tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272566172024-03-19T13:52:05.840+08:00CHARLES HECTORON HUMAN RIGHTS, JUSTICE AND PEACE ISSUES, LABOUR RIGHTS, MIGRANT RIGHTS, FOR THE ABOLITION OF THE DEATH PENALTY, TOWARDS AN END OF TORTURE, POLICE ABUSES, DISCRIMINATION...Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.comBlogger4187125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-16213541661712736442024-03-17T16:17:00.008+08:002024-03-17T16:23:22.625+08:00Growing dissapointment in PM Anwar's government - How long do we wait? Malaysian Bar Resolution highlights this and urges action? Justice Delayed is Justice Denied<p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;">Many are concerned about the state of the nation, for what was hoped for will happen when PM Anwar Ibrahim and the Pakatan Harapan led coalition government came into power. Sadly, what was expected in terms of REFORM, especially the REPEAL of draconian laws is not happening. Many bad practices continue, and sadly even bad draconian laws have been used. U-turns are happening, and the people need to speak up and remind them of promises. At the recent Malaysian Bar Annual General Meeting, a motion was tabled - and it was passed with an overwhelming majority. </span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This is but one of the Resolutions adopted - and I will try to share the others later..</span><i><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Resolution Adopted at the 78th Annual General Meeting of the Malaysian Bar<br />(Held on 16 March 2024)</b></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVVn6oq0EN85wbfwphA6Sxa0ueYwaT0CAap6PWNWgweU4qwLzIGrjMMIVO7NDBOlzVWbcmDQho_WFdoJOCyhxYReKJvYTqmuUPcf5XhCC0Kz4gD5t830bWNrBCsprS6M6tdVhqj3i1GzqsoYl_2_TIVqlv0rcRaCz6Zsx0r9rFohgMrkT_Ee1/s369/Malaysian%20Bar2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="95" data-original-width="369" height="82" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVVn6oq0EN85wbfwphA6Sxa0ueYwaT0CAap6PWNWgweU4qwLzIGrjMMIVO7NDBOlzVWbcmDQho_WFdoJOCyhxYReKJvYTqmuUPcf5XhCC0Kz4gD5t830bWNrBCsprS6M6tdVhqj3i1GzqsoYl_2_TIVqlv0rcRaCz6Zsx0r9rFohgMrkT_Ee1/s320/Malaysian%20Bar2.png" width="320" /></a></b></i></div><i><b><br /></b></i><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Resolution of Growing Concern over Delay of Government to Repeal Draconian Laws and Bring about Needed Reforms to Ensure Justice in Malays</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><br /><p><b>Whereas</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;">JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED. We recall the many commitments and/or promises/assurances made by Pakatan Harapan, its leaders and its MPs in the past to repeal draconian laws and bring about needed reforms for a better more just Malaysia.</span></b><br /><br />2. The Pakatan Harapan before GE15 <b><span style="color: red;">did also specifically commit to the Review or repeal Sedition Act 1948, Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and Printing Press and Publications Act 1984. Abolish Universities and University Colleges Act 1971.</span></b><br /><br />3. In the GE14 Manifesto, which was more detailed, It stated that ‘The Pakatan Harapan Government <b><span style="color: red;">will revoke the following laws: • Sedition Act 1948• Prevention of Crime Act 1959• Universities and University Colleges Act 1971• Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984•National Security Council Act 2016• Mandatory death by hanging in all Acts. </span></b><br /><br />4. The said Manifesto <b><span style="color: red;">also said that The Pakatan Harapan Government will also abolish draconian provisions in the following Acts: • Penal Code 1997 especially on peaceful assembly and activities harmful to democracy• Communications and Multimedia Act 1998• Security Offences (special measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA)• Peaceful Assembly Act 2012• Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) 2015.</span><br /></b><br />5. Whilst Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government have successfully abolished the mandatory death penalty, and life imprisonment, it has not yet made good on its many other promises to repeal other draconian laws.<br /><br />6. Below are some of the draconian laws that is yet to be repealed.<br /><b><br /><span style="color: red;">SEDITION ACT</span></b><br /><br />7. With regard the Sedition Act, the Malaysian Bar has called for its REPEAL, also through several Bar Resolutions over the years, including the Resolution adopted at the EGM of the Malaysian Bar on 19/9/2014. The Malaysian Bar also organized a Peaceful Assembly, Walk for Peace and Freedom 2014, calling for the abolition of the Sedition Act on 16 Oct 2014. It was attended by over 1,000 – 2,000 lawyers. <br /><br />8. On 21/3/2023, Deputy law and institutional reforms minister Ramkarpal Singh says the government has no plans to abolish the Sedition Act at the moment. (FMT, 21/3/2023). In July, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government would only apply the Act for provocative statements against the rulers.<br /><br />9. Malaysian Bar president Karen Cheah on 30/7/2023 was reported saying the colonial-era legislation should be repealed. There is no need to retain the Sedition Act 1948 even for use only against those who insult royalty. (FMT, 30/7/2023)<br /><br />10. However, since then, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, book editor Kean Wong and Wan Azri have since been charged under the Act. <br /><br />11. Blogger Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris - also known as Papagomo - was charged at the Sessions Court here on Monday (Jan 8) with allegedly making seditious remarks linking the government to pro-Israel and pro-Western countries last year. Wan Azri, whose alter ego is believed to be Papagomo, pleaded not guilty in the sessions court to a charge of making a seditious statement against the government. His remark that the government was “pro-Israel and pro-Western nations” was allegedly made in a Facebook video on Nov 8, 2023. The charge was framed under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948 (Star, 8/1/2024)<br /><br />12. On 4/2/2024, it was reported that Police are investigating DAP leader Tony Pua under the Sedition Act 1948 over his Facebook posts criticizing the Pardon Board’s decision to reduce Najib Abdul Razak’s prison sentence. (Malaysiakini). <br /><br />13. The fact that the<b> Sedition Act is yet to be repealed, and is still continuing to be used</b> may be considered a betrayal by PM Anwar Ibrahim and the PH-led coalition.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: red;">Communications and Multimedia Act 1998</span><br /></b><br />14. The Malaysian Bar has been calling for the repeal of the especially the draconian provisions contain therein. A Bar Resolution in 2016 calls for the repeal of section 263, section 233 and such vague provisions in the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. The Bar Resolution in 2023, added a call to repeal section 252, which is an invasion of our privacy – as it allows the State ‘to intercept or to listen to any communication transmitted or received by any communications”<br /><br />15. ‘<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Section 233(1)(a) of the CMA is a serious encroachment on the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by Article 10(1)(a) of our Federal Constitution. . . . Section 233(1)(a) of the CMA is also repugnant to the rule of law, as it is broad in scope, vague and ambiguous, with entirely subjective terms such as “offensive” and “annoy”. It can easily be misused to stifle speech and expression, to shut out contrary views, to quash dissent, to deny democratic space, and to suppress Malaysians. It is this imprecision that gives rise to the perception that the provision is yet another dressed–up political weapon in the armoury of the Government’</span></b> - Extract from a 2015 Bar Statement.<br /><br />16. A total of 65 charges have been filed under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 out of 876 cases investigated in the five-year period between January 2018 and Nov 15, 2023, according to Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching..(The Edge, 27/11/2023). The current <b>government shamelessly continue to use this draconian law including Section 233. It is immaterial as to how many is charged, but the THREAT of using this draconian provision impacts on the peoples’ freedom of expression and opinion.<br /><br /><span style="color: red;">Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC)</span></b><br /><br />17. It must be noted the<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> IPCMC was recommended by 2004 Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysia Police despite the fact that there already then was the Police Force Commission and other relevant law enforcement bodies that were responsible for crimes/misconducts committed by police officers, and thus a clear indication of the failure of existing mechanisms to deal with police crimes and misconducts </span></b>– hence the need for a NEW Independent Commission to deal with police crimes/misconducts<br /><br />18. When Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim came into power with PH-led coalition, the alternative IPCC Act, that replaced the earlier PH initiated IPCMC Bill, which was then undergoing possible amendments that may have finally given us a REAL IPCMC, was still not in force.<br /><br />19. <b>What could and should have been done, was not to put into force that law but to send it be back to Parliament to be repealed or amended</b>, more so since the PH and Opposition MPs in Parliament then were seen to strongly opposed the IPCC Bill. Sadly, the Home Minister put into force the Independent Police Conduct Commission Act 2022 on 1 July 2023 [PU(B) 574/2022], and thereafter started appointing Commissioners and spending monies.<br /><br />20. The <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">IPCC is in reality turned out to be just a ‘sorting commission’ that refers complaints back to Police Force Commission and other relevant law enforcement agencies. </span><br /></b><br />21. The REAL IPCMC must be able to independently investigate police crimes and misconducts, hold public inquiries and even prosecute. They should maybe also have the power to monitor Police Force Commission, and other relevant law enforcement agencies handling of crimes/misconducts allegedly committed by police officers.<br /><br />22. <b>Some other matters of concern, not all, are as follows: -</b><br /><br />a) <b><span style="color: red;">Restoration of Local Government/Council Elections</span></b> – This government continues with political appointments of Local Councilors, and even local community leaders like Kampung heads. There is still not even the amendment of laws that will allow States to independently decide and conduct Local Government elections in their respective States. It is humorous to now hear that <b>parties in the ‘unity government’ are fighting over appointment rights over what should be democratically elected by the people positions</b> – ‘Umno Selangor has decided to relinquish the 20 local council posts in the state to its coalition partner, Pakatan Harapan (PH)…While relinquishing the local council posts, Umno Selangor expressed the desire for 373 posts on the Village Development and Safety Committee in the state…’(NST, 20/2024)<br /><br />b) <b><span style="color: red;">Political Appointments</span></b> – The practice continues where one of the first was the appointment of the Prime Minister’s daughters;<br /><br />c) <b><span style="color: red;">Equal rights and allocation for all Members of Parliament </span></b>has still not happened. This is a DISRESPECT of the people - peoples’ democratic rights to chose their own peoples’ representative. If they elect the ‘wrong MP’, then they get no or lesser funds??<br /><br />d) <b><span style="color: red;">Appointment of former Attorney General/Public Prosecutor, so soon after he made the decision to discontinue criminal trial against the sitting Deputy Prime Minister, as Chairman of Amanah Raya Berhad,</span></b> an entity that comes under the supervision of the Finance Ministry. A cooling off period of maybe 3 years being any retiring AG, Minister or senior public officer they are appointed to GLC or corporate positions should be considered.<br /> <br />e) After the 1MDB, the dangers of the <b><span style="color: red;">same person being Prime Minister and Finance Minister</span></b> came to light. Sadly, Anwar Ibrahim, despite earlier commitments, remains both Prime Minister and Finance Minister.<br /> <br />f) <b><span style="color: red;">Asset Declaration of MPs and Cabinet Members</span></b> – It has still not happened after Anwar became Prime Minister more than 14 months ago. Asset declarations, is a means to ensure that MPs or Cabinet Members, do not wrongfully enrich themselves or their family members during their term in office, and as such, there must be at least annual declarations to enable public scrutiny. <br /><br />g) <b><span style="color: red;">Body-cams and CCTV</span></b> – Decided on and budget/monies already available but still not implemented. <br /><br />h) <b><span style="color: red;">Right to Peaceful Assembly</span></b> – It is a right, and thus does not need government or police ‘gatekeepers’ to ‘control’ the exercise of one’s human right. Under Anwar Ibrahim’s rule, people exercising this right continue to be ‘harassed’. ‘It was reported that police have identified 25 persons of interest at the "Save Malaysia" rally who will be called in to have their statements recorded.’(Star, 18/9/2023). Why did the police try to ‘sabotage’ the right to peaceful assembly - ‘Police have advised members of the public not to participate in the 100 Per cent Reform Demand Rally organized by the Coalition for Clean and Fair Election (Bersih) this Tuesday at Plaza Tugu Negara (National Monument) as it does not comply with the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012,… "Holding an assembly without notification is an offence under Section 9 (5) of the relevant act and the police are calling on the public not to participate in the illegal assembly," he said in a statement here today…’(Malay Mail, 25/2/2o24). Mind you that in 2014 the Court of Appeal ‘decided that Section 9(5) of the PAA was ultra vires art. 10 of the Constitution for criminalizing a breach of the restriction under s. 9(1) and was therefore unconstitutional – that is the non-giving of the required notice.<br /><br />Government’s silence may be seen as implied agreement with actions of the police and may unfortunately may DETER future exercising of the right to peaceful assembly. ‘Six people have been questioned by police in connection with the rally organised by the Coalition for Clean & Fair Election (Bersih) near Parliament last month. Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Allaudeen Abdul Majid said police will call up three more people to have their statements recorded this week."Once all statements have been recorded, we will refer the investigation paper to the Deputy Public Prosecutor for further action,"(Star,5/3/2024)<br /><br />On November 29, 2011, the Malaysian Bar organized the “Walk for Freedom 2011: Peaceful Assembly Bill Cannot and Must Not Become Law!”, The Malaysian Bar, in a Resolution adopted in 2023, reiterated the call that the draconian provisions in the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 be repealed. <br /><br />i) <b><span style="color: red;">The compromise of Backbencher MPs</span></b> – their duty is to be an effective check and balance to the Executive, and would this not be compromised if they are directly/indirectly appointed to positions in GLCs and other government linked entities, more so if their appointments result in additional monetary compensations and/or powers? <br /><br />Some examples of current backbencher MPs that have been appointed are:- Batu MP P. Prabakaran has been appointed as the new Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) special committee chairman(Malay Mail, 8/2/2024), Subang MP Wong Chen has been appointed the non-executive chairperson of Malaysia Debt Ventures (MDV)(Malaysiakini, 24/5/2023), PKR’s Balik Pulau MP Bakhtiar Wan Chik was named to head finance ministry-owned investment arm MyCreative Ventures Sdn Bhd,(FMT, 10/3/2023). PKR's Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh(Ledang MP) has been named as the non-executive chairman of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)[Malay Mail, 6/4/2023]. <br /><br />23. The Malaysian Bar, in upholding the cause of justice without fear or favour, has identified and called for the repeal of many draconian law and/or draconian provisions in certain laws, and have also made recommendations for the enactment of laws or needed amendments in existing laws over the years vide Press Statements, Resolutions of the Bar, Memorandums, Reports and Recommendations.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><b>Therefore, it is resolved that</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">A. That the Malaysian Bar expresses disappointment in the delay in the bringing about needed reforms, especially the repeal of draconian laws, draconian provisions in existing laws, the enactment of new laws and amendments in laws that are needed that justice is done in Malaysia, and calls on the Malaysian government to expedite the repeal of draconian laws, and bring about positive reforms needed for greater justice;<br /><br />B. That the Bar Council, on behalf of the Malaysian Bar, once again communicate with the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Political Parties and peoples’ representatives to remind again the bad laws that need to be speedily repealed, and new laws that need to be enacted to bring about needed reforms including the enactment of a REAL Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) Act.<br /><br />C. That the Malaysian Bar calls on Malaysia to uphold the cause of justice without fear or favour.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Source: <a href="https://www.malaysianbar.org.my/cms/upload_files/document/5.%20Resolution%20of%20Growing%20Concern%20over%20Delay%20of%20Government%20to%20Repeal%20Draconian%20Laws%20and%20Bring%20about%20Needed%20Reforms%20to%20Ensure%20Justice%20in%20Malaysia.pdf" target="_blank">Malaysian Bar Website</a></span><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>See also </b><span class="listTitle"><a href="https://www.malaysianbar.org.my/article/news/agms-and-egms/resolutions/resolutions-adopted-at-the-78th-annual-general-meeting-of-the-malaysian-bar-held-at-menara-kembar-bank-rakyat-kuala-lumpur-saturday-16-mar-2024-" target="_blank">Resolutions Adopted at the 78<sup>th</sup> Annual General Meeting of the Malaysian Bar Held at Menara Kembar Bank Rakyat, Kuala Lumpur (Saturday, 16 Mar 2024)</a></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-26624466831633119152024-03-13T17:13:00.001+08:002024-03-13T17:13:48.937+08:00An offer, the attempt or the giving of a GIFT to the PM or Cabinet Member is a CRIMINAL OFFENCE? <div style="text-align: justify;"></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Prime Ministers, Ministers, Cabinet...maybe receiving 'GIFTS' or OFFERS for Gifts from third parties - This should NEVER happen, as the one possible reason behind the giving of such 'GIFTS' may be corruption - which is an offence. What may be the reason behind such gifts - trying to wrongfully affect policy, enforcement of laws(after all some Ministers have the power of EXEMPTION to allow non-compliance with law, maybe for advantage in securing projects/contracts, maybe to impact development plans, etc. There are numerous reasons why 'gifts' are offered or given to Cabinet members directly or indirectly....</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The BIG PROBLEM in Malaysia is the lack of conduct and discipline law for members of the Cabinet... as </span><i><span style="color: #800180;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">PUBLIC OFFICERS (CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE) REGULATIONS 1993 </span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">t<span style="color: red;">oday does not apply to Cabinet members at the Federal or State level - when really IT SHOULD.</span></span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><blockquote> <i>Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged all parties to stop
offering him gifts, saying that this culture must be stopped. “I would like to remind everyone not to give me any more gifts and
such practices must be discontinued,” he said in a Facebook post on
Thursday. - <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/stop-sending-me-gifts-says-malaysia-pm-anwar" target="_blank">Straits Times, 1/12/2022</a></i></blockquote><a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/stop-sending-me-gifts-says-malaysia-pm-anwar" target="_blank"></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Anwar should have added that it is a CRIMINAL OFFENSE in Malaysia - even an attempt or an offer. Has Anwar and his Cabinet Ministers reported these attempts, offers, etc? He should have said that he will report any attempts to the police/MACC... </b></span><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"></span></b></i></div><blockquote style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles">25 Duty to report bribery transactions [</span><span class="casetitle" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder2_lblActTitle">MALAYSIAN ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION ACT 2009]</span></b></i></div><i><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">(1) <b><span style="color: red;">Any
person to whom any gratification is given, promised, or offered,</span></b> in
contravention of any provision of this Act<b><span style="color: red;"> shall report such gift,
promise or offer </span></b>together with the name, if known, of the person who
gave, promised or offered such gratification to him to the nearest
officer of the commission or police officer.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">(2) <b>Any person who
fails to comply</b> with subsection (1) commits an offence and shall on
conviction be liable to a <b>fine not exceeding one hundred thousand
ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years or to
both.</b></span></p></span></i></blockquote><i><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b></b></span></p></span></i><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To monitor the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, maybe it is best to set up<b> a Special Parliamentary Committee</b> whereby the Prime Minister or any member of the Cabinet is DUTY BOUND to report to this committee - who attempted to offer, offered, etc - what was offered,...Parliament has the duty to MONITOR to be CHECK AND BALANCE of the Executive, including Prime Minister, Ministers, Cabinet, etc...<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">* ALL GIFTS RECEIVED MUST BE REPORTED, and maybe returned or even 'confiscated' by the government.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Anwar Ibrahim is a MILLIONAIRE, as he said before GE15 that he had over RM11 million in assets ...Likewise all Cabinet members are well-paid >>> they do not need additional monies, etc ...or GIFTS.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We recall Najib's assertion of a billion dollar gift from allegedly a member of the Saudi Royalty... </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When caught for corruption, abuse of power or even money laundering, many politicians tend to claim that it was 'political donation' or 'monies for some charity'...well, if it is donation for a political party, it should be paid directly into the political party's bank accounts, or the charity's bank account - and not into personal bank accounts.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">ADUNS and MPs should have a Constituency Bank Account - where donations for constituency can go into..</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">ASSET DECLARATION - still none officially since PM Anwar came into power.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I came across a report '<span><b><span style="font-size: small;">Police investigate Chegu Bard, Muhammad Zahid over alleged inflammatory remarks about car gifted by King to PM' - </span></b><span style="font-size: small;">I do not understand why the police is investigating this. Remember, in Malaysia, the Royalty is no more above the law - they too can now be prosecuted for Criminal Offenses. Did the King give Anwar a car as a gift? I await for PM Anwar's response - hopefully he will say that he refused it for reasons.... </span></span> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The need for 'Conduct and Discipline' laws for Cabinet members is also part of a Malaysian Bar Resolution - see below.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Resolution for Conduct, Discipline and Political Funding laws that cover the Cabinet, Members of Parliament, Senators, etc</span></span><br /></b><br />1. The Federal Constitution, in Article 132(3) states that ‘...(3) <span style="color: red;"><b>The public service shall not be taken to comprise -<br /><br /></b></span></span></p><blockquote style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(a) the office of any member of the administration in the Federation or a State; or</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(b)
the office of President, Speaker, Deputy President, Deputy Speaker or
member of either House of Parliament or of the Legislative Assembly of a
State; or</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(c) the office of judge of the Federal Court, the Court of Appeal or a High Court; or</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(d)
the office of member of any Commission or Council established by this
Constitution or any corresponding Commission or Council established by
the Constitution of a State; or</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(e)
such diplomatic posts as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong may by order
prescribe, being post which but for the order would be posts in the
general public service of the Federation….’</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">2.
This would mean that PUBLIC OFFICERS (CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE)
REGULATIONS 1993 PU(A) 395/1993 and related regulations would not apply
to the Cabinet. It is unclear too as to whether they apply to Members of
Parliament, Senators and State Assembly Persons.</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">3.
The Public Officers Regulation (Conduct and Discipline) 1993 deals with
sexual harassment, receipt of presents, ownership of property including
disposal, futures market, borrowing and lending monies, entertainment,
etc. It covers not just the particular officer but also their family
members.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">4.
Regulation 10 of the Public Officers Regulation (Conduct and
Discipline) 1993, requires that all public servants must declare both
movable properties, such as money in bank accounts, motor vehicles,
jewelleries, firearms, shares, warrants, stocks, bonds and securities,
as well as immovable properties, such as land, landed properties, and of
course, business ownership or directorship.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">5.
Regulation 10 (3) Where, after making a declaration under subregulation
(1), an officer or his spouse or child acquires any property, either
directly or indirectly, or any property acquired by him or by his spouse
or child is disposed of, that officer shall immediately declare such
acquisition or disposal of property to his Head of Department…’</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">6.
Service Circular Number 3/2002 (PEKELILING PERKHIDMATAN BILANGAN 3
TAHUN 2002) deals with Ownership and Declaration of Assets by Public
Officials, which prevents a public servant from owning more than
RM100,000 worth of shares in any company.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">7.
Regulation 8(1), amongst others, state that<b><span style="color: red;"> ‘....an officer shall not
receive or give nor shall he allow his spouse or any other person to
receive or give on his behalf any present, whether in a tangible form or
otherwise, from or to any person, association, body, or group of
persons if the receipt or giving of such present is in any way
connected, either directly or indirectly, with his official duties….’</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">8.
At present, it appears that Public Officers Regulation (Conduct and
Discipline) 1993 and related regulations, circulars, etc do not apply to
Cabinet Members, and there seem to be no similar comprehensive
Regulations on Code and Conduct that exist.</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">9.
Political Funding from third parties is also of concern, more so, when
there is no requirement of declaration and transparency. Acquisition of
monies personally on behalf of a political party, is still acquisition
of monies personally. If anyone wanted to ‘donate’ to a political party,
then they will directly pay the said party, who are registered
societies and do have official party bank accounts.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">10.
For Members of Parliament, there is currently a call to make a
declaration of assets to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption
Commission(MACC), but a one time declaration only helps us understand
how rich or poor they are when they get elected or assume office. If
there were regular declarations, once every 6 months or immediately
after they acquire or dispose of property, then the people can monitor
the Cabinet and their elected representatives better to ensure they stay
clean. Currently, if one visits the MACC website, one may not see the
details of the asset declaration, as it is made inaccessible after
several months from the date of declaration.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">11.
It is best that Public Officers Regulation (Conduct and Discipline)
1993 or a similar Regulation/Act applies also to Members of
Administration (Prime Minister and Cabinet Members), Members of
Parliament, Senators, State Assembly Persons, and officers in Government
Linked Companies, Government Owned Companies & Government
Investment Companies. Declaration of Assets requirement should also
extend to them.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED </b><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A.
To enact an Act of Parliament and/or amend the Federal Constitution to
extend and expand the applicability of the Public Officers Regulation
(Conduct and Discipline) 1993 and related regulations, circulars, etc
and/or similar Acts/Regulations to all Members of Administration (Prime
Minister and Cabinet Members), Members of Parliament, Senators, State
Assembly Persons, and officers in Government Linked Companies,
Government Owned Companies and Government Investment Companies.,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">B.
To legislate and enhance the Asset Declaration requirements to mandate
that declarations must be made as soon as it is practicable to do so
after acquisition and/or disposal of any properties and/or assets, and
further that these asset declarations shall always be made accessible
and/or open to the public; and</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">C. To enact an Act of Parliament That a law/regulation to regulate and control all forms of political funding.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Source: <a href="https://www.malaysianbar.org.my/article/news/agms-and-egms/resolutions/resolutions-adopted-at-the-76th-annual-general-meeting-of-the-malaysian-bar-held-virtually-on-saturday-19-mar-2022-" target="_blank">Malaysian Bar website</a></span><br /> <br /><br /><i><span style="color: #800180;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">PUBLIC OFFICERS (CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE) REGULATIONS 1993</span></b><br /></span></i> <i><span style="color: #800180;"><br /> Preamble<img src="https://www.cljlaw.com/images/tick_green_small.gif" /> <br /></span></i> <i><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></i> <i><span style="color: #800180;"><br /> PART I PRELIMINARY<br /></span></i> <i><span style="color: #800180;"><br /> 1 Citation and commencement <br /></span></i> <i><span style="color: #800180;"> 2 Application <br /></span></i> <i><span style="color: #800180;"> 3 Interpretation <br /></span></i> <i><span style="color: #800180;"><br /> PART IA DUTY TO COMPLY WITH REGULATIONS<br /></span></i> <i><span style="color: #800180;"><br /> 3A Duty to comply with Regulations <br /></span></i> <i><span style="color: #800180;"> 3B Failure to give and to comply with undertaking <br /></span></i> <i><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></i> <i><span style="color: #800180;"> PART IB DUTY OF DISCIPLINARY CONTROL AND SUPERVISION<br /></span></i> <i><span style="color: #800180;"><br /> 3C Duty to exercise disciplinary control and supervision <br /></span></i> <i><span style="color: #800180;"> 3D Duty to inform Director General of Public Service of every disciplinary action <br /></span></i> <i><span style="color: #800180;"><br /> PART II CODE OF CONDUCT<br /></span></i> <i><span style="color: #800180;"><br /> 4 General <br /></span></i> <i><span style="color: #800180;"> 4A Sexual harassment <br /></span></i> <i><span style="color: #800180;"> 5 Outside employment <br /></span></i> <i><span style="color: #800180;"> 6 Dress etiquette <br /></span></i> <i><span style="color: #800180;"> 7 Drugs </span></i><br /> <b><span style="color: red;">8 Presents, etc. </span></b><br /> <span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">(1) Subject
to the provisions of this regulation, <span style="color: red;"><b>an officer shall not receive or
give nor shall he allow his spouse or any other person to receive or
give on his behalf any present, whether in a tangible form or otherwise,
from or to any person, association, body, or group of persons if the
receipt or giving of such present is in any way connected, either
directly or indirectly, with his official duties.</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">(2) The Head of
Department of an officer may, if he thinks fit, permit the officer to
receive a letter of recommendation from any person, association, body,
or group of persons on the occasion of the officer's retirement or
transfer so long as such letter of recommendation is<b> not enclosed in a
receptacle of value.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">(3) The Head of Department may permit the
collection of spontaneous contributions by officers under his charge for
the purpose of making a presentation to an officer in his Department on
the occasion of the officer's retirement, transfer or marriage or any
other appropriate occasion.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">(4) If the circumstances make it
difficult for an officer to refuse a present or token of value, the
receipt of which is prohibited by this regulation, such present may be
formally accepted but the officer shall, as soon as practicable, submit
to his Head of Department a written report containing a full description
and the estimated value of the present and the circumstances under
which it was received.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">(5) Upon receipt of a report made under subregulation (4), the Head of Department shall-</span></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>(a)</i> permit the officer to retain the present; or</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>(b)</i> <span style="color: red;"><b>direct that the present be returned</b></span>, through the Head of Department, to the giver.</span></p></blockquote></span><br /> 9 Entertainment <br /> 10 Ownership property<img src="https://www.cljlaw.com/images/tick_green_small.gif" /> <br /> 11 Maintaining a standard of living beyond emoluments and legitimate private means <br /> 12 Borrowing money <br /> 13 Serious pecuniary indebtedness <br /> 14 Report of serious pecuniary indebtedness <br /> 15 Lending money <br /> 16 Involvement in the futures market <br /> 17 Lucky draws, lotteries, etc. <br /> 18 Publication of books, etc. <br /> 19 Making public statement <br /> 20 Prohibition on acting as editor, etc., in any publication <br /> 21 Taking part in politics <br /> 22 Institution of legal proceedings and legal aid <br /> <br /> PART III ABSENCE WITHOUT LEAVE<br /> 23 Absence from duty <br /> 24 Disciplinary action for absence without leave <br /> 25 Procedure in cases of absence without leave <br /> 26 Procedure where officer is absent without leave and cannot be traced <br /> 27 Forfeiture of emoluments due to absence from duty <br /> <br /> PART IV OFFICERS SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS, ETC.<br /> <br /> 28 Procedure where criminal proceedings are instituted against an officer <br /> 29 Responsibility of Head of Department if officer is convicted of criminal offence <br /> 30 Disciplinary action shall not be taken until criminal proceedings are completed <br /> 31 Consequences of an acquittal <br /> 32 Procedure where there is an order of detention, banishment, etc. <br /> 33 Consideration of Disciplinary Authority in cases of conviction and detention <br /> <br /> PART V DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE<br /> Chapter 1 - General<br /> 34 Conditions for dismissal or reduction in rank <br /> 35 Chairman of Disciplinary Authority to determine nature of breach of discipline <br /> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Chapter 2 - Disciplinary proceeding not with a view to dismissal or reduction in rank<br /> 36 Procedure in disciplinary cases not with a view to dismissal or reduction in rank <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 - Disciplinary proceeding with a view to dismissal or reduction in rank<br /> 37 Procedure in disciplinary cases with a view to dismissal or reduction in rank <br /> 37A Investigation Committee <br /> 37B Procedure to be followed by the Investigation Committee <br /> 37C Further grounds for dismissal <br /> 37D Powers of the Disciplinary Authority <br /> <br /> PART VI DISCIPLINARY PUNISHMENTS<br /> <br /> 38 Types of disciplinary punishments <br /> 39 Fine or forfeiture of emoluments <br /> 40 Deferment of salary movement <br /> 41 Reduction of salary <br /> 42 Reduction in rank <br /> <br /> PART VIA INTERDICTION AND SUSPENSION<br /> <br /> 43 Interdiction for the purpose of investigation <br /> 44 Interdiction <br /> 45 Suspension <br /> 45A Unpaid emoluments <br /> 46 Resumption of duties <br /> 47 Disciplinary procedures for an officer serving outside Malaysia <br /> 48 Officer shall not leave Malaysia without written permission <br /> <br /> PART VII TERMINATION IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST<br /> <br /> 49 Termination in the public interest <br /> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">PART VIII MISCELLANEOUS<br /> 50 Application of 1993 Regulation <br /> 50A Particulars of the offence and punishment to be recorded <br /> 51 Surcharge <br /> 52 Service of notice, document, etc. <br /> 53 Signatures on letters and other correspondence <br /> 54 Repeal and savings <br /> <br /> SCHEDULE<br /><br /> </div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://charleshector.blogspot.com/2022/03/conduct-and-discipline-regulations-for.html">CONDUCT
AND DISCIPLINE Regulations for MPs,PM and Cabinet, GLCs - Enact
Political Funding law & Asset Declaration law - Bar RESOLUTION.</a></h3><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h1 class="headline node-title" itemprop="headline">
Stop sending me gifts, says Malaysia PM Anwar
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Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim said he appreciated the good intentions
of all parties but such a practice was not compatible with the ethics
of leadership and administration.</span>
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PHOTO: REUTERS</span>
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<div class="field-label-inline">Updated</div>
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Dec 01, 2022, 11:29 PM<a class="a2abtn a2a_button_telegram" href="https://www.straitstimes.com/#telegram" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><span class="a2a_label"></span></a><span class="a2abtn a2abtn-more dropdown" role="presentation">
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<p>PETALING JAYA - Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged all
parties to stop offering him gifts, saying that this culture must be
stopped.</p>
<p>“I would like to remind everyone not to give me any more gifts and
such practices must be discontinued,” he said in a Facebook post on
Thursday.</p>
<p>Datuk Seri Anwar said he appreciated the good intentions of all
parties but such a practice was not compatible with the ethics of
leadership and administration.</p>
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<p>Mr Anwar recently came under scrutiny when he was pictured wearing a
pair of black shoes, believed to have cost more than RM5,000 (S$1,537).</p>
<p>In a tweet, he explained that the shoes were a gift from Johor Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar.</p>
<p>“(The shoes) were a gift from Tuanku Sultan Johor two years ago. It’s
fine if you want to question me, but avoid defamation,” he tweeted.<i> - <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/stop-sending-me-gifts-says-malaysia-pm-anwar" target="_blank">Straits Times, 1/12/2022</a></i></p><p> </p><div class="news-detail_newsdetailsItemHead__zb6Ed"><span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Police investigate Chegu Bard, Muhammad Zahid over alleged inflammatory remarks about car gifted by King to PM</span></b></span></div><div class="news-detail_newsdetailsItemInfo__g9Hsi"><div class="news-detail_newsBy__6_pzA"><span>By</span> <span><a href="https://theedgemalaysia.com/author/Bernama?page=1">Bernama</a><span style="color: #70787c;"> / </span><a href="https://theedgemalaysia.com/source/Bernama?page=1">Bernama</a></span></div><div class="news-detail_newsInfo__dv0be"><span class="news-detail_date__kgmpC">04 Mar 2024, 07:36 pm</span></div></div><div class="news-detail_rowAdBox__KIgW2"><div class="row-ad-box-top" data-google-query-id="CJXr9Zrw8IQDFVKJrAIdT5MNew" id="div-gpt-ad-row4-ros"><div class="leaderboard_row1n8" style="opacity: 0;">
<div class="leaderboard_row1_desktop" style="display: none;">
<a href="https://adclick.g.doubleclick.net/pcs/click?xai=AKAOjsv5nXJy3pSFI9ah4-TCYeZG8wfklkHhTmZOckDTbvsTDF2hpFp02XdIBBqLYqxiHXG6TlA4I6QIniU5_BrBuqdDSOZTGXhMJx_LbGPc0uibLWscIMJXHDdxra1d8SgTIIiaImzfx1zK5toJ-cwTm3EMNRIlOX7dQP7U67GNLRraPwocaiQAGnGRMuaa2c8l17l5zd10zOHJT3hJz6z1nlUUfqfQKTpHxLkcxUPezjgLGmVxDuTNaxkIduYSiG05FR5n0azOtWik7LHon5YhCc5M2NtU3SQOXwlfENbyFbFJctRjrYxB7NPINHSvgLkUG17qm2lqDX3Wlt5_2-Q73WjVge2XMQ&sai=AMfl-YRSIk0ZrmrJ5Tnmi9c9B5TLHwv179DKh4B4ddCdU0SAFq5-u-GniR-dvV-8VIZMX79gcgAJd6zfWsDJW3Ggto3k96B5Z0ly5zUavaCni5iHZ8k-_f5QzVh5Vwraw6W6vTbu2IY5Kz79PSE945L84bcc&sig=Cg0ArKJSzKCTggFiIHIeEAE&fbs_aeid=%5Bgw_fbsaeid%5D&urlfix=1&adurl=https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/581543689%3B390248133%3Br" target="_blank"><img height="90" src="https://tpc.googlesyndication.com/simgad/11117954809380181523?" width="728" /></a>
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</div></div></div><div class="news-detail_newsImgWrap__9DPNp"><div id="thumbnail"><img alt="main news image" data-nimg="1" height="267" src="https://theedgemalaysia.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.theedgemarkets.com%2FInspector%20General%20of%20Police%20Tan%20Sri%20Razarudin%20Husain%20_20230816120919_bernama_6.jpg&w=1920&q=75" style="color: transparent;" width="400" /></div><div class="news-detail_newsImgInfo__gdhM4"><p>'We
are completing the investigation paper, and both individuals will be
called to provide statements soon,' says Inspector General of Police Tan
Sri Razarudin Husain.</p></div></div><div class="news-detail_newsTextDataWrap__PkAu5" style="text-align: justify;"><div><div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>KUALA
LUMPUR (March 4): The police have opened an investigation paper against
Chegu Bard, whose real name is Badrul Hisham Shaharin, regarding his
alleged inflammatory remarks about the car gift by His Majesty Sultan
Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>Inspector
General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said that an investigation
paper under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 had also been opened
against Muhammad Zahid Md Arip, who is a former political secretary to
former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, for the same allegation.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>"We are
completing the investigation paper, and both individuals will be called
to provide their statements soon," Razarudin said when met by reporters
here on Monday.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>He was
met after attending the duties handover ceremony of the new director of
the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department of Bukit Aman, Datuk Khaw
Kok Chin, from Datuk Seri Mohd Kamarudin Md Din, as well as the new
director of the Department of Internal Security and Public Order, Mohd
Kamarudin, from Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali here on Monday.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>Regarding
the red notice against Datuk Seri Muhammad Adlan Berhan, the son-in-law
of former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Razarudin said that
they had provided additional information as requested by Interpol.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>"Now, the police are only awaiting further feedback from Interpol regarding the red notice," he said.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p><b style="color: red;">Regarding the use of body cameras by police officers on duty, he said that they expect to receive the equipment by October.</b></p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p><span style="color: red;"><b>"It is
hoped that with the receipt of these 7,648 body cameras, we can at least
avoid allegations against the Royal Malaysian Police, and make our
personnel more accountable,"</b></span> he said. - <a href="https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/703367" target="_blank">The Edge, 4/3/2024</a> <br /></p></div>
</div></div><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-88472617816057244442024-03-10T17:54:00.002+08:002024-03-10T23:24:07.021+08:00Anwar's visit to Germany, a pro-Israel nation, who 'bans' pro-Palestinian protests, who has been hauled up in ICJ under Genocide Conv for things that impacts on Palestinians in Gaza? Come back immediately Anwar ???<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Anwar Ibrahim is visiting Germany, a friend of Israel, who has been alleged to also be supplying arms to Israel, which possibily is being used to kill Palestinians in Gaza and the Occupied Territory - Will Anwar be raising this concerns during his visit - will he be calling for Germany to repent. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Nicaragua has just dragged Germany to ICJ for facilitating Israel's Genocide - <a href="https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/193/193-20240301-app-01-00-en.pdf" target="_blank">See Application filed in ICJ </a>. This happened in early March, long before Anwar's visit.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Would not this issue of Germany's cutting aid to the UN Palestinian refugee agency
(UNRWA), and its support of Israel be a JUSTIFIABLE reason for Anwar to delay, or even cancel his visit as a sign of solidarity with the Palestinian People?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is about 'mutual growth" - so, is Malaysia OK with this, despite the fact that we know Germany's pro-Israel stance, including the fact or allegations that Germany is providing arms to Israel, arms that are most likely used in the killing of now about 30,000 Palestinians.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Are national principles and values SIDELINED by Anwar and this government? </span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><h1 class="page-title mb-2" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="d-inline-block mr-1">Germany welcomes Anwar on maiden visit, fostering economic cooperation and mutual growth</span> </h1> <div class="d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"> <div><span>By <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/authors/najmuddin-najib-berlin" target="_blank">Najmuddin Najib in Berlin</a> - </span>
March 10, 2024 @ 9:20am
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</div></div></div></div> <div><div><div class="field field-featured-image"><figure><img alt="An enduring friendship built on strong economic ties and mutual respect, with a keen eye on the future, will set the tone for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s first official visit as prime minister to Germany today.- NSTP/EIZAIRI SHAMSUDIN" class="img-fluid" data-adbro-processed="true" height="280" src="https://assets.nst.com.my/images/articles/ANWAR_IBRAHIM_1710037237.jpg" width="400" /> <figcaption class="py-2">An
enduring friendship built on strong economic ties and mutual respect,
with a keen eye on the future, will set the tone for Datuk Seri Anwar
Ibrahim’s first official visit as prime minister to Germany today.-
NSTP/EIZAIRI SHAMSUDIN</figcaption></figure></div></div></div> <div class="field field-body"><div class="dable-content-wrapper" itemprop="articleBody"><p>BERLIN:
An enduring friendship built on strong economic ties and mutual
respect, with a keen eye on the future, will set the tone for Datuk Seri
Anwar Ibrahim's first official visit as prime minister to Germany
today.</p>
<p>After concluding a successful tour of Melbourne and Canberra, where
Australian companies expressed interest in investing RM24.5 billion in
Malaysia, the prime minister will now train his sight on German
investors, both new as well as those already with a presence in
Malaysia, as part of his visit to Berlin and Hamburg.</p>
<p>Malaysian Ambassador to Germany, Datin Paduka Dr Adina Kamarudin,
said the prime minister's intensive six-day itinerary will see him meet
senior German leadership, captains of industry, academics and
policymakers as well as the Malaysian diaspora.</p>
<p>The prime minister is scheduled to arrive in Berlin
Brandenburg Airport at 10pm on March 10, where he will be welcomed upon
arrival by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Adina as well as
German government representatives.</p><p>Apart from Mohamad, also accompanying him for his visit are
International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul
Tengku Abdul Aziz, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister
Datuk Ewon Benedick.</p><div data-google-query-id="CPH9j9Su6YQDFe6kZgId2VIC6w" id="div-gpt-ad-1535527649803-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/NST_1x1_Programmatic_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<p>Adina said the prime minister will begin his series of programmes on
March 11 with a visit to the Siemens Energy plant in Berlin. Siemens,
she said, had invested heavily in Malaysia and is currently focusing on
renewable energy.</p><div class="ad-unit mx-auto text-center" data-google-query-id="CLiWkdSu6YQDFRmVZgIdFtsEnw" id="div-gpt-ad-1463538766750-0" style="display: block;"><div data-google-query-id="CPfxnPKu6YQDFaeKZgIdUcAKlg" id="andbeyond3002"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/21751243814,1009103/358645-300-250-2_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div></div>
<p>This will be followed by a courtesy visit to Federal President
Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Bellevue Palace, who in February last year
had visited Malaysia.</p>
<p>Steinmeier, in his visit, had stated that Malaysia is set to become a
key destination for German companies to diversify their businesses and
investments, with more than 700 German companies in Malaysia creating
65,000 jobs.</p>
<p>"This can, in a way, be viewed as a furtherance of the discussion
that they had previously. President Steinmeyer is known for his deep
interest in Malaysia and enjoys a keen friendship with the prime
minister, evidenced from his visit to the prime minister's office in
Putrajaya during his visit to Malaysia," she said.</p>
<p>Later in the evening, Anwar will be accorded an official welcome with
full military honours by Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Federal
Chancellery, followed by a four-eyed meeting with Scholz.</p>
<p>The two leaders will hold a joint press conference with Malaysian and German media before attending a dinner hosted by Scholz.</p>
<p>The following day, Anwar will attend a business roundtable
meeting with around 30 captains of industry, followed by a business
meeting with selected companies.</p>
<p>These captains of industry, she said, comprise significant players in the German economy, and key investors to Malaysia.</p>
<p>Adina said the business meeting with selected companies,
meanwhile, include major names such as Infineon, Schott AG, Melexis and
Airbus, which are significant for possible investments in the future.</p>
<p>In the evening, the prime minister will then hold a session
with the Malaysian diaspora in Germany, which will include students,
working professionals as well as those who have chosen to settle down in
Germany.</p>
<p>After the breaking of fast and Maghrib prayers, the prime
minister will then join the congregation at the Sehitlik Mosque in
Berlin for Isyak and Tarawih prayers. Anwar will then engage with the
German Muslim community for an exchange of views.</p>
<p>The following day, Anwar will begin his programme with an
interactive session at the Körber Foundation in Berlin, an independent,
non-profit think tank which focuses on international relations including
issues pertaining to the Middle East.</p>
<p>He will then meet with German vice-chancellor Robert Habeck
before attending the Mittlestand, also known as SME Future Day, an
annual small-medium enterprises conference where the prime minister will
also be delivering a keynote address.</p>
<p>Adina said Anwar's meeting with Habeck, who is also Minister
for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, will likely see the leaders
discuss issues such as Malaysia's palm oil export to Europe and climate
change.</p>
<p>Adina said the German economy is unique in that it does not
rely heavily on multinational companies (MNCs), with its main driver
being the Mittlestand, or SMEs.</p>
<p>"However, the size of their SMEs is on a scale vastly
different than that of Malaysian companies. Their request for the prime
minister's presence at this event was done way back in July," she said,
noting that the Mittlestand offers key investment opportunities for
Malaysia.</p>
<p>Adina said German companies have a favourable view of
Malaysia due to a host of factors, such as the various incentives
offered, especially customised tax incentives and the supporting role
played by agencies like the Malaysia Investment Development Authority or
MIDA.</p>
<p>"They are very comfortable with our One Stop Centre. There
is also the ease of doing business with agencies such AS MIDA, with the
Immigration Department providing the necessary support, as well as the
English-speaking population," she said.</p>
<p>In Hamburg, Anwar will attend Friday prayers at the El Nour
Mosque before conducting a business meeting with Nexperia. He will then
attend the 101st East Asia Friendship Dinner (Ostasiatisches Liebesmahl)
by the German Asia-Pacific Business Association (Ostasiatische Verein -
OAV) before departing for Kuala Lumpur.</p>
<p>Germany has been Malaysia's largest trading partner among
European Union members since 2000, while Malaysia is Germany's biggest
trading partner in Asean.</p>
<p>In 2023, Malaysia's total trade with Germany rose by 5.9 per
cent to RM63.45 billion (US$13.90 billion) compared to RM59.87 billion
(US$13.62 billion) in 2022. - <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/1023619/germany-welcomes-anwar-maiden-visit-fostering-economic-cooperation-and" target="_blank">NST, 10/3/2024</a><br /></p>
</div></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Berlin, Germany –</b> More than 500 global artists,
filmmakers, writers and culture workers have announced a push against
Germany’s stance on Israel’s war on Gaza, calling on creatives to step
back from collaborating with German state-funded associations. ...Symbols of pro-Palestine support have been banned, authorities in Berlin
have banned rallies, and, in a move that was widely condemned as
discriminatory, the German president has called on Arabs to <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/8/german-president-says-arab-citizens-must-distance-themselves-from-hamas">distance themselves</a> from Hamas..-<a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/11/artists-urged-to-reject-german-institutions-over-berlins-stance-on-gaza" target="_blank"> Al Jazeera, 11/1/2024</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">A leading German human rights group on Monday termed the recent
sporadic ban on pro-Palestinian demonstrations “highly problematic.”</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“It
is also important to combat antisemitism and not fuel racism. It will
only be successful if politics, the media and society do not place those
parts of the population who are perceived as Palestinian, Arab or
Muslim under general suspicion,” said Beate Rudolf, the director of the
German Institute for Human Rights, during a news conference in Berlin.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“This
is why long-term bans on pro-Palestinian demonstrations are highly
problematic. To be clear: All people in Germany have the right to
freedom of assembly. This also gives them the right to peacefully
express grief over the victims in Gaza (war) and solidarity with the
people there,” she added. - <a href="https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/german-human-rights-group-calls-pro-palestine-demonstration-ban-highly-problematic-/3072817" target="_blank">AA, 4/12/2023</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h1>Nicaragua drags Germany to ICJ for ‘facilitating Israel’s genocide’ in Gaza</h1><p class="article__subhead css-1wt8oh6"><i>Managua accuses Berlin of violating the Genocide Convention by funding Israel’s war on Gaza.</i></p><figure class="article-featured-image"><div class="responsive-image"><img alt="gaza" height="266" src="https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/AFP__20240301__34KE6QV__v1__Preview__PalestinianIsraelConflict-1709285565.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80" width="400" /></div><figcaption>More
than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed and about 7,000 remain
missing since Israel launched its brutal assault on October 7 [AFP]</figcaption></figure><div class="article-info-block css-ti04u9"><div class="article-b-l" style="border-color: rgb(250, 144, 0);"><div class="article-dates" style="border-color: rgb(250, 144, 0);"><div class="date-simple css-1yjq2zp"><span class="screen-reader-text">Published On 2 Mar 2024</span><span aria-hidden="true">2 Mar 2024</span></div><div class="date-simple css-1yjq2zp"><span aria-hidden="true"> </span></div><div class="date-simple css-1yjq2zp">Nicaragua
has sued Germany at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for
funding Israel and cutting aid to the UN Palestinian refugee agency
(UNRWA), the court announced on Friday.</div></div></div></div>
<p>The Latin American country accused Berlin of violating international
law in its continued funding for Tel Aviv and asked the ICJ to order
emergency measures that would force Germany to cease military aid to
Israel, and restart funding to the UNRWA.</p><p></p><p>A hearing date is not yet known, however, the ICJ, also known as the
World Court, usually starts proceedings on requests for emergency
measures within weeks.</p>
<p>At least nine UNRWA donors, including the United States, Germany, Switzerland, Canada and the United Kingdom, <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/28/which-countries-have-cut-funding-to-unrwa-and-why">suspended funding </a>after
allegations that about 12 of the tens of thousands of Palestinians
employed by the agency were suspected of participating in Hamas’s
October 7 attacks in Israel.</p>
<p>But Israel has yet to provide evidence to UN investigators more than a month after it made its claims.</p><p>“By sending military equipment and now defunding UNRWA which provides
essential support to the civilian population, Germany is facilitating
the commission of genocide,” Nicaragua said in its filing, citing the
1948 Genocide Convention and the 1949 Geneva Conventions on the laws of
war in the occupied Palestinian territories.</p>
<p>Germany is a key ally of Tel Aviv, and is one of its biggest arms
providers alongside the United States, according to UN experts.</p><p></p><h2 id="deaths-due-to-hunger">Deaths due to hunger</h2>
<p>Berlin was the second biggest donor to UNRWA after the US in 2022 when it pledged $202m to the agency.</p><div class="container--ads in-article-ads"><div class="ads"><div class="ads__slot"><div></div></div></div></div>
<p>The UNRWA has warned that the suspension of its funding could lead to
the agency being unable to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has
seen deaths due to hunger and a lack of health facilities. On Thursday,<a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/1/flour-massacre-how-gaza-food-killings-unfolded-and-israels-story-changed"> at least 117 people were killed</a> after Israel fired at hundreds of Palestinians waiting to collect food aid in Gaza City. The incident has triggered <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/1/global-condemnation-grows-over-israels-killing-of-gaza-aid-seekers">global condemnation and calls for an independent investigation</a>.</p>
<p>Emergency measures, Nicaragua said in its Friday filing, were
necessary because of Berlin’s “participation in the ongoing plausible
genocide and serious breaches of international humanitarian law” in the
Gaza Strip.</p>
<p>Under the genocide agreement, countries agree not to commit genocide,
meaning complicity in the act is a violation. The pact also enables
member states to actively prevent and punish possible genocide.</p>
<p>The Managua case comes after an earlier and much-followed <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/11/a-quick-guide-to-south-africas-icj-case-against-israel">filing by South Africa </a>last December which accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.</p><p><span aria-hidden="true" class="video-duration__duration"></span>
</p><p></p>
<p> </p>
<p>In February, the ICJ ruled that Pretoria’s claims that Israel
violated the genocide convention were not implausible and ordered
emergency measures, including a call for Israel to halt any potential
acts of genocide in Gaza.</p><div class="container--ads in-article-ads"><div class="ads"><div class="ads__slot"><div></div></div></div></div>
<p>Israel, which defended itself in the South Africa hearings, has
denied allegations of genocide, citing “self-defence”, though experts
have <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/17/does-israel-have-the-right-to-self-defence-in-gaza">questioned Israel’s “right to defence”</a> as an occupying power. The case is continuing. Last week, Human Rights Watch said hampering the delivery of aid by Israel was <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/26/has-israel-complied-with-icj-order-in-gaza-genocide-case">a violation of the January 26 ICJ order.</a></p>
<p>“The Israeli government is starving Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians,
putting them in even more peril than before the World Court’s binding
order,” Omar Shakir, Israel and Palestine director at Human Rights
Watch, said on February 26.</p>
<p>Israel has also been criticised for targeting civilians, with <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/1/more-than-25000-women-and-children-killed-in-gaza-us-defence-secretary#:~:text=Speaking%20during%20a%20congressional%20hearing,%E2%80%9CIt%20is%20over%2025%2C000.%E2%80%9D">more than 80 percent of those killed being women and children</a>.
More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed and about 7,000 remain
missing since Israel launched its brutal assault on October 7 in the
wake of a deadly attack carried out by the Palestinian Hamas group.</p>
<p>In separate proceedings at the ICJ, more than 50 countries in
February presented arguments against Israel’s occupation of the West
Bank, Gaza Strip and occupied East Jerusalem since 1967.</p>
<div class="article-source">Source: <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/2/nicaragua-drags-germany-to-icj-for-facilitating-israels-genocide-in-gaza" target="_blank">Al Jazeera and news agencies, 2/3/2024</a><br /></div><br />Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-41173892547925279392024-03-08T16:43:00.001+08:002024-03-08T16:43:14.198+08:00RIGHT to a lawyer exists - Use it from time police comes to question you... a fundamental Human Right in Malaysia...<p style="text-align: justify;">In Malaysia, the right to be represented by a lawyer of your choice is immediately after you have been arrested.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Article 5(3) of the Federal Constitution says this '<span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">(3) Where a
person is arrested he shall be informed as soon as may be of the grounds
of his arrest and <b>shall be allowed to consult and be defended by a
legal practitioner of his choice</b>.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"><b></b></span></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"><b>28A Rights of person arrested in the Criminal Procedure Code states,</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"></span></p><p>(1) A
person arrested without a warrant<b> shall be informed as soon as may be of
the <span style="color: red;">grounds of his arrest</span> by the police officer making the arrest</b>.</p><p>(2)
A police officer shall, <b><span style="color: red;">before commencing any form of questioning</span></b> or
recording of any statement from the person arrested, inform the person
that he may-</p><blockquote><p><i>(a)</i> communicate or attempt to communicate, with a relative or friend to inform of his whereabouts; and</p><p><b style="color: red;"><i>(b)</i> communicate or attempt to communicate and consult with a legal practitioner of his choice.</b></p></blockquote><p>(3) Where the person arrested wishes to communicate or attempt to communicate with the persons referred to in paragraphs (2)<i>(a)</i> and <i>(b)</i>, the police officer shall, as soon as may be, allow the arrested person to do so.</p><p>(4)
<span style="color: red;"><b>Where the person arrested has requested for a legal practitioner to be
consulted, the police officer shall allow a reasonable time-</b></span></p><blockquote><p><b style="color: red;"><i>(a)</i> for the legal practitioner to be present to meet the person arrested at his place of detention; and</b></p><p><b style="color: red;"><i>(b)</i> for the consultation to take place.</b></p></blockquote><p>(5)
The consultation under subsection (4) shall be within the sight of a
police officer and in circumstances, in so far as practicable, where
their communication will not be overheard.</p><p>(6) The <b><span style="color: red;">police officer
shall defer any questioning or recording of any statement from the
person arrested for a reasonable time until the communication or
attempted communication under paragraph 2<i>(b)</i> or the consultation under subsection (4) has been made.</span></b></p><p>(7)
The police officer shall provide reasonable facilities for the
communication and consultation under this section and all such
facilities provided shall be free of charge.</p><p>(8) The requirements
under subsections (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) and (7) shall not apply where
the police officer reasonably believes that</p><blockquote><p><i>(a)</i> compliance with any of the requirements is likely to result in</p><blockquote><p>(i) an accomplice of the person arrested taking steps to avoid apprehension; or</p><p>(ii) the concealment, fabrication or destruction of evidence or the intimidation of a witness; or</p></blockquote><p><i>(b)</i>
having regard to the safety of other persons the questioning or
recording of any statement is so urgent that it should not be delayed.</p></blockquote><p>(9)
Subsection (8) shall only apply upon authorization by a police officer
not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.</p><p>(10) The
police officer giving the authorization under subsection (9) shall
record the grounds of belief of the police officer that the conditions
specified under subsection (8) will arise and such record shall be made
as soon as practicable.</p><p>(11) The investigating officer shall
comply with the requirements under subsections (2), (3), (4), (5), (6)
and (7) as soon as possible after the conditions specified under
subsection (8) have ceased to apply where the person arrested is still
under detention under this section or under section 117.</p><p></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;">BEST ADVICE - If you get arrested or are required to answer questions by the police - BE SMART, and consult the lawyer first - know your RIGHTS before talking. The law allows you to not answer some questions as - '...<span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">such person
<b><span style="color: red;">may refuse to answer any question the answer to which would have a
tendency to expose him to a criminal charge or penalty or forfeiture.</span></b>..'(Section 112(2) Criminal Procedure Code) </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">The person being questioned by the police HAVE the right to refuse to answer... <b><span style="color: red;">So, be smart, talk to your lawyer first before answering... </span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">When the police wants to question you, and record your statement - can the lawyer be present in the room? YES, he can.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">Many years ago, when I was called to Bukit Aman allegedly on some Sedition offence - I had not one, but 4 lawyers present in the room during the police questioning and recording of the statement... That is your right.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">In another occasion, when a law enforcement officers turned up in my house. What I told them was to come back later. I then contacted my lawyer, who came and was present when the law enforcement officers returned to question me...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">USE your right to consult and be represented by a LAWYER always - BE WISE.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">It is a good idea to have contact numbers of several lawyers with you at all times... </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">It is foolish to assume that you only need to get a lawyer after you have been charged in court -the moment the law enforcement/police come to question you, or arrest you - get a LAWYER. If you cannot afford a lawyer, reach out the Malaysian Bar Legal Aid Center to get a lawyer.. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">Sadly, there are some BAD laws in Malaysia that attempts to deny or delay your right to consult and/or be represented by a lawyer > Well, good people including the Malaysian Bar is fighting to get rid of such UNJUST laws... <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"> <br /></span></p><br /><div class="flex flex-col"><header><h1 class="pb-2 font-heading text-3xl font-extrabold md:text-4xl lg:text-6xl">Ratu Naga sues MACC for breaching right to legal representation</h1></header><div class="order-2 flex flex-wrap items-center gap-2 py-2 text-sm font-medium lg:order-1"><a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/fmtreporters/">FMT Reporters</a><span>-</span><time class="text-sm text-blue-600" datetime="2024-03-08 14:10">08 Mar 2024, 02:10 PM</time></div><summary class="order-1 list-none lg:order-2"><h2><p class="py-1.5 text-base">Syarul Ema Rena Abu Samah, better known as Ratu Naga, was taken to MACC on Feb 16 for an investigation.</p></h2></summary></div><article class="news-content mt-4 font-roboto"><figure><div class="htmr-img-wrapper"><img alt="" class="htmr-img" height="250" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/6fb0cbd4-ratu-naga-fbpic-01-160224.jpg" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="400" /></div><figcaption class="htmr-figcaption">Syarul Ema Rena Abu Samah said she was detained after MACC officers searched her home on Feb 16. (Facebook pic)</figcaption></figure>
<p class="py-1.5 text-lg">KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional’s Syarul Ema
Rena Abu Samah has filed a suit in the High Court against the Malaysian
Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), alleging that it breached her
constitutional right to legal representation.</p>
<p class="py-1.5 text-lg">Syarul Ema, better known as Ratu Naga, was taken to MACC on Feb 16 for an investigation.</p>
<p class="py-1.5 text-lg">It was later reported that she was being investigated over “rewards” she allegedly received for helping NGOs secure grants.</p></article><p class="py-1.5 text-lg">Syarul Ema claimed that she was denied access to her lawyers that day.</p>
<p class="py-1.5 text-lg">“Seven MACC officers came to my house on Feb 16 and informed me that they wanted to conduct a raid and search.</p>
<p class="py-1.5 text-lg">“They seized my handphone and laptop. After
the raid and search was completed, I was detained and taken to MACC’s
headquarters,” she said.</p>
<p class="py-1.5 text-lg">She said she informed her lawyer, Nabila Khairuddin, about the arrest.</p>
<p class="py-1.5 text-lg">“I told the officers that I wanted Nabila to
be with me when they record my statement,” she said, adding that MACC
allegedly refused her request.</p>
<p class="py-1.5 text-lg">MACC allowed Syarul Ema to return home later that evening.</p>
<p class="py-1.5 text-lg">Her suit seeks a declaration that MACC’s
actions were in breach of her right to legal representation as enshrined
in the Federal Constitution.</p>
<p class="py-1.5 text-lg">The suit is fixed for case management on March 12. -<a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/03/08/ratu-naga-sues-macc-for-breaching-right-to-legal-representation/" target="_blank"> FMT, 8/3/2024</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"></span></p><p></p><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"> </span><p></p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-75834071747384091262024-03-08T15:48:00.006+08:002024-03-10T16:59:29.004+08:0026th January ICJ, amongst others, orders ISRAEL to stop killing of Palestinians,etc but the killing and other things continues - What should we do with Israel? What will ICJ do? What will UN do? READ the ICJ ORDER of 26/1/2024<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: red;">Sadly, despite the International Court of Justice orders - the killing of Palestinians continue... What will we do with ISRAEL - Will the UN ACT? </span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: red;">Read the ICJ's full order<br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>(1) The State of Israel shall, in accordance with its obligations under
the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of
Genocide, in relation to Palestinians in Gaza, take all measures within
its power to prevent the commission of all acts within the scope of
Article II of this Convention, in particular:<br /></b></p><p><b>(a) killing members of the group;<br />(b) causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group;<br />(c)
deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to
bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; and<br />(d) imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group;</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b><span style="color: #38761d;">26 JANUARY 2024<br />ORDER<br />APPLICATION OF THE CONVENTION ON THE PREVENTION AND PUNISHMENT OF THE CRIME OF GENOCIDE IN THE GAZA STRIP<br />(SOUTH AFRICA v. ISRAEL)<br />___________</span></b><br />APPLICATION DE LA CONVENTION POUR LA PRÉVENTION ET LA RÉPRESSION<br />DU CRIME DE GÉNOCIDE DANS LA BANDE DE GAZA<br />(AFRIQUE DU SUD c. ISRAËL)<br />26 JANVIER 2024<br />ORDONNANCE<br /> </p><p>TABLE OF CONTENTS</p><p><br />Paragraphs<br />CHRONOLOGY OF THE PROCEDURE 1-12</p><p>I. INTRODUCTION 13-14</p><p>II. PRIMA FACIE JURISDICTION 15-32<br />1. Preliminary observations 15-18<br />2. Existence of a dispute relating to the interpretation, application or fulfilment of the Genocide Convention 19-30<br />3. Conclusion as to prima facie jurisdiction 31-32</p><p><br />III. STANDING OF SOUTH AFRICA 33-34</p><p><br />IV. THE RIGHTS WHOSE PROTECTION IS SOUGHT AND THE LINK BETWEEN SUCH RIGHTS AND THE MEASURES REQUESTED 35-59</p><p>V. RISK OF IRREPARABLE PREJUDICE AND URGENCY 60-74</p><p>VI. CONCLUSION AND MEASURES TO BE ADOPTED 75-84</p><p><br />OPERATIVE CLAUSE 86<br />___________<br />INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE<br />YEAR 2024<br />2024<br />26 January<br />General List<br />No. 192<br />26 January 2024<br />APPLICATION OF THE CONVENTION ON THE PREVENTION<br />AND PUNISHMENT OF THE CRIME OF GENOCIDE IN THE GAZA STRIP<br />(SOUTH AFRICA v. ISRAEL)<br />REQUEST FOR THE INDICATION OF PROVISIONAL MEASURES<br />ORDER<br />Present: President DONOGHUE ; Vice-President GEVORGIAN; Judges TOMKA, ABRAHAM ,BENNOUNA, YUSUF , XUE , SEBUTINDE , BHANDARI , ROBINSON, SALAM , IWASAWA,<br />NOLTE , CHARLESWORTH, BRANT ; Judges ad hoc BARAK, M OSENEKE </p><p><br />Registrar GAUTIER.<br />The International Court of Justice,<br />Composed as above,<br /> </p><p>After deliberation, Having regard to Articles 41 and 48 of the Statute of the Court and Articles 73, 74 and 75 of the Rules of Court,</p><p><br />Makes the following Order:<br />- 2 -<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. On 29 December 2023, the Republic of South Africa (hereinafter “South Africa”) filed in the Registry of the Court an Application instituting proceedings against the State of Israel (hereinafter “Israel”) concerning alleged violations in the Gaza Strip of obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (hereinafter the “Genocide Convention” or the “Convention”).<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. At the end of its Application, South Africa “respectfully requests the Court to adjudge and declare:<br />(1) that the Republic of South Africa and the State of Israel each have a duty to act in accordance with their obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, in relation to the members of the Palestinian group, to take all reasonable measures within their power to prevent genocide; and</p><p style="text-align: justify;">(2) that the State of Israel:<br />(a) has breached and continues to breach its obligations under the Genocide Convention, in particular the obligations provided under Article I, read in conjunction with Article II, and Articles III (a), III (b), III (c), III (d), III (e),IV, V and VI;<br />(b) must cease forthwith any acts and measures in breach of those obligations, including such acts or measures which would be capable of killing or continuing to kill Palestinians, or causing or continuing to cause serious bodily or mental harm to Palestinians or deliberately inflicting on their group, or continuing to inflict on their group, conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part, and fully respect its obligations under the Genocide Convention, in particular the obligations provided under Articles I, III (a), III (b), III (c), III (d), III (e), IV, V and VI;<br />(c) must ensure that persons committing genocide, conspiring to commit genocide, directly and publicly inciting genocide, attempting to commit genocide and complicit in genocide contrary to Articles I, III (a), III (b), III (c), III (d) and III (e) are punished by a competent national or international tribunal, as required by Articles I, IV, V and VI;<br />(d) to that end and in furtherance of those obligations arising under Articles I, IV, V and VI, must collect and conserve evidence and ensure, allow and/or not inhibit directly or indirectly the collection and conservation of evidence of genocidal acts committed against Palestinians in Gaza, including such members of the group displaced from Gaza;<br />(e) must perform the obligations of reparation in the interest of Palestinian victims, including but not limited to allowing the safe and dignified return of forcibly displaced and/or abducted Palestinians to their homes, respect for their full human rights and protection against further discrimination, persecution, and other related acts, and provide for the reconstruction of what it has destroyed in Gaza, consistent with the obligation to prevent genocide under Article I; and<br />(f) must offer assurances and guarantees of non-repetition of violations of the Genocide Convention, in particular the obligations provided under Articles I,III (a), III (b), III (c), III (d), III (e), IV, V and VI.”</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />3. In its Application, South Africa seeks to found the Court’s jurisdiction on Article 36,paragraph 1, of the Statute of the Court and on Article IX of the Genocide Convention.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />4. The Application contained a Request for the indication of provisional measures submitted with reference to Article 41 of the Statute and to Articles 73, 74 and 75 of the Rules of Court.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b>5.</b> At the end of its Request, South Africa asked the Court to <b><span style="color: red;">indicate the following provisional measures:</span></b><br />“(1) The State of Israel shall immediately suspend its military operations in and against Gaza.<br />(2) The State of Israel shall ensure that any military or irregular armed units which may be directed, supported or influenced by it, as well as any organisations and persons which may be subject to its control, direction or influence, take no steps in furtherance of the military operations referred to [in] point (1) above.<br />(3) The Republic of South Africa and the State of Israel shall each, in accordance with their obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, in relation to the Palestinian people, take all reasonable measures within their power to prevent genocide.<br />(4) The State of Israel shall, in accordance with its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, in relation to the Palestinian people as a group protected by the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, desist from the commission of any and all acts within the scope of Article II of the Convention, in particular:<b><br />(a) killing members of the group;<br />(b) causing serious bodily or mental harm to the members of the group;<br />(c) deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; and<br />(d) imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group.</b><br /></p><p>(5) The State of Israel shall, pursuant to point (4) (c) above, in relation to Palestinians,desist from, and take all measures within its power including the rescinding of relevant orders, of restrictions and/or of prohibitions to prevent:<br />(a) the expulsion and forced displacement from their homes;<br />(b) the deprivation of:<br />(i) access to adequate food and water;<br />(ii) access to humanitarian assistance, including access to adequate fuel,shelter, clothes, hygiene and sanitation;<br />(iii) medical supplies and assistance; and<br />(c) the destruction of Palestinian life in Gaza.<br /> </p><p>(6) The State of Israel shall, in relation to Palestinians, ensure that its military, as well as any irregular armed units or individuals which may be directed, supported or otherwise influenced by it and any organizations and persons which may be subject to its control, direction or influence, do not commit any acts described in (4) and (5) above, or engage in direct and public incitement to commit genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, attempt to commit genocide, or complicity in genocide, and insofar as they do engage therein, that steps are taken towards their punishment pursuant to Articles I, II, III and IV of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.<br />(7) The State of Israel shall take effective measures to prevent the destruction and ensure the preservation of evidence related to allegations of acts within the scope of Article II of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; to that end, the State of Israel shall not act to deny or otherwise restrict access by fact-finding missions, international mandates and other bodies to Gaza to assist in ensuring the preservation and retention of said evidence.<br />(8) The State of Israel shall submit a report to the Court on all measures taken to give effect to this Order within one week, as from the date of this Order, and thereafter at such regular intervals as the Court shall order, until a final decision on the case is rendered by the Court.<br />(9) The State of Israel shall refrain from any action and shall ensure that no action is taken which might aggravate or extend the dispute before the Court or make it more<br />difficult to resolve.”</p><p><br /><b>6. </b>The Deputy-Registrar immediately communicated to the Government of Israel the Application containing the Request for the indication of provisional measures, in accordance with Article 40, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the Court and Article 73, paragraph 2, of the Rules of Court. He also notified the Secretary-General of the United Nations of the filing by South Africa of the Application and the Request for the indication of provisional measures.<br />- 5 -<br />7. Pending the notification provided for by Article 40, paragraph 3, of the Statute of the Court,<br />the Deputy-Registrar informed all States entitled to appear before the Court of the filing of the<br />Application and the Request for the indication of provisional measures by a letter dated 3 January 2024.<br />8. Since the Court included upon the Bench no judge of the nationality of either Party, each Party proceeded to exercise the right conferred upon it by Article 31 of the Statute of the Court to choose a judge ad hoc to sit in the case. South Africa chose Mr Dikgang Ernest Moseneke and Israel Mr Aharon Barak.<br />9. By letters dated 29 December 2023, the Deputy-Registrar informed the Parties that, pursuant<br />to Article 74, paragraph 3, of its Rules, the Court had fixed 11 and 12 January 2024 as the dates for the oral proceedings on the request for the indication of provisional measures.<br />10. At the public hearings, oral observations on the request for the indication of provisional measures were presented by:<br />On behalf of South Africa: HE Mr Vusimuzi Madonsela,<br />HE Mr Ronald Lamola,<br />Ms Adila Hassim,<br />Mr Tembeka Ngcukaitobi,<br />Mr John Dugard,<br />Mr Max du Plessis,<br />Ms Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh,<br />Mr Vaughan Lowe.<br />On behalf of Israel: Mr Tal Becker,<br />Mr Malcolm Shaw,<br />Ms Galit Raguan,<br />Mr Omri Sender,<br />Mr Christopher Staker,<br />Mr Gilad Noam.</p><p><br />11. At the end of its oral observations, South Africa asked the Court to indicate the following<br />provisional measures:</p><p>“(1) The State of Israel shall immediately suspend its military operations in and against Gaza.<br />(2) The State of Israel shall ensure that any military or irregular armed units which may be directed, supported or influenced by it, as well as any organisations and persons which may be subject to its control, direction or influence, take no steps in furtherance of the military operations referred to [in] point (1) above.<br />(3) The Republic of South Africa and the State of Israel shall each, in accordance with their obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, in relation to the Palestinian people, take all reasonable measures within their power to prevent genocide.<br />(4) The State of Israel shall, in accordance with its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, in relation to the Palestinian people as a group protected by the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, desist from the commission of any and all acts within the scope of Article II of the Convention, in particular:<br />(a) killing members of the group;<br />(b) causing serious bodily or mental harm to the members of the group;<br />(c) deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; and<br />(d) imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group.<br />(5) The State of Israel shall, pursuant to point (4) (c) above, in relation to Palestinians, desist from, and take all measures within its power including the rescinding of relevant orders, of restrictions and/or of prohibitions to prevent:<br />(a) the expulsion and forced displacement from their homes;<br />(b) the deprivation of:<br />(i) access to adequate food and water;<br />(ii) access to humanitarian assistance, including access to adequate fuel, shelter, clothes, hygiene and sanitation;<br />(iii) medical supplies and assistance; and<br />(c) the destruction of Palestinian life in Gaza.<br />(6) The State of Israel shall, in relation to Palestinians, ensure that its military, as well as any irregular armed units or individuals which may be directed, supported or otherwise influenced by it and any organizations and persons which may be subject to its control, direction or influence, do not commit any acts described in (4) and (5) above, or engage in direct and public incitement to commit genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, attempt to commit genocide, or complicity in genocide, and insofar as they do engage therein, that steps are taken towards their punishment pursuant to Articles I, II, III and IV of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.<br />(7) The State of Israel shall take effective measures to prevent the destruction and ensure the preservation of evidence related to allegations of acts within the scope of Article II of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; to that end, the State of Israel shall not act to deny or otherwise restrict access by fact-finding missions, international mandates and other bodies to Gaza to assist in ensuring the preservation and retention of said evidence.<br />(8) The State of Israel shall submit a report to the Court on all measures taken to give effect to this Order within one week, as from the date of this Order, and thereafter at such regular intervals as the Court shall order, until a final decision on the case is rendered by the Court, and that such reports shall be published by the Court.<br />(9) The State of Israel shall refrain from any action and shall ensure that no action is taken which might aggravate or extend the dispute before the Court or make it more difficult to resolve.”<br />12. At the end of its oral observations, Israel requested the Court to“(1) [r]eject the request for the indication of provisional measures submitted by South Africa; and (2) [r]emove the case from the General List”.<br />*<br />* *<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>I. I NTRODUCTION</b><br />13. The Court begins by recalling the immediate context in which the present case came before<br />it. On 7 October 2023, Hamas and other armed groups present in the Gaza Strip carried out an attack in Israel, killing more than 1,200 persons, injuring thousands and abducting some 240 people, many of whom continue to be held hostage. Following this attack, Israel launched a large-scale military operation in Gaza, by land, air and sea, which is causing massive civilian casualties, extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure and the displacement of the overwhelming majority of the population in Gaza (see paragraph 46 below). The Court is acutely aware of the extent of the human tragedy that is unfolding in the region and is deeply concerned about the continuing loss of life and human suffering.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has been addressed in the framework of several organs and specialized agencies of the United Nations. In particular, resolutions have been adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations (see resolution A/RES/ES-10/21 adopted on 27 October<br />2023 and resolution A/RES/ES-10/22 adopted on 12 December 2023) and by the Security Council (see resolution S/RES/2712 (2023) adopted on 15 November 2023 and resolution S/RES/2720(2023) adopted on 22 December 2023), referring to many aspects of the conflict. The scope of the present case submitted to the Court, however, is limited, as South Africa has instituted these proceedings under the Genocide Convention.<br />- 8 -<br /><b>II. PRIMA FACIE JURISDICTION<br />1. Preliminary observations</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. The Court may indicate provisional measures only if the provisions relied on by the applicant appear, prima facie, to afford a basis on which its jurisdiction could be founded, but it need not satisfy itself in a definitive manner that it has jurisdiction as regards the merits of the case (see<br />Allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of<br />Genocide (Ukraine v. Russian Federation), Provisional Measures, Order of 16 March 2022, I.C.J.<br />Reports 2022 (I), pp. 217-218, para. 24).</p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. In the present case, South Africa seeks to found the jurisdiction of the Court on Article 36, paragraph 1, of the Statute of the Court and on Article IX of the Genocide Convention (see paragraph 3 above). The Court must therefore first determine whether those provisions prima facie confer upon it jurisdiction to rule on the merits of the case, enabling it — if the other necessary conditions are fulfilled — to indicate provisional measures.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Article IX of Genocide Convention provides:<br />“Disputes between the Contracting Parties relating to the interpretation, application or fulfilment of the present Convention, including those relating to the responsibility of a State for genocide or for any of the other acts enumerated in article III, shall be submitted to the International Court of Justice at the request of any of the parties to the dispute.”</p><p style="text-align: justify;">18. South Africa and Israel are parties to the Genocide Convention. Israel deposited its instrument of ratification on 9 March 1950 and South Africa deposited its instrument of accession on 10 December 1998. Neither of the Parties has entered a reservation to Article IX or any other provision of the Convention.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />2. <b>Existence of a dispute relating to the interpretation, application or fulfilment of the Genocide Convention</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">19. Article IX of the Genocide Convention makes the Court’s jurisdiction conditional on the existence of a dispute relating to the interpretation, application or fulfilment of the Convention. A dispute is “a disagreement on a point of law or fact, a conflict of legal views or of interests” between parties (Mavrommatis Palestine Concessions, Judgment No. 2, 1924, P.C.I.J., Series A, No. 2, p. 11). In order for a dispute to exist, “[i]t must be shown that the claim of one party is positively opposed by the other” (South West Africa (Ethiopia v. South Africa; Liberia v. South Africa), Preliminary Objections, Judgment, I.C.J. Reports 1962, p. 328). The two sides must “‘hold clearly opposite views concerning the question of the performance or non-performance of certain’ international obligations” (Alleged Violations of Sovereign Rights and Maritime Spaces in the Caribbean Sea (Nicaragua v. Colombia), Preliminary Objections, Judgment, I.C.J. Reports 2016 (I), p. 26, para. 50, citing Interpretation of Peace Treaties with Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania, First Phase, Advisory Opinion, I.C.J. Reports 1950, p. 74). To determine whether a dispute exists in the present case, the Court cannot limit itself to noting that one of the Parties maintains that the Convention applies, while the other denies it (see Allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Ukraine v. Russian Federation), Provisional Measures, Order of 16 March 2022, I.C.J. Reports 2022 (I), pp. 218-219, para. 28).<br /><br />20. Since South Africa has invoked as the basis of the Court’s jurisdiction the compromissory clause of the Genocide Convention, the Court must also ascertain, at the present stage of the proceedings, whether it appears that the acts and omissions complained of by the Applicant are capable of falling within the scope of that convention ratione materiae (see Allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Ukraine v. Russian Federation), Provisional Measures, Order of 16 March 2022, I.C.J. Reports 2022 (I), p. 219, para. 29).<br />* *<br />21. South Africa contends that a dispute exists with Israel relating to the interpretation, application and fulfilment of the Genocide Convention. It asserts that, prior to the filing of its Application, South Africa repeatedly and urgently voiced its concerns, in public statements and in various multilateral settings, including the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly, that Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide against the Palestinian people. In particular, as indicated in a media statement issued on 10 November 2023 by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, the Director General of the Department met with the Ambassador of Israel to South Africa on 9 November 2023 and informed him that, while South Africa “condemned the attacks on civilians by Hamas”, it considered Israel’s response to the attack of 7 October 2023 to be unlawful and it intended to refer the situation in Palestine to the International Criminal Court, calling for investigation of the leadership of Israel for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Furthermore, at the resumed 10th emergency special session of the United Nations General Assembly on 12 December 2023, at which Israel was represented, the South African representative to the United Nations stated specifically that “the events of the past six weeks in Gaza have illustrated that Israel is acting contrary to its obligations in terms of the Genocide Convention”. The Applicant considers that the dispute between the Parties had already crystallized at that time. According to South Africa, Israel denied the accusation of genocide in a document published by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 6 December 2023 and updated on 8 December 2023, entitled “Hamas-Israel Conflict 2023: Frequently Asked Questions”, stating in particular that “[t]he accusation of genocide against Israel is not only wholly unfounded as a matter of fact and law, it is morally repugnant”. The Applicant also mentions that, on 21 December 2023, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa sent a Note Verbale to the Embassy of Israel in Pretoria. It claims that, in this Note Verbale, it reiterated its view that Israel’s acts in Gaza amounted to genocide and that South Africa was under an obligation to prevent genocide from being committed. The Applicant states that Israel responded by a Note Verbale dated 27 December 2023. It submits however that Israel, in that Note Verbale, failed to address the issues raised by South Africa.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />22. The Applicant further submits that at least some, if not all, of the acts committed by Israel in Gaza, in the wake of the attack of 7 October 2023, fall within the provisions of the Genocide Convention. It alleges that, in contravention of Article I of the Convention, Israel “has perpetrated and is perpetrating genocidal acts identified in Article II” of the Convention and that “Israel, its officials and/or agents, have acted with the intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza, part of a protected group under the Genocide Convention”. The acts in question, according to South Africa, include killing Palestinians in Gaza, causing them serious bodily and mental harm, inflicting on them conditions of life calculated to bring about their physical destruction, and the forcible displacement of people in Gaza. South Africa further alleges that Israel “has . . . failed to prevent or to punish: genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, direct and public incitement to genocide, attempted genocide and complicity in genocide, contrary to Articles III and IV of the Genocide Convention”.<br />*<br />23. Israel contends that South Africa has failed to demonstrate the prima facie jurisdiction of the Court under Article IX of the Genocide Convention. It first argues that there is no dispute between the Parties because South Africa did not give Israel a reasonable opportunity to respond to the allegations of genocide before South Africa filed its Application. Israel submits that, on the one hand, South Africa’s public statements accusing Israel of genocide and the referral of the situation in Palestine to the International Criminal Court and, on the other hand, the document published by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which was not addressed directly or even indirectly to South Africa, are not sufficient to prove the existence of a “positive opposition” of views, as required by the Court’s jurisprudence. The Respondent emphasizes that, in the Note Verbale from the Embassy of Israel in Pretoria to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, dated 27 December 2023, in response to South Africa’s Note Verbale, dated 21 December 2023, Israel had suggested a meeting between the Parties to discuss the issues raised by South Africa, but argues that this attempt to open a dialogue was ignored by South Africa at the relevant time. Israel considers that South Africa’s unilateral assertions against Israel, in the absence of any bilateral interaction between the two States prior to the filing of the Application, do not suffice to establish the existence of a dispute in accordance with Article IX of the Genocide Convention.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />24. Israel further argues that the acts complained of by South Africa are not capable of falling within the provisions of the Genocide Convention because the necessary specific intent to destroy, in whole or in part, the Palestinian people as such has not been proved, even on a prima facie basis. According to Israel, in the aftermath of the atrocities committed on 7 October 2023, facing indiscriminate rocket attacks by Hamas against Israel, it acted with the intention to defend itself, to terminate the threats against it and to rescue the hostages. Israel adds moreover that its practices of mitigating civilian harm and of facilitating humanitarian assistance demonstrate the absence of any genocidal intent. Israel asserts that any careful review of the official decisions in relation to the conflict in Gaza made by the relevant authorities in Israel since the outbreak of the war, in particular the decisions made by the Ministerial Committee on National Security Affairs and the War Cabinet, as well as by the Operations Directorate of the Israel Defense Forces, shows the emphasis placed on the need to avoid harm to civilians and to facilitate humanitarian aid. In its view, it is thus clearly demonstrated that such decisions lacked genocidal intent.<br />* *<br />- 11 -<br />25. The Court recalls that, for the purposes of deciding whether a dispute existed between the Parties at the time of the filing of the Application, it takes into account in particular any statements or documents exchanged between the Parties, as well as any exchanges made in multilateral settings. In so doing, it pays special attention to the author of the statement or document, its intended or actual addressee and its content. The existence of a dispute is a matter for objective determination by the Court; it is a matter of substance, and not a question of form or procedure (see Allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Ukraine v. Russian Federation), Provisional Measures, Order of 16 March 2022, I.C.J. Reports 2022 (I), pp. 220-221, para. 35).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />26. The Court notes that South Africa issued public statements in various multilateral and bilateral settings in which it expressed its view that, in light of the nature, scope and extent of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, Israel’s actions amounted to violations of its obligations under the Genocide Convention. For instance, at the resumed 10th emergency special session of the United Nations General Assembly on 12 December 2023, at which Israel was represented, the South African representative to the United Nations stated that “the events of the past six weeks in Gaza have illustrated that Israel is acting contrary to its obligations in terms of the Genocide Convention”. South Africa recalled this statement in its Note Verbale of 21 December 2023 to the Embassy of Israel in Pretoria.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">27. The Court notes that Israel dismissed any accusation of genocide in the context of the conflict in Gaza in a document published by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 6 December<br />2023 which was subsequently updated and reproduced on the website of the Israel Defense Forces on 15 December 2023 under the title “The War Against Hamas: Answering Your Most Pressing Questions”, stating that “[t]he accusation of genocide against Israel is not only wholly unfounded as a matter of fact and law, it is morally repugnant”. In the document, Israel also stated that “[t]he accusation of genocide . . . is not just legally and factually incoherent, it is obscene” and that there was “no . . . valid basis, in fact or law, for the outrageous charge of genocide”.<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">28. In light of the above, the Court considers that the Parties appear to hold clearly opposite views as to whether certain acts or omissions allegedly committed by Israel in Gaza amount to violations by the latter of its obligations under the Genocide Convention. The Court finds that the above-mentioned elements are sufficient at this stage to establish prima facie the existence of a dispute between the Parties relating to the interpretation, application or fulfilment of the Genocide Convention.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">29. As to whether the acts and omissions complained of by the Applicant appear to be capable of falling within the provisions of the Genocide Convention, the Court recalls that South Africa considers Israel to be responsible for committing genocide in Gaza and for failing to prevent and<br />punish genocidal acts. South Africa contends that Israel has also violated other obligations under the Genocide Convention, including those concerning “conspiracy to commit genocide, direct and public incitement to genocide, attempted genocide and complicity in genocide”.<br />- 12 -<br />30. At the present stage of the proceedings, the Court is not required to ascertain whether any<br />violations of Israel’s obligations under the Genocide Convention have occurred. Such a finding could be made by the Court only at the stage of the examination of the merits of the present case. As already noted (see paragraph 20 above), at the stage of making an order on a request for the indication of provisional measures, the Court’s task is to establish whether the acts and omissions complained of by the applicant appear to be capable of falling within the provisions of the Genocide Convention (cf. Allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Ukraine v. Russian Federation), Provisional Measures, Order of 16 March 2022, I.C.J. Reports 2022 (I), p. 222, para. 43). In the Court’s view, at least some of the acts and omissions alleged by South Africa to have been committed by Israel in Gaza appear to be capable of falling within the provisions of the Convention.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b>3. Conclusion as to prima facie jurisdiction</b><br />31. In light of the foregoing, the Court concludes that, prima facie, it has jurisdiction pursuant<br />to Article IX of the Genocide Convention to entertain the case.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />32. Given the above conclusion, the Court considers that it cannot accede to Israel’s request<br />that the case be removed from the General List.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><br />III. STANDING OF SOUTH AFRICA</b><br />33. The Court notes that the Respondent did not challenge the standing of the Applicant in the<br />present proceedings. It recalls that, in the case concerning the Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (The Gambia v. Myanmar) where Article IX of the Genocide Convention was also invoked, it observed that all the States parties to the Convention have a common interest to ensure the prevention, suppression and punishment of genocide, by committing themselves to fulfilling the obligations contained in the Convention. Such a common interest implies that the obligations in question are owed by any State party to all the other States parties to the relevant convention; they are obligations erga omnes partes, in the sense that each State party has an interest in compliance with them in any given case. The common interest in compliance with the relevant obligations under the Genocide Convention entails that any State party, without distinction, is entitled to invoke the responsibility of another State party for an alleged breach of its obligations erga omnes partes. Accordingly, the Court found that any State party to the Genocide Convention may invoke the responsibility of another State party, including through the institution of proceedings before the Court, with a view to determining the alleged failure to comply with its obligations erga omnes partes under the Convention and to bringing that failure to an end (Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (The Gambia v. Myanmar), Preliminary Objections, Judgment, I.C.J. Reports 2022 (II), pp. 516-517, paras. 107-108 and 112).</p><p style="text-align: justify;">34. The Court concludes, prima facie, that South Africa has standing to submit to it the dispute<br />with Israel concerning alleged violations of obligations under the Genocide Convention.<br />- 13 -</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">IV. THE RIGHTS WHOSE PROTECTION IS SOUGHT AND THE LINK BETWEEN SUCH RIGHTS AND THE MEASURES REQUESTED</span></b><br />35. The power of the Court to indicate provisional measures under Article 41 of the Statute has as its object the preservation of the respective rights claimed by the parties in a case, pending its decision on the merits thereof. It follows that the Court must be concerned to preserve by such measures the rights which may subsequently be adjudged by it to belong to either party. Therefore, the Court may exercise this power only if it is satisfied that the rights asserted by the party requesting such measures are at least plausible (see, for example, Allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Ukraine v. Russian Federation), Provisional Measures, Order of 16 March 2022, I.C.J. Reports 2022 (I), p. 223, para. 50).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />36. At this stage of the proceedings, however, the Court is not called upon to determine definitively whether the rights which South Africa wishes to see protected exist. It need only decide whether the rights claimed by South Africa, and for which it is seeking protection, are plausible. Moreover, a link must exist between the rights whose protection is sought and the provisional measures being requested (Allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Ukraine v. Russian Federation), Provisional Measures, Order of 16 March 2022, I.C.J. Reports 2022 (I), p. 224, para. 51).<br />* *<br />37. South Africa argues that it seeks to protect the rights of the Palestinians in Gaza, as well as its own rights under the Genocide Convention. It refers to the rights of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to be protected from acts of genocide, attempted genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide, complicity in genocide and conspiracy to commit genocide. The Applicant argues that the Convention prohibits the destruction of a group or part thereof, and states that Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, because of their membership in a group, “are protected by the Convention, as is the group itself”. South Africa also argues that it seeks to protect its own right to safeguard compliance with the Genocide Convention. South Africa contends that the rights in question are “at least plausible”, since they are “grounded in a possible interpretation” of the Genocide Convention.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">38. South Africa submits that the evidence before the Court “shows incontrovertibly a pattern of conduct and related intention that justifies a plausible claim of genocidal acts”. It alleges, in particular, the commission of the following acts with genocidal intent: killing, causing serious bodily and mental harm, inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part, and imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group. According to South Africa, genocidal intent is evident from the way in which Israel’s military attack is being conducted, from the clear pattern of conduct of Israel in Gaza and from the statements made by Israeli officials in relation to the military operation in the Gaza Strip. The Applicant also contends that “[t]he intentional failure of the Government of Israel to condemn, prevent and punish such genocidal incitement constitutes in itself a grave violation of the Genocide Convention”. South Africa stresses that any stated intention by the Respondent to destroy Hamas does not preclude genocidal intent by Israel towards the whole or part of the Palestinian people in Gaza.<br />*<br />39. Israel states that, at the provisional measures stage, the Court must establish that the rights<br />claimed by the parties in a case are plausible, but “[s]imply declaring that claimed rights are plausible is insufficient”. According to the Respondent, the Court has also to consider the claims of fact in the relevant context, including the question of the possible breach of the rights claimed.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />40. Israel submits that the appropriate legal framework for the conflict in Gaza is that of international humanitarian law and not the Genocide Convention. It argues that, in situations of urban warfare, civilian casualties may be an unintended consequence of lawful use of force against military objects, and do not constitute genocidal acts. Israel considers that South Africa has misrepresented the facts on the ground and observes that its efforts to mitigate harm when conducting operations and to alleviate hardship and suffering through humanitarian activities in Gaza serve to dispel or at the very least, militate against any allegation of genocidal intent. According to the Respondent, the statements of Israeli officials presented by South Africa are “misleading at best” and “not in conformity with government policy”. Israel also called attention to its Attorney General’s recent announcement that “[a]ny statement calling, inter alia, for intentional harm to civilians . . . may amount to a criminal offense, including the offense of incitement” and that “[c]urrently, several such cases are being examined by Israeli law enforcement authorities”. In Israel’s view, neither those statements nor its pattern of conduct in the Gaza Strip give rise to a “plausible inference” of genocidal intent. In any event, Israel contends, since the purpose of provisional measures is to preserve the rights of both parties, the Court must, in the present case, consider and “balance” the respective rights of South Africa and Israel. The Respondent emphasizes that it bears the responsibility to protect its citizens, including those captured and held hostage as a result of the attack that took place on 7 October 2023. As a consequence, it claims that its right to self-defence is critical to any evaluation of the present situation.<br />* *<br />41. The Court recalls that, in accordance with Article I of the Convention, all States parties thereto have undertaken “to prevent and to punish” the crime of genocide. Article II provides that “genocide means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such:<br />(a) Killing members of the group;<br />(b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group;<br />(c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part;<br />(d) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group;<br />(e) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group”.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />42. Pursuant to Article III of the Genocide Convention, the following acts are also prohibited by the Convention: conspiracy to commit genocide (Article III, para. (b)), direct and public incitement to commit genocide (Article III, para. (c)), attempt to commit genocide (Article III, para. (d)) and complicity in genocide (Article III, para. (e)).</p><p style="text-align: justify;">43. The provisions of the Convention are intended to protect the members of a national, ethnical, racial or religious group from acts of genocide or any other punishable acts enumerated in Article III. The Court considers that there is a correlation between the rights of members of groups protected under the Genocide Convention, the obligations incumbent on States parties thereto, and the right of any State party to seek compliance therewith by another State party (Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (The Gambia v. Myanmar), Provisional Measures, Order of 23 January 2020, I.C.J. Reports 2020, p. 20, para. 52).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />44. The Court recalls that, in order for acts to fall within the scope of Article II of the Convention, “the intent must be to destroy at least a substantial part of the particular group. That is demanded by the very nature of the crime of genocide: since the object and purpose of the Convention as a whole is to prevent the intentional destruction of groups, the part targeted must be significant enough to have an impact on the group as a whole.” (Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Bosnia and Herzegovina v. Serbia and Montenegro), Judgment, I.C.J.Reports 2007 (I), p. 126, para. 198.)</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />45. The Palestinians appear to constitute a distinct “national, ethnical, racial or religious group”, and hence a protected group within the meaning of Article II of the Genocide Convention. The Court observes that, according to United Nations sources, the Palestinian population of the Gaza<br />Strip comprises over 2 million people. Palestinians in the Gaza Strip form a substantial part of the protected group.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />46. The Court notes that the military operation being conducted by Israel following the attack of 7 October 2023 has resulted in a large number of deaths and injuries, as well as the massive destruction of homes, the forcible displacement of the vast majority of the population, and extensive damage to civilian infrastructure. While figures relating to the Gaza Strip cannot be independently verified, recent information indicates that 25,700 Palestinians have been killed, over 63,000 injuries have been reported, over 360,000 housing units have been destroyed or partially damaged and approximately 1.7 million persons have been internally displaced (see United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Israel reported impact, Day 109 (24 Jan. 2024)).<br />- 16 -<br />47. The Court takes note, in this regard, of the statement made by the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr Martin Griffiths, on 5 January 2024:<br /><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">“Gaza has become a place of death and despair. . . . Families are sleeping in the open as temperatures plummet. Areas where civilians were told to relocate for their safety have come under bombardment. Medical facilities are under relentless attack. The few hospitals that are partially functional are overwhelmed with trauma cases, critically short of all supplies, and inundated by desperate people seeking safety. A public health disaster is unfolding. Infectious diseases are spreading in overcrowded shelters as sewers spill over. Some 180 Palestinian women are giving birth daily amidst this chaos. People are facing the highest levels of food insecurity ever recorded. Famine is around the corner. For children in particular, the past 12 weeks have been traumatic: No food. No water. No school. Nothing but the terrifying sounds of war, day in and day out. Gaza has simply become uninhabitable. Its people are witnessing daily threats to their very existence — while the world watches on.</span></b>” (OCHA, “UN relief chief: The war in Gaza must end”, Statement by Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, 5 Jan. 2024.)</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />48. Following a mission to North Gaza, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that,<br />as of 21 December 2023:<br /><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">“An unprecedented 93% of the population in Gaza is facing crisis levels of hunger, with insufficient food and high levels of malnutrition. At least 1 in 4 households are facing ‘catastrophic conditions’: experiencing an extreme lack of food and starvation and having resorted to selling off their possessions and other extreme measures to afford a simple meal. Starvation, destitution and death are evident.”</span></b> (WHO, “Lethal combination of hunger and disease to lead to more deaths in Gaza”, 21 Dec. 2023; see also World Food Programme, “Gaza on the brink as one in four people face extreme hunger”, 20 Dec. 2023.)</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />49. The Court further notes the statement issued by the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Mr Philippe Lazzarini, on 13 January 2024:</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">“It’s been 100 days since the devastating war started, killing and displacing people in Gaza, following the horrific attacks that Hamas and other groups carried out against people in Israel. It’s been 100 days of ordeal and anxiety for hostages and their families. In the past 100 days, sustained bombardment across the Gaza Strip caused the mass displacement of a population that is in a state of flux constantly uprooted and forced to leave overnight, only to move to places which are just as unsafe. This has been the largest displacement of the Palestinian people since 1948. This war affected more than 2 million people the entire population of Gaza. Many will carry lifelong scars, both physical and psychological. The vast majority, including children, are deeply traumatized. Overcrowded and unsanitary UNRWA shelters have now become ‘home’ to more than 1.4 million people. They lack everything, from food to hygiene to privacy. People live in inhumane conditions, where diseases are spreading, including among children. They live through the unlivable, with the clock ticking fast towards famine. The plight of children in Gaza is especially heartbreaking. An entire generation of children is traumatized and will take years to heal. Thousands have been killed, maimed, and orphaned. Hundreds of thousands are deprived of education. Their future is in jeopardy, with far-reaching and long-lasting consequences.”</span></b> (UNRWA, “The Gaza Strip: 100 days of death, destruction and displacement”, Statement by Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, 13 Jan. 2024.)</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />50. The UNRWA Commissioner-General also stated that the crisis in Gaza is “compounded by dehumanizing language” (UNRWA, “The Gaza Strip: 100 days of death, destruction and displacement”, Statement by Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, 13 Jan. 2024).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />51. In this regard, the Court has taken note of a number of statements made by senior Israeli officials. It calls attention, in particular, to the following examples.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />52. On 9 October 2023, Mr Yoav Gallant, Defence Minister of Israel, announced that he had <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">ordered a “complete siege” of Gaza City and that there would be “no electricity, no food, no fuel” </span></b>and that “everything [was] closed”. On the following day, Minister Gallant stated, speaking to Israeli troops on the Gaza border:</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>“I have released all restraints . . . You saw what we are fighting against. We are fighting human animals. This is the ISIS of Gaza. This is what we are fighting against . . . Gaza won’t return to what it was before. There will be no Hamas. We will eliminate everything. If it doesn’t take one day, it will take a week, it will take weeks or even months, we will reach all places.”</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">On 12 October 2023, Mr Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, stated, referring to Gaza:<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>“We are working, operating militarily according to rules of international law.Unequivocally. It is an entire nation out there that is responsible. It is not true this rhetoric about civilians not aware, not involved. It is absolutely not true. They could have risen up. They could have fought against that evil regime which took over Gaza in a coup d’état. But we are at war. We are at war. We are at war. We are defending our homes. We are protecting our homes. That’s the truth. And when a nation protects its home, it fights. And we will fight until we’ll break their backbone.”</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />On 13 October 2023, Mr Israel Katz, then Minister of Energy and Infrastructure of Israel, stated on X(formerly Twitter):</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>“We will fight the terrorist organization Hamas and destroy it. All the civilian population in [G]aza is ordered to leave immediately. We will win. They will not receive a drop of water or a single battery until they leave the world.”</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />53. The Court also takes note of a press release of 16 November 2023, issued by 37 Special Rapporteurs, Independent Experts and members of Working Groups part of the Special Procedures of the United Nations Human Rights Council, in which they voiced alarm over <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">“discernibly genocidal and dehumanising rhetoric coming from senior Israeli government officials”.</span></b> In addition, on 27 October 2023, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination observed that <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">it was “[h]ighly concerned about the sharp increase in racist hate speech and dehumanization directed at Palestinians since 7 October”.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">54. In the Court’s view, the facts and circumstances mentioned above are sufficient to conclude<br />that at least some of the rights claimed by South Africa and for which it is seeking protection are<br />plausible. This is the case with respect to the right of the Palestinians in Gaza to be protected from acts of genocide and related prohibited acts identified in Article III, and the right of South Africa to seek Israel’s compliance with the latter’s obligations under the Convention.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">55. The Court now turns to the condition of the link between the plausible rights claimed by<br />South Africa and the provisional measures requested.<br />* *<br />56. South Africa considers that a link exists between the rights whose protection is sought and<br />the provisional measures it requests. It contends, in particular, that the first six provisional measures were requested to ensure compliance by Israel with its obligations under the Genocide Convention, while the last three are aimed at protecting the integrity of the proceedings before the Court and South Africa’s right to have its claim fairly adjudicated.<br />*<br />57. Israel considers that the measures requested go beyond what is necessary to protect rights on an interim basis and therefore have no link with the rights sought to be protected. The Respondent contends, inter alia, that granting the first and second measures sought by South Africa (see - 19 -paragraph 11 above) would reverse the Court’s case law, as those measures would be “for the protection of a right that could not form the basis of a judgment in exercise of jurisdiction under the Genocide Convention”.<br />* *<br />58. The Court has already found (see paragraph 54 above) that at least some of the rights<br />asserted by South Africa under the Genocide Convention are plausible.<br /> </p><p style="text-align: justify;">59. The Court considers that, by their very nature, at least some of the provisional measures<br />sought by South Africa are aimed at preserving the plausible rights it asserts on the basis of the<br />Genocide Convention in the present case, namely the right of the Palestinians in Gaza to be protected from acts of genocide and related prohibited acts mentioned in Article III, and the right of South Africa to seek Israel’s compliance with the latter’s obligations under the Convention. Therefore, a link exists between the rights claimed by South Africa that the Court has found to be plausible, and at least some of the provisional measures requested.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;">V. RISK OF IRREPARABLE PREJUDICE AND URGENCY</span></span></b><br />60. The Court, pursuant to Article 41 of its Statute, has the power to indicate provisional measures when irreparable prejudice could be caused to rights which are the subject of judicial<br />proceedings or when the alleged disregard of such rights may entail irreparable consequences (see, for example, Allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Ukraine v. Russian Federation), Provisional Measures, Order of 16 March 2022, I.C.J. Reports 2022 (I), p. 226, para. 65).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />61. However, the power of the Court to indicate provisional measures will be exercised only if there is urgency, in the sense that there is a real and imminent risk that irreparable prejudice will be caused to the rights claimed before the Court gives its final decision. The condition of urgency is met when the acts susceptible of causing irreparable prejudice can “occur at any moment” before the Court makes a final decision on the case (Allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Ukraine v. Russian Federation), Provisional Measures, Order of 16 March 2022, I.C.J. Reports 2022 (I), p. 227, para. 66). The Court must therefore consider whether such a risk exists at this stage of the proceedings.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />62. The Court is not called upon, for the purposes of its decision on the request for the indication of provisional measures, to establish the existence of breaches of obligations under the Genocide Convention, but to determine whether the circumstances require the indication of<br />provisional measures for the protection of rights under that instrument. As already noted, the Court cannot at this stage make definitive findings of fact (see paragraph 30 above), and the right of each Party to submit arguments in respect of the merits remains unaffected by the Court’s decision on the request for the indication of provisional measures.<br />* *<br />- 20 -<br />63. South Africa submits that there is a clear risk of irreparable prejudice to the rights of the Palestinians in Gaza and to its own rights under the Genocide Convention. It asserts that the Court has repeatedly found that the criterion of irreparable prejudice is satisfied where serious risks arise to human life or other fundamental rights. According to the Applicant, daily statistics stand as clear evidence of urgency and risk of irreparable prejudice, with an average of 247 Palestinians being killed, 629 wounded and 3,900 Palestinian homes damaged or destroyed each day. Moreover, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are, in the view of South Africa, at “immediate risk of death by starvation, dehydration and disease as a result of the ongoing siege by Israel, the destruction of Palestinian towns, the insufficient aid being allowed through to the Palestinian population and the impossibility of distributing this limited aid while bombs fall”. The Applicant further contends that any scaling up by Israel of access of humanitarian relief to Gaza would be no answer to its request for provisional measures. South Africa adds that, “[s]hould [Israel’s] violations of the Genocide Convention go unchecked”, the opportunity to collect and preserve evidence for the merits stage of the proceedings would be seriously undermined, if not lost entirely.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />64. Israel denies that there exists a real and imminent risk of irreparable prejudice in the present<br />case. It contends that it has taken and continues to take concrete measures aimed specifically at recognizing and ensuring the right of the Palestinian civilians in Gaza to exist and has facilitated the provision of humanitarian assistance throughout the Gaza Strip. In this regard, the Respondent observes that, with the assistance of the World Food Programme, a dozen bakeries have recently reopened with the capacity to produce more than 2 million breads a day. Israel also contends that it continues to supply its own water to Gaza by two pipelines, that it facilitates the delivery of bottled water in large quantities, and that it repairs and expands water infrastructure. It further states that access to medical supplies and services has increased and asserts, in particular, that it has facilitated the establishment of six field hospitals and two floating hospitals and that two more hospitals are being built. It also contends that the entry of medical teams into Gaza has been facilitated and that ill and wounded persons are being evacuated through the Rafah border crossing. According to Israel, tents and winter equipment have also been distributed, and the delivery of fuel and cooking gas has been facilitated. Israel further states that, according to a statement by its Defence Minister of 7 January 2024, the scope and intensity of the hostilities was decreasing.<br />* *<br />65. The Court recalls that, as underlined in General Assembly resolution 96 (I) of 11 December 1946, “[g]enocide is a denial of the right of existence of entire human groups, as homicide is the denial of the right to live of individual human beings; such denial of the right of existence shocks the conscience of mankind, results in great losses to humanity in the form of cultural and other contributions represented by these human groups, and is contrary to moral law and to the spirit and aims of the United Nations”. The Court has observed, in particular, that the Genocide Convention “was manifestly adopted for a purely humanitarian and civilizing purpose”, since “its object on the one hand is to safeguard the very existence of certain human groups and on the other to confirm and endorse the most elementary principles of morality” (Reservations to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, Advisory Opinion, I.C.J. Reports 1951, p. 23).</p><p style="text-align: justify;">66. In view of the fundamental values sought to be protected by the Genocide Convention, the Court considers that the plausible rights in question in these proceedings, namely <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">the right of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to be protected from acts of genocide and related prohibited acts </span></b>identified in Article III of the Genocide Convention and the right of South Africa to seek Israel’s compliance with the latter’s obligations under the Convention, are of such a nature that prejudice to them is capable of causing irreparable harm (see Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (The Gambia v. Myanmar), Provisional Measures, Order of 23 January 2020, I.C.J. Reports 2020, p 26, para. 70).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />67. During the ongoing conflict, senior United Nations officials have repeatedly called attention to the risk of further deterioration of conditions in the Gaza Strip. The Court takes note, for instance, of the letter dated 6 December 2023, whereby the Secretary-General of the United Nations brought the following information to the attention of the Security Council:<br /><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">“The health-care system in Gaza is collapsing . . .Nowhere is safe in Gaza. Amid constant bombardment by the Israel Defense Forces, and without shelter or the essentials to survive, I expect public order to completely break down soon due to the desperate conditions, rendering even limited humanitarian assistance impossible. An even worse situation could unfold, including epidemic diseases and increased pressure for mass displacement into neighbouring countries.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .We are facing a severe risk of collapse of the humanitarian system. The situation is fast deteriorating into a catastrophe with potentially irreversible implications for Palestinians as a whole and for peace and security in the region. Such an outcome must be avoided at all costs.” </span></b>(United Nations Security Council, doc. S/2023/962, 6 Dec. 2023.)</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />68. On 5 January 2024, the Secretary-General wrote again to the Security Council, providing an update on the situation in the Gaza Strip and observing that <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">“[s]adly, devastating levels of death and destruction continue”</span></b> (Letter dated 5 January 2024 from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council, United Nations Security Council, doc. S/2024/26, 8 Jan. 2024).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />69. The Court also takes note of the 17 January 2024 statement issued by the UNRWA Commissioner-General upon returning from his fourth visit to the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the current conflict in Gaza:<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> “Every time I visit Gaza, I witness how people have sunk further into despair, with the struggle for survival consuming every hour.” (UNRWA, “The Gaza Strip: a struggle for daily survival amid death, exhaustion and despair”,</span></b> Statement by Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, 17 Jan. 2024.)</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />70. <b>The Court considers that the civilian population in the Gaza Strip remains extremely vulnerable.</b> It recalls that the military operation conducted by Israel after 7 October 2023 has resulted, inter alia, in tens of thousands of deaths and injuries and the destruction of homes, schools, medical facilities and other vital infrastructure, as well as displacement on a massive scale (see paragraph 46above).<b> The Court notes that the operation is ongoing</b> and that the Prime Minister of Israel announced on 18 January 2024 that the war “will take many more long months”. At present, many Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have no access to the most basic foodstuffs, potable water, electricity, essential medicines or heating.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">71. The WHO has estimated that 15 per cent of the women giving birth in the Gaza Strip are<br />likely to experience complications, and indicates that maternal and newborn death rates are expected to increase due to the lack of access to medical care.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">72. In these circumstances, the Court considers that the catastrophic humanitarian situation in<br />the Gaza Strip is at serious risk of deteriorating further before the Court renders its final judgment.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />73. The Court recalls Israel’s statement that it has taken certain steps to address and alleviate the conditions faced by the population in the Gaza Strip. The Court further notes that the Attorney General of Israel recently stated that a call for intentional harm to civilians may amount to a criminal offence, including that of incitement, and that several such cases are being examined by Israeli law enforcement authorities. While steps such as these are to be encouraged, they are insufficient to remove the risk that irreparable prejudice will be caused before the Court issues its final decision in the case.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">74. In light of the considerations set out above, the Court considers that there is urgency, in<br />the sense that there is a real and imminent risk that irreparable prejudice will be caused to the rights found by the Court to be plausible, before it gives its final decision.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /><span style="font-size: large;">VI. CONCLUSION AND MEASURES TO BE ADOPTED</span></b><br />75. The Court concludes on the basis of the above considerations that the conditions required by its Statute for it to indicate provisional measures are met. It is therefore necessary, pending its final decision, for the Court to indicate certain measures in order to protect the rights claimed by South Africa that the Court has found to be plausible (see paragraph 54 above).</p><p style="text-align: justify;">76. The Court recalls that it has the power, under its Statute, when a request for provisional measures has been made, to indicate measures that are, in whole or in part, other than those requested. Article 75, paragraph 2, of the Rules of Court specifically refers to this power of the Court. The Court has already exercised this power on several occasions in the past (see, for example, Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (The Gambia v.Myanmar), Provisional Measures, Order of 23 January 2020, I.C.J. Reports 2020, p. 28, para. 77).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />77. In the present case, having considered the terms of the provisional measures requested by<br />South Africa and the circumstances of the case, the Court finds that the measures to be indicated need not be identical to those requested.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />78. The Court considers that, with regard to the situation described above, Israel must, in accordance with its obligations under the Genocide Convention, in relation to Palestinians in Gaza, take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of all acts within the scope of Article II of this Convention, in particular: (a) killing members of the group; (b) causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; (c) deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; and (d) imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group. The Court recalls that these acts fall within the scope of Article II of the Convention when they are committed with the intent to destroy in whole or in part a group as such (see paragraph 44 above). The Court further considers that Israel must ensure with immediate effect that its military forces do not commit any of the above-described acts.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">79. <b>The Court is also of the view that Israel must take all measures within its power to prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to commit genocide in relation to members of the Palestinian group in the Gaza Strip.</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b><br />80. The Court further considers that Israel must take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">81. Israel must also take effective measures to prevent the destruction and ensure the preservation of evidence related to allegations of acts within the scope of Article II and Article III of the Genocide Convention against members of the Palestinian group in the Gaza Strip.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">82. Regarding the provisional measure requested by South Africa that Israel must submit a report to the Court on all measures taken to give effect to its Order, the Court recalls that it has the power, reflected in Article 78 of the Rules of Court, to request the parties to provide information on any matter connected with the implementation of any provisional measures it has indicated. In view of the specific provisional measures it has decided to indicate, the Court considers that Israel must s<b><span style="color: red;">ubmit a report to the Court on all measures taken to give effect to this Order within one month</span></b>, as from the date of this Order. The report so provided shall then be communicated to South Africa, which shall be given the opportunity to submit to the Court its comments thereon.<br />*<br />* *<br />- 24 -<br />83. The Court recalls that its Orders on <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">provisional measures</span></b> under Article 41 of the Statute <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">have binding effect and thus create international legal obligations</span></b> for any party to whom the provisional measures are addressed (Allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Ukraine v. Russian Federation), Provisional Measures, Order of 16 March 2022, I.C.J. Reports 2022 (I), p. 230, para. 84).<br />*<br />* *<br />84. The Court reaffirms that the decision given in the present proceedings in no way prejudges<br />the question of the jurisdiction of the Court to deal with the merits of the case or any questions<br />relating to the admissibility of the Application or to the merits themselves. It leaves unaffected the right of the Governments of the Republic of South Africa and the State of Israel to submit arguments in respect of those questions.<br />*<br />* *<br />85. The Court deems it necessary to emphasize that all parties to the conflict in the Gaza Strip<br />are bound by international humanitarian law. It is gravely concerned about the fate of the hostages abducted during the attack in Israel on 7 October 2023 and held since then by Hamas and other armed groups, and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.<br />*<br />* *<br />86. <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-size: large;">For these reasons,THE COURT ,Indicates the following provisional measures:</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">(1) By fifteen votes to two, <b><span style="color: red;">The State of Israel shall, in accordance with its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, in relation to Palestinians in Gaza, take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of all acts within the scope of Article II of this Convention, in particular:<br />(a) killing members of the group;<br />(b) causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group;<br />(c) deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; and<br />(d) imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group;</span></b><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">IN FAVOUR: President Donoghue; Vice-President Gevorgian; Judges Tomka, Abraham,<br />Bennouna, Yusuf, Xue, Bhandari, Robinson, Salam, Iwasawa, Nolte, Charlesworth, Brant;<br />Judge ad hoc Moseneke;<br />AGAINST : Judge Sebutinde; Judge ad hoc Barak;<br /> </p><p style="text-align: justify;">(2) By fifteen votes to two,</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b><span style="color: red;">The State of Israel shall ensure with immediate effect that its military does not commit any acts described in point 1 above;</span></b><br />IN FAVOUR: President Donoghue; Vice-President Gevorgian; Judges Tomka, Abraham,<br />Bennouna, Yusuf, Xue, Bhandari, Robinson, Salam, Iwasawa, Nolte, Charlesworth, Brant;<br />Judge ad hoc Moseneke;<br />AGAINST : Judge Sebutinde; Judge ad hoc Barak;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />(3) By sixteen votes to one, <b><span style="color: red;">The State of Israel shall take all measures within its power to prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to commit genocide in relation to members of the Palestinian group in the Gaza Strip;</span></b><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>IN FAVOUR: President Donoghue; Vice-President Gevorgian; Judges Tomka, Abraham,Bennouna, Yusuf, Xue, Bhandari, Robinson, Salam, Iwasawa, Nolte, Charlesworth, Brant;Judges ad hoc Barak, Moseneke;<br />AGAINST : Judge Sebutinde;</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />(4) By sixteen votes to one, <b><span style="color: red;">The State of Israel shall take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip</span></b>;</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>IN FAVOUR: President Donoghue; Vice-President Gevorgian; Judges Tomka, Abraham, Bennouna, Yusuf, Xue, Bhandari, Robinson, Salam, Iwasawa, Nolte, Charlesworth, Brant; Judges ad hoc Barak, Moseneke;<br />AGAINST : Judge Sebutinde;<br /></i><br />(5) By fifteen votes to two,<span style="color: red;"><b>The State of Israel shall take effective measures to prevent the destruction and ensure the preservation of evidence related to allegations of acts within the scope of Article II and Article III of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide against members of the Palestinian group in the Gaza Strip;</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>IN FAVOUR: President Donoghue; Vice-President Gevorgian; Judges Tomka, Abraham,Bennouna, Yusuf, Xue, Bhandari, Robinson, Salam, Iwasawa, Nolte, Charlesworth, Brant;Judge ad hoc Moseneke;<br />AGAINST : Judge Sebutinde; Judge ad hoc Barak;</i><br /> </p><p style="text-align: justify;">(6) By fifteen votes to two,<b><span style="color: red;"> The State of Israel shall submit a report to the Court on all measures taken to give effect to this Order within one month as from the date of this Order.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>IN FAVOUR: President Donoghue; Vice-President Gevorgian; Judges Tomka, Abraham,Bennouna, Yusuf, Xue, Bhandari, Robinson, Salam, Iwasawa, Nolte, Charlesworth, Brant;Judge ad hoc Moseneke;<br />AGAINST : Judge Sebutinde; Judge ad hoc Barak.</i><br /> </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Done in English and in French, the English text being authoritative, at the Peace Palace, The Hague, this twenty-sixth day of January, two thousand and twenty-four, in three copies, one of which will be placed in the archives of the Court and the others transmitted to the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the State of Israel, respectively.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">(Signed) Joan E. DONOGHUE ,<br />President.<br />(Signed) Philippe GAUTIER,<br />Registrar.<br /><br />Judge XUE appends a declaration to the Order of the Court; Judge S EBUTINDE appends a dissenting opinion to the Order of the Court; Judges BHANDARI and NOLTE append declarations to the Order of the Court; Judge ad hoc BARAK appends a separate opinion to the Order of the Court.<br />(Initialled) J.E.D<br />(Initialled) Ph.G.<br />___________</p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-18729423104773486002024-03-08T02:35:00.002+08:002024-03-08T02:35:43.406+08:00Why Malaysia’s lawyers march/protest for JUSTICE? (Malay Mail) - Siting quitely at the sidelines is not enough - we need to vocally and actively demand for JUSTICE..<p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text Luke-18-2" id="en-NIV-25691"></span></p><blockquote><span class="text Luke-18-2" id="en-NIV-25691"> <span class="woj">“In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought.</span></span> <span class="text Luke-18-3" id="en-NIV-25692"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’</span></span><span class="text Luke-18-4" id="en-NIV-25693"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>“For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think,</span></span> <span class="text Luke-18-5" id="en-NIV-25694"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’” - <i>Parable of Persistent Widow's Quest For Justice<br /></i></span></span></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Likewise, in our quest for JUSTICE and REFORMS in Malaysia, we must actively highlight what is wrong and unjust, and DEMAND REFORMS - YES. we need REPEATEDLY demand needed reforms UNTIL the government FINALLY HEARS and do the needful.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY is a useful method as it shows that the demands for JUSTICE is supported by so many people... </span><br /></p><span class="text Luke-18-5" id="en-NIV-25694"><span class="woj"></span></span><p></p><h1 class="article-title" style="text-align: justify;">Why Malaysia’s lawyers march: Did the 2007 Walk for Justice change anything? Why are they marching again?</h1> <div class="social-sharing"> <br /> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2022/06/16/25002.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2022/06/16/25002.jpg&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="Why Malaysia’s lawyers march: Did the 2007 Walk for Justice change anything? Why are they marching again?" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-adbro-processed="true" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2022/06/16/25002.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="266" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2022/06/16/25002.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" title="Why Malaysia’s lawyers march: Did the 2007 Walk for Justice change anything? Why are they marching again?" width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">On
October 16, 2014, the Malaysian Bar held the <b><span style="color: red;">‘Walk for Peace and
Freedom’ to condemn the use of the Sedition Act 1948</span></b> and to protest the
multiple arrests, investigations and charges made under that law. —
Picture by Yusof Mat Isa</div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info "> <div class="article-byline">By Ida Lim</div> <div class="article-date">Friday, 17 Jun 2022 7:00 AM MYT</div> </div> <div class="main-container-article-body" style="height: auto !important;"> <div class="article-body" style="height: auto !important; text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: justify;">KUALA
LUMPUR, June 17 — The Malaysian Bar plans to march to Parliament today
to uphold the independence of the courts and speak out against any
attempts to intimidate judges, and present a memorandum addressed to the
prime minister on the matter.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This march will be one of the rare
moments in the 75-year history of the Malaysian Bar, which currently
represents 20,556 lawyers in Peninsular Malaysia.</p><div data-google-query-id="CPXGmcHg4oQDFUAlgwMdgOkMFQ" id="mm-story-outstream" style="text-align: justify;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/MM-1x1-Outstream_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">But
will a march by lawyers change anything? Have previous events ever
nudged the Malaysian government to do what is right for the judiciary
and the country?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Here, <em>Malay Mail </em>takes a quick look at
the Malaysian Bar’s 2007 “Walk for Justice”, which is closest in aim to
the upcoming “Walk for Judicial Independence”, and see what came of it.
The information is based largely on resources publicly available on the
Malaysian Bar’s website:</p><div data-google-query-id="CPbGmcHg4oQDFUAlgwMdgOkMFQ" id="mm-story-mreg-2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify; width: 300px;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/mm-story-mreg-2_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>A history of marching when it counts</strong></p><div data-google-query-id="CPfGmcHg4oQDFUAlgwMdgOkMFQ" id="mm-teads" style="text-align: justify;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The
Malaysian Bar actually has a long history of marching since it was
founded in 1947, such as its April 7, 1981 walk from the Royal Lake Club
to Parliament to protest against the government’s proposed amendments
to both the Societies Act and the Federal Constitution, as well as the
December 2005 and December 2006 peaceful marches from Dataran Merdeka to
the Lake Gardens to mark the annual International Human Rights Day on
December 10.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In the same year when the Malaysian Bar celebrated
its 60th anniversary and had more than 12,000 members, it organised the
Walk for Justice.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This
was prompted by the September 19, 2007, release of a video clip showing
senior lawyer VK Lingam speaking on the phone about or brokering the
appointment of judges in Malaysia.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Malaysian Bar’s governing
body on September 22 held an emergency meeting and decided to present a
memorandum to the government to call for a royal commission of inquiry
(RCI) on the video clip incident, and on September 24 announced that it
would present the memorandum after a peaceful walk on September 26.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">On
September 25, the government announced a three-member independent panel
to investigate the video clip’s authenticity, but did not at that time
announce an RCI.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>What happened at the 2007 march?</strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;">On
September 26, 2007, lawyers — numbering more than 1,000 or over 2,000
according to different reported estimates — gathered at the entrance of
the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya, before marching to the Prime
Minister’s Office to deliver the Bar Council’s memorandum.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Then-Malaysian Bar president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan was<a href="https://www.malaysianbar.org.my/article/news/bar-news/news/lawyers-march-in-kl-for-justice" target="_blank"> quoted by The Straits Times saying</a>
at the march: “We are walking for justice, we want judicial reform” and
“Lawyers don't walk every day. When lawyers walk, something is wrong.”</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Malaysian Bar then handed over <a href="https://www.malaysianbar.org.my/article/news/bar-news/news/walk-for-justice-when-lawyers-walk-something-must-be-very-wrong" target="_blank">two memoranda to the prime minister’s aide</a>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The first memorandum was a <a href="https://www.malaysianbar.org.my/cms/upload_files/document/Memorandum-KrisisBadanKehakiman.pdf" target="_blank">letter addressed to the prime minister</a>
about the “latest crisis in the judiciary” as shown by the expose
through a video clip of a lawyer’s lengthy discussion with a senior
judge and the alleged brokering of the appointment and promotion of
judges, with the Malaysian Bar urging the prime minister to strengthen
the independence of the judiciary through judicial reform and to
introduce a Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) to restore public
confidence in the judiciary.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The memorandum also urged for an RCI
into the video clip. This was well before a government panel later also
recommended for the inquiry to be held.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The other memorandum was the <a href="https://www.malaysianbar.org.my/cms/upload_files/document/Memorandum-KrisisBadanKehakiman.pdf" target="_blank">Bar Council’s paper on the setting up of an independent judicial commission</a>,
providing recommendations such as the composition of such a commission,
the process to select judges and the characteristics of candidates.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>What was the outcome?</strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;">On
September 25, 2007, the Malaysian government formed an independent
three-man panel to verify whether the video clip was authentic. This
panel on November 9, 2007 then gave its report to the government and
recommended for a commission of enquiry to be set up.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">On December
12, 2007, an RCI was officially set up with five members, with five
terms of reference, namely to determine the video clip’s authenticity,
to identify the speaker, the person he was speaking to and persons
mentioned in the conversation, to determine the truth of the phone
conversation and whether there has been any misbehaviour of persons
identified or mentioned in the video clip, and to recommend the
appropriate course of action to be taken if any of them are found to
have committed any misbehaviour.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Following RCI proceedings from
January 14 to February 15, 2008, the RCI panel on May 9, 2008 gave its
report to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The RCI panel’s report was made
publicly available on May 20, 2008.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In the RCI report, the panel
agreed with and supported the Malaysian Bar’s September 2007 memorandum
to the government on the need to set up a JAC, having concluded that
there were weaknesses in the process of appointment and promotion of
judges and that having a judicial commission would provide more
“transparency, accountability and good governance” which would then
boost public confidence in the judiciary.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">On April 17, 2008, then prime minister Tun Abdullah Badawi <a href="https://www.malaysianbar.org.my/article/news/speeches/speeches/prime-minister-delivering-justice-renewing-trust" target="_blank">announced that the government proposed to set up a JAC</a>, with the aim of making the nomination, appointment and promotion of judges a more transparent process.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It
was also at this 2008 event that the prime minister recognised the
contributions of the “six outstanding judges” — including two
posthumously — who were affected by the 1988 judicial crisis, and
announced goodwill ex gratia payments to them or their families. (The
Bar Council together with the International Bar Association’s Human
Rights Institute, LAWASIA and Transparency International–Malaysia had in
August 2007 formed a panel of eminent persons to look into the 1988
judicial crisis and had in August 2008 <a href="https://www.malaysianbar.org.my/article/news/bar-news/news/panel-of-eminent-persons-report-on-the-1988-judicial-crisis-in-malaysia" target="_blank">released its report</a>.)</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The
independence of the judiciary was strengthened when the Judicial
Appointments Commission Act 2009 was gazetted on February 8, 2009.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In short, the government actually carried out the RCI and the JAC which the Malaysian Bar had pushed for in its 2007 walk.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="image_body" style="text-align: justify;"> <div style="max-width: 100%float:left; padding: 0px;"> <img alt="File picture of Malaysian Bar president Chris Leong addressing the crowd at the ‘Walk for Peace and Freedom’ event, October 16, 2014. — Picture by Yiswaree Palansamy" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" height="321" src="https://www.malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2022/06/16/25006.jpg" style="width: 100%;" width="686" /> <div class="image-caption">File
picture of Malaysian Bar president Chris Leong addressing the crowd at
the ‘Walk for Peace and Freedom’ event, October 16, 2014. — Picture by
Yiswaree Palansamy</div> </div> </div><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Wait, there were other marches, too</strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;">After
the 2007 Walk for Justice, the Malaysian Bar held two more marches, to
uphold freedom of assembly and freedom of speech in Malaysia.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">On
November 29, 2011, the <b><span style="color: red;">Malaysian Bar organised the “Walk for Freedom
2011: Peaceful Assembly Bill Cannot and Must Not Become Law!”,</span></b> which
reportedly was attended by about 1,000 persons in protest against the
government’s Peaceful Assembly Bill which was said to have clauses that
were too restrictive on the constitutional right to assemble, such as
prohibiting street protests.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In the 2011 walk from the Royal Lake
Club to Parliament, Malaysian Bar’s proposed alternative Peaceful
Assembly Bill was delivered to then deputy minister in the Prime
Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 was gazetted on February 9, 2012.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In October 2012, the Malaysia Bar received the <a href="https://www.malaysianbar.org.my/cms/upload_files/document/circular%20No%20232-2012.pdf" target="_blank">United Nations Malaysia Organisation of the Year Award</a>,
where the professional body was recognised as having admirably
fulfilled its role as the guardian of the rule of law and defender of
human rights and the public interest in Malaysia.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">On October 16, 2014, the Malaysian Bar held the “<a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2014/10/16/you-cant-stifle-speech-says-malaysian-bar-president-at-start-of-anti-sediti/764567" target="_blank">Walk for Peace and Freedom</a>”
to condemn the use of the Sedition Act 1948 and to protest the multiple
arrests, investigations and charges made under that law.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In the march from Padang Merbok to Parliament, which was estimated to be attended by between 1,000 and 2,000 lawyers, the <a href="https://www.malaysianbar.org.my/article/news/bar-news/news/walk-for-peace-and-freedom-2014-repeal-the-sedition-act-16-oct-2014" target="_blank">Malaysian Bar’s memorandum</a>
was presented to minister in the Prime Minister’s Department at the
time, Datuk Mah Siew Keong, who accepted it on behalf of the PM.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Zooming back to 2022</strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The
judiciary has come under threat again, with online attacks ramping up
in recent months against the judge who had heard and decided on former
prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s trial over the misappropriation
of RM42 million of SRC International Sdn Bhd, in what appears to be a
bid to discredit the outcome of the trial.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on April 23 was reported confirming to local newspaper <em>The Star</em>
that it had started its investigation on the SRC trial judge Datuk Mohd
Nazlan Mohd Ghazali, later responding on April 28 to criticisms by
insisting that it has the power to investigate public officers including
judges and clarifying that investigations do not necessarily mean an
individual has committed an offence.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Judges and the judiciary in
general however are unable to defend themselves publicly against wild
allegations, which was why the Malaysian Bar stepped in to help protect
the dignity and integrity of the courts.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Malaysian Bar on April 24 <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/04/25/malaysian-bar-maccs-probe-on-najibs-src-trial-judge-undermines-judiciarys-i/2055446" target="_blank">spoke out against the MACC investigation</a>,
and the Bar Council on May 4 said it had on April 29 held an emergency
meeting before deciding to hold an extraordinary general meeting (EGM).
On May 5, the Bar Council announced the date of the EGM as May 27. Also
on May 4, six former Malaysian Bar presidents had also launched a
petition urging the Bar Council to organise a walk.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">On May 21, the
MACC announced that it had completed its investigations in a case
involving the judge, and said it had presented on May 18 the
investigation papers to the Attorney General’s Chambers for further
study and direction.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">On May 27, the Malaysian Bar <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/05/27/malaysian-bar-agrees-to-hold-peaceful-protest-by-lawyers-to-uphold-judiciarys-independence-condemn-macc-probe-on-judge/9229" target="_blank">decided at an extraordinary general meeting</a>
(EGM) to support the Bar Council’s motion to organise a peaceful
protest to uphold the judiciary’s independence, while also criticising
the way that the MACC had publicly announced investigations on the judge
for an indefinite period and without proper closure and said that such
action amounts to an act of intimidation against the judiciary.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Lawyers
are expected to gather today at the Padang Merbok car park with plans
to continue with the march to Parliament, with Deputy Minister in the
Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin expected to
accept the Malaysian Bar’s memorandum on the prime minister’s behalf. - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/06/17/why-malaysias-lawyers-march-did-the-2007-walk-for-justice-change-anything-why-are-they-marching-again/12624" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 17/6/2022</a><br /></p> </div> </div>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-36229844684834525852024-03-06T12:46:00.001+08:002024-03-06T12:46:34.307+08:00Wan Saiful - not reporting a crime is an offence? MACC - will it investigate? Or...<div style="text-align: justify;">One of the failings of Malaysian Parliamentarians, is that PEOPLE are simply not hearing their views/opinions. Some raise matters in Parliament, knowing they are SAFE from criminal actions or civil suits because of 'Parliamentary Privilege' - Immunity of members from civil or criminal proceedings for anything done or said before the House</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote><i><span style="font-family: times;">While debating the motion of thanks on
the Royal Address on Wednesday (Feb 28), Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan
(PN-Tasek Gelugor) alleged <b>that if he had thrown support behind Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, he would be offered RM1.7mil in allocations, among others.</b> <br /><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">“The repeated message was that I must support Tambun as Prime Minister and I would receive parliamentary allocations. </span></b><br /><br /><b>“They
said allocations for government projects could also be distributed to
my cronies. They know I’m having a hard time, with my wife also having
cancer,”</b> he said. <br /><br />Wan Saiful also claimed <b>that charges
against him would be dropped if he pledged support. He is facing money
laundering and corruption charges related to the Jana Wibawa project. </b><br /><br />“They
contacted me repeatedly until I decided to meet them one day,” he said,
alleging that several meetings took place at hotels in Kuala Lumpur and
Petaling Jaya.</span></i><p><i><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="color: red;">“I had to entertain their requests, as they had the power and I didn’t know what they could do to me,”</span></b> he said.</span></i></p></blockquote><p></p>In my opinion, Wan Saiful should have REPORTED to the relevant law enforcement, be it the Police, MACC or other relevant bodies, about this crime or possible crime. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">A police report is VERY IMPORTANT, as this report also known as a First Information Report(FIR) is a requirement for the start of an investigation by police or law enforcement. The police/MACC/law enforcement can also file a FIR - In this case, after what Wan Saiful revealed in Parliament, it is more that likely that police and/or MACC have already filed the needed report(FIR) and the investigation into the alleged crime has begun, and now, if summoned, Wan Saiful must cooperate - and provide all needed information for the purposes of the investigation/s. <br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">BUT, then let us consider the<b><span style="color: red;"> crime reporting obligations of a person in Malaysia</span></b>, including public servants - <b><span style="color: red;">should there be amendments in law, to reduce the requirements or BURDENS imposed on one who reports</span></b>, allowing for the reporting of any crime, even one that he heard about but does not have any real evidence...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">At present, Section 13 of the Criminal Procedure Code states<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"><b></b></span></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"><b>13 Public to give information of certain matters</b></span> <br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><p>(1) <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Every person </b></span><span style="color: red;"><b>aware</b></span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>-</b></span></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><i>(a)</i>
of the commission of or the intention of any other person to commit any
offence punishable under the Penal Code or any other written law</b></span>; or</p><p align="right"><i>[(a) Subs. Act <a>A1521:s.3</a>]</i></p><p><i>(b)</i>
of any sudden or unnatural death or death by violence or of any death
under suspicious circumstances, or of the body of any person being found
dead without its being known how that person came by death,</p></blockquote><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">shall
in the absence of reasonable excuse, </span><span style="color: red;"><u>the burden of proving which shall
lie upon the person so aware</u></span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">, immediately give information to the
officer in charge of the nearest police station or to a police officer </span></b>
or the nearest penghulu of the commission or intention or of the sudden,
unnatural or violent death or of the finding of the dead body, as the
case may be.</p></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><p></p></span> So, it is clear that Wan Saiful has indeed a reporting obligation of these crime/s. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">What is problematic with this section is the placement of 'burden of proving' or the maker of the police report. There should be no such burden - the purpose of a police report(or FIR) is to simply bring to the attention of the police(and/or relevant law enforcement bodies) the fact, or the SUSPICION/BELIEF that a crime may have been committed. FULL STOP. Then, the law enforcement will investigate ... IT is ABSURD to require a person reporting a crime with any burden whatsoever of proving the CRIME or proving what he reported to be true.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">No one, not even lawyers, KNOW all the offences under the Penal Code and/or any other written law. So, the reporting obligation must be to report a crime one is aware, or suspects may have occurred - and the phrase '<span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><b><span style="color: red;"><u>the burden of proving which shall
lie upon the person so aware</u></span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">,' </span></b>must be deleted. Public report crimes or possible crimes, that they know or suspects may have occured - Then, relevant authority moves to INVESTIGATE.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><b></b></span></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><b>Would Wan Saiful come out saying that he did not know whether what happened was an actual crime under the Penal Code or other laws in Malaysia? He may say, he knew that what happened is wrong and maybe unethical - but he did not know that it was a crime, so he did make any police reports?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><b>Would Wan Saiful say that he did not report because he believed he could not fulfill the BURDEN of proving what he alleged, if he reported? </b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><b></b></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">That is why the law about obligation/duty of reporting crime or suspected crime need to be amended...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><b>Interestingly, the law was amended with regard to public officers that may DETER or prevent the reporting of crimes/misconducts committed by Ministers or the seniors.. </b>Yes, on about 2014 vide</span><span class="casetitle" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder2_lblActTitle"> PENAL CODE (AMENDMENT) ACT 2014</span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"> , the following was introduced - where the penalty was so high - a fine of up to RM1 million???? Was keep quiet even if you know or suspect a crime the new policy???<br /></span></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"><b></b></span></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"><b>203A Disclosure of information</b></span> <br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><p>(1) Whoever
discloses any information or matter which has been obtained by him in
the performance of his duties or the exercise of his functions under any
written law shall be punished with fine of <b><span style="color: red;">not more than one million
ringgit</span></b>, or with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year,
or with both.</p><p>(2) Whoever has any information or matter which to
his knowledge has been disclosed in contravention of subsection (1) who
discloses that information or matter to any other person shall be
punished with fine of not more than one million ringgit, or with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with both.</p></span></i></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><p></p></span> There must be an EXCEPTION added, that this duty/obligation of 'secrecy/confidentiality' does not apply for crimes/suspected crimes, or any misconduct/suspected misconducts. This will FREE public officers from having to KEEP QUIET even when a crime is committed by a Minister or another public officer, or others. We certainly do not want another 1MDB,...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Maybe, Anwar's PH-led coalition government will do the needful - unless ...<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: red;">Can MACC compell Wan Saiful to lodge a report with regard to what he said in Parliament? </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Refer to </span><span class="casetitle" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder2_lblActTitle">HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT (PRIVILEGES AND POWERS) ACT 1952 (REVISED 1988), where section 7 says as follows:- </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red;"></span><b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b></span><br /></div> <div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"><b></b></span></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"><b>7 Immunity of members from civil or criminal proceedings for anything done or said before the House</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><p style="text-align: left;">No member
shall be liable to any civil or criminal proceedings, arrest,
imprisonment, or damages by reason of any matter or thing which he may
have brought by petition, bill, resolution, motion, or otherwise, or
have said before the House or any committee.</p></span></i></div></blockquote><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><p></p></span><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;">In my opinion, even if Wan Saiful does not make a report of crimes suspected or alleged, MACC cannot do anything to compel him to do so. MACC should have simply invited Wan Saiful to come file a report...maybe he would have done so. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">However, since the matter is now public knowledge, MACC itself can file the need report(FIR) and begin investigations into the crimes alleged. And during the course of investigations, call Wan Saiful to come give evidence as a witness > whereby Wan Saiful will not be able to avoid this, and will have to attend and give a statement..</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">MACC
chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said that under the MACC Act 2009,
it is the responsibility of any individuals offered bribes to quickly
report the offence so that further action can be taken....<b><span style="color: red;">IT IS CORRECT,</span></b><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> see Section 25 of the Act <br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: georgia;"> </i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"></span></b></i></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles">25 Duty to report bribery transactions [</span><span class="casetitle" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder2_lblActTitle">MALAYSIAN ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION ACT 2009]</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">(1) <b><span style="color: red;">Any
person to whom any gratification is given, promised, or offered,</span></b> in
contravention of any provision of this Act<b><span style="color: red;"> shall report such gift,
promise or offer </span></b>together with the name, if known, of the person who
gave, promised or offered such gratification to him to the nearest
officer of the commission or police officer.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">(2) <b>Any person who
fails to comply</b> with subsection (1) commits an offence and shall on
conviction be liable to a <b>fine not exceeding one hundred thousand
ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years or to
both.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">(3) Any person from whom any gratification has been
solicited or obtained, or an attempt has been made to obtain such
gratification, in contravention of any provision of this Act shall at
the earliest opportunity thereafter report such soliciting or obtaining
of, or attempt to obtain, the gratification together with the full and
true description and if known, the name of the person who solicited, or
obtained, or attempted to obtain, the gratification from him to the
nearest officer of the commission or police officer.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">(4) Any
person who fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with subsection
(3) commits an offence and shall on conviction be liable to a fine not
exceeding ten thousand ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding two years or to both.</span></p></span></i></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p></span></i></div> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Now, it is reported that he had apologized - so, did Wan Saiful LIE? Will he now go and lodge a report at MACC? Will MACC continue with the investigation?</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">IF he did LIE, do we still want people who LIE as MPs? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Best look at the Hansard on 5/3/2024 to determine what exactly happened.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Should MACC not investigate the case of the 6 BERSATU(or rather PN MPs) - was there corruption? <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> <br /> <span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I was offered RM1.7mil in allocations to betray PN, says Wan Saiful </b></span><br /></span> <br /> By GERARD GIMINO, MARTIN CARVALHO and And TEH ATHIRA YUSOF <br /> <br /> Wednesday, 28 Feb 2024 12:35 PM MYT <br /> <br /> <img height="266" src="https://apicms.thestar.com.my/uploads/images/2024/02/28/2565970.jpg" width="400" /> <br /><br />Photo: Bernama <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">KUALA LUMPUR: A shouting match broke out in the Dewan Rakyat when an Opposition MP <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">claimed he had been repeatedly induced to pledge support for the Prime Minister. </span></b><br /><br />While debating the motion of thanks on the Royal Address on Wednesday (Feb 28), Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan (PN-Tasek Gelugor) alleged <b>that if he had thrown support behind Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, he would be offered RM1.7mil in allocations, among others.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">“The repeated message was that I must support Tambun as Prime Minister and I would receive parliamentary allocations. </span></b><br /><br /><b>“They said allocations for government projects could also be distributed to my cronies. They know I’m having a hard time, with my wife also having cancer,”</b> he said. <br /><br />Wan Saiful also claimed <b>that charges against him would be dropped if he pledged support. He is facing money laundering and corruption charges related to the Jana Wibawa project. </b><br /><br />“They contacted me repeatedly until I decided to meet them one day,” he said, alleging that several meetings took place at hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya.<p><b><span style="color: red;">“I had to entertain their requests, as they had the power and I didn’t know what they could do to me,”</span></b> he said.</p> <p>Government backbenchers then interjected, saying these were malicious accusations.</p> <p><b>They added that if the accusations were true, Wan Saiful should lodge a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.</b></p> <p>“Don’t
hide behind immunity in the hall. Hold a press conference outside. You
are making false claims,” said Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar).</p> <p>Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul then stepped in, saying Wan Saiful’s claims were seemingly hearsay.</p> <p>“We cannot bring this into the hall.</p> <p>“It’s
always about what ‘they' said. You can’t do that,” Johari said, adding
that he could not verify the validity of the matter.</p> <p>Johari then instructed Wan Saiful to wrap up his debate so proceedings could continue. - <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/02/28/shouting-match-in-parliament-over-wan-saiful039s-inducement-claim" target="_blank">Star, 28/2/2024</a></p><p></p><h1 class="article-title">MACC: Wan Saiful given one week to report alleged bribe offer for supporting PM Anwar</h1><div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/03/04/191538.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/03/04/191538.JPG&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="MACC: Wan Saiful given one week to report alleged bribe offer for supporting PM Anwar" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/03/04/191538.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="267" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/03/04/191538.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" style="object-position: 50.685% 34.24655%;" title="MACC: Wan Saiful given one week to report alleged bribe offer for supporting PM Anwar" width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">MACC
chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said that under the MACC Act 2009,
it is the responsibility of any individuals offered bribes to quickly
report the offence so that further action can be taken. — Bernama pic </div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info "> <div class="article-date">Monday, 04 Mar 2024 8:46 PM MYT</div> </div> <div class="main-container-article-body" style="height: auto !important;"> <div class="article-body" style="height: auto !important;"> <p>SEREMBAN,
March 4 — <b><span style="color: red;">The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is giving
Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan one week to lodge a report on
his claim that several individuals have promised him rewards if he
pledges support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.</span></b></p><p>MACC
chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said that under the MACC Act 2009,
it is the responsibility of any individuals offered bribes to quickly
report the offence so that further action can be taken.</p><p>“I
cannot announce yet what action can be taken (if he fails to report).
We are still waiting for his report; there are various possibilities
(like summoning to MACC).</p></div></div><p>“Since he (Wan Saiful) has mentioned in
the august House of Parliament about the alleged bribery (offer), he is
obliged to make a report under Section 25 of the MACC Act 2009.</p><p>“He has to come to the MACC office; don’t expect MACC to bring him to the office,” he added.</p><div data-google-query-id="CInXyoy83IQDFVUCtwAdCUoOog" id="mm-teads"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p>He
told reporters this after attending the Anti-Corruption Executive Talk
with Negeri Sembilan state executive councillors and state assemblymen,
including Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, here today.</p><p>On
the case of former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s son-in-law
Datuk Seri Muhammad Adlan Berhan, Azam said MACC had not yet discussed
with the Attorney General’s Chambers the possibility of charging him in
absentia.Azam
had earlier said MACC was ready to charge Muhammad Adlan with criminal
breach of trust but he could not be located and is believed to be still
overseas.</p><p>Azam also said MACC had not received any reports against
the current Negeri Sembilan state Exco members and state assemblymen. —
<a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/04/macc-wan-saiful-given-one-week-to-report-alleged-bribe-offer-for-supporting-pm-anwar/121416" target="_blank">Bernama, Malay Mail, 4/3/2024</a></p><h1 class="article-title">Govt retracts motion to suspend Bersatu MP Wan Saiful after his open apology to Agong, PM in Parliament </h1> <div class="social-sharing"> <div class="social-inner"><br /></div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/03/05/191697.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/03/05/191697.JPG&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="Govt retracts motion to suspend Bersatu MP Wan Saiful after his open apology to Agong, PM in Parliament " class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-adbro-processed="true" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/03/05/191697.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="266" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/03/05/191697.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" title="Govt retracts motion to suspend Bersatu MP Wan Saiful after his open apology to Agong, PM in Parliament " width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">During
his turn to debate on February 28, Wan Saiful admitted that he did
utter a paragraph which said, 'Corrupt meant abuse of power'. — Picture
by Firdaus Latif</div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info "> <div class="article-byline">By Soo Wern Jun</div> <div class="article-date">Tuesday, 05 Mar 2024 1:12 PM MYT</div> </div> <div class="main-container-article-body" style="height: auto !important;"> <div class="article-body" style="height: auto !important;"> <p>KUALA
LUMPUR, March 5 — The government has retracted its motion to suspend
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan
Saiful Wan Jan for six months.</p><p>This followed Wan Saiful’s
explanation and retraction of his debate speech after he was given an
opportunity by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul to clarify and
retract contents of his speech delivered last week when debating the
King’s speech in the House.</p><p>“Before
I call on the Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Seri
Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to read out the motion, I would like to call on Tasek
Gelugor to give him an opportunity to state his desire so that, to me,
it is better for the country.</p></div></div><p>“I would like to give Tasek Gelugor a
last chance to state what he initially wanted to say as discussed,”
Johari told Parliament today.</p><p>During
his turn to debate on February 28, Wan Saiful admitted that he did
utter a paragraph which said, “Corrupt meant abuse of power”.</p><div data-google-query-id="CNHv0uLm3oQDFfcZgwMdcmAPzA" id="mm-teads"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p>“After
which, there was some disturbance. But I carried on, and I said, ‘Ampun
Tuanku, that person who abuses his power, is granted an audience with
Your Majesty, every week before the Cabinet meeting — that, I was
directing it to Tambun (Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim).</p><p>“I
did repeat that again on February 29, when Jelutong brought it up. I
would like to retract the sentence and my statement, and I would like to
apologise for that statement.</p><p><b><span style="color: red;">“I
would like to humbly, because in the motion, if there were mistakes I
made and touched on anything relating to the King, I would like to
apologise for the statement. Thank you, Speaker; I hope you are able to
make a fair deliberation,” </span></b>Wan Saiful told Parliament during his brief
explanation.</p><p>Johari then proceeded to accept the Tasek Gelugor MP’s apology and asked Parliament to move on from the incident.</p><p><b>“This means that Tasek Gelugor has apologised to Tambun and has retracted his statement, that’s one.</b></p><p><b>“Secondly,
Tasek Gelugor has also sought to apologise to the King. For that I will
accept, minister, I take it as we can resolve this matter since an open
apology has been made, I hope minister you can accept this apology as
well,” Johari said, while addressing Zahid in Parliament.</b></p><p>Zahid proceeded to retract the motion that was listed as first in the matters of the Order Paper today following Question Time.</p><p>“I would like to retract the motion stated as number one in the order of matters for today,” Zahid told Parliament.</p><p>Last
Wednesday, the Dewan Rakyat Speaker had given a stern warning to all
MPs in the Lower House to adhere to his orders or risk being suspended
for six months.</p><p>He said this after repeatedly asking Wan Saiful to refrain from raising matters that were merely hearsay, but to no avail.</p><p>Wan
Saiful, prior to Johari’s warning had claimed that he was repeatedly
“offered rewards” in exchange for his support for the prime minister.</p><p>His
claims sparked a ruckus in the Lower House and he was told by the Dewan
Rakyat Speaker to refrain from drawing attention to matters that were
merely hearsay.</p><p>This had also led Johari to warn all MPs of a
six-month suspension should they disobey his orders not to bring
political squabbles into the Lower House. - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/05/govt-retracts-motion-to-suspend-bersatu-mp-wan-saiful-after-his-open-apology-to-agong-pm-in-parliament/121533" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 5/3/2024</a><br /></p><p> </p></div></div>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-44392474918387592282024-03-04T23:49:00.002+08:002024-03-04T23:49:59.298+08:00Only PN candidates contested in GE15, so if they are expelled from BERSATU, they will NOT be disqualified as MPs? What does the PN Constitution say? <p style="text-align: justify;"><b>BERSATU amending Constitution in attempt to get BERSATU(or rather PN) MPs who expressed support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to suffer the Anti-Hopping law consequence - be disqualified, and hence a by-elections.</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">IT WOULD NOT WORK - </p><p style="text-align: justify;">1) The <b><span style="color: red;">Anti-Hoping provisions is meant to protect the PEOPLEs' RIGHTS - not political parties</span></b>. People choose and elect their peoples' representatives, the MP.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">2) When a MP stands for elections under a particular party, he represents to the people that he/she support the party's position on different subject matters, and even what is stated in the said party's election Manifestos.<b><span style="color: red;"> Hence, after being elected MP, if the leave the said party - this is an ACT OF BETRAYAL to the people who voted for them, that is WHY THEY ARE DISQUALIFIED, and the people get another chance to choose the MP of their choice. </span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">3) The <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Anti-Party Hopping law is not meant to give political parties control over their MPs</span></b> - so a <b><span style="color: red;">political party cannot THREATEN any MP to do as per what the party or leadership commands and if not, end up being disqualified. </span></b>After all, the <b><span style="color: red;">MP is the people's representative and their loyalty is FIRST to the people of their constituency.</span></b> That is also WHY if a political party EXPELS a MP - he/she is NOT DISQUALIFIED, and continues as MP for their constituents.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">4) However, the moment any expelled MP joins another political party, he will automatically be disqualified. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5) The <b>BERSATU MPs, or rather the PN MPs who now have expressed support for PM Anwar Ibrahim have not left BERSATU/PN and thus is not DISQUALIFIED.</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">6) The Anti-Party Hopping is RIGHT > It cannot be used by political parties to control their MPs...</p><p style="text-align: justify;">7) BERSATU now amended its constitution - but it is of no use, as it is definitely <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">UNCONSTITUTIONAL</span></b>..</p><p style="text-align: justify;">8) Secondly, <b><span style="color: red;">no Party Constitution amendment is valid UNTIL the Registrar of Societies(ROS) says OK</span></b> - our draconian Societies Act do not even give Societies to change their rules/Constitution by themselves.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">9) In this case, the <b>ROS would most likely reject the Constitution Amended at recent BERSATU General Meeting</b> - WHY? Because it goes against the Federal Constitution - but then, this is Malaysia - and maybe the Home Minister will step in and grant an 'exemption'?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">ANOTHER ISSUE related to the Anti-Hopping laws</span></b> - The said BERSATU MPs<b><span style="color: red;"> did not stand as BERSATU candidates </span></b>in GE15 - but as Perikatan Nasional(PN)'s candidates, a registered political party whose members include BERSATU.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So, <b><span style="color: red;">these MPs will only be disqualified when they leave PERIKATAN Nasional</span></b>? So when and how do a MP leave PN - for that we need to look at PN's Constitution itself.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Does the PN Constitution say that when a MP leaves a PN Member Party, like BERSATU - what happens to that MP? Is he still a PN MP? What is a BERSATU MP leaves BERSATU and joins PAS - he still remains a PN MP? Does PN Constitution allow for individual members? <br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Can a MP from BERSATU leave BERSATU, and still remain a PN MP? According to the Anti-Party Hopping law in the Constitution, it is ONLY <b><span style="color: red;">when a PN MP leaves PN that he will be disqualified...</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>ANY MP MUST BE INDEPENDENT TO SUPPORT, ABSTAIN OR OBJECT ANY LAWS OR MATTERS RAISED IN PARLIAMENT OR OTHERWISE... POLITICAL PARTIES ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO DEMAND THAT THEY ACT/VOTE AS THE PARTY ORDERS - THIS IS UNDEMOCRATIC and unconstitutional. </b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">If the constituents want end to TOL Highways, the MP must campaign and vote for the abolition of toll highways - even if the Political Party says it wants tol highways...</p><p style="text-align: justify;">However, in Malaysia, <b><span style="color: red;">MPs simply do not have the freedom to represent the constituents - or make decisions, as to what the constituents want</span></b>. They are many a time 'forced' to vote as the party commands - and a few MPs are BRAVE enough to even have a different view from their party leadership...And in most parties, the membership has NO SAY in the candidate, it all depends on the leadership - Where is the DEMOCRACY? </p><p style="text-align: justify;">That is WHY <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">people simply have NO or little RESPECT for their MPs</span></b> - they do not even lobby their MPs to push for certain positions in law or policy - as they know their MPs are just 'Party Slaves' or YES-MEN. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">We need more GOOD MPs who will act on their conscience and values, and not simply be obedient party members... > In that case, Hassan Karim stands out as an exceptional MP, who is brave enough even to criticize even Party President and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim...We need MORE MPs like that - yes they may fully support party position in most things or fundamental issues - but they will also protest and speak out when something is not RIGHT...</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In Malaysia, if the culture 'do as my party commands' continues, is there really any need for 222 MPs to attend Parliamentary sessions - is it not enough for just party leaders/reps to be present. After all, Malaysian MPs are not free to express their own views... </p><p style="text-align: justify;">So, when the BERSATU 6 said they support Anwar, and presumably have confidence in Anwar being PM - there should be nothing wrong with this. Tomorrow, they may OBJECT to a law or something that the government proposes...</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Any POLITICAL party is just like Malaysia - where there are people that support Anwar as PM and those that do not. We see this support expressed during party elections - does a party EXPEL all who did not support the elected leader? No, we do not - we accept all, for they share common values and principles of the party > but not necessarily agree with all the things the leadership says all the time...</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: red;">The BERSATU six have not left BERSATU or PN </span></b>>> so really there is NO NEED to change their seats in Parliament, is there. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">NOW, <b><span style="color: red;">if there was THREATS, BRIBES, CORRUPTION that led them to shift the support to Anwar, then it should be a CRIME to be prosecuted.</span></b> But, if they are doing so of their free will - then it is OK.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #2b00fe;">Did the UNITY government bribe with offer of monies, positions in GLCs or government agencies, etc >> if YES, it must be a CRIME - </b><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;">PARLIAMENTARY REFORM </span></span></b>- <b>Votes usually taken are not even counted - it is dependent on VOLUME odd.</b> This must change <b><span style="color: red;">people need to know HOW exactly their MP VOTED - YES, NO or ABSTAINED</span></b> > the restoration of the right to freely vote is important for the return of RESPECT to individual MPs. And the people must know how his/her MP voted > <b>then more constituents will go lobby MPs to take a particular position on a Bill or a provision of a Bill.</b> (Now, many see as no use, because many MPs just do as ordered by party - too afraid to take a position against party/party leadership - <b><span style="color: red;">FEUDALISM or NEO FEUDALISM lives on, and DEMOCRACY is sidelined.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>See how BERSATU leadership wants to control its MPs/ADUNs - do as the leadership says, not what your constituents want - not what you fell it right ...</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">These
three provisions comprise Article 10.4, stipulating that <b><span style="color: red;">any Bersatu
members holding positions in the Dewan Rakyat or state legislative
assemblies who fail to adhere to directives issued by the party’s
supreme council as outlined in Article 10.5 shall have their Bersatu
membership terminated immediately.</span></b></span></i></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The additional sub-clause,
Article 10.5, <b><span style="color: red;">empowers the Bersatu supreme council to issue written
directives to any or all of its Dewan Rakyat or state legislative
assembly members.</span></b></span></i></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Do we want peoples' representative (wakil rakyat) who have no choice but follow what the leadership of their party says. Should not MPs represent the people of their constituency, or be FREE to act according to his/her values and principles, after considering party position???? </span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">BERSATU amending its constitution is useless, as I believe all of them contested Perikatan Nasional MPs - so, what does the PN Constitution say about expelling MPs? </span></b><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: red;"></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">WHAT CAN THE CONSTITUENTS DO TO REMOVE MPs THAT THEY HAVE LOSS CONFIDENCE ON? </span></b>Time Malaysia considers putting up a LAW on this > If the constituents have loss confidence in their MP, then they must submit a PETITION that is signed by <b><span style="color: red;">more than 50% of the constituents</span></b> that had the right to vote in the elections that elected the said MP - The petition must contain name and NRIC. If the number is achieved, the said MP is forthwith DISQUALIFIED and a by-elections will be held. [Of course, the disqualified MP is allow to contest in the by-elections]<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">So, if that law to RECALL MP exist in Malaysia - power is returned to the PEOPLE to remove any MP >> so if they are UNHAPPY with the 6 BERSATU MPs to the extend that they have loss confidence in them to continue representing them in Parliament - then they can be removed...</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Maybe PN should push for such a law - maybe PH-led coalition will put such a law in place....</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">How interesting that UMNO-BN is already preparing for by-elections -..</span></b>..</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red;"> </span><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></p><h1 class="sc-eDPEul jUeWRP pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">Bersatu amending constitution to scare MPs from backing Anwar, says Dr Zulkafperi</h1><div class="sc-aXZVg jiTbBU"><p>Tanjung
Karang MP Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi, who is one of six Bersatu MPs
supporting the government, says he is unfazed by the party’s plans.</p>
</div><div class="sc-cwHptR llSLcQ d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="sc-dcJsrY jSPIFe" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/amirul-aiman/">Amirul Aiman</a> - </span><time class="sc-aXZVg eeJhAp fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1708904985000" style="min-height: 15px;">26 Feb 2024, 7:49am</time></div></div></div><div class="mb-3" style="height: 40px;"><div class="st-left st-has-labels st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="sharethis-1709464592460"><div class="st-btn st-last" data-network="email" style="display: inline-block;"><br />
</div></div></div><div class="sc-cPiKLX hSRCTm pb-3" itemprop="articleBody"><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2693761" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_2693761" style="width: 800px;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2693761 size-full" data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hr20fbkyeh1s7ygdpjnqyh13" height="250" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3fbb8de6-zulkafperi-hanapi-bernama-260224-1.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 0px;" width="400" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-2693761">Dr
Zulkafperi Hanapi said ultimately, the Registrar of Societies will
decide whether the amendments to Bersatu’s constitution are approved.
(Bernama pic)</figcaption></figure>
<p>PETALING JAYA: A Bersatu MP who now supports Prime Minister Anwar
Ibrahim says the party’s decision to amend its constitution is meant to
intimidate other elected representatives from switching allegiance.</p>
<p>Tanjong Karang MP Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi said the party seems to be
reacting to claims that more Bersatu MPs would be declaring their
support for the prime minister and the unity government.</p></div><p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hr20fbky6bvh6av14fpc4mva">“What
Bersatu is attempting to do (by amending its constitution) is to
pressure those who are considering changing their support and prevent it
from happening,” he said at a press conference last night.</p>
<p>However, Zulkafperi said he was unfazed by the party’s decision as
the constitutional changes would not apply to him and his five Bersatu
colleagues who now support Anwar.</p><p>"I don’t believe it’s binding, but we’ll leave it to our lawyers to handle.</p>
<p>“According to the constitution, any changes should ideally be
forward-looking. Retrospective changes would not be binding,” he said,
adding that ultimately, the Registrar of Societies will decide whether
the amendments are approved.</p>
<p>On Jan 29, Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin announced that
the party’s Supreme Council agreed to amend Article 10 of the party’s
constitution to keep its elected representatives in line.</p>
<p>This comes after six Bersatu MPs declared support for Anwar without
leaving the party in order to circumvent the anti-hopping law.</p>
<p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hr20fbky6bvh6av14fpc4mva">Hamzah
said they have also agreed to pursue legal action against elected
representatives who betray the party, with the aim of vacating their
seats and that the party is prepared to face by-elections.</p>
<p>Apart from Zulkafperi, the other five MPs are Iskandar Dzulkarnain
Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Azizi Abu
Naim (Gua Musang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli) and Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed
Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang).</p>
<p>All six MPs justified their support for the federal government by
citing the needs of their constituencies. However, they said they would
remain loyal to Bersatu.</p>
<p>Last month, Syed Hussin claimed that up to eight more MPs were expected to declare their support for the unity government. - <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/02/26/bersatu-amending-constitution-to-scare-mps-from-backing-anwar-says-dr-zulkafperi/" target="_blank">FMT, 26/2/2024</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><h1 class="widget-title">Will Bersatu's controversial constitutional amendments bring good or have potential ramifications?</h1>
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<a class="authorName" href="https://www.sinardaily.my/kolumnis/597/wan-ahmad-atarmizi" title="WAN AHMAD ATARMIZI">WAN AHMAD ATARMIZI</a>
<div class="centerTimespan">04 Mar 2024 01:32pm</div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.sinardaily.my/article/216030" target="_blank" title="Share Article on Facebook"></a></div></div><div class="social-inner"><img alt="Share on LinkedIn" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" height="50" id="linkedin-article" src="https://www.sinardaily.my/theme_sinarenglish/images/img_trans.png" style="padding: 3px;" width="50" />
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<img alt="Muhyiddin (sitting, centre) at a press conference after the Bersatu&#039;s Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) at the Ideal Convention Centre Selayang on Saturday." class="lazy loaded" data-adbro-processed="true" data-src="https://www.sinarharian.com.my/sinarenglish/uploads/images/2024/03/04/2560673.jpg" data-was-processed="true" height="300" src="https://www.sinarharian.com.my/sinarenglish/uploads/images/2024/03/04/2560673.jpg" width="400" />
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<div class="imgCaption">Muhyiddin (sitting, centre) at a press
conference after the Bersatu's Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) at
the Ideal Convention Centre Selayang on Saturday.</div>
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<p>In a signification move aimed at addressing internal rifts
and asserting party discipline, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu)
recently convened an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on March 2, to
enact crucial amendments to its constitution.</p> <p>This EGM, held
amidst heightened political tensions, sought to close existing loopholes
and define clearer guidelines for party members, especially elected
representatives, to uphold party loyalty and integrity.</p><div class="ads-container"><div data-google-query-id="CJbz2Ln22oQDFUbPcwEdt80Lkg" id="GSK_SinarDaily_OOP_InArticle-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/6273129/GSK_SinarDaily/GSK_SinarDaily_OOP_InArticle_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div></div> <p><strong>Closing the 'Loophole'</strong></p> <p>During
the EGM, which saw the participation of approximately 1,000 party
delegates from across the nation, Bersatu approved amendments to its
constitution aimed at addressing recent challenges concerning party
defections and support for rival political figures.</p><div class="ads-container"></div> <p>Notably,
the amendments were devised to close a perceived ‘loophole’ that
allowed six Bersatu Members of Parliament (MPs) to express support for
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim without forfeiting their party
membership.</p> <p>Bersatu’s Supreme Council Member, Datuk Wan Saiful
Wan Jan had emphasised the importance of these amendments in preserving
party unity and discipline.</p><p>He
highlighted the unanimous approval of the amendments by Bersatu's
delegates during the EGM, signalling the party's firm stance against
disloyalty and betrayal.</p> <p>The amendments introduced at the EGM included the addition of three sub-clauses to Bersatu's constitution.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">These
three provisions comprise Article 10.4, stipulating that <b><span style="color: red;">any Bersatu
members holding positions in the Dewan Rakyat or state legislative
assemblies who fail to adhere to directives issued by the party’s
supreme council as outlined in Article 10.5 shall have their Bersatu
membership terminated immediately.</span></b></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The additional sub-clause,
Article 10.5, <b><span style="color: red;">empowers the Bersatu supreme council to issue written
directives to any or all of its Dewan Rakyat or state legislative
assembly members.</span></b></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The third sub-clause, adopted by Bersatu
delegates during the EGM, pertains to Article 10.4 and mandates the
secretary-general, under the directive of the supreme council, to
formally notify the affected member of their immediate termination of
membership and removal from Bersatu’s party registry system.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">These
sub-clauses, crafted to address the specific concerns raised by recent
events, would empower the party's supreme council to take decisive
action against members who deviate from party directives.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Implications of the Amendments</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Additionally,
Bersatu President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin <b>elaborated on the
implications of these amendments, highlighting their alignment with the
Federal Constitution's provisions and their potential invocation of the
anti-hopping law.</b></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Muhyiddin emphasised that the amendments would
lead to the automatic cessation of membership for MPs or state
legislative members who act contrary to the party's policies, thereby
triggering the vacancy of their seats.</b></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Following the endorsement
of these revisions during Bersatu's EGM, Muhyiddin said the party would
seek approval from the Registrar of Societies (RoS) for the amended
constitution.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Once the RoS sanctions the modifications, Bersatu
will promptly implement these regulations. Bersatu Secretary-General
Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin will then correspond with all six Bersatu
members, seeking verification of their support for Anwar.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">If they affirm their support, the constitutional provisions mandating the vacation of their seats will be enforced.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Crucially,
Bersatu's constitutional amendments are poised to redefine the
consequences for party defections and disloyalty, marking a significant
departure from previous disciplinary measures.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">These amendments
aim to bolster the party's internal cohesion and resilience amid
evolving political dynamics, ensuring that party members uphold their
allegiance and accountability.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The six MPs who went rogue since
last year are Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid
(Kuala Kangsar), Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang),
Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang) and
Tanjong Karang MP Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi.</p> <p><strong>Potential Ramifications</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">However,
concerns have been raised regarding the retroactive application of
these measures amidst the fervour surrounding Bersatu's EGM and its
consequential amendments.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Bersatu Women's Wing Deputy Chief Datuk
Mas Ermieyati Samsudin cautioned against the retroactive implementation
of the amendments, advocating for fairness and adherence to legal
principles.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">As Bersatu awaits the RoS’s approval for the
constitutional amendments, the party braces for potential ramifications,
including the possibility of vacant parliamentary seats and subsequent
by-elections.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The outcome of these developments remains pivotal,
shaping Bersatu's trajectory and influence within Malaysia's political
landscape. - <a href="https://www.sinardaily.my/article/216030/focus/politics/will-bersatus-controversial-constitutional-amendments-bring-good-or-have-potential-ramifications" target="_blank">Sinar Daily, 4/3/2024</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></p><div class="headline story-pg">
<h1>
BN ready to field candidates if six Bersatu seats declared vacant, says Zahid
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<p style="text-align: justify;">BAGAN DATUK: Barisan Nasional is prepared to contest
six parliamentary seats currently held by Bersatu if they are declared
vacant, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi <em>(pic)</em>.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The coalition chairman and Umno president said these seats used to be Barisan's.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">"We
will discuss with the unity government leadership to decide on this if
the vacancies occur," he told reporters after attending the Northern
Corridor Economic Region (NCER) mini showcase programme here on Sunday
(March 3).</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">He said Umno and Barisan candidates should be given priority to contest in these constituencies.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">However,
he said that Parliamentary regulations and the Federal Constitution do
not provide for the Bersatu MPs concerned to be stripped of their seats
despite efforts by Bersatu.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">He said Bersatu seemed to be having a
taste of its own medicine as one of its leaders had previously taken
Umno MPs into Bersatu.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">This follows an amendment to Article 10
of the Bersatu Constitution, as approved at a special party general
meeting, to immediate strip the membership of any elected representative
who pledges support that contradicts Bersatu's directive or stand.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the party
would send a report on the amendment to the Registrar of Societies (ROS)
and it would be enforced with immediate effect if approved.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The
six Bersatu MPs who have expressed support for the Prime Minister are
Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Mohd Azizi
Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Datuk Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang), Zahari
Kechik (Jeli), Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar)
and Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan). – <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/03/bn-ready-to-field-candidates-if-six-bersatu-seats-declared-vacant-says-zahid" target="_blank">Bernama - Star, 3/3/2024</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></p><p> <br /></p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-81159740617138698322024-03-01T20:25:00.003+08:002024-03-01T20:25:14.561+08:00Repeal, not amend, The Independent Police Conduct Commission Act 2022...Wrong for Anwar’s PH-led government to put into force law that was even previously opposed by PH MPs in Parliament. Remove appointed Commissioners of IPCC to save monies?<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u>Media Statement – 1/3/2024</u></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Repeal, not
amend, The Independent Police Conduct Commission Act 2022, Enact The IPMPC As
Intended By The Royal Commission, Which Is Independent With Powers Of
Prosecution And Ability To Conduct Public Inquiries</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; line-height: 107%;">Wrong for
Anwar’s PH-led government to put into force law that was even previously opposed
by PH MPs in Parliament. Remove appointed Commissioners of IPCC to save monies</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET (Malaysians Against Death
Penalty and Torture) calls for the <b>immediate repeal of <a name="_Hlk160129226">Independent Police Conduct Commission Act 2022</a></b><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk160129226;"></span>, and an immediate <b>STOP in the
process of appointing Commissioners, officers and setting up structures which
is costing government monies.</b> The IPCC was not what was intended when that
said 2004 Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal
Malaysia Police, led by former chief justice Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah, that recommended
Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One must remember that the then Royal
Commission (RC) made the recommendation for an IPCMC <b>despite the fact that there
already existed the Police Force Commission that had the power under Article
140(1) of the Federal Constitution to exercise disciplinary control, <a name="_Hlk160099967">the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), police or
other relevant authorities </a>to deal with reports of crime committed by
police officers</b>. This <b>implies that the existing mechanisms that were
meant to deal with crime or misconduct committed by police officers had failed
or was found lacking</b> – thus the need for an INDEPENDENT IPCMC, that is placed
under direct Parliament authority,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The weakness of the IPCC Act is
many, as the <b>IPCC now ends up being a ‘sorting body’ required to refer complaints
it received back to the <a name="_Hlk160106161">Police Force Commission</a>,
the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), police or other relevant
authorities</b>. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What is the use of simply sorting
complaints and referring it back to very same institutions, that also existed at
the time the Royal Commission, made the recommendation for the setting up of
the IPCMC. In fact, the new IPCMC when it comes to be, after this present IPCC
is done away with, should also be tasked with the monitoring of the Police
Force Commission and other relevant bodies that are meant to act on crimes or
misconducts allegedly committed by the police.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In most cases, the relevant
authorities dealing with crimes committed by the police will still be the
police again. What do we do when the police decide not to investigate, decide no
further action or investigations (NFA) is needed or decide to not proceed to charge
and try in court ‘their fellow’ police officers that have allegedly committed
crimes, or even subsequently decide to discontinue criminal trials? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #002060; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Shocking that
Minister puts into force law opposed when it was tabled by the then PN-BN
coalition government, that replaced the PH tabled IPCMC Bill, which was being
improved? </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The fact must be noted that even
when the IPCC Bill was being debated in Parliament, the Pakatan Harapan and
other Opposition MPs were generally strongly against it. So, why did the
Minister put it into force after GE15, ignoring the sentiments and position of
PH and the people about this bad law?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET is most disappointed with
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakatan Harapan led coalition government, who
vide Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, put into force the <a name="_Hlk160098873">Independent Police Conduct Commission Act 2022 </a>on 1
July 2023 [PU(B) 574/2022]. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is true that this law had been
passed by Parliament, obtained royal assent on 8 October 2022, and was gazette
on 18 October 2022, <b>but NO law comes into force or operation until the
Minister does so</b>. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What should have rightly be done,
was to send this IPCC law back to Parliament to be repealed or amended so that Malaysia
will finally have a truly Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct
Commission <a name="_Hlk160094261">(IPCMC</a>), as recommended by the Royal
Commission of Inquiry about 19 years ago, or even the IPCMC Bill tabled by the then
PH government in 2019 after <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>incorporating
the recommendation of the Parliamentary Select Committee and others to remedy matters
lacking. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #002060; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">IPCC Commissioners
appointed found wanting</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In January 2024, the Home Minister
announced the appointment <b>of a former director-general of the Prime
Minister’s Department’</b>s Implementation Coordination the new IPCC chairman,
that <b>a former Prime Minister’s Department advisory board chairman</b> will
be Deputy, and the other 3 are <b>a former National Audit Department’s</b>
financial sector director, <b>a former police</b>’s logistics and technology
department deputy director and <b>a former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission</b>
special operations division senior director. Will they be truly independent and
not simply ‘yes men’ to the government of the day? They came from a past in the
PM’s Department, Finance Ministry, police and MACC – and what did they do, if
and when they became aware of the 1MDB or SRC scandal? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET believes that no former
police or MACC officer should be in the Commission, and neither should there be
anyone with a past in the Prime Minister’s Department. All intended
Commissioners should all be vetted by Parliament before appointment, and they
should be former judges, lawyers, former prosecutors, and those with no past in
government services especially the police. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">SUHAKAM was perceived as a
‘toothless tiger’ until the appointment of Hasmy Agam as Chairman on in 2010,
and thereafter Razali<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ismail, who then
saw SUHAKAM becoming a real Human Rights Commission – thus, the effectiveness
of any Commission depends on the independence and bravery of the Commissioners
appointed who is brave enough to act independently without fear or favour <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- not even worried whether their action/s will
displease the Prime Minister or government of the day, or affect their
reappointment for another 3 year term. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #002060; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Shortcomings of the
Police Force Commission</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A fundamental problem today is
that the public lose of faith in the system when it comes to dealing with ‘bad cops’.
Lodging reports and complaints against police and law enforcement is useless,
as most of the time nothing much seems to happen. Let’s consider the <a name="_Hlk160130003">Police Force Commission</a>, who is duty bound by Article
146(1) of the Federal Constitution to submit <b><span style="color: red;">annual
reports to Parliament – but where do we find it?</span></b><span style="color: red;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Does it even contain
details of crime/misconduct alleged and/or confirmed, penalties imposed and the
name of the said officer – all of which are very important to assure that their
complaints are not ignored, and it will also serve as a DETTERENT to other
officers, who will know what crime/misconduct that they must certainly not
commit? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #002060; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">What police cannot do
– Be transparent about IGP’s Standing Orders and other regulations</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What are the things that police
cannot do? Besides the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations
1993 and few offences stated in certain laws, police are also bound to follow the
Inspector General’s Standing Orders (Section 97 Police Act 1967), but the
problem is that it is difficult for the public to know what it contains, hence
making it almost impossible for the members of the public to even lodge
complaints about a police officers non-compliance with Regulations and Standing
Orders of the Inspector General of the Police (IGP). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The government must ensure that
all regulations and Standing Orders are made available to the Public, initially
in police and Home Ministry’s website, which will then enable the public to
actively be able to highlight any non-compliances.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #002060; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Sadly, the coming
into force of IPCC Act ends capacity of EAIC to deal with complaints about
police.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another sad consequence, of the
putting in force of the <a name="_Hlk160105953">Independent Police Conduct
Commission </a>Act 2022, was that misconduct or <b>complaints against members
of the police force can no longer be dealt by the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission
(EAIC</b>). One must appreciate that the EAIC did well in the inquiries of
death in police custody like in the case S.Balamurugan, Soh Kai Chiok, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Syed Mohd Azlan, N.Dharmendran <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and James Ramesh, whereby the Investigation
Reports are available in the EAIC’s website. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some of the findings of the EAIC against
the police was indeed BRAVE, for they found <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>police wrongdoings in causing the death and
also tampering/destroying evidence. Based on its past annual reports, the
complaint received against the police was the highest – 2020(699), 2021(742)
and 2022(500). Now, the problem is what happens to complaints concerning police
officers?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite EAIC recommendations, for
criminal action to be taken, sadly almost none was taken. That is the reason,
that besides investigative powers, such Commissions like the EAIC, Malaysian
Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) and hopefully the REAL IPCMC <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>when it comes to be must be also given prosecution
powers for crimes committed by the police, and NOT just crimes under the IPCC
(or later IPCMC Act</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #002060;">The
IPCMC must be able to hold PUBLIC Inquiries and PROSECUTE</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">At present, this Independent
Police Conduct Commission, besides sorting and sending complaints to other
bodies, seems to not even have the ability to have any PUBLIC INQUIRY for the
complaints against police. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The other problem that arises is
what happens after the complaints are referred to the Police Force Commission,
MACC or the police to take action? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
if nothing happens – should not the REAL IPCMC, when it comes into being, then
have the power to prosecute themselves for crimes that police commits? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <b><span style="color: #002060; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Minister, </span></b><b><span style="color: #002060; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">S</span></b><b><span style="color: #002060; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">top
pussyfooting when it comes to the Police </span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Malaysian police have been
implicated in many possible non-compliance of law including death in police
custody, torture and even extrajudicial killings. When will the all the police
officers on duty be wearing body-cams with recording capacity? When will CCTVs
be installed in police lock-ups, and every other room that the police deal with
suspects? Such measures have long needed to protect suspect’s rights and more
importantly ensure that the Malaysian police act professionally in accordance
with the law. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Malaysian government must
bravely remove and/or prosecute ‘bad cops’, and do what is needed to restore
the public image of the Malaysian police. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One wonders at times as to why
the government seems afraid of the police? Could it be that the police hold
‘swords of Damocles’ over their head, placing them Ministers or even MPs in a
situation in where something very bad could happen to them at any time if the
police is offended? Could it be revelation of evidence of crimes committed? After
all, it has been proven true that Prime Ministers and members of the Cabinet
have in the past committed crimes, including abuse of power and corruption. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We need a CLEAN corrupt-free and
efficient police force in Malaysia, and <b>MADPET calls for the REPEAL of Independent
Police Conduct Commission Act 2022, and an enactment of a new truly Independent
Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC). </b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>MADPET calls also for an
immediate removal of Commissioners said to be appointed to save government
monies. </b>Commissioners of the real IPCMC must be vetted by Parliament, and
should be truly Independent.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;">Charles Hector</i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;">For and on behalf of MADPET(Malaysians Against Death
Penalty and Torture)</i></p>
<p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span class="listTitle">Press Release | <span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;"><b>IPCC Lacks the Authority to Uphold Police Accountability</b></span></span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;"><b>
</b></span> <span class="greytxt">22 Dec 2022 4:56 pm</span>
</p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" src="https://www.malaysianbar.org.my/cms/upload_files/images/karen_0013-icon%20PS%20(1).jpg" style="float: left; height: 129px; margin: 5px; width: 250px;" />The
Malaysian Bar refers to the recent announcement made by the Minister of
Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, where he stated
that the Independent Police Conduct Commission (“IPCC”) Act which was
passed in the Dewan Rakyat earlier this year would come into force in
June 2023.<sup>1</sup> We are disheartened by the Government’s plan to
forge ahead with the Act, especially when the Malaysian Bar has
consistently expressed grave concerns relating to the shortcomings of
the IPCC Act. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Over the past many years, Malaysians have
been barraged with the disturbing phenomenon of deaths in police
custody. As a nation, we are deeply dismayed by the unabated spate of
deaths that appear to have no end in sight. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The police exercise a wide array of powers
— ranging from the right to arrest; the right to use force, seize
property, and to search private premises; just to name a few. These are
all draconian measures that must be justified, and they demand a high
standard of integrity and competence from those executing them. The
public has a right to expect that the police will act with utmost
fairness when dealing with the community they serve. It is therefore
only right that there should be an independent oversight body to preside
over one of our country’s most important public services — the police
force. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Malaysian Bar has always been a vocal
advocate for the establishment of an Independent Police Complaints and
Misconduct Commission (“IPCMC”). The most salient feature of the IPCMC
is that it is provided with disciplinary authority over the police. It
goes without saying that the police cannot police themselves. The IPCMC
guarantees accountability because it provides the necessary
“enforcement powers” to reprimand and punish errant officers if they
break the law. The IPCMC will provide the police with the dignity and
respect it rightly deserves by addressing the misconduct committed by a
few of its members, which brings disrepute to the rest of the
hardworking men and women in blue who are committed to serving our
nation and its people. It should also be noted that prior to 2020, the
Government of the day in 2018 had tabled the IPCMC Bill, only for it to
be replaced with the IPCC by the Government that took over after the
so-called Sheraton Move.<sup>2</sup> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It has always been our view that the IPCC
in its current form fails to live up to our expectations of a more
transparent and better regulated police force. First of all, the
Commissioners of the IPCC ("the Commission”) are appointed by the King
on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Chief Executive Officer of the
Commission is appointed by the Minister of Home Affairs, which further
undermines any form of independence or impartiality in this oversight
mechanism, leading it to become further entwined with the Executive.
Secondly, the Commission may conduct visits to any place and premises,
such as police stations, lock-ups and detention centres, but they will
have to provide early notice. This will render such visits ineffective
as it will give time to the authorities that they are visiting, the time
to make arrangements in advance — and that may not be reflective of the
actual situation at the premises. Thirdly, the Commission under the
IPCC does not bar the appointment of former police officers or current
government officials to the Commission, therefore further blurring the
line between the Executive and the Commission.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">One of the main differences between the
IPCMC and the IPCC is that under the IPCC, the Commission cannot act
against police officers who have committed wrongdoing, but can only
recommend proposed action to the Police Force Commission or other
relevant authorities. It is a toothless piece of legislation that does
not effectively achieve the intended objective.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Good policing is fair, just, and
effective. It requires trust by the public in an institution that is
mandated to serve and protect us. This can be done through establishing
a system of civilian oversight, which is exhibited in the IPCMC Bill,
but not in the IPCC Act. External scrutiny is a hallmark of any
democratic police force and one that is accountable, transparent, and
responsive to the needs of the public.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysia Police in its Report (2005) stated that: </p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: justify;"><i>“… When officers act
in contravention of laws and regulations without fear of investigation
or reprimand, the culture of impunity begins to develop. Each wrongdoing
that is not investigated or punished or is supported by higher ranks
within the police leadership leads to the perception that such
misconduct is permissible …”</i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The IPCC Act is a step backward in regard
to creating a police force that operates effectively and transparently.
Instead, the IPCC Act is one that entrenches impunity and turns a blind
eye to the very real problems that the institution faces. Our newly
minted Government that has repeatedly emphasised the importance of good
governance should reconsider its position in allowing the IPCC Act to be
brought into force. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The police wield great amounts of power,
and therefore it is only logical that a proportionate amount of
responsibility and accountability must follow correspondingly. The
Malaysian Bar therefore calls upon the Government to substantially amend
the IPCC Act to incorporate the necessary provisions as those found in
the IPCMC Bill to bring about police accountability, including granting
disciplinary powers to the IPCC, before implementing the IPCC Act.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<b>Karen Cheah Yee Lynn<br />
President<br />
Malaysian Bar</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>22 December 2022</b></p>
<hr />
<p style="text-align: justify;"><sup>1 </sup>“<a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2022/12/860466/ipcc-comes-force-june-next-year">IPCC to comes in force June next year</a>”, <i>New Straits Times</i>, 13 December 2022. <br />
<sup>2</sup> “<a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/12/13/ipcc-act-to-be-in-force-june-2023-says-home-minister/44985">IPCC Act to be in force June 2023, says home minister</a>”, <i>Malay Mail</i>, 13 December 2022.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Source: <a href="https://www.malaysianbar.org.my/article/about-us/president-s-corner/pressstatements/press-release-ipcc-lacks-the-authority-to-uphold-police-accountability" target="_blank">Malaysian Bar Website</a></p><div class="headline story-pg">
<h1>
<span style="color: red;">IPCC to get its members soon, says Home Minister
</span></h1>
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Nation
</li><li>
<p class="date">
Thursday, 12 Oct 2023
</p>
<time class="timestamp">1:13 PM MYT
</time>
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<p>PUTRAJAYA: The newly enforced Independent Police
Conduct Commission (IPCC) will get its members soon, says Home Minister
Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.</p> <p>He said the process of selecting the seven members for the commission, including its head, is underway.</p> <p>“The
(selection) process has already started. We will use these coming
months to complete it,” he said when met after attending the ministry’s
monthly gathering on Thursday (Oct 12).</p> <p>The IPCC was enforced in July.</p> <p>Last year, the Dewan Rakyat passed the IPCC Bill after being in Parliament’s Order Paper over the past two years.</p> <p><b></b></p> <p>It
replaced the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission
(IPCMC) Bill, which the Pakatan Harapan administration tabled on July
18, 2019.</p><p>The independent commission’s role is to monitor the integrity
of the police force and probe complaints of misconduct involving police
personnel.</p> <p>On another matter, Saifuddin said the top of the
ministry’s Budget 2024 wishlist was to set up temporary shelters to
house children detained by the Immigration Department during operations
against illegals.</p><p>Such a centre is already in operation in Nilai, known as Baitul Mahabbah.</p> <p>There are 19 Immigration depots nationwide housing 12,000 detainees, of which 1,400 are children.</p> <p>“During my recent visit to the United States, this effort has been praised by the US authorities and UN bodies," he said.</p> <p>The
Prime Minister has also asked for this (opening of centres) to be a
priority for the ministry,” he said, adding that the estimated cost to
open the three shelters is RM10mill. - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/12/13/ipcc-act-to-be-in-force-june-2023-says-home-minister/44985#google_vignette" target="_blank">Star, 12/10/2023</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><div class="headline story-pg">
<h1>
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Five appointed to IPCC</span>
</h1>
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Thursday, 11 Jan 2024
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<p>PUTRAJAYA: Five new appointees have been named into
the seven-member Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC), says Home
Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.</p> <p>The <b><span style="color: red;">former
director-general of the Prime Minister’s Department’s </span></b>Implementation
Coordination Unit, Datuk Zolkopli Dahalan, had been appointed as the new
IPCC chairman, he said.</p> <p>As for the IPCC deputy chairman, he
said that <b><span style="color: red;">former Prime Minister’s Department advisory board chairman </span></b>
Datuk Mohamad Jazamuddin Ahmad Nawawi had been given the role.</p> <p>He also said <b><span style="color: red;">former National Audit Department’s financial sector director</span></b> Martina@Kartina Zamhari was now a member of the IPCC.</p> <p>Other
appointees into the IPCC, said Saifuddin Nasution, were <b><span style="color: red;">former police’s
logistics and technology department deputy director</span></b>
(operations/technical) Datuk Shukri Abdullah and also <span style="color: red;"><b>former Malaysian
Anti-Corruption Commission special operations division senior director
</b></span>Datuk Tan Kang Sai.</p> <p>As for the remaining two members, he said it would be filled when the time comes.</p> <p>Saifuddin
Nasution said the IPCC would act as an independent body to monitor the
integrity of the police force and probe complaints of misconduct.</p><p>“The IPCC Act also places the role of the IPCC as a mandatory
referral that obliges the police to refer cases involving sexual
crimes, or deaths in custody (to the commission),” he told a press
conference at the Home Ministry yesterday.</p> <p>The IPCC Bill was
passed in Parliament last year, replacing the Independent Police
Complaints and Misconduct Commission Bill tabled in 2019 by the previous
government. - <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/01/11/five-appointed-to-ipcc" target="_blank">Star, 11/1/2024</a><br /></p>
</div><h1 class="font-georgia text-4xl">EAIC to stop accepting complaints against police personnel starting July 1</h1><p class="font-georgia text-lg italic text-gray-500">The
Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission says this is in line with the
Independent Police Conduct Commission Act 2022 which comes into force
tomorrow.</p><div class="flex flex-col gap-1 md:flex-row md:gap-0 md:divide-x md:divide-gray-200"><span class="font-source-sans font-semibold text-gray-700 md:pr-3">Bernama</span><div class="divide-x divide-gray-200 md:pl-3"><span class="pr-3 font-source-sans text-gray-700"><time datetime="2023-06-30T13:17:00+08:00">June 30, 2023 12:17 PM</time></span><span class="pl-3 font-source-sans text-gray-700">1 minute read</span></div></div><div class="cursor-pointer rounded-md bg-[#29c5f6] p-3 transition duration-200 hover:bg-[#1e9bc3]"><svg class="text-white" fill="currentColor" height="1em" stroke-width="0" stroke="currentColor" viewbox="0 0 512 512" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg></div><div class="cursor-pointer rounded-md bg-[#7bbf6a] p-3 transition duration-200 hover:bg-[#6eab5f]"><svg class="text-white" fill="currentColor" height="1em" stroke-width="0" stroke="currentColor" viewbox="0 0 448 512" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg></div><div class="cursor-pointer rounded-md bg-[#179cde] p-3 transition duration-200 hover:bg-[#1384bd]"><svg class="text-white" fill="currentColor" height="1em" stroke-width="0" stroke="currentColor" viewbox="0 0 448 512" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg></div><div class="cursor-pointer rounded-md bg-[#0266a0] p-3 transition duration-200 hover:bg-[#014a74]"><svg class="text-white" fill="currentColor" height="1em" stroke-width="0" stroke="currentColor" viewbox="0 0 448 512" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg></div><div class="space-y-4"><div><figure><span style="background: none; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: initial; margin: 0px; opacity: 1; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: relative; width: initial;"><span style="background: none; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: initial; margin: 0px; opacity: 1; padding-top: 66.69921875%; padding: 0px; width: initial;"></span><img alt="The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission says it will not accept complaints against PDRM or its officers from July 1 onwards. Photo: Bernama" class="w-full cursor-pointer rounded-md bg-placeholder bg-cover bg-center bg-no-repeat" data-nimg="responsive" height="267" src="https://www.malaysianow.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.malaysianow.com%2Fuploads%2Fimages%2Fmedia%2F2023%2F06%2F30%2Fc8c839cc-ae9c-4ace-845f-bad897cbc243.jpg&w=3840&q=75" style="border: medium; bottom: 0; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 0px; inset: 0px; left: 0; margin: auto; max-height: 100%; max-width: 100%; min-height: 100%; min-width: 100%; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; width: 0px;" width="400" /></span><figcaption class="pt-3 font-georgia italic text-gray-500">The
Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission says it will not accept
complaints against PDRM or its officers from July 1 onwards. Photo:
Bernama</figcaption></figure></div></div><div class="hidden space-y-8 lg:sticky lg:top-40 lg:block lg:h-full lg:w-[300px]"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="prose max-w-full font-georgia text-lg text-black prose-a:text-brand-blue-900 prose-a:transition prose-a:duration-200 hover:prose-a:text-brand-red-900 prose-figure:my-5 prose-figcaption:-mt-3 prose-figcaption:italic prose-img:my-6 prose-img:cursor-pointer prose-img:rounded-md prose-hr:my-8" id="content-wrap"><p>Starting
tomorrow, the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) will no
longer accept any complaints against the police or its officers.</p>
<p>This is because the police are no longer listed under the schedule of
the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009 (Act 700) as one
of the enforcement agencies under the EAIC's purview, it said in a
statement today.</p>
<p><b style="color: red;">The EAIC said this was in line with the Independent Police Conduct
Commission Act 2022 [Act 839] (IPCC) which will also come into force
from July 1.</b></p><div><div class="mx-auto flex-grow" id="content-inline-ad-1"><div class="flex min-w-0 justify-center">
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<p>"The EAIC, however, will resolve all complaints and investigations
received before July 1, 2023, within a period of one year until July 1,
2024, in accordance with Section 47 of Act 839.</p>
<p>Any enquiries or complaints by the public against the police from
July 1, 2023, can be channelled through the security division of the
home affairs ministry at 03-8886 8526 or 03-8886 8529," the statement
read.</p>
<p>It also said that the EAIC remains committed to its vision as a
leader in the enforcement, transformation and culture of integrity based
on professionalism and best practices.</p>
<p>The public can visit www.eaic.gov.my for more information related to the EAIC. - <a href="https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2023/06/30/eaic-wont-accept-complaints-against-police-personnel-starting-july-1" target="_blank">Malaysia Now, 30/6/2023</a><br /></p></div></div><div class="headline story-pg">
<h1>
Independent Police Conduct Commission needs more transparency, says civil society
</h1>
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By Benjamin Lee
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<ul class="col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-3 side-note" id="sideNote" style="bottom: 20px; top: 0px;"><li>
Nation
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<p class="date">
Monday, 22 Jan 2024
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<time class="timestamp">3:23 PM MYT
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<p>PETALING JAYA: Civil society organisations (CSO) are
calling for increased transparency and accountability to be implemented
in the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) to prevent further
depletion of public trust in police forces.</p> <p>In a joint press
conference organized bySuara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) today, 57 CSOs
aired their concerns over the sudden announced setup of the proposed
seven-member IPCC on Jan 10.</p> <p>Suaram coordinator Wong Yan Ke said
the inherent structural deficiencies within the IPCC could render the
oversight mechanism to be a "toothless tiger" regardless of the
competence of its members.</p> <p>This included the IPCC’s inability to
conduct searches and seizures or make unannounced visits to police
lock-ups or take direct disciplinary action themselves against offending
police officers.</p> <p>"The Commission’s jurisdiction being purely
limited to providing recommendations to the Police Force Commission for
subsequent action is a severe limitation seeing as they could be
ignored.</p> <p>"This may worsen the already rising trust deficit
between the public and law enforcement due to the recent spike in severe
cases of police misconduct.</p> <p>"This could cause people to be less
willing to cooperate with officers in the future, which will in turn
make it significantly harder for the police to do their duties," he
said.</p><p>Previously on Jan 16, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan
Sri Razarudin Husain said that 2% of the police force had been found to
have committed wrongdoings in 2023 which amounts to over 2,740 cases of
rogue police officers out of an overall 137,000-strong police force.</p> <p>He
added the IPCC must address the lack of up-to-date data transparency on
cases of police misconduct through releasing frequent updates on the
police misconduct cases and statistics.</p> <p>"The IPCC must be made
to publicly release misconduct data on a frequent basis instead of
needing CSOs like us to pressure them to disclose data through other
channels like asked questions in Parliament.</p> <p>"This will help to
instil public confidence back in the law enforcement knowing that their
complaints and concerns are being heard," he said.</p> <p>He also
called on the government to set up additional IPCC offices in other
states to ensure that all communities, especially the marginalised rural
communities like those Sabah and Sarawak, were served equally.</p> <p>Centre
for Independent Journalism (CIJ) media monitoring and action program
officer Dineshwara Naidu also lamented the lack of transparency so far
over the selection process for the current five IPCC members.</p> <p>"The
government must make it clear on how potential IPCC members are or have
been chosen and what criteria they must meet as well as who or which
department is in charge of this vital process.</p> <p>"They must also be clear on who will be held accountable should any issues arise from the members," he said.</p> <p>Other
notable CSOs who voiced similar concerns during the press conference
included representatives from Coalition for Clean & Fair Election
(Bersih), Amnesty International Malaysia and many others. - <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/01/22/independent-police-conduct-commission-needs-more-transparency-says-civil-society" target="_blank">Star, 22/1/2024</a><br /></p><h1 class="h1 h1--page-title">
A slew of high-profile accusations puts Malaysia’s new Independent Police Conduct Commission under scrutiny
</h1>
<div class="content-detail__description">
<p>With the five new members, the watchdog can immediately start
to address complaints against officers. But ultimate power over
disciplinary action remains with the police.</p>
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<img alt="A slew of high-profile accusations puts Malaysia’s new Independent Police Conduct Commission under scrutiny" class="image" height="226" src="https://onecms-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/s--xCED6MNv--/c_fill,g_auto,h_468,w_830/fl_relative,g_south_east,l_one-cms:core:watermark:ap_data-1,w_0.1/f_auto,q_auto/v1/one-cms/core/malaysia_national_day_04123.jpg?itok=6QFy2fAd" title="A slew of high-profile accusations puts Malaysia’s new Independent Police Conduct Commission under scrutiny" width="400" />
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Police officers in riot gear march during the National Day parade
in Putrajaya, Malaysia on Aug 31, 2023. (Photo: AP/Vincent Thian)
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</section><div class="author-card__content">
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<h6 class="h6 h6--author-name">
Rhea Yasmine Alis Haizan
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17 Jan 2024 03:58PM
<span>(Updated: 17 Jan 2024 05:38PM)</span></div><div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-469ed35763d116c4acc54669fcd91689a6616db13bd7dd74b4b85dea10d410d3">
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<div class="text-long" style="text-align: justify;"><p>SINGAPORE: A latest slew of
scandals involving the Malaysian police, including allegations against
one for raping a foreign student, has cast the spotlight on the
membership of an independent body tasked to probe complaints against the
men in blue, but even that has come under fire.</p>
<p>On Jan 10, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail revealed the names
of five members appointed to the Independent Police Conduct Commission
(IPCC), with two spots yet to be filled.</p><div class="programtic-ads outstream_article"><h2 class="block-title"></h2>
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<p><span>According to Free Malaysia Today (FMT), Mr Saifuddin said that
the IPCC has the prerogative to kickstart an investigation in the public
interest without referring to any party or report.</span></p>
<p><span>But analysts and activists are already describing the body as “toothless”, given its limited powers.</span></p>
<p>“The IPCC has no disciplinary power over police officers who … are
found to have committed (an act of) misconduct,” International Islamic
University Malaysia (IIUM) law expert Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmood
told CNA.</p></div>
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<div class="text-long"><p>Dr Nik Ahmad explained that the
IPCC can only provide punishment recommendations to the police force
commission, adding that it is ultimately up to the police disciplinary
committee to determine and undertake action.</p>
<p>Malaysian lawyer Edmund Bon agreed that the IPCC wields very limited power.</p><div class="programtic-ads sub_article"><h2 class="block-title"></h2>
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<p>“It is in essence more of a referral commission,” said Mr Bon, noting
that the previously proposed Independent Police Complaints and
Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) had more powers and a direct enforcement
mandate. </p>
<p>“The IPCMC came about after many years of consultation and problems
that we see with the police force. But the police force objected to it
(because they didn't want to be policed) and therefore you have a
watered-down version of it (through the IPCC).</p>
<p>“So police accountability will still be quite low because you don't
have a strong police commission or force, something like Hong Kong or
other countries,” he told CNA. -<a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-police-commission-ipcc-misconduct-4050961" target="_blank"> CNA, 17/1/2024</a><br /></p></div>
</div>
</div><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h1 class="article-title">Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) Act 2020 should be amended to bring about police accountability ― Hakam</h1><div class="article-info"> <div class="article-date">Saturday, 01 Jul 2023 1:35 PM MYT</div> </div> <div class="main-container-article-body" style="height: auto;"> <div class="article-body" style="height: auto;"> <p> </p><p>JULY
1 ― The Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) comes into force
on July 1, 2023. There are serious flaws in the IPCC that needs to be
addressed to bring about Police Accountability in Malaysia.</p></div></div><p>Several
key provisions as stated in the Independent Police Complaints and
Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) Bill 2005 drafted by the Royal Commission
to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysian Police
(Royal Commission) and the IPCMC Bill 2019 have been omitted from the
IPCC Act 2020.</p><p>The
recommendations by the Parliament Select Committee on matters
pertaining to the IPCMC Bill 2019 have also not been fully incorporated
into the IPCC Act 2020.</p><div data-google-query-id="CJTik92n0oQDFbDTPAIdIRYJPw" id="mm-teads"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p></p><div class="image_body"> <div style="max-width: 100%; padding: 0px;"> <img alt="The Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) comes into force on July 1, 2023. ― Picture by Mukhriz Hazim" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" height="266" src="https://www.malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/07/01/126080.JPG" style="width: 100%;" width="400" /> <div class="image-caption">The Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) comes into force on July 1, 2023. ― Picture by Mukhriz Hazim</div> </div> </div><p></p><p>The key areas that need to be incorporated into the IPCC Act 2020 include inter-alia the following:</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>1. Reinstatement of Disciplinary Authority to IPCC</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The IPCMC Bill 2005 and the IPCMC Bill 2019 vested Disciplinary Authority with the Commission.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The
IPCC Act 2020 does not have disciplinary authority and any findings of
misconduct with the relevant recommendations has to be referred to the
Police Force Commission.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It is imperative for the IPCC to be vested with disciplinary authority to ensure Police Accountability.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>2. Scope of Misconduct has been restricted</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The
IPCC Act 2020 states that any misconduct regulated under Section 96 and
Section 97 of the Police Act 1967 falls outside the purview of the
IPCC.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Inspector General’s Standing Orders (IGSO’s) made
pursuant to Section 97 of the Police Act 1967 prescribes more than 100
minor and major misconducts.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">There would be very little for the IPCC to investigate; as most of the misconducts would be within the purview of the IGSO’s.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Therefore,
the prohibition against investigating misconducts regulated under
Sections 96 and 97 of the Police Act should be removed for the IPCC to
ensure Police Accountability.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>3. Powers of the IPCC</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The IPCC Act 2020 does not incorporate search and investigation powers as provided in the IPCMC 2005 Bill.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The
search and investigation powers provided to the Enforcement Agencies
Integrity Commission (EAIC) are also not given to the IPCC under the
IPCC Act 2020.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The IPCC should be vested with the requisite search and investigation powers to function effectively.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>4. Independence and supervision of IPCC</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The
appointment and removal of the Commissioners should be vested in the
relevant Parliamentary Select Committee, instead of the prime minister.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The IPCC should not be under the Ministry of the Home Affairs.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>5.
Issues pertaining to sensitive information and documents classified as
official secrets documents prejudicial to national security or national
interest</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The classification of sensitive information
should not be in the hands of heads of department; but should be placed
in the hands of IGP or Deputy IGP.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Matters pertaining to official
secrets or prejudicial to national security should be held in-camera to
maintain confidentiality and secrecy.</p>Therefore, Hakam calls upon
the government to immediately amend the Independent Police Conduct
Commission Act 2020 to incorporate the aforesaid Recommendations on an
urgent and immediate basis to ensure Police Accountability in Malaysia. - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/what-you-think/2023/07/01/independent-police-conduct-commission-ipcc-act-2020-should-be-amended-to-bring-about-police-accountability-hakam/77329" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 1/7/2023</a>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-60718379484436227672024-02-27T19:24:00.004+08:002024-02-28T22:09:40.288+08:00Anwar can get 10% discount when buying his 4th house, but the poor Malaysians get no discount simply because he/she is not Bumiputra? JUST? REFORMASI? <p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: red;">How long will Anwar Ibrahim, by virtue of him being Malay or Bumiputra, be allowed to buy houses at a price 7-10% lower than the price that other 'non-Bumiputra' Malaysians have to pay for the same house?</span></b> For a RM1 million house, he pays on RM900-00... Well, the Developer is not going to let his/her profits suffer, thus money lost for this discount will end up being paid by other house buyers...<br /><br /><b><span style="color: red;">It may be reasonable for such 7-10% discount in house price being enjoyed by the poor, when they buy their first house </span></b>> but if is irrational and unjust if it applies to the purchase of 2nd, 3rd, 4th, house, an entitlement that is enjoyed even by the rich and the super-rich Bumiputra buyer..</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Where is this bumi discount for houses coming from</span></b> - this allocation of certain number of units coming from? </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Well, looking at Art.153 of Federal Constitution, it talks only about '...<span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"> positions in
the public service (other than the public service of a State) and of
scholarships, exhibitions and other similar educational or training
privileges or special facilities given or accorded by the Federal
Government and, when any permit or licence for the operation of any
trade or business is required by federal law, then, subject to the
provisions of that law and this Article, of such permits and licences...' . There is no mention of DISCOUNTS when you purchase houses, or shops, is there?<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">Art 153 also does not talk about Bumiputra - it only talks about </span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">the '...special position of the Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak...'. At present, there is no legal definition of who is considered a 'Bumiputra' - does it include other than '</span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak.' Hence, if we are talking about discounts, by virtue of Art. 153, then it must limited to ONLY the qualified Malay and natives of Sabah/Sarawak - Not to the NEW Malays, as later arrivals from Indonesia may even now be taken to be Malays {Reasonably, the other biggest group other than Malays, given the fact that we share a significant border with Indonesia - but then national statistics do not disclose the number of Indonesian Malaysians, does it now.???)<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">I heard that this is <b><span style="color: red;">NOT A CONDITION IMPOSED by the Federal Government</span></b>, <b>but rather the Local Government(Council)</b> who has the full authority in approving development projects - housing estates, commercial properties, etc > and apparently, the condition is imposed when the granting of license to build to developers. Other conditions may include a playground/field for residents, an office space for management committees, meeting room for community meetings, surau or prayer rooms, spaces. Of course, at the end of the day, it the purchasers of the houses that end up paying for everything.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">Now, one of this conditions for a DEVELOPER to get his development permit allegedly is a QUOTA reserved for ONLY Bumiputra/Malay buyers, whereby the units therein must be sold at 7-15% discount. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">Unlike land, that is clearly marked Malay(or maybe now Bumiputra) reserved land - no non-Bumiputra can buy it > when the sale is to be registered in the Land Office, it will be denied. Houses and commercial property, which come under the local government(council) are not so clearly defined. You see for land for sale clearly that it is a Malay/Bumiputra reserved Lot - not the same for Houses > and this can lead to an innocent buyer purchasing a 'Malay reserved house' thinking it is just a normal house...<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: times;"><i>MORE than a decade after purchasing their dream
homes, hundreds of homeowners in Selangor find themselves trapped in a
nightmarish situation.They had <b><span style="color: red;">unknowingly bought bumiputra units</span></b> and are now <b><span style="color: red;">saddled with penalty fees amounting to millions</span></b> as the developers have gone into liquidation.</i></span></blockquote><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">Unity - how does a person feel when he/she has to pay 400k for a house, but a fellow Malaysian of a particular ethnicity have to pay only RM360k even though the later is richer person under the T20 category ... or even having same income. The one paying more also believes developers seldom lose out on profits, which means he/she is ultimately paying more just to 'subsidize' the later(Malay/Bumiputra) buyer?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">If the government is providing SUBSIDY, that means whenever a Malay/Bumiputra buys a house, the puchaser pays 90% of the unit price, and the government pays the rest. I do not think this happens, which means that the other house buyers end up indirectly footing the 'discount' granted to the Bumiputra/Malay house buyer - this is just not right or JUST.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><b><span style="color: red;">Further, the Malay/Bumiputra is not just entitled to the discount when he/she buys his first house/shop - but even when he/she buys his/her 10th unit... something the government must consider and revise.</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">Should 'discounts' be available for shops/houses irrespective of the sale price - or should it be limited to only certain category like low-cost units?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"> <br /></span></b></span></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">HBA: Limit bumi discount to first two houses</span></span></b><br /></p><p> <br />By <a href="https://theedgemalaysia.com/author/The%20Editor?page=1">The Editor</a> / <a href="https://theedgemalaysia.com/source/TheEdge?page=1">TheEdge</a><br />07 Aug 2013, 05:36 am Updated - 21 Aug 2014 </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">KUALA LUMPUR: A cap on the 7% to 10% discount for bumiputera house buyers is a controversial but much-needed initiative to address spiralling house prices. <br /><br />The National House Buyers Association (HBA) said the powers-that-be would have to just bite the bullet and explore such reforms if it were sincere in providing affordable housing to all. <br /><br />In its presentation on July 17 at a discussion on housing issues, the HBA proposed that bumiputera discounts be limited to the first two properties.<br /></span> </p><div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">HBA
honorary secretary-general Chang Kim Loong said one must look at the
spirit of the bumiputera discount, which was to allow not so well-off
bumiputeras to own homes and avoid polarisation of neighbourhoods.</span></p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">“It gives
food for thought as to why the well-off should also enjoy this
privilege,” he said, revealing that the HBA had proposed that high-end
properties such as penthouses, semi-detached houses and bungalows be
exempted from the bumiputera discount privilege.</span></p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">It also proposed a price cap of RM1 million to enjoy the discount.</span></p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Other than that, a growing number of unsold bumiputera lots is also contributing to the glut.</span></p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">“Instead of looking for more development sites, these unsold units should be opened up faster,” Chang said.</span></p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">This is one area where the HBA and the Real Estate and Housing Developers Association (Rehda) are on the same page.</span></p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Rehda
president Datuk Seri Michael Yam had last year proposed that unsold
bumiputera lots be sold to non-bumiputeras six months after the property
receives its certificate of fitness (CF).</span></p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">There are
about RM4 billion worth of unsold bumiputera property and Rehda has
also been championing for a review of the 30% bumiputera quota imposed
on developers.</span></p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">However, Chang cautioned that this proposal must be dealt with delicately to avoid misunderstanding.</span></p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">“We must
explain this carefully and underline that reviewing this policy is
merely a practical measure to resolve a bigger problem. It will benefit
all Malaysians in the long run as there will be more supply,” he said.</span></p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The HBA
also opined that the steep rise in property prices was attributed to the
lack of land, hence opening up government landbanks would be one
initiative that the authorities should consider.</span></p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Other
measures to control the cost of constructing houses touch on specific
government policies such as allowing direct recruitment of foreign
workers instead of the current practice of hiring via agents; reducing
the levy on foreign workers; and transferring the burden of providing
utilities in new developments from the developer to utility companies.</span></p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Another proposal which the government is already looking into is to reduce the approval time frame for construction permits.</span></p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Currently, it takes up to 392 days for an approval, although this can be brought down to 67 days via a one-stop centre.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The target is to further reduce this time frame to 47 days by next year.</span></p><div class="headline story-pg">
<h1>
Firms breach bumi-housing quota, buyers penalised
</h1>
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By <a data-content-id="https://www.thestar.com.my/authors?q=BAVANI+M" data-content-title="BAVANI M" data-content-type="Navigation" data-list-type="Article" href="https://www.thestar.com.my/authors?q=BAVANI+M">BAVANI M</a><span class="txt-byline"> and </span><a data-content-id="https://www.thestar.com.my/authors?q=SHALINI+RAVINDRAN" data-content-title="SHALINI RAVINDRAN" data-content-type="Navigation" data-list-type="Article" href="https://www.thestar.com.my/authors?q=SHALINI+RAVINDRAN">SHALINI RAVINDRAN</a>
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<ul class="col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-3 side-note" id="sideNote" style="bottom: 20px; top: 0px;"><li>
<a class="kicker" data-content-id="https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/" data-content-title="Metro News" data-content-type="Navigation" data-list-type="Article" href="https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/">Metro News
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<p class="date">
Monday, 06 Nov 2023
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<img alt="" data-source="uploads/images/2023/11/06/2373492.jpg" height="261" src="https://apicms.thestar.com.my/uploads/images/2023/11/06/2373492.jpg" width="400" />
<p class="caption">More than 500 unit owners of a housing
project in Rawang were sold bumiputra lots without their knowledge. —
Photos: AZLINA ABDULLAH and LOW LAY PHON/The Star</p>
</div>
</div>
<p>MORE than a decade after purchasing their dream
homes, hundreds of homeowners in Selangor find themselves trapped in a
nightmarish situation.</p> <p>They had unknowingly bought <i>bumiputra</i> units and are now saddled with penalty fees amounting to millions as the developers have gone into liquidation.</p> <p><span class="embeded-image inline-image-left"></span></p> <p>Shawn Nair and his wife Vicky Fang bought their unit in 2006 and moved in after it was completed in 2008.</p> <p>Their new home was marketed as a well-planned township surrounded by greenery in Rawang, Selangor.</p> <p>“It was a townhouse and was built on elevated ground, surrounded by foliage-covered hills,” said Shawn.</p> <p>However, early this year, the couple received a notice from liquidators appointed for the developer who had built their home.</p> <p>It said the developer had gone bankrupt and had sold them a <i>bumiputra</i> unit.</p><p><span class="embeded-image inline-image-center"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://apicms.thestar.com.my/uploads/images/2023/11/06/2373910.jpg" style="height: 838px; width: 620px;" width="296" /></span></p> <p>The couple discovered that they were not the only ones.</p> <p><b></b></p> <p>A
total of 574 homeowners are now being asked to pay millions of ringgit
in penalty fees to the Selangor government for purchasing<i> bumiputra</i> lots in the project which had a total of 1,716 units.</p> <p>The <i>bumiputra</i> housing quota policy has been in force since the 1980s.</p> <p>Developers are required to set aside a percentage of available units in a scheme for purchase by <i>bumiputra</i> buyers.</p> <p><i>Bumiputra</i> land or property can only be purchased and owned by <i>bumiputra</i>.</p> <p>A <i>bumiputra</i> unit is usually 7% to 15% cheaper than a regular one, depending on the state.</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Innocent buyers penalised</b></p> <p>In
the case of Shawn and his neighbours, the Selangor Housing and Property
Board (LPHS) issued a notice to the liquidator on Jan 16 this year.</p> <p>The notice stated that in order for LPHS to release the <i>bumiputra</i> lots to non-<i>bumi</i> owners, the buyers have to pay RM13mil in total.</p> <p>Otherwise, the blanket consent for transfer will not be released.</p> <p>For Shawn and Fang to receive their strata title, they have to pay a penalty of over RM20,000.</p> <p>“We are still in shock as we paid full price (for the property),” said Shawn.</p> <p>“There was no discount, nor was there any indication in the sales and purchase agreement that this was a <i>bumiputra</i> unit.”</p> <p>Another unit owner, Susan Lawrence, 43, was equally dismayed.</p> <p>“The developer had breached the approved <i>bumiputra</i> quota allocation, meaning he had sold to non-<i>bumiputra</i> buyers.</p> <p>“If we don’t pay, we won’t be able to get our strata titles.</p> <p>“The
Selangor Land and Mines Office (PTGS) is refusing to release the titles
unless we pay a 12% penalty,” she said, stressing that she had also
paid full price for her unit.</p> <p>“It feels like we are being punished even though we are innocent, and that is unacceptable,” she added.</p> <p>Shawn felt that the discrepancy should have been detected at the start.</p> <p>“When you look at a<i> bumiputra</i> lot and see an Indian name attached to the title, wouldn’t this trigger alarm bells?</p> <p>“Without
a strata title, we cannot sell or refinance our property unless we pay
the penalty to enable the memorandum of transfer,” he said.</p><p><img height="232" src="https://apicms.thestar.com.my/uploads/images/2023/11/06/2373493.jpg" width="400" /><span class="embeded-image inline-image-center"><span class="inline-caption"><i>Shawn (left), Susan (second from right) and other housebuyers of the Rawang development are in a bind.</i></span></span></p> <p>The
liquidator discovered that the developer had failed to apply for
blanket consent and breached the allocation quota in the sale of <i>bumiputra</i> units.</p> <p>In documents sighted by<i> StarMetro</i>, Selangor State Executive Council (MMKN) had on July 9, 2001, approved a minimum 40% <i>bumiputra</i> quota with a discount of 10% to <i>bumiputra</i> buyers for the project in Rawang.</p> <p>The developer had breached the quota requirement and had sold about 90% of units to non-<i>bumiputra</i> buyers.</p> <p>The
liquidator’s letter to buyers stated that after contacting LPHS, the
state housing board still wanted homeowners to pay a penalty for
breaching the <i>bumiputra</i> quota, but was willing to give a discount.</p> <p>But buyers like Lawrence and Shawn are adamant that they should not be penalised, and are refusing to pay.</p> <p>Most are middle-income earners who are already struggling with the high cost of living.</p> <p>The fee that is being imposed comprises the <i>bumiputra</i> discount of 7% and an additional 5% penalty, or 12% of the purchase price (<b>see chart</b>).</p> <p><span class="embeded-image inline-image-center"><img alt="" src="https://apicms.thestar.com.my/uploads/images/2023/11/06/2373911.jpg" style="height: 448px; width: 620px;" /></span></p> <p><b>Same issue elsewhere</b></p> <p>Homeowners in a project in Subang Jaya are facing a similar predicament.</p> <p>Several were told to pay the penalty for their <i>bumiputra</i> units, which were built by a different developer.</p> <p>A unit owner, who wanted to be identified only as Gwee, received vacant possession of his house in 2013.</p> <p>The project is a mixed development comprising landed property and a condominium.</p> <p>Gwee was contacted by the liquidator for the developer about three years ago to start the strata title process.</p> <p><img height="300" src="https://apicms.thestar.com.my/uploads/images/2023/11/06/2373494.jpg" width="400" /><span class="embeded-image inline-image-center"><span class="inline-caption">Several homeowners in a Subang Jaya mixed development have also been asked to pay a 12% penalty.</span></span></p> <p>During the application, he was asked to pay a penalty as he had purchased a <i>bumiputra</i> lot.</p> <p>“This came as a shock as nowhere in my sales and purchase agreement did it state that I was buying a <i>bumiputra</i> lot.</p> <p>“It wasn’t only me; about 200 of the owners of the strata property are also affected by this (overselling of <i>bumiputra</i> lots),” he said.</p> <p>Gwee said owners were being forced to pay an additional 12% of the purchase price.</p> <p>“So
if a unit was purchased for RM500,000, the owners now have to pay an
extra RM60,000. This is an exorbitant amount,” he said.He added that as
the developer was currently under liquidation, it further complicated
the issue.</p> <p>Gwee said there had been little progress in resolving the matter.</p> <p>He said most of the owners felt that they should not be held liable for something that was not their fault.</p> <p>When
asked to comment on the matter, Selangor housing and culture committee
chairman Borhan Aman Shah said there was a need to ensure that companies
could not take advantage of the situation to make a profit.</p> <p>He emphasised the importance of identifying the developers involved, adding that non-compliance (with the <i>bumiputra</i> quota policy) could affect these companies’ future projects in Selangor.</p> <p>“As administrators, we have rules that can affect their development plans if they do not follow government policies,” he said.</p><h1 class="sc-fPXMVe iWDaXK pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">Review Article 153, revamp affirmative action to needs-based, govt told</h1><div class="sc-aXZVg jiTbBU"><p>Pakatan Harapan MP Hassan Karim says there is no point in helping wealthy people when others are struggling.</p>
</div><div class="sc-jEACwC diNLrn d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="sc-dcJsrY jSPIFe" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/fmtreporters/">FMT Reporters</a> -</span><p>KUALA LUMPUR: An opposition MP has called for a review of Article 153
of the Federal Constitution so that affirmative action policies can be
revamped to be more needs-based.</p>
<p>Hassan Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) made this appeal to the government while debating the Supply Bill 2022 in the Dewan Rakyat today.</p>
<p>“What is the point of helping wealthy Malays who own stocks and are
able to stash money in offshore accounts when poor Chinese, Indians, and
indigenous people (Orang Asli) are struggling?” he asked.</p>
<p>Interjected by Che Abdullah Mat Nawi (PAS-Tumpat), who asked him to
clarify his suggestion on reviewing Article 153, which touches on the
special privileges of the Malays and Bumiputeras, and his idea of social
justice, Hassan replied that a review of Article 153 was necessary
because the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia, whom he called the
“actual Bumiputeras”, were not included.</p>
<p>He also criticised the disparity between the allocations for the
Malays/Bumiputeras and non-Malays in Budget 2022, with the former being
allocated RM11.4 billion compared to RM300 million for the others.</p>
<p>“I want Malay MPs to question this injustice. I have my non-Malay
constituents asking me whether they are second-class or third-class
citizens.</p>
<p>“They also ask why a country that fought the apartheid states of South Africa and Israel is discriminating against them.</p>
<p>“I hope that whichever government that is formed after GE15 will
rework this budget to get rid of these racial boxes,” the former Johor
PKR chief said.</p>
<p>Hassan also called for the government to amend the Supply Bill to
provide a bigger allocation for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission
(MACC) as the amount of RM303 million was “too small” for the agency.</p>
<p>He said that despite the criticisms against MACC, it must be credited
for retrieving more than RM14 billion misappropriated from 1MDB. - <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/11/10/review-article-153-revamp-affirmative-action-to-needs-based-govt-told/" target="_blank">FMT</a><br /></p>
</div></div></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></p></div><p style="text-align: justify;"></p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-80361234410881216682024-02-27T19:00:00.000+08:002024-02-27T19:00:13.089+08:00Daim Zainuddin's Charge - it should be used for Anwar, Cabinet Members,MPs.. About 14 months, and still Anwar's Cabinet, MPs yet to declare assets- WHY?<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tun Daim Zainuddin has been charged
with failing to declare his assets to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption
Commission (MACC) on Monday (Jan 29).The former finance
minister claimed trial at the Sessions Court here for the <b><span style="color: red;">charge framed
under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act pertaining to the disclosure of
assets.</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Well, an interesting power to catch the corrupt - including those who </b><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">owns, possesses,
controls or holds any interest in any property which is excessive,
having regard to his present and past emoluments and all other relevant
circumstances,...</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">In the case of Daim, it was not disclosing all the assets that you own - because it may be obtained by breaking the law..</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">Beware Mr Policeman who owns an expensive car, which he cannot afford based on what he actually earns... </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">Anwar Ibrahim just declared he has </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><blockquote><i><b>PKR president Anwar Ibrahim has declared assets worth roughly RM11.2 million as of today.The PH chairman declared a house and three plots of land worth RM10.35 million and around RM829,000 in cash and savings.</b></i></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: verdana;">Did he accumulate that much money/assets legally - or was the source of his moneys from illegal activities or crimes, including corruption? Did he declare all his assets/monies - or are there others elsewhere - in country and outside? Under other peoples' names? Can we compare with his previous asset declaration?</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: verdana;">He declared HIS - what about his spouse, children...assets. After all, it is possible that 'corrupt money' may be hidden in the accounts of family members or associates...<br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: verdana;">Should MACC also investigate Anwar, and send a similar notice to him as they did to Daim and his wife?</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Well, we have had MPs and Members of the Cabinet DECLARE their Assets and Income - Maybe the MACC should use this provision to determine that their declaration is HONEST.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The reason behind ASSET DECLARATION of MPs and Members of the Parliament is primarily for the people to be reassured that the monies earned during their term of office is CLEAN - and not by reason of abuse of powers, etc. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sadly, the ASSET DECLARATION in the past have not been accessible to the people at all times - IT MUST BE, and members of the public must be invited to information if the suspect/believe that the declaration is incomplete or false - maybe some accounts not disclosed, maybe some foreign bank accounts??, some land/property hidden under someone else's name, ..</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And ALL Asset declarations, everything from past to now must be always available online for public scrutiny - people need to compare with past asset declaration, and know about the increase/decrease in assets.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">HOW DID ANWAR COME TO OWN 11.2 MILLION >> where did that money come from? From some Saudi Prince as Najib once alleged? Salary, pension, some 'private donation'??? <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: verdana;"> <br /></i></p><p><i> <br /></i></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">What is Section 36(2) of the MACC Act? <i><br /></i></span></span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: times;"><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"></span></i></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: times;"><b><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles" style="color: #2b00fe;">36 Powers to obtain information [</span><span class="casetitle" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder2_lblActTitle" style="color: #2b00fe;">MALAYSIAN ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION ACT 2009]</span></b></i> </p><p><i><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"></span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(1)
Notwithstanding any written law or rule of law to the contrary, an
officer of the Commission of the rank of Commissioner and above, if he
has <b>reasonable ground to believe, based on the investigation carried out
by an officer of the Commission, that any property is held or acquired
by any person as a result of or in connection with an offence </b>under this
Act, may by written notice-</span></i></p><blockquote><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(a) require that person to furnish a statement in writing on oath or affirmation-</span></i></p><blockquote><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(i)
identifying every property, whether movable or immovable, whether
within or outside Malaysia, belonging to him or in his possession, or in
which he has any interest, whether legal or equitable, and specifying
the date on which each of the properties so identified was acquired and
the manner in which it was acquired, whether by way of any dealing,
bequest, devise, inheritance, or any other manner;</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(ii) identifying every property sent out of Malaysia by him during such period as may be specified in the notice;</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(iii)
setting out the estimated value and location of each of the properties
identified under subparagraphs (i) and (ii), and if any of such
properties cannot be located, the reason therefor;</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(iv) stating in
respect of each of the properties identified under subparagraphs (i)
and (ii) whether the property is held by him or by any other person on
his behalf, whether it has been transferred, sold to, or kept with any
person, whether it has been diminished in value since its acquisition by
him, and whether it has been commingled with other property which
cannot be separated or divided without difficulty;</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(v) setting out
all other information relating to his properties, business, travel, or
other activities as may be specified in the notice; and</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(vi) setting out all his sources of income, earnings or assets;</span></i></p></blockquote><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(b) require<b><span style="color: red;"> any relative or associate of the person</span></b> referred to in paragraph (1)(a),
or any other person whom the officer of the Commission of the rank of
Commissioner and above has reasonable grounds to believe is able to
assist in the investigation, to furnish a statement in writing on oath
or affirmation-</span></i></p><blockquote><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(i) identifying every property,
whether movable or immovable, whether within or outside Malaysia,
belonging to him or in his possession, or in which such person has any
interest, whether legal or equitable, and specifying the date on which
each of the properties identified was acquired, whether by way of any
dealing, bequest, devise, inheritance, or any other manner;</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(ii) identifying every property sent out of Malaysia by him during such period as may be specified in the notice;</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(iii)
setting out the estimated value and location of each of the properties
identified under subparagraphs (i) and (ii), and if any of such
properties cannot be located, the reason therefor;</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(iv) stating in
respect of each of the properties identified under subparagraphs (i)
and (ii) whether the property is held by him or by any other person on
his behalf, whether it has been transferred, sold to, or kept with any
person, whether it has been diminished in value since its acquisition by
him, and whether it has been commingled with other property which
cannot be separated or divided without difficulty;</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(v) setting out
all other information relating to each of the properties identified
under subparagraphs (i) and (ii), and the business, travel, or other
activities of such person; and</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(vi) setting out all the sources of income, earnings or assets of such person; and</span></i></p></blockquote><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(c)
require any<b><span style="color: red;"> officer of any financial institution</span></b>, or any person who is
in any manner or to any extent responsible for the management and
control of the affairs of any financial institution, to furnish copies
of any or all accounts, documents and records relating to any person to
whom a notice may be issued under paragraph (a) or (b).</span></i></p><p align="right"><i><span style="font-family: times;">[(c) Am. Act <a>A1567:s.8</a>]</span></i></p></blockquote><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(2)
Every person to whom a notice is sent by the officer of the Commission
of the rank of Commissioner and above under subsection (1) shall,
notwithstanding any written law or rule of law to the contrary, comply
with the terms of the notice within such time as may be specified
therein, and any person who wilfully neglects or fails to comply with
the terms of the notice commits an offence and shall on conviction <b><span style="color: red;">be
liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years and to a fine
not exceeding one hundred thousand ringgit.</span></b></span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"></span></i></p><p><i>(3) Where
the officer of the Commission of the rank of Commissioner and above has
reasonable grounds to believe that any person who has been served with
the written notice referred to in subsection (1) <b><span style="color: red;">owns, possesses,
controls or holds any interest in any property which is excessive,
having regard to his present and past emoluments and all other relevant
circumstances,</span></b> such officer of the Commission may by written direction
require him to furnish a statement on oath or affirmation explaining how
he was able to own, possess, control or hold such excess and if he
fails to explain satisfactorily such excess, he commits an offence and
shall on conviction be liable to-</i></p><p align="right"><i><i>[(3) Am. Act <a>A1567:s.8</a>]</i></i></p><blockquote><p><i><i>(a)</i> imprisonment for a term not exceeding twenty years; and</i></p><p><i><i>(b)</i>
a fine which is not less than five times the value of the excess, if
the excess is capable of being valued, or ten thousand ringgit,
whichever is the higher.</i></p></blockquote><p><i>(4) Every person to whom a
direction is sent by such officer of the Commission under subsection (3)
shall, notwithstanding any written law or rule of law to the contrary,
comply with the terms of the direction within such time as may be
specified in the direction, and if such person willfully neglects or
fails to comply with such direction, he commits an offence and shall on
conviction be liable to-</i></p><blockquote><p><i><i>(a)</i> imprisonment for a term not exceeding twenty years; and</i></p><p><i><i>(b)</i>
a fine which is not less than five times the value of the excess, if
the excess is capable of being valued, or ten thousand ringgit,
whichever is the higher.</i></p></blockquote><p><i>(5) Every person to whom a
notice or direction is sent by an officer of the Commission of the rank
of Commissioner and above under this section shall be legally bound to
state the truth and shall disclose all information which is within his
knowledge, or which is available to him, or which is capable of being
obtained by him.</i></p><p><i>(6) Where any person discloses an information or
produces any accounts, documents or records, in response to a notice
under subsection (1), such person, his agent or employee, or any other
person acting on his behalf or under his direction, shall not, by reason
only of such disclosure or production, be liable to prosecution for any
offence under or by virtue of any law, or to any proceeding or claim by
any person under or by virtue of any law or under or by virtue of any
contract, agreement or arrangement, or otherwise.</i></p><p><i>(7) Subsection (6) shall not bar, prevent or prohibit the institution of any prosecution for any offence-</i></p><blockquote><p><i><i>(a)</i> as provided by this section;</i></p><p><i><i>(b)</i>
of giving false evidence in relation to any statement on oath or
affirmation furnished to an officer of the commission of the rank of
commissioner and above pursuant to this section; or</i></p><p><i><i>(c)</i> provided for in section 27.</i></p></blockquote><p></p><p></p></blockquote><p><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"></span></p><p><b><span style="color: red;"></span></b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> Since Anwar Ibrahim became Prime Minister, has there been any ASSET DECLARATION by the MPs, Senators, Members of the Cabinet, .... In January, the Prime Minister's Office is talking about NEW format - but what is important is a COMPREHENSIVE asset declaration that is always open to the public. (Public should also be invited to HIGHLIGHT any lies, incomplete declarations, et - and provided with an email/contact where they can highlight any 'false' declarations or they should be asked to directly make a report to the police and/or MACC)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">SECOND, Asset Declaration must be always open and easily available ONLINE - the last time, it disappeared after a few months. AND all past asset declarations by the same person must also be available.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">THIRD< the purpose of ASSET DECLARATION is to show that a MP/Senator or Member of the Cabinet did not abuse his position to enrich himself or his family, and that is why ASSET Declaration must be submitted at the very least once a year. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Maybe, there must be a LAW about Asset Declarations - now there is none. If there is a law, then false declarations is a CRIME punishable by law,..</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">ASSET DECLARATION after Anwar became PM about 14 months ago - still none >> Accountability and Transparency?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />'Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman had recently questioned
why government ministers had yet to declare their assets despite being
in power for seven months now.' - this was raised in July 2023.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And in January 2024, 'The National Governance Cabinet Special Committee
(JKKTN) is planning a new format for Members of Parliament and other
government office holders to declare their assets, the Prime Minister’s
Office (PMO) said today.The PMO said that this was in line with the government’s aim to promote transparency.“JKKTN
has discussed the introduction of a new format for Members of
Parliament and members of the administration to declare their assets.“This new format will be tabled during a Cabinet meeting in the near future,”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">How long do you want to use 'developing new format' excuse to DELAY asset declaration? Is this not a sign of inefficiency - the new format will apply, and the asset declaration will only start after Cabinet approves... and there is still no date. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">This state of affairs under Anwar is WORSE - they should have used the old format first, and then use the NEW format when approved. Remember, for asset declaration as a means to check abuse of power or 'corruption', it must not be a ONE off declaration - but a mandatory asset declaration once every 6 months at least > we need to make sure there is no illegal enrichment possibly arising from corruption or abuses.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Or maybe, the MACC must now send the NOTICES under section <span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">Section 36 of the MACC Act </span></span></b><span><span style="font-size: small;">to all members of the Cabinet, MPs, Senators, and senior public officers...Do they </span></span></span><i><b><span style="color: red;">owns, possesses,
controls or holds any interest in any property which is excessive,
having regard to his present and past emoluments and all other relevant
circumstances,...</span></b></i> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Daim charged with failing to declare assets, claims trial
</span></b></div><div><div class="headline story-pg">
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By NURBAITI HAMDAN<span class="txt-byline"> and </span>TEH ATHIRA YUSOF
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<ul class="col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-3 side-note" id="sideNote" style="bottom: 20px; top: 0px;"><li>
Nation
</li><li>
<p class="date">
Monday, 29 Jan 2024
</p>
<time class="timestamp">10:22 AM MYT</time></li></ul><div class="story bot-15 relative" id="story-body">
<p>KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Daim Zainuddin has been charged
with failing to declare his assets to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption
Commission (MACC) on Monday (Jan 29).</p> <p>The former finance
minister claimed trial at the Sessions Court here for the <b><span style="color: red;">charge framed
under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act pertaining to the disclosure of
assets.</span></b></p> <p><b>ALSO READ:</b> <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/01/28/daim-bring-on-the-charges" target="_blank">Daim: Bring on the charges</a></p> <p>According
to the charge sheet, Daim had intentionally given a written statement
under oath that did not comply with the terms of notice under Section
36(1) (b) of the MACC Act 2009, whereby Daim did not declare assets as
stated in Appendix A.</p> <p>He allegedly committed the offence at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya on Dec 13, 2023.</p> <p>The
85-year-old was charged under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act 2009 and
faces imprisonment of up to five years and a fine not exceeding
RM100,000, if convicted.</p> <p>The court interpreter read a long list
of assets that were listed in Appendix A, as Daim sat on his wheelchair
outside of the accused dock.</p><p>The assets are one bank account, seven luxury cars, 38
companies and 25 lands and properties spread across Kuala Lumpur, Negri
Sembilan, Pahang and Perak.</p> <p>According to Bernama, the assets
comprise Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASB) and Amanah Saham Nasional
(ASN) bank accounts, seven luxury vehicles such as a Rolls Royce Royce 2
Axle Rigid Body, three Mercedes Benz, a Jaguar XJS HE, Austin Morris
Austin and Ford Prefect.</p> <p>The assets also involve 38 companies,
namely Ibu Kota Developments Sdn Bhd, Maya Seni Holdings Sdn Bhd, Menara
Ampang Sdn Bhd, Dream Cruiser Sdn Bhd, Landbelt Corporation Sdn Bhd,
Kenari Teliti Sdn Bhd, Fnq Advanced Materials Sdn Bhd, Kota Tandop
Development Sendirian Berhad, Alun-Alun Resort (M) Sdn Bhd, Dasar Seroja
Sdn Bhd, Gigantic Promotions Sdn Bhd, Jupiter Alliance Sdn Bhd, Inayat
Realty Sdn Bhd, Suasa Urus Sdn Bhd, Avillion Berhad, Meridian Haven Sdn
Bhd, Avillion Vista Hotel Sdn Bhd, Vast Access Sdn Bhd and Fortune
Valley Sdn Bhd.</p> <p>Also in the list are Reliance E-Com Sdn Bhd,
Admiral Marina Berhad, Golden Envoy (M) Sdn Bhd, Mela Lifestyle Sdn Bhd,
AVI SPA Sdn Bhd, Avillion Hotel Group Sdn Bhd, RPB Capital Holdings Sdn
Bhd, Genius Field Sdn Bhd, Festive Place Sdn Bhd, Avillion Suite Hotel
(PD) Sdn Bhd, Taman Unik Sdn Bhd, Admiral Cove Development Sdn Bhd,
Nesline Sdn Bhd, RPB Development Sdn Bhd, OS Resources Sdn Bhd, Avillion
Hotel (Kl) Sdn Bhd, Avillion Hotels International Sdn Bhd, Admiral Hill
Hotel Sdn Bhd and Reliance Shipping & Travel Agencies (Perak) Sdn
Bhd.</p> <p>When asked by the court interpreter whether he understood the charge, Daim replied: "Faham" (I understand).</p> <p>He pleaded not guilty and claimed trial.</p> <p></p> <p>Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin offered bail between RM250,000 and RM500,000 in one surety.</p> <p>He
asked for the court to impose additional conditions, for Daim to
surrender his passport and to report his attendance to the MACC office
monthly.</p> <p>DPP Wan Shaharuddin also asked for Daim not to issue any statements on the case until the disposal of the case.</p> <p>"We understand freedom of speech but there is a limit when a person is already charged in court," he said.</p> <p>Lawyer
M. Puravalen, who represented Daim, told the court that his client was a
kidney transplant patient and suffered from minor strokes.</p> <p>"He also has fungal infection in his eye which caused one eye to be removed," Puravalen said.</p> <p></p> <p>The
lawyer said wheelchair-bound Daim was not mobile and "was not going
anywhere", hence the two other bail conditions as well as the
prosecution's comments on issuing statements were unnecessary.</p> <p>Sessions
Court judge Azura Alwi fixed bail at RM280,000 in one surety and did
not impose any additional bail conditions after considering Daim's
condition.</p> <p>"On the issue of commenting on the case, I
understand. I think all parties are mature enough. The case is already
brought to court and I ask for both parties not to give comments (on the
case) to avoid sub judice," she said.</p> <p>The court also fixed
March 22 for mention in Daim's case, the same date for mention in his
wife, Toh Puan Na'imah Abdul Khalid's case. - <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/01/29/daim-charged-with-failing-to-declare-assets-claims-trial" target="_blank">Star, 29/1/2024</a></p><p> <br /></p><h1 class="sc-eldPxv dgOxeB pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">Anwar declares RM11.2mil in assets</h1><div class="sc-aXZVg jiTbBU"><p>The PKR president has declared a house and three plots of land worth RM10.35 million and around RM829,000 in cash and savings.</p>
</div><div class="sc-cwHptR llSLcQ d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="sc-dcJsrY jSPIFe" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/fmtreporters/">FMT Reporters</a> - </span><time class="sc-aXZVg eeJhAp fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1667985622000" style="min-height: 15px;">09 Nov 2022, 5:20pm</time></div></div></div><img alt="" class="wp-image-2184768 size-full" data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hqn0r3vc45gdkpabzzga2c4c" height="250" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Anwar-Ibrahim-Tawaran-PH-PRU15-4.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 0px;" width="400" />PKR president Anwar Ibrahim urged other party leaders to follow his lead and declare their assets as well.<div class="sc-cPiKLX hSRCTm pb-3" itemprop="articleBody">
<p>PETALING JAYA: PKR president Anwar Ibrahim has declared assets worth about RM11.2 million as of today.</p>
<p>Most of PKR’s 72 candidates for the general election (GE15)
have declared their assets as part of the party’s campaign against
corruption, with Anwar and his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail being the
notable exceptions prior to today’s declaration.</p></div><p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hqn0r3vcggmmmhp7cy0x7g4t">The
Pakatan Harapan chairman has declared a house and three plots of land
worth RM10.35 million and about RM829,000 in cash and savings.</p>
<p>Speaking at an event in Kuala Lumpur today, Anwar urged other party leaders to follow his lead and declare their assets as well.</p><div data-google-query-id="CNC8qfijy4QDFbuGZgIdpIYPoQ" id="div-gpt-ad-1661356464065-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/FMT_ROS_1x1_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
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<p>The asset declaration was posted on PKR’s website on a page which displays its GE15 candidates.</p>
<p>Anwar is standing in Tambun while Wan Azizah is a candidate in Bandar Tun Razak.</p>
<p>A check on PKR’s website found no information on Wan Azizah’s assets.
However, a note states that the information will be updated.</p>
<p><span style="color: black;"><strong>PH to drop Ramanan if involved in graft</strong></span></p>
<p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hqn0r3vcggmmmhp7cy0x7g4t">Separately,
Anwar said Pakatan Harapan (PH) was ready to drop R Ramanan as its
Sungai Buloh candidate if there was evidence that he was involved in
corruption.</p>
<p>However, Anwar said as of now, there was no proof that the PKR vice-information chief was involved in graft.</p>
<p>The PH chairman added that he had vetted each one of the
coalition’s candidates with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and
police. -<a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2022/11/09/anwar-declares-rm11-2mil-in-assets/" target="_blank"> FMT, 9/11/2022</a></p><p> <br /></p><h1 class="article-title">PMO: New format on asset declaration for MPs and other govt office holders in the works</h1><div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/01/08/177114.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/01/08/177114.jpg&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="PMO: New format on asset declaration for MPs and other govt office holders in the works" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-adbro-processed="true" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/01/08/177114.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="266" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/01/08/177114.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" title="PMO: New format on asset declaration for MPs and other govt office holders in the works" width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">A
new format for Members of Parliament and other government office
holders to declare their assets is being planned by the National
Governance Cabinet Special Committee, said the Prime Minister’s Office
(PMO) today. — Bernama pic </div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info "> <div class="article-byline">By John Bunyan</div> <div class="article-date">Monday, 08 Jan 2024 5:21 PM MYT</div> </div> <div class="main-container-article-body" style="height: auto !important;"> <div class="article-body" style="height: auto !important;"> <p>KUALA
LUMPUR, Jan 8 — The National Governance Cabinet Special Committee
(JKKTN) is planning a new format for Members of Parliament and other
government office holders to declare their assets, the Prime Minister’s
Office (PMO) said today.</p><p>The PMO said that this was in line with the government’s aim to promote transparency.</p><div data-google-query-id="CPHjxsaky4QDFVASgwMdz-MLEA" id="mm-story-outstream"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/MM-1x1-Outstream_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p>“JKKTN
has discussed the introduction of a new format for Members of
Parliament and members of the administration to declare their assets.</p><p>“This new format will be tabled during a Cabinet meeting in the near future,” the PMO said in a statement.</p><div data-google-query-id="CPLjxsaky4QDFVASgwMdz-MLEA" id="mm-story-mreg-2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 300px;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/mm-story-mreg-2_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div><div data-google-query-id="CJrBodKky4QDFUbKPAIdwGAAeg" id="abm3003"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/21751243814,32246135/230805-300-250-3_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div></div><p>The
PMO also said that JKKTN had discussed steps to strengthen the
governance of Federal Statutory Bodies (FSB) and agreed that the General
Circular Letter Number 3 of 1998 would be replaced by new guidelines
designed to strengthen all aspects of governance.</p><div data-google-query-id="CPPjxsaky4QDFVASgwMdz-MLEA" id="mm-teads"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p>The
PMO said the reforms would cover the appointment process involving FSB
chairmen and board members based on transparent criteria and also
mandate a thorough evaluation process in the form of an integrity review
by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), as well as an
insolvency and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) screening.</p><p>It said FSB board of directors’ capacity development programme would also be emphasised in the guidelines.</p><div class="sidebar-square-ad"><div data-google-query-id="CO_jxsaky4QDFVASgwMdz-MLEA" id="mm-story-mreg-4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 300px;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/mm-story-mreg-4_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"><div id="ATS_res_mid4"><div class="insert_ads insert_ads-23 rendered" id="ats-insert_ads-25-wrapper"><div><div class="ats-slot" data-google-query-id="CKmmo8eky4QDFcIYgwMduFEMJg" id="ats-insert_ads-25" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 300px;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/21622890900,32246135/MY_malaymail.com_res_article_mid4_300x250//336x280_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"><div id="malaymail.com_res_article_mid4_300x250" style="margin: 15px 0 15px 0; min-width: 300px; text-align: center;"><ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3345947707676079" data-ad-format="rectangle" data-ad-slot="7742573277" data-ad-status="unfilled" data-adsbygoogle-status="done" style="display: block; height: 0px;"><div aria-label="Advertisement" id="aswift_2_host" style="background-color: transparent; border: medium; display: inline-block; height: 0px; margin: 0px; opacity: 0; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 300px;" tabindex="0" title="Advertisement"></div></ins></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p>“The role of internal audits at every level of FSB, including its companies and corporations, will be strengthened.</p><p>“The
reforms will also include the strengthening of the structure and
composition of the membership of the board of directors by mandating the
involvement of the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime
Minister's Department (ICU JPM), especially for those FSB that receive
provisions under the Five-Year Malaysia Plan,” it said.</p><p>The PMO
also said the reforms will focus on strengthening the detection,
regulation and governance of FSB through a platform known as the
Statutory Body System (SBSys) for the purpose of periodic reporting to
the prime minister.</p><p>The PMO said that the statutory bodies need
governance as they support the implementation of strategies by central
agencies and other government departments as well as influence the
country’s economic growth.</p><p>“Through Pantau Madani, the monitoring
of FSB will be implemented more effectively via the empowerment of the
Implementation Coordination Unit of PMO, the Ministry of Finance, the
National Audit Department and the Performance Surge Coordination Unit of
PMO.</p><p>“The implementation of these guidelines is a priority to support the Madani agenda through the empowerment of FSB,” it said. - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/01/08/pmo-new-format-on-asset-declaration-for-mps-and-other-govt-office-holders-in-the-works/111270#google_vignette" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 8/1/2024</a></p><p> <br /></p><div class="sc-gEvEer kEkUTN py-2"></div><div class="sc-gEvEer iBuEiq flex-grow-1"><div class="sc-eqUAAy fgprtA container-xxl"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><section class="sc-gEvEer iBuEiq p-4"><h1 class="sc-fPXMVe iWDaXK pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">Ministers to declare assets when new format ready, says PMO</h1><div class="sc-aXZVg jiTbBU"><p>The Prime Minister’s Office says the new format for asset declarations would be more comprehensive.</p>
</div><div class="sc-cwHptR llSLcQ d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="sc-dcJsrY jSPIFe" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/fmtreporters/">FMT Reporters</a> - </span><time class="sc-aXZVg eeJhAp fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1688640899000" style="min-height: 15px;">06 Jul 2023, 6:54pm</time></div></div></div><div class="mb-3" style="height: 40px;"><div class=" st-left st-has-labels st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="sharethis-1709030672334"><br /></div></div><div class="sc-eDPEul cUQRsa pb-3" itemprop="articleBody"><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2285327" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_2285327" style="width: 800px;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-2285327" data-adbro-processed="true" height="250" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Datuk-Seri-Anwar-Ibrahim-Perdana-Menteri-Cabinet-Bernama.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-2285327">The PMO said members of the federal administration, including ministers in the Cabinet, will declare their assets. (Bernama pic)</figcaption></figure>
<p>PETALING JAYA: Members of the federal administration, including
ministers in the Cabinet, will declare their assets as soon as a new
format is ready, says the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).</p>
<p>The PMO said the new format for asset declarations would be more comprehensive and will improve on the existing mechanism.</p></div></section></div></div></div></div><p>It
said this was agreed upon by the special anti-corruption Cabinet
committee, chaired by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, when it met today.</p>
<p>Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman had recently questioned
why government ministers had yet to declare their assets despite being
in power for seven months now.</p><div data-google-query-id="CNau27Gry4QDFWKfZgIdmoYKiQ" id="div-gpt-ad-1661356464065-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/FMT_ROS_1x1_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
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<p>Meanwhile, the PMO also said Putrajaya would issue guidelines to
handle “support letters” by members of the administration for
“government matters”.</p>
<p>“The government takes the issue of support letters that involve
elements of corruption and abuse of power seriously as this has affected
the administration’s image.</p>
<p>“Guidelines will be issued to ensure that such support letters are not abused for personal interests.”</p>
<p>The PMO also said the Cabinet committee agreed for the
auditor-general’s report to be periodically tabled when the Cabinet
meets, starting with the 2022 report.</p>
<p>This is to ensure that follow-up measures, as recommended by
the auditor-general, are taken immediately and effectively, it added.</p>
<p>The PMO said the committee will also review the limit on the
number of directorships that civil servants are allowed to hold in a
GLC or statutory body. This is to ensure their effectiveness in these
roles.</p>
<p>It added that the special anti-corruption Cabinet committee
will now be known as the special Cabinet committee on national
governance.</p>
<p>It will have the authority to scrutinise governance weaknesses in GLCs and statutory bodies, including public universities.</p>
<p>“The government is committed to its agenda of strengthening
good governance to support the nation’s development and ensure that the
government is free from corruption, misappropriation and abuse of
power.” - <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/07/06/ministers-to-declare-assets-when-new-format-ready-says-pmo/" target="_blank">FMT, 6/7/2023</a><br /></p> </div> </div>
</div></div>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-91750910566230388942024-02-19T20:35:00.001+08:002024-02-23T18:30:48.296+08:00How long for AG/PP Terrirudin to investigate Zahid Hamidi's matters? Waiting for Judge Collin Sequerah to retire? Charge him using s.254A CPC, or keep us updated as to how long more we have to wait? <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is has been more than 4 Months since the Public Prosecutor/Attorney General discontinued the criminal case against Zahid Hamidi(current Deputy Prime Minister) that resulted in Zahid being DISCHARGED - meaning no more charges against him.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The reasons given was TIME to consider the matters raised in the many-paged Representations sent by Zahid Hamidi's lawyer and for additional investigations.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Does the prosecution need MORE TIME?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Does AG/PP Ahmad Terrirudin AGREE with AG Idrus Harun? <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In Zahid Hamidi's case, the Prosecution had SUCCESSFULLY proved all the elements of the crime to the satisfaction of the Court - and hence the court called on Zahid Hamidi to enter his DEFENCE - and Zahid himself took the stand as witness, and called more than 10 Defence Witnesses...before the Prosecution decided to discontinue criminal prosecution 'TEMPORARILY'. In another case, prosecution failed to prove Prima Facie case, and Zahid was acquitted without Defence being called. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: verdana;">NOW ZAHID HAMIDI HAD A FAIR TRIAL THUS FAR..</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">- He was <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">represented by lawyers, who had every opportunity to challenge all Prosecution Witnesses, and also all other evidence tendered in court.</span></b> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">- <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">During the DEFENCE stage, Zahid can call any witnesses to prove his innocence...He can also RE-CALL Prosecution witnesses if he wants to.</span></b><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">HENCE, there is really <b><span style="color: red;">no PREJUDICE or DISADVANTAGE as to the right of a FAIR TRIAL</span></b>. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In Malaysia, as is the case in most Commonwealth countries and other countries, the GUILT or 'not guilty" decision is left to the Court and Judges - and no one else. A not guilty verdict does not mean innocent - only that the Prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt<span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">, and it ensures that individuals are not convicted unless their guilt has been proven beyond any possible question.</span></span>, which is a <b>very HIGH STANDARD of Proof - maybe about 99% or more that he/she is guilty</b>, so even if the prosecution managed to prove 80% or 90%, it is may simply not be enough for the accused to be convicted. The high burden is to prevent miscarriage of justice - <span>It is <i>better</i> that ten <i>guilty</i> persons escape than that one innocent suffer. as expressed by the English jurist William Blackstone. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The <b>discontinuation of the criminal trial/proceedings was done by the PREVIOUS Attorney General/Public Prosecutor Idrus Harun before he ended his term<span style="color: red;">(But wasn't his term supposed to end in March 2023???)</span></b>. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now, Malaysia has a <b><span style="color: red;">NEW Attorney General/Public Prosecutor Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh</span></b> - does he agree with the decision of the previous AG/Public Prosecutor or not, and he really ought to tell us all in Malaysia and also whether the Prosecution needs more time or not. Or should he charge Zahid Hamidi again - so trial continues where it ended...using section 254A of the Criminal Procedure Code.</span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"><b></b></span></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"><b>254A Reinstatement of trial after discharge (Criminal Procedure Code) </b></span> <br /></i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"></span></p><p><i style="font-family: georgia;">(1) Subject
to subsection (2), where an accused has been given a discharge by the
Court and he is recharged for the same offence, his trial shall be
reinstated and be continued as if there had been no such order given.</i></p><p><i style="font-family: georgia;">(2)
Subsection (1) shall only apply where witnesses have been called to
give evidence at the trial before the order for a discharge has been
given by the Court.</i></p><p></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"></span></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Oddly, the then <b><span style="color: red;">LEAD PROSECUTOR of Zahid's case was removed(or left on her own) before the decision was made to DISCONTINUE criminal proceedings. </span></b>It is very very ODD as normally, being the most familiar with the case, he/she would have endured on until the very end - at least until the age of retirement. Even after retirement, she could still continue as the LEAD PROSECUTOR - so what happened? Did she leave in 'protest' because she could not agree with the then AG/PP's decision to suddenly halt and discontinue the criminal trial?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><blockquote><i>On Aug 8, the New Straits Times confirmed that Raja Rozela, 58, had been -year-old was dropped from the Yayasan Akalbudi trial.</i></blockquote> <p></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><a href="http://charleshector.blogspot.com/2023/08/if-dpp-raja-rozela-raja-toran-continues.html"><blockquote><span><a name='more'></a></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>If
DPP Raja Rozela Raja Toran continues to prosecute, Zahid Hamidi will
likely be convicted and sentenced? Come back and prosecute to the end..</i></span></blockquote></a></h3><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But alas, Raja Rozela may not be able to return and lead the prosecution as she was appointed a Judicial Commissioner on 8/12/2023. A contract 'judge' with no security of tenure, who may or may not be later elevated to Judge (something which the PM has a big say). I have been calling for the ABOLITION OF JUDICIAL COMMISSIONERS - they should immediately be appointed as JUDGES with all the safeguards including security of tenure to ensure Independence.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"></i></p><blockquote><i style="font-family: verdana;">The lead prosecutor who had been dropped from Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid
Hamidi's corruption trial was appointed as a judicial commissioner.</i></blockquote><p><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Was the appointment of Raja Rozela a 'calculated move' - the removal of the LEAD prosecutor who had handled the case from the very begining...? Now, she cannot even be brought back to lead the prosecution...</b></span></i></p><p><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span> <br /></i></p> <p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We recall that the past '...Attorney-General Apandi Ali had cleared Prime Minister Najib Razak of
any offences pertaining to the RM2.6 billion “donation” and the RM42
million from SRC International Sdn Bhd...'. However, the subsequent Attorney General Tommy Thomas disagreed with his predecessor, and Najib was charged - and now is in prison after losing all appeals(and other applications). </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hence, AG Appandi Ali WAS WRONG, and AG Tommy Thomas was right... </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;">So, should NEW AG/PP review what his predecessor did with Zahid Hamidi's case? Does he agree with the decision of his predecessor or not? </span><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another earlier AG/PP that was affected by the 1MDB case was Abdul Gani Patail who was handed his
termination letter in the wake of the 1Malaysia Dvelopment Bhd (1MDB)
scandal in 2015. Allegedly, he was then taking steps to charge people in court with regard the 1MDB case. Najib was still Prime Minister then.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><blockquote><b><span style="color: red;">Datuk Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh has been appointed to be Malaysia's next attorney general from September 6</span></b>...Terrirudin will replace Tan Sri Idrus Harun whose contract ends on September 5.</blockquote><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Note that on 4th September, <span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc"><span><span>The prosecution on Monday decided to withdraw all 47 charges of criminal breach of trust, graft, and money laundering faced by <span role="tooltip" tabindex="0"><span class="c5aZPb" data-enable-toggle-animation="true" data-extra-container-classes="ZLo7Eb" data-hover-hide-delay="1000" data-hover-open-delay="500" data-send-open-event="true" data-theme="0" data-ved="2ahUKEwjblcmtxLaEAxWnSGwGHZ5nCyMQmpgGegQIERAD" data-width="250" role="button" tabindex="0"><span class="JPfdse" data-bubble-link="" data-segment-text="Deputy Prime Minister">Deputy Prime Minister</span></span></span> Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, after applying to discharge all the charges.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="hgKElc"><span><span></span></span></span></span></i></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="hgKElc"><span><span>'</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">At the
start of the trial on Monday, deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Datuk Mohd
Dusuki Mokhtar told the judge that he had instructions from Attorney
General Tan Sri Idrus Harun to discontinue the charges against Zahid.</span></i></p>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Mohd
Dusuki told the judge that the case should be classified as DNAA as the
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is <b><span style="color: red;"><u>still investigating the
charges, after Zahid had sent letters of representation to both the AG
and the MACC earlier this year.</u></span></b></i></p></div></blockquote><div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b><span style="color: red;"><u></u></span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Why should the PP/AG still recharge Zahid Hamidi and let the trial continue? </p><p style="text-align: justify;">At the end of the day, it is the court that decides whether any accused is GUILTY or not...<span style="color: red;"></span><span style="color: red;"> </span>so TRUST the Judge and the COURTS. Let the court consider all evidence, including the one's contained in Zahid's letters of representation - and at the end of the trial, let the Judge decide whether Zahid is GUILTY or NOT.<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">In Zahid's case, NOTE that the prosecution had already successfully proved a PRIMA FACIE case against Zahid </span></b>- meaning that if Zahid now fails to raise a 'reasonable doubt' he will 100% be convicted and sentenced according to law.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It is not for the AG/Public Prosecutor to decide whether one is GUILTY or Not. It is not for the police or even the Prime Minister.It is for the COURT to decide after a FAIR TRIAL - so recharge Zahid, and let the Court decide...<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">By discontinuing the criminal case mid-stream, the Court is unable to do what it is supposed to do, i.e decide on the GUILT of Zahid Hamidi. So, charge him again and let the TRIAL continue until the end...<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>TRUE, PM Anwar Ibrahim or the current PH led coalition government, where BN/UMNO is a key partner that allowed PH to get the needed numbers for Anwar to be PH, <u><span style="color: red;">may not have been involved in the decision made by AG/PP Idrus Harun</span></u></b> ---- BUT, public perception is another matter... given the following factors:-<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">1) The lead Prosecutor was suddenly removed - she did not retire. WHY?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">2) Then the Public Prosecutor/Attorney General<span style="font-family: verdana;"> Idrus Harun, on the day before he ends his term DISCONTINUES the case against Zahid. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Note Najib's alleged pardon also came day/s before the King ended his term]</span></i></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">No one could even directly question the AG/PP IDRUS HARUN as he was no longer the AG/PP of Malaysia. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;">Remember that Idrus Harun was first given a 1-year contract, and then a 2nd 6 month contract. <br /></span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>The Malaysian government today announced that
<b>Tan Sri Idrus Harun has been reappointed as the attorney general (AG),
and that he would be serving one year under the latest appointment....</b>Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali made the announcement today.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>
“It is notified that in line with Article 145(1) of the Federal
Constitution, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong has assented to
the reappointment of Y Bhg. Tan Sri Idrus bin Harun as attorney general
for a period of <b><span style="color: red;">one (1) year with effect from March 6, 2022,</span></b>” Mohd Zuki
said in a brief one-paragraph statement today.</i></p></blockquote></blockquote><p>And then, another 6 month extension</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><blockquote><blockquote><i>Attorney General Tan Sri Idrus Harun has been re-appointed as
the country's top law officer for a period of six months...."His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has approved the
re-appointment of Tan Sri Idrus Harun as Attorney General for a period
of six months effective from March 6,"</i></blockquote></blockquote><p></p><p> After he ended his term on 5 September, he was a<span style="font-family: verdana;">ppointed as Chairman of a GLC. <br /></span></p><p></p><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote><i>Former attorney general Tan Sri ldrus Harun has been appointed
as the new chairman of Amanah Raya Bhd (AmanahRaya) effective from Oct
10. - and is this not under the Finance Ministry, where the Finance Minister is Anwar Ibrahim.<br /></i></blockquote></div></blockquote><p>It looks 'like a thank you' gift from Anwar - for what? For discontinuing his Deputy PM's criminal trial? That is what it may look like to some members of the public, and this is not good at all...It may not be, but maybe Anwar ought to clarify...<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>REFORM NEEDED </b>- <b><span style="color: red;">No retiring AG/PP, Judges,and Senior Public Servants can be appointed to any company or government position immediately after retirement maybe for a 'cooling off period' of at least 3 years. </span></b>Maybe, we need a specific law that governs post-retirement or after serving out their contractual term as AG/PP or senior public officials. The law should prohibit disclosure of 'insider confidential information' to new employer or others. The law should prohibit direct dealings with Public Prosecutors(in the case of a retiring AG/PP or senior prosecution staff) for the new employer > a senior still have a lot of 'infleunce' with their juniors still in public service... WE SHOULD REALLY THINK OF THIS? After all, these persons still enjoy large pensions ..</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>REFORM NEEDED :</b>- <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The Public Prosecutor must be provided with safeguards to maintain their independence, including SECURITY OF TENURE. </span><span style="color: red;">The practice of extending their tenure post-retirement via contracts must stop</span></b> - as there are sufficient capable Malaysians who can be appointed as the NEW Public Prosecutor(and/or AG). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">- Note Gani Patail was prematurely removed from office</p><p style="text-align: justify;">- Idrus Harun, after he retired was given a 1 year contract, then a 6 month contract > such practice is BAD as the Public Prosecutor/AG may end up being 'government friendly' rather than being truly INDEPENDENT, as his hopes that he will be given another contract extension...may impact his/her independence. Best, when they reach retirement age, they RETIRE and a NEW PP/AG is appointed. The possibility of extension of tenure undermines security of tenure as a safeguard to ensure Independence - especially independence from the State and the appointing authority.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Waiting for Judge Collin Lawrence
Sequerah to RETIRE so that they can get a new Judge to hear Zahid Hamidi's Case. This is not right, as the same judge who heard Zahid Hamidi's from start, who also after prosecution decided that the prosecution had proven a prima facie case and ordered Zahid Hamidi to present the Defence case, must be the JUDGE who hears the case until the very end - and decide whether Zahid is GUILTY or Note.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Even if Judge Collin Lawrence
Sequerah decides at the end of trial that Zahid is guilty, convicts and sentence him - Zahid has still the right to appeal to the Court of Appeal or even later to the Federal Court, and the Appeal Courts may disagree with the trial judge.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">A judge decides not only on the evidence submitted, but he also asses the witnesses when they testify(deciding on the amount of weight that ought to be given to any particular witness). If another judge takes over Zahid's criminal case, all he has is the Notes of Evidence - and he may not be able to determine the credibility of the witnesses just by reading notes of proceedings. BEST, in the interest of JUSTICE that it is the SAME judge that hears and determines, especially criminal trials from begining to end.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">There are JUDGES and judges, and some have been found wanting by the public like the now infamouse Judge Augustine Paul... </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;">HOPE that the PP/Judge is not delaying on using the power to re-CHARGE Zahid so the trial can continue from where it ended until Judge Collin Lawrence
Sequerah RETIRES? </span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;">SELECTIVE NON-PROSECUTION is a serious issue... </span></b><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;"><u><br /></u></span></b></p></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc"><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></p><h1 class="sc-eDPEul jUeWRP pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">Najib cleared by AG on RM2.6b and RM42m from SRC Int’l</h1><div class="sc-aXZVg jiTbBU"><p><i>Apandi
Ali says he has thoroughly studied papers submitted to him by MACC and
finds there are no criminal elements involved, and orders the cases
closed.</i></p>
</div><div class="sc-cwHptR llSLcQ d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="sc-dcJsrY jSPIFe" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/tarrencetan/">Tarrence Tan</a> - </span><time class="sc-aXZVg eeJhAp fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1453780401000" style="min-height: 15px;">26 Jan 2016, 11:53am</time></div></div></div>PETALING JAYA: Attorney-General Apandi Ali has cleared Prime
Minister Najib Razak of any offences pertaining to the RM2.6 billion
“donation” and the RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd.<div class="sc-cPiKLX hSRCTm pb-3" itemprop="articleBody"><div class="teads-adCall"></div>
<p>In a hurriedly gathered press conference, Apandi announced that he
had thoroughly studied the papers submitted to him by the Malaysian
Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and ordered the cases closed.</p><div id="article-midres-call-to-slot" style="clear: both;"><div class="sc-gEvEer feLOIa col-12 p-3 rounded mb-3 fs-12-px"><div class="row"><div class="col-12 col-sm col-md-12 col-lg d-flex align-items-center pe-3"><div class="mx-auto mx-sm-0 mx-md-auto mx-lg-0 fst-italic opacity-75"></div></div><div class="col-12 col-sm-auto col-md-12 col-lg-auto mt-3 mt-sm-0 mt-md-3 mt-lg-0 text-center text-sm-end text-md-center text-lg-end"></div></div></div></div></div>
<p>“I am satisfied that based on the evidence from witnesses and
supporting documents submitted to me by the MACC, it shows that the sum
of USD681 million (RM2.08 billion) transferred into the personal
accounts of the PM between 22.03.2013 and 10.04.2013 is a personal
donation to the PM by the Saudi Royal family.</p>
<p>“Evidence obtained from the investigation does not show that the
donation was given as an inducement or reward for doing anything in
relation to his (Najib’s) capacity as PM,” he said.</p><div data-google-query-id="CIuR-JzCtoQDFRufZgIdjPoIrQ" id="div-gpt-ad-1661356464065-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/FMT_ROS_1x1_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<p>Apandi said the fact that the MACC had met and recorded statements
from witnesses, including the donor, also confirmed that the donation
was given personally and not given as a form of gratification, or given
corruptly.</p>
<p>Apandi also said that Najib had on August 2013 returned a sum of
USD620 million (RM2.03billion) back to the Saudi royal family as the sum
was not utilised.</p>
<p>The AG also cleared Najib on the charge of receiving RM42 million
from SRC International, saying there was “no evidence to show that the
PM had abused his position during the cabinet meeting which approved the
government guarantee on the RM4 billion loan to SRC from Kumpulan Wang
Persaraan (KWAP)”.</p>
<p>“Evidence also shows that the loan approved by KWAP and the
loan guarantee by the cabinet was properly done [and there is] no
evidence to show the PM had solicited or was promised any gratification
from any party, either before, during, or after the cabinet decision was
made,” he said.</p>
<p>He summarized that MACC’s investigation did not show that the PM had committed any act of corruption.</p>
<p>Thus, he said there was no necessity for Malaysia to make a
request for mutual legal assistance to any foreign state for the purpose
of completing the criminal investigation by the MACC.</p>
<p>It was previously reported that Apandi had sent the
investigation papers on both cases back to the MACC, requesting
additional information on suggestions and recommendations made by them.</p>
<p>The RM2.6 billion came to light following a report by the
Wall Street Journal that alleged the sum was channeled into Najib’s
personal bank accounts just before the general election of 2013.</p>
<p>The report also claimed the money had come from 1Malaysia
Development Bhd although the MACC, after investigating the matter,
denied this.</p>
<p>Najib later revealed that the money was a political donation
given to him by “someone from the Middle East” to help him and Barisan
Nasional win in the 13th General Election.</p>
<p>It was also alleged that Najib had received RM42 million
from SRC International, a former subsidiary of 1MDB before it was placed
under the Finance Ministry in 2012.</p>
<p>The Finance Minister, however, denied the sum was banked into his account.</p>
<p>Earlier this month, former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir
Mohamad predicted Apandi would ignore the MACC’s report on the donation
and SRC International and that nothing significant would come out of the
investigations. - <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2016/01/26/najib-cleared-by-ag-on-rm2-6b-and-rm42m-from-src-international/" target="_blank">FMT, 26/1/2016</a><br /></p><div class="news-detail_newsdetailsItemHead__zb6Ed"><span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Prosecution withdraws all 47 charges against Zahid after four-year trial</span></b></span></div><div class="news-detail_newsdetailsItemInfo__g9Hsi"><div class="news-detail_newsBy__6_pzA"><span>By</span> <span><a href="https://theedgemalaysia.com/author/Timothy%20Achariam?page=1">Timothy Achariam</a><span style="color: #70787c;"> / </span><a href="https://theedgemalaysia.com/source/theedgemalaysia.com?page=1">theedgemalaysia.com</a></span></div><div class="news-detail_newsInfo__dv0be"><span>04 Sep 2023, 11:26 am</span><span>Updated - 01:44 pm</span></div></div><div class="news-detail_rowAdBox__KIgW2"><div class="row-ad-box-top" data-google-query-id="CP_sguLEtoQDFSCMrAIdwQkB5Q" id="div-gpt-ad-row4-ros"><div class="leaderboard_row1n8" style="opacity: 0;">
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</div></div></div><div class="news-detail_newsImgWrap__9DPNp"><div id="thumbnail"><img alt="main news image" data-nimg="1" height="267" src="https://theedgemalaysia.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.theedgemarkets.com%2FCMB_Cover-web-Sept-5-2023.jpg&w=1920&q=75" style="color: transparent;" width="400" /></div></div><blockquote class="blockquote">“The
reasons given by the learned DPP, including that of the setting up of
the RCI [...] does not in any manner suggest that as far as the charges
involved in this case [is concerned], that this is the end of the
matter.” — High Court Justice Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah</blockquote>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>KUALA
LUMPUR (Sept 4): The prosecution on Monday decided to withdraw all 47
charges of criminal breach of trust, graft, and money laundering faced
by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, after
applying to discharge all the charges.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>The High
Court judge in the Yayasan Akalbudi trial, Datuk Collin Lawrence
Sequerah, upheld the prosecution’s application for a discharge not
amounting to acquittal (DNAA) for Zahid, as opposed to the defence’s
request for a full acquittal.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>A DNAA means an accused person can face trial for the same charges in the future, if the prosecution decides to reinstate them.</p></div><div class="inPageAd" data-google-query-id="CILtguLEtoQDFSCMrAIdwQkB5Q" id="div-gpt-ad-inpage"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/9457649/Inpage_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>The
decision ended a trial which had spanned three years and ten months
involving 99 witnesses, and which had established a prima facie case
with Zahid having entered his defence.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>At the
start of the trial on Monday, deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Datuk Mohd
Dusuki Mokhtar told the judge that he had instructions from Attorney
General Tan Sri Idrus Harun to discontinue the charges against Zahid.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>Mohd
Dusuki told the judge that the case should be classified as DNAA as the
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is still investigating the
charges, after Zahid had sent letters of representation to both the AG
and the MACC earlier this year.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>However,
Zahid’s lawyer Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik had asked the judge to consider
a full acquittal instead, as the prosecution did not give a timeline to
complete its investigations.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>Sequerah
asked the court to stand down while he deliberated on the matter and
came back a few moments later to quash the defence's application and
uphold the DNAA sought by the prosecution.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>In
reading out his decision, Sequerah said the prosecution had intimated
that while it has sought a DNAA, investigations against Zahid are still
ongoing.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>“It is
clear from the reasons given by prosecution that investigations are
still ongoing as a result of representations made by the defence.
However, it must be borne in mind that it was intimated to the court on a
previous occasion, when an adjournment was sought for by the defence,
that these representations took up several pages, I think it ran into
hundreds of pages, if memory serves me correctly,” the judge said.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>“It is
therefore justified that the prosecution needs more time to examine
these representations, which also involves taking statements from
various individuals,” Sequerah added.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>Sequerah
also said the prosecution had asked for the DNAA based on a Royal
Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on former AG Tan Sri Tommy Thomas’
controversial memoir. According to the prosecution, there is a need to
investigate Thomas’ memoir, which is relevant to Zahid’s charges.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>The judge said that just because the DNAA is granted, this does not mean that it is the end of the matter.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>“The
reasons given by the learned DPP, including that of the setting up of
the RCI although they do not have a timeline, does not in any manner
suggest that as far as the charges involved in this case [is concerned],
that this is the end of the matter,” he said.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>Sequerah
further said the trial commenced on Nov 18, 2019 and to date, some 77
days of trial has elapsed. He also added the case was at the defence
stage with Zahid’s 15th witness giving evidence.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>“The
prosecution have in my considered view, given considered reasons why
they seek a DNAA in this case,” Sequerah said before granting the DNAA.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>Zahid,
who is Bagan Datuk Member of Parliament, was ordered by Sequerah to
enter his defence in respect of all 47 corruption charges in relation to
Yayasan Akalbudi last year.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>Twelve of them are criminal breach of trust charges, followed by eight for graft, and 27 for money laundering.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>In
October last year, Zahid was acquitted of a separate set of 40 graft
charges in relation with an award of a contract for a foreign visa
system (VLN) and one-stop services (OSC) in China when he was home
minister.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>At the
time, the High Court judge Datuk Mohd Yazid Mustafa found that the
prosecution had not made out a prima facie case as it had failed to
prove the element of graft.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>Zahid has
since sent letters of representation to the Attorney General’s Chambers
with regard to the prosecution’s appeal over the VLN case. - <a href="https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/681127" target="_blank">The Edge, 4/9/2023</a><br /></p></div><p> </p><h1 class="page-title mb-2" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="d-inline-block mr-1">Raja Rozela appointed as judicial commissioner</span> </h1> <div class="page-article"><div class="d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div class="author-photo mr-2"><br /></div> <div><span>By <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/authors/rahmat-khairulrijal" target="_blank">Rahmat Khairulrijal</a> - </span>
December 8, 2023 @ 5:26pm
</div></div> <div class="social-share ml-auto"><div class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons st-right st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="st-1"><div class="st-btn st-first st-remove-label" data-network="facebook" style="display: inline-block;"><br /></div></div></div></div> <div class="article-content"><div><div><div class="field field-featured-image"><figure><img alt="Datuk Raja Rozela Raja Toran was among nine judicial commissioners who received their letters of appointment from Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat. -BERNAMA PIC" class="img-fluid" data-adbro-processed="true" height="280" src="https://assets.nst.com.my/images/articles/z0812rozela02_1702031168.jpg" width="400" /> <figcaption class="py-2">Datuk
Raja Rozela Raja Toran was among nine judicial commissioners who
received their letters of appointment from Chief Justice Tun Tengku
Maimun Tuan Mat. -BERNAMA PIC</figcaption></figure></div></div></div> <div class="field field-body" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="dable-content-wrapper" itemprop="articleBody"><p>PUTRAJAYA:
The lead prosecutor who had been dropped from Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid
Hamidi's corruption trial was appointed as a judicial commissioner.</p>
<p>Datuk Raja Rozela Raja Toran was among nine judicial commissioners
who received their letters of appointment from Chief Justice Tun Tengku
Maimun Tuan Mat today.<span style="background-image: url("https://cdn.playstream.media/logo.png"); height: 15px; width: 15px;"></span></p></div></div></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;"></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The other eight are – Arziah Mohamed Apandi, the daughter of former
attorney-general Tan Sri Apandi Ali, Datuk Hazizah Kassim, Kan Weng Hin,
Rosli Yusoff, Gan Techiong, Suriyati Hasimah Mohd Hashim, Maslinda @
Linda Mohd Ainal, and Saiful Azian Mokhtar.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Raja Rozela had been the lead prosecutor for two of Zahid's trials
involving the misappropriation of funds belonging to Yayasan Akalbudi
(YAB) and the 40 charges of corruption in connection with the Foreign
Visa System (VLN).</p><p style="text-align: justify;">On Aug 8, the New Straits Times confirmed that Raja Rozela, 58, had been -year-old was dropped from the Yayasan Akalbudi trial.</p><div data-google-query-id="CLPrk83wtoQDFcaJZgId5o0EFQ" id="div-gpt-ad-1535527649803-0" style="text-align: justify;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/NST_1x1_Programmatic_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Attorney-General's Chamber appellate and trial division head Datuk
Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar had been chosen to replace Raja Rozela as the lead
prosecutor before the case was granted discharged not amounting to
acquittal (DNAA) by the High Court in September.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This was after the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) decided to stop
the case based on various new evidence raised by the defence in their
representation letters. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This was after the High Court granted the deputy prime minister a
discharge not amounting to acquittal of 12 criminal breach of trust
(CBT) charges, eight counts of bribery and 27 for money laundering,
involving scores of millions of ringgit belonging to YAB. - <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2023/12/988044/raja-rozela-appointed-judicial-commissioner" target="_blank">NST, 8/12/2023</a><br /></p><p></p><h1 class="page-title mb-2"><span class="d-inline-block mr-1">Ali Hamsa reveals how Gani Patail was issued termination letter</span></h1><div class="d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span>By <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/authors/sharanjit-singh" target="_blank">Sharanjit Singh</a> - </span>
August 24, 2020 @ 3:52pm
</div></div> <div class="social-share ml-auto"><div class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons st-right st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="st-1"><div class="st-btn st-first st-remove-label" data-network="facebook" style="display: inline-block;">
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</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="whatsapp" style="display: inline-block;">H<br />
</div></div></div></div> <div><div><div class="field field-featured-image"><figure><img alt="Former Attorney General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail. - NSTP/File pic" class="img-fluid" data-adbro-processed="true" height="264" src="https://assets.nst.com.my/images/articles/2018_HQ201805218931_1598259145.jpg" width="400" /> <figcaption class="py-2">Former Attorney General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail. - NSTP/File pic </figcaption></figure></div></div></div> <div class="field field-body"><div class="dable-content-wrapper" itemprop="articleBody"><p>KUALA
LUMPUR: A former top civil servant in the country today revealed how
former Attorney General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail was handed his
termination letter in the wake of the 1Malaysia Dvelopment Bhd (1MDB)
scandal in 2015.</p>
<p>Tan Sri Ali Hamsa, who was the chief secretary to the government
from 2012 to 2018, said he was the one who personally handed the letter
to Gani while the latter was at a meeting.</p>
<p>Ali touched on the subject when he was questioned by lead prosecutor
Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram in Datuk Seri Najib Razak's ongoing trial
involving the tampering of the 1MDB audit report.</p>
<p>Najib and co-accused Arul Kanda Kandasamy - who is former 1MDB chief
executive, listened closely from the dock as Sri Ram asked the 64-year
old witness to explain how Gani was given his termination letter.</p><p> <b>Sri Ram:</b> Did you play any role in the removal of the former Attorney General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail?</p><div data-google-query-id="CITfg4jytoQDFaaGZgIdAGADSg" id="div-gpt-ad-1535527649803-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/NST_1x1_Programmatic_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<p> <b>Ali:</b> I was asked to issue a cover letter and handed this personally to Gani Patail</p><div class="ad-unit mx-auto text-center" data-google-query-id="CIKehIjytoQDFValZgIdeTkEMQ" id="div-gpt-ad-1463538766750-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/NST_Island_Ad_400x200_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<p> <b>Sri Ram:</b> What did you tell him when you gave him the letter?</p>
<p> <b>Ali:</b> I just gave him the letter. He opened it in front of me and read it. After that I left.</p>
<p>Earlier, Ali, who is the fourth prosecution witness, said he had
served under four prime ministers namely Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Tun
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Datuk Seri Najib Razak and again under Dr
Mahathir during his stint in the government.</p>
<p>He was called to the stand again today to be cross-examined by
Najib's lead counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah before he was
re-examined by Sri Ram.</p>
<p>The cross-examination before High Court judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan will continue tomorrow.</p>
<p> </p><figure class="article-image-item gn4-inline-image inline-image image-single-single"><img alt="Datuk Seri Najib Razak arrives at the court ahead of the hearing. - NSTP/FATHIL ASRI." class="img-responsive img-fluid" height="280" src="https://assets.nst.com.my/images/articles/najiba1_1598259141.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="gn4-inline-image-caption">Datuk Seri Najib Razak arrives at the court ahead of the hearing. - NSTP/FATHIL ASRI.</figcaption></figure><p></p>
<p>Ali had previously testified that Gani was forced to leave office after Najib lost trust in him.</p>
<p>He testified that this happened at a time when then deputy prime
minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had started kicking up a storm about
1MDB in Cabinet meetings and had also met Gani.</p>
<p>He also revealed that the letter of Gani's removal was drafted by his
assistant in Najib's presence before the latter took it to the Yang
di-Pertuan Agong to be signed.</p>
<p>It was reported that Gani was subsequently replaced as AG and the
government had then cited the latter's ill health behind his removal.</p>
<p>His successor Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali later cleared Najib of any criminal wrongdoing involving 1MDB matters.</p>
<p>Najib, 67, is now accused of using his position to order amendments
to the 1MDB final audit report that had already been finalised by the
Auditor General before it was tweaked again and presented to the Public
Accounts Committee (PAC).</p>
<p>He is accused of committing the offence between Feb 22 and 26, 2016, at the Prime Minister's Department in Putrajaya.</p>
<p>Arul Kanda, 44, is accused of abetting Najib in making amendments to the report, at the same place and time.</p>
<p>Both face up to 20 years jail and fine, if convicted. - <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2020/08/618989/ali-hamsa-reveals-how-gani-patail-was-issued-termination-letter" target="_blank">NST, 24/8/2020</a></p><p> <br /></p><h1 class="article-title" style="text-align: justify;">Idrus Harun reappointed as AG, to serve one more year</h1> <div class="social-sharing"> <div class="social-inner"><br /></div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> </div> <div class="image-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Tan
Sri Idrus Harun has been reappointed as the attorney general (AG) and
would be serving one year under the latest appointment. ― Picture by
Azinuddin Ghazali</div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div> <div class="article-info"> <div class="article-byline">By IDA LIM</div> <div class="article-date">Tuesday, 08 Mar 2022 6:14 PM MYT</div> </div> <p style="text-align: justify;">
KUALA LUMPUR, March 8 — The Malaysian government today announced that
<b>Tan Sri Idrus Harun has been reappointed as the attorney general (AG),
and that he would be serving one year under the latest appointment.</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="color: red;">Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali made the announcement today.</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red;">
“It is notified that in line with Article 145(1) of the Federal
Constitution, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong has assented to
the reappointment of Y Bhg. Tan Sri Idrus bin Harun as attorney general
for a period of one (1) year with effect from March 6, 2022,” Mohd Zuki
said in a brief one-paragraph statement today.</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Under Article
145(1), the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall, on the advice of the prime
minister, appoint a person — who is qualified to be a Federal Court
judge — to be the attorney general.</p><div id="mm-story-mreg-2" style="text-align: justify;"></div><p style="text-align: justify;"> Today’s announcement came after Idrus’s two-year term as attorney general was to officially end on Sunday (March 6). </p><div id="mm-teads" style="text-align: justify;"></div><p style="text-align: justify;"> Idrus, now aged 67, was <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/03/06/federal-court-judge-idrus-harun-is-new-ag/1844064">first appointed on March 6, 2020 to be attorney general</a> for a two-year term. Idrus replaced Tan Sri Tommy Thomas who had resigned from the position in late February 2020.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Immediately before becoming the attorney general in March 2020, Idrus was serving as a Federal Court judge.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">
Throughout his 42-year career, the Kedah-born Idrus — who is also a law
graduate from Universiti Malaya — had served in multiple positions such
as in the Attorney General’s Chambers’ (AGC) division which is tasked
with drafting laws, being the head of the Federal Territory Prosecution
Unit, and being a deputy public prosecutor with the AGC.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Idrus
had also in the past served as senior federal counsel to both the
Election Commission and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s
(MACC) predecessor Anti-Corruption Agency, and also as the solicitor
general — the second-highest ranked AGC official after the attorney
general — from 2006 to 2014.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> He then served as a Court of Appeal
judge for about four years, and as Federal Court judge from November
2018 until his March 2020 appointment as attorney general.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Idrus is also the older brother of Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Previously, on March 6, which was when Idrus’s term would have ended, news portal <i>Free Malaysia Today</i> (FMT) had reported <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/03/06/malaysian-bar-chief-urges-pm-not-to-delay-announcement-on-ag-as-clock-ticks/2045698">Malaysian Bar president AG Kalidas as questioning</a> the seeming delay in making an announcement over whether there has been an extension of Idrus’s term as attorney general. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">
“It would be prudent if the prime minister does not wait until the
eleventh hour to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and announce the
appointment in the event of vacancy or the extension of the current
appointment,” Kalidas was quoted as telling FMT. - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/03/08/idrus-harun-reappointed-as-ag-to-serve-one-more-year/2046212" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 8/3/202</a>2<br /></p><br /><h1 class="page-title mb-2"><span class="d-inline-block mr-1">Idrus Harun reappointed as AG for six months</span> </h1> <div class="d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"> <div><span>By <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/authors/new-straits-times" target="_blank">New Straits Times</a> - </span>
March 3, 2023 @ 9:35am
</div></div> <div class="social-share ml-auto"><div class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons st-right st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="st-1"><div class="st-btn st-first st-remove-label" data-network="facebook" style="display: inline-block;">
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</div></div></div></div> <div><div><div class="field field-featured-image"><figure><img alt="Attorney General Tan Sri Idrus Harun has been re-appointed as the country’s top law officer for a period of six months." class="img-fluid" data-adbro-processed="true" height="225" src="https://assets.nst.com.my/images/articles/Idrus_Harun_-_9_1677810929.jpg" width="400" /> <figcaption class="py-2">Attorney General Tan Sri Idrus Harun has been re-appointed as the country’s top law officer for a period of six months. </figcaption></figure></div></div></div> <div class="field field-body"><div class="dable-content-wrapper" itemprop="articleBody"><p>KUALA
LUMPUR: Attorney General Tan Sri Idrus Harun has been re-appointed as
the country's top law officer for a period of six months.</p>
<p>In a statement today, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd
Zuki Ali said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has approved the reappointment
in accordance with Clause (1) Article 145 of the Federal Constitution.</p>
<p>"His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has approved the
re-appointment of Tan Sri Idrus Harun as Attorney General for a period
of six months effective from March 6," the statement read.- <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/885421/idrus-harun-reappointed-ag-six-months" target="_blank">NST, 3/3/2023</a><br /></p>
</div></div><br /> <br /><br /><br />
</div></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-77692875707654546312024-02-19T00:16:00.003+08:002024-02-19T00:16:48.245+08:00Another Man Shot Dead By Police, Rather Than Being Arrested – Investigate Police Involved For Murder(MADPET)<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Media
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Another Man Shot Dead By Police,
Rather Than Being Arrested – Investigate Police Involved For Murder</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Too Many Extrajudicial Killings in
Malaysia – Is the Coroner already inquiring into this death?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Extrajudicial killings, amongst
others being cases of police shooting dead suspects rather than arresting them.
A person can only be put to death after a fair trial and court sentences to
death.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The law is clear that it is the
duty of the police is only to ARREST, and reasonable force is permitted to
effect <b>arrests</b>. Section 15(2) of the Malaysian Criminal Procedure
Code(CPC) states, that ‘If such person forcibly resist the endeavour to arrest
him or attempt to evade the arrest such officer or other person may use all
means necessary to effect the arrest.’ </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The police have no right to KILL,
and this is clear in Section 15(3) CPC, ‘(3) Nothing in this section gives a
right to cause the death of a person who is not accused of an offence
punishable with death or with imprisonment for a term of not less than thirty
years but not exceeding forty years or with imprisonment for life.’ Killing only
may be excused for if the victim is an accused (meaning he/she have already been
charged in court) where the offence he/she was charged for carries the death
penalty of imprisonment of not less than 30 years. Such persons, in all
likelihood, may not be even be walking free but in detention because bail was
denied. Hence, killing by police is a CRIME, nay a serious crime. Clearly
criminalize extrajudicial killings.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #2f5597; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">Another Man Shot Dead By Police</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">On 16/2/2024, a 57-year-old man was
shot dead by the police. Allegedly, the deceased opened fire at the police, and
the police responded by shooting and killing him. If he was arrested, or shot
and arrested alive, then s usual, after the death of the victim, the police
comes out with allegations that he that died was a ‘bad’ person. ‘According to
Fisol {Kedah police chief Datuk Fisol Salleh], preliminary investigations
revealed that the suspect, who is a local, has <b><u>four criminal records</u></b>
in drugs and fake firearms. Fisol said the case is being investigated under
Section 307 of the Penal Code and Section 8 of the Firearms Act 1960.’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Section 507 Penal Code states, ‘Whoever
commits the offence of criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication, or
by having taken precautions to conceal the name or abode of the person from
whom the threat comes, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may
extend to two years, in addition to the punishment provided for the offence by
section 506.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sentence for section
506 is ‘punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years
or with fine or with both.’ </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">There is no Firearms Act 1960, so
the police chief may have been talking about Arms Act 1960, where section 8
provides for the offence of possessing or carrying arms and ammunition without
an arms license or arms permit etc., whereby the sentence is ‘…imprisonment for
a term not exceeding seven years, or to a fine not exceeding ten thousand
ringgit, or to both…’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">MADPET(Malaysians Against Death
Penalty and Torture) believes that the police should be investigating the
police officers responsible for the killing, and those who were present for the
crime of murder(Section 302 Penal Code).</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> There is no justification to be
investigating a man, already dead, who can never again be charged and convicted
in court after a fair trial.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #1f4e79; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #1F4E79; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 128;">Is there ‘police encounter’ in Malaysia just like in Tamil movies?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In Tamil movies, many a time we hear
of ‘police encounter’ – being a situation goes after a person with the
intention to kill, rather than arrest. Hopefully, this does not happen in
Malaysia.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Was the said police officers,
reportedly being a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>team from Division D9
of the Kedah Criminal Investigation Department (CID), not a usual police team,
really on a random patrol? Did the killing happen as the police said? Well, for
this other than the police investigation, there must immediately be an inquest
by the coroner.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #1f4e79; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #1F4E79; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 128;">Recalling Coroner’s Decision that police abused power and killed…</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">We recall that on 31/5/2023 that
the coroner’s court, presided by Coroner Rasyihah Ghazali, for ‘police shooting
that resulted in death of 3, ‘…. <b>concluded that there was abuse of power and
elements of a criminal nature in the death of three men who were shot at close
range by police</b> three years ago. “The shots were not fired in self-defense.
There was abuse of power and (actions in the nature of) criminal elements by
police in the death of the men,”… She said police witnesses gave evidence that
shots were fired at the men from an upright position but post-mortem reports
stated that the bullets pierced their bodies at a downward angle. … “The
weapons described by the ballistic expert (Izzuwan Marzuki) and the
investigating officer (P Visvanathan) were also in conflict,” (FMT, 31/5/2023) </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #1f4e79; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #1F4E79; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 128;">A Speedy MANDATORY Inquest For All Police Shot And Killed Cases</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Now, in Malaysia, in cases of death
by police shooting, there must be a speedy INQUEST (Inquiry into the death) by
the Coroner of this latest police shooting case. Speed is essential to ensure
no tampering or loss of evidence. Delay causes the risk of loss of relevant
evidence.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Now with regards to deaths
involving the police, Section 334 of the CPC, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inquiry into cause of death of a person in
custody of police or in any asylum states that ‘When any <b>person dies while
in the custody of the police</b> or in a psychiatric hospital or prison, the
officer who had the custody of that person or was in charge of that psychiatric
hospital or prison, as the case may be, shall immediately give intimation of
such death to the nearest Magistrate, and the Magistrate or some other
Magistrate shall, in the case of a death in the custody of the police, and in
other cases may, if he thinks expedient, hold an inquiry into the cause of
death.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">MADPET calls for an amendment of
Section 334 to include death by police shooting, and making it mandatory to
hold a public inquest. Hence, the words ‘if he thinks expedient’ that makes the
holding of an inquest discretionary.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #1f4e79; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #1F4E79; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 128;">Time For FULL TIME Coroners</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A Coroner in Malaysia is required
to look into all deaths, and as such it is time to have full time Coroners, not
simply Magistrates or Session Court judges, as it is now, who have already so
much other works in courts. Inquests should be speedily completed, not after
many years since the death. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The independence of the coroners
also must be guaranteed. Likewise, the needed trainings ought to be given for
them to deal with cases of police shootings, and even deaths in police custody.
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #1f4e79; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #1F4E79; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 128;">END Defamation Of Victims Of Death By Police Shootings</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Now, in this recent death by reason
of police shootings, the police chief talks about the deceased having 4
criminal records. What does this mean? Was the said deceased previously charged
and convicted in court for 4 criminal offences? If he was not, then this is not
criminal records simply if his name came up in investigations or police
reports? Was he even before arrested and investigated for the alleged 4 crimes?
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The dead cannot defend
himself/herself – and the making of ‘defamatory’ allegations may or will <b>impact
the living, spouse, children and family members</b>. Note that everyone is presumed
innocent until proven guilty in court after a fair trial.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #1f4e79; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #1F4E79; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 128;">SUSPEND police officers until end of investigation/inquest</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">MADPET reiterates that the priority
of the police investigation after anyone dies by reason of being shot by police
is whether the involved police officers broke the law. Such police officers
ought to immediately be suspended pending investigation, and/or inquests into the
death.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #1f4e79; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #1F4E79; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 128;">TOO Many Extrajudicial Killings In Malaysia </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The Home Ministry, in a parliamentary reply in 2012, said <b><span style="color: red;">that a total of 298 people of various nationalities were shot
dead between 2007 and August 2012</span></b>. (The Sun Daily, 23/10/2012). <b><span style="color: red;">A total of 279 suspects have been shot dead by the police
between 2000 and 2009 </span></b>was revealed by the Minister in Parliament in
2010(Malaysiakini, 28/6/2010). Minister Hishammuddin also revealed that the
police shot dead 82 suspects in 2008, and 88 in 2009. How many extrajudicial
killings since then? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">How many people were killed following police shooting – what gets
reported in media may just be a few examples. The Home Minister must inform
Parliament with being asked. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MADPET notes Malaysia has taken the position towards the
abolition of death penalty, and hence a moratorium on executions pending
abolition. Malaysia has abolished mandatory death penalty. These are all about
death sentences imposed by courts after a fair trial. Extra judicial killing is
worse as it refers to the killing of a person by the state or its agents,
without any judicial or legal proceedings, and such killings must end.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MADPET calls on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the
government of Malaysia to put an end to extrajudicial killing in Malaysia. </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;">Charles Hector</i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;">For and on behalf of MADPET(Malaysians Against Death
Penalty and Torture)</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"> See also:-<br /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2024/01/extrajudicial-killing-by-malaysian.html">Extrajudicial
killing by Malaysian police could be murder, and Body-Cams and CCTV
could DETER such killings. - Delay in ensuring all police is wearing
body-cams, more than a year after budget approved is incompetence of
Minister and government</a></span></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2012/10/298-persons-shot-to-death-by-police.html">298 persons shot to death by police since 2007 - Demand public inquiry for every case</a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2021/12/police-who-shot-and-killed-man-being.html">Police who shot and killed man being investigated for MURDER and Arms Act violations? A step in the right direction </a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2019/09/suhakam-should-have-public-inquiry-on.html">SUHAKAM should have PUBLIC INQUIRY on police shooting where 3 died and 1 women allegedly missing?</a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2018/06/extrajudicial-killings-need-speedy.html">Extrajudicial
Killings Need Speedy Independent Investigations - 6 Reported Shot To
Death By Police After Pakatan Harapan Became Government.</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2018/06/muhyiddin-what-are-you-doing-about.html">Muhyiddin - What are you doing about recent police shoot..victims die incidents after GE14?</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="http://madpet06.blogspot.com/2018/06/another-man-with-machette-shot-and.html">Another man with a machette shot and killed by police? Speedy INDEPENDENT inquiry needed?</a></span></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span></span></span></h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2019/09/extrajudicial-killing-by-malaysian.html">Extrajudicial killing by Malaysian Police? Police arrest not KILL - Investigate all police shooting incidents?</a></span><br /></span>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2009/11/5-shot-dead-by-police-now-sister-and-2.html">5 shot dead by police - now sister and 2 kids in hospital fighting for life..</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2009/02/police-shot-dead-another-6-in-kedah-no.html">The police shot dead another 6 in Kedah - no one, except alleged girlfriends survived</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2013/09/so-wrong-for-government-police-and-even.html">So
wrong for the government, police and even media to brand the 124
persons shot dead by police as criminals - all are innocent till proven
guilty</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2010/07/3-with-no-firearms-shot-dead-by.html">3 with no firearms shot dead by Malaysian police...</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="http://charleshector.blogspot.com/2010/06/malaysian-police-shot-dead-279and.html">Malaysian police shot dead 279...and another 147 died in police lock-ups [2000-2009]</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2017/03/cepat-tindakan-kes-bunuh-lelaki-korea.html">Cepat tindakan kes bunuh lelaki korea, kenapa lambat tuduh polis/pembunuh Syed Mohd Azlan?</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2009/08/did-police-try-to-arrest-themor-did.html">Did the police try to arrest them...or did they just shoot to kill them? Extrajudicial killing must be condemned..</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2009/08/another-shoot-to-kill-incident-4-killed.html">Another
'shoot to kill' incident - 4 killed. Yahoo has this question now that
need answers: Do you agree that Malaysian police tends to shoot to kill?</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2018/09/2-more-extrajudicial-killing-by-police.html">2 more extrajudicial killing by police that need to be investigated HOME Minister?</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2009/09/good-if-hishammuddin-expresses-similar.html">Good
if Hishammuddin expresses similar sentiments when persons are shot
dead by police in Malaysia, as he did for Nordin Md Top (alleged
terrorist)</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2021/10/abolition-of-death-penalty.html">Abolition
of death penalty, extrajudicial killing and life imprisonment (‘secret
death penalty”), improving detention to respect human dignity (MADPET)</a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3><h1 class="article-title" style="text-align: justify;">Armed man killed in shootout with Kedah CID, sizeable ammo found in car, says state top cop</h1><div class="social-sharing"><div class="social-inner"><br /> </div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/16/187317.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/16/187317.JPG&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="Armed man killed in shootout with Kedah CID, sizeable ammo found in car, says state top cop" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-adbro-processed="true" data-adloox-sid="79665748288" data-adloox-type="slot" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/16/187317.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="250" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/16/187317.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" style="object-position: 50.685% 34.2465%;" title="Armed man killed in shootout with Kedah CID, sizeable ammo found in car, says state top cop" width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">A
man armed with a firearm and suspected of being a criminal, died in a
shootout with the police at Jalan Bukit Kechil, Napoh near Jitra, Kedah,
February 16, 2024. — Bernama pic </div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info"> <div class="article-date">Friday, 16 Feb 2024 11:44 PM MYT</div> </div> <p>JITRA,
Feb 16 — An armed man, who was suspected of being a criminal, was shot
dead in a firefight with police at Jalan Bukit Kechil in Napoh near here
this afternoon.</p><p>Kedah police chief Datuk Fisol Salleh said in the
incident at 5.30pm today, a team from Division D9 of the Kedah Criminal
Investigation Department (CID), who were carrying out a patrol under Op
Laras, had spotted the man behaving suspiciously in a car.</p><div data-google-query-id="CNOdq_PKtIQDFVj3cwEdZo8GPQ" id="mm-story-outstream"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/MM-1x1-Outstream_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p>He
said the suspect initially refused to stop, but as his car veered to
the left of the road, he stopped before firing two shots.</p><p>“Police then returned fire in self-defence and managed to kill the 57-year-old man.</p><p>“On
inspection of the suspect’s car, we found two pistols and a sizeable
quantity of ammunition, specifically 100 rounds of 9-millimetre (mm)
bullets, 100 rounds of .38 mm. We also found 5.56 bullets used for
rifles like M-16,” he said at the scene here tonight.</p><div data-google-query-id="CNWdq_PKtIQDFVj3cwEdZo8GPQ" id="mm-teads"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div><div class="teads-adCall"></div></div><p>According
to Fisol, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, who is a
local, has four criminal records in drugs and fake firearms.</p><p>Fisol said the case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code and Section 8 of the Firearms Act 1960.</p><p>He added that the location of the shootout was a quiet road that was less travelled by commuters.</p><p>He said police would carry out further investigations to see if the suspect was involved with any crime syndicate.</p><p>According to him, the suspect’s body was sent to the Jitra Hospital for an autopsy. — <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/02/16/armed-man-killed-in-shootout-with-kedah-cid-sizeable-ammo-found-in-car-says-state-top-cop/118449">Bernama, Malay Mail, 16/2/2024</a><br /></p><h1 class="sc-fPXMVe iWDaXK pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">Cops abused power in shooting of 3 men, including Sri Lankan, coroner finds</h1><div class="sc-aXZVg jiTbBU"><p>The
coroner’s court finds that police did not fire the shots at the three
men in self-defence as claimed and that there were elements of a
criminal nature in the shooting of the trio in Rawang.</p>
</div><div class="sc-cPiKLX ePosFH d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="sc-dcJsrY jSPIFe" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/anba/">V Anbalagan</a> - </span><time class="sc-aXZVg eeJhAp fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1654001116000" style="min-height: 15px;">31 May 2022, 8:45pm</time></div></div></div><div class="sc-dLMFU fwLGGd pb-3" itemprop="articleBody"><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2053885" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_2053885" style="width: 800px;"><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-2053885"></figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: justify;">SHAH ALAM: <b><span style="color: red;">The coroner’s court today concluded that there was abuse
of power and elements of a criminal nature in the death of three men who
were shot at close range by police three years ago.</span></b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Coroner Rasyihah Ghazali said, on the balance of probabilities, S
Mahendran, G Thavaselvan and his brother-in-law J Vijayaratnam, a Sri
Lankan national, died of gunshot wounds on their heads and chests.</p></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“The shots were not fired in self-defence. There was abuse of power
and (actions in the nature of) criminal elements by police in the death
of the men,” she said this evening at the end of an inquest.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Police had claimed there was an exchange of fire between policemen
and the trio at the edge of a jungle in Rawang and that two of the men
had been armed with pistols.</p><div data-google-query-id="CLmTqau1tIQDFWqKZgIdfZkKsA" id="div-gpt-ad-1661356464065-0" style="text-align: justify;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/FMT_ROS_1x1_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Rasyihah, however, said she was unable to conclude as to what had
happened to G Moganambal, the wife of Vijayaratnam, who was reported
missing after the incident and has yet to be found.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">On
Sept 14, the three men, whom police said were suspected to have been
involved in armed robbery, were killed in a shootout with the police at
Km22 of Jalan Rawang heading towards Batu Arang, following a 7km
high-speed car chase.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The coroner said today the men died between 5.20am and 5.30am on Sept 14 based on evidence collected in the inquest.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">She said scientific evidence with regards to the position of the
bodies and the weapons allegedly found on the two men did not tally with
the oral testimonies of the policemen.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“The weapons described by the ballistic expert (Izzuwan Marzuki) and
the investigating officer (P Visvanathan) were also in conflict,” she
said.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">She said police witnesses gave evidence that shots were fired at the
men from an upright position but post-mortem reports stated that the
bullets pierced their bodies at a downward angle.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Rasyihah said, in totality, there were many disputable questions of fact regarding witness statements.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The four had left Kepong at about 10pm on Sept 13 after dinner to
visit friends and relatives. Moganambal’s sister, Vasanthi, had
testified that Moganambal sent a location map via her mobile phone at
about 1am (Sept 14) that indicated they were at a food outlet in
Serdang.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Vasanthi stated in her evidence that shop owner Senizam Md Yusof
admitted meeting the four that morning. However, Senizam denied in court
that he had met them at his premises.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Lawyer M Visvanathan, who held a watching brief for the family of
Thavaselvan and Vijayaratnam, said he had instructions to file a civil
suit following today’s verdict.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We have four months to do so as the three-year limitation period to
file a legal action against the government will set in by September,”
said Visvanathan who was assisted by V Sanjay Nathan.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Deputy Public Prosecutor Sean Dudley assisted the coroner. A total of 20 people gave evidence. <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2022/05/31/cops-abused-power-in-shooting-of-3-men-including-sri-lankan-coroner-finds/" target="_blank">- FMT, 31/5/2022</a><br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>EAIC says Johor man’s 2014 death in custody was murder </b></span></span><br />
<br />
Friday October 30, 2015<br />
11:49 PM GMT+8</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">
KUALA
LUMPUR, Oct 30 — <span style="color: red;"><b><span style="color: red;">The use of physical violence by police during arrest
and questioning was the cause of Syed Mohd Azlan Syed Mohamed Nur’s 2014
death in custody, the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC)
said today.</span><br /><br />According to the enforcement watchdog, its investigations also found <span style="color: red;">attempts
to obscure evidence from the 25-year-old’s interrogation that resulted
in 61 separate injuries on various parts of his body.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;">The
police officers involved also engaged in a “serious breach” of standard
operating procedures concerning the handling of detainees, material
seizure, and the integrity of statements.</span><br /> </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="color: red;">“There was an
element of crime in the attacks involving common intent or abetment by
PDRM officers, including the arresting team, to intentionally use
physical violence on the deceased to cause death or injury,”</span> the EAIC said in a statement today.<br /><br />It
added that the action was a criminal offence, specifically under
Section 302 and 325 of the Penal Code read with Section 34 of the same
Act.<br /><br />Section 302 pertains to murder while Section 325 involves
voluntarily causing grievous bodily harm; Section 34 deals with
voluntarily causing hurt.<br /><br /><span style="color: black;">The EAIC
then recommended that the Attorney-General’s Chambers to prosecute the
officers involved for the crimes identified in the agency’s
investigations.<br /><br />It added that it was regrettable that custodial
deaths continue to occur repeatedly in the country, saying that the
matter should be viewed seriously.<br /><br />According to the EAIC’s
investigations, Syed Mohd Azlan had been arrested on November 3, 2014
near Pengerang, Johor over possible involvement in an armed altercation
involving two groups on September 14 the same year.<br /><br />He had been
detained by a team of 13 police officers and held at the Sungai Rengit
police station, where he had been interrogated over the attack.<br /><br />Syed Mohd Azlan was later transferred to the Kota Tinggi district police headquarters to be remanded, but died while in transit.</span><br /><br />A post-mortem determined <span style="color: red;">the
cause of death to be blunt force trauma to his chest, while 61
defensive wounds were discovered on his face, torso, and both legs</span>. -</b></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><a href="http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/eaic-says-johor-mans-2014-death-in-custody-was-murder" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 30/10/2015</a></span></div> <span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span><h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3><p> </p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-16300200794711216462024-02-17T17:32:00.002+08:002024-02-17T17:35:26.713+08:00REFORM - Vetting of Ministerial Candidates, Parliament verification Ministerial Regulations/Orders,etc..REPEAL power of Minister to exempt compliance with law??? Did PH get a Ministerial Exemption?<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;">Malaysia needs to consider VETTING of potential Members of Parliament and Senators that the Prime Minister wants in his Cabinet(the Executive) - We do not want the 'wrong' person to become Minister or Deputy Minister, noting that this Ministers, after appointment, has a lot of powers - many of which that could be exercised by the Minister/Deputy Minister alone without the need of any prior approval of the Prime Minister or Cabinet, or even Parliament. </span></b>In most Acts, the Minister has the power to even make subsidiary legislation, orders, etc.. The Minister also have the power to make 'political appointments' including to GLCs that come under the ambit of the Ministry. He/she can also decide on who gets contracts, and the terms of such contracts. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Therefore, is it time for maybe PARLIAMENT to be given the power to VET potential Cabinet Members before they are appointed by the King acting on the advice of the Prime Minister. We want qualified and CLEAN persons to be appointed as Ministers and Deputy Ministers, if not there is always a SERIOUS RISK of abuse of power or other wrongdoings.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">LET us look at the HOME MINISTERS powers under the Societies Act as an example:- </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"></span></b></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles">5 Power of the Minister to declare a society unlawful</span> <br /></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">(1) It shall
be lawful for the Minister in his <span style="color: red;">absolute discretion</span> by order to
declare unlawful any society or branch or class or description of any
societies which in his opinion, is or is being used for purposes
prejudicial to or incompatible with the interest of the security of
Malaysia or any part thereof, public order or morality.</span></b></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: verdana;"><b><u>Comment</u>:- Those affected can go to court for a Judicial Review - which can result in the quashing of the Order of the Minister. BERSIH was successful in their application?? <br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"></span></b></span></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles">67 Regulations</span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"> <br /></span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">(1) The Minister may make regulations for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of this Act.</span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"> </span></b></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><u>Comment</u>:- Whilst the Act of Parliament is debated and approved by Parliament > such 'REGULATIONS' and/or ORDERS are not. Should not ALL Regulations,etc of Ministers be brought to Parliament for ratification? This is only right, as these regulations/rules often also create crimes that are punishable by law? It is best that there permanent Select Committees in Parliament that will continue to monitor all new Regulations/Rules, Orders and Exemptions. Better if there are several Select Committees, each to specifically monitor a Ministry or some Ministries > to monitor all the different Ministries will be tough. <br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"><b></b></span></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red;"><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles">70 Power to exempt</span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"> </span></b> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">The
Minister may at his discretion in writing exempt any society registered
under this Act from all or any of the provisions of this Act.</span></b></p><p></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"></span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><u>Comment</u>:- This provision in this Act(and similar provisions in other Acts) must be REPEALED - for it is absurd to have LAWS, and then give any Minister the power to EXEMPT some or any society from obeying the law in full, or obeying particular provisions. This can be seen as DISCRIMINATORY, and also a violation of Art 8<span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">(1) All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law.</span></b></span></p><p><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;">There can be NO justification for saying that Society X is 'EXEMPTED" from following this provision of the law, and escapes the Act imposed penalty, but then all other Societies must follow the law, and if not suffer the penalty in law for non-compliance. <br /></span></p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The HOME MINISTER using his power of 'EXEMPTIONS' - meaning that a particular society(including political party), although they broke the law is EXEMPTED from compliance of the law, in the case of UMNO from a particular section <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Section 13(1)(c)(iv) </span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote></blockquote></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote><span style="font-size: x-small;">"In reference to Umno's constitution and meeting rules, the ministry had
decided to grant an exemption from compliance <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Section 13(1)(c)(iv)
</span></b>through Section 70...</span></blockquote></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Section 13(1)(c)(iv) is as follows</span></b> <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"><b><u><span style="color: red;"></span></u></b></span></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"><b><u><span style="color: red;">13 Cancellation and suspension (Societies Act) </span></u></b></span> <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">(1) Subject to
subsection (2), the Registrar may, in the following cases, cancel the
registration of any society registered under section 7:</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"> </span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><i>(c)</i> if the Registrar is satisfied—</span></span> </p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">(iv) that the
registered society has wilfully contravened any provisions of this Act
or of any regulations made under this Act or of <span style="color: red;"><u><span>any of its rules </span></u></span>or that
any members of the society have habitually contravened the provisions
of subsection 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 [<i><a>Act 15</a></i>] by any acts or utterances to which paragraph 3(1)<i>(f)</i> of that Act applies;</span></span></p></blockquote></div></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now, the Minister's Exemption reasonably will come after the Registrar of Society has come to a decision/finding that UMNO was in breach of <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Section 13(1)(c)(iv)</span></b>- and thus was at risk of having its registration cancelled. Then, and then only will the Minister come in and use his Power of Exemption... </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In my opinion, it is more JUST if a society that had broken the law be simply given more time to comply with the law. In terms of UMNO, the issue seemed an UMNO Resolution tabled during a General Meeting(and not before - usually at least 7 days b4 a General Meeting) calling for a NO-CONTEST for the top 2 position of UMNO) - which may be also unlawful as the only way one is elected is usually by elections, and no RESOLUTION can overrule the requirement of an election. Would it not be ABSURD to call for a General Meeting of a Society, and then pass a RESOLUTION naming the President, office bearers and committee members) - thus cancelling the need for a society's elections, which normally how the leadership of any society determined.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A PARLIAMENT QUESTION:- How many times have the Home Minister used his power of EXEMPTION, and for what societies, and how many other societies were actually penalized by law for a violation of Section 13(1)(c)(iv) <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;">HENCE, RIGHTFULLY THE POWER OF MINISTER'S TO EXEMPT COMPLIANCE OF THE LAW, OR FOR CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE LAW MUST BE REPEALED?</span> If the law is bad, amend it - provide for extra time for compliance, rather than de-registration...</b> <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">An interesting question is <span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">HOW DID PAKATAN HARAPAN GET REGISTERED AS A SOCIETY(POLITICAL PARTY)</span></b> </span>given the fact that it did not have the required 7 or more members? <b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><u>Did it also get a Minister's exemption</u> so that it could register with 4 members, rather than comply with the minimum requirement of 7 or more...??? </span></b><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One requirement for registration of a Society(including Political Party) is that it must at least have 7 or more members. This can be individual human persons, or registered legal entities. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span id="ctl00_CMain_lblHeadNotesBal" style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><blockquote><span id="ctl00_CMain_lblHeadNotesBal" style="font-family: verdana;">The definition of "society" under <a title="Interpretation">s. 2 of the Act</a>
includes "<b><span style="color: red;">an association of seven or more persons</span></b>... whatever its
nature or object whether temporary or permanent." The<b><span style="color: red;"> word "person" is
defined under <a title="Definitions">s. 3 of the Interpretation Acts 1948 and 1967</a> to include "body of persons, corporate or unincorporated." </span></b>Applying that definition, the word "persons" in <a title="Interpretation">s. 2</a> included coalition of NGOs... from the Judgment of the </span><span class="SimpleTip" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="casetitlecenterwrap" id="ctl00_CMain_lblCaseTitle">DATO' AMBIGA SREENEVASAN & ORS v. MENTERI DALAM NEGERI & ORS, </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">
<span class="casetitle" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder2_lblCitation">[2012] 7 CLJ 43 - which is simple summary of what the law is today</span></span></blockquote><span class="casetitle" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder2_lblCitation" style="font-family: verdana;"></span> <span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Everywhere I look on the internet, I see that Pakatan Harapan has only 4 Members - PKR, DAP, Amanah and UPKO? Are there other members in PH that has not been disclosed? Maybe there were 3 or more other NGOs who are members...</span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">What about Perikatan Nasional - how many members does it have? 7 or more, or did it also get a Minister's EXEMPTION to be registered as a society?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In the Malaysian Bar, as an example, at every Bar Council meeting, all minutes and decision made under various committees or sub-committees are looked at and approved. If there is anything not right, the Bar Council communicates back its approval/objections/questions back to the relevant committees. Do the Malaysian Cabinet also go through the various decisions or proposed plans of Ministers including regulations/rules, Orders by the Minister, Exemptions granted?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Today,<b><span style="color: red;"> in view of the Anti-Hopping law, there is a need for a FULL DISCLOSURE of the Constitution/Rules of Pakatan Harapan, Perikatan Nasional, Barisan Nasional </span></b>- as these were political parties/societies that contested in GE15 and other subsequent elections - and a MP will be disqualified only if they leave PH, BN, PN,... A MP may leave DAP - but nothing will happen unless he/she leaves PH - then, he/she will be disqualified and a by-election will be called for. So, we must consider the PH Constitution - when does it say that a PH MP leaves PH. Would a MP that leaves DAP and join another PH member party, Amanah (for instance) be considered a MP that has left PH - resulting in disqualification and by-elections?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Hence, all political parties including PH, PN and BN must make available its Constitution/Rules to the public and its website. Now, it is so difficult to find these political party Constitution/Rules. Unlike other societies, political parties must openly disclose its Constitution, Rules, etc...as it is a matter of public interest.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">see also:- </span><br /></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2024/02/ministersas-part-of-executive-must.html">Ministers(as
part of Executive) must resign as soon as they are charged, just like
the King who ceases to function when the King is charged? Art.48 need to
be amended, 48(4) repealed? </a></h3><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /></span></span></p><h1 class="article-title">Finally, Pakatan Harapan gets registered</h1><div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info"> <div class="article-byline">By By Ida Nadirah Ibrahim</div> <div class="article-date">Wednesday, 16 May 2018 6:53 PM MYT</div> </div> <div class="main-container-article-body"> <div class="article-body"> <p>
KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 — The Registrar of Societies (RoS) has today
approved Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) registration to be an official political
coalition.</p><p> The news was confirmed by sources in both DAP and
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM), two of the ruling pact’s four
component parties.</p><p>However, when contacted, PPBM’s strategic director Datuk Rais Hussin told <i>Malay Mail</i> to wait for the official announcement by the Home Ministry tomorrow.</p></div></div><p>
“I cannot say further, but all I can say is wait for the announcement
from KDN tomorrow,” he said, referring the ministry by its Malay
acronym.</p><p>Similarly, PH secretariat chief Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah tweeted that
the coalition had yet to receive the registration certificate, and also
asked the public to wait for an official statement from the Home
Ministry.</p><div data-google-query-id="CPDK1e_-sYQDFcvKcwEdaeEH9Q" id="mm-teads"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p> The registration certificate was circulated on social media this evening.</p><p> It was signed by the RoS director-general Surayati Ibrahim, who had previously blocked the move.</p><p>On February 22, PH had through five of its leaders filed for judicial
review against the RoS over the latter’s alleged unlawful failure to
respond to a registration bid.</p><p> The RoS said it could not proceed
with the application since PH’s component PPBM had yet to respond and
provide all the information and documents required.</p><p> PH parties
then contested the election under PKR’s ticket and logo in Peninsular
Malaysia, and the pact then took over Putrajaya after a shock win
against then-ruling Barisan Nasional. - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2018/05/16/finally-pakatan-harapan-gets-registered/1631636" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 16/8/2018</a><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eU2oqzIoUgd9SaU9GMooewQGKqVP0FLFxZOb9AtmRH7gtMSSlW93oRldFQtuGsfAegNJqum8uLX8l0O2Ndc8YNUSvxXX8eUc8jIrYjFt5EkHchGBirZYfLPwoGn54AAUIastUd02l8uIPuND8BG1tNLlIafg5-GQi1lzgCdcKewOEkvGlq4H/s648/muhyiddin_pakatan3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="648" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eU2oqzIoUgd9SaU9GMooewQGKqVP0FLFxZOb9AtmRH7gtMSSlW93oRldFQtuGsfAegNJqum8uLX8l0O2Ndc8YNUSvxXX8eUc8jIrYjFt5EkHchGBirZYfLPwoGn54AAUIastUd02l8uIPuND8BG1tNLlIafg5-GQi1lzgCdcKewOEkvGlq4H/s320/muhyiddin_pakatan3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h1 class="sc-eDPEul jUeWRP pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">Pakatan Harapan registration approved, says Muhyiddin</h1><div class="sc-aXZVg jiTbBU"><p>Registrar of Societies has also restored status of PPBM, says its head </p>
</div><div class="sc-cwHptR llSLcQ d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author">FMT Reporters - </span><time class="sc-aXZVg eeJhAp fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1526482907000" style="min-height: 15px;">16 May 2018, 11:01pm</time></div></div></div><br /><div class="sc-cPiKLX hSRCTm pb-3" itemprop="articleBody"><p>KUALA LUMPUR: PPBM president Muhyiddin Yassin has confirmed that
Pakatan Harapan’s registration has been approved by the Registrar of
Societies (RoS).</p>
<p>“I am happy to inform that Pakatan Harapan’s registration has been approved by the RoS.</p></div><p>“It was given without any interference on my part, because I have not even been officially sworn in as home minister.</p>
<p>“I’ve also been informed by the RoS that PPBM’s status has been restored.“It is no longer a party facing registration issues,” said Muhyiddin,
who has been named by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the home
minister in the new PH government.</p>
<p>He was speaking at a rally in Padang Timur, Petaling Jaya, to celebrate the release of PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim. - <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2018/05/16/pakatan-harapan-registration-approved-says-muhyiddin/" target="_blank">FMT, 16/5/2018</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia"></a> </p><h1 class="article-title">RoS confirms Perikatan as registered entity, says approved on Aug 7</h1><div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> </div><br /></div><div class="article-info"> <div class="article-byline">By RADZI RAZAK</div> <div class="article-date">Monday, 14 Sep 2020 7:39 PM MYT</div> </div> <div class="main-container-article-body" style="height: auto;"> <div class="article-body" style="height: auto;"> <p>
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 — The Registrar of Societies (RoS) today
confirmed that Perikatan Nasional (PN) is a registered entity as of
August 7 and said claims that the coalition had no record of being a
registered party was baseless.</p><p> Earlier today, PKR challenged PN
and its leader Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to reveal the coalition’s true
status as to whether or not they have been formally recognised as a
political party by the RoS.</p></div></div><p>PKR information chief Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, and PKR
deputy Youth chief Syed Badli Shah Syed Osman alleged that checks with
RoS’ online registration system failed to show PN as an official
political entity.</p><p> RoS, in a statement, said PN was registered as
Parti Perikatan Nasional through the issuance of registration
certificate PPM-019-14-07082020, which was approved and signed by the
RoS.</p><div data-google-query-id="CLax-_KAsoQDFbIqtwAd120MbA" id="mm-story-mreg-2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 300px;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/mm-story-mreg-2_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div><div data-google-query-id="CKr33YuBsoQDFZzBcwEdCfENhA" id="abm3002"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/21751243814,32246135/230805-300-250-2_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div></div><p>
“PN was approved and came into force on Aug 7, under the political
category, under the provisions of the Societies Act 1966 (Act 335).</p><p>
“The registration certificate, party logo and constitution were signed
and submitted to PN as soon as the party’s registration was approved.</p><p>
“In this regard, RoS would like to stress that the statement alleging
that PN has no registration record is completely unfounded,” it said.</p><p>RoS also said PN’s successful registration could not be found on its
website as its system automatically updates every two months, adding
that PN would only show up on the website in early October.</p><p>
“However, if a specific search is made in the eROSES system, it will
clearly display that the PN party had been approved on August 7.</p><p>
“However, the information on the party, found in the eROSES system, can
only be accessed by the secretary of the party,” it added. - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/09/14/ros-confirms-perikatan-as-registered-entity-says-approved-on-aug-7/1903174" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 19/9/2020</a><br /></p><p><br /><br /> <br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote><p><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"></span></p></blockquote></div>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-7342561133179498552024-02-17T15:25:00.001+08:002024-02-17T15:25:41.524+08:00BERSIH - Organizing Peaceful Assembly or Not? If needed reforms did not come after 1 year - why wait? Local Government Elections? <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Will BERSIH TAKE THE LEAD AND ORGANIZE A PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY because of the growing disappointment with PM Anwar Ibrahim's slowness or U-turns on institutional and other reforms expected when PH comes into power? </b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Many Malaysians are likely not participate in peaceful assemblies organized by political parties or coalitions, but it is different when BERSIH or other bodies other than those related to political parties do. Hence, BERSIH has the capacity to draw the crowds, irrespective of party affiliations. A DAP supporter may not participate in a protest organised by PN eventhough he/she supports the call, but would participate if it was BERSIH or some non-party partisan groups is organizing.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But, sadly some believe that BERSIH and many other human rights groups were 'compromised' after GE14 - unwilling to protest against PH >>> always talking about 'giving more time' even in the face of obvious wrongs committed that angers justice loving persons. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Even now, after the recent discontinuance of Zahid Hamidi's criminal case, Najib's pardon, etc - BERSIH is still waiting 'giving more time' - '</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;">ready to organise another mass
demonstration against the government if it does not take concrete steps
to implement promised institutional reforms in the coming parliamentary
meetings.' </span><span>HOW LONG BEFORE BERSIH MOVES? </span></b><span>Is BERSIH still independent, or is it sympathetic to Anwar Ibrahim, a former ABIM leader? </span><b><span><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><blockquote><i>Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz has been elected as the new Coalition for
Clean & Fair Election (Bersih) chairman for the 2023-2025 term...<b><span> </span></b>Muhammad Faisal was the former president of the Muslim Youth Movement
Malaysia (Abim) from 2019 to 2023 and deputy chairperson of Bersih from
2018 to 2020.</i></blockquote><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span>How many Parliamentary meetings...</span></b><span>until the end of this government's term in office?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If BERSIH has no intention to organise a peaceful assembly - do not deceive the public...and maybe others will take the initiatives..A peaceful assembly's timing - best after something that angers the public, and Najib's pardon was such an event - it will be ineffective to wait several months for the issue may be 'forgotten' like Zahid's DNAA has become,...SO, BERSIH SHOULD DO IT NOW AND NOT WAIT ANYMORE..<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;">Many in Malaysia are waiting for the opportunity to express their unhappiness or 'disappointed' with the Malaysian government, now under the premiership of Anwar Ibrahim and his PH led government...</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Anyway, with the draconian Peaceful Assembly Act still in place - will BERSIH even be allowed to organize a peaceful assembly at the Dataran Merdeka, etc > or will they be forced to do in in some closed stadium or in some field far away from the public eye? I wonder...I wonder... <b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sadly, often they cannot hope for their 'elected representative' MPs to raise their issues, especially if it a criticism of current government policies and practices - because most PKR,DAP,Amanah or UPKO MPs appear just too 'afraid' to express views publicly that are critical of PM Anwar(also the Chairperson of PH) or his government >>> for the worry is that if they do, they may be 'penalized' by the party or get in the 'bad books' of ...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite Anwar's government backtracking on election promises or party promises, how many PKR, DAP or Amanah MPs even spoke out about SOSMA, Sedition Act and its continued usage...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;">MPs - they are in name, but their failure to SPEAK OUT publicly their views and the people's concerns especially if it is against Anwar or their own political parties is disturbing...</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">So, who speaks for the people of Malaysia? </span></b>Sadly, for many - it goes back to the people themselves to speak out for themselves...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Going into GE15, many people voted against BN and voted for PH. But, then PH formed a coalition government with the 'enemy' BN, and BN/UMNO leader the Deputy PM position, and even made one of the BN leaders the Deputy Finance Minister...Well, it is true that PH had little or no choice after PN decided that it will not form a unity government with PH, and the Sarawak/Sabah MPs also did not. Left with no choice, PH formed a coalition government with BN...maybe the only option between becoming government or remaining Opposition. Such coalition with 'enemy' is common place in many jurisdictions.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">BUT, then when it came to the subsequent 6 State elections, PH formed an electoral pact with BN - when, it would have been best to contest the said State elections alone, and after the results came out decide whether to form a coalition government with BN or any other party IF AND ONLY IF PH failed to win sufficient seats to form government on its own.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hence, what the PH did could be seen as a 'BETRAYAL' of the people - something that warrants the immediate resignation of all PH MPs - If GE was held today, will PH still have the support of the people and win the majority of seats again?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The new 'unity government' has since then abandoned a lot of REFORMS that was expected by PH - none of the bad laws like Sedition Act, SOSMA, Detention Without Trial laws, etc were even repealed, let alone amended after all this time to remove the draconian provisions contained there in. Local Government(Council) election promise was 'forgotten' ...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then, recently we had the pardon of Najib, the discontinuance of criminal case against Zahid...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Of course, the people may have much grievances against PM Anwar Ibrahim and his government...and one way that they can really express their grievances, expectations,..is maybe through a PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY ... and so, there is likely to support when BERSIH said it was planning or rather contemplating the holding of a PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY (so, is it all talk by BERSIH).</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">BERSIH in the past had demonstrated that it had the capacity to get tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands to participate in peaceful assembly...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">BUT post GE14, BERSIH suffered a loss of credibility - when its leader was co-opted to contest as a PH MP(who was then dropped come GE15), and other key personalities were given government or PH-linked positions. The result was BERSIH's image - it was seen as a pro-PH movement. It must dispel such perception and reclaim its image as an independent pro people movement...not a 'tool' of any political parties. Can it?<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">BERSIH's ability to get peoples' support was because it was seen to be independent of political parties despite the fact that many Opposition parties grabbed the opportunity to subsequently support these BERSIH organized peaceful assembly...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><blockquote><i>Bersih has not invited Perikatan Nasional (PN) to join in protesting the
reduced sentence for former prime minister Najib Razak, says coalition
secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin...When asked if PN would join the electoral watchdog at such
demonstrations, Hamzah said both parties must first discuss the issues
they should collectively fight for.</i><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was absurd for PN to suggest that it will not support a BERSIH protest unless '</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>both parties must first discuss the issues
they should collectively fight for.' </i>BERSIH can invite views from all quarters, including political parties but ultimately BERSIH must independently act...of course inviting all, persons and parties to join...</span><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Remember, the people are not just unhappy with PH-led unity government but also some of the matters in PN governed states - or just positions taken by some political parties and/or politicians.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">PN can organize its own peaceful assembly and determine the issues they fight for in their peaceful assembly - WHY DON'T THEY? Sadly, many political party simply is not confident enough that they can attract Malaysians from all walks of life, religion, ethnicities, etc to come out for a peaceful assembly...NO GUTS. Even the government fears that they will not get the peoples' support if they organize a peaceful assembly - so, even such an assembly is heard, we hear rumours of people being 'paid' to attend, 'ordered' to attend...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">BERSIH organised peaceful assemblies according the people the ability to express their many grievances against the government - but there has been NO BERSIH organised peaceful assemblies after GE14, after PH became government ousting the BN rule and domination of the Federal Government. The last big BERSIH Protest happened on November 2016.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><blockquote><blockquote><i>The rally highlighted five demands: clean
elections, <b><span style="color: red;">clean government, strengthened parliamentary democracy, the
right to dissent,</span></b> and empowerment for Sabah and Sarawak under the
tagline “Satukan Tenaga – Malaysia Baru” (“Stand United – New
Malaysia”).</i></blockquote></blockquote><p><b><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana;">The demands are still valid in 2024 - Will BERSIH act and lead?</span><span style="color: red;"> Will they organize a PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY ...</span></b><br /></p><p></p><h1 class="article-title" style="text-align: justify;">Bersih warns Putrajaya of fresh protest unless reform agenda put back on track</h1> <div class="social-sharing"> <div class="social-inner"><br /></div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/07/185006.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/07/185006.jpg&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="Bersih warns Putrajaya of fresh protest unless reform agenda put back on track" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-adbro-processed="true" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/07/185006.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="266" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/07/185006.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" title="Bersih warns Putrajaya of fresh protest unless reform agenda put back on track" width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">The
Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0) today told the
Putrajaya that it was ready to organise another mass demonstration
against the government if it does not take concrete steps to implement
promised institutional reforms in the coming parliamentary meetings. —
Picture by Hari Anggara.</div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info"> <div class="article-byline">By Zaf Seraj</div> <div class="article-date">Wednesday, 07 Feb 2024 2:40 PM MYT</div> </div> <div class="main-container-article-body" style="height: auto;"> <div class="article-body" style="height: auto;"> <p>PETALING
JAYA, Feb 7 — <b><span style="color: red;">The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0)
today told Putrajaya that it was ready to organise another mass
demonstration against the government if it does not take concrete steps
to implement promised institutional reforms in the coming parliamentary
meetings.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Bersih demanded that the government begin delivering on
the reforms promised during the 15th general election in 2022, including
the separation of the attorney general’s functions and the restoration
of Parliament’s independence from the executive.</p></div></div><p>“The people urge the government to implement the 100 per cent reform agenda without compromise.</p><p><b><span style="color: red;">“Bersih
will not hesitate to mobilise the people to take to the streets as this
is the language best understood by those comfortably in power,
regardless of the various excuses given,</span></b>” said Bersih chairman Faisal
Abdul Aziz in a press conference here today.</p><p>Faisal
said the government must implement these reforms as they were promised
the election manifestos of the coalitions that were now in power.</p><div data-google-query-id="CNOcofTXqIQDFZs4gwMdCKkKgQ" id="mm-teads"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"><ins data-aqiep="1" id="CNOcofTXqIQDFZs4gwMdCKkKgQ" style="clear: none; display: inline; float: none; height: 0px; inset: auto; margin: 0px; max-height: none; max-width: none; opacity: 1; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: static; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; width: 0px; z-index: auto;"></ins></div></div><p>He
added that the priority was for structural reforms, and that his
organisation would closely monitor the next parliamentary meeting for
progress on these promises.</p><p>Faisal said Bersih was issuing this warning due to recent developments that show the derailment of the reforms agenda.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Bersih
and other NGOs present at the press conference expressed their
disappointment with the government’s failure to reveal the advice
submitted to the Pardons Board on Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s pardon
application as well as the discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA)
given to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for his
corruption charges after the courts had determined prima facie.</p><p>Faisal
said that while there is no legal obligation for the government to
explain, it still has a moral responsibility to do so in matters that
were of significant public interest.</p><p>Aliran executive committee
member K. Haridas clarified that the public were not questioning the
Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s discretionary powers enshrined in the Federal
Constitution, but rather the government’s advice on Najib’s pardon
application.</p><p>Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) program director Azura
Nasron complained of the lack of transparency in the matter, asking why
Najib’s application was expedited over those of death row inmates made
previously.</p><p>Electoral watchdog Bersih has organised five massive
protests considered to be inflection points in the evolution of
Malaysia’s political landscape, beginning with the first in 2007 - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/02/07/bersih-warns-putrajaya-of-fresh-protest-unless-reform-agenda-put-back-on-track/116806#google_vignette" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 7/2/2024 </a></p><h1 class="sc-fPXMVe iWDaXK pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">Hassan backs Bersih’s call for protest, says reforms taking too long</h1><div class="sc-aXZVg jiTbBU"><p>Pasir
Gudang MP Hassan Karim says the slow pace of reforms has left the
people disillusioned and disappointed in the unity government.</p>
</div><div class="sc-jEACwC diNLrn d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="sc-dcJsrY jSPIFe" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/annemuhammad/">Anne Muhammad</a> - </span><time class="sc-aXZVg eeJhAp fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1707447101000" style="min-height: 15px;">09 Feb 2024, 10:51am</time></div></div></div><div class="mb-3" style="height: 40px;"><div class="st-left st-has-labels st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="sharethis-1707840392202"><br /></div></div><div class="sc-dLMFU fwLGGd pb-3" itemprop="articleBody"><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2679451" class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_2679451" style="width: 800px;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-2679451" data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hphkgnvha729x5hjtdfvtz5z" height="250" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/f33260d2-protest-bersih-bernama-070224-2.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 0px;" width="400" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-2679451"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Election watchdog Bersih held rallies in 2015 and 2016 over the 1MDB scandal. (Bernama pic)</span></i></figcaption></figure>
<p>PETALING JAYA: PKR veteran Hassan Karim says Bersih should take to
the streets to protest the sluggish pace of reforms under Prime Minister
Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership.</p>
<p>The Pasir Gudang MP said the issue has left the people disillusioned and disappointed in the unity government.</p></div><p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hphkgnvh59knngdcfdytzv0m">“So
it is only natural if Bersih decides to take to the streets to voice
their protest against Pakatan Harapan (PH) and the government under
Anwar’s leadership for their failure to implement the changes as
promised,” he told FMT.</p>
<figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2156991" class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_2156991" style="width: 200px;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-2156991" height="200" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Hassan-Abdul-Karim.jpg" width="200" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-2156991">Hassan Karim.</figcaption></figure>
<p>Last Wednesday, Bersih warned that it would not hesitate to organise
street protests again if the government does not commit to its
institutional and political reform agenda.</p><p>At a press conference, Bersih chairman Faisal Abdul Aziz said
Malaysia was in a critical period of “democratic transition” that
required the coming together of all parties to realise reforms.</p>
<p>“Bersih will not hesitate to mobilise the people back to the streets,
a ‘language’ comprehensible to those in power who have been dismissing
the people’s aspirations with excuses against supporting reforms. We
urge the government to implement the reform agenda without compromise,”
he said.</p>
<p>Faisal also said the handling of recent corruption cases involving
political elites, including former prime minister Najib Razak, had left
the public as well as civil society organisations disappointed and
angry.</p>
<p>However, government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said the government has
never forgotten about the institutional reforms it once promised, adding
that it is one of the main agendas pursued by Anwar’s administration.</p>
<p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hphkgnvh59knngdcfdytzv0m">Hassan
said Bersih’s fight for free and fair elections also included demands
for reforms as pledged by PH in their election manifesto.</p>
<p>The people have very high hopes for the reforms promised, he added.</p>
<p>Hassan pointed out how between 2018 and 2020, the previous PH
government led by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had also
failed to implement the promised reforms, with the latter claiming that
the PH manifesto was “not a bible”.</p>
<p>“So when Anwar, a leading advocate for reform and who spearheaded the
movement back in 1998, became prime minister, of course people
anticipated the promised reforms, but more than a year into the Anwar
administration, reforms are progressing too slowly,” he said.</p>
<p>Bersih has been holding protests since 2007 to shine a light on
alleged electoral malpractices and to push for fair elections. It also
held rallies in 2015 and 2016 over the 1MDB scandal. - <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/02/09/hassan-backs-bersihs-call-for-protest-says-reforms-taking-too-long/" target="_blank">FMT, 9/2/2024</a><br /></p><h1 class="font-georgia text-4xl">Thousands gather for Zahid DNAA rally despite police warnings</h1><p class="font-georgia text-lg italic text-gray-500">The participants then head to the Dang Wangi police headquarters to lodge a report.</p><div class="flex flex-col gap-1 md:flex-row md:gap-0 md:divide-x md:divide-gray-200"><span class="font-source-sans font-semibold text-gray-700 md:pr-3"><a class="transition duration-200 hover:text-brand-red-900" href="https://www.malaysianow.com/author/ahmad-mustakim-zulkifli">Ahmad Mustakim Zulkifli</a></span><div class="divide-x divide-gray-200 md:pl-3"><span class="pr-3 font-source-sans text-gray-700"><time datetime="2023-09-16T14:40:00+08:00">September 16, 2023 1:40 PM</time></span></div></div><div class="flex space-x-2 overflow-x-scroll"><div class="flex items-center divide-x divide-gray-200 rounded-md border border-gray-200 py-2 px-3 text-gray-600"><div class="pr-3"><svg fill="currentColor" height="1em" stroke-width="0" stroke="currentColor" viewbox="0 0 448 512" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg></div></div></div><div class="flex items-center divide-x divide-gray-200 rounded-md border border-gray-200 py-2 px-3 text-gray-600"><div class="pl-3 font-georgia font-semibold leading-none"><span>Share</span></div></div><div class="cursor-pointer rounded-md bg-[#516eab] p-3 transition duration-200 hover:bg-[#415889]"><svg class="text-white" fill="currentColor" height="1em" stroke-width="0" stroke="currentColor" viewbox="0 0 320 512" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg></div><div class="cursor-pointer rounded-md bg-[#29c5f6] p-3 transition duration-200 hover:bg-[#1e9bc3]"><svg class="text-white" fill="currentColor" height="1em" stroke-width="0" stroke="currentColor" viewbox="0 0 512 512" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg></div><div class="cursor-pointer rounded-md bg-[#7bbf6a] p-3 transition duration-200 hover:bg-[#6eab5f]"><svg class="text-white" fill="currentColor" height="1em" stroke-width="0" stroke="currentColor" viewbox="0 0 448 512" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg></div><div class="cursor-pointer rounded-md bg-[#179cde] p-3 transition duration-200 hover:bg-[#1384bd]"><svg class="text-white" fill="currentColor" height="1em" stroke-width="0" stroke="currentColor" viewbox="0 0 448 512" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg></div><div class="cursor-pointer rounded-md bg-[#0266a0] p-3 transition duration-200 hover:bg-[#014a74]"><svg class="text-white" fill="currentColor" height="1em" stroke-width="0" stroke="currentColor" viewbox="0 0 448 512" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg></div><div class="space-y-4"><div><figure><span style="background: none; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: initial; margin: 0px; opacity: 1; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: relative; width: initial;"><span style="background: none; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: initial; margin: 0px; opacity: 1; padding-top: 66.640625%; padding: 0px; width: initial;"></span><img alt="Members of the PAS crowd control unit escort the participants of the 'Save Malaysia' rally as they move from Kampung Baru to the Dang Wangi police headquarters to lodge a police report in Kuala Lumpur, Sept 16." class="w-full cursor-pointer rounded-md bg-placeholder bg-cover bg-center bg-no-repeat" data-nimg="responsive" height="267" src="https://www.malaysianow.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.malaysianow.com%2Fuploads%2Fimages%2Fmedia%2F2023%2F09%2F16%2F5ee518c8-e91a-4bdb-beee-4eb187007ef9.jpg&w=3840&q=75" style="border: medium; bottom: 0; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 0px; inset: 0px; left: 0; margin: auto; max-height: 100%; max-width: 100%; min-height: 100%; min-width: 100%; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; width: 0px;" width="400" /></span><figcaption class="pt-3 font-georgia italic text-gray-500">Members
of the PAS crowd control unit escort the participants of the 'Save
Malaysia' rally as they move from Kampung Baru to the Dang Wangi police
headquarters to lodge a police report in Kuala Lumpur, Sept 16.</figcaption></figure></div></div><div><div class="prose max-w-full font-georgia text-lg text-black prose-a:text-brand-blue-900 prose-a:transition prose-a:duration-200 hover:prose-a:text-brand-red-900 prose-figure:my-5 prose-figcaption:-mt-3 prose-figcaption:italic prose-img:my-6 prose-img:cursor-pointer prose-img:rounded-md prose-hr:my-8" id="content-wrap"><p>Crowds
today gathered for the "Save Malaysia" rally in Kampung Baru, Kuala
Lumpur, to protest the attorney-general's decision to halt the
corruption trial of Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.</p>
<p>Dressed in white, they gathered at the Kampung Baru mosque after the
afternoon prayer, carrying placards calling for the Umno president to be
re-prosecuted. </p>
<p>They then began moving to the Dang Wangi police headquarters, where a
police report will be lodged by the organiser's secretariat, Tun Faisal
Ismail Aziz. </p><div>
<div class="mx-auto flex-grow" id="content-inline-ad-1">
<span class="mb-2 block text-center font-source-sans text-sm text-gray-400"></span>
<div class="flex min-w-0 justify-center">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>Those in attendance included activist Badrul Hisham Shaharin or
Chegubard, who was released following his arrest several days ago,
Bersatu information chief Razali Idris, and Pejuang information chief
Rafique Rashid. </p>
<figure class="image"><img alt="PSX_20230916_143346" src="https://cdn.malaysianow.com/uploads/images/media/2023/09/16/61754bcd-75d1-435c-a0b1-853cfa4b9ac3.jpg" style="width: 100%;" title="PSX_20230916_143346" />
<figcaption contenteditable="true">'Save Malaysia' participants move from Kampung Baru to the Dang Wangi police headquarters to lodge a police report.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Tun Faisal earlier said in his speech that no gathering would be held.</p>
<p>"We want to express our desire, guaranteed under the constitution,
that there was something amiss when Zahid was given the DNAA," he said,
referring to the discharge not amounting to acquittal granted to Zahid
for 47 charges of corruption in the Yayasan Akalbudi case. </p>
<p>"Before the election, they promised they would jail Zahid, not put him in Putrajaya." - <a href="https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2023/09/16/crowds-gather-for-zahid-dnaa-rally-despite-police-warnings" target="_blank">Malaysia Now, 16/9/2023</a><br /></p></div></div><p> </p><h1 id="td-headline">After Bersih 5: Fear and Repression Continue in Malaysia </h1>
<div id="td-lead"><p>While the latest rally went off peacefully, that should not overshadow an ongoing crackdown. </p>
</div>
<div id="td-meta">
<aside class="td-story-meta__img">
</aside>
<div class="td-story-meta__main">
<div class="td-author">By <strong>Khoo Ying Hooi</strong></div> <div class="td-date">November 23, 2016</div>
</div>
</div><div id="td-story-body"></div><figure class="td-media td-media--story" id="td-story-image"><div class="td-img"><img alt="After Bersih 5: Fear and Repression Continue in Malaysia" src="https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/sizes/td-story-s-1/thediplomat_2016-11-22_15-40-09.jpg" title="After Bersih 5: Fear and Repression Continue in Malaysia" /></div><figcaption class="td-caption"><span>Credit: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bersih_5_on_19_November_2016.jpg" target="_blank">Jiannoi93 via Wikimedia Commons</a></span></figcaption></figure>
<section class="td-23-story-body td-prose tda-gated tda-gated--unlocked tda-gated--out" data-pid="p99377" id="tda-gated-body" style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: justify;">The
much-anticipated Bersih 5 rally in Malaysia has finally concluded in a
relatively peaceful manner, despite some minor incidents in the evening
of November 19 amidst a downpour. Bersih 5 is intended to pressure the
government toward a new, reformed Malaysia through institutional changes
to the country’s flawed governance system ahead of the 14th General
Election, due by 2018. The rally highlighted five demands: clean
elections, clean government, strengthened parliamentary democracy, the
right to dissent, and empowerment for Sabah and Sarawak under the
tagline “Satukan Tenaga – Malaysia Baru” (“Stand United – New
Malaysia”).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As investigations on the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal
continue, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s administration has become
increasingly repressive and authoritarian. While Saturday’s rally
was overall considered as peaceful — due to the heavy police presence in
cordoned-off Kuala Lumpur to prevent a potential clash between the
Bersih yellow shirts and Red Shirts — it is not an indication that state
repression has decreased.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A day before Bersih 5, there was a series of heavy-handed attempts to
intimidate activists and opposition leaders. Fears of clashes between
Bersih and Red Shirts were real after the latter threatened to target
Bersih supporters. It was a dramatic Bersih eve, with more than a dozen
from the Red Shirts and the Bersih group arrested. The pre-rally arrests
had the result of causing more fear for potential protesters that
intended to participate in the Bersih 5 rally the next day. Many are
also angry that Bersih co-chair Maria Chin Abdullah is being held under
the country’s anti-terror law, Security Offenses (Special Measures) Act
2012, which allows preemptive detention for up to 28 days.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There were also social attempts to dissuade protesters. Religious
authorities told Muslims ahead of the Bersih 5 rally that staging
demonstrations would invite foreign intervention and run contrary to
Islamic laws. In the Friday sermon prepared for mosques nationwide, the
Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) highlighted the
Islamic way of changing leaders’ faults through advice, prayers, and
assisting leaders in virtuous matters.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A day after the rally, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
announced that more individuals would be arrested. Arguing that the law
must be respected, he is reported as saying that a list of individuals
involved in the Bersih 5 and Red Shirt rallies have been identified, but
the names will not be disclosed.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">On the rally day itself, there was a strong police presence on
standby, with Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) trucks and lots of barricades.
Approximately 7,000 policemen were on duty to ensure security and public
order. Water cannon trucks were also deployed. Traffic at 58 roads in
seven areas in the city was diverted starting at 7 am on the morning of
the rally itself to keep the two rival groups from meeting. he rally
organizers’ original plans to convene in Dataran Merdeka for the finale
was halted by police as various barricades were erected along main roads
leading to the square. Eventually, the organizers made eleventh hour
plans to convene the crowd in Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC), and the
rally was allowed to proceed as planned with no interruption from the
police. Former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad turned up
unannounced just after 2 pm in Bangsar; this marked his second time
participating in a Bersih rally.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">According to estimates from the police, there were about 15,000
protesters from Bersih group and 2,500 from the Red Shirts. The online
portal Malaysiakini estimated that more than 40,000 protesters marched
in the rally organized by Bersih. Malaysiakini estimated the number of
Red Shirts who also took to the streets at around 4,000. As the
protesters were not allowed to converge at meeting points before they
decided to gather at KLCC later in the day, it is difficult to estimate
the exact number who turned out.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, turnout figures are no longer a direct reflection of the
support received by Bersih in view of the repressive situation, which
does not encourage people to come out and protest without feeling
fearful. While some have suggested that political fatigue is setting in
among Malaysians, dimming enthusiasm for political rallies, it is
equally important to understand that Malaysia does not have an enabling
environment for peaceful citizen action.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">What could explain the pre-Bersih crackdown this time around is the
real fear the government itself has toward citizen action. The
much-predicted clash between the red and yellow shirts did not happen,
due to the heavy road closures by the police. The police managed
to prevent the two groups from clashing; however, in blocking off roads
they also impinged on the right of protesters to march peacefully.
Although the police were even-handed in their treatment of both groups,
the heavy road closures were unnecessary.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">While some argue that repression is hinders popular mobilization, due
to the added costs associated with mobilizing, others insist that
repression potentially increases grievances — which could lead to more
united collective action.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This is Bersih’s fifth rally and this year marks the
movement’s 10th anniversary. While many have argued Bersih has achieved
little in demanding the government make meaningful reforms, one
interesting trend that has emerged is that how state repression
influences Malaysians’ ability to challenge the government. Although
state repression limits protests, over time it has also facilitated the
continuing growth of civil society in the country, which then led to the
crippling of the government’s political legitimacy.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Najib argued that it is unlawful for any party to try to unseat a
democratically elected government via street protests, saying that the
people should wait until the next election to choose their government
via ballot box. But the crucial issue remains: toppling a democratically
elected government and reforming the election process are interlinked
issues.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Dr. Khoo Ying Hooi is Senior Lecturer at the Department of
International and Strategic Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social
Sciences, University of Malaya. - <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2016/11/after-bersih-5-fear-and-repression-continue-in-malaysia/" target="_blank">The Diplomat, 23/11/2016</a></em></p>
</section><p style="text-align: justify;"></p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-84458701945726294072024-02-16T16:24:00.001+08:002024-02-16T16:24:25.116+08:00ANWAR - No more hardcore poor in 3 States - True or False? Poverty line income must be revised to reflect current increased cost of living? Gift for those who highlight hardcore poor still in said 3 States? <p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red; font-family: verdana;">Proudly, Malaysia's Prime Minister announced that there are NO MORE Hardcore poverty in 3 States - KL, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan. He is merely talking about HARDCORE Poor and not those who ABSOLUTELY POOR. </b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red; font-family: verdana;">Did Anwar LIE? Maybe he can offer a REWARD to anyone who brings out the fact that there are still HARDCORE POOR in KL, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan. </b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In Malaysia, poverty determination is not determined individually - but based on 'household' (meaning the calculation of total monthly income of all living within the said housing unit'. It could be 1, 2 or 10-15. Previously, household used to refer to the immediate family unit father, mother and 3-4 kids, but not so anymore.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="newsContent" itemprop="articleBody" style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><blockquote><i>The hardcore poor refers to households with a monthly income of
less than RM1,169, while those in absolute poverty have an income of
less than RM2,208.</i></blockquote><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The figures determining hardcore poverty and poverty, I believe is still the 2020 figures, but we all know that the Malaysian cost of living, including food prices have been going up and up. Hence, should not the poverty line incomes be reviewed to reflect the real situation today. What is the poverty line income for 2024? Should there be different poverty line income for rural areas and urban areas, as the cost of living differs? Should there be a calculation of poverty line income for an individual, a family unit,.. rather than a household? Poor adults with low income may share the same house, sometimes with 5-15(or more) sharing the same living accommodation?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Is the income of RM1,169 sufficient for house rental/etc, utility bills,
phone, food for maybe 5 in the household, transportation, clothing,
etc? Even for an individual in Malaysia in February 2024, this will be
far from adequate, so will it be sufficient even for a family unit with
2/3 kids?In Malaysia, the poor can live sometimes - but then they or their kids may really be malnourished?<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"></i></p><blockquote><i style="font-family: verdana;">In Malaysia, the incidence of poverty is defined as the percentage of
households that has a gross monthly household income lower than the
poverty line income. <b><span style="color: red;">The government revised the national poverty line to
RM2,208 in 2020 from RM980 previously. </span></b>Consequently, the number of
households living under the poverty line increased to 5.6 percent in
2020, according to the latest figures from the World Bank.</i></blockquote> <p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;">What exactly did the government do to alleviate 'hardcore' poverty - was it merely a temporary measure </span></b>of providing sufficient monetary aid to simply increase the household income beyond RM1,169.00? Should it not be a more permanent measures - maybe getting of better employment(permanent) or income generation activities...The Welfare Department talks about skills training, income generating opportunities... Anwar should reveal how hardcore poverty was overcome in the 3 States - KL, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><blockquote><blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>▪ Provide skills training and income generation opportunities for productive group, e.g., in agro-based industries through funding, management,training, and marketing programmes<br />▪ Provide welfare aid and other forms of support to eligible applicants<br />▪ Develop self-reliance through mindset change programme</i></span></blockquote></blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana;">With regard to WELFARE AID, should the law be amended to provide for higher welfare aid? Now, for the needy is merely...in 2017 as stated below. Has this been amended? It is important that AID for the poor and needy not simply be up to the government of the day - BUT it must be made a right and obligatory by means of amendments to the relevant Acts of Parliament. <br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="rich_text" id="hs_cos_wrapper_post_body" style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><blockquote><span class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="rich_text" id="hs_cos_wrapper_post_body" style="font-family: verdana;">Among the help that is available for the poor and elderly in Malaysia is the financial aid of RM300 on a monthly basis. ..</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Aid’s available for disabled individuals from the Department of Social Welfare Malaysia are:RM350 monthly income maintenance. This is available for disabled
people who are working either under an employer or self-employed with a
salary below RM1,200.RM200 monthly financial assistance for disabled individuals without a job..single mothers can apply to receive financial aid to temporarily ease their burden.<strong>Child help</strong>minimum: RM100 per month, per child..Maximum: RM450 per month if there are more than 4 children involved - <span class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="rich_text" id="hs_cos_wrapper_post_body"><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="https://www.comparehero.my/budgets-tax/articles/government-aids-didnt-know" target="_blank">6 government aids and subsidies to help you save money in 2017</a></span></strong></h2></span></span></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Maybe, <b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">the Federal Constitution ought to be amended to provide all the right to food, shelter, clothing and healthcare. Maybe another amendment to provide us with the right to a clean and healthy environment.</span></span></b> YES, when it is part of the CONSTITUTION, it becomes the government's duty and responsibility to ensure that all in Malaysia enjoys these rights, and for the poor, it becomes the the government's duty and responsibility that they have proper housing, food, shelter,... no more up to the whims and fancy of any government of the day...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Employment and steady income can be provided by the government(Federal Government, State Government and Local Government) - the poor can be employed to carry out works like cleaning, grass cutting and management of gardens... many of which is now being done by migrant workers of private companies. </span></b>A poor family could be housed in a school area, while the father/mother could be employed to maintenance cleanliness of the school and the upkeep of the garden.. the presence of the family also will assist in 'security' of the premises, would it not. .. There are ways in which the government can eliminate poverty.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Identifying the poor and the hardcore poor may be assisted by the MANDATORY requirement that all adults must submit Income Tax returns, wherein which they would have to list their gross annual income(from whatever source) - in this way, the government can more easily identify the poor that require assistance. Tax returns irrespective of whether you are liable to pay tax or not??</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">ZAKAT goes to the State, how can the Federal Government work with State Governments to address the question of poverty in Malaysia(in all 13 States and 3 Federal Territories). There must be coordination? Or should each and every State transmit all monies it collected as Zakat for the Federal Government to use it to deal with poverty?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">There are 13 States and 3 Federal Territories, and until HARDCORE POVERTY is eliminated in Malaysia, there is nothing to be proud of.</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Talking about <b><span style="color: red;">HOUSING - maybe the government to build and have their own housing units to be then rented out to the hardcore and absolute poor at a minimal rental</span></b>. The availability of low cost houses to be bought may do no good for the poor...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>LOW COST HOUSING must be used by the intended - not to be rented out or sold for profit to another.</b> Maybe a law that reverts the ownership of low cost housing units, if it is found that the unit is not being used by the intended as required. [There were allegations that in the past, there was much abuse - low cost units ended up with cronies/friends - not in the hands of the truly poor who needed houses. ]</span></p><p><br /></p><span class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="rich_text" id="hs_cos_wrapper_post_body"><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.comparehero.my/budgets-tax/articles/government-aids-didnt-know" target="_blank"></a></span></strong></h2></span><p></p><p> </p><h1 class="sc-eldPxv dgOxeB pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">No more hardcore poor in KL, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan, says PM</h1><div class="sc-aXZVg jiTbBU"><p>Anwar Ibrahim says programme has targeted people in need regardless of race, despite doubts in some communities.</p>
</div><div class="sc-cwHptR llSLcQ d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author">FMT Reporters - </span><time class="sc-aXZVg eeJhAp fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1707994128000" style="min-height: 15px;">15 Feb 2024, 6:48pm</time></div></div></div><div class="mb-3" style="height: 40px;"><div class=" st-left st-has-labels st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="sharethis-1708064899844"><br /></div></div><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2685876" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_2685876" style="width: 800px;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-2685876" data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hpr9m5gv79qp3kbc83gxrbvj" height="250" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/097dbecf-datuk-seri-anwar-ibrahim-bernama-150224.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 0px;" width="400" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-2685876">Prime
Minister Anwar Ibrahim and ACCCIM president Low Kian Chuan at the
Chinese New Year event today. On Anwar’s right are deputy prime minister
Fadillah Yusof and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul. (Bernama pic)</figcaption></figure>
<p>PETALING JAYA: Efforts to eradicate extreme poverty in Kuala Lumpur,
Melaka and Negeri Sembilan have been 100% successful, Prime Minister
Anwar Ibrahim said.</p>
<p>He said this drive to eradicate hardcore poverty encompassed all races and was not specific to Malays, Bernama reported.</p><p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hpr9m5gwspta3bv1tbnxdk5w">“In Kuala Lumpur, although the majority are Malays, there is a proportionately high Indian population.</p>
<p>“We have assisted every Indian family in Kuala Lumpur to break free
from hardcore poverty. This is our approach, but sometimes we face
community leaders who doubt the allocation for Indians.</p><div data-google-query-id="CJ_q882dr4QDFcLpcwEdaYQDVg" id="div-gpt-ad-1661356464065-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/FMT_ROS_1x1_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<p>“For me, we will address every hardcore poor person, regardless of whether they are Chinese, Malay or Indian.</p><p>“In Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan, based on the figures we
have obtained, we have achieved 100% (success),” he said at the
Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia Chinese
New Year celebration in Kuala Lumpur today.</p>
<p>Anwar has made eradicating hardcore poverty a key aspect of his Madani agenda. - <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/02/15/no-more-hardcore-poor-in-kl-melaka-and-negeri-sembilan-says-pm/" target="_blank">FMT, 15/2/2024</a><br /></p><div class="title titlemobile" style="color: black; font-size: 26px;">No more excuses for hardcore poverty, Anwar tells state zakat agencies</div>
<div style="color: #999999; font-size: 12px;">Published on: Friday, February 16, 2024</div>
<div style="color: #999999; font-size: 12px;">By:
FMT, Predeep Nambiar
</div>
<div style="color: #999999; font-size: 12px; text-align: right;">
Text Size:
</div>
<p class="sep" style="padding-top: 15px;"></p>
<div align="center" class="imgcaptiondiv" style="padding: 0px 0px 10px 10px;">
<img alt="No more excuses for hardcore poverty, Anwar tells state zakat agencies" border="1" class="img-responsive center-block" height="250" src="https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/uploads/news2/2024/02/94e9a634-01-anwar-ibrahim-160224.jpg" style="margin: 0 auto;" title="No more excuses for hardcore poverty, Anwar tells state zakat agencies" width="400" />
<br /><i>Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim delivering his speech at the Penang
International Zakat Conference at Universiti Sains Malaysia in George
Town, Penang, today.</i>
</div>
<span class="newsContent" itemprop="articleBody"><span style="text-transform: uppercase;"><b>GEORGE TOWN:</b></span>
There can be no more excuses for hardcore poverty in the country given
the sizeable zakat (tithes) collections in several states, says Prime
Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
<p></p>Anwar said the primary objective of zakat is to help the poor. As
such, he said, state zakat authorities are obliged to prioritise the
eradication of hardcore poverty.
<p></p>“Zakat is not about generating revenue for the country. It is an
institution dedicated to eradicating poverty,” he said when opening the
Penang International Zakat Conference at Universiti Sains Malaysia here.
<p></p>“I cannot accept the fact that there are people who remain in the
hardcore poor bracket despite states collecting large sums as zakat.”</span><span class="newsContent" itemprop="articleBody">Since becoming prime minister in 2022, Anwar has made eradicating hardcore poverty one of his key missions.
<p></p>Yesterday, the prime minister commended the success of efforts to
eradicate extreme poverty in Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan.
<p></p>“Based on figures we have obtained, we have achieved 100% success
in Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan,” he said at the Associated
Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia’s (ACCCIM)
Chinese New Year celebrations in Kuala Lumpur.
<p></p>Last December, Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Aminuddin Harun
announced that his state had successfully eradicated hardcore poverty,
with 3,530 households moving out of the lowest bracket of poverty.
<p></p><b><span style="color: red;">The hardcore poor refers to households with a monthly income of
less than RM1,169, while those in absolute poverty have an income of
less than RM2,208.</span></b> - <a href="https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/228856/no-more-excuses-for-hardcore-poverty-anwar-tells-state-zakat-agencies/" target="_blank">Daily Express, 16/2/2024<br /></a></span><p><a href="https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/228856/no-more-excuses-for-hardcore-poverty-anwar-tells-state-zakat-agencies/" target="_blank"> </a></p><header class="entry-header">
<h1 class="entry-title">MTEN AGREES TO PROPOSALS TO END HARDCORE POVERTY – PM ANWAR</h1>
<div class="entry-meta">
<span class="entry-date"><time class="published" datetime="2023-11-06T19:30:00+08:00">November 6, 2023</time></span><span><a href="https://www.pmo.gov.my/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a></span> </div>
</header>
<p><img alt="" class=" wp-image-979917 aligncenter" height="267" src="https://www.pmo.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/399676971_914094016738833_7163977623147314065_n-469x313.jpg" width="400" /></p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 (Bernama)
— Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the National Economic
Action Council (MTEN) meeting he chaired today agreed on three proposals
to end hardcore poverty in the country.</p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">Anwar said MTEN agreed that
special monthly cash assistance would be considered to overcome the food
poverty line (PGK) for households unable to participate in
income-generating activities due to age and health factors.</p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">All agencies and ministries
will conduct a review and update the data to confirm the number of
recipients who have been given assistance and generate income exceeding
the food PGK in 2023.</p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">“All agencies need to
identify households which can participate in the programme in the
remaining three months and be absorbed in other suitable programmes,” he
said in a statement issued after the MTEN meeting today.</p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">He added that today’s meeting
was also informed about the status of implementation and efforts in
eliminating hardcore poverty as well as the challenges faced.</p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">He said that several efforts
and programmes have been implemented by the government to eradicate
hardcore poverty, including programmes related to monthly cash
assistance, home upgrading, providing business capital, skills training
and income-generating activities.</p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">“These efforts have already
been implemented by various ministries and agencies to help people to
break away from the shackles of hardcore poverty.</p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, Anwar said the
meeting had examined and found that the actual development expenditure
was shrinking every year, although the budget showed a large increase
and this could have a long-term impact on the country’s economic growth.</p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">Apart from that, the
implementation of development projects which are problematic and
experience delays in implementation has caused an increase in costs and
impacted the economy negatively.</p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">He added that the meeting
also found that determining the specifications and cost evaluation of
information and communications technology (ICT) projects effectively was
difficult to do, and it was also challenging to do a cost review
process without a standard cost estimate.</p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">He said the situation could lead to duplication of work and an increase in the cost of ICT projects.</p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">In this regard, he added that
the government will take immediate action to improve the processes in
the implementation of development expenditure (DE) projects.</p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">He said this would
include the setting up of an inter-ministerial team, namely the Ministry
of Economy; Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU); Ministry of
Finance; Public Works Department; Department of Irrigation and Drainage;
Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit
(MAMPU) and related departments to review and prepare a framework on
improvement, to be approved by the government.</p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">Anwar said other actions were
policy decisions towards decentralisation and empowerment of project
implementation and control of allocations to implementing agencies,
balanced with strict governance.</p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">He said another action is a
policy decision towards centralisation of ICT project implementation and
determination of specifications/costs at MAMPU to control costs and in
preparation towards GovTech.</p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">—<a href="https://www.pmo.gov.my/2023/11/mten-agrees-to-proposals-to-end-hardcore-poverty-pm-anwar/" target="_blank"> BERNAMA</a></p><p class="p1" style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h1 class="page-title mb-2"><span class="d-inline-block mr-1">Hardcore poverty: It is expensive to be poor</span> </h1> <div class="d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"> <div><span>By <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/authors/bernama" target="_blank">Bernama</a> - </span>
June 23, 2023 @ 11:05am
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</div></div></div></div> <div><div><div class="field field-featured-image"><figure><img alt="In Malaysia, the incidence of poverty is defined as the percentage of households that has a gross monthly household income lower than the poverty line income. - NSTP/ASWADI ALIAS." class="img-fluid" data-adbro-processed="true" height="273" src="https://assets.nst.com.my/images/articles/HQ2304166310_1687493142.jpg" width="400" /> <figcaption class="py-2">In
Malaysia, the incidence of poverty is defined as the percentage of
households that has a gross monthly household income lower than the
poverty line income. - NSTP/ASWADI ALIAS.</figcaption></figure></div></div></div> <p>KUALA
LUMPUR: In this quiet little hamlet, smack dab in the middle of the
sprawling metropolis that is Kuala Lumpur, dozens of people stand in
line patiently to receive food aid, a daily occurrence for many.</p><p class="p1" style="text-align: justify;"></p><p>One woman easily stood out from the throng, her wizened brown
countenance setting her apart. She is small and stick-thin, her bony
body slightly bowed as if burdened by the passing years and life.
Despite that, she is quite spry for her age which she, after several
meetings, divulges is 74.</p>
<p>She tells Bernama she recently returned to the soup kitchen in Medan
Tuanku here, organised by Pertubuhan Tindakan Wanita Islam (Pertiwi),
after stopping for a few years. She had no choice after losing her life
savings to a scammer, she says.</p>
<p>"I lost RM31,000. He (the scammer) told me he was going to give me
Eid money. It was like I was hypnotised. I went to the bank, signed the
paper. I thought he was going to put the money in, but he took the money
out instead. Everything is gone," she said, upset. <br /></p><p>"I didn't eat for two days. All I could do was cry."</p><div data-google-query-id="CJiTv42hr4QDFdwJtwAdeecB-w" id="div-gpt-ad-1535527649803-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/NST_1x1_Programmatic_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<p>What really upsets her is that she feels she has run out of options
as she is unable to work and dependent on the <b><span style="color: red;">RM500 monthly stipend she
receives from the Social Welfare Department (JKM)</span></b>. She contemplates
returning to Kelantan where she has family but is afraid her situation
will be worse over there. </p><div class="ad-unit mx-auto text-center" data-google-query-id="CIG_kY2hr4QDFbvXcwEdR20NOg" id="div-gpt-ad-1463538766750-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/NST_Island_Ad_400x200_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<p>At least here, she says she has a home. She is <b><span style="color: red;">renting a low-cost
apartment unit for RM150 monthly</span></b> together with her 28-year-old adopted
son. A daily wage earner, he gives her money when he can. Otherwise,
they both depend on her JKM allowance. So far, <b>her son has not been able
to get a permanent position.</b></p>
<p>With the loss of her savings, life has become more precarious. She
and her son are likely one major health emergency away from being
completely destitute. Even now, she complains of stomach ache and pain
in her knees. </p>
<p>In this, she is emblematic of the risks and lack of choices some
two million people living in abject poverty in Malaysia face, an issue
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has vowed to alleviate, if not
eradicate. It is an uphill battle, however, with many tangential issues
that will need tackling in tandem.</p>
<p> <strong>THE COST OF BEING POOR</strong></p>
<p>In Malaysia, the incidence of poverty is defined as the percentage of
households that has a gross monthly household income lower than the
poverty line income. <b><span style="color: red;">The government revised the national poverty line to
RM2,208 in 2020 from RM980 previously. </span></b>Consequently, the number of
households living under the poverty line increased to 5.6 percent in
2020, according to the latest figures from the World Bank.</p>
<p>For decades, Malaysia has provided assistance to the poor and
lower-income groups with targeted subsidies and financial assistance.
While it has largely worked, lifting Malaysians from a 50 percent
poverty rate in the 1970s to less than 10 percent now, there remain
pockets of poverty in rural areas as well as in urban areas.</p>
<p>Experts say alleviating hardcore poverty is not that easy although
they lauded the effort. While there are many facilities and services
available for the poor, gaining access to such services can be a
challenge in a multitude of ways. </p>
<p>In short, many people in abject poverty cannot afford the cost of being poor.</p>
<p>Economist and former Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam)
commissioner Prof Datuk Dr Madeline Berma, who has done a lot of
research on poverty, said <span style="color: red;"><b>Malaysia uses the targeted approach method,
where the indigent and poor have to register with the government
first and then undergo the process of verification. This can be a
stumbling block for many poor people.</b></span></p>
<p><b style="color: red;">"You have to be registered in e-kasih (National Poverty Data Bank
System) in order for you to qualify for support. So if you are a Penan
living seven days walking distance (from the nearest assistance centre)
and you don't know about e-kasih then how are you supposed to register?"
she said.</b></p>
<p>She said even when people have managed to register themselves, they
may still face obstacles such as transportation. Depending on where they
live, some can ill-afford the cost of travelling to the district office
which is responsible for disseminating aid and financial assistance to
the poor.</p>
<p>She gave the example of getting financial aid in Sarawak: <span style="color: red;"><b>"In the old
days, the JKM allowance was RM70. The cost of traveling from the
longhouse to the district office to get that assistance will cost you
about RM30 to RM40 by boat.</b></span></p>
<p><span style="color: red;"><b>"For the poor, the most expensive thing in their budget is food. Next
is transport. If we can address these two issues, it will help a lot in
terms of (alleviating poverty),"</b></span> she added.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p><figure class="article-image-item gn4-inline-image inline-image image-single-single"><img alt="For decades, Malaysia has provided assistance to the poor and lower-income groups with targeted subsidies and financial assistance. - File pic" class="img-responsive img-fluid" height="267" src="https://assets.nst.com.my/images/articles/women_1687493145.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="gn4-inline-image-caption">For
decades, Malaysia has provided assistance to the poor and lower-income
groups with targeted subsidies and financial assistance. - File pic</figcaption></figure><p></p>
<p> <strong>ACCESSIBILITY </strong></p>
<p>One visually-impaired man Bernama talked to knows very well what it
means to spend what little money he has to collect money and assistance
to survive. The 62-year-old man, who asked to be identified only as Low,
takes a bus from Rawang to Kuala Lumpur and then the MRT to the soup
kitchen every day without fail.</p>
<p>He gets three packs of free food, consisting of rice, a protein dish
and vegetables, for his breakfast, lunch and dinner. He leaves at 11 am
every day to make sure he arrives on time so as not to risk the soup
kitchen running out of food. He then takes the MRT and bus back home. </p>
<p><b style="color: red;">Low said he receives RM300 a month from JKM. His travelling expenses
per month alone come to at least RM110. He lives in an illegal dwelling
rent-free on someone else's land which allows him to save a little
money. He tries not to spend more than necessary.</b></p>
<p>"What I don't use, I put into (my EPF account). I don't want to use
the money," he said, adding he has RM20,000 in the account. He has
already earmarked the money for an old folks home when the time comes.</p>
<p>He has no family, save for a sister who lives away from him. The
house itself is very sparse, he said, equipped only with a kettle,
washer, bed and radio. </p>
<p>Low said he does not find his daily travel too arduous although he
gripes about the state of facilities for the disabled at some of the
stations. Being legally blind, the lack of working elevators in some
places puts him at risk of falling,</p>
<p>Disability advocate Murugeswaran Veerasamy, who prefers to be called
Muru, said improving disability access everywhere, not just in public
transportation, will help reduce abject poverty overall. </p>
<p>Although Malaysia does not have exact figures on the number of
disabled people living in abject poverty, research has found that many
disabled Malaysians are unable to earn an income. This includes the
elderly, who become more physically disabled as they get older, even if
they remain mentally alert.</p>
<p>"The quota (for hiring disabled persons) in the government sector and
private sector is one percent. At the moment, I think only 0.02 percent
of employees are disabled whereas this quota system was implemented
(decades ago)," said Muru.</p>
<p>He and other experts warned that policies to alleviate poverty cannot
have a one-size-fits-all kind of solution. As such, Muru said part of
disability access means the assistance should be tailored to what the
people need.</p>
<p>"Identify and separate them and give them the proper assistance so
they can contribute to themselves, to the family and to the country. If
we give them proper guidance, they can do well," he said.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> <strong>DOCUMENTATION</strong></p>
<p>But identification and classification can be a sign of some privilege
as well, presenting insurmountable obstacles to some who are hardcore
poor. Much of the poverty assistance in Malaysia is reserved for
Malaysians which requires documentation. </p>
<p>Experts said the lack of documentation among the poor is a common issue that continues the cycle of poverty. </p>
<p>Pertiwi president Datuk Munirah Abdul Hamid told Bernama she would
not be surprised if the number of people living in abject poverty is
higher than the governmental figures.</p>
<p>"It's always the privileged who are able to get classification, the rest fall in the margins," she said.</p>
<p>Mega, a 38-year-old homeless woman, can attest to the state of limbo
being undocumented brings. She used to live with her mother, an
Indonesian domestic worker, in a shophouse. She never knew her father
who may or may not be Malaysian.</p>
<p> Now her mother is dead. She told Bernama she does not have a birth
certificate. She has never been to school, only learning how to read and
write from friends. She does not know if her parents were married and
if her father was Malaysian which would have qualified her for
assistance from the government. </p>
<p>Being undocumented, she cannot be employed formally which makes it
difficult for her to earn an income or afford her HIV medication.</p>
<p>Despite her hardship, she is friendly and quick to smile, despite missing some teeth.</p>
<p>"Life is hard now. I'm still happy but I miss my mother," she said.</p>
<p>Dr Berma said many among the hardcore poor lacked awareness of the
importance of getting the necessary documentation. She acknowledged that
registering for MyKad was a lengthy process, usually taking a whole
day, which is difficult for daily wage earners who may have to give up a
day's wages or those who live far away.</p>
<p>However, she said it was a necessity.</p>
<p>"If they know the importance of their children having their identity
cards, then they would really do it," she said, adding the process could
be simplified. -- BERNAMA, <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/06/923421/hardcore-poverty-it-expensive-be-poor" target="_blank">NST, 23/6/2023</a><br /></p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-71346041001715362572024-02-15T15:14:00.000+08:002024-02-15T15:14:03.033+08:00PARDON - Discrimination, only for some? Should Shafee's disclosure that could invalidate Najib's pardon be acted on? A law on PARDONS? <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A law governing Pardons can be enacted by Parliament. Yes, it will be automatically govern the Pardons Board in the Federal Territories, and all the States if the respective States thereafter adopts it through State enactments. </span></span></b> <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After one is convicted and sentenced. There are several things that can happen besides PARDON by King/Rulers - including 'parole', etc <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;">Malaysia has 13 States, and 3 Federal Territories - Therefore 13 Rulers, and the King has the power of pardon.</span></b> It all depends where the crime in committed and/or tried. So <b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">14 PARDON BOARDS - separate from each other.</span></span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;">The King/Rulers power of pardon is not a power that the King or ruler can simply do as he pleases > The <b>King/Ruler only acts on the advice of the Pardon Board</b> - hence if the Pardon Board advises dropping the sentence from 12 years to 6 years, then the King must do so even if he disagrees. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Can the King refuse the advise of the Pardon Board - theoretically and reasonably NO. </span></span></b>There is no specific provisions in the Constitution, but the principle is evident <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;">What happens if the King refused to pardon Najib as advised by the Pardons Board? Now, he has to do as was advised...and usually the King will issue the Pardon himself, but questions arise with Najib's pardon as the media statement was issued by the Pardons Board with the Prime Minister's Department letterhead. {see earlier post, and see the difference with Anwar's pardon and Najib's pardon announcement - </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2024/02/more-about-najibs-pardon-is-pardons.html">More
about Najib's Pardon - Is the Pardons Board under the Cabinet? What is
FULL PARDON? AG must explain and clarify confusions ...?</a></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;">DOUBLE STANDARDS IN GIVING PARDONS??</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;">There are tens of thousands of convicted criminals in Malaysia, and there are also thousands who have already served their prison sentence or paid their fine, who are still disqualified from contesting in elections or even holding positions in societies for 5 years(or more) - AND they all need a PARDON from the King/Rulers.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;">A recent media report revealed that these 'lesser' people even after the applied for Pardon, never even received any communication back from the Pardons Board... At the very least, a communication saying that their petition/request for pardon had been received and will be processed soon would be good... </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><blockquote><blockquote><i><b><span style="color: red;">...angry that her
brother, who's been languishing in prison since 2001, has not had a shot
at a royal pardon, while a politician recently had his sentence halved
after spending barely two years behind bars.</span></b>"We are mad. The difference is that we are common people. So, no one is looking at us," she lamented to Malaysiakini....<b><span style="color: red;">In 2020, the family wrote to the Pardons Board but never heard back</span></b>....Intan
strongly believes that a "VIP", such as a politician, could get an
express pathway to pardon, as opposed to a common prisoner.<b><span style="color: red;">"Please don't have double standards. (It's as if) if you are a 'somebody', you are a bit special,"</span></b> she said.</i></blockquote></blockquote><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;"><b>So, How many petitions for pardon have been submitted to the King and/or various Rulers? How many of these pardon petitions have been considered and decided upon - and the results communicated back to the petitioner - rejection, approvals - sentence reduced/commuted/etc, </b>never even had any communication back from the King/Rulers? Did Anwar Ibrahim's and Najib's pardon jump the queue and get preferential treatment? <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">ONLY IF A MP/SENATOR ASK THIS QUESTION IN PARLIAMENT WOULD MALAYSIANS GET AN ANSWER</span></b> - Sadly transparency is lacking even with regards the King/Rulers? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;">As there are <u><b><span style="color: red;">13 plus 1 different pardon boards in Malaysia</span></b></u> - there may be different rules/procedures(if there is) - but sadly there seems to be in many cases not even an address/office of these different Pardon Boards for people to even follow-up and find out what is happening to their petition for pardons? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;">Najib, as soon as he was sent to jail following the dismissal of his final appeal by the Federal Court applied for a pardon...YUP, as there are no clear rules, <b>everyone can apply for a Pardon to the King/Rulers after they fail in their final appeal in the courts - NAY - nothing is actually even stopping them to apply for pardon after they are first convicted </b>- i.e. even Syed Saddiq, who was recently convicted at the High Court can apply to the King/Ruler for Pardon now...There is NO CLEAR RULES OR GUIDELINES for the Pardon Procedure in Malaysia that applies to the pardon processes today that guide/govern the 14 different Pardon Boards.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;">Now, consider PAROLE, there are some clear guidelines</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;">a prisoner shall only be eligible to be considered for parole-</p><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote><p><i>(a)</i>
if he is sentenced to a minimum of one year imprisonment for any
offence other than the offences prescribed in the Fourth Schedule;</p><p><i>(b)</i>
subject to subsection (7), after <b><span style="color: red;">he has served at least half of his
term of imprisonment </span></b>without taking into account the remission of
sentence granted to him under section 44; and</p><p><i>(c)</i> after he
<b><span style="color: red;">has undergone a rehabilitation program</span></b> approved by the Commissioner
General while serving his sentence of imprisonment....[<span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles">46E Eligibility for parole, </span><span class="casetitle" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder2_lblActTitle">PRISON ACT 1995]</span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"> <br /></span></p></blockquote></div></blockquote></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For parole, it is also stated that one can apply for parole only ... '...<span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">such prisoner shall be <b>eligible to be considered for parole only after the final decision of such pending appeal has been made.</b>..' This means Syed Saddiq still cannot apply for parole...only after all his appeals are over. Does this also apply to Pardons - or can the King Pardon Syed Saddiq now, before his appeal is heard? <br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;">Parole is </span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;"><i>(d)</i><a>"parole"</a> means <b><span style="color: red;">the release of a prisoner to serve any part of his sentence of imprisonment outside prison pursuant to a Parole Order</span></b>;. Now, all members of the Parole Board are also appointed by the KING - '...</span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;">members who shall be <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong</span></b>...' Now, Parole is different from PARDON by King/Ruler of State.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;"></span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;">Another <b><span style="color: red;">problem with the PARDONS BOARD is the composition and their independence</span></b>... There are 5 members according to the Federal Constitution - <br /></span></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><i>(5) The
Pardons Board constituted for each State shall consist of the Attorney
General of the Federation, the Chief Minister of the State and not more
than three other members, who shall be appointed by the Ruler or Yang
di-Pertua Negeri; but the Attorney General may from time to time by
instrument in writing delegate his functions as a member of the Board to
any other person, and the Ruler or Yang di-Pertua Negeri may appoint
any person to exercise temporarily the functions of any member of the
Board appointed by him who is absent or unable to act....</i></span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">(11) For the
purpose of this Article, there shall be constituted a single Pardons
Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya
and the provisions of Clauses (5), (6), (7), (8) and (9) shall apply <i>mutatis mutandis</i>
to the Pardons Board under this Clause except that reference to "Ruler
or Yang di-Pertua Negeri" shall be construed as reference to the Yang
di-Pertuan Agong and reference to "Chief Minister of the State" shall be
construed as reference to the Minister responsible for the Federal
Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.(Art. 42 Federal Constitution)</span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"> </span></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;">So, beside the AG(or his/her rep) and the Chief Minister(or the Federal Minister), there are 3 others, and reasonably these 3 members will be appointed by the King/Ruler on the advice of the Prime Minister or the the Chief Minister of the State. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;">As the <span style="color: red;"><b>King/Ruler acts on </b></span></span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: red;"><b>'...be exercised on the advice of a Pardons Board </b></span>constituted for that State in accordance with Clause (5)...' the question that arises, is that WHO HAS A VOTE in the Pardon's Board? Does the AG and Chief Minister(Federal Minister) have a vote too? Does the King and/or State Ruler also have a vote - as presider of Pardons Board meetings?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;">Should there be <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">reforms - whereby the appointment of members of the Pardon be done by Parliament(or State Parliament) </span></b>who shall advise the King/Ruler, rather than the Prime Minister or Chief Minister)? This is in light of the fact of Anwar's and Najib's pardon - where they were both persons closedly related to the Prime Minister(or government of the day) - where they were key members of the parties in government?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;">Should the AG have NO VOTING RIGHTS? Likewise, the Chief Minister(or Federal Minister) have no voting rights - just observer status?</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;">Does the King (or State Ruler) have voting rights,</span></b> considering that he Presides the Pardons Board meetings? I think not - it is ONLY the Pardons Board that decides. The King or Ruler sits in to better understand the reasons for the decision - that is all. After all, the relevant Article is clear that pardon powers be exercised on the advice of the Pardons Board. Although Art 42(4) clearly states that this is the case for State Rulers, it is rationalle and reasonable to imply that the same applies to the KING... <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"></span></p><p></p><blockquote><p><i>(4) The powers mentioned in this Article—</i></p><blockquote><p><i>(a)
are, so far as they are exercisable by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, among
functions with respect to which federal law may make provision under
Clause (3) of Article 40;</i></p><p><i>(b) shall, so far as they are
exercisable by the Ruler or Yang di-Pertua Negeri of a State,<b><span style="color: red;"> be
exercised <u>on the advice of a Pardons Board constituted for that State</u> </span></b>in
accordance with Clause (5).</i></p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote><p></p></blockquote><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now, Art 40(2) is clear as to when the KING must act on the advice - and when he can act on own discretion, which is limited to appointment of Prime Minister, decision to dissolve Parliament or not, the requisition of meeting of Conference of Rulers and <span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">and '...in any other case mentioned in this Constitution...' and Article 42 is CLEAR that with regard to pardons, he must act in accordance to the advice of the relevant Pardons Board - not Cabinet or any other Minister. <br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"></span></p><blockquote><blockquote>Art40(1) In the
exercise of his functions under this Constitution or federal law the
Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall act in accordance with the advice of the
Cabinet or of a Minister acting under the general authority of the
Cabinet, <b><u><span style="color: red;">except as otherwise provided by this Constitution</span></u></b>; but shall be
entitled, at his request, to any information concerning the government
of the Federation which is available to the Cabinet.</blockquote></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Recently, lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah revealed(as reported) certain concerns about the Pardon Board that dealt with Najib's Pardon..</span></b></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(a) The <b><span style="color: red;">Pardons Board advised the King that Najib serve out the rest of his sentence </span></b>- which means the King's pardon of Najib that reduced the sentence may be INVALID. <br /></span></p><blockquote><i style="font-family: verdana;">“After
the preamble, they now say that ‘the Pardons Board, following Article
42 of the Federal Constitution had on Jan 29 <b><span style="color: red;">considered the convict’s
sentence and advised the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to serve out the rest of
his sentence’</span></b>.</i></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(b) That the <b><span style="color: red;">Pardons Board that gave the King the right to exercise mercy despite the Pardons Board's advice</span></b>... Is this not a violation of the Federal Constitution? Can the person/s who is supposed to advice the King, who is bound to act on that advice, give the King the power to act against the advice given? Another constitutional issue??? Did the King act despite the advise of the Pardons Board and reduce Najib's sentence because the Pardons Board said that 'that mercy should be shown to Najib' ?<br /></span></p><blockquote><i style="font-family: verdana;">“(The
letter then says) ‘It is reasonable in His Majesty (the King’s) view,
<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">that mercy should be shown to Najib’</span></b>,” Shafee said reading out the
letter....In
the letter, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah decreed, using his
authority under Article 42 and other powers, that Najib’s sentence be
halved and his fine be reduced to RM50 million. </i></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(c) The alleged letter signed by Dr Zaleha(Minister) bore the Royal Seal? Should not a Pardon letter be issued by the King or the Palace, not a Minister in PM Anwar's cabinet?<br /></span></p><blockquote><i style="font-family: verdana;">Shafee
noted that the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">letter was signed by Zaliha - who is a Federal
Territories Pardons Board member - but also carries the royal seal</span></b>.</i></blockquote> <p><span style="font-family: verdana;">(d) that <b>there were 4, not 3 members of the Pardons Board as provided by law.</b></span></p><blockquote><i style="font-family: verdana;">He
then alleged that the ruler passed empty ballots <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">to the “four”
non-permanent members</span></b> of the Pardons Board on whether a full pardon
should be granted.</i></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">(e) How did Shafee know what happened in the Pardons Board? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Other issues were raised, but all in all, <b><span style="color: red;">there is a need to VERIFY the truth of what happened, as it can have the result of completely NEGATING Najib's Pardon that reduced his prison term and fine.</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">How will PM Anwar Ibrahim's government respond? SILENCE is not an option. <span style="color: red;">A ROYAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY</span>?? A Parliamentary Select Commitee? AG takes the matter to Court to get an order on the validity of Najib's Pardon? What? What? <br /></span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There is <b>another issue with Najib's Pardon</b> - <b><span style="color: red;">should the then King(the Sultan of Pahang) have recused himself - and let the Deputy King preside over the Pardons Board. </span></b>WHY? Najib is a citizen of Pahang, and more importantly part of royal structure - Najib is the current Orang Kaya Indera Shahbandar. RECUSAL of the King/Rulers or even members of the Pardons Board when the person one has to consider for pardon is a family member, friend or associate, member/leader of your political party/coalition, part of royal structure of the State. With the King, it may be possible because Malaysia always has a Deputy King(being a Ruler of a different State, but with the State Rulers, most times the Raja Muda(or 'Deputy') is the son of the Ruler ... REFORM COMMITTEE to consider?<br /></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Orang Kaya Indera Shahbandar ('Mighty Noblemen Shahbandar', Jawi: اورڠ كاي ايندرا شهبندر) is a nobility title in Pahang Sultanate and one of the four highest-ranking nobles below the monarch — equivalent to Duke in some European peerage.</span></blockquote></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>AG should also advise us if action can be taken against Pardons Board or Pardon Board members when they acted in breach of the law in their exercise of powers as Pardons Board members? </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Would decisions of the King's Pardon of Najib be invalidated?</b></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">'Why the double standards in giving pardons?'</span></span></b><br />Ili Aqilah<br />Published: Feb 9, 2024 12:09 PM<br />⋅<br />Updated: 12:59 PM<br /> </p><p>Intan
Diana Abdul Rahim is fuming mad. The 40-year-old is angry that her
brother, who's been languishing in prison since 2001, has not had a shot
at a royal pardon, while a politician recently had his sentence halved
after spending barely two years behind bars.</p><div class="pl-8 pb-4 relative flex mt-4 print:pb-0 print:pl-0"><div class="jsx-3464146825 text-opacity-95 font-normal text-xl content text-coolGray-700 font-body tracking-midwide leading-relaxed" id="full-content-container"><div class="px-4 lg:px-0" itemprop="articleBody"><p>"We are mad. The difference is that we are common people. So, no one is looking at us," she lamented to <i>Malaysiakini</i>.</p><p>According
to Intan, her elder brother, whom she refused to name due to fear of
repercussions, was sentenced to life in prison and six strokes of the
rotan 23 years ago for a firearm-related offence.</p><p>While serving
his sentence, the 43-year-old received numerous awards for being a model
inmate, and picked up various new skills, including sewing, she said.</p><p>In 2020, the family wrote to the Pardons Board but never heard back. </p><p>Intan
said her family spent thousands of ringgit, including by pawning
jewellery and selling land to fund her brother's legal fees.</p><p>Intan
strongly believes that a "VIP", such as a politician, could get an
express pathway to pardon, as opposed to a common prisoner.</p><p>"Please don't have double standards. (It's as if) if you are a 'somebody', you are a bit special," she said.</p><p>Intan
is among the families of many inmates who are awaiting their second
shot at life - a royal pardon, or sentence reduction/remission.</p><p><i>Malaysiakini</i>
reached out to the kin of one such inmate, as well as activists and
lawyers following the Pardons Board's decision to reduce former premier
Najib Abdul Razak’s jail term and fine over the SRC International case.</p><div class="medium-insert-images"><figure><img height="240" src="https://i.newscdn.net/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2024/02/232e668859fa995d49df58c2cf920cec.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption>Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak</figcaption></figure></div><p>Last week, the board halved Najib's jail sentence from 12 years to six and reduced his fine from RM210 million to RM50 million.</p><p><b>Democracy means equality</b></p><p>According
to Intan, it was her brother who got her in touch with the human rights
group Suaram, where she met programme manager Azura Nasron.</p><p>Azura,
who has dealt with many such cases involving prisoners, recalled not
hearing a squeak from the Pardons Board over another royal pardon
request made for Intan's brother in 2022.</p><p>"We are sad because the
(inmate's) family has been fighting the case for many years. His father
has passed away and his elderly mother is unwell.</p><p>"They are a B40 family who lives in a PPR (public housing scheme)," she told <i>Malaysiakini</i>.</p><p>As
the government is embarking on a review of the death sentence and life
imprisonment, the said prisoner's royal request will not be entertained
as he would have to wait - possibly for a few more years - for a
resentencing, Azura lamented.</p><div class="medium-insert-images"><figure><figcaption>Suaram programme manager Azura Nasron</figcaption><img height="240" src="https://i.newscdn.net/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2024/02/ccaa3b27c11ef822a779c80c4254789d.jpg" width="400" /></figure></div><p>"The prisoner will have to wait for a long time as the government would prioritise elderly and sick prisoners," she added.</p><p>Thus, she said it is unfair for "elite politicians" who are in jail for corruption to be prioritised by the system.</p><p>"There are many prisoners who have been behind bars for 20, 30 years, who are more deserving of pardons."</p><p>Azura
opined that in the name of transparency, Najib should have "waited in
line" for his turn, rather than using privilege to fast-track his case.</p><p>"Democracy
means everyone is equal in law. But here, there is clear discrimination
between the 'elites' and the others," she said.</p><p><b>'Why can't all enjoy the privilege?'</b></p><p>Lawyer
Goh Cia Yee questioned why all accused persons can’t enjoy the same
privileges that the "elites" do in the criminal justice system.</p><p>He
cited the case of two of his clients imprisoned for drug-related
offences, who waited for five years just to get their trials and appeals
heard.</p><p>"One client was arrested five years ago, convicted in 2022, and is awaiting his appeal to be heard this year.</p><p>"Another
client who was arrested five years ago for a similar offence is still
waiting for the conclusion of his trial," Goh told <i>Malaysiakini</i>, adding that the wait would be longer for cases where bail is not possible.</p><div class="medium-insert-images"><figure><img height="240" src="https://i.newscdn.net/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2024/02/80f79d6f9a9dd0c0bd40aa35f24f0ac9.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption>Lawyer Goh Cia Yee</figcaption></figure></div><p>He
attributed such delays to analysis taking a long time to be completed,
cases being transferred to the High Court, and having proceedings done
in person.</p><p>Citing Najib's case as an example, Goh acknowledged
that there are cases where one's status in society can be in their
favour in the criminal justice system.</p><p>"Decent and humane
treatment is a basic right, but sometimes it may appear to be available
only depending on your status in the society," the lawyer said. - <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/695787" target="_blank">Malaysiakini, 9/2/2024</a></p><div class="pl-8 pr-8 pt-6 "><div class="text-3xl font-semibold leading-snug text-coolGray-600 mt-2 tracking-normal print:text-lg"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pardons Board recommended Najib serve out his sentence - Shafee</span></b></div><div class="text-coolGray-500"><div class="text-xs lg:text-sm font-medium opacity-90 flex items-center space-x-2 mt-2"><div class="cursor-pointer"><div>Malaysiakini Team</div><div class="flex flex-wrap items-center text-xs lg:text-sm opacity-90 font-normal"><div class="whitespace-nowrap"><span>Published: </span> Feb 7, 2024 6:32 PM</div><div class="text-lg leading-none mx-1">⋅</div><div class="whitespace-nowrap"><span>Updated: </span> 5:42 PM</div><div class="whitespace-nowrap">A
letter carrying the seal of the previous Yang di-Pertuan Agong shed
light on a possible impasse between the then-king and the Pardons Board
regarding Najib Abdul Razak’s jail sentence.</div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="pl-8 pb-4 relative flex mt-4 print:pb-0 print:pl-0"><div class="jsx-3464146825 text-opacity-95 font-normal text-xl content text-coolGray-700 font-body tracking-midwide leading-relaxed" id="full-content-container"><div class="px-4 lg:px-0" itemprop="articleBody"><p>The letter, read out
by Najib’s lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah today, revealed that the
Pardons Board did not advise the Agong to reduce the former prime
minister’s prison term.</p><p>“The announcement (in the letter) is made by someone called Dr Zaliha Mustafa (the de facto Federal Territories Minister).</p><p>“After
the preamble, they now say that ‘the Pardons Board, following Article
42 of the Federal Constitution had on Jan 29 considered the convict’s
sentence and advised the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to serve out the rest of
his sentence’.</p><p>“(The
letter then says) ‘It is reasonable in His Majesty (the King’s) view,
that mercy should be shown to Najib’,” Shafee said reading out the
letter.</p><p>Shafee showed the letter to the media but did not hand out copies.</p><div class="medium-insert-images"><figure><img height="240" src="https://i.newscdn.net/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2024/01/8a20f4da6b6372978b319b2b93d9a145.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="">Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah</figcaption></figure></div><p>In
the letter, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah decreed, using his
authority under Article 42 and other powers, that Najib’s sentence be
halved and his fine be reduced to RM50 million.</p><p>Article 42 of the
Federal Constitution covers the power to pardon and the formation of
pardons boards at the federal and state levels.</p><p>Shafee
noted that the letter was signed by Zaliha - who is a Federal
Territories Pardons Board member - but also carries the royal seal.</p><p>He also said his client - Najib - received the letter as he was an affected party.</p><div class="medium-insert-images"><figure><img height="240" src="https://i.newscdn.net/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2024/02/1fdb6960b0c0f808a3098c852a6b96e4.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="">Lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah</figcaption></figure></div><p>However, the lawyer cast doubts that the letter was written on Jan 29 when the Pardons Board met to decide on Najib.</p><p>He
implied that it was written after the government’s Legal Affairs
Division issued its statement announcing the Pardons Board decision on
Feb 2.</p><p>He said this is because the letter does not contain errors
and ‘blunders’ as in the Feb 2 statement - such as stating that Najib
would get a 50 percent discount on his RM210 million fine, which was
incorrect.</p><p><strong>Agong held a vote</strong></p><p>Earlier in his press conference, Shafee also insinuated that Sultan Abdullah wanted to grant Najib a full pardon.</p><p>“I
am told, and I am confident this happened otherwise I wouldn’t dare
tell you this, that on Jan 29, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was thinking of
a full pardon.</p><p>“But he wanted to be sure,” Shafee claimed.</p><p>He
then alleged that the ruler passed empty ballots to the “four”
non-permanent members of the Pardons Board on whether a full pardon
should be granted.</p><p>The Federal Territories Pardons Board should
only have three non-permanent members, with another three being the
Agong, the attorney-general, and the Federal Territories minister.</p><p>Shafee
said he does not know what the results of the vote were, but that it
led to Najib’s sentence being reduced instead of a full pardon.</p><div class="medium-insert-images"><figure><img height="240" src="https://i.newscdn.net/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2023/11/a272e7e7fabca0a4679102051f418795.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="">Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa</figcaption></figure></div><p>He
claimed this showed that contrary to claims otherwise, the Yang
di-Pertuan Agong had the prerogative to decide on pardons but that
Sultan Abdullah chose to listen to the advice of others.</p><p>The
government’s position has been that the power to pardon, and thus the
Pardons Board’s decisions, are the sole prerogative of the Agong.</p><p>Zaliha said on Saturday that the reduction of Najib’s sentence was a “collective decision”.</p><p>The
Malaysian Bar and other legal experts, meanwhile, maintain that the
Agong must follow the advice of the executive, as per Article 40(1) of
the Federal Constitution.</p><p>Later in the press conference, Shafee claimed this was based on what was being discussed in the public.</p><p>Shafee had said that Najib is <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/695569">considering filing</a> for another pardon to secure his freedom.</p><p>The
decision to reduce Najib’s sentence caused widespread dismay, with
critics lamenting the former prime minister should not have been shown
leniency, while Najib and his supporters yearned for a full pardon.</p></div></div></div><p> </p></div></div></div>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-68398325405098752532024-02-11T16:44:00.001+08:002024-02-11T16:44:13.106+08:00Ministers(as part of Executive) must resign as soon as they are charged, just like the King who ceases to function when the King is charged? Art.48 need to be amended, 48(4) repealed? <p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Members of Administration, being the members of the Cabinet should be removed once they are charged in court for a criminal offence, as the King(Yang Di-Pertuan Agung) has to..</span></p><p><b style="font-family: georgia;"></b></p><blockquote><p><b style="font-family: georgia;">Article <span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles">33A Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall cease to exercise the functions of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong if charged with an offence (Federal Constitution)</span></b> </p><p><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: georgia;">(1) Where the
Yang di-Pertuan Agong is charged with an offence under any law in the
Special Court established under Part XV he<b><span style="color: red;"> shall cease to exercise the
functions of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.</span></b></span></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Noting that EXECUTIVE authority of the King is conferred on the Cabinet.. so, the same standards or requirement should apply to members of the Cabinet - the Prime Minister, Ministers and Deputy Ministers too..</span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"></span></b></span></i></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles">Article 39 Executive authority of Federation</span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"> (Federal Constitution)<br /></span></b></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: red;">The executive
authority of the Federation shall be vested in the Yang di-Pertuan Agong
and exercisable,</span></b> subject to the provisions of any federal law and of
the Second Schedule, <b><span style="color: red;">by him or by the Cabinet or any Minister authorized
by the Cabinet, </span></b>but Parliament may by law confer executive functions on
other persons.</span></i></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></i> <span style="font-family: verdana;">There is no conflict with Art 48 that allows MPs/Senators to remain MPs and Senators even after they have been found guilty and convicted until their final of 2 appeals are heard and disposed off, until the end of the pardon process </span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles" style="font-family: helvetica;"><b></b></span></i></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles" style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>48 Disqualification for membership of Parliament</b></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <br /></span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">(1) Subject to the provisions of this Article, a person is disqualified for being a member of either House of Parliament if—</span></i></p><blockquote><p><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">(a)... <br /></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">(e) he has been convicted of an offence by a court of
law in the Federation (or, before Malaysia Day, in the territories
comprised in the State of Sabah or Sarawak or in Singapore) and
<b><u>sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year or to a
fine of not less than two thousand ringgit </u></b>and has not received a free
pardon; or...</span></i></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><p><i>(4)
Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing provisions of this
Article, where a member of either House of Parliament becomes
disqualified from continuing to be a member thereof pursuant to
paragraph (e) of Clause (1) or under a federal law made in pursuance of Clause (2)—</i></p><blockquote><p><i>(a) the disqualification shall take effect upon the expiry of fourteen days from the date on which he was—</i></p><blockquote><p><i>(i) convicted and sentenced as specified in the aforesaid paragraph (e); or</i></p><p><i>(ii) convicted of an offence or proved guilty of an act under a federal law made in pursuance of Clause (2); or</i></p></blockquote><p><i>(b) <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">if within the period of fourteen days specified in paragraph (a)
an appeal or any other court proceeding is brought in respect of such
conviction or sentence</span></b>, or in respect of being so convicted or proved
guilty, as the case may be, the disqualification shall take effect upon
the expiry of fourteen days from the date on which such appeal or other
court proceeding is disposed of by the court; or</i></p><p><i>(c) <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">if within the period specified in paragraph (a) or the period after the disposal of the appeal or other court proceeding specified in paragraph (b)
there is filed a petition for a pardon,</span></b> such disqualification shall
take effect immediately upon the petition being disposed of.</i></p></blockquote><p></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Likewise, Ministers or <b><span style="color: red;">members of the Cabinet that are removed from their position in the Cabinet when they are charged in court can continue to remain as MPs and/or Senators</span></b> until end of all their criminal appeals, or the hearing of the petition for pardon.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana;"><b>If Article 48 applies also the </b></span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Jemaah Menteri (Cabinet of Ministers) being the Prime Minister, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, and/or Parliamentary Secretaries(Art. 43B) and Political Secretaries(Art. 43C), then there would be specific mention that the same apply to all these persons.</b></span> There is NONE - and since the King himself, the holder of the Executive Authority of the Federation, has to STOP exercising his power on being CHARGED - the same must apply to all members of the Executive Branch of government - the Prime Minister, the Ministers, the Deputy Ministers, the Parliamentary Secretary and even the political secretaries - and others who have been politically appointed by the said Ministers...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;">Remember MPs and Senators are members of the Legislative branch of the government, elected by the people directly(although Malaysia still delays direct by the people elections of Senators, hopefully this will change soon)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;"><b>The distinction is that the Jemaah Menteri(Cabinet), Parliamentary Secretaries and Political Secretaries are not in the Legislative branch of government - but another branch, the Executive.</b> <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;">Hence, the position of the past 2 Perikatan National-BN-others coalition government was RIGHT when all those charged or facing trials were excluded from the Cabinet, and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's coalition government was WRONG ... </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Article 48 that deals with disqualification of MPs also need to be amended as follows:- </span><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Personally, I believe that there is Art. 43 that deals with Disqualification of <i>'member of either House of Parliament' </i>should be amended - and all MP and/or Senators should be immediately disqualified after the court finds them guilty - they can stay on as MP/Senators during the trial but not after they have been found guilty and convicted by court. This is out of respect the presumption of innocent until proven guilty in court. After conviction, they are convicted criminals with the right to 2 appeals to try to get their conviction overturned by Court.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: red;">A <i>'member of either House of Parliament' should also be immediately disqualified when he accepts an OFFER OF COMPOUND and pays it. </i><span class="casetitle" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder2_lblActTitle"> </span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casetitle" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder2_lblActTitle" style="font-family: verdana;">WHY? A compound offer is only made to a </span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;">person reasonably suspected of having committed the offence. </span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: verdana;"><b>And, as such when a person accepts the compound offer and pays it, reasonably he should be presumed to be guilty of committing the offence<span style="color: red;"> - for an innocent man will reasonably or naturally demand a trial, convinced that he will not be found guilty after a trial. He/she would want the opportunity to prove that he is INNOCENT. </span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="color: #2b00fe;">Compounds were initially for </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> was for LESSER offences classified as a misdemeanor.</span></b> So maybe minor traffic offences or things like not wearing masks during COVID are OK to be compounded, but in Malaysia today, compound is even available for serious offences... Should we not remove the power to compound for some of this offences - especially the more serious ones...they can always be charged in court, and if they return what was stolen and immediately plead guilty - the courts will consider these mitigating factors and impose a LESSER sentence - generally a one third reduction for pleading guilty, and more reduction for maybe returning the fruits of crime.. </span><span class="casetitle" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder2_lblActTitle"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casetitle" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder2_lblActTitle"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"></span></b></span></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="casetitle" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder2_lblActTitle"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING, ANTI-TERRORISM FINANCING AND PROCEEDS OF UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES ACT 2001</span></b></span></i>
</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"><b>92 Power of competent authority to compound offences</b></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <br /></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"></span></p><p><i>(1) The
competent authority or relevant enforcement agency, as the case may be,
may, with the consent of the Public Prosecutor, <u><b>compound any offence
under this Act </b></u>or under regulations made under this Act, by accepting
from the <b><span style="color: red;">person reasonably suspected of having committed the offence
</span></b>such amount not exceeding fifty per centum of the amount of the maximum
fine for that offence, including the daily fine, if any, in the case of a
continuing offence, to which that person would have been liable if he
had been convicted of the offence, within such time as may be specified
in its written offer....</i></p><p><b>(4) Where an
offence has been compounded under subsection (1),</b><b style="color: red;"> <u>no prosecution shall
be instituted in respect of the offence against the person to whom the
offer to compound was made.</u></b></p><u><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></i></u><p></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">It is JOKE </span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>that </b>in Malaysia, a person who is convicted of a small offence and fined more than RM2,000 is disqualified as a MP/Senator and will not be able to contest for a further 5 years after paying the fine - <b>but no similar disqualification for a person who pays COMPOUND of more that RM2,000 - no 5 year disqualification too.</b></span><b> </b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;">We recall the Ahmad Maslan(Now PM Anwar Ibrahim's Deputy Finance Minister) case, where the prosecution in September 2021 decided to discontinue the criminal case against him as 'the accused as he had paid a RM1.1 million compound'. And if the offer of compound is accepted and paid, he can no longer be prosecuted for the same offence. The High Court then ACQUITTED him.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2021/10/ahmad-maslan-impact-to-umnobn-in-melaka.html" style="font-weight: normal;"></a></span></h3><blockquote><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2021/10/ahmad-maslan-impact-to-umnobn-in-melaka.html" style="font-weight: normal;">Ahmad Maslan - Impact to UMNO/BN in Melaka and subsequent elections? Courts' hand tied, but not the peoples'?</a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2021/10/public-prosecutor-must-explain-ahmad.html" style="font-weight: normal;">Public prosecutor must explain Ahmad Maslan’s acquittal, says group (Malaysian Insight)</a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2021/10/ahmad-maslans-acquittal-raises-much.html" style="font-weight: normal;">Ahmad Maslan's acquittal raises much concern - a MADPET statement</a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2021/10/ahmad-maslan-can-bravely-admit-to-crime.html" style="font-weight: normal;">Ahmad
Maslan can bravely admit to the crime, because an Acquital means he can
never be charged again for the said offences again?</a></span></h3></blockquote><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2021/10/ahmad-maslan-can-bravely-admit-to-crime.html" style="font-weight: normal;"></a></span></h3><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He paid RM1.1 million compound - ODD and unjust that he was not then thereafter disqualified as a MP and prevented from contesting for 5 years, unless he gets a royal pardon. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But someone fined for more RM2,000 is disqualified...THIS IS WHY THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION NEED TO BE AMENDED TO INCLUDE THAT THOSE WHO PAY COMPOUNDS OF MORE THAN RM2,000(or maybe a more reasonable sum) will also be disqualified, and remain so disqualified for a further 5 years unless he gets a Royal Pardon.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ahmad Maslan's case was also ODD because normally an offer of compound comes before one is charged in court. In Ahmad Maslan's case, he was already charged in court...<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"></span></p><blockquote><i>Pontian Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, who is charged for
<span style="color: red;"><b> failing to declare RM2 million received from Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak
to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) and giving false statements to the
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)</b></span>, will have his trial heard
in the High Court here.</i></blockquote><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Now, prosecution will NOT charge anyone in court UNLESS they are confident that they have sufficient evidence of convincing the court beyond reasonable doubt that the accused is GUILTY</span></b> - so, it was ODD for the prosecution to discontinue Ahmad Maslan's case on the ground that compound had been paid - and then Ahmad Maslan got an ACQUITTAL. The offer of compound should have lapsed the moment he was charged in court, in my opinion.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But, then this is Malaysia and odder things has happened like in the case of Zahid Hamidi - where the criminal case was discontinued after the prosecution had already proved ALL the elements of the crime. What this means is that if Zahid Hamidi fails to raise 'reasonable doubt' during the Defence case, he will be convicted of the said 47 charges... Zahid Hamidi was discharged - and not acquitted. How long exactly does the prosecution need to consider or further investigate matters raised in Zahid's letters of representation...Why have we not heard anything on the progress of the investigations - noting that Zahid can always be re-charged for the same offences and the trial continues where it ended.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: red;">ANOTHER REFORM for Article 48</span></b> </span>- the FINE that now disqualifies a MP is now RM2,000 - This should really be increased to maybe RM10,000 or more... and maybe limited to certain kinds of criminal offences.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;">ANOTHER REFORM for Article 48 -</span> </span></b>Now, 48(3) says that after a person is released from prison or after he/she had paid the fine, they are still not able to contest to become MP or Senator for a further 5 years. WHY? This is unjust for after they serve their sentence, they should immediately be allowed to contest and become MPs - if the people in their constituency chooses them. This additional 5 year disqualification is also discriminatory - not an equal treatment under the law - Art 8<span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">(1) All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law. They have been convicted, already served their sentence - they must be placed at the same footing as everyone else, and should be able to be MPs after serving their just sentences. <b><span style="color: red;">Hence, this additional disqualification for 5 years after sentence served must be abolished especially for peoples' representatives elected directly by the people.</span><br /></b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"></span></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">(3) The disqualification of a person under paragraph <i>(d)</i> or paragraph <i>(e)</i>
of Clause (1) may be removed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and <b><span style="color: red;">shall, if
not so removed, cease at the end of the period of five years beginning
with </span></b>the date on which the return mentioned in the said paragraph <i>(d)</i> was required to be lodged, or, as the case may be, <b><span style="color: red;">the date on which the person convicted as mentioned in the said paragraph <i>(e)</i> was released from custody or the date on which the fine mentioned in the said paragraph <i>(e)</i> was imposed on such person;</span></b> and a person shall not be disqualified under paragraph <i>(f)</i> of Clause (1) by reason only of anything done by him before he became a citizen.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Another REFORM for Article 48 is the repeal of Article 48 1(d) </span></b>- to be disqualified, they must be charged and convicted first for this election offence. If they have not been convicted, then the presumption of innocence must apply until tried and convicted by a court of law. </span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><i></i></span></p><blockquote><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><i>(d)</i>
having been nominated for election to either House of Parliament or to
the Legislative Assembly of a State, or having acted as election agent
to a person so nominated, he has <b><span style="color: red;">failed to lodge any return of election
expenses required by law within the time and in the manner so required</span></b>;
or</span><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></i></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Another REFORM to Article 48</span> </span></b>is the DISQUALIFICATION of persons who paid <b>COMPOUNDS </b>to avoid prosecution and conviction of maybe the same sum as fines, and also <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">those who avoided prosecution and conviction by means of any agreement </span></b>like repayment of the fruits of the crime, etc.</span></p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">One example is the case of RIZA AZIZ, Najib's son - The fact is that he was charged for crimes, and if the trial had proceeded, he may be convicted and sentenced. An 'agreement' saved him from trial and conviction... Would an ordinary thief be accorded such a deal - return stolen items, and walk free. </span><br /></p><p><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><span class="converterresult-toAmount"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></p><blockquote><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><span class="converterresult-toAmount">Datuk Seri Najib Razak's stepson Riza Shahriz Abdul
Aziz today agreed to forfeit RM537,000, Sri Lanka rupee 2.87 million,
and £2,700 which had been seized by the government since May 2018 in
relation to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB)....</span></span></span></span></span></span>The
order of consent was made by High Court's Justice Mohamed Zaini
Mazlan who allowed the prosecution's application Deputy Public
Prosecutor (DPP) Faten Hadni Khairuddin and DPP Harris Ong Jeffrey Ong
to forfeit the monies after they informed the court of <b><span style="color: red;">Riza's agreement
to forfeit them as a condition of his discharge not amounting to an
acquittal of five money laundering charges in relation to 1MDB.</span></b> Faten
Hadni said the monies were seized from Najib and Rosmah's home in Jalan
Langgak Duta....The DPP also wanted the court to record that there was
no objection from Najib and Rosmah's lawyers over the seized monies.
Najib's lawyer Nursyahirah Hanifiah and Rosmah's lawyer Azrul
Zulkifli Stork concurred that they were not contesting the monies to be
forfeited.</i></blockquote><p></p><p></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2020/05/riza-aziz-case-ags-statement-money.html" style="font-weight: normal;"></a></span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2020/05/riza-aziz-case-ags-statement-money.html" style="font-weight: normal;">Riza Aziz case, the AG's statement? Money recovered from Najib's and Rosmah's house belong to Riza? </a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2020/05/riza-case-former-bar-presidents.html" style="font-weight: normal;">Riza Case - Former Bar Presidents' Statement? If offence after 2014, Minimum Mandatory fine USD 1,240 million?</a></span></h3><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2020/05/tell-ag-do-not-compound-riza-azizz.html">Tell the AG, do not COMPOUND Riza Aziz'z money laundering offences - if compounded cannot charge later? </a></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2020/05/riza-aziz-case-ags-statement-money.html">Riza Aziz case, the AG's statement? Money recovered from Najib's and Rosmah's house belong to Riza?</a></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span> </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2020/05/riza-aziz-pay-back-43us108-million-of.html">Riza
Aziz - Pay back 43%(US$108 million) of what he allegedly took?
Compounded for what and how much- US$620 million? US270 million?
Justice?</a></span></span></span></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;">Another REFORM much needed </span></b>- is that <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-size: medium;">MP/Senators must immediately be disqualified as soon as they have been convicted by court.</span></span></b> At that point, they no longer are presumed innocent. After conviction, they are GUILTY but have the opportunity to overturn their convictions by way of appeals to higher courts. Hence, the repeal of Art.48(4). This means that MUDA's Syed Saddiq that was found guilty, convicted and sentenced on 9/11/2023 will be disqualified on that day he was convicted.</span><br /></p><p><b>A suggestion is that MPs who are disqualified by reason of criminal convictions, acceptance and payment of compounds, or other 'agreements' that avoided trial and convictions should be allowed to contest again in the elections that follow their disqualifications</b> - let the people decide whether they still want the said persons as their elected peoples' representatives - their MP, and if the people decide so, the so be it - for after all, they are the peoples' elected representative. </p><p><b><span style="color: red;">If this is accepted, then even Najib Razak, now serving a prison sentence, can stand for elections to be a MP. </span></b>Now with the availability of online communication, he will still be able to attend Parliament online. PEOPLE DECIDE WHO THEY WANT AS THEIR MP - AND IF THEY DECIDE THEY WANT A CRIMINAL IN PRISON TO BE THEIR MP, SO BE IT.</p><p>The law that clearly requires members of the Executive(Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries and Political Secretaries, etc) to resign or be removed as soon as they be charged may not be there, eventhough the Federal Constitution already strongly implies it - seeing that this is what the King must do.</p><p>As such, this must be adopted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim now - and he should remove all members of the Executive who are facing charges in court.</p><p>The Prime Minister should also remove those who avoided trial and conviction by payments of compounds and other 'deals', if 5 years have yet to lapse since the payment of compounds and/or the said deal. This would include Ahmad Maslan (not yet 5 years since paid that million ringgit compound)<br /></p><p>See related post:- <br /></p></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2020/05/riza-aziz-pay-back-43us108-million-of.html"></a></span></span></span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
</div><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2022/05/ahmad-mazlan-and-others-by-reason-of.html">Ahmad
Mazlan and others by reason of 'compounds' and 'deals' - undermines the
spirit/intention of Art.48(1)(e) on disqualification of MPs?</a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">## The above is my personal opinion, with proposed reforms for a better Malaysia </span></i><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://i.newscdn.net/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2022/11/b2200dbdec1e59540c11b63deb0cb0f8.jpg=s800" width="400" /><br />LETTER | Anwar should quickly walk the talk on corruption<br />Charles Hector<br />Published: Nov 29, 2022 5:28 PM<br /><br />LETTER | As our new prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, pledged to fight corruption, there is a need to strengthen laws against corruption, abuse of power, and even money laundering.<br /><span></span></h3><p><span>It is common for any prime minister and
political party to take a position against corruption and abuse of
power, but what they then do is more important.</span></p><p><strong><span>Abolishing compounds for money laundering, corruption offences</span></strong></p><p><span>Malaysians
Against Death Penalty and Torture (Madpet) calls for the abolition of
compounds for corruption and related offences, including offences under
the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of
Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Amla). These are serious offences, more so
when it involves ministers and politicians.</span></p><p><span>Section 92 of Amla now sadly allows for all offences in this Act to be compounded.</span></p><p><span>It
states, “…(1) The competent authority or relevant enforcement agency,
as the case may be, may, with the consent of the public prosecutor,
compound any offence under this Act or under regulations made under this
Act, by accepting from the person reasonably suspected of having
committed the offence such amount not exceeding fifty per centum of the
amount of the maximum fine for that offence… to which that person would
have been liable if he had been convicted of the offence…’</span></p><p><span>Such
offences should be dealt with by the court, not by the finance minister
or the minister-appointed authority or enforcement agency.</span></p><p><span>The
decisions with regard compound are now administrative decisions of the
minister or enforcement agency, not judicial decisions. It puts
“pressure” on ministers, especially when it comes to a fellow party or
coalition member.</span></p><p><span>Any
accused, after being charged in court, can always plead guilty, and
this plea will mitigate the sentence imposed. It is best when such
accused, especially ministers and politicians, are dealt with by an
independent judiciary.</span></p><p><span>The effect of an offer, and
the acceptance, of a compound means an end of investigation and
thereafter “…no prosecution shall be instituted in respect of the
offence against the person to whom the offer to compound was made…”
(Section 92(4) of Amla).</span></p><p><strong><span>Avoiding trials and convictions via compounds</span></strong></p><p><span>When
it comes to sitting members of Parliament and/or senators, it must be
noted that Article 48 of the Federal Constitution states that an MP or
senator will be disqualified if “(e) he has been convicted of an offence
by a court of law in the Federation (or, before Malaysia Day, in the
territories comprised in the state of Sabah or Sarawak or in Singapore)
and sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year or to
a fine of not less than RM2,000 and has not received a pardon…”. There
is nothing said about compounds.</span></p><p><span>Thus, the
administrative compound can wrongly be used to prevent a fellow
politician from being charged, tried, convicted, and sentenced in court,
thus saving current or future MPs or senators from being disqualified
by reason of conviction, as is now provided in Malaysia’s Constitution.</span></p><p><span>It
is reasonable to say that, generally, no innocent person would accept a
compound offer and pay the stipulated amount, more so when it is a
large sum. An innocent person would rather go to court to prove his/her
innocence than “admit guilt” by accepting a compound offer.</span></p><p><span>For small offences, a person may choose to pay the small compound to save time and effort in having to go to court.</span></p><p><span>The
availability of compounds for small offences like road traffic offences
and violation of MCO requirement may be acceptable, but compounds
should not be available for Amla offences, corruption, abuse of power
offences and some other offences like occupational safety and health.
Charge them and let courts decide.</span></p><p><span>On
Sept 21 this year, then Pontian member of Parliament (MP) Ahmad Maslan
was acquitted of charges of money laundering and giving a false
statement after he agreed to pay a compound of RM1.1 million.</span></p><p><span>The
oddity in this case was that he had already been charged when the
compound offer was taken up. The prosecution will generally never charge
any person unless they are confident that they can prove guilt beyond
reasonable doubt.</span></p><p><span>When this happened, Ahmad not only
escaped a trial, but also the risk of conviction and potential
disqualification as an MP/senator. He also obtained protection from
being further investigated, and charged for the same offence ever again.</span></p><p><span>Sadly,
Ahmad can be said to have also missed the opportunity to prove himself
innocent in court. Doubts will remain in many minds.</span></p><p><strong><span>Deterring corruption by PM and cabinet</span></strong></p><p><span>At
present, there are no laws or regulations that govern the conduct and
discipline of the prime minister and cabinet members. Though cabinet
members are public officers, they are excluded from disciplinary
provisions that apply to Malaysian public officers.</span></p><p><span>Therefore,
Madpet proposed that Malaysia’s new government extend the application
of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 to also
include members of the cabinet and maybe even MPs. Alternatively, a new
law can also be drafted.</span></p><p><span>Regulations in the civil
service even deal with “presents”, stating that a public officer “…shall
not receive or give nor shall he allow his spouse or any other person
to receive or give on his behalf any present, whether in a tangible form
or otherwise, from or to any person, association, body, or group of
persons if the receipt or giving of such present is in any way
connected, either directly or indirectly, with his official duties…”.
There are many provisions in the regulations that will deter corrupt
practice.</span></p><p><span>It would be best if members of the cabinet
or even MPs are also governed by such regulations. Or better yet, new
laws which will also deter corrupt practices and keep our cabinet
members clean.</span></p><p><span>Following former prime minister Najib
Abdul Razak’s conviction for abuse of power, criminal breach of trust
and money laundering involving RM42 millions, crimes that were committed
in office, trust in the prime minister and members of cabinet have
diminished.</span></p><p><span>This trust will need to be restored and we need laws and regulations that will deter such crimes in the future.</span></p><p><span>Corruption and abuse of power</span></p><p><span>When
a person or a corporation contesting for a government contract/project,
pays money or provides benefits to a minister or a person with the
power to decide or influence contract awarding, before or after the
awarding of the tender, it is corrupt practice.</span></p><p><span>It
should not matter whether the money or benefits flows directly into the
said politician/public officer’s pocket or to his/her family members,
his/her related “political funds”, or political party, NGOs, or
charities which has links with the said politician or public servant. It
is still corruption.</span></p><p><span>We are fed up of hearing politicians argue that the money taken were not for themselves but for political funding or charity.</span></p><p><strong><span>Annual asset declaration</span></strong></p><p><span>A
law on regular asset declaration that provides for regular, preferable
every year, is needed. Asset declaration is not for the public to know
how rich or poor a minister or MP is but really is a means for the
public to be sure that the said MP or minister did not use his/her
position power to accumulate wealth wrongly.</span></p><p><span>This can
only be done by comparing subsequent declarations with the first one
that was made immediately when he/she gets elected/appointed.</span></p><p><span>It
is sad that previous governments did not understand the reason behind
asset declarations and chose to only require one asset declaration,
making it impossible for the rakyat to compare and determine whether
there was abuse and wrongful personal enrichment. Making false
declarations must also be a criminal offence.</span></p><p><strong><span>Political funding laws</span></strong></p><p><span>The
law on political funding, which was earlier reported would be tabled in
October, must also be speedily tabled now. It must cover not just
political parties, but also individual MPs and senators.</span></p><p><span>For
years, Malaysian MPs received large amounts of additional funds,
sometimes millions of ringgit, annually for the expenditure of their
constituency. But alas there was no transparency as to how these public
funds were used.</span></p><p><span>Many wonder how much of the people’s
money went into the MP’s own pocket, directly or indirectly, or wrongly
flowed to their party or supporters? Accountability and transparency is
needed.</span></p><p><strong><span>End endemic corruption in Malaysia</span></strong></p><p><span>Madpet
urges the PM to walk the talk and demonstrate that his pledge against
corruption and abuse of power will be followed by speedy, concrete
actions, including the tabling of needed amendments to laws and new laws
that will also deter acts of corruption and abuse of power amongst the
cabinet and also MPs in Malaysia.</span></p><p><span>Anwar needs to act
fast, remembering how prime ministers and governments in recent times
changed rapidly, having three different prime ministers since GE14.
Delay is no more an option. -<a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/646189" target="_blank"> Malaysiakini, 29/11/2022</a></span></p><hr /><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> <br /><br /></h3><p><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: red;"></span></b></span></p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-17677009724972876202024-02-09T15:29:00.002+08:002024-02-09T20:19:26.491+08:00Steven Sim(HR Minister) failed to ensure justice for 733 migrant workers who were not paid for 3-6 months > only got RM1,412 each - in RM1 million 'victory' - not a landmark judment but an embarassment?<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Steven Sim(Minister of Human Resources) and the Labour Department caused great injustice to 733 migrant workers </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A migrant worker, once employed, or at the very least when he/she arrives in Malaysia is entitled to be paid monthly wages irrespective of whether the employer have started get them working. <b><span style="color: red;">The wages ought to be the agreed wages - or at the very least the MINIMUM WAGES in Malaysia.</span></b> Over and above this, the employer is also supposed to pay the social security insurance - that will be paid out in case of accident or death in Malaysia, plus also RECRUITMENT FEES that the said worker has been paid.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;">These workers were out of work, and not paid wages for 3-6 months, </span></b>and may not be paid wages for some time more - at least until they get a new employer and get their monthly pay. <b><span style="color: red;">BUT, now they get from the award or the agreement facilitated by the Ministry and their employer only pays about RM1,412 per worker(lesser than even a monthly Minimum Wage) - when if they have not been paid wages for 3 months, they would have been entitled to at least RM4,500, and if for 6 months, at least RM9,000 > noting that Malaysia's minimum wage as of mid-2023 is RM1,500.</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">So, when the Ministry says that this is a landmark case - as the 733 workers have been awarded RM1 million plus - it is shocking and a great injustice.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Minister earlier said that the <b><span style="color: red;">employer will be black-listed - no use if these does not include the Directors and the shareholders.</span></b> So easy for them to just form another company and continue employing migrant workers. NAME the employer company - their Directors and shareholders, and BLACKLIST all of them, and make sure that no company in the future with these Directors or shareholders will be allowed to recruit or employ migrant workers.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What the <b><span style="color: red;">employer company or legal entity is HUMAN TRAFFICKING - well, they should all be charged for the crime of human trafficking.</span></b> They should <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">also be charged for crimes under the Labour/Employment laws - and they should not be offered COMPOUNDS - but charge them in court.</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is more than likely that the said employers are CONTRACTORS FOR LABOUR(Labour Suppliers) - that means employers without any work in their own company requiring workers. This was introduced on about 2006 by the then BN government - and it is believed that this may have been cronies or 'friends' of the then government.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Before, the right to recruit migrant worker was given into real employers</b> - who <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">after much effort fails to find local workers as employees - hence permission granted to recruit migrant workers</span></b> to fulfill their labour requirements. The <b>employer had to stipulate the kind of workers needed - example welders, brick layers, etc ... and then present the name of the migrant workers for the specific positions before they were allowed to bring in these workers to Malaysia.</b> The <b><span style="color: red;">relevant body like CIDB</span></b> for construction industry employers will also evaluate the need and approve. <b><span style="color: red;">This way, only needed migrant workers are brought in with a ready job available in the company... NO MORE PROBLEM OF MIGRANT WORKERS BEING BROUGHT TO MALAYSIA ONLY TO FIND THAT THEY HAVE NO REAL JOBS.</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In fact, <b>before the employer needing workers to work at their workplaces do sometimes conduct interviews and tests to determine the suitability and skills of these workers before employing them. </b>Now with the Contractor For Labour system, they bring in workers by the numbers - and real employers with work and needing workers have to enter into agreement for the supply of workers - they have no choice, and sometimes end up with workers not suitable for the workplace. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The migrant workers to, by this COL system, many a times do not even know where they will be working for sure, and what kind of work they will be doing. Some are promised work in an electronic company - may end up finding themselves in some plantation...this is deception and definitely unjust for the worker too.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;">The contractor for labour(COL) is like an AP(Approved Permit) system</span></b> - it generates profits and business, and worse is that many of them simply do not have monies or assets(plantation or factories), and hence when affected workers claim for monies and justice is made, many of these COL 'employers' just wind-up and the victim workers are left with no remedy. In this case, why only RM1 million - the possible reason could be that the COL 'employer'(most likely) has insufficient assets to pay the workers...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Under the then BN regime, they passed a law making the COL employers - and all the migrant workers are their employees. </span></b>So when the real employer with work and workplace need workers - they only get supplied workers (who cannot be employees at the places they work - hence <b><span style="color: red;">cannot even join unions and are accorded a different treatment compared with the real employees of the workplace - a real possibility of DISCRIMINATION amongst workers,</span></b> and guess what these 'supplied workers' of COL, being not employees have NO RIGHT to fight for better working conditions or wages - WHY? They are not employees of the workplace where they really work...) - in fact the employer/owner of the workplace pays the COL who then pays their 'employees' - maybe now different wages for the same work done simply because you are not employees of the workplace owner/operator. <b>They cannot even complain about discrimination at the workplace - although the Employment Act allows foreign employees to do so - if they are accorded a different treatment with other local employees at the same workplace...<br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;">REFORM NEEDED - Abolish the Contractor For Labour. Only allow real employers with real work that require workers to employ migrant workers and also recruit migrant workers. </span></span></b>These real employer/owner of workplaces can employ agents to recruit workers - but ultimately the principal is responsible for all action/omission of agents.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now, that BN is again part of this UNITY government, they may not be inclined to abolish the Contractor For Labour, who still may be their cronnies or friends. What will this PH led government do - allow the BAD PRACTICES to continue.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">MINISTER STEVEN SIM was fully aware of this case, so he is responsible for this UNJUST outcome too.. </span><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> <i style="font-family: verdana;"></i></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: verdana;">Human resources minister Steven Sim said 751 Bangladeshi
migrant workers duped into coming to Pengerang, Johor, for jobs that did
not exist have filed a RM2.21 million claim for unpaid wages from their
employers.</i>
</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: verdana;">Sim said their case will be heard at the Pengerang district labour
office on Feb 5 as the workers may not be able to afford to travel to
Kuala Lumpur.</i></p>
<p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hp62d234e8z3298y0pfcabsf" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: verdana;">It
is understood that 171 of the 751 workers were arrested by police in
Pengerang last month after taking part in a march to file a police
report</i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;">“Employers who don’t pay their workers by claiming there is no work
to be done… For us, this is a big wrongdoing,”</span></b> said Sim during a press
conference here.</i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: verdana;">“They deserve to be paid.”</i></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Further, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">when any worker, migrant or local, makes a complaint/claim to the Labour Department - these Ministry officers must HELP the workers with their claims - ensuring all possible claims against the employer is included. T</span></b>he Ministry officers ought to have been aware that they were entitled to much more that RM2 million, as mentioned earlier on - why did the Labour Department officers help these migrant workers the full sum they could claim from their errant employers... </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;">Some REFORMS Steven Sim(Minister of Human Resources) can do is to use the power of Section 2A, and ensure that all workers are EMPLOYEES of their actual workplace - not the Contractor For Labour(or the labour supplier) as this requires a MERE ORDER..</span></b> </span> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"><b></b></span></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"><b>2A Minister may prohibit employment other than under contract of service(Employment Act)</b></span></i></span> <i><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">(1) <b>The
Minister may by order prohibit the employment, engagement or contracting
of any person or class of persons to carry out work in any occupation
in any agricultural or industrial undertaking, constructional work,
statutory body, local government authority, trade, business or place of
work other than under a contract of service entered into with-</b></span></p><blockquote><p><b style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;">(a)
the principal or owner of that agricultural or industrial undertaking,
constructional work, trade, business or place of work; or</span></b></p><p><b style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;">(b) that statutory body or that authority.</span></b></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">(2)
Upon the coming into force of any such order, the person or class of
persons employed, engaged or contracted with to carry out the work shall
be deemed to be an employee or employees and-</span></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">(a) the principal or owner of the agricultural or industrial undertaking, constructional work, trade, business or place of work; or</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">(b) the statutory body or local government authority,</span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">shall
be deemed to be the employer for the purposes of such provisions of
this Act and any other written law as may be specified in the order.</span></p></span></i></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red;">Another REFORM would be to amend section 87A, to ensure that employers who fail to pay employees wages/allowance due during the stipulated time will have to pay their employees 2 TIMES(or even 5 Times) the monies due and payable to the employee </span></b>- This is just. Now, all that the employer has to pay is simply the sum of monies that they had to pay but failed to pay according to law - not even additional interest, so it best to PENALIZE bad employers requiring them to pay at the very least 2 times the amount due. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the case of these migrant workers, brought to Malaysia and not paid for 3 to 6 months, JUSTLY, the Labour Court should have ordered the employer to pay DOUBLE - RM1,500 X 2 X The number of months they failed to pay... </span><br /></p><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><p></p></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"><b></b></span></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"><b>87A Court order for payments due to employee</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"> </span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">(1) Where an
employer has been convicted of an offence relating to the payment of
wages or any other payments payable to an employee under this Act, the
court before which he is convicted may <b><span style="color: red;">order the employer to pay any
payment due to the employee in relation to that offence.</span></b></span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Another needed amendment is to reduce Malaysia's legal monthly overtime limit - which is now 104 hours</span></b>(not including work on rest days and public holidays) - </span><br /></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2023/09/forced-labour-policies-and-laws-without.html"></a></span></h3><blockquote><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2023/09/forced-labour-policies-and-laws-without.html">FORCED
LABOUR POLICIES AND LAWS, WITHOUT ENFORCEMENT AND ENSURING VICTIMS
JUSTICE IS USELESS - Laws that allow excessive overtime makes Malaysia
party to propagating forced labour(20 Groups Media Statement) </a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2023/09/laws-allowing-excessive-overtime-makes.html">Laws allowing excessive overtime makes Malaysia party to propagating forced labour (Star) </a></span></h3></blockquote><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2023/09/laws-allowing-excessive-overtime-makes.html"></a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Steven Sim, be a good and JUST Minister of HUMAN Resources, and protect the workers, and not 'bad' employers... </span></span><br /></h3><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><b><span style="color: red;"></span></b></span></p><h1 class="sc-eDPEul jUeWRP pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">Bangladeshi workers awarded RM1mil in unpaid wages</h1><div class="sc-aXZVg jiTbBU"><p>The human resources ministry says this is a landmark case that will serve as a reference for labour cases in the future.</p>
</div><div class="sc-cwHptR llSLcQ d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author">FMT Reporters - </span><time class="sc-aXZVg eeJhAp fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1707382480000" style="min-height: 15px;">08 Feb 2024, 4:54pm</time></div></div></div><div class="mb-3" style="height: 40px;"><div class="st-left st-has-labels st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="sharethis-1707451423444"><br /></div></div><div class="sc-cPiKLX hSRCTm pb-3" itemprop="articleBody"><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2644333" class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_2644333" style="width: 800px;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2644333 size-full" data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hp60ja9vcbpqrwxbcewy5yfz" height="250" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/27ab89ae-bangladesh-kena-tipu-fb-261223-1.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 0px;" width="400" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-2644333">More
than 170 Bangladeshi migrant workers were arrested in Pengerang, Johor,
in December after taking part in a march to file a police report after
claiming they were duped into coming to Malaysia for non-existent
jobs. (Facebook pic)</figcaption></figure>
<p>PETALING JAYA: A group of 733 Bangladeshi migrant workers duped into
coming to Malaysia for jobs that did not exist have been awarded more
than RM1 million in unpaid wages in a settlement arranged by the Johor
labour department on Monday.</p>
<p>The human resources ministry said today the workers and their
employers reached a mutual agreement for the total payment of
RM1,035,557.50 in wages.</p></div>
<p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hp60ja9v6t8rbm9a9kd18b00">The workers will now be placed with new employers through the labour department.</p>
<p>In a statement today, the ministry said: “This is a landmark case
that will serve as a reference for labour cases in the future.”</p><p>The payout amounts to an average of RM1,412 per worker. The workers,
who were brought to Pengerang, Johor, are believed to have been out of
work for three to six months.</p>
<p>Last month, human resources minister Steven Sim said that 751 duped workers in Pengerang had filed <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/01/16/171-duped-migrant-workers-file-rm2-million-claim-for-unpaid-wages" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">a claim for RM2.21 million </span></a>in unpaid wages.</p>
<p>In December, 171 workers were<a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/12/25/cops-nab-over-100-foreigners-protesting-unemployment-in-johor" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"> arrested by police</span></a> after they marched to file a police report about being duped.</p>
<p>The ministry said today the workers were legally brought to Malaysia
but were not provided with employment and were neglected after they
arrived.</p>
<p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hp60ja9v6t8rbm9a9kd18b00">“Employers
found guilty of this will be blacklisted by the authorities and their
quotas for foreign workers will be cancelled,” the ministry said.</p>
<p>It added that the ministry would not compromise with any party that
violates labour laws and it was committed to ensuring the welfare of
workers in Malaysia.</p>
<p>Employers were reminded that they were responsible for paying workers’ wages if they were brought into Malaysia.</p>
<p>“Employers who don’t pay their workers by claiming there is no work
to be done… for us, this is a big wrongdoing,” Sim said at a press
conference in January. - <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/02/08/bangladeshi-workers-win-rm1-mil-in-unpaid-wages/" target="_blank">FMT, 8/2/2024</a><br /></p><h1 class="sc-eDPEul jUeWRP pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">751 duped migrant workers file RM2 million claim for unpaid wages</h1><div class="sc-aXZVg jiTbBU"><p>The case will be heard at the Pengerang district labour office on Feb 5.</p>
</div><div class="sc-cwHptR llSLcQ d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author">Elill Easwaran - </span><time class="sc-aXZVg eeJhAp fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1705402652000" style="min-height: 15px;">16 Jan 2024, 6:57pm</time></div></div></div><div class="mb-3" style="height: 40px;"><div class="st-left st-has-labels st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="sharethis-1707453353302"><br /></div></div><div class="sc-cPiKLX hSRCTm pb-3" itemprop="articleBody"><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2644333" class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_2644333" style="width: 800px;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2644333 size-full" data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hp62d233tc2d7py1fkn6w0ad" height="250" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/27ab89ae-bangladesh-kena-tipu-fb-261223-1.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 0px;" width="400" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-2644333">It
is understood that 171 of the 751 migrant workers were arrested by
police in Pengerang, Johor last month after taking part in a march to
file a police report. (Facebook pic)</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: justify;">PUTRAJAYA: Human resources minister Steven Sim said 751 Bangladeshi
migrant workers duped into coming to Pengerang, Johor, for jobs that did
not exist have filed a RM2.21 million claim for unpaid wages from their
employers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Sim said their case will be heard at the Pengerang district labour
office on Feb 5 as the workers may not be able to afford to travel to
Kuala Lumpur.</p></div>
<p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hp62d234e8z3298y0pfcabsf" style="text-align: justify;">It
is understood that 171 of the 751 workers were arrested by police in
Pengerang last month after taking part in a march to file a police
report</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Employers who don’t pay their workers by claiming there is no work
to be done… For us, this is a big wrongdoing,” said Sim during a press
conference here.</p><div data-google-query-id="CMbAnLO3nYQDFSGkZgId5jgLgA" id="div-gpt-ad-1661356464065-0" style="text-align: justify;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/FMT_ROS_1x1_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“They deserve to be paid.”</p><p style="text-align: justify;">He
added that the Johor labour department has opened 13 probes into the
workers’ five employers, with the deputy public prosecutor set to check
the investigation papers tomorrow.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Sim today revealed that the workers arrested by the police last month
have been “freed”, but he did not provide more information on the
matter.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Sim and home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail previously said their
ministries viewed the case in Pengerang seriously and would not
compromise with any party involved in foreign worker exploitation.</p>
<p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hp62d234e8z3298y0pfcabsf" style="text-align: justify;">They agreed that the employers must face legal action under several laws, including those against human trafficking.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">They also said the employers would be blacklisted from applying for
new foreign workers and their remaining migrant worker quotas and
approval letters would be cancelled.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">They would also be prevented from renewing work permits for existing foreign workers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">At today’s press conference with Saifuddin, Sim stressed that the country’s position on foreign workers is “very clear”.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Foreign workers are here to help support Malaysian businesses… Not to be seen as a business itself,” he said.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He added that the two ministries had agreed on new standard operating
procedures (SOPs) in which immediate action would be taken against
employers found to have committed “any wrongdoing” against their
workers. - <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/01/16/171-duped-migrant-workers-file-rm2-million-claim-for-unpaid-wages/">FMT, 16/1/2024</a><br /></p><h1 class="sc-fPXMVe iWDaXK pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">Cops nab 171 foreigners protesting lack of jobs in Johor</h1><div class="sc-aXZVg jiTbBU"><p>Kota
Tinggi police chief Hussin Zamora says the Bangladeshis were marching
to the Bayu Damai police station to file a report at the time.</p>
</div><div class="sc-cwHptR llSLcQ d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="sc-dcJsrY jSPIFe" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/fmtreporters/">FMT Reporters</a> - </span><time class="sc-aXZVg eeJhAp fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1703486946000" style="min-height: 15px;">25 Dec 2023, 2:49pm</time></div></div></div><div class="sc-eDPEul cUQRsa pb-3" itemprop="articleBody"><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2644333" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_2644333" style="width: 800px;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2644333 size-full" data-adbro-processed="true" height="250" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/27ab89ae-bangladesh-kena-tipu-fb-261223-1.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-2644333">Screenshots from a viral video showing the Bangladeshis marching in a long line in Pengerang, Johor.</figcaption></figure>
<p>PETALING JAYA: Police have arrested 171 Bangladeshis seen marching together in Pengerang, Johor, in a video that went viral.</p>
<p>Kota Tinggi police chief Hussin Zamora said the Bangladeshis were
marching towards the Bayu Damai police station to file a report on
Wednesday because they claimed that their agents had not provided them
jobs as promised.</p></div><p>“They are not undocumented migrants as they entered (the country) legally through recruitment agents.</p>
<p>“It is understood that they have not received any work for about three to six months,” Hussin said, according to Sinar Harian.</p><p>He said a police team was sent to the location following a report by the Malaysian armed forces on the march.</p>
<p>A video that has gone viral showed a car driver being shocked by the
presence of scores of foreign nationals walking in a long line.</p>
<p>Hussin said an examination by the immigration department found that the Bangladeshi men were aged between 19 and 43.</p>
<p>He said they were detained under Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration
Act 1959/63 and have been sent to the Setia Tropika immigration
department in Johor Bahru. - <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/12/25/cops-nab-over-100-foreigners-protesting-unemployment-in-johor/" target="_blank">FMT, 25/12/2023</a><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-54285275676615246672024-02-09T11:00:00.007+08:002024-02-09T20:18:44.025+08:00Federal Court rules that Kelantan government enacted State laws on matters that Constitution says not within the State's power - It is NOT an issue of Syariah law versus secular law?<p style="text-align: justify;">The issue was whether the State can enact laws, which is clearly under the jurisdiction of the Federal government. The Constitution lists what comes under the Federal Government powers, and what comes under the State government powers. Criminal offences generally comes under the Federal Government's jurisdiction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It is not about SYARIAH LAW versus Federal laws - the Syariah law in contention are laws enacted by the State government.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">To have 2 different criminal laws that criminalizes actions/omissions and provide for different sentences causes not just confusion but injustice. Which law should the suspected criminal be charged with - the Federal law or the State law? This is the issue. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">If we want to give the power to the State to also be able to enact laws that now comes under the jurisdiction of the Federal government, be it a State Syariah law or some other State law, then the Federal Constitution must be amended to either shift the jurisdiction for some crimes to come under the jurisdiction of the State, or for both the State and Federal government to have jurisdiction for the said crimes.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles">In the NINTH SCHEDULE of the Federal Constitution, there is the Legislative Lists =</span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"></span><i>I—Federal List, </i><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><i>List II—State List and </i></span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><i>List III—Concurrent List. Matters in the List I include </i></span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">Civil and criminal law and procedure and the administration of justice...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">The recent case before the Federal Court was whether the enactment of certain provisions of the Kelantan State Law, in this case the State's Syariah Law, for certain 'crimes' and matters was NOT within the powers of the State or not. Did the State government encroach into what is exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Federal Government? Federal Court said YES - hence the provisions in the State enactment was invalid - unconstitutional..</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><br /></span></p><h1 class="article-title">Federal Court rules 16 provisions in Kelantan criminal enactment unconstitutional in Muslim duo's challenge</h1><div class="social-sharing"><div class="social-inner"><br /> </div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/09/185521.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/09/185521.JPG&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="Federal Court rules 16 provisions in Kelantan criminal enactment unconstitutional in Muslim duo's challenge" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/09/185521.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="266" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/09/185521.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" title="Federal Court rules 16 provisions in Kelantan criminal enactment unconstitutional in Muslim duo's challenge" width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">Nik
Elin Zurina Nik Abdul Rashid (right) and her team arrive at the Palace
of Justice in Kuala Lumpur February 9, 2024. — Picture by Sayuti
Zainudin</div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info"> <div class="article-byline">By Kenneth Tee</div> <div class="article-date">Friday, 09 Feb 2024 9:47 AM MYT</div> </div> <p>PUTRAJAYA,
Feb 9 — The Federal Court has today struck down 16 out of 18 provisions
under the Kelantan Shariah criminal enactment as unconstitutional,
ruling that the Kelantan State Legislature does not have the power to
enact laws on said offences because there are federal laws covering the
same.</p><p>Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who is leading a
nine-member panel of judges, delivered the majority verdict of 8-1 in
the constitutional challenge filed by two Muslim women.</p><div data-google-query-id="CPqwqNmfnYQDFcPUcwEdlT4J6Q" id="mm-story-outstream"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/MM-1x1-Outstream_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p>Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Sebli was the only judge who dissented or disagreed with the majority.</p><p>Other
judges on the nine-member panel are President of the Court of Appeal
Tan Sri Amar Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri
Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah; Federal Court judges Tan Sri Nallini
Pathmanathan, Datuk Mary Lim Thiam Suan, Datuk Harmindar Singh Dhaliwal,
Datuk Nordin Hassan and Datuk Abu Bakar Jais.</p><p>Nik
Elin Zurina Nik Abdul Rashid, a native of Kelantan, along with her
daughter Tengku Yasmin Nastasha Abdul Rahman, filed a petition directly
with the Federal Court under Article 4(4) of the Federal Constitution,
naming the Kelantan government as the sole respondent in this case.</p><div data-google-query-id="CPywqNmfnYQDFcPUcwEdlT4J6Q" id="mm-teads"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p>The
duo are challenging the constitutionality and validity of 18 provisions
under the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code (l) Enactment 2019, claiming
that the Kelantan State Legislature does not have the power to enact
laws on these offences because there are federal laws covering the same.</p><p>Through
the court challenge, the two women are seeking the Federal Court to
declare that 18 provisions of Kelantan’s Shariah Criminal Code (I)
Enactment 2019 are invalid, arguing that the Kelantan state legislative
assembly had overstepped its powers or had no powers to make such laws. - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/02/09/federal-court-rules-16-provisions-in-kelantan-criminal-enactment-unconstitutional-in-muslim-duos-challenge/117160" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 9/2/2024</a></p><div class="pl-8 pr-8 pt-6"><div class="text-3xl font-semibold leading-snug text-coolGray-600 mt-2 tracking-normal print:text-lg"><b><span style="font-size: large;">'Black Friday' - Taki slams nullification of K'tan syariah criminal provisions</span></b></div><div class="text-coolGray-500"><div class="text-xs lg:text-sm font-medium opacity-90 flex items-center space-x-2 mt-2"><div class="cursor-pointer"><div>Haspaizi Zain</div><div class="flex flex-wrap items-center text-xs lg:text-sm opacity-90 font-normal"><div class="whitespace-nowrap"><span>Published: </span> Feb 9, 2024 12:22 PM</div><div class="text-lg leading-none mx-1">⋅</div><div class="whitespace-nowrap"><span>Updated: </span> 4:56 PM</div><div class="whitespace-nowrap"> </div><div class="whitespace-nowrap">A
PAS leader has dubbed the Federal Court nullifying the validity of
Kelantan's 16 syariah criminal provisions as a "black Friday" for the
country's syariah judicial system.</div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="pl-8 pb-4 relative flex mt-4 print:pb-0 print:pl-0"><div class="jsx-3464146825 text-opacity-95 font-normal text-xl content text-coolGray-700 font-body tracking-midwide leading-relaxed" id="full-content-container"><div class="px-4 lg:px-0" itemprop="articleBody"><p>According to PAS
secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan, the apex court's decision is also
capable of endangering syariah enactments in other states.</p><p>"A black Friday to the syariah judicial system, and Islamic laws, that's all we can say.</p><p>"As
a lawyer myself, I know that when the syariah criminal provisions in
one state are nullified, similar provisions in 14 other states are also
in critical danger," he told reporters when met outside the Palace of
Justice in Putrajaya this morning.</p><p>"Anyone,
be it from Negeri Sembilan or Malacca, if they are charged in a Syariah
Court for sodomy (for instance), he will be brought here (Federal
Court)... and the charge will be dismissed. No one can be charged in any
Syariah Court with syariah offences," Takiyuddin (<i>above</i>) claimed.</p><p>Earlier today, a nine-person bench chaired by Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat in an 8-1 split majority decision <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/695774">allowed</a> lawyer Nik Elin Zurina Nik Abdul Rashid and her daughter Tengku Yasmin Natasha Tengku Abdul Rahman’s petition.</p><div class="medium-insert-images"><figure><img height="240" src="https://i.newscdn.net/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2024/02/81024b50afe28be8a5fd4d471cfab414.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption>Lawyer Nik Elin Zurina Nik Abdul Rashid and Tengku Yasmin Natasha Tengku Abdul Rahman (right)</figcaption></figure></div><p>The family was challenging the constitutionality of 18 provisions in Kelantan’s Syariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019.</p><p>However, the <b><span style="color: red;">apex court only allowed 16 out of the 18 to be invalidated</span></b>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red;">Among
the invalidated provisions are destroying a place of worship (Section
11), sodomy (Section 14), necrophiliac sexual intercourse (Section 16),
bestiality (Section 17), and sexual harassment (Section 31).</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red;">Other
struck down controversial Kelantan syariah criminal offences are
possessing false documents and giving false information (Section 34),
intoxication (Section 36), reducing scale measurement (Section 39),
transactions that go against <i>hukum syarak</i> (Section 40), carrying out transactions involving usury (Section 41), and abuse of halal label (Section 42).</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red;">The
remainder of subject matters criminalised under religious law by the
state legislature are offering or providing vice service (Section 43),
preparing to offer or provide vice service (Section 44), preparing to
indulge in vice (Section 45), incest (Section 47), and muncikari or
person acting as an intermediary between two people for certain offences
(Section 48).</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #2b00fe;">The provisions the Federal Court did not allow in
the duo’s bid to nullify are giving away a child to a non-Muslim or
morally corrupt Muslim (Section 13), and words that break the peace
(Section 30).</b></p><p><b>‘No small matter’</b></p><p>Takiyuddin
stressed that the nullification was "no small matter" as it involved
upholding Islamic laws and the Malay rulers' institution.</p><p>"This is
no small matter. It is about upholding the syariah, and the Malay
rulers as the head of Islam in states, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the
head of Islam in the Federal Territories and other states without a
sultan.</p><p>"So, we are defending the syariah, and the Malay rulers' institution," he said.</p><div class="medium-insert-images"><figure><img height="240" src="https://i.newscdn.net/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2023/02/a75c211b1ccec5ee4827a4b4f3982d0b.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption>Ahmad Fadhli Shaari</figcaption></figure></div><p>PAS
information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari urged the federal government to
amend the Federal Constitution to protect syariah laws.</p><p>"We want
the government to expedite constitutional amendments. The government
already has two-thirds majority support, so does not need backing from
the opposition.</p><p>"The government can draft a new law which gives
more muscle to protect syariah laws. We will commit to support (this
initiative)," he said.</p><p>Save Syariah Movement co-chairperson Mohd
Zai Mustafa said the group will present a memorandum to the Agong and
the National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs on the apex court's
decision.</p><p>In addition, the group will also embark on a nationwide
roadshow to explain the decision, and discuss ways to uphold the syariah
justice system.</p><p><b>1,000 people ‘voluntarily’</b> <b>gather</b></p><p>Earlier, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">about 1,000 people</span></b> gathered outside the Palace of Justice, in anticipation of the verdict.</p><p>The crowd started gathering as early as 8am and was followed by speeches and a prayer session.</p><div class="medium-insert-images"><figure><img height="240" src="https://i.newscdn.net/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2024/02/ae45a9502dda807048f55b7d91360aaf.jpg" width="400" /></figure></div><p>Aside
from Takiyuddin and Fadhli, other opposition figures spotted at the
scene were PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad, former Kelantan menteri besar
Ahmad Yakob, and Bachok MP Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman.</p><p>Fadhli claimed that the crowd gathered of their own volition, and there was no inducement nor coercion involved.</p><p>"We
just invited, we did not force. God willing, this crowd shows the
strength of the rakyat's support for the Kelantan state government." - <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/695792" target="_blank">Malaysiakini, 9/2/2024</a><br /></p></div></div></div><p> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-43009100924265531002024-02-08T16:44:00.002+08:002024-02-09T20:20:24.776+08:00Clare Rewcastle Brown, who highlighted the 1MDB scandal sentenced to jail, whilst Najib is pardon and sentence reduced? Has Jho Low been charged in court yet? <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><i>Clare</i> Rewcastle Brown, the editor of Sarawak Report, did contribute in highlighting the entire 1MDB and SRC scandal but sadly soon after the Najib's pardon, she has been convicted and sentenced to 2 years jail(being the maximum prison sentence permissible by law)</span> in absentia -meaning she was not in court to enter a plea, or defend herself in trial. </span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: times;">“<b><span style="color: red;">Rewcastle-Brown
has and continues to do a great service to the people of Malaysia and,
in particular, the disenfranchised of Sarawak by raising awareness of
and exposing wrongdoings and abuses</span></b>,” <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Anwar said</span></b> in a statement on his
Facebook page today.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">
</p><div class="medium-insert-embeds fb" style="text-align: justify;">
<figure></figure>
</div><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: times;">The Port Dickson MP added <span style="color: red;"><b>that Rewcastle-Brown’s role
in raising the issues of corruption, the plight of indigenous peoples,
and the environmental harm stemming from illegal and immoral business
practices in logging and development industries are exemplary acts of
humanitarianism rarely seen in Malaysia....</b></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red;"><i style="font-family: times;">“Journalists, whistleblowers, and activists should not be branded
criminals without a fair trial, especially when they fight for the same
justice we all want in Malaysia today,” Anwar said.</i></b></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Personally, I believe that when PM Anwar came into power - he should have got her a 'Datukship' or some award to acknowledge her contribution in exposing the 1MDB scandal - the biggest kleptocracy scandal in the world. But that is my opinion only.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the expose, it is not impossible for her to get some small issues wrong ...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now, the Sultanah had already commenced a defamation suit against Clare, and recently the Court of Appeal overturned the High Court decision and asked her and others to pay damages of RM300,000.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Should then not reasonably the criminal defamation case be discontinued - as the affected party had exercised her right to justice through the civil courts? How many people had filed police reports alleging criminal defamation - that did not end up in the criminal courts? Maybe some MP will ask that question in Parliament... Should the crime of Defamation be repealed, as affected individuals already have a route to justice through defamation suits in the civil courts?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Why did the Attorney General/Public Prosecutor exercise his power to discontinue this criminal case like he recently did in the Zahid Hamidi's case? </span></b><br /></p><p><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"><b></b></span></p><blockquote><p><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"><b>Section 500 Punishment for defamation(Penal Code) <br /></b></span></p><p><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">Whoever defames another shall be punished with <b><span style="color: red;">imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine</span></b> or with both.</span></p></blockquote><p><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And, then the court handed down the MAXIMUM imprisonment sentence - 2 years. Why the maximum prison sentence, not a reasonable one - did not the prosecution tell the court about what came out in the High Court about it being an 'honest mistake' and the fact that corrections had been made in the subsequent print run of the book >> indication of repentance and taking steps to correct the mistake. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the High Court, that dismissed the defamation suit, the judge found it as a case of 'mistaken identity' - </span><br /></p><div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p><i style="font-family: times;"></i></p></div><blockquote><div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p><i style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="color: red;">Rewcastle-Brown
testified that she made an “honest mistake” </span></b>by naming Sultanah Nur
Zahirah in the impugned passage, as she had mistaken the Sultanah with
her sister-in-law, Tunku Datuk Rahimah Sultan Mahmud.</i></p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p><i style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="color: red;">The journalist said that she made corrections to the passage in the book’s subsequent print runs.</span></b></i></p></div></blockquote><div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p><i style="font-family: times;"></i></p></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With regard this Magistrate Court Criminal case - she alleges that she was unaware of it, and she or her lawyers were never informed of the court date.... </span><br /></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote><p><i>Rewcastle Brown, however, said the <span style="color: red;"><b>first time she heard about the
criminal defamation case was when an arrest warrant was issued against
her in September 2021. The warrant lapsed in May last year.</b></span></i></p>
<p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hp3vfcv3e1pt5hrx71xrrbta"><i><b style="color: red;">She said neither she nor her lawyers were informed of any hearing. She also said that she was never formally charged.</b></i></p></blockquote></div><p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hp3vfcv3e1pt5hrx71xrrbta"><b style="color: red;"></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>Well, has Malaysia commenced any criminal case against the infamous Jho Low? Well, they did against </span><span><i>Clare</i> Rewcastle Brown and convicted/sentenced her in abstentia. WHY no case yet filed against Jho Low? <br /></span></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote><b>Fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho (<i>pic</i>),
better known as Jho Low, has been sentenced in absentia to 10 years’
imprisonment by <span style="color: red;">a Kuwaiti court </span>on money laundering charges.</b></blockquote></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">What is happening in Malaysia - Najib gets pardoned, and now one of the key person that HIGHLIGHTED this scandal gets sentenced to 2 years jail??? </span><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></span></span></p><div class="pl-8 pr-8 pt-6"><div class="text-3xl font-semibold leading-snug text-coolGray-600 mt-2 tracking-normal print:text-lg" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Anwar disturbed by police's 'wanted poster' on Rewcastle-Brown</span></b></div><div class="text-coolGray-500"><div class="text-xs lg:text-sm font-medium opacity-90 flex items-center space-x-2 mt-2"><div><div></div><div class="flex flex-wrap items-center text-xs lg:text-sm opacity-90 font-normal"><div class="whitespace-nowrap"><span>Published: </span> Nov 17, 2021 12:01 PM</div> </div><div class="flex flex-wrap items-center text-xs lg:text-sm opacity-90 font-normal">Opposition
Leader Anwar Ibrahim said he is disturbed by the police’s recent public
appeal for information and issuing of wanted posters against 1MDB
whistleblower and <i>Sarawak Report</i> editor Clare Rewcastle-Brown. </div></div></div></div></div><div class="pl-8 pb-4 relative flex mt-4 print:pb-0 print:pl-0"><div class="jsx-3464146825 text-opacity-95 font-normal text-xl content text-coolGray-700 font-body tracking-midwide leading-relaxed" id="full-content-container"><div class="px-4 lg:px-0" itemprop="articleBody"><p>He
called the move by the police an unnecessary public display that reeks
of abusive political influence and said it added another dark mark on
the country’s record regarding press freedom and respect for freedom of
speech.</p><p>“The campaign against Rewcastle-Brown (<i>above</i>) is made more troubling by the fact that similar actions are not being taken against other known criminals, such as Jho Low. </p><p>“Regardless
of the allegation against Rewcastle-Brown, she is owed the same dignity
and respect as any other individual in Malaysia whom accusations are
made against.</p><p>“Rewcastle-Brown
has and continues to do a great service to the people of Malaysia and,
in particular, the disenfranchised of Sarawak by raising awareness of
and exposing wrongdoings and abuses,” Anwar said in a statement on his
Facebook page today.</p><p>
</p><div class="medium-insert-embeds fb">
<figure></figure>
</div><p>The Port Dickson MP added that Rewcastle-Brown’s role
in raising the issues of corruption, the plight of indigenous peoples,
and the environmental harm stemming from illegal and immoral business
practices in logging and development industries are exemplary acts of
humanitarianism rarely seen in Malaysia.</p><p>He
stressed that while Malaysia is indeed a land of law and order, the
country also must strive to always better itself as a land of justice
and fairness where fair trial and treatment precede punishment by an
independent judiciary. </p><div class="medium-insert-images"><figure><img alt="" data-adbro-processed="true" height="240" src="https://icf.newscdn.net/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2020/10/e6387596649167a6a7cc17707da1aadc.jpg" width="400" /></figure></div><div class="medium-insert-images"><figure><figcaption>Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim </figcaption></figure></div><p>“Journalists,
whistleblowers, and activists should not be branded criminals without a
fair trial, especially when they fight for the same justice we all want
in Malaysia today,” Anwar said.</p><p>Police previously made a <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/598090" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">public appeal</a> for information after an arrest warrant was issued against Rewcastle-Brown as she was <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/592523" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">charged in absentia</a> for allegedly defaming the Sultanah of Terengganu in her book “The Sarawak Report - The inside story of 1MDB”. </p><p>The arrest warrant was issued for her failure to appear in court for the criminal defamation suit.</p><p>The infamous 1MDB scandal whistleblower is currently residing in the UK, and has maintained that she has <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/597768" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">no regret</a> for exposing the scandal, which subsequently led to the downfall of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak. - <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/599556" target="_blank">Malaysiakini, 17/11/2021 </a></p><div class="headline story-pg">
<h1>
Sarawak Report editor jailed two years for defaming Terengganu Sultanah
</h1>
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Nation
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<p class="date">
Wednesday, 07 Feb 2024
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<p>PETALING JAYA: Sarawak Report editor Clare
Rewcastle-Brown has been <b><span style="color: red;">sentenced to two years' jail for defaming
</span></b>Terengganu Sultanah Nur Zahirah.</p> <p>Magistrate Nik Mohd Tarmizie
Nik Mohd Shukri passed down the sentence on Rewcastle-Brown on Wednesday
(Feb 7) at the Kuala Terengganu Magistrates' Court, Harian Metro
reported.</p> <p>Rewcastle-Brown did not attend the hearing.</p> <p>She
was charged with criminal defamation under <b><span style="color: red;">Section 500 of the Penal
Code</span></b> over claims in her book "The Sarawak Report – The Inside Story of
the 1MDB Expose".<a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/02/07/sarawak-report-editor-jailed-two-years-for-defaming-terengganu-sultanah" target="_blank"> Star, 7/2/2024</a><br /></p><div class="news-detail_newsdetailsItemHead__zb6Ed" style="text-align: justify;"><span><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">Terengganu sultanah wins defamation appeal against Sarawak Report editor Clare Rewcastle-Brown, awarded RM300,000 damages</span></b></span></div><div class="news-detail_newsdetailsItemInfo__g9Hsi"><div class="news-detail_newsBy__6_pzA"><span>By</span> <span>Tarani Palani<span style="color: #70787c;"> / </span>theedgemalaysia.com</span></div><div class="news-detail_newsInfo__dv0be"><span>12 Dec 2023, 10:00 am</span><span>Updated - 11:30 am</span></div></div><div class="news-detail_rowAdBox__KIgW2"><div class="row-ad-box-top" data-google-query-id="CIGMzOagm4QDFSuerAIdlWEHVQ" id="div-gpt-ad-row4-ros"><div class="leaderboard_row1n8" style="opacity: 0;">
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</div></div></div><div class="news-detail_newsImgWrap__9DPNp"><div id="thumbnail"><img alt="main news image" data-nimg="1" height="267" src="https://theedgemalaysia.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.theedgemarkets.com%2Fclare_rewcastle-brown_by_shahrin_yahya_20210329173426_theedgemarkets_1_6.jpg&w=1920&q=75" style="color: transparent;" width="400" /></div><div class="news-detail_newsImgInfo__gdhM4"><p>Rewcastle-Brown's
book was titled The Sarawak Report: The Inside Story of the 1MDB
Exposé. (File photo by Shahrin Yahya/The Edge)</p></div></div><div class="news-detail_newsTextDataWrap__PkAu5" style="text-align: justify;"><div><div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>PUTRAJAYA
(Dec 12): The Court of Appeal (COA) has allowed Terengganu Sultanah Nur
Zahirah's appeal in her defamation suit against <i>Sarawak Report</i> editor Clare Rewcastle-Brown and two others.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>In a
unanimous decision on Tuesday, a three-member appellate court bench said
that the statement in Rewcastle-Brown's book titled <i>The Sarawak Report: The Inside Story of the 1MDB Exposé </i>linking the sultanah to fugitive financier Low Taek Jho (Jho Low) was defamatory. </p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>The bench
chaired by Datuk Hadhariah Syed Ismail and consisting of COA judges
Mohamed Zaini Mazlan and Datuk Azhahari Kamal Ramli <b><span style="color: red;">awarded damages of
RM300,000 and cost of RM120,000.</span></b></p></div></div></div><div class="inPageAd" data-google-query-id="CISMzOagm4QDFSuerAIdlWEHVQ" id="div-gpt-ad-inpage" style="text-align: justify;"><div id="inpage_auto_expand"><div id="video-container" style="display: block;"><div aria-label="Video Player" class="video-js vjs-default-skin vjs-fluid InpageAutoExpand-dimensions vjs-controls-enabled vjs-workinghover vjs-v8 vjs-user-active vjs-has-started vjs-paused" data-color="#d3d3d3" data-setup="{"controlBar": {"pictureInPictureToggle": false},"inactivityTimeout": 0}" id="InpageAutoExpand" lang="en-us" muted="true" role="region" style="max-width: 100%;" tabindex="-1"></div>
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<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>The
damages are to be paid jointly by all the defendants, which include
Gerakbudaya Enterprise publisher Chong Ton Sin and printer Vinlin Press
Sdn Bhd.</p></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Prevailing circumstances in 2018 needed to be taken into account</h3>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>Azhahari,
who read out the decision, said that the bench agreed with the
appellant's submissions that over-analysis of specific words should be
avoided, and an ordinary reader's comprehension of the impugned
statement ought to be taken into account.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>The panel
said that the High Court had considered extrinsic evidence or the
dictionary meaning of specific words in the impugned statement, and
noted that this was not the correct approach in determining the
statement's "natural and ordinary" meaning. </p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>The panel
noted that the law does not confine the statement to its "literal
meaning", but also considers the "context" in which it was used.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>Azhahari
said that the book was published in August 2018, about five months after
the 14th general election, where 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and
Jho Low's connection to the scandal was a heated campaign topic.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"The
defamatory part of the statement can be seen in the allegations that the
[sultanah] was said to have supported Jho Low to be appointed to the
advisory position in Terengganu Investment Authority (TIA)," the judge
said in reference to 1MDB's predecessor.</span></p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>The panel
was of the view that a reasonable person, using their common sense of
the prevailing circumstances at that time, would derive the meaning as
pleaded by the sultanah — that she used her position to help Jho Low get
the TIA position, that she had influence in the state administration,
and that she was involved in alleged corrupt practices.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The
impugned statement reads: “Jho was also friendly with a key player in
Terengganu, the wife of the sultan, whose acquiescence was needed to set
up the fund, and he later cited her support as having been crucial to
his obtaining the advisory position."</span></p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>Azhahari also said that Rewcastle-Brown failed to show that the impugned statement was true.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>A Vishnu
Kumar and Datuk Mohd Haziq Pillay represented the sultanah, while the
defendants were represented by Americk Sidhu and Mervyn Lai.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>The
sultanah was appealing against then judicial commissioner Dr Johan Lee
Kien How @ Mohd Johan Lee's decision <b>on Oct 31, where the High Court
dismissed her suit on the grounds that the statement in question was not
defamatory, although there was <span style="color: red;">a case of mistaken identity</span>, where
Rewcastle-Brown had mistaken Sultanah Nur Zahirah for her sister-in-law,
Tunku Datuk Rahimah Sultan Mahmud.</b></p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>The court
awarded RM80,000 in costs. In her November 2018 suit, the sultanah
sought, among others, general damages of RM100 million each from the
defendants. - <a href="https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/693526" target="_blank">Edge, 12/12/2023</a></p><div class="headline story-pg">
<h1>
Kuwaiti court sentences Jho Low to 10 years
in prison
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Nation
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<p class="date">
Thursday, 30 Mar 2023</p></li></ul>
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<div class="story bot-15 relative" id="story-body">
<p>PETALING JAYA: Fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho (<i><b>pic</b></i>),
better known as Jho Low, has been sentenced in absentia to 10 years’
imprisonment by a Kuwaiti court on money laundering charges.</p> <p>According
to a report in Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Qabas, the criminal court had
sentenced Low, a sheikh, his partner and a foreigner to 10-year jail
terms.</p> <p>A lawyer was also sentenced to seven years on money laundering charges in relation to a “Malaysian fund”.</p> <p>While
the newspaper did not name the Malaysian fund in question, The Sarawak
Report said it was referring to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).</p> <p>The
court, wrote Al-Qabas, also ordered those convicted to return US$1bil
(RM4.4bil) and that they would be fined a total of 183mil Kuwaiti dinars
(RM2.6bil).</p> <p>Kuwait’s public prosecution office had reopened the
case following a two-year hiatus due to a lack of information from
international parties.</p> <p>“Investigations showed that about US$1bil
(RM4.4bil) entered the account of an influential Kuwaiti person and was
then transferred abroad,” the report said.</p><p>Kuwaiti public prosecutors had charged the defendants “as an
organised criminal group” and with having committed the crime of money
laundering in Chinese currency, knowing that these funds were proceeds
from crimes, theft of funds, and investments in 1MDB. - <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/30/kuwaiti-court-sentences-jho-low-to-10-yearsin-prison" target="_blank">Star, 30/3/2023</a><br /></p>
</div><h1 class="sc-fPXMVe iWDaXK pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">Sarawak Report editor ‘embarrassed for Malaysia’ after jail sentence</h1><div class="sc-jlZhew iIaVbQ"><p>Clare
Rewcastle Brown says the jail sentence imposed by the Kuala Terengganu
magistrates’ court for criminal defamation was political in nature.</p>
</div><div class="sc-eDPEul jUeWRP d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="sc-fqkvVR coKZSR" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/a-sean/">Sean Augustin</a> - </span><time class="sc-aXZVg eeJhAp fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1707305549000" style="min-height: 15px;">07 Feb 2024, 7:32pm</time></div></div></div><div class="mb-3" style="height: 40px;"><div class="st-left st-has-labels st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="sharethis-1707378972729"><div class="st-total">
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</div></div></div><div class="sc-eldPxv hkMrmM pb-3" itemprop="articleBody"><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2348598" class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_2348598" style="width: 800px;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-2348598" data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hp3vfcv2sgcybxwm5d76yr4s" height="250" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Clare-Rewcastle-Brown-fmt-100119-1.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 0px;" width="400" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-2348598">Clare
Rewcastle Brown said she was not served with any warrant of arrest, was
not formally charged, and was not notified of any hearing date in the
case.</figcaption></figure>
<p>PETALING JAYA: Clare Rewcastle Brown says she feels “embarrassed for
Malaysia” after a Terengganu court sentenced her in absentia to two
years in jail today.</p>
<p>Saying she was unaware of the case, the Sarawak Report
editor said the jail sentence for criminal defamation imposed on her was
political in nature.</p></div><p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hp3vfcv3e1pt5hrx71xrrbta">“Maybe
they want to get me on Interpol’s Red Notice list for the third time,”
she told FMT, referring to a request for law enforcement authorities
worldwide to locate and arrest a person.</p>
<p>Earlier today, the New Straits Times reported that the Kuala
Terengganu magistrates’ court had convicted Rewcastle Brown in her
absence for defaming Sultanah Nur Zahirah of Terengganu.</p><div data-google-query-id="CIOGnqmim4QDFaSKZgId1zcCYA" id="div-gpt-ad-1661356464065-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/FMT_ROS_1x1_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<p>Magistrate Nik Tarmizie Nik Shukri ordered the sentence to start today.</p>
<p>Rewcastle Brown was found to have defamed the sultanah in a book
titled “The Sarawak Report – The Inside Story of the 1MDB Expose”.</p>
<p>The sultanah claimed Rewcastle Brown’s book implied that she was a
close associate of Low Taek Jho, or Jho Low, and that she had helped him
obtain an advisory position in Terengganu Investment Authority, before
it became 1MDB.</p>
<p>Rewcastle Brown, however, said the <span style="color: red;"><b>first time she heard about the
criminal defamation case was when an arrest warrant was issued against
her in September 2021. The warrant lapsed in May last year.</b></span></p>
<p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hp3vfcv3e1pt5hrx71xrrbta"><b style="color: red;">She said neither she nor her lawyers were informed of any hearing. She also said that she was never formally charged.</b></p>
<p>The timing of the prison sentence could not come at a worse time for Malaysia, she said.</p>
<p>“This ruling draws attention to the fact that I had once
exposed kleptocracy in Malaysia,” Rewcastle Brown said, referring to her
book.</p>
<p>“And it comes days after Najib Razak’s sentence was reduced. I feel embarrassed for Malaysia.”</p>
<p>The former prime minister, who was at the centre of the
scandal, had his 12-year sentence halved to six years last week. He also
had his fine reduced from RM210 million to RM50 million.</p>
<p>In 2018, Sultanah Nur Zahirah filed a defamation suit
against Rewcastle Brown, publisher Chong Ton Sin and printer Vinlin
Press Sdn Bhd, claiming the writer had made a disparaging statement in
the book.</p>
<p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hp3vfcv3e1pt5hrx71xrrbta">Last
December, the Court of Appeal awarded the sultanah RM300,000 in
damages, holding Rewcastle Brown, Chong and Vinlin Press liable for
defamation. - <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/02/07/sarawak-report-editor-embarrassed-for-malaysia-after-jail-sentence/" target="_blank">FMT, 7/2/2024</a><br /></p><div class="news-detail_newsdetailsItemHead__z7cQt"><span><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">High Court dismisses Terengganu Sultanah's defamation suit against Sarawak Report editor, two others</span></b></span></div><div class="news-detail_newsdetailsItemInfo__LCEtm"><div class="news-detail_newsBy__RiFO4"><span>By</span> <span><a href="https://theedgemalaysia.com/author/Tarani%20Palani?page=1">Tarani Palani</a><span style="color: #70787c;"> / </span><a href="https://theedgemalaysia.com/source/theedgemarkets.com?page=1">theedgemarkets.com</a></span></div><div class="news-detail_newsInfo__FfaBm"><span>31 Oct 2022, 06:44 pm</span><span>Updated - 07:28 pm</span></div></div><div class="news-detail_rowAdBox__7y5Dq"><div class="row-ad-box-top" data-google-query-id="COqP1YGom4QDFdWTrAIdiwAC9A" id="div-gpt-ad-row4-ros"><div class="leaderboard_row1n8" style="opacity: 0;">
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</div></div></div><div class="news-detail_newsImgWrap__wlXlR"><div id="thumbnail"><img alt="main news image" data-nimg="1" height="267" src="https://theedgemalaysia.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.theedgemarkets.com%2FHigh-Court-1_klbar.org_.my_15102021_2.jpg&w=1920&q=75" style="color: transparent;" width="400" /></div></div><div class="news-detail_newsTextDataWrap__LQ_zJ"><div><div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 31): The High Court on Monday (Oct 31) dismissed Terengganu Sultanah Nur Zahirah’s defamation suit against <i>Sarawak Report</i> editor Clare Rewcastle-Brown and two others, and awarded the defendants RM80,000 in costs.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>In
delivering his decision, judicial commissioner Dr John Lee Kien How @
Mohd Johan Lee said although there was a case of mistaken identity, the
statement in question was not defamatory. “I see no defamatory
imputation from the statement, although there was obviously a matter of
mistaken identity. The plaintiff’s (Sultanah Nur Zahirah) case is hereby
dismissed,” the JC said during proceedings via Zoom.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>Sultanah
Nur Zahirah’s suit, filed in Nov 2018, revolves around a statement in
Rewcastle-Brown's book “The Sarawak Report: The Inside Story of the 1MDB
Exposé”.</p></div><div class="inPageAd" data-google-query-id="CO2P1YGom4QDFdWTrAIdiwAC9A" id="div-gpt-ad-inpage"><div class="inread_sponsored_ad" style="transition: transform 700ms ease-out 0s;"><div class="inread_sponsored"><div class="inread_sponsored_content_container"><div class="inread_sponsored_content_description">
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</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>The
impugned statement is: “Jho (fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, or Jho
Low) was also friendly with a key player in Terengganu, the wife of the
Sultan, whose acquiescence was needed to set up the fund and he later
cited her support as having been crucial to his obtaining the advisory
position”.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>Apart
from Rewcastle-Brown, the other defendants in the suit were Gerakbudaya
Enterprise publisher Chong Ton Sin and printer Vinlin Press Sdn Bhd.
Among others, the Sultanah sought general damages of RM100 million from
each defendant.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>The
Sultanah alleged that Rewcastle-Brown made a disparaging statement about
her in the book and that the statement could be taken to mean that she
was involved in corrupt practices and interfered with the state’s
administration.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>She also
claimed that the statement in the book had linked her as “friendly” with
Jho Low and the statement had construed her as having helped Jho Low
become the adviser of Terengganu Investment Authority (TIA), the
predecessor of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>During
the hearing of the suit in August, which spanned two days with five
witnesses testifying, Sultanah Nur Zahirah denied ever knowing Jho Low
or having any role or influence or involvement in TIA.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p><b style="color: red;">Rewcastle-Brown
testified that she made an “honest mistake” by naming Sultanah Nur
Zahirah in the impugned passage, as she had mistaken the Sultanah with
her sister-in-law, Tunku Datuk Rahimah Sultan Mahmud.</b></p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p><b style="color: red;">The journalist said that she made corrections to the passage in the book’s subsequent print runs.</b></p></div>
<h3>JC: Claims made would not have degraded Sultanah’s reputation</h3>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>In his
judgement, Mohd Johan ruled that from the perspective of a reasonable
reader, there was nothing in the impugned statement to suggest the
allegations made by the Sultanah, save for two claims.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>He zeroed
in on the Sultanah’s claim that the statement implied that the Sultanah
consented to the establishment of the sovereign wealth fund and that
she used her position to assist and/or support Jho Low in obtaining an
advisory role in TIA.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>The JC ruled that he saw no negative connotation in the two claims.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>“Despite
the factual error there, to say that the Plaintiff [Sultanah] consented
or agreed to the establishment of the sovereign wealth fund, will, to my
mind, not in any way degrade the Plaintiff [Sultanah]’s reputation.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>“Likewise,
mere support for someone for a job would not in anyway discredit a
person, bearing in mind such support or letters of support is very much a
Malaysian culture,” he said.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>Mohd
Johan added that the claim that Low had obtained the advisory position
with the Sultanah’s support was made by the fugitive himself and “there
is nothing to suggest the truth in it”.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>AK Vishnu Kumar and Datuk Mohd Haziq Pillay represented the Sultanah, while the defendants were represented by Americk Sidhu.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>Aside
from this civil suit, Rewcastle-Brown has also been charged with
criminal defamation in a court in Terengganu over the same book. She has
made an application to transfer the matter to the Kuala Lumpur High
Court.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>The prosecution is opposing the transfer application, and the matter is set to be heard on Dec 12.</p></div><p> </p></div><p> </p><div class="medium-insert-images"><figure><br /></figure><figure><br /></figure></div></div></div></div>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-29326262063833857062024-02-08T11:39:00.000+08:002024-02-08T11:39:29.762+08:00Rohingya, Palestinians,... > Does Anwar Ibrahim's Malaysia recognize refugees/asylum seekers? A law is needed about how Malaysia deals with them?<h1 class="article-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">Does Malaysia or PM Anwar Ibrahim's government no longer consider Rohingya and others from Myanmar in Malaysia as REFUGEES or Asylum Seekers?</span></h1><h1 class="article-title" style="text-align: justify;"></h1><h1 class="article-title" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="color: #800180; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: times;"></span></span></i></h1><blockquote><h1 class="article-title" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="color: #800180; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: times;">In August 2017, armed attacks, massive scale violence, and serious human rights violations forced thousands of <a data-anchor="#Rohingya" href="https://www.unrefugees.org/emergencies/rohingya/#Rohingya" rel="noopener" target="_blank" title="Rohingya refugee crisis">Rohingya</a>
to flee their homes in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. ... The United Nations
has described the Rohingya as “the most persecuted minority in the
world.”</span></span></i></h1><h1 class="article-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #800180; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: times;">Conflict triggered by the military takeover in Myanmar in February 2021
has resulted in recurring, protracted and new displacement, and
complicated the search for solutions. Thousands more refugees have fled into neighbouring countries and over 1.95 million people are displaced within Myanmar.</span></span></i></span></h1></blockquote><h1 class="article-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #800180; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: times;"></span></span></i></span> <span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">So, why are the Rohingya in Malaysian Immigration Detention Centres, just like other migrants found illegally in Malaysia?</span></h1><h1 class="article-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">Reasonably, there must be a distinction between migrants that broken the Malaysian laws of immigration, and those who are reasonably legitimate REFUGEES or ASYLUM SEEKERS. In fact, even victims of Human Trafficking should not be placed in Immigration Detention Centres.</span></h1><h1 class="article-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">Yes, recently there was a 'break-out' from a Immigration Detention Centre and most were Rohingya...and we remember another incident in 2022.. </span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</h1><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">On 1/2/2024, a total of 131
undocumented migrants, of which 115 were Rohingya fled from the Temporary
Immigration Depot in Bidor, whereby one of them later was reported to have died
in a road accident. The Bidor depot houses about 297 Rohingya detainees (NST)</span></p><p>
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">We recall a similar
incident in 20 April 2022, when 528, mostly Rohingya, broke out of the temporary
immigration detention centre in Sungai Bakap, Penang. 6 Rohingya
asylum-seekers, including two children, were killed while trying to cross a
highway after fleeing the detention centre. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">PALESTINIANS from Gaza or Palestine likewise would be considered not REFUGEES or ASYLUM SEEKERS - but simply criminals to be placed in Malaysia's Immigration Detention Centre..</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">THE PROBLEM - Malaysian laws only recognize foreigners in Malaysia with proper travel documentation or stay documentation, and all other foreigners are CRIMINALS - law breakers, who will be detained in Immigration Detention places until they are sent back to their country of origin... HENCE, there is need for legal recognition of REFUGEES and ASYLUM SEEKERS. - The best solution is a LAW, which will also provide for a vetting process that will determine who is a legitimate REFUGEE and/or ASYLUM SEEKER, and also their treatment when in Malaysia. Will Malaysia provide for special housing for these refugees/asylum seekers or will they be able to wonder free in Malaysia whilst they wait to be re-settled in a 3rd country, or return to their own country when situation improves. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"></span></span></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><i style="color: #800180;">Malaysia is not party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its Protocol. There is currently <b>no legislative or administrative framework for dealing with refugees</b>. This challenging protection environment is situated within a migration context of some 3 million migrants, 1 million of whom are considered illegal. By law, refugees are not distinguished from undocumented migrants. They are <b>therefore vulnerable to arrest for immigration offences, and may be subject to detention, prosecution,whipping and deportation.</b></i></span></blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">As the UN and UNHCR no longer provides adequate finances to house refugees, maybe Malaysia should collaborate with other nation states that care so that the financial burden can be shared. [At one time, the UNHCR provided funds needed to house, feed and clothe these refugees until they are re-settled in a 3rd country, and so the country that accepts refugees within its borders do not have to bear all responsibility and consequences > the WORLD shares the BURDEN because it acknowledges refugee/asylum seeker rights including the right not to be returned to the country they are running away from to avoid persecution<br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><blockquote><b style="color: red;">Refugees are persons who are outside their country of origin for reasons
of feared persecution, conflict, generalized violence, or other
circumstances that have seriously disturbed public order and, as a
result, require international protection. </b></blockquote><p></p><h1 class="article-title" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></h1><h1 class="article-title">Bidor Immigration depot escape: Six of 130 detainees recaptured, say authorities</h1> <div class="social-sharing"> <div class="social-inner"> <div class="social-item"><a class="sharing-icon-email" href="mailto::?subject=Bidor Immigration depot escape: Six of 130 detainees recaptured, say authorities&body=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/02/02/bidor-immigration-depot-escape-six-of-130-detainees-recaptured-say-authorities/116051" target="_blank" title="Share Article By Email"><img alt="email" class="loaded" data-was-processed="true" height="30" src="https://www.malaymail.com/theme_malaymail/images/emIcon.png" width="30" /></a></div></div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/02/183940.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/02/183940.jpg&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="Bidor Immigration depot escape: Six of 130 detainees recaptured, say authorities" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-adbro-processed="true" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/02/183940.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="266" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/02/183940.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" style="object-position: 50.685% 34.2465%;" title="Bidor Immigration depot escape: Six of 130 detainees recaptured, say authorities" width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">Immigration
director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh shows pictures of pictures of the
impact of the riot on the detention cell to reporters during a special
media briefing in Putrajaya February 2, 2024. — Bernama pic</div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info"> <div class="article-date">Friday, 02 Feb 2024 8:02 PM MYT</div> </div> <p style="text-align: justify;">PUTRAJAYA,
Feb 2 — Six of the 130 undocumented migrants who escaped from the
Temporary Immigration Depot in Bidor last night have been recaptured,
authorities said.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The latest two arrests were confirmed by Tapah district police chief Superintendent Mohd Naim Asnawi this evening.</p><div data-google-query-id="CIvz75_Yk4QDFbUEtwAdQLIGHg" id="mm-story-outstream" style="text-align: justify;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/MM-1x1-Outstream_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile,
Immigration director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said four of those
recaptured as of 4pm underwent the verification process.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“We are
continuing our efforts with the cooperation of all security agencies,
including the police and the General Operations Force (PGA) to track
down the remaining escapees, with a strength of 387 members from various
agencies,” he said during a special media briefing here today.</p><div class="ad-label" style="text-align: justify;"></div><div data-google-query-id="CIzz75_Yk4QDFbUEtwAdQLIGHg" id="mm-story-mreg-2" style="text-align: justify; width: unset;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/mm-story-mreg-2_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"><div id="ATS_res_mid1"><div class="insert_ads insert_ads-2 rendered" id="ats-insert_ads-1-wrapper"><div><div class="ats-slot" data-google-query-id="CPyCtqDYk4QDFc3CcwEdFRoH0A" id="ats-insert_ads-1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 336px;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/21622890900,32246135/MY_malaymail.com_res_article_mid1_300x250//336x280//728x90_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Last
night, a total of 131 undocumented migrants fled from the male block of
the Temporary Immigration Depot in Bidor, with one of them reported to
have died in a road accident.</p><div data-google-query-id="CI3z75_Yk4QDFbUEtwAdQLIGHg" id="mm-teads" style="text-align: justify;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Of the total who fled, 115 were Rohingya detainees, followed by 15 Myanmar nationals and one from Bangladesh.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Following the incident, 435 other undocumented migrants remain in the depot. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The
Immigration Department has relocated all of them to six other detention
depots, including in Machap, Melaka; Lenggeng, Negeri Sembilan; Bukit
Jalil, Kuala Lumpur; Kemayan, Pahang; and Langkap, Perak.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“The
Bidor depot housed 556 detainees, of which 297 were Rohingya detainees
followed by those from Myanmar, Indonesia, Bangladesh and others. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“The
other detainees did not try to escape; they remained in the depot and
we moved all of them immediately to six immigration depots located
elsewhere,” Ruslin said. — Bernama- <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/02/02/bidor-immigration-depot-escape-six-of-130-detainees-recaptured-say-authorities/116051" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 2/2/2024</a><br /></p><h1 class="article-title">Immigration Dept redistributing Rohingya detainees to prevent breakouts</h1> <div class="social-sharing"> <div class="social-inner"> <div class="social-item"><a class="sharing-icon-email" href="mailto::?subject=Immigration Dept redistributing Rohingya detainees to prevent breakouts&body=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/02/02/immigration-dept-redistributing-rohingya-detainees-to-prevent-breakouts/116049" target="_blank" title="Share Article By Email"><img alt="email" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" height="30" src="https://www.malaymail.com/theme_malaymail/images/emIcon.png" width="30" /></a></div></div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/02/183939.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/02/183939.jpg&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="Immigration Dept redistributing Rohingya detainees to prevent breakouts" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-adbro-processed="true" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/02/183939.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="266" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/02/183939.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" style="object-position: 50.685% 34.2465%;" title="Immigration Dept redistributing Rohingya detainees to prevent breakouts" width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">Immigration
director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the number of Rohingya
detainees in a particular block would be reduced and they would also be
mixed with detainees from countries like Indonesia and Bangladesh. —
Bernama pic</div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info"> <div class="article-date">Friday, 02 Feb 2024 7:55 PM MYT</div> </div> <div class="main-container-article-body" style="height: auto; text-align: left;"> <div class="article-body" style="height: auto;"> <p style="text-align: justify;">PUTRAJAYA,
Feb 2 — The Immigration Department is redistributing the 2,675 Rohingya
detainees held at 12 depots throughout the country to prevent them from
breaking out of these centres.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Immigration director-general Datuk
Ruslin Jusoh said the number of Rohingya detainees in a particular
block would be reduced and they would also be mixed with detainees from
countries like Indonesia and Bangladesh.</p></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">He
said this was among the preliminary measures and immediate standard
operating procedure implemented in the wake of last night’s incident
where 131 undocumented migrants escaped from the men’s block of the
Temporary Immigration Depot in Bidor.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“This is to reduce the
chances of their (Rohingya detainees) acting aggressively. When gathered
together in large numbers, they tend to act aggressively,” he told a
news conference here today.</p><div class="ad-label" style="text-align: justify;"></div><div data-google-query-id="CI2v0_rck4QDFTXXcwEd4yUKwg" id="mm-story-mreg-2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify; width: 300px;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/mm-story-mreg-2_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div><div data-google-query-id="CJC2sbndk4QDFdjJcwEdFeYKsA" id="abm3002"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/21751243814,32246135/230805-300-250-2_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">One of the escapees was subsequently killed in a road accident on the North-South Highway.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">According to Ruslin, the escapees comprised 115 Rohingya and 15 Myanmar detainees and one Bangladeshi.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">He
said the detainees had acted aggressively by thrashing the cell gates,
throwing stones at the 14 immigration personnel on duty and breaking
through the perimeter fencing.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">He said two of the 28 RELA personnel on duty were slightly injured after being assaulted by the detainees.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“They fled via a back road and cut through oil palm plantations to get to the nearby highway.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“We
believe they are still in the vicinity of the depot and might be moving
in small groups to avoid detection by the authorities,” he said.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Ruslin said the immigration department did not rule out the possibility the escapees had planned the breakout for a long time.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">He said the cause of the incident was being investigated. — <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/02/02/immigration-dept-redistributing-rohingya-detainees-to-prevent-breakouts/116049" target="_blank">Bernama, Malay Mail, 2/2/2024</a><br /></p><p> </p><h1 class="article-title">Allow Rohingya refugees to work so they can contribute to Malaysian economy, Putrajaya urged</h1> <div class="social-sharing"> <div class="social-inner"> <div class="social-item"><a class="sharing-icon-email" href="mailto::?subject=Allow Rohingya refugees to work so they can contribute to Malaysian economy, Putrajaya urged&body=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/04/29/allow-rohingya-refugees-to-work-so-they-can-contribute-to-malaysian-economy/2056261" target="_blank" title="Share Article By Email"><img alt="email" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" height="30" src="https://www.malaymail.com/theme_malaymail/images/emIcon.png" width="30" /></a></div></div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <img alt="General view of a Rohingya settlement in Bandar Baru Sentul, Kuala Lumpur June 13, 2021. u00e2u20acu201d Picture Hari Anggaran" class="error" data-adbro-processed="true" data-was-processed="true" src="https://media2.malaymail.com/uploads/articles/2021/2021-06/rohingya_settlement_kl_1306_(5).JPG" title="General view of a Rohingya settlement in Bandar Baru Sentul, Kuala Lumpur June 13, 2021. u00e2u20acu201d Picture Hari Anggaran" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">General view of a Rohingya settlement in Bandar Baru Sentul, Kuala Lumpur June 13, 2021. — Picture Hari Anggara</div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info"> <div class="article-date">Friday, 29 Apr 2022 9:32 AM MYT</div> </div> <div class="main-container-article-body" style="height: auto; text-align: left;"> <div class="article-body" style="height: auto;"> <p style="text-align: justify;">
KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 — The protests and breakout at the temporary
immigration detention centre in Sungai Bakap, Penang, last week have
renewed calls for a legal framework and policy to deal with
refugees, especially Rohingyas. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Six Rohingya asylum-seekers,
including two children, were killed while trying to cross a highway
after fleeing the detention centre on April 20. Police said they were
among the 528 detainees who broke out after a “riot”. As of April 28,
almost all have been found with 61 still at large.</p><div class="AV62af35d851923c62777207b4" style="margin: 0px auto; text-align: justify; width: 100%;"><div id="aniBox" style="height: 1px; opacity: 0; overflow: hidden; transition: height 1s ease 0s; width: 788px;"><div id="aniplayer_AV62af35d851923c62777207b4-1707117909045"><div id="aniplayer_AV62af35d851923c62777207b4-1707117909045gui"><div id="av-caption" style="width: 788px;"><div class="av-pos-top-left" id="av-close-btn-overlay" style="float: left; margin: -30px; padding: 30px;"><div id="av-close-btn"></div></div><span id="av-label">-Advertisement-</span></div><div class="av-desktop hide-controls" id="av-container" style="height: 443px; width: 788px;"><div id="av-inner"><div id="slot"><div id="imgpreloader"></div><div id="preloader" style="display: block;"><svg class="avicon" viewbox="0 0 30 30" x="0px" xml:space="preserve" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" y="0px"><g></g></svg></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Activists have called for an investigation into the reasons for the
breakout, claiming reports of poor living conditions for detainees
exacerbated by overcrowding. The government has sought to ease the
overcrowding by repurposing former National Service camps as immigration
detention centres, but Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam)
commissioners reported seeing too many people in the space they were
held in.</div><p style="text-align: justify;"> As of 2020, the government reported there were 15,626
inmates in immigration depots, which were only supposed to house 12,530.
A total of 208 deaths were reported in the depots between 2018 and Feb
15, 2022. Most of the deaths were caused by diseases, including
tuberculosis, pneumonia, dengue, diabetes and Covid-19. Among the
dangers of overcrowding in detention centres is the spread of diseases.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Malaysian Advisory Group on Myanmar chair Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar told
Bernama the Sungai Bakap incident highlighted the need to have a
comprehensive legal framework to deal with the decades-old issue of
refugees.</p><div data-google-query-id="COSTnvfVk4QDFRFMfAodZe0F5A" id="mm-teads" style="text-align: justify;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">
“Malaysia has a lot of refugees from different countries, but there is
no refugee policy. It’s not as simple and straightforward (that) by
declaring we do not recognise anybody without documents, they are all
illegals,” he said.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> According to the United Nations High
Commission on Refugees (UNHCR), there are some 181,000 refugees and
asylum-seekers in Malaysia, most of whom are Rohingyas from Myanmar.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Malaysia does not officially recognise refugees as it is not party to
the 1951 Convention on Refugees. As such, the prevailing treatment of
asylum-seekers is to detain them as undocumented migrants, and many are
arrested and detained for years. Those who have received their UNHCR
cards are usually left alone until they can be resettled in a third
country.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Former Suhakam commissioner Jerald Joseph told Bernama
he had visited some of the Sungai Bakap detainees when they were held in
the immigration detention depot in Langkawi.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> “They were hoping
they could be let out but no. After over two years, they are still
detained without a clear policy direction on what to do with them,” he
said.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> The prolonged detention is by design rather than
accident, as Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin recently said
that the government did it to serve as a warning to other migrants
against entering Malaysia illegally.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Faced with criticism by
human rights agencies at home and abroad for the breakout and treatment
of the Rohingya detainees, Hamzah also lashed out, telling the Rohingyas
to go back to Myanmar if they are unhappy with their treatment in
Malaysia.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Some Malaysians agree with Hamzah’s points, saying
those criticising Malaysia for the breakout should consider how kind the
country has been to refugees by being willing to provide them with food
and shelter. Several questioned why the refugees, especially the
Rohingyas, could not be sent back. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> <b id="m_2963034273591275562gmail-docs-internal-guid-946334f0-7fff-31aa-d6f8-0c3483538b1f">No way home</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">
The answer to the question is complicated. Refugees are those fleeing
persecution, violence, torture and death in their home country. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">
In general, countries cannot simply send refugees or asylum-seekers back
without violating international law in the process. Under international
law, once they have managed to enter a country, refugees cannot be sent
home where they will be in danger of losing their life or freedom.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">
Called the principle of non-refoulement, it is recognised as “customary
international law, which is binding for all states, regardless of
whether or not they have signed the 1951 Convention Relating to the
Status of Refugees”, the UNHCR told Bernama. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> On top of it, Rohingya refugees are different from other refugees. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">
Malaysia has a long history of playing host to refugees and in the
past, the country has been very welcoming to refugees of the Vietnam War
and Bosnian War, to mention a few. However, Rohingya refugees are also
stateless people, unless the international community can convince
Myanmar – who call the Rohingyas illegal immigrants although their
families have lived in Myanmar for hundreds of years – to recognise and
accept them as citizens.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> “(The Rohingyas) can’t be deported to
Myanmar because Myanmar doesn’t recognise them. And they can’t be sent
back to Cox’s Bazaar (a refugee camp in Bangladesh) because they are not
nationals of Bangladesh. There’s no such thing as deporting someone to a
refugee camp,” said Joseph.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> This means the Rohingyas, unlike the
Vietnamese, the Bosnians and others who returned to their home country
once there was peace, are likely to be in Malaysia for the long haul.
Based on social media posts and rhetoric from some officials, the
resentment among many Malaysians seems to stem from this and from the
fact that the number of Rohingya refugees is growing as their country
remains troubled.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Malaysia has sought to address the Rohingya refugee crisis at the regional and international levels. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">
“The ideal thing is to have an agreement among Southeast Asian nations
on who takes who and how to do verification with the UNHCR. All of those
should be formalised,” said Edmund Bon, the Malaysian representative to
Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> He added that efforts to find a resolution among Asean member states on the refugee crisis have not succeeded. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">
As such, experts said the best way to solve the Rohingya issue in
Malaysia is to find a third country for them to resettle in. But demand
is high while slots are few.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> The other choice is more practical but is also likely to be less popular: integration. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> <b id="m_2963034273591275562gmail-docs-internal-guid-946334f0-7fff-31aa-d6f8-0c3483538b1f">Integration</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">
The government has complained it costs money to feed and shelter
refugees and asylum-seekers. Many Malaysians resent the amount of funds
being used to house and feed the refugees, thinking the money can be
better utilised to help citizens recover from the pandemic-related
economic downturn. Refugees and asylum-seekers do not want to remain in
detention and instead want to earn a living.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> So why not create a
policy that recognises the refugees’ presence in this country so that
they can be integrated into Malaysian society and allowed to work
formally, thus filling in the jobs that locals do not want to do,
activists and politicians suggest.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Rather than hiring foreign
workers to do non-skilled work such as cleaning ditches and working in
wet markets, activists said it would be better to get Rohingya refugees
to do such work.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> “Malaysia is so desperate for workers. And here
you have a ready crowd, who are here, you know them, the (holders) of
UNHCR cards are known to the government. You can easily utilise them as
economic functionaries also while they are waiting for their country to
get better,” said Joseph.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> For years, the government has been
considering allowing refugees to work, beginning with a pilot project
that saw refugees being employed in the manufacturing and agricultural
sectors in 2016. Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M.
Saravanan recently said they were doing an in-depth study to avoid being
inundated by refugees seeking work in Malaysia.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Some Malaysians
fear allowing refugees to work means they will be taking jobs from
locals or they will be getting all the benefits without paying taxes.
Activists said such fears were unfounded.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> For one thing, the jobs
the refugees would be taking up would be low-paid jobs that locals do
not want. Another is that workers who make too little to pay taxes still
contribute to the economy.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> “The fact that you work even though
you don’t pay taxes, it contributes to the generation of economic
activities,” said Syed Hamid. — Bernama - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/04/29/allow-rohingya-refugees-to-work-so-they-can-contribute-to-malaysian-economy/2056261" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 29/4/2022</a><br /></p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-14377090875018846892024-02-07T17:08:00.000+08:002024-02-07T17:08:09.051+08:00Pardon reforms needed. The King's pardon - the role of the PM and government of the day? Victim's rights? BERSIH Protest? Prisoner Najib posting on FB? <p style="text-align: justify;">The King's Pardon is not the sole decision of the <b><span style="color: red;">King - he can only act on the advice of the Pardon Board</span></b>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Given the fact that the Pardon Board comprises of the Minister responsible for the Federal Territories, and the Attorney General. When Anwar became PM, he was the Minister responsible for the Federal Territories until a recent Cabinet re-shuffle made a Minister in the Prime Minister's Department the Minister responsible for the Federal Territories, and would not that new Minister do as instructed by the Prime Minister? The Attorney General is also appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister. What about the other 3 members of the Pardon Board - reasonably, they too would most likely be appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister. There is no mention that the King appoints on his own. <b><span style="color: red;">How many in Pardon Board are 'chosen' by PM Anwar?</span></b><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">There are tens of thousands of convicted prisoners in Malaysia, and they all can apply or petition for a Kings pardon or the Ruler's pardon. So, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">how many petitions of pardon are there </span></b>- and given that the pardon board only meets several times a year, is it sufficient time to hear all pardon applications ... so, <b><span style="color: red;">did Najib's pardon jump the queue?</span></b> Did Anwar's own pardon jump the queue?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Any politician if convicted and sentenced <span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"> '...to imprisonment for a
term of not less than one year or to a fine of not less than two
thousand ringgit...<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><span style="color: #800180;"><i></i></span></span></p><blockquote><i>(e) he
has been convicted of an offence by a court of law in the Federation
(or, before Malaysia Day, in the territories comprised in the State of
Sabah or Sarawak or in Singapore) and sentenced to imprisonment for a
term of not less than one year or to a fine of not less than two
thousand ringgit and has not received <b>a free pardon</b>; or...(Article 48 1(e) Federal Constitution)</i></blockquote> <p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">And, he cannot be a MP or Senator until after 5 years from the date he was released, or paid the fine... </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="color: #800180;"><i></i></span></p><blockquote><i>(3)<b> The disqualification of a person under paragraph (d) or paragraph (e)
of Clause (1) may be removed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong </b>and shall, if
not so removed, cease at the end of the<b> period of five years</b> beginning
with the date on which the return mentioned in the said paragraph (d)</i> was required to be lodged, or, as the case may be, the date on which the person convicted as mentioned in the said paragraph <i>(e)</i> was released from custody or the date on which the fine mentioned in the said paragraph <i>(e)</i> was imposed on such person; and a person shall not be disqualified under paragraph <i>(f)</i> of Clause (1) by reason only of anything done by him before he became a citizen.</blockquote><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"> </span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">Anwar, when he received the pardon - got a FULL PARDON - that meant he could immediately thereafter(without having to wait for a further 5 years) become a MP or Senator or even become a Minister or Prime Minister.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><b><span style="color: red;">Can the PM or government of the day determine when the pardon will be heard, and the nature of the pardon the King will have to grant? </span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">Well, after Anwar Ibrahim's pardon so soon after Pakatan Harapan came into power after GE14 raised this question. His prison term was almost coming to an end - but without a FULL PARDON, he will have to wait to be MP, Senator or Minister.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><span style="color: red;"></span>The recent pardon of Najib that saw the number of years he had to serve in prison be cut from 12 years to 6 years, and the fine he had to pay be cut from RM210 million to RM50 million..<span style="color: red;"> </span>Unlike Anwar, whose crime was sodomy where the victim was one person, Najib's crime was against the people of Malaysia committed whilst he was a Minister/Prime Minister.. The losses that Malaysia suffered is far from being recuperated, and there are other cases still pending in the courts...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><b>Is Anwar under threat that UMNO/BN will withdraw its support? Even so, one expects Anwar and the Pakatan Harapan to do the right things without fear or favour... </b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">In any event, there is much criticisms... and sadly <span style="color: red;"><b>even the draconian Sedition Act </b></span></span><span style="color: red;"><b>and Section 233
of the Communications and Multimedia Act <span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">has been used against...</span> Tony Pua </b></span>is being
investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233
of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">BERSIH (the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections), who once had the capacity to get hundreds of thousands of people to come out to exercise their right to peaceful assembly, is talking about the possibility of holding a protest against the pardon of Najib. MAYBE, it should - it certainly will be an effective means of communicating the people's views to the King, the Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the government. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: times;"></i></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: times;">Earlier, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Bersih chairman</span></b> Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz told online news
portal Malaysiakini that<b><span style="color: red;"> the non-governmental organisation had discussed
the possibility of holding a protest against the Pardons Board's
decision.</span></b></i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: times;">"During the meeting yesterday, we are heading towards that direction
(of a protest)... but we need to build the momentum first," he was
quoted as saying.</i></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: times;"></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-size: large;">Will BERSIH hold a peaceful assembly</span></span></b> - Will the government/police allow it? The people wants to express themselves, and now the peoples' representatives the MPs, the political parties(DAP, Amanah,..) are too silent? Is staying in power more important than doing what is right and just?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It is the duty of the people to bravely express themselves when their government and King does things that they believe is not right. Only way sometimes for their voices and sentiments to be heard at times. <br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red;">VICTIM's of crimes - at present, they do not seem to have a right to be heard by the Pardons Board or the King/Ruler when pardon is being decided for criminals that violated their rights - is it not right that victims also be given the right to be heard before any convict is pardoned?</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Remember, Anwar's FULL Pardon never overturned his conviction </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">There
was much confusion as to whether the King's pardon meant that Anwar's
conviction was set aside. A pardon really can only cut short the
sentence... <br /></span></i></p><blockquote><p><i>On the issue of
conviction, the court found that <span style="color: red;"><b>the pardon document made no reference
to the fact that the conviction was set aside.</b></span></i></p> <p><i>"<span style="color: red;"><b>There is no question of the court's power being usurped,</b></span>" CJ Tengku Maimun said. - <br /></i></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><i><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2023/01/anwar-ibrahims-pardon-never-set-aside.html">Anwar Ibrahim's pardon never set aside his conviction - Federal Court.</a></i></h3></blockquote></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;">Now is the time we need to look at the REFORMS needed for the entire King/Rulers Pardon process, the Composition of the Pardon Board, the Pardon Procedure, The Right of Victims and/or others to be heard before a decision is made about pardon, Too many convicted - so many pardon applications, is there a need for the establishment of an independent Pardon's Mechanism, Pardon Board advice and Judicial Review - we do not want King/Ruler acting on 'bad' advice,... </p><p style="text-align: justify;">ALSO of concern is the impact of the Pardon on the other pending criminal cases against Najib...and other politicians, their family and friends... Many came out to provide information and stand as witnesses despite fears... Many worked hard including prosecutors and judges and if the Pardons can speedily reduce sentences .... <br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red;"></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">See also:- </p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2024/02/more-about-najibs-pardon-is-pardons.html">More
about Najib's Pardon - Is the Pardons Board under the Cabinet? What is
FULL PARDON? AG must explain and clarify confusions ...?</a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2024/02/najibs-pardon-king-not-pardon-board.html">Najib's
Pardon - King, not Pardon Board have the power - As the King did not
tell us when he was King, is there any consequences? </a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2024/02/najibs-pardon-now-may-have-serious.html">Najib's PARDON now may have serious impact to Malaysia, Malaysian law enforcement, prosecution and courts? </a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><i><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2020/08/ex-pm-najib-sentence-of-72-years.html">Ex-PM Najib sentence of 72 years imprisonment, beats ex-DPM Anwar's 1999 corruption conviction and sentence of 24 years?</a></i></span></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2023/01/anwar-ibrahims-pardon-never-set-aside.html">Anwar Ibrahim's pardon never set aside his conviction - Federal Court. </a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2023/04/of-najibs-pardon-pardon-reforms-anwar.html">Of Najib's Pardon, Pardon REFORMS? Anwar pardoned weeks before his sentence ended, when should one be pardoned? </a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2020/10/anwar-ibrahim-his-pardon-may-be-not.html">Anwar Ibrahim - his pardon may be not valid? High Court will decide ...</a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2018/09/anwar-time-to-investigate-prosecute-and.html">Anwar,
time to investigate, prosecute and fair trial for all false witnesses,
bad prosecutors and judges?...travesty or miscarriage of justice?</a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2018/05/anwar-ibrahim-will-this-be-1st-abuse-of.html">Anwar Ibrahim - Will this be the 1st 'abuse of power' by new government?</a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2018/05/anwars-pardon-meaning-validity-and.html">Anwar's Pardon - Meaning, Validity and Matters concerning Attorney General?</a></span></h3><div class="row"><div class="col"><div><div class="page-wrapper px-2 px-sm-0"><h1 class="page-title mb-2"><span class="d-inline-block mr-1">Malaysian Bar calls for reforms after Najib's sentence reduced</span> </h1> <div class="page-article"><div class="d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"> <div><span>By <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/authors/new-straits-times" target="_blank">New Straits Times</a> - </span>
February 7, 2024 @ 8:40am
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</div></div></div></div> <div class="article-content"><div><div><div class="field field-featured-image"><figure><img alt=" The Pardons Board's recent announcement reducing Datuk Seri Najib Razak's sentences has sparked calls for reform in Malaysia's institutions, specifically the Pardons Board itself.- NSTP/MOHD FADLI HAMZAH" class="img-fluid" data-adbro-processed="true" height="261" src="https://assets.nst.com.my/images/articles/28najibz1_1707270007.jpg" width="400" /> <figcaption class="py-2">
The Pardons Board's recent announcement reducing Datuk Seri Najib
Razak's sentences has sparked calls for reform in Malaysia's
institutions, specifically the Pardons Board itself.- NSTP/MOHD FADLI
HAMZAH</figcaption></figure></div></div></div> <div class="field field-body"><div class="dable-content-wrapper" itemprop="articleBody"><p>KUALA
LUMPUR: The Pardons Board's recent announcement reducing Datuk Seri
Najib Razak's sentences has sparked calls for reform in Malaysia's
institutions, specifically the Pardons Board itself.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p>Malaysian
Bar president Karen Cheah Yee Lynn said that to prevent the influence
of the Executive and ensure independence in the pardons process, the
government's role in the Pardons Board should be reduced, if not "
completely eliminated". </p>
<p>"To this end, an amendment is required to remove the influence of the
Attorney General and the Federal Territories Minister or Chief
Ministers of States in the Pardons Board and to appoint independent
persons to the Pardons Board to ensure inclusivity in terms of
expressions from the public," she said in a statement.</p>
<p>Cheah said a further reform to the Pardons Board would be to
introduce safeguards that ensure such power is exercised sparingly as
well as within clear boundaries and established circumstances or
categories.</p><p>"Remorse and repentance surely must be a substantial part of such an
exercise. To date, after having served one year and five months in
prison, Najib has yet to show remorse, any form of repentance, nor
apology for committing the offences of criminal breach of trust, abuse
of power and money laundering, for which he was convicted.</p><div data-google-query-id="CMuFi63gmIQDFeChZgId5fUK2A" id="div-gpt-ad-1535527649803-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/NST_1x1_Programmatic_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<p>"The Malaysian Bar unequivocally insists that the deterioration of due process cannot go unchecked and unimpeded.</p><p>"It is alarming that this announcement by the Pardons Board comes in
relatively close succession with another controversial high-profile
case, namely Datuk Seri Ahmad <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2022/09/833697/shock-and-surprises-courts-today-nsttv">Zahid Hamidi's discharge</a> not amounting to an acquittal in the Yayasan Akalbudi case," Cheah said.</p>
<p>The Malaysian Bar, she said, could not stress enough that a similar
discharge must not recur for Najib's ongoing 1MDB prosecution and two
other ongoing cases.</p>
<p>Failing which, Cheah warned, it would render the government's efforts
to combat corruption hollow and meaningless, and it would send the
message that political power holds the rule of law in shackles.</p>
<p>"The Pardons Board's announcement on Feb 2 through the media
statement has thrown light, on a large scale, on the opaqueness of the
entire pardons process and is indeed the clarion call needed to push for
reforms to the Pardons Board and its processes.</p>
<p>"While it is true that justice must be tempered with mercy, it is also true that mercy must not rob justice."</p>
<p>Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs chief executive officer
Dr Tricia Yeoh was reportedly saying that the Federal Territories
Pardons Board's decision last week to halve Najib's jail time from 12 to
six years and reduce his fine from RM210 million to RM50 million
signals that abuse of power and misappropriation of public funds are <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/02/1010422/decision-najibs-sentence-signals-corruption-easily-forgiven">easily forgiven</a>.</p>
<p>Reforms group CSO Platform for Reform had <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/02/1009269/reforms-group-raises-concerns-over-lack-transparency-najibs-pardon">expressed concerns</a> over the Federal Territories Pardon Board's lack of transparency surrounding the lesser sentence and fine granted to Najib. - <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/02/1010607/malaysian-bar-calls-reforms-after-najibs-sentence-reduced#google_vignette" target="_blank">NST, 7/2/2024</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><h1 class="article-title">DAP’s Tony Pua says fully cooperated with police investigation over remarks on Pardons Board decision</h1><div class="social-sharing"><div class="social-inner"><div class="social-item"><a class="sharing-icon-facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.malaymail.com/article/2863297" target="_blank" title="Share Article on Facebook"><img alt="facebook" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" height="30" src="https://www.malaymail.com/theme_malaymail/images/fbIcon.png" width="30" /></a></div> </div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/05/184622.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/05/184622.JPG&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="DAP’s Tony Pua says fully cooperated with police investigation over remarks on Pardons Board decision" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-adbro-processed="true" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/05/184622.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="266" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/05/184622.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" style="object-position: 50.685% 34.24655%;" title="DAP’s Tony Pua says fully cooperated with police investigation over remarks on Pardons Board decision" width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">Tony Pua speaks to reporters after leaving Bukit Aman police headquarters, February 5, 2024. — Bernama pic </div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info "> <div class="article-byline">By Shathana Kasinathan</div> <div class="article-date">Monday, 05 Feb 2024 4:40 PM MYT</div> </div> <p style="text-align: justify;">KUALA
LUMPUR, Feb 5 — DAP’s Tony Pua said that he had fully cooperated with
the police after he was summoned to Bukit Aman today following his
remarks on the Pardons Board’s recent decision to halve the sentence of
convicted former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">News portal <em>The Star </em>today
reported that Pua arrived at Bukit Aman at 12:50pm but only entered at
1.13pm and later left around 2.30pm accompanied by his lawyer Haijan
Omar.</p><div data-google-query-id="CIzapYPhmIQDFa2ESwUdlN8Igg" id="mm-story-outstream" style="text-align: justify;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/MM-1x1-Outstream_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">“I was asked to give a statement pertaining to a sedition investigation in connection with five Facebook posts that I made.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“I gave full cooperation to the police,” he was quoted as saying.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Pua, who denies any seditious elements in his Facebook posts, expressed his commitment to the investigation.</p><div data-google-query-id="CI7apYPhmIQDFa2ESwUdlN8Igg" id="mm-teads" style="text-align: justify;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">“We hope the police will conduct a thorough and prompt investigation.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“I
will hand over my laptop to the police later as I used it to upload the
Facebook posts and I will also hand over access to my Facebook
account,” he was quoted as saying</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">According to the news portal, the Special Investigation Unit oversees the ongoing investigations.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday,
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the police
had opened an investigation into comments that Pua shared via Facebook
as they are deemed as inciting the public to despise the royal
institution when the decision was the Agong’s prerogative to make under
Article 42 of the Federal Constitution.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">He said that Pua is being
investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233
of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Najib had
initially received a 12-year sentence and a RM210 million fine for abuse
of power, breach of trust, and money laundering related to RM42 million
from SRC International, a former subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development
Bhd.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In the official statement on behalf of the Federal
Territories Pardons Board, the Prime Minister’s Department’s Legal
Affairs Division as the board’s secretariat said the decision was made
following a January 29 meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal
Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It said the
Pardons Board meeting, which was chaired by then Yang di-Pertuan Agong
Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah had considered
five pardons applications, including the one from Najib.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Under the
Federal Constitution, the Agong chairs the meetings of the Pardons
Board for the Federal Territories, which comprises the attorney general,
the Federal Territories minister, and a maximum of three other members
appointed by the Agong. - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/02/05/daps-tony-pua-says-fully-cooperated-with-police-investigation-over-remarks-on-pardons-board-decision/116478" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 5/2/2024</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><h1 class="page-title mb-2"><span class="d-inline-block mr-1">Najib to Bersih: 'Hold' your protests</span> </h1> <div class="page-article"><div class="d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div class="author-photo mr-2"><br /></div> <div><span>By <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/authors/hana-naz-harun" target="_blank">Hana Naz Harun</a> - </span>
February 6, 2024 @ 2:01pm
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</div></div></div></div> <div class="article-content"><div><div><div class="field field-featured-image"><figure><img alt="In a post on his Facebook page today, Najib said the electoral watchdog should use the platform to explain why they opposed the Pardons Board’s decision to grant him a shorter jail sentence.- Pic credit FB Najib Razak" class="img-fluid" data-adbro-processed="true" height="267" src="https://assets.nst.com.my/images/articles/najibbersih_1707206457.jpg" width="400" /> <figcaption class="py-2">In
a post on his Facebook page today, Najib said the electoral watchdog
should use the platform to explain why they opposed the Pardons Board’s
decision to grant him a shorter jail sentence.- Pic credit FB Najib
Razak</figcaption></figure></div></div></div> <div class="field field-body" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="dable-content-wrapper" itemprop="articleBody"><p>KUALA
LUMPUR: Bersih should accept the challenge to participate in an open
forum with incarcerated former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak,
before choosing to hold protests over his reduced prison sentence.</p><p><b><span style="color: red;">In
a post on his Facebook page today, Najib said t</span></b>he electoral watchdog
should use the platform to explain why they opposed the Pardons Board's
decision to grant him a shorter jail sentence.</p></div></div></div></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"Seeing that Bukit Gelugor member of Parliament Ramkarpal Singh and
Sepang MP Hanipa Maidin have rejected (the invitation) while Tony Pua
has remained silent, this invitation has been extended to Bersih
yesterday.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"If Bersih's reasons to disagree with the reduced prison sentence are
correct, then this platform can help with their intentions of building
the momentum for a demonstration," he said.</p><div class="related-listing"><div class="block block-article-related mt-3 mb-1"></div></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Earlier, Bersih chairman Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz told online news
portal Malaysiakini that the non-governmental organisation had discussed
the possibility of holding a protest against the Pardons Board's
decision.</b></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>"During the meeting yesterday, we are heading towards that direction
(of a protest)... but we need to build the momentum first," he was
quoted as saying.</b></span></p><div class="ad-unit mx-auto text-center" data-google-query-id="CM-phpDimIQDFdaIZgIdujUI6A" id="div-gpt-ad-1463538766750-0" style="display: block;"><div data-google-query-id="CLTJ0PvrmIQDFVqaZgIdVbANBA" id="andbeyond3001"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/21751243814,1009103/358645-300-250-1_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Muhammad Faisal had said Bersih would call for a press conference on
the matter, alongside several civil society groups, student groups, and
other youth movements.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">On Feb 2, the Federal Territories Pardons Board chaired by then-Yang diPertuan Agong <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/02/1008988/najib-be-released-aug-2028-fine-reduced-rm50-million-nsttv">Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah</a> decided to reduce Datuk Seri Najib Razak's fine as well as halve his 12-year jail term to six.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Najib will be released from prison on Aug 23,2028.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the board's decision to <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/02/1009825/pardons-boards-decision-due-mercy-and-compassion-king-pm-nsttv">reduce Najib's jailtime and fine</a> was due to the "mercy and compassion" of Al-Sultan Abdullah.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2020/07/612343/najib-sentenced-12-years-jail-rm210-million-fine">Najib was sentenced to 12 years' jail</a>after
he was found guilty of one count of abuse of power in the Retirement
Fund Inc's RM4 billion loan to SRC International Sdn Bhd.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He was also found guilty with three counts each of criminal breach of
trust and abuse of power involving RM42 million of SRC funds.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Apart from being jailed, he was also fined RM210 million. - <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2024/02/1010388/najib-bersih-hold-your-protests">NST, 6/2/2024</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-2992999443931726302024-02-05T12:39:00.001+08:002024-02-05T12:39:21.584+08:00More about Najib's Pardon - Is the Pardons Board under the Cabinet? What is FULL PARDON? AG must explain and clarify confusions ...?<p style="text-align: justify;">Odd that the Media Statement about <a href="https://www.bheuu.gov.my/index.php/media/kenyataan-media3/3269-kenyataan-media-lembaga-pengampunan-bagi-wilayah-wilayah-persekutuan-kuala-lumpur-labuan-dan-putrajaya-kali-ke-61" target="_blank">Najib's Pardon was issued using the letterhead of the Prime Minister's Department</a> and not the Istana(Palace), as it is the King that pardons, and not the Pardon's Board.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Crb46UVmSIs4jBx7tzx3s2YMi47t60WPS4PR-qfUubKQC2HgE2kD-Y-ImWUR1HoHi6BVIZTfUu6evkC28x2hV5g0ot_8IpC_eeuWhupcXBT05z-f698YbyzoJak3S5rK0-K9glrglp-g6CETrSS9TMxIv7C0if4NVdfH-9Wb057HrB-C2qQQ/s1280/najib%20pardon%20media%20statement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="930" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Crb46UVmSIs4jBx7tzx3s2YMi47t60WPS4PR-qfUubKQC2HgE2kD-Y-ImWUR1HoHi6BVIZTfUu6evkC28x2hV5g0ot_8IpC_eeuWhupcXBT05z-f698YbyzoJak3S5rK0-K9glrglp-g6CETrSS9TMxIv7C0if4NVdfH-9Wb057HrB-C2qQQ/w466-h640/najib%20pardon%20media%20statement.jpg" width="466" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Compare with the media statement issued by the Istana(Palace) when Anwar was pardoned. I believe that this is not FAKE (If, it is, please inform me). Anyway, rightfully it should be King or the palace that issues a media statement..in my opinion.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXeZIgg6AXDcijBoSR90DrHs6gBExx6XqoOh7ilSv-qehey5zSV9loH9IyrGGqyBsrPfr7HVW0nGeDyzAS8HdkpNRofLy87tgeB4__Rth3M5qvIRo8A-vLsnMXZzXYzWjLbtnXUCyiUx7Tkb712R_vUtg7xiyVI2-NHLopYS4Ngou1bNdxiBt/s1361/Pardon%20Anwar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXeZIgg6AXDcijBoSR90DrHs6gBExx6XqoOh7ilSv-qehey5zSV9loH9IyrGGqyBsrPfr7HVW0nGeDyzAS8HdkpNRofLy87tgeB4__Rth3M5qvIRo8A-vLsnMXZzXYzWjLbtnXUCyiUx7Tkb712R_vUtg7xiyVI2-NHLopYS4Ngou1bNdxiBt/w318-h400/Pardon%20Anwar.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">It is just a media statement about the Pardon - but interestingly, there is no name of the person that issued the Media Statement on behalf of the Pardon's Board. Is there even a URUSETIA(or Secretariat) for the Pardons Board. <br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Pardon's Board is definitely not under the Prime Minister or a Department under the Prime Minister. It is and/or ought to be independent of the Prime Minister or the Executive arm of government.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">See earlier post :- <br /></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2024/02/najibs-pardon-king-not-pardon-board.html">Najib's
Pardon - King, not Pardon Board have the power - As the King did not
tell us when he was King, is there any consequences? </a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red;">FULL PARDON - <span class="ILfuVd" lang="en" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="hgKElc">A full pardon restores certain citizenship rights forfeited upon criminal conviction, like the right to be able to immediately thereafter stand for elections to be a Member of Parliament. Without a full pardon, although free from prison, one cannot contest in elections to become a member of Parliament for a further 5 years... </span></span></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles" style="font-family: times;"></span></i></h3><blockquote><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles" style="font-family: times;">48 Disqualification for membership of Parliament(Federal Constitution)<br /></span></i></h3><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">(1) Subject to the provisions of this Article, a person is disqualified for being a member of either House of Parliament if—</span></i></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(a) he is and has been found or declared to be of unsound mind; or</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(b) he is an undischarged bankrupt; or....</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(e) he has been convicted of an offence by a court of
law in the Federation (or, before Malaysia Day, in the territories
comprised in the State of Sabah or Sarawak or in Singapore) and
sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year or to a
fine of not less than two thousand ringgit and has not received a <b><span style="color: red;">free
pardon</span></b>; or....</span></i></p></blockquote></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times;"> <span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">(3) The disqualification of a person under paragraph (d) or paragraph (e)
of Clause (1) <b><span style="color: red;">may be removed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and shall, if
not so removed, cease at the end of the period of five years beginning
with</span></b> the date on which the return mentioned in the said paragraph (d) was required to be lodged, or, as the case may be,<b><span style="color: red;"> the date on which the person convicted as mentioned in the said paragraph (e) was released from custody or the date on which the fine mentioned in the said paragraph (e) was imposed on such person</span></b>; and a person shall not be disqualified under paragraph (f) of Clause (1) by reason only of anything done by him before he became a citizen.</span></span></i></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"></span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">A FULL PARDON (or pengampunan penuh) allows one to immediately contest without waiting for 5 years to past.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Likewise, in Societies Act - <br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles" style="font-family: times;"><b></b></span></i></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles" style="font-family: times;"><b>9A Disqualifications applicable to office-bearers, advisers and employees of registered societies (Societies Act 1966)<br /></b></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles" style="font-family: times;"></span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(1) Subject
to subsections (2) and (4), a person shall be disqualified from being,
and shall not become or remain, an officebearer, adviser or employee of a
registered society-</span></i></p><blockquote><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(a) if he has been convicted of any offence against this Act; or</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="color: red;">(b)
if he has been convicted of any offence under any other law and
sentenced to a fine of not less than two thousand ringgit or to
imprisonment for a term of not less than one year</span></b>; or</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(c)
if there is in force against him any order of detention, restriction,
supervision, restricted residence, banishment or deportation under any
law relating to the security of, or public order in, Malaysia or any
part thereof, or to prevention of crime, preventive detention,
restricted residence, banishment or immigration; or....</span></i></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"></span></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(2) The disqualification of a person under paragraph (1)(b)
shall cease<b><span style="color: red;"> at the end of the period of five years beginning with the
date on which the person convicted was released from custody </span></b>or the date
on which the fine mentioned was imposed, as the case may be....</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">(4) Any person who is subject to any disqualification under paragraph (1)(a), (b) or (c)
may apply to the Registrar to be exempted from the application of such
disqualification, and the Registrar may, if he deems it proper to do so,
grant him such exemption for such period as the Registrar may specify
and subject to such limitations, restrictions, terms or conditions as he
may decide to impose.</span></i></p><p></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"></span></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times;"></span></i></p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">There are similar restrictions imposed on the convicted in some other Acts.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">If not for the FULL PARDON, Anwar would have had to wait for 5 years after he was released, to be able to contest to become a Member of Parliament, and he would also not be able to be an office bearer in any political party, be it PKR and/or the Pakatan Harapan. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In my opinion, a FULL PARDON certainly does not OVERTURN the Court's finding of guilt and/or conviction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It is just not right that any Pardon Board, made of 5 persons, being the Attorney General, Minister responsible for Federal Territories(or the Chief Minister/Menteri Besar/State Premier for other States/Regions) and 3 other person can advise the King/Ruler to overturn any finding of guilt or criminal conviction. Only the courts can overturn a conviction, and mind you that even after the final appeal fails, the convicted can still go back to court urging the Courts to overturn the convictions.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">As this is a matter of legal interpretation, it may be best that the Attorney General explains what has happened including whether the King had pardoned Najib or not. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">* The fact that the media statement was issued by the Pardon Board with no name/s is an issue, when rightfully the Pardon Board is only meant to advise the King, who then shall issue a statement or proclamation that one is pardoned and that the sentenced is reduced?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">* Now that the previous King is no more King as of 31/1/2024, and noting that the Pardon Board(nay just the Secretariat of the Pardons Board) issues a statement on 2/2/2024, after Malaysia has a new King. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">* Is it proper for the Secretariat of the Pardons Board to be under the Prime Ministers Department, or should it not be an independent entity not under the Prime Minister or Executive, but an independent entity.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">* There is no law that provides for the creation or maintenance of a Secretariat of the Pardons Board, and which stipulate who is responsible for the appointment and/or conduct of such persons who sit in this Secretariat or other employees that help the Pardons Board in their work - when obviously all such employees/staff must be directly under the Pardons Board - not any Minister in the Cabinet.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">* The Pardons Board advises the King - how do the Pardons Board decide? What was the decision in the case of Najib's alleged pardon - was it unanimous. How did the Minister vote? How did the AG vote? Should not the AG and the Minister abstain from the decision making process? </p><p style="text-align: justify;">* Should not the Pardon Board provide good reasons and justification for the advice it gives to the King?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">* In terms of the reduction of the FINE by more than half - is there any justification for doing this, as this decision has deprived Malaysia of RM160 million ringgit. With regard to the fine, he was to pay<span id="ctl00_CMain_lblJudgement"> a fine of RM210 million (in default five years' imprisonment), and now the Pardons Board reduced it to RM50 million(in default 1 years imprisonment). Note also, the fine is provided in the written law - </span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><i>(b)</i> <span style="color: red;">a
fine of not less than five times the sum or value of the gratification
which is the subject matter of the offence</span>, where such gratification is
capable of being valued or is of a pecuniary nature, or ten thousand
ringgit, whichever is the higher. So, the reduction of fine went contrary to the law(enacted by the Legislative) and also the court order. Can and such kinds of fines be reduced by the King(acting on the advice of the Pardons Board)? <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">## The law on fines need to be improved - The time set for the payment of fines should be set. Interest should be added on if the convict delays on the payment of fines. Maybe the same rules about judgment sums should apply to fines. Considering the dropping ringgit, the value of money is dropping...By delaying the payment of fines, one actually benefits ...<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27256617.post-26443915873058965772024-02-02T20:57:00.001+08:002024-02-02T20:57:13.885+08:00Najib's Pardon - King, not Pardon Board have the power - As the King did not tell us when he was King, is there any consequences? <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It should be the KING not the Pardons Board that decide and announce - but the King never announced his decision, which should have been done before his term ended. Why was it delayed? Now, do the NEW King agree????<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"><b></b></span></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"><b>Article 42 Power of pardon, etc.(Federal Constitution) <br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles"> </span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">(1) The <b>Yang
di-Pertuan Agong has power to grant pardons, reprieves and respites in
respect of all offences</b> which have been tried by court-martial and all
offences committed in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan
and Putrajaya; and the Ruler or Yang di-Pertua Negeri of a State has
power to grant pardons, reprieves and respites in respect of all other
offences committed in his State.</span></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Najib's Pardon - Well, the previous King failed to grant any pardon during his tenure that came to an end at the end of January 2024, and now we have a NEW King. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hence, reasonably we may have to start from the beginning with a new petition of appeal, that will have to start again with a 'new' Pardon Board - noting also that the Pardon Board is supposed to meet in the presence of the King, and who SHALL also preside over the Pardons Board. Well, the NEW KING was not there when the Pardons Board met to deal with Najib's pardon application and consideration - was he now? <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><b></b></span></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><b>Article 42(8) Federal Constitution</b> <br /></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText">(8) The Pardons Board <b><span style="color: red;">shall</span></b> <u>meet in the presence of the Ruler</u> or Yang di-Pertua Negeri and he <b><span style="color: red;">shall </span>preside over it....</b></span></i></p></blockquote><p></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><i>(11) For the
purpose of this Article, there shall be constituted a single Pardons
Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya
and the provisions of Clauses (5), (6), (7), (8) and (9) shall apply mutatis mutandis
to the Pardons Board under this Clause except that reference to "Ruler
or Yang di-Pertua Negeri" shall be construed as reference to the Yang
di-Pertuan Agong and reference to "Chief Minister of the State" shall be
construed as reference to the Minister responsible for the Federal
Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.</i></span></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Should the NEW KING simply continue on and just grant pardon to Najib (or deny pardon) even if he was not present...or did not preside...? I do not think that this is right - more so since we are talking about the King here - the Yang Di Pertuan Agung. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In Malaysia, the King is not King for life - he is only King for a definite term lasting FIVE(5) years(unless he earlier is removed or resigns) - Article 32(3) of the Federal Constitution states ' </span><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText"><i>(3) The Yang
di-Pertuan Agong shall be elected by the Conference of Rulers for a term
of five years, but may at any time resign his office by writing under
his hand addressed to the Conference of Rulers or be removed from office
by the Conference of Rulers, and shall cease to hold office on ceasing
to be a Ruler.'</i> <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There will be NO PROBLEM if the King announced his decision before his term as King came to an end. However, the King never made any public announcement or proclamation - which he would have since this was the question of pardon of a former Prime Minister Najib.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">BUT today, we hear the Pardon's Board disclosed that Najib has been pardoned - his sentence was shortened from 12 years to 6 years, and interestingly the fine was reduced more than 50%. His sentence said he had to pay RM210 million - and now Pardon Board says only RM50 million.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And if he does not pay the RM50 million, only 1 year additional jail for such a sum. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Personally, in terms of the FINE, it should never have been reduced. [Note the 5 times the amount involved as fine is a deterrent in law]. Now, for such a criminal, there is a likelihood that there may be many more similar crimes - many of which may never come to court as it is difficult for prosecution to secure sufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There must be <b><span style="color: red;">reform of the PARDON BOARD</span></b> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">a) The <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>COMPOSITION</b></span> - it is now the Attorney General (who is now the government's lawyer and also the Public Prosecutor),</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then there is the Minister responsible for the Federal Territories - and we did not have such Minister and thus until recent cabinet reshuffle, it was the PM Anwar Ibrahim. After that re-shuffle, Dr Zaliha (a Minister under the Prime Minister's Department) was made responsible for Federal Territories. Was that Cabinet RE-shuffle meant to distance PM Anwar from being part of the Pardon's Board? Is not a Minister a representative of the Prime Minister(or the Cabinet) - thus the independence of this member of the Pardon Board is questioned.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And 3 other members > reasonably appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>REFORM Needed - To make the members of the Pardon Board more independent</b>. Maybe they should be appointed by Parliament, rather than on the advise of the Prime Minister. Who are the members of the Pardon Board - bit difficult to find this information - why? Are they government friendly? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>2nd REFORM - Pardon should come about after the convicted shows repentance,</b> or because there is evidence of wrong conviction. Then, should not the evidence of wrong conviction be brought to Court rather than the Pardon Board.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>3rd REFORM - We need a law about the Pardon Procedure, and certainly the rights of the convict, the ability to make representations, witnesses. </b>There are tens of thousands of convicted criminals - hence Pardon Boards needs to regularly meet to consider all applications for pardon. After an application for pardon, there must be a set time before it be considered by the King. Did Najib's pardon jump queue.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>4th Reform - The advice tendered by the Pardon's Board to the King should be subject to Judicial Review.</b> We need it to reasonable, rationale and good advice. This becomes most important after Anwar's pardon and now Najib's pardon - which are persons linked to the government of the day. After all, the King really does not make his own decision - as he is only allowed to do what the Pardon's Board advices him.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Was the Pardon Board's decision unanimous - or was there dissenting views. I believe we have a right to know.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><h1 class="article-title">Pardons Board agrees to cut Najib’s jail term by half, out by August 23, 2028 if RM50m fine paid</h1> <div class="social-sharing"> <div class="social-inner"> <div class="social-item"><a class="sharing-icon-email" href="mailto::?subject=Pardons Board agrees to cut Najib’s jail term by half, out by August 23, 2028 if RM50m fine paid&body=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/02/02/pardons-board-agrees-to-cut-najibs-jail-term-by-half-out-by-august-23-2028-if-rm50m-fine-paid/115996" target="_blank" title="Share Article By Email"><img alt="email" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" height="30" src="https://www.malaymail.com/theme_malaymail/images/emIcon.png" width="30" /></a></div> </div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/02/183874.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/02/183874.JPG&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="Pardons Board agrees to cut Najib’s jail term by half, out by August 23, 2028 if RM50m fine paid" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-adbro-processed="true" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/02/183874.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="266" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/02/183874.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" title="Pardons Board agrees to cut Najib’s jail term by half, out by August 23, 2028 if RM50m fine paid" width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 12-year jail term has been halved to six years. — Picture by Firdaus Latif</div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info "> <div class="article-byline">By Ida Lim</div> <div class="article-date">Friday, 02 Feb 2024 3:44 PM MYT</div> </div> <div class="main-container-article-body" style="height: auto !important; text-align: left;"> <div class="article-body" style="height: auto !important;"> <p style="text-align: justify;">KUALA
LUMPUR, Feb 2 — Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 12-year
jail term has been halved to six years, which means he can be released
earlier on August 23, 2028, the Federal Territories Pardons Board said
today.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Pardons Board
said it had also decided to reduce his RM210 million fine to RM50
million, and his early release would be contingent on him paying this
amount.</p></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">If he fails to do so, his early release date will be a year later on August 23, 2029.<a href="https://flourish.studio/visualisations/create-a-table/?utm_source=showcase&utm_campaign=visualisation/16667169" style="border: none!important; box-shadow: none!important; color: inherit!important; display: inline-block!important; font: inherit!important; margin: 0 5px!important; text-decoration: none!important;" target="_top"><img alt="Flourish logo" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" src="https://public.flourish.studio/resources/bosh.svg" style="border: none!important; box-shadow: none!important; display: inline-block!important; font: inherit!important; height: 12px!important; margin: 0 2px 0!important; vertical-align: middle!important; width: auto!important;" /><span style="box-shadow: none!important; color: #888!important; display: inline-block!important; font: inherit!important; vertical-align: middle!important;">A Flourish table</span></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The
announcement released around 3.30pm ended more than three days of
suspense and intense speculation over the Pardons Board’s decision on
Najib’s bid.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Najib
has been imprisoned since August 23, 2022, after the Federal Court
upheld his conviction for criminal breach of trust, power abuse, and
money laundering over the misappropriation of SRC International Sdn
Bhd’s RM42 million.</p><div data-google-query-id="CI7Qi93RjIQDFYyPrAIdL8EFAg" id="mm-teads" style="text-align: justify;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">He
has been a prisoner for more than one year and five months now since
August 2022, and his 12-year jail term was initially due to end in 2034.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Lawyers had previously said that Najib would <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/08/25/lawyers-explain-will-najib-have-to-serve-full-12-years-jail/24586" target="_blank">only need to serve two-thirds</a> of his prison term if he shows good behaviour as a prisoner.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Based
on the typical one-third remission or reduction on jail terms for
prisoners with good behaviour, Najib’s release date could for example be
as early as August 2026, without considering the one-year extension if
he fails to pay the RM50 million fine.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Najib filed his application
for a pardon on September 2, 2022, just days after he started serving
his 12-year jail term at the Kajang prison.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In the official
statement today on behalf of the Federal Territories Pardons Board, the
Prime Minister’s Department’s Legal Affairs Division as the board’s
secretariat said this decision was made following the January 29 meeting
of the Pardons Board for the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur,
Labuan and Putrajaya.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It said the Pardons Board meeting, which was
chaired by then Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin
Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, had considered five pardons application
including the one from Najib.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Pardons Board secretariat said
the decision — to give a 50 per cent reduction on Najib’s jail term and
to reduce the amount of money he has to pay as fine — was made after the
Pardons Board considered advice and opinions.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Therefore, it was
agreed for Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak to be released
on an early release date namely August 23, 2028 and the fine that has
to be paid namely RM210,000,000 be reduced to RM50,000,000,” it said,
adding that his already-reduced jail term would be extended by one year
if he does not pay the fine and that this release date will then be on
August 23, 2029.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Under the Federal Constitution, the Agong chairs
the meetings of the Pardons Board for the federal territories, which
comprises the attorney general, the Federal Territories minister, and a
maximum of three other members appointed by the Agong.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">To know how the royal pardon process works in Malaysia, read this <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/04/12/answered-10-questions-on-how-royal-pardons-work-in-malaysia/64332" target="_blank">summary by Malay Mail.</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p> <img alt="" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" src="https://www.malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/02/183918.png" style="width: 100%;" /><p> Source; <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/02/02/pardons-board-agrees-to-cut-najibs-jail-term-by-half-out-by-august-23-2028-if-rm50m-fine-paid/115996" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 2/2/2024</a><br /></p><p> </p><a class="ob-dynamic-rec-link " data-adv-id="51864563" data-rec-en-did="RgYlGlQO9X8qphNf2dN6Bg" href="https://trck.tracking505.com/e107df67-5a1f-4070-aeac-6a881a07b019?campaign_id=00fc30152ca6d63d19616d7de83402fb42&publisher_id=$publisher_id$&publisher_name=$publisher_name$&ad_id=004f34e969fae0964ed66ec056aa8b5049&ad_title=Solar+roof+tiles+are+the+future+and+surprisingly+affordable.&section_id=$section_id$&section_name=$section_name$&req_id=$req_id$&promoted_link_id=004f34e969fae0964ed66ec056aa8b5049&time_stamp=$time_stamp$&cpc=$cpc$&ob_click_id=$ob_click_id$&obOrigUrl=true" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><span class="ob-unit ob-rec-image-container" data-type="Image"><div class="ob-image-ratio"></div></span></a><p style="text-align: justify;"></p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0