Wednesday, 18 September 2013
3.2 million Bangladeshi migrants in India: UN.
Muslim migration from BD to India largest in developing world, posing a severe threat to various perspectives. London | Sept 13, 2013:: It is not only a ‘Hindu allegation’ from…
Muslim migration from BD to India largest in developing world, posing a severe threat to various perspectives. London | Sept 13, 2013:: It is not only a ‘Hindu allegation’ from BJP, Shiva Sena or the Hindu organisations at all. Shocking 3.2 million Bangladeshi Muslim influx is now a threat to employment, economy, internal security and political imbalance in India. The exodus from Bangladeshis into India has for the first time been termed by the United Nations as “the single largest bilateral stock of international migrants” in the eastern hemisphere and also in the developing world. The most of these infiltration from Bangladesh have been occurring under a political permission eyeing to a Muslim vote Bank politics during the current decades unabated. While these Muslim migrants are blessed by the political parties helping to get Ration cards, voter cards, other facilities with a declared package of rehabilitation, Hindu migrants from Bangladesh are getting nothing and denied for their legitimate refugee status.
Data revealed on Thursday by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) shows that in 2013, India was home to 3.2 million Bangladeshi residents who had migrated into the country and settled there.
And it is well known that most of them are Muslims and settled their new Bangladeshi colonies here and there, all over India including the capital of India. There are lakhs of Bangladeshi Muslims in Gurgaon, Jamuna Bank, Okhla, Laxminagar, Sarita Vihar, Waziravad and Jamia Milia areas in Greater Delhi.
Not surprisingly, India was the favorite destination for Bangladeshi migrants in 2013, the report said, as the major political parties excluding BJP do not want to restrain this flood of Muslim migrants from Bangladesh. In fact, the head screwed non-BJP parties like Congress, CPI (M), CPI, Samajwadi Party, All India Trinmool Congress an others have not the ability to differentiate between the refugee Bangladeshi Hindus came to India due to severe persecution upon them and the infiltrator Bangladeshi Muslims came to India under a certain plan of demographic change in India.
For Indians, however, it was the Middle East that was the clear favorite for migration. Two countries in the Middle East were the main destinations – UAE, having 2.9 million Indian migrants, and Saudi Arabia which had 1.8 million. But, these Indians are not the claimant of any citizenship there, while Bangladeshi Muslim intruders are claiming every facility in Indian including their citizenship. With the Bangladeshi Muslims, Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar are also creating a big problem in India.
However the biggest rise in the number of Indians migrating to a single country was to the US. In 2013, 2.1 million Indians were in the US, which was also home to 2.2 million foreign-born from China and 2 million from the Philippines.
The UN-DESA report said that since 2000, the number of international migrants born in China or India and living in the US had doubled, whereas the number of Mexican foreign-born had only risen by about 31%.
South Asians were the largest group of international migrants living outside their home region. Of the 36 million international migrants from south Asia, 13.5 million resided in the oil-producing countries of west Asia.
The report said more people were living abroad than ever before. In 2013, 232 million people, or 3.2% of the world’s population, were international migrants, compared with 175 million in 2000 and 154 million in 1990. The developed countries were home to 136 million migrants, compared to 96 million in the developing countries.
Most international migrants were of working age (20 to 64 years) and accounted for 74% of the total. Globally, women accounted for 48% of all international migrants.
Asians and Latin Americans living outside their home regions formed the largest global diaspora groups. In 2013, Asians represented the largest group, accounting for about 19 million migrants living in Europe, some 16 million in north America and about 3 million in Oceania.
The report, released by UN-DESA’s population division, said Europe and Asia combined hosted nearly two-thirds of all international migrants.
Europe remained the most popular destination region with 72 million international migrants in 2013, compared to 71 million in Asia.
Compared to other regions, Asia has seen the largest increase of international migrants since 2000, adding some 20 million migrants in 13 years.
John Wilmoth, director of the division, said, “This growth was mainly fuelled by the increasing demand for foreign labour in the oil-producing countries of western Asia and in south-eastern Asian countries with rapidly growing economies, such as Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.”
In 2013, half of all international migrants lived in 10 countries, with the US hosting the largest number (45.8 million), followed by the Russian Federation (11 million); Germany (9.8 million); Saudi Arabia (9.1 million); United Arab Emirates (7.8 million); United Kingdom (7.8 million); France (7.4 million); Canada (7.3 million); Australia (6.5 million); and Spain (6.5 million).
The US gained the largest absolute number of international migrants between 1990 and 2013 — nearly 23 million, equal to one million additional migrants per year. The United Arab Emirates recorded the second largest gain with seven million, followed by Spain with six million.
Mr Wilmoth said, “Most international migrants settle in developing countries but in recent years they have been settling in almost equal number in developed and developing regions.”
The figures are released ahead of a high-level global summit on migration and development to be held by the General Assembly in New York on October 3 and 4.
Though the facts as above signify the migration problem all over the world, the Bangladeshi Muslim migrants are emerging a terrible force to capture the economy, employment, politics, culture and area wise demography from the hands of the son of the soil in many ways.
As per experts, Muslim migrants are seen in Jihad activism, halal propagation, local unrest, and Islamization of socio-political affairs. Bangladeshi Muslims are most active in India and in West Bengal particularly to hold demand for their reservation in every sphere, as they have the opportunity to mingle here with their same Bengali speaking, skull capped, bearded brothers and burqa clad sisters.
In India, Muslim migration from neighbouring countries is no more a localized problem in bordering areas, but now every state is facing a severe illegal Muslim migrant problems in a sporadic manner.
Really, Muslim migration from Bangladesh to India is largest in developing world and it is posing a severe threat to various national aspects.
Labels:
India
Egypt: FB photo of a kiss sparks scandal
Egypt: photo of a kiss on Facebook sparks debate on the web
(ANSAmed) - CAIRO, SEPTEMBER 16 - Egyptian activist Ahmed El-Gohary spoke to ANSA on Monday a…
Egypt: photo of a kiss on Facebook sparks debate on the web
(ANSAmed) - CAIRO, SEPTEMBER 16 - Egyptian activist Ahmed El-Gohary spoke to ANSA on Monday about a photo of a boy and a girl in a headscarf kissing, for which he has come in for criticism. The human rights defender, 38 years old and working with one of the country's largest NGOs, said that he had shared the photo ''on Facebook with a non-Egyptian friend, with whom I was exchanging views on social rights in Egypt, and now I wonder why this photo - which I liked a lot - has sparked all this debate'', he said. The photo has made him a household name and shows the couple kissing against a background of graffiti. The photographer is unknown. ''Even my friends have forgotten all the country's problems and simply focused on this photo, which just shows a kiss,'' he said. ''They refuse to understand that this is personal freedom that they are violating. Even if the girl is wearing a headscarf, she has every right to express her feelings however she wants,'' Ahmed said, criticising the ''insults'' posted on his Facebook page.
''You've got to delete this photo, because you are a Muslim, and you must be punished'', ''Congratulations, you've lost all your sense of a true man, jealous of his own religion'' and ''I do not want to be your friend so long as this photo is on your Facebook page'' are some of the comments - though the photo also garnered eighty-some ''likes''. ''Even my own freedom to post a photo that I like very much has been violated by all manner of insults and criticism,'' the activist said, who noted that these reactions bode ill for the country in general. ''Unfortunately, after such an important revolution like ours, the people - and even educated people - still have this mentality: kisses in the street are to be incriminated, but when young people die in the same streets no one reacts....''. ''Individual freedoms have been entirely violated both by Islamists, who are incessantly rummaging among our feelings, and by those governing now, with special laws that protect only power.'' ''I am pessimistic both about the future of respect for human rights and an exit from the current crisis, which the country is plunging deeper into every day,'' he underscored. ''Egypt is experiencing large-scale defeat and no one knows how we will get out of it.'' (ANSAmed).
Labels:
Islam Discrimination
Muslims impose tribute on Egypt’s Christians
Now that the attacks on Egypt’s Christian churches have subsided, stage two of the jihad — profiting from the fear and terror caused by stage one — is setting in:…Now that the attacks on Egypt’s Christian churches have subsided, stage two of the jihad — profiting from the fear and terror caused by stage one — is setting in: reports are arriving that the Muslim Brotherhood and its supporters are forcing the roughly 15,000 Christian Copts of Dalga village in south Minya province to pay jizya — the money, or tribute, that conquered non-Muslims historically had to pay to their Islamic overlords “with willing submission and while feeling themselves subdued” to safeguard their existence, as indicated in Koran 9:29.According to one priest from the area, all Copts in the village, “without exception,” are being forced to pay tribute, just as their forefathers did nearly 1400 years ago when the sword of Islam originally invaded Christian Egypt. He said that the “value of the tribute and method of payment differ from one place to another in the village, so that, some are being expected to pay 200 Egyptian pounds per day, others 500 Egyptian pounds per day…”
In some cases, those not able to pay have been attacked, their wives and children beaten and/or kidnapped. As a result, some 40 Christian families have now fled Dalga, becoming displaced.
It’s the same in Syria and Iraq. ”Rebels” recently went to a Christian man’s “shop and gave him three options: become Muslim; pay $70,000 as a tax levied on non-Muslims, known as jizya; or be killed along with his family…. Androus from Mosul, Iraq, and another member of Father Raymond’s congregation, says he received a similar demand via telephone. ‘Because you are infidels, you have to pay jizya,’ he recalled being told over the phone. ‘Either you pay jizya, or we will kill you or your son.’”
Collecting jizya from non-Muslims was interrupted in the 19th century, thanks to European intervention. Today, the jizya and other injustices against Mideast Christians — in Libya, Egypt, Syria, and Iraq — have returned precisely thanks to Western intervention, in this case, U.S. support for the Muslim Brotherhood and its jihadi offshoots.
Labels:
Christianity,
Middle East
Hadi: Chin Peng is dead?
A debate has…
A debate has also been raging on whether his ashes could be brought back to his hometown of Sitiawan in Perak, which prompted various top politicians, including Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, to lend their views.
However, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang appeared to be in the dark.
When quizzed on the matter during a press conference this evening, the opposition leader stunned reporters with his puzzled look.
Turning to PAS vice-president Mahfuz Omar, who was seated next to him, Hadi asked: “He has died?”
However, he refused to comment on whether Chin Peng’s ashes could be brought back.
“We are not the government, so I don’t want to give an opinion,” he said.
When pressed further, he said he was “not yet” forming the government.
“We let the government make the decision. We have not formed the government yet. Even if I say something, it’s not like it can be implemented,” he said.
PAS central committee member Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has previously said that Chin Peng’s remains should be allowed to be brought back into Malaysia.
The government is currently refusing Chin Peng’s remains to enter Malaysia, and are claiming that the former communist leader had never applied for citizenship in the country.
Karpal gets judge replaced in Sodomy II appeal
Justice Ramly Ali, leading a three-member bench, said the replacement will be decided tomorrow.
“The court will find another judge to replace (Tengku Maimun, right),” said Justice Ramly.
Normally a quorum at the Court of Appeal is decided by the Court of Appeal president Justice Md Raus Sharif.
Justice Ramly also said the hearing of the application to bar government-appointed lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah will be heard tomorrow.
Justice Ramly however said the prosecution’s appeal proper over Anwar’s acquittal would not be heard tomorrow, but the same bench will hear the case at a later date.
The other judge besides Ramly and Tengku Maimun was Justice Mohd Zawawi Salleh.
Karpal informed the court of the preliminary objection to Justice Tengku Maimun’s presence as the second judge in the quorum to hear the appeal.
He said Justice Tengku Maimun had heard a civil suit filed by Anwar against former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 2007.
This was when Mahathir had made adverse comments on Anwar during a Suhakam conference alluding to his former deputy’s alleged sexual behaviour.
Finding of fact by Tengku Maimun
“Justice Tengku Maimun in striking out the suit had made a finding of fact and had said although the conviction of Sukma Darmawan has been set aside, there is in existence a judicial finding that the plaintiff had taken part in homosexual acts.
“The finding was made in the High Court whereby the plaintiff (Anwar) was convicted on a charge of sodomising Azizan Abu Bakar, and this was upheld by the Court of Appeal.
“Anwar’s appeal was allowed at the Federal Court (in 2004) where there was a specific finding by the majority that ...we find evidence to confirm that the appellants were involved in homosexual activities and we are more inclined to believe that the incident at Tivoli Villa did happen, sometime...,” Karpal read out.
Hence, the senior lawyer pointed out that there is a danger of bias as Tengku Maimun had held the view then, and now she is hearing this appeal.
Karpal said he came to know the matter when co-counsel Ramkarpal Singh raised the matter to him on Friday in having the deputy registrar list the name of judges who had heard Anwar’s cases before.
The government-appointed prosecutor Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said the matter should have been brought earlier to his attention.
Shafee said the matter was not brought up by Ramkarpal when it was fixed for case management on Friday.
Anyway, he said the case was six years ago and involved a striking-out application resulting in the matter not proceeding through a full trial.
The hearing of the appeal attracted a packed court room that included PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, party vice-presidents Chua Jui Meng and Nurul Izzah Anwar and secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Others were party disciplinary committee chairperson and Wangsa Maju MP Dr Tan Kee Kwong and foreign observers who included a representative from Lawasia and the International Parliamentary Union, Mark Trowell, and representatives from the International Federation of Human Rights, International Bar Association and Institute of Legal Studies Philippines.
Anwar was acquitted of sodomising his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan at the Desa Damansara condominium on June 26, 2008 following a decision by the Kuala Lumpur High court last year that it was unsafe to convict the politician.
Labels:
Sodomy II
'Ensure bumi agenda benefits more than Umno cronies'
“It
(the agenda) covers all quarters that are honest and sincere in the
religious and racial struggle, and not merely limited to Umno groups and
political cronies,” Isma president Abdullah Zaik Abd Rahman (left) said in a statement today.The government too, he said, must prevent corruption when implementing the policies, and learn from past mistakes when implementing the New Economic Policy (NEP) which was “said to have involved elements of cronyism and nepotism”.
“Isma calls on the government to work towards freeing the country’s economy from its dependence on the non-Malays and non-bumiputeras.”
Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak announced the affirmative action policies last Saturday, which he stated was in response to the strong Malay and bumiputera support displayed at the last general election.
Labels:
Bumiputra,
Ketuanan Melayu
PSM: RM30bil bumi allocation unfair to poor bumis
"It
creates a situation where the poverty of the poorer bumiputeras is used
to justify allocations that ultimately will help the richest
bumiputeras, and those closest to the people in power," Dr D Jeyakumar
said in a statement today. He was responding to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's recent announcement of the RM30 billion allocation to boost the bumiputera economic status.
Jeyakumar said PSM accepted affirmative action as a valid and necessary policy option for government.
"Poorer communities and the people marginalised by development should be helped by society. This is a moral imperative.
"PSM also agrees that the upliftment of poorer communities cannot be left to 'market forces'.
"We reject the notion that private companies operating for profit will somehow generate 'trickle-down' effects that will alleviate the poverty of the marginalised sectors," he added.
However, Jeyakumar said PSM had serious reservations about the "Bumiputra Empowerment Agenda" announced by Najib because "our experience in Malaysia had showed us that affirmative action based on ethnic criteria invariably benefitted the better off groups within that ethnic group far more than the poor in that community."
He noted that there were now around 60,000 bumiputera Class E and F contractors registered with the government.
"It is quite likely that they will receive a larger portion of this RM30 billion than the two million bumiputera farmers in Sarawak and Sabah.
"Around 60 percent of Malay households have a family income of less than RM2,000 per month. It is quite likely that children from the 15 percent of Malay households with monthly incomes of more than RM5,000 will receive a far larger share of the RM30 billion allocated for bumiputeras than the children from the bottom 60 percent of the Malay households," he said.
Creating a feeling of resentment
Jeyakumar said the government should embark on affirmative action to help marginalised groups but the criteria for inclusion into these programmes should be socio-economic status and not ethnicity.
"Only then will the targeted group – the poor, receive the main portion of the funds allocated. Such an approach that reaches out to the poor of all communities will have the added benefit of building solidarity among the ethnic groups and enhancing harmony in our multi-racial population.
"A
RM30 billion allocation would have gone a long way towards helping the
poor in Malaysia as well as in building national solidarity and a common
Malaysian identity," he added.Jeyakumar said it was a pity that Umno was unable to think outside the racist framework, which would lead to the frittering of the rakyat's RM30 billion in projects and programmes that would mainly benefit the cronies and the politically well-connected Malay elite.
In return, he said, this would create a feeling of resentment and bitterness among the poor of all races.
"Najib's announcement which came two days prior to Malaysia Day made the Malaysia Day celebration and nation-building a joke.
"It is clear that under BN, racist politics will continue and a truly fair and equitable Malaysian society will never see the light of day," he added.
Focus on urban, suburban divide
PKR Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Akin said the government should strive to overcome the economic woes of the country based on those who need help, across racial lines
This,
he said, was akin to the Malaysian Economic Agenda once proposed by
Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, which was "more refreshing, and much
more needed" in Malaysia."The measures recently announced by the prime minister only confirms that Umno-BN has failed to find a new formula to address the problems faced by the bumiputeras.
"While highlighting the economic disparity between the races, what is not stressed is the true spirit to eradicate poverty across races and reduce the economic divide," he added in a statement.
He noted that more than 300,000 families, or more than one million Malaysians - comprising bumiputeras, including from Sabah and Sarawak, Orang Asli, Indians as well as Chinese - were affected by poverty.
Hence, he said the government should instead focus on the varying costs of living between the urban and suburban divide.
The government too, he added, was "morally obligated" to explain what became of the RM52 billion-worth of shares allocated to bumiputera shareholders, as to date, only RM2 million of the initial RM54 billion allocated, is left in bumiputera hands.
PKR on Chin Peng: Let bygones be bygones
"Do we agree with him (Chin Peng)? We don't. Do we agree with communism? We don't. Do we agree with Chin Peng's actions in the past? No, we don't," he told some 300 people at a ceramah in Kubang Semang, Penang, yesterday.
"Do we agree with the (1989) peace treaty signed with Chin Peng, where both sides agreed to lay down arms? We agree.
“How come they (BN government) do not agree to anything? Why don't (you, the BN government) agree when you signed the peace treaty?
“This was an agreement endorsed by the cabinet. At that time, I was a minister and the proposal was presented during our meeting.”
Anwar
said leaders who now oppose the repatriation of Chin Peng’s remains
should return to history and accept the fact that the federal government
had signed the Hatyai Peace Agreement in 1989 with Chin Peng, then the
Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) secretary-general.At the time, Anwar was a minister in the cabinet of his "good friend" and premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
"Chin Peng led the treaty on the communists’ side, while Mahathir represented us," he reminded.
"In the treaty, Chin Peng agreed to lay down arms, (his army agreed) to return all weapons. They also agreed to return to the country in a good way.”
Anwar noted that Malaysians had opted for democracy and fought against the communist ideology during the insurgency, and that many police personnel had been slain.
Malaysia had agreed to the peace treaty after then premier Abdul Razak Hussein made friends with the Communist China government, he said.
"Why
are we friends with Communist China which gave aid to CPM, but cannot
resolve the problem with the communists here?" Anwar asked.He said certain quarters had expressed their reservations when he had previously said that Chin Peng (right) should be allowed to visit his home town of Setiawan or his mother's grave.
"TV3 said I supported the communists. I am just explaining so that you will understand - because TV3 or other media will twist my statement to say that I support the Communists,” he added.
Not right to focus on bumiputera alone, says PAS
"It is not right to deliver aid under the name of bumiputera rights and leaving other races behind," he said during a press conference at PAS headquarters today.
Abdul Hadi reiterated that PAS subscribes to the welfare state ideology where all races get equal aid depending on the necessity.
"It is understandable that the bumiputera community has the most amount of people who are being left behind (economically)," he said.
"But at the same time the concept has to be equal for all," he added.
When probed by a reporter who opined that the government's initiative for bumiputeras is according to the constitution, Abdul Hadi said that the rights of all Malaysians are also important.
"The constitution is based on a reality on the ground nowadays. But the rights of the people and basic human rights are also very important," he said.
Meanwhile, Abdul Hadi reiterated that PAS still considers its alliance with PKR and DAP to be one that is still very strong, and in fact stronger than BN at the moment.
This was in response to proposals by some PAS members that the party re-look into its cooperation with PKR and DAP.
"We are still in Pakatan, and our alliance is stronger than BN. We are stronger, that is why Umno is subtly gesturing for friendship (with PAS)," he said.
Labels:
PAS
Christian-Muslim dialogue in Penang goes on smoothly, even protesters attend
Despite many challenges, a Christian-Muslim dialogue at a church in Penang last night went on smoothly amid heavy presence of policemen.Even the protesters who were against it attended the…
Despite many challenges, a Christian-Muslim dialogue at a church in Penang last night went on smoothly amid heavy presence of policemen.Even the protesters who were against it attended the two-hour session at St. Mark's Church to listen to what was being discussed.
The dialogue was organised by PAS's Parit Buntar Member of Parliament Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa (pic) and the party's Tasik Gelugor information chief Abdul Rahman Kasim, and Reverend John Kennedy from the Anglican church.
On Saturday, several non-governmental organisations held a protest at George Town's Speakers' Square to oppose the programme. A police report was also lodged against Mujahid for organising the dialogue.
Mujahid said today that he was accused of not having the expertise to organise the session and was also told that he does not represent the Muslim community.
“But that is their view. What I was most disappointed with was that there was still opposition to the dialogue right until the last minute," he lamented.
Certain quarters had even insisted that Mujahid get the consent from the Conference of Rulers before holding the dialogue.
"There was so much pressure for us to cancel the dialogue. The venue was changed from the church to a restaurant but we were told to leave as protesters had gathered outside there as well."
The dialogue was then moved back to the church in Butterworth where at least 60 people joined the session hosted by Kennedy.
Mujahid said members of the NGOs who protested earlier and several police officers also joined in.
Mujahid said the dialogue was on fostering unity and peace among the different faiths.
"We did not discuss theological differences or any other argument but simply about what can be done to heal relationships," he added.
He said such dialogues will continue whatever the outcome of the court decision on the use of the term "Allah" by Christians.
“We are not here to sell the Muslim faith nor buy the faith of others,” said the second-term PAS MP.
Despite calls by some groups to seek permission from the Rulers, Mujahid said the organisers will not bow down to pressure.
"This is just an effort by a citizen and an MP to foster unity among the two religions. I don't know what's wrong with that.
"My team will continue these efforts," he stressed.
Mujahid said he has visited at least 30 churches nationwide, and has been holding similar dialogues in the last two years in the wake of the dispute on the word "Allah".
"Suddenly my credibility is being questioned. Suddenly I am not an expert?" asked the outspoken politician.
Saying it was up to his critics to decide about him, Mujahid said fostering peace between Christians and Muslims is crucial.
Meanwhile, Malaysiakini quoted Catholic Bishop Paul Tan Chee Ing as praising Mujahid for his efforts, calling him "truly, a plenipotentiary of peace".
"I'm truly heartened by his steadfastness of purpose in forging a dialogue between Muslims and Christians," he said.
Tan also lauded the organisers of the dialogue, saying it was "far and away the best Malaysia Day present people of goodwill in this country could hope to get in our fraught circumstances".
"Just look at what a few people of peace and goodwill can achieve when they decide to brave adverse circumstances to hold a dialogue that seeks to build bridges between communities.
"Truly, this episode on a day of commemorative significance to us as a nation, is a sign of God's providence. Genuine dialogue makes us true human beings," said Tan.
He pointed out that the Catholic church teaches the importance of dialogues with people of different faiths, ethnic groups and political affiliations.
"Let all understand that genuine dialogue makes us true human beings," the bishop added. - September 17, 2013.
Labels:
Islam
‘No law to bar Chin Peng’s ashes from returning home’
Legal experts say his family can claim the cremated remains of the former Communist Party of Malaya chief as an individual property under the common law and the government can't…
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Legal experts say his family can claim the cremated remains of the former Communist Party of Malaya chief as an individual property under the common law and the government can't stop them.
PETALING JAYA: The is no law to bar the cremated remains of Chin Peng from being brought into the country, legal experts said today.
They said the family of the former Communist Party Malaya leader can bring his ashes into the country as it would be deemed as individual property of the family and that the government had no legal rights to interfere in this process.
PKR vice president and human rights lawyer N. Surendran said cremated ash of a person is not a recognised part of the human body, hence the government cannot site any law to block the remains from being brought into Malaysia.
“If it is the whole body, then they can block it under the Customs or Immigration Acts because it gives rise to biological and identity issues.
“But they cannot stop ashes from being brought in. It is an individual property, it belongs to the family. I don’t see any legal right for the government to block it,” he said.
Chin, the former Communist Party of Malaya secretary-general died in-exile at a Bangkok hospital yesterday. He was 90.
In an immediate reaction, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said that Chin Peng’s remains will not be allowed into Malaysia because of the atrocities he created during the height of communist insurgency in the 1960s and 1970s.
Following this, the Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said all border checkpoints are being watched to ensure Chin’s remains is not smuggled-in.
Commenting on the matter, Bar Council immediate past president Lim Chee Wee said he is unaware of any legal prohibition in transporting ashes from overseas to Malaysia.
“The ashes can be claimed as an individual property based on common law,” he said.
A legal expert in the funeral industry echoed the argument, but she cautioned that the “treatment” that is to be received by Chin’s family could be different since the government has come out with such a ruling.
She however said the family could bring in Chin Peng’s remains by many ways since it is only ashes.
“They can claim that it is only powder…they can bring it in their luggage, who can tell?” she said.
According to the normal procedure, Malaysian citizen who dies in foreign country has to apply for a permit with the Malaysian embassy to transport the remains to Malaysia.
The remains or ashes of an individual would be allowed for burial should the family produced the certificate of death from the doctor.
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PETALING JAYA: The is no law to bar the cremated remains of Chin Peng from being brought into the country, legal experts said today.They said the family of the former Communist Party Malaya leader can bring his ashes into the country as it would be deemed as individual property of the family and that the government had no legal rights to interfere in this process.
PKR vice president and human rights lawyer N. Surendran said cremated ash of a person is not a recognised part of the human body, hence the government cannot site any law to block the remains from being brought into Malaysia.
“If it is the whole body, then they can block it under the Customs or Immigration Acts because it gives rise to biological and identity issues.
“But they cannot stop ashes from being brought in. It is an individual property, it belongs to the family. I don’t see any legal right for the government to block it,” he said.
Chin, the former Communist Party of Malaya secretary-general died in-exile at a Bangkok hospital yesterday. He was 90.
In an immediate reaction, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said that Chin Peng’s remains will not be allowed into Malaysia because of the atrocities he created during the height of communist insurgency in the 1960s and 1970s.
Following this, the Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said all border checkpoints are being watched to ensure Chin’s remains is not smuggled-in.
Commenting on the matter, Bar Council immediate past president Lim Chee Wee said he is unaware of any legal prohibition in transporting ashes from overseas to Malaysia.
“The ashes can be claimed as an individual property based on common law,” he said.
A legal expert in the funeral industry echoed the argument, but she cautioned that the “treatment” that is to be received by Chin’s family could be different since the government has come out with such a ruling.
She however said the family could bring in Chin Peng’s remains by many ways since it is only ashes.
“They can claim that it is only powder…they can bring it in their luggage, who can tell?” she said.
According to the normal procedure, Malaysian citizen who dies in foreign country has to apply for a permit with the Malaysian embassy to transport the remains to Malaysia.
The remains or ashes of an individual would be allowed for burial should the family produced the certificate of death from the doctor.
Labels:
Chin Peng
Cops going after gang leaders now
Police intensifies its effort nationwide in hunting down the gang leaders
SHAH ALAM: 24 members of the notorious 08 underworld syndicate have been arrested by Selangor police in the past…
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SHAH ALAM: 24 members of the notorious 08 underworld syndicate have been arrested by Selangor police in the past…
Police intensifies its effort nationwide in hunting down the gang leaders
SHAH ALAM: 24 members of the notorious 08 underworld syndicate have been arrested by Selangor police in the past one month said its police chief Mohd Shukri Dahlan.
During a press conference this morning, the newly appointed CPO added that police also arrested 4,797 suspected criminals for various offences and seized 593 dangerous articles from the suspects.
“From August 17 to September 16, we inspected 16,112 people and managed to detain 4,797 suspected criminals including a wanted gang leader from the infamous 08 gang,”
“During Ops Cantas, we seized various kinds of weapons such as machetes, knives, pistols (air gun) and including drugs,” Shukri said.
Meanwhile in another development, 106 individuals have been arrested under the Societies Act in Selangor since September 5 with 86 investigation papers opened.
“20 cases have been vetted by AG’s Chambers and we have opened 102 investigation papers. These 106 individuals are suspected gangsters. Initial investigation shows that majority of them have gang tattoos on their body,” Shukri said.
On the other hand, Bukit Aman Secret Societies Vice and Gambling Division principle assistant director Abdul Jalil Hassan said that 8,449 suspected gangsters have been arrested in a special Ops Cantas operation since it was launched on August 17.
According to Jalil, from the 8,449 suspects; 3,620 were Malays, 1,052 Chinese, 2,425 Indians and 1,352 others. A large number of weapons were also confiscated including a hand grenade and 23 firearms.
Jalil further highlighted that police would be focusing on the next step and that is to nab the kingpins inside the underworld syndicate.
“We seized 23 firearms, 10 handmade air guns, 11 bullet slugs and a hand grenade. Other than that, we also manage to get 25 swords, 81 machetes, 88 knives, 26 brass knuckles, and three fake pistols,”
“Our squad will now move to the next phase whereby we will be focusing in targeting the leaders of these illegal groups. We are also looking to seize their assets but only ill gotten assets,” he added.
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SHAH ALAM: 24 members of the notorious 08 underworld syndicate have been arrested by Selangor police in the past one month said its police chief Mohd Shukri Dahlan.During a press conference this morning, the newly appointed CPO added that police also arrested 4,797 suspected criminals for various offences and seized 593 dangerous articles from the suspects.
“From August 17 to September 16, we inspected 16,112 people and managed to detain 4,797 suspected criminals including a wanted gang leader from the infamous 08 gang,”
“During Ops Cantas, we seized various kinds of weapons such as machetes, knives, pistols (air gun) and including drugs,” Shukri said.
Meanwhile in another development, 106 individuals have been arrested under the Societies Act in Selangor since September 5 with 86 investigation papers opened.
“20 cases have been vetted by AG’s Chambers and we have opened 102 investigation papers. These 106 individuals are suspected gangsters. Initial investigation shows that majority of them have gang tattoos on their body,” Shukri said.
On the other hand, Bukit Aman Secret Societies Vice and Gambling Division principle assistant director Abdul Jalil Hassan said that 8,449 suspected gangsters have been arrested in a special Ops Cantas operation since it was launched on August 17.
According to Jalil, from the 8,449 suspects; 3,620 were Malays, 1,052 Chinese, 2,425 Indians and 1,352 others. A large number of weapons were also confiscated including a hand grenade and 23 firearms.
Jalil further highlighted that police would be focusing on the next step and that is to nab the kingpins inside the underworld syndicate.
“We seized 23 firearms, 10 handmade air guns, 11 bullet slugs and a hand grenade. Other than that, we also manage to get 25 swords, 81 machetes, 88 knives, 26 brass knuckles, and three fake pistols,”
“Our squad will now move to the next phase whereby we will be focusing in targeting the leaders of these illegal groups. We are also looking to seize their assets but only ill gotten assets,” he added.
Labels:
Gangsterism
Prove your worth, Indian reps told
Hindraf urges all Indian representatives to each produce a report card to prove their performance and to inform the community what they have done for the 1.8 million Indians in…
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Hindraf urges all Indian representatives to each produce a report card to prove their performance and to inform the community what they have done for the 1.8 million Indians in the country since the May general election.
GEORGE TOWN: Hindraf has called on all ethnic Indian elected representatives to produce report cards on their individual performance, rendered services and executed action plans for the Indian community since the general election in May.
The Penang chapter civil rights movement chairman K Kalayselvam said Hindraf had recently produced its 100-day report card to prove its performance despite a rookie in the government administration.
“So why not other elected representatives, many of whom are seasoned politicians, to emulate our move of keeping a report card to track their performance. They should let ethnic Indians know what they have done for the community since the election,” Kalayselvam said in a press statement today.
He said it was time for the Indian elected representatives from Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat to walk their talk and to stop shrouding the public with the impression that they were “championing Indian rights.”
He also reminded them not to hide behind the multi-racial veil and conveniently brush aside their responsibility and accountability to the community.
Whether these representatives truly embrace multiracial politics, he said they should bear in mind that they contested in the polls as a representative of the Indian community with their respective parties.
“Their parties fielded them to represent the Indian community at the polls therefore, they must not run away from their responsibility and accountability when called upon to do so by the community.
“They are answerable to the community as much as to the others,” Kalayselvam said, adding that the Indian community was eager to know the performance of their Indian elected representatives especially those with executive powers.
Kalayselvam had lambasted the representatives for pinning the blame on and criticising others in bid to throw the voters off scent of their shortcomings and wrongdoings.
To illustrate the point, he cited a Tamil saying that: “There are poets who gained fame by writing poetry, while there are some who try to build their reputation by only criticising others.”
Hence, instead of pointing their fingers at others, the elected representatives should produce a 100-day report card to prove that they were working on improving the lives of the community,
Again, Kalayselvam had used a Tamil saying of, “Do not feast on other’s meal,” to remind them not to claim credit for the success of the programmes executed by others and also that despite the financial and political restraints, Hindraf managed to produce its 100-day report card for the scrutiny of the community.
“This was Hindraf’s first 100 days in the government. It does not matter if we have fully or partly accomplished the Indian blueprint mission in Putrajaya.
“What matters is that we are competent, accountable and transparent enough to produce our report card for public scrutiny. We urge other elected representatives to emulate us,” Kalayselvam said.
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GEORGE TOWN: Hindraf has called on all ethnic Indian elected representatives to produce report cards on their individual performance, rendered services and executed action plans for the Indian community since the general election in May.The Penang chapter civil rights movement chairman K Kalayselvam said Hindraf had recently produced its 100-day report card to prove its performance despite a rookie in the government administration.
“So why not other elected representatives, many of whom are seasoned politicians, to emulate our move of keeping a report card to track their performance. They should let ethnic Indians know what they have done for the community since the election,” Kalayselvam said in a press statement today.
He said it was time for the Indian elected representatives from Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat to walk their talk and to stop shrouding the public with the impression that they were “championing Indian rights.”
He also reminded them not to hide behind the multi-racial veil and conveniently brush aside their responsibility and accountability to the community.
Whether these representatives truly embrace multiracial politics, he said they should bear in mind that they contested in the polls as a representative of the Indian community with their respective parties.
“Their parties fielded them to represent the Indian community at the polls therefore, they must not run away from their responsibility and accountability when called upon to do so by the community.
“They are answerable to the community as much as to the others,” Kalayselvam said, adding that the Indian community was eager to know the performance of their Indian elected representatives especially those with executive powers.
Kalayselvam had lambasted the representatives for pinning the blame on and criticising others in bid to throw the voters off scent of their shortcomings and wrongdoings.
To illustrate the point, he cited a Tamil saying that: “There are poets who gained fame by writing poetry, while there are some who try to build their reputation by only criticising others.”
Hence, instead of pointing their fingers at others, the elected representatives should produce a 100-day report card to prove that they were working on improving the lives of the community,
Again, Kalayselvam had used a Tamil saying of, “Do not feast on other’s meal,” to remind them not to claim credit for the success of the programmes executed by others and also that despite the financial and political restraints, Hindraf managed to produce its 100-day report card for the scrutiny of the community.
“This was Hindraf’s first 100 days in the government. It does not matter if we have fully or partly accomplished the Indian blueprint mission in Putrajaya.
“What matters is that we are competent, accountable and transparent enough to produce our report card for public scrutiny. We urge other elected representatives to emulate us,” Kalayselvam said.
Labels:
Hindraf,
Malaysian Indians
Kg Railway residents get a 48-hour reprieve
Sources says the 48-hour extension is not going make a difference as the residents have clear the land anyway.
VIDEO INSIDE
KUALA LUMPUR: Instead of eviction today, the residents of…
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VIDEO INSIDE
KUALA LUMPUR: Instead of eviction today, the residents of…
Sources says the 48-hour extension is not going make a difference as the residents have clear the land anyway.
VIDEO INSIDE
KUALA LUMPUR: Instead of eviction today, the residents of Kampung Railway at Sentul have now been given 48 hours to do so.
Officials from YTL Land and Development Bhd, a bailiff and police personnel were at the location at about 9am to evict the residents off the land.
Batu MP Tian Chua of PKR was also present.
On Sept 17 2012, the residents of Kampung Railway challenged YTL’s move to evict them in court, from the land that belonged to YTL, which was earmarked for high-end development.
Tian Chua speaking to newsmen today said the court order could not be enforced until talks between the Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL), Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Mansor, the Kampung Railway Action Committee and Tian Chua was concluded.
“The residents have to be given a solution before any further action is taken. We are hoping to come up with an amicable solution,” he said.
Tian Chua said not all families were given an opportunity to buy new low cost houses where about 60 of 114 families were offered low-cost homes at Bukit Jalil. This meant that the issue had not been resolved.
“Even those who were offered new homes in Bukit Jalil have refused it. Why should they leave their land and move that far?” he asked, adding that the units were not at a discounted price.
“Why can’t YTL build a small area of low cost houses for them? It would be a win-win situation,” he added.
On another note, a source linked to YTL said they would accommodate the 48-hour no-eviction request from the residents but added that it would not make a difference as, “it was only a matter of time.”
The source also refuted allegations that YTL had sent thugs to threaten and drive the residents out of Kampung Railway.
“We would never resort to shady methods as we are law-abiding citizens. We won the court case and have provided ample time for them to vacate the land. We are here to claim what is rightfully ours and to commence the housing project for the Sentul community.
“This is an integral part of the ‘Greater Kuala Lumpur’ master plan to convert Sentul into a vibrant township,” said the source.
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VIDEO INSIDE
KUALA LUMPUR: Instead of eviction today, the residents of Kampung Railway at Sentul have now been given 48 hours to do so.Officials from YTL Land and Development Bhd, a bailiff and police personnel were at the location at about 9am to evict the residents off the land.
Batu MP Tian Chua of PKR was also present.
On Sept 17 2012, the residents of Kampung Railway challenged YTL’s move to evict them in court, from the land that belonged to YTL, which was earmarked for high-end development.
Tian Chua speaking to newsmen today said the court order could not be enforced until talks between the Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL), Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Mansor, the Kampung Railway Action Committee and Tian Chua was concluded.
“The residents have to be given a solution before any further action is taken. We are hoping to come up with an amicable solution,” he said.
Tian Chua said not all families were given an opportunity to buy new low cost houses where about 60 of 114 families were offered low-cost homes at Bukit Jalil. This meant that the issue had not been resolved.
“Even those who were offered new homes in Bukit Jalil have refused it. Why should they leave their land and move that far?” he asked, adding that the units were not at a discounted price.
“Why can’t YTL build a small area of low cost houses for them? It would be a win-win situation,” he added.
On another note, a source linked to YTL said they would accommodate the 48-hour no-eviction request from the residents but added that it would not make a difference as, “it was only a matter of time.”
The source also refuted allegations that YTL had sent thugs to threaten and drive the residents out of Kampung Railway.
“We would never resort to shady methods as we are law-abiding citizens. We won the court case and have provided ample time for them to vacate the land. We are here to claim what is rightfully ours and to commence the housing project for the Sentul community.
“This is an integral part of the ‘Greater Kuala Lumpur’ master plan to convert Sentul into a vibrant township,” said the source.
Labels:
Indian Settlements
Anti-Shi’a Sectarianism Spreads to Malaysia
“Shiism could be regarded as a 'poison' that can destroy the harmony and security of the country as what is happening in some other countries, including Iran, Iraq and Pakistan,”…“Shiism could be regarded as a 'poison' that can destroy the harmony and security of the country as what is happening in some other countries, including Iran, Iraq and Pakistan,” Wan Zahidi said, BBC Monitoring reported, citing a report in the Malaysian paper, Berita Harian, one of the country’s oldest papers.By Zachary Keck, The Diplomat
The bitter sectarianism that has been engulfing the Middle East appears to be spreading to parts of Southeast Asia.
Mufti Datuk Wan Zahidi Wan Teh, a radical Islamist in Malaysia, called for cutting all ties to Iran because of its adherence to Shi’a Islam.
“Shiism could be regarded as a 'poison' that can destroy the harmony and security of the country as what is happening in some other countries, including Iran, Iraq and Pakistan,” Wan Zahidi said, BBC Monitoring reported, citing a report in the Malaysian paper, Berita Harian, one of the country’s oldest papers.
The report added that Wan Zahidi said Malaysia should emulate Morocco is severing ties with Iran, and said that “The Shiite teachings must be blocked, just as we restricted the spread of Communism in this country some time ago.”
The radical Islamist reportedly made the remarks at the Islamic Center in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend, which was holding a seminar titled “Facing the Shiite Virus.”
Wan Zahidi is known for his controversial comments and claims. Earlier this year, he made global headlines when he issued a fatwa declaring that participating in beauty pageants was forbidden (haram) for Muslim women. As a result of the fatwa, four Muslim women were forced to drop out of the Miss Malaysian contest.
Wan Zahidi’s comments and the anti-Shi’a conference seem to reflect a growing anti-Shi’a trend in Malaysia, which is over 60 percent Islamic and about 20 percent Buddhist.
Last month, a minister from the Prime Minister’s Department told reporters that Shi’a inside Malaysia were not allowed to propagate their religion.
“It is not wrong for them to practice Shia Islam, just like it isn’t wrong for Malaysian Chinese to practice Buddhism,” the minister said at a press conference. “But they can’t spread the ideology to the local Muslims, who are Sunnis.”
Reports in the Malaysian media have also said that persons in possession of Shi’a religious materials had been arrested and faced up to two years in prison along with fines.
There has always been a degree of sectarianism in Malaysian society, although this could be increasing because of increased Iranian immigration to the country as well as the growing sectarianism in the Middle East.
Recent years have seen an influx of Iranian nationals into the Southeast Asian country. According to one estimate by the Middle East Institute, more than 100,000 Iranian nationals are living in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur alone. The MEI report also noted that many Sunni Malaysians have chosen to convert to Shi’ism voluntarily. This is especially controversial among Malaysian religious authorities.
Indeed, the BBC Monitoring report quotes one participant at this weekend’s seminar as saying he had been tricked into worshipping Shi’ism for six years but had since converted back. The individual said the Iranian Revolution in 1979 had been particularly influential in convincing him to adopt the Shi’a faith.
Zachary Keck is Associate Editor of The Diplomat.
Malaysia: End Political Persecution of Anwar
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(Bangkok) –The Malaysian authorities should drop their apparently politically motivated appeal of
opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim’s acquittal on sodomy charges, Human Rights Watch said today. On September 17, 2013, the Court of Appeal in Kuala Lumpur will hear the prosecution’s appeal of the Malaysian High Court’s January 9, 2012 verdict to acquit Anwar of having consensual sexual relations with his political aide Mohammed Saiful Bukhari Azlan.
The Malaysian government should urgently abolish its colonial–era criminal code prohibition against “sodomy” and thus ensure that no such discriminatory prosecutions occur in the future.
“Malaysian authorities are only adding insult to injury by appealing Anwar’s acquittal, compounding the injustice already inflicted on Anwar and his family,” said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director. “The best way to ensure this kind of politically motivated persecution doesn’t happen again is for the government to abolish the hateful law on which it’s based.”
In his decision acquitting Anwar, High Court Judge Mohamad Zabidin Diah ruled that the DNA evidence presented by the prosecution in the case had not been handled properly and could have been tampered with. The judge ruled that in the absence of evidence that could corroborate Saiful’s version of events, a guilty verdict was not possible.
Although the trial ended in acquittal, the case was marred by procedural problems that raised serious fair trial concerns. During the trial, the prosecution refused to share a number of critically important documents with the defense counsel including lists of witnesses to be called at court, surveillance tapes at the condominium where the alleged offense took place, and most crucially, access to DNA samples and original medical reports.
Government leaders regularly made public comments on the trial and the prosecution made obvious procedural breaches, such as leaking information from an on camera fact-finding visit by the court.
Should Anwar lose the appeal, he faces a prison sentence of up to 20 years, and whipping. Anwar would also have to relinquish his parliamentary seat and be barred from standing for election for five years if he is imprisoned for even one day or fined more than RM 2000 (US$600).
Prosecutors originally charged Anwar under article 377 of the penal code, a Victorian-era British colonial law that criminalizes any activity that the authorities decide constitutes “carnal intercourse against the order of nature.”
In 1994 the Human Rights Committee, the United Nations body of experts that monitors civil and political rights, held that sodomy laws violate the right to privacy and non-discrimination. The Yogyakarta Principles, a set of international legal principles on the application of international law to human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, call on states to, “Repeal all laws that criminalize consensual sexual activity among persons of the same sex who are over the age of consent.”
A November 2011 report by the UN high commissioner for human rights, presented to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2012, recommended that UN member states “repeal laws used to criminalize individuals on grounds of homosexuality for engaging in consensual same-sex sexual conduct.” The high commissioner’s report, commissioned under a landmark resolution on “Human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity” that was adopted by the Human Rights Council on June 17, 2011, made numerous other recommendations, including several that are relevant to Malaysia. They include: “enact comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation that includes discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity”; and “ensure that individuals can exercise their rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly in safety without discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.” Also in 2011, leading members of the Commonwealth of Nations to which Malaysia belongs called for the abolition of sodomy laws.
Human Rights Watch opposes all laws regulating sexual relations between people who are over the age of consent and advocates that Malaysia adopt a modern gender-free rape law to replace existing legislation regulating forcible sexual relations. Sodomy laws also compromise privacy rights. The Malaysian government has used these laws to criminalize consensual homosexual relations and pursue charges against a public figure like Anwar in what amounts to a selective prosecution for political purposes.
“Anwar never should have been charged in the first place because consensual sexual relations between adults should never be criminalized,” Robertson said. “Malaysia should fulfill its obligations as a member of the Human Rights Council and bring its rights practices into compliance with international standards.”
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opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim’s acquittal on sodomy charges, Human Rights Watch said today. On September 17, 2013, the Court of Appeal in Kuala Lumpur will hear the prosecution’s appeal of the Malaysian High Court’s January 9, 2012 verdict to acquit Anwar of having consensual sexual relations with his political aide Mohammed Saiful Bukhari Azlan.
The Malaysian government should urgently abolish its colonial–era criminal code prohibition against “sodomy” and thus ensure that no such discriminatory prosecutions occur in the future.
“Malaysian authorities are only adding insult to injury by appealing Anwar’s acquittal, compounding the injustice already inflicted on Anwar and his family,” said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director. “The best way to ensure this kind of politically motivated persecution doesn’t happen again is for the government to abolish the hateful law on which it’s based.”
In his decision acquitting Anwar, High Court Judge Mohamad Zabidin Diah ruled that the DNA evidence presented by the prosecution in the case had not been handled properly and could have been tampered with. The judge ruled that in the absence of evidence that could corroborate Saiful’s version of events, a guilty verdict was not possible.
Although the trial ended in acquittal, the case was marred by procedural problems that raised serious fair trial concerns. During the trial, the prosecution refused to share a number of critically important documents with the defense counsel including lists of witnesses to be called at court, surveillance tapes at the condominium where the alleged offense took place, and most crucially, access to DNA samples and original medical reports.
Government leaders regularly made public comments on the trial and the prosecution made obvious procedural breaches, such as leaking information from an on camera fact-finding visit by the court.
Should Anwar lose the appeal, he faces a prison sentence of up to 20 years, and whipping. Anwar would also have to relinquish his parliamentary seat and be barred from standing for election for five years if he is imprisoned for even one day or fined more than RM 2000 (US$600).
Prosecutors originally charged Anwar under article 377 of the penal code, a Victorian-era British colonial law that criminalizes any activity that the authorities decide constitutes “carnal intercourse against the order of nature.”
In 1994 the Human Rights Committee, the United Nations body of experts that monitors civil and political rights, held that sodomy laws violate the right to privacy and non-discrimination. The Yogyakarta Principles, a set of international legal principles on the application of international law to human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, call on states to, “Repeal all laws that criminalize consensual sexual activity among persons of the same sex who are over the age of consent.”
A November 2011 report by the UN high commissioner for human rights, presented to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2012, recommended that UN member states “repeal laws used to criminalize individuals on grounds of homosexuality for engaging in consensual same-sex sexual conduct.” The high commissioner’s report, commissioned under a landmark resolution on “Human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity” that was adopted by the Human Rights Council on June 17, 2011, made numerous other recommendations, including several that are relevant to Malaysia. They include: “enact comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation that includes discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity”; and “ensure that individuals can exercise their rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly in safety without discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.” Also in 2011, leading members of the Commonwealth of Nations to which Malaysia belongs called for the abolition of sodomy laws.
Human Rights Watch opposes all laws regulating sexual relations between people who are over the age of consent and advocates that Malaysia adopt a modern gender-free rape law to replace existing legislation regulating forcible sexual relations. Sodomy laws also compromise privacy rights. The Malaysian government has used these laws to criminalize consensual homosexual relations and pursue charges against a public figure like Anwar in what amounts to a selective prosecution for political purposes.
“Anwar never should have been charged in the first place because consensual sexual relations between adults should never be criminalized,” Robertson said. “Malaysia should fulfill its obligations as a member of the Human Rights Council and bring its rights practices into compliance with international standards.”
Labels:
Anwar
New Bumi agenda unconstitutional, say lawyer, academic
Malay Mail
by BOO SU-LYN
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by BOO SU-LYN
KUALA
LUMPUR, Sept 16 ― The pro-Bumiputera New Economic Model (NEM) violates
Article 8 of the Federal Constitution that guarantees equality to all
Malaysians,…
Malay Mail
by BOO SU-LYN
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by BOO SU-LYN
KUALA
LUMPUR, Sept 16 ― The pro-Bumiputera New Economic Model (NEM) violates
Article 8 of the Federal Constitution that guarantees equality to all
Malaysians, constitutional expert Tommy Thomas and law professor Dr Azmi
Sharom said today.
Thomas
called the NEM unveiled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak last
Saturday, which provides the dominant Malay community access to over
RM31 billion in aid and contracts, another “chapter” of the now-defunct
New Economic Policy (NEP) that was introduced in 1971.
“This
substance is absolutely discriminatory,” Thomas said at the forum
“Fifty years of Democracy: Has it weakened or strengthened our Federal
Constitution?” organised by the Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism
and Human Rights (MCCHR) here today.
“Article 8(2) prevents discrimination,” he added.
Azmi, who is an associate professor of law at the University of Malaya (UM), also said that the NEM goes against Article 8.
“Everybody is equal,” Azmi told the forum of over 50 participants.
“The constitution should have an influence on this, but it doesn’t,” he added.
Thomas
stressed that Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, which details
the special position of the Bumiputera, is “very limited to public
positions, not the total takeover of shares, GLCs, where these
corporations are controlled by the majority race”.
Political
analyst Wan Saiful Wan Jan said at the same forum that Najib had taken
the NEM to “the extent never envisioned by the drafters of the NEP”.
“We
need to be sensitive to political realities, but we need to steer the
conversation to why these two clauses should remain,” said Wan Saiful,
referring to Article 153 and Article 3 of the Federal Constitution that
spell out the special position of the Bumiputera and Islam as the
religion of the federation, respectively.
Wan
Saiful, who heads the think-tank Institute for Democracy and Economic
Affairs (IDEAS), expressed his hopes that both clauses would be
eventually removed in a decade or two.
“I’m confident that without legal protection, Malays can survive and succeed,” he told reporters after the forum.
“With Islam being from God, it does not need legal protection,” the analyst added.
Wan
Saiful and other political analysts have criticised the NEM, saying it
was likely a decision taken by Najib, the Umno president, to bolster his
position ahead of the upcoming party polls.
Previously,
Najib who is also finance minister, had said the NEM would remove the
race-based affirmative action introduced in the NEP in favour of
meritocracy.
The
NEP had an ambitious aim to redress the socio-economic gap between the
largely-urban Chinese and the rural Malays, as well as other indigenous
Bumiputera, within the span of two decades.
It ended officially in 1990, but key aspects of its Malay/Bumiputera-preferred action plan remains in various forms years later.
Where is my government?
SEPT 17 — As a taxpayer of more than 3 decades I am increasingly disillusioned by the present government. I am not able to call them “my” government as they…
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SEPT 17 — As a taxpayer of more than 3 decades I am increasingly disillusioned by the present government. I am not able to call them “my” government as they do not support me or my needs. I can very clearly see the Government of the Malays and the Muslims but I am not able to see the government of the Chinese, Ibans, Indians, Kadazans, Orang Asli and the rest of us.
My hard earned tax ringgit are being used to pay the wages of the Malay majority civil servant (in excess of 90 per cent), build numerous suraus in every government building, finance government projects that benefit their rich families and friends, etc. But why are my needs, and those of my sisters and brothers of other ethnic origins and religious persuasions, not supported? It would be good to see a breakdown of tax contribution by ethnicity. It would be no surprise to see that the majority of our taxes are contributed by Malaysians who are ignored by this government.
I see the government speaking up and fighting for Malay and Muslim rights. But why do they not defend my basic human rights? Why are my needs ignored? Why are my rights trampled on by the government? Recently the minister of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry was very quick to act against employers who discriminate against women wearing the ‘tudung’ (Muslim headgear) as employees. But why is there no similar response to all the ethnic and religious injustice meted out to those of us from different ethnic and religious persuasions?
Are we not also Malaysians? Do we also not have equal rights under our constitution and as human beings? Article 8 of the Federal Constitution was cited by the Minister, which states: “there shall be no discrimination against citizens on the ground only of religion, race, descent or place of birth in any law relating to the acquisition, holding or disposition of property or the establishing or carrying on of any trade, business, profession, vocation or employment”.
Why then does minister Rohani not warn the senior managers of our civil service (JPA) that stern action would be taken against them for discrimination against the Indians, Chinese, and other ethnic groups? Our civil service managers practise a policy of apartheid. In promotion, in appointment of leadership post, in recruitment, etc the mangers of our civil service practise a blatant racist policy.
In recent decades we have seen increasing injustice and bias by this government towards citizens of religious persuasions other than Islam.
For example, why is there not even one prayer room for these citizens in any government department, hospital, etc. Why does the government not actively support, fund and encourage the development and building of Churches, Hindu and Buddhist Temples, etc in the country?
Muslim civil servants actually go for religious training and talks during office hours. Why are religious individuals from other faiths not allowed to organise such talks as well in government departments?
Of course a civil servant should be working when at work, not attending religious talks. That this even happens in government hospitals where over burdened staff are struggling to improve care is unbelievable.
I voted for a government that will support and look after all Malaysians, not just one segment of the population.
Who we actually voted for is our democratic right. What matters is that we as a people have accepted the elected government. The government’s responsibility is to meet the needs of all the people, those who voted for it and those who did not. This is the sign of a mature government, not a childish one.
An elected government that only serves a segment of the population does not deserve to be in power and is neither democratic nor of God.
Where is my government has become my lament and prayer. Why are so many of us treated as second class citizens. Why is there no respect and basic dignity extended by our elected leaders to the entire population? Why are we constantly asked to leave our land by our elected minsters?
Why am I pouring out my energy and lifeblood (tanah tumpahnya darah ku) for this nation I love but am not appreciated? When will I be included and accepted?
I no longer believe the present government is one which represents all of the people of Malaysia. They are a government of their rich families and friends. A government that focuses on racial and religious issues and uses them to create disunity so that they can rule and deflect attention from their corruption and failure to support the poor. A government that even fails to get the support of the ethnic group they claim to represent.
Our beloved nation is at a crossroads. Either we descend further into the darkness of racial and corrupt politics and policies that have defined us for the past three decades. Or we move collectively into the light of a nation made up of one people - Malaysians.
A nation where all are respected and treated as equals.
Where the needs of every segment of our people are looked after.
Where the narrow walls of religious and racial bigotry are broken down permanently.
Where all have an equal future.
Where the ethnic/religious persuasions of our prime minister are not as important as the quality of his actions and intentions.
* This is the personal opinion of the writers or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.
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My hard earned tax ringgit are being used to pay the wages of the Malay majority civil servant (in excess of 90 per cent), build numerous suraus in every government building, finance government projects that benefit their rich families and friends, etc. But why are my needs, and those of my sisters and brothers of other ethnic origins and religious persuasions, not supported? It would be good to see a breakdown of tax contribution by ethnicity. It would be no surprise to see that the majority of our taxes are contributed by Malaysians who are ignored by this government.
I see the government speaking up and fighting for Malay and Muslim rights. But why do they not defend my basic human rights? Why are my needs ignored? Why are my rights trampled on by the government? Recently the minister of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry was very quick to act against employers who discriminate against women wearing the ‘tudung’ (Muslim headgear) as employees. But why is there no similar response to all the ethnic and religious injustice meted out to those of us from different ethnic and religious persuasions?
Are we not also Malaysians? Do we also not have equal rights under our constitution and as human beings? Article 8 of the Federal Constitution was cited by the Minister, which states: “there shall be no discrimination against citizens on the ground only of religion, race, descent or place of birth in any law relating to the acquisition, holding or disposition of property or the establishing or carrying on of any trade, business, profession, vocation or employment”.
Why then does minister Rohani not warn the senior managers of our civil service (JPA) that stern action would be taken against them for discrimination against the Indians, Chinese, and other ethnic groups? Our civil service managers practise a policy of apartheid. In promotion, in appointment of leadership post, in recruitment, etc the mangers of our civil service practise a blatant racist policy.
In recent decades we have seen increasing injustice and bias by this government towards citizens of religious persuasions other than Islam.
For example, why is there not even one prayer room for these citizens in any government department, hospital, etc. Why does the government not actively support, fund and encourage the development and building of Churches, Hindu and Buddhist Temples, etc in the country?
Muslim civil servants actually go for religious training and talks during office hours. Why are religious individuals from other faiths not allowed to organise such talks as well in government departments?
Of course a civil servant should be working when at work, not attending religious talks. That this even happens in government hospitals where over burdened staff are struggling to improve care is unbelievable.
I voted for a government that will support and look after all Malaysians, not just one segment of the population.
Who we actually voted for is our democratic right. What matters is that we as a people have accepted the elected government. The government’s responsibility is to meet the needs of all the people, those who voted for it and those who did not. This is the sign of a mature government, not a childish one.
An elected government that only serves a segment of the population does not deserve to be in power and is neither democratic nor of God.
Where is my government has become my lament and prayer. Why are so many of us treated as second class citizens. Why is there no respect and basic dignity extended by our elected leaders to the entire population? Why are we constantly asked to leave our land by our elected minsters?
Why am I pouring out my energy and lifeblood (tanah tumpahnya darah ku) for this nation I love but am not appreciated? When will I be included and accepted?
I no longer believe the present government is one which represents all of the people of Malaysia. They are a government of their rich families and friends. A government that focuses on racial and religious issues and uses them to create disunity so that they can rule and deflect attention from their corruption and failure to support the poor. A government that even fails to get the support of the ethnic group they claim to represent.
Our beloved nation is at a crossroads. Either we descend further into the darkness of racial and corrupt politics and policies that have defined us for the past three decades. Or we move collectively into the light of a nation made up of one people - Malaysians.
A nation where all are respected and treated as equals.
Where the needs of every segment of our people are looked after.
Where the narrow walls of religious and racial bigotry are broken down permanently.
Where all have an equal future.
Where the ethnic/religious persuasions of our prime minister are not as important as the quality of his actions and intentions.
* This is the personal opinion of the writers or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.
Organ Donation Among Malaysians Still Low, Says Health Minister
PUTRAJAYA, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry Tuesday launched the www.dermaorgan.gov.my website to create greater awareness among Malaysians on the importance of pledging their organs for donation upon their…
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PUTRAJAYA, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry Tuesday launched the www.dermaorgan.gov.my website to create greater awareness among Malaysians on the importance of pledging their organs for donation upon their death.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said that up to Aug 31, 2013, the recorded number of those who pledged their organs was still low as only 233,573 people or 0.81 per cent of the country's population did so.
He said public awareness on organ donation was vital as the number of Malaysian patients still waiting for organ transplantation stood at 16,945 as at Aug 31, this year and most of them had kidney problems.
"During the same period, the number of cadaveric tissue donors (deceased) was also small at only 432. Overall, patients requiring donated organs far outnumber the donors.
"Therefore, the ministry has drawn up the Organ Donation Strategic Awareness Plan," he said after launching the website at the ministry's headquarters, in Putrajaya.
Also present were his deputy Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahya, the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Farida Mohd Ali and the director-general of Health Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
Dr Subramaniam said the awareness campaign through the new media, using the website launched on Tuesday was among the actions taken by the ministry under the strategic plan. It would serve as a one-stop centre to gather all information on organ donation.
"The ministry has obtained approval from the secretary-general of the Treasury, Finance Ministry, for exemption from any treatment charges at the government hospitals for deceased organ donors.
"This means the organ donors' family members need not pay for the hospital charges after the donation had been done," he said.
Dr Subramaniam said the Finance Ministry had also approved life-long free First Class treatment for organ donors, including those who donated their bone marrow or blood for hematopoeitic stem cell transplantation.
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Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said that up to Aug 31, 2013, the recorded number of those who pledged their organs was still low as only 233,573 people or 0.81 per cent of the country's population did so.
He said public awareness on organ donation was vital as the number of Malaysian patients still waiting for organ transplantation stood at 16,945 as at Aug 31, this year and most of them had kidney problems.
"During the same period, the number of cadaveric tissue donors (deceased) was also small at only 432. Overall, patients requiring donated organs far outnumber the donors.
"Therefore, the ministry has drawn up the Organ Donation Strategic Awareness Plan," he said after launching the website at the ministry's headquarters, in Putrajaya.
Also present were his deputy Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahya, the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Farida Mohd Ali and the director-general of Health Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
Dr Subramaniam said the awareness campaign through the new media, using the website launched on Tuesday was among the actions taken by the ministry under the strategic plan. It would serve as a one-stop centre to gather all information on organ donation.
"The ministry has obtained approval from the secretary-general of the Treasury, Finance Ministry, for exemption from any treatment charges at the government hospitals for deceased organ donors.
"This means the organ donors' family members need not pay for the hospital charges after the donation had been done," he said.
Dr Subramaniam said the Finance Ministry had also approved life-long free First Class treatment for organ donors, including those who donated their bone marrow or blood for hematopoeitic stem cell transplantation.
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40-YEARS-OLD MOTHER SET TO MARRY OWN SON-IN ZIMBABWE
A 40-year-old mother is set to marry her own son. The woman and her son claim to be in love with each other. And now they want to take their…A 40-year-old mother is set to marry her own son. The woman and her son claim to be in love with each other. And now they want to take their relationship to the next level and get married considering that the mother, Betty Mbereko (from Mwenezi in Masvingo) is now six months pregnant and expecting her son’s child and her grand child.Mbereko, 40, has been a widow for the past 12 years and has been living with her 23-years-old son Farai Mbereko.
She confirms that she is six month pregnant and that she has decided it is better to “marry” her son because she does not want to marry her late husband’s young brothers, whom she says are coveting her.
Betty stunned a village court last week when she said the affair with her son had begun three years earlier.
She said after spending a lot of money sending Farai to school following the death of her husband, she felt she had a right to his money and no other woman was entitled to it.
“Look, I strove alone to send my son to school and no one helped me. Now you see that my son is working and you accuse me of doing something wrong.
“Let me enjoy the products of my sweat,” she told the village court council.
Farai said he was more than prepared to marry his mother and would pay off the ilobola balance his father had left unpaid to his grandparents.
“I know my father died before he finished paying the bride price and I am prepared to pay it off,” he said. “It is better to publicise what is happening because people should know that I am the one who made my mother pregnant.
Otherwise they will accuse her of promiscuity.” But local headman Nathan Muputirwa says: “We cannot allow this to happen in our village, mashura chaiwo aya, (This is a bad omen indeed). In the past they would have to be killed but today we cannot do it because we are afraid of the police.”
He warned them to immediately break off their marriage or leave his village. They chose the latter and have since left the village for an undisclosed destination.
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