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Syed Saddiq: I was offered RM5m to quit PPBM, denounce leaders

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KUALA LUMPUR: Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman claimed today he was offered RM5 million to hold a press conference to announce he would leave the country and to paint a negative picture of his party and its leaders.</div>
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He claimed that the bribe offer came with the condition that he would attack former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin and former Kedah menteri besar Mukhriz Mahathir, and paint PPBM as being about their personal struggles. Mahathir, Muhyiddin and Mukhriz are the chairman, president and deputy president of PPBM, respectively.</div>
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The 25-year old leader of PPBM’s youth wing, called Armada, said he was also offered special grants to build debating schools in each state.</div>
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“They want to show that PPBM is a party that glorifies Mahathir’s fight with regard to his son Mukhriz and also Muhyiddin. That is why they target people like me to ensure what is called the people’s movement is seen as a private and personal agenda.</div>
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“To those who want to threaten and bribe me, let me say that I will not bow down. I cannot be bought.</div>
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“Rest assured I have every single thread of evidence at my disposal, and I will expose who is behind all this and which minister (is involved),” Syed Saddiq said.</div>
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When asked to provide proof, he said that he was in the midst of discussing the matter with his lawyers before taking the evidence to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).</div>
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He also claimed that the press conference today was not planned by him and instead it was planned by “this group” which was involved in systematic corruption to break and weaken any anti-corruption movement.</div>
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During the press conference which was held in the Seri Pacific Hotel, located next to the Umno headquarters in Putra World Trade Centre, Syed Saddiq also named the individual involved, adding that the individual is employed by Putrajaya.</div>
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Syed Saddiq further claimed that there were hidden hands behind the loss of his job as a researcher in a think tank in Johor.</div>
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“If weakening an individual’s financial status does not work, they will go for the individual’s family. My father, my mother were also threatened,” he said, adding that such tactics are ineffective against him.</div>
-FMT NEWS-

Syed Saddiq: I was offered RM5m to quit PPBM, denounce leaders

KUALA LUMPUR: Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman claimed today he was offered RM5 million to hold a press conference to announce he would leave th...

Silent majority pathetic and selfish, says Art Harun

0 Breaking News, News update, 热点新闻 Hot News, 热门话题 Hot Topics 11:01:00 PM

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LqaCdQhaiPjbRP67KMzG1kVnvcKWAE7F191sF_X3JcFnGV8u0s3FVCBSkrQiIX91-yA8KrTR2TAF95LYDpIJy-xzkLCYt30DWxGNNfNCfkjVx573A8U7MJqSBD9JPBsiafzkTgeFyW05/s1600/Art-Harun+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="648" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LqaCdQhaiPjbRP67KMzG1kVnvcKWAE7F191sF_X3JcFnGV8u0s3FVCBSkrQiIX91-yA8KrTR2TAF95LYDpIJy-xzkLCYt30DWxGNNfNCfkjVx573A8U7MJqSBD9JPBsiafzkTgeFyW05/s640/Art-Harun+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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PETALING JAYA: Human rights lawyer Azhar Harun has taken to Facebook to voice out his frustration at the lack of gumption by the silent majority in the country to make a stand.</div>
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Alluding to the sense of apathy among a majority of Malaysians over issues affecting their lives, Azhar, who is better known as Art Harun, said “the silent majority is a wasteland”.</div>
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“It (silent majority) is a pathetic glob of apathy and selfishness.</div>
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“One does not need a single defining moment to act or to start taking action. There need not be something earth shattering. Nor something so moving, so emotive or so colossal,” he said.</div>
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He warned that such “earth shattering” moments will never come, advising those of such mind to “continue leading a mundane, uneventful, underachieving life, albeit within the comfort of your well-furnitured cave”.</div>
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Art also criticised those whom he said had chosen to remain out of the picture, saying that they should stop complaining.</div>
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“And while you are what you have voluntarily and consciously chosen to be, stop your whining and get back to bed.”</div>
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He supported his comments by quoting the late Nelson Mandela, who had stood up to the leaders of the apartheid South African government over many decades.</div>
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Art shared an excerpt from the book “The Long Walk to Freedom”, about the first black South African president’s fight against prejudice and the dream of living in a country that was free of any discrimination.</div>
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“I cannot pinpoint the moment when I became politicised, when I knew that I would spend my life in the liberation struggle. To be African in South Africa means that one is politicised from the moment of one’s birth, whether one acknowledges it or not.</div>
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“I had no epiphany, no singular revelation, no moment of truth, but a steady accumulation of a thousand slights, a thousand indignities and a thousand unremembered moments produced in me an anger, a rebelliousness, a desire to fight the system that imprisoned my people.</div>
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“I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”</div>
-FMT NEWS-
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Silent majority pathetic and selfish, says Art Harun

PETALING JAYA: Human rights lawyer Azhar Harun has taken to Facebook to voice out his frustration at the lack of gumption by the silent ma...

Opposition strapped for cash as Najib puts squeeze on donors, claims Dr M

0 Breaking News, News update, 热点新闻 Hot News, 热门话题 Hot Topics 10:51:00 PM

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PETALING JAYA: Opposition parties are unable to raise sufficient funds for their activities as the government has put the squeeze on their donors, charged Dr Mahathir Mohamad.</div>
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Writing in his blog today, the former premier and Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman said although opposition leaders and members were willing to make sacrifices to fund their parties, the coming general election would need a lot more money.</div>
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He said posters, banners, public rallies, travel, campaigning, flags and many other materials would cost money.</div>
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“If we cut back on campaigning and attractive posters, the voters will not receive information on the opposition’s struggle, besides being unable to deny or reject effectively the allegations of government parties.</div>
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“However, the shortage of money is made up by our tenacious spirit and willingness to sacrifice whatever it takes in the interest of the people, religion and country,” he said.</div>
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Mahathir repeated his allegation that Prime Minister Najib Razak was putting the squeeze on opposition funding by using government institutions such as the police, Inland Revenue Department and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.</div>
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He claimed people with the means and willingness to donate to opposition parties were being threatened and pressured.</div>
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Inland Revenue officers would raid premises and make baseless demands for additional corporate tax, he said.</div>
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If their “targets” refused to pay up, their companies would be blacklisted, and their accounts and records seized which would paralyse their business, he added.</div>
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“If they are implementing a government-awarded contract or have applied for a contract, all will be terminated.</div>
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“Banks will be instructed not to extend capital or any form of loans to companies or individuals who support opposition parties.</div>
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“Additional taxes imposed can rise to tens, or hundreds, of millions.</div>
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“The entire business is disrupted and approvals may be delayed for months or years.”</div>
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Mahathir claimed small businessmen were also threatened until they were forced to close down their business.</div>
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“Now, accusations are made against business people ostensibly for money laundering, that they received their money illegally, such as through theft or drug dealings.</div>
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“No evidence or wrongdoing is shown. Just by making the accusation, the bank accounts of the accused are frozen. This results in the business of the accused coming to a halt. If a building is under construction, the work is forced to stop. The business people affected may even lose their sources of income completely.</div>
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“The victims dare not object or protest, as otherwise they will face even harsher action. If the victims take their complaints to the courts, hearings of their cases will stretch on for a long time, and they will suffer for years.</div>
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“So Najib’s slogan ‘cash is king’ is very true. To him, cash will determine victory.”</div>
-FMT NEWS-
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Opposition strapped for cash as Najib puts squeeze on donors, claims Dr M

PETALING JAYA: Opposition parties are unable to raise sufficient funds for their activities as the government has put the squeeze on their...

Govt agencies need effective heads, not monitoring

0 Breaking News, News update, 热点新闻 Hot News 1:19:00 AM

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<strong style="user-select: auto !important;">By TK Chua</strong></div>
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We are now in the midst of setting up yet another agency, the National Integrity and Management Department (JITN), within the Prime Minister’s department.</div>
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This new agency is supposed to focus on “administrative issues, delivery and governance, among others, as part of Putrajaya’s Government Transformation Programme (GTP)”.</div>
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I wonder when the baloney will end. We now need a new agency to ensure that administrative matters, delivery service and governance standard are adhered to. A few years back, we set up Pemandu with great pomp, purportedly to establish KPIs for all heads of departments and their respective agencies.</div>
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I had said then it was a waste of time and money to set up an agency to monitor another agency. If Pemandu had been effective with its KPI and GTP, why do we need JITN now?</div>
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Sorry for being harsh, I am going to say now JITN will end up suffering the same fate as Pemandu – an agency staffed by three-piece suit executives but with nothing much to show.</div>
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If a head of agency does not know his KPI, it is either he is totally incompetent or the agency under his care is devoid of a clear mission or objectives.</div>
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Similarly, why do we need another agency to monitor the administrative capability, service delivery and governance standard of another agency?</div>
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How did this come about – we run an agency but have no idea how the agency should be administered, its service delivery monitored or its governance standard adhered to?</div>
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How do we justify high positions and lucrative salaries to heads of agencies then?</div>
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Heads of agencies must think, formulate, and work. They must be accountable and be able to deliver. They are not titular heads.</div>
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MACC chief commissioner Dzulkifli Ahmad, for example, must account and explain its actions or inaction to the government, the parliament and the people on “the state of corruption” in the country.</div>
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As the head of the MACC, he does not need his KPI established by someone from outside the agency. Neither does he need someone to tell him the administrative prowess, governance standard or service delivery of his agency. If he doesn’t know, he doesn’t deserve to be there.</div>
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Reporting to another agency is quite nonsensical. It serves no purpose other than creating another layer of excuse.</div>
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I think the MACC chief is correct to hit out at the proposal to set up JITN although the manner in which he said it could have been more fitting.</div>
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Heads of agencies do not openly question or dispute cabinet decisions harshly. That is one of the cardinal principles of our system of government.</div>
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He could have provided his input through proper channels and leave the rest to the opposition or the people.</div>
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I am doing my part – the government has set its priorities upside-down. It is wasteful and it will be ineffective to set up another agency to monitor the existing agencies. I support the views of MACC on JITN.</div>
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<em style="user-select: auto !important;">TK Chua is an FMT reader.</em></div>
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<strong style="user-select: auto !important;"><em style="user-select: auto !important;">The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.</em></strong></div>

Govt agencies need effective heads, not monitoring

By TK Chua We are now in the midst of setting up yet another agency, the National Integrity and Management Department (JITN), within t...

GDP growth, competitive rank, yet to benefit people

0 Breaking News, News update, 热点新闻 Hot News 1:11:00 AM

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAc-BbFHqrlOGc5auhZDnxdm3w2wp1lAFIdD7E0_LiSgmG1t5t7ZuskcitG2L-6H2VKVL_9VVnSp6AhPatPxJgb3by-J0lVRj-w_YQccrJep4lD1YXInS4cntJiKzLe2TSMhaY47Bz6Gsx/s1600/Joshua-Woo-Sze-Zeng_malaysia_economi_600.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="648" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAc-BbFHqrlOGc5auhZDnxdm3w2wp1lAFIdD7E0_LiSgmG1t5t7ZuskcitG2L-6H2VKVL_9VVnSp6AhPatPxJgb3by-J0lVRj-w_YQccrJep4lD1YXInS4cntJiKzLe2TSMhaY47Bz6Gsx/s640/Joshua-Woo-Sze-Zeng_malaysia_economi_600.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<strong style="user-select: auto !important;">By Joshua Woo Sze Zeng</strong></div>
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The recent reports on the economic wellbeing of Malaysia, trumpeted by the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN), is nothing more than cosmetic. Substantial change is negligible.</div>
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The 5.7% GDP growth in the first half of this year and the 23rd position in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Competitiveness Report 2017-2018 are quoted as evidence of the country’s progress.</div>
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These reports by themselves do not represent reality. Worse, they are being exploited to manipulate our actual experience, to convince us that all is well while persistent problems swell.</div>
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To get a better grasp of reality, these reports must be read alongside others. One may begin with the rising cost of living.</div>
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The average inflation rate for the first six months was 4.1%. Compared with the same period last year (2.6%), this is an increase of 58%.</div>
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The estimated rate will be between 3-4% for this year, which is high when compared with that of our neighbours: Singapore (1.1%), Brunei (-0.1%), and Thailand (1.4%).</div>
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Hence, inflation is referred to as the fourth most problematic factor for doing business in Malaysia, by the WEF’s Global Competitiveness Report.</div>
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The decline in the value of the ringgit is worrying. On Jan 13, 2014, the exchange rate to the US$1 was RM3.26. The same day this year, it was RM4.46.</div>
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Following that, the trajectory of our Gross National Income per capita, that reflects the average income per Malaysian, has been badly affected.</div>
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<strong style="user-select: auto !important;">Earning less for the same work</strong></div>
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The Economic Planning Unit’s The Malaysian Economy in Figures 2017 report states that the average income of US$10,644 in 2014 was reduced to US$9,242 (2015), then to US$9,102 (2016), and is at US$8,906 this year.</div>
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That means, without any salary increment, we are on average being paid 16% lesser now for the same amount of work we did three years ago.</div>
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Salary increment must be no lesser than 16% over four years to at least be stagnant. If inflation is accounted for, we need more than that.</div>
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GDP growth and competitive rank, by themselves, cannot be measures of economic and social wellbeing. Things are not cheaper. Rather, it has become more expensive to live in Malaysia.</div>
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Recent polls correspond to these data. Of those surveyed, 56% remarked that their financial situation had worsened, and 86% deemed that the average wage was low.</div>
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GDP growth and competitive rank have not been shown to benefit the average Malaysian. There is clearly a huge gap in the system.</div>
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The present government has failed to translate productivity growth and competitive edge to the people’s advantage.</div>
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Increased production and reduced red tape for foreign investors are not indicative of the public’s increased disposable income and consumption. GDP growth and competitiveness, by themselves, are irrelevant to the local’s standard of living.</div>
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Sadly, the ruling government seems contented in mere cosmetics, exhibiting neither innovation nor a serious effort to fix the systemic gap.</div>
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<em style="user-select: auto !important;">Joshua Woo Sze Zeng is a councillor at the Majlis Perbandaran Seberang Perai (MPSP), and Bukit Mertajam DAP Socialist Youth chief.</em></div>
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<strong style="user-select: auto !important;"><em style="user-select: auto !important;">The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.</em></strong></div>
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GDP growth, competitive rank, yet to benefit people

By Joshua Woo Sze Zeng The recent reports on the economic wellbeing of Malaysia, trumpeted by the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN), is nothi...

Apakah rakyat sebegitu bodoh di mata ahli-ahli politik?

0 Breaking News, News update, 热点新闻 Hot News 1:07:00 AM

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Pada bulan April 2013, beberapa minggu sebelum Pilihan Raya Umum ke-13, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad berkata begini terhadap penasihat DAP Lim Kit Siang.</div>
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“Tuan-tuan, malam ini pun saya nak sebut dengan suara selantang mungkin bahawa Kit Siang adalah seorang rasis (ulang 2 kali), Kit Siang adalah seorang pelampau perkauman. Kita tidak takut nak tarik pergi mahkamah, tariklah tetapi kalau nak tutup mulut saya, mulut saya tidak boleh nak tutup,” katanya seperti dipetik menerusi laman sosial YouTube.</div>
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Kini, 4 tahun kemudian, Dr Mahathir tetiba ‘sedar’ dan mengakui bahawa pandangan dulunya terhadap Kit Siang dan DAP adalah tidak tepat.</div>
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“Kit Siang bukan anti-Melayu. Beliau berjuang untuk kaumnya seperti yang saya lakukan untuk kaum saya,” kata beliau semalam ketika melancarkan Pakatan Harapan peringkat Johor.</div>
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Kalau betul tafsiran kenyataan Dr Mahathir ini, maka tidak timbul lagi soal tanggapan orang ramai tersilap faham terhadap perjuangan Kit Siang untuk kaumnya selama ini.</div>
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‘Kesedaran’ (ramai yang berkata U-turn) Dr Mahathir ini tidaklah mengejutkan memandangkan DAP ialah kuasa terbesar dalam Pakatan Harapan yang berselindung di sebalik kurangnya jawatan di peringkat Pakatan Harapan.</div>
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Cuma sejauhmanakah rakyat biasa dapat menerima U-turn beliau selama ini.</div>
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Kalau seseorang percaya apa yang dikatakan oleh Dr Mahathir hari ini adalah benar, ini bermaksud seseorang itu telah telah mengakui telah ditipu berdekad lamanya oleh beliau.</div>
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Sebaliknya, jika seseorang itu tidak percaya apa yang dikatakan oleh Dr Mahathir sekarang adalah benar, ini bermaksud seseorang itu masih mempercayai apa yang disebut oleh Dr Mahathir dahulu kala sebagai benar.</div>
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Pada malam tersebut, bukan sahaja imej Kit Siang yang cuba disucikan oleh Dr Mahathir, malah imej DAP secara keseluruhannya melalui kenyataan beliau ini:</div>
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“Imej yang saya bina mengenai DAP tidak benar,” kata beliau sambil menambah, DAP bukanlah parti cauvinis Cina kerana mereka parti berbilang kaum.</div>
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Apakah Dr Mahathir bermaksud, di dalam DAP, kaum mana yang menguasai DAP dan juga kerusi ketua menteri Pulau Pinang tidak penting bagi DAP? Sudah tentu Dr Mahathir tahu sejauh mana kebenarannya.</div>
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Tapi oleh kerana ini politik, kebenaran bukanlah aspek penting di dalam kenyataan terbaru Dr Mahathir terhadap Kit Siang dan DAP. Yang penting hanyalah persepsi.</div>
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Kenyataan Dr Mahathir mendedahkan kepada kita semua betapa jijik dan bahayanya politik di Malaysia.</div>
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Segala imej yang sedang dijual oleh para ahli politik kemungkinan besar adalah palsu belaka. Segalanya hanya disebut untuk meraih undi pada ketika ia disebutkan, dan ia sebenarnya jauh dari kebenaran. Di mana batas antara kebenaran dan kepalsuan yang direka-reka oleh para ahli politik? Malangnya, rakyat yang terpaksa mengundi berdasarkan kepalsuan yang direka tersebut.</div>
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Contohnya, ada ahli politik yang berkata GST tidak baik untuk negara. Mungkinkah yang sebaliknya ialah benar, di mana tanpa GST negara sudah pun bankrap kerana terlalu bergantung kepada hasil minyak?</div>
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Ada ahli politik yang berkata negara akan bertambah baik jika kerajaan bertukar tangan. Mungkinkah yang sebaliknya ialah benar di mana negara akan menjadi huru-hara?</div>
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Ada ahli politik yang berkata kuasa sesetengah kaum akan terjejas jika kerajaan yang ada dijatuhkan. Mungkinkah yang sebaliknya ialah benar di mana kuasa itu bukan sahaja kekal malah akan bertambah?</div>
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Ada ahli politik yang berkata ada parti Islam yang kalah teruk dalam peperangan 3 penjuru. Mungkinkah yang sebaliknya ialah benar di mana mereka yang kalah teruk dan bukannya parti Islam?</div>
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Hari ini, imej yang cuba dibina Dr Mahathir terhadap Umno dan perdana menteri adalah sangat negatif. Apakah imej negatif terhadap Umno dan perdana menteri ini 1 kebenaran atau kepalsuan?</div>
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Jika 1 hari ini nanti, Dr Mahathir berkata: “Rekod memilih saya tak baik. Saya tersilap pilih Pak Lah, tersilap pilih Najib dan tersilap pilih untuk bekerjasama dengan DAP.</div>
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DAP bukan sebaik yang dijangka dan Najib dan Umno bukanlah seburuk yang saya gambarkan. Imej yang saya bina ini tidak betul. Umno masih ialah penyelamat bangsa, agama dan negara.” Pasti tiada siapa yang akan terkejut.</div>
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Yang terkejut hanyalah renungan ini.</div>
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Apakah di mata ahli-ahli politik, rakyat sebegitu bodoh sehinggakan mereka sebegitu yakin bahawa mereka boleh mempersepsikan sekeping kertas hitam sebagai sekeping kertas putih dan rakyat tetap akan menerimanya bulat-bulat tanpa soal?</div>
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<em style="user-select: auto !important;">Artikel ini adalah pandangan penulis dan tidak semestinya mewakili FMT.</em></div>
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Apakah rakyat sebegitu bodoh di mata ahli-ahli politik?

Pada bulan April 2013, beberapa minggu sebelum Pilihan Raya Umum ke-13, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad berkata begini terhadap penasihat DAP Li...

Secular Malaysia in dire need of harmony laws

0 Breaking News, News update, 热点新闻 Hot News 1:01:00 AM

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<strong style="user-select: auto !important;">By Khoo Suk Chyi</strong></div>
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In an interesting occasion back in May 1958, shortly after the Malayan Independence, a Muslim member submitted a motion in the Federal Legislative Council seeking to prohibit the serving of alcoholic drinks at all functions of the federal government on the grounds that the then Malaya had been “officially recognised as an Islamic State” and that everyone “must, therefore, respect the rules of Islam and Islamic laws”.</div>
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In response, then prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman rejected the proposal and firmly maintained that Malaya was a secular nation.</div>
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He said: “I would like to make it clear that this country is not an Islamic State as it is generally understood, we merely provide that Islam shall be the official religion of the State.”</div>
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One’s right to freedom of religion is expressly spelt out in Article 11 of the Federal Constitution. Article 11(1) reads: “Every person has the right to profess and practise his religion and, subject to Clause (4), to propagate it.”</div>
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However, one’s right to freedom of religion is not absolute. Article 11(5) of the Constitution provides: “This Article does not authorise any act contrary to any general law relating to public order, public health or morality.”</div>
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The question now arising is what amounts to an “act contrary to any general law relating to public order, public health or morality”.</div>
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It must first be borne in mind that Malaysia was and has always been a secular nation. Although Islam was given a status as the official religion of the nation, other religions may be practised by Malaysians under Article 3(1) of the Federal Constitution (the “Constitution”).</div>
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In preparing and drafting the Constitution, the Reid Commission noted in their report: “In the memorandum submitted by the Alliance it was stated the religion of Malaysia shall be Islam. The observance of this principle shall not impose any disability on non-Muslim nationals professing and practising their own religions and shall not imply that the State is not a secular State.”</div>
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In Che Omar bin Che Soh v Public Prosecutor (1988) 2 MLJ 55, the Supreme Court refused to rule that the death penalty for drug trafficking offences was unconstitutional on grounds of inconsistency with the principles of Islam because Malaysia was a secular nation practising secular legislations regardless of one’s yardstick of morality.</div>
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Then Lord President Salleh Abas said: “… the law in this country is still what it is today, secular law, where morality not accepted by the law is not enjoying the status of law. Perhaps that argument should be addressed at other forums or at seminars and, perhaps, to politicians and parliament. Until the law and the system is changed, we have no choice but to proceed as we are doing today.”</div>
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Coming back to the question arising, there are two points which must be noted.<br />
First and foremost, Article 11(5) of the Constitution refers to an act contrary to a “general law” and not “personal law”, in other words, a secular law applicable to all Malaysians.</div>
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Secondly, it refers to a general law which seeks to preserve public order, public health or morality, and not just any general law.</div>
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It was reported that the decision made by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to reject the organiser’s application to hold the Better Beer Festival was “due to the political sensitivity surrounding the event” following protests from PAS, which denounced the beer festival as encouraging immorality and promoting Malaysia as the largest vice centre in Asia.</div>
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It cannot be gainsaid that as a secular nation, a neutral attitude towards different religions, races and cultures must be the defining feature of the Malaysian government where one’s religious, racial and cultural faiths and beliefs shall carry no weight in the decision-making process of any general administrative actions.</div>
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While there is, to date, no general law prohibiting the organisation of a beer festival in Malaysia, the organisation of Better Beer Festival is not an act contrary to any general law relating to public order, public health or morality.</div>
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It was also reported that the inspector-general of police had stated that the Better Beer Festival would jeopardise public safety as it might be sabotaged by militants. With the greatest of respect, instead of passively rejecting the application to organise the beer festival in fear of militant activities, proactive actions should be taken to govern, combat and educate.</div>
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The first step which the government should take is to revive the Harmony Bills.</div>
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In 2014, the National Unity Consultative Council Working Committee on Law and Policy had drafted and proposed to the government three Harmony Bills to replace the draconian Sedition Act 1948 and to better promote one’s right to freedom of speech and expression.</div>
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The Harmony Bills are the Racial and Religious Hate Crimes Bill, the National Harmony and Reconciliation Bill, and the National Harmony and Reconciliation Commission Bill.</div>
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In particular, the National Harmony and Reconciliation Bill made it mandatory for the government and all persons to promote equality and prohibit unfair discrimination on the grounds of religion, belief, race, descent, place of birth, gender or disability.</div>
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Unfortunately, the three Harmony Bills were shelved after the government decided to retain and reinforce the Sedition Act 1948.</div>
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The consequence of which has been self-evident in the series of events which had taken place in Malaysia since – contentious litigation over the use of the word “Allah” in a Catholic magazine, the Low Yat Plaza racial riot, controversies over the autobiography of Selangor speaker Hannah Yeoh, Muslim-only launderette, fining of a Muslim man who wore shorts to play futsal and the cancellation of the upcoming Better Beer Festival and potentially, the Oktoberfest.</div>
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If there is a good timing and circumstance as to when the Harmony Bills should be tabled in Parliament and be passed as laws, it is now.</div>
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In a secular nation like Malaysia, the choice of one to not attend the Better Beer Festival on grounds of religion carries an equivalent weight of freedom as one who chooses to attend the beer festival.</div>
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<em style="user-select: auto !important;">Khoo Suk Chyi is an FMT reader.</em></div>
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<em style="user-select: auto !important;"><strong style="user-select: auto !important;">The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.</strong></em></div>
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Secular Malaysia in dire need of harmony laws

By Khoo Suk Chyi In an interesting occasion back in May 1958, shortly after the Malayan Independence, a Muslim member submitted a moti...

Tahfiz fire: Bad parenting or a failed education system?

0 Breaking News, News update, 热点新闻 Hot News 12:54:00 AM

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From as early as 7am, reporters from both the foreign and local newspapers packed the courtrooms in which the suspects in the tahfiz school fire of September 14, were to appear.</div>
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Even before their appearance, many people expressed relief that no-one had died in another fire at a tahfiz school in Negeri Sembilan, the night before.</div>
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In the Kuala Lumpur magistrate’s court, seven boys, whose ages ranged from 11 to 18, were charged with murder and drug abuse.</div>
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One social observer remarked, “There are two other important issues, besides the charge of murder and drug abuse. Could the deaths have been prevented if there had been a fire exit, and if the fire department regulations had been observed?</div>
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“The second issue concerns the suspects. When they were arrested, we were told that the suspects had discussed their plan to wreak revenge on the tahfiz boys because of a misunderstanding. The suspects planned to break in and steal smartphones from the tahfiz school students, then set fire to the place.”</div>
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One parent said, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation placed upon every Muslim, which when combined with the opportunity to correct one’s sins and mistakes, to improve oneself, is lost on the Malay. Why are there some people oblivious to this? I would like to know if the parents of the suspects knew what their children were up to that night?”</div>
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These are valid considerations. So, why were the children at a mamak shop at 1am? What happened to parental care? Did they not realise their children weren’t in bed, ready for school the following day?</div>
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Did the children not realise that it is wrong to steal? Did they not realise the consequences of starting a fire? Did they not realise the fire could spread, injure or kill?</div>
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Six of the seven suspects tested positive for drugs. Did the parents know their children dabbled in drugs and did they try to stop their drug-taking habits? How did the children end up taking drugs? Two of the suspects have a police record for vehicle theft and rioting.</div>
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There are many instances in daily life in which parents stubbornly refuse to discipline their children. March them to bed from an early age, if they are naughty. Make them adhere to simple house rules. Gate them for a few days, and stop them from meeting their friends, if need be. Stop their pocket money if necessary.</div>
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In February, several Mat Mosquitos (Mat Rempits on bicycles), who were illegally racing on a public road, were mowed down by an unsuspecting motorist in Johor Bahru. Why were the children out so late?</div>
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The natural reaction of some parents is appalling. If their son meets with an accident, the parents say that it is his takdir (destiny). There is no mention of taking preventative measures, or playing safely within the confines of the garden or the house.</div>
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It was also revealed during the hearing for the tahfiz school fire, that six of the seven suspects were school drop-outs. How did our education system fail them?</div>
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So, is the problem caused by bad parents? Do they have so many children, that they cannot keep an eye on each child? Are the parents trying to eke out a living, and are juggling several jobs to put food on the table, leaving them too tired to manage their children?</div>
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What is the real reason for the vicious cycle of poverty, abuse, neglect and apathy, which affects many parents?</div>
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<em style="user-select: auto !important;">Mariam Mokhtar is an FMT columnist.</em></div>
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<em style="user-select: auto !important;"><strong style="user-select: auto !important;">The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.</strong></em></div>
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Tahfiz fire: Bad parenting or a failed education system?

From as early as 7am, reporters from both the foreign and local newspapers packed the courtrooms in which the suspects in the tahfiz sch...

Najibnomics gagal, rakyat pula diperli

0 Breaking News, News update, 热点新闻 Hot News 12:48:00 AM

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6l-Jt0PEWP5sIu9uvUmr0Rvb6MuxWWD-QnBsOpRpyhdJ8w16EhGUqT5vcCR0uMWHG3rsJcWLpHW-CVbn5QMHbDVOK3xbXAfkcYbkyDCSt1FE8G_StwXPyWZjRV4yBAAydX-9oX_XeN5H/s1600/Liew-Chin-Tong-najib.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="648" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6l-Jt0PEWP5sIu9uvUmr0Rvb6MuxWWD-QnBsOpRpyhdJ8w16EhGUqT5vcCR0uMWHG3rsJcWLpHW-CVbn5QMHbDVOK3xbXAfkcYbkyDCSt1FE8G_StwXPyWZjRV4yBAAydX-9oX_XeN5H/s640/Liew-Chin-Tong-najib.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<strong style="user-select: auto !important;">Oleh Liew Chin Tong</strong></div>
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Dari sudut ekonomi, kerajaan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Razak bersikap angkuh dan tidak peduli. Najib tidak memahami kehidupan rakyat biasa dan tidak bersedia mengakui bahawa pengurusan ekonomi Najib atau Najibnomics gagal memenuhi keperluan rakyat Malaysia. Apabila kebimbangan disuarakan, mereka yang bersuara dan mengeluh pula dipersalahkan.</div>
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Hujung minggu lalu, Najib membidas pihak yang mengkritik dasar GST. Baginya, cukai regresif 6% itu baik untuk negara dan tiada orang yang seharusnya mengeluh atau mengadu tentang cukai itu.</div>
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Dengan nada sindiran, beliau dipetik media sebagai berkata: “GST di India 28%. Please remember that (tolong ingat tu). Kita baru 6% itu pun dah riuh-rendah bising. Marah kerajaan.” Sebenarnya fakta Najib tentang GST India pun salah dan tidak tepat.</div>
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Saya lebih terkejut apabila Ketua Setiausaha Perbendaharaan Tan Sri Irwan Serigar Abdullah mendakwa: “Jika orang itu miskin, saya percaya bahawa mereka yang membuat diri sendiri miskin. Jika mereka ada tangan dan kaki untuk berjalan, mereka boleh hidup di Malaysia.”</div>
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Irwan berkata, tiada alasan rakyat Malaysia menjadi miskin kerana ada banyak peluang untuk mereka hidup senang.</div>
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Menurut beliau: “Jika ada pihak yang berkata ekonomi Malaysia merosot, rakyat miskin, mereka silap. Kita bukan seperti negara terbeban hutang seperti Bangladesh dan kita tidak juga seperti Filipina. Mereka (yang mengatakan Malaysia negara miskin) cuba mengelirukan rakyat.”</div>
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Ketika krisis ekonomi 1985 sekurang-kurangnya kerajaan Malaysia mengaku wujudnya krisis. Begitu juga dengan krisis ekonomi 1997 yang setidak-tidaknya terdapat maklum balas – meskipun ketika itu, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad dan timbalannya Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim berbalah tentang pendekatan yang perlu diambil untuk menangani krisis tersebut.</div>
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Malangnya, situasi yang kita ada hari ini adalah “krisis yang disenyapkan” yang enggan diakui oleh kerajaan Najib sama sekali. Kerajaan malah memuji-muji diri sendiri atau menyalahkan rakyat seperti yang dilakukan Irwan sewaktu rakyat Malaysia sedang menderita.</div>
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Sejak pilihan raya umum lalu, akibat kesan gabungan pelaksanaan GST pada 1 April 2015, kejatuhan nilai ringgit sejak Oktober 2014, serta pemansuhan subsidi secara berterusan, harga barangan meningkat secara kerseluruhan. Situasi ini menyebabkan pendapatan boleh-guna rakyat terjejas dan memburukkan lagi sektor kepenggunaan domestik.</div>
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Semua ini terjadi dengan tiada peningkatan gaji kerana tiada percubaan untuk mengurangkan kemasukan buruh luar yang tidak berkemahiran mahupun campur tangan kerajaan untuk industri meningkatkan penghasilan melalui teknologi yang ada.</div>
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Semakin ramai rakyat Malaysia yang mencari pekerjaan di luar negara. Jumlah rakyat Malaysia yang setiap hari berulang-alik ke Singapura melalui Tambak Johor meningkat daripada 200,000 kepada 300,000 dalam tempoh 4 tahun kebelakangan. Kebanyakan mereka terpaksa bekerja di sektor sukar, kotor, dan bahaya yang bergaji rendah. Tidak kurang juga rakyat Malaysia yang bekerja secara haram di United Kingdom dan Australia.</div>
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Jika ingin menangani krisis ekonomi yang timbul hari ini, pertama-tamanya kerajaan perlu mengakui memang wujud krisis ini. Kerajaan juga perlu berhenti menyalahkan dan memperli rakyat. Sikap kerajaan itu hanya menunjukkan bahawa Najibnomics tidak peduli dengan kesukaran yang dihadapi rakyat biasa.</div>
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<em style="user-select: auto !important;">Liew Chin Tong adalah Ahli Parlimen Kluang</em></div>
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<i style="user-select: auto !important;"><b style="user-select: auto !important;">Artikel ini adalah pandangan penulis dan tidak semestinya mewakili FMT.</b></i></div>
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Najibnomics gagal, rakyat pula diperli

Oleh Liew Chin Tong Dari sudut ekonomi, kerajaan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Razak bersikap angkuh dan tidak peduli. Najib tidak m...

Is Malaysia harbouring alleged fugitive Zakir Naik?

0 Breaking News, News update, 热点新闻 Hot News, 热门话题 Hot Topics 12:43:00 AM

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<strong style="user-select: auto !important;">By P Ramasamy</strong></div>
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Is it true that despite the denials by the Malaysian government, the controversial Islamic preacher from Mumbai, Zakir Naik, one of India’s most wanted fugitives, may be hiding in Malaysia?</div>
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Last week, a Facebook user uploaded a photograph of Naik at the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque, or the Iron Mosque, after Friday prayers. He said: “Praise be to God, we joined Friday prayers with Dr Zakir Naik at the Sultan Zainal Abidin mosque in Malaysia.”</div>
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While this Facebook posting provides some credible evidence of Naik’s presence in Malaysia, there are unverified reports that claim that the Malaysian authorities have placed him in a safe house with round the clock security either in Cyberjaya or Putrajaya.</div>
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Despite these bits of information about the whereabouts of Naik trickling in, Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan has denied that the preacher is in Malaysia. He even denied a Times of India report that Malaysia was harbouring him.</div>
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If it is proven beyond reasonable doubt that Malaysia is indeed harbouring Naik, then such an act does not augur well for the diplomatic relations between India and Malaysia.</div>
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Even if there is no extradition treaty between both countries, it only makes sense for Malaysia to hand over those suspected of committing crimes in India to the Indian authorities. I am sure India would be expected to reciprocate, if found that those suspected of having committed criminal activities in Malaysia, were found hiding in India.</div>
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Apart from being known as a controversial Islamic preacher, Naik is wanted by India for suspected terrorist-related activities and links with the underworld.</div>
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The Indian authorities have allegedly found that Naik’s preaching had something to do with the terrorist attacks in a cafe in Dhaka, Bangladesh some time back. The Indian authorities also have evidence that Naik was responsible for instigating some youths in Kerala to take part in Islamic State-related (IS) activities.</div>
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The most damning thing about Naik is his alleged long-established links with Mumbai’s underworld. It surfaced recently that Iqbal Kaskar, the brother of Dawood Ibrahim, also one of India’s most wanted criminals, had links with Naik.</div>
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In fact, Iqbal Kaskar was the chief financial officer responsible for raising funds from underworld activities to finance Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation (IRF). This was revealed by Iqbal to India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently.</div>
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The Malaysian authorities might have a “soft” spot for Muslim intellectuals and preachers. This is fine. But surely they cannot be silent over a person suspected of bringing death and destruction onto innocent people by engaging in the worst forms of preaching, leading to terrorist activities.</div>
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Just because Malaysia has a good relationship with Turkey does not mean that it has to function on the behest of the government there. Recently, Turkish intellectuals and those opposed to the authoritarian policies of the Erdogan regime were deported without proper investigation.</div>
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At the same time, Naik is given a red-carpet welcome, given the status of permanent resident and, if I am not mistaken, might even have acquired his citizenship by now.</div>
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The Malaysian government must come clean on the matter of Naik. It cannot keep denying that he is not here. Events are slowly, but surely, unfolding that even Saudi Arabia is not willing to provide sanctuary to Naik given the overwhelming evidence against him for inciting terrorist activities.</div>
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While Malaysia has taken a tough stand in terms of arresting those sympathetic to and supporting the efforts of the IS, it continues to harbour suspected criminals who come in the guise of religious scholars and preachers.</div>
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<em style="user-select: auto !important;">P Ramasamy is Penang deputy chief minister II.</em></div>
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<em style="user-select: auto !important;"><strong style="user-select: auto !important;">The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.</strong></em></div>
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Is Malaysia harbouring alleged fugitive Zakir Naik?

By P Ramasamy Is it true that despite the denials by the Malaysian government, the controversial Islamic preacher from Mumbai, Zakir N...

‘Inflasi, GST punca harga barang naik, bukan salah parti politik’

0 Breaking News, News update, 热点新闻 Hot News, 热门话题 Hot Topics 12:38:00 AM

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KUALA LUMPUR: Kenaikan harga barang di negara ini berpunca daripada inflasi serta cukai barangan dan perkhidmatan (GST) yang diperkenalkan kerajaan pusat, bukannya salah parti politik, kata Menteri Besar Selangor, Datuk Seri Azmin Ali.</div>
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“Kesan kenaikan harga barang kerana inflasi dan GST, ini semua orang maklum kos bertambah mahal, kenapa salahkan parti politik?” katanya selepas merasmikan majlis menyemarak inisiatif peduli rakyat dan ramah mesra bersama menteri besar Selangor di Masjid Al-Khairiyah, Gombak, hari ini.</div>
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Beliau berkata demikian sebagai menjawab dakwaan Ketua Umno Bahagian Sungai Besar, Datuk Seri Jamal Yunos yang menyalahkan parti pembangkang untuk kenaikan harga ikan di pasaran.</div>
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Azmin berkata, beliau hanya mengetuai kerajaan negeri dan tidak mempunyai kuasa menentukan dasar berkaitan kenaikan harga barang yang merupakan tanggungjawab kerajaan pusat.</div>
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“Kita tiada kuasa di peringkat persekutuan untuk laksana dasar membantu rakyat.</div>
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“Apa yang kita dapat lakukan hanyalah dari segi negeri. Di luar kerajaan negeri, kita tunggu pilihan raya umum akan datang,” kata ahli Parlimen Gombak itu.</div>
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Semalam, Jamal mendakwa kenaikan harga ikan di pasaran berpunca daripada orang tengah pro-pembangkang yang bermotifkan politik.</div>
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“Dalam beberapa bulan lagi, negara kita akan menghadapi pilihan raya. Jadi, sebab itulah ada pihak tertentu yang saya yakin dari Pakatan Harapan menggunakan orang tengah untuk menaikkan harga ikan pada harga cukup tidak munasabah.</div>
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“Kenaikan harga ikan ini sebenarnya sudah dijadikan bahan politik oleh parti politik tertentu,” dakwa Jamal yang mengadakan program menjual ikan kembung, cencaru, selayang dan mabong pada harga RM5 sekilogram di luar Pejabat Umno Bahagian Ampang, semalam.</div>
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Setiap orang hanya dihadkan membeli 2kg untuk mana-mana jenis ikan. Lebih separuh daripada 5 tan ikan itu habis dijual dalam tempoh 45 minit.</div>
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‘Inflasi, GST punca harga barang naik, bukan salah parti politik’

KUALA LUMPUR: Kenaikan harga barang di negara ini berpunca daripada inflasi serta cukai barangan dan perkhidmatan (GST) yang diperkenalk...

Romantis Melayu hingga merosak bangsa dan negara

0 Breaking News, News update, 热点新闻 Hot News, 热门话题 Hot Topics 12:30:00 AM

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<strong style="user-select: auto !important;">Oleh Muhammad Syafiq Azmi</strong></div>
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Saya kini sedang membaca sebuah buku yang kritikal mengkritik bangsa Melayu. Dan mungkin telah menjawab beberapa persoalan yang selama ini saya cari-cari. Rupanya sudah lama perangai Melayu seperti hari ini.</div>
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Bukan baru semalam, bukan baru seminggu, apa lagi sepurnama, yang nyata ia sudah berlangsung berabad lamanya. Maknanya sikap itu sudah bersarang dijiwa dan raga yang namanya Melayu hingga menjadi sifat.</div>
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Permasalahan ketirisan ekonomi dan moral pimpinan negara kita sering diamkan. Datang cerita yang berkait dengan agama dan bangsa mulalah berani tunjuk lagak. Lebih menjengkilkan, kita tiba-tiba jadi mufti tanpa tauliah.</div>
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Mengapa bila datang bab nak urus negara dan negeri, diam menikus dan jadi pemalas (untuk berfikir)? Sebab itu saya sering menulis cara paling mudah untuk orang politik mendapat undi adalah dengan berlegar kisah bangsa dan agama dalam lingkup sentimen semata.</div>
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Tidak mustahil suatu hari nanti akan ada yang mengesyorkan pengeluaran “wang Muslim” dan “wang bukan Muslim”. Walhal anda lupa apa yang penting adalah mengajar sesama rakyat untuk saling menghormati tanpa perlu diselongkar apa yang ada dalam hati mereka.</div>
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Pernah dulu saya menulis bahawa makanan tidak halal bukan sahaja bersebabkan tiada logo halal. Berketayap atau bertudung labuh juga bisa menyebabkan makanan atau minuman menjadi tidak halal. Bukan kerana adanya babi atau alkohol didalamnya, tetapi kerana unsur kebersihan yang tidak diurus dan dijaga.</div>
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Cuma saya tidak berasa pelik kenapa Melayu yang saya juga lahir dari rumpunnya menjadi seperti ini, semuanya sudah diatur dan dicatur oleh mereka yang berada dalam kerangka feudalisme.</div>
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Kalau dahulu pada abad dan zaman Kesultanan Melayu Melaka, sistem feudal itu sudah tentu merujuk institusi istana. Hari ini istana itu tidak lebih dilihat sebagai tempat penganugerahan darjah kebesaran semata oleh rakyat jelata.</div>
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Feudalisme hari ini dibimbing oleh kerajaan yang memerintah. Mereka berlagak bak raja yang bersemayam disinggahsana. Ada yang wataknya mirip Hang Tuah dan ada yang serupa Hang Jebat. Itu belum dihurai tajuk yang mewarisi sikap dan perangai Sultan Mahmud.</div>
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Mengikut Abdullah bin Abdul Kadir Munshi atau lebih dikenali dengan nama Abdullah Munshi, masyarakat Melayu pada abad ke-19 mempunyai masalah yang tidak sihat. Ada yang menghisap candu, berjudi dan berlaga ayam.</div>
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Bagi Abdullah Munshi masyarakat Melayu feudal tidak menitikberatkan pendidikan yang sihat. Kalaulah Abdullah Munshi hidup sehingga saat ini, dia akan perlu dikurniakan darjah kebesaran dek kerana telahannya yang tepat dan kekal hingga ke hari ini.</div>
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Orang Melayu perlu jadi berani untuk membidik sasar perubahan. Bukan terus bergantung harap kepada mereka yang di atas. Mereka menganggap kita anjing, dalam masa sama juga kita menjerit mereka anjing. Tapi yang terus kenyang dan memboyot adalah perut dan kantung mereka.</div>
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Jika ada orang politik jujur dan bijak pada zaman ini, dia pasti akan dihabiskan seperti Hang Kadim yang dibunuh kerana kebijakan.</div>
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Justeru, untuk kita sama-sama memastikan masa depan anak nusa dan bangsa Malaysia ini beransur ke arah yang lebih matang dan sedar, mengamalkan demokrasi yang sebenar, kita perlu jadi pemulanya.</div>
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Kita ajar mereka yang kononnya menjadi pembela Melayu dan Islam. Mereka terus beromantisan dengan pemimpin yang kononnya baik walhal perompak, mereka terus hidup dalam sindrom penafian hanya kerana kepentingan mereka.</div>
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Melayu boleh berubah jika mereka tidak merayu dan me-layu. Jika tidak, teruslah hidup merempat dinegara sendiri.</div>
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Saya mencabar semua yang berstatus warganegara tanah air tercinta ini membuktikan telahan Abdullah Munshi dan saya sebenarnya salah dan tidak terguna pakai dizaman anda.</div>
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<em style="user-select: auto !important;">Muhammad Syafiq Azmi adalah Presiden Aspirasi Rakyat Marhaen (ARM)</em></div>
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<strong style="user-select: auto !important;"><em style="user-select: auto !important;">Di atas kepercayaan kebebasan bersuara tanpa wasangka, FMT cuba untuk berkongsi pandangan dengan pihak ketiga. Artikel yang disiarkan ini adalah pandangan peribadi penulis dan tidak mempunyai kaitan dengan FMT.</em></strong></div>
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Romantis Melayu hingga merosak bangsa dan negara

Oleh Muhammad Syafiq Azmi Saya kini sedang membaca sebuah buku yang kritikal mengkritik bangsa Melayu. Dan mungkin telah menjawab bebe...

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