Senior Cabinet Minister Bernard Dompok must be complimented for his conviction and commitment to truth. In a rare show of courage – not common among the ranks of Cabinet Ministers to speak up when a gag order is in place – Dompok has chosen to remain true to his conscience by speaking up to remind absent-minded ministers of the terms under which Sabah and Sarawak became part of the enlarged entity that exists today as Malaysia.
What is happening is really disturbing. We get the impression that Umno and the police are colluding to rein in do-gooders who highlight corruption in high places. A case in point is the police report made against Malaysia Today webmaster Raja Petra Kamarudin.
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Aliran is dumbfounded by Plantation Industries Minister Peter Chin’s assertion that tropical rainforests in Malaysia have not been cleared to plant oil palm in the last 10 years.
The Minister was defending the plantation industry from allegations that plantations destroy rainforests and wildlife habitat, increase greenhouse gas emissions and lead to a loss in biodiversity. "I would like to reiterate here that Malaysia is not destroying rainforests for palm oil production," he was reported as saying.
Rela’s reported move (New Straits Times, 26 June 2007) to push for a law to legitimise itself and its operations has triggered alarm bells for human rights in Malaysia. The frequent incidences of criminal acts, including robberies and rape cases, has reached alarming proportions and many seem to be living in fear. The police force seems to be ineffective in curbing crime.The Johor Baru police appear intent on curbing the people’s constitutional right to peacefully assemble and voice their dissatisfaction at the performance of public service bodies such as the police.
There will be nothing for Rohingya refugees to celebrate this year on World Refugees Day. Their hope of obtaining temporary settlement in Malaysia under the IMM13 special pass was squelched by the government about a year ago.
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9.30 am – 5.00 pm – Dewan Sri Pinang, Penang
For the first time in many years, a coalition of 25 NGOs in Penang has come together to organise a Pesta Rakyat Merdeka to celebrate 50 years of Merdeka and 44 years of Malaysia. Civil society groups are joining hands with their fellow Malaysians who have worked collectively for the socio-economic betterment of the country. These NGOs comprise people who have been actively involved in issues such as public transport, anti-Iraq war, anti-rape, anti-ISA, and anti-PORR.
Lina Joy’s 10-year battle to be herself as she wanted to be within the confines of the supreme law of the country, the Federal Constitution, has been dashed by the Federal Court’s decision this morning. The freedom of religion guaranteed by the Federal Constitution under Article 11 comes across as hollow and meaningless. This decision has totally rendered null and void the freedom of religion guaranteed by the Federal Constitution.
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The story of the return of 5-year-old Muhammad Nazrin Shamsul Ghazali or little “Yin” must have touched many Malaysian and non-Malaysian hearts. Yet, the joy of his reunion with his family was marred by ugly suspicion.
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Anti-Corruption Agency chief Zulkipli Mat Noor can no longer be in office holding on to his position as Director General. It is an embarrassment to the ACA! An institution entrusted with the highly demanding responsibility of checking and eradicating corruption cannot be headed by an individual whose character and integrity comes under a cloud of suspicion. We cannot tolerate this absurd situation. The Prime Minister must surely understand this.
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