Zaid asks whether whipping is necessary in the Syed Sadiq case
FORMER law minister and lawyer Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has described the sentence handed down to Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman as “excessive and harsh” questioning the necessity of severe punishment for the young politician.
In a statement, Zaid praised Syed Saddiq, calling him an “exceptionally clever and talented young man” with a rare passion for public service. “His passion for public service is hard to find in another young person,” Zaid said.
Acknowledging that Syed Saddiq had made mistakes, Zaid emphasised that no one is without fault. “So he made mistakes, but who didn’t?” he asked.
Zaid was particularly critical of the inclusion of whipping as part of the punishment, calling it a cruel relic of a bygone era.
“Whipping is necessary in this case? This cruel form of punishment was introduced seven hundred years ago in England, where they would tie the offender to a tree and flog him until it was bloody. It was a spectacle for those who relish seeing people in pain and blood,” he said.
He argued that disproportionate punishment undermines rehabilitation efforts.
“Does punishment have to be that severe for someone to learn from his mistake? When punishment is disproportionate, it has the opposite effect of rehabilitating him. Isn’t sentencing all about proper rehabilitation so the offender can continue to have a meaningful life and contribute to society?” Zaid added.
Expressing hope for leniency, Zaid concluded, “I hope there will be a reprieve for you, Syed.”
Syed Saddiq, a prominent young political figure, has been at the centre of public debate following his conviction and sentencing, with many calling for a reassessment of the penalties imposed.
Syed Saddiq
Syed Saddiq's sentence was excessive and harsh, in my view. He was an exceptionally clever and talented young man. His passion for public service is hard to find in another young person
So he made mistakes, but who didn't?
Whipping is necessary in this case? This… Show more
Main photo credit: The Star
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kt comments:
I've the same question.
Trump’s latest pick: Charles Kushner, felon and father of son-in-law Jared, as US ambassador to France
President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday nominated Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as the US ambassador to France, in the latest of several controversial picks. — AFP pic
Sunday, 01 Dec 2024 9:16 AM MYT
WASHINGTON, Dec 1 — President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday nominated Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as the US ambassador to France, in the latest of several controversial picks.
Kushner “is a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our Country & its interests”, Trump said on his Truth Social website, adding that Jared “worked closely with me in the White House.”
The choice is in keeping with Trump’s pattern, so far, of selecting people, often wealthy, who are close to his family or of proven loyalty. Kushner is a multimillionaire real estate executive and former attorney; his son was a senior adviser during Trump’s first term.
Trump did not mention, however, that the elder Kushner once served jail time — a two-year sentence, most of it served in a federal prison.
Kushner, who is now 70, pleaded guilty in 2004 to 18 counts of tax evasion, witness tampering and making illegal campaign contributions.
The case, which was prosecuted by then US attorney Chris Christie, included sordid details, to which Kushner admitted: that he had hired a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law, a man cooperating in a campaign finance inquiry, and then videotaped the encounter and sent it to the man’s wife, Kushner’s sister, to dissuade her from testifying against him.
Christie, who worked on Trump’s first presidential transition team and then opposed him in this year’s Republican primary contests, later said Kushner had committed a “loathsome” and “disgusting crime”.
In 2020, Trump issued a pardon to Kushner, whose conviction had resulted in him being disbarred in three states.
Nominees for key ambassadorships are often business associates of a president-elect, or major political donors. But it is rare, if not unprecedented, to name a convicted felon.
The first two men to fill the prestigious Paris post were famed inventor and statesman Benjamin Franklin and a future president, Thomas Jefferson.
If confirmed, Kushner would succeed Denise Bauer, a former ambassador to Belgium who was a major Democratic fundraiser and donor. — AFP
At Bersatu AGM, delegates reaffirm Muhyiddin’s role as Perikatan’s PM candidate for GE16
Bersatu delegates take a selfie with party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin during the Bersatu annual general meeting at Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) Shah Alam November 30, 2024. — Picture By Firdaus Latif
Saturday, 30 Nov 2024 9:00 PM MYT
SHAH ALAM, Nov 30 — At its seventh annual general meeting (AGM) today, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia delegates voiced their support for party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as the prime ministerial candidate for Opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the next general election.
Bersatu members emphasised the coalition’s foundation under their party’s leadership, asserting that Muhyiddin is the backbone of PN.
“Each party has its own stance. PAS’ position is based on their majority of seats in the Dewan Rakyat, and we acknowledge that,” said Khairul Haniza Ibrahim, 53, deputy division chief of Kuala Pilah Bersatu.
“However, from Bersatu’s perspective, we must not forget that Perikatan Nasional was founded by our president. The goal of Perikatan Nasional is to take over the government and return to Putrajaya.”
Khairul Haniza Datuk Ibrahim speaks to Malay Mail during the Bersatu annual general meeting at Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) Shah Alam November 30, 2024. — Picture By Firdaus Latif
Khairul Haniza also told Malay Mail that this year’s assembly provides a platform for Bersatu members to express their opinions on who is best suited to be proposed as prime minister.
Kota Siputih assemblyman Mohd Ashraf Mustaqim Badrul Munir, 38, highlighted Muhyiddin’s significant contributions to the country.
“Of course, Muhyiddin is the poster boy for PN. As the PN leader and its chairman, that’s who he is,” he said.
“Based on public reception and data — including findings from think tanks and data centres — we know that Muhyiddin’s standing remains strong.
“His contributions, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, are still remembered by the people. They recognise his service and see him as a leading candidate for the premiership.”
Mohd Ashraf Mustaqim Badrul Munir speaks to Malay Mail during the Bersatu annual general meeting at Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) Shah Alam November 30, 2024. — Picture By Firdaus Latif
However, Mohd Ashraf acknowledged that Muhyiddin had recently said that his leadership is not sacrosanct.
“We respect our coalition partners, including PAS, Gerakan, and others in the PN coalition. This matter is open for discussion. Moreover, Muhyiddin is not an authoritarian figure who insists everything must go through him,” he added.
“PN operates as an inclusive body, valuing the input of its members. This inclusivity reflects Muhyiddin’s open-mindedness.
“As Bersatu members, we naturally believe that Muhyiddin is the right figure to lead PN. He is the ideal candidate to lead and represent the coalition, alongside Tuan Guru Haji Hadi (PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang) and other leaders from Gerakan.”
Abdullah Khayan speaks to Malay Mail during the Bersatu annual general meeting at Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) Shah Alam November 30, 2024. — Picture By Firdaus Latif
For Abdullah Khayan, 58, from the Labis division in Johor, the party grassroots expressed a preference for Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin as the party’s ‘poster boy’ instead.
“If we were to give the position to Datuk Seri Hamzah, people might appreciate it more, instead of having the same person repeatedly becoming prime minister, which could lead to public resentment. Many members have voiced this opinion,” he said.
“However, as long as Bersatu maintains its position as the party nominating the prime ministerial candidate, that’s acceptable.”
Abdullah also stressed that Bersatu must nominate a candidate the public supports.
“If PAS wants to propose someone, that’s fine — as long as they present a credible candidate. Let them present their candidate first so we can compare and determine who is the better choice,” he said.
“Bersatu must nominate a candidate who resonates with the people. We are a party that listens to the people and seeks to win their hearts. Tan Sri Muhyiddin has led before and gave his best during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
PM Anwar: Govt policy towards inclusivity will not sacrifice interest of Malays
According to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim while the government supports affirmative action, it does not believe in discrimination. — Bernama pic
Sunday, 01 Dec 2024 9:01 AM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 — Concerns among Malays that the government’s policies are becoming more inclusive and tolerant of others, potentially sacrificing their interests, are clearly misplaced, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In fact, under the current government, the Prime Minister said that the position of Malay rulers, Malay and privileges of Islam, and Bahasa Melayu’s status as the official language of the country under the Federal Constitution will never be jeopardised.
“The government and I through our formidable coalition partners have made it very clear that constitutional guarantees are in place, that the position of the Malay rulers, Malay and Bumiputera privileges and Islam is the religion of the Federation and Bahasa Melayu language will never be compromised.
“In fact under this government, for the first time, when we took back Bandar Malaysia (project) from a foreign entity, we made it clear that there is a minimum portion of 50 acres preserved as a Malay reserve, the first time since independence.
“This instills confidence in me because not only Malays, but also non-Malays, including my Cabinet, understand that this position and government policy make it very clear that we are here to be fair, to consider every single Malaysian as one great member of one great family,” he said in his speech at the Malay College Old Boys Association (MCOBA) annual dinner here last night.
According to the Prime Minister, while the government supports affirmative action, it does not believe in discrimination.
He admits that previous implementations of affirmative action policies, such as the Bumiputera policy, were marred by nepotism, noting that the policy was abused to enrich families and party leaders at the expense of the Malay community as a whole.
Despite this, Anwar stated that he supports a modernised version of affirmative action that is more transparent and inclusive, ensuring that benefits are distributed more equitably to all Malays, including the urban poor and rural communities.
“That is why I believe we need to give this necessary message and exposure to the Malays, that even if we can preserve some elements of economic policy, we cannot expect to succeed if we abandon the principle of inclusivity and transparency, and ensure that these policies benefit the vast majority of Malays, including the urban poor and those from rural areas,” he added.
Regarding MCOBA, Anwar acknowledges the Malay College’s historical role as a provider of elite education, with ties to the colonial establishment and British values while maintaining its Malay identity.
The college’s tradition, he said, has not strayed from its roots, with its alumni making significant contributions to the nation’s development while remaining true to Islam, Malay heritage, and national values.
This combination of tradition and modernity, he argues, is critical as Malaysia faces 21st-century challenges such as digital transformation and energy transition. — Bernama
