adding to the diversity of the country.
The ‘other Malaysians’
Nearly 80 years ago, R Emerson, in his classic work, “Malaysia: A Study in Direct and Indirect Rule”, noted the large size of alien communities as “an admirable index of the extent to which the Malayan way of life has been superseded by the new economy” (Pustaka Ilmu edition, University of Malaya Press, 1964, p.195).
From his table (below) derived from the Census Report, 1931, we can see that “other Malaysians” comprised close to 10% of the population of the Unfederated Malay States (UMS) and Federated Malay States (FMS).
The census at that time had defined “other Malaysians” as covering “immigrant peoples from the Archipelago, ethnographically akin but politically alien to the Malays of the Peninsula, and “aboriginals ethnographically far removed from the Malays but more truly ‘people of the country’ than any other race – in fact the only autochthonous population”.
It is an irrefutable fact that a large proportion of the country’s now politically and statistically defined indigenous Malay population migrated to Malaya at the same time or perhaps even later than the immigrants from China and India.
The demographic record is that the Malay Peninsula was thinly populated by Orang Asli and native Malays for a long period of time. Beginning from the late 19th century onwards, economic development of the country accelerated with the establishment of British colonial rule.
This economic development was the catalyst for the large-scale arrival of Chinese, Indians, and migrants from other parts of the Malay Archipelago – notably Sumatra and Java.
Whatever the findings of the RCI, we must realise that all these migrant streams – past and recent – have contributed to our country and deserve their place in the sun.
Lim Teck Ghee is the director of the Centre for Policy Initiatives.
Perkasa: Act first against those who insult Islam
The Malay rights NGO says it was merely upholding its mission of protecting the sanctity of Islam, which it claimed had been under attack for far too long.
PETALING JAYA: Authorities are welcome to take action against Perkasa, but they should first deal with the likes of Patrick Teoh and “Allah” Malay Bible distributors, the Malay rights NGO said today.
“Do take action on Perkasa, but first action must be taken against those who insult Islam,” Perkasa secretary-general Syed Hasan Syed Ali told FMT.
“Muslims are constantly patient and rely on the law to be carried out against those who insult Islam. But don’t put this issue on hold until the rakyat is forced to take the law into their own hands,” he warned.
He said this in the wake of the uproar sparked over Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali’s call for Muslims to burn Malay Bibles written in Jawi script which contain the word “Allah”.
Yesterday, MIC strategy director S Vell Paari had urged the government to take criminal action against Perkasa for fanning religious and communal tension.
Echoing his calls for action were the Herald editor Andrew Lawrence, who labelled Ibrahim as a “menace” to national security, and senior priest Thomas Philips, who said it was “sad and disgusting”.
But the Attorney-General’s Chambers had told FMT today that they would only act on Ibrahim if the Bibles were actually burnt.
‘Just a wake-up call’
Today, Syed Hasan stressed that Perkasa was merely upholding its mission of protecting the sanctity of Islam, which he claimed had been under attack for far too long.
“When it comes to Islam, Perkasa will not politicise the issue…when the Perkasa president [made that call], he just meant it as a wake-up call to all quarters because there have been too many statements and actions disparaging Islam for too long.”
He said that in the past, many quarters had questioned Islam’s position as the official religion as well as Islam’s privilege, “including attempts to turn Muslims into apostates in Damansara last year”.
“The latest is Patrick Teoh’s statement and the distribution of Malay Bibles written in Jawi script to Muslim school students in Penang. Perkasa wants this to stop immediately,” said Syed Hasan.
He was referring to actor and former radio deejay Teoh, who was criticised for using vulgar words against Islam and Muslims in his reaction on Facebook to the Kedah government’s announcement of dress and performance guidelines for a Chinese New Year function.
Teoh has since apologised multiple times for his post, and has been questioned by the Malaysian Multimedia and Communications Commission (MCMC) and the police over the matter.
Meanwhile, Malay daily Berita Harian reported that a police report had been lodged in Jelutong over the alleged distribution of English language Bibles containing Jawi script to Muslim schoolchildren there.
“Honestly, many Muslims who are not Perkasa members have contacted me over their fury regarding Teoh and the distribution of Malay Bibles to Muslim students,” said Syed Hasan.
“That was why Perkasa made that ‘wake-up’ call,” he stressed.
‘Once prohibited, always prohibited’
Last night, Syed Hasan had said Malay Bibles written in Jawi script that include the word “Allah” are not “real Bibles” and thus could be burned.
This was despite the fact that Bumiputera Christians from Sabah and Sarawak have been using Malay Bibles and the term “Allah” for generations.
Elaborating on this, Syed Hasan said today: “Since now it has been declared non-permissible [for non-Muslims to use Allah], then this applies to past and future usage as well.
“Islam is not a religion that rules something to be permissible in the past, but prohibited now. Or that something was prohibited in the past, but is now permissible.”
The National Ulama Council and the PAS Syura Council have both ruled that non-Muslims cannot translate the word God as “Allah” in their Bibles.
In comparing the Bible to the Quran, Syed Hasan said today that the contents of the Quran remained the same regardless where it was distributed.
“When the Quran is translated in another language, Allah remains as Allah. It cannot be changed based on the area. I did not know the Bible could change the name of its followers’ god based on the area,” he said.
“But when a book related to other religions in Malaysia uses the word Allah to refer to their god, it is something that cannot be permitted.”
PETALING JAYA: Authorities are welcome to take action against Perkasa, but they should first deal with the likes of Patrick Teoh and “Allah” Malay Bible distributors, the Malay rights NGO said today.“Do take action on Perkasa, but first action must be taken against those who insult Islam,” Perkasa secretary-general Syed Hasan Syed Ali told FMT.
“Muslims are constantly patient and rely on the law to be carried out against those who insult Islam. But don’t put this issue on hold until the rakyat is forced to take the law into their own hands,” he warned.
He said this in the wake of the uproar sparked over Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali’s call for Muslims to burn Malay Bibles written in Jawi script which contain the word “Allah”.
Yesterday, MIC strategy director S Vell Paari had urged the government to take criminal action against Perkasa for fanning religious and communal tension.
Echoing his calls for action were the Herald editor Andrew Lawrence, who labelled Ibrahim as a “menace” to national security, and senior priest Thomas Philips, who said it was “sad and disgusting”.
But the Attorney-General’s Chambers had told FMT today that they would only act on Ibrahim if the Bibles were actually burnt.
‘Just a wake-up call’
Today, Syed Hasan stressed that Perkasa was merely upholding its mission of protecting the sanctity of Islam, which he claimed had been under attack for far too long.
“When it comes to Islam, Perkasa will not politicise the issue…when the Perkasa president [made that call], he just meant it as a wake-up call to all quarters because there have been too many statements and actions disparaging Islam for too long.”
He said that in the past, many quarters had questioned Islam’s position as the official religion as well as Islam’s privilege, “including attempts to turn Muslims into apostates in Damansara last year”.
“The latest is Patrick Teoh’s statement and the distribution of Malay Bibles written in Jawi script to Muslim school students in Penang. Perkasa wants this to stop immediately,” said Syed Hasan.
He was referring to actor and former radio deejay Teoh, who was criticised for using vulgar words against Islam and Muslims in his reaction on Facebook to the Kedah government’s announcement of dress and performance guidelines for a Chinese New Year function.
Teoh has since apologised multiple times for his post, and has been questioned by the Malaysian Multimedia and Communications Commission (MCMC) and the police over the matter.
Meanwhile, Malay daily Berita Harian reported that a police report had been lodged in Jelutong over the alleged distribution of English language Bibles containing Jawi script to Muslim schoolchildren there.
“Honestly, many Muslims who are not Perkasa members have contacted me over their fury regarding Teoh and the distribution of Malay Bibles to Muslim students,” said Syed Hasan.
“That was why Perkasa made that ‘wake-up’ call,” he stressed.
‘Once prohibited, always prohibited’
Last night, Syed Hasan had said Malay Bibles written in Jawi script that include the word “Allah” are not “real Bibles” and thus could be burned.
This was despite the fact that Bumiputera Christians from Sabah and Sarawak have been using Malay Bibles and the term “Allah” for generations.
Elaborating on this, Syed Hasan said today: “Since now it has been declared non-permissible [for non-Muslims to use Allah], then this applies to past and future usage as well.
“Islam is not a religion that rules something to be permissible in the past, but prohibited now. Or that something was prohibited in the past, but is now permissible.”
The National Ulama Council and the PAS Syura Council have both ruled that non-Muslims cannot translate the word God as “Allah” in their Bibles.
In comparing the Bible to the Quran, Syed Hasan said today that the contents of the Quran remained the same regardless where it was distributed.
“When the Quran is translated in another language, Allah remains as Allah. It cannot be changed based on the area. I did not know the Bible could change the name of its followers’ god based on the area,” he said.
“But when a book related to other religions in Malaysia uses the word Allah to refer to their god, it is something that cannot be permitted.”
‘Ibrahim a menace to national security’
Father Lawrence Andrew of The Herald draws attention to fact that PM Najib has okayed the use of the al-Kitab among Christians.
PETALING JAYA: Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali is a menace to national security, said Father Lawrence Andrew, editor of weekly Catholic newspaper, The Herald.
“Action must be taken against Ibrahim for fanning religious discord,” said Father Lawrence.
The Herald which enjoys a circulation of about 14,000 copies nearly lost its publishing licence for using the word ‘Allah’ as a translation for ‘God’ in its Malay language Bibles.
On Saturday, at Perkasa a convention in Penang, Ibrahim caused a stir when he urged Muslims to burn the al-Kitab (Malay-language Bibles) containing the word ‘Allah’.
His statement drew condemnation from various quarters, with civil rights lawyer Syahredzan Johan calling for Ibrahim to be investigated under the Penal Code and the Sedition Act.
Father Lawrence said that Article 11 of the Federal Constitution guarantees the freedom of worship to all Malaysians and how they managed their respective religious affairs.
“And the use of the al-Kitab (Bible) is protected under the Constitution.What Ibrahim said goes against the highest law of the land,” he said.
Ibrahim is not above the Cabinet
Father Andrew added that even Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, via a letter in 2011, had okayed Christians to use the al-Kitab, after a meeting with the Cabinet.
“Najib is clear about it. Ibrahim is not higher than the Cabinet,” said Father Andrew.
Mar Thoma-Syrian Church of Malaysia’s senior priest Thomas Phillips said that it was sad and disgusting for someone to call for the burning of another’s religious scripture.
“If you’re not happy with something, hold dialogues instead of creating fear and animosity,” said Phillips.
He urged the authorities to look into the matter as his comments does not bode well for the government’s image.
“But Malaysians are fair minded people and I believe that good sense will prevail,” said Phillips.
Whether he would lodge a police report on the matter, Phillips said: “We learn to forgive people. Some say things out of ignorance. We’ll tell our members to be patient.”
PETALING JAYA: Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali is a menace to national security, said Father Lawrence Andrew, editor of weekly Catholic newspaper, The Herald.“Action must be taken against Ibrahim for fanning religious discord,” said Father Lawrence.
The Herald which enjoys a circulation of about 14,000 copies nearly lost its publishing licence for using the word ‘Allah’ as a translation for ‘God’ in its Malay language Bibles.
On Saturday, at Perkasa a convention in Penang, Ibrahim caused a stir when he urged Muslims to burn the al-Kitab (Malay-language Bibles) containing the word ‘Allah’.
His statement drew condemnation from various quarters, with civil rights lawyer Syahredzan Johan calling for Ibrahim to be investigated under the Penal Code and the Sedition Act.
Father Lawrence said that Article 11 of the Federal Constitution guarantees the freedom of worship to all Malaysians and how they managed their respective religious affairs.
“And the use of the al-Kitab (Bible) is protected under the Constitution.What Ibrahim said goes against the highest law of the land,” he said.
Ibrahim is not above the Cabinet
Father Andrew added that even Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, via a letter in 2011, had okayed Christians to use the al-Kitab, after a meeting with the Cabinet.
“Najib is clear about it. Ibrahim is not higher than the Cabinet,” said Father Andrew.
Mar Thoma-Syrian Church of Malaysia’s senior priest Thomas Phillips said that it was sad and disgusting for someone to call for the burning of another’s religious scripture.
“If you’re not happy with something, hold dialogues instead of creating fear and animosity,” said Phillips.
He urged the authorities to look into the matter as his comments does not bode well for the government’s image.
“But Malaysians are fair minded people and I believe that good sense will prevail,” said Phillips.
Whether he would lodge a police report on the matter, Phillips said: “We learn to forgive people. Some say things out of ignorance. We’ll tell our members to be patient.”
A-G ‘not concerned’ by Perkasa’s call
A-G's Chambers will only act on Perkasa chief's call to burn the Bibles if the deed is carried out.
PETALING JAYA: The Attorney-General’s (A-G) Chambers will only act on Perkasa president, Ibrahim Ali’s controversial call to burn copies of the Malay Bibles if the books are actually burnt.
Responding to Ibrahim’s call on Saturday for Muslims to seize and burn copies of Bibles containing the term “Allah” or other Arabic religious words, Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail said: “I will look at it if the act is done…”
Gani, who seemed unperturbed by the widespread reactions following Ibrahim’s inciting call, told FMT that he was “not concerned” by the statement and would only probe the case if reports are lodged.
“I am not concerned with such statements. I will look at it [the issue] if the act [of burning] is done and if there is an investigation, ” he said.
He added that in such a scenario, his “advice to the government will be a separate matter” and one which he would “take seriously”.
Crossing the line
Meanwhile, several prominent lawyers today called for action to be taken against Ibrahim, who they agreed was “inciting intolerance” and “religious hatred” among Malaysians.
Lawyer and human rights advocate Siti Kasim believes firm action should be taken against Ibrahim for disrespecting non-Muslims with his “insensitive remarks”.
“If no action is taken [against Ibrahim], it would seem like we are allowing such comments to be made against other people and other religions,” she told FMT.
“[Ibrahim] has crossed the line in making such comments. It is unacceptable and I am thinking about making a police report with my colleagues,” she added, explaining that the authorities can only act upon the issue once a police report is made.
She praised the Christians and non-Muslims for keeping calm over the “uncalled-for” speech, and described Ibrahim as “somebody who is just trying to grab the limelight”.
Umno lawyer Hafarizam Harun said both Ibrahim and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng should be investigated and if there is a prima facie case, they be charged with inciting “religious disharmony, hatred, disunity and discomfort”.
“That way we maintain the principle of ‘upholding the rule of law without fear or favour’,” he said alluding to Lim’s Christmas message calling for Christians to be allowed to use the “Allah” term, which rekindled the controversy.
The controversy first appeared early last year when an uproar broke out against the usage of Allah’s name in Malay Bibles, predominantly used by the native Christians in Sabah and Sarawak.
Pakatan Rakyat has maintained the stand that everyone is allowed to use Allah’s name even though PAS’ Syura Council recently decided against this.
Early this month, the Selangor’s Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah decreed that non-Muslims are not allowed to use the term “Allah”.
PETALING JAYA: The Attorney-General’s (A-G) Chambers will only act on Perkasa president, Ibrahim Ali’s controversial call to burn copies of the Malay Bibles if the books are actually burnt.Responding to Ibrahim’s call on Saturday for Muslims to seize and burn copies of Bibles containing the term “Allah” or other Arabic religious words, Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail said: “I will look at it if the act is done…”
Gani, who seemed unperturbed by the widespread reactions following Ibrahim’s inciting call, told FMT that he was “not concerned” by the statement and would only probe the case if reports are lodged.
“I am not concerned with such statements. I will look at it [the issue] if the act [of burning] is done and if there is an investigation, ” he said.
He added that in such a scenario, his “advice to the government will be a separate matter” and one which he would “take seriously”.
Crossing the line
Meanwhile, several prominent lawyers today called for action to be taken against Ibrahim, who they agreed was “inciting intolerance” and “religious hatred” among Malaysians.
Lawyer and human rights advocate Siti Kasim believes firm action should be taken against Ibrahim for disrespecting non-Muslims with his “insensitive remarks”.
“If no action is taken [against Ibrahim], it would seem like we are allowing such comments to be made against other people and other religions,” she told FMT.
“[Ibrahim] has crossed the line in making such comments. It is unacceptable and I am thinking about making a police report with my colleagues,” she added, explaining that the authorities can only act upon the issue once a police report is made.
She praised the Christians and non-Muslims for keeping calm over the “uncalled-for” speech, and described Ibrahim as “somebody who is just trying to grab the limelight”.
Umno lawyer Hafarizam Harun said both Ibrahim and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng should be investigated and if there is a prima facie case, they be charged with inciting “religious disharmony, hatred, disunity and discomfort”.
“That way we maintain the principle of ‘upholding the rule of law without fear or favour’,” he said alluding to Lim’s Christmas message calling for Christians to be allowed to use the “Allah” term, which rekindled the controversy.
The controversy first appeared early last year when an uproar broke out against the usage of Allah’s name in Malay Bibles, predominantly used by the native Christians in Sabah and Sarawak.
Pakatan Rakyat has maintained the stand that everyone is allowed to use Allah’s name even though PAS’ Syura Council recently decided against this.
Early this month, the Selangor’s Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah decreed that non-Muslims are not allowed to use the term “Allah”.
From listen, listen to sorry, sorry
Controversial SW1M head Sharifah Zohra issues a fresh apology via video to the Malaysian public and university students, but not to student KS Bawani.
VIDEO INSIDE
PETALING JAYA: She created the listen, listen, listen phenomenon but now its sorry, sorry.
Suara Wanita 1Malaysia (SWIM) president Sharifah Zohra Jabeen Syed Syah Miskin has apologised to all Malaysians and university students over the “listen, listen, listen” video that had gone viral.
“Listen, listen and listen, I hereby apologise to the people of Malaysia on the phenomenon listen which was intentionally caused by irresponsible entity.
“This apology goes same to all students in Malaysia,” said Sharifah in a 7:20 minute video that was posted last night.
While the apology was extended to all Malaysians and students, Sharifah did not specifically apologise to Bawani, the student she had a tiff with recently.
Sharifah and University Utara Malaysia law student KS Bawani have been in the public limelight after a video clip of Sharifah berating Bawani on the issue of free education went viral on Facebook.
Following that, many groups have come forward demanding Sharifah’s apology. However yesterday, Sharifah in a statement said she forgives Bawani. In the statement, she also stated most of what she said in the video.
In an immediate reaction, Bawani in turn said she did not remember asking Sharifah for forgiveness and that the real issue was free education for all Malaysians.
VIDEO INSIDE
PETALING JAYA: She created the listen, listen, listen phenomenon but now its sorry, sorry.Suara Wanita 1Malaysia (SWIM) president Sharifah Zohra Jabeen Syed Syah Miskin has apologised to all Malaysians and university students over the “listen, listen, listen” video that had gone viral.
“Listen, listen and listen, I hereby apologise to the people of Malaysia on the phenomenon listen which was intentionally caused by irresponsible entity.
“This apology goes same to all students in Malaysia,” said Sharifah in a 7:20 minute video that was posted last night.
While the apology was extended to all Malaysians and students, Sharifah did not specifically apologise to Bawani, the student she had a tiff with recently.
Sharifah and University Utara Malaysia law student KS Bawani have been in the public limelight after a video clip of Sharifah berating Bawani on the issue of free education went viral on Facebook.
Following that, many groups have come forward demanding Sharifah’s apology. However yesterday, Sharifah in a statement said she forgives Bawani. In the statement, she also stated most of what she said in the video.
In an immediate reaction, Bawani in turn said she did not remember asking Sharifah for forgiveness and that the real issue was free education for all Malaysians.
Retract your statement, MCA tells Ibrahim
MCA central committee member Loh Seng Kok says that the Perkasa chief's provocative statement has no place in a multi-religious Malaysia.
PETALING JAYA: Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali must retract his recent calls for Muslims to burn Malay Bibles with the word “Allah” in them.
In a statement today, MCA central committee member Loh Seng Kok also said that as an elected MP, Ibrahim should strive to work for the betterment of all Malaysians, irrespective of their religious beliefs.
“He has pushed things too far. Ibrahim’s attitude is unbecoming and disappointing,” said Loh.
On Satuday, the Pasir Mas MP urged Muslims to burn Malay Bibles, known as the al-Kitab.
He claimed certain quarters were trying to provoke the Muslims by using Arabic words in the Christian holy scriptures.
His statement drew brickbats from various quarters, with civil rights lawyer Syahredzan Johan urging the police to investigate Ibrahim under the Penal Code and the Sedition Act.
Loh said that although the Barisan Nasional government respects freedom of speech, an individual must remember that Malaysia is a multi-religious country.
“And we must practise tolerance and respect for each other, in the spirit of the 1Malaysia concept,” he said.
Loh added that Ibrahim’s statement was not only dangerous, but was also inflammatory and seditious in nature.
“Not only did he disrespect the Christian’s holy book, Ibrahim’s calls to burn the al-Kitab also tantamount to vandalism,” he said.
PETALING JAYA: Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali must retract his recent calls for Muslims to burn Malay Bibles with the word “Allah” in them.In a statement today, MCA central committee member Loh Seng Kok also said that as an elected MP, Ibrahim should strive to work for the betterment of all Malaysians, irrespective of their religious beliefs.
“He has pushed things too far. Ibrahim’s attitude is unbecoming and disappointing,” said Loh.
On Satuday, the Pasir Mas MP urged Muslims to burn Malay Bibles, known as the al-Kitab.
He claimed certain quarters were trying to provoke the Muslims by using Arabic words in the Christian holy scriptures.
His statement drew brickbats from various quarters, with civil rights lawyer Syahredzan Johan urging the police to investigate Ibrahim under the Penal Code and the Sedition Act.
Loh said that although the Barisan Nasional government respects freedom of speech, an individual must remember that Malaysia is a multi-religious country.
“And we must practise tolerance and respect for each other, in the spirit of the 1Malaysia concept,” he said.
Loh added that Ibrahim’s statement was not only dangerous, but was also inflammatory and seditious in nature.
“Not only did he disrespect the Christian’s holy book, Ibrahim’s calls to burn the al-Kitab also tantamount to vandalism,” he said.
MIC completes candidates list
Party sources reveal that the list only has two new faces as opposed to Palanivel's earlier statement that the party will have 60% new candidates.
KUALA LUMPUR: MIC, the largest Indian based political party in the country, has handed the list of its general election candidates to Prime Minister and BN chief Najib Tun Razak.
With the 13th general election weeks away, sources revealed that MIC president G Palanivel has handed the list of MIC candidates for the nine parliamentary and 19 state seats allocated for the party under the Barisan Nasional’s seat sharing policy.
However, sources said Palanivel had tweaked the list, contradicting his earlier statement that 60% of MIC candidates would be fresh faces.
“For the parliament seat, you can only see two new faces. Also, both the Youth and Wanita wings will not be allocated parliamentary seats,” said the source.
Traditionally, both the Youth and Wanita wings are given a parliamentary seat respectively to contest.
The party’s nine parliamentary seats are Tapah, Sungai Siput (both in Perak), Cameron Highlands (Pahang), Teluk Kemang (Negeri Sembilan), Kota Raja, Kapar, Subang, Hulu Selangor (Selangor) and Segamat (Johor).
MIC had a dismal run at the 2008 general election winning only three out of the nine parliamentary seats it contested. Even the then party supremo S Samy Vellu was knocked out at the Sungai Siput parliamentary constituency.
Palanivel, too, lost the Hulu Selangor parliamentary constituency with a slim 198 vote majority but the party regained the seat in a April 2010 by-election through MIC central working committee member P Kamalanathan.
BN’s reason for dropping Palanivel then was because it wanted a “winnable candidate” for the by-election.
Palani in Cameron Highlands
According to the list of candidates submitted to the prime minister, sources claimed, Palanivel would be contesting the Cameron Highlands parliamentary seat. The seat is currently held by MIC vice-president SK Devamany.
Devamany, meanwhile, is slated to contest in Sungai Siput.
MIC deputy president S Subramaniam (Segamat, Johor), vice-president M Saravanan (Tapah, Perak) and Kamalanathan (Hulu Selangor) will be defending their respective parliamentary constituencies.
MIC secretary-general S Murugesan, who lost the tussle for the Subang parliamentary seat in 2008, is slotted to contest the Teluk Kemang parliamentary constituency in Negeri Sembilan.
“This is despite former Teluk Kemang MP S Sothinathan working very hard on the ground. The top leadership has decided to parachute-in Murugesan for Teluk Kemang,” a party insider said.
A surprise inclusion in the party list of parliamentary candidates is former youth chief SA Vickneswaran, who is will be fighting for the Kota Raja seat in Selangor.
Vickneswaran lost the Kota Raja seat at the last election by 20,000 vote majority to a PAS candidate.
However party sources revealed that Vickneswaran was reluctant to contest the seat.
“There might be some last minute changes in Kota Raja. A new candidate can come in but the seat itself is a tough one,” said the MIC insider.
Internal sabotage
Among the “reserves” put up by Palanivel in his list of MIC parliamentary candidates are Puchong division chief S Sakthivel and Prakash Rao, the Shah Alam division committee member.
“There is no place for Wanita and Youth leaders in the parliamentary candidates list. With all this, we are certain that Palanivel will suffer internal sabotage once he introduces the candidates.
“He had promised seats to many people, now they will definitely retaliate,” said the source.
KUALA LUMPUR: MIC, the largest Indian based political party in the country, has handed the list of its general election candidates to Prime Minister and BN chief Najib Tun Razak.With the 13th general election weeks away, sources revealed that MIC president G Palanivel has handed the list of MIC candidates for the nine parliamentary and 19 state seats allocated for the party under the Barisan Nasional’s seat sharing policy.
However, sources said Palanivel had tweaked the list, contradicting his earlier statement that 60% of MIC candidates would be fresh faces.
“For the parliament seat, you can only see two new faces. Also, both the Youth and Wanita wings will not be allocated parliamentary seats,” said the source.
Traditionally, both the Youth and Wanita wings are given a parliamentary seat respectively to contest.
The party’s nine parliamentary seats are Tapah, Sungai Siput (both in Perak), Cameron Highlands (Pahang), Teluk Kemang (Negeri Sembilan), Kota Raja, Kapar, Subang, Hulu Selangor (Selangor) and Segamat (Johor).
MIC had a dismal run at the 2008 general election winning only three out of the nine parliamentary seats it contested. Even the then party supremo S Samy Vellu was knocked out at the Sungai Siput parliamentary constituency.
Palanivel, too, lost the Hulu Selangor parliamentary constituency with a slim 198 vote majority but the party regained the seat in a April 2010 by-election through MIC central working committee member P Kamalanathan.
BN’s reason for dropping Palanivel then was because it wanted a “winnable candidate” for the by-election.
Palani in Cameron Highlands
According to the list of candidates submitted to the prime minister, sources claimed, Palanivel would be contesting the Cameron Highlands parliamentary seat. The seat is currently held by MIC vice-president SK Devamany.
Devamany, meanwhile, is slated to contest in Sungai Siput.
MIC deputy president S Subramaniam (Segamat, Johor), vice-president M Saravanan (Tapah, Perak) and Kamalanathan (Hulu Selangor) will be defending their respective parliamentary constituencies.
MIC secretary-general S Murugesan, who lost the tussle for the Subang parliamentary seat in 2008, is slotted to contest the Teluk Kemang parliamentary constituency in Negeri Sembilan.
“This is despite former Teluk Kemang MP S Sothinathan working very hard on the ground. The top leadership has decided to parachute-in Murugesan for Teluk Kemang,” a party insider said.
A surprise inclusion in the party list of parliamentary candidates is former youth chief SA Vickneswaran, who is will be fighting for the Kota Raja seat in Selangor.
Vickneswaran lost the Kota Raja seat at the last election by 20,000 vote majority to a PAS candidate.
However party sources revealed that Vickneswaran was reluctant to contest the seat.
“There might be some last minute changes in Kota Raja. A new candidate can come in but the seat itself is a tough one,” said the MIC insider.
Internal sabotage
Among the “reserves” put up by Palanivel in his list of MIC parliamentary candidates are Puchong division chief S Sakthivel and Prakash Rao, the Shah Alam division committee member.
“There is no place for Wanita and Youth leaders in the parliamentary candidates list. With all this, we are certain that Palanivel will suffer internal sabotage once he introduces the candidates.
“He had promised seats to many people, now they will definitely retaliate,” said the source.
Twist in temple saga
A Selangor exco member claims that the Public Complaints Bureau instructed the municipal council to issue a summons to a Hindu temple.
PETALING JAYA: Selangor executive councillor Dr Xavier Jayakumar today claimed that the Public Complaints Bureau gave the nod to the Kajang Municipal Council to issue summons and compounds to the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Bangi Lama, Selangor, for excessive noise during prayer sessions.
“The bureau which is under the Prime Minister’s Department was the one which instructed the municipal council to go ahead with the summons. People should stop making unilateral decisions,” he told FMT when contacted.
He said this while commenting on the temple which was issued summons and compounds by the council’s enforcement officers last week for failing to adhere to the council’s advice for the temple to tone down the noise level during prayer sessions, including noise from the bell before prayers are conducted, and amplifiers used to play devotional songs.
The MIC Youth along with the temple management and patrons held a peaceful demonstration following the issuance of the summons and subsequently, the Kajang Municipal Council rescinded the summons and compounds.
Jayakumar said even the Kajang Municipal Council president was unaware that such a summons was issued to the temple.
Meanwhile, Puchong member of parliament and DAP central committee member Gobind Singh Deo said the Selangor government must punish the officer or officers responsible for issuing the summons against the temple to reduce the noise levels and cease religious activities after 6pm.
“This order is simply outrageous. It is clearly against the spirit of Pakatan Rakyat and an attempt to again put Pakatan in a bad light. It is common for temples to conduct prayers between 6pm and 9pm during which time there will also be ringing of bells. This is a fact. It is well known to us and we respect this.
“And there are clear guidelines in place by the state government expressly requiring all officers of local councils to refer any issue or complaints relating to religious affairs to the councils’ full board before any action can be taken,” he said in a statement.
He said despite this, certain officers proceeded to openly defy the order.
“I am of the view that this attitude among officers deliberately ignoring state directives will continue if nothing is done to deter them. The state government must show that it is serious in cases like these and take action against the officers concerned in order to send a correct and strong message to others who dare defy orders, that they too will be dealt with severely.
“If no action is taken, then that will reflect weakness on the part of the state which will then have to take full responsibility for acts of defiance by their officers against their own orders in future. I call upon the menteri besar to ensure that action be taken against officers who defy orders so as to show that the state is serious in making sure that this doesn’t occur again in future and that it is serious in implementing its policies and directives,” added Gobind.
PETALING JAYA: Selangor executive councillor Dr Xavier Jayakumar today claimed that the Public Complaints Bureau gave the nod to the Kajang Municipal Council to issue summons and compounds to the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Bangi Lama, Selangor, for excessive noise during prayer sessions.“The bureau which is under the Prime Minister’s Department was the one which instructed the municipal council to go ahead with the summons. People should stop making unilateral decisions,” he told FMT when contacted.
He said this while commenting on the temple which was issued summons and compounds by the council’s enforcement officers last week for failing to adhere to the council’s advice for the temple to tone down the noise level during prayer sessions, including noise from the bell before prayers are conducted, and amplifiers used to play devotional songs.
The MIC Youth along with the temple management and patrons held a peaceful demonstration following the issuance of the summons and subsequently, the Kajang Municipal Council rescinded the summons and compounds.
Jayakumar said even the Kajang Municipal Council president was unaware that such a summons was issued to the temple.
Meanwhile, Puchong member of parliament and DAP central committee member Gobind Singh Deo said the Selangor government must punish the officer or officers responsible for issuing the summons against the temple to reduce the noise levels and cease religious activities after 6pm.
“This order is simply outrageous. It is clearly against the spirit of Pakatan Rakyat and an attempt to again put Pakatan in a bad light. It is common for temples to conduct prayers between 6pm and 9pm during which time there will also be ringing of bells. This is a fact. It is well known to us and we respect this.
“And there are clear guidelines in place by the state government expressly requiring all officers of local councils to refer any issue or complaints relating to religious affairs to the councils’ full board before any action can be taken,” he said in a statement.
He said despite this, certain officers proceeded to openly defy the order.
“I am of the view that this attitude among officers deliberately ignoring state directives will continue if nothing is done to deter them. The state government must show that it is serious in cases like these and take action against the officers concerned in order to send a correct and strong message to others who dare defy orders, that they too will be dealt with severely.
“If no action is taken, then that will reflect weakness on the part of the state which will then have to take full responsibility for acts of defiance by their officers against their own orders in future. I call upon the menteri besar to ensure that action be taken against officers who defy orders so as to show that the state is serious in making sure that this doesn’t occur again in future and that it is serious in implementing its policies and directives,” added Gobind.
Sharifah Zohra to skip forum
SW1M says the alleged confirmation of her attendance came from a fake email address.
UPDATED
PETALING JAYA: Suara Wanita 1Malaysia (SW1M) president Sharifah Zohra Jabeen Syed Shah Miskin will be absent from a forum that would have pit her against KS Bawani, her antagonist in the infamous “Listen, listen, listen” video.
Nevertheless, the forum is still on, according to the organisers.
SW1M spokesperson Ema Lee Abu Samah disputed a Harakah Daily report that said Sharifah Zohra had agreed to attend the forum, to be held tomorrow at 8pm at the Kuala Lumpur-Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.
“She is not attending,” said Ema Lee, adding that Sharifah Zohra’s alleged acceptance letter shown in the Harakah Daily report was a fake.
She speculated that someone had created a fake email address to confirm Sharifah’s attendance and then informed the press.
Sharifah and Bawani, a law student at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), have been hogging the limelight after the controversial video went viral on the Internet.
In the video, entitled “Forum Suara Mahasiswa Part 4”, Sharifah, whom netizens now call “Kak Listen”, appears unable to counter Bawani’s argument for free education and went ballistic against the student.
Tomorrow’s forum, entitled “Academic Freedom and Fundamental Rights”, is organised by Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM), Kumpulan Aktivis Mahasiswa Independen, Independent Students Front and other student groups.
The speakers will include constitutional law expert Aziz Bari and International Islamic University lecturer Maszlee Malik.
SAMM spokesman Wan Farel Azli Wan Harun told FMT that he had invited Sharifah Zohra by email and personally sent an invitation letter on Friday night.
Commenting on Ema Lee’s latest statement, he said SW1M was becoming ridiculous.
“SW1M chopped their acceptance stamp on my invitation,” he said. “Now they are talking nonsense. We’ll assume that Sharifah is attending the forum since she has not sent us a rejection letter.”
Responding to Wan Faril’s comment, Ema Lee said the invititation to Sharifah Zohra specified that she was to speak in favour of government policies.
“Sharifah Zohra is not the right person to debate on government policy,” she said. “If you truly want to debate, invite the minister.”
She added that Sharifah Zohra would speak only on issues of interest to her, such as women rights, and only if the invitation was also extended to all other SW1M members
Ema Lee accused the forum organisers of flouting the law by using Sharifah’s photograph and name in their publicity poster without her permission.
UPDATED
PETALING JAYA: Suara Wanita 1Malaysia (SW1M) president Sharifah Zohra Jabeen Syed Shah Miskin will be absent from a forum that would have pit her against KS Bawani, her antagonist in the infamous “Listen, listen, listen” video.Nevertheless, the forum is still on, according to the organisers.
SW1M spokesperson Ema Lee Abu Samah disputed a Harakah Daily report that said Sharifah Zohra had agreed to attend the forum, to be held tomorrow at 8pm at the Kuala Lumpur-Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.
“She is not attending,” said Ema Lee, adding that Sharifah Zohra’s alleged acceptance letter shown in the Harakah Daily report was a fake.
She speculated that someone had created a fake email address to confirm Sharifah’s attendance and then informed the press.
Sharifah and Bawani, a law student at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), have been hogging the limelight after the controversial video went viral on the Internet.
In the video, entitled “Forum Suara Mahasiswa Part 4”, Sharifah, whom netizens now call “Kak Listen”, appears unable to counter Bawani’s argument for free education and went ballistic against the student.
Tomorrow’s forum, entitled “Academic Freedom and Fundamental Rights”, is organised by Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM), Kumpulan Aktivis Mahasiswa Independen, Independent Students Front and other student groups.
The speakers will include constitutional law expert Aziz Bari and International Islamic University lecturer Maszlee Malik.
SAMM spokesman Wan Farel Azli Wan Harun told FMT that he had invited Sharifah Zohra by email and personally sent an invitation letter on Friday night.
Commenting on Ema Lee’s latest statement, he said SW1M was becoming ridiculous.
“SW1M chopped their acceptance stamp on my invitation,” he said. “Now they are talking nonsense. We’ll assume that Sharifah is attending the forum since she has not sent us a rejection letter.”
Responding to Wan Faril’s comment, Ema Lee said the invititation to Sharifah Zohra specified that she was to speak in favour of government policies.
“Sharifah Zohra is not the right person to debate on government policy,” she said. “If you truly want to debate, invite the minister.”
She added that Sharifah Zohra would speak only on issues of interest to her, such as women rights, and only if the invitation was also extended to all other SW1M members
Ema Lee accused the forum organisers of flouting the law by using Sharifah’s photograph and name in their publicity poster without her permission.
Citizenship scam: RCI for Semenanjung too
The nation cannot go to the polls following evidence of phantom voters and a tainted electoral roll.
COMMENT
By Charles Santiago
Carl Wendell, a black poet, said: “It is easier to build monuments than to make a better world”. And Malaysia’s former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad proved him right.
The country has one of the tallest buildings in Asia and yes we can use various other adjectives to boast about our monuments.
But as the ongoing Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) has proven, Mahathir is the chief engineer of the mess that Sabah faces now. The inquiry commission, mooted to look into Sabah’s population explosion, has exposed how undocumented immigrants were used as vote bank for the ruling coalition to stay in power.
It heard that over 80,000 of them from the Philippines were issued Malaysian identity cards and another 36,000 are on the waiting list. And some 200,000 citizenships were given to Sabah immigrants during Mahathir’s premiership in the 1990s in return for votes.
And this figure could very well be a conservative estimate.
Sabah’s population grew from under one million in 1980 to more than three million today. Foreigners make up 28% of that number, a larger proportion than the biggest indigenous group in the state on Borneo Island.
The revelations at the RCI are shocking. But it also raises questions about the electoral roll for the entire country and not just Sabah. Since the 2008 polls, the opposition-held Selangor’s electoral roll has shot up by 22% compared to a national average of 16.3%.
Some 31,294 voters in the country have been transferred out of their last parliamentary and state constituencies without their consent. There are 1,000 voters aged more than 100 and in many instances more than 100 people share the same address.
In the Klang parliamentary constituency about 2,000 names have been transferred out of the constituency and another 3,000 names have gone missing from the electoral roll. And about 500 voters residing in a particular Taman have been moved to a neighbouring constituency.
These facts and figures concretely show that the electoral roll that would be used by the Election Commission at the next general election is riddled with irregularities. And the polls are around the corner.
Whether or not Najib is ready, Parliament will automatically dissolve on April 27 and the prime minister will be forced to face the voters within two months from that date.
And it’s an open secret that the next general election would be the most closely fought in the country’s history, if not the dirtiest. And therefore every vote counts.
Therefore the nation cannot go to the polls following evidence of phantom voters and a tainted electoral roll.
RCI for Peninsula too
As such I support the call by Bersih chairperson S Ambiga to moot another RCI to look into the allegations of citizenship for votes in the Peninsula as well.
And I am going to take a step further and invite Mahathir to support the call for a RCI for the country.
We all know he is hugely irritated and feeling the heat as the prime mover behind the citizenship for vote strategy.
But hopefully his angst will settle and he could behave like a statesman for once. It’s also about time he stops his nonsensical ramblings about the pre-independence migrants who were given citizenships.
I am aware of Mahathir’s mischief and his moronic ways of slamming the Chinese and Indian immigrants who play a big role in the development of the nation. And we are also too familiar with his devious tactics of further dividing the nation along racial lines.
Maybe this time around he is also upset that another blow to his image would act as an obstacle to push his son, Mukhriz Mahathir, further up the political ladder, inching him towards the premiership one day.
Whatever it is, as a last chance to make amends and clear up the mess he created, Mahathir should let go of stupid demands and lobby for a RCI for the Peninsula.
Or he should stop spewing venom and retire quietly.
Charles Santiago is DAP’s MP for Klang.
COMMENT
By Charles SantiagoCarl Wendell, a black poet, said: “It is easier to build monuments than to make a better world”. And Malaysia’s former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad proved him right.
The country has one of the tallest buildings in Asia and yes we can use various other adjectives to boast about our monuments.
But as the ongoing Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) has proven, Mahathir is the chief engineer of the mess that Sabah faces now. The inquiry commission, mooted to look into Sabah’s population explosion, has exposed how undocumented immigrants were used as vote bank for the ruling coalition to stay in power.
It heard that over 80,000 of them from the Philippines were issued Malaysian identity cards and another 36,000 are on the waiting list. And some 200,000 citizenships were given to Sabah immigrants during Mahathir’s premiership in the 1990s in return for votes.
And this figure could very well be a conservative estimate.
Sabah’s population grew from under one million in 1980 to more than three million today. Foreigners make up 28% of that number, a larger proportion than the biggest indigenous group in the state on Borneo Island.
The revelations at the RCI are shocking. But it also raises questions about the electoral roll for the entire country and not just Sabah. Since the 2008 polls, the opposition-held Selangor’s electoral roll has shot up by 22% compared to a national average of 16.3%.
Some 31,294 voters in the country have been transferred out of their last parliamentary and state constituencies without their consent. There are 1,000 voters aged more than 100 and in many instances more than 100 people share the same address.
In the Klang parliamentary constituency about 2,000 names have been transferred out of the constituency and another 3,000 names have gone missing from the electoral roll. And about 500 voters residing in a particular Taman have been moved to a neighbouring constituency.
These facts and figures concretely show that the electoral roll that would be used by the Election Commission at the next general election is riddled with irregularities. And the polls are around the corner.
Whether or not Najib is ready, Parliament will automatically dissolve on April 27 and the prime minister will be forced to face the voters within two months from that date.
And it’s an open secret that the next general election would be the most closely fought in the country’s history, if not the dirtiest. And therefore every vote counts.
Therefore the nation cannot go to the polls following evidence of phantom voters and a tainted electoral roll.
RCI for Peninsula too
As such I support the call by Bersih chairperson S Ambiga to moot another RCI to look into the allegations of citizenship for votes in the Peninsula as well.
And I am going to take a step further and invite Mahathir to support the call for a RCI for the country.
We all know he is hugely irritated and feeling the heat as the prime mover behind the citizenship for vote strategy.
But hopefully his angst will settle and he could behave like a statesman for once. It’s also about time he stops his nonsensical ramblings about the pre-independence migrants who were given citizenships.
I am aware of Mahathir’s mischief and his moronic ways of slamming the Chinese and Indian immigrants who play a big role in the development of the nation. And we are also too familiar with his devious tactics of further dividing the nation along racial lines.
Maybe this time around he is also upset that another blow to his image would act as an obstacle to push his son, Mukhriz Mahathir, further up the political ladder, inching him towards the premiership one day.
Whatever it is, as a last chance to make amends and clear up the mess he created, Mahathir should let go of stupid demands and lobby for a RCI for the Peninsula.
Or he should stop spewing venom and retire quietly.
Charles Santiago is DAP’s MP for Klang.
Mute MIC/MCA response to Dr Mahathir's citizenship scam belies more
By S.Ramakrishnan,
The recent admission by Tun Dr Mahathir that he granted citizenship for votes in Sabah 19 years ago is legal and then accusing the late Tunku Abdul Rahman of a worse crime is subversive and treachery. It is very typical of Tun Dr Mahathir to drag others or point fingers at others whenever he is caught for his mischievous racially tainted acts and statements. All and sundry have disparaged his remarks, the MCA and MIC have had only a mute response.
Usually MIC and MCA leaders will be the first to point fingers at DAP and PKR whenever a local council enforcement officer issues unwarranted summons to temples, shrines or anything non Muslim. But when Mahathir said that Tunku gave citizenship to Chinese and Indians illegally and immorally, they had nothing to sat. What Mahathir said is much more serious and rocks the so called social contract that is often quoted by UMNO and Mahathir himself. Could the MIC/MCA be on in this scam 19 years ago?
Tunku was implementing the terms and conditions of the independence treaty and they were also sanctioned by the conference of rulers. Without this provision of citizenship to Indians and Chinese in Malaysia who sacrificed and worked hard for the development of this country the British would have never gave independence. The Chinese and Indian leaders then also agreed to the special privileges to Malays. But Mahathir gave blue IC to illegal immigrants from Indonesia and Philippines to topple and overthrow a legally elected government of Sabah people. Tunku’s motive was noble and nation building but Mahathir’s was evil, wicket and sowed the seed to divide and ruin the nation.
It is such a serious matter that needs speaking up but both MIC and MCA have never rebutted or called for action on what Mahathir said. They should call UMNO to distance themselves from Mahathir. Datuk Seri Najib should say his and UMNO’s position on Mahathir’s statement. Nobody in UMNO/MCA/MIC dare call for action on Mahathir. Had Tunku did not grant citizenship to non Malays then, Mahathir’s father too wouldn’t have got his citizenship. Mahathir’s father came from Kerala India.
AG’s chamber has charged DAP Chairman Mr Karpal Singh for sedition during the Perak crisis where he allegedly made statements challenging the authority of the sultan of Perak in dissolving the Perak state assembly by saying that His majesty can be sued for it. But Mahathir’s accusation of Tunku and his nefarious action with his G17 group in Sabah is indeed treachery, seditious and crime of highest order. But AG’s chamber or Police could not see the crime and illegally for the past 19 years. Both MIC and MCA has no guts and courage to call for criminal proceedings on Mahathir.
It is the silence of MIC and MCA that allowed UMNO to short change and marginalize the non Malays in all government policies and programs. The parochial and racially slanted summonses of local councils are the effects of BTN and UMNO high handedness. Mahathir’s racial policies have emboldened local councils to act the way they do. So why go after small fries and let go culprits like Mahathir for their blatant racial statements and actions.
In fact what happened in Sabah 19 years is happening in Selangor now. It may take years to uncover the truth of what really happened in Selangor if there is no change in government at federal level. If MIC/MCA has any self respect and dignity they either change, which is very late and therefore not possible, should make way for others to correct all these years of neglect and alienation. MIC/MCA should stop manipulating people to serve their self interest.
Bad government is elected by people who don’t vote. Malaysians of all races must come in full force and vote for a change to overcome the BN’s money and machinery abuse. GE 13 is an opportunity not to be missed. It’s now or never
The recent admission by Tun Dr Mahathir that he granted citizenship for votes in Sabah 19 years ago is legal and then accusing the late Tunku Abdul Rahman of a worse crime is subversive and treachery. It is very typical of Tun Dr Mahathir to drag others or point fingers at others whenever he is caught for his mischievous racially tainted acts and statements. All and sundry have disparaged his remarks, the MCA and MIC have had only a mute response.
Usually MIC and MCA leaders will be the first to point fingers at DAP and PKR whenever a local council enforcement officer issues unwarranted summons to temples, shrines or anything non Muslim. But when Mahathir said that Tunku gave citizenship to Chinese and Indians illegally and immorally, they had nothing to sat. What Mahathir said is much more serious and rocks the so called social contract that is often quoted by UMNO and Mahathir himself. Could the MIC/MCA be on in this scam 19 years ago?
Tunku was implementing the terms and conditions of the independence treaty and they were also sanctioned by the conference of rulers. Without this provision of citizenship to Indians and Chinese in Malaysia who sacrificed and worked hard for the development of this country the British would have never gave independence. The Chinese and Indian leaders then also agreed to the special privileges to Malays. But Mahathir gave blue IC to illegal immigrants from Indonesia and Philippines to topple and overthrow a legally elected government of Sabah people. Tunku’s motive was noble and nation building but Mahathir’s was evil, wicket and sowed the seed to divide and ruin the nation.
It is such a serious matter that needs speaking up but both MIC and MCA have never rebutted or called for action on what Mahathir said. They should call UMNO to distance themselves from Mahathir. Datuk Seri Najib should say his and UMNO’s position on Mahathir’s statement. Nobody in UMNO/MCA/MIC dare call for action on Mahathir. Had Tunku did not grant citizenship to non Malays then, Mahathir’s father too wouldn’t have got his citizenship. Mahathir’s father came from Kerala India.
AG’s chamber has charged DAP Chairman Mr Karpal Singh for sedition during the Perak crisis where he allegedly made statements challenging the authority of the sultan of Perak in dissolving the Perak state assembly by saying that His majesty can be sued for it. But Mahathir’s accusation of Tunku and his nefarious action with his G17 group in Sabah is indeed treachery, seditious and crime of highest order. But AG’s chamber or Police could not see the crime and illegally for the past 19 years. Both MIC and MCA has no guts and courage to call for criminal proceedings on Mahathir.
It is the silence of MIC and MCA that allowed UMNO to short change and marginalize the non Malays in all government policies and programs. The parochial and racially slanted summonses of local councils are the effects of BTN and UMNO high handedness. Mahathir’s racial policies have emboldened local councils to act the way they do. So why go after small fries and let go culprits like Mahathir for their blatant racial statements and actions.
In fact what happened in Sabah 19 years is happening in Selangor now. It may take years to uncover the truth of what really happened in Selangor if there is no change in government at federal level. If MIC/MCA has any self respect and dignity they either change, which is very late and therefore not possible, should make way for others to correct all these years of neglect and alienation. MIC/MCA should stop manipulating people to serve their self interest.
Bad government is elected by people who don’t vote. Malaysians of all races must come in full force and vote for a change to overcome the BN’s money and machinery abuse. GE 13 is an opportunity not to be missed. It’s now or never
‘Better for Sarawak to pull out too’
Following in the steps of Sabah STAR, a Sarawak NGO also openly states that the state would be better off being independent.
KUCHING: The Movement for Change, Sarawak (MoCS) said that the ongoing religious debate in Peninsular Malaysia which took on a dangerous turn of late has caused great concern among Sarawakians.
“We, Sarawakians, want no part in this heated quarrel over the Allah issue. The people of Sabah and Sarawak have no religious or racial problems and we don’t wish to be contaminated with ‘religious poison’ from bigots and ‘dangerous’ politicians like Ibrahim Ali from Malaya,” MoCS leader Francis Paul Siah said in a statement here today.
MoCS has always maintained that Sarawakians are a different breed and “our racial and religious harmony is genuine, unique and not hypocritical”.
“On these two fronts, the people of West Malaysia could take a cue from us. But would they?” Siah asked.
He said that the government had allowed Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali to go “scot free” for uttering offensive and inflammatory words against Christians.
Last Saturday, the Perkasa leader has called on Muslims to burn the Malay version of the Bible.
“How can any Malaysian, let alone government leaders, with the right sense of mind continue to tolerate the likes of Ibrahim and his Perkasa group?
“We are very disappointed with the prime minister for doing nothing about it. At times, we wonder whether Najib is the prime minister of the whole nation which includes Sarawak and Sabah or only of Malaya,” Siah said.
There are many other reasons why Sarawak would be better off by pulling out of Malaysia.
“The list is too long to detail here but as it stands today, I cannot think of one good reason why Sarawak should remain in Malaysia,” Siah said.
The MoCS leader said he also supported the suggestion from Sabah STAR deputy chairman Daniel Jambun that Sabah should leave the federation.
Jambun, in a statement today, said he was appalled by the weakness of the prime minister who is not even willing to flex his muscle to arrest, charge and punish Ibrahim for for fanning racial and religious hatred in the country.
“The prime minister’s silence is good reasons for Sabah to secede from the federation because past assurances for us have been reneged and violated, and that we have long felt that we are no longer defended by our own laws, by our own leaders, even by some of our kings,” he said.
KUCHING: The Movement for Change, Sarawak (MoCS) said that the ongoing religious debate in Peninsular Malaysia which took on a dangerous turn of late has caused great concern among Sarawakians.“We, Sarawakians, want no part in this heated quarrel over the Allah issue. The people of Sabah and Sarawak have no religious or racial problems and we don’t wish to be contaminated with ‘religious poison’ from bigots and ‘dangerous’ politicians like Ibrahim Ali from Malaya,” MoCS leader Francis Paul Siah said in a statement here today.
MoCS has always maintained that Sarawakians are a different breed and “our racial and religious harmony is genuine, unique and not hypocritical”.
“On these two fronts, the people of West Malaysia could take a cue from us. But would they?” Siah asked.
He said that the government had allowed Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali to go “scot free” for uttering offensive and inflammatory words against Christians.
Last Saturday, the Perkasa leader has called on Muslims to burn the Malay version of the Bible.
“How can any Malaysian, let alone government leaders, with the right sense of mind continue to tolerate the likes of Ibrahim and his Perkasa group?
“We are very disappointed with the prime minister for doing nothing about it. At times, we wonder whether Najib is the prime minister of the whole nation which includes Sarawak and Sabah or only of Malaya,” Siah said.
There are many other reasons why Sarawak would be better off by pulling out of Malaysia.
“The list is too long to detail here but as it stands today, I cannot think of one good reason why Sarawak should remain in Malaysia,” Siah said.
The MoCS leader said he also supported the suggestion from Sabah STAR deputy chairman Daniel Jambun that Sabah should leave the federation.
Jambun, in a statement today, said he was appalled by the weakness of the prime minister who is not even willing to flex his muscle to arrest, charge and punish Ibrahim for for fanning racial and religious hatred in the country.
“The prime minister’s silence is good reasons for Sabah to secede from the federation because past assurances for us have been reneged and violated, and that we have long felt that we are no longer defended by our own laws, by our own leaders, even by some of our kings,” he said.
Anwar wins suit against Utusan, court rules articles ‘distorted’
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 21 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim won his defamation lawsuit today against Utusan Malaysia after the High Court here ruled that the newspaper had “distorted” the opposition leader’s words to suggest he backed the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) movement.Justice Datuk VT Singham also said the Umno-owned daily did not practise responsible journalism, in addition to disregarding a golden opportunity to correct itself after Anwar (picture) had sent a legal notice asking for clarification.
“The articles ... are rather a distorted and incorrect version and obviously taken out of context,” Singham said in his judgment.
“The articles have a purpose of its own ...to give rise to a defamatory imputation that the plaintiff is condoning LGBT activities to be legalised which is not true under the circumstances.
“This court is of the considered view that both the articles are capable of defamatory meaning and it is defamatory of the plaintiff.”
The judge said it was “crystal clear” that Anwar did not say that LGBT activities should be legalised in his BBC interview, and the Utusan articles had suggested that Anwar was unfit to hold public office and be the opposition leader.
Anwar was represented by lawyers N. Surendran and Latheefa Koya, while Utusan was represented by Datuk Firoz Hussein Ahmad Jamaluddin.
The legal cost was set at RM45,000, but damages will be decided on a later date.
“This was a long reasoned judgment supported by extensive legal authorities. It’s a very thorough judgment,” Surendran told reporters outside the courtroom.
The lawyer claimed that today’s judgment is a “devastating indictment” of Utusan Malaysia, and by implication its owner Umno.
“This proves that there is evil continuous slander by Utusan,” Anwar told reporters later, saying that he was also mulling a legal suit against former PAS member Datuk Hasan Ali, whose remark was used to bolster Utusan’s articles.
Anwar had in January last year filed the defamation suit seeking RM50 million in damages and an injunction to stop Utusan and its editor-in-chief from repeating statements accusing him of being a gay rights proponent.
At a hearing on July 18, Anwar had told the court that it was “public knowledge” that Utusan Malaysia was Umno-owned and that it took orders from the party’s president.
He also agreed then that homosexuals should be discriminated against to protect the sanctity of marriage, but pointed out that archaic laws should be reviewed to prevent innocent people from being punished.
Earlier last year, Anwar was acquitted of a charge of sodomising former male aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, with the High Court ruling that the prosecution had not done enough to prove the opposition leader had committed sodomy against Saiful.
Just days after Anwar was exonerated, Utusan Malaysia front-paged a story titled “Anwar ulas isu gay” (Anwar discusses gay rights), claiming the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) de facto leader had told a BBC interview that laws on homosexuality in Malaysia were considered “archaic” and “not relevant”.
80-Day Countdown to 13GE – Reject politics of lies and falsehoods of UMNO/BN
Congrats to Anwar for today winning his defamation lawsuit against Utusan Malaysia, the newspaper in Malaysia which is making world history in piling up the most number of lost defamation suits against Pakatan Rakyat personalities.
Lies and falsehoods against Pakatan Rakyat have become the staple diet of Utusan Malaysia, the mouthpiece of UMNO, to the extent that Utusan Malaysia is more a “Lies-Paper” rather than a “News-Paper”.
But Utusan Malaysia is not the only “Lies-Paper” in Malaysia although it is the worst example of the stable of UMNO/Barisan Nasional mainstream media (MSM).
With the daily approach of the 13th general elections, UMNO/Barisan Nasional leaders and their propaganda mouthpieces, whether mainstream media or rogue cybertroopers, will be working overtime to pump out lies and falsehoods.
Let all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion, territory, age or gender, unite in the forthcoming 13GE to reject the politics of lies, falsehoods and abuses of UMNO/BN.
It is sad that not only the living, but even the dead, have also become casualties of such politics of lies and falsehoods.
One of the most disgusting and disgraceful examples of such politics of lies and falsehood was provided by former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir last week, when he claimed that what he did in Project IC or Project M in the “citizenship-for-votes” scam in Sabah was “lawful” and that Bapa Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman “had done worse by giving citizenship to one million unqualified people in peninsula Malaysia” before Merdeka.
Adding insult to injury, Mahathir even asked: “Why is it when he does it, it is not wrong, and when I do it, it’s wrong.”
I feel sad not only for Tunku, but also for all the UMNO/Alliance leaders of the Merdeka era, as Mahathir had not only smeared the memory and good name of Bapa Malaysia but also all his comrade-in-arms in the Merdeka struggle, including Tun Razak, Tun Ismail, Tun Tan Cheng Lock and Tun Sambanthan.
I feel sadder – not only at the defamation of Tunku, Razak, Ismail, Tan Cheng Lock and Sambanthan by Mahathir, but that after four days, there has not been a single voice from the UMNO/Barisan Nasional government and leadership to defend their memory and good name.
Let us put an end to the politics of lies and falsehoods in the 13GE.
Lies and falsehoods against Pakatan Rakyat have become the staple diet of Utusan Malaysia, the mouthpiece of UMNO, to the extent that Utusan Malaysia is more a “Lies-Paper” rather than a “News-Paper”.
But Utusan Malaysia is not the only “Lies-Paper” in Malaysia although it is the worst example of the stable of UMNO/Barisan Nasional mainstream media (MSM).
With the daily approach of the 13th general elections, UMNO/Barisan Nasional leaders and their propaganda mouthpieces, whether mainstream media or rogue cybertroopers, will be working overtime to pump out lies and falsehoods.
Let all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion, territory, age or gender, unite in the forthcoming 13GE to reject the politics of lies, falsehoods and abuses of UMNO/BN.
It is sad that not only the living, but even the dead, have also become casualties of such politics of lies and falsehoods.
One of the most disgusting and disgraceful examples of such politics of lies and falsehood was provided by former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir last week, when he claimed that what he did in Project IC or Project M in the “citizenship-for-votes” scam in Sabah was “lawful” and that Bapa Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman “had done worse by giving citizenship to one million unqualified people in peninsula Malaysia” before Merdeka.
Adding insult to injury, Mahathir even asked: “Why is it when he does it, it is not wrong, and when I do it, it’s wrong.”
I feel sad not only for Tunku, but also for all the UMNO/Alliance leaders of the Merdeka era, as Mahathir had not only smeared the memory and good name of Bapa Malaysia but also all his comrade-in-arms in the Merdeka struggle, including Tun Razak, Tun Ismail, Tun Tan Cheng Lock and Tun Sambanthan.
I feel sadder – not only at the defamation of Tunku, Razak, Ismail, Tan Cheng Lock and Sambanthan by Mahathir, but that after four days, there has not been a single voice from the UMNO/Barisan Nasional government and leadership to defend their memory and good name.
Let us put an end to the politics of lies and falsehoods in the 13GE.
‘Probe claim on judges fast’
The Star
by SHAILA KOSHY
by SHAILA KOSHY
KUALA
LUMPUR: Both the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and Chief
Justice Tun Arifin Zakaria must quickly investigate any allegation of
corruption against sitting judges, said a former Attorney-General.
“An
allegation of corruption against a sitting judge, if serious,
undermines the institution of the judiciary,” said Tan Sri Abu Talib
Othman.
“They
must act quickly – clear the sitting judge or take action against him
or her. There’s no point if the Bar Council lodges a complaint about two
High Court judges to the MACC and nothing happens.
“The
Chief Justice must be proactive,” said Abu Talib, adding that Article
125 of the Federal Constitution empowered the CJ to take action.
He
was commenting on the council’s recent complaints to the MACC of graft
in the legal system and Arifin’s strongly worded speeches during the
opening of the Legal Year on Jan 12 against corruption in the judiciary.
“The
alleged breach may be a criminal offence or a misconduct and the CJ may
ask the MACC to investigate or he may institute disciplinary
proceedings himself,” added Abu Talib.
He
said that besides providing for the removal of a judge via a tribunal,
Article 125 also allowed for the CJ to bring the judge before a Judicial
Ethics Commitee under the Judges’ Code of Ethics and impose sanctions
for a lesser breach.
The
CJ, added Abu Talib, must keep tabs on the MACC investigation so he
would know whether the breach was a corrupt act or a misconduct.
“He
must act expeditiously because he cannot allow a person who is corrupt
or guilty of misconduct to sit in judgment over others.”
On
Sept 9, 2009, The Star reported then Chief Justice Tun Zaki Azmi as
saying he had asked two senior judges to leave because they were
“grossly inefficient”.
Zaki
said he had taken this action because setting up a tribunal to remove
judges would be costly and time consuming and that the two judges had
agreed to leave.
Visit Malaysia Year 2014 Being Promoted At ATF
From Jamaluddin Muhammad
VIENTIANE, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- Fresh from the launching of Visit Malaysia Year 2014 in Kuala Lumpur two days ago, the Malaysian Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen took the opportunity to promote the campaign at the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF), here.
She told the Asean Tourism Ministers' Meeting about the campaign which coincide with Malaysia hosting next year's ATF in Kuching in January.
"It will be a very good exposure for Malaysia as all tourism ministers from Asean, China, Korea, Japan and India will be attending ATF in Malaysia next year," she told Bernama after attending the Asean Tourism Ministers' Meeting, here.
She said travel agents, tour operators and media from all over the world would also be attending the ATF in Malaysia next year.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak launched the VMY2014 at the Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
Najib had wanted the VMY2014 be turned into a national mission involving all parties in order to achieve the target of receiving 28 million tourists next year.
The premier had said Malaysia needed not only physical infrastructure but also soft infrastructure as well, which is, Malaysian who are always cheerful, courteous and helpful so that visitors experience a truly memorable time in Malaysia.
Dr Ng said she had also invited tourism ministers from Asean as well as from China, Japan, South Korea and India to participate in the international travel exchange meeting to be held in Malaysia next April.
"We called on them to hold their respective country's week during the meeting in showcasing their art, food and craft products. We want to position Malaysia as an international tourism centre," she said.
On the major achievements of the two-day Asean Tourism Ministers' Meeting which concluded today, Dr Ng said Asean and India have concluded a memorandum of understanding on tourism cooperation between them after three years of negotiation.
The conclusion mark the completion of tourism cooperation between Asean and its dialogue partners, she told Bernama after co-chairing the Asean-India Tourism Ministers' Meeting, at a hotel.
Prior to this, Asean has inked tourism cooperation with China, Japan and South Korea.
She said the Asean-India tourism cooperation among others would look into the possibilities of introducing a common Asean visa for tourists where tourists would only need to get one visa instead of visa from respective 10 Asean countries when visiting the region.
"We will discuss further the matter with Asean secretariat," she said, adding that the cooperation would also cover the exchange of human resources and media personnel in further promoting tourism by both sides.
Meanwhile, Dr Ng also expressed condolence for the demise of Thai Deputy Prime Minister Chumpol Silpa-Archa who is also the Tourism and Sports Minister.
Chumpol died of heart failure at Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok at 9.39am Monday.
VIENTIANE, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- Fresh from the launching of Visit Malaysia Year 2014 in Kuala Lumpur two days ago, the Malaysian Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen took the opportunity to promote the campaign at the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF), here.
She told the Asean Tourism Ministers' Meeting about the campaign which coincide with Malaysia hosting next year's ATF in Kuching in January.
"It will be a very good exposure for Malaysia as all tourism ministers from Asean, China, Korea, Japan and India will be attending ATF in Malaysia next year," she told Bernama after attending the Asean Tourism Ministers' Meeting, here.
She said travel agents, tour operators and media from all over the world would also be attending the ATF in Malaysia next year.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak launched the VMY2014 at the Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
Najib had wanted the VMY2014 be turned into a national mission involving all parties in order to achieve the target of receiving 28 million tourists next year.
The premier had said Malaysia needed not only physical infrastructure but also soft infrastructure as well, which is, Malaysian who are always cheerful, courteous and helpful so that visitors experience a truly memorable time in Malaysia.
Dr Ng said she had also invited tourism ministers from Asean as well as from China, Japan, South Korea and India to participate in the international travel exchange meeting to be held in Malaysia next April.
"We called on them to hold their respective country's week during the meeting in showcasing their art, food and craft products. We want to position Malaysia as an international tourism centre," she said.
On the major achievements of the two-day Asean Tourism Ministers' Meeting which concluded today, Dr Ng said Asean and India have concluded a memorandum of understanding on tourism cooperation between them after three years of negotiation.
The conclusion mark the completion of tourism cooperation between Asean and its dialogue partners, she told Bernama after co-chairing the Asean-India Tourism Ministers' Meeting, at a hotel.
Prior to this, Asean has inked tourism cooperation with China, Japan and South Korea.
She said the Asean-India tourism cooperation among others would look into the possibilities of introducing a common Asean visa for tourists where tourists would only need to get one visa instead of visa from respective 10 Asean countries when visiting the region.
"We will discuss further the matter with Asean secretariat," she said, adding that the cooperation would also cover the exchange of human resources and media personnel in further promoting tourism by both sides.
Meanwhile, Dr Ng also expressed condolence for the demise of Thai Deputy Prime Minister Chumpol Silpa-Archa who is also the Tourism and Sports Minister.
Chumpol died of heart failure at Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok at 9.39am Monday.
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