Hamzah/Rafizi/Khairy - Freedom of Association - the rights of members? Political party 'above the law' - court cannot review party decision? Abolish 18C - Clear POLICY stance for political party?

Hamzah Zainudin/Rafizi and the issue of Freedom of Association > evaluating how democratic Malaysian political parties are, and whether it does  or does not respect the right of Freedom of Association, which includes the RIGHT OF MEMBERS in an Association? 

Our Federal Constitution only talks about the right  (c) all citizens have the right to form associations, but does not clearly talk about the right of Freedom of Association.

Freedom of Association rights have 2 aspects - the rights of the Association, and the rights of members of an association.

The bosses, or the highest decision making body of any association is the MEMBERS - and practically, this power is exercised by members at a General Meeting. If the INCUMBENT leadership decides to expel, suspend, or impose any punitive action on a member, that member has the right to ask the General Membership at a General Meetings to review that decision. Practically, it is difficult, because member General Meetings occur usually once a year, and sometimes even after a longer period. 

Then, the only manner, in which to raise the issue is by submitting a MOTION for the consideration of the General Meeting - but then, sometimes the incumbent leadership can 'block' such motions...

ALL in all, it is VERY DIFFICULT especially for an already expelled or suspended member to ask the bosses, members at a General Meeting - to RESCIND the party's or association decision of wrongful expulsion of members > thus, the ONLY available avenue is the INDEPENDENT COURT by way of a Judicial Review application...

In Malaysia, that access to Court for MEMBERS have been unreasonably shut since ___, when after the Courts declared UMNO illegal, the then BN government wanted to shut the door to member's access to COURT - to challenge wrongful termination/suspension or any other decisions of the Party(really meaning decisions of the incumbent leadership) even if it may be against the Party's own Constitution, or against the law..that was a NEW part 1A PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO POLITICAL PARTIES ONLY - And, under that part was section 18C

Section 18C Societies Act 1966 Decision of political party to be final and conclusive 

The decision of a political party or any person authorized by it or by its constitution or rules or regulations made under the constitution on the interpretation of its constitution, rules or regulations or on any matter relating to the affairs of the party shall be final and conclusive and such decision shall not be challenged, appealed against, reviewed, quashed or called in question in any court on any ground, and no court shall have jurisdiction to entertain or determine any suit, application, question or proceedings on any ground regarding the validity of such decision.

The amendment was WRONG and discriminatory - ONLY for Political Parties.  Not only can no member challenge a party decision in court  - BUT No court can also entertain or consider such application.

EFFECT -  Political parties became DICTATORIAL - the incumbent leadership decides, and that is it.

So, now political party incumbents have the power to even EXPEL or suspend members - who may challenge for leadership at upcoming party internal elections... Could we say that may be what happened in UMNO when 

On January 27, 2023, UMNO (United Malays National Organisation) sacked former health minister

Khairy Jamaluddin and suspended former defence minister Hishammuddin Hussein for six years due to disciplinary breaches..

Now because of 18C - Khairy and Hishamuddin could not go to court...was it because of real 'misconduct'.. or was it really to prevent them for challenging for top leadership position at the next party elections?

Similarly, PKR also 'PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali and vice-president Zuraida Kamaruddin have been sacked from their party, its national leadership committee decided today.... PKR sacked some 11,000 members aligned to its former deputy president Azmin Ali following the Sheraton Move which saw the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government two years ago...PKR has expelled 28 members, including elected leaders, for holding membership in other political parties,

Parti Pribumi Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has been expelled from the party, effective immediately, following a decision by the party’s disciplinary board.

Amanah has sacked 58 party members this year for taking part in the internal elections of other political parties, says secretary-general Faiz Fadzil.

The membership of three PAS State Assemblymen (Adun) in Perlis has been terminated with immediate effect based on Clause 76 and Clause 15A(1)(b) of the PAS Constitution (2025 Amendment).

DAP's disciplinary board today has decided to uphold its decision to sack 38 of its members.Out of the 38, 12 of them were sacked for standing as independent candidates.  The remaining 26 members were dismissed for breaching party discipline.

The issue is NOT whether the political party was RIGHT in taking such actions - The issue is that ALL these political party members HAVE no right to challenge their 'wrongful dismissal' - was it really a serious misconduct or a breach of party Constitution? Did it warrant a DISMISSAL? What party leaderships says may be 'LIES' and the real reasons are some other > that is why Section 18C must be repealed - so party members have the access to COURT to determine whether party actions was just and in accordance to law OR was it just some 'bullshit' to justify removal of some members??? 

If political parties believe that what they did was RIGHT - there is no reason for them to even worry that the COURTS will decide that the party was wrong and did injustice?

What is a POLITICAL party or an association?

It is not an association or group of people that agree to be continuously LOYAL and unquestioning about the actions/omissions of some leader? Then, that is no more a 'democratic' society or political party. 

Any association or society is like Malaysia - they are a mix of people, all with different views and opinions about all kinds of issues - even on who should lead. People also change their minds when situation and leaders change. 

Malaysians once were OK with ISA and Detention Without Trial - then they changed their view and position and felt that it was 'WRONG' - they wanted no more Detention Without Trial - they wanted FAIR TRIALS - and no more wanted Detention Without Trial - where the Minister decided whether one is 'GUILTY' and should be punished with 'detention' or 'restrictions' indefinitely. They preferred that it is the COURT that decides on GUILT and sentence. Hence, Najib's government abolished the ISA(Internal Security Act) and the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969.

But, Malaysia still continues to have Detention Without Trial laws like the new Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 (POTA)  and the amended Prevention of Crime Act 1959(POCA) - but sadly PM Anwar(who once said he opposed Detention Without Trial laws) has DONE NOTHING to repeal Detention Without Trial - If ONE is truly GUILTY, the Courts will decide and punish accordingly...

THUS, why is PM Anwar's MADANI GOVERNMENT afraid of the Independent Courts - Why do you not want to restore ACCESS to political party members access to COURTS - for even political party incumbent leaders CAN MAKE MISTAKES and cause injustice to members. REPEAL Section 18C NOW.

WHY DO PEOPLE JOIN POLITICAL PARTIES AND societies? 

People join political parties or other societies primarily because they AGREE with the principles and issues that the particular party stands for >>> but in Malaysia, many political party seem to have NO CLEAR BASIC stance, or principles... on issues - Healthcare, Education, Workers/Labour, On Climate Change and Environment, on RARE Earth, etc >>> This is very different from party election Manifestos, which is usually is just for General Elections > not really reflective of the party's PERMANENT position.

Of course, some join for 'ulterior motives' more so when the party has Federal or State power in government - they join to increase chances of getting government contracts/projects, to improve the chances to get scholarships for their kids, increase opportunity to get low-cost houses and/or land, to get... After GE14, when BN lost - we saw a large exodus of members/leaders even MPs/ADUNs from BN to the parties that won and wai in government. CONCLUSION - these were those that never really believed in the Party principles and stance - they readily move to 'who' has government power....MMMM.. 

What do this POLITICAL Party stand for? 

Let us LOOK at other countries where POLITICAL parties have CLEAR STANCE and positions..  

In US, for example we have 2 major parties, where their position and differences are KNOWN and constant..

 Another example, from UK 

Key Differences Between Major UK Parties

• Conservative Party (Tories - Blue):
  • Position: Centre-right.
  • Ideology: Conservative, unionist, free-market economics.
  • Key Focus: Lower taxation, strong law and order, and national security.
  • Economic View: Favors limited government intervention and encourages private sector competition.

• Labour Party (Red):
  • Position: Centre-left.
  • Ideology: Social democratic, historically linked to trade unions.
  • Key Focus: Strengthening public services (e.g., NHS), reducing economic inequality, and supporting workers' rights.
  • Economic View: Supports higher investment in public infrastructure, potential nationalization of key industries like energy.

• Liberal Democrats (Lib Dems - Yellow):
  • Position: Centrist.
  • Ideology: Liberal, pro-European.
  • Key Focus: Human rights, individual liberty, civil liberties, and environmentalism.
  • Economic View: Balances supporting the needy with promoting business freedom.

• Green Party (Green):
  • Position: Left-wing, often to the left of Labour.
  • Key Focus: Radical climate action, social justice, and environmental protection.
  • Economic View: Opposes "consumerist capitalism" and advocates for a rapid transition to renewable energy.

In Malaysia, it is NOT SO CLEAR what our major political party stands for is NOT CLEAR...many political parties are personality driven or are 'breakaways' from some other party - BUT the question is what exactly is their stance.

PH once promised LOCAL Council Elections, The PM will not be the Finance Minister, Sedition ACT will be repealed - but what happened?

SADLY, in Malaysia many of the OPPOSITION parties have its roots in that OLD BN parties - and somehow the bad practices in UMNO, MIC, MCA, etc creeps into these new parties like PKR (led by a former UMNO leader), BERSATU (led by a former BN leader), MUDA (started by a former BN leader) - thus, where are the NEW political parties - we need NEW political parties not led by politicians from other parties...

We have PSM(Parti Socialis Malaysia) and the PRM(Party Rakyat Malaysia) - but somehow they still fail to attract sufficient support from Malaysians...

WHICH Malaysian political party is on the side of WORKERS? Which political parties is on the side of FARMERS and fisher folk?

Which political party is for FREE Education until University? For UNIVERSAL affordable healthcare for all?

Which political party is for the OLD-AGED - that will ensure government old-age day care centers in all towns, government nursing homes for the AGED, monthly welfare aid to old folks sufficient to cover their living expenses monthly?

YES - these are OLD folks, no more able to contribute to the economy - but we have a DUTY OF CARE for these Malaysians who contributed for years to make Malaysia what it is?

 

 

 

 

• • 
    

Failure Of Public Prosecutor to Apply to Court for Compensation for Victims of Crime to Be Paid by the Convicted, Including Those Who Cause Death, is Unforgivable

 

Media Statement – 6/4/2026

Failure Of Public Prosecutor to Apply to Court for Compensation for Victims of Crime to Be Paid by the Convicted, Including Those Who Cause Death, is Unforgivable

There is an ongoing debate whether the perpetrator in recent fatal drunk driving case should be charged for murder or some other crimes. Whatever crime, the sentence only if convicted, does not do justice to victims unless victims are also compensated for their loss/suffering by the convicted criminal.

Compensation for Victims of Crime by the Convicted Criminal

Victims of crime, including those who were ‘killed’ in drunk driving fatal accidents, deserve to be compensated by the convicted criminal, and this RIGHT is already there in Malaysian law, in section 426 of the Criminal Procedure Code but victims, many a time, are do not compensations because of failure of Public Prosecutor Dusuki and Public Prosecutors before him who failed to apply to court for compensation for victims.

Section 426A states ‘…. the Court before which an accused is convicted of an offence shall, upon the application of the Public Prosecutor, make an order against the convicted accused for the payment by him, …. of a sum to be fixed by the Court as compensation to a person who is the victim of the offence committed by the convicted accused… ‘

If and when an application is made by the Public Prosecutor, ‘the Court may hold an inquiry as it thinks fit’, and amongst the things that the court will consider include ‘(a) the nature of the offence; (b) the injury sustained by the victim; (c) the expenses incurred by the victim;(d) the damage to, or loss of, property suffered by the victim;…’

Section 432  provides that when the Court orders the convicted to pay the victim ‘…compensation, the Court making the order may in its discretion do all or any of the following things, namely- (a) allow time for the payment of that sum; (b) direct payment of that sum to be made by instalments; (c) issue a warrant for the levy of that sum by distress and sale of any property belonging to that person;… (e) direct that that person be searched and that any money found on him when so searched or which in the event of his being committed to prison, may be found on him when taken to prison shall be applied towards the payment of that sum, the surplus, if any, being returned to him:…’

Even when the Court orders the victim to be compensated, the right to sue for more is still preserved in law.

Section 426A (4) states ‘To the extent of the amount which has been paid to a person, or to the representatives of a person, under an order for compensation, any claim of such person or representatives for damages sustained by reason of the offence shall be deemed to have been satisfied, but the order for payment shall not prejudice any right to a civil remedy for the recovery of any property or for the recovery of damages beyond the amount of compensation paid under the order.’ That means that the victim still can claim for more damages and compensation from the convicted criminal.

Public Prosecutor Fails to Apply for Compensation for Victims

Whilst there are very few reported cases, where the court ordered victims to be compensated, the norm seems to indicate that the Public Prosecutor failed to apply to court for the victim to be compensated.

Now, we no longer should just be interested that the convicted criminal be punished, but are also concerned about victim of the crime – their right to be compensated.

Restorative justice aims to repair harm caused by crime by focusing on victim needs, offender accountability, and community involvement rather than just mere punishment.

Whilst monetary compensation for victims by the perpetrators is the first step, the State need to look beyond that including support and rehabilitation of victims.

MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture) calls on Public Prosecutors to show concern for victims of crime, and never again fail, intentionally or otherwise, to apply to the Court so that victims of crime will be compensated by convicted criminals;

Sec 426 must be amended – giving right of Victims to apply for compensation, etc

MADPET calls for the amendment of Section 426, to give the Courts the power to act on their own even when the Public Prosecutor fails to apply for compensation for victims;

MADPET also calls, for victims to be given the RIGHT to directly apply to court for an order for compensation by the convicted criminal; and

Victims must be informed of trial dates by Public Prosecutor

Noting that in many criminal trials, the victims today do not even know that the accused has been charged in Court, or when the trial dates are, it is important to enact a law, requiring the Public Prosecutor to mandatorily inform all victims, that the accused has been charged and the trial dates of the criminal trial. Victim’s right to know who is the perpetrator of the crime and the right to attend trials should be a fundamental right. Victims also have a right to know what happened to their property that was stolen – was the property recovered or what happened to it.

It is a sad state and unacceptable state of affairs, when victims are kept in the dark – not knowing that the perpetrators have been identified, arrested, charged and even convicted. Victims rightly must be informed of the details of the identity of the convicted perpetrators, including their MyKad or Passport details, address, etc. sufficient for victims to be able to consider taking legal action against said perpetrators to get compensation and/or damages.

Section 107A Criminal Procedure Code, which came into force in 2007, now states (1) Any person who has given information under section 107 may request for a report on the status of the investigation of the offence complained of in his information from the officer in charge of a police station where he gave the information. -  this provision is to ensure that persons who lodges reports, including victims, have a right to know the status of the investigation BUT for victims of the crime, they should not be required to make any request, but should reasonably be informed as of right when the accused is charged, the trial dates, and also the fact of conviction and sentence. Victims should also be furnished with charge sheets, and also the facts of the case the accused admitted to if the accused pleads guilty, and/or a copy of the court judgment – and rightly this duty should fall on the Public Prosecutor.

Legal Presumption that criminal convictions is proof of crime in claims by Victims for compensation

Malaysia also needs to amend laws, whereby a criminal conviction will raise the legal presumption of guilt for the offences committed by the convicted against the victims, to make it easier for victims in particular to succeed in claims for compensation from the convicted criminals. Today, generally a criminal conviction is often inadmissible in a subsequent civil case, thus requiring victims to proof again the liability of the convicted in civil suits to succeed in a claim for damages/compensation – which is an onerous burden and unnecessary burden that hinders justice be done for victims.

MADPET also calls for Section 426 to be reviewed and amended, so that loss suffered by the families/dependents by the death of the victim who was killed by the perpetrator of the crime of murder and/or driving under the influence also be specifically considered by the Criminal Court Judge in determining the amount of compensation that the convicted be ordered to pay the families/dependents.

Justice must be done and be seen to be done. The administration of criminal justice in Malaysia need to ensure that victims of crimes get at the very least compensation/damages from the convicted. 

Charles Hector

For and on behalf of MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture)

The statement was carried by Malaysiakini in their SNAPSHOTS 

Law

• Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture (Madpet) today argued that the debate over murder charges in fatal drunk driving cases overlooked a more important issue: justice for victims.

  The group highlighted that Malaysian laws, particularly Section 426A of the Criminal Procedure Code, provide for compensation. However, it said that in practice, victims often do not receive compensation, accusing public prosecutors of frequently failing to apply to the court for such orders.

  In a statement, Madpet coordinator Charles Hector said when applications are made, courts have the authority to assess compensation based on factors such as the nature of the offence, injuries suffered, expenses incurred, and property loss.

  He said courts may also enforce payment through instalments, property seizure, or other means. Importantly, victims retain the right to pursue additional civil claims beyond the compensation awarded in criminal proceedings.

  He also criticised the justice system for focusing on punishment rather than restorative justice, which includes repairing harm and addressing victims’ needs. - Malaysiakini, Snapshots, 6/4/2026

 

After abolishment of death penalty, it’s time to seek compensation from convicted murderers

• By FocusM
• 04/04/2023
• in Featured, Mainstream, Top

IN welcoming the Dewan Rakyat’s passing of the Abolition of Mandatory Death Penalty Bill (AMDPB) 2023 yesterday (April 3), the Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture (MADPET) now calls on the public prosecutor to diligently apply for compensation from the convicted in criminal trials for victims of crime, including family members of murder victims.

The non-governmental organisation (NGO) said a perusal of reported cases shows that the public prosecutor seldom applies for compensation for victims, including the family of murder victims.

“In some cases, they just apply for prosecution cost,” MADPET co-founder Charles Hector pointed out in his latest blog. “The government is considering this but it must be pointed out that it is already provided for in the Criminal Procedure Code.”

Charles Hector

Section 426 states that the public prosecutor can apply for an order against the convicted accused for payment by him of a sum to be fixed by the court as compensation.

Moreover, the same section also states that the order for payment shall not prejudice any right to a civil remedy for the recovery of any property or damages beyond the amount of compensation paid under the order.

“This means that victims of murder or other crimes can still commence a civil court action to claim damages,” explained Hector who is also a human rights lawyer.

“Altantuya Sharibu’s family did just that with the court finding that not just convicted murderers Sirul (Azhar Umar) and Azilah (Hadri) but also  political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda liable to their claim of unlawful killing of the deceased (Altantuya).”

In the legal suit, the government was vicariously liable as Sirul and Azilah were police officers. The accused were ordered to pay cost and RM5 mil in general, aggravated and exemplary damages to the deceased’s family, among others.

In a related development, MADPET also called on the Dewan Negara “to speedily pass the AMDPB 2023 and the Revision of Sentence of Death and Imprisonment for Natural Life (Temporary Jurisdiction of the Federal Court) Bill 2023 so that it can be put in force as soon as possible.

The latter bill will enable the Federal Court to review the death sentence and life imprisonment imposed on a convicted person following the abolition of mandatory death penalty.

This will mean that the about 840 of the 1,320 prisoners on death row who have completed all appeals will have their death sentence reviewed by the Federal Court. Likewise, those who are currently serving life sentence will now be subject to “imprisonment for a term of not less than 30 years but not exceeding 40 years”. – April 4, 2023, Focus 

Enforce law compelling criminals to compensate victims’ families, govt told

4 days ago

V Anbalagan

Lawyers say Section 426 of the Criminal Procedure Code can be applied to require that offenders in road accident cases compensate their victims.

Section 426 of the CPC entitles the public prosecutor to apply for a court order that a convicted offender pay compensation to a victim in respect of any injury or loss of income or property suffered. (Envato Elements pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Lawyers are urging the government to enforce existing laws that require criminals to compensate the families of their victims, saying the measure would deliver justice and act as a deterrent to crime.

They said prosecutors should especially seek compensation orders on behalf of victims of murder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and deaths caused by negligence — all of which are recognised as serious offences under the Penal Code.

Lawyers S Jayananda Rao, N Sivananthan and J S Naicker said the CPC already allows prosecutors to apply to the court for convicted persons to compensate their victims in cases that result in death or injury.

“Forcing a convict to make financial contributions could act as a deterrent to would-be offenders,” Jayananda told FMT, adding that, based on news reports, the number of road fatalities caused by drivers who disregard the law has been on the rise.

He was responding to the transport ministry’s proposal to amend the Road Transport Act 1987 (RTA) to compel offenders to pay compensation to victims’ families.

The proposal followed the death of a motorcyclist in Klang who was struck by a driver allegedly under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Under Section 44 of the RTA, those convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causing death face imprisonment of between 10 and 15 years, and a fine of between RM50,000 and RM100,000.

The punishment is heavier for repeat offenders, involving a jail term of between 15 and 20 years, and a fine of between RM100,000 and RM150,000.

Jayananda said there was no need to amend the RTA to provide for compensation, as the matter is already covered under Section 426 of the CPC.

Section 426(1A) and (1B) provide that a court may, on the application of the Public Prosecutor, order that a convicted accused pay compensation to a victim, or if the victim is deceased to their next-of-kin, in respect of any injury or loss of income or property suffered.

“This general provision could be utilised when the court finds an accused guilty of causing injuries or taking a life in a road mishap,” said Jayananda.

Sivananthan said compensation orders should not be confined to road accidents as it risked being seen as discriminatory and may be subject to legal challenge.

“The prosecution should apply for a compensation order upon securing a conviction in all offences,” he suggested.

The lawyer also said Section 432 of the CPC empowers a court to stipulate a timeline within which the compensation must be paid.

“However, the survivors or the victims’ families will have to enforce the ruling themselves, which has the same force as a civil judgment,” he said.

Sivananthan said enforcement, including by freezing an offender’s personal accounts or the sale and seizure of assets may involve time, effort and financial resources.

He said the government should consider amending the law to allow the families of victims in criminal cases, including road accidents, to recover compensation from the offenders’ Employees Provident Fund account.

J S Naicker, an insurance lawyer, explained that a motor insurance policy generally excludes liability when the driver is found to be under the influence of alcohol.

“However, an injured party, or the next-of-kin of a deceased victim, will not be deprived of damages under the RTA and the relevant motor policy if they succeed in a civil claim.”

Naicker explained that, in such circumstances, the insurer would satisfy the judgment and thereafter seek to recover the sum paid from the insured vehicle owner.

“If the ministry’s proposal is implemented, the intoxicated driver may be exposed to dual financial liability — namely, personal liability to compensate the victim, as well as an obligation to reimburse the insurer for any sum paid out.” - FMT, 2/4/2026

 

Madani MART(640?) - where is the money coming from? OPEN TENDER, Conflict of Interest when Deputy Minister a Trustee of Yayasan Madani? Something smells 'FISHY' with this PKR's foundation?

The government has no plan to introduce sundry shops similar to Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia (KR1M) after taking into account the cost as well as their failure in the past, said Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh. - Vibes, 15/3/2023

And now, our PM Anwar Ibrahim and his MADANI government is just repeating the same mistake done by Najib - by opening the MADANI Marts - and 640 are planned. We must ask where the monies are coming from to support this Yayasan Madani, headed by the same Fuziah Salleh. It is a PKR Foundation? 3 of the named Trustees are PKR members - including PM's Aide, PKR Youth Chief? 

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched the first Madani Mart retail outlet in the country as part of the government’s initiative to help ease the cost of living. ...The Madani Mart initiative, led by Yayasan Madani, adopts a community retail concept, offering daily necessities at affordable prices and accessible locations....Madani Mart aims to open at least 640 outlets nationwide, with a target to ensure that each state constituency has at least one outlet. ... She(Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh) said the initiative did not involve direct government expenditure but was driven through a strategic collaboration model involving the public and private sectors, as well as Yayasan Madani. “Under a previous model, the government provided capital and paid for renovations and stock purchases. For Madani Mart, the government does not incur any capital outlay,” she told reporters, Bernama reported.

Now, it is worrisome, that  the Chairman and Founder & Trustee of The Madani Foundation is non other that the Deputy Minister Fuziah Salleh herself...Yayasan Madani website

But, WHO owns the Foundation is a QUESTION MARK - and where did the Madani Foundation gets its money to OPEN and OPERATE a MART? 

In my opinion, it is a FOOLISH idea - for rather than opening a MART or a 'Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia' - it is better that the government expend monies in controlling the PRICE of certain basic items that are essential for living - Rice, Flour, Cooking Oil, Cooking Gas, Eggs, Bread, 1 meat/fish maybe and some vegetables > and then, it can be sold/distributed toALL sundry shops, markets and supermarkets at the same low price ... 

NOW, again this Anwar's government are setting up MADANI Marts - will it not affect the business of the small retailers/sundry shops > WHY is Anwar still trying to cause suffering to the smaller businesses - that are already struggling to survive..

Even, the SARA Aid, where monies deposited in our MyKad was discriminatory against the small businesses - who naturally were not even listed as 'participating companies' - see  SARA(STR) KP/IC - Why is the Anwar Madani Government 'destroying' small sundy shops? To use money, Malaysians have to go to certain shops and buy certain brands - so leaving their usual shops?

RHB views 99 Speed Mart Retail Holdings as the prime beneficiary of the growing SARA initiative, as the preferred fiscal support programme, which should lead to earnings upside and further valuation rerating. ... “Our observation suggests 99SMART is garnering strong market share under the SARA programme, thanks to its entrenched store network and brand equity,” said RHB.RHB estimates that more than 1400 99SMART stores have been enrolled for SARA, out of a total of c.5700 stores listed on the MyKasih website. 99SMART is well-positioned to benefit from the rising disposable income of lower income groups, as well as the downtrading consumption trends as a result of elevated inflationary pressures. - Focus, 17/10/2025

But, PM Anwar, where did the increase in customers come from - how many small sundry shops in kampungs, Tamans, etc - suffered a LOSS of customers and business because of this Sara program. Them small business outlets also simply cannot afford to buy the additional equipment to read MyKads and use it even it was listed as a participating outlet. This small shops now accept payment by case - or in some cases allow customers to SCAN and pay (which is a much cheaper App).If you wanted to assist Malaysians, then send them the MONEY directly to their personal bank account - which they can take and use even in them small sundry shops.

Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia (KR1M) failed - so, why did Anwar now start the MADANI Mart program - who exactly is benefiting?

How can a Deputy Minister be in charge - unless it a government or Ministry program, where all profits flow back to the government? After next GE, most probably this 'MADANI Mart' initiative will also end... Will the Yayasan Madani be audited by the Auditor General - OR NO, because it is a 'private entity' ????

TELL US what was the LOSS incurred by the government for that failed Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia (KR1M) program? 

When you start a MADANI Mart - money need to be expended for staff, shelves, computers, cash machines, etc > and then will these MARTS be procuring the goods they market - from all producers or just from selected companies and Brands.  

More concerns about the MADANI Foundation - is a government Foundation. Oddly, all the BOARD of Trustees are PKR members - They are Muhammad Kamil Bin Abdul Munim(PKR Youth chief) and Ahmad Farhan Bin Fauzi(Political Secretary to the Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim since December 2022) and Fuziah Salleh is also from PKR > WHERE did the money come from - since they already open the 1st MADANI Mart..

Today, they say that ' Madani Mart's licensing scheme will require those interested in setting up an outlet to pay licensing fees and royalties to Yayasan Madani >> Can they do this without some LAW like a Yayasan Madani law? Is Yayasan Madani under the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry? 

Yayasan Madani is going into 'BUSINESS' - but it is not some existing business entiti - it is the Deputy Minister and 2 PKR persons? No matter what they say, they will in competition with all sundry shops, supermarkets, etc --- and they will also be in the DISTRIBUTION or 'middle man' business????

Was there an OPEN TENDER, or was YAYASAN Madani just chosen by Anwar? or by the Ministry? - with NO OPEN TENDER.

When the Deputy Minister is part of this BUSINESS ENTITY - is this not a CONFLICT OF INTEREST - as it ultimately will the MINISTRY that is monitoring it?

FIRST MADANI MART - who was the 'licensee' and how much LICENSING FEES was paid to Yayasan Madani?  

Which DISTRIBUTION CENTRE is going to provide 50% of the Inventory? Again, was there an OPEN TENDER before a 'Distribution Centre' was chosen for this profitable business - of supplying maybe up 600 Plus Madani MARTS in the future > and again items are sourced from WHOM - only selected producers and Brands OR all Malaysian producers or brands? Sourced from Malaysian companies? Bumiputra Companies? Multinational Companies? WILL THEY TELL US, OR WILL THEY COME BACK AND SAY WE ARE A 'PRIVATE ENTITY' SO WE DO NOT HAVE TO TELL THE GOVERNMENT ANYTHING... ???

Something smells FISHY - Malaysians need to look into it MORE > it maybe a new scandal waiting to happen - maybe it may be called Anwar's 'YAYASAN MADANI' scandal...

NOW, can other people also now form FOUNDATIONS(Yayasan) and do business - charging 'licensing fees' and ...?

Was this YAYASAN registered under the Companies Act, or the SOCIETIES Act? I wonder ... 

Yayasan Madani will dictate 50 percent of the inventory that all Madani Mart outlets must carry to ensure uniformity in goods supplied to the public.The compulsory items will be sourced from a distribution centre, which the foundation said will keep prices stable and reasonable.

Fuziah has assured that no government funds will be involved in Madani Mart.'  - so what is the SOURCE of the Yayasan Madani funds - noting they already managed to open MADANI Mart No.1 > did the money come from Fuziah,Muhammad Kamil and Ahmad Farhan own savings - Did Anwar give them a 'donation' for them to start? MAYBE, MACC should look into this 

AI says...Foundations in Malaysia are primarily registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) as a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLBG), the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of the Prime Minister’s Department under the Trustee (Incorporation) Act 1952, or the Labuan Financial Services Authority (FSA) for offshore foundations. The choice of registration depends on whether the foundation is for general charitable purposes, private wealth management, or specific religious/social causes. So what is the YAYASAN MADANI for ? Business and profits? 

  

 

 

First Madani Mart opens in cost-cutting push

 Saturday, 04 Apr 2026

Community retail concept: Anwar, accompanied by Wan Rosdy (left), inspecting some of the goods on offer at the first Madani Mart outlet in Indera Mahkota 8, Kuantan. — Bernama

KUANTAN: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched the first Madani Mart retail outlet in the country as part of the government’s initiative to help ease the cost of living.

The Prime Minister spent some time at the outlet in Indera Mahkota 8, Bandar Indera Mahkota, accompanied by Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh.

The Madani Mart initiative, led by Yayasan Madani, adopts a community retail concept, offering daily necessities at affordable prices and accessible locations.

Fuziah said Madani Mart represented a strategic approach in addressing cost-of-living challenges in a more comprehensive and targeted manner.

She said the initiative did not involve direct government expenditure but was driven through a strategic collaboration model involving the public and private sectors, as well as Yayasan Madani.

“Under a previous model, the government provided capital and paid for renovations and stock purchases. For Madani Mart, the government does not incur any capital outlay,” she told reporters, Bernama reported.

Fuziah said this model also created opportunities for local communities and entrepreneurs to participate.

Madani Mart aims to open at least 640 outlets nationwide, with a target to ensure that each state constituency has at least one outlet.

Separately, the Prime Minister met with Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) president and chairman of the board of directors Zou Jiayi to discuss the sustainable development agenda, covering the transition to green energy and empowerment of digital infrastructure and advanced technology.

“I spoke on the government’s priorities as outlined in the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), focusing on empowering renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and the development of a competitive and inclusive digital ecosystem,” he said in a social media post.

On private investment and regional economic integration, Anwar welcomed AIIB’s commitment to continue strengthening its role to boost strategic investments in Malaysia, particularly in high-value and high-impact sectors. - Star, 4/4/2026

Madani Mart licensors will pay royalties to foundation tied to deputy minister, PM's aides

Published:  Apr 5, 2026 10:58 AM

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Updated: 10:29 A

Madani Mart's licensing scheme will require those interested in setting up an outlet to pay licensing fees and royalties to Yayasan Madani - a foundation with strong links to the corridors of power.

The foundation was co-founded by Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh - who is also the chairperson - together with aides to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Kamil Abdul Munim and Ahmad Farhan Fauzi. The trio are the only listed trustees of the foundation.

According to an FAQ the foundation released, the licensing fees and royalties are reciprocation for training, support, performance monitoring, system management, and supply chain development that Yayasan Madani will provide to Madani Mart licensees.

How much the foundation is charging for licence fees and royalties was not disclosed.

Yayasan Madani's financial statements are also not public as of writing. The foundation was established in March 2024.

When contacted, Kamil said that the foundation will be releasing a statement answering questions regarding the licence fees and royalties, as well as related questions.

PKR Youth chief Kamil Abdul Munim

Malaysiakini has also contacted Fuziah for comment.

Madani Mart seeks to establish a chain of 640 stores across the country, selling goods at "rahmah" (friendly) prices. The first outlet launched by Anwar on Friday is in Kuantan - Fuziah's former parliamentary seat.

Fuziah has assured that no government funds will be involved in Madani Mart.

However, it will involve "strategic collaboration" between the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, licence holders, and Yayasan Madani.

The foundation said the marts also seek to support public initiatives, including the government's Rahmah Sales programme.

Compulsory standardised items

The FAQ also stated that licensees are required to come up with 100 percent of the capital needed to establish an outlet.

Yayasan Madani will dictate 50 percent of the inventory that all Madani Mart outlets must carry to ensure uniformity in goods supplied to the public.

The compulsory items will be sourced from a distribution centre, which the foundation said will keep prices stable and reasonable.

On the Madani Mart website, the list of compulsory items includes rice, cooking oil, flour, sugar, instant noodles, 3-in-1 coffee, bread, canned food, eggs, bottled drinking water, soft drinks, frozen nuggets, sausages, fries, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, laundry and dish detergent.

Operators are allowed to pick their own suppliers for other goods.

Rafizi questions ministry’s involvement

Yesterday, PKR dissident Rafizi Ramli - who has been highly critical of Fuziah - raised concerns about Madani Mart because it involves collaboration with her ministry, which is also responsible for the Rahmah Sales.

Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli

"Rahmah Sales involves allocations of hundreds of millions of ringgit annually. Businesses compete intensely to become suppliers because when they sell to the government, they get normal prices, possibly even higher.

“But when the goods are sold to the public, each kilogramme (for example) is subsidised by the government.

“So, when Madani Mart is run by the ministry’s deputy minister (Fuziah), who is responsible for Rahmah Sales, there is a significant risk because that strategic collaboration creates potential issues,” he said. - Malaysiakini, 5/4/2026

 

Easter - The Call of Jesus to ACT against injustice must be followed - Because we stayed 'silent', we now all suffer the consequence of the US-Israel Illegal War on IRAN?

Jesus, today will be called a Human Rights Defender - who always spoke out against injustices, violation of human rights > and this led to his arrest, torture and execution on the CROSS by the powers of the day. TO be a Christian, means that we personally need to ACT against injustices and human rights violations - not just praying for peace.

 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?

Luke 6:46

Now, Palestine at the time of Jesus, was not Free and Independent - it was an OCCUPIED territory by the ROMAN Empire. 

Like West Bank today, the Romans gave the Palestinians certain limited powers to govern certain aspects. The Palestinians then could not EXECUTE anyone (or impose the Death Penalty) - and that is why in the Bible, the Chief priests had to go to Pontius Pilate(the Roman leader responsible of the religion) to get him to SENTENCE Jesus to Death - and so, Jesus ended up being sentenced to TORTURE followed by execution by crucifiction on the cross.

It was 'the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders,' that came and arrested Jesus...'Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest.' - it was   'the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the teachers of the law,..'

They wanted to EXECUTE or KILL Jesus, but they did not have the POWER to do so in Occupied Palestine - so they took Jesus to Pontius Pilate(the Roman in-charge)

Pilate then send him to HEROD as Galilee fell under Herod's Jurisdiction... 

On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. ⁷ When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. 

But, after that Herod sends him back to Pilate - who despite finding no basis to sentence him to death, Pilate allowed Jesus to be tortured and then crucified...  

Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, ¹⁴ and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. ¹⁵ Neither has Herod,...

Pilate was 'weak' and rather than antagonizing the Jewish local leadership finally gave in - and Jesus ended up being crucified - hanged on the cross until death...

SO, we need to analyze what Jesus was doing that 'angered' the 'authorities' that ended with him being put to death? Well, Jesus was very VOCAL and public in his views HIGHLIGHTING wrongs and also the wrongdoers, and that angered especially certain Jewish... 

 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 

“Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone....

 “Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces...

Jesus replied, “And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them. 

 “Woe to you, because you build tombs for the prophets, and it was your ancestors who killed them. ⁴⁸ So you testify that you approve of what your ancestors did; they killed the prophets, and you build their tombs. ⁴⁹ Because of this, God in his wisdom said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and others they will persecute.’.. 

“Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.” When Jesus went outside, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to oppose him fiercely and to besiege him with questions,  waiting to catch him in something he might say.

Jesus did NOT discriminate - he treated everyone as equals..

Even the ROMAN Centurion -  “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” ¹⁰ Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

Samaritan(not Jew) as an example of good - The story of the Good Samaritan -  “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”³⁷ The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Jesus, a Jewish, initiates conversation with a Samaritan woman, breaking taboos regarding ethnicity, gender, and social status.

A Samaritan(person of another religion) - When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

Woman of questionable repute - A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. ³⁸ As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”...

A CORRUPT public officer - Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. ² A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy....When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” ⁶ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”...But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. ¹⁰ For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Today, many claim to be followers of JESUS - but then they are NOT doing what Jesus wanted them to DO. - he wanted all his followers to follow his example > that means SPEAKING OUT against injustices - and also laying blame on the one's responsible. THUS, is it enough to around claiming that you are CHRISTIAN, if all you do is just PRAY? 

Take US President TRUMP, he claims to be a Christian > do you think what he does would be approved by Jesus?

As it was during the time of Jesus, there are still 'BAD' Jews and good Jews - and despite God's sending of so many prophets, and even JESUS - there still remains JEWS like those in the Zionist Regime. Some sadly regard non-JEWS as not people of concern - More than 70,000 have been killed in Gaza, Iran, Lebanon...

It is sad that some Christians support ISRAEL - because of the Bible, and the fact they were paid special attention - RETHINK - Some JEWS are good, but some JEWS like the Zionist regime is not ... we should oppose those JEWS that do wrong, and thus our objection now is NOT against all Jews(a religion) - but only the Zionist Regime, and their supporters... 

There was NO COUNTRY named Israel - but after World War II, some pushed for an Israel State - and it was created by the United Nations, BUT without any consultation or REFERENDUM of the people who had been living in the area - the question whether they want/agree that their land be divided into 2 > A Palestinian State and an Israeli State - So, the peoples' right to SELF DETERMINATION was violated - worse not by some State, but the UNITED NATIONS itself.

Then, what did the NEW State of Israel do? It took the 'broom' and started trying to RID of all non-Jews, and seize their homes and property >   

The Nakba, Arabic for "catastrophe," refers to the 1948 violent displacement and dispossession of Palestinians during the creation of Israel. Over 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled, losing their homes and land.

The UN had made a GRAVE MISTAKE because they never foresaw that the new State of Israel will do this > GET rid of the original inhabitants of the land unjustly - it is only after that UN passed resolutions condemning the expulsion of non-Jews, and urging their RETURN and restoration of the property/land - so many UN Resolutions about this, against the building of 'illegal' Jewish settlements > but it has continued, and Israel had not complied with UN demands - and the UN failed to take needed actions (WHY? Because most of the time US, UK and other UN permanent member States will prevent UN Resolutions against Israel by abusing their VETO power).

Would Jesus approve of Israel's actions - the answer is 'NO' - even if a new State of Israel was formed according to law, he will demand EQUALITY for all persons in the land, no persecution based only religion. Remember, before this, Palestine(including where Israel is) was a multi-religious community - Muslims, Jews and Christians and they lived in harmony for centuries... Zionism came in with the migrants who came to Israel - some not all). 

Years later, we saw a similar 'genocidal' act when Myanmmar caused the 'expulsion' of Rohingya - More than 750,000 Rohingya Muslims fled Myanmar. Today, that number is over 1.2 million Rohingya are displaced. Today, the number of Palestinian refugees, including descendants, is estimated at over 8 million.

Israel then started OCCUPYING land beyond its 1947 UN defined Borders - What is Israel's AGENDA - expand its BORDERS, then expel NON-Jewish population, then annex these lands to be part of Israel? WHY did Israel even attack IRAN - Iran had never attacked any of its neighbors - and only historically did defend when attacked?

As Christians - we must CONDEMN the US-Israel war on IRAN - because it was clear violation of the United Nations Charter, and International Law.

We must CONDEMN US for attacking IRAN, when the US and Iran were in the midst of negotiations - when US 'surprisingly attacked' without notice.

IRAN's action, thus far may be justified as a RIGHT TO DEFEND itself, under the UN Charter - given also that they have been primarily targeting US military bases and interest in the Gulf States >  but this war is now affecting the whole world > thus we should call on US and Israel to immediately STOP this war - and then IRAN would follow. Asking IRAN to stop first is UNREASONABLE if US and Israel will continue bombardment.

Israel(can it be trusted/), even after entering a CEASEFIRE agreement, have continued breaching it's commitment/obligation. Hence, it is DIFFICULT to Trust Israel when it comes to an 'CEASEFIRE' agreements.. 

As of late March 2026, more than 600–670 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire agreement took effect in October 2025. Despite the truce,intermittent Israeli military operations have continued, resulting in hundreds of fatalities, bringing the total conflict death toll to over 72,000.

IRAN too does not trust US - because last year in the midst of 'NEGOTIATIONS', US attacked Iran, and the same thing happened again this year. 

Rightly, the UNITED NATIONS should come in, in the person of  António Guterres the current Secretary-General of the United Nations,should initiate and end this WAR. UN also may need to be willing to deploy UN forces to end this war - and if US,Israel and/or Iran violates any agreement towards peace - UN must be ever ready to take action even against the US?

It might be of interest to consider what the Roman Catholic Pope Leo has been saying about this 'illegal' WAR 

Pope Leo delivered an unusually forceful message on Sunday, stating that God rejects the prayers of leaders who initiate wars and possess "hands full of blood", as the conflict in Iran entered its second month. Speaking to tens of thousands gathered in St Peter's Square for Palm Sunday, the celebration that inaugurates the holiest week of the year for the world's 1.4 billion Catholics leading up to Easter, the pontiff asserted that Jesus cannot be invoked to justify any form of warfare. "This is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war," Leo, the first U.S. pope, told crowds in brilliant sunshine...."(Jesus) does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them, saying: 'Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood'," he said, citing a Bible passage. - Independent, 29/3/2026

Pope Leo has said aeroplanes should be “carriers of peace” and that aerial bombardments should be banned, in his latest condemnation of war amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran...“Airplanes should always be carriers of peace, never of war. No one should be afraid that threats of death and destruction might come from the sky,” Leo said. He did not specifically refer to the war on Iran. Guardian, 23/3/2026

Pope Leo spoke on the phone with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Friday and urged him to “reopen all paths of dialogue” to end the Iran war, the Vatican said. The pope, who has emerged as a sharp critic of the regional conflict, also urged Herzog to protect civilians and promote respect for international and humanitarian law, the Vatican added. - Algemenier, 3/4/2026

AS Christians, we must be reminded that silence is not an option - We have to ACT ...  

⁴⁶ “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? ⁴⁷ As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. ⁴⁸ They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. ⁴⁹ But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” 

Sadly, many people choose not to bother. They shut their eyes, close their ears...and simply do not bother about anything...and that is WRONG. They are only concerned about their own well-being, and their own families and maybe their own business/jobs > thus not bothered about what happens to other people, in other countries,... this is wrong, for we need to be CONCERNED about every human person, the environment, etc.

The unlawfully commenced Iran War started by US and Israel is TODAY affecting everyone - we feel it with the increase in fuel/gas prices, and an increased cost of living...

The TIME to ACT, as shown by Jesus through his example is NOW.

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE 

 

 

Pope Leo decries 'atrocious violence' in Iran war, urges ceasefire

By Angelo Amante

 

March 15, 20267:12 PM GMT+7Updated March 15, 2026

 , opens new tab

VATICAN CITY, March 15 (Reuters) - Pope Leo made an impassioned plea on Sunday for an immediate ceasefire ​in the expanding Iran war, lamenting "atrocious violence" that he said had ‌killed thousands of non-combatants and caused suffering across the region.

 

As the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran enters its third week, the first U.S. pope warned that violence would not bring the justice, ​stability and peace that the peoples of the region long for.

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"For  ​two weeks, the peoples of the Middle East have been ⁠suffering the atrocious violence of war," the pope said at his weekly Angelus ​prayer in St. Peter's Square.

 

"In the name of Christians in the Middle East ​and of all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict: Cease fire!" Pope Leo said.

IDEA THAT WAR SOLVES PROBLEMS IS 'ABSURD'

Leo added that ​the situation in Lebanon - ravaged by a war between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese ​group Hezbollah - was also a cause of "great concern".

 

"I hope for paths of dialogue that can ‌support ⁠the country's authorities in implementing lasting solutions to the serious crisis currently underway, for the common good of all the Lebanese people," the pope said.

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During a visit to a Rome parish later, the pope said war could never ​resolve problems and hit ​out at people ⁠who invoke God to justify killings.

 

"Today many of our brothers and sisters in the world are suffering because of ​violent conflicts, caused by the absurd claim that problems and ​disagreements can ⁠be resolved through war, when instead we must engage in unceasing dialogue for peace," he said during his homily.

 

"Some even go so far as to invoke ⁠the name ​of God to justify these choices of ​death, but God cannot be enlisted by darkness. Rather, He always comes to bring light, hope and ​peace to humanity."

Reporting by Angelo Amante; Editing by Aidan Lewis and Andrew Heavens - Reuters, 15/3/2026