Friday, June 30, 2023

Is government wanting to REMOVE all posts critical of Anwar and goverment - the 'undesirable posts'? Clarify PM or Minister Fahmy...

One cannot help wondering what Minister Fahmy and the Anwar Ibrahim PH led government were up with Facebook, Telegram and even other social media.

Concern have been about 'CENSORSHIP' and restriction of Freedom of Expression and Opinion by Anwar and his PH led government have become a worry.

Note that government seems to be NOT just talking about Porn Sites and Online Gambling or even Macau Scams - but is talking also about the 3R - race, religion and royalty. Well, I must state that the government should not restrict our ability to comment or express an opinion on matters concerning race, religion or even royalty.

I am against invasion of privacy and/or 'spying' by the government or 'service providers' and App owners including Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, Google into my personal communication with people on social media...

I expected SPYING and Censorship, and other online interference would have come to end in Malaysia after the ousting of that 'evil' Barisan Nasional regime after GE14 - but now, I am worried that Anwar and the PH-led government may be the same or maybe even worse...

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has failed in its attempt to get Twitter to take down several tweets by a vocal government critic, the latest in a series of actions to shut down views not favourable to Putrajaya, MalaysiaNow has learnt.
Is this TRUE - so what Anwar wants is to remove any criticisms about him and the current government? Anwar and Minister Fahmy better clarify soonest...

The Malaysian government announced that it is filing a lawsuit against Meta Platforms for its purported failure to remove "undesirable" posts on the company’s popular social media platform Facebook.
PM and Minister Fahmy, please CLARIFY what undesirable posts are we talking about?
Worse, is the government "REMOVING" posts of people when it considers it to be 'undesirable" - This is wrong...so wrong...It is so arbitrary. Any removal of POSTS of persons must require at the very least a Court ORDER - it cannot be the Minister or some public officer deciding arbitrarily to remove this or that...
And the person, who posted 'undesirable posts' should have a right to KNOW, and even a right to be heard before there is interference in his/her private communications..
Is support and vote for PN or MUDA in the upcoming State elections considered to be an 'undesirable post".
Is calls to support PH and BN then a 'desirable post'?
RESPECT Human Rights and our Freedom of Speech, Expression and Opinion... Accept and respond to criticisms about the PM, Ministers and government...
TRUE, there is a rising discontent about this Anwar led government - the Bad laws like Sedition Act, SOSMA, Detention Without Trial Laws like POTA and POCA, and the draconian provisions in Societies Act, University and University Colleges Act, Malaysia's Communications and Multimedia Act of 1998 and other laws are yet to be repealed. Sadly, some of these draconian laws are still being used....

"Censorship does not reflect confidence, nor is it in tandem with broadening democracy. A better approach is to present alternative narratives and protect media freedom," said political analyst Bridget Welsh on Twitter.
A block that rendered the MalaysiaNow news website inaccessible to a large section of internet users in the country appeared to have ended this afternoon, after a barrage...
Of course, naturally the first to be suspected would be Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil and the Malaysian government >>>> Remember the government can do this indirectly through 'service providers' and App owners ... The Minister apparently claimed that they were not responsible ...BUT THAT IS NOT ENOUGH...
Malaysia Now is a Malaysian media outlet, and it provides a service to all in Malaysia - HENCE, Minister Fahmi, as the relevant Minister, PLEASE INVESTIGATE and determine who was responsible for the 'ATTACK" on Malaysia Now... and give the Rakyat a report soon.
Protect all users of the Internet...protect their privacy...that is the duty of the Minister Fahmy and his Ministry..

See earlier posts:-

GREAT - Telegram did not want to participate in “any form of political censorship”? An explanation why will not cooperate with Minister?

Bar Resolution on Respect of Privacy, End of “Spying” and Intervention of Internet without Due Notice, ... Will Anwar's PH-led government do the needful?

Malaysia Must Stop Pressuring Facebook and Telegram to Monitor or Control User’s Private Communication

SEDITION Act - Moratorium on the use of unjust laws pending repeal

Respect People’s Right to Privacy, Freedom of Expression - Repeal Section 233 and other rights violating provisions in the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998(CMA)...- MADPET

Twitter shoots down MCMC's request to delete posts critical of PM

This follows a news portal being rendered inaccessible for 48 hours.

MalaysiaNow

June 30, 2023 7:00 AM2 minute read

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission is an agency under the jurisdiction of the communications and digital ministry. Photo: Bernama

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has failed in its attempt to get Twitter to take down several tweets by a vocal government critic, the latest in a series of actions to shut down views not favourable to Putrajaya, MalaysiaNow has learnt.

The US-based social networking service refused MCMC's request to take down four tweets by Salim Iskandar, who frequently posts tweets mocking Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's coalition government.

"As Twitter strongly believes in defending and respecting the voice of our users, it is our policy to notify our users if we receive a legal request from an authorised entity (such as law enforcement or a government agency) to remove content from their account," Twitter said in an email to Salim informing him of MCMC's request.

Salim had earlier posted a series of tweets challenging Anwar to take a religious oath to deny the sodomy allegation for which he was convicted and sentenced to jail in 2015, before being granted a royal pardon in 2018.

He also criticised the prime minister for his current stance in favour of Chinese investments, comparing it to Anwar's past statements against being dependent on Beijing, including one where Anwar accused the then government under Najib Razak of selling out the country to China.

Twitter in its response advised Salim to decide whether he would like to delete the posts volutarily or seek legal counsel.

The company has a policy of scrutinising requests from government agencies to take down posts, but these are only fulfilled for cases involving harm to children, threats to life and terrorism.

Twitter's policy also bars it from complying with requests which could restrict freedom of expression or silence journalists and legitimate political speeches.

MCMC is an agency under the communications and digital ministry helmed by Fahmi Fadzil, who recently courted controversy for his attacks on the media as well as a threat of police action against government critics.

Fahmi and MCMC were again thrust into the limelight after MalaysiaNow was rendered inaccessible, just hours after the online news outlet reported on Fahmi's outburst at government critics during a TikTok Live session.

While the minister denied issuing orders to block any news portal, checks with online tools showed that the block was implemented in a manner commonly used by authorities in Malaysia to block pornographic and other undesirable content.

The site was inaccessible for users of Unifi, Maxis and Celcom but was up again on Thursday afternoon with no block reported on the three top internet service providers. -Malaysia Now, 30/6/2023

Malaysia to sue Meta for non-removal of 'undesirable' posts

Tue, June 27, 2023 at 3:44 AM GMT+7·2 min read

[Source]

The Malaysian government announced that it is filing a lawsuit against Meta Platforms for its purported failure to remove "undesirable" posts on the company’s popular social media platform Facebook.

Enforcing accountability: In a statement released Friday, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission noted that it is pursuing legal action against the company to safeguard consumers and enforce accountability for cybersecurity.

Meta’s response, which has been sluggish and unsatisfactory, has not met the urgency of the matter and has led to increasing public concern and scrutiny. As there is no sufficient cooperation from Meta, MCMC has no option but to take definitive steps or legal action against Meta as a measure to ensure that people are secure and protected in the digital sphere.

Meta has reportedly refused to take down what the agency has deemed objectionable content despite repeated requests. The posts in question involve topics such as race, religion, defamation, impersonation, online gambling and scam advertisements.

Legal basis: According to the commission, allowing the abuse of network facilities or application services constitutes an offense under Malaysia's Communications and Multimedia Act of 1998.

Under the law, company officials who refuse to take immediate action can be charged with "willfully providing means and aiding criminal activity.” If found guilty, offenders may be penalized with a fine not exceeding 50,000 Malaysian Ringgit (approximately $10,690), imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both.

Curbing certain posts: The current administration under Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, which assumed power in November, has been vocal in its intent to curb what it considers inflammatory social media posts involving race and religion.

The government has attributed its stance to the recent heightened ethnic tensions in the country, where a majority Muslim ethnic Malay population co-exists alongside significant Chinese and Indian minorities.

Sensitive times: The statement comes just weeks before elections are held in six states, as the terms for those local governments expire this year.

Malaysia-based Centre for Independent Journalism reported in its hate speech-monitoring initiative last year that race-based topics dominated political discussions on social media during and after the previous election.

Anwar's alliance, which includes a predominantly Chinese party, is facing off against a conservative Malay Muslim alliance advocating for a strict interpretation of Sharia in the upcoming election, - Yahoo News, 27/6/2023

Amid condemnation, block lifted from MalaysiaNow but govt's press freedom record takes a dive

The episode raises questions on the current government's treatment of the media despite a minister denying any involvement.

MalaysiaNow

June 29, 2023 6:00 PM5 minute read

A block that rendered the MalaysiaNow news website inaccessible to a large section of internet users in the country appeared to have ended this afternoon, after a barrage of criticism directed at the government with embattled Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil claiming no responsibility.

Checks show that the users of TM-Unifi, Maxis and Celcom are now able to access the website, following a block that saw those using the three major internet service providers unable to access the site since Tuesday.

MalaysiaNow's own checks confirmed that its website had been blocked, raising questions over the possible involvement of those with jurisdictional powers on restricting website access.

The portal is also awaiting a report from global cybersecurity firm Cloudflare.

"While we are relieved that the site is accessible again to Malaysians, we will not rest until we find the culprit behind this coincidence affecting several major ISPs. In the digital world, everything can be tracked, and we will know soon," said MalaysiaNow editor Abdar Rahman Koya.

Fahmi, who drew condemnation this week for threatening members of the public with police action if they did not "behave themselves", has denied issuing instructions for any news portal to be blocked.

But many on social media took the statement with a pinch of salt, especially given his apparent penchant for trying to silence media outlets carrying content unfavourable to the government.

The block on MalaysiaNow was the first time since 2016 that a news portal with media accreditation was subject to a systematic ban on access across several major ISPs.

In 2016, news portal The Malaysian Insider was blocked after a series of reports on the 1MDB scandal. The site was shut down some weeks later.

Fahmi's denial meanwhile fuelled suspicion among activists and observers.

"Censorship does not reflect confidence, nor is it in tandem with broadening democracy. A better approach is to present alternative narratives and protect media freedom," said political analyst Bridget Welsh on Twitter.

Wan Saiful Wan Jan, the Perikatan Nasional shadow minister for the communications and digital portfolio, issued a strongly worded statement condemning the block of MalaysiaNow, and urged foreign observers to stop giving "the benefit of doubt" to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's administration.

"Anwar's administration is not only incompetent, but they also abuse enforcement agencies to silence those who expose their incompetence," said the vocal Tasek Gelugor MP.

"Observers, national and international, should know by now that Anwar and his administration are nowhere near the reformist they pretend to be.

"We should realise that this is Anwar's true colours. He is vengeful, draconian and incompetent," said Wan Saiful, adding that Fahmi's outburst at those making anti-government statements was symptomatic "of this administration's attitude towards free speech".

A journalists' group and several activists also condemned the block, while some uploaded proof that MalaysiaNow was being blocked despite Fahmi’s denials.

Gerakan Media Merdeka urged Fahmi's ministry and its agency, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), to come clean, citing findings on an online connectivity tool that the website had been blocked through DNS tampering.

"DNS tampering is a common method used in Malaysia to censor 'undesirable' online content including pornography, online gambling and violent extremist sites.

"Any form of online news or legitimate opinions clearly should not be subjected to such censorship," said the group.

An ex-aide to Muhyiddin Yassin meanwhile mocked critics who had condemned the Covid-19 state of emergency imposed under the former prime minister, saying the press was free even during that period.

"Even during the emergency, we didn't resort to such actions. Malaysiakini, Malaysia esok, Malaysia lusa, all were free to report," quipped Marzuki Mohamad.

"It seems that these days are more of an emergency. I don't even know what sort of emergency it is. It could be the OPR increase emergency, the electricity tariff hike emergency, goods prices hike emergency. Even a stick of lemang these days costs RM20."

One political commentator said MalaysiaNow was probably targeted due to its reports on a recent incident during a dialogue with students, where Anwar jokingly asked a female student for her number, drawing outrage from the public.

Yaakob Osman also referred to a report by the portal on Fahmi's TikTok Live session where the politician had threatened critics of the government with police action.

"My advice to MalaysiaNow, it's better to just flatter those at the top, that's what they want," he wrote.

Meanwhile, seasoned journalist Gobind Rudra said the episode faced by MalaysiaNow exposed those who had championed press freedom in the past, adding that Fahmi enjoyed playing a "bully" while using government media "who provide the kind of obsequious servility and non-stop airtime he seems to crave".

"It is a far cry from the day Anwar Ibrahim stood before a sea of supporters on the Esplanade Padang and proclaimed that when Pakatan Harapan got into Putrajaya, 'Kami free the media. Next day!'

"Many, many next days have come and gone, Anwar. And the only thing that you have given us is a pipsqueak Goebbels," Rudra wrote on Facebook.

Political scoops

MalaysiaNow was launched in September 2020 by a small team of experienced journalists who have been with various online portals over the years.

It has been behind several political scoops and exposes over the past three years.

In October 2020, it revealed a letter to the palace jointly signed by Umno leaders Najib Razak and Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in support of Anwar's bid to take over the government in the midst of the pandemic.

In November 2021, meanwhile, MalaysiaNow exposed the government's plan to "gift" Najib with a 2.8-acre residential property worth RM100 million in one of Kuala Lumpur's most exclusive neighbourhoods, a move which drew protests from several Cabinet ministers at that time including Khairy Jamaluddin and Mohamed Azmin Ali.

The portal also leaked a telephone conversation between Zahid and Anwar, which showed how they had planned to set the tone of the Umno general assembly in cutting ties with Perikatan Nasional.

Last year, MalaysiaNow reported privileges accorded to Anwar during his 40-plus-month imprisonment for sodomy, as a debate brewed on special treatment for Najib who had just started serving his sentence at Kajang Prison.

The report, among others, said the politician had spent a considerable amount of time outside the prison walls, and was allowed a stream of visitors, "unprison-like" furniture and countless out-of-jail trips.

Earlier this month, MalaysiaNow quoted sources, who said maritime experts had warned Putrajaya against signing a border agreement with Indonesia, ahead of a trip by President Joko Widodo.

Anwar has since denied that the treaty was conclusive, despite earlier statements by Jokowi celebrating the end of an 18-year old maritime dispute. - Malaysia Now, 29/6/2023

Saturday, June 24, 2023

Poverty Line Income 2019 -RM2,208, so what is Poverty Line Income in 2023 after cost of living rose?

In 2023, the cost of living have sky-rocketed, and as such we cannot today rely on the 2019 poverty line income of RM2,208-00 anymore - it has to be revised to reflect the current reality where even the cost of eggs and cooking oil has sky-rocketed, partly because the government have even removed subsidies for basic food items.

In 2019, Malaysia set a NEW poverty line income of RM2,208. Before that the poverty line income was RM980. What changed in 2019 was also the method of determining poverty line income, and if the new poverty line income method was used, then in 2016 it should have been RM2,141 - not RM980. In copying and pasting the Malay Mail article, some tables was not copied - so follow the link to see the original Malay Mail Report

Malaysia’s chief statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin explained that the new figure was obtained based on changes in methodology that now emphasised healthy eating and quality basic needs....
The previous 2005 methodology, which determined the national PLI of RM980, was based on the minimum food requirements of each household member and 106 non-food items based on the spending patterns of the country’s bottom 20 per cent group (B20) in the 2004/2005 household expenditure survey.
In contrast, the new 2019 methodology which determined the national PLI of RM2,208 was based on optimum food requirements and healthy eating, as well as 146 non-food items from the B20 households’ spending pattern in the 2019 household expenditure survey.

Hence, what we need now is the REVISED POVERTY LINE INCOME - Is it today with the increased cost of living and the dropping Ringgit about RM5,000 - If so, the number of persons/households living in poverty and 'hardcore poverty' is much much higher.

One way of eradicating is to drop the poverty line income >>> hopefully Malaysia will not do this.

How do we OVERCOME poverty - it is certainly not just by handing out monies to the poor - which is but a temporary measure to deal with the problems now. More importantly is enable the poor to be able to independently raise their income and household income. And this will take time and the political will to make real changes.

LOSS OF REGULAR EMPLOYMENT - Past governments 'closed their eyes' and 'permitted' changes in employment practices. It allowed for the use of 'short-term contract employment' usually for a year, and after that the worker will have find another employment, and many employers, even if they still need workers, choose to just find new workers. Malaysian government could have put its foot down and insisted on REGULAR EMPLOYMENT for all - which will also give the worker assured employment, where basic worker rights also increase with tenure.

AUTOMATION causes loss of employment - and the Malaysian government caused human toll collectors to lose jobs when they allowed automation. Worse, some of these toll collecting companies were GLCs. Many who worked at toll booths were WOMEN, who chose to work near their home-towns rather than moving to urban centers for jobs. Now, banks and supermarkets may also move towards automation and workers will lose more and more jobs. Remember the government is responsible to provide all its citizens jobs and income. Is Malaysia going to start payment to the unemployed?

Government is responsible for all its citizens from children to senior citizens, and because of government failure, mothers or family members that could have gone out to work and earn an income is 'forced' to stay home to care for children, the elderly parents and even the disabled. The Malaysian government should PAY CARE INCOME, of at the very least the Minimum Wage, to those who have to stay home caring for others. Remember, it is MOST difficult for most household to survive on the earnings of one bread-winner > now both husband and wife need to work and earn an income for the household to survive in modern Malaysia.

MINIMUM WAGES must be increased as an when is needed - but then it should not be a requirement for all EMPLOYERS to pay Minimum Wages >> only the factories, plantations and them employers who make a certain annual income/profit. You cannot ask the small shops and retailers in small towns or in rural areas to pay the same Minimum Wage - another arrangements possibly, that at least 50% of profits should go to labour or their workers.

Maybe even a HIGHER Minimum Wage for manual and 3D work, where Malaysians seems not ready to do. If say, the MINIMUM wage for such work was RM2,000, then maybe more Malaysians would be attracted to take on these jobs.

Hardcore poverty in the country needs to be eradicated this year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Malaysia's PM says that hardcore poverty needs to be eradicated this year - BUT again he does not tell us how the government is going to do this. As Prime Minister, he must stop making 'promises' - and start providing the HOW and WHAT exactly is the government going to do to eradicate poverty.... then, at least people will be confident and trust in the government and its STATED plans of action. So, is Anwar going to give ALL hardcore poverty household monies monthly so that they will no longer be hardcore poor but simply poor?

That is NOT a bad idea, what the government should do is to give MONTHLY aid to all those who are poor to make sure that they will be no poor in Malaysia. Pass a LAW to guarantee government aid that will make sure there is no more poverty in Malaysia, and whilst aid is being give - give them the needed skills and ability for them to be able to earn sufficiently to be able to move out of poverty.

How much does the government give them contractors to cut grass beside the roads - was it RM2,000 per km per month. Well, if the poor are given the skills to cut grass and the opportunity to do this, the money will help overcome poverty.

Every town has work to keep roads clean, structures painted and maintained - So, after identifying the poor in the area, giving them this work and paying them may overcome poverty and provide a regular work with regular income. This task could be undertaken by the Local Government...so end contracts to 3rd parties, and give work/income to poor in your area to overcome poverty.

Statistics Dept: Malaysia’s new poverty line income is RM2,208, over 400k households considered poor

A bird's-eye view of Kuala Lumpur July 8, 2020. u00e2u20acu201d Picture by Hari Anggara

In announcing the new national poverty line income (PLI), Malaysia’s chief statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin explained that the new figure was obtained based on changes in methodology that now emphasised healthy eating and quality basic needs. ― Picture by Hari Anggara

By IDA LIM

Friday, 10 Jul 2020 4:09 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 — Malaysia revised the national poverty line income from RM980 to RM2,208, which means that over 400,000 households in the country with monthly incomes below this level were considered poor in 2019, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) revealed today.

Based on the new poverty line income, DOSM said Malaysia’s poverty levels have fallen in 2019, when compared to the last available figures in 2016.

He said the DOSM worked with various stakeholders including the Health Ministry to revise the national PLI, following the 11th Malaysia Plan’s launch where it was stated that there was a need for Malaysia to review its poverty level indicator.

The previous 2005 methodology, which determined the national PLI of RM980, was based on the minimum food requirements of each household member and 106 non-food items based on the spending patterns of the country’s bottom 20 per cent group (B20) in the 2004/2005 household expenditure survey.

In contrast, the new 2019 methodology which determined the national PLI of RM2,208 was based on optimum food requirements and healthy eating, as well as 146 non-food items from the B20 households’ spending pattern in the 2019 household expenditure survey.

“From the aspect of food items… before this we looked more towards the concept of ‘minimum’, but this time we stress on the discussion with the Health Ministry — optimum and healthy and quality, and it is based on the 2017 Recommended Nutrient Intake and the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines,” he explained at a press conference today.

Under the new methodology, calculations for the food component of the PLI are now based on servings according to food categories that are converted to price, instead of the previous methodology based on the individual’s calories requirements.

The recommended food servings include fish, poultry, meat, cereal, bread, rice, eggs, vegetables and milk.

As for non-food items, those covered are clothing and shoes; housing, fuel and utilities; furniture; transport and communications; education and health.

A Flourish table

What the new PLI means for Malaysia

Based on the new 2019 methodology, the national mean poverty line income for households in Malaysia in 2019 is RM2,208 per month (with RM1,169 for food and RM1,038 for non-food items).

(The RM2,208 figure was obtained by dividing the overall PLI value in each household with the total number of households in Malaysia, DOSM said.)

Also based on the new 2019 methodology, the national mean PLI in 2016 is RM2,141.

By using the new methodology, Malaysia’s absolute poverty rate would be recorded as improving from 7.61 per cent in 2016 to 5.6 per cent in 2019. This would translate into a decrease in households considered poor, namely a drop from 525,743 households falling below the poverty line in 2016 to 405,441 households in 2019.

Size matters when it comes to poverty, with 70.4 per cent of the 405,441 poor households having more than four household members, while 13.3 per cent of these households had four household members, DOSM’s data showed.

Age was also looked at, with the highest percentage of poor households recorded among households with the head of the family aged 45 to 49 (16.3 per cent), followed by those aged 40 to 44 (15.4 per cent) and 50 to 54 (13.1 per cent), with DOSM also noting that those with household heads aged 65 and above recording incidence of poverty at 12 per cent in 2019.

When it comes to absolute poverty levels in the different states in 2019, the highest levels were recorded in Sabah (19.5 per cent), Kelantan (12.4 per cent), Sarawak (9 per cent), Kedah (8.8 per cent), Perak (7.3 per cent), and Terengganu (6.1 per cent). The other states were below the national absolute poverty level of 5.6 per cent, namely Negri Sembilan and Pahang (4.3 per cent), Melaka, Perlis and Johor (3.9 per cent), Labuan (3.1 per cent), Penang (1.9 per cent), Selangor (1.2 per cent), Putrajaya (0.4 per cent), and Kuala Lumpur (0.2 per cent).

The new methodology would also translate to a decrease in absolute poverty in Malaysia’s urban and rural areas to 3.8 per cent and 12.4 per cent in 2019, down from 4.8 per cent and 17.5 per cent in 2016 when the new methodology was used on 2016 figures, DOSM said.

As for hardcore poverty, it would also improve from 0.62 per cent in 2016 to 0.4 per cent in 2019, based on the new methodology. This would translate into a decrease in the number of hardcore poor households, from 45,004 households in 2016 to 27,158 households in 2019.

What if the old methodology was used?

In contrast, the DOSM showed that using the 2005 methodology — which had only minimum food requirements instead of optimum and healthy food requirements — would result in a national PLI of RM983 in 2019 and RM980 in 2016. (The food component of the PLI would have come up to more than RM600, while the non-food component would have come up to more than RM300.)

The old methodology would have resulted in Malaysia’s absolute poverty rate being recorded at 0.4 per cent in 2016 and 0.2 per cent in 2019, or just 24,673 households in 2016 and just 16,653 households in 2019 being officially considered poor.

The old 2005 methodology would also have translated into zero levels of hardcore poverty being recorded in 2016, and just 0.02 per cent or 1,752 households considered as being hardcore poor in 2019. - Malay Mail, 10/7/2020

A Flourish chart

PM Anwar: Hardcore poverty needs to be eradicated this year

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim greets guests at the Sentuhan Kasih Desa programme in Nilai June 24, 2023. ― Bernama pic

NILAI, June 24 ― Hardcore poverty in the country needs to be eradicated this year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Therefore, he said the entire government machinery, especially the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) and its agencies, must work towards ending it.

“This year, we must eradicate and put an end to hardcore poverty including in Negeri Sembilan,” he said when launching the Sentuhan Kasih Desa programme here today.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. ― Bernama, Malay Mail, 24/6/2023

Wrongfully jailed: 'I was among 35 inmates whipped on same day' ? Will Anwar Ibrahim led government fare better that Ismail Sabri's?

It is good that Media reported the statement of now 28 groups PM Anwar Ibrahim and Malaysia needs to ensure justice be done to documented migrant worker Sabri, who was wrongly convicted, imprisoned and WHIPPED for being illegally in Malaysia(28 Groups)

See below also a Malaysiakini report in August 2022 - Wrongfully jailed: 'I was among 35 inmates whipped on same day'

Groups call for RCI on wrongfully jailed, whipped Indonesian worker

The various rights NGOs and union bodies urge Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to offer Sabri Umar an apology on behalf of Malaysia.
FMT Reporters - 22 Jun 2023, 10:30am

Indonesian worker Sabri Umar after he was acquitted by the Tawau High Court last July. (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture pic)

PETALING JAYA: Over two dozen rights NGOs and union bodies have called for the government to set up a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to probe a case involving an Indonesian worker who was wrongfully imprisoned and whipped for allegedly not having a valid work pass.

“We call on Malaysia to set up a RCI and look into the case of Sabri Umar and other rights violations that may have befallen many other migrant workers,” the 27 groups said in a joint statement.
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They said the current position of Malaysia seems to be the speedy repatriation of migrant workers despite them having outstanding claims against their immediate or past employers.

“This policy must change, and there must be no repatriation of migrant workers or foreign nationals until the human resources ministry determines that there are no outstanding or pending employment related claims against their employers,” the groups said.

The groups added that the home ministry must also determine that there are no outstanding claims against others, or that the migrant worker is not needed as a witness in any other cases.

The groups urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to offer an apology to Sabri on behalf of Malaysia, adding that “offering some compensation would also be just”.

The signatories to the statement include Aliran, Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture (Madpet), North South Initiative (NSI), Sabah Timber Industry Employees Union to Union (Stieu), Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM) and the Teoh Beng Hock Trust for Democracy.

In April 2022, Sabri was arrested and then sentenced to 11 months in prison and five strokes of the rotan by a sessions court under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act.

While waiting for his appeal to be heard, he was whipped in the Tawau prison on June 23.

The Tawau High Court acquitted him in July after his lawyer managed to prove that Sabri had a valid Indonesian passport and a work pass from his employer, Fu Yee Corp.

Upon release, Sabri needed a special pass to remain in Malaysia for one month to pursue justice, but was only given a two-week pass by the immigration department. This happened twice, and appeals were made to the home ministry but Sabri has yet to receive a decision on his appeals.

In August 2022, Sabri commenced a legal suit at the Tawau High Court against the home minister, the Sabah chief minister, the immigration department, and others, seeking a court order asking the minister to state his decision on Sabri’s two appeals against the immigration department’s decisions.

Sabri also filed a claim for reinstatement at the Industrial Court in May, but the case has yet to be heard.

The Tawau High Court dismissed Sabri’s application for a court order that would allow him to stay in the country legally until “his quest for justice is over”. Sabri then appealed to the Court of Appeal. - FMT, 22/6/2023

27 civil society groups demands justice for wrongfully convicted migrant worker in Malaysia

Civil Society

Photo on the right, Sabri Umar released from detention.

22 June 2023

By The Online Citizen

0

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA — A coalition of 27 groups, trade unions, and organizations have issued a public statement demanding justice for Sabri Umar, an Indonesian migrant worker who has reportedly been wrongfully convicted and brutally punished in Malaysia.

The statement calls on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Malaysian government to rectify what they describe as a “gross miscarriage of justice.” Sabri Umar, who had been lawfully employed in Malaysia for about seven years, was wrongfully charged and convicted for residing in Malaysia illegally.

He was whipped five times at Tawau Prison on June 23, 2022, and sentenced to 11 months of imprisonment by the Sessions Court on April 19, 2022.

According to the groups, Sabri was arrested at his workplace following an alleged sexual assault complaint filed by his employer, Fu Yee Corporation. Despite being presented with Sabri’s valid passport at the time of arrest, the authorities proceeded with the charges.

The Deputy Public Prosecutor, in possession of Sabri’s valid passport and work permit endorsed by the Immigration Department, continued with the charges. The undersigned groups question this decision, as the evidence clearly proved Sabri’s legal status in the country.

Furthermore, the Immigration Department tendered a document in court claiming no records on Sabri existed, contributing to his conviction. The coalition condemns this action and has expressed disappointment with Fu Yee Corporation for failing to notify the courts or authorities about Sabri’s wrongful conviction.

The groups also underline the role played by Sabri’s Union, the Sabah Timber Industry Employees Union (STIEU), in bringing this issue to the fore. After their intervention, the High Court called up the case for revision and acquitted Sabri on July 22, 2022.

However, Sabri has encountered ongoing difficulties since his release, including short-term special passes from the Immigration Department and an unsuccessful High Court application to remain in Malaysia legally until his quest for justice is complete. Fearing further arrest and harassment, Sabri has temporarily returned to Indonesia.

The groups accuse the National Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM), the Malaysian Parliament, and the Home Minister of inaction regarding Sabri’s case, thus putting the onus on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to intervene.

The statement stresses that failure to ensure justice in such cases could inadvertently encourage further rights violations and exploitation in Malaysia.

To prevent this, the undersigned groups call on the government to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate Sabri’s case, and others like it, and to review the current policy of repatriating migrant workers with outstanding claims or cases.

The statement concludes with an urgent call for a public apology and appropriate compensation for Sabri.

The groups demand action against those responsible and reiterate the need for a Royal Commission of Inquiry. They urge Malaysia, as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, to set an example by actively promoting and defending human rights of all, including migrant workers and foreign nationals.

The following are the 27 group signatories:

ALIRAN
Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha(MASUM), India
Black Women for Wages for Housework
Building and Wood Workers International (BWI) Asia Pacific
Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO)
Global Women’s Strike
Haiti Action Committee
International Women’s Rights Action Watch Asia Pacific (IWRAW AP)
Japan Innocence and Death Penalty Information Center
Labour Law Reform Coalition, Malaysia
Legal Action for Women, UK
MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture)
Migrant Care, Indonesia
Network of Action For Migrants in Malaysia(NAMM)
North South Initiative, Malaysia
Payday Men’s Network (UK-US)
Persatuan Komuniti Prihatin Selangor & Kuala Lumpur
Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor(PSWS), Malaysia
Programme Against Custodial Torture & Impunity (PACTI), India
Sabah Plantation Industry Employees Union (SPIEU)
Sabah Timber Industry Employees Union to Union (STIEU)
Safety and Rights Society (SRS), Bangladesh
Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM)
Teoh Beng Hock Trust for Democracy
Union of Forestry Employees Sarawak (UFES)
WH4C (Workers Hub For Change)
Women of Color-Global Women’s Strike, US/UK - TOC, 22/6/2023

PM is urged to intervene in the wrongful conviction of Indonesian worker

By NURUL ATIKAH SARJI
23 Jun 2023 08:12pm

According to the statement, on June 23, 2022, Sabri Umar was wrongfully charged and convicted for residing in Malaysia illegally whipped five times at Tawau Prison and having been lawfully employed in the country for about seven years. Filepic

SHAH ALAM - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is urged to ensure justice is served for Indonesian migrant worker Sabri Umar, who was wrongfully prosecuted and punished in Malaysia.

Twenty-eight civil society groups have jointly issued a statement today, demanding justice for the migrant worker who suffered the ordeal exactly one year ago.

In the statement issued today, Sabri was wrongfully and illegally whipped five times, was wrongly charged, convicted, and sentenced to 11 months in prison and five strokes of whipping for being illegal on April 19, 2022, by the Sessions Court, and was wrongfully and illegally whipped five times at Tawau Prison on June 23, 2022.

This was even though he had been lawfully employed in the country for about seven years.

"In fact, Sabri's valid passport and work permit, which proved his legal status, were presented to the authorities at the time of his arrest, but the charges were still pursued.

"He was wrongfully prosecuted and given a sentence of 11 months in prison and five strokes of the whip on April 19, 2022, by the Sessions Court, and the groups claimed it was a gross miscarriage of justice," the statement read.

The coalition also criticises the Deputy Public Prosecutor for proceeding with the charges despite possessing Sabri's valid documents.

Also, the Immigration Department's negligence in claiming that there were no records of Sabri's existence caused his conviction.

"It is disappointing that the employer, one Fu Yee Corporation, who ought to be aware that Sabri was indeed a legal migrant worker in Malaysia, failed to inform the courts and other authorities that Sabri was wrongfully convicted and sentenced for being illegally in Malaysia.

"An employer’s obligation to a migrant worker is until the worker is safely back in his country of origin," it said.

Meanwhile, the Sabah Timber Industry Employees Union (STIEU) intervened in the case, leading to his acquittal by the High Court; however, the statement mentioned that Sabri has faced ongoing difficulties since his release, including short-term special passes and an unsuccessful High Court application to remain in Malaysia legally until his quest for justice is complete.

The groups also criticised the National Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM), the Parliament, and the Home Minister for their alleged inaction in Sabri's case, calling out to Anwar to intervene.

To address the situation and prevent similar violations in the future, the coalition demands the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate Sabri's case and others like it.

"There should also be a review of the current policy of repatriating migrant workers with outstanding claims or cases," it added.

The organisations emphasised Malaysia's position as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council and pushed for action against those involved.

The 28 civil societies are as follows;

ALIRAN

MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture)

Building and Wood Workers International (BWI) Asia Pacific

WH4C (Workers Hub For Change)

Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha(MASUM), India

Black Women for Wages for Housework

Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO)

Global Women’s Strike

Haiti Action Committee

International Women's Rights Action Watch Asia Pacific (IWRAW AP)

Japan Innocence and Death Penalty Information Center

Labour Law Reform Coalition, Malaysia

Legal Action for Women, UK

Migrant Care, Indonesia

Network of Action For Migrants in Malaysia(NAMM)

North South Initiative, Malaysia

Payday Men’s Network (UK-US)

Persatuan Komuniti Prihatin Selangor & Kuala Lumpur

Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor(PSWS), Malaysia

Programme Against Custodial Torture & Impunity (PACTI), India

Sabah Plantation Industry Employees Union (SPIEU)

Sabah Timber Industry Employees Union to Union (STIEU)

Safety and Rights Society (SRS), Bangladesh

Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM)

Tenaganita, Malaysia

Teoh Beng Hock Trust for Democracy

Union of Forestry Employees Sarawak (UFES)

Women of Color-Global Women’sStrike, US/UK - The Sinar Daily, 23/6/2023

News
Wrongfully jailed: 'I was among 35 inmates whipped on same day'
S Vinothaa
Published: Aug 17, 2022 7:45 AM
⋅
Updated: 10:05 AM

The Indonesian migrant worker who was wrongfully imprisoned and whipped said he was among 35 other Tawau Prison inmates who were whipped on the same day, one after another.

Recalling his harrowing experience waiting for his turn to be whipped, Sabri Umar said all the inmates were asked to strip with only a piece of cloth to cover their private parts.

“We took turns to step onto a wooden frame and our legs were spread apart but not bound. Our hands were spread upward and tied to the frame we were standing on.

“They untied us after the caning and told us to put on our shirts back while we waited in a group and watched others being caned,” described the 31-year-old, his voice quavered as if he was reliving the horror again.

Sabri said it was a terrifying moment being gathered in the same area and witnessing others before him being caned.

“Many of them screamed and cried, but those who were stronger didn’t cry. I remember one person receiving 10 strokes that day.

“After being caned, I immediately felt drained of all my energy. The cane tore the skin on my buttocks and I started to bleed after a few minutes.

“I could not sit for the next 10 days and I slept facing down to avoid making my wounds worse,” Sabri recalled.

Sabri’s woes

Over a period of just four months since April, the former employee of a plywood factory in Kalabakan in Tawau, Sabah, was wrongfully terminated of his employment, arrested and wrongfully detained by the Tawau police.

Sabri was investigated under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 but eventually charged and sentenced under Section 6(1) (c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

He claimed to be innocent of both charges, but the Sessions Court sentenced him to 11 months in jail and five strokes of the cane.

Four months after his arrest, Sabri was acquitted by the High Court in Tawau, but he lived in constant fear of a re-arrest under the sexual offence and of finding himself behind bars as swiftly as he was put there the first time.

Owing to the swift manner by which he was imprisoned and sentenced, Sabri agreed that there was a high possibility that there were other wrongfully imprisoned inmates in the Tawau Prison.

Sabri, who now has the support of the Indonesian Consulate in Tawau, was administered five strokes of the cane despite a pending notice of appeal and he told Malaysiakini that he would seek justice.

For two days after the whipping, Sabri was running a fever and he only took the yellow medicine handed to each inmate after the caning.

He alleged that they received no other medications and some inmates who also had fever were asked to just take a cold shower.

After his acquittal, he went to see a doctor and get himself checked as he was experiencing pain when urinating.

The consul at the Indonesia Consulate in Tawau, Heni Hamidah, told Malaysiakini that they sent Sabri for a second medical test on Monday to find out the extent of the complications resulting from the whipping.

‘Ratify UN Convention against torture’

Criminal lawyer Michelle Rossana Usman from Kota Kinabalu, who was engaged to represent the migrant worker by the Sabah Timber Industry Employees Union of which Sabri is a member, noted Malaysia’s notoriety for its flogging practices.

Quoting a statistic by Amnesty International, Michelle said the international human rights organisation estimates that as many as 10,000 people are subjected to caning in Malaysia every year, most of whom are foreign nationals.

"Sabri was unfortunately whipped for an offence that he could not have been guilty of as he had proper documentation to enter Malaysia as a migrant worker.

"It is high time Malaysia ratifies the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

"The government also needs to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights," she stressed.

Michelle, who is a member of the Sabah Human Rights Centre, pointed out that Sabri's case was an example of a workers' union member who was wrongfully charged with crimes he was not guilty of.

"What about the thousand others who are charged in our courts but are not represented at all?" she asked.

Michelle urged the government to amend existing legislation to treat immigration violations as administrative offences, rather than crimes punishable with imprisonment and caning.

Tawau Prison

Judicial caning in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia

Judicial caning in Malaysia is meted out for more than 60 criminal offences such as drug trafficking, rape, illegal entry into Malaysia under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and making false passports under the passport Act 1966.

According to the Amnesty International Report 2020/21, the judicial caning sentence was also meted out to Rohingya refugees during the pandemic.

Following protests from local activists, the sentence was set aside for the 27 Rohingya refugees at a hearing in the High Court in Alor Setar in 2020. However, the migrants continued to be caned, in addition to their prison sentences for illegal entry into Malaysia.

The 27 refugees, who were among 40 refugees convicted by a Magistrate’s Court in Langkawi for entering Malaysia without a valid permit, had obtained legal representation to appeal.

The 40 were also sentenced to seven months in jail.

The High Court in Alor Setar decided that caning would be inhumane as the men were refugees with no prior history of criminal activity or violence.

Meanwhile, a country that was known to carry out flogging in public squares, Saudi Arabia, abolished that corporal punishment in April 2020.

Crown Prince Mohammed Salman has spared the rod and offenders will instead be fined or receive jail sentences.

- Malaysiakini, 17/8/2022

Thursday, June 22, 2023

PM Anwar Ibrahim and Malaysia needs to ensure justice be done to documented migrant worker Sabri, who was wrongly convicted, imprisoned and WHIPPED for being illegally in Malaysia(28 Groups)

28 Group Media Statement – 22/6/2023(Anniversary of a migrant being whipped wrongly)

PM Anwar Ibrahim and Malaysia needs to ensure justice be done to documented migrant worker Sabri, who was wrongly convicted, imprisoned and WHIPPED for being illegally in Malaysia.

We, the 28 undersigned groups, the trade unions, organizations and we call on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Malaysian government to ensure that justice is done in the Sabri Umar case, the documented Indonesian migrant worker who was wrongly charged and convicted for being in Malaysia illegally in Malaysia.

On 23/6/2022, one year ago, documented Indonesian migrant worker Sabri Umar, was wrongfully and illegally whipped 5 times at Malaysia’s Tawau Prison on 23/6/2022. Sabri Umar, who had been working legally in Malaysia for about 7 years, suffered a GROSS MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE when he was wrongly charged, convicted and sentenced to 11 months in prison and 5 strokes of whipping for being illegally in Malaysia on19/4/2022 by the Sessions Court.

When the police arrested Sabri at his workplace, the employer handed his valid passport to the police, which should have been clear evidence that he was a legal worker in Malaysia.

The Deputy Public Prosecutor who charged him in court had Sabri’s passport/s, which also had the Immigration Department’s endorsement of his still valid work permit. There was no reason why he he was even charged for being illegally in Malaysia.

The Immigration Department keeps record of entry, and also issues work permits – but then, it is a mystery why the Immigration Department submitted a document stating that there was no records on Sabri. This document, which was also tendered in court by the prosecution, would have confused the court.

It was the employer’s action of making a police report of an alleged sexual assault that cause Sabri to be arrested on 5/4/2022. It is disappointing that the Employer, one Fu Yee Corporation, who ought to be aware that Sabri was indeed a legal migrant worker in Malaysia failed to inform the courts and/or other authorities that Sabri was wrongfully convicted and sentenced for being illegally in Malaysia. An employer’s obligation to a migrant worker is until the worker is safely back in his country of origin.

The Injustice Was Highlighted by the Union and Civil Society

It was only because of Sabri’s Union, the Sabah Timber Industry Employees Union (STIEU), that finally moved Human Rights Defenders, Civil Society and Trade Unions to highlight this gross injustice through various actions including Joint Statements, amongst others, by 46 groups on 19/7/2022 entitled Sabri, Migrant Worker Wrongfully Whipped Before Appeal Heard. The statement was reported by media.

On 22/7/2022, the High Court called up the case for Revision, and Sabri was finally acquitted.

On release, Sabri had to get a Special Pass to remain in Malaysia to pursue justice, but alas the Immigration Department only gave him a 2-weeks Pass, not the usual 1-month Pass and for the reason for Sabri to make arrangement to leave Malaysia. This happened twice, and appeals were made to the Home Minister but to date Sabri is yet to get the decision on his appeals. Hopefully the current Home Minister will finally make a decision.

In fear of being repatriated forcefully back to Indonesia, Sabri filed a High Court case to get a court order that will allow him to stay legally in Malaysia until he will be able to complete his quest of justice. Unfortunately, the High Court denied his application, and he then had to appeal to the Court of Appeal.

Sabri, subjected to ongoing harassment and threats from various quarters have now returned to Indonesia, hopefully temporarily. He was also in fear of being arrested again, imprisoned and whipped again.

National Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM)

On 10/8/2022, 47 parties including Sabri filed a Petition/Complaint to SUHAKAM urging also a Public Inquiry but sadly SUHAKAM came back and said that they will not not inquire into any complaint relating to any allegation of the infringement of human rights which- (a) is the subject matter of any proceedings pending in any court, including any appeals; or (b) has been finally determined by any court.’. This possibly was because he had a case for wrongful dismissal at the Industrial Court, but previously SUHAKAM despite there being a case in court had decided to hold a public inquiry in an enforced disappearance matter. We hope that SUHAKAM reconsider and inquire into this matter.

Malaysian Parliament

The matter was also brought to Parliament and the Malaysian Parliamentary Special Select Committee On Fundamental Liberty And Constitutional Rights on 16/8/2022, whereby a Joint Statement was also issued on that day entitled ‘Call On Malaysian Parliamentary Special Select Committee To Ensure That Migrant Worker Sabri Umar’s Pursuit For Justice Is Not Impeded By Deportation And Other Means.’. Sadly, Parliament too failed to do anything till now, and we hope that this new Parliament will act.

Home Minister Yet To Decide on Sabri’s Appeal

The Home Minister has yet to respond to Sabri’s 2 appeals against the decisions of the Immigration Department to date.

What good is a right and a clear procedure in the law, if the Minister simply does not respond to appeals. Without the Minister’s decision on appeal, Sabri cannot use his right to take the matter up for Judicial Review in the High Court, if still dissatisfied with the Minister’s decision.

The failure of the State, the Parliament and even the National Human Rights Institution to do the needful to ensure justice in Sabri’s case is appalling. What use is laws that provides procedures for victims seeking justice if the Minister just ignores appeals in accordance to law.

Will PM Anwar do the needful to ensure justice be done?

Malaysia now has a new Prime Minister since November 2022, and we call on the Prime Minister and the government of Malaysia to do the needful to ensure justice is done in the Sabri Umar’s case.

The world is watching, to see if Malaysia is also against violation of rights of Sabri and other migrant workers, who reasonably have contributed much to the economy of Malaysia.

A government committed to human rights and justice, and would ensure that all migrant workers whose rights are violated will find redress in Malaysia. The avenues available to these victims, when rights are violated in Malaysia are in Malaysia – the cannot claim justice in their countries of origin, unless Malaysia creates the possibility by giving other countries jurisdiction, or creating mechanisms in Malaysian embassies in these countries from where migrant workers come from.

The failure of Malaysia to ensure justice be done in cases involving rights violations of migrant workers and foreign nationals in Malaysia, would inadvertently encourage exploitation and rights violations, or even trafficking in Malaysia. The perpetrator will be emboldened to violate other migrants in the future, knowing that they get off scot free.

Royal Commission to look into Sabri’s and other Migrant victims of rights violations

We call on Malaysia to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry and look into the case of Sabri and other rights violations that may have befallen many other migrant workers.

Policy Change - No repatriation until confirmation of no outstanding claims/cases

The current position of Malaysia seems to be the speedy repatriation of migrant workers when their employment in Malaysia, irrespective of the fact that these migrant workers may have outstanding claims of worker or human rights violations against their immediate past employers and others.

This policy must change, and there must be NO repatriation of migrant workers or foreign nationals until the Minister of Human Resources determine that there are no outstanding or pending employment related claims against employers. The Home Minister must also determine that there is no outstanding claims against others, or that the migrant worker is not a needed witness in any other cases. The rights of migrant workers must also be protected by Malaysia – including the right to seek justice, including compensations.

Sabri victim of Malaysian Public Officers Actions or Negligence

Noting that in the Sabri’s case, that his claims arise also by reason of failings of public officers whose actions/omissions or negligence caused him to suffer loss of liberty from 5/4/2022 until 22/7/2022, and suffering by reason being whipped 5 times, it is only right that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Malaysia not only look into this matter, but also consider apologizing and compensating Sabri justly. Action must also be taken against the perpetrators.

Therefore, we call on Malaysia’s new Prime Minister, on behalf of Malaysia, to forthwith tender an apology to Sabri bin Umar, a migrant worker from Indonesia, Malaysia’s neighbor and fellow ASEAN Member State. A compensation would also be just.

We reiterate out call that Malaysia considers a Royal Commission of Inquiry to look into this matter, noting that Malaysia depends highly on migrant workers, and Malaysia needs to defend and protect the rights of these foreign workers.

Malaysia, being a member to the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for the term 2022-2024, must set an example of a State that actively promotes and defends human rights of all, even migrant workers and foreign nationals in Malaysia.

Charles Hector

Apolinar Z. Tolentino, Jr

For and on behalf the following 28 groups

ALIRAN

MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture)

Building and Wood Workers International (BWI) Asia Pacific

WH4C (Workers Hub For Change)

Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha(MASUM), India

Black Women for Wages for Housework

Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO)

Global Women’s Strike

Haiti Action Committee