No News Is Bad News
Anwar must not only respond verbally to attacks, he must also act without fear or favour
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 5, 2023: The outspoken Pasir Gudang (PKR) MP cum lawyer Hassan Karim has come to the defence of his party boss Anwar Ibrahim.
Hassan said: “he Opposition coalition’s leaders’ attacks against the premier have been unfair and slanderous.
“If people attack Anwar from all fronts, surely he cannot stay silent. If he stays silent, people will believe what they (PN leaders) say over time, so he has to respond,” he addeds.
Also, many have voiced concern on actions being taken by the Unity Government to clamp down on the media.
They claim such actions were against freedom of speech and expression.
Does freedom means condoning lies and slander, ignoring the laws of the country and the Federal Constitution?
For example, Dr Mahathir Mohamad (Dr M), the man who governed Malaysia for a total of 26 years has reiterated that he would continue to step up his attacks on 3R (Race, Religion, Royalty).
Is that a man with sound mind? Is that a law-abiding citizen who cares for the welfare of the rakyat dan negara (people and country)?
Maintaining national unity and harmony for the country’s socio-economic progress are not in his mind or heart. On his selfish personal agenda matter.
Dr M has also recently called for the abolishment of vernacular school, claiming that such schools were the cause of racial disunity.
When has schools or institutions of education, been the cause of racial disunity? Do you see school children speaking up on racial grounds?
It is the politicians, like Dr M, the Taliban-like PAS and Perikatan Nasional, and also Umno who continue with their moronic rhetoric for political mileage that is causing racial disunity. Certainly not schools, including vernacular schools which are now also attended by Malaysian children, irrespective of race, creed or religion.
Dr M’s call to ban vernacular schools is also, clearly seditious, as it is against the Constitution that guarantees freed of speech, religion and also education.
So, what is Anwar’s Unity Government (UG) going to do to stop the tracks of racial and religious bigots?
It sure is starting to look like the UG does not have the courage and political will to what is right, and act without fear or favour.
No News Is Bad News reproduces below past news related to the issues:
Anwar must respond to PN’s ‘slanderous’, relentless attacks, says MP
PKR’s Pasir Gudang lawmaker Hassan Karim hits back at Umno’s Shahril Hamdan for telling the PM to tone down.
Shahrul Shahabudin - 05 Sep 2023, 7:30am
PKR’s Hassan Abdul Karim says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is entitled to respond to attacks by opposition leaders which have lacked objectivity.
PETALING JAYA: A PKR MP has defended Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent criticism of Perikatan Nasional, saying accusations levelled by the opposition coalition’s leaders against him have been “unfair” and “slanderous”.
“If people attack Anwar from all fronts, surely he cannot stay silent.
“If he stays silent, people will believe what they (PN leaders) say over time, so he has to respond,” Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim told FMT.
The PKR MP was responding to comments by former Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan, who recently called for the prime minister to tone down his attacks on the opposition and focus instead on his plans for the country.
Hassan said he has always been “open” to PN’s criticism of Anwar.
However, he said, Shahril should also be fair to Anwar who, since coming into power, has had to deal with relentless attacks by various PN leaders which have been lacking in objectivity.
Despite this, Hassan said, the country’s economy remains Anwar’s top priority.
“We, as the government backbenchers, have asked him to focus on the economy and the recovery of people’s lives (from the Covid-19 pandemic), which the government has done,” he said.
In a commentary published by the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies last month, Shahril had said that Anwar would stand to gain more from focusing on his plans for the country.
He claimed that the prime minister has repeatedly aimed thinly veiled attacks at political rivals, presenting them as “wealthy, corrupt, and conspiratorial”.
Meanwhile, former DAP Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming said Anwar’s approach is understandable given that PN has refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of his prime ministership from the very beginning, despite his appointment by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Ong also said Anwar was now in a good position both politically and economically to deliver his administration’s governing narrative following the conclusion of the state polls last month.
Politically, he said, the unity government is expected to remain stable over the next four years.
Anwar should also take advantage of the uptick in foreign direct investments, which Ong said will likely continue due to ongoing tensions between the US and China.
“On the policy front, policies like the National Energy Transition Roadmap as well as the new Industrial Master Plan 2030 are being rolled out.
“These will be game changers in terms of providing the government momentum to show the industry economic direction and leadership,” he said.
Ong, a former deputy minister, advised Anwar to focus on political reforms and give Pakatan Harapan supporters confidence that the coalition has not lost sight of its ideals and remains focused on what they have fought for up to now.
Wednesday, 30 August 2023
Mind-boggling M’sians who support racial, religious bigots
No News Is Bad News
Mind-boggling Malaysians who support racial, religious bigots
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30, 2023: In his 66th Merdeka address to Malaysians today, Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim pledges to defend the rights of all citizens, irrespective of race, creed or religion.
In essence, he is a prime minister for all the rakyat (people) or Malaysians.
Anwar has govern the country for only 10 months but Malaysians, especially the Malays, have shown their rejection of Anwar in the six state elections on Aug 12.
However, the majority of the rejection were in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu. But the political inroots the Taliban-like PAS which dominates the Muhyiddin “I Am Malay First” Yassin-led Perikantan Nasional (PN) in Penang, Selangor and Negri Sembilan are most discomfoting.
It is really mind-boggling how peace-loving and sane Malaysians, especially the Malays ,can reject Anwar who has been consistent in his assertion that he is a prime minister for all Malaysians.
The only viable explanatiuon is that the Malays are esily swayed by racial and religious rhetoric spewed by those who care a damn for national unity, harmony and the socio-economic well-being of the rakyat dan negara (people and country).
No News Is Bad News reproduces below news reports on the issues:
‘This is the meaning of Merdeka’: PM Anwar pledges to defend the rights of every Malaysian
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivers his Merdeka Day 2023 address at the Plenary Hall, Putrajaya International Convention Centre, August 30, 2023. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon
By Soo Wern Jun
Wednesday, 30 Aug 2023 4:22 PM MYT
PUTRAJAYA, Aug 30 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on all Malaysians to join him in defending the rights of every Malaysian in the country.
He said no one should dispute the absolute provisions and strengthen the country’s Federal Constitution.
“The question of Bahasa Malaysia, the question of Islam, the question of the federal religion, the question of Bumiputera rights and the sovereignty of the Malay Rulers, these were upheld in the past, upheld now, and God willing, will be upheld (in the future) by recognising the social contract between all races, and guaranteeing each citizen’s right to practise their religion.
“God willing, the unity government with a Madani country will defend the rights of every people on this blessed earth,” Anwar said during his Merdeka Day 2023 address here.
The prime minister, in his address, also explained what it meant for a country that has achieved independence.
“The meaning of Merdeka means that the highest levels of leadership right down to the people must know that this country is a mandate and all the powers that exist, no matter at the lowest level in the village or in the district office right up to the Prime Minister’s Department, must shape the people whose souls are also independent.
“We must not allow this country to be used as a tool to obtain wealth for elite groups.
“A study shows that efforts to ensure the independence of souls must continue. The meaning of independence means all the country’s wealth, strength and efforts are meant to return rights to the people, raising the dignity of this country.
“And I am sure, if this spirit exists among Malaysians, Malaysia will emerge as a great and brave country in South-east Asia,” Anwar said.
To achieve a truly independent Malaysia, Anwar said all Malaysians must uphold the spirit laid down by the country’s forefathers that it belongs to all Malaysians.
“And what is this unity that we foster? To guarantee its future through policies and implementation now.
“That’s why I said... about management, governance, don’t use power to accumulate wealth for yourself and your family and cronies, that must be defended,” he said.
He further pointed out that the problems in Malaysia are not rooted in racial and cultural issues, adding that God created these differences for all to know and respect each other.
“So we must accept this reality. For that, we must focus on preventing anyone or any effort that could weaken the spirit of unity in our country.
“Don’t take this lightly, because there are countries that were once strong and civilised but fell apart, not because of governance and corruption, but due to played up racism and religion fanaticism.
“Just look at other developing countries. Differences can be a strength, differences could also damage the branches of the society and the strength of the country,” he added.
In the spirit of Merdeka, Anwar said Malaysia should not be known just for its landmarks, but must be known as country that is fair to all, including those who are disadvantaged.
“For that, we are proud that, this year, 2023, before the year ends, specifically in October, all schools in the country — public schools, Chinese, Tamil, Arab — all without exception, we guarantee that they will receive basic infrastructure such as toilets and roofs.
“For me, this is way more meaningful for millions of parents and students, compared to landmarks and big buildings,” he said. - malaymail
MALAYSIA
[UPDATED] Free minds bedrock of nation’s transformation: PM
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim calls on rakyat to unite, make full use of ‘rich’ resources
Updated 2 hours ago · Published on 30 Aug 2023 5:04PM
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says the unity government guarantees that the rights of all Malaysians will be defended, with no one marginalised, but added that matters enshrined in the federal constitution, such as Bumiputera rights and privileges, and Islam as the federal religion, will continue to be defended. – Bernama pic, August 30, 2023PUTRAJAYA – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today delivered his maiden National Day address as the prime minister, underscoring most of all the importance of unity in safeguarding the country’s independence on the road to transforming Malaysia into a great nation.
He said this can be achieved, as Malaysia has an abundant workforce that can be transformed into technology experts and professionals for the country to compete with any other in the world.
“Between ambition and hope, the country must unite and formulate a sustainable Madani economy and also guarantee justice for its multi-racial and multi-religious people.
“Let’s take advantage of the time we have left in our lives to serve ourselves, our family and our community and be assured that this is no ordinary nation.
“This country has rich and bountiful resources,” he said when addressing a crowd of over 7,000 people at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here today.
Also present at the event, which was also broadcast live on local television, were the two deputy prime ministers, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, ministers, senior government officials, community representatives and students.
Anwar said one of the conditions needed to meet those aspirations was “to free the people” by shaping a society that is “independent” in mind and soul and free from colonialist and outmoded thinking.
The prime minister said to ensure Malaysia progresses, all levels of society must push forth with a “spirit of freedom” by not being exploited and being tools of the elite bent on making personal gains that harm the country.
In addition, he said unity among the races was vital in ensuring Malaysia emerged as a great nation in this century after a mediocre performance over the past 20 years.
Anwar said the unity government guarantees that the rights of all Malaysians will be defended, with no one marginalised, but added that matters enshrined in the constitution, such as Bumiputera rights and privileges, and Islam as the federal religion, will continue to be defended.
“We have to defend this spirit, that this country belongs to all the people. This unity (needs) to be nurtured to guarantee its future from now on,” he said.
Anwar said to transform Malaysia into a great nation, education is an important asset that needs to be stressed to produce a generation of experts in various fields.
In this regard, the prime minister gave his assurance that all schools will be equipped with basic infrastructure of reasonable standards by the end of this year.
“Malaysia must be known for its guarantee of justice for all its citizens, including the marginalised,” he said.
Reminding Malaysians of the importance of independence that the country has enjoyed for the past six decades, Anwar said the challenge faced today is for the people to unite and preserve peace and independence.
Also remembering and honouring the country’s freedom fighters and security forces, especially the Royal Malaysian Police and the Malaysian Armed Forces, he said the peace enjoyed currently would have been impossible without them.
“Just like how it was when we faced insurgents in Lahad Datu (Sabah), and before that the Indonesian Confrontation and communist threats, we will deal with it.
“Although small episodes (of security threats) still happen now and then and there are border claims, we will defend every inch of our beloved Malaysia.” – Bernama, August 30, 2023
Be loyal even if you have different political ideologies, civil servants told
Cuepacs says civil servants have been tasked with ensuring the well-being of the public and the country’s prosperity.
FMT Reporters - 30 Aug 2023, 7:19pm
Civil servants have been reminded to uphold the highest standards of professionalism at all times.
PETALING JAYA: Cuepacs has called on civil servants to support national policies and remain loyal to the government of the day, even if they have differing political ideologies.
In a statement, the umbrella body for civil service unions stressed that all civil servants must be aware that they have been tasked with ensuring the well-being of the public and the country’s prosperity.
“Close collaboration with the government must be maintained to ensure that every policy brought forth will have its full impact on the public and the nation,” said Cuepacs president Adnan Mat.
“Herein lies our role as civil servants in supporting state policies and remaining loyal to the government, even when holding differing political ideologies.
“At the same time, Cuepacs hopes that government leaders always understand this bond and do not accuse civil servants of favouring any (political) party.”
Adnan added that government leaders and civil servants must uphold the highest standards of professionalism at all times.
He also highlighted Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s speech in conjunction with the 66th National Day celebration at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre earlier today, where the latter called for Malaysians to uphold the nation’s spirit of togetherness.
“Cuepacs invites all public servants to continue working alongside the government in developing a great Malaysia with values and aspirations embodied in the concept of ‘Malaysia Madani’,” said Adnan.
Thursday, 24 August 2023
Taliban-like Hadi goes moronic with 3R attacks
No News Is Bad News
Taliban-like Hadi goes moronic with 3R attacks
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24, 2023: The moronic and Taliban-like PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang continues to use race and religion as tools for political mileage.
In so doing, he is biadap (rude) to even the symbol of Malay Supremacy - the Malay Rulers.
The Malay Rules have spoken out much since the conclusion 15th General Election and state elections, dissuading all to stop using the 3R (Race, Religion and Royalty) as the tool for political mileage.
However, Hadi persists in bashing the DAP as the most covenient scapegoat to sow hatred to win political support from the Malays.
In the lates Hadi’s DAP, DAP, DAP tirade, he implied that certain quarters (the DAP?) who have “enslaved” the judiciary and courts to sideline and belittle Islamic laws.
In so doing, is Hadi implying that the DAP is more powerful than the Malay Rulers who are heads of Islamic Councils in Malaysia? He has forgotten the following Koran verses with his fervent use of 3R-bashging:
It sure looks like Hadi’s new found political power has gotten to his head - he thinks he is God, Judge, Jury, Executioner and above all, prime minister.
Constitution of Malaysia 1957 |
PART IV - THE FEDERATION
Chapter 1 - The Supreme Head
Article 32
(1) There shall be a Supreme Head of the Federation, to be called the Yang di- Pertuan Agong, who shall take precedence over all persons in the Federation and shall not be liable to any proceedings whatsoever in any court.
(2) The Consort of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (to be called the Raja Permaisuri Agong) shall take precedence next after the Yang di-Pertuan Agong over all other persons in the Federation.
(3) The Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall be elected by the Conference of Rulers for a term of five years, but may at any time resign his office by writing under his hand addressed to the Conference of Rulers or be removed from office by the Conference of Rulers, and shall cease to hold office on ceasing to be a Ruler.
(4) The provisions of Part l and lll of the Third Schedule shall apply to the election and removal of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Source: http://www.commonlii.org/my/legis/const/1957/4.html
And
The Federal Constitution empowers the state governments to administer the Islamic affairs. The division of power between the state governments and the Federal power is in line with religious leaders in the state, namely the Sultan in the Malay states of the monarchy. As for the states without Sultan, it is His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Sultans have supreme authority in the affairs of the Islam in their respective states. In each state, the Islamic Religious Council is established and has absolute power on Islamic affairs assisting and advising the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Sultan in all matters relating to the Islamic affairs in their respective states.
To ensure that the Fatwa Institution functions properly, all the state governments isolate the administrative institutions of the State Islamic Council or the State Religious Department and the Syariah Courts in their respective states.
Perak Syariah Committee is a body that is placed under the Perak Islamic Religious Council. Thus, in discussing the background of the Perak Syariah Committee, it is better if we first discuss the history of the Perak Islamic Religious Council. This is because both of these entities are closely related to each other. The Mufti Department's staffs hold to FIVE SHARED VALUES in carrying out its mission towards achieving the vision set, namely :
M - Masu'uliyyah (Responsible)
U - Ubudiyyah (Devotion)
F - Faqeeh (Precision Knowledge)
T - Tasamuh (Tolerance)
I - Itqan (Thorough)
Source: https://mufti.perak.gov.my/en/profile/agency/introduction
No News Is Bad News reproduces below a news report quoting Hadi from his Facebook posting:
Some have ‘enslaved’ judiciary to belittle Islam, claims Hadi
The PAS president says it is compulsory for Muslims to oppose such groups.
FMT Reporters - 24 Aug 2023, 4:55pm
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said the party would not be ‘bought over’ despite its success in the polls.
PETALING JAYA: PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has claimed that there are certain quarters who have “enslaved” the judiciary and courts to sideline and belittle Islamic laws.
He said it was therefore forbidden for Muslims to support these groups.
“And it is compulsory for Muslims to oppose them,” he said in a Facebook post, in a likely swipe at DAP.
He said PAS and Muslim NGOs, as well as the Malay rulers, would not allow such “extremism” to continue.
Hadi, however, said the current situation could not be compared to the time the Islamic party were allies with DAP under the then opposition coalition, Pakatan Rakyat.
He said PAS’s alliance with DAP then had only involved matters in which they shared similar ideals and it never touched on the Islamic faith or policies.
In 2015, the two parties severed ties after DAP accused PAS of pursuing the implementation of Islamic criminal laws without consulting its allies.
Hadi went on to say that his party would not be “bought over” despite the success achieved in the 1999 general election where it won 27 seats with the help of DAP.
“We also rejected better offers after winning the most seats in the 15th general election.”
PAS won 49 seats in the last nationwide polls.
OPINION
Investment and infiltration: Saudi Arabia’s long game in Southeast Asian politics – James Chin
Despite changed political priorities, Riyadh’s religious influence still present in region, particularly M’sia
Updated 2 hours ago · Published on 24 Aug 2023 10:07AM
The city skyline of Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. It is widely acknowledged that the Saudi Arabian government has funded schools, mosques and institutions globally with the aim of spreading its Wahhabi – also known as Salafi – beliefs, says the writer. – Pixabay pic, August 24, 2023
SAUDI Arabia has spent decades trying to spread its brand of Islam into Southeast Asia. While official Saudi funding is now less obvious, in Malaysia that investment is quietly paying off.
It is widely acknowledged that the Saudi Arabian government has funded schools, mosques and institutions globally with the aim of spreading its Wahhabi – also known as Salafi – beliefs.
Those beliefs advocate the establishment of an Islamic state, with Western-style democracy being seen as a threat to society. This could pose a threat to democracies like Malaysia, where Salafi adherents are gaining political influence.
Muslim-majority Malaysia and Indonesia have been prime targets for the Saudi propagators in Southeast Asia, with Indonesia highly prized as the world’s largest Muslim nation.
The propagation has been ongoing for decades, mainly through education links, and Wahhabi/Salafi beliefs have established a firm foothold in both nations.
In Southeast Asia, scholars usually refer to Wahhabis as Salafists. Salafism refers to an interpretation of Islam that seeks to restore Islamic faith and practice to the way they existed at the time of the Prophet Muhammad and his early generations of his followers.
Its core tenets are close to Wahhabism and many Southeast Asian Muslims who follow these teachings prefer to be known as Salafists. Early generations of Muslims, known as the Salaf, were closest to the Prophet Muhammad both in time and proximity.
Salafis now appear to be much more influential in Malaysian politics than in Indonesia because they occupy middle- and top-level positions in both political parties and government institutions.
But many Muslims and the wider communities in both countries mistake them as simply being part of the conservative Islamic establishment rather than Salafis.
They overlook the commonality among the Salafis in both countries, which is the rejection of Western democracy and pluralism as a viable political system. Some Salafis believe that capturing political power under a nation’s existing system is a prerequisite for setting up an Islamic state.
Influence entrenched via education
Saudi Arabia’s political influence will always be present in Malaysia and Indonesia because of the education links built in the 1980s, although true Saudi influence in politics is difficult to map when so few adherents display their Salafi leanings openly.
Flush with oil money in the late 1970s, Saudi Arabia began using education as its main method to quietly spread Salafism to Southeast Asia and the rest of the world.
Saudi embassies in Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur have a religious attaché whose job is to recruit students and maintain ties with Islamic organisations that are friendly to Salafism.
The embassies also fund the construction of mosques, religious schools and the organising of events and forums.
One clear motivation for Saudi Arabia, which is part of the Sunni sect in Islam, to assert its influence in Indonesia and Malaysia was the competition with Iran.
Saudi Arabia feared that Iran’s dominant Shia sect would spread to Indonesia and Malaysia.
Thousands of Southeast Asian students were given scholarships to study in selected Saudi universities. The Malaysian government also funded some students to study in Saudi Arabia.
Self-funded students have been recruited through personal links with religious schools in Saudi Arabia or their alumni in both countries.
Some Saudi graduates opened their own madrasah (religious schools) when they came back to the region, while others became part of the wider community. In Malaysia, many joined the civil service and academic institutions but have maintained links among their cohorts.
Saudi graduates can now be found in every strata of Indonesian and Malaysian society. Some are prominent in the religious and political arena. The most influential Salafi are the ulama or religious teachers.
Some ulama started their own madrasah to bypass the national curriculum. A few of them have also achieved the status of public intellectuals and appear regularly in the mainstream press offering their opinions on government and public policies.
No central network or structure
The political turbulence created by the ascension of Mohammed bin Salman as the ruler of Saudi Arabia in 2017 will have limited impact on the Salafi movement in Southeast Asia. It has already undergone some indigenisation.
Under Mohammed, there seems more emphasis on economic cooperation than the emphasis on the export of Saudi beliefs, consistent with his grand plan to modernise the Saudi economy, especially moving it away from oil.
Official funding for Salafi networks in Southeast Asia has mostly dried up and is now done largely through personal ties with rich Saudi foundations and donors.
It is often hard to study the Salafi movements in both Indonesia and Malaysia because Salafi networks don’t have a central network or structure and are loosely spread out.
In Indonesia, the organisation that is most often associated with Saudi influence is the Saudi-funded Institute for the Study of Islam and Arabic (LIPIA), a private religious Jakarta university, and the Dewan Dakwah Islamiyah Indonesia (the Indonesian Society for the Propagation of Islam).
Some militant groups, such as the now-defunct anti-Christian Laskar Jihad and the Jemaah Islamiyah, are known to be influenced by Salafi teachings. The best-known public Salafi networks in Indonesia are the Al-Turots (Islamic Heritage) network and the Wahdah Islamiyah.
Some purist Salafis have rejected the need to enter active politics but instead want to concentrate on teaching. Others accept that to build the Islamic state (Daulah Islamiyah), they need to engage in politics.
The Salafi movement in Indonesia included in this sphere is the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) although there are Salafis operating in other parties as well. Salafi political leaders do not identify themselves openly as Salafi followers.
In Malaysia, the root of Salafi influence is similar to Indonesia with one important difference.
Before 2018, political power in Malaysia was held by Umno, a Muslim-based political party. In the early 2000s, Salafi ulama began a deliberate policy of infiltrating Umno, especially Umno’s young ulama wing.
Umno, hitherto a Malay nationalist party, welcomed these young Salafis as they provided religious legitimacy against its main political foe, PAS. – 360info, August 24, 2023
James Chin is professor of Asian studies at the University of Tasmania and senior fellow at Sunway University’s Jeffrey Cheah Institute
Published under Creative Commons and in partnership with 360info.org
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