Sunday, April 30, 2023

Sabah-based company introduces menstrual leave - When will Malaysia?

Indonesia passed a law in 2003 giving women the right to two days of paid menstrual leave per month, without giving prior notice.

Zambia passed a law in 2015 allowing women to take a day off work during their period, without giving notice or supplying a doctor’s note.

Sabah-based company introduces menstrual leave

Brutti & Besi manager Lukman Awaluddin, 29, with his wife Siti Faznur Abd Khaleq, 33.

Brutti & Besi manager Lukman Awaluddin, 29, with his wife Siti Faznur Abd Khaleq, 33.

KUALA LUMPUR — A sustainable furniture-making company in Sabah, 'Brutti & Besi' has introduced paid menstrual leave for its employees.

Women employees at Brutti & Besi are entitled to take a day off for period pain every month with no questions asked.

Mr Lukman Awaluddin, 29, who established the company in Oct 2020 said he hoped to instill a culture of trust and acceptance at work, as well as end the stigma surrounding menstruation.

It is also Mr Lukman's hope that other companies will follow suit and adopt a menstrual leave policy, laying the foundation for a nationwide policy. 

"This menstrual leave policy allows women employees to take time off work without being stigmatised, having to make up excuses or feigning sickness. 

"Our goal is to foster trust among employees to make the workplace more productive, efficient, and creative.

"Besides, women should not be ashamed or stigmatised when applying for period leave. Employees should feel comfortable informing their employers that they are on menstrual leave. Why the need to feel embarrassed of having periods, a critical biological function?" he told the New Straits Times.

The NST first reported on menstrual leave for women workforce in Malaysia on May 23, where proponents said it would be a progressive development to enhance women's health rights in the workplace, while critics believed it would be detrimental to women's employment.

On May 24, close to 90 per cent of netizens who participated in the NST poll on Instagram which asked followers whether Malaysia should implement menstrual leave, had voted in favour of it.

Following a series of reports, the Human Resources Ministry on May 30 told the NST that government-linked companies and private firms in Malaysia are encouraged to implement menstrual leave policy on their own without waiting for the government to legislate it.

PERSONAL STRUGGLE

Mr Lukman, who hails from Putatan, Sabah, also shared a personal incident that inspired him to implement the policy and not wait for the government to mandate menstrual leave by law.

His wife Siti Faznur Abd Khaleq, 33, who is also his business partner had been suffering from severe menstrual cramps for years, which she was said was 'normal'. 

"At one point, the pain was excruciating that she could hardly carry on with day-to-day tasks. We immediately sought medical advice. 

"It was then we learned that she had uterine fibroid about 10cm in diameter. She really underestimated the pain that she had before. Thankfully, the procedure ended well and we had the fibroid removed and Siti is feeling much better now."

Mr Lukman said it was around the same time, a new employee, Ms Dg Nuriah Anis Abd Majid, 23, contacted him seeking permission to take medical leave. 

Inquiring what was the procedure to apply for one, Ms Nuriah Anis shared that she was having severe period pain, he said. 

"We (my wife and I) just told her to go on unrecorded leave but from the conversations we had with Siti's female friends and her gynaecologist, we learned that many women are actually suffering from menstrual pain albeit at a varying degree of pain. 


"As we discussed with the doctor and nurses during my wife's one week stay in the hospital ward, we began to see menstrual cramps as an actual problem that many people overlook.

"Of course, we didn't blindly jump into this (menstrual leave policy). My wife and I thoroughly researched it and studied the various period leave policies implemented in other countries and organisations."

Mr Lukman said after deciding to introduce menstrual leave, they went through another week discussing implementation, deliberating on how it would affect production, key performance indicators, and possible drawbacks.

"In the end, we decided it would be more beneficial for the company to provide menstrual leave in the long run. As a manager, we need to show our employees that we care about them as well. 

"We will build trust together and rather than working in pain and giving only 30 per cent, employees will be more productive at work when they return.

"Further, requiring an employee to see a doctor just to get a medical certificate (MC) while experiencing period pain makes no sense. What's the point of asking her to drive and sit through the waiting time (at a clinic) to get an MC? She might as well drive to work with that pain.

"Hence, we feel menstrual leave should be viewed separately and exempted from the procedure of taking MC."

MENSTRUAL LEAVE POLICY

From the information and data gathered, Mr Lukman and his wife formulated the company's period leave policy granting employees one day off. Subsequent days off would be recorded as medical leave. 

"For now, employees will simply have to use the system to apply for leave. Hopefully, it will not be abused. But it is a risk we have to take. The second day will be deducted from medical leave. We are still experimenting with the mechanism. 

"Nuriah Anis is in the creative team, so while she is away, I will manage the social accounts and handle enquiries. Moving forward, we are looking at new hires as the business booms," he said.

Brutti & Besi is a team of seven employees, including five artisans and two women employees. They are also entitled to 14 days medical leave per year.

Another 10 employees are expected by year-end, and two women artisans will join the team this month, Lukman said. 

He added that should the menstrual leave implementation run smoothly at Brutti & Besi, he would implement it in his other company, a cleaning company with 100 per cent women employees. 

BOTTOM-UP APPROACH

Mr Lukman said friends, including a friend from the cocoa manufacturing business in Sabah, had approached him about menstrual leave. 

"We hope to inspire others. I will encourage more companies to take this (menstrual leave policy) on as a pilot project to gather more data and so that we have better mechanisms for its implementation.

"Perhaps then, the government can adopt it into national policy. It is not an overnight decision. It must start from businesses, people should understand menstrual disorders and normalise period talks."

MENSTRUAL LEAVE, THE WAY FORWARD

Meanwhile, Ms Nuriah Anis, who works in the creative team, believes women need menstrual leave since menstruation affects women not just physically but also mentally, affecting their productivity and quality of work.

"On that day (when I requested a day off for period pain), I reported to work as usual, but in the afternoon I experienced severe pain along with headache so I texted my boss seeking permission to leave early. 

"Well, luckily he approved it. Surprisingly, the next day my boss informed me about menstrual leave. 

"I rarely get period pain, usually just twice or thrice in a year. But when it happens it will be my worst nightmare that I couldn't even get up from bed."

Ms Nuriah Anis, who has to endure fatigue, body ache, diarrhoea and nausea along with severe period pain said she had consulted doctors but was not diagnosed with any menstrual disorders.

"When I have those symptoms, I can't concentrate at work, so I usually have to take MC or request a half-day off.

"Menstrual leave is very beneficial, as we can do their work more efficiently the next day rather than forcing ourselves to do so when we are suffering from severe period pain." NEW STRAITS TIMES - Today Online, 28/4/2023

 

The global push for paid menstrual leave

Besides Spain, companies in several other countries have started offering period leave without being legally required to do so.

Spain became the first European country to adopt legislation allowing for paid menstrual leave. (Envato Elements pic)

PARIS: Many women have painful periods, but only a handful of countries, most of them in Asia, allow them to take time off work to recover.

That’s changing, though.

On Thursday, Spain became the first European country to adopt legislation allowing for paid menstrual leave.

In several other countries, companies have started offering period leave without being legally required to do so.

Here is a summary of the situation worldwide:

Spain: first in Europe

Spain’s bill, which was drafted by the country’s left-wing government, grants paid leave for period pain, provided sufferers have a doctor’s note. The legislation does not specify a timeframe for such leave.

Equality Minister Irene Montero vowed: “No more going to work with pain, no more taking pills before arriving at work and having to hide the fact we’re in pain that makes us unable to work.”

The bill drew criticism from Spanish unions, who warn that, far from liberating women, menstrual leave could prompt employers to prioritise men when hiring.

Indonesia: two days per cycle

Indonesia passed a law in 2003 giving women the right to two days of paid menstrual leave per month, without giving prior notice.

But the provision is in practice discretionary.

Many employers allow only one day a month, while others give no menstrual leave at all, either because they are unaware of the law or choose to disregard it.

Japan: legal since 1947

In Japan, a law dating as far back as 1947 states that companies must agree to give women menstrual leave if they request it, for as long as they need it.

It does not, however, require them to pay women during menstrual leave, but around 30% of Japanese companies offer full or partial pay, according to a 2020 labour ministry survey.

Not many women take advantage of the law, however. The survey of around 6,000 companies found that just 0.9% of eligible workers had taken menstrual leave.

South Korea: one day a month

In South Korea, women are entitled to one day of unpaid menstrual leave per month. Employers who refuse face fines of up to five million won.

A 2018 survey showed greater take-up than in Japan, with a little over 19% of women taking time off.

Taiwan: three days per year

In Taiwan, the Act of Gender Equality in Employment gives women three days of menstrual leave per year, which are not deducted from the statutory 30 days of regular sick leave.

Women can only take one day in any given month.

Like sick leave, workers on menstrual leave receive only 50% of their salary.

Zambia: ‘Mother’s Day’

Zambia passed a law in 2015 allowing women to take a day off work during their period, without giving notice or supplying a doctor’s note.

While the measure is generally accepted and supported, not all employers willingly comply with the law on what is discreetly referred to as “Mother’s Day”.

But, encouraged by trade unions, women are starting to exercise their right, communications expert and women’s rights advocate Ruth Kanyanga Kamwi told AFP.

Company ‘perk’

Some companies and institutions have not waited to be compelled by law to offer women menstrual leave.

They include Australian pension fund Future Super, Indian food delivery start-up Zomato, and French furniture firm Louis which give respectively six, 10 and 12 extra days.

On its website, Los Angeles-based astrology company Chani also offers “unlimited menstrual leave for people with uteruses”. - FMT, 17/2/2023

 

Saturday, April 29, 2023

After Mandatory Death Penalty, Abolish Detention Without Trial Laws

My hope is that Anwar Ibrahim's PH-led coalition government will not disappoint and say "NO PLANS TO ABOLISH DETENTION WITHOUT TRIAL LAWS....blah..blah..? 

People's patience in waiting for reforms promised(directly or implicitly)  or what we hoped this government will bring is limited ... When PH, after GE14, failed to bring real reforms in 22 months - many did not 'forgive' - and that was reflected in the support PH received in GE15..

Anwar Ibrahim became Prime Minister in November 2022 - and after slightly over 5 months, many are wondering when will we see the expected reforms... We see a lot of visits to foreign countries, and now these Hari Raya open houses - and most reforms are yet to become real..

Remember, since GE14 - the duration of government or Premiership has changed - Mahathir(10 May 2018 – 24 February 2020 - 22 months), Muhyiddin(29 February 2020 – 16 August 2021), Ismail Sabri(21 August 2021 – 24 November 2022) > so no more should one expect premiership to last 4-5 years > and, as such, speed is KEY in bringing about needed reforms...

 

 

Media Statement – 29/4/2023

After Mandatory Death Penalty, Abolish Detention Without Trial Laws

End Detention/Restriction Without Right To Fair Trial in Upcoming May Parliamentary Session

As this Malaysian government’s actions leading to the abolition of mandatory death penalty and imprisonment for natural life is applauded, MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture) calls for the immediate repeal of the even more draconian Detention Without Trial(DWT) laws like Prevention Of Crime Act 1959(POCA), Prevention Of Terrorism Act 2015(POTA) and the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985.

As there is no trial, the victims of DWT laws will never ever be sentenced to death or natural life imprisonment for the crimes the government allege that they have committed.

These DWT laws ignore the presumption of innocence until proven guilty after a fair trial, where accused persons have a right to defend himself/herself and the Judge finally decides whether one is guilty or not. Article 11 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law in a public trial at which they have had all the guarantees necessary for their defence.”

Anyone, including the innocent, can be victims of any DWT laws, as these Malaysian laws does not even allow victims the access to court to challenge the reasons used to justify their detention or restrictions.

Section 15B(1) of POCA, where similar provisions are in all DWT laws, states,  There shall be no judicial review in any court of, and no court shall have or exercise any jurisdiction in respect of, any act done or decision made by the Board in the exercise of its discretionary power in accordance with this Act, except in regard to any question on compliance with any procedural requirement in this Act governing such act or decision.’ This means you cannot challenge or question the alleged reasons or justifications as to why you have been arrested, detained or restricted indefinitely by DWT laws, only whether the proper procedure has been followed by the authorities.

Double Punishment for Crimes

Section 17 POCA states that, ‘Any registered person who is convicted of any offence committed after the date of the entry of his name on the Register under the provisions of any law specified in the Second Schedule shall be liable to imprisonment for a term of twice as long as the maximum term for which he would have been liable on conviction for that offence, and also to whipping.’ This includes some offences under Penal Code, Societies Act and other laws.

Thus, for example, for the Section 323 Penal Code offence of ‘…voluntarily causes hurt, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine which may extend to two thousand ringgit or with both….’, the person whose name has been registered under POCA will be facing the risk of DOUBLE the sentence provided in law. Noting the fact that persons registered under POCA have literally have no way of challenging the reasons for the arrest, detention, restriction and even entry into the Register, it is most unjust and in violation of the principle in Article 8(1) of the Federal Constitution which states, ‘(1) All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law.’ On conviction of a crime, everyone should be sentenced in accordance to the sentence provided in law for that crime. To be liable to higher or double sentence is simply unjust.  

Even If Celebrities Like Anwar, Kit Siang… No Longer Victims Of DWT – It Still Must Go

Even though, for some time now, since the abolition of the infamous Internal Security Act, no prominent persons like Karpal Singh, Anwar Ibrahim, Mat Sabu, Hadi Awang, Irene Xavier or Theresa Lim Chin Chin have been arrested, detained or restricted under DWT laws, many persons continue to be victims of these DWT laws and we cannot ignore the need to speedily repeal all DWT laws.

In March 2022, a member of the Crime Prevention Board (LPJ) under the Home Ministry revealed that from April 2014 until March 10 2022, action has been taken against 10,012 individuals using POCA. A total of 2,673 individuals were placed under the detention order while another 6,537 individuals under the surveillance order, and another 802 individuals were released. As of 28/2/2022, a total of 425 individuals are still placed under the detention order while another 2,166 individuals are still under surveillance order. (Star, 13/3/2022)

He also reportedly said that ‘…based on the 2021 statistics, a total of 1,190 people had action taken against them under Poca compared with 1,968 in 2020 in several areas including Simpang Renggam, Pokok Sena, Bentong and Bintulu. He said most of the cases involved drug-related crimes and criminal fraud through the Internet…’

In March 2023, a media report stated, ‘…On POCA, Saifuddin [Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail] said that 132 individuals were detained, of which 67 were Malays, 13 Chinese, 38 Indians, 13 of other races and one foreigner. He said those detained were between 19 and 59 years old…’(Star, 7/3/2023)

POCA, which was originally for violent crimes committed by triads and gangs, have since been amended and it can be applied broadly even for all penal code offences suspected to be committed by more than 1.

Resort To DWT Laws Easy for Law Enforcement to Avoid Duties to prove guilt?

In the recently disclosed 2019 Royal Commission of Inquiry Report On The Discovery Of Transit Camps And Graves At Wang Kelian, which confirmed the deaths of about 114 persons, it was stated that the before 2015, the police did not bring many cases to court for human trafficking prosecution, as POCA was used to take action against them.  This is possible as POCA now is so broad and can be used for a variety of crimes.

Hence, DWT laws can even be used to ‘protect’ even criminals, to deny victims of crime closure, and even the possibility of being compensated by convicted criminals.

How many murderers are under DWT laws, who if charged and convicted in court would face the death penalty if convicted – who now allows them to walk free after being detained for a couple of years?

Has the DWT laws caused law enforcement to get lazy, as they do not have to thoroughly investigate to be able to convince the court of the guilt of the accused if they elect to use POCA and other DWT laws.

Are there cases where bribes were involved to get law enforcement to use DWT, rather than go for a fair trial, where there may be a risk of other truths being revealed during trial, and the possibility of higher sentences for the guilty?

The guilt of any criminal must be proven in court, and only the courts must have the power to punish vide the sentences provided for the respective crimes in Malaysia.

Extrajudicial punishment imposed by the administration or any other administrative Boards must end. Only the courts and judges determine guilt, and should be the only ones allowed to impose punishment on a person convicted of a crime.

Noting that the next Parliamentary Session of the Malaysian Parliament will be on 22nd May - 15 June 2023, MADPET calls on the Malaysian Government to table the Bills that will lead to the abolition of Detention Without Trial Laws. The session thereafter will be in October, which is long way.

MADPET reiterates the call for a speedy repeal of SOSMA, Sedition Act, Societies Act and all other draconian laws.

 

Charles Hector

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

 





Eighty-three held under Poca from Jan 1-March 10

Nation
Sunday, 13 Mar 2022 4:50 PM MYT




KOTA BARU: A total of 83 individuals nationwide have been detained under the Prevention of Crime Act (Poca) 1959 from Jan 1 to March 10 this year.

A member of the Crime Prevention Board (LPJ) under the Home Ministry, Datuk Khalil Azlan Chik said from the figure, 12 were placed under the detention order while another 71 individuals were placed under the surveillance order.

He said LPJ received many case files for action either to issue a police detention order or a surveillance order against hardcore criminals who cannot be prosecuted by the courts due to certain problems.

"It is difficult to accuse a person in court without proof. However, there are testimonies about the involvement of individuals and their files have already been submitted.

"Action can only be taken after we have gone through the processes at Bukit Aman and the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC).

“The enquiry officer would also have to meet the detainee before making recommendations to LPJ for further action,” he said to reporters after launching the Melor police station here.

Also present were Kelantan police chief Datuk Muhamad Zaki Harun and Kelantan Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department (JPJKK) head ACP Mit Emong.
Khalil said since Poca was introduced on April 2, 2014 until March 10, action has been taken against 10,012 individuals under the Act.

A total of 2,673 individuals were placed under the detention order while another 6,537 individuals under the surveillance order, and another 802 individuals were released.

As of Feb 28, a total of 425 individuals are still placed under the detention order while another 2,166 individuals are still under surveillance order.

This brings the total number of those who are still under detention and surveillance orders at 2,591 individuals.

"In Kelantan alone, there are a total of 127 individuals from outside the contingent registered under Poca placed in various police stations in this state,” he said.

Khalil said based on the 2021 statistics, a total of 1,190 people had action taken against them under Poca compared with 1,968 in 2020 in several areas including Simpang Renggam, Pokok Sena, Bentong and Bintulu.

He said most of the cases involved drug-related crimes and criminal fraud through the Internet.

"We also discovered that most of them are aged between 30 and 40. The youngest to date is an 18-year-old individual while the oldest is 73 years old.

"The purpose of the order is to initiate police-society collaboration to guide the individuals into becoming useful individuals. We hope after two years, they will be rehabilitated and released to their home states,” he added. - Bernama, Star - 13/3/2022



Hundreds held under Sosma, Poca and Pota last year

Nation
Tuesday, 07 Mar 2023




KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 624 individuals were detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) last year, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic).

The Home Minister added that 140 of these detainees had already been released.

“Of those detained, 71 were charged in court, 401 were punished, 140 were released and 12 are still under investigation,” he said in a written reply to a question by Chow Yu Hui (PH-Raub) in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

Chow had asked about the number of those detained under Sosma, as well as the breakdown of their race and ages.

He also enquired about the number of those detained under the Prevention of Crime Act (Poca) and the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Pota).

Last month, Saifuddin Nasution, in a written reply to RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong), said Sosma was still a relevant law to maintain national security because it allows the police to take immediate action to defuse any threats to national sovereignty and harmony.

Repealing Sosma was not among the pledges in Pakatan Harapan’s GE15 election manifesto, though several DAP leaders had previously criticised Sosma as having draconian provisions.


Meanwhile, Saifuddin Nasution said those detained under Sosma last year were between 18 and 69 years old and included 247 Malays, 83 Chinese, 89 Indians, 47 of other races and 158 foreigners.

On Poca, Saifuddin said that 132 individuals were detained, of which 67 were Malays, 13 Chinese, 38 Indians, 13 of other races and one foreigner.

He said those detained were between 19 and 59 years old.

Poca, which was amended in 2015, is a preventative law to deal with criminals, particularly members of secret societies, terrorists and other undesirable persons.

Saifuddin Nasution said that only one individual, a Malay, was detained under Pota and is currently under a detention order.

Pota, which was passed in April 2015, allowed authorities to take action against Malaysians suspected of being involved with the Islamic State or other terrorist organisations.

To a written question by Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan (PN-Tasek Gelugor), Saifuddin said that as of Jan 30 this year, 195 individuals were detained under Sosma and are currently undergoing trial.

Of this total, 46 were for smuggling and human trafficking, two for terrorism and 147 for organised crime under the Penal Code.  - Star, 7/3/2023

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Does DAP, Amanah and MUDA support spending government money for PM's Raya Open House? How much money?

What is the position of DAP, Amanah and MUDA about the use of Federal and State monies to hold Hari Raya Open Houses in the 6 States, who will soon have the State Elections? There is the 'unity government's decision - which ought to be a Cabinet decision, and there is the political party's position > So, what Malaysians want to know is what exactly is the position of the political parties like DAP, Amanah, MUDA, GPS, BN, etc??? Are they OK with the expenditure for Raya Open Houses when the government's financial position is not that good. Did the PKR support this?

A 'minor PKR man' criticized MP Hassan Karim for  suggesting ' to use party funds to host the Hari Raya open houses in six states headed for polls.' As a backbencher MP, Hassan Karim is carrying out  his role also as a peoples' representative. Does this Deputy information chief Razeef Rakimin want all PH MPs to just stay quiet?

Does the silence of all other PH MPs mean that they support what Anwar is doing - or are they simply 'being loyal'.

Is it a 'Unity Government' decision - which Cabinet meeting approved this? How much monies to be spend was approved by Cabinet? Was it a unanimous decision ...or a simple majority decision? Monies to be spend - as there will be cost of rental of venue, chairs, P.A. System, food, etc... of course, other questions would be who got the contracts - was there an open tender, or are party connections given the contract?

Which Ministry is footing the Bill? Remember, was it even in the BUDGET?

 

See earlier relevant post:-

Anwar's Raya Open House Must be paid by Anwar himself, or his party - Do not waste Government Funds and Resources, noting Malaysia's 1.5 Trillion Debt??

Use party money, not taxpayer funds to pay for open houses, activist tells PM

Avoid ‘abuse or misuse of government funds and resources’, says lawyer

Updated 23 hours ago · Published on 26 Apr 2023 5:04PM


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Use party money, not taxpayer funds to pay for open houses, activist tells PM
Lawyer Charles Hector says that there is ‘no need’ for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic, right) to host any open houses since the national debt stands at RM1.5 trillion. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes file pic, April 26, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should ensure that the upcoming Malaysia Madani Hari Raya Aidilfitri open houses in six states are not paid for using taxpayer funds, an activist said.

Lawyer Charles Hector said the events should instead be funded by Anwar himself, or his coalition Pakatan Harapan (PH), to avoid “abuse or misuse of government funds and resources.”

Noting that the six states will be holding polls sometime this year, Hector said that it would be “wrong” for the prime minister to dip into government coffers to campaign for his coalition.

“The use of government powers to campaign for upcoming elections is certainly wrong and an abuse of government resources or funds.

“There is no issue if Anwar and PH – or other parties in the unity government – use their own monies and resources to hold such events, but it is wrong, in my opinion, if public or government monies is used (to host the open house events).”

“This is certainly against the call for free and fair elections,” he said in a statement posted on his blog today.

He asserted that since PH had previously criticised the use of government funds to benefit political parties and politicians, it should now “strictly stand against” any practices which would hint at power abuse.

Hector also claimed that there was “no need” for Anwar to host any open houses since the national debt stands at RM1.5 trillion.

Previously, critics had accused Anwar of using the Hari Raya open houses in the states as a form of election campaigning. However, the prime minister has denied such intentions.

The six states – Perikatan Nasional-held Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu as well as PH-led Selangor, Penang, and Negri Sembilan – are due to hold elections before September as they did not dissolve their assemblies simultaneously with Parliament for the general election last November.

On Monday, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said that the six open house events are considered to cost less compared to those conducted by previous governments.

According to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Department, the national-level open house programme in Kedah is expected to host some 25,000 guests.

Meanwhile, the other open houses are set to see 15,000 guests at each location. – The Vibes, April 26, 2023

 

PKR man slams party colleague for remarks on PM’s open houses

Deputy information chief Razeef Rakimin accuses Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim of changing his tune on mixing government business with politics.


PKR deputy information chief Razeef Rakimin (left) has reminded Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim that Hari Raya open houses are government programmes.

PETALING JAYA: A PKR leader has hit out at the party’s Pasir Gudang MP, Hassan Karim, for asking Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to use party funds to host the Hari Raya open houses in six states headed for polls.

PKR deputy information chief Razeef Rakimin claimed that Hassan had once spoken against mixing official government business with politics.

“Now, he (Hassan) is requesting that the party use its funds for government events. Why is he changing his stance?” he said in a statement today.

Razeef also asked why Hassan was directing his queries at Pakatan Harapan (PH), despite the fact that the unity government also comprised Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and Warisan.

“Why is he only focused on PH when he knows this (open house) is a unity government programme?” he said.

The coalition government’s move to hold open houses in Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan and Terengganu has been seen by opposition politicians and political analysts as an effort to woo voters ahead of the state assembly elections.

Yesterday, Hassan said it is not wrong for Anwar to hold Aidilfitri open houses in the six states as long as he used his own funds or PKR or PH funds.

He also said Anwar should announce that public funds will not be used to finance the open houses.

Razeef said the open houses were a government programme and this was not the same as a political party using government resources.

“Why is it difficult for Hassan to understand this difference?” he asked. - FMT, 27/4/2023

 


Rumah terbuka: Hassan Karim saran guna dana parti
oleh NAZRIN ZULKAFLI26 April 2023 09:44pm

Hassan


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SHAH ALAM - Ahli Parlimen Pasir Gudang, Hassan Abdul Karim menyarankan supaya kerajaan menggunakan dana parti bagi menganjurkan Majlis Rumah Terbuka Kerajaan Madani.

Jelas beliau, adalah menjadi kesalahan apabila Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim menggunakan wang kerajaan pusat untuk mengadakan majlis tersebut di banyak negeri.

“Ia jelas satu penyalahgunaan kuasa, termasuklah jika kakitangan awam dan jentera kerajaan digunakan untuk mengendalikan rumah-rumah terbuka tersebut.

“Memang ada peruntukan Perdana Menteri untuk mengadakan majlis rasmi keraian seperti rumah terbuka hari raya. Tetapi di satu tempat sahaja misalnya di kediaman rasmi Perdana Menteri di Seri Perdana, Putrajaya,” katanya dalam satu hantaran di Facebooknya pada Rabu.

Menurutnya, rumah terbuka yang dianjurkan sehingga enam negeri tersebut adalah fenomena baharu yang ditakuti menyalahi kod etika dan undang-undang penggunaan wang awam.


Tambah Hassan, meskipun jumlah digunakan tidak mencecah jutaan ringgit, namun perlu diingatkan ia adalah duit awam dan perlu dibelanjakan secara berhemah, tidak melanggar etika moral dan undang-undang.

Jelasnya, satu ketika dahulu Perdana Menteri India, Indira Ghandi pernah didapati menggunakan helikopter kerajaan untuk berkempen dalam pilihan raya sehingga menyebabkan kerajaannya tumbang.

“Berapalah sangat duit kerajaan India digunakan untuk menerbangkan sebuah helikopter kerajaan untuk Perdana Menteri India, Indira Ghandi berkempen pilihan raya.

“Bukan quantum wang yang digunakan itu besar atau kecil. Yang menjadi isu pokok ialah telah berlaku penyalahgunaan kuasa,” ujarnya.

Jelasnya, kerajaan perlu berjimat memandangkan hutang negara ketika ini sudah mencecah RM1.5 trilion iaitu 82 peratus daripada Keluaran Dalam Negara Kasar.

“Selain itu kerajaan sering memberitahu bahawa kerajaan sedang menanggung beban hutang 1MDB sebanyak RM18.2 billion,” ujarnya. - Sinar Harian, 26/4/2023



Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Anwar's Raya Open House Must be paid by Anwar himself, or his party - Do not waste Government Funds and Resources, noting Malaysia's 1.5 Trillion Debt??

Anwar Ibrahim's PH-led Government holding government RAYA open houses in just the 6 States, who will have State elections in June/July 2023 - and not in any other States, that already had their State elections in November 2022 ...RAISES questions as to whether this is an ABUSE or a MISUSE of government funds and resources - to maybe, to help Anwar's party or coalition to win in the upcoming State elections. 

The nation’s debts and liabilities stand at about RM1.5 trillion, or 82% of the gross domestic product, Anwar said during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat. That includes 1MDB’s debt of RM18.2 billion, he said.- RM1. 5 Trillion Debt - Should not government behave differently to reduce spending/debts? Bonuses? No Toll?...

The USE of government resources/funds and powers to 'campaign' for upcoming elections is certainly wrong > and an abuse of government resources and funds. It seems that Federal government funds are being used for 3 of these events, and State funds are being used for the events in Selangor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan.

The prime minister’s annual Aidilfitri open house will be held in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu for the first time, says the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM)...The open house in Kedah will be held at Hotel Raia, Alor Setar on April 29 from 10am to 2pm, and the Kelantan open house will be on May 12 from 7pm to 10.30pm at the grounds of Stadium Sultan Muhammad IV.The open house in Terengganu will be held on May 13 at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin’s (UniSZA) Dewan Al-Muktafi Billah Shah from 7pm to 10.30pm...It said Anwar will also attend three other Aidilfitri open houses in Selangor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan, organised by the state governments.

NO ISSUE if Anwar and PH(or the Coalition of parties in the Unity Government) is using their OWN monies and resources to hold such events....but it is WRONG, in my opinion, if the the Malaysian peoples' monies or government monies, be it Federal government, State government or Local Government funds/resources, is being used. This is certainly against the call for a FREE and FAIR elections. 

I recall how these same political parties, when they were in the Opposition (or even in government) were critical of the use of government funds/resources to benefit political parties and politicians.

Therefore, after coming into government - politicians and parties must strictly stand against the use of government funds/powers/resources to benefit certain politicians and political parties.

There was no need for PM Anwar to have any OPEN HOUSE - especially noting that Malaysia has too high a debt, and such LUXURY must be put aside. 

Now, how much MONIES will be expended for these 6 Raya Open Houses? Not to forget government resources, including time expended by public officers...

Mat Sabu salahgunakan kuasa untuk bantu Anwar? Anwar bikin bukan saperti cakap? EC diam?

“I am confident veterans will be better off with increases in government revenue, which we are working towards so that Malaysia returns to its glory days,” he said at the Pingat Jasa Malaysia awards ceremony for the 22nd Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment veterans of the Port Dickson zone in Port Dickson today...Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan’s candidate for the Port Dickson by-election, was present at the event.{Generally, no election candidates will have access into military camps...]

Seorang pembantu kepada veteran DAP Lim Kit Siang mempersoalkan masa peruntukan RM500,000 untuk mengubahsuai dan membaiki prasarana untuk kakitangan angkatan tentera di Port Dickson. Setiausaha Politik Syahredzan Johan menjawab pertanyaan di Twitter yang mengkritik pengumuman kerajaan Pakatan Harapan (PH) itu, kurang dari 3 minggu sebelum pilihan raya kecil 13 Oktober.

Anwar to attend Raya open house in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu

This is the first time that it will not be held at the prime minister’s official residence in Putrajaya.


Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will also attend three other Aidilfitri open houses in Selangor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan, organised by the state governments.

PETALING JAYA: The prime minister’s annual Aidilfitri open house will be held in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu for the first time, says the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM).

It said this is the first time that the annual open house for Aidilfitri will not be held at the prime minister’s official residence in Putrajaya.

The open house in Kedah will be held at Hotel Raia, Alor Setar on April 29 from 10am to 2pm, and the Kelantan open house will be on May 12 from 7pm to 10.30pm at the grounds of Stadium Sultan Muhammad IV.

The open house in Terengganu will be held on May 13 at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin’s (UniSZA) Dewan Al-Muktafi Billah Shah from 7pm to 10.30pm.

“The programmes will be held in cooperation with the respective state governments as the hosts, while ministries will be appointed to help with their implementation.

“These programmes will be attended by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as the guest of honour. The respective menteris besar will also be invited as well as federal ministers,” the department said in a statement.

It said Anwar will also attend three other Aidilfitri open houses in Selangor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan, organised by the state governments. - FMT, 20/4/2023

 

Malaysia Madani Aidilfitri open house in six states will not be a waste, says Saifuddin

Tuesday, 25 Apr 2023 7:20 PM MYT


Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail - File pic

BUKIT KAYU HITAM: The Malaysia Madani Aidilfitri open house with the Prime Minister slated to be held in six states starting with Kedah on April 29 will not be a waste, rather an effort to celebrate and fete the people in conjunction with Hari Raya.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said serving food such as ketupat and lemang as well as satay at the open houses does not involve excessive costs.

"Why would we be so calculative about having open houses to celebrate Aidilfitri with the people? Ketupat and lemang will not cost that much. I don’t see any issue...how would it be a waste?

"Other than lemang, ketupat and satay, there will also be booths offering cendol and ais kacang, and they are not that expensive. InsyaAllah, it won’t be a waste,” he told a press conference after attending the Aidilfitri do at the General Operations Force Tactical Base (Martak PGA) here today (April 25).

Saifuddin Nasution said this in response to a report quoting Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor as saying that the open houses were part of programmes held in view of the upcoming state elections and should not be organised.

Muhammad Sanusi was also quoted as saying that the programmes would involve high costs despite the Federal Government’s austerity drive and proposed for it to be held just in Putrajaya as usual.

This year’s open houses are slated to be held in Kedah on April 29; Penang (May 6); Negri Sembilan (May 7); Kelantan (May 12); Terengganu (May 13) and Selangor (May 14).

Saifuddin Nasution, who is also Pakatan Harapan secretary-general, said the open houses were not election campaign programmes, but rather an approach for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to reach out and meet the people.

He said the PAS-led Kedah government and all the people, including Muhammad Sanusi, are welcome to attend the open house in the state on April 29.

Saifuddin Nasution also said that the seat distribution discussions between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional for the state elections in the six states are running smoothly.

"There is no problem in the negotiation process. I can say that it’s progressing well,” he added. - Bernama, Star, 25/4/2023