The question of Penang's Malay vote

The question of Penang's Malay vote

While the state government as a whole is unlikely to change, support in Malay seats might swing along the trajectory seen at GE15.

Tourists and locals mingle at Armenian Street in George Town during the Chinese New Year holidays. Photo: Bernama


While prospects are slim of a change of government in Penang given the state's strong backing for DAP, a political observer has cautioned Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) against taking Malay seats for granted in light of Perikatan Nasional's (PN) unexpected gains at the last general election.

Penang is one of six states expected to hold elections by the middle of the year.

But without a strong Malay component, PH may find itself up against tough odds in Malay-majority constituencies.

Political observer Azizi Safar said competition in such seats would be tight if voting patterns and sentiments continued along the same trajectory as seen at the Nov 19 polls last year.

"PN will win more Malay seats," he told MalaysiaNow.

And while charges have been brought against PN leaders like Muhyiddin Yassin and Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan, Azizi said these were unlikely to affect support for the federal opposition.

"On the contrary, there might be an increase in support," he added.

Of the 40 state seats in Penang, 14 are Malay-majority constituencies: Penaga, Permatang Berangan, Sungai Dua, Penanti, Pinang Tunggal, Permatang Pasir, Bertam, Seberang Jaya, Telok Ayer Tawar, Sungai Acheh and Sungai Bakap in Seberang Perai; and Telok Bahang, Pulau Betong and Bayan Lepas on the island.

These will likely be divided between PH and BN, which lead the government at the federal level through cooperation formed in the aftermath of last year's general election.

Penang, long held by PH, was not exempt from the shift in support to PN, with Permatang Pauh incumbent Nurul Izzah Anwar losing to Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan.

Azizi said it would be difficult for Umno to lead government parties in capturing the Malay vote in Penang, as the once-dominant party was struggling with Malay support in general.

"PKR holds more seats than Umno at the moment," he said.

"So it is under more pressure to deliver than Umno."

PH holds 11 of the 14 Malay seats in Penang. Umno meanwhile holds two and PAS, one.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke recently said that BN and PH had a month to discuss seat allocations for the state polls.

Azizi, a former executive secretary for Penang BN, said Umno might be given three to five seats to contest.

But he said that PN's non-Malay component Gerakan, which once formed the state government, was unlikely to win even one seat.

"MCA and MIC meanwhile might not be given any seats to contest," he said.

Could Zahid be the biggest victor in the Melaka ‘change of guard’?

Could Zahid be the biggest victor in the Melaka ‘change of guard’?





MELAKA UMNO heavyweight Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh may be the state’s likeliest 13th Chief Minister (CM) when the swearing-in ceremony takes place after today’s Friday prayers today but the biggest winner in the power transition game could be party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Political analysts believe that the stepping down of Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali from his post on Wednesday (March 29) would cement president Zahid’s grip on the party while sending a signal that UMNO is strong and dependable.

This would ultimately benefit its federal partners in the coming state elections.

In fact, the resignation of Sulaiman who is also the Lendu assemblyman as CM reflected a “clean-up” within the party by Zahid, according to Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan.

After all, with rife speculation that Sulaiman was not part of the “president’s men”, the CM change is deemed to do UMNO good as those who opposed Zahid had lost out on securing key positions.

“This will make UMNO stronger. Looking at the situation in Melaka, the president has a tighter hold on the party, thus putting it in a stable position,” Azmi told the New Straits Times (NST).

“Previously, during the 15th General Election (GE15), there was a lot of internal conflict and sabotage among its members. Now, this could send a message to the voters that UMNO is strong and dependable. This will eventually benefit the party and the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition in the upcoming state elections.”

Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh


For the record, Zahid had on yesterday (March 30) conveyed the nomination of Rauf who is UMNO’s Melaka chief and Tanjung Bidara assemblyman as the state’s next CM to Melaka Governor Tun Mohd Ali Rustam via a warkah (letter) with a request to accept the resignation of Sulaiman.

Meanwhile, political analyst Dr Ainul Adzellie Hasnul viewed Sulaiman’s resignation as a “due process”.

“The change was not made immediately after GE15 as he was then considered the person best suited to helm the post,” he justified. “However, he is no longer the Melaka UMNO liaison committee chairman (Rauf now holds the post. Traditionally, the chairman will be the CM.”

Ainul went on to explain that although the new CM would need to be from UMNO as the party held the majority of seats won during the Nov 20, 2021 state polls, the situation has changed as UMNO is now part of the unity government at the Federal level.

“As such, the next person best suited for the CM post is Adly Zahari, the Melaka PH chairman, besides other BN (Barisan Nasional) candidates,” he added. – March 31, 2023

De-classify as white papers CEP, Institutional Reforms Committee’s reports

De-classify as white papers CEP, Institutional Reforms Committee’s reports

By Lim Kit Siang





THE eight-week meeting of the opening of the 15th Parliament will end with a big bang if reports of the Council of Eminent Persons (CEP) and the Institutional Reforms Committee (IRC) are declassified and tabled as white papers in the last two days of Dewan Rakyat next week.


This is one of the five proposals I had made in January this year to make meeting of the 15th Parliament the most memorable one in Malaysia’s history by initiating institutional reforms for the country to achieve the twin goals of uniting the plural society in Malaysia and to reset and restore Malaysia as a first-rate world-class nation.

If it is too late to declassify the CEP and IRC Reports for tabling as white papers in last two days the Dewan Rakyat meeting next Monday (April 3) and Tuesday (April 4), then Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government should table both reports in the Dewan Negara as the Senate is slated to meet until next Thursday (April 6).


The CEP and IRC reports should then be studied by the relevant Parliamentary Select Committees which had been set up and for reports to be submitted to the May/June meeting of Dewan Rakyat.

Lim Kit Siang


I was shocked a few days ago by the revelation of Jomo Kwame Sundaram, a member of the CEP, that the council never produced a report as it was the secretariat under former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin which prepared the CEP report.

This make the de-classification of the CEP and IRC reports by Anwar’s unity government more urgent and necessary as it was never the original intention to classify both the CEP and IRC reports under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) and keep them away from public debate and discussion.

A strong case can be made that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the PM of the short-lived Pakatan Harapan (PH) government which came to power in 2018 has betrayed the wishes of the people for institutional reforms by locking the CEP and IRC reports under the OSA.

I had made numerous calls for the publication of the CEP and IRC Reports – the first time as far back as Oct 13, 2018 – when I cited the CEP chairman Daim as calling on the government to make the CEP recommendations available to the public.

What reasons have Anwar’s unity Government to continue to place the CEP and IRC Reports under the OSA?

I had always been mystified as to why Dr Mahathir had refused to ask the Cabinet and the PH presidential council to de-classify the CEP and IRC reports, unless he had always been a “closet” enemy of institutional reforms in Malaysia.

Why should there be such secrecy on matters of clear public interest with regard to the hundreds of recommendations related to governance, integrity and corruption prevention in the CEP and IRC reports?

Although the Perikatan Nasional (PN) leaders and MPs had tried their level best to create political instability by further polarising the racial and religious situation in Malaysia, Anwar’s unity government has survived these threats so far.

I am more confident than before the opening of the 15th Parliament on Feb 13 that the Anwar’s unity government will last five years although this cannot be taken for granted as a second Sheraton Move political conspiracy lies in every nook and corner.

Anwar who is the 10th PM must keep his promise when he was appointed PM that he would not compromise on good governance, the anti-corruption drive, judicial independence, and the welfare of ordinary Malaysians which is why he should de-classify the CEP and IRC reports of 2018. – March 31, 2023

Father & Son Derhaka in Terengganu

Like father like son: Now is Hadi’s son turn to disobey Terengganu Sultan’s ruling





FOLLOWING the footsteps of his father, PAS president Tan Sri Hadi Awang, Dr Mohammad Khalil Abdul Hadi, has himself violated the directive of the Terengganu Council of Islamic Religion and Malay Customs (MAIDAM) that politicians are barred from delivering lectures and sermons at mosques in the state.

Khalil who is the Batu Buruk assemblyman had today given a dhuha lecture in place of the senior politician at the Rusila Mosque in Marang which happens to be Hadi’s parliamentary constituency.

On March 2, MAIDAM on behalf of Terengganu’s Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin who is also the state’s head of religion, has ordered all assemblymen, MPs and senators not to give Friday lectures, talks or sermons at any mosque or surau in the state nor to lead Friday prayers in mosques.

Likewise, all political party leadership and politicians are also not allowed to deliver any sermons, lectures or religious talks in mosques and surau throughout Terengganu unless they have the necessary accreditation issued by MAIDAM, according to the council’s chairman Datuk Shaikh Harun Shaikh Ismail.



Interestingly, a check by the political news portal Harapan Daily reveals that both Hadi and Khalil are not listed as holders of a religious teaching certificate from MAIDAM.

In fact, MAIDAM had in a circular letter highlighted the concern of Sultan Mizan who expressed grief at the involvement of a few politicians who delivered sermons, lectures and religious talks at mosques/surau in addition to acting as preachers and imam for Friday prayers without the council’s permission.

Even after MAIDAM’s circular, Hadi has continued to defy Sultan Mirzan’s order by virtue of consistently giving weekly lecture at the Rusila Mosque in Marang. – March 31, 2023

Najib should have been acquitted, discharged: dissenting judge

theVibes.com:

Najib should have been acquitted, discharged: dissenting judge

Ex-PM deprived of fair trial, says Datuk Abdul Rahman Sebli

Datuk Abdul Rahman Sebli says Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s right to fair hearing was also defeated when the court decided to go ahead with the trial despite him not being properly represented, and this was after his new counsel Hisyam Teh applied to discharge himself following the court's refusal to grant an adjournment. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes file pic, March 31, 2023


PUTRAJAYA – The bench member of the Federal Court who made the sole dissenting judgment in Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s review application on his SRC International Sdn Bhd case felt the former prime minister should have been acquitted and discharged.

Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Datuk Abdul Rahman Sebli argued that there was a miscarriage of justice in the handling of the final hearing of the case in August last year and that Najib was deprived of a fair trial.

“For the consequential order to be made (over the review application), the proper order, in my view, would be of acquittal and discharge of all the offences the applicant was charged with,” he said when delivering his minority judgement, here, earlier today.

Among other things, Rahman contended that it would be grossly unfair for the court to let Najib suffer as a consequence of the faults committed by his newly appointed lawyers then.

He noted that law firms Messrs Hisyam Teh and Zaid Ibrahim Suflan TH Liew and Partners had replaced Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah as counsel just three weeks prior to the final appeal last August, despite knowing well they were not fully prepared to argue the case.

Rahman further pointed out that Najib was given firm assurance in absolute terms by his counsels that an adjournment would be granted for his new defence team to make due preparation, but this failed to materialise.

“This is the first time the applicant changed his solicitors and counsel since his trial began at the high court in 2019. His record does not show he was in a habit of changing counsels.

“The applicant cannot be faulted for listening to his lawyers’ advice,” Rahman said.

Datuk Abdul Rahman Sebli (pic) says the prosecutor’s argument that the Federal Court made the right decision to refuse an adjournment as Hisyam Teh was given four months to prepare for his trial was factually wrong, as the counsel had only taken over the case three weeks prior. – kehakiman.gov.my pic, March 31, 2023

He said Najib’s right to fair hearing was also defeated when the court decided to go ahead with the trial despite him not being properly represented, and this was after his new counsel Hisyam Teh applied to discharge himself following the court's refusal to grant an adjournment.

He said the fact that the court had rejected Hisyam’s application to discharge himself did not change the equation that Najib was still without a legal representation, since Hisyam refused to take further part in proceedings due to a lack of preparation.

“In that situation, an adjournment would have been required to allow the applicant to engage another counsel or give Hisyam time to prepare.

“The accused was unable to obtain legal representation, and for that reason alone, he ought to have been acquitted, on the ground that there had been a miscarriage of justice.”

Rahman said the prosecutor’s argument that the Federal Court made the right decision to refuse an adjournment as Hisyam was given four months to prepare for his trial was factually wrong, as the counsel had only taken over the case three weeks prior.

“Looking objectively and at the overall surrounding circumstances of the case, in particular that the applicant was left to fend for himself, it is difficult not to agree with the applicant (that) he was not given a fair hearing and was denied the chance to prepare himself.”

As such, Rahman said this breach of natural justice warranted a review of his case.

“Since it was not possible for the earlier (Federal Court) panel to conduct the main appeal in accordance with the rule of natural justice, it should have adjourned the hearing of the main appeal,” he stressed.

‘Najib can try 2nd SRC review’ – lawyers

‘Najib can try 2nd SRC review’ – lawyers


Can Najib Abdul Razak mount a second review application to set aside his conviction and sentencing in the RM42 million SRC International corruption case?

According to several lawyers Malaysiakini spoke to, the law does allow a person to file a second review bid.

Lawyer Ramesh NP Chandran said that while there are no provisions for a second review of a Federal Court’s decision in Malaysia, parties may apply for a second review in “limited circumstances”.

He pointed out that Rule 137 of the Rules of the Federal Court 1995 does not limit the Federal Court from hearing “any” application, as the provision recognises the apex court’s inherent power to review previous apex court decisions to prevent injustice or abuse of process.

Ramesh noted that an applicant for any such second review bid must show a substantial serious miscarriage of justice, such as evidence of court bias or that the court completely failed to understand a legal point raised during the first review hearing.

Lawyer Ng See Teong, however, cautioned that any such second review bid has a slim chance of winning, pointing out that in the present SRC International case, one judge from the High Court in Kuala Lumpur, three Court of Appeal judges, and nine apex court judges have already made adverse rulings against the former prime minister.


‘Finality is needed’

Hailing from Jerantut, Pahang, the criminal lawyer, noted that Najib would find difficulty trying to find another apex court quorum to hear any second review bid as there are very few Federal Court judges left who could potentially hear it.

“However, there must be finality (to a case before the judiciary),” Ng said.

Meanwhile, lawyer Mohd Haniff Khatri Abdulla took a different view, saying that there is no such thing as a review on a review, such as a proposed second review against today’s Federal Court decision in a 4-1 majority verdict dismissing Najib’s review application.

“Even though he (Najib) may want to try, that is the end of the SRC International case when it comes to court.

“The only thing left for him is to pursue a pardon from the Pardons Board,” the lawyer said.

Mohd Haniff Khatri Abdulla


Today, the possibility of a second review was ignited following today’s apex court verdict on the SRC International case, with deputy public prosecutor V Sithambaram saying it is possible for Najib to try again.

Lead defence counsel Muhammad Shafee Abdullah reportedly said the dissenting judgement from bench chairperson, Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Abdul Rahman Sebli, opened a new avenue for Najib.

However, the majority verdict - by other bench members - Federal Court judges Vernon Ong Lam Kiat, Rhodzariah Bujang and Nordin Hassan as well as Court of Appeal judge Abu Bakar Jais - will take effect instead in denying the review bid.

This verdict is in line with a previous decision on Aug 23 last year by a different Federal Court bench chaired by Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat to uphold Najib's guilty verdict as well as a 12-year jail sentence and RM210 million fine in the graft case.

The former Pekan MP also has three other pending criminal court cases - namely the RM2.28 billion 1MDB corruption trial, a separate SRC International money laundering case involving RM27 million, and an RM6.6 billion International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) criminal breach of trust case.

However, in his only legal victory so far against a criminal matter, the former prime minister was granted a full acquittal in the 1MDB audit report case. The prosecution has appealed to the Court of Appeal to reverse this outcome.

Incarcerated in Kajang Prison, Najib is also pursuing other avenues outside the judiciary, namely a petition for a royal pardon as well as a petition before the United Nations over his alleged arbitrary detention.

Imee Marcos: Picking on Philippines but not probing Western nations? ICC a ‘caricature of international justice’

The Star:

Imee Marcos: Picking on Philippines but not probing Western nations? ICC a ‘caricature of international justice’





MANILA (Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network): Senator Imee Marcos (pic) on Friday (March 31) joined the chorus of criticisms thrown at the International Criminal Court (ICC) under the administration of her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, as she called the tribunal a “caricature of international justice.”

Imee lambasted the international court, saying it fails to go after crimes committed in Western nations and only picks on “less developed countries” like the Philippines.

The ICC is investigating alleged crimes against humanity committed under the leadership of Marcos Jr’s predecessor Rodrigo Duterte in the context of his violent war on drugs.

“The ICC’s long-standing failure to investigate Western nations for countless crimes against humanity makes the court a caricature of international justice,” Imee said in a statement.

She cited the 2003 United States-led invasion of Iraq, which was “based on non-existent weapons of mass destruction and in violation of resolutions by the United Nations.”

According to a Reuters report, the invasion was meant to topple a dictator and usher in democracy but instead plunged war-scarred Iraq into “years of upheaval and chaos.”

“Selective justice, anyone? This month marks the 20th year of the ICC’s failure to bring those responsible to account. The West’s oft-invoked cliché about upholding an ‘international rules-based order’ is apparently a sham,” Imee said.

The senator then went on: “Picking on African nations and other ‘low-hanging fruit’ like the Philippines is easier for the ICC. The perpetual circus of putting leaders of less developed countries on trial seeks to divert the world’s attention from the crimes against humanity committed by the West.”

Imee argued that the supposed diversion promotes the “false image” of Western nations as “unimpeachable protectors of human rights.”

“In case you haven’t noticed, human rights issues are openly used as pressure points, as bargaining chips to serve Western [neocolonialist’s] intertwined political, economic, and military agenda,” she added.

Government officials in both the Marcos and Duterte administrations had repeatedly questioned the jurisdiction of the ICC over the Philippines after its withdrawal from the Rome Statute – the global treaty that created the ICC – took effect in 2019.

But according to Article 127 of the Rome Statute, a state party shall not be discharged from its obligations to the statute prior to its withdrawal.

The Supreme Court also ruled in the same position in 2021, saying that “withdrawing from the Rome Statute does not discharge a state party from obligations it has incurred as a member.”

SRC review: Dissenting judge backs Najib acquittal over ‘injustice’ during main appeal hearing

MM:

SRC review: Dissenting judge backs Najib acquittal over ‘injustice’ during main appeal hearing

In his minority ruling, Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Datuk Abdul Rahman Sebli said there appeared to be a miscarriage of justice in the main appeal process when Najib was left without legal representation after his then lead counsel Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik said he was not prepared to submit, and subsequently, sought to discharge himself. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

Friday, 31 Mar 2023 3:17 PM MYT


PUTRAJAYA, March 31 — The sole dissenting judge in the Federal Court’s 4-1 decision to dismiss Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s bid to review its ruling last year upholding his conviction for misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International said Najib ought to be acquitted and discharged of all criminal charges since an injustice had taken place.

In his minority ruling, Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Datuk Abdul Rahman Sebli said there appeared to be a miscarriage of justice in the main appeal process when Najib was left without legal representation after his then lead counsel Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik said he was not prepared to submit, and subsequently, sought to discharge himself.


Last year, Hisyam had informed the court he refused to submit on behalf of the defence since he was unprepared, with the court later rejecting Hisyam’s request to discharge himself.

“It was not possible for the earlier panel to conduct the main appeal in accordance with the rule of natural justice, due to the fact that counsel had discharged himself, leaving the applicant stranded.


“They should have adjourned the hearing of the main appeal because the rules of natural justice are paramount.


“The applicant was not heard at all. The applicant is at a great and substantial injustice. He was in a disadvantaged state, as he was not represented during the appeal.

In allowing Najib’s application, Abdul Rahman said he could only arrive at one conclusion in that the circumstances indeed warrants a review under Rule 137 of the Rules of the Federal Court of the reason an injustice has been caused against Najib.

“For all the reasons, I allow the application by the applicant. As for the consequential order to be made, the proper order in my view would be the order of acquittal and discharge of all the offences the applicant was charged with.

“It appears to me there’s a miscarriage of justice and the applicant was deprived of a fair hearing,” he said.

MORE TO COME

‘Basikal lajak’ case: Sam Ke Ting’s conviction illegal as charge against her defective, lawyer argues

MM:

‘Basikal lajak’ case: Sam Ke Ting’s conviction illegal as charge against her defective, lawyer argues

Sam Ke Ting is seen leaving the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya March 31, 2023. ― Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

Friday, 31 Mar 2023 1:11 PM MYT


PUTRAJAYA, March 31 — Sam Ke Ting’s conviction last April over the charge of “reckless or dangerous driving” was illegal as the charge itself was defective, her lawyers argued at the Court of Appeal here today.

The defence team said that the conviction of Sam — who is on trial over a collision in 2017 involving her and a group of teenagers riding “basikal lajak”, resulting in eight of the teenagers’ deaths — should subsequently be overturned.


Lawyer Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik said that the defence was of the view that Section 41 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 had three distinct “limbs” — reckless driving, driving at speed, and dangerous driving.

“What the prosecution did in this case, My Lord, was to lump limb one (reckless driving) and limb three (dangerous driving),” he said.


He said that the prosecution should have only selected one of the “limbs” to charge Sam, as supposedly required by law, and cited several case laws to support his argument.


Hisyam then said that Sam had been misled by the “duplicity” of the charge and had to argue on both reckless driving and dangerous driving, at the prima facie and defence stages of the trial.

He also argued that there was a failure of justice when the High Court convicted Sam on the “reckless or dangerous” driving charge, as the charge was illegal.

The proceedings took place in front of a three-judge panel led by Datuk Hadhariah Syed Ismail, who was sitting alongside Datuk Hashim Hamzah and Datuk Azman Abdullah.

After the defence finished its submission, deputy public prosecutor Tengku Amir Zaki Tengku Abdul Rahman said that he intended to emphasise several mistakes made by the Magistrate’s Court when it acquitted Sam in October 2021.

“The Court of Appeal can then re-evaluate the evidence and look back on whether (this case) is right or wrong, (whether) all the facts are there, and what the witnesses have to say.

However, Tengku Amir Zaki said that he would need two hours to complete his arguments, which prompted the judges to adjourn the case to April 11.

“I call this injustice when a law is used against an animal lover”

“I call this injustice when a law is used against an animal lover”





THERE is more than meets the eye when the man involved in a scuffle with two Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) enforcement staff recently is charged in court.

I will leave the case to the honourable judge, who alone has the power to decide whether the case is frivolous and a waste of the court’s precious time. This is beyond my scope.

However, I would like to comment on the way the case was handled by all the parties involved—the MBPJ, the police, the Attorney-General’s chamber, the Selangor state government and the Local Government & Development Ministry.

Although I do not wish to influence the decision of the honourable judge, to me, if the man is sentenced to jail for even one day or fined RM1, I think this is an injustice that we as a society have failed to stand with as an animal lover.

No law should be used against a man who is just trying to show acts of kindness by nurturing these poor animals to good health, while there are also mentally sick people who would torch the animals or poison them.

Although I may not be an animal lover myself, the stray animals have a right to be taken into good custody by pet lovers. I have seen these animals turn into lovely pets, both in Australia and in Malaysia, when they are given a good home.

It is, therefore, very disappointing when Petaling Jaya police chief Fakhrudin Abdul Hamid announced that the man would be charged under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing government officials from carrying out their duties.


Three important questions

In the first place, I would like to urge Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chun to ask in Parliament if these two officers turning up at the man’s premises had a search warrant. Did the police investigate this aspect or take any statements from the enforcement officers themselves since a police report had been lodged?

In what appears to be the case that they did not have a search warrant, were they, therefore, trespassing into the man’s private premises?

Should they not be charged for entering a private premise without a search warrant? Before we are so quick in charging the senior citizen, these are some of the questions that both the Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun and Fakhrudin should answer.

Secondly, are enforcement officers allowed to behave like thugs when they carry out their job, especially in cases that involve civilians? This is not the first or isolated incident.

If they behaved like thugs, for sure, a scuffle would happen even though the civilian was not in a position to fight back violently due to his age. It is clear from the signs of injury on his face that he was not easily overpowered by the younger officer.

The third question I would like to ask is how Section 186 of the Penal Code is being interpreted. Often, when the enforcement units turn thuggish and civilians have to put up a struggle, it is the civilians who are charged while the enforcement officers get away with just a slap on the wrist.

Are we allowing our enforcement officers to continue to be more thuggish in their behaviours knowing that they can use this section of the Penal Code to protect themselves?


A scenario for the illustration

Before I end, let me give you a scenario. At one o’clock past midnight, you and your family members are asleep. Then, two patrol cars turn up at your home. They claim to be policemen, and they have a search warrant.

One of them acts roughly and ransacks your home, turning things upside down, including your most expensive ceramic vase, which you bought from Egypt. It is a rare vase, costing some RM40,000.

What do you do? Allow him to just push it over the table and let it fall to the floor? Would you not want to stop him, and say, “Bro, please, there is nothing in the vase.” The moment your hand gets on his, it is interpreted as obstructing a government officer in his work. He then brushes you aside in a very rough manner, thinking that there is drug in it.

Out of anger, you feel that he is being unreasonable, and none of his colleagues hold him back. And your treasured ceramic vase is now on the floor, smashed into pieces.

You then try to stop him from doing further damage to your treasured masterpieces, which you have paid a lot of money for.

Worse is when you lodge a police report and the police accuse you of resisting arrest or obstructing the police officers from carrying out their job.

So, please put yourself in the shoes of the senior citizen and see if justice is being done by charging him instead of the thuggish enforcement officers.

Empower judges to carry out own investigation

It is time for the parliament to enact a law that allows judges to carry out their independent investigations in order to uphold justice.

If I recall correctly, in the Scorpene submarine case, the presiding judge also had the power of investigation.

Because in a number of cases, the laws have been used to incriminate a man of peace, whose reaction was the result of being provoked by some thuggish behaviour of the enforcement officers themselves, our judges must be empowered to get to the bottom of things instead of depending on just the evidence provided by both the prosecution and defence counsels. — March 31, 2023



Stephen Ng
Kuala Lumpur

Elderly man pleads not guilty for obstructing MBPJ officers in stray-dog round-up

Elderly man pleads not guilty for obstructing MBPJ officers in stray-dog round-up

By Jason Yeo





A SENIOR citizen who was involved in a tussle with Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) officers during a stray dog round-up has been charged with obstructing government officials from carrying out their duties.

Patrick Khoo, 69, appeared composed at the dock when the charge under Section 186 of the Penal Code was read out to him before Magistrate Shahril Anuar Ahmad Mustapa at the magistrate’s court today.

He pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to him before magistrate Shahril Anuar Ahmad Mustapa.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, a maximum fine of RM10,000, or both.

According to the charge sheet, Khoo committed the offence on March 22 at about 9pm at 7, Jalan 18/17, Taman Kanagapuram in Petaling Jaya.

In a series of video clips that was first posted on Facebook and has now been circulated on WhatsApp, a resident of the area shared a troubling account of the incident along with videos and pictures.

According to the resident, six to seven MBPJ officers were “assaulting an old man”, with an officer “threatening and using an iron rod to hit the old man when he tried to block them from capturing and injuring his dogs”.

The elderly man said the officers did not explain their intention and failed to present any official identification prior to their physical attacks on him, causing him to suffer a swollen jaw and cuts on his wrist, clarified the resident.

Magistrate Shahril Anuar ordered bail of RM2,000 with one surety.

The case has been fixed for further mention on June 16. – March 31, 2023

Shafee laments Najib ruling, says justice warrants ‘fairest of trials’

FMT:

Shafee laments Najib ruling, says justice warrants ‘fairest of trials’

Lawyer Shafee Abdullah says he’s ‘extremely disappointed’ with the Federal Court’s 4-1 decision, but took comfort in the lone dissenting voice.

Shafee Abdullah said the apex court’s decision today runs the risk of setting a ‘bad precedent of unfair trials’.


PUTRAJAYA: Shafee Abdullah has stressed the importance of having a fair trial after the Federal Court rejected Najib Razak’s bid to review his conviction and sentence in the SRC International corruption case.

The senior lawyer said he was “extremely disappointed” in the Federal Court’s judgment, which was handed down in a 4-1 majority, but took comfort in the lone dissenting voice.

Shafee said Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Rahman Sebli was right in citing Rule 137 of the Rules of the Federal Court allowing the court to prevent injustice and an abuse of the trial process when making his judgment.

“This suggests that an injustice had taken place with regard to Najib’s case,” he told reporters at the Palace of Justice here.

“Justice is not only about finding out if someone is guilty or not but also about the process of giving the fairest of trials.”

He said the court’s decision today ran the risk of setting a “bad precedent of unfair trials”.

Shafee said Najib’s legal team would consider the next course of action, be it through the court process or other means, but stopped short of disclosing details.

In a majority decision this morning, the Federal Court rejected Najib’s bid to review his conviction and sentence in the SRC case.

Najib will continue serving the remainder of his 12-year prison term, unless he secures a royal pardon from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

On July 28, 2020, Najib was convicted by Justice Nazlan Ghazali, then a High Court judge, for abuse of power, money laundering and criminal breach of trust (CBT) over SRC funds amounting to RM42 million.

He was sentenced to 12 years in jail and fined RM210 million.

No more way out for Najib as apex court refuses SRC review

MM:

No more way out for Najib as apex court refuses SRC review

On July 28, 2020, Justice Datuk Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali found Datuk Seri Najib Razak guilty of all seven charges — three for criminal breach of trust, three for money-laundering, and one for abuse of power — at the High Court. — File picture by Sayuti Zainudin

Friday, 31 Mar 2023 9:59 AM MYT


PUTRAJAYA, March 31 — The Federal Court in a 4-1 decision today refused disgraced former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s bid for it to review its ruling last year upholding his conviction for misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International, cementing his 12-year sentence and RM210 million fine.

The majority decision by four judges on the panel rejected Najib’s challenge against his conviction and sentence in the SRC case, and effectively endorsed the August 2022 decision of the Federal Court panel chaired by Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat which had ordered Najib to begin serving his sentence.

Federal Court judge Datuk Vernon Ong Lam Kiat read out the majority decision, which was agreed to by three others on the panel — Federal Court judges Datuk Rhodzariah Bujang and Datuk Nordin Hassan, and Court of Appeal judge Datuk Abu Bakar Jais who was sitting as a Federal Court judge.

Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Datuk Abdul Rahman Sebli, who was chairing the five-judge bench, was the only judge who dissented or disagreed with the majority.

Today’s decision meant Najib must remain in prison, where he has spent the last seven months now.

On July 28, 2020, Justice Datuk Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali found Najib guilty of all seven charges — three for criminal breach of trust, three for money-laundering, and one for abuse of power — at the High Court.

Mohd Nazlan, who is now a Court of Appeal judge, then sentenced Najib to 12 years in prison and fined him RM210 million in default five years imprisonment.

His decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal on December 8, 2021.

MORE TO COME

“Abolition of death penalty needs to be thoroughly debated”

“Abolition of death penalty needs to be thoroughly debated”

By V. Thomas





IT IS really shocking that the abolition of the mandatory death penalty is being replaced by harsher and even more inhuman laws. Replacing the death penalty with a jail sentence of 30 or 40 years imprisonment plus the possibility of whipping is against the spirit of the abolition of the death penalty in the country.

There is no doubt that the death penalty is a deterrent to serious criminal offences.

However, when the death penalty is going to be abolished, it gives the government a good reason to rethink effective but more merciful alternatives. The government wants to abolish the death penalty as it is now the international norm and also because it has been increasingly found to be ineffective, even though it is the most severe deterrent.

The legislation concerning the abolition of the death penalty is now in parliament and being debated, where it is expected to be passed next week and sent to the senate. Too little time has been allocated for debate and discussion of an important piece of legislation like the abolition of capital punishment.

It is hoped that the MPs will consider amendments and opt for a 15 to 20-year sentence and also cancel the minimum 12 strokes of the cane. Whipping is a barbaric and primitive punishment and should be abolished together with the death penalty.

It will be better to have the jail sentence reduced to 15–20 years and give the person a chance to reintegrate with society. The long imprisonment will physically weaken them, make them realise and repent for their crime, and make them cherish their freedom for the remaining years of their lives.

All the MPs need to give the proposals more serious thought, as it is historic legislation that will be in effect for decades to come. There has been little or no debate about alternative forms of punishment other than those proposed by the government.

Why wasn’t the Islamic concept of Diya brought up as an alternative to the equally cruel punishment of 30 or 40 years plus whipping, which was proposed to replace the abolition of the death penalty?

PAS politicians and leaders often crow their heads off in wanting to infuse elements of Islamic jurisprudence into the Malaysian legal system. This was a good opportunity for them to do so by presenting a positive replacement for the death sentence.

Diya refers to a system of monetary compensation to the victim’s family when death has occurred either intentionally or accidentally. It is a fair system in that the victim’s family will be financially compensated and their livelihood will somehow be reinstated. This is much better than the English law, which Malaysia practises, where the victim’s family gets nothing despite the offender going to jail or receiving the death sentence.

Malaysia does not have any system of compensation for criminal injuries or deaths.

PAS and the other Muslim MPs need to debate this alternative in the proposed new legislation



Not providing better insights or ideas to this new legislation will mean that they will forego a good chance to add a more equitable form of justice to criminal punishment.

I refer to a case that happened in 2020 in Perak where an old Indian security guard was assaulted by a man for not allowing his small child to use the swimming pool in the condominium.

The security guard died in the hospital a few months later while undergoing treatment, and the offender could be charged with a more serious crime that could end up with the death penalty.

Later, the deceased security guard’s wife visited the family of the offender. She had a conversation with the man’s wife and found her to be remorseful and in a deprived situation, as the breadwinner has been remanded in custody.

Realising the situation, she was ready to forgive.

However, despite pitying the family, she was not able to do anything as the law as it is at present has to take its course. It is in a situation like this that the DIY system can be positively used.

It is no use sentencing a person to death when there is a better alternative, like monetary compensation, especially for an accidental death.

The Diya system of monetary compensation must be included alongside the new legislation abolishing the death penalty. It can be used by both Muslims and non-Muslims.

Abolition of the death penalty must be replaced with a more merciful and meaningful system in line with international best practises.

Malaysian MPs have a historic opportunity not only to abolish the death penalty but also to replace it with better humanitarian alternatives that will be lauded and appreciated by the international community.

Malaysia can also look into implementing the pardoning system practised in some countries, where a large number of prisoners are either fully pardoned or have their prison terms reduced by the head of state or the government on important occasions relevant to the country.

A few dozen prisoners jailed for lesser offences can be freed or have their prison terms reduced on important occasions annually like Merdeka Day or the King’s or Prime Minister’s birthday and help reduce the swelling number of inmates in the local prisons.

The Royal Pardons Boards are very much hampered by bureaucracy and other shortcomings, and few if any prisoners are released. — March 30, 2023




V. Thomas is a Focus Malaysia viewer.

RPK’s prophecy of doom: Clash of titans, chaos with Tun M orchestrating the fall of Anwar

RPK’s prophecy of doom: Clash of titans, chaos with Tun M orchestrating the fall of Anwar

THE nation’s security may have to be put on high alert for mercenary blogger and once PKR ally Raja Petra Kamaruddin (RPK) has shared a damning prediction of a “war of titans” between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his once mentor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad which culminated in the fall of the unity government.

In a well-articulated video clip lasting 9 minutes and 35 seconds, the fugitive blogger who is believed to be residing in Manchester, UK has even pledged his allegiance to Dr Mahathir “if indeed a war were to break out between the duo”.

For context, RPK made his prediction when commenting on the seven-day period that Dr Mahathir has granted Anwar on March 28 (presumably ends on April 3) to retract his accusation that “someone who was in power for 22 years and 22 months” had siphoned the nation’s wealth for his family and his children.

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has given Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim seven days to retract his statement on March 28


“I don’t care what others think of me, I will stick with Tun M … moreover, Tun M has mentioned recently that it’s not wrong to topple Anwar … it’s the same as how (Tan Sri) Muhyiddin (Yassin) was toppled previously,” he justified.

“I can agree with that … If there is a movement to topple PH or Anwar, count me in for I’m going to join you, support you and I’ll go all-out to join the anti-Anwar movement to ensure that Anwar will not last for five years as PM or until the next general election.”

RPK which is highly critical of Anwar throughout his video clip also defied the wishes of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah who wanted Anwar to be his “final PM appointment” (after Muhyiddin and Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob) prior to him completing his five-year tenure in January 2024.

“It’s fine to have two to three PMs before the next national polls considering that now is no longer the era when a PM reigns for two to three terms but instead two to three PMs rule in one term,” he countered.

“I therefore wish Malaysia luck … political stability envisaged by the unity government will not happen … what will happen in chaos with Tun M ensuring that unrest will occur and Anwar falls.”

After 25 years of accusation levelled against Dr Mahathir and former Finance Minister Tun Daim Zainuddin that date back to the height of the Reformasi movement in 1998, RPK even teased Anwar that the onus is on him to furnish the evidence that “they have both stolen RM100 bil to RM200 bil alongside numerous other cronies, proxies and trustees which numbered 20-30 Malay, Chinese and Indian names.”

“I know Tun M well that he is the type of person who doesn’t mince his words … He’s unlike Anwar and his PH gang who only threaten but no action,” RPK pointed out. “Either Anwar retracts his statement or prepare his six boxes of evidence that date back to 25 years ago if they still exist or haven’t been destroyed by termites.”

Citing Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu that when “elephant fight elephant, grass gets trampled”, RPK suggested that Dr Mahathir has nothing to lose in the “war of titans” because he is no longer the PM and no longer harbours any ambition to be one, “but he merely wants to see Anwar no longer become PM”. – March 30, 2023

Why the need for a new chief minister, ask Melaka folk

FMT:

Why the need for a new chief minister, ask Melaka folk

They say Sulaiman Ali has done a good job and should have stayed on until the end of term.

Ab Rauf Yusoh has been named as Barisan Nasional’s candidate for the Melaka chief minister’s post.


MELAKA: Many in the state are perplexed about the sudden resignation of chief minister Sulaiman Ali after only two years holding the post.

Those met by FMT said Sulaiman had been doing a good job and this unnecessary change could potentially affect Melaka’s economy.

Trader Hassan Omar, 52, said Sulaiman was popular and should have stayed on until the next election.

“He is someone who’s religious and has good principles so I don’t understand why there is a need to change.

Hassan Omar.

“Since the people like him, perhaps they should just wait until the next election to replace the chief minister,” he told FMT.

Hassan said if the chief minister kept changing, Melaka’s economy would not have a chance to grow.

Barber Kuhan Raj, 26, also agreed with Hassan that Sulaiman should have stayed on until the end of his term.

“We played our role by casting our votes but then these people in power keep making decisions among themselves.”

Retiree Haji Yunus, 56, said the decision to change the chief minister was a political move and not the will of the people.

“Sulaiman has no issues. Maybe Umno felt that (Tanjung Bidara assemblyman) Ab Rauf Yusoh has more experience, hence they picked him. So we just have to accept it.

“The whole political saga which led to Melaka having an early state election in 2021 was due to internal politics, so we hope we won’t have to face it again.”

Janice Foo, 24, said as a voter she could not do much but just watch from the sidelines.

“This is out of our control. But honestly I am still puzzled over why there is a need to change the chief minister.

“I may not be very knowledgeable when it comes to politics but my peers and family members have always said Sulaiman has done a good job,” said the fresh graduate.

Sulaiman was sworn in as chief minister in November 2021, after Barisan Nasional won the Melaka state elections. He resigned as chief minister yesterday.

Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed today that Rauf would be the coalition’s candidate for the post.

Zahid said he had submitted Rauf’s name to Melaka governor Ali Rustam. The swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place tomorrow at 3pm.

When little Napoleons abuse their power

FMT:

When little Napoleons abuse their power

Why do men or women in uniform go over the top when exercising their power?




Were police blind in not seeing what had happened from above photo?

To add insult to injury, police has also charged the physically abused old man


From Clement Stanley

It must be really exciting to wield power, even for a fleeting moment and for the wrong reasons.

Just take the case of the Petaling Jaya City Council dog catchers who decided to use force on an elderly gentleman whose only crime was to love and care for his dogs.

They flexed their muscles and were brazen enough to act in such an uncivilised manner despite knowing they were being recorded.

But in truth, the old man – who was punched in the face – was braver than these enforcers.

The difference lies in the power they were given and which they abused. And that’s just shameful. Even more shameful is the fact that the elderly man will be charged tomorrow for obstructing public servants from carrying out their duties.

Then you have security guards stationed at hospital entrances with power in their hands to decide if you can or cannot go any further based on the way you dress when visiting patients.

What one wears is probably the last thing on one’s mind at that point in time.

After all, people who go to hospitals are either those seeking medical attention or visiting patients.

All the security guard knows is that he has the power to turn someone away because they are “inappropriately” dressed.

The question is, why do men or women in uniform go over the top when exercising their power?

Shouldn’t there be some sense of politeness and compassion when dealing with a fellow human being who is unaware of an existing “dress code” at a government department or agency?

Who are these guardians of morality?

What many of us cannot understand nor can we accept is the lack of understanding and compassion shown by these little Napoleons.

Today it is the dog catchers against one old man. Tomorrow it might be worse. Who knows? Power in the wrong hands will lead to chaos and ruin our nation.



Clement Stanley is an FMT reader.

No circular barring Kedah MB from attending federal events, says DPM Zahid

MM:

No circular barring Kedah MB from attending federal events, says DPM Zahid

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi speaks during a press conference at the Parliament in Kuala Lumpur March 30, 2023. — Bernama pic

Thursday, 30 Mar 2023 9:47 PM MYT


MUAR, March 30 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today denied that any circular had been issued to bar Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor from attending federal government events.

“I have not heard of any written order to prevent him from attending official events organised by the federal government. But I would not know if he was personally told that he could not attend.

“Maybe the Kedah Menteri Besar can show a written order to prove his claim of being barred from attending federal government events,” he told reporters after the Santunan Kasih Ramadan event at Masjid Jamek Kampung Sungai Gersik here.

In his official Facebook post, Muhammad Sanusi alleged that he had been barred from attending official federal government events, including the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 scheduled to be held from May 23 to 27. — Bernama

Resignation as Melaka CM not due to pressure by any party, says Sulaiman

MM:

Resignation as Melaka CM not due to pressure by any party, says Sulaiman

Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali speaks to the media after the presentation of donations under the Masjid Tanah parliamentary constituency in conjunction with the Ramadan month at the Kuala Linggi State Legislative Assembly Development and Coordination Committee Complex (Japerun) in Alor Gajah March 30, 2023. — Bernama pic

Thursday, 30 Mar 2023 9:17 PM MYT


ALOR GAJAH, March 30 — Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali has insisted that he was not pressured by any party to step down as the Melaka chief minister.

“It was urged by my heart... my instinct,” he said when met by reporters after the presentation of donations under the Masjid Tanah parliamentary constituency in conjunction with the Ramadan month at the Kuala Linggi State Legislative Assembly Development and Coordination Committee Complex (Japerun) here today.

He reiterated that there was no agreement or offer to appoint him as a senator, adding that his resignation was due to health issues.

“I don’t want anymore. I want to take care of my state constituency (Lendu) and get back to my normal life. I did say before that one term (as Chief Minister) is enough (for me),” he said.

Sulaiman said he hoped that all parties will support his successor because each person has their advantages.

Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was reported as saying that he proposed Tanjung Bidara state assemblyman, who is also Melaka Umno Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh as the new Melaka Chief Minister.

Meanwhile, the Melaka State Secretary Datuk Zaidi Johari was quoted as saying that the ceremony to present the letter of appointment, and the taking of the oath of office, loyalty and secrecy for the 13th Chief Minister is scheduled to be held at 3pm tomorrow at the Dewan Seri Utama of the Melaka Governor’s Office. — Bernama

State polls: Unity govt may not be formed in all states, says Zahid

MM:

State polls: Unity govt may not be formed in all states, says Zahid

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi speaks during a press conference at the Parliament in Kuala Lumpur March 30, 2023. — Bernama pic

Thursday, 30 Mar 2023 9:59 PM MYT


MUAR, March 30 — Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today hinted that the formation of a unity government that is expected to happen in Melaka may not necessarily occur in other states, including Johor.

The deputy prime minister said this was because the political situation in Melaka differed from those in other states.

“I hope there is no speculation because the important thing is political stability, not only at the national level, but we believe that stability also needs to be established for the administration in each state,” he told reporters during the ‘Santunan Kasih Ramadan’ programme at Masjid Jamek Kampung Sungai Gersik, here, today.

Amad Zahid said the most important thing for the people was political stability, which would translate to an influx of investment as well as economic opportunities based on better investor trust.

“Stability will also bring confidence to the people in the leadership of the state itself and I believe that what the Honourable Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) hopes for is political stability,” said Ahmad Zahid.

The political scene in Melaka has been in the spotlight since yesterday when Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali resigned as the 12th Chief Minister.

Melaka is currently fully governed by the Barisan Nasional (BN) government. BN Melaka has 21 out of 28 seats in the State Assembly, while Pakatan Harapan has five seats and Perikatan Nasional has two.

Ahmad Zahid who is also Umno president said today the party had proposed Melaka Umno chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh for the chief minister’s post.

When asked what political changes were expected in Melaka under the new state government leadership, the Umno president expressed confidence that the spirit of the Unity Government at the national level would be successfully translated at the state level, as well as in the next six state elections.

“We must allow good optics and narratives to widen the formation of this unity government at the state level. I was also informed that at the Johor state level, it is being implemented in its own way, where the state government has given appropriate allocations to all members of the Johor State Assembly.

“And this certainly provides good optics for the Johor state government and it will certainly be able to provide a balance between the state government represented by Barisan Nasional assemblymen and assemblymen from other coalition parties, including those not aligned with the Federal government,” he said.

In the last Johor State Election, BN won more than two-thirds of the seats by winning 40 of the 56 contested seats, followed by Pakatan Harapan with 13 seats and Perikatan Nasional with three seats.

Also present at the ceremony tonight were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Umno vice president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who is also a former Johor menteri besar. — Bernama

Muda, students protest in red after UiTM blocks dialogue session with Syed Saddiq

MM:

Muda, students protest in red after UiTM blocks dialogue session with Syed Saddiq

Muda president Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman speaks to the media outside UiTM Shah Alam after the Jelajah Mansuh Auku programme at UiTM Shah Alam was blocked March 30, 2023. — Picture by Miera Zulyana

Thursday, 30 Mar 2023 11:26 PM MYT


SHAH ALAM, March 30 — Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) members carried red flags and wore armbands torn from red cloth as a peaceful protest against Universiti Teknologi Mara’s (UiTM) rejection of the planned dialogue session tonight.


The crowd of 120 Muda members and UiTM students stood around the main gates of the university as Muda president Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman negotiated with UiTM staff for 20 minutes, resulting in an agreement to hold the dialogue session after Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

“The point is: students today can already vote yet they cannot engage in peaceful dialogues like this.


“I think it does not make sense,” Syed Saddiq told the media after the negotiations.


The red flags and armbands were also a demand for the government to repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act (Auku) 1971, Muda secretary-general secretary-general Amir Abd Hadi added.

“After this, the students will bring the red flag and armbands as a symbol of peaceful protest and to demand the government repeals Auku as soon as possible as well as to address many issues faced by students,” he said.

He also expressed hopes that the university will not penalise students who took part in the events tonight.

Syed Saddiq said that there are plans to hold dialogues in other universities and that he hopes he can hold them as frequently as he can.

The aim was to converse with students and to bring their concerns to Parliament, he said.

Police vehicles could be seen at UiTM Shah Alam as the university attempts to block students and the public from attending the event organised by Muda affiliate Ikatan Mahasiswa Demokratik March 30, 2023. — Picture by Miera Zulyana


Police roadblocks and car spot checks were held in front of the university’s entrance as part of attempts to prevent the dialogue from happening.

When Syed Saddiq showed up, guards quickly pulled the university’s gate closed to prevent him from entering the university.

The dialogue, which was supposed to be held at Dataran Cendekiawan in UitM at 10pm tonight, was meant to discuss the revocation of Auku as well as the payment of interns.

As the crowd dispersed afterwards, they chanted “hidup mahasiswa” (Malay for “long live students”).

Earlier this evening, UiTM warned its students against participating in the dialogue session as students were only allowed to participate in programmes on-campus that have university’s approval.

Before that, Syed Saddiq said that he will still head to UiTM to engage with the varsity students in a dialogue session tonight organised by Muda affiliate Ikatan Mahasiswa Demokratik Malaysia, which was previously rejected by the university.

Students and Muda members converge outside UiTM Shah Alam with red flags and armbands after they were blocked from attending the event organised by Muda affiliate Ikatan Mahasiswa Demokratik on March 30, 2023. — Picture by Miera Zulyana


In a press conference, the Muar MP accused UiTM of blocking its students from attending the dialogue session after it was reported that the university closed one of its dormitories’ gates between 9pm tonight and 6am despite the fasting month of Ramadan.

He also questioned why he was denied entry now that Muda is part of the coalition government when he had faced no problem holding a peaceful dialogue session in the third quarter of last year when the party was part of the opposition.

Earlier today, Mahasiswa Demokratik Malaysia secretary-general Zuren Zulaikha urged UiTM’s management to withdraw instructions to close the university’s main gate, saying that the reason for technical issues with the gate did not make sense.

She said that the action was at odds with the deputy vice chancellor of student affairs’ circular dated March 20 regarding permission for students to buy food for “sahur” during Ramadan whether in the college or outside of it until 2am.

However, at 1pm, the College Representative Committee of the Melati Residential College said that the gates will be open as usual and the technical issues have been successfully resolved.