DOCSLIB.ORG

JAG Press Statements in 2012 1) 12

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
JAG Press Statements in 2012 1) 12 JAG Press Statements in 2012 1) 12-year Jail Sentence Not the Way to Address the Issue of Unwanted Babies [Feb 5] 2) Right of Pregnant Women to Work [Feb 7] 3) Anti-Ambiga posters [Feb 24] 4) Lynas – a ticking time bomb? [March 6] 5) Guppy: Women must be able to retire at the same age as men [March 23] 6) On Najib’s role as Women’s Minister [April 10] 7) Kedah’s New Fatwa Ruling Equates Man’s Word to God [April 19] 8) Malaysia’s questionable process of law reform [May 14] 9) Gender stereotyping of women: Stop controlling women’s appearance and behaviour [June 29] 10) On attacks against Ambiga [June 29] 11) Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) urges Judiciary to Clarify the Noor Afizal Azizan judgement [August 10] 12) Consider needs and perspectives of our young [August 30] 13) Not a routine investigation (SUARAM) [September 24] 14) On PM’s ‘no need for women’s groups’ [October 2] 15) More consultation in rape laws [October 18] 12-year Jail Sentence Not the Way to Address the Issue of Unwanted Babies 5 February 2012 The Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) is appalled at the 12-year jail sentence meted out to the teenager found guilty of throwing her baby out of a second floor window. The issue of unwanted pregnancies and babies is a serious one in Malaysia, and we believe that there is an urgent need to deter and prevent such incidents from recurring. Nevertheless, the sentence is too harsh as the teen was a minor at the time of the offence. It does not take into account the different factors that may have affected her actions then, including post-partum depression. We support the position of the Social Welfare Department that instead the court imposes a good behaviour bond. The teen requires emotional support and counseling to help her understand the gravity of her actions. The fact that she was unrepresented in court is also a grave concern and raises questions about our justice system. By right, the courts should facilitate the right to counsel even it means that the government has to pay for legal expenses so as to ensure a fair trial for all. We are not convinced either, that decisions like that handed down by Sessions Court judge Maziah Joary Mohd Tajudin in this case, will help address the matter of unwanted pregnancies and babies in the long run. JAG reiterates our position that a systematic and non-punitive approach, including the provision of sex education in schools, will yield a more positive outcome in this regard. We call upon the Federal government to revisit this court decision immediately. Released by the Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) All Women’s Action Society (AWAM) Perak Women for Women Society (PWWS) Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (EMPOWER) Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor (PSWS) Sabah Women’s Action Resource Group (SAWO) Sisters in Islam (SIS) Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) Women’s Centre for Change (WCC) Withdraw The Fight Against The Right of Pregnant Women to Work 7 February 2012 In July 2011, the Shah Alam High Court ruled that the act of revoking a woman’s employment offer as a temporary teacher due to her pregnancy was unconstitutional and breached Malaysia’s obligation as a state party to the United Nations’ Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). In her judgment, Justice Zaleha Yusuf affirms that it is the Court’s role “to promote the observance of human rights in this country”. She also states that “CEDAW is not a mere declaration. It is a convention. Hence…it has the force of law and [is] binding on members states, including Malaysia.” Therefore, “the Court has no choice but to refer to CEDAW in clarifying the term ‘equality’ and gender discrimination under Article 8 (2) of the Federal Constitution.” The landmark ruling is significant as it serves to prohibit dismissals on the grounds of pregnancy. In her judgment, Justice Zaleha Yusuf systematically refutes the arguments which had been put forward by the Attorney-General’s Chambers in defence of the revoking of the job offer, finding that they lack merit. The Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) is therefore appalled to learn that the Attorney-General’s Chambers is appealing against this progressive ruling. JAG is deeply concerned that this decision to appeal shows a blatant disregard for: i) The principles of equality and the prohibition of gender-based discrimination in the Federal Constitution, ii) Malaysia’s obligations under CEDAW, and iii) Malaysia’s re-election to the UN Human Rights Council. It is significant to note that upon its re-election to the UN Human Rights Council, the Government had made the following statement: “It signifies the international community’s recognition and appreciation of Malaysia’s commitment to respecting and upholding the inalienable and indivisible nature of all human rights at the international and domestic levels”. The government’s appeal against this ruling reflects extremely poorly on its sincerity in upholding its commitments. It serves no purpose to proudly claim to uphold the rights of women in the international arena but to maintain a regressive stand in the country. The decision to appeal blatantly contravenes our obligation under CEDAW, which states in article 11(2)(a) that State parties shall take appropriate measures to prohibit, subject to the imposition of sanctions, dismissal on the grounds of pregnancy or of maternity leave. The full participation of women in the labour force is integral in any economy. The Government has made numerous statements and commitments about encouraging and recognising the importance of including women in the workforce. The Attorney-General’s announcement to appeal this decision taints all other government initiatives relating to women in the workforce. The government of the day should rightly lead the way in acknowledging the contributions of women in the workforce, be they pregnant or not. The Government ought to discard unconstitutional policies and abolish all forms of dismissal or sanction on the basis of pregnancy or maternity leave. JAG reiterates our statement from June 2011, that “the government and society must acknowledge maternity as a vital social function and accept that a woman’s human rights must not be denied if she chooses to have a child. JAG calls on the Malaysian government and society to recognise that they are duty bound to accommodate pregnant women and not to dismiss employees or prospective employees on the basis of pregnancy.” The Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) comprises: Women’s Centre for Change, (WCC) Penang All Women’s Action Society (AWAM) Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (EMPOWER) Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) Perak Women for Women Society (PWW) Sabah Women’s Action Resource Group (SAWO) Sisters in Islam (SIS) Press Release from the Joint Action Group for Gender Equality 24 February 2012 The Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) condemns the posters depicting Ambiga Sreenevasan and A. Samad Said that have recently been displayed in parts of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. The posters, which display the words “Undi Ambiga, Undi Seks Bebas”, are part of a desperate attempt to undermine the integrity of Ambiga, who is a Malaysian of exemplary character and a role model to many. Ambiga is a human rights defender who has achieved much in her career. She is a pioneer member of Women’s Aid Organisation and past President of the Malaysian Bar Council. She has continually demonstrated an unwavering commitment to social justice. As a leader with a strong social conscience, Ambiga is to be commended for her tireless work for the betterment of our country. The posters insult the intelligence of Malaysians, who can see that they are a crude attempt to discredit BERSIH 2.0, the civil society movement led by Ambiga and Pak Samad that calls for clean and fair elections and demands an end to government corruption and dirty politics. The intent of the posters is to link Ambiga with the Seksualiti Merdeka festival, itself the focus of a smear campaign and wrongly accused of promoting “seks bebas”. Seksualiti Merdeka is an annual festival that provides a safe space for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities to come together to share knowledge about human rights. We should be clear: Ambiga was never involved in the organising of Seksualiti Merdeka, but was invited by the organisers to launch the festival. To employ terms that identify diverse sexual orientations and gender identities as an insult perpetuates a culture of stigmatisation, persecution and hatred. Such action should not be tolerated. JAG condemns the continued vilification of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender in Malaysia. JAG is appalled by the campaign to tarnish the character of Ambiga and other human rights defenders. We are shocked that fellow Malaysians can treat human rights defenders so poorly. Released by the Joint Action Group for Gender Equality, which comprises: Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (EMPOWER) Perak Women for Women Society (PWWS) Women’s Centre for Change, Penang (WCC) Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor (PSWS) Sisters in Islam (SIS) All Women's Action Society (AWAM) Sabah Women’s Action Resource Group (SAWO) Lynas – a ticking time bomb? 6 March 2012 The Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) gives our support for the Himpunan Hijau 2.0 protest of February 26. We join thousands of our fellow Malaysians in calling for an immediate cancellation of the proposed Lynas rare earth plant. We understand that this plant would involve the production and handling of radioactive waste materials that are highly toxic and not easily disposed of.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 26 April 2005
    Bil. 20 Selasa 26 April 2005 MALAYSIA PENYATA RASMI PARLIMEN DEWAN RAKYAT PARLIMEN KESEBELAS PENGGAL KEDUA MESYUARAT PERTAMA K A N D U N G A N PEMASYHURAN TUAN YANG DI-PERTUA: (Halaman 1) Cuti Kepada Ahli - Kebenaran JAWAPAN-JAWAPAN LISAN BAGI PERTANYAAN-PERTANYAAN (Halaman 1) RANG UNDANG-UNDANG DIBAWA KE DALAM MESYUARAT (Halaman 19) RANG UNDANG-UNDANG: Rang Undang-undang Ahli Parlimen (Saraan)(Pindaan) 2005 (Halaman 20) Diterbitkan Oleh: CAWANGAN DOKUMENTASI PARLIMEN MALAYSIA 2005 DR.26.4.2005 i AHLI-AHLI DEWAN RAKYAT Yang Berhormat Tuan Yang di-Pertua, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Diraja Ramli bin Ngah Talib, PSM., SPCM., AMN., JP. (Pasir Salak) - UMNO “ Timbalan Yang di-Pertua, Datuk Lim Si Cheng, PJN., PIS. (Kulai) - MCA “ Timbalan Yang di-Pertua, Datuk Dr. Yusof bin Yacob, PGDK., ADK. (Sipitang) - UMNO MENTERI 1. Yang Amat Berhormat Perdana Menteri, Menteri Kewangan dan Menteri Keselamatan Dalam Negeri, Dato’ Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi, S.P.M.S., S.S.S.J., S.P.S.A., S.S.A.P., S.P.D.K., D.P., S.P.N.S., D.G.P.N., D.S.S.A., D.M.P.N., D.J.N., K.M.N., A.M.N. (Kepala Batas) - UMNO 2. “ Timbalan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan, Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, S.S.A.P., S.I.M.P., D.P.M.S., D.S.A.P., P.N.B.S., D.U.B.C.(T). (Pekan) - UMNO 3. Yang Berhormat Menteri Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan, Dato’ Seri Ong Ka Ting, S.P.M.P., D.P.M.P.
    [Show full text]
  • Trends in Southeast Asia
    ISSN 0219-3213 2017 no. 9 Trends in Southeast Asia PARTI AMANAH NEGARA IN JOHOR: BIRTH, CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS WAN SAIFUL WAN JAN TRS9/17s ISBN 978-981-4786-44-7 30 Heng Mui Keng Terrace Singapore 119614 http://bookshop.iseas.edu.sg 9 789814 786447 Trends in Southeast Asia 17-J02482 01 Trends_2017-09.indd 1 15/8/17 8:38 AM The ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute (formerly Institute of Southeast Asian Studies) is an autonomous organization established in 1968. It is a regional centre dedicated to the study of socio-political, security, and economic trends and developments in Southeast Asia and its wider geostrategic and economic environment. The Institute’s research programmes are grouped under Regional Economic Studies (RES), Regional Strategic and Political Studies (RSPS), and Regional Social and Cultural Studies (RSCS). The Institute is also home to the ASEAN Studies Centre (ASC), the Nalanda-Sriwijaya Centre (NSC) and the Singapore APEC Study Centre. ISEAS Publishing, an established academic press, has issued more than 2,000 books and journals. It is the largest scholarly publisher of research about Southeast Asia from within the region. ISEAS Publishing works with many other academic and trade publishers and distributors to disseminate important research and analyses from and about Southeast Asia to the rest of the world. 17-J02482 01 Trends_2017-09.indd 2 15/8/17 8:38 AM 2017 no. 9 Trends in Southeast Asia PARTI AMANAH NEGARA IN JOHOR: BIRTH, CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS WAN SAIFUL WAN JAN 17-J02482 01 Trends_2017-09.indd 3 15/8/17 8:38 AM Published by: ISEAS Publishing 30 Heng Mui Keng Terrace Singapore 119614 [email protected] http://bookshop.iseas.edu.sg © 2017 ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore All rights reserved.
    [Show full text]
  • For Review Purposes Only
    ONLY PURPOSES REVIEW FOR Understanding the Dewan Rakyat Copyright © Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung & Insight News Sdn Bhd. 2011 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the Publisher except in case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Earlier versions of MP Watch: Eye on Parliament reports have appeared in The Nut Graph website exclusively. Images contained in this volume are courtesy and property of The Nut Graph, the interviewees and/or other sources respectively. Permission to reproduce the aforementioned and previously published material is gratefully ONLY acknowledged. FIRST EDITION: March 2011 Published by B-2-19, Merchant Square, Jalan Tropicana Selatan 1, PJU 3, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.zipublications.com.my ISBN 978-967-5266-18-8 Layout & cover design by creativetrees.blogspot.com /REVIEW [email protected] Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia Cataloguing-in-Publication Data Understanding the Dewan Rakyat / The Nut Graph FOR ISBN 978-967-5266-18-8 1. Malaysia – Politics and government. I. Title. 344.07409595 Printed in Malaysia by Vinlin Press Sdn. Bhd. No. 2, Jalan Meranti Permai 1, Meranti Permai Industrial Park, Batu 15, Jalan Puchong, 47100 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia Contents West Malaysia Constituencies Map 10 East Malaysia Constituencies Map 12 Foreword 14 Introduction 16 ONLY Part I Knowing Malaysia’s Parliamentary Democracy 20 System of governance and the role of Parliament 21 Malaysia’s electoral system 24 The work of an MP 30 Funding our MPs 38 The speaker: Functions and powers 42 PURPOSES Part II Knowing Malaysia’s MPs 54 MP Watch: who replied, who didn’t, and why 55 MPs and the ISA 63 MPs and the Islamic state issue 68 MPs and freedom of information 72 MPsREVIEW and separation of powers 77 The challenges of being an MP 81 MPs and lawmaking 88 FORStr engthening parliamentary democracy 93 Part III 222 MP Profiles 100 Perlis P.
    [Show full text]
  • Sisters in Islam
    Sisters in Islam ANNUAL REVIEW 2012 VISION ANNUAL REVIEW 2012 SOCIETAL VISION: To be a progressive and democratic society that upholds freedom of expression, gender equality and social justice for all. Message from the Executive Director 2 ORGANISATIONAL VISION: To be recognised as the national and global leader for gender Advocacy, Legal Services and Public Education 5 equality and justice in Islam. Communications, Research and Publications 21 MISSION Musawah 29 To promote the principles of gender equality, Operations 37 justice, freedom and dignity in Islam and empower women to be advocates for change. Acknowledgements 42 where the texts, ideas and theories So to counter-argue, we too must to tap into the organisation’s collective Message From THE come face to face with the lived read the texts, carefully. But to really energy, courage, resolve, wisdom, EXECUtive Director realities of ordinary human beings. help people, we must also listen to humour – and yes, faith, always faith. their stories. This applies whether we So as colleagues at SIS, we have much Another year has passed, and we are fortunate to have This meeting point is where we have are assisting a Telenisa client on the to offer each other. But that, of course, this opportunity once again to share with you some of our planted ourselves and situated much phone, or whether we are painstakingly is not the point. What’s most important experiences over the past twelve months. Besides being a of our work. As Muslims, we believe carrying out the many interviews is what SIS can offer the world in terms chronicle of significant developments and achievements, firmly in the sanctity of the Qur’anic in our polygamy research, over the of upholding the principles of gender the Annual Review is our chance to tell the SIS story, as it text, and yet we know that often, human course of many years, with a view to equality, justice, freedom and dignity in continues to unfold in yearly installments.
    [Show full text]
  • Eight Umno Division Chiefs in Johor Gearing up for Face-Off Bernama 12 Sept, 2013
    Eight Umno Division Chiefs In Johor Gearing Up For Face-Off Bernama 12 Sept, 2013 JOHOR BAHRU, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- At least eight Umno division chiefs in Johor will be challenged in party polls while seven other divisions will elect new chiefs as the incumbents are stepping down. On the other hand, Pagoh Umno division chief Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Semberong division chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Pasir Gudang division chief Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin are expected to retain their posts uncontested. Batu Pahat division chief Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi, who was former deputy education minister, is likely to square off with his predecessor, Siam Kasrin, former member of parliament for Batu Pahat, who is keen to make a comeback after being in the political wilderness. Pulai division chief Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed is seeing another battle with former Kempas assemblyman Datuk Osman Sapian, who indicated this when contacted. Kluang division deputy chief Radzali Mohd Noor has announced his decision to unseat division chief Mohd Jais Sarday who is also state education and entrepreneur development committee chairman. Simpang Renggam division chief Datuk Abdul Hamid Abdul Rahman is defending his post in a five-cornered fight, the most crowded race if it were to happen. Gelang Patah division chief Datuk Abdul Aziz Sapian is expected to face his deputy, Dr Zaini Abu Bakar who is also Nusajaya assemblyman, and political secretary to Johor menteri besar Johor Khairy Malik. Bakri division chief Datuk Saipolbahari Suib and Sekijang division chief Datuk Baharum Mohamed are expected to be pitted against their deputies, namely Datuk Mazlan Sabari and Datuk Ayub Rahmat respectively.
    [Show full text]
  • Naskhah Belum Disemak
    Bil. 22 Khamis 19 April 2012 MALAYSIA PENYATA RASMI PARLIMEN DEWAN RAKYAT PARLIMEN KEDUA BELAS PENGGAL KELIMA MESYUARAT PERTAMA KANDUNGAN RANG UNDANG-UNDANG DIBAWA KE DALAM MESYUARAT (Halaman 2) RANG UNDANG-UNDANG: Rang Undang-undang Kesalahan Pilihan Raya (Pindaan) 2012 (Halaman 3) Rang Undang-undang Jasa Perkasa Persekutuan (Elaun Kenangan) 2012 (Halaman 106) Rang Undang-undang Pingat Tentera Udara (Elaun Kenangan) 2012 (Halaman 108) Rang Undang-undang Universiti dan Kolej Universiti (Pindaan) 2012 (Halaman 109) Rang Undang-undang Institusi Pendidikan Tinggi Swasta (Pindaan) 2012 (Halaman 163) Rang Undang-undang Institusi-institusi Pelajaran (Tatatertib) (Pindaan) 2012 (Halaman 168) Rang Undang-undang Pasaran Modal dan Perkhidmatan (Pindaan) 2012 (Halaman 170) Rang Undang-undang Mesin Cetak dan Penerbitan (Pindaan) 2012 (Halaman 198) USUL-USUL: Menarik Balik dan Menangguhkan Bacaan Kali Yang Kedua dan Ketiga Rang Undang-undang Di Bawah P.M. 62 (Halaman 1) Waktu Mesyuarat dan Urusan Dibebaskan Daripada Peraturan Mesyuarat (Halaman 1) Merentikan Kuat Kuasa Peraturan-peraturan Mesyuarat Di Bawah P.M. 90(2) (Halaman 188) USUL-USUL MENTERI KEWANGAN: Akta Pendanaan Kerajaan 1983 [Akta 275] dan Akta Bil Perbendaharaan (Tempatan) 1946 [Akta 188] (Halaman 228) Akta Tatacara Kewangan 1957 (Semakan 1972) (Halaman 230) Akta Tatacara Kewangan 1957 (Halaman 231) Akta Tatacara Kewangan 1957 [Akta 61] (Halaman 233) Akta Kastam 1967 (Halaman 235) Diterbitkan Oleh: CAWANGAN PENYATA RASMI PARLIMEN MALAYSIA 2012 DR.19.4.2012 i AHLI-AHLI DEWAN RAKYAT 1. Yang Berhormat Tuan Yang di-Pertua, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Pandikar Amin Haji Mulia, P.S.M., S.P.D.K., S.U.M.W., P.G.D.K., J.S.M., J.P.
    [Show full text]
  • Islamist Conservatism and the Demise of Islam Hadhari in Malaysia Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamida* and Muhamad Takiyuddin Ismailb
    Islam and Christian–Muslim Relations, 2014 Vol. 25, No. 2, 159–180, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09596410.2014.880549 Islamist Conservatism and the Demise of Islam Hadhari in Malaysia Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamida* and Muhamad Takiyuddin Ismailb aSchool of Distance Education, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, Malaysia; bCentre of History, Politics and Strategy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Selangor, Malaysia This article argues that Islam Hadhari, as a model for development officially inaugurated during the administration of Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (2003–9), encountered failure. Its lack of success was significantly due to the rise of Islamist conservatives, who deliberately interpreted Islam Hadhari as a political instrument to impose Islamization from above in a manner not conducive to living in a spirit of peaceful coexistence in a multi-ethnic society. While on the one hand it promoted an Islam that cherishes the values of inclusivity, moderation and inter-religious tolerance, on the other hand Islam Hadhari unfortunately triggered defensive responses from Islamist conservatives. This ad hoc conservative alliance comprised religious leaders associated with the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), state religious functionaries, scholars affiliated to the opposition Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS: Parti Islam SeMalaysia) and Islamist non- governmental organizations. The rise of this Islamist conservatism aggravated ethno- religious relations during Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s premiership, leading to the setbacks experienced by his government in the general elections of 2008. By then, the death knell had been sounded for Islam Hadhari. It was steadily consigned to the graveyard of history by the administration of Najib Razak, who took over from Abdullah in April 2009.
    [Show full text]
  • Trends in Southeast Asia
    ISSN 0219-3213 2017 no. 3 Trends in Southeast Asia JOHOR’S FOREST CITY FACES CRITICAL CHALLENGES SERINA RAHMAN TRS3/17s ISBN 978-981-4786-23-2 30 Heng Mui Keng Terrace Singapore 119614 http://bookshop.iseas.edu.sg 9 789814 786232 Trends in Southeast Asia 17-J01872 01 Trends_2017-03.indd 1 5/5/17 8:23 AM The ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute (formerly Institute of Southeast Asian Studies) is an autonomous organization established in 1968. It is a regional centre dedicated to the study of socio-political, security, and economic trends and developments in Southeast Asia and its wider geostrategic and economic environment. The Institute’s research programmes are grouped under Regional Economic Studies (RES), Regional Strategic and Political Studies (RSPS), and Regional Social and Cultural Studies (RSCS). The Institute is also home to the ASEAN Studies Centre (ASC), the Nalanda-Sriwijaya Centre (NSC) and the Singapore APEC Centre. ISEAS Publishing, an established academic press, has issued more than 2,000 books and journals. It is the largest scholarly publisher of research about Southeast Asia from within the region. ISEAS Publishing works with many other academic and trade publishers and distributors to disseminate important research and analyses from and about Southeast Asia to the rest of the world. 17-J01872 01 Trends_2017-03.indd 2 5/5/17 8:23 AM 2017 no. 3 Trends in Southeast Asia JOHOR’S FOREST CITY FACES CRITICAL CHALLENGES SERINA RAHMAN 17-J01872 01 Trends_2017-03.indd 3 5/5/17 8:23 AM Published by: ISEAS Publishing 30 Heng Mui Keng Terrace Singapore 119614 [email protected] http://bookshop.iseas.edu.sg © 2017 ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore All rights reserved.
    [Show full text]
  • End Racial Divisions Malaysiakini.Com April 2, 2007 Bede Hong An
    MP: End racial divisions Malaysiakini.com April 2, 2007 Bede Hong An opposition parliamentarian told the Dewan Rakyat today that a divisive line still runs between the major races in the country and called for the abandonment of race- based policies. This was greeted by jeers from her Barisan Nasional (BN) counterparts. Fong Po Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah) said the government’s Islam Hadhari or civilisational Islam concept was not functioning. To illustrate her point, she cited cases of wastage in government expenditure. “Why are we still divided into bumiputeras and non-bumiputeras?” she asked when debating the motion of thanks on the royal address. “Although our ancestors came here hundreds of years ago, we are still categorised differently from bumiputeras,” she said. She said students are given different examinations despite coming from the same school. “The non-bumiputeras have to take the STPM (examination) while bumiputeras are able to take matriculation. This (divisiveness) has gone into education,” she added. Fong noted that although race-based policies were meant to eradicate poverty, this has threatened national unity. She said government projects were only tendered to bumiputera contractors. “These are just a few examples ... The colonialists practiced a policy of divide and rule ... how different really are the policies today? We are all anak (children of) Malaysia. We can march forward together, but the government must stop race-based politics. “There is just too much politics nowadays. Everything is being politicised to the point where it has slowed progress,” she added. Handphones and nasi bungkus Fong then proceeded to criticise BN MPs for ‘wasting’ taxpayers’ money.
    [Show full text]
  • The 13TH Malaysia Elections Issues, Trends and Future Trajectories
    No. 30 RSIS Monograph he 13th Malaysian General Election proved to be most hard-fought in Malaysia’s history yet. The result of the election bear testament to this claim; despite winning Tmore than half of the votes, the opposition still cannot break Barisan Nasional’s dominance in parliament. This collection of articles from our experts attempts to underline the dynamics behind the result. We explore pertinent themes that influenced the outcome including identity politics, religious dynamics, as well as the impact of public policy agendas, not only from the theoretical perspective, but also through intensive fieldwork. At the same time, the aftermath of the Th elections was scrutinised in order to provide a nuanced The 13 Malaysia elecTions understanding of the complex political underpinnings in issues, Trends and FuTure TrajecTories Malaysia today. This book will be relevant for students of Malaysian politics and the general public alike. The 13 Th MalaySIa e MalaySIa lec TIONS Mohamed Nawab Bin Mohamed Osman Mohamed Nawab edited by RSIS Monograph No. 30 Mohamed Nawab October 2014 Bin Mohamed Osman NanyangNanyang Technological Technological University University BlockBlock S4, S4, Level Level B4, B4, 50 50 Nanyang Nanyang Avenue, Avenue, Singapore Singapore 639798 639798 Tel:Tel: +65 +65 6790 6790 6982 6982 | Fax:| Fax: +65 +65 6794 6794 0617 0617 | www.rsis.edu.sg| www.rsis.edu.sg xiii xi RSIS MONOGRAPH NO. 30 THE 13TH MALAYSIA ELECTIONS ISSUES, TRENDS AND FUTURE TRAJECTORIES Edited by Mohamed Nawab Bin Mohamed Osman S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies Note The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of RSIS.
    [Show full text]
  • BN MP: Don't Turn 'Feel Good' to 'Feel Bad' Malaysiakini.Com April 3, 2007 Yoges Palaniappan
    BN MP: Don't turn 'feel good' to 'feel bad' Malaysiakini.com April 3, 2007 Yoges Palaniappan A Barisan Nasional (BN) parliamentarian today urged the government not to turn the ‘feel good’ factor into a ‘feel bad’ factor. Md Alwi Che Ahmad (BN-Ketereh) said every time there is a rumour about something in the government, the rumour will eventually be the truth despite the government denying it. “We have seen this many times before, the government denied rumours that the EPF (Employees Provident Fund) is buying over RHB (bank), but it happened and the same happened with the sports complex in UK,” he told the Dewan Rakyat. The MP vented his frustration following Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Senator Abdul Rahman Sulaiman’s response to queries on the Kuala Lumpur-Johor Bahru rapid train project. Earlier, the deputy minister said the government was looking through the reports of Khazanah Holdings on its study concerning the implementation of the project. “The report will be compared to the reports from YTL Group and the project will commence only after the government evaluates the success possibility of the project,” he said. Desirability study He was responding to a question from Hew See Tong (BN-Kampar) who asked the prime minister to state the progress on the project. To a supplementary question from Mohamad Aziz (BN-Sri Gading) who asked if the government had considered the effects of the project on bus and taxi operators, Abdul Rahman said the government will conduct a desirability study. “The desirability study will look into factors like economics and competition,” he explained.
    [Show full text]
  • Pakatan Fails Again to Have Minister's Salary Cut Malaysiakini.Com Disember 6, 2010
    Pakatan fails again to have minister's salary cut Malaysiakini.com Disember 6, 2010 The opposition today attempted again in vain to tarnish the credibility of a minister by tabling a motion in the Dewan Rakyat for a salary deduction. However, the attempt to penalise Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai backfired when opposition MPs became the target of criticism from BN backbenchers who alleged that they were only wasting time in the house by tabling such "useless" motions. parliament 2008 first day 280408 jayakumarThe motion was tabled by Dr Jeyakumar Devaraj (PSM-Sungai Siput, right) who blamed the minister and the ministry for having failed to help a single mother who had allegedly become blind and paralysed after being administered the wrong medicine by the Ipoh Hospital in 2003. Mohamad Aziz (BN-Sri Gading), debating on the motion, asked whether the opposition had nothing else to do but table motions to slash the salary of ministers. He said he did not deny that such cases could have occurred in hospitals, but added that the health minister was committed to helping the people and the matter could have been raised with him in person. "I feel the minister is open-minded and attends to everyone ... it is improper that his salary should be deducted," said Mohamad, who was supported by Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan). "We should be discussing how we can help the ministry to resolve problems related to hospitals," said Bung Moktar. Other MPs who also spoke against the motion included Lilah Yassin (BN-Jempol), Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (BN-Lenggong), Azmi Khalid (BN-Padang Besar), Abdul Rahman Dahlan (BN- Kota Belud), Baharum Mohamed (BN-Sekijang) and Ismail Abdul Muttalib (BN-Maran).
    [Show full text]