Death In Police Custody - Cover-Up, Highly Suspicious Timestamps of CCTV footage,...post-death log entries, mandatory health check-ups -

Death In Police Custody  - it is almost impossible for anyone in police detention to commit suicide, as detainees in police lock-ups are monitored 24 hours a day. Then, there is discrepancy with CCTV recordings...

Anand said the timestamps of the CCTV footage were highly suspicious, with a discrepancy of 25 to 30 minutes.

“The footage should have been monitored by the duty policeman in charge. But here there are just small screens hung up on the ceiling, serving just as a playback device. It is shocking.”

He also noted that a logbook for lock-up patrols contained an entry claiming that a patrol was made coinciding with the time of Fadzrin’s death.

“In the logbook, a remark saying ‘buat rondaan’ (patrol) was added at the time of the deceased’s death. It is highly suspicious as it was the only entry of such nature. It is a cover-up, taking advantage of the discrepancy in CCTV timestamps,” he said.

Causing death by negligence is a CRIME in Malaysia - Will the relevant police officers be charged and tried in court >> Or will this be yet another criminal case involving police officers that will be 'covered-up'?

In February 2024, there was another death in custody - where the police FAILED to take a detainee to hospital

 ...Hidayat complained to the officers on duty that he was not well, and that he had also vomited.

The officers gave him a Panadol to ease his pain. Hidayat died the following day.

HR Groups have called for MANDATORY health checks of all detainees in police lock-ups - this is to prevent DEATHS in Custody. Some detainees need to take regular medication - like for patients suffering from Diabetes, High Blood Pressure. Pre-arrest or arrest violence can also result in detainees dying -

Groups have also called for CCTV with recording capabilities, that could not be tampered. In the past, during inquest, it is not uncommon to be informed that CCTV was not working, or that there is no CCTV. There were also live CCTV that is meant to be continuously monitored by police officers from their desk - but the problem is that the police officer is negligently absent ...

In the earlier case, the police officer is expected to regularly patrol the lock-ups - but alas, it seems that they did not - a remark saying ‘buat rondaan’ (patrol) was added at the time of the deceased’s death.

Should not such police officers be CHARGED in court for the crimes, even if it is by reason of Negligence?

Would it not be best that AUTOPSY is conducted for all deaths in custody - so we can be clearer as to the actual cause of death. Non-performance of autopsy presumes an  attempt to cover up the REAL cause of death.

In Malaysia, very few take cases of death in custody to court - so, we will not know the TRUTH.

Everyone can make a mistake even the CORONER - how could he be so sure that it was suicide? Why did he not impose criminal liability to the police for even 'suicides' as it is almost impossible for detainees, being continuously monitored by police to prepare or even commit suicide???

Back to preservation of CCTV records - should it not be done by someone, other than the police?

See earlier posts:- 

Body Cams NOW, not in 2025 or 2026, for all Law Enforcement Officers to curb corruption, abuse of power and violation of rights Explain Delay and Why Mindwave Consultancy Sdn Bhd given the contract? (MADPET)

Death in POLICE CUSTODY - we need the Coroner's Report 'confirming' police did not KILL?

2022 2nd Death in Police Custody(16th Jan) - Pengkalan Chepa. Coroner - Tell us how he died?

If proper procedure followed, 63 year old accused will be alive today, and not died in a police lock-up

3rd Death in Police Custody in 2022 - at this rate, for 2022 we will get 36? All police lockups have CCTV by end 2021

7th Death in Police Custody in 2022 - like Covid, the number of cases in police custody are sky-rocketing this year? Other deaths in custody????

6th Death in Police Custody of 2022 > Has the Coroner(the Sessions Court Judge) already viewed the body, at site of death, started investigation? 

Contempt Proceedings Against Home Minister and Others for failure to complete inquest in death in custody cases as directed by the Judiciary?

16th Death In Police Custody in 2022, and disclosure of Coroner’s investigation and status of reform implementation to reduce deaths, and facilitate investigation needed..(MADPET)

Court finds police negligent over man’s death in custody
Story by Predeep Nambiar • 1d • 3 min read

Fadhelah Othman says she is happy with the court’s verdict but continues to grieve over her son’s death.© Provided by Free Malaysia Today

GEORGE TOWN: The High Court here has ruled that the death of a detainee at a Penang police lock-up five years ago was due to negligence by the police, who failed to prevent his suicide.

In finding the police and the government liable, the court ordered them to pay RM197,600 in damages and costs to the family of Fadzrin Zaidi, 29.

Justice Anand Ponnudurai said the police had breached the duty of care owed to Fadzrin, a gravedigger, by failing to carry out regular patrols which could have prevented his death.

He said such patrols were a requirement under the 1953 Lock-Up Rules.

“The defendants owed a duty of care and it is wrong to say Fadzrin was not a suicide risk. Under the lock-up rules, that risk should have been assessed through a mandatory health check,” he said.

Fadzrin was detained during a drug raid in 2019 and found dead in his cell at the Kepala Batas police station two days later. His death certificate stated that the cause of death was “consistent with hanging”.

A coroner previously ruled that he had committed suicide, citing CCTV footage and testimony from nine witnesses. His mother, Fadhelah Othman, later sued the police and government for negligence.

Footage from an inquest showed Fadzrin wandering in his cell while his cellmates slept at 1.05am before he hanged himself at 1.51am. Paramedics pronounced him dead at 2.55am.

Anand said the timestamps of the CCTV footage were highly suspicious, with a discrepancy of 25 to 30 minutes.

“The footage should have been monitored by the duty policeman in charge. But here there are just small screens hung up on the ceiling, serving just as a playback device. It is shocking.”

He also noted that a logbook for lock-up patrols contained an entry claiming that a patrol was made coinciding with the time of Fadzrin’s death.

“In the logbook, a remark saying ‘buat rondaan’ (patrol) was added at the time of the deceased’s death. It is highly suspicious as it was the only entry of such nature. It is a cover-up, taking advantage of the discrepancy in CCTV timestamps,” he said.

The judge also found the government, as the employer of the police force, vicariously liable for negligence.

He ordered Putrajaya to pay RM57,600 in dependency costs, RM30,000 in bereavement costs, RM50,000 in aggravated damages, special damages of RM10,000 and costs of RM50,000 to Fadhelah.

Fadhelah told reporters outside the courtroom she was happy with the verdict but still grieving over her son’s death.

“My husband passed away heartbroken over our son’s death,” she added.

Lawyers M Visvanathan, V Sanjay Nathan and V Pushan Qin Nathan appeared for the family. Senior federal counsel Nur Ezdiani Roleb and federal counsel Syafiq Affandy Hasan appeared for the police and the government.

Coroner Norsalha Hamzah previously found that Fadzrin had wanted to take his own life, based on video footage shown in court.

She said there were no criminal elements leading to his death, and that Fadzrin was likely “ashamed to have been caught by police as he was about to get married soon”. - FMT, 20/5/2024



Court holds police responsible for construction worker’s death in custody
Story by FMT Reporters • 3mo • 1 min read



Hidayat Abdul Halim’s brother Faiz (second from right) and representatives from NGOs Suaram and Gegar submitted a memorandum to the AGC requesting an inquest into Hidayat’s death in this 2021 file photo.© Provided by Free Malaysia Today

PETALING JAYA: The Kuantan coroner’s court has ruled that the police were responsible for the death of a detainee at the Pekan police station three years ago.

Construction worker Hidayat Abdul Halim was arrested by police at his home on Oct 8, 2021, after allegedly consuming drugs.

He was taken to the Pekan police station and died 48 hours later. He is survived by his wife and six children.

An inquest was held to determine Hidayat’s death, with coroner Ahmad Zamzani Zain finding that Hidayat died of internal bleeding in his brain.

Ahmad Zamzani added that Hidayat’s death could have been prevented if the police had taken him to seek medical treatment.

During the proceedings, the court heard that Hidayat complained to the officers on duty that he was not well, and that he had also vomited.

The officers gave him a Panadol to ease his pain. Hidayat died the following day.

His family contended that the officers in charge should have consulted their supervisors on what to do when a detainee fell sick.

Lawyers Haijan Omar and Nik Zarith Nik Moustapha held a watching brief for Hidayat’s family while deputy public prosecutor Syarifah Nursyuhada Tuan Mat was the inquest conducting officer. - FMT,. 7/2/2024

Should Fadhlina Sidek remain Education Minister, when she considers Zahid Hamidi her 'role model' and/or 'teacher'?

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek showered praise on Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, calling him one of her “teachers”.

Malaysia's Education Minister considers Zahid Hamidi a 'role model'...a 'teacher', and this makes one very worried... of the suitability of Fadhlina to remain as EDUCATION Minister responsible for the education of children in Malaysia...

Let us not forget that Zahid Hamidi - Prosecution had already proved a PRIMA FACIE case of 47 charges - this means, he will definitely be convicted and sentenced unless he is able to raise 'reasonable doubt' during the defence case, which he already failed to do in cross-examination of the prosecution witness. A rather hard place to be.... The fact that the Public Prosecutor discontinued his criminal case does not change the fact. {For me, if Zahid Hamidi is not guilty, then he must convince the Judge/Court of this fact, ... )

Did Zahid Hamidi take a position in the 1MDB scandal like what Muhyiddin Yasin did? No, he did not - in fact, he still believes that Najib did not commit any crime...

So, if Fadhlina, considers Zahid a 'teacher' and a 'role model' - in my opinion, it is indicative of her character, morals, values and principles > and I certainly will not want her to be EDUCATION MINISTER.

Anwar should consider a new EDUCATION MINISTER...

And, in fact, he really should remove Zahid Hamidi from Cabinet - it is interesting to note that this DPM Zahid may be behaving like the 'Prime Minister' of Malaysia looking at number of media reports about Zahid (he may be the first DPM who speaks so much, and appears in the press so often).  

See also:-

Was PM's comments about Zahid Hamidi's case inappropriate? A personal opinion OK - but as PM?

If DPP Raja Rozela Raja Toran continues to prosecute, Zahid Hamidi will likely be convicted and sentenced? Come back and prosecute to the end..

When AG who discontinued Zahid's case gets appointed Chairman of a GLC - A question of public perception?

What happened to Zahid's DNAA Parliamentary Committee? Separation of AG from Public Prosecutor important but the DNAA?

Zahid Hamidi's can always be charged again, the trial reinstated and continued - section 254A CPC? Explaining and concerns?

Power of PM(Government) to influence police, prosecutors and Judges? Why ask PM to intervene in cases, when he has no such power? 

29 Bribery Charges - mid-trial discontinuance and acquittal - Time to Abolish ACQUITAL safe for after trial/close of prosecution case?

Zahid Hamidi should not have met 'alleged donors'- 'interference with on-going investigation'? 

 

When Anwar's angry at me, Zahid comes to my defence - Fadhlina

Published:  May 16, 2024 10:01 PM

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Updated: May 17, 2024 9:35 AM

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek showered praise on Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, calling him one of her “teachers”.

During a speech at a Teacher’s Day event, she shared how the Umno president has a more nurturing relationship with her compared to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“Every time the prime minister gets angry at me, it is Zahid who will defend me.

“So I have two role models, one who is angry because he wants me to keep working hard and one who defends me because he wants me to keep being better.

ADS

“So I have two teachers who are very important in the Madani leadership today,” she said.

Fadhlina is the chief of PKR’s women’s wing, the same party established and headed by Anwar.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

The event celebrating the 53rd National Teacher’s Day was held at the Zenith Hotel in Kuantan, Pahang.

Fadhlina also thanked Zahid for his efforts in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes.

ADS

He provided support and an ecosystem for national TVET education, she said.

“The establishment of the national TVET council and the national TVET policies would not succeed without the trust of the national leadership and also without his (Zahid’s) commitment, who is willing to go on the ground in several countries to see developments for himself and bring home (methods) to be used by us together,” she said.

TVET programmes are a focus of the country’s education direction, she said.

She said efforts are being taken so that youth and their parents do not see TVET as a second choice but as their main one.

Improving use of technology by teachers

During the event, she also announced initiatives for teachers to enhance their capacity in digital technology.

According to a Bernama report, she said her ministry will collaborate with Apple Professional Learning Specialist Malaysia to train 100,000 “Apple Teachers”.

“Also, in the context of recognising teachers who excel in adapting to digital technology, 1,000 teachers will be selected to attend courses to be certified as digital professionals and recognised as the Education Ministry’s Guru Jauhari Digital,” she said.

Further, the existing Cuti-Cuti Cikgu (CCC, or Teacher’s Holiday) programme will see partnerships with Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, Bank Rakyat, Wetland Putrajaya, Air Asia, and Traveloka this year.

Fadhlina also announced two publishing grants worth RM10,000 each, for writing about “Madani Teacher Figure” and “Madani Leadership Figure” topics.

She then revealed the development of a Teacher Well-being Index, aimed at assessing the educator ecosystem. - Malaysiakini, 16/5/2024

UITM - End exclusive for Malay/'BUMI' policy for public universities and schools - Is Malaysian government cultivating racism...and 'apartheid'?

All Malaysians need to decide...

When did Malaysia's University Students become racist - and fail to appreciate the importance equality of persons? The outright rejection of Malaysian students who are 'not Malay or not natives of Sabah and Sarawak' ...

 

Are we like Zionist Israel - where we discriminate against people simply because they were born of parents of a particular ethnicity or religion? 

In its early years, Israel decided to work systematically to ensure that Palestinians with Israeli citizenship could not enter its universities, or that those who did would only be allowed to follow a particular educational path.... Today, Palestinians inside Israel constitute almost 20 percent of the population. And despite the many barriers, such as language, cultural differences, and identity dilemmas in the public sphere, the percentage of Palestinian students in Israeli academic institutions constitutes around 19 percent of the total number of students in Israel. - Oops, UITM is worse that Israel's Universities who now allow Palestinian students

Are we like previous Apartheid regime of South African, where certain ethnicities were privileged and others victimized? 

Are we like US of old when African Americans and other non-whites were discriminated by reason of ethnicity,....? 

2024 - and Malaysia still maintains 'apartheid like' policies and practices.

Shocking when a University Student Body called for the Opposition to the allowing of non-Malay...non-natives of Sarawak/Sabah into the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM). No to students, irrespective of whether they come from poorer families simply because their or their parents are a particular ethnic group....BUT then does not UITM admit international(non-Malaysian) students? And this makes the exclusion of Malaysian students of not a certain ethnicity even more draconian and unacceptable...

Let's look at Article 153 - 

Article 153

(1) It shall be the responsibility of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to safeguard the special position of the Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak and the legitimate interests of other communities in accordance with the provisions of this Article.

(2) Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, but subject to the provisions of Article 40 and of this Article, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall exercise his functions under this Constitution and federal law in such manner as may be necessary to safeguard the special provision of the Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak and to ensure the reservation for Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak of such proportion as he may deem reasonable of positions in the public service (other than the public service of a State) and of scholarships, exhibitions and other similar educational or training privileges or special facilities given or accorded by the Federal Government and, when any permit or licence for the operation of any trade or business is required by federal law, then, subject to the provisions of that law and this Article, of such permits and licences.

(3) The Yang di-Pertuan Agong may, in order to ensure in accordance with Clause (2) the reservation to Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak of positions in the public service and of scholarships, exhibitions and other educational or training privileges or special facilities, give such general directions as may be required for that purpose to any Commission to which Part X applies or to any authority charged with responsibility for the grant of such scholarships, exhibitions or other educational or training privileges or special facilities; and the Commission or authority shall duly comply with the directions.

(4) In exercising his functions under this Constitution and federal law in accordance with Clauses (1) to (3) the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall not deprive any person of any public office held by him or of the continuance of any scholarship, exhibition or other educational or training privileges or special facilities enjoyed by him.

(5) This Article does not derogate from the provisions of Article 136.

(6) Where by existing federal law a permit or licence is required for the operation of any trade or business the Yang di-Pertuan Agong may exercise his functions under that law in such manner, or give such general directions to any authority charged under that law with the grant of such permits or licences, as may be required to ensure the reservation of such proportion of such permits or licences for Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak as the Yang di- Pertuan Agong may deem reasonable, and the authority shall duly comply with the directions.

(7) Nothing in this Article shall operate to deprive or authorise the deprivation of any person of any right, privilege, permit or licence accrued to or enjoyed or held by him or to authorised a refusal to renew to any person any such permit or licence or a refusal to grant to the heirs, successors or assigns of a person any permit or licence when the renewal or grant might reasonably be expected in the ordinary course of events.

(8) Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, where by any federal law any permit or licence is required for the operation of any trade or business, that law may provide for the reservation of a proportion of such permits or licences for Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak; but no such law shall for the purpose of ensuring such a reservation -

(a) deprive or authorise the deprivation of any person of any right, privilege, permit or licence accrued to or enjoyed or held by him;

(b) authorise a refusal to renew to any person any such permit or licence or a refusal to grant to the heirs, successors or assigns of any person any permit or licence when the renewal or grant might in accordance with he other provisions of the law reasonably be expected in the ordinary course of events, or prevent any person from transferring together with his business any transferable licence to operate that business; or

(c) where no permit or licence was previously required for the operation of the trade or business, authorise a refusal to grant a permit or licence to any person for the operation of any trade or business which immediately before the coming into force of the law he had been bona fide carrying on, or authorise a refusal subsequently to renew to any such person any permit or licence, or a refusal to grant to the heirs, successors or assigns of any such person any such permit or licence when the renewal or grant might in accordance with the other provisions of that law reasonably be expected in the ordinary course of events.

(8A) Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, where in any University, College and other educational institution providing education after Malaysian Certificate of Education or its equivalent, the number of places offered by the authority responsible for the management of the University, College or such educational institution to candidates for any course of study is less than the number of candidates qualified for such places, it shall be lawful for the Yang di- Pertuan Agong by virtue of this Article to give such directions to the authority as may be required to ensure the reservation of such proportion of such places for Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak as the Yank di- Pertuan Agong may deem reasonable, and the authority shall duly comply with the directions.

(9) Noting in this Article shall empower Parliament to restrict business or trade solely for the purpose of reservations for Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak.

(9A) In this Article the expression "natives" in relation to the State of Sabah or Sarawak shall have the meaning assigned to it in Article 161A.

(10) The Constitution of the State of any Ruler may make provision corresponding (with the necessary modifications) to the provisions of this Article.

Points to note  

1. The King(States) obligation is to all Malaysians. '...to safeguard the special position of the Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak and the legitimate interests of other communities...' Does the other communities have no 'legitimate interest' to be able their children to public Universities like UITM?

2. There is no provision for Universities/Schools exclusively for Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak - they talk about ' ...of such proportion as he may deem reasonable...' - nothing about 100% for for Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak. Even if 100%, then the admission of foreign international students is a DIRECT violation?

3. Students(including University Students) had a history of upholding the cause of justice without fear or favour - and that is why that position taken by this University's student council is most shocking and disappointing. What is the position of other University groups in Malaysia? Silence is not an option here...

4. Mono-ethnic political parties like UMNO may take this kind of position for the interest of Malays, being their membership and the ethnic group they promised to fight for. But, then political domination of the UMNO-led Barisan Nasional(BN), where other major partners were MIC(Malaysian Indian Congress) and MCA(Malaysian Chinese Association) came to an end after GE14(2018) and reaffirmed rejection in GE15(2022). The rejection of the BN is clear when at GE15 the BN only managed to win 30 Parliamentary seats out of the 200 plus seats contested. 

5. The power shift was to a coalition of parties that are all multi-ethnic and multi-religious, in short representing ALL Malaysians - the Pakatan Harapan(PH) - made up of Anwar's PKR, DAP, Amanah,... 

6. Thus, is it not Time to REVIEW and introduce NEW POLICIES different from that previously advocated by BN - which was inclined to keep Malaysians divided - always reminding them of the difference in their ethnic origins. So, will this Anwar Ibrahim's PH-led coalition simply MAINTAIN BN policies and practices, or will the ADOPT new policies and practices for Malaysia and its people.

7. Many of the tings that are present today are BN political constructs - just like "Bumiputra', which may be even against the Federal Constitution. Remember, Art. 153 is very specific as to who are the groups of Malaysians that are entitled to this 'special preference' - It says only  Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak, and when it comes to Malays, it does not mean all Malays, but as defined under Article 160

• "Malay" means a person who professes the religion of Islam, habitually speaks the Malay language, conforms to Malay custom and -
  • (a) was before Merdeka Day born in the Federation or in Singapore or born of parents one of whom was born in the Federation or in Singapore, or is on that day domiciled in the Federation or in Singapore; or
  • (b) is the issue of such a person;

It certainly do not include the NEW Malays being those who later came to Malaysia from Indonesia, Pakistan,etc. It does not include children of Indonesian, Filipinos, Thai who were given PR status.

8. Now, the term BUMIPUTRA is a political construct of the then BN regimes of old. Does the term Bumiputra mean the groups specified in Art. 153 or does it include others.

9. Our Federal Constitution has been amended about 50 times, so if we decided that other groups should also be accorded the Art.153 preferences, the right thing to do was to amend and add these new groups. Note the Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia was missed out - the Constitution ought to have been amended to include them. But note we can specifically add additional ethnic groups by way of amendment of Art.153 - some new ethnic groups today considered 'Bumiputra' are at risk at the hands of the government of the day - for today they may be Bumiputra, but legally speaking, there are not entitled to the 'preferential treatment' specifically provided for in Art.153. There is also no legal definition of who is considered Bumiputra in Malaysia - Yesterday Indian Muslims may be 'Bumiputra', but tommorrow, they may not So, is the government of the day using this wrongly to get political support - for if you do not support the government parties, you are at risk of no more receiving the preferential treatment... If new groups are to be made entitled, amend the Constitution and specifically include them in Art. 153.

10. QUOTA - it is not a question that Malaysians oppose quotas, but they want CLARIFICATION and certainty of the quota system. In terms of entrance into public universities, one quota that is neither ethnic-based or religious based, is the quota that takes into account where your school is - Those from rural or smaller towns are given a preference. Those who studied in Kuantan, Kota Baru will require a lower academic achievement to enter public universities. But, the issue that plays most people's minds is 'ethnic quotas' - and this confusion must be dealt with with reasonable explanation.

 

11. Remember, when a young person raised the issue of OUOTA - Anwar's response was “If I wanted to satisfy you and say ‘scrap the quota system’, we will lose all elections and you will suffer more in this country run by PAS and Bersatu...' What nonsense? So, no REFORMS because if we do, we will lose the elections? No abolition of Sedition Act - because we will lose the elections? Are we now not going to have NO REFORMS?

 

The biggest concern is the failure of Anwar Ibrahim's PH-led coalition government that failure that seems to cultivate rather than eradicate racism...

 

The Malaysian people had already REJECTED the BN and also its racist policies - and that is why they have appointed the ALTERNATIVE Pakatan Harapan - but as time passes, it looks like Anwar and PH have simply continued on the previous BN racial policies...

 

Hopefully, Anwar will not respond by saying this a 3R issue that Malaysians should not be talking about - 

 

 

  

LFL: Nothing in law prohibits non-bumi admission into UiTM

Published:  May 18, 2024 11:29 AM

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Updated: 1:05 PM

 

There is no provision in the law that prohibits the admission of non-bumiputera students into Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), said Lawyers for Liberty.

The human rights group's director Zaid Malek said this in a statement today, particularly referring to Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.

"The multitude of statements that have come up from various quarters on this issue has misunderstood and twisted the meaning of Article 153 of the Constitution and its relation to UiTM.

"This is hardly surprising as successive governments and political leaders since the early 70s have consistently misinterpreted and abused the application of Art 153 for political gain at the expense of national unity. This has led to disadvantages for non-bumiputera which is not envisaged by article 153," he said.

This was in response to Bersatu Youth's support of UiTM students protesting against a proposal to allow non-bumiputera to enrol in its cardiothoracic surgery postgraduate programme.

Zaid explained that Article 153 (2) of the Constitution allows the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to determine a reasonable proportion of educational privileges for the Malays and the natives and Sabah and Sarawak.

"[However] Article 153(1) states clearly that the legitimate interests of other communities must be safeguarded when utilising said provision.

"As such, there is certainly nothing within article 153 that would make it unconstitutional to allow non-bumiputera to enrol in any of UiTM courses," said Zaid.

"The usage of the term ‘reasonable proportion’ would mean that if the king were to determine that it is necessary to apportion a certain quota of non-Malays to enrol into any of UiTM’s programme, then it would be entirely in compliance with article 153 of the Constitution," he added.

Power lies with the govt

Elaborating, Zaid noted that the determination of the reasonable proportion of quota for educational purposes under Article 153 (2) is subject to the provisions of Article 40, which means the king is bound by the advice of the cabinet on the matter.

"The power ultimately lies with the government to decide. I say this clearly, because of the recent trend of government leaders attempting to shift responsibility for their acts to the constitutional monarch.

"The proposal to open up UiTM’s cardiothoracic surgery postgraduate programme comes from an acute shortage of the requisite number of cardiothoracic surgeons to serve the Malaysian public. This consideration is not in violation of article 153 and it is an affront of the Constitution to suggest otherwise."

Zaid then urged the government not to accede to calls by "overzealous ethnonationalists" who ignore the dire state of our healthcare system.

UiTm is funded by taxpayers' money and should therefore be utilised to ensure the country's healthcare system does not deteriorate further, he said.

"The availability of surgeons could mean the difference between life and death to the public, whether they are non-bumiputera or bumiputera.

"The political system makes differences between bumiputera and non-bumiputera, but the disease does not," Zaid added. - Malaysiakini, 18/5/2024

Anwar faces brickbats for 'bullying' student

Published:  Aug 6, 2023 3:17 PM

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Updated: 8:13 PM

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has found himself in hot water once again for his behaviour towards a teenage student, this time with netizens labelling him a “bully”.

Social media users expressed their dissatisfaction with Anwar’s dismissive response to a teenager who asked whether the government planned to do away with the bumiputera quota system, according to Malaysia Now.

The prime minister’s reaction was seen as bullying, overshadowing the student’s genuine and non-political question.

During a dialogue session at Kolej Matrikulasi Pulau Pinang in Kepala Batas yesterday, the student requested that she be given time to explain some context before posing her question.

“When will the quota system be abolished and replaced by a meritocracy system?

“My friends and I, as well as others that are not known, are affected by this quota system, all because they don’t have bumiputera status,” she was heard saying in a video of the event posted on Anwar’s official Facebook.

However, Anwar cut her off before she could explain, saying he already understood the question and that he had previously answered a similar one.

“This is an important question but you need to understand history, you need to know about the social contract,” he said.

The student, he said, should have refrained from discussing the quota system and instead, should have pointed out specific cases of non-Malays being denied entry, allowing the government to address the situation.

‘Scrapping quotas would ignite turmoil’

Anwar also allegedly criticised the student for being unfair to bumiputera students in rural schools.

At this point, the student was heard trying to clarify her question but Anwar stopped her and asked her to continue listening to his explanation.

“If I wanted to satisfy you and say ‘scrap the quota system’, we will lose all elections and you will suffer more in this country run by PAS and Bersatu.

“Understand that, it is important to understand that. You have many non-Malays here, and there is no quick-fix solution,” he added.

Anwar insisted that he would personally instruct for the resolution of individual appeals by non-Malays but to advocate for the system’s abolishment would “ignite turmoil in this country”.

The first incident

Last month, Anwar attended a town hall session in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, where he replied to a question from a Form Six student by praising her for being articulate and saying he would have asked for her number if he was a younger man.

He was blasted for his remarks, with several lawmakers deeming his words inappropriate and sexist.

Muda deputy president Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz urged Anwar to publicly apologise, stating that he could have complimented the student without objectifying her.

He was also called out by Bersatu’s Sasha Lyna Abdul Latif, who subsequently pushed for the women leaders in his coalition as well as the government to refrain from being passive over his actions.

Following the brickbats, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek stated that the prime minister’s controversial remark to the student was misconstrued but refused to comment further on the matter. - Malaysiakini, 6/8/2023

Why is Israel deliberately targeting Palestinian students?

 
Zahra Saeed
13 January 2024 09:39 GMT | Last update: 3 months 3 weeks ago
Recent arrests can be added to a series of other incidents within Israeli academia aimed at silencing and intimidating Palestinian students, which increased after the Gaza war

Israeli Jewish students are armed with assault rifles as studies resume at Ben-Gurion University on 31 December 2023 after delays to the start of the academic year due to Israel's ongoing war on Gaza (Social Media)


On 31 December, about 66,000 Palestinian students returned to Israeli universities or began their first term there, after the start of the academic year was postponed three times due to the ongoing war on Gaza.

What was already a difficult experience for Palestinian students to acclimate to their university setting has become a dangerous task amid an atmosphere of continuous incitement against all Arab and Palestinian citizens of Israel. Since 7 October, the government has made it clear that "every Palestinian citizen has a seat on the bus to Gaza".

According to the latest poll conducted by the Joint Coalition of Student Blocs, 76 percent of Arab students do not trust the university or college administration, and more than 87 percent felt their sense of security and safety was damaged, with almost unanimous agreement that the atmosphere is hostile towards Arab students.

This poll comes against the backdrop of the suspension of studies for dozens of Palestinian students from Israeli universities since the start of the war, and their transfer to disciplinary committees. In many cases, they were investigated by the police and indictments were presented against them.

Perhaps the most dramatic arrest occurred on 19 November when Israeli police arrested four female students studying at Nof HaGalil Technology College after they published pictures and content on social media related to the war.

The four girls, who hail from the Nazareth area, were arrested at dawn and their family homes were raided and searched by the Israeli police.

In their statement, the police claimed: "In addition to the increased readiness on the field, police forces were active last night decisively and relentlessly to uncover incitement and support for terrorism".
Policing students

This targeting can be added to a series of other incidents aimed at intimidating Palestinian students and silencing them within Israeli academia, which has increased since the Gaza war began.

Recent statements made by the Israeli prosecutor prove that the University of Haifa itself filed 20 complaints against its students to the police

In response to the arrests of the four women, the Joint Coalition of Student Blocs stated: "The students were arrested in a barbaric manner aimed at insulting them and continuing Israel's intimidation tactics against its Arab community. It is worth noting that all of these arrests were based on mere interaction with posts on social media, and not even the students' own written posts, which is considered a dangerous precedent worldwide."

The organisation added: "It is viewed with great seriousness that academic institutions are cooperating with the police to arrest their students, as the police indicated that some of the information they received was obtained from one of the highest academic institutions in Israel, which we consider to be a violation.

"This is dangerous and unprecedented behaviour by academic institutions that brag about their professionalism and academic production in front of the world. They are not ashamed to play the role of policeman and informant towards their students, to go along with the policy of silencing and persecuting our students."

According to the latest detention report issued by Adalah, a legal NGO promoting Palestinian rights in Israel, the centre is monitoring 251 cases of arrests, investigations, and interrogations of students - including 121 cases due to social media posts and 60 cases due to demonstrations.

The report added that there is an increase in the targeting of students from academic institutions, including the University of Haifa and the Technion Institute. For example, statements made by the Israeli prosecutor in a hearing held for university students prove that the University of Haifa itself filed 20 complaints against its students to the police.

But why does Israel insist, even in times of war, on targeting Palestinian students within the Israeli academia?
A 'silent revolution'

There is nothing new about the political persecution of Palestinian citizens of Israel, in general, and not just of university students. However, Palestinian achievement in Israeli academic institutions can only be described as a miracle or a silent revolution.

Israel-Palestine war: Palestinian students targeted by campaign in Israeli universities Read More »

In its early years, Israel decided to work systematically to ensure that Palestinians with Israeli citizenship could not enter its universities, or that those who did would only be allowed to follow a particular educational path.

The Israeli government worked to ensure that those who survived the 1948 Nakba and became citizens of its state could not form an educated elite that would demand, God forbid, national rights on their land.

Therefore, the focus was on not enabling them to choose majors from the faculties of social sciences and humanities, but in professions and industries for which adequate employment would be guaranteed.

For example, while Palestinian students would be encouraged to pursue medicine or nursing, which would contribute to the Israeli workforce, pursuing studies in media, sociology, or post-colonial theories would create a problem for them.

Israeli historian Adam Raz documented this policy outlined in 1958 as "Advice for Dealing with the Arab Minority” in Haaretz. According to that policy, the formation of an academic elite would encourage them to strive for "radical leadership positions".

Today, Palestinians inside Israel constitute almost 20 percent of the population. And despite the many barriers, such as language, cultural differences, and identity dilemmas in the public sphere, the percentage of Palestinian students in Israeli academic institutions constitutes around 19 percent of the total number of students in Israel.

Israel has been long concerned that the formation of an academic elite would encourage them to strive for 'radical leadership positions'

In 2021, for the first time, the number of Palestinian students exceeded 60,000, an increase of about 133 percent in the number of students since the beginning of the previous decade. These numbers and percentages are truly a miracle for a society where more than half of the children come from impoverished homes, per Israeli standards.

Indeed, what happened over the decades was a silent revolution and a victory in the battle for the right to education. It was the opposite of what Israel wanted and planned for the Palestinian community within its borders.

These Palestinian students are also the ones who will lead their society and uphold their identity. No matter how much Israel has invested in creating a new "Arab" identity, their efforts and policies are destined to fail.

In the face of its failure, Israel has desperately deployed tactics of intimidation and suppression. These policies will also fail as individuals cannot be separated from themselves and their realities.

Also, if Israel, far from police rule still wants to claim itself as a democratic state that guarantees freedom of expression, it must look at itself in the mirror and at its distorted image in front of the world - an image that will take years to restore, if that is even possible.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Eye. - Middle East Eye, 13/1/2024

Body Cams NOW, not in 2025 or 2026, for all Law Enforcement Officers to curb corruption, abuse of power and violation of rights Explain Delay and Why Mindwave Consultancy Sdn Bhd given the contract? (MADPET)

Media Statement – 18/5/2024

Body Cams NOW, not in 2025 or 2026, for all Law Enforcement Officers to curb corruption, abuse of power and violation of rights

Explain Delay and Why Mindwave Consultancy Sdn Bhd given the contract?

MADPET(Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture) is disappointed on the delay of the Home Minister in ensuring body cams for all police officers in Malaysia despite the fact that the allocation of RM30 million had long been approved in December 2022(FMT,13/12/2022), and thus it is disappointing to note that it took more about 17 months for the Home Ministry to even sign a RM28 million contract to acquire body cameras for the police, which was done on 8/5/2024 at the infamous Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (Natsec) Asia 2024 exhibitions, where controversy arose about the participation of companies that provided arms to Israel.

Mindwave – The manufacturer or just a 3^rd party company who will get products from supplier?

As we are talking about police body cams, which records possible evidence, should not the Malaysian government be directly signing agreements with the actual manufacturers of these body-cams, who will also be setting up the system and who will be available to speedily step in to remedy any hitches or problems? Such companies should not be able to tamper or destroy evidence?  

Malaysia now has a Digital Security Minister and Ministry, and reasonably for police body-cams and CCTV maintenance, this Ministry should have been involved, and maybe the Ministry responsible to ensure that the digital data from police body-cams and CCTVs are secure, and free from tampering.

What exactly is that contract for the body cameras that was signed between the Home Ministry and Mindwave Consultancy Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian company, which on the face of it does not looks like not a company that manufactures Body cams or the required documentation system? One wonders whether monies are wasted by signing agreements not with companies that manufacture these security products needed but third party companies? Was there even an open tender? Does the said company even have the required security clearance?

Body Cams for all 135,000 police officers – not just a few

There are about a total of 134,978 police personnel and officers nationwide as of Feb 28, 2023, and Malaysians deserve to know when all these police officers will have their body cams.

The reason for the body cams, amongst others is to deter corruption and abuse of power by police officers, and also to protect the rights of people who have to have dealings with the police. Many a time, corruption or bribe demands/taking happen between police and people, and allegation of police corruptions and/or other abuses are difficult to prove by the victims – but with body-cams with recordings, it changes the situation and it makes it easier for police criminals and others to be prosecuted and convicted. It allows the government also to be able to identify and remove bad police officers and restore public trust and confidence in the Malaysian police.

It is of concern, when on 31/1/2024, Comm Datuk Wan Hassan Wan Ahmad said that , ‘….A total of 7,648 Body Worn Cameras (BWC) will be supplied in stages to the police force starting in September…’.(Star, 31/1/2024) This is unacceptable, as it should be supplied to ALL police officers, especially those on duty including police units involved in shootings that killed people.

Wan Hassan also said that ‘…. training for patrol unit personnel would also be conducted from March 2025 to December…’ Does that mean, that these body cams will only be effectively used in 2026? The body-cams should be speedily provided and should be effectively in use as soon as possible. It should have all been in place by mid-2023 at the latest.

MADPET is very disappointed with Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, whose procrastination is indicative of the low priority he has placed on the issue of police body cams and CCTV at police stations, despite the many extrajudicial killings by police, deaths in police custody, allegations of corruption, torture and abuse of powers.  

Ulu Tiram police station extrajudicial killing – Body Cams and CCTV will reveal the truth?

Malaysia has had cases of extrajudicial killings – will all the police officers which were involved in these shootings that resulted in victims being killed be equipped with body-cams.

The most recent death by police shooting happened on 17/5/2024 at the Ulu Tiram police station, and this was an extrajudicial killing of the suspect, which also caused the death of police officers. Are there CCTV recordings at the police stations for us to establish the truth of what actually happened? If the Malaysian government had moved faster, we would also have been able to rely on police body-cams but unfortunately Home Minister failed.

Malaysian police have been plagued with allegations of corruption, abuse of power, torture, extrajudicial killings and deaths in police custody. To deal with these issues, body-cams alone is not sufficient. We need more CCTV with recording capacity at all places in police stations where suspects and/or witnesses are dealt with by the police. Police vehicles too must also be equipped with cams that record.

Body Cams for all Law Enforcement Officers, not just the police

It must be noted that the problem of corruption and abuse of power also involves other law enforcement officers, including also local government (Local Council) enforcement officers, and as such Malaysia must ensure that all these enforcement officers from the various Federal Ministries, State Department and the Local Government are also required to wear body cams with recording capacities.

MADPET calls for the Home Minister to be transparent and explain the delay in the procurement of the body-cams for the police, and how and why Mindwave Consultancy Sdn Bhd was given the contract;

MADPET calls for the Digital or Digital Security Ministry to be responsible for the collection and maintenance of all recordings of body-cams and CCTV at police stations, to prevent police tampering of the evidence especially in cases where the police may be suspected of crimes. This is best considering the fact that Malaysian police have previously been alleged of evidence tampering, especially when police officers are the suspected criminals;

MADPET calls for body-cams for all law-enforcement officers, not just the police, when they are on duty, irrespective of whether they are wearing uniforms or are in plainclothes. CCTV should be on all areas of the police station and other law enforcement premises, and cams should also be placed on law enforcement vehicles.

 

Charles Hector

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

 

Govt approves RM30mil for cops’ body cameras

Bernama-13 Dec 2022, 04:30 PM

Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail says the procurement process is in progress.

Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (centre) said body cameras were now a necessity. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has approved an allocation of RM30 million for the procurement of body cameras for use by policemen on duty.

Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that the procurement process was in progress.

“I hope the procurement can be expedited as it (body camera) is now a necessity. I have instructed the ministry secretary-general to follow up on the matter,” he told a press conference after a working visit to Bukit Aman, here.

Commenting on the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) Bill 2020, Saifuddin said it would come into force in June next year.

The bill was passed on July 26 last year with the aim of improving integrity and reducing misconduct among police officers, as well as increasing public confidence in the security forces.

On flood preparations, especially in the east coast states, Saifuddin said preparations had been made by the police and that 18,170 policemen would be mobilised. - FMT, 13/12/2024

[Updated] Home Ministry inks RM28 mil contract for body cams for cops

By Iylia Marsya Iskandar, Fuad Nizam - May 8, 2024 @ 3:08pm

The MoU for the body cameras was among 12 agreements signed involving the police at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (Natsec) Asia 2024 exhibitions. - NSTP/File Pic

KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry has signed a RM28 million contract to acquire body cameras for the police.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said tentatively, the first delivery of the body cams would be next month.

"I have asked for the procurement to not be delayed as the budget has been prepared for a long time. There were also changes in the procurement process and I have asked to solve it immediately.

He said this after the contract signing ceremony at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (Natsec) Asia 2024 exhibitions.

Earlier, Saifuddin was reported to have said the tender process for procuring body cameras for the police was in its final stages.

Separately, Saifuddin also told Parliament that the police force was expected to fully utilise body cameras from 2025.

The contract for the body cameras was signed between the Home Ministry and Mindwave Consultancy Sdn Bhd.

Another high-value agreement signed was for the acquisition of a multipurpose police transport vessel.

Among the other contracts inked were for the network rental services for PDRMnet with TM Technology Services Sdn Bhd, the development of a disaster recovery centre for the police's system with Telekom Malaysia Bhd, the upgrading of a two-way communication police net with SY Trisilco Sdn Bhd and others.

In total, the ministry signed 12 contracts for the police (RM1.5 billion), one contract for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) (RM529 million) and one contract for the national registry department (RM52.3 million).

The deals are worth RM2,156,453,991.77 in total.

The contract for MMEA was signed with Galaxy Aerospace (M) Sdn Bhd for the acquisition of four medium-lift helicopters.

Meanwhile, the contract for the National Registry Department (NRD) was for the comprehensive maintenance of application systems and primary business technical support with Infomina Bhd.

The contracts are signed by the Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ruji Ubi together with representatives of local companies.

It was witnessed by Saifuddin, his deputy Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, Home Ministry deputy secretary-general (Management) Dr Abdul Gapar Abu Bakar, MMEA deputy director-general Laksamana Madya Datuk Saiful Lizan Ibrahim and NRD director-geberal Badrul Hisham Alias. - NST, 8/5/2024

Police will be equipped with more than 7,000 body cameras starting September

---

By FARIK ZOLKEPLI

• Nation

• Wednesday, 31 Jan 2024

  12:38 PM MYT

Comm Datuk Wan Hassan Wan Ahmad.

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 7,648 Body Worn Cameras (BWC) will be supplied in stages to the police force starting in September, says Comm Datuk Wan Hassan Wan Ahmad.

The Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director said the Home Ministry issued an acceptance letter on Tuesday (Jan 30) involving the supply of BWC to the police force.

"The BWC will be mainly used by personnel in the Mobile Patrol Vehicle and the Motorcycle Patrol Unit, which are under the department.

"It will also be supplied for duties under the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department," he said when contacted on Wednesday (Jan 31).

Comm Wan Hassan said the BWC will be supplied in stages from September 2024 to February next year.

"It will be placed at 157 district police headquarters and 640 police stations nationwide.

"The use of BWC will also be conducted in stages starting in October.

"We believe the patrol unit personnel will fully utilise it by March next year," he said.

He said training for patrol unit personnel would also be conducted from March 2025 to December.

Comm Wan Hassan said using the BWC will move the police force forward as the sole enforcement agency using the latest technology, in line with modern policing.

"I hope that the BWC will improve good governance regarding crime prevention patrols by the patrol unit personnel.

"It will also alleviate integrity among police officers, enabling them to prevent and reduce wrongdoing while increasing the public's sense of safety.

"I hope the BWC, attached to police officers' uniforms, will forge closer ties between the police and society," he said.

Comm Wan Hassan said the use of the BWC will also improve the police force's image, as BWC records could be used as evidence in any criminal case, including cases of personnel and officers who were slandered while enforcing the law. - Star, 31/1/2024

Sanctions against companies that supply arms to Israel, that may or are being used against Palestinians?

PM Anwar Ibrahim and the Malaysian government FAILED to even expel the companies that sold/supplied arms to Israel, that may have been or are still being used against the Palestinian people in GAZA, etc. from the exhibition, which PM Anwar officiate. 

Did not the Malaysian government know that such companies were part of the exhibitors???

Malaysia can and maybe should also impose Sanctions against companies, and even countries, that provide Israel with arms, or assist Israel acquire arms... 

The imposition of sanctions against companies or even against key personalities in companies is a legitimate form of action to demonstrate our strong position on a particular matter. 

Now, the US have imposed sanctions on Malaysia based companies regarding the Iranian drones... So, Malaysia too can impose sanctions against arm suppliers to Israel...

But many say that Anwar Ibrahim simply do not have the needed guts to act against these companies, and/or some countries.

 If Mahathir was still PM, he may acted very strongly starting with the immediate expulsion of the companies that were known to have supplied Israel with arms and/or assistance... 

So, what happened? Has Anwar changed his and Malaysia's position/stance on the Palestinian issue? 

Should a motion of Dissapointment be tabled in Parliament regarding the PM's and government's action/inaction after the issue of the presence of arm suppliers to Israel in an exhibition in Malaysia... 

Is it time for Parliament to pass a motion on the Palestinian issue? We cannot have a PM and government with a 'wishy washy' position on the Palestinian issue... We need an official position by Parliament. 

Sanctions on four Malaysian-based companies still in place, says US official

The US Treasury imposed sanctions on the four Malaysia-based companies in December for allegedly providing components for Iran’s weapons programme.

Updated 51 minutes ago · Published on 09 May 2024 4:16PM

The US Treasury imposed sanctions on the four Malaysia-based companies in December for allegedly providing components for Iran’s weapons programme. – AFP Pic, May 9, 2024.

SANCTIONS imposed on four Malaysian-based companies which allegedly helped Iran in the production of drones are still in place, said an official from the United States Treasury.

"The sanctions have been impactful and will only be removed once the department notices strong behavioural changes.

"These sanctions are a powerful tool and effective in disrupting activities meant to drive profits or provide capital," said Brian Nelson, the department’s undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence.

The US Treasury imposed sanctions on the four Malaysia-based companies in December for allegedly providing components for Iran’s weapons programme.

Reuters earlier reported that a top sanctions officer from the US will be in Malaysia and Singapore as Washington sought to combat funding for Iran and its proxy groups.

The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there has been an uptick in money moving to Iran and its proxies, including Hamas, through the Malaysian financial system.

The visit comes as the US Treasury has increased its focus on terrorist financing through Southeast Asia, including through fundraising efforts and illicit Iranian oil sales, the source said.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said he will meet Nelson tomorrow to listen to matters the latter wanted to raise.

“At the end of listening to their presentation, I will give an official explanation on the matters raised,” he said.

US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan had also earlier said that the visit by US Treasury Department officials will be in the spirit of partnership to discuss common threats. - The Vibes, May 9, 2024.

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