Thursday, March 28, 2024

Quick to act against citizens; slow to act against politicians

 

Dennis Ignatius

 

~ Provoking discussion, dissent & debate on politics, diplomacy, human rights & civil society.

Quick to act against citizens; slow to act against politicians

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A growing number of citizens have found themselves in hot water for running afoul of laws like the Sedition Act, the Penal Code and the Communications and Multimedia Act. Mostly, it involves issues related to race, religion and royalty (the 3Rs) – insulting the monarchy, hurting the religious feelings of others, causing disharmony on the grounds of religion, intentional insult with intent to provoke a break of the peace, etc.  

Action has been generally swift. Within days some were arrested, charged and jailed.

Not content with existing legislation, the government is now in the process of further tightening a number of different laws including the Police Act and the Sedition Act. They argue that it is necessary to preserve the peace and maintain harmony in our multicultural society and protect national security

Civil society groups – Lawyers for Liberty and Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) among them – have strongly opposed these moves which they see as retrogressive and counter to Pakatan Harapan’s promise to abolish repressive, anti-democratic legislation. Suaram recently noted that the number of arrests and detentions under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) last year was the highest in the last five years, Suaram.[1]

But if you look at recent events, it is clear that the greatest danger to peace and security is not the careless and often unthinking spur-of-the-moment comments of disgruntled individuals but the carefully orchestrated exploitation of race, religion and royalty by the politicians themselves.  

Just look at the way UMNO Youth leader Akmal Saleh – with the full backing of the UMNO leadership no less – has exploited the KK Mart issue to inflame religious passions and provoke deep angst amongst the people regardless of the consequences. His actions have without doubt posed one of the greatest threats to peace and harmony in Malaysia in decades.

And then there’s the infamous statement by PAS President Abdul Hadi Awang which so incurred the displeasure of the Sultan of Selangor that His Majesty took the unusual step of publicly reprimanding the PAS president. According to the Sultan’s private secretary, Hadi’s statement “is not only confusing but could create uneasiness which could ultimately lead to disunity among Muslims, especially among the Malays in this country.”[2]

And yet, both Akmal and Hadi seem immune from prosecution. While others have been charged and jailed for far less, an apology letter from Hadi was sufficient to close the case. In Akmal’s case, we have the bizarre spectacle of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim calling for calm but refusing to condemn the provocative behaviour of Akmal. And you have UMNO President Zahid Hamidi calling for calm while endorsing Akmal’s offensive and incendiary behaviour. In the meantime, Akmal continues to provoke, instigate and inflame emotions unchecked.

It sends the signal that politicians like Akmal and Hadi can get away with anything while ordinary citizens will be penalised for the slightest infringement or careless posting. Such an impression – and it is already quickly gaining credibility – that the law is being unevenly applied is not something that any government should take lightly. It breeds distrust of the government and of politicians.

If the authorities are going to take action against those who endanger racial or religious harmony or insult the rulers, it ought to be far tougher on politicians than on ordinary citizens. After all, the damage that a single social media post by a disgruntled citizen can inflict is limited; the damage done by highly influential agents provocateurs like Akmal is immense and long lasting. 

And finally, instead of constantly seeking to diminish our freedoms via anti-democratic legislation, the prime minister and others in cabinet should set a better example by acting decisively whenever issues that could disrupt peace and harmony emerge. All the laws are useless when leaders themselves are too cowardly to stand up for what is right.

[Dennis Ignatius |Kuala Lumpur |28 March 2024

Israeli soldiers play with Gaza women's underwear in online posts


Reuters:

Israeli soldiers play with Gaza women's underwear in online posts

March 28, 2024 9:47 PM GMT+11




Summary

  • Mocking posts by Israeli soldiers going viral
  • Some experts say posts may breach international law


March 28 (Reuters) - Israeli soldiers have been posting photos and videos of themselves toying with lingerie found in Palestinian homes, creating a dissonant visual record of the war in Gaza as a looming famine intensifies world scrutiny of Israel's offensive.

In one video, an Israeli soldier sits in an armchair in a room in Gaza grinning, with a gun in one hand and dangling white satin underwear from the other over the open mouth of a comrade lying on a sofa.

Elsewhere, another soldier sits atop a tank holding a female mannequin dressed in a black bra and helmet and says: "I found a beautiful wife, serious relationship in Gaza, great woman."

The two videos shot by Israeli soldiers are among dozens of posts in which troops in Gaza are shown displaying lingerie, mannequins, and in some cases both. The lingerie images have been viewed tens of thousands of times - nearly half a million in one case - after being reposted by Younis Tirawi, who describes himself as a Palestinian reporter.

Approached about images he reposted to his more than 100,000 followers on X between Feb. 23 and March 1, Tirawi provided links to the original posts by IDF soldiers. Reuters then independently verified eight posted on Instagram or YouTube.

"The posting of such images is demeaning to Palestinian women, and all women," said Ravina Shamdasani, U.N. Human Rights Office spokesperson.

Reuters sent details of the eight verified posts on YouTube or Instagram to the Israel Defense Forces, requesting comment.

In response, a spokesperson sent a statement saying the IDF investigates incidents that deviate from the orders and expected values of IDF soldiers, as well as reports of videos uploaded to social networks.

"In cases where suspicion of a criminal offense arises that justifies opening an investigation, an investigation is opened by the Military Police," it said.

"It should be clarified that in some of the examined cases, it is concluded that the expression or behaviour of the soldiers in the video is inappropriate, and it is handled accordingly," the statement said.

The IDF declined to say whether it was referring to any of the images highlighted by Reuters, or whether any of the soldiers responsible have been disciplined.

The Israeli soldiers whom Reuters was able to identify did not respond to requests for comment sent via their social media accounts.




An Israeli soldier holds underwear over the face of a fellow Israeli soldier in a screengrab from a video obtained by Reuters, released on January 10, 2024, said to be filmed in Gaza. REUTERS



MANNEQUINS AND UNDERWEAR

The authenticated posts include a photo of a soldier holding a bare female mannequin from behind with his hands on its breasts and one of a soldier handling a half-naked doll.

One photo shows a soldier posing with his gun, making a thumbs-up gesture, in front of a double bed strewn with packets of women's underwear.

YouTube said it had removed a video flagged by Reuters for violating the platform's harassment policies, which prohibit content that reveals someone's personally identifiable information. Instagram did not comment.

Israel's military campaign in Gaza was launched in response to an attack on Israel by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Oct. 7 in which militants killed about 1,200 people and took 253 hostage, according to Israel.

The posts come at a time when Hamas and Israel are both being accused of grave war crimes. A team of U.N. experts said this month in a report that there were reasonable grounds to believe
sexual violence, including rapes and gang rapes, occurred at several locations during the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas.

The experts also said there was convincing information that some Israeli hostages taken to Gaza had been subjected to sexual violence which may still be ongoing.

Israel stands accused of pushing Gaza towards famine. The team of U.N. experts also said in its
recent report, opens new tab that it had received information from institutional and civil society sources and direct interviews in the West Bank about sexual violence against Palestinians by the IDF.

Both sides reject accusations of sexual violence.

The lingerie and mannequin posts do not compare in gravity to the alleged crimes against women reported since Oct. 7. Still, two legal experts said they potentially breached international law.

Ardi Imseis, an assistant professor of law at Queen's University in Canada, said the posts violated article 27 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which governs the treatment of civilians in wartime.

Article 27 says civilians are entitled to respect for their honour, family rights, manners and customs, and must be protected against insults and public curiosity, and that women must be especially protected against any attack on their honour.

Within Israel, the lingerie posts have attracted little attention, said Oren Persico of the Seventh Eye, a website covering Israeli media. By contrast, he said, posts showing weapons or Hamas flags said to have been found in Gazan homes have been circulating widely.

Alleged extortion at reflexology and massage parlours



Murray Hunter
MAR 28, 2024


Who are the real victims?





A number of Thai massage therapists have come forward with horrifying stories of how they travelled to Malaysia to take up promised work in reflexology and massage parlours around the country. Some of them are being arrested in raids, put in jail and extorted for money after their arrival.

Working in Malaysia is a dream for some Thai massage therapists, who hope for higher salaries than what they can earn in Thailand. They usually make the journey across the land border at Bukit Kayu Hitam by bus or van to the major towns and cities on the peninsula. These therapists are recruited by the shop owners or by other therapists who are already working.

Many of them go through the border obtaining a one-month social visit pass. They are also unaware they will need a temporary work permit to work, and massage shop owners and managers rarely, if at all arrange proper legal documentation for them. Before the end of one month, the massage therapists must do a border run to get a new social visit pass stamp in their passports.

The lack of any work permit documentation makes the massage therapists vulnerable to extortion. Its well known within the industry that some rogue police, immigration, local government officers, and even RELA personnel will charge massage shop owners a fixed sum per therapist each month. However, should something go wrong, these rogue officers may raid the shop and take away the massage therapists to a lock-up.

The Thai massage therapists with limited command of English or Malay have no understanding of their rights under the law. They are intimidated and housed in poor conditions without any change in clothes, toiletries, or mattresses and pillows to sleep. Food is inadequate, and an overcrowded cell will only have one toilet in the corner for all to share without any privacy. They are not given any access to legal advice, or consular access to their embassy for assistance. They are not taken before a magistrate to make any orders concerning their detention.

The bottom-line for the detained Thais is a payment to the rogue officers of between RM 3,000-3,500 to gain release. If they are lucky, the Massage parlour owner will assist in order to gain the therapist’s release. However, there are stories of some being abandoned and destined to spend months in detention in a ‘legal limbo’.

Law alone doesn’t work

As far as massage parlour bosses are concerned, obtaining work permits for therapists is complex, time consuming and expensive. Often immigration qualification requirements don’t recognise the qualifications the massage therapists have. They must have recognized TVET college certificates. Most often the therapists have certificates from private institutions not recognized by the Malaysian government.

There is also a high turnover of workers, which discourages owners to make the effort. The workers themselves are mostly unaware of the seriousness of the offence of working without proper documentation. Workers mostly rely upon other workers for information.

If undocumented workers are caught in a raid, they are the ones punished. Most often to owners escaping their responsibility.

Local government regulations must be made, that if workers without proper documentation are found on a premises, the shop must be immediately shutdown until all matters are legally resolved.

Reflexology and massage shop owners must take the responsibility.

Prevention is an excellent strategy to prevent extortion by rogue officers.

All police should wear a body camera while on duty. This is not a new technology for police force use, which has been very successful fighting corruption in China. Sadly, the new amendments to the Police (Amendment) Act, while very quickly passing through parliament, had no provisions to introduce bodycams to enhance transparency. The absence of bodycams will continue to encourage rogue police to continue these types of extortion rackets against the marginalized victims of the massage industry.





Ramasamy: Going for the broke, Indians are ready to support the opposition PN in droves




Ramasamy: Going for the broke, Indians are ready to support the opposition PN in droves

By Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy





THE MIC might be part of the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition that supports the Madani government of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.


However, it should be accepted that the grand old “mother” party of Indians is not in a position to prevent Indian voters from moving to the side of the opposition, the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition.

Gone are the days when the party was regarded as the sole representatives of Indians in the country, particularly the Tamils.


Today, the party might still exist but for all intents and purposes, it might not be able to prevent the shift of Indian votes to the PN come the next national polls.

The six states elections on Aug 12 last year were indicative of the slow but sure Indian support for the PN opposition.



It is estimated that about 21% of Indian voters gave their support to the PN candidates in the west coast states of the peninsula. It is not that the PN has whole-heartedly embraced the Indian community as it is still caught up in the race and religious rhetoric.

It is not so much the attraction of the opposition but rather Indians very own disappointment with the present Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led Madani or unity government.

Anwar’s famous line that Malays, Chinese, Indians and others are children has vanished into thin air. He has the tendency to say one thing but does another thing. All the promises and assurances of creating an inclusive Malaysian society remains a pipe dream.

Door slammed on Indians

Indians face racial discrimination in the public service employment, had to put up with their limited entry into public universities and the matriculation programme.



Despite being a marginalised and a poor community, Indians are denied opportunities to engage in business and entrepreneurial activities in the economy.

Indians are not only disrespected because of their poor economic status but face the double whammy of ethnic and racial discrimination. In brief, Indians are regarded as third class citizens of the country.

If the Madani government cannot fulfill its promises, what political option is left for the Indians? Do they have to wait for the day when the government can open its eyes to see the conditions of Indians in the country?

The so-called multi-racial political parties have been a big disappointment for Indians. There is a growing realisation that the phony concept means nothing to the progress and advancement of the community.


Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy (standing) during a roadshow of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (URIMAI)


Multi-racialism has become a convenient cloak to camouflage the narrow sectarian politics of the DAP and PKR. A sprinkling of Indians in political posts in the government is just to appease the community.

In the last state elections, DAP dropped a number of vociferous Indian leaders just because they dared to oppose the government’s partiality towards Indians.

I seriously doubt that the unity government can do something drastic to arrest the drift of Indian support towards the opposition.

Indians are prepared to support the opposition even though they have not been assured that things will better if there is change of government in the future.

The coming by-elections for the Selangor state constituency of Kuala Kubu Bharu might be the litmus test of Indian support to the opposition. If the opposition can obtain half of the 18% Indian voters, victory might be snatched away from the PH-led government.

If the PH-led government has betrayed the Indian community, there is no conceivable harm for the community to go along with the opposition.

In short, Indians have nothing to gain under the present government but there is possibility that things might be brighter under the opposition-led government. – March 28, 2024



Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the Urimai (United Rights of Malaysian Party) Interim Council.


Combatting vigilantism: Protecting Malaysia’s cultural harmony against distorted ideologies — Sisters in Islam




Combatting vigilantism: Protecting Malaysia’s cultural harmony against distorted ideologies — Sisters in Islam

Thursday, 28 Mar 2024 4:25 PM MYT


MARCH 28 — On this auspicious day of Nuzul Al-Quran, commemorating the momentous occasion when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the first revelation of Islam’s sacred book, the Holy Quran, it is imperative for us as Muslims to reflect deeply on our current situation. This urgency is heightened considering the recent “sock gate” controversy, which has left us profoundly disturbed by the events that have unfolded.

It is imperative to remind ourselves of Malaysia’s intrinsic strength, rooted in its kaleidoscope of cultures and races — a testament to our profound diversity. Yet, amid this richness, sinister forces lurk, attempting to unravel the fabric of our society with their warped vision of Islam. Certain politicians, hungry for power and relevance, have shamelessly exploited this controversy to portray themselves as champions of a version of Islam — one that stands in stark contrast to its true essence of inclusivity, peace, and justice. While the act of printing the name of Allah on a sock is unquestionably disrespectful to Muslims, it is but a terrible oversight of the involved supermarket chain.


However, the aftermath of this debacle has been nothing short of calamitous for a nation that prides itself on its diversity. Vigilantes, masquerading in the name of Allah, have emerged, setting a perilous precedent toward religious extremism. It is appalling that such brazen behaviour continues unchecked, with authorities appearing lethargic in their response. The recent incarceration of individuals like Chiok Wai Loong and Ricky Shane Cagampang for their online comments on the controversy is a glaring indictment of justice and freedom of expression in our nation. While these individuals faced swift punishment, vigilante groups roam free, acting as judge, jury, and executioner. This stark double standard in law enforcement reeks of the erosion of the rule of law.

Moreover, the opportunistic exploitation of sensitive issues by politicians has fuelled a dangerous ‘lynch-mob’ mentality, suffocating dissenting voices and deepening societal schisms. It is imperative that the rantings of faceless individuals on social media not be used as a pretext for vigilantism, for such actions only serve to tear at the very fabric of our society. In his book Islam: Basic Principles and Characteristics, Khurshid Ahmad eloquently defines Islam as the “embodiment of the code of life,” a divine guide bestowed upon humanity by Allah.





Islam, at its core, champions the equality of all humanity, transcending barriers of colour, class, or race. The Quran’s poignant reminder of unity in al-Imran (3:103) serves as a beacon of hope in these tumultuous times. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa


Islam, at its core, champions the equality of all humanity, transcending barriers of colour, class, or race. The Quran’s poignant reminder of unity in al-Imran (3:103) serves as a beacon of hope in these tumultuous times.

Ayah al-Imran 3:103 beautifully states:

Ùˆ ا ﻋ ﺘ ﺼ ﻤ ï»® ا ﺤ ﻞ ا ﺟ ﻤ ﻌ ﺎ Ùˆ ï»» ﺗ ï»” ﺮ ï»— ï»® ا Ùˆ ا Ø° ﺮ Ùˆ ا ﻧ ﻌ ﻤ ﺖ ا ﻋ ï»  ﻢ Ø¥ Ø° ï»› ﻨ ﺘ ﻢ Ø£ ﻋ ﺪ ا Ø¡ ﻓ ﺄ ﻟ ï»’ ﺑ ï»— ï»  ﻢ ﻓ ﺄ ﺻ ﺤ ﺘ ﻢ ﺑ ﻨ ﻌ ﻤ ﺘ ﻪ Ø¥ ﺧ ï»® ا ﻧ ﺎ –

“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah and do not be divided. Remember Allah’s favour upon you when you were enemies, then He united your hearts, so you — by His grace — became brothers.”

However, certain factions in Malaysia have propagated a distorted interpretation of Islam — a divisive and race-based ideology that betrays its foundational principles. They have hijacked Islam, reducing it to a tool for their selfish agendas.

The harsh reality facing Malaysia today is that we have veered off course from our foundational narrative. Politicians, driven by narrow agendas, have prioritised religious symbolism over the cherished values of multiculturalism and inclusivity.

Instead of fostering understanding and dialogue, we are now ensnared in a quagmire of intolerance, where dissent is stifled, and alternative perspectives are silenced. This dangerous trajectory has tarnished our nation’s reputation and undermined the very democratic principles we hold dear.

Yet, amidst this turmoil, a flicker of hope remains. Malaysia’s redemption lies in embracing the true principles of Islam — justice, fairness, and compassion. Our leaders must heed this call, steering the nation toward a future where diversity is celebrated, and harmony prevails.

It is time for Malaysia to reclaim its identity as a bastion of multiculturalism and tolerance, rejecting the divisive ideologies and self-serving politicians that threaten to tear apart the very fabric of our society.




About Sisters in Islam

Sisters in Islam is a non-governmental organisation working towards advancing the rights of Muslim women in Malaysia within the framework of Islam, universal human rights principles, constitutional guarantees, as well as the lived realities and experiences of women.

Firdaus Wong lodges police reports on death threat, threats of violence, slander






Independent preacher Firdaus Wong Wai Hung lodged reports at the Wangsa Maju police station earlier today, and said he is considering filing defamation suits against individuals who have allegedly slandered him. – Facebook pic, March 27, 2024


Firdaus Wong lodges police reports on death threat, threats of violence, slander

The preacher who discovered the sale of ‘Allah’-printed socks, said he made six reports on five individuals

Maithilli Kalaiselvan
27 March, 2024


KUALA LUMPUR – Independent preacher Firdaus Wong Wai Hung today lodged six police reports over a death threat, as well as accusations of slander.


He said on Facebook that his six reports, which he lodged at the Wangsa Maju police station earlier today, were against five individuals.

“Done making six police reports against five individuals… as a start.

“One report about a death threat against me and my family members. Another report against threats to beat me, and the rest are reports about slander against me,” said the preacher, who was the first to reveal the sale of socks with the word “Allah” printed on them at a KK Mart.

Wong added that he was mulling defamation suits against those who have allegedly slandered him, in addition to lodging more police reports against others whom he did not specify.

He said he would not act “beyond the boundaries of Islam and the law”, and as such, would let the authorities investigate the threats against him.

Wong had earlier denied speculation that he had attempted to sabotage KK Mart using the controversial socks because he allegedly had a competitor called MyKampung Fresh Mart. He said his supermarket which opened in 2021 had since closed down.

Following Wong’s post of the offending socks on social media and the ensuing outcry from Muslims, KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd founder Datuk Seri Chai Kee Kan apologised profusely, blaming supplier Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd for including 14 pairs of the socks in its delivery of supplies to the convenience store chain.

Chai and his wife Loh Siew Mun, were charged in court yesterday for intentionally hurting religious sentiments. They are also suing supplier Xin Jian Chang.

Besides them, three directors of Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd were also charged with abetting Chai and Loh in the distribution of the controversial “Allah”-printed socks. – March 27, 2024


PH must safeguard its voter base to land second term for Anwar, says analyst

 

FMT:

PH must safeguard its voter base to land second term for Anwar, says analyst

-

Hisomuddin Bakar says Barisan Nasional also has a role to play in helping the government regain the confidence of Malay voters.

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Analyst Hisomuddin Bakar says it’s too soon to tell if Anwar Ibrahim’s administration can remain in power for another term, although recent issues and controversies could provide clues.

PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan (PH) must make efforts to safeguard its voter base if it intends to keep Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister for a second term, an analyst says.

Hisomuddin Bakar, executive director of Ilham Centre, also said that Barisan Nasional (BN), PH’s ally in the unity government, must win at least 30 parliamentary seats in the next general election (GE16).

“PH must not lose support from its existing voter base,” he told FMT. “Any erosion of support could jeopardise the seats held by PKR and Amanah.”

Adding that the shift in Chinese support appeared to have plateaued, he said this segment of voters also required attention.

“A shift might still occur in GE16. Assurances that the economy is recovering and growing is one way that PH could retain Chinese support,” Hisomuddin said.

PH secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail previously said that the coalition wished to put Anwar forward as prime minister for a second term.

Saifuddin, the PKR secretary-general, also said PH had yet to decide whether to work with BN for GE16.

The two coalitions are currently partners in the unity government, together with parties from Sabah and Sarawak.

Hisomuddin said BN had an important role to play in helping the government regain the confidence of Malay voters.

If it could not increase in strength, he added, it could not afford to lose any of the 30 seats that it currently holds, either.

“(BN’s) focus should be on the youth under the age of 35, especially the Malays,” he said.

“This is the demographic that gave Perikatan Nasional a boost of support in the previous general election.”

Hisomuddin also said that PH would face an uphill battle in retaining Putrajaya if it could not help grow the economy.

Nevertheless, he said it was too soon to tell if Anwar’s administration could remain in power for another term, although recent issues and controversies could provide indicators.

“Issues related to the cost of living and controversies involving race and religion are still rampant and are expected to remain ‘hot’ until GE16.

“The people will assess whether the current government is competent and deserves another chance. Only time will tell,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said the unity government had been seen as successful in achieving political stability, with indicators of an economic recovery.

He said Anwar’s achievements included building confidence among the parties that make up the current administration.

“So far, there are no signs of the people rising up in dissatisfaction against the unity government.

“Although there are certain issues such as the rising prices of goods, the government has managed to address them swiftly, and many initiatives for assistance have been provided,” he said.