tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288321932024-03-13T23:18:29.046-07:00MADPET-Malaysians Against Death Penalty & TortureMADPET is for the Abolition of Death Penalty, an end of torture and abuse of rights by the police, an end to death in custody, an end to police shoot to kill incidents, for greater safeguards to ensure a fair trial, for a right to one phone call and immediate access to a lawyer upon arrest, for the repeal of all laws that allow for detention without trial and an immediate release of all those who are under such draconian laws.Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.comBlogger833125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-88255859919035799532024-02-29T22:19:00.000-08:002024-02-29T22:19:26.959-08:00Repeal, not amend, The Independent Police Conduct Commission Act 2022, Enact The IPMPC As Intended By The Royal Commission,...(MADPET)<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>TH</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:ApplyBreakingRules/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="376">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Link"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:107%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Cordia New";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u>Media Statement – 1/3/2024</u></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Repeal, not
amend, The Independent Police Conduct Commission Act 2022, Enact The IPMPC As
Intended By The Royal Commission, Which Is Independent With Powers Of
Prosecution And Ability To Conduct Public Inquiries</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; line-height: 107%;">Wrong for
Anwar’s PH-led government to put into force law that was even previously opposed
by PH MPs in Parliament. Remove appointed Commissioners of IPCC to save monies</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET (Malaysians Against Death
Penalty and Torture) calls for the <b>immediate repeal of <a name="_Hlk160129226">Independent Police Conduct Commission Act 2022</a></b><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk160129226;"></span>, and an immediate <b>STOP in the
process of appointing Commissioners, officers and setting up structures which
is costing government monies.</b> The IPCC was not what was intended when that
said 2004 Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal
Malaysia Police, led by former chief justice Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah, that recommended
Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One must remember that the then Royal
Commission (RC) made the recommendation for an IPCMC <b>despite the fact that there
already existed the Police Force Commission that had the power under Article
140(1) of the Federal Constitution to exercise disciplinary control, <a name="_Hlk160099967">the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), police or
other relevant authorities </a>to deal with reports of crime committed by
police officers</b>. This <b>implies that the existing mechanisms that were
meant to deal with crime or misconduct committed by police officers had failed
or was found lacking</b> – thus the need for an INDEPENDENT IPCMC, that is placed
under direct Parliament authority,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The weakness of the IPCC Act is
many, as the <b>IPCC now ends up being a ‘sorting body’ required to refer complaints
it received back to the <a name="_Hlk160106161">Police Force Commission</a>,
the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), police or other relevant
authorities</b>. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What is the use of simply sorting
complaints and referring it back to very same institutions, that also existed at
the time the Royal Commission, made the recommendation for the setting up of
the IPCMC. In fact, the new IPCMC when it comes to be, after this present IPCC
is done away with, should also be tasked with the monitoring of the Police
Force Commission and other relevant bodies that are meant to act on crimes or
misconducts allegedly committed by the police.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In most cases, the relevant
authorities dealing with crimes committed by the police will still be the
police again. What do we do when the police decide not to investigate, decide no
further action or investigations (NFA) is needed or decide to not proceed to charge
and try in court ‘their fellow’ police officers that have allegedly committed
crimes, or even subsequently decide to discontinue criminal trials? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #002060; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Shocking that
Minister puts into force law opposed when it was tabled by the then PN-BN
coalition government, that replaced the PH tabled IPCMC Bill, which was being
improved? </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The fact must be noted that even
when the IPCC Bill was being debated in Parliament, the Pakatan Harapan and
other Opposition MPs were generally strongly against it. So, why did the
Minister put it into force after GE15, ignoring the sentiments and position of
PH and the people about this bad law?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET is most disappointed with
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakatan Harapan led coalition government, who
vide Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, put into force the <a name="_Hlk160098873">Independent Police Conduct Commission Act 2022 </a>on 1
July 2023 [PU(B) 574/2022]. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is true that this law had been
passed by Parliament, obtained royal assent on 8 October 2022, and was gazette
on 18 October 2022, <b>but NO law comes into force or operation until the
Minister does so</b>. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What should have rightly be done,
was to send this IPCC law back to Parliament to be repealed or amended so that Malaysia
will finally have a truly Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct
Commission <a name="_Hlk160094261">(IPCMC</a>), as recommended by the Royal
Commission of Inquiry about 19 years ago, or even the IPCMC Bill tabled by the then
PH government in 2019 after <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>incorporating
the recommendation of the Parliamentary Select Committee and others to remedy matters
lacking. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #002060; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">IPCC Commissioners
appointed found wanting</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In January 2024, the Home Minister
announced the appointment <b>of a former director-general of the Prime
Minister’s Department’</b>s Implementation Coordination the new IPCC chairman,
that <b>a former Prime Minister’s Department advisory board chairman</b> will
be Deputy, and the other 3 are <b>a former National Audit Department’s</b>
financial sector director, <b>a former police</b>’s logistics and technology
department deputy director and <b>a former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission</b>
special operations division senior director. Will they be truly independent and
not simply ‘yes men’ to the government of the day? They came from a past in the
PM’s Department, Finance Ministry, police and MACC – and what did they do, if
and when they became aware of the 1MDB or SRC scandal? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET believes that no former
police or MACC officer should be in the Commission, and neither should there be
anyone with a past in the Prime Minister’s Department. All intended
Commissioners should all be vetted by Parliament before appointment, and they
should be former judges, lawyers, former prosecutors, and those with no past in
government services especially the police. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">SUHAKAM was perceived as a
‘toothless tiger’ until the appointment of Hasmy Agam as Chairman on in 2010,
and thereafter Razali<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ismail, who then
saw SUHAKAM becoming a real Human Rights Commission – thus, the effectiveness
of any Commission depends on the independence and bravery of the Commissioners
appointed who is brave enough to act independently without fear or favour <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- not even worried whether their action/s will
displease the Prime Minister or government of the day, or affect their
reappointment for another 3 year term. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #002060; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Shortcomings of the
Police Force Commission</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A fundamental problem today is
that the public lose of faith in the system when it comes to dealing with ‘bad cops’.
Lodging reports and complaints against police and law enforcement is useless,
as most of the time nothing much seems to happen. Let’s consider the <a name="_Hlk160130003">Police Force Commission</a>, who is duty bound by Article
146(1) of the Federal Constitution to submit <b><span style="color: red;">annual
reports to Parliament – but where do we find it?</span></b><span style="color: red;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Does it even contain
details of crime/misconduct alleged and/or confirmed, penalties imposed and the
name of the said officer – all of which are very important to assure that their
complaints are not ignored, and it will also serve as a DETTERENT to other
officers, who will know what crime/misconduct that they must certainly not
commit? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #002060; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">What police cannot do
– Be transparent about IGP’s Standing Orders and other regulations</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What are the things that police
cannot do? Besides the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations
1993 and few offences stated in certain laws, police are also bound to follow the
Inspector General’s Standing Orders (Section 97 Police Act 1967), but the
problem is that it is difficult for the public to know what it contains, hence
making it almost impossible for the members of the public to even lodge
complaints about a police officers non-compliance with Regulations and Standing
Orders of the Inspector General of the Police (IGP). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The government must ensure that
all regulations and Standing Orders are made available to the Public, initially
in police and Home Ministry’s website, which will then enable the public to
actively be able to highlight any non-compliances.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #002060; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Sadly, the coming
into force of IPCC Act ends capacity of EAIC to deal with complaints about
police.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another sad consequence, of the
putting in force of the <a name="_Hlk160105953">Independent Police Conduct
Commission </a>Act 2022, was that misconduct or <b>complaints against members
of the police force can no longer be dealt by the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission
(EAIC</b>). One must appreciate that the EAIC did well in the inquiries of
death in police custody like in the case S.Balamurugan, Soh Kai Chiok, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Syed Mohd Azlan, N.Dharmendran <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and James Ramesh, whereby the Investigation
Reports are available in the EAIC’s website. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some of the findings of the EAIC against
the police was indeed BRAVE, for they found <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>police wrongdoings in causing the death and
also tampering/destroying evidence. Based on its past annual reports, the
complaint received against the police was the highest – 2020(699), 2021(742)
and 2022(500). Now, the problem is what happens to complaints concerning police
officers?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite EAIC recommendations, for
criminal action to be taken, sadly almost none was taken. That is the reason,
that besides investigative powers, such Commissions like the EAIC, Malaysian
Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) and hopefully the REAL IPCMC <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>when it comes to be must be also given prosecution
powers for crimes committed by the police, and NOT just crimes under the IPCC
(or later IPCMC Act</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #002060;">The
IPCMC must be able to hold PUBLIC Inquiries and PROSECUTE</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">At present, this Independent
Police Conduct Commission, besides sorting and sending complaints to other
bodies, seems to not even have the ability to have any PUBLIC INQUIRY for the
complaints against police. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The other problem that arises is
what happens after the complaints are referred to the Police Force Commission,
MACC or the police to take action? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
if nothing happens – should not the REAL IPCMC, when it comes into being, then
have the power to prosecute themselves for crimes that police commits? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <b><span style="color: #002060; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Minister, </span></b><b><span style="color: #002060; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">S</span></b><b><span style="color: #002060; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">top
pussyfooting when it comes to the Police </span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Malaysian police have been
implicated in many possible non-compliance of law including death in police
custody, torture and even extrajudicial killings. When will the all the police
officers on duty be wearing body-cams with recording capacity? When will CCTVs
be installed in police lock-ups, and every other room that the police deal with
suspects? Such measures have long needed to protect suspect’s rights and more
importantly ensure that the Malaysian police act professionally in accordance
with the law. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Malaysian government must
bravely remove and/or prosecute ‘bad cops’, and do what is needed to restore
the public image of the Malaysian police. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One wonders at times as to why
the government seems afraid of the police? Could it be that the police hold
‘swords of Damocles’ over their head, placing them Ministers or even MPs in a
situation in where something very bad could happen to them at any time if the
police is offended? Could it be revelation of evidence of crimes committed? After
all, it has been proven true that Prime Ministers and members of the Cabinet
have in the past committed crimes, including abuse of power and corruption. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We need a CLEAN corrupt-free and
efficient police force in Malaysia, and <b>MADPET calls for the REPEAL of Independent
Police Conduct Commission Act 2022, and an enactment of a new truly Independent
Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC). </b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>MADPET calls also for an
immediate removal of Commissioners said to be appointed to save government
monies. </b>Commissioners of the real IPCMC must be vetted by Parliament, and
should be truly Independent.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;">Charles Hector</i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;">For and on behalf of MADPET(Malaysians Against Death
Penalty and Torture)</i></p>
<p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span class="listTitle">Press Release | <span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;"><b>IPCC Lacks the Authority to Uphold Police Accountability</b></span></span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;"><b>
</b></span> <span class="greytxt">22 Dec 2022 4:56 pm</span>
</p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" src="https://www.malaysianbar.org.my/cms/upload_files/images/karen_0013-icon%20PS%20(1).jpg" style="float: left; height: 129px; margin: 5px; width: 250px;" />The
Malaysian Bar refers to the recent announcement made by the Minister of
Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, where he stated
that the Independent Police Conduct Commission (“IPCC”) Act which was
passed in the Dewan Rakyat earlier this year would come into force in
June 2023.<sup>1</sup> We are disheartened by the Government’s plan to
forge ahead with the Act, especially when the Malaysian Bar has
consistently expressed grave concerns relating to the shortcomings of
the IPCC Act. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Over the past many years, Malaysians have
been barraged with the disturbing phenomenon of deaths in police
custody. As a nation, we are deeply dismayed by the unabated spate of
deaths that appear to have no end in sight. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The police exercise a wide array of powers
— ranging from the right to arrest; the right to use force, seize
property, and to search private premises; just to name a few. These are
all draconian measures that must be justified, and they demand a high
standard of integrity and competence from those executing them. The
public has a right to expect that the police will act with utmost
fairness when dealing with the community they serve. It is therefore
only right that there should be an independent oversight body to preside
over one of our country’s most important public services — the police
force. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Malaysian Bar has always been a vocal
advocate for the establishment of an Independent Police Complaints and
Misconduct Commission (“IPCMC”). The most salient feature of the IPCMC
is that it is provided with disciplinary authority over the police. It
goes without saying that the police cannot police themselves. The IPCMC
guarantees accountability because it provides the necessary
“enforcement powers” to reprimand and punish errant officers if they
break the law. The IPCMC will provide the police with the dignity and
respect it rightly deserves by addressing the misconduct committed by a
few of its members, which brings disrepute to the rest of the
hardworking men and women in blue who are committed to serving our
nation and its people. It should also be noted that prior to 2020, the
Government of the day in 2018 had tabled the IPCMC Bill, only for it to
be replaced with the IPCC by the Government that took over after the
so-called Sheraton Move.<sup>2</sup> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It has always been our view that the IPCC
in its current form fails to live up to our expectations of a more
transparent and better regulated police force. First of all, the
Commissioners of the IPCC ("the Commission”) are appointed by the King
on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Chief Executive Officer of the
Commission is appointed by the Minister of Home Affairs, which further
undermines any form of independence or impartiality in this oversight
mechanism, leading it to become further entwined with the Executive.
Secondly, the Commission may conduct visits to any place and premises,
such as police stations, lock-ups and detention centres, but they will
have to provide early notice. This will render such visits ineffective
as it will give time to the authorities that they are visiting, the time
to make arrangements in advance — and that may not be reflective of the
actual situation at the premises. Thirdly, the Commission under the
IPCC does not bar the appointment of former police officers or current
government officials to the Commission, therefore further blurring the
line between the Executive and the Commission.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">One of the main differences between the
IPCMC and the IPCC is that under the IPCC, the Commission cannot act
against police officers who have committed wrongdoing, but can only
recommend proposed action to the Police Force Commission or other
relevant authorities. It is a toothless piece of legislation that does
not effectively achieve the intended objective.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Good policing is fair, just, and
effective. It requires trust by the public in an institution that is
mandated to serve and protect us. This can be done through establishing
a system of civilian oversight, which is exhibited in the IPCMC Bill,
but not in the IPCC Act. External scrutiny is a hallmark of any
democratic police force and one that is accountable, transparent, and
responsive to the needs of the public.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysia Police in its Report (2005) stated that: </p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: justify;"><em>“… When officers act
in contravention of laws and regulations without fear of investigation
or reprimand, the culture of impunity begins to develop. Each wrongdoing
that is not investigated or punished or is supported by higher ranks
within the police leadership leads to the perception that such
misconduct is permissible …”</em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The IPCC Act is a step backward in regard
to creating a police force that operates effectively and transparently.
Instead, the IPCC Act is one that entrenches impunity and turns a blind
eye to the very real problems that the institution faces. Our newly
minted Government that has repeatedly emphasised the importance of good
governance should reconsider its position in allowing the IPCC Act to be
brought into force. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The police wield great amounts of power,
and therefore it is only logical that a proportionate amount of
responsibility and accountability must follow correspondingly. The
Malaysian Bar therefore calls upon the Government to substantially amend
the IPCC Act to incorporate the necessary provisions as those found in
the IPCMC Bill to bring about police accountability, including granting
disciplinary powers to the IPCC, before implementing the IPCC Act.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<strong>Karen Cheah Yee Lynn<br />
President<br />
Malaysian Bar</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>22 December 2022</strong></p>
<hr />
<p style="text-align: justify;"><sup>1 </sup>“<a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2022/12/860466/ipcc-comes-force-june-next-year">IPCC to comes in force June next year</a>”, <em>New Straits Times</em>, 13 December 2022. <br />
<sup>2</sup> “<a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/12/13/ipcc-act-to-be-in-force-june-2023-says-home-minister/44985">IPCC Act to be in force June 2023, says home minister</a>”, <em>Malay Mail</em>, 13 December 2022.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Source: <a href="https://www.malaysianbar.org.my/article/about-us/president-s-corner/pressstatements/press-release-ipcc-lacks-the-authority-to-uphold-police-accountability" target="_blank">Malaysian Bar Website</a></p><div class="headline story-pg">
<h1>
<span style="color: red;">IPCC to get its members soon, says Home Minister
</span></h1>
<hr />
</div>
<div class="info">
<div class="info__interact">
<div class="info__button">
<div class="service-panel" style="float: left; width: 100%;">
<div class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons lazyloaded st-center st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" data-title="IPCC to get its members soon, says Home Minister" data-url="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/10/12/ipcc-to-get-its-members-soon-says-home-minister" id="st-2"><div class="st-btn st-first st-remove-label" data-network="facebook" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="facebook sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/facebook.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="twitter" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="twitter sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/twitter.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="whatsapp" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="whatsapp sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/whatsapp.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="telegram" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="telegram sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/telegram.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="linkedin" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="linkedin sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/linkedin.svg" />
</div></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="info__button button--bookmark">
<div class="btn--bookmark bookmark-hidden-sm hidden-xs" id="bookmark_web">
<i class="fa fa-bookmark-o"></i>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="info__credit credit ">
<div class="credit__authors">
By MAZWIN NIK ANIS
</div>
</div>
</div>
<ul class="col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-3 side-note" id="sideNote" style="bottom: 20px; top: 0px;"><li>
Nation
</li><li>
<p class="date">
Thursday, 12 Oct 2023
</p>
<time class="timestamp">1:13 PM MYT
</time>
</li><div class="related-articles related-articles--side" id="related-stories-side-div"><br /></div></ul>
<div class="inline-img">
<div class="story-image">
</div>
</div>
<p>PUTRAJAYA: The newly enforced Independent Police
Conduct Commission (IPCC) will get its members soon, says Home Minister
Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.</p> <p>He said the process of selecting the seven members for the commission, including its head, is underway.</p> <p>“The
(selection) process has already started. We will use these coming
months to complete it,” he said when met after attending the ministry’s
monthly gathering on Thursday (Oct 12).</p> <p>The IPCC was enforced in July.</p> <p>Last year, the Dewan Rakyat passed the IPCC Bill after being in Parliament’s Order Paper over the past two years.</p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p>It
replaced the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission
(IPCMC) Bill, which the Pakatan Harapan administration tabled on July
18, 2019.</p><p>The independent commission’s role is to monitor the integrity
of the police force and probe complaints of misconduct involving police
personnel.</p> <p>On another matter, Saifuddin said the top of the
ministry’s Budget 2024 wishlist was to set up temporary shelters to
house children detained by the Immigration Department during operations
against illegals.</p><p>Such a centre is already in operation in Nilai, known as Baitul Mahabbah.</p> <p>There are 19 Immigration depots nationwide housing 12,000 detainees, of which 1,400 are children.</p> <p>“During my recent visit to the United States, this effort has been praised by the US authorities and UN bodies," he said.</p> <p>The
Prime Minister has also asked for this (opening of centres) to be a
priority for the ministry,” he said, adding that the estimated cost to
open the three shelters is RM10mill. - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/12/13/ipcc-act-to-be-in-force-june-2023-says-home-minister/44985#google_vignette" target="_blank">Star, 12/10/2023</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><div class="headline story-pg">
<h1>
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Five appointed to IPCC</span>
</h1>
<hr />
</div>
<div class="info">
<div class="info__interact">
<div class="info__button">
<div class="service-panel" style="float: left; width: 100%;">
<div class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons lazyloaded st-center st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" data-title="Five appointed to IPCC" data-url="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/01/11/five-appointed-to-ipcc" id="st-2"><div class="st-btn st-first st-remove-label" data-network="facebook" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="facebook sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/facebook.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="twitter" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="twitter sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/twitter.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="whatsapp" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="whatsapp sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/whatsapp.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="telegram" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="telegram sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/telegram.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="linkedin" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="linkedin sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/linkedin.svg" />
</div></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="info__button button--bookmark">
<div class="btn--bookmark bookmark-hidden-sm hidden-xs" id="bookmark_web">
<i class="fa fa-bookmark-o"></i>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="info__credit credit ">
</div>
</div>
<ul class="col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-3 side-note" id="sideNote" style="bottom: 20px; top: 0px;"><li>
Nation
</li><li>
<p class="date">
Thursday, 11 Jan 2024
</p>
</li><div class="related-articles related-articles--side" id="related-stories-side-div"><br /></div></ul>
<div class="inline-img">
<div class="story-image">
</div>
</div>
<div class="story bot-15 relative" id="story-body">
<p>PUTRAJAYA: Five new appointees have been named into
the seven-member Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC), says Home
Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.</p> <p>The <b><span style="color: red;">former
director-general of the Prime Minister’s Department’s </span></b>Implementation
Coordination Unit, Datuk Zolkopli Dahalan, had been appointed as the new
IPCC chairman, he said.</p> <p>As for the IPCC deputy chairman, he
said that <b><span style="color: red;">former Prime Minister’s Department advisory board chairman </span></b>
Datuk Mohamad Jazamuddin Ahmad Nawawi had been given the role.</p> <p>He also said <b><span style="color: red;">former National Audit Department’s financial sector director</span></b> Martina@Kartina Zamhari was now a member of the IPCC.</p> <p>Other
appointees into the IPCC, said Saifuddin Nasution, were <b><span style="color: red;">former police’s
logistics and technology department deputy director</span></b>
(operations/technical) Datuk Shukri Abdullah and also <span style="color: red;"><b>former Malaysian
Anti-Corruption Commission special operations division senior director
</b></span>Datuk Tan Kang Sai.</p> <p>As for the remaining two members, he said it would be filled when the time comes.</p> <p>Saifuddin
Nasution said the IPCC would act as an independent body to monitor the
integrity of the police force and probe complaints of misconduct.</p><p>“The IPCC Act also places the role of the IPCC as a mandatory
referral that obliges the police to refer cases involving sexual
crimes, or deaths in custody (to the commission),” he told a press
conference at the Home Ministry yesterday.</p> <p>The IPCC Bill was
passed in Parliament last year, replacing the Independent Police
Complaints and Misconduct Commission Bill tabled in 2019 by the previous
government. - <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/01/11/five-appointed-to-ipcc" target="_blank">Star, 11/1/2024</a><br /></p>
</div><h1 class="font-georgia text-4xl">EAIC to stop accepting complaints against police personnel starting July 1</h1><p class="font-georgia text-lg italic text-gray-500">The
Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission says this is in line with the
Independent Police Conduct Commission Act 2022 which comes into force
tomorrow.</p><div class="flex flex-col gap-1 md:flex-row md:gap-0 md:divide-x md:divide-gray-200"><span class="font-source-sans font-semibold text-gray-700 md:pr-3">Bernama</span><div class="divide-x divide-gray-200 md:pl-3"><span class="pr-3 font-source-sans text-gray-700"><time datetime="2023-06-30T13:17:00+08:00">June 30, 2023 12:17 PM</time></span><span class="pl-3 font-source-sans text-gray-700">1 minute read</span></div></div><div class="cursor-pointer rounded-md bg-[#29c5f6] p-3 transition duration-200 hover:bg-[#1e9bc3]"><svg class="text-white" fill="currentColor" height="1em" stroke-width="0" stroke="currentColor" viewbox="0 0 512 512" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg></div><div class="cursor-pointer rounded-md bg-[#7bbf6a] p-3 transition duration-200 hover:bg-[#6eab5f]"><svg class="text-white" fill="currentColor" height="1em" stroke-width="0" stroke="currentColor" viewbox="0 0 448 512" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg></div><div class="cursor-pointer rounded-md bg-[#179cde] p-3 transition duration-200 hover:bg-[#1384bd]"><svg class="text-white" fill="currentColor" height="1em" stroke-width="0" stroke="currentColor" viewbox="0 0 448 512" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg></div><div class="cursor-pointer rounded-md bg-[#0266a0] p-3 transition duration-200 hover:bg-[#014a74]"><svg class="text-white" fill="currentColor" height="1em" stroke-width="0" stroke="currentColor" viewbox="0 0 448 512" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg></div><div class="space-y-4"><div><figure><span style="background: none; border: 0; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: initial; margin: 0; opacity: 1; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; position: relative; width: initial;"><span style="background: none; border: 0; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: initial; margin: 0; opacity: 1; padding-top: 66.69921875%; padding: 0; width: initial;"></span><img alt="The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission says it will not accept complaints against PDRM or its officers from July 1 onwards. Photo: Bernama" class="w-full cursor-pointer rounded-md bg-placeholder bg-cover bg-center bg-no-repeat" data-nimg="responsive" height="267" src="https://www.malaysianow.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.malaysianow.com%2Fuploads%2Fimages%2Fmedia%2F2023%2F06%2F30%2Fc8c839cc-ae9c-4ace-845f-bad897cbc243.jpg&w=3840&q=75" style="border: none; bottom: 0; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 0; left: 0; margin: auto; max-height: 100%; max-width: 100%; min-height: 100%; min-width: 100%; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; width: 0;" width="400" /></span><figcaption class="pt-3 font-georgia italic text-gray-500">The
Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission says it will not accept
complaints against PDRM or its officers from July 1 onwards. Photo:
Bernama</figcaption></figure></div></div><div class="hidden space-y-8 lg:sticky lg:top-40 lg:block lg:h-full lg:w-[300px]"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="prose max-w-full font-georgia text-lg text-black prose-a:text-brand-blue-900 prose-a:transition prose-a:duration-200 hover:prose-a:text-brand-red-900 prose-figure:my-5 prose-figcaption:-mt-3 prose-figcaption:italic prose-img:my-6 prose-img:cursor-pointer prose-img:rounded-md prose-hr:my-8" id="content-wrap"><p>Starting
tomorrow, the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) will no
longer accept any complaints against the police or its officers.</p>
<p>This is because the police are no longer listed under the schedule of
the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009 (Act 700) as one
of the enforcement agencies under the EAIC's purview, it said in a
statement today.</p>
<p><b style="color: red;">The EAIC said this was in line with the Independent Police Conduct
Commission Act 2022 [Act 839] (IPCC) which will also come into force
from July 1.</b></p><div><div class="mx-auto flex-grow" id="content-inline-ad-1"><div class="flex min-w-0 justify-center">
<div data-google-query-id="CJ-8mOCk0oQDFatdnQkdWhEFLw" id="div-gpt-ad-1602491986865-0">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>"The EAIC, however, will resolve all complaints and investigations
received before July 1, 2023, within a period of one year until July 1,
2024, in accordance with Section 47 of Act 839.</p>
<p>Any enquiries or complaints by the public against the police from
July 1, 2023, can be channelled through the security division of the
home affairs ministry at 03-8886 8526 or 03-8886 8529," the statement
read.</p>
<p>It also said that the EAIC remains committed to its vision as a
leader in the enforcement, transformation and culture of integrity based
on professionalism and best practices.</p>
<p>The public can visit www.eaic.gov.my for more information related to the EAIC. - <a href="https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2023/06/30/eaic-wont-accept-complaints-against-police-personnel-starting-july-1" target="_blank">Malaysia Now, 30/6/2023</a><br /></p></div></div><div class="headline story-pg">
<h1>
Independent Police Conduct Commission needs more transparency, says civil society
</h1>
<hr />
</div>
<div class="info">
<div class="info__interact">
<div class="info__button">
<div class="service-panel" style="float: left; width: 100%;">
<div class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons lazyloaded st-center st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" data-title="Independent Police Conduct Commission needs more transparency, says civil society" data-url="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/01/22/independent-police-conduct-commission-needs-more-transparency-says-civil-society" id="st-2"><div class="st-btn st-first st-remove-label" data-network="facebook" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="facebook sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/facebook.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="twitter" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="twitter sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/twitter.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="whatsapp" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="whatsapp sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/whatsapp.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="telegram" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="telegram sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/telegram.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="linkedin" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="linkedin sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/linkedin.svg" />
</div></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="info__button button--bookmark">
<div class="btn--bookmark bookmark-hidden-sm hidden-xs" id="bookmark_web">
<i class="fa fa-bookmark-o"></i>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="info__credit credit ">
<div class="credit__authors">
By Benjamin Lee
</div>
</div>
</div>
<ul class="col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-3 side-note" id="sideNote" style="bottom: 20px; top: 0px;"><li>
Nation
</li><li>
<p class="date">
Monday, 22 Jan 2024
</p>
<time class="timestamp">3:23 PM MYT
</time>
</li><div class="related-articles related-articles--side" id="related-stories-side-div"><br /></div></ul>
<div class="inline-img">
<div class="story-image">
</div>
</div>
<p>PETALING JAYA: Civil society organisations (CSO) are
calling for increased transparency and accountability to be implemented
in the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) to prevent further
depletion of public trust in police forces.</p> <p>In a joint press
conference organized bySuara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) today, 57 CSOs
aired their concerns over the sudden announced setup of the proposed
seven-member IPCC on Jan 10.</p> <p>Suaram coordinator Wong Yan Ke said
the inherent structural deficiencies within the IPCC could render the
oversight mechanism to be a "toothless tiger" regardless of the
competence of its members.</p> <p>This included the IPCC’s inability to
conduct searches and seizures or make unannounced visits to police
lock-ups or take direct disciplinary action themselves against offending
police officers.</p> <p>"The Commission’s jurisdiction being purely
limited to providing recommendations to the Police Force Commission for
subsequent action is a severe limitation seeing as they could be
ignored.</p> <p>"This may worsen the already rising trust deficit
between the public and law enforcement due to the recent spike in severe
cases of police misconduct.</p> <p>"This could cause people to be less
willing to cooperate with officers in the future, which will in turn
make it significantly harder for the police to do their duties," he
said.</p><p>Previously on Jan 16, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan
Sri Razarudin Husain said that 2% of the police force had been found to
have committed wrongdoings in 2023 which amounts to over 2,740 cases of
rogue police officers out of an overall 137,000-strong police force.</p> <p>He
added the IPCC must address the lack of up-to-date data transparency on
cases of police misconduct through releasing frequent updates on the
police misconduct cases and statistics.</p> <p>"The IPCC must be made
to publicly release misconduct data on a frequent basis instead of
needing CSOs like us to pressure them to disclose data through other
channels like asked questions in Parliament.</p> <p>"This will help to
instil public confidence back in the law enforcement knowing that their
complaints and concerns are being heard," he said.</p> <p>He also
called on the government to set up additional IPCC offices in other
states to ensure that all communities, especially the marginalised rural
communities like those Sabah and Sarawak, were served equally.</p> <p>Centre
for Independent Journalism (CIJ) media monitoring and action program
officer Dineshwara Naidu also lamented the lack of transparency so far
over the selection process for the current five IPCC members.</p> <p>"The
government must make it clear on how potential IPCC members are or have
been chosen and what criteria they must meet as well as who or which
department is in charge of this vital process.</p> <p>"They must also be clear on who will be held accountable should any issues arise from the members," he said.</p> <p>Other
notable CSOs who voiced similar concerns during the press conference
included representatives from Coalition for Clean & Fair Election
(Bersih), Amnesty International Malaysia and many others. - <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/01/22/independent-police-conduct-commission-needs-more-transparency-says-civil-society" target="_blank">Star, 22/1/2024</a><br /></p><h1 class="h1 h1--page-title">
A slew of high-profile accusations puts Malaysia’s new Independent Police Conduct Commission under scrutiny
</h1>
<div class="content-detail__description">
<p>With the five new members, the watchdog can immediately start
to address complaints against officers. But ultimate power over
disciplinary action remains with the police.</p>
</div>
<div class="layout layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--75-25">
<div class="layout__region layout__region--first">
<section class="block detail-hero-media block-mc-hero-emphasis block-hero-emphasis clearfix">
<figure class="figure block detail-hero-media block-mc-hero-emphasis block-hero-emphasis clearfix" data-img-id="">
<picture class="image">
<img alt="A slew of high-profile accusations puts Malaysia’s new Independent Police Conduct Commission under scrutiny" class="image" height="226" src="https://onecms-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/s--xCED6MNv--/c_fill,g_auto,h_468,w_830/fl_relative,g_south_east,l_one-cms:core:watermark:ap_data-1,w_0.1/f_auto,q_auto/v1/one-cms/core/malaysia_national_day_04123.jpg?itok=6QFy2fAd" title="A slew of high-profile accusations puts Malaysia’s new Independent Police Conduct Commission under scrutiny" width="400" />
</picture>
<figcaption class="figure__caption">
Police officers in riot gear march during the National Day parade
in Putrajaya, Malaysia on Aug 31, 2023. (Photo: AP/Vincent Thian)
</figcaption>
</figure>
</section><div class="author-card__content">
<div class="author-card__body">
<div class="author-card__author-name">
<h6 class="h6 h6--author-name">
Rhea Yasmine Alis Haizan
</h6>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></div><div class="layout layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--75-25"><div class="layout__region layout__region--second"><section class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodearticlefield-author clearfix"><div><div>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<section class="block block-mc-content-share-bookmark block-content-share-bookmark clearfix">
<div class="article-publish article-publish--">
17 Jan 2024 03:58PM
<span>(Updated: 17 Jan 2024 05:38PM)</span></div><div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-469ed35763d116c4acc54669fcd91689a6616db13bd7dd74b4b85dea10d410d3">
<div class="sponsors">
<div class="sponsors__item">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section>
</div>
</div>
<div class="content-wrapper" style="text-align: left;">
<div class="text">
<div class="text-long" style="text-align: justify;"><p>SINGAPORE: A latest slew of
scandals involving the Malaysian police, including allegations against
one for raping a foreign student, has cast the spotlight on the
membership of an independent body tasked to probe complaints against the
men in blue, but even that has come under fire.</p>
<p>On Jan 10, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail revealed the names
of five members appointed to the Independent Police Conduct Commission
(IPCC), with two spots yet to be filled.</p><div class="programtic-ads outstream_article"><h2 class="block-title"></h2>
<div class="ad-entity-container not-initialized in-scope" data-ad-entity-targeting="{"entitytype":"node\/article","entitylabel":"A slew of high-profile accusations puts Malaysia’s new Independent Police Conduct Commission under scrutiny","entityuuid":"66bdaa6c-832b-4b35-b6f1-5c4313b5857f"}" data-ad-entity-type="Adobe_Ad_Entity" data-ad-entity-variant="["large"]" data-ad-entity-view="mc_adobe_advertisement_provider_default" data-ad-entity="outstream_desktop" id="ad-entity-g6kaol7alV0">
<div class="advertisement__container" data-google-query-id="CL_gsuim0oQDFfMugwMdva8A7g" data-js-options="{"networkCode":"4654","adChannel":"na","adUnit1":"cna_dweb","adUnit2":"outstream1","adUnit3":"asia","adUnit4":"articlepage","adUnit5":"na","adSection":"cna_asia_articlepage","device":"desktop","sizes":[[1,1],[640,360],[300,250]],"noad":"False","adtag1":"na","pos":"1","vidnart":"False","prgads":"False","largeads":"False","replaceAdSection":false,"isElevator":false,"infinitescroll":false}" id="ad-desktop-outstream1-1">
<div id="google_ads_iframe_/4654/cna_dweb/outstream1/asia/articlepage/na_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
</div>
</div>
<p><span>According to Free Malaysia Today (FMT), Mr Saifuddin said that
the IPCC has the prerogative to kickstart an investigation in the public
interest without referring to any party or report.</span></p>
<p><span>But analysts and activists are already describing the body as “toothless”, given its limited powers.</span></p>
<p>“The IPCC has no disciplinary power over police officers who … are
found to have committed (an act of) misconduct,” International Islamic
University Malaysia (IIUM) law expert Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmood
told CNA.</p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="content-wrapper" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="referenced-card"></div>
</div>
<div class="content-wrapper" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="text">
<div class="text-long"><p>Dr Nik Ahmad explained that the
IPCC can only provide punishment recommendations to the police force
commission, adding that it is ultimately up to the police disciplinary
committee to determine and undertake action.</p>
<p>Malaysian lawyer Edmund Bon agreed that the IPCC wields very limited power.</p><div class="programtic-ads sub_article"><h2 class="block-title"></h2>
<div class="ad-entity-container not-initialized in-scope" data-ad-entity-targeting="{"entitytype":"node\/article","entitylabel":"A slew of high-profile accusations puts Malaysia’s new Independent Police Conduct Commission under scrutiny","entityuuid":"66bdaa6c-832b-4b35-b6f1-5c4313b5857f"}" data-ad-entity-type="Adobe_Ad_Entity" data-ad-entity-variant="["large"]" data-ad-entity-view="mc_adobe_advertisement_provider_default" data-ad-entity="sub_desktop" id="ad-entity-H9XDXFZcrCg">
<div class="advertisement__container" data-google-query-id="CNv94vSm0oQDFeIZgwMdi1IOTQ" data-js-options="{"networkCode":"4654","adChannel":"na","adUnit1":"cna_dweb","adUnit2":"imu1","adUnit3":"asia","adUnit4":"articlepage","adUnit5":"na","adSection":"cna_asia_articlepage","device":"desktop","sizes":[[1,1],[640,360],[300,250]],"noad":"False","adtag1":"na","pos":"1","vidnart":"False","prgads":"False","largeads":"False","replaceAdSection":false,"isElevator":false,"infinitescroll":false}" id="ad-desktop-imu1-1">
<div id="google_ads_iframe_/4654/cna_dweb/imu1/asia/articlepage/na_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
</div>
</div>
<p>“It is in essence more of a referral commission,” said Mr Bon, noting
that the previously proposed Independent Police Complaints and
Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) had more powers and a direct enforcement
mandate. </p>
<p>“The IPCMC came about after many years of consultation and problems
that we see with the police force. But the police force objected to it
(because they didn't want to be policed) and therefore you have a
watered-down version of it (through the IPCC).</p>
<p>“So police accountability will still be quite low because you don't
have a strong police commission or force, something like Hong Kong or
other countries,” he told CNA. -<a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-police-commission-ipcc-misconduct-4050961" target="_blank"> CNA, 17/1/2024</a><br /></p></div>
</div>
</div><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h1 class="article-title">Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) Act 2020 should be amended to bring about police accountability ― Hakam</h1><div class="article-info "> <div class="article-date">Saturday, 01 Jul 2023 1:35 PM MYT</div> </div> <div class="main-container-article-body" style="height: auto !important;"> <div class="article-body" style="height: auto !important;"> <p> </p><p>JULY 1 ― The Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) comes into force on July 1, 2023. There are serious flaws in the IPCC that needs to be addressed to bring about Police Accountability in Malaysia.</p></div></div><p>Several
key provisions as stated in the Independent Police Complaints and
Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) Bill 2005 drafted by the Royal Commission
to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysian Police
(Royal Commission) and the IPCMC Bill 2019 have been omitted from the
IPCC Act 2020.</p><p>The
recommendations by the Parliament Select Committee on matters
pertaining to the IPCMC Bill 2019 have also not been fully incorporated
into the IPCC Act 2020.</p><div data-google-query-id="CJTik92n0oQDFbDTPAIdIRYJPw" id="mm-teads"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p></p><div class="image_body"> <div style="max-width: 100%; padding: 0px;"> <img alt="The Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) comes into force on July 1, 2023. ― Picture by Mukhriz Hazim" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" height="266" src="https://www.malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/07/01/126080.JPG" style="width: 100%;" width="400" /> <div class="image-caption">The Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) comes into force on July 1, 2023. ― Picture by Mukhriz Hazim</div> </div> </div><p></p><p>The key areas that need to be incorporated into the IPCC Act 2020 include inter-alia the following:</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>1. Reinstatement of Disciplinary Authority to IPCC</strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The IPCMC Bill 2005 and the IPCMC Bill 2019 vested Disciplinary Authority with the Commission.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The
IPCC Act 2020 does not have disciplinary authority and any findings of
misconduct with the relevant recommendations has to be referred to the
Police Force Commission.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It is imperative for the IPCC to be vested with disciplinary authority to ensure Police Accountability.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>2. Scope of Misconduct has been restricted</strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The
IPCC Act 2020 states that any misconduct regulated under Section 96 and
Section 97 of the Police Act 1967 falls outside the purview of the
IPCC.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Inspector General’s Standing Orders (IGSO’s) made
pursuant to Section 97 of the Police Act 1967 prescribes more than 100
minor and major misconducts.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">There would be very little for the IPCC to investigate; as most of the misconducts would be within the purview of the IGSO’s.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Therefore,
the prohibition against investigating misconducts regulated under
Sections 96 and 97 of the Police Act should be removed for the IPCC to
ensure Police Accountability.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>3. Powers of the IPCC</strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The IPCC Act 2020 does not incorporate search and investigation powers as provided in the IPCMC 2005 Bill.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The
search and investigation powers provided to the Enforcement Agencies
Integrity Commission (EAIC) are also not given to the IPCC under the
IPCC Act 2020.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The IPCC should be vested with the requisite search and investigation powers to function effectively.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>4. Independence and supervision of IPCC</strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The
appointment and removal of the Commissioners should be vested in the
relevant Parliamentary Select Committee, instead of the prime minister.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The IPCC should not be under the Ministry of the Home Affairs.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>5.
Issues pertaining to sensitive information and documents classified as
official secrets documents prejudicial to national security or national
interest</strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The classification of sensitive information
should not be in the hands of heads of department; but should be placed
in the hands of IGP or Deputy IGP.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Matters pertaining to official
secrets or prejudicial to national security should be held in-camera to
maintain confidentiality and secrecy.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Therefore, Hakam calls upon
the government to immediately amend the Independent Police Conduct
Commission Act 2020 to incorporate the aforesaid Recommendations on an
urgent and immediate basis to ensure Police Accountability in Malaysia. - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/what-you-think/2023/07/01/independent-police-conduct-commission-ipcc-act-2020-should-be-amended-to-bring-about-police-accountability-hakam/77329" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 1/7/2023</a><br /></p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-88678932142330529872024-02-18T02:46:00.000-08:002024-02-18T02:56:33.461-08:00Another Man Shot Dead By Police, Rather Than Being Arrested – Investigate Police Involved For Murder...(MADPET)<p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>TH</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:ApplyBreakingRules/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="376">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Link"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:107%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Cordia New";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Media
Statement – 18/2/2024</span></u></i></p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>TH</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:ApplyBreakingRules/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="376">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Link"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:107%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Cordia New";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Another Man Shot Dead By Police,
Rather Than Being Arrested – Investigate Police Involved For Murder</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Too Many Extrajudicial Killings in
Malaysia – Is the Coroner already inquiring into this death?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Extrajudicial killings, amongst
others being cases of police shooting dead suspects rather than arresting them.
A person can only be put to death after a fair trial and court sentences to
death.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The law is clear that it is the
duty of the police is only to ARREST, and reasonable force is permitted to
effect <b>arrests</b>. Section 15(2) of the Malaysian Criminal Procedure
Code(CPC) states, that ‘If such person forcibly resist the endeavour to arrest
him or attempt to evade the arrest such officer or other person may use all
means necessary to effect the arrest.’ </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The police have no right to KILL,
and this is clear in Section 15(3) CPC, ‘(3) Nothing in this section gives a
right to cause the death of a person who is not accused of an offence
punishable with death or with imprisonment for a term of not less than thirty
years but not exceeding forty years or with imprisonment for life.’ Killing only
may be excused for if the victim is an accused (meaning he/she have already been
charged in court) where the offence he/she was charged for carries the death
penalty of imprisonment of not less than 30 years. Such persons, in all
likelihood, may not be even be walking free but in detention because bail was
denied. Hence, killing by police is a CRIME, nay a serious crime. Clearly
criminalize extrajudicial killings.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #2f5597; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">Another Man Shot Dead By Police</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">On 16/2/2024, a 57-year-old man was
shot dead by the police. Allegedly, the deceased opened fire at the police, and
the police responded by shooting and killing him. If he was arrested, or shot
and arrested alive, then s usual, after the death of the victim, the police
comes out with allegations that he that died was a ‘bad’ person. ‘According to
Fisol {Kedah police chief Datuk Fisol Salleh], preliminary investigations
revealed that the suspect, who is a local, has <b><u>four criminal records</u></b>
in drugs and fake firearms. Fisol said the case is being investigated under
Section 307 of the Penal Code and Section 8 of the Firearms Act 1960.’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Section 507 Penal Code states, ‘Whoever
commits the offence of criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication, or
by having taken precautions to conceal the name or abode of the person from
whom the threat comes, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may
extend to two years, in addition to the punishment provided for the offence by
section 506.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sentence for section
506 is ‘punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years
or with fine or with both.’ </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">There is no Firearms Act 1960, so
the police chief may have been talking about Arms Act 1960, where section 8
provides for the offence of possessing or carrying arms and ammunition without
an arms license or arms permit etc., whereby the sentence is ‘…imprisonment for
a term not exceeding seven years, or to a fine not exceeding ten thousand
ringgit, or to both…’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">MADPET(Malaysians Against Death
Penalty and Torture) believes that the police should be investigating the
police officers responsible for the killing, and those who were present for the
crime of murder(Section 302 Penal Code).</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> There is no justification to be
investigating a man, already dead, who can never again be charged and convicted
in court after a fair trial.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #1f4e79; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #1F4E79; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 128;">Is there ‘police encounter’ in Malaysia just like in Tamil movies?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In Tamil movies, many a time we hear
of ‘police encounter’ – being a situation goes after a person with the
intention to kill, rather than arrest. Hopefully, this does not happen in
Malaysia.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Was the said police officers,
reportedly being a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>team from Division D9
of the Kedah Criminal Investigation Department (CID), not a usual police team,
really on a random patrol? Did the killing happen as the police said? Well, for
this other than the police investigation, there must immediately be an inquest
by the coroner.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #1f4e79; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #1F4E79; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 128;">Recalling Coroner’s Decision that police abused power and killed…</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">We recall that on 31/5/2023 that
the coroner’s court, presided by Coroner Rasyihah Ghazali, for ‘police shooting
that resulted in death of 3, ‘…. <b>concluded that there was abuse of power and
elements of a criminal nature in the death of three men who were shot at close
range by police</b> three years ago. “The shots were not fired in self-defense.
There was abuse of power and (actions in the nature of) criminal elements by
police in the death of the men,”… She said police witnesses gave evidence that
shots were fired at the men from an upright position but post-mortem reports
stated that the bullets pierced their bodies at a downward angle. … “The
weapons described by the ballistic expert (Izzuwan Marzuki) and the
investigating officer (P Visvanathan) were also in conflict,” (FMT, 31/5/2023) </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #1f4e79; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #1F4E79; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 128;">A Speedy MANDATORY Inquest For All Police Shot And Killed Cases</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Now, in Malaysia, in cases of death
by police shooting, there must be a speedy INQUEST (Inquiry into the death) by
the Coroner of this latest police shooting case. Speed is essential to ensure
no tampering or loss of evidence. Delay causes the risk of loss of relevant
evidence.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Now with regards to deaths
involving the police, Section 334 of the CPC, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inquiry into cause of death of a person in
custody of police or in any asylum states that ‘When any <b>person dies while
in the custody of the police</b> or in a psychiatric hospital or prison, the
officer who had the custody of that person or was in charge of that psychiatric
hospital or prison, as the case may be, shall immediately give intimation of
such death to the nearest Magistrate, and the Magistrate or some other
Magistrate shall, in the case of a death in the custody of the police, and in
other cases may, if he thinks expedient, hold an inquiry into the cause of
death.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">MADPET calls for an amendment of
Section 334 to include death by police shooting, and making it mandatory to
hold a public inquest. Hence, the words ‘if he thinks expedient’ that makes the
holding of an inquest discretionary.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #1f4e79; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #1F4E79; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 128;">Time For FULL TIME Coroners</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A Coroner in Malaysia is required
to look into all deaths, and as such it is time to have full time Coroners, not
simply Magistrates or Session Court judges, as it is now, who have already so
much other works in courts. Inquests should be speedily completed, not after
many years since the death. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The independence of the coroners
also must be guaranteed. Likewise, the needed trainings ought to be given for
them to deal with cases of police shootings, and even deaths in police custody.
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #1f4e79; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #1F4E79; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 128;">END Defamation Of Victims Of Death By Police Shootings</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Now, in this recent death by reason
of police shootings, the police chief talks about the deceased having 4
criminal records. What does this mean? Was the said deceased previously charged
and convicted in court for 4 criminal offences? If he was not, then this is not
criminal records simply if his name came up in investigations or police
reports? Was he even before arrested and investigated for the alleged 4 crimes?
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The dead cannot defend
himself/herself – and the making of ‘defamatory’ allegations may or will <b>impact
the living, spouse, children and family members</b>. Note that everyone is presumed
innocent until proven guilty in court after a fair trial.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #1f4e79; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #1F4E79; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 128;">SUSPEND police officers until end of investigation/inquest</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">MADPET reiterates that the priority
of the police investigation after anyone dies by reason of being shot by police
is whether the involved police officers broke the law. Such police officers
ought to immediately be suspended pending investigation, and/or inquests into the
death.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #1f4e79; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #1F4E79; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 128;">TOO Many Extrajudicial Killings In Malaysia </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The Home Ministry, in a parliamentary reply in 2012, said <b><span style="color: red;">that a total of 298 people of various nationalities were shot
dead between 2007 and August 2012</span></b>. (The Sun Daily, 23/10/2012). <b><span style="color: red;">A total of 279 suspects have been shot dead by the police
between 2000 and 2009 </span></b>was revealed by the Minister in Parliament in
2010(Malaysiakini, 28/6/2010). Minister Hishammuddin also revealed that the
police shot dead 82 suspects in 2008, and 88 in 2009. How many extrajudicial
killings since then? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">How many people were killed following police shooting – what gets
reported in media may just be a few examples. The Home Minister must inform
Parliament with being asked. </span></p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>TH</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:ApplyBreakingRules/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="376">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Link"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:107%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Cordia New";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MADPET notes Malaysia has taken the position towards the
abolition of death penalty, and hence a moratorium on executions pending
abolition. Malaysia has abolished mandatory death penalty. These are all about
death sentences imposed by courts after a fair trial. Extra judicial killing is
worse as it refers to the killing of a person by the state or its agents,
without any judicial or legal proceedings, and such killings must end.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MADPET calls on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the
government of Malaysia to put an end to extrajudicial killing in Malaysia. </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;">Charles Hector</i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;">For and on behalf of MADPET(Malaysians Against Death
Penalty and Torture)</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"> See also:-<br /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2024/01/extrajudicial-killing-by-malaysian.html">Extrajudicial
killing by Malaysian police could be murder, and Body-Cams and CCTV
could DETER such killings. - Delay in ensuring all police is wearing
body-cams, more than a year after budget approved is incompetence of
Minister and government</a></span></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2012/10/298-persons-shot-to-death-by-police.html">298 persons shot to death by police since 2007 - Demand public inquiry for every case</a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2021/12/police-who-shot-and-killed-man-being.html">Police who shot and killed man being investigated for MURDER and Arms Act violations? A step in the right direction </a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2019/09/suhakam-should-have-public-inquiry-on.html">SUHAKAM should have PUBLIC INQUIRY on police shooting where 3 died and 1 women allegedly missing?</a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2018/06/extrajudicial-killings-need-speedy.html">Extrajudicial
Killings Need Speedy Independent Investigations - 6 Reported Shot To
Death By Police After Pakatan Harapan Became Government.</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2018/06/muhyiddin-what-are-you-doing-about.html">Muhyiddin - What are you doing about recent police shoot..victims die incidents after GE14?</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="http://madpet06.blogspot.com/2018/06/another-man-with-machette-shot-and.html">Another man with a machette shot and killed by police? Speedy INDEPENDENT inquiry needed?</a></span></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span></span></span></h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2019/09/extrajudicial-killing-by-malaysian.html">Extrajudicial killing by Malaysian Police? Police arrest not KILL - Investigate all police shooting incidents?</a></span><br /></span>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2009/11/5-shot-dead-by-police-now-sister-and-2.html">5 shot dead by police - now sister and 2 kids in hospital fighting for life..</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2009/02/police-shot-dead-another-6-in-kedah-no.html">The police shot dead another 6 in Kedah - no one, except alleged girlfriends survived</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2013/09/so-wrong-for-government-police-and-even.html">So
wrong for the government, police and even media to brand the 124
persons shot dead by police as criminals - all are innocent till proven
guilty</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2010/07/3-with-no-firearms-shot-dead-by.html">3 with no firearms shot dead by Malaysian police...</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="http://charleshector.blogspot.com/2010/06/malaysian-police-shot-dead-279and.html">Malaysian police shot dead 279...and another 147 died in police lock-ups [2000-2009]</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2017/03/cepat-tindakan-kes-bunuh-lelaki-korea.html">Cepat tindakan kes bunuh lelaki korea, kenapa lambat tuduh polis/pembunuh Syed Mohd Azlan?</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2009/08/did-police-try-to-arrest-themor-did.html">Did the police try to arrest them...or did they just shoot to kill them? Extrajudicial killing must be condemned..</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2009/08/another-shoot-to-kill-incident-4-killed.html">Another
'shoot to kill' incident - 4 killed. Yahoo has this question now that
need answers: Do you agree that Malaysian police tends to shoot to kill?</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2018/09/2-more-extrajudicial-killing-by-police.html">2 more extrajudicial killing by police that need to be investigated HOME Minister?</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2009/09/good-if-hishammuddin-expresses-similar.html">Good
if Hishammuddin expresses similar sentiments when persons are shot
dead by police in Malaysia, as he did for Nordin Md Top (alleged
terrorist)</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2021/10/abolition-of-death-penalty.html">Abolition
of death penalty, extrajudicial killing and life imprisonment (‘secret
death penalty”), improving detention to respect human dignity (MADPET)</a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3><h1 class="article-title" style="text-align: justify;">Armed man killed in shootout with Kedah CID, sizeable ammo found in car, says state top cop</h1><div class="social-sharing"><div class="social-inner"><br /> </div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/16/187317.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/16/187317.JPG&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="Armed man killed in shootout with Kedah CID, sizeable ammo found in car, says state top cop" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-adbro-processed="true" data-adloox-sid="79665748288" data-adloox-type="slot" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/16/187317.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="250" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2024/02/16/187317.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" style="object-position: 50.685% 34.2465%;" title="Armed man killed in shootout with Kedah CID, sizeable ammo found in car, says state top cop" width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">A
man armed with a firearm and suspected of being a criminal, died in a
shootout with the police at Jalan Bukit Kechil, Napoh near Jitra, Kedah,
February 16, 2024. — Bernama pic </div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info"> <div class="article-date">Friday, 16 Feb 2024 11:44 PM MYT</div> </div> <p>JITRA,
Feb 16 — An armed man, who was suspected of being a criminal, was shot
dead in a firefight with police at Jalan Bukit Kechil in Napoh near here
this afternoon.</p><p>Kedah police chief Datuk Fisol Salleh said in the
incident at 5.30pm today, a team from Division D9 of the Kedah Criminal
Investigation Department (CID), who were carrying out a patrol under Op
Laras, had spotted the man behaving suspiciously in a car.</p><div data-google-query-id="CNOdq_PKtIQDFVj3cwEdZo8GPQ" id="mm-story-outstream"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/MM-1x1-Outstream_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p>He
said the suspect initially refused to stop, but as his car veered to
the left of the road, he stopped before firing two shots.</p><p>“Police then returned fire in self-defence and managed to kill the 57-year-old man.</p><p>“On
inspection of the suspect’s car, we found two pistols and a sizeable
quantity of ammunition, specifically 100 rounds of 9-millimetre (mm)
bullets, 100 rounds of .38 mm. We also found 5.56 bullets used for
rifles like M-16,” he said at the scene here tonight.</p><div data-google-query-id="CNWdq_PKtIQDFVj3cwEdZo8GPQ" id="mm-teads"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div><div class="teads-adCall"></div></div><p>According
to Fisol, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, who is a
local, has four criminal records in drugs and fake firearms.</p><p>Fisol said the case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code and Section 8 of the Firearms Act 1960.</p><p>He added that the location of the shootout was a quiet road that was less travelled by commuters.</p><p>He said police would carry out further investigations to see if the suspect was involved with any crime syndicate.</p><p>According to him, the suspect’s body was sent to the Jitra Hospital for an autopsy. — <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/02/16/armed-man-killed-in-shootout-with-kedah-cid-sizeable-ammo-found-in-car-says-state-top-cop/118449">Bernama, Malay Mail, 16/2/2024</a><br /></p><h1 class="sc-fPXMVe iWDaXK pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">Cops abused power in shooting of 3 men, including Sri Lankan, coroner finds</h1><div class="sc-aXZVg jiTbBU"><p>The
coroner’s court finds that police did not fire the shots at the three
men in self-defence as claimed and that there were elements of a
criminal nature in the shooting of the trio in Rawang.</p>
</div><div class="sc-cPiKLX ePosFH d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="sc-dcJsrY jSPIFe" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/anba/">V Anbalagan</a> - </span><time class="sc-aXZVg eeJhAp fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1654001116000" style="min-height: 15px;">31 May 2022, 8:45pm</time></div></div></div><div class="sc-dLMFU fwLGGd pb-3" itemprop="articleBody"><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2053885" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_2053885" style="width: 800px;"><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-2053885"></figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: justify;">SHAH ALAM: <b><span style="color: red;">The coroner’s court today concluded that there was abuse
of power and elements of a criminal nature in the death of three men who
were shot at close range by police three years ago.</span></b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Coroner Rasyihah Ghazali said, on the balance of probabilities, S
Mahendran, G Thavaselvan and his brother-in-law J Vijayaratnam, a Sri
Lankan national, died of gunshot wounds on their heads and chests.</p></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“The shots were not fired in self-defence. There was abuse of power
and (actions in the nature of) criminal elements by police in the death
of the men,” she said this evening at the end of an inquest.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Police had claimed there was an exchange of fire between policemen
and the trio at the edge of a jungle in Rawang and that two of the men
had been armed with pistols.</p><div data-google-query-id="CLmTqau1tIQDFWqKZgIdfZkKsA" id="div-gpt-ad-1661356464065-0" style="text-align: justify;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/FMT_ROS_1x1_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Rasyihah, however, said she was unable to conclude as to what had
happened to G Moganambal, the wife of Vijayaratnam, who was reported
missing after the incident and has yet to be found.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">On
Sept 14, the three men, whom police said were suspected to have been
involved in armed robbery, were killed in a shootout with the police at
Km22 of Jalan Rawang heading towards Batu Arang, following a 7km
high-speed car chase.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The coroner said today the men died between 5.20am and 5.30am on Sept 14 based on evidence collected in the inquest.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">She said scientific evidence with regards to the position of the
bodies and the weapons allegedly found on the two men did not tally with
the oral testimonies of the policemen.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“The weapons described by the ballistic expert (Izzuwan Marzuki) and
the investigating officer (P Visvanathan) were also in conflict,” she
said.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">She said police witnesses gave evidence that shots were fired at the
men from an upright position but post-mortem reports stated that the
bullets pierced their bodies at a downward angle.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Rasyihah said, in totality, there were many disputable questions of fact regarding witness statements.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The four had left Kepong at about 10pm on Sept 13 after dinner to
visit friends and relatives. Moganambal’s sister, Vasanthi, had
testified that Moganambal sent a location map via her mobile phone at
about 1am (Sept 14) that indicated they were at a food outlet in
Serdang.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Vasanthi stated in her evidence that shop owner Senizam Md Yusof
admitted meeting the four that morning. However, Senizam denied in court
that he had met them at his premises.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Lawyer M Visvanathan, who held a watching brief for the family of
Thavaselvan and Vijayaratnam, said he had instructions to file a civil
suit following today’s verdict.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We have four months to do so as the three-year limitation period to
file a legal action against the government will set in by September,”
said Visvanathan who was assisted by V Sanjay Nathan.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Deputy Public Prosecutor Sean Dudley assisted the coroner. A total of 20 people gave evidence. <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2022/05/31/cops-abused-power-in-shooting-of-3-men-including-sri-lankan-coroner-finds/" target="_blank">- FMT, 31/5/2022</a><br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>EAIC says Johor man’s 2014 death in custody was murder </b></span></span><br />
<br />
Friday October 30, 2015<br />
11:49 PM GMT+8</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">
KUALA
LUMPUR, Oct 30 — <span style="color: red;"><b><span style="color: red;">The use of physical violence by police during arrest
and questioning was the cause of Syed Mohd Azlan Syed Mohamed Nur’s 2014
death in custody, the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC)
said today.</span><br /><br />According to the enforcement watchdog, its investigations also found <span style="color: red;">attempts
to obscure evidence from the 25-year-old’s interrogation that resulted
in 61 separate injuries on various parts of his body.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;">The
police officers involved also engaged in a “serious breach” of standard
operating procedures concerning the handling of detainees, material
seizure, and the integrity of statements.</span><br /> </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="color: red;">“There was an
element of crime in the attacks involving common intent or abetment by
PDRM officers, including the arresting team, to intentionally use
physical violence on the deceased to cause death or injury,”</span> the EAIC said in a statement today.<br /><br />It
added that the action was a criminal offence, specifically under
Section 302 and 325 of the Penal Code read with Section 34 of the same
Act.<br /><br />Section 302 pertains to murder while Section 325 involves
voluntarily causing grievous bodily harm; Section 34 deals with
voluntarily causing hurt.<br /><br /><span style="color: black;">The EAIC
then recommended that the Attorney-General’s Chambers to prosecute the
officers involved for the crimes identified in the agency’s
investigations.<br /><br />It added that it was regrettable that custodial
deaths continue to occur repeatedly in the country, saying that the
matter should be viewed seriously.<br /><br />According to the EAIC’s
investigations, Syed Mohd Azlan had been arrested on November 3, 2014
near Pengerang, Johor over possible involvement in an armed altercation
involving two groups on September 14 the same year.<br /><br />He had been
detained by a team of 13 police officers and held at the Sungai Rengit
police station, where he had been interrogated over the attack.<br /><br />Syed Mohd Azlan was later transferred to the Kota Tinggi district police headquarters to be remanded, but died while in transit.</span><br /><br />A post-mortem determined <span style="color: red;">the
cause of death to be blunt force trauma to his chest, while 61
defensive wounds were discovered on his face, torso, and both legs</span>. -</b></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><a href="http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/eaic-says-johor-mans-2014-death-in-custody-was-murder" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 30/10/2015</a></span></div> <span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span><h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3><p> </p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-13654008197663228462024-01-08T02:49:00.000-08:002024-01-08T02:49:33.251-08:00Repeal Sedition Act 1945 and Discontinue Prosecution Against ‘Papagomo’ and all others facing Sedition Charges(MADPET)<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Media Statement –
8/1/2024</span></u></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Repeal Sedition Act 1945 and Discontinue
Prosecution Against ‘Papagomo’ and all others facing Sedition Charges</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">MADPET
(Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture) is appalled with the use of the
Seditions Act 1948 to charge in court Blogger Wan Azri Wan Deris (a.k.a. ‘Papagomo’)
for the making an allegedly seditious statement against the government, that claimed
that the Malaysian government was “pro-Israel and pro-Western nations”. (FMT,
8/1/2024)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Sedition
Act 1948 ought to have been repealed immediately after GE14, when the Pakatan
Harapan government who ‘promised’ repeal of draconian laws like Sedition Law came
into power. After Sheraton Move, when the Perikatan Nasional – Barisan Nasional
unity government came into power, it was also not repealed. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Sedition
Act criminalizes actions/word that causes seditious tendencies, which may
‘bring into hatred or contempt or to excite disaffection against’ the Ruler,
government, administration of justice or generally ‘raise discontent or
disaffection’. Truth, valid opinion or suspicion is no defence, as the crime is
about ‘tendencies’ only. Intention of the maker when statement made is also irrelevant.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In
July 2023, the Malaysian Cabinet and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim indicated
that the Sedition Act will only be applied to provocations towards the royal
institution. (CNA 26/7/2023) Anwar said that “Yes. From a policy perspective,
we avoid using the Sedition Act, except when this touches on the position of
the Rulers.’ (Malay Mail, 18/7/2023).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">But</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">on 4/9/2023, it was reported that ‘PAS
president Abdul Hadi Awang is being investigated for sedition over comments he
made about the authority of the pardons board, Bukit Aman revealed.’ (FMT).</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Then,
on 16/10/2023, it was reported that Kean Wong, the editor of the controversial
book titled “Rebirth: Reformasi, Resistance, And Hope in New Malaysia” was
arrested and investigated for Sedition by the police. (FMT, 16/10/2023). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Now,
for a claim that that the Malaysian government was “pro-Israel and pro-Western
nations”, which really is on the face of it nothing but an opinion, a person
has been charged under Sedition Act.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It
must be remembered that the draconian Sedition Act 1948 was enacted by the
British Colonial government, as a response to the growing call for the Independence
of Malaya, and growing </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">dissent<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> against
colonialism and British rule. This law criminalized opinions and even
criticisms of the government, making anything that causes or may cause unhappiness
with the government a crime. This law was enacted around the same time when
laws were enacted by the British to ‘crackdown’ and stifle the labour movements
and people’s organizations. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When
Governments Are WEAK, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sedition Act And
Other Bad Laws Are Abused. </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">We
recall how the then Prime Minister Najib Razak announced that he would repeal
the Sedition Act in July 2012 because it "represents a bygone era"
and was part of his reforms to develop Malaysia into a progressive democracy.
However, after the General Elections that resulted in a poorer showing for the
Barisan Nasional, that promise was broken, and the Sedition Act remained and
continued to be used.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
same seem to have happened when Pakatan Harapan did worse in GE15, compared to
GE14, and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>assurance <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to repeal the draconian Sedition Act was again
shelved. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">MADPET
hopes that the promise to limit usage to provocations towards the royal
institution <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is NOT now abandoned in
light of the alleged ‘Dubai Move’, as alleged growing disappointment with Prime
Minister Anwar Ibrahim may lead a possible loss of confidence of the majority
of the Members of Parliament which will result in Anwar’s resignation as Prime
Minister, and hence a change of government, is not the reason of expanding the
usage of the Sedition Act against persons who have allegedly <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘different’ opinion about Malaysia’s position
on the Israel-Palestine issue. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Fears
of losing political power should never be a hindrance to the repealing of the Sedition
Act and all other draconian laws</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
and provisions in legislations. People vote you in because of your values,
principles and promises for reform, but when these are abandoned for fear or
loss of political support amongst Malaysians or certain classes of Malaysian,
then Malaysians must reject such politicians and political parties.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">MADPET
reiterates the call for the immediate repeal of Sedition Act 1948, and for a
moratorium on the usage of this draconian act pending abolition;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">MADPET
calls for the immediate DISCHARGE of Wan Azri Wan Deris (a.k.a. ‘Papagomo’) and
all others who are currently charged for breach of the Sedition Act in the
Malaysian courts.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;">Charles Hector</i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;">For and on behalf of MADPET(Malaysians Against Death Penalty
and Torture)</i></p>
<h1 class="sc-fPXMVe iWDaXK pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">‘Papagomo’ pleads not guilty to sedition charge</h1><div class="sc-aXZVg jiTbBU"><p>The charge against blogger Wan Azri Wan Deris is over a Facebook video in which he claims the government is pro-Israel.</p>
</div><div class="sc-eDPEul jUeWRP d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="sc-dcJsrY jSPIFe" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/fmtreporters/">FMT Reporters</a> - </span><time class="sc-aXZVg eeJhAp fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1704684540000" style="min-height: 15px;">08 Jan 2024, 11:29am</time></div></div></div><div class="mb-3" style="height: 40px;"><div class=" st-left st-has-labels st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="sharethis-1704691804904"><br /></div></div><div class="sc-eldPxv hkMrmM pb-3" itemprop="articleBody"><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2639053" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_2639053" style="width: 800px;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2639053 size-full" data-adbro-processed="true" height="250" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/abc209b8-wan-azri-wan-deris-bernama-pic-181223.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-2639053">If found guilty, Wan Azri Wan Deris faces a fine of up to RM5,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both. (Bernama pic)</figcaption></figure>
<p>KUALA LUMPUR: Blogger Wan Azri Wan Deris pleaded not guilty in the
sessions court to a charge of making an allegedly seditious statement
against the government.</p>
<p>Wan Azri – whose alter ego is believed to be Papagomo – was
slapped with one charge under the Sedition Act 1948 for claiming that
the government was “pro-Israel and pro-Western nations”.</p></div>
<p>The remark was allegedly made in a Facebook video on Nov 8, 2023.</p>
<p>If found guilty, he faces a fine of up to RM5,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both.</p><div data-google-query-id="CJXHluuHzYMDFSMYtwAd7DgOww" id="div-gpt-ad-1661356464065-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/FMT_ROS_1x1_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<p>Judge N Priscilla Hemamalini set bail at RM7,000 bail with one surety.</p>
<p>She fixed Feb 7 as the next mention date.</p>
<p>Wan Azri, who is a former Umno Youth leader, was represented by
lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali, while deputy public prosecutor Mustaffa P
Kunyalam appeared for the prosecution. <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/01/08/papagomo-pleads-not-guilty-to-sedition-charge/" target="_blank">FMT, 8/1/2024</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-27049674903454540802024-01-05T02:27:00.000-08:002024-01-05T02:34:09.286-08:00Extrajudicial killing by Malaysian police could be murder, and Body-Cams and CCTV could DETER such killings...(MADPET)<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>TH</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:ApplyBreakingRules/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="376">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Link"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:107%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Cordia New";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Media Statement – 5/1/2024</span></u></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 20.0pt;">Extrajudicial
killing by Malaysian police could be murder, and Body-Cams and CCTV could DETER
such killings.</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Delay in
ensuring all police is wearing body-cams, more than a year after budget approved
is incompetence of Minister and government</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another extrajudicial killing by
the Malaysian police, this time at the end on 2023, where a 44-year-old man was
shot dead in Penang <i><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(Malaysian Insight, 31/12/2023)</span></i>, and a few days before
that we read that 3 Rohingyas were shot dead by police in Selayang, Selangor <i><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(Malay
Mail, 23/12/2023)</span></i>. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A total of <b><u>279 suspects
have been shot dead by the police between 2000 and 2009</u></b> was revealed by
the Minister in Parliament in 2010<i><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(Malaysiakini, 28/6/2010)</span></i>. Minister Hishammuddin
also revealed that the police shot dead 82 suspects in 2008, and 88 in 2009. How
many extrajudicial killings since then? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One must recall the coroner’s
court decision that was handed down on 31/5/2022 which ‘concluded that <b>there
was abuse of power and elements of a criminal nature in the death of three men
who were shot at close range by police</b> three years ago… “The <b><span style="color: red;">shots were not fired in self-defence</span></b>. There was <b><span style="color: red;">abuse of power and (actions in the nature of) criminal
elements by police in the death of the men</span></b>,”… She[Coroner <a name="_Hlk155016952">Rasyihah Ghazali</a>] said <b>scientific evidence</b> with
regards to the position of the bodies and the weapons allegedly found on the
two men <b><u>did not tally</u> with the oral testimonies of the policemen</b>.
“The weapons described by the ballistic expert (Izzuwan Marzuki) and the
investigating officer (P Visvanathan) were also in conflict,” she said. She
said police witnesses gave evidence that shots were fired at the men from an
upright position but post-mortem reports stated that the bullets pierced their
bodies at a downward angle…’<i><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">(FMT,31/5/2022)</span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET (Malaysians Against
Death Penalty and Torture) urges for immediate and speedy inquests, by
competent Coroners like Rasyihah Ghazali, for these 2 recent media reported cases
of extrajudicial killing and all such killings by police. The coroner’s court must
give us a speedy decision, preferably within a couple months, and certainly not
3 years after the said extrajudicial killing. </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>MADPET calls for immediate
suspension of all police officer/s who shot and killed until the Coroner
determines there was no abuse of power and/or criminal liability on the part of
the police officers that shot and killed. </b>These officers should at least be
given desk jobs, with no access to any firearms until they are cleared of
guilt.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>MADPET urges the police, the State
and/or ‘pro-government’ media not to participate in efforts to justify the
extrajudicial killing, by painting the now deceased victims as bad people or even
‘criminals’.</b> The crime to be investigated is the extrajudicial killing, and
nothing else. Even if the persons killed are previously convicted criminals or
drug addicts, it does not matter – all that matters is whether the police are
innocent or not.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was interesting how Penang
police chief Khaw Kok Chin, on the same day hours after the killing, was able
to say this to the media - “Further investigation revealed that the suspect had
16 prior criminal records involving robberies, drugs, including cases
investigated under Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons,
besides frequently moving in and out of Simpang Renggam. Khaw said the suspect
was active in Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Malacca…’ (Malaysian Insight,
31/12/2023)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Was this really a chance
encounter with the team from the Serious Crimes Division (D9 unit)? Did the
police go in with the intention to kill? If not, why is the police trying to
tell us now that the one killed is a BAD man? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It does not matter whether the
killed are very bad people (according to the police) or not. Everyone is innocent
until proven guilty in a court of law after a fair trial. It is not the police
that decides whether one has committed crimes or not, but the Judges and courts?
How many times really was these deceased victims previously convicted after
trial and sentenced to prison? The fact that the person was running around scot
free despite being suspected of about 16 offences in 3 States simply raises
questions about competence of law enforcement.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Highlighting allegations that the
now deceased are involved in that crime and this crime is totally irrelevant,
as the police in law only has the duty and power to just arrest, not kill. They
are not judge or executioner. One wonders as to how many were shot and arrested
without being killed recently in Malaysia?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Police can only arrest
and NOT Kill</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Section 15 of the Criminal Procedure
Code states, ‘…(2) If such <b>person forcibly resist the endeavor to arrest him</b>
or attempt to evade the arrest such officer or other person may use <b><span style="color: red;">all means necessary <u>to effect the arrest</u></span></b>. (3)
<b>Nothing in this section gives a right to cause the death</b> of a person who
is not <b><u><span style="color: red;">accused</span></u> </b>of an offence
punishable with death or with imprisonment for a term of not less than thirty
years but not exceeding forty years or with imprisonment for life….’ All these
victims of these extrajudicial killings are NOT persons accused of any such
offences let alone any criminal offence – as they have yet to be charged in
court, and so, at most they are suspects. One becomes an accused, only after
they have been charged in court. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Incompetence of PM Anwar
and his Minister’s in delay of police body-cams and CCTV </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Body cams and CCTV certainly will
help ensure that the police follow the laws. It must be a national priority
given the fact of numerous extrajudicial killings by police, deaths in police
custody and allegations of police misbehavior in Malaysia.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Body cams and CCTV can also be
useful in PROVING that the police did not ‘murder’ people, but followed the laws
dutifully. Did these police officers involved in these extrajudicial killings
have body-cams? Were the vehicles the police used even equipped with CCTV recording
devices?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If the ‘killer’ police were not wearing
body-cams, is it indicative of the failure or incompetence of Prime Minister
Anwar Ibrahim, and his chosen Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail given the
fact that budget allocations for the body-cams was already approved more than a
year ago, and there is no justification as to why the delay in ensuring all
police personnel have body-cams, noting also fact that other law enforcements already
started using body cams? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">At end of July 2023, the
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Azam Baki said that anti-graft
officers going out for operations and enforcement activities will now use body
cameras to <b>ensure transparency and to protect them from any allegations…</b>
<b>"</b>This is why we have decided on the use of<b> body cameras which
can record both audio and visuals of all incidents that happen during an
investigation process. “I believe by using the body cameras, it will protect
MACC officers, those assisting investigations and even suspects," he [Azam
Baki] said.</b> (Star, 31/7/2023). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On 23/8/2023, it was reported
that even <b>Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) officers</b> also have started using
body cams. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hence, the unjustified delay in
all police officers being equipped with body-cams falls on Minister Saifuddin,
who now says that the full roll-out for the police will be completed not this
year, but in 2025. Why? The Minister must explain, and if not, then the Prime
Minister must find a more competent Minister as the issue of body-cams and CCTV
for police and law enforcement have long been top priority. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>MADPET notes that the delay with
regard to ensuring body cams for all policemen also have financial implications
to the government</b>, as the Courts have been finding police and the
government liable for deaths in police custody and also extrajudicial killings.
Body Cams and CCTV recordings will be a deterrence to police law breaking.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Court of Appeal in March 2023
reduced damages awarded to the families of three youths shot dead by police 13
years ago, being Shamil Hafiz Shapiei, Hairul Nizam Tuah, and Hanafi Omar to
RM210,000 in damages instead of RM500,000 awarded by the High Court two years
ago.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In March 2021, Federal Court here
ruled that the Malaysian government was required to pay aggravated damages to
the next of kin of a person who dies while in police custody. Chandran’s widow
Selvi Narayan and daughter Rita will get total compensation amounting to
RM357,000 due to Chandran’s death while in police custody at the Dang Wangi
police station in 2012. The High Court in December 2019 awarded the family of
Syed Mohd Azlan Syed Mohamed Nur who died in police custody with 61 wounds on
his body five years ago RM448,000 in compensation and damages. There have
several other cases, where the family of deceased did file a case, that have
been successful. If there are body cams and CCTV coverage, it will DETER police
from breaking laws.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET calls for all police
officers to be wearing body cams within three (3) months, and that CCTV with
recording capacity be placed in all areas of the police station, to ensure that
is a continuous monitoring of suspects arrested to ensure police do not break
laws, and suspect’s rights are protected.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Charles
Hector</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For
and on behalf of MADPET(Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture)</span></i></p>
<div class="row">
<div class="small-12 columns">
<h2 class="main-title">Wanted gunman killed in shootout with cops</h2>
<hr />
<p class="meta">
<span class="byline-meta">
<span class="byline-time">
Updated 4 hours ago ·
Published on 31 Dec 2023 11:43AM · </span></span></p></div></div><div id="sharing"><div class="row share">
</div>
</div>
<div class="story-cover">
<figure class="cover">
<img alt="" height="267" src="https://turbo.themalaysianinsight.com/resources/stories_images/390609/pdrm_logo_bukit_aman_300120__full__full.jpg" width="400" />
<figcaption>A 44-year-old man, believed
to be behind two robbery cases in Butterworth, is killed during a
shootout with police today. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, December
31, 2023.</figcaption>A GUNMAN was killed during a shootout with police in Bukit Mertajam, Penang early this morning.</figure></div><article class="news-body" data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hjze9eyqwrp8rvqha90re8nt">
<p>The man is said to be behind two robbery cases – at a lottery shop and a grocery store in Butterworth.</p>
<p>The 44-year-old was spotted behaving suspiciously in a Proton X70 SUV
when he was approached by a team from the Serious Crimes Division (D9
unit) that was on crime prevention patrol.</p>
<p>Penang police chief Khaw Kok Chin said the D9 team identified
themselves before instructing the suspect to stop his vehicle for
further inspection. However, the man refused to cooperate and attempted
to flee.</p><p>“The suspect then exited his vehicle and aimed a pistol at the D9
team. In self-defence, the police fired several shots at the suspect,
killing him instantly,” he told reporters.</p>
<p>“Further investigation revealed that the suspect had 16 prior
criminal records involving robberies, drugs, including cases
investigated under Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive
Weapons, besides frequently moving in and out of Simpang Renggam.</p>
<p>Khaw said the suspect was active in Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Malacca. – <a href="https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/478501" target="_blank">December 31, 2023, Malaysian Insight.</a></p><h1 class="article-title">Three Rohingyas shot dead in Selayang Jaya involved in more than 50 robbery, housebreaking cases</h1> <div class="social-sharing"> <div class="social-inner"> <div class="social-item"><a class="sharing-icon-email" href="mailto::?subject=Three Rohingyas shot dead in Selayang Jaya involved in more than 50 robbery, housebreaking cases&body=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/12/23/three-rohingyas-shot-dead-in-selayang-jaya-involved-in-more-than-50-robbery-housebreaking-cases/108968" target="_blank" title="Share Article By Email"><img alt="email" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" height="30" src="https://www.malaymail.com/theme_malaymail/images/emIcon.png" width="30" /></a></div></div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/12/23/173751.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/12/23/173751.JPG&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="Three Rohingyas shot dead in Selayang Jaya involved in more than 50 robbery, housebreaking cases" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-adbro-processed="true" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/12/23/173751.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="267" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/12/23/173751.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" title="Three Rohingyas shot dead in Selayang Jaya involved in more than 50 robbery, housebreaking cases" width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">Police
believe three Rohingyas shot dead in Selayang Jaya involved in more
than 50 robberies and burglaries in six states. — Picture by Ahmad
Zamzahuri</div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info"> <div class="article-date">Saturday, 23 Dec 2023 6:54 PM MYT</div> </div> <div class="main-container-article-body" style="height: auto;"> <div class="article-body" style="height: auto;"> <p>KUALA
LUMPUR, Dec 23 — The three individuals, suspected to be members of the
Rantau Fiesta gang, shot dead by the police early today in Selayang
Jaya, are believed to be involved in more than 50 robberies and
burglaries in six states, said Selangor Police Chief Datuk Hussein Omar
Khan.</p><p>Hussein said preliminary investigations found that the three
Rohingya criminals, all in their 30s, had been involved in crime since
2011, and one of them, believed to be the leader, had been imprisoned
and returned to his old habits after his release in 2017.</p><div data-google-query-id="CLiIqs-wuYMDFaT7cwEdbLkO-Q" id="mm-story-outstream"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/MM-1x1-Outstream_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p>"In
the incident which occurred after midnight, the police spotted a Ford
Fiesta car, which was in a suspicious manner in Selayang Jaya and
stopped the vehicle.</p><p>“However, when the policemen wanted to carry
out an inspection, two of the suspects fired three shots at the police,
forcing the police to fire back. The police fired seven shots which hit
the three suspects, all of whom died at the scene," he told a special
press conference at the Gombak District Police Headquarters here today.</p><p>He said police then searched the car and found two Revolver-type pistols and a machete.</p><div data-google-query-id="CLqIqs-wuYMDFaT7cwEdbLkO-Q" id="mm-teads"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p>According
to Hussein, apart from Selangor, the suspects were also believed to be
involved in robberies and housebreaking in Melaka, Negeri Sembilan,
Kuala Lumpur, Pahang and Penang.</p><p>In Selangor alone, he said, the
group was believed to be responsible for 27 cases of robberies and
burglaries, involving a loss of RM1.3 million.</p><p>The
most recent incident involved a housebreaking case in Batang Kali on
Dec 8 with losses amounting to RM445,000, including three Rolex watches
and two Hublot watches, he added.</p><p>Hussein said the gang's modus
operandi was to steal small and easily disposable luxury goods such as
jewellery and luxury watches.</p><p>The police are tracking down the
remaining members of the gang as well as the buyers of the goods stolen
by the suspects, he said, adding that the investigation was being
carried out under Section 307 of the Penal Code," he said. — <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/12/23/three-rohingyas-shot-dead-in-selayang-jaya-involved-in-more-than-50-robbery-housebreaking-cases/108968" target="_blank">Bernama, Malay Mail 23/12/2023</a><br /></p> </div> </div><p> </p><h1 class="sc-eldPxv dgOxeB pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">Govt approves RM30mil for cops’ body cameras</h1><div class="sc-aXZVg jiTbBU"><p>Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail says the procurement process is in progress.</p>
</div><div class="sc-cwHptR llSLcQ d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="sc-dcJsrY jSPIFe" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/bernama2016/">Bernama</a> - </span><time class="sc-aXZVg eeJhAp fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1670920244000" style="min-height: 15px;">13 Dec 2022, 4:30pm</time></div></div></div><div class="mb-3" style="height: 40px;"><div class="st-left st-has-labels st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="sharethis-1704016089392"><br /></div></div><div class="sc-cPiKLX hSRCTm pb-3" itemprop="articleBody"><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2229628" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_2229628" style="width: 800px;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2229628 size-full" data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hjzmc7k9erxhsnrjye78q871" height="250" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Saifuddin-Nasution-Ismail-Bernama.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 0px;" width="400" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-2229628">Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (centre) said body cameras were now a necessity. (Bernama pic)</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: justify;">KUALA LUMPUR: The government has approved an allocation of RM30
million for the procurement of body cameras for use by policemen on
duty.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that the procurement process was in progress.</p></div><p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hjzmc7kaw4pkh16s9c0jnxtx" style="text-align: justify;">“I
hope the procurement can be expedited as it (body camera) is now a
necessity. I have instructed the ministry secretary-general to follow up
on the matter,” he told a press conference after a working visit to
Bukit Aman, here. --- <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2022/12/13/govt-approves-rm30mil-for-cops-body-cameras/" target="_blank">FMT, 13/12/2022</a><br /></p><br /><h1 class="article-title">Cops to be equipped with bodycams this year, says Home Ministry</h1> <div class="social-sharing"> <div class="social-inner"> <div class="social-item"><a class="sharing-icon-email" href="mailto::?subject=Cops to be equipped with bodycams this year, says Home Ministry&body=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/04/11/cops-to-be-equipped-with-bodycams-this-year-says-home-ministry/64210" target="_blank" title="Share Article By Email"><img alt="email" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" height="30" src="https://www.malaymail.com/theme_malaymail/images/emIcon.png" width="30" /></a></div></div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/04/11/106209.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/04/11/106209.JPG&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="Cops to be equipped with bodycams this year, says Home Ministry" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-adbro-processed="true" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/04/11/106209.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="266" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/04/11/106209.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" title="Cops to be equipped with bodycams this year, says Home Ministry" width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">Datuk
Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the Home Ministry has the required
to budget implement the policy in an attempt to improve the integrity of
the force. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon</div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info"> <div class="article-byline">By John Bunyan</div> <div class="article-date">Tuesday, 11 Apr 2023 11:33 AM MYT</div> </div> <p>KUALA
LUMPUR, April 11 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail
reportedly said that police officers are expected to start using body
cameras this year.</p><p>Saifuddin said his ministry has the required to budget implement the policy in an attempt to improve the integrity of the force.</p><div data-google-query-id="CPv_nNm3uYMDFVULtwAdbN8P5w" id="mm-story-outstream"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/MM-1x1-Outstream_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p>“The
budget is available. God willing, if there are no obstacles, this year
the police force, patrol unit, traffic division or special force team
will be equipped with cameras.</p><p>“This is our effort to be ready to
adopt the technology. By that, I mean to improve integrity and try to
overcome some weaknesses. It is a continuous effort,” he was quoted as
saying in a town hall event held by Malay daily Sinar Harian yesterday</p><p>In
December last year, Saifuddin announced that the government has
allocated a budget of RM30 million for the purchase of body cameras for
the police.</p><div data-google-query-id="CP3_nNm3uYMDFVULtwAdbN8P5w" id="mm-teads"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p>He said the body cameras have been deemed a “necessity” but added that its acquisition will follow the due procurement process.</p><p>Prior
to that, in 2021, the previous government had approved an allocation of
RM30 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan to purchase body cameras for
the police.</p><p>According
to the ministry, the body cameras will be used by police personnel on
duty in the field, especially for the Police Patrol Car Unit (MPV) and
Police Motorcycle Patrol Unit (URB) and police street patrols in 157
district police headquarters across the country.</p><p>Saifuddin said a total of 7,648 body camera units will be obtained with an estimated price between RM2,000 to RM2,500 per unit.</p><p>He
also explained that the purpose of installing body cameras is also to
increase the public’s trust in law enforcement in addition to gathering
evidence in the event of a specific case.</p><p>“We are not looking for
an excuse that the police force does not need to be supervised. The
police welcomed this decision. This is a continuous effort to improve
enforcement agencies,” he said.</p><p>The increasing call for the use of
body cameras came following cases of members of the public forced to
delete recordings of misdemeanours by police officers, with the
authorities claiming such moves are allegedly forbidden. -<a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/04/11/cops-to-be-equipped-with-bodycams-this-year-says-home-ministry/64210" target="_blank"> Malay Mail, 11/4/2023</a><br /></p><h1 class="article-title">Home Ministry expects full rollout of police body cams only in Q1 2025</h1> <div class="social-sharing"> <div class="social-inner"> <div class="social-item"><a class="sharing-icon-email" href="mailto::?subject=Home Ministry expects full rollout of police body cams only in Q1 2025&body=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/10/27/home-ministry-expects-full-rollout-of-police-body-cams-only-in-q1-2025/98683" target="_blank" title="Share Article By Email"><img alt="email" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" height="30" src="https://www.malaymail.com/theme_malaymail/images/emIcon.png" width="30" /></a></div></div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/10/27/158430.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/10/27/158430.JPG&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="Home Ministry expects full rollout of police body cams only in Q1 2025" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-adbro-processed="true" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/10/27/158430.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="266" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/10/27/158430.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" title="Home Ministry expects full rollout of police body cams only in Q1 2025" width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">Home
Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the full rollout of
the BWC is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025. —
Bernama pic</div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info"> <div class="article-byline">By Zaf Seraj</div> <div class="article-date">Friday, 27 Oct 2023 2:26 PM MYT</div> </div> <div class="main-container-article-body" style="height: auto;"> <div class="article-body" style="height: auto;"> <p>KUALA
LUMPUR, Oct 27 — Malaysians can expect to see local police officers
donning body worn cameras (BWC) on a daily basis in two more years.</p><p>Home
Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the full rollout of
the BWC is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025.</p></div></div><p>“At
this time, the ministry is undertaking the procurement,” he said in a
written parliamentary reply yesterday to Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng who had
asked for an update on the BWC.</p><p>Saifuddin Nasution said the Home
Ministry’s Procurement Board is expected to sit next month and an
acceptance letter is expected to be issued in December.</p><p>“The
full use of the BWC by PDRM is expected in the first quarter of 2025
taking into account the whole supply process such as testing, site
visits, training and accreditation from January 2024 to December 2024,”
he added, using the Malay abbreviation for the Royal Malaysia Police.</p><div data-google-query-id="CIiChOK2uYMDFbrccwEdGmECTA" id="mm-teads"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p>Equipping
Malaysian frontline law enforcers with BWC had been talked about for
years as a way to address allegations of brutality and corruption.</p><p>Lim
had asked the Home Ministry about the BWC several times this year after
police detained four people in January while raiding an allegedly
unlicensed entertainment outlet in George Town, Penang.<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3345947707676079" data-ad-format="rectangle" data-ad-slot="7742573277" data-ad-status="unfilled" data-adsbygoogle-status="done" style="display: block; height: 0px;"></ins></p><p>In
his written reply, Saifuddin Nasution said the government had approved
an allocation of RM30 million to procure the BWC under the first rolling
plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan in 2021 for police use.</p><p>He added that the BWC was approved for procurement through open tender and the project was to be completed within 24 months. - Malay Mail, 27/10/2023<br /><br /><br /> <span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Anti-graft enforcers get body cams, in use from today, says Azam Baki <br /></span></b></span> <b><br /></b> <br /> By <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/authors?q=MAZWIN+NIK+ANIS">MAZWIN NIK ANIS</a> Nation <br /> <br /><br /> Monday, 31 Jul 2023 11:59 AM MYT <br /> <br /> <img height="261" src="https://apicms.thestar.com.my/uploads/images/2023/07/31/2205466.jpeg" width="400" /> <br /><br />MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki showing the body-worn camera vest to be used by anti-graft enforcers. <br /><br />PUTRAJAYA: Anti-graft officers going out for operations and enforcement activities will now use body cameras to ensure transparency and to protect them from any allegations, says Tan Sri Azam Baki. <br /><br />The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner said enforcement officers, including those from the agency, were open to wild accusations during their course of duty. <br /><br />"To make things worse, in this era of sophistication, those with ill intention have used social media to spread accusations and their propaganda towards our officers. <br /><br />"This can result in MACC's image being tarnished and baseless threats of legal actions," he said when launching the body-worn camera to be used by the agency's enforcement officers.</p><p><br />Azam said as an agency that upholds integrity and professionalism, the MACC is committed to carry out improvements that could protect it from accusations and allegations.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/starpicks/2023/12/28/staying-in-the-zone--furthering-a-career-in-petroleum-geoscience"> </a><br />"This is why we have decided on the use of body cameras which can record both audio and visuals of all incidents that happen during an investigation process. <br /><br />"I believe by using the body cameras, it will protect MACC officers, those assisting investigations and even suspects," he said. <br /><br />ALSO READ: Govt wants body cams used by Immigration Department, Prisons Department, AADK, soon <br /><br />The chief commissioner said in the event where there are allegations of wrongdoing by officers in the field, the body camera could be used to confirm the allegations. <br /><br />A pilot project was carried out in December last year and this had received positive feedback, he added. <br /><br />"It is our hope that with the use of the body camera, the aspiration of the people for the MACC to transform, boost efficiency, be transparent and free will be proven," he said. n- <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/07/31/anti-graft-enforcers-get-body-cams-in-use-from-today" target="_blank">Star, 31/7/2023<br /><br /></a> <br /></p><h1 class="article-title">DBKL says 100 enforcement officers equipped with body cameras, but usage limited due to data storage issue</h1> <div class="social-sharing"> <div class="social-inner"> <div class="social-item"><a class="sharing-icon-email" href="mailto::?subject=DBKL says 100 enforcement officers equipped with body cameras, but usage limited due to data storage issue&body=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/08/23/dbkl-says-100-enforcement-officers-equipped-with-body-cameras-but-usage-limited-due-to-data-storage-issue/86713" target="_blank" title="Share Article By Email"><img alt="email" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" height="30" src="https://www.malaymail.com/theme_malaymail/images/emIcon.png" width="30" /></a></div></div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/08/23/140633.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/08/23/140633.jpg&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="DBKL says 100 enforcement officers equipped with body cameras, but usage limited due to data storage issue" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/08/23/140633.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="300" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/08/23/140633.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" title="DBKL says 100 enforcement officers equipped with body cameras, but usage limited due to data storage issue" width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">DBKL
said that the body cameras usage is currently on limited usage due to
constraints related to its data storage. — Picture by Devan Manuel</div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info"> <div class="article-byline">By Ben Tan</div> <div class="article-date">Wednesday, 23 Aug 2023 11:50 AM MYT</div> </div> <p>KUALA
LUMPUR, Aug 23 — Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has accepted the
delivery of 100 body cameras worth RM270,000 to equip its enforcement
officers in an effort to combat corruption and bribery.</p><p>In a written reply to Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng, <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>DBKL said it had received 100 body cameras on March 2.</b></span></p><p><b style="color: #2b00fe;">“Following
the delivery of the body cameras, a body camera usage course was held
on March 21 for 100 DBKL personnel for their field duties.</b></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>“For
the time being, the body cameras are issued on a trial period to
determine its effectiveness, as well as any problems that crop up due to
its usage</b></span>,” read the written reply as revealed by Lim to <i>Malay Mail</i> today.</p><p>However, DBKL said that the<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> body cameras are currently on limited usage due to constraints related to its data storage.</span></b></p><div data-google-query-id="CPKQi4iExoMDFcQmgwMdHhQAwg" id="mm-teads"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p>Lim was present for a Kuala Lumpur mayor’s consultative meeting with parliamentarians at Menara DBKL here today.</p><p>Lim
has been instrumental in calling for the revival of body cameras for
law enforcement officers, especially police personnel, following a raid
on a hardcore music gig at a record store in Georgetown, Penang earlier
this year.</p><p>On
January 9, DBKL’s executive director of socio-economic development
Datuk Azmi Abdul Hamid was quoted saying that the body cameras will be
provided for some 100 enforcement officers first.</p><p>He said DBKL
will see its effectiveness in combating crime and graft and its role as
the neutral third eye in disputes between the public and enforcement
officers.</p><p>He said the cameras will also help to ensure the safety of enforcement officers when carrying out their duties.</p><p>The
body cameras will be used to record interactions between enforcement
officers on duty and the public, where the footage may be used as
evidence in court.</p><p>The idea to equip DBKL enforcement officers
with body cameras dates back to 2020 when then mayor Datuk Seri Nor
Hisham Ahmad Dahlan spoke of building the integrity of the officers to
reduce cases of abuse of power.</p><p>It was previously reported that
calls for <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">body cameras gained traction after several DBKL enforcement
officers were suspected to have solicited bribes from traders who
breached licensing regulations.</span></b></p><p>Several crime prevention advocates have lauded the move. - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/08/23/dbkl-says-100-enforcement-officers-equipped-with-body-cameras-but-usage-limited-due-to-data-storage-issue/86713" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 23/8/2023</a><br /></p><p><br /> <br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: red;">Landmark judgement: Federal Court says gov<span>t to award aggravated damages for death in police custody</span></span></b></span></p><div class="news-detail_newsdetailsItemInfo__LCEtm"><div class="news-detail_newsBy__RiFO4"><span>By</span> <span><a href="https://theedgemalaysia.com/author/Hafiz%20Yatim?page=1">Hafiz Yatim</a><span style="color: #70787c;"> / </span><a href="https://theedgemalaysia.com/source/theedgemarkets.com?page=1">theedgemarkets.com</a></span></div><div class="news-detail_newsInfo__FfaBm"><span>22 Mar 2021, 10:32 am</span><span>Updated - 02:06 pm</span></div></div><div class="news-detail_rowAdBox__7y5Dq"><div class="row-ad-box-top" data-google-query-id="CIPn1KHYxYMDFaGsrAId4rsFZg" id="div-gpt-ad-row4-ros"><div class="leaderboard_row1n8" style="opacity: 0;">
<div class="leaderboard_row1_desktop" style="display: none;">
<a href="https://adclick.g.doubleclick.net/pcs/click?xai=AKAOjstSihRIbgt-3NHRzHX1jfEstmRfVSzx8ewiP_XlidHhT1xz2VicFI97zXYiR_cWlEwaTVCYs2HluEKJftacKENaD-NkZUUa0aBHaR8V4PCQyssWV_RwsixaZ5p7UFQMZveyTHLdDep6IBh5OlFDwNY2Lt7Otmv3GiFSzXFziv1ZB66e937IOSTegXRdwd6rEFnhG90VXpKaFkGjMNCyficmp_44z7pV5ilcD2zbJltFaymOFay0s9rqZ2z-dkQsj4YHUu0Bnm6OqKVZ2bXMC9Y7G4iHCgIkbKyIHbO_o79B7pH5Lbod6RR0IhyGeOQJpHkE5g-l2nHSIAQl&sai=AMfl-YT4Y-dBrUabvDOaN0p02_1r7d58t_OcR5bF7ntkznLOXMNBbtr_faCoFdAw6bXd1ro4peSCE-kUO35kVVszZVKWR2dbj3F2GBj-imnJBDlhuTYgPJreP7ZEoEVzMj9-C8zTRCHI8xPkyMtSQmJb0YVz&sig=Cg0ArKJSzFWN4iERnx9TEAE&fbs_aeid=%5Bgw_fbsaeid%5D&urlfix=1&adurl=https://subscribe.theedgemalaysia.com/" target="_blank"><img height="92" src="https://tpc.googlesyndication.com/pimgad/4658773853058639089?" width="730" /></a>
</div>
</div></div></div><div class="news-detail_newsImgWrap__wlXlR"><div id="thumbnail"><img alt="main news image" data-nimg="1" height="267" src="https://theedgemalaysia.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.theedgemarkets.com%2F20210322_093323%20%20%20_theedgemarkets.jpg&w=1920&q=75" style="color: transparent;" width="400" /></div><div class="news-detail_newsImgInfo__fVKtH"><p>Visvanathan (second from right) with family members of Chandran, namely (from left) Selvi and Rita. (Photo by The Edge)</p></div></div><div class="news-detail_newsTextDataWrap__LQ_zJ" style="text-align: justify;"><div><div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>PUTRAJAYA
(March 22): In a landmark judgement, the Federal Court here ruled today
for the first time that the Malaysian government is required to award
aggravated damages to the next of kin of a person who dies while in
police custody.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>However,
the court also ruled that the next of kin is not entitled to exemplary
damages following the death of their relative while in police custody.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px;"><p>Malaysia’s
highest court decided on the matter today after hearing the case
involving former lorry driver P Chandran, who died in police custody in
Kuala Lumpur in 2012 after his medical needs were not attended to.</p></div><div class="inPageAd" data-google-query-id="CIbn1KHYxYMDFaGsrAId4rsFZg" id="div-gpt-ad-inpage"><div class="inread_sponsored_ad" style="transition: transform 700ms ease-out 0s;"><div class="inread_sponsored"><div class="inread_sponsored_content_container"><div class="inread_sponsored_content_description">
<p></p>
</div>
<div class="inread_sponsored_read_button_container">
<div class="inread_sponsored_read_more_btn">
</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>Today,
the seven-member Federal Court bench led by Court of Appeal President
Tan Sri Rohana Yusuf decided that the family of Chandran is entitled to
get aggravated damages amounting to RM200,000 but not exemplary damages
of the same quantum that was awarded earlier by the High Court and
upheld by the Court of Appeal.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>The
seven-member Federal Court bench included Chief Judge of Sabah and
Sarawak Datuk Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim and Federal Court Judges Datuk
Abdul Rahman Sebli, Datuk Zabariah Mohd Yusof, Datuk Seri Hasnah
Mohammed Hashim, Datuk Rhodzariah Bujang and Datuk Nallini Pathmanathan.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>Judges who agreed with Rohana’s decision today included Abang Iskandar, Abdul Rahman, Zabariah, Hasnah and Rhodzariah.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>Nallini,
meanwhile, upheld the earlier decisions by the High Court and the Court
of Appeal to award the exemplary damages to Chandran’s family.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>The exemplary damages amounted to RM200,000.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>Today,
Rhodzariah wrote the Federal Court’s ruling, which was arrived at based
on decisions by the majority of judges on the seven-member bench.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>Following
the Federal Court ruling today, Chandran’s widow Selvi Narayan and
daughter Rita will get total compensation amounting to RM357,000 due to
Chandran’s death while in police custody at the Dang Wangi police
station in 2012.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>The
compensation comprises RM200,000 in aggravated damages, loss of
dependency compensation amounting to RM144,000, besides RM10,000 for
bereavement and RM3,500 in special damages, according to the Federal
Court.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>Previously, the High Court and the Court of Appeal did not award aggravated damages to Chandran's family.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>In legal
context, aggravated damages refer to special and highly-exceptional
compensation awarded to a plaintiff when a defendant's conduct leads to
humiliating and malicious circumstances for the plaintiff.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>Meanwhile,
exemplary damages or punitive damages aim to punish a defendant for
wrongful conduct and deter the defendant from repeating the offence.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>Representing
Selvi and Rita were lawyers led by M Visvanathan, while senior federal
counsel Andi Razalijaya A Dadi appeared for the police and government.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>Chandran's
family had named five police officers, the inspector-general of police
(IGP) and the Malaysian government as defendants in the legal action
following Chandran’s death. </p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>Previously,
the Sessions Court inquest led the court to rule that the police
officers were responsible for Chandran’s death because they did not
provide Chandran with timely medical assistance, according to news
reports.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>It was
reported that a post-mortem revealed that Chandran died from
hypertensive heart disease due to the absence of timely medical
assistance. </p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>It was
reported that the police only discovered Chandran’s death 12 hours after
he died in the lock-up at the Dang Wangi police station.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>According
to news reports, the High Court in January 2017 found the police guilty
of Chandran’s death as the police did not attend to Chandran's medical
needs in a timely manner.</p></div>
<div class="newsTextDataWrapInner" style="font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;"><p>In 2019,
the Court of Appeal affirmed the High Court's decision that Selvi and
Rita were entitled to receive compensation because Chandran’s death was
due to the police’s negligence and abuse of public office, news reports
indicated.</p><div class="headline story-pg">
<h1>
Court lowers damages for families of three men killed by police
</h1>
<hr />
</div>
<div class="info">
<div class="info__interact">
<div class="info__button">
<div class="service-panel" style="float: left; width: 100%;">
<div class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons lazyloaded st-center st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" data-title="Court lowers damages for families of three men killed by police" data-url="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/24/court-lowers-damages-for-families-of-three-men-killed-by-police" id="st-2"><div class="st-btn st-first st-remove-label" data-network="facebook" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="facebook sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/facebook.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="twitter" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="twitter sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/twitter.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="whatsapp" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="whatsapp sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/whatsapp.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="telegram" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="telegram sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/telegram.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="linkedin" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="linkedin sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/linkedin.svg" />
</div></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="info__button button--bookmark">
<div class="btn--bookmark bookmark-hidden-sm hidden-xs" id="bookmark_web">
<i class="fa fa-bookmark-o"></i>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="info__credit credit">
<div class="credit__authors">
By <a data-content-id="https://www.thestar.com.my/authors?q=NURBAITI+HAMDAN" data-content-title="NURBAITI HAMDAN" data-content-type="Navigation" data-list-type="Article" href="https://www.thestar.com.my/authors?q=NURBAITI+HAMDAN">NURBAITI HAMDAN</a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<ul class="col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-3 side-note" id="sideNote" style="bottom: 20px; top: 0px;"><li>
<a class="kicker" data-content-id="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/" data-content-title="Nation" data-content-type="Navigation" data-list-type="Article" href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/">Nation
</a>
</li><li>
<p class="date">
Friday, 24 Mar 2023
</p>
</li></ul>
<div class="inline-img">
<div class="story-image">
</div>
</div>
<div class="story bot-15 relative" id="story-body">
<p>PUTRAJAYA: The <b><span style="color: red;">Court of Appeal has amended the
quantum of damages from RM1.5mil to RM630,000 which had been awarded to
the families of three youths – one a teenager – who died in a police
shooting 13 years ago.</span></b></p> <p>A three-judge panel chaired by Justice
Azizah Nawawi made the adjustment after allowing parts of the appeal by
the prosecution in the case. “We find merits in the appeal and we allow
the appeal in parts,” she said.</p><div class="sasStoryRectPos"></div> <p>In
the decision, the panel set aside RM100,000 in general damages for each
family and substituted it with RM10,000 each for bereavement damages.</p> <p>Two
other types of damages, exemplary and estate claim under Section 8 of
the Civil Law Act which stood at RM100,000 for each family, were also
set aside.</p><p>After the deductions, the damages for the families stood at RM630,000 in total, with each family receiving RM210,000.</p> <p>“The rest of the order of the High Court is affirmed,” she said here yesterday.</p> <p>Other judges on the bench were Justices S. Nantha Balan and Mohamed Zaini Mazlan.</p><p>On Nov 13, 2010, Muhammad Shamil Hafiz Shapiei, 15; Mohd
Hairul Nizam Tuah, 20; and Muhammad Hanifi Omar, 22; were shot dead by
the police in the Glenmarie industrial zone in Shah Alam, Selangor.</p> <p>Their families filed a joint civil lawsuit on Nov 12, 2013, at the Shah Alam High Court.</p> <p>The
lawsuit was filed by Muhammad Shamil’s parents Shapiei Zainal Abidin
and Norhafizah Mad Razali, Mohd Hairul Nizam’s mother Hamidah Kadar and
his sister Norhaliza Tuah, and Muhammad Hanifi’s parents Omar Abu Bakar
and Noriah Darus.</p> <p>They named the Shah Alam district police
chief, the Selangor police chief, the Inspector-General of Police and
the government of Malaysia as respondents.</p> <p>Seven police officers
were later identified as being involved in the shooting and
subsequently named as respondents, making it a total of 11 respondents.</p> <p>The
lawsuit was first dismissed by the Shah Alam High Court on Aug 11,
2015, which found the police officers’ testimony that the firing at the
three youths, allegedly armed with machetes, was to protect themselves,
as credible and believable.</p> <p>However, on Sept 1, 2016, the Court
of Appeal overturned the ruling and found the police liable. The case
was sent back to the High Court for damages assessment.</p> <p>The compensation came to a total of RM207,000 for all three families.</p> <p>Dissatisfied
with the amount, the families appealed to the High Court for a
reassessment and on June 30, 2021, the court awarded the RM1.5mil total
compensation.</p> <p>Senior Federal Counsel Noerazlim Saidil appeared for the appellants. Zaid Malek appeared for the families. - <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/24/court-lowers-damages-for-families-of-three-men-killed-by-police" target="_blank">Star, 24/3/2023</a><br /></p>
</div><p> </p></div><h1 style="text-align: justify;">
Family of man who died in Johor police lock-up wins close to RM500,000 in compensation</h1>
<div class="byline" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="meta mb-0">
Thursday, 19 Dec 2019 02:08 PM MYT</div>
BY BEN TAN<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<figure class="figure float-left" style="width: 800px;">
<figcaption class="figure-caption">Lawyer for the plaintiffs, M.
Visvanathan and Syed Mohd Azlan Syed Mohamed Nur‘s family at the Johor
Baru High Court December 19, 2019. — Picture by Ben Tan</figcaption>
</figure></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
JOHOR BARU, Dec 19 — The <span style="color: red;"><b>High Court today awarded the family of Syed
Mohd Azlan Syed Mohamed Nur who died in police custody with 61 wounds on
his body five years ago RM448,000 in compensation and damages.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red;">
The family had initiated civil proceedings in 2015 against three
policemen and 11 others, including the inspector-general of police and
the government.</b></div>
<div class="ads-container" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="my-3 ads text-center" data-google-query-id="CNKlk8OCxuYCFY0UaAodCqUL4w" id="mm-story-outstream">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The money covered their court costs, dependency claims, malfeasance
in public office, exemplary, bereavement, funeral and special damages.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Syed Mohd Azlan, a 25-year-old welder, was arrested in the early
hours of November 3, 2014 on suspicion of rioting and possession of a
weapon two weeks earlier.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He was taken to the police station lock-up in Sungai Rengit,
Johor and found unconscious five hours later during a transfer to the
Kota Tinggi district police headquarters. He was sent to the Bandar
Penawar health clinic where he was pronounced dead.</div>
<div class="ads-container" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="my-3 ads text-center" data-google-query-id="CNSlk8OCxuYCFY0UaAodCqUL4w" id="mm-teads">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 2018, the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) said
police personnel had beaten Syed Mohd Azlan while in custody, adding
that it found 61 wounds on his body that were consistent with defensive
injuries.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The EAIC, in its statement, reiterated its findings showed there was foul play in Syed Azlan’s death.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Three policemen — Weddrin Mojingkin, Joshua Perait and Muhammad
Bunyamin — were charged under Section 304(b) of the Penal Code with
culpable homicide not amounting to murder, which is punishable with jail
up to 30 years and a fine.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However, they were found not guilty at the Sessions Court. The High Court this year upheld their acquittal.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Despite their release from the criminal proceeding, High Court Judge
Datuk See Mee Chun ruled in favour of Syed Mohd Azlan’s family today.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In her ruling, the judge said the police are duty-bound to uphold the law and keep the nation’s peace and security.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“All action towards that must be in accordance with the Federal Constitution and law,” she said.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
See quoted from a 2008 case involving custodial assault and police
brutality against a man who was suspected to be involved in a crime.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She said that an award of damages must reflect the sense if public
outrage, emphasise the importance of the constitutional right and the
gravity of the breach and deter future breaches.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Syed Mohd Azlan’s family was represented by lawyer M. Visvanathan,
while senior federal counsel Jailani Abdul Rahman acted for the
government.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Visvanathan later told reporters that the court decision sent a strong message that injustice will not be tolerated.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“A full stop must be made,” he said.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Syed Mohamad Shariff Syed Mohamed Nur, brother to the deceased,
expressed his gratitude to the court and hoped the authorities would
learn the proper treatment to accord detainees.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The late Syed Mohd Azlan’s family present in court today were his
father Syed Mohamed Nur Ali, 72; mother Sharifah Khalilah Syed Sulaiman,
61; and younger brother Syed Mohamad Affendi, 38. - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/12/19/family-of-man-who-died-in-johor-police-lock-up-wins-close-to-rm500000-in-co/1820629" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 19/12/2019</a></div><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2010/07/rm14-mil-in-damages-for-family-of-man.html">RM1.4 mil in damages for family of man who died in police custody</a></span></h3><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://charleshector.blogspot.com/2010/06/malaysian-police-shot-dead-279and.html">Malaysian police shot dead 279...and another 147 died in police lock-ups [2000-2009]</a> <br /></span></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2019/12/court-rules-cops-caused-death-of-syed.html"><span style="font-size: medium;">Court
rules cops caused death of Syed Mohd Azlan, awards dad </span>RM383,300? Have
the police who killed or tampered with evidence been charged yet?</a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2019/12/rm490000-to-widow-of-dharmendrandied-in.html">RM490,000 to widow of Dharmendran(died in police custody) - 4 officers charged for 'murder' remain FREE and in the police?</a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"> </h3></article>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-63539990132445650442023-11-28T08:15:00.000-08:002023-11-28T08:15:01.296-08:00Investigate NOW Allegations of Existence of Person Who Ordered/Paid for Altantuya Shaariibuu’s Murder, and who paid for Sirul Azhar’s silence(MADPET)<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Media Statement – 29/11/2023</span></u></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 20.0pt;">Investigate
<u>NOW</u> Allegations of Existence of Person Who Ordered/Paid for Altantuya
Shaariibuu’s Murder, and who paid for Sirul Azhar’s silence</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Do not
sweep under the carpet – Reveal The Truth Without Fear or Favour</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET (Malaysians Against Death
Penalty and Torture) calls for prosecution and higher penalties for person/s
that ordered or paid another to kill or murder. This is abuse of power and
wealth.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Merely prosecuting actual murderers/killers
or criminals is not enough noting that there may be occasions where the murder/crime
was committed by person/s by reason of having to follow orders of another or
being paid by another to commit specific crimes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Until the abolition of the
mandatory death penalty, the accused killer gains nothing by disclosing
accomplices or information about people who ordered or paid for the killing</b>,
as it does not change the fact that they are still guilty of the crime of
murder and would be sentenced to death. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Even the disclosure</b> that
they were ordered or paid by another will not reduce the sentence, as there is <b>no
possibility of this fact mitigating one’s sentence</b> by reason of providing
assistance to the authorities that will identify help identify or prosecute accomplices,
including those that gave the order to kill or paid the accused to kill. The
fact that they killed means they will be sentenced to death. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Abolition of
Mandatory Death Penalty – Expose of One Who Orders/Pays May Mitigate Sentence</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">However, today, after The
Abolition of Mandatory Death Penalty Act 2023 came into force on 4/7/2023, Section
302 Penal Code which provides for the crime of murder now reads, ‘<b>Whoever
commits murder shall be punished with death or imprisonment for a term of not
less than thirty years but not exceeding forty years and if not sentenced to
death, shall also be punished with whipping of not less than twelve strokes.</b>’
Now, that there is an alternative sentence other than death, hence the ability
of the court to consider mitigation is restored. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The disclosure of the fact that
one was paid by another to kill, or ordered by another to kill is <b><u>still
no guarantee that the court will still not impose the death penalty</u></b>,
given the fact that the accused did indeed kill. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Most lawyers will reasonably advise
clients in criminal cases to remain silent, unless the evidence they give will
exonerate them from the crime totally. Naturally, this would be the position
taken at the court of first instance right until all the 2 appeals are exhausted.
Even after that, silence could be secured by threats or even payments of
monies.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Sirul Azhar’s ‘Expose’
Must Be Investigated</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On 24/11/2023, Sirul Azhar Umar
appeared in an Al Jazeera program, where he admitted to being involved in the
kidnapping of Mongolian <a name="_Hlk152104120">Altantuya Shaariibuu</a>, but
denied killing her. He said he was acting on orders. He also claimed that the
evidence was planted against him. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">‘…He also alleged that says he
received RM1mil from unnamed sources for his silence on the Altantuya
Shaariibuu murder during his detention in Australia. He said a prominent
politically-linked lawyer and a top Cabinet leader were involved in the payment…’(Star,
24/11/2023)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On 24/11/2023, Lawyer Datuk
Hasnal Rezua Merican, now also a Malaysian Human Rights Commissioner and a recent
UMNO-BN candidate in recent State elections, denied Sirul Azhar Umar's claims
that he instructed the former police commando to make a video exonerating a top
leader of any involvement in the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Star, 24/11/2023). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We must recall also that Azilah,
the other person convicted of Altantuya’s murder, also did previously release a
damning Statutory Declaration (SD) from Kajang Prison implicating Najib. (Malay
Mail, 17/12/2019)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Police Must
Investigate – Not Simply Say ‘Unfounded’</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thus, MADPET finds it appalling
that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) regarded the statement by former police
commando Sirul Azhar Umar in an interview with an international media regarding
his conviction in the murder of Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu in 2009 <b>as
unfounded and could create more speculation</b>. Inspector-General of Police
Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said Sirul Azhar had been given the opportunity to
defend himself in line with Malaysian laws and constitution. “However, his
(Sirul Azhar) claims were never submitted to any court that heard his case,
from the High Court to the Federal Court. <i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(25/11/2023, Malay Mail).</span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sadly, this statement by the
Inspector General of Police is wrong. It must be independently investigated,
where the police must make a police report to commence investigation and only
after that make any conclusion as to whether it is ‘unfounded’ or not.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET believes that all these
allegations must be now thoroughly investigated to determine also whether the two
of Najib Razak's former bodyguards really ordered to kill or paid by another to
kill, and if so, the said giver of orders or the one who paid for the killing
must be investigated and prosecuted to ensure justice be done. Was there a ‘bribe’
for silence, or for the production of some ‘fake’ video?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Can the Police Still
Independently Investigate? RCI? </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Given the police’s recent response,
it may be also be apt to consider setting up an independent Royal Commission of
Inquiry to investigate this matter. Alternatively, SUHAKAM (the National Human
Rights Commission) or maybe even the EAIC ought to enquire into the matter to
determine the truth once and for all.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We also recall that current Prime
Minister Anwar Ibrahim did tell The Australian newspaper the original trial and
the judges' ruling was "compromised" and the reluctance of the judges
to call relevant witnesses "made a mockery of the law". "The
best way is to proffer a new charge and allow for a full hearing of the
case," (New Straits Times, 17/5/2018). Hopefully, the fact that Anwar after
GE15 needed the Barisan Nasional to form the unity government did not change
his position on upholding the cause of justice without fear or favour. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sirul Azhar Umar and chief
inspector Azilah Hadri were both <b>convicted by the High Court in Malaysia in
2009 </b>for the murder of Mongolian national <a name="_Hlk152098917">Altantuya
Shaariibuu </a>in October 2006. Altantuya was shot in the head in 2006 in a
forest in Puncak Alam, Selangor. Her body was later blown up with explosives. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Their conviction in the High
Court was <b>overturned by the Court of Appeal in 2013</b>. Sirul left for
Australia. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;">In 2015, the Federal Court
upheld the High Court’s conviction, and reinstated the death penalty on both
men.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Australian government, who
has a policy against deporting anyone to a country where they would face the
death penalty, refused to send Sirul back to Malaysia.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sirul was later apprehended by
Australian Immigration in January 2015. Recently, Sirul Azhar was released
after spending nine years in immigration custody since 2015. This followed an
Australian High Court decision on 8/11/2023, that released about 92 detainees
including Sirul Azhar, after deciding that non-citizen detainees who cannot be
deported cannot be held indefinitely by immigration authorities, and were allowed
to stay in Australia under specific conditions.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET calls for an
independent reinvestigation of the Altantuya Shaariibuu’s murder in light of
the recent revelations by Sirul Azhar with the object of determining the truth,
including as to whether there were other accomplices possibly person/s who
ordered the killing or paid another to kill;</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET also calls for an
investigation into the alleged payment for silence;</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET also calls for comprehensive
investigation of all murders, to determine whether there were others liable
other than the one who committed the crime, as <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>justice will not be served if some escape
justice simply because the police elected to end investigations once the perpetrator
committed the crime;</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET also calls for higher
penalties to be imposed on persons that ordered or paid another to commit
crimes, for without such persons the crime would never have been committed. It
is an abuse of power or wealth that must never be tolerated.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Charles
Hector</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For
and on behalf of MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture)</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></p>
<p> </p><p>see the VDO below:- <br /></p><h1><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/program/101-east/2023/11/24/murder-in-malaysia-world-exclusive-interview-with-sirul-azhar-umar">Murder in Malaysia: World Exclusive Interview with Sirul Azhar Umar</a></h1><p class="article__subhead u-inline">A 101 East world exclusive with a man convicted of Malaysia’s most shocking murder.<br /><br /><a href="#"></a><br /> <br /> </p><p class="article__subhead u-inline" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I was paid RM1mil to keep my mouth shut, says Sirul </span></b><br /> By <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/authors?q=R.+SEKARAN">R. SEKARAN</a> <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/">Nation </a> <br /> <br /><br /> Friday, 24 Nov 2023 11:50 AM MYT <br /> <br /> <img src="https://apicms.thestar.com.my/uploads/images/2023/11/24/2404855.jpg" /> <br /><br />PETALING JAYA:<b><span style="color: red;">
Sirul Azhar Umar says he received RM1mil from unnamed sources for his
silence on the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder during his detention in
Australia. <br /><br />He said a prominent politically-linked lawyer and a top Cabinet leader were involved in the payment.</span><br /></b> <br />In
an interview with Al-Jazeera's 101 East programme aired on Friday (Nov
24) morning, the former policeman said he was made a scapegoat and pawn
in a political game.<br /> <br /><br />He further claimed he was not responsible for Altantuya's murder despite being convicted for the crime. <br /><br />"For
many years people in my country have been waiting to know who gave the
order to kill Altantuya, but I cannot reveal that," he said. <br /><br />He claimed, however, the order to kill Altantuya was made by a top politician.</p><p class="article__subhead u-inline" style="text-align: justify;"><br />"I feel in danger to return (to Malaysia) as I feel it's unsafe and want to build a life with my child here in Australia. <br /><br />"I love Australia and urge the community here to give me a second chance and accept us," he added. <br /><br />Sirul also named a well-connected person over links to Altantuya. </p><p class="article__subhead u-inline" style="text-align: justify;"><br />He also apologised to Altantuya's family and asked for their forgiveness. <br /><br />Altantuya was abducted and murdered in Shah Alam in October 2006, and her remains blown up with military-grade explosives. <br /><br />Sirul and Azilah Hadri, two of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's bodyguards, were convicted of the murder in 2009. <br /><br />The Court of Appeal overturned the conviction in 2013 and ordered their release. <br /><br />During
the prosecution's appeal, Sirul fled to Australia. The Federal Court
upheld the conviction and reinstated the death penalty. <br /><br />Former
political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda, who was charged together with
Sirul and Azilah, was freed on Oct 31, 2008, after the court found no
concrete evidence against him. <br /><br />Sirul was arrested and detained
by Australian immigration authorities in January 2015 but was not
deported owing to the country's policy of not deporting people facing
the death penalty. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">On
Nov 8, the Australian High Court ruled that indefinite immigration
detention was unlawful, although the government could impose appropriate
visa conditions to protect the local community. </span></b><br /><br />On
Dec 16 last year, High Court Judge Datuk Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera (now
Court of Appeal judge) allowed the suit by Altantuya's family and
ordered former policemen Azilah, Sirul, Abdul Razak, and the Malaysian
government to jointly pay RM5mil in general, aggravated and exemplary
damages to the family. - <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/11/24/i-was-paid-rm1mil-to-keep-my-mouth-shut-says-sirul" target="_blank">Star, 24/11/2023</a> </p><p class="article__subhead u-inline" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">No truth to Sirul's claims, says lawyer
</span></b> </p>
<hr />
<div class="info">
<div class="info__interact">
<div class="info__button">
<div class="service-panel" style="float: left; width: 100%;">
<div class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons st-center st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" data-title="No truth to Sirul's claims, says lawyer" data-url="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/11/24/no-truth-to-sirul039s-claims-says-lawyer" id="st-2"><div class="st-btn st-first st-remove-label" data-network="facebook" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="facebook sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/facebook.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="twitter" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="twitter sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/twitter.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="whatsapp" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="whatsapp sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/whatsapp.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="telegram" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="telegram sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/telegram.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="linkedin" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="linkedin sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/linkedin.svg" />
</div></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="info__button button--bookmark">
<div class="btn--bookmark bookmark-hidden-sm hidden-xs" id="bookmark_web">
<i class="fa fa-bookmark-o"></i>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="info__credit credit">
<div class="credit__authors">
By <a data-content-id="https://www.thestar.com.my/authors?q=RAGANANTHINI+VETHASALAM" data-content-title="RAGANANTHINI VETHASALAM" data-content-type="Navigation" data-list-type="Article" href="https://www.thestar.com.my/authors?q=RAGANANTHINI+VETHASALAM">RAGANANTHINI VETHASALAM</a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<ul class="col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-3 side-note" id="sideNote" style="bottom: 20px; top: 0px;"><li>
<a class="kicker" data-content-id="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/" data-content-title="Nation" data-content-type="Navigation" data-list-type="Article" href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/">Nation
</a>
</li><li>
<p class="date">
Friday, 24 Nov 2023</p></li></ul>
<div class="inline-img">
<div class="story-image">
<img alt="" data-source="uploads/images/2023/11/24/2406165.jpg" height="268" src="https://apicms.thestar.com.my/uploads/images/2023/11/24/2406165.jpg" width="400" />
<p class="caption">PIC courtesy of – Sinar Harian</p>
</div>
</div>
<p>PETALING JAYA: <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Lawyer Datuk Hasnal Rezua Merican has
denied Sirul Azhar Umar's claims that he instructed the former police
commando to make a video exonerating a top leader of any involvement in
the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu.</span></b></p> <p>In an interview with Al
Jazeera, Sirul had claimed that his lawyer ordered him to make the video
in 2016, where he said former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul
Razak had no links to the Mongolian model.</p><div class="sasStoryRectPos"></div> <p><b></b></p> <p>"It
is too early to take any action as the allegations were made and
circulated in Australia. All I can say for now is that there is
absolutely no truth to those allegations," Hasnal told The Star on
Friday (Nov 24).</p><div class="inlineAd" style="clear: both; width: 100%;">
</div> <p>Hasnal, who was Sirul's lawyer, said he had seen parts of the interview.</p> <p>He also denied Sirul was offered RM1mil to make the video.</p><p>In 2016, Sirul took an oath that Najib was in "no way involved" in the murder of Altantuya in 2006.</p> <p>In 2015, the Federal Court sentenced Sirul and Special Action Unit personnel Azilah Hadri to death for murder. - <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/11/24/no-truth-to-sirul039s-claims-says-lawyer" target="_blank">Star, 24/11/2023</a><br /></p><h1 class="sc-eDPEul jUeWRP pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">There’s absolutely no truth in Sirul’s claim, says his ex-lawyer</h1><div class="sc-aXZVg jiTbBU"><p>Hasnal
Rezua Merican denies paying Sirul Azhar Umar RM1 million to exonerate
Najib Razak of links to the murder of Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu.</p>
</div><div class="sc-cwHptR llSLcQ d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="sc-dcJsrY jSPIFe" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/parkaran/">K. Parkaran</a> - </span><time class="sc-aXZVg eeJhAp fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1700834286000" style="min-height: 15px;">24 Nov 2023, <br /></time></div></div></div><div class="sc-cPiKLX hSRCTm pb-3" itemprop="articleBody"><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2618294" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_2618294" style="width: 800px;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2618294 size-full" data-adbro-processed="true" height="250" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/a829c385-sirul-3-241123.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-2618294">Sirul Azhar Umar is facing the death sentence in Malaysia for the murder of Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu. (Al Jazeera pic)</figcaption></figure>
<p>PETALING JAYA: A lawyer has denied all claims made by his former
client Sirul Azhar Umar in Australia in an interview with an
international TV network.</p>
<p>Hasnal Rezua Merican said this included an allegation that he had paid Sirul RM1 million.</p></div><p>“There
is absolutely no truth to all the allegations he has made. I visited
Sirul six to seven times during his incarceration in Australia as his
lawyer. I can’t recall but the last time I met him may have been in 2017
or 2018.</p>
<p>“It is too early to take any step as the allegations were made and
circulated in Australia,” Hasnal told FMT in a WhatsApp message.</p><div data-google-query-id="CKyjrLjd5oIDFWQltwAdhzUKGA" id="div-gpt-ad-1661356464065-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/FMT_ROS_1x1_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<div class="youtube-container"></div>
<p>Earlier this morning, Aljazeera English’s 101 East programme aired an
exclusive interview with Sirul in Canberra, Australia, which was his
first since his release two weeks ago.</p>
<p>Former policeman Sirul, who is facing the death sentence in Malaysia
for the murder of Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu, claimed that he was a
scapegoat in the incident and was paid a large sum of money by Hasnul to
exonerate former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak from any link to
the brutal murder in 2006.</p>
<p>“(It was) big money in Malaysian ringgit. Around a million ringgit.
Yes, I received it,” he said when asked about the sum offered to him.</p>
<p>In addition, Sirul said he did not have to pay for any legal fees in
Malaysia as it was “taken care of” but did not give details.</p>
<p>When pressured to divulge the source of the money, he said he did not know.</p>
<p>Sirul also said his superior Azilah Hadri told him that the move to arrest Altantuya was a special operation.</p>
<p>“I joined the police (when I was) 19 years old. It taught me
tough discipline, about obeying superiors, which means (saying) yes
sir, yes sir, and never say no,” he said in the episode.</p>
<p>He said Malaysians had been asking who gave the order to kill Altantuya but he was not able to tell until now.</p>
<p>When pressed on what exactly Azilah told him, he said his
superior told him that a girl was disturbing Razak Baginda, a political
analyst.</p>
<p>“I didn’t murder (Altantuya). But I was involved. I took her
from Razak’s house alive. And then I handed her over to Azilah and did
nothing after that,” he said, adding that he was just a sergeant then
and had a chief inspector (Azilah) above him.</p>
<p>Australia would not deport Sirul to Malaysia as the
country’s laws do not allow all those facing the death sentence to be
repatriated to their countries of origin.</p>
<p>Altantuya was shot in the head in 2006 in a forest in Puncak Alam, Selangor. Her body was later blown up with explosives.</p>
<p>Sirul and Azilah were convicted in 2009 by the High Court of
killing Altantuya, who was described as an interpreter. Azilah is
currently on death row at Kajang prison.</p>
<p>They succeeded in overturning their conviction at the Court
of Appeal in 2013, but the Federal Court in 2015 restored their
conviction and sentenced them to death.</p>
<p>Sirul fled to Australia before the final verdict.</p>
<p>He had been held at the detention centre since 2015 after
being detained by Australian police. His first application for political
asylum in Australia was rejected in 2019. - <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/11/24/theres-absolutely-no-truth-in-siruls-claim-says-his-ex-lawyer/" target="_blank">FMT, 24/11/2023</a><br /></p><p class="article__subhead u-inline" style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h1 class="page-title mb-2" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="d-inline-block mr-1">Altantuya case: Sirul should face new trial, says Anwar</span> </h1> <div class="d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"> <div><span>By <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/authors/afp" target="_blank">AFP</a> - </span>
May 17, 2018 @ 2:21pm
</div></div> <div class="social-share ml-auto"><div class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons st-right st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="st-1"><div class="st-btn st-first st-remove-label" data-network="facebook" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="facebook sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/facebook.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="twitter" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="twitter sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/twitter.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="whatsapp" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="whatsapp sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/whatsapp.svg" />
</div></div></div></div> <div><div><div class="field field-featured-image"><figure><img alt="Leader of the Pakatan Harapan coalition, Anwar Ibrahim holds his mobile phone at his house in Kuala Lumpur on May 17, 2018. AFP PHOTO" class="img-fluid" data-adbro-processed="true" height="266" src="https://assets.nst.com.my/images/articles/ZZ1218_1526541679.jpg" width="400" /> <figcaption class="py-2">Leader
of the Pakatan Harapan coalition, Anwar Ibrahim holds his mobile phone
at his house in Kuala Lumpur on May 17, 2018. AFP PHOTO </figcaption></figure></div></div></div> <div class="field field-body" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="dable-content-wrapper" itemprop="articleBody"><p>SYDNEY:
A man who fled Malaysia after being sentenced to hang for the killing
of a Mongolian model, in a scandal linked to his country's ousted
government, should face a new trial, political leader Anwar Ibrahim
reportedly said Thursday.</p>
<p>Former Malaysian police officer Sirul Azhar Umar, who is now in
Australian custody, has claimed he was ordered by "important people" to
murder Altantuya Shaariibuu in 2006.</p>
<p>Altantuya was the lover of Abdul Razak Baginda – a former close
associate of now deposed Malaysian premier Najib Razak – who was accused
of arranging kickbacks for the purchase of French submarines in 2002. </p>
<p>Opponents of Najib's government have long alleged that Sirul
and accomplice Azilah Hadri, members of an elite unit that guards top
Malaysian ministers, were scapegoats in the killing to hide the
involvement of their masters at the highest levels of government.</p><div class="related-listing"><div class="block block-article-related mt-3 mb-1"></div></div>
<p>Sirul has previously threatened to reveal who gave the order.</p><div data-google-query-id="CJ306rrq5oIDFbfNcwEd1p0spg" id="div-gpt-ad-1535527649803-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/NST_1x1_Programmatic_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<p><b><span style="color: red;">Reformist politician Anwar,</span></b> who was released from prison Wednesday
after his sodomy conviction was quashed by the king following Najib
being toppled,<span style="color: red;"><b> suggested Sirul should be brought back to Malaysia for a
fresh trial.</b></span></p>
<p><b style="color: red;">He told The Australian newspaper the original trial and the judges'
ruling was "compromised" and the reluctance of the judges to call
relevant witnesses "made a mockery of the law".</b></p>
<p><b style="color: red;">"The best way is to proffer a new charge and allow for a full hearing of the case," he said.</b></p>
<p>Anwar is the presumptive successor to new Prime Minister Mahathir
Mohamad following a stunning election upset last week, with his one-time
nemesis turned ally vowing to step down in a year or two to make way
for him.</p>
<p>Sirul was reportedly detained in Australia in 2015 and has been held
in custody since, although Canberra has never officially confirmed this.</p>
<p>A report in the Guardian last week said his bid for a protection visa
would be heard within months. Authorities refused to confirm this to
AFP or comment on other details of the case.</p>
<p>According to the newspaper, Canberra has allowed Malaysian
officials and their middlemen to meet with him regularly, including one
from Najib's United Malays National Organisation party's youth wing a
fortnight ago.</p>
<p>It cited a source as saying the Malaysian visitor delivered a message to his countryman: "Don't say anything".</p>
<p>The scandal is one of Malaysia's most sensitive topics, with
suspicions swirling for years that Altantuya was murdered to keep her
quiet about shenanigans in the submarine deal.</p>
<p>Najib has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing over the deal
amid allegations that French submarine maker DCNS paid "commissions" of
more than 114 million euros (US$142 million) for two Scorpene
submarines, which Malaysian critics allege were kickbacks.</p>
<p>Altantuya, 28, was shot dead and her body blown up with military-grade plastic explosives outside Kuala Lumpur.</p>
<p>Sirul and Azilah were convicted in 2009 and sentenced to
hang. They were later released when an appeals court overturned the
conviction in 2013 after raising questions about how their trial was
conducted.</p>
<p>But Malaysia's highest court upheld their death sentences in 2015. Sirul fled the country ahead of that ruling. - <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/05/370422/altantuya-case-sirul-should-face-new-trial-says-anwar" target="_blank">NST, 17/5/2018</a><br /></p>
</div></div><p class="article__subhead u-inline" style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h1 class="page-title mb-2" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="d-inline-block mr-1">Azilah's murder claim a bid to escape gallows?</span> </h1> <div class="d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"> <div><span>By <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/authors/new-straits-times" target="_blank">New Straits Times</a> - </span>
December 17, 2019 @ 11:01am
</div></div> <div class="social-share ml-auto"><div class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons st-right st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="st-1"><div class="st-btn st-first st-remove-label" data-network="facebook" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="facebook sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/facebook.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="twitter" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="twitter sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/twitter.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="whatsapp" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="whatsapp sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/whatsapp.svg" />
</div></div></div></div> <div><div><div class="field field-featured-image"><figure><img alt="Former chief inspector Azilah Hadri (inset, right) claimed that former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had ordered him to kill the Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu (inset, centre)." class="img-fluid" data-adbro-processed="true" height="240" src="https://assets.nst.com.my/images/articles/najtun_1576555252.jpg" width="400" /> <figcaption class="py-2">Former
chief inspector Azilah Hadri (inset, right) claimed that former prime
minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had ordered him to kill the Mongolian
national Altantuya Shaariibuu (inset, centre).</figcaption></figure></div></div></div> <p style="text-align: justify;">KUALA
LUMPUR: Is the latest “explosive” revelation on Datuk Seri Najib
Razak’s involvement in Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu’s murder
the last ditch, desperate attempt by a murderer to escape the hangman’s
noose?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The evidence leading to the conviction and death sentence of the
accused, former chief inspector Azilah Hadri and former corporal Sirul
Azhar Umar, has all been revealed and the trial went through all stages
right up to the Federal Court.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Azilah, who was a member of the police’s elite Special Actions Unit
(UTK), is asking the Federal Court to review its decision to convict him
and Sirul.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The case management of the application has been fixed for today.</p><div class="teads-adCall" style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="related-listing" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="block block-article-related mt-3 mb-1"></div></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Sirul has since fled to Australia while Azilah is languishing in the Kajang prison, waiting to be executed.</p><div data-google-query-id="CNKdkfzg5oIDFVq32AUdAWAF1Q" id="div-gpt-ad-1535527649803-0" style="text-align: justify;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/NST_1x1_Programmatic_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Another co-accused, Najib’s associate, Abdul Razak Baginda — was
originally convicted but later acquitted and is now a free man.</p><div class="ad-unit mx-auto text-center" data-google-query-id="CPH9kPzg5oIDFU3UcwEdhAoEng" id="div-gpt-ad-1463538766750-0" style="display: block; text-align: justify;"><div data-google-query-id="CLjrkq_85oIDFQfJcwEdVpkJGQ" id="andbeyond3001"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/21751243814,1009103/358645-300-250-1_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Azilah and Sirul, who were with UTK, were assigned to Najib’s security detail at that time.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The case captivated the world’s attention then and is still talked about 13 years on. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This is because despite the conclusion of the trial, the motive of the murder has remained a point of contention.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">During the course of the trial,<span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b> the late Karpal Singh, who was
holding a watching brief for the victim’s family, had filed a notice of
motion to call several witnesses.</b></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #2b00fe;">One of them included Najib, who Karpal wanted to be called to testify in the trial.</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #2b00fe;">Najib’s testimony, he argued, could introduce fresh evidence to the case.</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #2b00fe;">However, the petition notice was rejected by the High Court
after the judge ruled that “only the parties involved, namely the
prosecution and the defence” had a right to submit the petition.</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Another interesting point during the trial was <b><span style="color: red;">when Sirul,
on Feb 3, 2009</span></b>, pleaded with the court not to pass the death
sentence on him.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><figure class="article-image-item gn4-inline-image inline-image image-single-single" style="text-align: left;"><img alt="Altantuya Shaariibuu’s father Dr Shaariibuu Setev refuses to let go of the case and says there is more to his daughter’s murder than what had been revealed during the trial. -NSTP/File pic" class="img-responsive img-fluid" height="249" src="https://assets.nst.com.my/images/articles/DR._SHAARIIBUU_SETEVs_1576555248.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="gn4-inline-image-caption">Altantuya
Shaariibuu’s father Dr Shaariibuu Setev refuses to let go of the case
and says there is more to his daughter’s murder than what had been
revealed during the trial. -NSTP/File pic</figcaption></figure><p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He claimed that<span style="color: red;"><b> he was like “a black sheep that has to be
sacrificed” to protect unnamed people who had never been brought to
court or faced questioning.</b></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red;">“I have no reason to cause hurt, what more to take the life of the victim in such a cruel manner. </b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red;">“I appeal to the court, which has the power to determine if
I live or die, not to sentence me so as to fulfil others’ plans for
me,” he was quoted as saying.</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>On April 9, 2009, High Court judge Zaki Yasin ruled that
Sirul’s and Azilah’s statements were “unbelievable” as both of the
accused only blamed each other.</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Both policemen were sentenced to death for the murder </b>of Altantuya at the end of the 159-day trial.</p>
<p>Zaki said both of them failed to raise any reasonable doubt in the prosecution’s case.</p>
<p>It was reported that Sirul and Azilah showed no emotion when they heard that they would be hanged.</p>
<p>They were, however, <b><span style="color: #800180;">acquitted on Aug 23, 2013 by the Court of Appeal.</span></b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red;">Several reasons were given for the acquittal, such as the
failure of the prosecution to provide a strong motive for the two men to
murder the victim and the prosecution’s failure to call for the
cross-examination of Najib’s aide, Musa Safri, and the Pekan member of
parliament himself.</b></p>
<p>The prosecution later appealed the decision and the <b>Federal Court overturned the acquittal of both individuals on Jan 13, 2015. </b></p>
<p><b>Both were found guilty of murder and again sentenced to death.</b></p>
<p>However, Sirul did not show up during the appeal hearing and it was later discovered that he had fled to Australia.</p>
<p>The government had since made an extradition request to get
him back, but this has been refused by Australia due to its policy of
not extraditing individuals to countries which have the death penalty.</p>
<p>Sirul is now detained by Australian Immigration authorities in Brisbane, Queensland.</p>
<p>Altantuya’s father, Dr Shaariibuu Setev, refused to let go
of the case and said <span style="color: red;"><b> there was more to his daughter’s murder than what
had been revealed during the trial.</b></span></p>
<p><b style="color: red;">He
said the motive of the murder needed to be investigated and the person
who ordered the killing must be brought to justice. - </b><a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/12/548589/azilahs-murder-claim-bid-escape-gallows" target="_blank">NST, 17/12/2019</a></p><h1 class="page-title mb-2"><span class="d-inline-block mr-1">Sirul Azhar released from Australian immigration detention centre</span> </h1> <div class="d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"> <div><span>By <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/authors/nor-azizah-mokhtar" target="_blank">Nor Azizah Mokhtar</a> - </span>
November 12, 2023 @ 11:22am
</div></div> <div class="social-share ml-auto"><div class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons st-right st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="st-1"><div class="st-btn st-first st-remove-label" data-network="facebook" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="facebook sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/facebook.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="twitter" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="twitter sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/twitter.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="whatsapp" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="whatsapp sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/whatsapp.svg" />
</div></div></div></div> <div><div><div class="field field-featured-image"><figure><img alt="Former police officer Sirul Azhar Umar, convicted of the murder of Mongolian woman Altantuya Shaariibuu in 2006, has been released from the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre in Sydney, Australia, yesterday. - NSTP file pic" class="img-fluid" data-adbro-processed="true" height="267" src="https://assets.nst.com.my/images/articles/Sirul_Azhar_Umar121123_1699762956.jpg" width="400" /> <figcaption class="py-2">Former
police officer Sirul Azhar Umar, convicted of the murder of Mongolian
woman Altantuya Shaariibuu in 2006, has been released from the Villawood
Immigration Detention Centre in Sydney, Australia, yesterday. - NSTP
file pic</figcaption></figure></div></div></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">KUALA LUMPUR: <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Former police officer Sirul Azhar Umar, convicted of
the murder of Mongolian woman Altantuya Shaariibuu in 2006, has been
released from the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre in Sydney,
Australia, yesterday. </b></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #2b00fe;">According to Australian newspaper The Sydney Morning Herald, Sirul
Azhar was released after spending nine years in immigration custody
since 2015. </b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #2b00fe;">His release follows the country's High Court decision on Nov 8,
stating that non-citizen detainees who cannot be deported cannot be held
indefinitely by immigration authorities. </b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #2b00fe;">Following this decision, 92 individuals, mostly refugees, including
others convicted of violent crimes, were released and allowed to stay in
Australia under specific conditions. </b></p><div class="related-listing"><div class="block block-article-related mt-3 mb-1"></div></div>
<p>As reported by the media outlet, the news of Sirul Azhar's release
was confirmed by his son, Shukri Azam, currently residing in Australia. </p><div data-google-query-id="COSi0ZnZ5oIDFZyz2AUdIGgPWA" id="div-gpt-ad-1535527649803-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/NST_1x1_Programmatic_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<p>"He is now with me, and I am handling all matters on his behalf," he said, quoting The Sydney Morning Herald's report. </p><div class="ad-unit mx-auto text-center" data-google-query-id="CIWOwJnZ5oIDFRX4cwEds3wK1A" id="div-gpt-ad-1463538766750-0" style="display: block;"><div data-google-query-id="COCI0oiB54IDFby12AUd5ywLkg" id="andbeyond3001"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/21751243814,1009103/358645-300-250-1_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div></div>
<p>On May 3, BH reported that Shukri Azam appealed to the Australian
government to reconsider their political asylum request after the
initial application was rejected in 2019. </p>
<p>Shukri Azam, 23, stated that he and his father have no plans to
return to Malaysia, even though the mandatory death penalty for serious
crimes, including murder, has been abolished. </p>
<p>The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Shukri Azam, who was six
years old when Altantuya was killed, claimed he feared for his father's
life if they were to return to Malaysia. </p>
<p>Shukri Azam was reportedly raised by adoptive parents in Australia
after being separated from his mother and has been residing in Australia
for nearly ten years. </p>
<p>Altantuya was allegedly involved in a sex scandal with former
political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda, a close associate of former Prime
Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who was the Deputy Prime Minister at
that time. </p>
<p>The Mongolian national, reported to have played a role as a
translator in the submarine sales negotiation process between a French
arms supplier, DNS, and the Malaysian government, was murdered by two of
Najib's personal bodyguards on October 18, 2006. </p>
<p>Following the incident, two members of the Special Action Unit (UTK),
Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar and Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri, were
arrested before being charged in the Shah Alam Court for Altantuya's
murder in November 2006. </p>
<p>On April 9, 2009, the court sentenced Sirul Azhar and Azilah to death
for the murder of Altantuya. However, both filed appeals against their
sentences. </p>
<p>In Feb 2012, their appeal hearings took place over three days, and
finally, on Aug 23, 2013, the Court of Appeal ordered the release of
Azilah and Sirul Azhar. </p>
<p>However, the prosecution filed an appeal against this decision in the
Federal Court, and the appeal hearing took place on June 23, 2014. </p>
<p>A five-judge panel of the Federal Court unanimously upheld the death
sentences for Azilah and Sirul Azhar after allowing the prosecution's
appeal on Jan 13, 2015. </p>
<p>Sirul Azhar left Malaysia while the case was still under appeal and
did not return when the Federal Court pronounced the sentence. </p>
<p>He was subsequently detained by Australian authorities, consistent
with the country's policy of not repatriating individuals facing the
death penalty in their home country. - <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/11/977582/sirul-azhar-released-australian-immigration-detention-centre" target="_blank">NST, 12/11/2023</a></p><p> </p><div class="headline story-pg">
<h1>
Sirul’s claims unfounded and can create speculation, says IGP
</h1>
<hr />
</div>
<div class="info">
<div class="info__interact">
<div class="info__button">
<div class="service-panel" style="float: left; width: 100%;">
<div class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons st-center st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" data-title="Sirul’s claims unfounded and can create speculation, says IGP" data-url="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/11/26/siruls-claims-unfounded-and-can-create-speculation-says-igp" id="st-2"><div class="st-btn st-first st-remove-label" data-network="facebook" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="facebook sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/facebook.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="twitter" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="twitter sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/twitter.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="whatsapp" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="whatsapp sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/whatsapp.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="telegram" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="telegram sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/telegram.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="linkedin" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="linkedin sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/linkedin.svg" />
</div></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="info__button button--bookmark">
<div class="btn--bookmark bookmark-hidden-sm hidden-xs" id="bookmark_web">
<i class="fa fa-bookmark-o"></i>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="info__credit credit ">
</div>
</div>
<ul class="col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-3 side-note" id="sideNote" style="bottom: 20px; top: 0px;"><li>
<a class="kicker" data-content-id="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/" data-content-title="Nation" data-content-type="Navigation" data-list-type="Article" href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/">Nation
</a>
</li><li>
<p class="date">
Sunday, 26 Nov 2023</p></li></ul>
<div class="inline-img">
<div class="story-image">
<img alt="" data-source="uploads/images/2023/11/26/2407674.jpeg" height="266" src="https://apicms.thestar.com.my/uploads/images/2023/11/26/2407674.jpeg" width="400" />
</div>
</div>
<div class="story bot-15 relative" id="story-body">
<p style="text-align: justify;">KUALA LUMPUR:<span style="color: red;"><b> The police say the interview given by
its former commando Sirul Azhar Umar to an international media on his
conviction in the murder of Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu in 2009 was
unfounded and could create more speculation.</b></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red;">Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain (<em>pic</em>) said Sirul Azhar had been allowed to defend himself per Malaysian laws and constitution.</b></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red;">“However,
his (Sirul Azhar) claims were never submitted to any court that heard
his case, from the High Court to the Federal Court.</b></p><div class="inlineAd" style="clear: both; width: 100%;">
<div data-google-query-id="CKD6_oaD54IDFdGPrAIdRNEMqw" id="div-gpt-ad-Desktop_TSOL_News_SP_Mid_OSV"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/21764785206/Desktop/Desktop_TSOL/Desktop_TSOL_News/Desktop_TSOL_News_SP_Mid/Desktop_TSOL_News_SP_Mid_OSV_0__container__" style="border: 0pt; display: inline-block; height: 1px; width: 1px;"></div></div>
</div> <p>“If he is convinced and feels the need for justice, that
there is new evidence, Sirul Azhar or through his lawyer, can make a
police report for the authorities to take the necessary action,” he told
Bernama.</p> <p>Razarudin was commenting on Sirul Azhar’s interview broadcast on television recently.</p> <p>According
to Razarudin, Sirul Azhar has not, until now, made any application to
review the death sentence imposed on him in line with the Revision of
Sentence of Death and Imprisonment for Natural Life (Temporary
Jurisdiction of the Federal Court) Act 2023 (Act 847) which gives 90
days from Sept 12 this year for a death penalty offender to apply.</p><p>Razarudin said although Malaysia has an extradition agreement
with Australia, he cannot be extradited to Malaysia because of the
death sentence imposed on him.</p> <p>“Australia does not recognise the
death penalty and also does not impose the death penalty on criminal
offenders in the country.”</p> <p>Razarudi said one of the conditions
for an extradition agreement to be implemented is that the offence must
have dual criminality.</p> <p>He said Malaysia has Mutual Legal
Assistance with many countries, including Australia, through the Mutual
Assistance In Criminal Matters Act (MACMA 2002).</p> <p>He said the
principle of dual criminality also applies to this act. “This means that
an offence must be a criminal offence for both countries and also
carries the same punishment.”</p> <p>“The latest legal development in
Malaysia only involved abolishing the mandatory death penalty. This
means that the death penalty still exists in Malaysia, only that it is
no longer mandatory and at the discretion of the court,” he said. - <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/11/26/siruls-claims-unfounded-and-can-create-speculation-says-igp" target="_blank">Star, 26/11/2023</a><br /></p>
</div><div class="pl-8 pr-8 pt-6 "><div class="text-3xl font-semibold leading-snug text-coolGray-600 mt-2 tracking-normal print:text-lg"><b><span style="font-size: large;">COMMENT | Sirul's 'exposé': Will Najib sue the ex-cop? </span></b></div><div class="text-coolGray-500"><div class="text-xs lg:text-sm font-medium opacity-90 flex items-center space-x-2 mt-2"><div class="cursor-pointer"><div>Mohamed Hanipa Maidin</div><div class="flex flex-wrap items-center text-xs lg:text-sm opacity-90 font-normal"><div class="whitespace-nowrap"><span>Published: </span> Nov 28, 2023 9:30 AM</div><div class="whitespace-nowrap"> </div><span style="color: blue;">COMMENT</span> | With the latest salvo coming from a convicted felon - Sirul Azhar Umar - in an interview on <em>Al-Jazeera’s 101 East</em> programme, it seems that Malaysia will be tormented by the spectre of Altantuya Shaariibuu for good.</div></div></div></div></div><div class="pl-8 pb-4 relative flex mt-4 print:pb-0 print:pl-0"><div class="jsx-3464146825 text-opacity-95 font-normal text-xl content text-coolGray-700 font-body tracking-midwide leading-relaxed" id="full-content-container"><div class="px-4 lg:px-0" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Though Sirul chose not to divulge the alleged mastermind of the Mongolian woman’s murder, he, nonetheless, dropped a <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/687688">devastating bombshell</a> by revealing to <em>Al-Jazeera</em> that there are still ongoing efforts to influence him in order to protect Najib.</p><p>Sirul (<em>above</em>) also alleged that his then-superior Azilah Hadri had told him that they were carrying out a “special operation” for Najib.</p><p>As expected, such a damning revelation by Sirul has solicited a slew of reactions.</p><p>Najib's counsel, Shafee & Co promptly <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/687894">reacted</a> by issuing a statement that their client - Najib - has been conclusively exonerated of any involvement in Altantuya's case.</p><p>The
lawyer also claimed that such an exoneration has been affirmed by
relevant authorities, including investigations restarted post-GE14
(2018) and a reaffirmation by the High Court, Court of Appeal, and
ultimately by way of a substantive appeal in the Federal Court.</p><div class="medium-insert-images"><figure><img height="240" src="https://i.newscdn.net/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2022/10/7712df0b92ce8bd1e935f5773cbfc8f6.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="">Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak</figcaption></figure></div><p>Let me add additional information. In December 2019, Najib also <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/504364">took an oath</a> at a mosque on Friday denying allegations he ordered the 2006 murder of a Mongolian model.</p><p>Apparently,
the oath-taking ceremony is one of the popular methods in local
politics for politicians to seek to clear their names.</p></div></div></div><p>We have no idea of Najib’s alleged involvement in such a gruesome murder, thus we are not keen to speculate.</p><div class="medium-insert-images"><figure><img height="240" src="https://i.ncdn.xyz/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2020/12/c765404b59f445f2f9357569bf56a559.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="">Altantuya Shaariibuu</figcaption></figure></div><p>What
we know is that Altantuya was in a romantic relationship with Abdul
Razak Baginda, a politically connected defence analyst and an adviser to
Najib when he was a defence minister.</p><p>Further, it has been public knowledge that in 2002, Razak <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/424706">brokered</a>
a US$1.1 billion (RM3 billion) deal for the Defence Ministry to buy two
French Scorpene-class submarines and Altantuya allegedly demanded
US$500,000 to stay quiet about the alleged corruption in the deal, thus
fuelling speculation that this is why she was grotesquely
"exterminated".</p><p>To be fair to Sirul, apparently, he was not alone in implicating Najib in Altantuya's murder.</p><div class="medium-insert-images"><figure><img height="240" src="https://i.malaysiakini.com/1052/94741824ea17088c01bcadb4732f1c25.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="">Abdul Razak Baginda</figcaption></figure></div><p><b style="color: #2b00fe;">The
media also reported that on Dec 16, 2018, in his bid for a retrial,
Azilah categorically affirmed a statutory declaration (SD) that
explicitly implicated Najib in such a heinous crime.</b></p><p>It is not
clear why Najib has not instructed his lawyer to file a libel suit
against either Azilah for such a damning confession in the SD or Sirul
for his latest revelation on <em>Al-Jazeera</em>, assuming such information is proven to be defamatory.</p><p>I
guess Najib must be extremely concerned about salvaging and honouring
his integrity and credibility. Be that as it may, if Najib is serious
about protecting his name, suing Azilah and Sirul may be one of the best
routes in accomplishing that.</p><div class="medium-insert-images"><figure><img height="240" src="https://i.newscdn.net/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2023/11/26f7717d766aafdb3cabf73f0f86cae1.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="">Azilah Hadri</figcaption></figure></div><p>The
police also reacted to Sirul's latest closure. It regarded the
statement by Sirul - a former commando - in the interview on his
conviction in the murder of Altantuya, as <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/687841">unfounded</a> and could create more speculation.</p><p>Perhaps the police and Najib's lawyer are right. Sirul was already
found guilty by our judicial system. Hence, his purported exoneration
via media is not legally proper.</p><p>But, is Sirul alone resorting to such a tactic?</p><p>When
Sirul admitted to taking money for his silence, it would be logical for
this convicted murderer not to raise much "new information" during his
previous trial.</p><p>After all, he is fully aware of what happened to Altantuya when she refused to be silenced.</p><hr /><p>MOHAMED HANIPA MAIDIN is a former MP and former law minister. He was also a practising lawyer for almost 25 years.</p><p>The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of <em>Malaysiakini. - <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/columns/688140" target="_blank">Malaysiakini, 28/11/2023</a></em></p><p> </p><p> </p> Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-32656663375047061812023-11-15T10:00:00.000-08:002023-11-15T10:00:05.493-08:00Usage of Sedition Act To ‘Threaten’, Investigate Or Charge People Must End As It can DETER Public Participation Crucial For A Democracy - Repeal Sedition Act 1948<p> <i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Media Statement – 16/11/2023</span></u></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Usage of Sedition Act To ‘Threaten’,
Investigate Or Charge People Must End As It can DETER Public Participation
Crucial For A Democracy - Repeal Sedition Act 1948</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">960 cases where persons were investigated using Sedition Act in the last
13 years and only 19 charged, and the rest could still be charged anytime in
the future.</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The fact that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">only 19 of the 960 cases investigated under the <a name="_Hlk150987326">Sedition
Act 1948 </a>(Act 15) between 2010 and September 2023 were charged in court</b>,
as disclosed by the Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah on
14/11/2023, does in no way justify the continued existence <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of this draconian law that criminalizes
‘seditious tendencies’ that amongst others, creates disaffection with the
government of the day or excite disaffection against the administration of
justice. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">It is an Act that is totally unacceptable in any
democracy. Are people meant to simply praise government or be silent, and not
be able to say otherwise or anything which may result in a loss of support for Prime
Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Pakatan Harapan-led coalition government? Then, it
would be no longer a true democracy but an authoritarian state that wants
people to not participate in building a better and more just Malaysia.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sedition Act Can Suppress Truth, And
Is Not Bothered About Intention.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">What was your intention when you said or did
that caused a ‘seditious tendency’ is irrelevant for offences under Sedition
Act. Section 3(3) says, ‘ <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(3) For the purpose of proving the
commission of any offence against this Act the <u>intention of the person</u>
charged…</i></b></span><b style="font-family: verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></i></b><b style="font-family: verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">shall be deemed to be irrelevant</span></u></i></b><b style="font-family: verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> if in fact the act had, or would,
if done, have had, or the words, publication or thing had a seditious tendency</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">.’ Truth or reasonable suspicion is generally
not a defence.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">For any crime, there must be certainty of what
exactly constitutes the elements of the crime, and what was the intention of
the criminal when he did what he did that constituted the crime. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">A crime should never be VAGUE – and neither
should it criminalize difference in opinions, ‘reasonable suspicions’, or the highlighting
of wrongs in government or even the administration of justice. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Now, anyone expressed unhappiness with the
Public Prosecutor’s decision to suddenly stop the criminal trial of Zahid
Hamidi may also be at risk of being investigated or charged under Sedition Act.
This yet another reason why the British Colonial government created law in 1948,
before independence must be repealed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">960 Cases – Only 19 Charged Raises
The Possibility of ABUSE including also to eliminate Dissent</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The Deputy Minister talks about ‘960 cases’,
which means maybe the number of persons investigated may be much higher. How
many of these were arrested and detained during the investigations? How many
were tortured or threatened? How many persons income generation ability was
affected? Even the calling in to be investigated under Sedition Act is a mental
torture.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">In 2016, for the tabling of now a Bar
Resolution which was adopted by an overwhelming majority entitled ‘<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Resolution on the Attorney General, Public Prosecutor
and Improvement of Public Perspective of Administration of Justice in Malaysia</b>’,
the 3 lawyers who moved the Resolution, being Charles Hector, Francis Pereira
and Shanmugam a/l Ramasamy and the then Bar Secretary Karen Cheah(now Bar
President) were called in for investigation under the Sedition Act. The
Resolution, amongst others, raised issues concerning the Attorney
General/Public Prosecutor actions in the 1MDB/SRC – demanding an independent
Public Prosecutor and needed reforms.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The lawyers investigated remained strong and
came out after investigation, and also was reported saying “We are still
committed in upholding the cause of justice…. We have <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the right to seek change so that our country can become better…This is
not just the obligations of lawyers, but the duty of each and every one in
Malaysia</b>,’(FMT, 31/3/2023). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Investigated – Could Still Be Charged?
Sword of Damocles That Undermines Human Rights.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Remember, that at any time, the government has
the power to charge anyone from those 960 cases investigated for crimes against
Sedition Act, and as such for those still not charged, It is akin to having a <a name="_Hlk150988260">sword of Damocles </a>hanging over you/your head, for they
can still be charged anytime in the future. you. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">There is no limitation for crime, and so
anytime one can be charged. No one tells us that the investigation revealed
that we were innocent or that we will never be charged in the future, unlike an
Acquittal by court, which means that thereafter one shall ‘…not be liable to be
tried again for the same offence nor on the same facts for any other offence
for which a different charge…’ (Sec. 3012(1) Criminal Procedure Code)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">As such, the use of the draconian Sedition Act
even for purposes of investigation may be an abuse of powers of the State to,
maybe, keep silent critics and those with a different view from the government
of the day. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">To remedy this defect in a democratic society,
the Sedition Act must be repealed, and pending repeal should be not be used
anymore.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Is PH-led government no different
from the pre GE14 BN regime?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and this
Pakatan-led Coalition government, who earlier promised reforms and even the
abolition of the Sedition Act if they came into power should no longer delay,
but immediately repeal the Sedition Act, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">impose a moratorium on the use of this draconian Act pending abolition.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">After GE14, Pakatan Harapan’s ‘excuse’ was before
they could repeal bad laws as promised, they were ousted early from government because
of the ‘Sheraton Move’. What then will the excuse of PH now that they have a
second chance to govern? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MADPET (Malaysians
Against Death Penalty and Torture) urges Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and/or
the Malaysian government to immediately ‘walk the talk’ about reforms as the people
expected, and forthwith repeal Sedition Act 1948.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MADPET also reiterates
its call for the repeal of draconian Section 233 of the Communications and
Multimedia Act 1998 and all other draconian legislations.</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;"> Like the Sedition Act, Section 233
is vague and easily abused, and in Malaysia, it has been seen to be used together
with the Sedition Act on internet users, maybe to prevent alternative views,
freedom of expression and even sharing information/views of another with
friends over the internet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">It is hoped that the desire to remain in power
does not lead to actions/omissions designed to suppress the democratic rights
of the people of Malaysia. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Bad unjust laws must be repealed, and not
simply maintained since now one is power, so that it could be, if needed, used
or abused against political opponents and ordinary people who do not agree with
or support government actions or views. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Charles
Hector</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For
and on behalf of MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture) </span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">See also earlier statement - </span></i><br /></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><a href="http://charleshector.blogspot.com/2023/11/end-u-turns-and-apologetics-to-justify.html">End
U-Turns and Apologetics to justify not repealing Sedition Act 1948 and
Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998</a></h3><h1 class="article-title">Sedition Act: Action taken in accordance with existing law, says deputy home minister</h1><div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/11/14/163339.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/11/14/163339.jpg&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="Sedition Act: Action taken in accordance with existing law, says deputy home minister" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/11/14/163339.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="282" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/11/14/163339.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" title="Sedition Act: Action taken in accordance with existing law, says deputy home minister" width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">Deputy
Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah says the government will
not act arbitrarily against any party, and all actions will be taken in
accordance with existing laws. — Bernama pic</div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info "> <div class="article-date">Tuesday, 14 Nov 2023 3:46 PM MYT</div> </div> <p> </p><p>KUALA
LUMPUR, Nov 14 ― The government will not act arbitrarily against any
party, and all actions will be taken in accordance with existing laws,
said Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.</p><div data-google-query-id="CPi86JjIxoIDFWlSnQkdd9oL7Q" id="mm-story-outstream"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/MM-1x1-Outstream_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p>According
to him, only 19 of the 960 cases investigated under the Sedition Act
1948 (Act 15) between 2010 and September this year were charged in
court.</p><p>“This shows that we are transparent and do not take action
against any party indiscriminately. Actions were taken according to the
laws,” he said during the question and answer session in the Dewan
Rakyat today.</p><div data-google-query-id="COKX6pjIxoIDFWlSnQkdd9oL7Q" id="mm-story-mreg-2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 728px;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/mm-story-mreg-2_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p>He
said this in reply to a question from Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan
(PN-Kota Baru) on the scope and level used by the government to
determine whether or not certain issues belong to race, religion and
royalty, or 3R issues.</p><p>Meanwhile, Shamsul Anuar said 60 out of 104 cases related to 3R had been resolved, while the rest were still being investigated.</p><p>Of the total, he said 47 cases involved royal institution, religion (30) and race (27).</p><div class="sidebar-square-ad"><div data-google-query-id="CPa86JjIxoIDFWlSnQkdd9oL7Q" id="mm-story-mreg-4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 300px;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/mm-story-mreg-4_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"><div id="ATS_res_mid4"><div class="insert_ads insert_ads-23 unrendered" id="ats-insert_ads-25-wrapper"><div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p>However,
Shamsul Anuar said the government has no plans to enact laws to be used
specifically in 3R cases, as the existing laws were sufficient to deal
with the issues. ―<a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/11/14/sedition-act-action-taken-in-accordance-with-existing-law-says-deputy-home-minister/101972" target="_blank"> Bernama, Malay Mail, 14/11/2023</a><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></i></p><h1 class="sc-gFqAkR imhSle pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">Lawyers questioned under Sedition Act to keep on talking</h1><div class="sc-aXZVg jiTbBU"><p>Former Bar Council President S Ambiga says unprecedented move to call in lawyers over AGM motion has set a dangerous precedent.</p>
</div><div class="sc-cwHptR llSLcQ d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="sc-dcJsrY jSPIFe" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/radzi/">Radzi Razak</a> - </span><time class="sc-aXZVg eeJhAp fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1459419593000" style="min-height: 15px;">31 Mar 2016,</time></div><div><time class="sc-aXZVg eeJhAp fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1459419593000" style="min-height: 15px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Y7UdabfguHclzrNVNa6NHQAHwPH5N4JffSEMs3Oq5JLT9T3w5V5RgqTHYgsmFOD_i_qT1XNbsRBxpfOOAaGLeeb9DdO_JkpYje-coZMQl2t-tLHGnN4NT2eSqMh6S3SudBqCcaxLbQ5KBHz2bblA1TCUSbgUgoo2lQuDrKfJxqHJUPyUDGXy/s648/lawyer3%20CH%20Shan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="648" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Y7UdabfguHclzrNVNa6NHQAHwPH5N4JffSEMs3Oq5JLT9T3w5V5RgqTHYgsmFOD_i_qT1XNbsRBxpfOOAaGLeeb9DdO_JkpYje-coZMQl2t-tLHGnN4NT2eSqMh6S3SudBqCcaxLbQ5KBHz2bblA1TCUSbgUgoo2lQuDrKfJxqHJUPyUDGXy/s320/lawyer3%20CH%20Shan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></time>KUALA LUMPUR: The three lawyers summoned by police over their motion
to seek the Attorney-General’s resignation are determined not to stop
talking even after being investigated under the Sedition Act.</div></div></div><p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hfa1h8zzk1zj332s4gn15fz2">Charles
Hector, one of the trio, said the three of them were questioned for
about one hour under Section 4 (1) (a) of the Sedition Act about what
had transpired at the Malaysian Bar Annual General Meeting on March 19.</p>
<p>This came after a police report was lodged against them.</p><div data-google-query-id="CLqFo4HIxoIDFcCJrAIdeSoEdA" id="div-gpt-ad-1661356464065-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/FMT_ROS_1x1_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<p><b style="color: red;">“We are still committed in upholding the cause of justice.</b></p><p><b style="color: red;">“Ultimately,
our position is that as lawyers and members of the Malaysian Bar, we
have the right to uphold justice in Malaysia. We have the right to seek
change so that our country can become better.</b></p>
<p><span style="color: red;"><b>“This is not just the obligations of lawyers, but the duty of each
and everyone in Malaysia,”</b></span> he told reporters in front of Bukit Aman
police headquarters here today.</p>
<p>Charles, along with R. Shanmugam and Francis Pereira, submitted a
motion calling for the resignation of Attorney-General Mohamed Apandi
Ali, which were passed by the Malaysian Bar during its AGM.</p>
<p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hfa1h8zzk1zj332s4gn15fz2">The three entered the police headquarters at 2.40 pm and came out at 3.50 pm.</p>
<p>Some 40 lawyers and activists were present to give support for the three legal practitioners.</p>
<p>They included Malaysian Bar President Steven Thiru, former President S
Ambiga, Bersih Chairman Maria Chin Abdullah, DAP Puchong MP Gobind
Singh Deo and DAP Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng.</p>
<p>Earlier today, Malaysian Bar Secretary Karen Cheah was questioned under the same act at the Malaysian Bar headquarters at 11 am.</p>
<p>She said the four of them were informed of the matter by Bukit Aman last week.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Ambiga said the unprecedented move to call lawyers over
the motion passed at the AGM was “a dangerous precedent” and showed that
the government had something to hide.</p>
<p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hfa1h8zzk1zj332s4gn15fz2">“What
is of great concern is there are no boundaries and they (government)
don’t respect the rights of lawyers. They think they can barge into our
territory and tell us what to do,” she said.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Malaysian Bar Vice-President George Varughese said police
should agree after the investigation that no offence was committed.</p>
<p>“To question our right to move a motion definitely wouldn’t be right.</p>
<p>“They are merely exercising their statutory right. They should not be
questioned unless there is abuse, but I don’t see any abuse here.” - <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2016/03/31/lawyers-questioned-under-sedition-act-to-keep-on-talking/" target="_blank">FMT, 31/3/2016</a><br /></p><p> </p><h3 class="post-title entry-title">
<a href="http://charleshector.blogspot.com/2016/03/malaysian-bar-calls-on-mohamed-apandi.html">Malaysian Bar calls on Mohamed Apandi Ali to immediately resign as Attorney General, for the good of Malaysia..</a>
</h3>
<div class="post-header-line-1"></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Malaysian Bar’s 70th Annual General Meeting (“AGM”), held on 19 Mar
2016 at Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel saw the attendance of a total of
1,110 Members <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjORZV4kspoxJKBIi_wjj-mQK8b7_qm4tT1GuBR97oCfs2eLkjtQ0XXP97bIOoxqP-Pr74ahJHWYrFD6HsNQe2VEbyFEEf2Umz72ji0LSMeR5jrwBR8FatuW0FQIZ50OMOK4vw/s1600/AG+Apandi+Ali.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjORZV4kspoxJKBIi_wjj-mQK8b7_qm4tT1GuBR97oCfs2eLkjtQ0XXP97bIOoxqP-Pr74ahJHWYrFD6HsNQe2VEbyFEEf2Umz72ji0LSMeR5jrwBR8FatuW0FQIZ50OMOK4vw/s400/AG+Apandi+Ali.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlraFw3doGgEMdqDuP1NLgPJnDnIQQ0kvH12YTFsWK6v-Cl4uua9v8oxLmExccsrPwyvXKjbQz2BrUThz8uL5c7lKu1Zy6MlRBLQdrfZYSb5zcIFZkUARX1G2mWvCxP-A5WBF/s1600/BAR+AGM+2016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlraFw3doGgEMdqDuP1NLgPJnDnIQQ0kvH12YTFsWK6v-Cl4uua9v8oxLmExccsrPwyvXKjbQz2BrUThz8uL5c7lKu1Zy6MlRBLQdrfZYSb5zcIFZkUARX1G2mWvCxP-A5WBF/s320/BAR+AGM+2016.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i> </i></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: red;">(A)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That
the Malaysian Bar calls on Mohamed Apandi Ali to immediately resign as
Attorney General, for the good of Malaysia, to restore public confidence
and perception of the rule of law, in particular the administration of
criminal justice in Malaysia.</span></b></div>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>One of the 5 Resolution that were adopted is as follows:- </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Malaysian Bar Resolution on the Attorney General, Public
Prosecutor and Improvement of Public Perspective of Administration of
Justice in Malaysia</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>WHEREAS:</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(1)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It
is important that the Attorney General, who is also the Public
Prosecutor, is both independent, and perceived to be independent,
especially when it comes to prosecuting persons and entities that have
broken Malaysian laws, irrespective of whether they are currently
Ministers, holding senior position in public service and/or legal
entities owned by the government.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(2)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It
is the Attorney General, as Public Prosecutor, who is vested with the
power to prosecute persons and/or entities that have acted against the
laws of Malaysia, including criminal laws. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(3)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Of
late, there has been several allegations of corruption and/or other
breaches of the law made against Najib Tun Razak, who is also the
current Prime Minister of Malaysia and Minister of Finance, in
connection with large amounts of monies, amounting to more than RM2
billion, that was found in the personal bank account of Najib Tun Razak.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(4)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There
have been allegations of wrongdoings with regard to Malaysian
government-owned company, 1MDB, SRC International and/or other related
companies, where Najib Tun Razak also sits as the Chairman of the Board
of Advisors of the said 1MDB.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(5)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Investigations have been commenced by the relevant authorities including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(6)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In
the midst of investigations about these alleged offences, Tan Sri Abdul
Gani Patail's services as Attorney-General was suddenly terminated as
of about 27/7/2015, and Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali was appointed new
Attorney-General effective 27/7/2015.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(7)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our
Federal Constitution states that it is ‘on the advice of the Prime
Minister’ that the Yang Di-Pertuan Agung appoints the Attorney General.
In practice, this means that the Prime Minister decides on the
appointment and removal of the Attorney General.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(8)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Now,
given the fact that this happens when there was an ongoing
investigation of Najib Tun Razak personally, and also matters that
concern the Minister of Finance, who is also Najib Tun Razak, there are
concerns about the appointment of the new Attorney General.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(9)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In
early December 2015, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak was scheduled to
provide an explanation to Parliament about all these allegations.
However, he did not do so, apparently on the advice of the Attorney
General.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(10)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The
Malay Mail report dated 3/12/2015 stated, amongst others, that ‘Prime
Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was only acting on the
Attorney-General’s (AG) advice in declining explaining personally in
Parliament the RM2.6 billion donation he received, Datuk Seri Azalina
Othman[Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department] said today’…. ‘the
federal government made a collective decision to issue a ministerial
statement in their response to questions after AG Tan Sri Apandi Ali
said Najib may be risking “subjudice” if he attempted to answer in
person with investigations into the surrounding controversy still
ongoing. “The AG is the government's lawyer. We are guided by his
advice.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(11)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The
Attorney General, whilst also acting as Public Prosecutor involved in
the on-going investigation which may lead to the prosecution of Najib
Tun Razak, Government of Malaysia, Government-Owned Companies and/or
GLCs, should not also be providing legal advice to those being
investigated?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(12)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The
results of the investigations of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption
Commission (MACC) was submitted to the Public Prosecutor to consider
commencement of trial, but as reported on 26/1/2016 in News Straits
Times which stated amongst others, ‘Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed
Apandi Ali said their investigation had showed that the prime minister
had committed no wrongdoing in the cases. “<u>I am satisfied that there
was no evidence to show that the donation was a form of gratification
given corruptly. “The evidence showed that the donation was not an
inducement or reward for doing or forbearing in relation to his capacity
as a prime minister</u>,” he said. He said that investigation also
showed that in Aug 2013, a sum of USD620 million (RM2.03 billion) was
returned by Najib to the Saudi royal family, as the sum was not
utilised...’ No mention was made about what the monies were for, and for
what were some of the monies utilised.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(13)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The report also stated: ‘The <u>Attorney-General’s Chambers today cleared Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak of any criminal wrongdoing</u>
in the case involving a donation from the Middle East, as well as that
involving SRC International. The AG’s Chambers will also return the
three investigation papers on the cases, and has <u>instructed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to close the IPs</u>.’</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(14)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The
pronouncement of the Attorney General about the guilt/innocence of
parties being investigated, may be contrary to the United Nations
Guidelines on the Role of Prosecutors, in particular Article 10, which
states that, ‘The office of prosecutors shall be strictly separated from
judicial functions’. The determination of guilt or innocence is a
function of the Judiciary, not the Attorney General.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(15)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The
power to commence investigations and discontinue investigations rests
with the relevant investigative authorities, and not with the Attorney
General/Public Prosecutor. The duty of the Public Prosecutor is merely
to determine the sufficiency or insufficiency of evidence for the
purpose of prosecution, and if it is determined that the evidence is
insufficient, then Investigation papers are returned to the
investigating authorities to do further investigation. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(16)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On
24/2/2016, the MACC issued a statement on the advice of their Operation
Review Panel concerning the case involving SRC International and
allegations regarding the RM2.6 billion (‘berhubung kes membabitkan SRC
International dan dakwaan wang derma RM2.6 bilion’)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(17)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The
Operation Review Panel agreed that MACC should re-submit the
Investigation papers concerning SRC International to the Attorney
General for his consideration. With regard to the matter of the
investigation concerning the RM2.6 billion, it acknowledges that the
investigation is yet to be completed, and urges the MACC to apply to the
Attorney General to issue the required permission for Mutual Legal
Assistance (MLA) to enable MACC to get evidence and documents from
financial institutions in other countries in connection with the RM2.6
billion investigation. The relevant text from the MACC Statement (which
was in Bahasa Malaysia) is as follows:</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;">
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
…PPO bersetuju bahawa SPRM <u>perlu
mengemukakan kembali kertas siasatan berhubung SRC International kepada
Peguam Negara untuk pertimbangan. Memandangkan siasatan SPRM berhubung
dakwaan wang derma RM2.6 bilion masih belum lengkap, Panel telah
mengesyorkan agar SPRM meneruskan siasatannya dan memohon Peguam Negara
agar mengeluarkan kebenaran Bantuan Undang-undang Bersama (MLA)</u> bagi
SPRM memperoleh bukti dan dokumen-dokumen daripada institusi kewangan
di luar negara sebagai sebahagian daripada siasatan ke atas isu RM2.6
bilion…</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(18)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The
MACC request for the necessary action by the Attorney General for
Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) is not new. It was also made before in
December 2015, as reported in Bloomberg Business. Despite efforts made,
the said MACC statement could not be accessed from the MACC website.</div>
</div>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;">
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
…The
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission said it made several proposals and
recommendations for action in the case, according to a statement
Thursday. While it has completed investigations involving witnesses in
the country, the MACC said it <u>still needs permission from the
attorney general to get documents and evidence from overseas financial
institutions. "This evidence can only be taken by the Mutual Legal
Assistance process</u> because it is tied to the provision of banking
legislation of the country concerned," the agency said. "MACC has made
an application under the MLA to attorney general to obtain documents and
evidence. - Bloomberg Business, 31/12/2015, Malaysian Anti-Graft Agency
Submits Probe Results of Najib Funds</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(19)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On
the face of it, it looks like the Attorney General has procrastinated
in providing the necessary permission for Mutual Legal Assistance, which
was essential for the completion of investigation, and this could be
perceived as an act ‘obstructing’ criminal investigations. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(20)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It
is now revealed that Mohamed Apandi Ali is a Director of the Lembaga
Urusan Tabung Haji (LUTH), whereby the date of appointment is uncertain.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(21)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>An
Attorney General, also the Public Prosecutor, should not be Director of
any legal entity, as this would compromise his independence.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(22)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Federal Constitution, in Article 143, amongst others stipulate as follows: </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;">
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(1)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The
Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall, on the advice of the Prime Minister,
appoint a person who is qualified to be a judge of the Federal Court to
be the Attorney General for the Federation.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(2)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It
shall be the duty of the Attorney General to advise the Yang di-Pertuan
Agong or the Cabinet or any Minister upon such legal matters, and to
perform such other duties of a legal character, as may from time to time
be referred or assigned to him by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the
Cabinet, and to discharge the functions conferred on him by or under
this Constitution or any other written law.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(3)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The
Attorney General shall have power, exercisable at his discretion, to
institute, conduct or discontinue any proceedings for an offence, other
than proceedings before a Syariah court, a native court or a
court-martial…</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(23)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The
Attorney General, as such, has many roles and responsibilities, and
some of these are competing obligations, if exercised at the same time
is impossible. It is absurd when the Attorney General considering
instituting criminal proceedings, and at the same time is also seen to
be personally providing legal advice to the suspect/s or the potential
accused.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(24)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The
Federal Constitution, in Article 8, states that, ‘All persons are equal
before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law.’ As
such, it can be said that no one is above the law, even the Prime
Minister or a government-owned legal entity. When a person and/or legal
entity commits an offence, it is the Attorney General, without any
other special consideration or treatment, do the needful to institute,
conduct or discontinue any proceedings for an offence.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(25)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Article
12 of the UN Guidelines on the Role of Prosecutors stipulate that
‘Prosecutors shall, in accordance with the law, perform their duties
fairly, consistently and expeditiously, and respect and protect human
dignity and uphold human rights, thus contributing to ensuring due
process and the smooth functioning of the criminal justice system.’</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(26)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Article 13(a) of the said Guidelines states that ‘In the performance of their duties, prosecutors shall <u>carry out their functions impartially</u> and avoid all political, social, religious, racial, cultural, sexual or any other kinds of discrimination’.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(27)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Prosecutors shall perform their duties without fear, favour or prejudice. Public Prosecutors’ powers should be exercised <u>independently and be free from political interference</u>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(28)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If
the Attorney General is unable to act as Public Prosecutor, then
rightly he should not. Malaysian laws, in Section 376(2) Criminal
Procedure Code (Act 593) states that, ‘The Solicitor-General shall have
all powers of a Deputy Public Prosecutor and shall act as Public
Prosecutor in case of the absence or <b><u>inability to act</u></b> of the Attorney General.’</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(29)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As
such, in this case involving Najib Tun Razak, the Prime Minister and
Finance Minister of Malaysia, and government-owned companies, Mohamed
Apandi Ali clearly is unable to act as Public Prosecutor, and the
Solicitor General should act as Public Prosecutor.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(30)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>With
reference to the abovementioned and other matters, the following points
of concern, amongst others, have arisen concerning Attorney General
Mohamed Apandi Ali:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;">
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(a)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The
manner and timing of his appointment raises the perception that Mohamed
Apandi Ali may have been appointed to speedily replaced a Public
Prosecutor who may have proceeded to institute criminal proceedings
against Najib Tun Razak (the current Prime Ministers) and/or against
legal entities owned and/or controlled by the government;</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(b)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That
there may exist a perception that Mohamed Apandi Ali may have acted to
derail or delay investigations against the Najib Tun Razak (the current
Prime Minister) /or against legal entities owned and/or controlled by
the government. The fact that the MACC, who have been asking for the
required Attorney General’s permission since December 2015 for usage of
the Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) that is required to obtain evidence
and documents from financial institutions in other countries, have yet
to be given the relevant authorisation required to complete
investigation, is a matter of concern.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(c)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That
Mohamed Apandi Ali may have failed to have acted professionally as a
Public Prosecutor when it was alleged that he had advised the Prime
Minister Najib Tun Razak, the suspect and possible future accused in an
ongoing criminal investigation, to not provide an explanation to
Parliament. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(d)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That
Mohamed Apandi Ali allegedly attempted to speedily clear Najib Tun
Razak and SRC International of alleged crimes, including corruptions
and/or other breaches of law, and to stop investigations. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(e)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The
failure of Mohamed Apandi Ali to acknowledge that in these
circumstances when the Prime Minister and Government were the subject of
investigations, he would be unable to perform the duties of the Public
Prosecutor as required by law, and thereby should have disqualified
himself, enabling the Solicitor General to carry out the duties and
obligations of the Public Prosecutor, while he as Attorney General
continued to carry on his role as adviser and ‘government lawyer’ to the
Prime Minister, Cabinet and government.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(f)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The
fact that he still is a Director of LUTH, and maybe also other
companies and/or legal entities, raises the question of his
independence, and his ability to carry out the duties of the Attorney
General impartially without fear and favour.</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(31)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As
such, even if Mohamed Apandi Ali may personally not be guilty of any
wrongdoing or dereliction of duties, for the good of Malaysia and for
the improvement of public perception of the administration of justice,
we may have to take drastic actions including the appointment of a new
Attorney General.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(32)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The
public need to have confidence in the integrity of the criminal justice
system, whereby prosecutors play a crucial role in the administration
of criminal justice, and as such prosecutorial discretion, should be
exercised independently and be free from political interference.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(33)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Events
of the recent past, especially concerning RM2.6 billion, has eroded the
confidence in the integrity of the criminal justice system, and
immediate and even drastic steps need to be taken to restore confidence
in the administration of criminal justice, for the good of Malaysia.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>THEREFORE, it is hereby resolved:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(A)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That
the Malaysian Bar calls on Mohamed Apandi Ali to immediately resign as
Attorney General, for the good of Malaysia, to restore public confidence
and perception of the rule of law, in particular the administration of
criminal justice in Malaysia.</span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(B)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That
the Malaysian Bar calls for the Solicitor General, pursuant to section
376(2) Criminal Procedure Code, to assume the role and responsibilities
of Public Prosecutor in the cases involving Najib Tun Razak, 1MDB, SRC
International and the RM2.6 billion, considering the disability of the
Attorney General to continue to act as Public Prosecutor for these
cases, by reason of past conduct and the existing competing and
conflicting roles of the Attorney General.</span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(C)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That
the Malaysian Bar also calls on Attorney General Mohamed Apandi Ali to
immediately resign as Director in Lembaga Urusan Tabung Haji, and any
positions held in companies, statutory body and/or legal entities save
those positions that the law specifically requires.</span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(D)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That
the Public Prosecutor and prosecutors should always not only be
independent but also be seen to be independent. They should not be
receiving any other income, ‘donations’ or benefits from any other
sources. They should also not be Directors of companies, or holding any
other positions in legal entities, save those specifically provided for
in law.</span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(E)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That
the Malaysian Bar promote and work towards the adoption and application
of the principles contained in the UN Guidelines on the Role of
Prosecutors, and such international standards in Malaysia.</span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(F)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That
the Malaysian Bar promote the establishment of an independent
commission or committee for the purposes of the selection and
recommendation to the Yang Di Pertuan Agong for the appointment of the
Attorney General.</span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(G)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That
the Malaysian Bar continue doing all that is necessary to promote the
rule of law, and a just administration of justice in Malaysia.</span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Source: <a href="http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/malaysian_bar_s_resolutions/resolutions_adopted_at_the_70th_annual_general_meeting_of_the_malaysian_bar_held_at_renaissance_kuala_lumpur_hotel_saturday_19_mar_2019.html" target="_blank">Malaysian Bar Website</a> </div><p> </p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-6238146728480792622023-11-12T05:45:00.000-08:002023-11-12T05:45:09.640-08:00End U-Turns and Apologetics to justify not repealing Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 --- Respect one’s democratic right to disagree with or expose suspected wrongs of PM Anwar’s PH-led government<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Media Statement – 12/11/2023</span></u></i><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></u></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">End U-Turns and Apologetics to
justify <u><span style="color: red;">not</span></u> repealing Sedition Act 1948 and
Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Respect one’s democratic right to disagree
with or expose suspected wrongs of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>PM Anwar’s
PH-led government</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">MADPET(Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture) is appalled that
the Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Pakatan Harapan led coalition government
have taken the position of not repealing the draconian Sedition Act 1948<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and Section 233 of the Communications and
Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), and plans to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>strengthen the enforcement of these laws. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">On 7/11/2023, the National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang was reported
also saying that ‘ the government believes that the Sedition Act and the
Communications and Multimedia Act are sufficient to deal with issues related to
race, religion, and royalty (3R), and that it is not necessary to enact or
introduce a new law.’(Malay Mail, 7/11/2023). What happened to the July position
of limiting usage to protect royal institution? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Is this <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>yet another back-tracking
of the assurance given by Anwar and the Cabinet in July 2023 that its continued
usage will be confined to matters concerning royal institution. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Of course, no one will forget the PH’s promise before elections to
repeal Sedition Act, and other draconian provisions and laws - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>all </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>of are now ‘Janji Tidak DiTepati’(Promises
not kept). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Promise To Limit Usage To Royal Institution Lies?</span></b><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In July 2023, the Malaysian Cabinet and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
indicated that the Sedition Act will only be applied to provocations towards
the royal institution. (CNA 26/7/2023) Anwar said that “Yes. From a policy
perspective, we avoid using the Sedition Act, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>except when this touches on the position of the Rulers</u></b>.’
(Malay Mail, 18/7/2023)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It was again all talk and till today there has been no concrete action.
A good government will act speedily – and not simply make ‘promises’.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Till today, there is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">still no
moratorium on the usage of this draconian Act, that would have <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>made it clear that it cannot anymore be used
for any other reason but for sedition tendencies under ‘Section 3(1)(a) to
bring into hatred or contempt or to excite disaffection against any Ruler…’,</b>
whereby "Ruler", as defined by the act<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>means the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the Ruler
or Yang di- Pertua Negeri of any State in Malaysia.’ </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">And, on 16/10/2023, it was reported that Kean Wong, the editor of the
controversial book titled “Rebirth: Reformasi, Resistance, And Hope in New
Malaysia” was arrested and investigated for Sedition by the police. (FMT,
16/10/2023). Earlier, on 4/9/2023, it was reported that ‘PAS president Abdul
Hadi Awang is being investigated for sedition over comments he made about the
authority of the pardons board, Bukit Aman revealed.’ (FMT).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">On 7/11/2023, police submitted to the prosecution investigation papers
on statements</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Kedah
Chief Minister Sanusi and State Assemblyman Shahril Azman allegedly made before
the recent Pelangai state by-election in Bentong offences, amongst others,
under Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia
Act 1998.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It is changed now in November, because now National Unity Minister is
not talking about limiting or confining usage to matters of the royal
institution.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a name="_Hlk150715882"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The Sedition Act and the draconian Section 233 of the
Communications and Multimedia Act 1998</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> continue to be abused, deterring freedom of expression and opinion, and
also undermining democracy. Does Anwar and PH-led coalition government want to
SILENCE the people, allowing only praises but no criticism of the government?</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Why Sedition Act need to be repealed?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It criminalizes actions/word that causes seditious tendencies, which <a name="_Hlk150715667">may ‘bring into hatred or contempt or to excite
disaffection against’ </a>the Ruler, government, administration of justice or
generally ‘raise discontent or disaffection’. Truth, valid opinion or suspicion
is no defence, as the crime is about ‘tendencies’ only.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It is not at all suitable for a democratic nation like Malaysia, where
freedom of speech, expression and opinion is an essential key element.
Highlighting of wrongs, violation of rights or abuses of power committed by
anyone is important, but then all these can be any offence under the Sedition
Act – thus making it a draconian law that should have been repealed long ago. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It is a law that protects the government of the day, and is easily
abused against Opposition politicians, human rights defenders, and even
‘whistleblowers’ who highlight alleged wrongs can be made a victim, even when
what is raised is the truth or a valid opinion. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">When people raised the 1MDB and related corruption, Sedition Act could
have been used as it may cause seditious tendencies, in that it ‘bring into
hatred or contempt or to excite disaffection against’ the government, the Prime
Minister and others in government all of whom were appointed by the King. Now,
these have been proven true – but it still would be a crime under Sedition Act.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">For against other race/religion crimes, we do not need the Sedition Act,
as these are already laws that deal with them, like 298A Penal Code Causing,
etc., disharmony, disunity, or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill will, or
prejudicing, etc., the maintenance of harmony or unity, on grounds of religion.
If needed, other crimes with specific wrongdoings stated can be incorporated in
the Penal Code or other laws. Sedition Act 1948, a law from our British
Colonial times, must be repealed. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Why Section 233 of the Communications
and Multimedia Act 1998 must be repealed</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">If what Anwar
Ibrahim or Lim Kit Siang says something ‘false, menacing or offensive ‘that ANNOYS
me, it should not be a crime, but Section 233 makes it so. That is why <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Section 233
makes any communication over the internet, being ‘…any comment, request,
suggestion or other communication which is obscene, indecent, false, menacing
or offensive in character with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass
another person. …’ an offence.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">‘…it is just
too broad and vague, and is open to abuse. For example, the highlighting of
violation of human rights or laws, or facts connected to alleged violations of
rights/laws, would likely ‘annoy’ or even ‘harass’ the wrongdoer, and for the
alleged wrongdoer, it could also be said to be ‘menacing and offensive’. This
should never be considered an offence… As such, this section deters even the
highlighting of human rights abuses, breaches of law and even possible
government wrongdoing. This section even deters the sharing of such relevant
and important facts, and/or opinions over the internet…’ – Malaysian Bar
Resolution.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It is sad
that when PH-led coalition came into power, Malaysians feel that nothing has
changed as not only are the draconian laws retained and used, but now also
being justified. Reasons like the police need it to fight against crime are
excuses that no good Prime Minister and government will use to preserve and
enhance powers of unjust laws.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MADPET calls on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the PH-led coalition to
be committed to justice and immediately repeal the Sedition Act, the draconian
Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and all other
draconian legislations;</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MADPET calls for the respect of true democracy, including the freedoms
of speech, expression and opinion, freedom of the press and human rights.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Charles Hector</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">(For and on Behalf of MADPET (Malaysians
Against Death Penalty and Torture)</span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">See also:- </span></i></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><a href="http://charleshector.blogspot.com/2023/03/bar-resolution-on-respect-of-privacy.html">Bar
Resolution on Respect of Privacy, End of “Spying” and Intervention of
Internet without Due Notice, ... Will Anwar's PH-led government do the
needful? </a></h3><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Malaysian Bar has a resolution calling specifically for the repeal of this section 233...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</p><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">C.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That
we, the Malaysian Bar calls for the repeal of section 263, section 233
and such vague provisions in the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998....- </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black;">see full Bar Resolution in </span></span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2018/07/hr-defender-fadiah-nadwa-fikri-latest.html">HR Defender Fadiah Nadwa Fikri latest victim of draconian Sedition Act, which PH said will be repealed??</a><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></b></span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Other human rights groups have also called for the repeal of section 233..</span></b><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Section 233 of the Communications and
Multimedia Act 1998</span></b></span>
</span></b></span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Section 233 makes any
communication over the internet, being ‘…<i>any comment, request, suggestion or
other communication which is obscene, indecent, false, menacing or offensive in
character with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass another person. …’ </i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">an offence.</span></span></span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
</div>
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">‘…it is just too broad and vague,
and is open to abuse. For example, the highlighting of violation of human
rights or laws, or facts connected to alleged violations of rights/laws, would
likely ‘annoy’ or even ‘harass’ the wrongdoer, and for the alleged wrongdoer,
it could also be said to be ‘menacing and offensive’. This should never be
considered an offence… As such, this section deters even the highlighting
of human rights abuses, breaches of law and even possible government
wrongdoing. This section even deters the sharing of such relevant and important
facts, and/or opinions over the internet…’ – </span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Malaysian Bar Resolution</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">....</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br />...<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">MADPET also call for the immediate
announcement of the discontinuation of further action against all persons currently
being investigated under the Sedition Act, Section 233</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> of the
Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and/or other similar draconian
legislations....</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">MADPET calls on Malaysia to
immediately <b>repeal the</b> Sedition Act, and also such sections in any law that is
against freedom of expression and opinion like </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="color: red;">Section 233 of the Communications and
Multimedia Act 1998</span></b>; There is really no justification to delay and/pr
procrastinate the repeal of bad laws on grounds like ‘further study and review’,
an excuse often advanced by the past government that Malaysians voted out. ... - <a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2018/07/sedition-act-moratorium-on-use-of.html" target="_blank">MADPET media statement 16/7/2018</a></span></span></blockquote>
</blockquote><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b><span style="color: red;">See also </span><br /></b></span></i></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><a href="http://charleshector.blogspot.com/2018/07/sedition-act-moratorium-on-use-of.html">SEDITION Act - Moratorium on the use of unjust laws pending repeal </a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><a href="http://charleshector.blogspot.com/2019/03/malaysian-lawyers-dissatisfaction-on.html">Malaysian
lawyers Dissatisfaction on the Delay in Abolition of Draconian Laws,
and Call for Moratorium on Use of Such Laws Pending Abolition</a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-54025847955540220082023-10-26T11:22:00.001-07:002023-10-26T11:22:03.347-07:00Abolish Detention Without Trial Law To Prove That PM Anwar Ibrahim Led-Government Is Truly Committed To Justice, Human Rights And Rule Of Law<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Media Statement – 27/10/2023</span></u></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Abolish Detention Without Trial Law To
Prove That PM Anwar Ibrahim Led-Government Is Truly Committed To Justice, Human
Rights And Rule Of Law</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">If someone commits a crime, then arrest, detain, charge them and give
them a Fair Trial</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">On 27<sup>th</sup> October,</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">the Malaysian
Day for the Abolition of the Detention Without Trial Laws, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we recall the infamous abuse of Detention
Without Trial(DWT) laws in Malaysia when on 27/10/1987, about 106 persons from
all walks of life, including human rights defenders(HRDs), politicians( like Mohamad
Sabu, Khalid Samad, Lim Guan Eng, Lim Kit Siang and late Karpal Singh),
academics, worker rights activist, women HRDs and others were arrested and
detained under the Internal Security Act 1960(ISA). </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">ISA abolished but Detention Without
Trial laws became worse after that</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">2 of these DWT laws, being the ISA and the Emergency
(Public Order and Crimes Prevention) Ordinance 1969 has since been abolished
around 2012 thanks to amongst others, public protest and campaign. However, one
DWT law remained to this day being the <a name="_Hlk149263058">Dangerous Drugs
Act (Special Preventive Measures) 1985</a>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">But after the abolition of these 2 draconian DWT
laws, Malaysia enacted a new DWT law being the <a name="_Hlk149263026">Prevention
of Terrorism Act 2015 (POTA), and the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (POCA) </a>was
amended to become a DWT law. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The scope of DWT laws now in Malaysia is now so
much broader, and allows the administration to arrest, and then detain
indefinitely, or impose restrictions indefinitely on anyone without according the
fundamental right to a fair trial – hence, the victims are unconvicted <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>innocent persons, and as such it is in
violation of the legal principle of presumption of innocence until proven
guilty.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">One must not be swayed by the names of any
given DWT law, as they all can be used against anyone, irrespective of whether
they were involved in terrorism, serious crimes or drug offences. After all,
there is no way to verify what the police or government alleges, as victims are
not accorded a trial, and they cannot even apply for a Judicial Review to
confirm the validity of the ‘reasons’ given by the authorities to take action
under any specific DWT law. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Right to Fair Trial Denied</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Article 11(1) United Nations Declaration of
Human Rights states ‘Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be
presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at
which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence.’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">In Malaysia, the police or other law enforcement
can arrest persons as suspects who may have committed a crime and can only
detain for no longer than 24 hours for purposes of investigation only.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Article 5(4) of the Federal Constitution
states, that <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Where a person is arrested
and not released he shall without unreasonable delay, and in any case <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>within twenty-four hours</u></b>
(excluding the time of any necessary journey) be produced before a magistrate
and shall not be further detained in custody <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>without the magistrate’s authority</u></b>…’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The reason for this is that it is foolish to blindly
trust the police or the government, and hence the need for a remand application
and order by the Magistrate for any further detention beyond 24 hours. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The suspect has a right to be heard at remand
hearings, and the Magistrate determines whether there really is a need for any further
detention for the purpose of investigation, not any other purpose. The
Magistrate determines whether the law is being complied with by the police,
that there is no torture or any other wrong doing by the police. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">If satisfied of the need for further remand,
then and only then will the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Magistrate
gives a remand order, and today<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘(a) if
the offence which is being investigated is punishable with imprisonment of less
than fourteen years, the detention shall not be more than four days on the
first application and shall not be more than three days on the second
application; or (b) if the offence which is being investigated is punishable
with death or imprisonment of fourteen years or more, the detention shall not
be more than seven days on the first application and shall not be more than
seven days on the second application…’(Section 117(2) Criminal Procedure Code)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">DWT laws usurp judicial role of
Magistrate in Remand Hearings</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">However, under DWT laws like POCA for example,
when brought before the Magistrate, there is no real remand hearing, and the right
of the suspect to be heard is denied. Before the magistrate, ‘Section 4(1)(a) POCA
states, that ‘…<u>on production of a statement in writing signed by a police
officer not below the rank of Inspector</u> stating that there are grounds for
believing that the name of that person should be entered on the Register,
remand the person in police custody for a period of twenty-one days’. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">After 21 days, to extend remand for another 38
days remand, all that is required is the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>production of ‘4(2)(i<u>) a statement in
writing signed by the Public Prosecutor</u> stating that in his opinion
sufficient evidence exists to justify the holding of an inquiry ….’ and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘(ii) <u>a statement in writing signed by a
police officer not below the rank of Assistant Superintendent</u> stating that
it is intended to hold an inquiry…’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Judicial authority and discretion of the Magistrate
in remand application hearings is removed, so there can be no consideration as
to whether the police has abused their powers or broken laws, and whether
further detention is really needed at all. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The Magistrate has no choice on production police
statements of belief but to order remand for 21 days. Even in the face of
obvious evidence of torture or abuse, the Magistrate can do nothing about it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Right to Judicial Review of reasons justifying detention/restrictions denied</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">In criminal matters, after the remand, the suspect
will be charged in court and accorded a fair trial before an independent judge,
but in DWT laws, there is no charge and no trial. After a criminal trial, if
dissatisfied, you may appeal to higher courts, and in Malaysia, there is a right
of 2 appeals – but in DWT laws, there is no trial and no right of 2 appeals.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Whereas, with DWT laws, the decision is made by
a Board/Minister NOT <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Courts and Judges. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">In fact DWT laws do specifically deny the right
to challenge the REASONS the government use to detain/restrict you. You can
only challenge the procedure – whether the steps taken as required by law that
lead to the Board’s decision was complied with. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">15B(1) states ‘ (1) There shall be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>no judicial review in any court </u></b>of,
and no court shall have or exercise any jurisdiction in respect of, any act
done or decision made by the Board in the exercise of its discretionary power
in accordance with this Act, except in regard to any question on compliance
with any procedural requirement in this Act governing such act or decision.’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">It is absurd as in Malaysia, generally all
Minister’s and even the Prime Minister’s decisions are subject to judicial
review, so there is no justification why the decisions of the Board/Minister
under DWT laws are excluded?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Right to Habeas Corpus denied</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Article 5(2) Federal Constitution states, ‘Where
complaint is made to a High Court or any judge thereof that a person is being
unlawfully detained the court shall inquire into the complaint and, unless
satisfied that the detention is lawful, shall order him to be produced before
the court and release him.’ – this is commonly known as the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">habeas corpus</i> application, but the DWT
laws does not allow any such application, which is in clear violation of the Article
5(2) constitutional guarantee.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Inconsistent with the just principles
of the administration of criminal justice</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">In short, DWT is in conflict with standards,
norms and principles of the administration of criminal justice in Malaysia. Thus,
anyone, even the innocent, can be arrested, detained and even restricted for as
long as the government decides without any Fair Trial, Right of Appeal or any
recourse to court to challenge the reasons for his/her loss of liberty.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Easy for Police as No Need to Prove
Guilt – Miscarriage of Justice?</span></b><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">DWT laws do not require the police/prosecutor
to even obtain evidence or sufficient evidence to prove to the Board/Minister or
court that a person has committed a crime beyond reasonable doubt. Are our
police/prosecution not competent enough to go to court and prove that he/she is
guilty of a crime? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">‘Punishment’ for acts that may not be
a criminal offence in Malaysia</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">In fact, there seem to be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>no need to even state the specific offence</u></b> one under DWT
laws is being ‘punished’ for. Hence, is it not in violation of the principle
that no one can be arrested, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>detained
or ‘punished’ for something that is not even a legally recognized criminal
offence</u></b> in Malaysia.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">It violates Article 7(1) Federal Constitution,
which states ‘(1) No person shall be punished for an act or omission which was
not punishable by law when it was done or made, and no person shall suffer
greater punishment for an offence than was prescribed by law at the time it was
committed.’ An offence must be clear and precise, and stipulates the sentence
if convicted. It cannot be vague and general.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">No DEFINITE period of ‘punishment’ – Grossly
Unjust</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">In the administration of criminal justice, on
conviction, one is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>sentenced to a definite
period</u></b> of imprisonment, or other punishment. But, with DWT laws, there
is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>nothing definite about the period
of detention or restrictions, for it is indefinite. </u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">In terms of Detention. ‘a detention order for a
period not exceeding two years, and may renew any such detention order for a
further period not exceeding two years at a time, if it is satisfied that such
detention is necessary.’. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Another example is police supervision orders,
where again it can be ‘… any period not exceeding five years if the Board is
satisfied that it is necessary… and may renew any such order for a further
period not exceeding five years at a time…’ </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Hence, for DWT the loss of liberty, by reason of
detention and other restriction is NOT DEFINITE ..and goes on so long as deemed
necessary, and this is a serious injustice, more so for persons denied a Fair
Trial and who have never been found guilty by court. A person is a victim – not
a convicted criminal when DWT laws are used.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">DWT laws is a tool of oppression of unjust governments</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;"> that allows them to arrest, detain
and restrict anyone, without the right to a fair trial, and without the ability
to go for Judicial Review. The question now is whether this current Pakatan
Harapan led-government of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is a government that is
committed to justice and the Rule of Law will speedily repeal detention without
trial laws or not. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">It is true that prominent politicians, human
rights defenders and persons have not become victims of these DWT laws for some
time, but the fact is that many persons in Malaysia continue to be victims of
this draconian law. In March 2023, the Minister revealed that 132 were detained
under POCA, but no disclosure of the numbers detained under POTA or the DD(SPM)A.
Neither was there disclosure as to how many were confined like the people of
Gaza to a town or District, or those under other restrictions/conditions under
DWT laws</span><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">.(Star, 7/3/2023)</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">So, is the government committed to justice for
ALL, or will it simply be a hypocrite and retain these draconian laws. It is
sad that some Members of Parliament (MPs) and politicians today absurdly
believe that DWT laws and other draconian laws are still needed for the police
to curb crime. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MADPET (Malaysians Against
Death Penalty And Torture) reiterates the call for the abolition of all
Detention Without Trial Laws including Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 (POTA),
Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (POCA) and Dangerous Drugs Act (Special Preventive
Measures) 1985. </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MADPET calls for the
immediate and unconditional release of all victims of DWT laws that are
currently detained, restricted and under police supervision. If they really committed
any criminal offence, then charge them in court and accord them a fair trial. </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MADPET also calls for
the repeal of the draconian Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA),
which is not a Detention Without Trial law, as persons arrested for SOSMA
listed offences will be charged and tried in court. </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Charles
Hector</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For
and on behalf of MADPET(Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture)</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></b></p>
<div class="headline story-pg">
<h1>
Hundreds held under Sosma, Poca and Pota last year
</h1>
<hr />
</div>
<div class="info">
<div class="info__interact">
<div class="info__button">
<div class="service-panel" style="float: left; width: 100%;">
<div class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons st-center st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" data-title="Hundreds held under Sosma, Poca and Pota last year" data-url="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/07/hundreds-held-under-sosma-poca-and-pota-last-year" id="st-2"><div class="st-btn st-first st-remove-label" data-network="facebook" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="facebook sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/facebook.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="twitter" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="twitter sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/twitter.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="whatsapp" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="whatsapp sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/whatsapp.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="telegram" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="telegram sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/telegram.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="linkedin" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="linkedin sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/linkedin.svg" />
</div></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="info__button button--bookmark">
<div class="btn--bookmark bookmark-hidden-sm hidden-xs" id="bookmark_web">
<i class="fa fa-bookmark-o"></i>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="info__credit credit ">
</div>
</div>
<ul class="col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-3 side-note" id="sideNote" style="bottom: 20px; top: 0px;"><li>
<a class="kicker" data-content-id="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/" data-content-title="Nation" data-content-type="Navigation" data-list-type="Article" href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/">Nation
</a>
</li><li>
<p class="date">
Tuesday, 07 Mar 2023
</p>
</li><div class="related-articles related-articles--side" id="related-stories-side-div"><br /></div></ul>
<div class="inline-img">
<div class="story-image">
<img alt="" data-source="uploads/images/2023/03/07/1968517.jpg" height="321" src="https://apicms.thestar.com.my/uploads/images/2023/03/07/1968517.jpg" width="400" />
</div>
</div>
<div class="story bot-15 relative" id="story-body">
<p>KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 624 individuals were
detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) last
year, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (<strong><em>pic</em></strong>).</p> <p>The Home Minister added that 140 of these detainees had already been released.</p> <p>“Of
those detained, 71 were charged in court, 401 were punished, 140 were
released and 12 are still under investigation,” he said in a written
reply to a question by Chow Yu Hui (PH-Raub) in the Dewan Rakyat
yesterday.</p> <p>Chow had asked about the number of those detained under Sosma, as well as the breakdown of their race and ages.</p> <p>He
also enquired about the number of those detained under the Prevention
of Crime Act (Poca) and the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Pota).</p> <p>Last
month, Saifuddin Nasution, in a written reply to RSN Rayer
(PH-Jelutong), said Sosma was still a relevant law to maintain national
security because it allows the police to take immediate action to defuse
any threats to national sovereignty and harmony.</p> <p>Repealing
Sosma was not among the pledges in Pakatan Harapan’s GE15 election
manifesto, though several DAP leaders had previously criticised Sosma as
having draconian provisions.</p><p>Meanwhile, Saifuddin Nasution said those detained under Sosma
last year were between 18 and 69 years old and included 247 Malays, 83
Chinese, 89 Indians, 47 of other races and 158 foreigners.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">On
Poca, Saifuddin said that 132 individuals were detained, of which 67
were Malays, 13 Chinese, 38 Indians, 13 of other races and one
foreigner.</span></b></span></p> <p>He said those detained were between 19 and 59 years old.</p> <p>Poca,
which was amended in 2015, is a preventative law to deal with
criminals, particularly members of secret societies, terrorists and
other undesirable persons.</p> <p>Saifuddin Nasution said that only one individual, a Malay, was detained under Pota and is currently under a detention order.</p> <p>Pota,
which was passed in April 2015, allowed authorities to take action
against Malaysians suspected of being involved with the Islamic State or
other terrorist organisations.</p> <p>To a written question by Datuk
Wan Saiful Wan Jan (PN-Tasek Gelugor), Saifuddin said that as of Jan 30
this year, 195 individuals were detained under Sosma and are currently
undergoing trial.</p> <p>Of this total, 46 were for smuggling and human
trafficking, two for terrorism and 147 for organised crime under the
Penal Code. - <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/07/hundreds-held-under-sosma-poca-and-pota-last-year" target="_blank">Star, 7/3/2023</a><br /></p>
</div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></b></p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-17404699568270500262023-10-23T07:43:00.006-07:002023-10-23T07:43:46.012-07:00Stop publicly suggesting women/persons are involved in ‘immorality’ or crimes, and do publicly clear their names/reputation when found to be innocent...(MADPET)<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Media Statement – 24/10/2023</span></u></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Stop publicly suggesting women/persons
are involved in ‘immorality’ or crimes, and do publicly clear their names/reputation
when found to be innocent</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Amend law to require Search/Raid Court Warrants before Raids, and No
more arbitrary Urine Tests without court orders</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">When women are arrested, and the media reports
that it was a ‘anti-prostitution’ or against ‘GROs’ raid or crackdown, the impression
that many will naturally get is that these women are sex criminals or women of
bad character, which maybe in fact totally FALSE for they may simply be innocent
women frequenting an entertainment outlet who were wrongly arrested. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Worse, if the media report carries photos or
Video images. Why did the police provide information to the media, knowing very
well that these women may have not committed any crimes whatsoever? Presumption
of innocence until the court (not the police) finds them guilty.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Their image or reputation is not even partially
cleared or restored because the media or the police often fail to make any
follow-up statements/reports as to what happened to these women arrested, or
that they have been found innocent. We also see almost no reports of women
charged for any of these crimes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">End prejudice and actions promoting prejudice
against women, including women from certain specific countries, who are found
to be in certain business facilities in Malaysia when police raid and arrest
people. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">If the business is illegal, then action must be
taken against the owners of such businesses, but not against workers and other patrons
of the business.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Raids and arrest of
persons in ‘entertainment’ outlets</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">There has been numerous media reports of
foreign women being arrested and detained during raids <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at certain premises, which causes the perception
that they maybe involved in a prostitution ring, or working as ‘illegal’ GROs -
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but then they may just be innocent tourists
or migrant workers enjoying a night out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">In June, ‘Sixty-four foreign women were
detained after authorities busted a prostitution ring operation.’(Star,19/6/2023).
In July, ‘…the police have arrested 84 foreign women believed to be working as
“guest relations officers” (GROs) in a raid on an entertainment centre in Bukit
Bintang on Sunday.( FMT, 25/7/2023). In September, it was reported that ‘..the
police have arrested 24 foreign and local individuals for providing guest relations
officers (GRO) services in a raid on two entertainment centres in Cheras.(FMT,
19/9/2023)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Absence Of Follow-Up
News Prolongs Prejudice</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">There is thereafter almost no news whether
these women are being charged in court, accorded a fair trial and convicted, or
alternatively that they are innocent. Why is that? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">If they committed a crime, they would have been
charged in court and tried. If they were victims of trafficking, they would be
accorded protection as victims. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The fact that there is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>no follow-up news</u></b> raises the possibility that innocent
persons are wrongly arrested, maybe even defamed making one wonder as to the ‘real
reasons’ for these raids and the reasons behind law enforcement’s act of informing
the media. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Is it merely to show that the police is
actively doing their job? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Maybe the Home Minister must explain these
raids, as the arresting and detaining tourists or even migrant workers do cause
injustice in terms of spoiling their holiday or impacting their
employment/business. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">207 Foreign Nationals
arrested – GROs and being in entertainment outlets?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Recently, on 16/10/2023, Bernama (Malaysian
National News Agency) reported that the police had detained 207 foreign
nationals in raids carried out at six entertainment outlets in Kuala Lumpur,
Selangor and Johor between 12-15 October.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span>A<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">mongst them the foreigners nabbed,
were Thai, Laotian and Vietnamese women, aged between 19 and 51. In one raid, a
total of 73 foreign nationals, aged between 20 and 44, believed to be working
as guest relations officers (GRO) were detained during a raid in Serdang,</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Tourist’s holiday in Malaysia is affected, if
one is arrested and detained for a period. Social visit passes may expire in
detention making one undocumented. You may miss your flights too. Noting
language difficulty of foreign nationals and unfamiliarity with the law and
legal procedures, injustice can happen. The worry is that even if brought to
court, although innocent the poor and/or foreign nationals may plead guilty
simply to be able to get back to their home country speedily. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Make search warrants
mandatory – Judge ensures no abuse.</span></b><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">One thing that was lacking in this recent national
news agency report was the mention of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>what
exactly were the suspected crimes that led to these police raids</u></b> and
arrest by the Bukit Aman CID Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Division
(D7) in one case. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Was it a raid that happened on the basis <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">‘raid, arrest and <u><span style="color: red;">hope</span></u> that some in there will have committed drug
or immigration crimes or other crimes’? </b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">‘Police do not need a warrant to do a premises
search if the case they are investigating involves an arrestable offence, says
Penang police chief Comm Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain</span><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">(Star,
14/7/2021).</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">This is wrong, and it can lead to abuse of
power by the police. The law must change.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET(Malaysians Against Death Penalty and
Torture) calls for an amendment of the law so that it is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">MANDATORY for the police to get Search Warrants</span></b><span style="color: red;"> </span>issued by Judges before any raids, to also prevent abuse
of power. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Police raids also can be because of ‘corruption’ – the ‘kaw-tim or
settle culture’ – where after arrested, a payment can result in release, end of
investigation and no prosecution. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Police raids reasonably benefits competitors in the same or similar
businesses. If places are subjected to police raids, where the patrons are also
arrested, detained and even subjected to urine tests, then many customers will
simply avoid such establishments.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">ONLY those ‘controlled’ by foreigners
raided? – Discrimination? </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The raids were allegedly on <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘…entertainment outlets ‘controlled’ by
foreigners…’, which hints of discrimination. It certainly is not illegal in
Malaysia for businesses to be owned and run by foreigners, fully or partially.
Even in Malaysian owned businesses, many are run and even managed by
foreigners. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">One wonders whether similar raids and arrest
will happen in the clubs and entertainment outlets frequented by the rich or
the upper classes? Will there be same treatment by the police? Remember, Art.
8(1) Constitutional guarantee that ‘All persons are equal before the law and
entitled to the equal protection of the law’.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2b00fe;">Why Bukit Aman – not
Local Police or Local Council Enforcement Officers? </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The premises mentioned in the 16/10/2023 report
were in operation for ‘for three months to one year’, and this raises the
presumption that they are all legally registered business premises. The local
government is the relevant authority that grants permission and even
advertisement for any business premises in their area of governance, including these
entertainment outlets.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The question that arises is why the relevant
Local Government enforcement officers did not act? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Why the Bukit Aman police, and not the local
police that did the raid? Was it so because there was concern of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘corruption’ related to the raided premises
involving the local police, or Local Government (Council) staff and officers?
Will corrupt officers inform the premises in advance of raids? Will MACC
investigate?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The said Bernama report made no allegation that
any of the foreign nationals were found to be illegally in Malaysia, and as
such, one may assume that they all had the relevant social visit visa,
employment or business visas.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">GROs is not illegal work – it is a
legal job/work?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Guest
Relations Officer (GRO) is not an illegal job</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">, so the government, police and media must be
careful not to demean this occupation. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">In entertainment outlets like restaurants,
bars, spas and entertainment places, just like in other small consumer
dependent businesses, the idea is to be good to customers so that they will
come again, and thus the work of frontline staff and even GROs. If the customer
requests your company for a certain duration for a fee, it is legitimate work,
and there is nothing illegal whatsoever the rate is for time spent.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">One must also note customers at entertainment outlets
also meet ‘strangers’ and spend some time interacting. So, were these women
even ‘GROs’ or were they simply fellow patrons, or persons visiting friends?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">It must be noted that in Malaysia, prostitution
is against the law when ‘…a female offering her body for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000;">promiscuous sexual intercourse for hire’</span></b><span style="color: #c00000;"> </span>is an offence, is a crime. So, if there is no
issue of hiring for ‘sexual intercourse’, it is no crime.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MADPET (Malaysians
Against Death Penalty and Torture) calls on the government, including the
police or law enforcement to stop arrest and detention of arbitrary women or
persons, including foreign nationals, save when there are real reasonable
suspicion that the particular person/s has committed a crime;</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MADPET calls for an
end of defamatory practices particularly affecting the reputation of women,
including issuing/making of statements and/or providing pictures to the media which
creates perception that women that are arrested maybe involved in immoral or
illegal work or crime. The presumption of innocence until found guilty in court
must be recognized and practiced. </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MADPET calls for a full
disclosure as to what happened to the persons arrested in these raids, as to
whether investigation revealed them innocent, or whether they were charged in
court. A public apology in the media is one just means to attempt to correct
the wrong public perception generated. They may simply be innocent victims
(including women) having committed no immoral illegal acts;</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MADPET calls for laws
to be amended to require a <u>Search/Arrest/Raid Warrant issued by Judges</u>,
before any such raids of premises are conducted, where Judges will evaluate to
see whether there is sufficient evidence to justify a police search/raid/arrest.
To leave it to the police to do as they please have risks, and even possible
abuse of power.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MADPET calls for the recognition
of the <u>RIGHT for a person to deny Urine/Blood Tests</u> and taking of other
bodily samples.</span></b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A court order should
be a pre-requisite. There must be reasonable suspicion, not simply fact that
one is found in any particular premises during a raid, before urine samples can
be obtained. </span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MADPET also notes that
on 19/8/2023, 2 Deputy Public Prosecutors(DPPs) and 15 cops arrested in
entertainment outlet, where urine tests was positive for all but one police
officer. On 11/10/2023, it was reported that ‘investigation paper regarding a
senior officer and 14 policemen arrested during a raid at an entertainment
outlet in Seremban last August has been referred to the deputy public
prosecutor (DPP) for further action.’</span></b><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">(Sun),</span></i><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></b><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">however there was no
mention about the 2 DPPs. Everyone is equal and should be accorded equal
treatment under the law. Charge them in court, and not simply use internal
disciplinary measures. </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Charles
Hector</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For
and on behalf of MADPET(Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture)</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></i></p>
<p> </p><h1 class="article-title">Police: Over 200 foreigners detained in raids on six entertainment outlets </h1> <div class="social-sharing"> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/10/16/155369.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/10/16/155369.JPG&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="Police: Over 200 foreigners detained in raids on six entertainment outlets " class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/10/16/155369.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="267" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/10/16/155369.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" title="Police: Over 200 foreigners detained in raids on six entertainment outlets " width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">Police
detained 207 foreign nationals in raids carried out at six
entertainment outlets in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Johor from Thursday
till yesterday. — Picture by Ahmad Zamzahuri</div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info "> <div class="article-date">Monday, 16 Oct 2023 7:00 PM MYT</div> </div> <p style="text-align: justify;">KUALA
LUMPUR, Oct 16 — Police detained 207 foreign nationals in raids carried
out at six entertainment outlets in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Johor
from Thursday (October 12) till yesterday.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Bukit Aman CID deputy
director (Investigation/Legislation) Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said the raids
on four premises in Kompleks Wilayah, Jalan Dang Wangi here yesterday
involved activities at entertainment outlets ‘controlled’ by foreigners.</p><div data-google-query-id="CISx0deVjIIDFepJnQkdWUkLTg" id="mm-story-outstream" style="text-align: justify;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/MM-1x1-Outstream_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">According
to him, a total of 38 Bangladesh and Pakistan nationals were detained
in the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">four clubs which had been in operation for three months to one
year.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">“The inspection (of these premises) found the manager,
assistant manager and workers at these entertainment outlets were
Bangladesh nationals while the customers were mostly Bangladeshis, with
10 locals,” he said in a press conference in Bukit Aman today.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile,
a total of 96 foreign nationals were detained on Thursday in a separate
raid by the <b><span style="color: red;">Bukit Aman</span></b> CID <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Anti-Vice,</span> Gambling and Secret Societies
Division (D7) in Taman Tampoi Indah, Johor Bahru.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Rusdi said among the foreigners nabbed, were <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Thai, Laotian and Vietnamese women, aged between 19 and 51.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile,
a total of 73 foreign nationals, aged between 20 and 44, believed to be
working as guest relations officers (GRO) were detained during a raid
in Serdang, Selangor on Saturday.</p><div class="sidebar-square-ad" style="text-align: justify;"><div data-google-query-id="CIKx0deVjIIDFepJnQkdWUkLTg" id="mm-story-mreg-4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 300px;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/mm-story-mreg-4_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"><div id="ATS_res_mid4"><div class="insert_ads insert_ads-23 unrendered" id="ats-insert_ads-25-wrapper"><div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">“Investigations
revealed that the entertainment outlet had an open pub concept and
karaoke centre offering rooms from RM800 to RM2,000, and a GRO package
of RM100 per hour per person as well as ‘flower necklace’ tip payments
of between RM50 and RM500.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“<b><span style="color: red;">Urine tests</span></b> carried out found eight
local men and seven women positive for ketamine. We also arrested two
local men who worked as <b>bouncers (at the premises) and are believed to
be involved in secret society activities</b>,” he added. — <span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bernama</span></span>, <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/10/16/police-over-200-foreigners-detained-in-raids-on-six-entertainment-outlets/96631" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 16/10/2023</a></p><h1 class="page-title mb-2"><span class="d-inline-block mr-1">84 foreign GROs detained in Bukit Bintang entertainment centre raid</span> </h1> <div class="page-article"><div class="d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"> <div><span>By <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/authors/wara-zulkiflee" target="_blank">Wara Zulkiflee</a> - </span>
July 25, 2023 @ 11:05am
</div></div> <div class="social-share ml-auto"><div class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons st-right st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="st-1"><div class="st-btn st-first st-remove-label" data-network="facebook" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="facebook sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/facebook.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="twitter" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="twitter sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/twitter.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="whatsapp" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="whatsapp sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/whatsapp.svg" />
</div></div></div></div> <div class="article-content"><div><div><div class="field field-featured-image"><figure><img alt="- Pic courtesy of police " class="img-fluid" data-adbro-processed="true" height="296" src="https://assets.nst.com.my/images/articles/pdrgro_%281%29_1690254282.jpg" width="400" /> <figcaption class="py-2"><b><span style="color: red;">- Pic courtesy of police </span></b></figcaption></figure></div></div></div> <div class="field field-body"><div class="dable-content-wrapper" itemprop="articleBody"><p>KUALA
LUMPUR: <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Eighty four foreign women believed to be guest relations
officers (GRO) were arrested in a police raid at an entertainment centre
in Dang Wangi on Sunday.</span></b></p>
<p>The women aged between 18 to 46 were detained in a raid by the
Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Division (D7) from Bukit Aman's
Criminal Investigation Department at 1.10 am in Bukit Bintang.</p>
<p>Nine Malaysians aged 31 to 45 comprising the entertainment centre's
manager, cashiers and employees were also taken into custody.</p></div></div></div></div><figure class="article-image-item gn4-inline-image inline-image image-single-single"><img alt="- Pic courtesy of police " class="img-responsive img-fluid" height="299" src="https://assets.nst.com.my/images/articles/pdrgro_%282%29_1690254292.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="gn4-inline-image-caption">-<b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Pic courtesy of police </span></span></b></figcaption></figure><p></p><div data-google-query-id="CI2ryYaXjIIDFX8KgwMdS-UMwg" id="div-gpt-ad-1535527649803-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/NST_1x1_Programmatic_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<p>Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said in a
statement today that the entertainment centre did not possess a valid
licence for its operations and misused a restaurant license issued by
Kuala Lumpur City Hall.</p><div class="ad-unit mx-auto text-center" data-google-query-id="CNP9yIaXjIIDFRwNgwMdBwcM2Q" id="div-gpt-ad-1463538766750-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/NST_Island_Ad_400x200_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<p>He said police conducted a urine test 336 customers, 22 Malaysians
GROs , 84 foreign GRO and found that six of the guests at the centre
were positive for methamphetamine and ketamin abuse.</p>
<p>"The premises provided 17 karaoke rooms with a package starting from RM3,800 to RM25,000. </p>
<p> </p><figure class="article-image-item gn4-inline-image inline-image image-single-single"><img alt="- Pic courtesy of police " class="img-responsive img-fluid" height="300" src="https://assets.nst.com.my/images/articles/pdrgro_%283%29_1690254289.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="gn4-inline-image-caption"><b><span style="color: red;">- Pic courtesy of police</span></b> </figcaption></figure><p></p>
<p>"The package included foreign and local GROs at the request of customers based on the rates."</p>
<p>During the raid, a number of items were seized including RM13,682.
All items will be transported to the Dang Wangi district police for
further investigation.</p>
<p> </p><figure class="article-image-item gn4-inline-image inline-image image-single-single"><img alt="- Pic courtesy of police " class="img-responsive img-fluid" height="299" src="https://assets.nst.com.my/images/articles/pdrgro_%284%29_1690254286.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="gn4-inline-image-caption">- <b><span style="color: red;">Pic courtesy of police </span></b></figcaption></figure><p></p>
<p>"We will take action against any entertainment centre which conduct
illegal activities such as hiring foreign GROs, vice and distribution
and usage of drugs on the premises," he said.- <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2023/07/934651/84-foreign-gros-detained-bukit-bintang-entertainment-centre-raid" target="_blank">NST, 25/7/2023</a><br /></p><h1 class="sc-gFqAkR imhSle pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">Cops crack down on operations using ‘foreign mummies’ for GRO services</h1><div class="sc-aXZVg jiTbBU"><p>Police nab 24 foreign and local individuals in raids on two entertainment centres.</p>
</div><div class="sc-cwHptR llSLcQ d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="sc-dcJsrY jSPIFe" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/fmtreporters/">FMT Reporters</a> - </span><time class="sc-aXZVg eeJhAp fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1694928761000" style="min-height: 15px;">17 Sep 2023, 1:32pm</time></div></div></div><div class="mb-3" style="height: 40px;"><div class=" st-left st-has-labels st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="sharethis-1698064719385"><br /></div></div><div class="sc-eldPxv hkMrmM pb-3" itemprop="articleBody"><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2360251" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_2360251" style="width: 800px;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2360251 size-full" data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hde8px9qsmygnhada4km14ew" height="250" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/FMT-garisan-polis-21.02.2019-2.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 0px;" width="400" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-2360251">Police say the premises are located among shophouses and equipped with CCTV cameras.</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: justify;">PETALING JAYA: <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The police have arrested 24 foreign and local
individuals for providing guest relations officers (GRO) services</span></b> in a
raid on two entertainment centres in Cheras.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Bukit Aman’s criminal investigation department (CID) said the
suspects used foreign agents, or “mummies”, to attract customers, who
are predominantly foreigners, Sinar Harian reported.</p></div><p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hde8px9rnpjjrfmk90pg64ms" style="text-align: justify;">The entertainment centres were also found to be operating without licences during the raids on Thursday, he said.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Investigations found that both the raided premises employed
‘mummies’, or foreign women, to assist customers in obtaining the GRO
services,” the CID was quoted as saying in a statement.“They also sold garlands which customers could ‘gift’ to selected
GROs, and payment ranging from RM100 to RM1,000 could be made directly
to the chosen women.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The report said the premises were located among shophouses and equipped with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.- FMT, 17/9/2023<br /><br /><br /> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: red;">Penang chief cop: No search warrant needed when investigating arrestable offence </span></b></span><br /><br />By <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/authors?q=IMRAN+HILMY">IMRAN HILMY</a> <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/">Nation </a> <br /> <br /><br /> Wednesday, 14 Jul 2021 4:50 PM MYT <br /> <br /> <img height="292" src="https://apicms.thestar.com.my/uploads/images/2021/07/14/1220380.jpg" width="400" /> <br /><br />GEORGE TOWN:<b><span style="color: red;">
Police do not need a warrant to do a premises search if the case they
are investigating involves an arrestable offence, says Penang police
chief Comm Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain. </span></b><br /><br />Comm Mohd
Shuhaily was commenting on a case where a woman refused to allow a group
of policemen in plain clothes to enter her apartment because she did
not believe they were real police officers. <br /><br />Videos of the incident had gone viral on social media and messaging apps. <br /><br />In
the incident, the woman did not allow the team who identified
themselves as policemen from Nilai commercial crime unit and Penang's
Dato Keramat police station, who were conducting a raid under Ops
Pelican on July 12 at about 11pm. <br /><br />Comm Mohd Shuhaily said premises owners have the right to decide who they will allow into their house. <br /><br />"However,
police also have rights if the case they are investigating involves an
arrestable offence, and a raid can be conducted without a warrant," he
said in a press conference at the Penang police headquarters on
Wednesday (July 14). <br /><br />When asked if police would take action
against the woman in the video, Comm Mohd Shuhaily said she cooperated
after she was eventually convinced that the group were indeed policemen.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">"If she had not cooperated, action under Section 186 of the Penal Code could have been taken against her," he said. <br /><br />In
the videos, taken from the woman's perspective behind a closed grille
door, a group of at least seven policemen wearing plain clothes is seen
asking her to cooperate and allow them into her apartment for an
inspection. <br /><br />Only one of the men is seen wearing a yellow vest with the letters "PDRM" on it. <br /><br />The woman says that she does not believe that they are policemen and that she cannot let them in. <br /><br />She also tells them she is afraid to open the door, as it is late and there are children in the unit. <br /><br />She appears to be livestreaming the video and asks for help and advice from her friends on social media. <br /><br />The men then tell her to call 999 for confirmation as they have been waiting for hours. <br /><br />They also threatened to cut the padlock to the unit to gain entry but eventually decided against it. - <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/07/14/penang-chief-cop-no-search-warrant-needed-when-investigating-arrestable-offence" target="_blank">Star, 14/7/2021</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="https://www.thesundaily.my/local" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name"></span></a> </p> <div class="headline"> <a href="https://www.thesundaily.my/local/cops-held-at-entertainment-outlet-investigation-paper-sent-to-dpp-FG11607637"><h1>Cops held at entertainment outlet: Investigation paper sent to DPP</h1></a> </div> <div class="subheadline"> <h3></h3> </div> <div class="author_date"> <div class="author_box"> <div class="byline author"> <a href="https://www.thesundaily.my/tag/-/meta/$hmAutor.friendlyname"></a> </div> </div> <div class="inf2"> <span> <ul><li class="date" itemprop="datePublished"> 11-10- 2023 09:18 AM </li></ul></span> </div> </div> <div class="social_networks"> <div class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons st-center st-has-labels st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="st-1"><div class="st-total ">
<span class="st-label">10</span>
<span class="st-shares">
Shares
</span>
</div><div class="st-btn st-first" data-network="facebook" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="facebook sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/facebook.svg" />
<span class="st-label">7</span>
</div><div class="st-btn st-hide-label" data-network="twitter" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="twitter sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/twitter.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-hide-label" data-network="whatsapp" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="whatsapp sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/whatsapp.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-hide-label st-remove-label" data-network="telegram" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="telegram sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/telegram.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-hide-label st-remove-label" data-network="email" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="email sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/email.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-last st-hide-label st-remove-label" data-network="print" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="print sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/print.svg" />
</div></div> </div> <div class="media_block"> <div class="multimedia"> <div class="multimediaIconMacroWrapper"> <a class="cutlineShow" href="https://www.thesundaily.my/local/cops-held-at-entertainment-outlet-investigation-paper-sent-to-dpp-FG11607637"><img alt="Pix for representational purposes - Polis Daerah Ampang Jaya/FBPIX" data-adbro-processed="true" height="243" itemprop="image" src="https://www.thesundaily.my/binrepository/pdrm-logo-polis-daerah-ampang-jaya-fbpix_3543789_20231011091727.jpg" title="Pix for representational purposes - Polis Daerah Ampang Jaya/FBPIX" width="400" /><span class="cutline-text">Pix for representational purposes - Polis Daerah Ampang Jaya/FBPIX</span><span class=" "></span></a> </div> </div> </div> <p><b>SEREMBAN</b>:
<b><span style="color: red;">The investigation paper regarding a senior officer and 14 policemen
arrested during a raid at an entertainment outlet in Seremban last
August has been referred to the deputy public prosecutor (DPP) for
further action.</span></b></p> <div id="sas_44269"></div><p>Negeri Sembilan police
chief Datuk Ahmad Dzaffir Mohd Yussof said the urine test results of the
personnel involved yielded a mix of positive and negative outcomes, as
per the pathology report received.</p><div class="insert_ads insert_ads-2 show_advertisement rendered" id="ats-insert_ads-0-wrapper"><div><p></p><div class="ats-slot" data-google-query-id="CL_72O6ojIIDFYUTgwMdYE4Mtw" id="ats-insert_ads-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/21622890900,56509919/MY_thesundaily.my_res_article_mid1_sticky_300x250//336x280//468x60_0__container__" style="border: 0pt; margin: auto; text-align: center;"></div></div></div></div> <p>“The
investigation paper has been referred to the DPP and there are still
some instructions that need to be acted upon...the police are currently
updating the probe,” he told reporters after launching the Amanita
adopted neighbourhood (taman angkat) here yesterday.</p> <p>Ahmad
Dzaffir also said that the date for the prosecution is yet to be
determined and all individuals involved are<b> still suspended from duty
pending the completion of the investigation.</b></p><div id="AnyMind_Teads"></div> <p>The media previously reported that <b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">15 police personnel along with a DPP and a court registrar were nabbed during the raid.</span></span></b></p> <div id="sas_65749"></div><p>Earlier,
Ahmad Dzaffir in his speech said that Amanita or the Peace Lady squad
is an initiative by the Royal Malaysia Police to combat crimes in
residential areas by engaging housewives in neighbourhood safety.</p> <p>“The
role of women is considered crucial in efforts to prevent and combat
crimes, as 70 per cent of women in this country are homemakers.</p> <p>“Therefore,
society needs to change the mentality of not caring about other’s
affairs to be aware of what is happening around, especially concerning
universal security,” he said. - Bernama,<a href="https://www.thesundaily.my/local/cops-held-at-entertainment-outlet-investigation-paper-sent-to-dpp-FG11607637" target="_blank"> The Sun Daily, 11/10/2023</a></p><h1 class="page-title mb-2"><span class="d-inline-block mr-1">2 DPPs, 15 cops arrested in entertainment outlet</span> </h1> <div class="d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"> <div><span>By <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/authors/new-straits-times" target="_blank">New Straits Times</a> - </span>
August 19, 2023 @ 6:37pm
</div></div> <div class="social-share ml-auto"><div class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons st-right st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="st-1"><div class="st-btn st-first st-remove-label" data-network="facebook" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="facebook sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/facebook.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="twitter" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="twitter sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/twitter.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="whatsapp" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="whatsapp sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/whatsapp.svg" />
</div></div></div></div> <div><div><div class="field field-featured-image"><figure><img alt="According to police sources, a 2.30am raid was mounted by the Bukit Aman JIPS team this morning at a karaoke centre at Wisma Punca Emas, Seremban. - File pic" class="img-fluid" data-adbro-processed="true" height="250" src="https://assets.nst.com.my/images/articles/PDRM1909823_1692441421.jpg" width="400" /> <figcaption class="py-2">According
to police sources, a 2.30am raid was mounted by the Bukit Aman JIPS
team this morning at a karaoke centre at Wisma Punca Emas, Seremban. -
File pic</figcaption></figure></div></div></div> <p>KUALA
LUMPUR: Fifteen policemen and two deputy public prosecutors were
arrested in a raid on an entertainment outlet in Seremban, Negri
Sembilan, by the Integrity and Standards Compliance Department (JIPS)
from Bukit Aman early this morning.</p>
<p>According to police sources, a 2.30am raid was mounted by the Bukit
Aman JIPS team this morning at a karaoke centre at Wisma Punca Emas,
Seremban.</p>
<p>Following a urine drug test, it was found that<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red;"><b> 14 out of the 15
police officers including a senior police officer had failed the urine
tests.</b></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="color: red;">The two deputy public prosecutors had also failed the urine test.</b></span></p>
<p>The New Straits Times has contacted the Negri Sembilan police chief
Datuk Ahmad Dzaffir Mohd Yussof and Bukit Aman JIPS director Datuk Seri
Azri Ahmad for confirmation. - <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2023/08/944920/2-dpps-15-cops-arrested-entertainment-outlet" target="_blank">NST, 19/8/2023</a><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p> Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-22036521328753515552023-10-12T23:04:00.004-07:002023-10-12T23:04:40.606-07:00Malaysia must SUE, not protect, Malaysian companies overseas that is responsible for hazardous haze people in Malaysia suffers (MADPET)<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Media Statement – 13/10/2023</span></u></i><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></u></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Malaysia must SUE, not protect,
Malaysian companies overseas that is responsible for hazardous haze people in
Malaysia suffers </span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Tort of Nuisance and other legal means already there – no need to wait
for any new laws</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Recently, the Natural Resources, Environment
and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad indicated that Malaysian
companies operating overseas, including in Indonesia, may be contributing to
transboundary haze, which all in Malaysia now suffer from.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">“We have reminded plantation companies
operating in neighboring countries that we <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>will
not defend them</u></b> if they are involved in open burning (especially) in
Indonesia,” the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister said
during Ministers' Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Oct 12).(Star)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Haze Affects
Health/Environment And Cost The Government </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">In a 2014 study that ‘…assessed the economic value
of health impacts of transboundary smoke haze pollution in Kuala Lumpur and
adjacent areas in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. Daily inpatient data from
2005, 2006, 2008, and 2009 for 14 haze-related illnesses were collected from
four hospitals. …A smoke haze occurrence was associated with an increase in
inpatient cases by 2.4 per 10,000 populations each year, representing an
increase of 31 percent from normal days. The average annual <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">economic loss due to the inpatient health
impact of haze was valued at MYR273,0</b>00 ($91,000 USD)….’ – Abstract from
research by Jamal Othmen and 3 Ors.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Today, in 2023 we are still faced with the haze
problem, and possibly the economic loss suffered is much greater. Then, there
is also to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">health issues suffered by
individuals and their family, and this loss is yet to be computed, as it could
also include loss of personal income, cost of healthcare and even unnecessary
impacts to person’s health which could be long-term too.</b> Then, there is an
impact to the environment.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Why is Malaysia not
taking legal action against companies? Will Not Defend Position Inadequate</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">It is good that Malaysia will not defend
Malaysian companies responsible for the haze Malaysians are suffering from, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">but the question is WHY is Malaysia NOT
taking legal action against these companies who by their action/omission is
affecting Malaysian peoples’ health, environment and even our right of quiet
enjoyment of our land</b>. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Tort Of Nuisance Is
Possible Cause Of Action Against Companies<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Malaysian government can sue on behalf of all
in Malaysia for public nuisance, or assist private persons to sue. One possible
cause of action is the tort of nuisance, be it public nuisance or private
nuisance</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Public nuisance</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;"> arises when the action or
activities by the perpetrators <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>interfere
with the comfort and convenience of public within a particular community. It is
sufficient to show that there is a class of people from that community who have
suffered the consequences of the said nuisance</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Private Nuisance</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;"> is "doing on his own land
something which he is lawfully entitled to do. His conduct <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">only becomes a nuisance when the consequences of his acts are not
confined to his own land but extend to the land of his neighbour</b> by: (1)
causing an encroachment on his neighbour's land, when it closely resembles
trespass; (2) causing physical damage to his neighbour's land or building or
works or vegetation upon it; or (3) unduly interfering with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>his neighbour in the comfortable and convenient
enjoyment of his land</u></b>.", as stated by then Court of Appeal Judge
Mary Lim<a href="#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">[i]</span></span></span></span></a>.
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Here, in the case of private nuisance, it <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">does not matter whether if what the
preparator is doing is LEGAL or not – but the fact that the consequence of what
he is doing is spilling over and affecting lives of people in other lands, just
like HAZE or smoke from burnings</b>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Use the Courts Against
Perpetrators – Companies/Individuals</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">There is remedy in law against the actual
perpetrators that have affected our air quality by their actions/ommission,
which have affected the health and even the environment of the people of
Malaysia. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">We can commence legal action even if the
perpetrators do it in a neighbouring country, like Indonesia. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">As such, Malaysia must immediately sue the
Companies responsible, its Directors, relevant officers and maybe also majority
shareholders, without even having to commence any legal action against
Indonesia. Are any of these government-linked companies(GLCs)?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Indonesia Not Willing
To Cooperate Irrelevant For Legal Action Against Perpetrators</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">It is ignorant for Minister Nik Nazmi to say ‘“As
it involves the sovereignty of a neighbouring country and if they are not
willing to cooperate, we will not be able to enforce the law,”(Star, 11/10/2023).
There are ways of taking action against any other sovereign nation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">With or without a Transboundary Act in place,
Malaysia directly and/or through persons in Malaysia can already commence
required legal action against companies who are responsible for the fires in
Indonesia that is causing the haze problems. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The legal action can be commenced in Malaysia,
or even in Indonesia. It is not necessary to even add the Indonesian government
as a party as you can just sue the companies or persons responsible.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Commence Action in
Malaysian Courts or Indonesian Courts</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">After all, we are suffering the consequence,
being the poor air quality that is also causing health issues in Malaysia. It
is absurd to even suggest that Malaysia or Malaysians cannot take action because
the companies or their actions that result in fire that causes haze are in
Indonesia. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Legal action can be commenced in the Malaysian
Courts, and if needed also in the Indonesian courts.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Besides tort actions, other actions even
criminal proceedings are also possible options especially when the perpetrators
are Malaysian companies, Malaysian Directors or shareholders. The ultimate
responsibility for actions/omissions of any company lies with the shareholders.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Malaysian Government
Resources Needed for Anti-Haze Legal Actions</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Malaysian government has the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">needed resources for investigation and
evidence gathering</b> even overseas, and they can use it <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">to identify companies that caused the fire or burnings</b> that may
also have spread causing forest fires in Indonesia. Malaysia can find needed <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">evidence to show that the haze we suffer in
Malaysia is linked to a company’s action/omission</b>. The government also can
get evidence to show the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">link between
haze and diseases/medical conditions</b> or even to the environment. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">For an individual alone to do this, it may be
onerous but with the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">government’s
assistance, including the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and
Climate Change</b>, it becomes a possibility for Malaysia (representing the
people) or private individuals (with the assistance of the government) to be
able to take legal action to get justice.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Besides compensation, an important remedy in a
court action could be an injunctions to get these companies, usually plantation
companies, to stop open burning or even to impose conditions to prevent haze if
burning is to be done.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sue the
Directors/Managers/Shareholders Not Just the Company</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">When actions are taken against companies,
including Malaysian companies, the Directors, Manager, officers and even
shareholders ought to be made parties and sued. It should not matter if they
are government-linked entities/persons.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Prioritize People over
Profits</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Malaysia must prioritize the well being of all
in Malaysia over profits/income of corporations, even if they are Malaysian
companies.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Blaming Indonesia or other countries has so far
sadly been the approach generally taken by Malaysia, but Malaysia really must
act now against the companies or persons that caused the fires by their
action/omission, which may have even caused forest fires that caused this haze.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and
Torture) calls for action now against all who caused this haze and air quality
problem that is also affecting our health and the environment. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Our comfort, our right to good health and the
right to enjoy a clean and safe environment has been affected.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Charles
Hector</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For
and on behalf of MADPET(Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture)</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p>
<div style="mso-element: endnote-list;"><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<div id="edn1" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<p class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-MY; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[i]</span></span></span></span></a>
CIVIL APPEAL NO: B-02(NCVC)(W)-1163-06/2017]10 JULY 2019<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p>
</div>
</div>
<br /><br /> <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: red;">Govt will not defend Malaysian companies contributing to the haze </span></b></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> By RAGANANTHINI VETHASALAM, MARTIN CARVALHO, ARFA YUNUS and MAHADHIR MONIHULDIN Nation <br /> <br /> Thursday, 12 Oct 2023 12:18 PM MYT <br />KUALA LUMPUR: <span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The government will not defend Malaysian companies operating overseas which contribute to transboundary haze</span></b></span>, says Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. <br /><br />“We
have reminded plantation companies operating in neighbouring countries
that we will not defend them if they are involved in open burning
(especially) in Indonesia,” the Natural Resources, Environment and
Climate Change Minister said during Ministers' Question Time in the
Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Oct 12).<br /> <br /><br />Nik Nazmi said his
ministry and the Foreign Ministry had submitted a diplomatic note to the
Indonesian government informing Jakarta of the haze situation in
Malaysia and the intention to work together on operations to put out
fires at affected areas. </div><br />Nik Nazmi said the transboundary haze issue cannot be resolved solely through the enactment of laws or by pointing fingers. <br /><br />“We
have to admit that aside from Malaysia, Indonesia too had taken steps
to address the issue of burning at plantations and peat fires in the
past few years, through a presidential decree and other measures,” he
said. <br /><br />He said there were several impediments to enacting
transboundary laws such as coordinates, location, and the details of
landowners and companies operating in the affected areas.<br />“As it
involves the sovereignty of a neighbouring country and if they are not
willing to cooperate, we will not be able to enforce the law,” he said. <br /><br />He said while Singapore has a Transboundary Act in place, it has not been successful when it comes to mounting legal charges. <br /><br />ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2023/10/06/indonesia-minister-says-no-transboundary-haze-to-malaysia-fires-on-decline">Indonesia minister says no transboundary haze to Malaysia, fires on decline</a> <br /><br />“We
will adopt the diplomatic approach and also (seek) technical and
scientific cooperation under the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze
Pollution (AATHP). <br /><br />“This agreement (has) existed since 2002 and Malaysia was among the first nations to sign,” he said. <br /><br />Moving
forward, Nik Nazmi said Asean member states must work towards improving
the AATHP to combat the cross-boundary haze situation affecting the
region. <br /><br />He said under the current Asean agreement there are no
provisions for punitive action to be initiated against companies or
countries which induce haze. <br /><br />“This is a constraint we have under the current framework,” he said. <br /><br />Nik
Nazmi was responding to a question from Datuk Idris Ahmad (PN-Bagan
Serai) on whether or not existing Acts suffice in terms of enforcement
against neighbouring countries. <br /><br />ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/10/11/haze-hits-johoreans-respiratory-systems">Haze hits Johoreans’ respiratory systems</a> <br /><br />The annual haze which results from forest fires in Indonesia has been a bone of contention in the region for several years. <br /><br />Every
dry season, the region is covered in smog due to smoke from fires in
Indonesia. These fires are usually from land clearing for oil palm and
other plantations. <br /><br />Indonesian Environment and Forestry Minister
Siti Nurbaya Bakar said on Oct 6 that forest fires in some parts of
Sumatra and Kalimantan had declined with no haze detected moving to
Malaysia. <br /><br />Her remarks came after Nik Nazmi said in a recent
interview with Reuters that he had asked his Indonesian counterpart to
address the haze as air quality in the country was worsening, saying
haze should not be a new normal. - <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/10/12/govt-will-not-defend-malaysian-companies-contributing-to-the-haze" target="_blank">Star, 12/10/2023</a>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-71935670963181747952023-10-10T10:46:00.001-07:002023-10-10T10:46:02.757-07:00Malaysia Still Retains The Death Penalty For About 33 Offences – No Change After Mandatory Death Penalty Abolished - Abolish Death Penalty and Torture<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">World Day Against the Death Penalty Media
Statement – 10/10/2023</span></u></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Malaysia Still Retains The Death
Penalty For About 33 Offences – No Change After Mandatory Death Penalty
Abolished</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Abolish Death Penalty and Torture</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">10<sup>th</sup> October is the World Day Against the Death Penalty.
Every year, on this day, focus is given to a specific issue, and in 2023, the
theme is Torture and the Death Penalty. </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">It highlights, amongst others, the use of
torture, be it physical, psychological or sexual during investigations before
one is charged and tried. Other focus include torture suffered by those on
death row awaiting execution – known as the death row phenomenon, and torture
during execution due to methods used. Lastly, it highlights the torture
suffered by family and children of persons on death row, and when executed –
noting this a category of innocent persons are also severely affected by the
death penalty.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Torture During Investigation Must End</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">In Malaysia, even though torture is prohibited
by law, nonetheless it still is being used by the police, other law enforcement
and even the prosecution in some cases, allegedly for the purpose of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>securing ‘necessary evidence’ . This is an
unacceptable justification, and the use of torture must end. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Allegation of torture by police and law
enforcement are extremely difficult to prove by the accused, more so when there
is no CCTV with recording capacity in all places of the station, or that will
be able to confirm no torture by police from the point of arrest.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Getting suspects to confess was perceived as
the main reason behind torture in police custody, and Parliament in Malaysia
since 2007 has amended the Criminal Procedure Code that now do not allow <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the prosecution to use any statements made
by accused during the course of a police investigation</b> like confessions.
Section 113(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code states that <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘…no
statement made by any person to a police officer in the course of a police
investigation made under this Chapter shall be used in evidence…’ Only the
accused can use such statements in court. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">However, the problem remains that other
statements, not confessions, could still be used to recover other evidence
other than confessions.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">In the case of the murder Altantuya Shaariibuu
in 2006, the fact that the accused for an offence that then carried the
mandatory death penalty <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘… had also
independently led the police to the scene of crime which was a remote and
isolated place up in the hills…’. Why would anyone lead the police to evidence for
an offence that will result in their being executed? Was there torture used?
Was there ‘other promises’? Most suspects reasonably will keep quite, and most
lawyers will have advised against doing anything that will assist the police
get evidence needed to convict.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Malaysia and the Death Penalty</span></b><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">In 2018, on the World Day Against Death
Penalty, it was announced that the ‘Malaysia's Cabinet has reached a consensus
that the death penalty for 33 offences as provided for under eight Acts of law
should be abolished…’(Bernama/Straits Times 13/11/2018). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">However, on 13th March 2019, Malaysian cabinet
did a U-turn on abolishing the death penalty for all 33 offences, and instead
agreed to only abolish the mandatory death penalty for all 11 mandatory death
penalty offences. The Pakatan Harapan then lacked the political will and
courage to abolish the death penalty.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The Bill to abolish mandatory death penalty was
finally tabled in October 2022, by the then Perikatan Nasional government
during the premiership of Ismail Sabri. Thereafter, Parliament was dissolved
and there was General Elections, and a change of government.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Then, the new Pakatan Harapan ‘unity government’
or coalition government tabled the law to abolish mandatory death penalty and
life imprisonment. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Abolition Of
Mandatory Death Penalty Act 2023 came into force on 4/7/2023</b>, but sister
Act that would allow those on death row to apply to court to review their death
sentence was delayed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Revision of Sentence
of Death and Imprisonment for Natural Life (Temporary Jurisdiction of the
Federal Court) Act 2023 </span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>finally came into force on 12/9/2023</b><span style="font-family: verdana;">,
now allowing about <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">1,020
prisoners (of which about 850 on death row who had been handed mandatory death
penalty) or <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the rest serving life
imprisonment sentences to now file applications in court to review these
sentences. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The result of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the abolition of mandatory death penalty now means that judges now have
a choice in sentence other than just the death penalty</b>, but the reality is
that the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Death Penalty remains in all
the still about 33 offences.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Courts Continue To Hand
Down Death Sentences</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Despite the abolition of the mandatory death
penalty, it is disturbing that the courts are still handing down the death penalty.
As examples, on 1/8/2023, Two men charged with murdering a woman were sentenced
to death by the High Court; and on 2/8/2023, the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya
today upheld the death sentence imposed on a businessman for trafficking in
9.528kg of cannabis. (Malaysia Now).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Number Of Offences That
Provide For Death Sentence Remains The Same</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and
Torture) notes that things will still remain the same as death sentence is
still available for about 33 offences, many of which do not even result in any death
or grievous bodily harm of any victim whatsoever. For so long, as death penalty
is not abolished, people will still continue to be sentenced to death by the
Courts.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Even after the
revision of death sentence of the about 850 on death row, it is likely that
many will still end up with the death sentence</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">. Not all will receive the alternative sentence
of imprisonment plus whipping. So death row will still have people waiting to be
hanged.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Courts cannot be blamed for sentencing people
to death for so long as the death penalty remains in the law. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Only the government, now Anwar Ibrahim’s
Pakatan Harapan led ‘unity government’ can totally abolish the death penalty in
law.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Malaysia’s position which had been declared to
the world, when Malaysia voted in favour of the UN General Assembly Resolution
in 2018, 2020 and 2022 has been than Malaysia will abolish the death penalty.
Malaysia committed to a moratorium on execution pending abolition. Will Anwar
Ibrahim led government have the courage and political will to abolish death
penalty?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">In Indonesia, at the end of 2022, the revised
Criminal Code introduced an automatic 10-year probation for convicts on death
row to demonstrate good behavior for the possibility of having their sentences
commuted. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The global trend has been towards abolition – as
countries no longer believe in ‘murdering’ the convicted, but rather imposing a
punishment that will allow for repentance, rehabilitation and a second chance.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">MADPET reiterates the call for the total
abolition of the death penalty in Malaysia, and a moratorium on execution pending
abolition;</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">MADPET urges Judges to consider not sentencing
any person to death at the risk of miscarriage of justice, noting that the innocent
can be wrongly executed just like what happened the case of Chiang Kuo-ching,
who was executed in Taiwan in 1997 after being convicted of sexually abusing
and murdering a five-year-old girl. After his death, in 2011, Taiwan’s Ministry
of Justice admitted that Chiang had been executed in error;</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">MADPET calls for the abolition of
Torture, especially by the police and law enforcement, and urge the speedy installation
of CCTV with recording capacity be installed at all areas of police station,
and body-cams be mandatory for police and other law enforcement. From the point
of arrest until he/she is charged, there must be evidence that no torture or
wrongdoings were committed by the police or law enforcers in violation of the
law, in violation of a suspect’s rights and justice; and</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Noting that death penalty cannot be
abolished unless by law, MADPET calls on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the
Executive and Parliament to speedily amend laws that will effectively abolish
the death penalty in all lows. If not Courts that are bound to follow the written
law may continue sentencing persons to death when convicted for any of the
about 33 offences that still carry the death penalty.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Charles Hector</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For and on behalf of MADPET (Malaysians Against
Death Penalty and Torture)</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUyA5-HP3ENoni9nuX0xumT3vJIl4tLobaPN2BfvUAiLX5QOlYqy7KsOGGrNkTdita8KNkaps0ze3nqAKn5nefOsrQ8pxocBo2sRNXuzKye6O4MP2pXhd3_FyCObyVPxnKOBYra36Ul7zZAcaRwBEHrALGvm3W5QPm4xcpxVw4EJCJWFNb2Ih/s800/No%20Death%20Penalty.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="800" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUyA5-HP3ENoni9nuX0xumT3vJIl4tLobaPN2BfvUAiLX5QOlYqy7KsOGGrNkTdita8KNkaps0ze3nqAKn5nefOsrQ8pxocBo2sRNXuzKye6O4MP2pXhd3_FyCObyVPxnKOBYra36Ul7zZAcaRwBEHrALGvm3W5QPm4xcpxVw4EJCJWFNb2Ih/s320/No%20Death%20Penalty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<div class="pl-8 pr-8 pt-6 "><div class="text-3xl font-semibold leading-snug text-coolGray-600 mt-2 tracking-normal print:text-lg">LETTER |<b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> No change after abolishment of mandatory death penalty</span></span></b></div><div class="text-coolGray-500"><div class="text-xs lg:text-sm font-medium opacity-90 flex items-center space-x-2 mt-2"><div class="cursor-pointer"><div>Charles Hector</div><div class="flex flex-wrap items-center text-xs lg:text-sm opacity-90 font-normal"><div class="whitespace-nowrap"><span>Published: </span> Oct 10, 2023 11:14 AM</div><div class="text-lg leading-none mx-1">⋅</div><div class="whitespace-nowrap"><span>Updated: </span> 11:14 AM</div><div class="whitespace-nowrap"> </div><div class="whitespace-nowrap"><span style="color: blue;">LETTER</span><span style="color: #222222;">
| Oct 10 is the World Day Against the Death Penalty. Every year, on
this day, focus is given to a specific issue, and in 2023, the theme is
Torture and the Death Penalty.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="pl-8 pb-4 relative flex mt-4 print:pb-0 print:pl-0"><div class="jsx-3464146825 text-opacity-95 font-normal text-xl content text-coolGray-700 font-body tracking-midwide leading-relaxed" id="full-content-container"><div class="px-4 lg:px-0" itemprop="articleBody"><p><span style="color: #222222;">It
highlights, amongst others, the use of torture - be it physical,
psychological, or sexual - during investigations before one is charged
and tried.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">Other focuses
include torture suffered by those on death row awaiting execution -
known as the death row phenomenon - and torture during execution due to
methods used.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">Lastly, it
highlights the torture suffered by the families and children of persons
on death row, noting this a category where innocent persons are also
severely affected by the death penalty.</span></p><p><strong><span style="color: #222222;">Torture during investigation must end</span></strong></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">In
Malaysia, even though torture is prohibited by law, it still is being
used by the police, other law enforcement, and even the prosecution in
some cases, allegedly for the purpose of securing “necessary evidence”.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">This is an unacceptable justification and the use of torture must end.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">Allegations
of torture by police and law enforcement are extremely difficult to
prove by the accused, more so when there is no CCTV with recording
capacity in the places of detention or any other methods that are able
to confirm that there has been no torture by police from the point of
arrest.</span></p><div id="gpt-instory-ad-2"><div id="M907320ScriptRootC1512204_02725"></div></div><p><span style="color: #222222;">Getting
suspects to confess was perceived as the main reason behind torture in
police custody and the Malaysian Parliament since 2007 has amended the
Criminal Procedure Code that now does not allow the prosecution to use
any statements made by the accused during the course of a police
investigation like confessions.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">Section
113(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code states that “…no statement made
by any person to a police officer in the course of a police
investigation made under this Chapter shall be used in evidence…”. Only
the accused can use such statements in court.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">However,
the problem remains that other statements, not confessions, could still
be used to recover other evidence other than confessions.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">In
the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu in 2006, the fact that the accused
for an offence that then carried the mandatory death penalty “… had also
independently led the police to the scene of the crime, which was a
remote and isolated place up in the hills…” was suspicious.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">Why
would anyone lead the police to evidence for an offence that will
result in their being executed? Was there torture used? Were there
“other promises”?</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">Most
suspects would reasonably have kept quiet and most lawyers would have
advised against doing anything that would assist the police in getting
the needed evidence to convict.</span></p><p><strong><span style="color: #222222;">Malaysia and the death penalty</span></strong></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">In
2018, on World Day Against Death Penalty, it was announced that
“Malaysia’s cabinet has reached a consensus that the death penalty for
33 offences as provided for under eight Acts of law should be
abolished…” (Bernama/Straits Times 13/11/2018).</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">However,
on March 13, 2019, the Malaysian cabinet did a U-turn on abolishing the
death penalty for all 33 offences and instead agreed to abolish the
mandatory death penalty for all 11 mandatory death penalty offences.
Pakatan Harapan then lacked the political will and courage to abolish
the death penalty.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">The bill
to abolish the mandatory death penalty was finally tabled in October
2022 by the then Perikatan Nasional government during the administration
of Ismail Sabri Yaakob. After that, Parliament was dissolved and there
was a general election and a change of government.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">Then, the new Harapan-led coalition government tabled the law to abolish the mandatory death penalty and life imprisonment.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">The
Abolition Of Mandatory Death Penalty Act 2023 came into force on July
4, 2023, but a sister Act that would allow those on death row to apply
to the court to review their death sentence was delayed.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">The
Revision of Sentence of Death and Imprisonment for Natural Life
(Temporary Jurisdiction of the Federal Court) Act 2023 finally came into
force on Sept 12, 2023, now allowing about 1,020 prisoners (of which
about 850 on death row who had been handed mandatory death penalty) or
the rest serving life imprisonment sentences to now file applications in
court to review these sentences.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">The
result of the abolition of the mandatory death penalty now means that
judges now have a choice in sentence other than just the death penalty,
but the reality is that the death penalty still remains in all the 33
offences.</span></p><p><strong><span style="color: #222222;">Courts continue to hand down death sentences</span></strong></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">Despite the abolition of the mandatory death penalty, it is disturbing that the courts are still handing down the death penalty.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">For
example, on Aug 1, 2023, two men charged with murdering a woman were
sentenced to death by the High Court and on Aug 2, 2023, the Court of
Appeal in Putrajaya upheld the death sentence imposed on a
businessperson for trafficking in 9.528kg of cannabis.</span></p><p><strong><span style="color: #222222;">Offences that carry death sentence remain the same</span></strong></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">Madpet
(Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture) notes that things will
still remain the same as the death sentence is still available for 33
offences, many of which do not even result in any death or grievous
bodily harm of any victim whatsoever.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">For so long, as the death penalty is not abolished, people will still continue to be sentenced to death by the courts.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">Even
after the revision of the death sentence of about 850 on death row, it
is likely that many will still end up with the death sentence. Not all
will receive the alternative sentence of imprisonment plus whipping.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">So,
death row will still have people waiting to be hanged, and the courts
cannot be blamed for sentencing people to death for so long as the death
penalty remains in the law.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">Only the government, now Anwar Ibrahim’s Harapan-led coalition government can totally abolish the death penalty.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">Malaysia’s
position which had been declared to the world, when Malaysia voted in
favour of the UN General Assembly Resolution in 2018, 2020 and 2022 has
been that Malaysia will abolish the death penalty.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">Malaysia
then committed itself to a moratorium on execution pending abolition.
Will Anwar’s government have the courage and political will to abolish
the death penalty?</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">In
Indonesia, at the end of 2022, the revised Criminal Code introduced an
automatic 10-year probation for convicts on death row to demonstrate
good behaviour for the possibility of having their sentences commuted.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">The
global trend has been towards abolition as countries no longer believe
in “murdering” the convicted, instead imposing a punishment that will
allow for repentance, rehabilitation, and a second chance.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">Madpet
reiterates the call for the total abolition of the death penalty in
Malaysia and a moratorium on execution pending abolition.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">Madpet
also urges judges to consider not sentencing any person to death at the
risk of miscarriage of justice, noting that the innocent can be wrongly
executed just like what happened in the case of Chiang Kuo-ching, who
was executed in Taiwan in 1997 after being convicted of sexually abusing
and murdering a five-year-old girl.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">After his death, in 2011, Taiwan’s Ministry of Justice admitted that Chiang had been executed in error.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">Madpet
calls for the abolition of torture, especially by the police and law
enforcement, and urges the speedy installation of CCTV with recording
capacity in all holding areas, and body-cams be mandatory for police and
other law enforcement.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">From
the point of arrest until he/she is charged, there must be evidence that
no torture or wrongdoings were committed by the police or law enforcers
in violation of the law, in violation of a suspect’s rights and
justice.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">Noting that the
death penalty cannot be abolished unless by law, Madpet calls on Prime
Minister Anwar, the executive, and Parliament to speedily amend laws
that will effectively abolish the death penalty.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">If
not, the courts that are bound to follow the written law may continue
sentencing persons to death when convicted for any of the about 33
offences that still carry the death penalty. - <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/682167" target="_blank">Malaysiakini, 10/10/2023</a></span></p></div></div></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1,020 can now apply to review mandatory death, life imprisonment sentences</span></b></span></p><div class="sc-aXZVg jiTbBU"><p>This
follows the coming into force of the Revision of Sentence of Death and
Imprisonment for Natural Life (Temporary Jurisdiction of the Federal
Court) Act 2023.</p>
</div><div class="sc-cwHptR llSLcQ d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="sc-dcJsrY jSPIFe" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/shahrul-shahabudin/">Shahrul Shahabudin</a> - </span><time class="sc-aXZVg eeJhAp fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1694495350000" style="min-height: 15px;">12 Sep 2023, 1:09pm</time></div></div></div><div class="mb-3" style="height: 40px;"><div class=" st-left st-has-labels st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="sharethis-1696774926093"><div class="st-total ">
<span class="st-label">43</span>
<span class="st-shares">
Shares
</span>
</div><div class="st-btn st-first" data-network="facebook" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="facebook sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/facebook.svg" />
<span class="st-label">Share</span>
</div><div class="st-btn" data-network="twitter" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="twitter sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/twitter.svg" />
<span class="st-label">Tweet</span>
</div><div class="st-btn" data-network="whatsapp" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="whatsapp sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/whatsapp.svg" />
<span class="st-label">Share</span>
</div><div class="st-btn st-last" data-network="email" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="email sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/email.svg" />
<span class="st-label">Email</span>
</div></div></div><div class="sc-eDPEul cUQRsa pb-3" itemprop="articleBody"><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2275997" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_2275997" style="width: 800px;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2275997 size-full" data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hc7tnd1jx55xd9xh4nfkn9vs" height="250" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ramkarpal-singh-fmt-041218-1.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 0px;" width="400" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-2275997">Deputy law and institutional reform minister Ramkarpal Singh says the application can only be made once.</figcaption></figure>
<p>KUALA LUMPUR: The 1,020 prisoners who had been handed mandatory death
or life imprisonment sentences can now file applications in court to
review these sentences, says deputy law and institutional reform
minister Ramkarpal Singh.</p>
<p>This follows the coming into force of the Revision of
Sentence of Death and Imprisonment for Natural Life (Temporary
Jurisdiction of the Federal Court) Act 2023 (Act 847) today, as well as
the Abolition of Mandatory Death Penalty Act 2023 (Act 846) on July 4.</p></div><p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hc7tnd1jz1nc9e50ecqtr3mb">“The
application to review the sentence must be made within 90 days from the
effective date of the Act (847),” Ramkarpal said during a briefing,
adding that the court will deliver its verdict in six months to a year.</p>
<p>“Subject to reasonable grounds, the court can consider an extension of the period to submit a review application.</p><div data-google-query-id="CO3jjpbT5oEDFRaw2AUdl14Eog" id="div-gpt-ad-1661356464065-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/FMT_ROS_1x1_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<p>“The request for a review of the sentence can only be submitted once.”</p>
<p>All applications will be filed by the prisons department on behalf of the prisoners.</p>
<p>Ramkarpal added that the prisoners may hire their own lawyers, use
those appointed by the court, or those from the National Legal Aid
Foundation (YBGK).</p>
<p>The court may either approve or reject the applications of those
handed the mandatory death sentence, or propose a replacement punishment
for those handed a life imprisonment sentence.</p>
<p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hc7tnd1jz1nc9e50ecqtr3mb">If the court decides to maintain the sentence, the prisoner may appeal to the state pardons board for a pardon.</p><p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01hc7tnd1jz1nc9e50ecqtr3mb">“In reviewing the application, the court will call and
examine the records of the proceedings, the reasons for the judgment,
and other related documents, if any,” Ramkarpal said.</p>
<p>Of the 1,020 prisoners, 573 are Malaysians, and the rest foreigners.</p>
<p>Yesterday, law and institutional reform minister Azalina
Othman Said had confirmed that 1,020 prisoners who had been sentenced to
mandatory death or life imprisonment may file applications in court to
review their sentences with Act 847 coming into force. - <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/09/12/1020-can-now-apply-to-review-mandatory-death-life-imprisonment-sentences/" target="_blank">FMT, 12/9/2023</a><br /></p><br /><h1 class="article-title">High Court sentences duo to death for 2018 Pulau Kerto murder</h1><div class="social-sharing"><div class="social-inner"> </div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/08/01/134427.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/08/01/134427.jpg&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="High Court sentences duo to death for 2018 Pulau Kerto murder" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-adbro-processed="true" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/08/01/134427.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="300" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/08/01/134427.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" style="object-position: 50.685% 34.24655%;" title="High Court sentences duo to death for 2018 Pulau Kerto murder" width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">Syahadan (left) and Ting are escorted from the court after sentencing. — Borneo Post Online pic</div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe">Follow us on <a class="telegram-link" href="https://instagram.com/themalaymail" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, subscribe to our <a class="telegram-link" href="https://t.me/themalaymail" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Telegram</a> channel and <span class="join-btn">browser alerts</span> for the latest news you need to know.</div> <div class="article-info "> <div class="article-date">Tuesday, 01 Aug 2023 7:16 AM MYT</div> </div> <p>SIBU,
Aug 1 — Two men charged with murdering a woman in Pulau Kerto here in
2018 were sentenced to death by the High Court yesterday.</p><p>Jeeji
Ting Kim Leong, 32, from Nanga Assan and Syahadan Othman Sabang, 29,
from Kapit were convicted of causing the death of Ting Poh Sing, 58, at
an unnumbered house in Pulau Kerto between 1am and 7.10pm on June 27
that year.</p><div data-google-query-id="CPKr2IuB7IEDFauGZgIdG7cJRg" id="mm-story-outstream"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/MM-1x1-Outstream_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p>They
were each charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code read together
with Section 34 of the same Code, which provides for the death penalty
or imprisonment for a term of not less than 30 years but not exceeding
40 years, and if not sentenced to death, shall be punished with whipping
of not less than 12 strokes, upon conviction.</p><p>In delivering his
verdict, judge Datuk Christopher Chin said the prosecution had succeeded
in proving its case beyond a reasonable doubt.</p><p>He
said a forensic pathologist had testified that the woman’s death was
caused by traumatic asphyxia and smothering, in addition to blunt force
trauma to the chest and back causing multiple fractures to the right and
left ribs.</p><div data-google-query-id="CPSr2IuB7IEDFauGZgIdG7cJRg" id="mm-teads"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div><div class="teads-adCall"></div></div><p>“There
is nothing in my mind to doubt the evidence of the forensic
pathologist. The two accused are regular drug consumers, and they had a
clear motive to rob the deceased for money to feed their drug habit.</p><p>“In
fact, there is undisputed evidence that the upper portion of the
deceased’s house was used by two accused with others as a drug den.</p><p>“The
acts of the two accused were therefore done in furtherance of a common
intention to rob the deceased as a result of which the murder occurred,”
he said.</p><p>The judge also said the evidence given by the two
accused in their defence was insufficient to cast reasonable doubt on
the prosecution’s case which had been established earlier.</p><p>“I find
that Syahadan was the main perpetrator of the injury and smothering of
the deceased. But I equally find that Jeeji had a common intention to
commit murder as happened in this case.</p><p>“He made no direct
attempts to save the deceased and in fact was found to have willingly
taken a share of the spoils of the murder. There is no evidence to show
that he did his best to distance himself from the events in the Pulau
Kerto house resulting in the sad demise of the deceased.”</p><p>During
mitigation, lawyer Yap Hoi Liong representing Jeeji said the accused
regretted his action and hoped for a minimum sentence to be imposed.</p><p>Lawyer
Ben Lau representing Syahadan said his client had shown his remorse in
court and had submitted that his intention was merely to rob rather than
kill the victim.</p><p>“It just happened that things went wrong in
between. There was no reason for the second accused (Syahadan) to kill
the deceased, knowing at that material time he was married and with a
child of four years.</p><p>“The second accused hopes for the court to
pass a custodial sentence on him so that he will still have the chance
to see his child upon his release from prison,” said Lau.</p><p>Deputy
Public Prosecutor Mark Kenneth Netto called on the court to impose the
death sentence to reflect the seriousness of the crime.</p><p>He said the case was premeditated whereby the offenders invaded the sanctity of the deceased’s home.</p><p>“The
offenders chose to diabolically attack the deceased when she was most
vulnerable. After the commission of the offence, the offenders escaped
leaving the helpless deceased behind, and then in cold-hearted fashion
sold the deceased’s personal belongings at a goldsmith.</p><p>“Nothing
can bring the deceased back to her family members and loved ones. No
imprisonment term can begin compensating the loss that the family
members and friends of the deceased have suffered.</p><p>“There is no
imprisonment sentence that can be passed which can relieve the loss that
these offenders have caused. Hence the sentence passed must reflect the
seriousness of the crime and the need to deter others from committing
it,” the DPP said. — Borneo Post Online, <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/08/01/high-court-sentences-duo-to-death-for-2018-pulau-kerto-murder/82851" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 1/8/2023</a><br /></p> <br /><h1 class="font-georgia text-4xl">Appeals court upholds businessman's death sentence for drug trafficking</h1><p class="font-georgia text-lg italic text-gray-500">Mohammad Firdaus Mohsin has one more avenue of appeal – the Federal Court.</p><div class="flex flex-col gap-1 md:flex-row md:gap-0 md:divide-x md:divide-gray-200"><span class="font-source-sans font-semibold text-gray-700 md:pr-3"><a class="transition duration-200 hover:text-brand-red-900" href="https://www.malaysianow.com/author/bernama">Bernama</a></span><div class="divide-x divide-gray-200 md:pl-3"><span class="pr-3 font-source-sans text-gray-700"><time datetime="2023-08-02T15:49:00+08:00">August 2, 2023 3:49 PM</time></span></div></div><div class="cursor-pointer rounded-md bg-[#516eab] p-3 transition duration-200 hover:bg-[#415889]"><svg class="text-white" fill="currentColor" height="1em" stroke-width="0" stroke="currentColor" viewbox="0 0 320 512" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg></div><div class="cursor-pointer rounded-md bg-[#29c5f6] p-3 transition duration-200 hover:bg-[#1e9bc3]"><svg class="text-white" fill="currentColor" height="1em" stroke-width="0" stroke="currentColor" viewbox="0 0 512 512" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg></div><div class="cursor-pointer rounded-md bg-[#7bbf6a] p-3 transition duration-200 hover:bg-[#6eab5f]"><svg class="text-white" fill="currentColor" height="1em" stroke-width="0" stroke="currentColor" viewbox="0 0 448 512" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg></div><div class="cursor-pointer rounded-md bg-[#179cde] p-3 transition duration-200 hover:bg-[#1384bd]"><svg class="text-white" fill="currentColor" height="1em" stroke-width="0" stroke="currentColor" viewbox="0 0 448 512" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg></div><div class="cursor-pointer rounded-md bg-[#0266a0] p-3 transition duration-200 hover:bg-[#014a74]"><svg class="text-white" fill="currentColor" height="1em" stroke-width="0" stroke="currentColor" viewbox="0 0 448 512" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg></div><div class="space-y-4"><div><figure><span style="background: none; border: 0; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: initial; margin: 0; opacity: 1; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; position: relative; width: initial;"><span style="background: none; border: 0; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: initial; margin: 0; opacity: 1; padding-top: 66.6015625%; padding: 0; width: initial;"></span><img alt="Malaysian flags wave in the breeze outside the Istana Kehakiman complex in Putrajaya which houses the Court of Appeal and Federal Court. Photo: Bernama" class="w-full cursor-pointer rounded-md bg-placeholder bg-cover bg-center bg-no-repeat" data-nimg="responsive" height="213" src="https://www.malaysianow.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.malaysianow.com%2Fuploads%2Fimages%2Fmedia%2F2023%2F05%2F16%2Fbbee2b60-7dd9-4f8e-bf1c-7a160db01947.jpg&w=3840&q=75" style="border: none; bottom: 0; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 0; left: 0; margin: auto; max-height: 100%; max-width: 100%; min-height: 100%; min-width: 100%; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; width: 0;" width="320" /></span><figcaption class="pt-3 font-georgia italic text-gray-500">Malaysian
flags wave in the breeze outside the Istana Kehakiman complex in
Putrajaya which houses the Court of Appeal and Federal Court. Photo:
Bernama</figcaption></figure></div></div><div class="hidden space-y-8 lg:sticky lg:top-40 lg:block lg:h-full lg:w-[300px]"><div class="mx-auto flex-grow"><span class="mb-2 block text-center font-source-sans text-sm text-gray-400">- <br /></span></div></div><div><div class="prose max-w-full font-georgia text-lg text-black prose-a:text-brand-blue-900 prose-a:transition prose-a:duration-200 hover:prose-a:text-brand-red-900 prose-figure:my-5 prose-figcaption:-mt-3 prose-figcaption:italic prose-img:my-6 prose-img:cursor-pointer prose-img:rounded-md prose-hr:my-8" id="content-wrap"><p>The
Court of Appeal in Putrajaya today upheld the death sentence imposed on
a businessman for trafficking in 9.528kg of cannabis.</p>
<p>This followed a decision by a three-man panel of the Court of Appeal,
comprising justices Hadhariah Syed Ismail, See Mee Chun, and Azmi
Ariffin, dismissing the appeal by Mohammad Firdaus Mohsin, 38, to set
aside his conviction and death sentence.</p>
<p>Justice Hadhariah, in delivering the court's decision, said there were no merits in the appeal by Firdaus.
</p><div><div class="mx-auto flex-grow" id="content-inline-ad-1"><div class="flex min-w-0 justify-center">
<div data-google-query-id="CJvspM-d54EDFVdYnQkd-ikGog" id="div-gpt-ad-1602491986865-0" style="text-align: center !important;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>She said Firdaus's conviction was safe to be upheld.</p>
<p>On Dec 3, 2021, the High Court in Shah Alam found Firdaus guilty of
trafficking in the drug by the roadside of Jalan Bukit in front of the
Kajang KTMB train station in the Hulu Langat district, Selangor, at 10pm
on March 28, 2017.</p>
<p>Firdaus has one more avenue of appeal, which is to the Federal Court.</p>
<p>According to the facts of the case, a police team, acting on
information, went to the area and saw Firdaus, who was behaving
suspiciously and carrying two bags.</p>
<p>A police officer approached him and asked him to open the bags. They
found several slabs of compressed dried leaves in one of the bags, which
were later confirmed by the chemistry department to be cannabis.</p>
<p>In his defence, Firdaus claimed that the bag was not his but belonged
to an Uber driver, and he was taking care of the bag while waiting for
the Uber driver to park the car.</p>
<p>He claimed that he came to Kuala Lumpur from Penang to attend an
event and was waiting for his uncle to fetch him to his (uncle's) house
in Sungai Ramal, Kajang.</p><div>
<div class="mx-auto flex-grow" id="content-inline-ad-2">
<span class="mb-2 block text-center font-source-sans text-sm text-gray-400"></span>
<div class="flex min-w-0 justify-center">
<div data-google-query-id="COHP0c-d54EDFcZRnQkd_fAE7w" id="div-gpt-ad-1602492202033-0" style="text-align: center !important;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>During the trial, the Uber driver, Mohd Sabri Salleh, testified that
he received a booking from Firdaus through the Uber apps to send the
latter from KL Sentral to the Kajang KTM station.</p>
<p>He said he saw Mohammad Firdaus carrying the bags, and he (Firdaus)
had put the bags next to him (Firdaus) in the back seat of the car.</p>
<p>Lawyer Afifuddin Ahmad Hafifi represented Firdaus, while deputy
public prosecutor Mohd Fairuz Johari appeared for the prosecution.- <a href="https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2023/08/02/appeals-upholds-businessmans-death-sentence-for-drug-trafficking" target="_blank">Malaysia Now, 2/8/2023</a><br /></p></div></div> <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">New penal code offers hope of abolishing death penalty in Indonesia </span></b><br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/tag/indonesia">Indonesia </a> <br /> <br /><br /> Wednesday, 17 May 2023 12:34 PM MYT <br /> <br /> <img height="267" src="https://apicms.thestar.com.my/uploads/images/2023/05/17/2076408.jpg" width="400" /> <br /><br />Human
rights activists stage a rally in Kota Tua, West Jakarta, to
commemorate the World Day against the Death Penalty in this undated file
photo. - The Jakarta Post <br /><br />JAKARTA (The Jakarta Post/Asia News
Network): A recent report from Amnesty International suggests that
Indonesia's revised Criminal Code is a step in the right direction
toward abolishing capital punishment, even as the country’s justice
system continues to hand down high numbers of death sentences. <br /><br />Passed
at the end of last year, the revised Criminal Code introduced an
automatic 10-year probation for convicts on death row to demonstrate
good behavior for the possibility of having their sentences commuted. <br /><br />After the probation elapses, the sitting president may decrease the sentence to life in prison or 20 years in prison. <br /><br />The
policy will take effect in 2026. Amnesty International Indonesia
researcher Ari Pramuditya said that although Indonesia still had a long
way to go before the death penalty was completely abolished, the new
penal code was "a positive step" that deserved recognition. <br /><br />"However,
we still need to closely monitor its implementation. Amnesty will
continue to push for the total abolition of the death penalty. <br /><br />Although
the probation for people sentenced to death is a step in the right
direction, it's not enough, and we still have a long way to go," Ari
said at a press conference on Tuesday. Amnesty International Indonesia
executive director Usman Hamid said the country had to use the
opportunity to significantly reduce instances of capital punishment
after years of what he said were shockingly high figures. <br /><br />Indonesia
has continued to record-high numbers of death sentences in recent
years, with 112 instances 2022, just two fewer than in 2021, according
to Amnesty. In 2020, it recorded 117 death sentences.<br />As of Monday,
there were 452 convicts awaiting execution. Zero-tolerance policy Ari
said one of the main reasons for Indonesia's high level of death
sentences was President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's "zero-tolerance" policy
against drugs, with drug crimes accounting for 94 per cent of all death
sentences last year. <br /><br />"Some judges even mentioned Jokowi's
zero-tolerance approach to drugs as a contributing factor for handing
out the death penalty to drug offenders," he said. <br /><br />According to
Ari, support for the zero-tolerance approach was partly based on the
misguided idea that the death penalty deterred drug-related crimes. <br /><br />Despite
the high number of drug convicts sentenced to death, he noted,
Indonesia continued to see a growing number of drug users. - S<a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2023/05/17/new-penal-code-offers-hope-of-abolishing-death-penalty-in-indonesia" target="_blank">tar, 17/5/2023</a>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-33597412314811257302023-10-04T14:11:00.003-07:002023-10-04T14:11:35.599-07:00Will Mahathir Get A Fair Trial Against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim When It Is Before A Judicial Commissioner, and not a Judge? Time to Abolish Judicial Commissioners.(MADPET)<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-MY</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="375">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:107%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Media Statement – 5/10/2023</span></u></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Will Mahathir Get A Fair Trial
Against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim When It Is Before A Judicial Commissioner,
and not a Judge? Time to Abolish Judicial Commissioners.</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Judicial Commissioners do not have Security of Tenure until retirement,
a much-needed safeguard for Independence of Judges, and who will only become
Judges when the Prime Minister decides so</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET(Malaysians Against Death Penalty and
Torture) is concerned about the independence of Judicial Commissioners, as
they, unlike Judges, do not have the security of tenure, and ultimately if and
when they are appointed as Judges, they <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘shall
be appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>acting
on the advice of the Prime Minister</u></b>’ – which means King shall appoint
as advised by the Prime Minister. There is an obligation of consultation by the
Prime Minister of different parties depending on position of judges, but then
there is no obligation on the Prime Minister to follow the views of others,
even the recommendation of the Judicial Appointments Commission.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Recently, it was reported that ‘Former prime
minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today failed to get the High Court’s
permission to obtain certain documents that purportedly support his RM150
million defamation lawsuit against incumbent Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar
Ibrahim.’ (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Malay Mail, 4/10/2023</i>).
The judge in that case was ‘<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Judicial
Commissioner </u></b>Zaharah Hussain’. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Given that Anwar Ibrahim is the present Prime
Minister, would any Judicial Commissioner not worry about offending him and/or at
risk not being appointed a Judge or having their generally 2 year contract as
Judicial Commissioner extended? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Zaharah Hussain herself may be a good Judge, not
affected by any such consideration, and may perform her functions as a ‘judge’
without fear or favour, but the concern is public perception of the independence
of these Judicial Commissioners. The concern is about the fairness of such
trial, when one of the parties is Anwar Ibrahim, who is the current Prime
Minister.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Judicial Commissioners came into
being after June 1994</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Rather than amending the Federal Constitution,
to increase the number of judges of the High Court, the Federal Constitution
was amended in June 1994 to introduce Judicial Commissioners who according to
Article 122AB(1) states, amongst others, that ‘…the Yang di-Pertuan Agong <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>acting on the advice of the Prime
Minister</u></b>, after consulting the Chief Justice of the Federal Court, may
by order appoint to be judicial commissioner <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>for such period</u></b> or such purposes as may be specified in the
order any person qualified for appointment as a judge of a High Court; and the
person so appointed shall have power to perform such functions of a judge of
the High Court…’. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">What should have been done was to simply increase
the number of Judges, so that all Judges, after appointment by the King, will
enjoy the safeguards to protect the independence of judges, especially the
security of tenure right up to retirement age of 66.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Now, persons qualified to be Judges, are appointed
generally as Judicial Commissioners for a term of 2 years, and this contract
can be extended from time to time. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The late Raja Aziz Addruse, a prominent lawyer
and former Malaysian Bar President, in his article ‘Judicial Appointments : Who
has the Last Say’, said<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘…Given that he
is a judge ‘on trial’ during his ‘probation’ period, and without any security
of tenure, the ability of a judicial commissioner to be independent and not to be
influenced by personal consideration in making judicial decisions, is
questionable…’ ‘.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Judges should be appointed directly, without
having to go through any ‘probation’ or ‘trial period’ as Judicial
Commissioners, and on appointment, Judges must immediately enjoy security of
tenure, where the end date must be their fixed retirement age. Some Judicial
Commissioners may become Judges fast even before 2 years have lapsed, others much
later and some may even never get appointed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">It must be pointed out also be pointed out that
“…At least five Judicial Commissioners (JCs) were not elevated to High Court
Judges over the last five years because they failed to meet the criteria of the
Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC).Chief Justice Arifin Zakaria, who is
also JAC chairman, declined to offer more specific reasons why the judges on
probation failed to make High Court judge….Arifin said the JAC met once a month
to evaluate the JCs who <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>were on
probation for two years</u></b>.’ (FMT News, 27/3/2017).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">It is best that the Judicial Appointments
Commission makes a thorough evaluation of persons to be appointed, before the
appointment. Judges or Judicial Commissioners should never be treated as a
fresh employee by forcing them to go through ‘probation’ – they should be directly
appointed as Judges.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Prime Ministers Role in
Appointment/Elevation of Judges Must Be Removed</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Pursuant to the Judicial Appointments
Commission Act 2009 (Act 695), the Commission submits recommendations to the
Prime Minister, who may follow the recommendations or not. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">A task force in October 2022, alleged that 4
individuals appointed to the top judicial posts in July 2018 differed from
those selected by the Judicial Appointment Commission (JAC). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">On 17/1/2023, there were judicial appointments,
including 6 Court of Appeal Judges and 11 High Court Judges, but the question
that remains unanswered was did Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim follow the
recommendations of the Judicial Appointments Commission or not. In June 2023, 2
Court of Appeal Judges were appointed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Given the role of the Prime Minister in the
appointment of Judicial Commissioners and Judges, would the possibility of ‘worry
about appointment and elevation’ affect Judicial Commissioners when it comes to
cases involving the Prime Minister, Minister and government impact the
independence of judges, more so Judicial Commissioners. Judges may also be
affected, but so much lesser that Judicial Commissioners as they have security of
tenure until retirement.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, on behalf
of the judiciary has proposed that provisions in the Federal Constitution be
amended <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>to remove executive
involvement in the appointment of judges</u></b>.(FMT, 9/1/2023). In November
2022, the Conference of Rulers today proposed the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>removal of the prime minister's power to appoint five
representatives to the nine-member Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC)</u></b>,
the body which proposes candidates to be made judges in the superior courts.(Malaysia
Now, 30/11/2022). In 2018, the Malaysian Bar’s then president George Varughese
proposed that the government carry out reforms on the judiciary by setting up
an independent JAC under the Federal Constitution that will be tasked with
making “recommendations directly to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong”.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET call for the abolition of Judicial
Commissioners, and that all current Judicial Commissioners be forthwith appointed
Judges;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET states that pending abolition of
Judicial Commissioners, it is best that it is Judges, not Judicial
Commissioners, that hear cases involving the Prime Minister, government and
government linked entities/persons;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET calls for the immediate amendment of the
Federal Constitution</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span>and the <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Judicial Appointments Commission Act 2009, to
remove the Prime Minister from having any role in the selection, appointment
and transfer of Judges. What is best is that the King acts on the advice of the
Judicial Appointments Commission. The delay in bringing about the amendments to
the Federal Constitution and the Judicial Appointments Commission Act is
disturbing, even after the Conference of Rulers called for it last November.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Charles
Hector</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For
and on behalf of MADPET(Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture)</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Some earlier related posts:-</span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></i><br /></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><a href="http://charleshector.blogspot.com/2019/08/workers-probation-3-months-high-court.html">Worker's
probation 3 months, High Court judges on 'probation' for 2-5 years?
Appoint High Court judges - no more 'on probation'..</a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2017/07/un-basic-principles-on-independence-of.html">UN Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary - Chief Justice and imminent 'judicial crisis'?</a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><a href="http://charleshector.blogspot.com/2018/06/sri-ram-ramkarpal-wrong-anyone.html">Sri Ram & Ramkarpal wrong? Anyone, including Daim, have the right to ask CJ or President COA to resign?</a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<h1 class="article-title">High Court dismisses Dr Mahathir’s bid for documents in RM150m defamation suit against Anwar</h1> <div class="social-sharing"> <div class="social-inner"> <div class="social-item"><a class="sharing-icon-email" href="mailto::?subject=High Court dismisses Dr Mahathir’s bid for documents in RM150m defamation suit against Anwar&body=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/10/02/high-court-dismisses-dr-mahathirs-bid-for-documents-in-rm150m-defamation-suit-against-anwar/93961" target="_blank" title="Share Article By Email"><img alt="email" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" height="30" src="https://www.malaymail.com/theme_malaymail/images/emIcon.png" width="30" /></a></div></div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio innity-in-image" data-innity-ad-loaded="true" id="innity-in-image-1696452633002"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/10/02/151385.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/10/02/151385.jpg&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="High Court dismisses Dr Mahathir’s bid for documents in RM150m defamation suit against Anwar" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/10/02/151385.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="266" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/10/02/151385.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" title="High Court dismisses Dr Mahathir’s bid for documents in RM150m defamation suit against Anwar" width="400" /> </picture></div><div id="innity_wrapper_339780_1696452633002" style="display: block; height: 120px; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; margin-top: -120px; max-height: 120px; max-width: 700px; min-height: 80px; overflow: hidden; position: relative; width: 794px; z-index: 10;"><div class="innity-in-image-top-expand-ad" id="innity_adslot_339780_1696452633002" style="bottom: 0px; display: block; height: 100%; margin: 0px; max-width: 700px; min-height: 80px; position: absolute; width: 100%;"><div class="innity-apps-innity-logo-container innity-apps-bottom-left innity-apps-hide"><br /><div class="innity-apps-innity-logo-second-container"><div class="innity-apps-innity-logo"><img src="https://media.innity.net/images/innity_logo_images/ADLogo.svg" style="height: 16px; width: 16px;" /></div></div></div></div></div><div id="innity_adslot_339781_1696452633002" style="background-color: transparent; border-radius: 0px; display: block; height: 450px; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; margin-top: auto; overflow: hidden; position: relative; width: 794px; z-index: 11;"><img src="data:image/png;base64,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" style="cursor: pointer; height: 34px !important; position: absolute; right: 0px; top: 0px; width: 34px !important;" /></div>Mahathir had previously filed a discovery application that would compel
Anwar to show any evidence supporting the latter’s nepotism and
cronyism allegations against the 98-year-old. — Picture by Hari Anggara </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info "> <div class="article-byline">By Kenneth Tee</div> <div class="article-date">Monday, 02 Oct 2023 1:54 PM MYT</div> </div> <div class="main-container-article-body"> <div class="article-body innity-in-post-article-1696452633002" id="innity-in-post-article-1696452633002"> <p>KUALA
LUMPUR, Oct 2 — Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today
failed to get the High Court’s permission to obtain certain documents
that purportedly support his RM150 million defamation lawsuit against
incumbent Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.</p><p>Dr Mahathir had
previously filed a discovery application that would compel Anwar to
show any evidence supporting the latter’s nepotism and cronyism
allegations against the 98-year-old.</p><div data-google-query-id="CM_lmsSi3YEDFRSOZgIdoMMMbA" id="mm-story-outstream"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/MM-1x1-Outstream_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p>Dr
Mahathir wanted Anwar to produce documents on an alleged bailout of
Konsortium Perkapalan Bhd (KPB) by Petronas and Malaysia International
Shipping Corporation (MISC) in 1997.</p><p><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Judicial Commissioner Zaharah
Hussain </span></span></b>ruled today that there are no direct allusions or references to
the documents requested in Anwar’s amended defence filing, contrary to
what was claimed to have happened in the past.</p><p>Lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, representing Dr Mahathir, confirmed with <i>Malay Mail</i> of today’s civil proceeding outcome when contacted this afternoon.</p><div data-google-query-id="CNHlmsSi3YEDFRSOZgIdoMMMbA" id="mm-teads"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p>Rafique
explained that to the court, the alleged event — as raised in Anwar’s
amended statement of defence – was one that happened a long time ago and
there are no direct allusions or references to the documents requested
by Dr Mahathir.</p><p>Rafique said that Zaharah also ruled that Anwar
can and ought to produce the documents to support his defence during the
pre-trial case management stage.</p><p>She also ordered Dr Mahathir to pay RM2,000 in cost to Anwar, the lawyer said.</p><p>The
court in Shah Alam, Selangor has also fixed November 3 for further case
management for parties to inform of any other interlocutory
applications they had or would be filing.</p><p>Dr Mahathir filed the
RM150 million defamation suit against Anwar in May over claims that the
prime minister, during a speech made during the PKR congress in March,
said that “a leader of 22 years and 22 months” had enriched his own
family during their time in office.</p><p>On June 14, Anwar filed his statement of defence, stating he is prepared to prove the allegations’ veracity in court.</p><p>The
10th PM had cited multiple alleged bail-outs of companies linked to Dr
Mahathir’s children, as well as purported cronyism and nepotism during
the plaintiff’s first stint as Malaysia’s fourth prime minister in the
1990s.</p><p>Through his subsequent reply, Dr Mahathir countered that
Anwar is a pathological liar who has never furnished proof of the wealth
allegations.</p><p>Dr Mahathir said Anwar’s alleged defamatory
statements were intended to dent his image among members of the public
as they were viewed and heard by a wide spectrum of people.</p><p>He also wants Anwar to extend an unconditional apology and undertake not to repeat the same or similar statements in the future.</p><p>In
July, Dr Mahathir made a formal application against Anwar to show
documents to support his claims of nepotism and cronyism against the
latter. - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/10/02/high-court-dismisses-dr-mahathirs-bid-for-documents-in-rm150m-defamation-suit-against-anwar/93961" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 2/10/2023</a></p><h1 class="sc-eDPEul jUeWRP pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">Remove executive’s role in judges’ appointment, says Chief Justice</h1><div class="sc-aXZVg jiTbBU"><p>Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat says there must be a meaningful engagement with all stakeholders to move forward.</p>
</div><div class="sc-cwHptR llSLcQ d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="sc-dcJsrY jSPIFe" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/anba/">V Anbalagan</a> - </span><time class="sc-aXZVg eeJhAp fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1673260427000" style="min-height: 15px;">09 Jan 2023, 6:33pm</time></div></div></div><div class="mb-3" style="height: 40px;"><div class=" st-left st-has-labels st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="sharethis-1696450410864"><br /></div></div><div class="sc-cPiKLX hSRCTm pb-3" itemprop="articleBody"><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1312011" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_1312011" style="width: 800px;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-1312011" data-adbro-processed="true" height="250" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CJ-TENGKU-MAIMUN-TUAN-MAT-10012020-09.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-1312011">Tengku
Maimun Tuan Mat says the prevailing public perception of executive
involvement in the appointment of judges must be removed.</figcaption></figure>
<p>PUTRAJAYA: <b><span style="color: red;">The judiciary has proposed that provisions in the Federal
Constitution be amended to remove executive involvement in the
appointment of judges.</span></b></p>
<p>This was revealed by Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat,
who said the suggestion was given by the judiciary to the task force
probing former attorney-general Tommy Thomas’ book, “My Story: Justice
In The Wilderness”.</p><p></p></div><p>One of the suggestions was that improvements should be made to the process of appointing judges.</p>
<p>“We suggested that there should be an amendment to the constitution
to give effect to our proposal,” she told reporters after officiating a
ceremony to open the legal year.</p><div data-google-query-id="CL2PoKGa3YEDFfTVcwEd0V0GXg" id="div-gpt-ad-1661356464065-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/FMT_ROS_1x1_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<p>Tengku Maimun said the judiciary was collectively supportive of the task force’s proposal to the government.</p>
<p>“That is our general stand to improve the judiciary or the Judicial
Appointments Commission (JAC). However, there must be meaningful
engagement with all stakeholders to move forward,” she said.</p>
<p>Article 122B (1) states that judges and all administrative position
holders shall be appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, acting on the
advice of the prime minister, after consultation with the Conference of
Rulers.</p>
<p>However, Section 27 of the Judicial Appointments Commission Act 2009
states that the prime minister may request for two additional names for
consideration with respect to any vacancy to the offices of the Chief
Justice, Court of Appeal President, Chief Judges of Malaya, and Sabah
and Sarawak, and on the panels of the Federal Court and the Court of
Appeal.</p>
<p>Tengku Maimun said any amendment to the 2009 Act would likely first require the Federal Constitution itself to be amended.</p>
<p>“We will not reach the objective of appointing judges
without executive involvement, if the current provision (which requires
executive consultation) remains,” she added.</p>
<p>She said the prevailing public perception of executive involvement in the appointment of judges must also be removed.</p>
<p>Tengku Maimun said she had also called for the new
government to set up an independent judicial academy to cater to the
training needs of superior court judges.</p>
<p>Last year the top judge announced that the government
approved 25 acres of land in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, alongside an
existing magistrates’ court for the academy.</p>
<p>“In principle, the previous government had approved (the
proposal), but when the final decision was communicated to us, they said
judges should go to the judicial and legal service officers’ training
institute due to a costing issue.</p>
<p>“As a matter of principle, judges should not be going there. Judges are not government officers,” Tengku Maimun said.</p>
<p>She said judges in the past never attended any course at the institute located in Bandar Baru Bangi.</p>
<p>“The person who issued the statement lacked understanding of the law and procedure,” she added.</p>
<p><strong>Death threats</strong></p>
<p>Meanwhile, sharing a personal experience in her role as
Chief Justice, Tengku Maimun said she had been on the receiving end of
death threats when presiding over cases involving certain personalities.</p>
<p>“In cases involving certain personalities, the support or
criticism is extreme. People generally know that I myself have received
death threats before.</p>
<p>“Whether those were serious threats or not is another question, but it has reached that level,” she said, according to Bernama.</p>
<p>When it comes to high-profile individuals, she said the
comments directed at the judiciary were not constructive but excessive,
one-sided and politically-motivated.</p>
<p>“I hope the people out there understand the structure of the
country’s legal process before issuing any statements which show their
lack of understanding.”</p>
<p>In August last year, the media quoted police as saying they
had received reports of threats made against Tengku Maimun on social
media and would be taking action against anyone found abusing such
platforms to undermine security.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="space-y-4"><div><figure><span style="background: none; border: 0; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: initial; margin: 0; opacity: 1; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; position: relative; width: initial;"><span style="background: none; border: 0; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: initial; margin: 0; opacity: 1; padding-top: 66.55574043261231%; padding: 0; width: initial;"></span><img alt="People take pictures outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya which houses the Court of Appeal and Federal Court. Photo: AFP
" class="w-full cursor-pointer rounded-md bg-placeholder bg-cover bg-center bg-no-repeat" data-nimg="responsive" height="266" src="https://www.malaysianow.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.malaysianow.com%2Fuploads%2Fimages%2Fmedia%2F2022%2F11%2F30%2F44faae6d-7727-46fb-aa92-c53759b0070a.jpg&w=3840&q=75" style="border: none; bottom: 0; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 0; left: 0; margin: auto; max-height: 100%; max-width: 100%; min-height: 100%; min-width: 100%; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; width: 0;" width="400" /></span><figcaption class="pt-3 font-georgia italic text-gray-500">People take pictures outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya which houses the Court of Appeal and Federal Court. Photo: AFP
</figcaption></figure></div></div><div class="hidden space-y-8 lg:sticky lg:top-40 lg:block lg:h-full lg:w-[300px]"></div><div><div class="prose max-w-full font-georgia text-lg text-black prose-a:text-brand-blue-900 prose-a:transition prose-a:duration-200 hover:prose-a:text-brand-red-900 prose-figure:my-5 prose-figcaption:-mt-3 prose-figcaption:italic prose-img:my-6 prose-img:cursor-pointer prose-img:rounded-md prose-hr:my-8" id="content-wrap"><p>The
<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Conference of Rulers today proposed the removal of the prime minister's
power to appoint five representatives to the nine-member Judicial
Appointments Commission (JAC), the body which proposes candidates to be
made judges in the superior courts.</span></b></p>
<p>This followed a meeting by the rulers chaired by Negeri Sembilan's
Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, held for two days at Istana Negara
beginning yesterday.</p>
<p>In its statement, the conference said the JAC in its present
composition had weaknesses, adding that its membership was critical to
ensure that only those with intergrity are appointed to judicial posts.</p><div>
<div class="mx-auto flex-grow" id="content-inline-ad-1"> Presently, four of the nine JAC members are made up of senior judges,
while the remaining five are appointees of the prime minister.</div></div>
<p>Tuanku Muhriz said a more balanced membership was needed so that appointments would not be biased towards any parties.</p>
<p>"To ensure the independence of JAC in carrying out its
responsibilities, I propose that the appointment of its five members
should not be made by the prime minister. </p>
<p>"Instead it should be given to other institutions such as the
Malaysian Bar Council, the Sabah Law Society, the Sarawak Bar
Association and the Parliamentary Select Committee," he said.</p>
<p>Tuanku Muhriz also called for JAC's structure to be reevaluated
through discussions with the relevant institutions and stakeholders.</p>
<p>"When all this is implemented, I am confident JAC will be able to
carry out its responsibilities more effectively, and choose and appoint
only those individuals who have a noble character, and are transparent
and fair, to become judges in Malaysia."</p>
<p>JAC was set up in 2009 to ensure an unbiased selection of judges for the consideration of the prime minister.</p>
<p>Critics have however questioned the provision allowing the prime
minister to appoint the majority of the commission's members, as well as
his power to remove them, saying it smacks of political patronage in
the judiciary.<a href="https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2022/11/30/malay-rulers-propose-pm-stay-out-of-judges-appointment-body" target="_blank">Malaysia Now, 30/11/2022</a></p><h1 class="sc-eDPEul jUeWRP pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">Abdul Karim, Abu Bakar appointed Federal Court judges, say sources</h1><div class="sc-cwHptR llSLcQ"><p>Five judges promoted to Court of Appeal, 10 judicial commissioners made High Court judges, and six new JCs appointed.</p>
</div><div class="sc-jEACwC diNLrn d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="sc-fqkvVR coKZSR" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/anba/">V Anbalagan</a> - </span><time class="sc-aXZVg eeJhAp fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1686541404000" style="min-height: 15px;">12 Jun 2023, 11:43am</time></div></div></div><div class="mb-3" style="height: 40px;"><div class=" st-left st-has-labels st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="sharethis-1696450986818"><div class="st-total ">
<span class="st-label">558</span>
<span class="st-shares">
Shares
</span>
</div><div class="st-btn st-first" data-network="facebook" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="facebook sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/facebook.svg" />
<span class="st-label">Share</span>
</div><div class="st-btn" data-network="twitter" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="twitter sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/twitter.svg" />
<span class="st-label">Tweet</span>
</div><div class="st-btn" data-network="whatsapp" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="whatsapp sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/whatsapp.svg" />
<span class="st-label">Share</span>
</div><div class="st-btn st-last" data-network="email" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="email sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/email.svg" />
<span class="st-label">Email</span>
</div></div></div><div class="sc-dLMFU fwLGGd pb-3" itemprop="articleBody"><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2467573" class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_2467573" style="width: 800px;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2467573 size-full" data-adbro-processed="true" height="250" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/57ca7ae7-abdul-karim-abdul-jalil-abu-bakar-jais-collage-120623-1.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-2467573">Justices
Abdul Karim Abdul Jalil (left) and Abu Bakar Jais will be receiving
their letter of appointment as Federal Court judges from the Yang
di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara tomorrow.</figcaption></figure>
<p>PETALING JAYA: Court of Appeal judges Abdul Karim Abdul Jalil and Abu
Bakar Jais will be elevated to the Federal Court, filling two of four
vacant slots in the apex court, sources said.</p>
<p>Karim is the second most senior judge, while Abu Bakar is ranked number seven among 26 Court of Appeal judges currently serving.</p></div><p><b style="color: #2b00fe;">Karim was appointed a Judicial Commissioner on Aug 1, 2004 and confirmed as a High Court judge on July 28, 2006.</b></p>
<p>He was promoted to the Court of Appeal on Nov 26, 2018.</p><div data-google-query-id="CN7NvrSc3YEDFYQltwAdPvYMbg" id="div-gpt-ad-1661356464065-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/FMT_ROS_1x1_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<div class="youtube-container"></div>
<p>Meanwhile, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Abu Bakar was appointed Judicial Commissioner on July 8, 2013, and made a High Court judge on March 21, 2016.</span></b></p>
<p>He was elevated to the Court of Appeal on Dec 5, 2019.</p>
<p>There are currently 11 sitting Federal Court judges available to hear
the whole gamut of criminal and civil appeals as well as motions and
other applications.</p>
<p>They include Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, Court of Appeal
president Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, Chief Judge of the High Court of
Malaya Zabidin Diah, and Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Rahman Sebli.</p>
<p>The source also told FMT that five High Court judges –
Justices Azmi Ariffin, Azizul Azmi Adnan, Azahari Kamal Ramli, SM
Komathy and Choo Kah Siang – will be promoted to the Court of Appeal.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, <b><span style="color: red;">10 Judicial Commissioners are set to be confirmed as High Court judges, according to sources.</span></b></p>
<p>The 10 are Nurulhuda Nur’aini Mohamad Nor, Norliza Othman,
Hasbullah Adam, Shamsulbahri Ibrahim, Roslan Mat Nor, Julia Ibrahim,
Arief Emran Arifin, John Lee Kien How @ Mohd Johan Lee, Adlin Abdul
Majid and Abazafree Abbas.</p>
<p>The source also revealed that six new Judicial Commisioners
will be appointed. They are made up of lawyers and those currently
serving in the courts and the Attorney-General’s Chambers.</p>
<p>Under Article 122B of the Federal Constitution, the Yang
di-Pertuan Agong, acting on the advice of the prime minister, appoints
judges after consulting with the Conference of Rulers.</p>
<p>Candidates are proposed to the prime minister by the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC).</p>
<p>The selection criteria include seniority, integrity,
competency, experience, the submission of written judgments on time, and
good writing skills.</p>
<p>All the Federal Court, Court of Appeal and High Court judges
will be at Istana Negara tomorrow to receive their appointment letters
from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.</p>
<p>Karim and Abu Bakar will take their oath of office before
Tengku Maimun, the five Court of Appeal judges before Abang Iskandar and
the 10 High Court judges before Zabidin.- <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/06/12/abdul-karim-abu-bakar-appointed-federal-court-judges-say-sources/" target="_blank">FMT, 12/6/2023</a><br /></p><p> </p></div></div><p> </p> </div> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p>
Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-57864588916705812102023-10-02T01:10:00.007-07:002023-10-02T01:10:52.535-07:00Zahid's DNAA: Rights group calls for live broadcast of PSSC hearing(Malaysiakini)<p> </p><div class="pl-8 pr-8 pt-6 "><div class="text-3xl font-semibold leading-snug text-coolGray-600 mt-2 tracking-normal print:text-lg"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: red;">Zahid's DNAA: Rights group calls for live broadcast of PSSC hearing</span></b></span></div><div class="text-coolGray-500"><div class="text-xs lg:text-sm font-medium opacity-90 flex items-center space-x-2 mt-2"><div><div></div><div class="flex flex-wrap items-center text-xs lg:text-sm opacity-90 font-normal"><div class="whitespace-nowrap"><span>Published: </span> Oct 2, 2023 8:18 AM</div><div class="text-lg leading-none mx-1">⋅</div><div class="whitespace-nowrap"><span>Updated: </span> 8:19 AM</div><div class="whitespace-nowrap" style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="whitespace-nowrap" style="text-align: justify;">Malaysians
Against Death Penalty and Torture (Madpet) has urged for proceedings of
the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Human Rights, Elections
and Institutional Reform (PSSC) to be broadcast live.</div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="pl-8 pb-4 relative flex mt-4 print:pb-0 print:pl-0"><div class="jsx-3464146825 text-opacity-95 font-normal text-xl content text-coolGray-700 font-body tracking-midwide leading-relaxed" id="full-content-container"><div class="px-4 lg:px-0" itemprop="articleBody"><p style="text-align: justify;">This call comes as the PSSC <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/678914">is investigating</a>
the Attorney-General Chamber’s decision to withdraw 47 charges against
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in the Yayasan Akalbudi case.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“MPs
and parliamentary committees must not fear this transparency, and it is
important for the public to hear what transpires, especially what is
said by the persons summoned to testify.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“The public wants to know
and monitor their MPs who are involved, and how their peoples’
representatives conduct themselves in such committee proceedings and
decision making.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“They want to hear it all, not simply the final conclusions,” said Madpet spokesperson Charles Hector in a statement yesterday.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">He cited a <em>Sin Chew</em> report quoting PSSC chairperson William Leong saying the committee’s hearings on Zahid’s (<em>above</em>) case will not be telecast live.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Leong reportedly said this was due to parliamentary Standing Orders which prevented such a practice.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It is unclear which standing order he was referring to in particular.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Past
proposals to make committee meetings public were shot down using
Standing Order 85 of the Dewan Rakyat Meeting Regulations which prevents
members of the committee from publicising documents prior to the
committee’s investigation report being completed.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Standing Order
85 reads: “The evidence taken before any Select Committee and any
documents presented to such Committee shall not be published by any
member of such Committee, or by any other person, before the Committee
has presented its Report to the House.”</p><div class="medium-insert-images" style="text-align: justify;"><figure><img height="240" src="https://i.newscdn.net/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2022/07/e16be8168d8a945d6f146a1a15c896b3.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="">Madpet spokesperson Charles Hector</figcaption></figure></div><p style="text-align: justify;">However, former Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairperson Wong Kah Woh argued in 2022 that the house speaker <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/607174">has the power</a> to suspend Standing Order 85 by referring the same to the House for a decision, pursuant to Standing Order 90(2).</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Standing
Order 90(2) reads: “A question, the object or effect of which may be to
suspend any Standing Orders of the House, shall be proposed only either
after notice given, or with the consent of Tuan Yang di-Pertua who
shall immediately without debate put the question.”</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Hector also
argued that the government could easily amend parliamentary Standing
Orders to allow live telecast of hearings to ensure Parliament and its
various committees are more transparent.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“A mere report alone is
insufficient as it will not comprehensively raise all the points,
questions, and answers made, or even the votes cast.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“We will only
get the majority report – not the minority report. A report also will
be hearsay and an interpretation of what transpired by the drafters of
the report.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“What transpires in select committees are not
‘official secrets’, and since the committee is made up of MPs, elected
by the people, there really is no justification for it being secret,”
Hector said.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>AGs invited to proceedings</strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Leong previously said the PSSC <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/679257">issued “invitations”</a> to the former and current attorneys-general to explain the decision to withdraw all 47 charges against Zahid.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">He did not specify who will be invited but <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/677937">the decision</a> in Zahid’s case was delivered a day before former attorney-general Idrus Harun officially retired.</p><div class="medium-insert-images"><figure><img height="240" src="https://i.newscdn.net/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2023/08/b014aa242adaa12021d04c7ae3d9a7b5.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="">Parliamentary Special Select Committee for Human Rights, Elections, and Institutional Reform chairperson William Leong</figcaption></figure></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The current attorney-general is Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh, who took over the position on Sept 6.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Specifically,
Leong said the duo may assist by giving suggestions related to a
proposal to separate the powers of the attorney-general and public
prosecutor.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Among the cases that will be discussed in this
investigation include Zahid’s, the appeal dismissal against former prime
minister Najib Abdul Razak and former 1MDB CEO Arul Kanda Kandasamy
over alleged tampering with the 1MDB audit report, and the acquittal of
Muhyiddin over four abuse of power charges linked to the Jana Wibawa
programme.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Leong added that the PSSC will also invite electoral
reform coalition Bersih, think-tank Ideas and other groups to attend the
upcoming meeting. - <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/681146" target="_blank">Malaysiakini, 1/10/2023</a></p><p><i><u>See Full Statement</u></i> - <br /></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><a href="http://madpet06.blogspot.com/2023/10/all-parliamentary-select-committee.html">All
Parliamentary Select Committee hearings must be broadcasted live to
restore confidence of the people – Amend Parliamentary Standing Orders
to ensure Transparency and end culture of ‘Secrecy” </a></h3></div></div></div>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-56162928046122602922023-10-02T01:06:00.002-07:002023-10-02T01:06:22.042-07:00All Parliamentary Select Committee hearings must be broadcasted live to restore confidence of the people – Amend Parliamentary Standing Orders to ensure Transparency and end culture of ‘Secrecy” <p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Media Statement – 1/10/2023</span></u></i></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">All Parliamentary Select Committee
hearings must be broadcasted live to restore confidence of the people – Amend Parliamentary
Standing Orders to ensure Transparency and end culture of ‘Secrecy” </span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The Special Select Committee on Human Rights,
Elections and Institutional Reform (JKPK) that will be looking into, amongst
others, Zahid’s prosecution’s discontinuance and DNAA issue must be open to the
public, and its proceedings be broadcasted life to ensure transparency. This is
the stance or MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture).</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Members of Parliament and Parliamentary
Committees must not fear this transparency, and it is important for the public
to hear what transpires, especially what is said by the persons summoned to
testify. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The public want to know and monitor their MPs that
are involved, and how their peoples’ representatives conduct themselves in such
committee proceedings and decision making. They want to hear it all, not simply
the final conclusions.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Independent MPs, no more party-controlled
MPs</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">It is hoped that all MPs behave independently,
more so the government MPs, who hopefully will not ‘loyally’echo the position
of their party leaders. It is sad that many perceive that Malaysian MPs do not
act independently and simply follow orders of the party. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">In that sense, PKR-PH MP Hassan Karim stands
out as being a MP who will speak out, even against his party President and
Prime Minister. Anwar Ibrahim indicated that MPs should do so.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">‘He[PM Anwar Ibrahim] said this in an interview
aired on CNN, where journalist Christiane Amanpour questioned the criticism
hurled by PKR MP Hassan Abdul Karim, who claimed that Anwar had ditched his
decades-long fight against corruption. “Look at it positively, a member of my
own party criticising me, it’s a very democratic process.‘(Malaysiakini,
23/9/2023)</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">But the question is how many MPs are brave
enough to act independently, and stand up for what is right and just even if it
goes against their party leader or Prime Minister? </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Sadly, the party WHIP system is still there, and
it generally decides how party MPs are supposed to vote, and maybe even say
during Parliamentary Debates? Will the same thing happen in Parliamentary
Select Committees – this makes it more important for the proceedings to be
TRANSPARENT, and even broadcasted live, something than will ensure true
parliamentary democracy and protect the reputation of MPs involved.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Zahid’s Discontinuance of Criminal
Trial ‘Scandal’</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Public outburst followed the prosecution’s decision
to discontinue the criminal trial of Zahid Hamidi’s case during defence stage,
after the prosecution had already successfully proved all the elements of all
47 charges to the satisfaction of the High Court Judge, who then called the
accused to enter his defence, The Judge then rightly ordered a Discharge Not
Amounting an Acquittal (DNAA). This means that at some future date, the
prosecution can still re-charge Zahid Hamidi and the case will continue from
where it ended. The prosecution may also decide to never charge Zahid Hamidi
with the same 47 charges. This is just.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The Zahid Hamidi’s prosecution discontinuance
of the criminal case that ended with a DNAA issue is now before Parliament, and
has been referred to the SPECIAL Select Committee on Human Rights, Elections
and Institutional Reform (JKPK), who confirmed that the proceed despite the
fact that the matter was already discussed in Parliament.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The government must consider laws allowing the
public to go for judicial review of the Attorney General/Public Prosecutor’s
decision to charge or not charge, and also to discontinue proceedings as
happened in Zahid Hamidi’s case. This is needed to ensure no abuse of power by
the Public Prosecutor.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Select Committee on Human Rights,
Elections and Institutional Reform (JKPK) continues</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">He [the Parliamentary Select Committee Chairman
William Leong said the proceedings would go on despite Prime Minister Anwar
Ibrahim having explained in Dewan Rakyat the decision to grant Ahmad Zahid
Hamidi a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA).(Malaysian Insight,
24/9/2023).</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">It has been reported that the Committee will be
calling the current and immediate past Attorney General/Public Prosecutor.
Noting that the Public Prosecutor does not actively participate as public
prosecutor in most criminal trials, whereby this is done by Deputy Public
Prosecutors. As such, the Select Committee must also call Raja Rozela Raja
Toran, the lead deputy public prosecutor (DPP), who mysteriously stopped in
August, and other DPPS in the prosecution team in Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s
corruption trial who successfully managed to prove a prima facie case to the
satisfaction of the trial judge, who then called Zahid to enter his defence.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The Zahid’s case issue before the Select
Committee is a matter of great public interest with implication of possible
government ‘interference’ or Public Prosecutor wrongdoing, and as such speed is
of essence. It has been about 20 days since the matter has been referred to the
Select Committee, and the Committee is yet to meet, start proceedings or even
set dates.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US">All Parliamentary Committee
Meeting Must Be Open to the Public – Amend Standing Orders</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">On 12/9/2023, the Select Committee Chairman
William Leong said that hearing of the select committee hearing will not be
telecast live for public viewing because under the current Parliamentary
Standing Orders, live telecast of hearings is not allowed. (MySinChew, 12/9/2023).</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Anwar Ibrahim claims that the unity government
party Members of Parliament make up nearly two-third majority in Parliament,
and this means that the <b>government can
easily amend the Parliamentary Standing Orders to allow live telecast</b> of
hearing to ensure a more transparent Parliament and its various committees.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">In the media report, William Leong talked about
only live telecast is prohibited, that means the <b>minutes of the Select Committee, like the Hansard</b> for Parliamentary
Sessions, can be prepared and published on the Parliament website.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">A mere report alone is insufficient as it will
not comprehensively raise all the points, questions and answers made, or even
the votes cast. We will only get the majority report – not the minority report.
A report also will be HEARSAY and an interpretation of what transpired by the
drafters of the report. What transpires in Select Committees are not ‘official
secrets’, and since the Committee is made up of MPs, elected by the people,
there really is no justification for it being secret. Courts are open to the
public, so why should Parliamentary Committees proceedings be kept secret.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US">Charles Hector</span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US">For and on behalf of MADPET</span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><i> See earlier relevant posts:-</i></span></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://charleshector.blogspot.com/2023/08/if-dpp-raja-rozela-raja-toran-continues.html">If
DPP Raja Rozela Raja Toran continues to prosecute, Zahid Hamidi will
likely be convicted and sentenced? Come back and prosecute to the end..</a></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><a href="http://charleshector.blogspot.com/2022/09/zahid-hamidis-acquittal-by-high-court.html">Zahid
Hamidi’s Acquittal by High Court Must be Appealed to the Court of
Appeal, and Prosecution Failures Must be Investigated - Reforms Needed
to Ensure Independence of Deputy Public Prosecutors</a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><a href="http://charleshector.blogspot.com/2021/08/power-of-pmgovernment-to-influence.html">Power
of PM(Government) to influence police, prosecutors and Judges? Why ask
PM to intervene in cases, when he has no such power? </a></h3></blockquote></div><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2021/09/29-bribery-charges-mid-trial.html">29
Bribery Charges - mid-trial discontinuance and acquittal - Time to
Abolish ACQUITAL safe for after trial/close of prosecution case?</a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2000/03/separation-of-judicial-legal-services.html">Separation of Judicial & Legal Services Resolution (25/3/2000)</a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://charleshector.blogspot.com/2016/03/use-of-draconian-sedition-act-against.html">Use of draconian Sedition Act against movers of Bar Motion after Resolution adopted is wrong? </a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://charleshector.blogspot.com/2016/03/malaysian-bar-calls-on-mohamed-apandi.html">Malaysian Bar calls on Mohamed Apandi Ali to immediately resign as Attorney General, for the good of Malaysia..<span style="font-size: small;"> - <br /></span></a></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Special select committee to summon former, current AG </span></span></p><div class="row"><div class="small-12 columns">
<hr />
<p class="meta">
<span class="byline-meta">
<span class="byline-time">
Updated 1 week ago ·
Published on 24 Sep 2023 4:50PM ·</span></span></p></div></div><div id="sharing"><div class="row share">
</div>
</div>
<div class="story-cover">
<div style="text-align: justify;"><figure class="cover">
<img alt="" height="267" src="https://turbo.themalaysianinsight.com/resources/stories_images/159738/william_leong_20190607_hasnoor_004___full.jpg" width="400" />
<figcaption style="text-align: left;"><i>Special Select Committee on
Human Rights, Elections and Institutional Reform chairman William Leong
says the current attorney general and his predecessor will still be
summoned to explain the granting of a discharge not amounting to an
acquittal to Ahmad Zahid Hamidi despite the prime minister having done
so already in Dewan Rakyat. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, September
24, 2023. </i></figcaption>
</figure></div>
</div>
<div class="news-ads">
<div id="article-primary-leaderboard">
<div id="google_ads_iframe_/1582411174/up_lb_section_0__container__" style="border: 0pt; height: 0px; width: 728px;"></div></div>
</div>
<p class="8360_2001:e68:5407:1acd:7191:e7c0:7a2e:e885" style="text-align: justify;">SPECIAL
Select Committee on Human Rights, Elections and Institutional Reform
(JKPK) chairman William Leong said the current attorney general and his
predecessor will still be summoned to its proceedings next month. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He said the proceedings would go on despite Prime Minister Anwar
Ibrahim having explained in Dewan Rakyat the decision to grant Ahmad
Zahid Hamidi a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Leong added that the committee’s main purpose was to study the
proposal to separate the duties of the public prosecutor and the
attorney general. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“The problem of public perception is that there is interference in
the public prosecutor’s duties, starting from the attorney general
performing his duties as a legal adviser to the government and also as a
public prosecutor,” he told Malay-language daily Berita Harian. </p><div class="news-ads m-reg" style="text-align: justify;"><div id="article-mreg"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1582411174/stories_mrec_0__container__" style="border: 0pt; height: 0px; width: 300px;"></div></div></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He was asked whether current and former Attorneys General Ahmad
Terrirudin Mohd Salleh and Idrus Harun would still be invited to explain
the decision to discharge Zahid from 47 charges related to the Akalbudi
Foundation, even after Anwar explained it in Dewan Rakyat last Tuesday.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The prime minister had said there was a precedent regarding the DNAA order.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Anwar also welcomed anyone to come forward and provide evidence regarding his alleged interference in the case.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Last week, Leong said JKPK would call up Ahmad Terrirudin and Idrus to explain the issue.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Previously, he informed Berita Harian that the committee was studying
a proposal to separate the role of the public prosecutor from the
attorney general’s office, in addition to examining issues related to
the DNAA decision. – <a href="https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/index.php/s/463636" target="_blank">September 24, 2023, Malaysian Insight</a> <br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-86367473466276263502023-09-28T09:27:00.006-07:002023-09-28T09:27:31.608-07:00No Lese Majeste For Malaysia – Everyone Is Equal Under The Law, Abolish Sedition Act And Restore Freedom Of Expression(MADPET)<div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-MY</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="375">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:107%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Media Statement – 29/9/2023</span></u></i><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></u></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">No Lese Majeste For Malaysia – Everyone
Is Equal Under The Law, Abolish Sedition Act And Restore Freedom Of Expression</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Government Must Impose
Moratorium pending abolition of the Sedition Act</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">There is growing concern when Prime Minister
Anwar Ibrahim and his PH-BN Plus government seem to be moving towards something
like ‘lese majeste’ in Malaysia that will criminalize actions and speech about
the royalty. In June 2023, Malaysia’s government <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">warned it would take “appropriate action” against any insults or
threats towards the nation’s royal institution</b>. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The draconian Sedition Act 1948 (a law enacted
by the British colonial government) have continued to be used. In 3 years,
2020-2022, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">255 persons were investigated</b>
under the act, but <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">only 4 were charged</b>.
(Star, 21/3/2023). In 2023, the Act is still being used.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">On 25/9/2023, Wan Ji, 41, finding of guilt of
making seditious remarks against the sultan of Selangor was confirmed by the
Court of Appeal who sentenced him to 9 months imprisonment. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">In July 2023, the now Kedah Chief Minister was
charged under Sedition Act for 2 offences in 2 different courts, one with regard
to comments concerning the Selangor Sultan, and another concerning a statement
about the Unity Government of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">In March 2019, the police also investigated organizers/participants
of the Women's March in Kuala Lumpur under the Sedition Act 1948. This year, some
participants were investigated for offences under the draconian Peaceful
Assembly Act 2012 and another law.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Malaysians expected the repeal of the draconian
Sedition Act when Anwar Ibrahim’s Pakatan Harapan(PH) wins the election but this
did not happen after about 11 months in power. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">No need to Review, just
totally Repeal</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and
Torture) reiterates the call for the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>TOTAL
abolition of the Sedition Act 1948</u></b>, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Cannot Agree with the Malaysian Cabinet’s position to keep it, and
use it only to protect the King, Sultans and the Rulers of the States</u></b>. “The
Cabinet has agreed in principle for the Sedition Act 1948 (Act 15) to be
reviewed to ensure this law is used only to protect the institution of Rulers
from any provocation,” she [</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department
(Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Minister] <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">said in a statement today. (Malay
Mail, 25/7/2023).</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">On October 16, 2014, the Malaysian Bar held the
“Walk for Peace and Freedom”, participated by about 1,500 lawyers to condemn
the use of the Sedition Act 1948 and calling for its immediate repeal. In June
2020, SUHAKAM (Malaysian Human Rights Commission) called the Government to repeal
Sedition Act 1948. without further delay. Many groups and persons have called
for repeal. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sedition Act
criminalizes seditious tendency – intention irrelevant, truth is no defence, and
freedom of expression sidelined</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The Sedition Act makes <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">it an offence of doing or saying things that ‘have a seditious tendency’</b>
– that has a tendency <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">‘to bring into
hatred or contempt or to excite disaffection against…’.</b> Hence, it does not
matter if what was said was even the truth or a justified opinion, for all that
matters is whether it had a seditious tendency or not. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Whether the maker of the statement had the
intention of doing this act that caused a seditious tendency is irrelevant.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span>Section 3<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">(3)
of the Act states that ‘For the purpose of proving the commission of any
offence against this Act the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">intention
of the person charged at the time… shall be deemed to be irrelevant</b> if in
fact the act had, or would, if done, have had, or the words, publication or
thing had a seditious tendency.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">In <u>P.P. v. Mark Koding [1983] 1 MLJ 111</u>,
the court held that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">even an innocent or
noble intention will not provide a defence.</b> “It is immaterial whether the
accused's intention or motive was honourable or evil when making the speech” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Even if the Sedition Act is repealed, Malaysia
has other laws that could be used including the Penal Code offence of criminal
defamation that could be used against anyone that committed crimes against the
royalty. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Equality – No One Is
Above The Law – the King says</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Our Federal Constitution in Article 8(1) states
‘All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of
the law. That means everyone is equal, including the King, Sultan and Rulers of
State. Article 10(1)(a) states that every citizen has the right to freedom of
speech and expression, and under the ‘restrictions as it deems necessary or
expedient’ with regard this freedom, there is no mention about the royal
institution or the rulers.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The King, Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan
Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al Mustafa Billah Shah, recently reaffirmed the principle
of equality of all persons, and that the law must not give special treatment or
exception to anyone. He said that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the
law has only one language, one principle, one punishment and one application to
anyone</b>. (Sinar Harian, 5/9/2022). The King, in his wisdom, did not demand
any special treatment for the royalty or the royal institution.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A Constitutional
Parliamentary Democracy Not A Feudal State</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Malaysia is a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">constitutional parliamentary democracy</b>, not a feudal state. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The King and the Rulers no longer have absolute
power generally. All is done by the King or Rulers, is on the advice of the
Prime Minister or Chief Minister, whereby the King has no choice but to follow
the advice of the party as provided in the Constitution, be it the Federal or
State constitution. Even for the appointment of the Prime Minister, the King
can only appoint the person who has the confidence of the majority of the
Members of Parliament, not as he pleases.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">As such, it is ignorant or wrong to personally
blame the King or any Ruler, for the people he appoints including Judges,
SUHAKAM Commissioners, Attorney General and members of the Cabinet. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Today. It must be acknowledged that the King did
in the past appoint wrong people on the bad advice or indication of others, as
we have the former Prime Minister Najib Razak and even the current Prime
Minister who have been tried and found guilty of crimes by the courts.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Cabinet member Anwar
was silent when Constitution amended removing ‘legal immunity’ of royalty</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">It must also be noted that the Constitution
(Amendment) Act 1993 introduced Part XV Proceedings Against The Yang Di-Pertuan
Agong And The Rulers, whereby Article 182(3) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>states that, ‘The Special Court shall have
exclusive jurisdiction to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>try all
offences committed in the Federation by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the Ruler
of a State</u></b> and all civil cases by or against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong
or the Ruler of a State notwithstanding where the cause of action arose.’
Article 33A(1) states that ‘Where the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Yang
di-Pertuan Agong is charged</b> with an offence under any law in the Special
Court established under Part XV he shall <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">cease
to exercise the functions of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong</b>.’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">This Constitutional Amendment that made clear
that there was no immunity for royalty and/or Rulers was made when Anwar
Ibrahim was then a Cabinet Minister <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of
the then Barisan Nasional government. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Royalty’s <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>definition and involvement in wrongdoing</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A problem in Malaysia is the definition of royalty, and the preferential
treatment accorded by State, public officers and some to royalty primarily
because of a prevalent ‘feudal mentality’. Would that affect tenders,
contracts, logging permits and mining licences when royalty is involved in the
business or application? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even, when it
comes to enforcement of the law, there seem to be disinclination when royalty
is involved, and this is seen by the number of cases filed in the Special
Court.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Should not the people have the freedom to highlight wrongdoings of the
royalty, or the companies/businesses they are involved in? If the King appoints
a Prime Minister who does not(or no longer) enjoyed the confidence of the
majority, will it be an offence under Sedition Act to highlight this failing of
the King or Royal Institution? If the Royal Institution or the Rulers does or
says something that is unacceptable or wrong, can not concerned Malaysians
highlight this?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The royalty have been involved in companies involved in logging
(including illegal logging), mining, and other matters, are there have been
allegation of wrongdoing highlighted.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Some of media reports indicate possible crimes by royalty or even royal
institution :- Tiger habitat threatened by Malaysian royals’ mining plans (Mongbay,7/7/2021);</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Malaysia’s Johor royals linked
to forests felled for oil palm plantations without full approval (SCMP,24/7/2022);</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Shocking expose of
politicians, royalty in multi-billion medicine monopoly (13/6/2018 FMT); and Company
linked to royalty in Lynas' waste disposal site project (Malaysiakini,24/2/2021).
</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Malaysia is still reeling from the IMDB, SRC and other scandals where
the Executive arm of government is implicated as perpetrators for crimes (like
corruption, money laundering, abuse of power, etc); or for the failure of
enforcement and administration of justice. Then Prime Minister Najib Razak, current/former
Prime Ministers, then/now members of the Cabinet are or have been implicated in
wrongdoings against the law.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Hence, to maintain Sedition Act for the protection of royalty, or even
royal institutions cannot be justified. Are we to be forbidden by law to be a
good citizen in a democracy to highlight wrongs or suspected wrongs, or to publicly
disagree with a statement/action of the royalty or royal institution?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Therefore, MADPET reiterates the call
on the Malaysian government to immediately repeal the draconian Sedition Act
1948, and no longer come up with excuses for delaying the repeal.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">MADPET also call on the Malaysian
government to immediately impose a MORATORIUM on the use of the Sedition Act,
so that no one will ever be again investigated, arrested, detained for
investigation or charged for any offences under the Sedition Act. Malaysia, in
2018 imposed a moratorium on execution and Malaysia did not hang anyone after
that. </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">MADPET also reiterates the call for
the immediate repeal of bad laws, and/or draconian provisions in law.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Charles Hector</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For and on behalf of MADPET(Malaysians Against
Death Penalty and Torture)</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">PM Anwar says sedition charges against Malaysian Opposition politicians to protect royal institution, not flexing his power </span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> </b></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><img height="270" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/09/23/149103.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" width="400" /> </b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says the unity government is not abusing the law to charge federal Opposition leaders but to protect Malaysia’s royal institution. ― Bernama pic <br />Follow us on <a href="https://instagram.com/themalaymail">Instagram</a>, subscribe to our <a href="https://t.me/themalaymail">Telegram</a> channel and browser alerts for the latest news you need to know. <br /><br />By Shathana Kasinathan <br />Saturday, 23 Sep 2023 11:23 AM MYT <br /><br />KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 — <b><span style="color: red;">The unity government is not abusing the law to charge federal Opposition leaders but to protect Malaysia’s royal institution,</span></b> Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said in an interview with international news broadcaster CNN.<br /><br />Currently in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, Anwar was responding to the perception his administration is using the colonial-era law that his Pakatan Harapan coalition had demanded to be reformed to quell critics now that he is in power.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">"When you attack the Rulers, the Sultans, we have a law. Unless we are able to make some amendments to the law, then we can consider whether to charge or not. I think there is a need to protect the institution. That's what the people have decided from independence. That's the system we inherited.<br /><br />“There's a law until we are able to amend that law, and the law persists,” he told CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour in an interview yesterday.<br /><br />They were alluding to the use of the Sedition Act against PAS politician Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor who was accused of making remarks that insulted the Selangor sultan in the appointment of Anwar’s party colleague Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari as the state menteri besar.<br /><br />Sanusi, who is also Kedah menteri besar, was charged in July with two counts of sedition ahead of key elections in six states on August 12 that maintained the status quo.<br /><br />Following criticism against the Anwar administration after the charging, the Selangor Royal Office released a statement categorising Sanusi's comments as an affront to the integrity of the state royal institution.<br /><br />During the CNN interview, Amanpour noted that PKR’s Pasir Gudang lawmaker Hassan Abdul Karim had previously commented about Anwar’s focus after becoming prime minister.<br /><br />She asked Anwar to comment on Hassan’s view that Malaysia’s 10th PM appeared to be occupied with preserving his government's power rather than advancing the promised reform agenda.<br /><br />“Look at it positively, as a member of my party expressing criticisms against me, that is a very democratic process.<br /><br />“You see, any criticism against the prime minister or the government, I don't charge for sedition. I have been abused on a daily basis, but none has been charged,” he replied. - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/09/23/pm-anwar-says-sedition-charges-against-malaysian-opposition-politicians-to-protect-royal-institution-not-flexing-his-power/92444" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 23/9/2023</a></span><br /></div> <div><b><br /></b> <h1 class="article-title">Azalina: Cabinet agrees to restrict Sedition Act to only royalty issues</h1><div class="social-sharing"><div class="social-inner"><div class="social-item"><a class="sharing-icon-facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.malaymail.com/article/2832104" target="_blank" title="Share Article on Facebook"><img alt="facebook" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" height="30" src="https://www.malaymail.com/theme_malaymail/images/fbIcon.png" width="30" /></a></div> </div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio innity-in-image" data-innity-ad-loaded="true" id="innity-in-image-1695816555381"> </div><div class="layout-ratio innity-in-image" data-innity-ad-loaded="true" id="innity-in-image-1695816555381"> </div><div class="layout-ratio innity-in-image" data-innity-ad-loaded="true" id="innity-in-image-1695816555381">P<picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/07/25/132571.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/07/25/132571.jpg&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="Azalina: Cabinet agrees to restrict Sedition Act to only royalty issues" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-adbro-processed="true" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/07/25/132571.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="266" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/07/25/132571.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" title="Azalina: Cabinet agrees to restrict Sedition Act to only royalty issues" width="400" /></picture>rime
Minister’s Department (Legal and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri
Azalina Othman Said said she had presented today the outcome of a recent
dialogue on the 3R issues — religion, race and royalty — to the
Cabinet. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin</div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info"> <div class="article-byline">By Ida Lim</div> <div class="article-date">Tuesday, 25 Jul 2023 5:47 PM MYT</div> </div> <div class="main-container-article-body"> <div class="article-body innity-in-post-article-1695816555381" id="innity-in-post-article-1695816555381" style="text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: justify;">KUALA
LUMPUR, July 25 — The Cabinet has agreed that changes should be made to
limit the Sedition Act 1948’s use to only matters involving the
royalty, minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said today.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Azalina,
who is minister in charge of law and institutional reform, said she had
presented today the outcome of a recent dialogue on the “3R” issues —
religion, race and royalty — to the Cabinet.</p><div data-google-query-id="COjEu_rgyoEDFaCUZgIdePECKg" id="mm-story-outstream" style="text-align: justify;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/MM-1x1-Outstream_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">“The
Cabinet has agreed in principle for the Sedition Act 1948 (Act 15) to
be reviewed to ensure this law is used only to protect the institution
of Rulers from any provocation,” she said in a statement today.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Other
aspects regarding provocation involving religion and race will be
scrutinised, including enacting new laws if necessary regarding national
harmony and unity by taking into account the institution of the Rulers
as the head of the religion of Islam, and international best practices
and principles.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“The
Prime Minister’s Department’s Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) will take
the appropriate steps to review the Sedition Act 1948 (Act 15) in detail
and ensure that proposed amendments that will be proposed are truly
intended to protect the institution of Rulers holistically,” she
concluded.</p><div data-google-query-id="COrEu_rgyoEDFaCUZgIdePECKg" id="mm-teads" style="text-align: justify;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The
“3R” legal dialogue that Azalina was referring to was held on July 21
at the Asian International Arbitration Centre, and which was attended by
over 50 representatives from the government — including the National
Unity Ministry, the Home Ministry, the police, the Malaysian
Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) — and non-governmental
organisations such as legal professional bodies, civil society
organisations, academics and religious organisations.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Previously
on July 21, Azalina had said the government intended to review the
relevance of several laws — including the Sedition Act 1948 — that can
be used to deal with “3R” issues to ensure that they keep up with
current developments, as some of these laws were enacted seven decades
ago.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Azalina had also noted that enforcement agencies are facing
challenges in terms of investigation and prosecution, in light of the
rapid spread of information through advanced technology, fake or hacked
online accounts, anonymity and artificial intelligence.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Azalina
said participants of the 3R legal dialogue and focus group discussion on
July 21 were asked to discuss three main options, including whether
Malaysia needs to abolish existing laws such as the Sedition Act and to
replace it with new laws containing offences that are more specific and
whether new laws that are criminal or quasi criminal/civil should be
introduced.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The two other options that the participants were asked
to discuss was whether Malaysia should amend existing laws to ensure
that the issue of 3R provocations can be handled holistically, and
whether Malaysia should maintain status quo where no changes to the
country’s laws are required and where efforts to tackle 3R provocations
could instead be continued through different approaches.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Azalina
had at that time said the government would continue to involve
stakeholders in considering a holistic policy and legal direction as a
guide for the government in tackling 3R issues while also encouraging
tolerance, harmony and unity. She had said the July 21 3R legal
dialogue’s outcome would be presented to the Cabinet.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">At that
time, Azalina said the unity government supported the right to freedom
of expression as guaranteed to Malaysians under the Federal Constitution
and in line with the Universal Declaration Of Human Rights, while also
taking into account that such freedom should be used responsibly. - Malay Mail, 25/7/2023<br /><br /> <br /> <b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Home Minister: 255 investigated for sedition from 2020 to 2022, only four charged </span></span></b><br /> <br /> <br /> By <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/authors?q=MARTIN+CARVALHO">MARTIN CARVALHO</a>, <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/authors?q=TARRENCE+TAN">TARRENCE TAN</a> and <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/authors?q=GERARD+GIMINO">GERARD GIMINO</a> <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/">Nation </a> <br /> <br /><br /> Tuesday, 21 Mar 2023 9:10 AM MYT <br /> <br /> <img height="266" src="https://apicms.thestar.com.my/uploads/images/2023/03/21/1988008.JPG" width="400" /> <br /> <br /><br />KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 255 suspects were investigated under the Sedition Act over a three-year period, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. <br /><br />The Home Minister said the investigations by the police were conducted between 2020 and 2022 with only four cases charged in court. <br /><br />"In 2020, a total of 117 investigations papers were opened which led to the arrest of two men. <br /><br />"However, no cases were prosecuted in court," he said in a written reply to a question raised by Datuk Ngeh Koon Ham (PH-Beruas) in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (March 21). <br /><br />Ngeh wanted to know the number of individuals investigated, detained and charged under the Sedition Act between 2020 and 2022. <br /><br />He also wanted to know the gender, race and age of those investigated, detained and charged. <br /><br />In 2021, Saifuddin said that a total of 84 investigations were conducted in with 36 arrests involving 29 male and seven female suspects, with their ages ranging from their 20s to their 60s.<br />He said that of those detained, 27 were Malays, five Chinese, three Indians and one of other race. <br /><br />"Only two cases, involving two Malay male suspects in their 30s, were charged," he added. <br /><br />Saifuddin said that a total of 54 investigations were carried out resulting in 24 arrests in 2022. <br /><br />He said all suspects were males between 20 to 70 years old, of which 12 were Malays, five Chinese, two Indians and five of other races. <br /><br />He added that only two Malay male suspects, in their 20s and 30s, were charged in court.-<a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/21/home-minister-255-investigated-for-sedition-from-2020-to-2022-only-four-charged" target="_blank"> Star, 21/3/2023</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Laksana prinsip keadilan tanpa pilih kasih: Agong</span></span></b><br />oleh NIK AMIRULMUMIN NIK MIN 05 September 2022 01:20pm<br /><img height="268" src="https://www.sinarharian.com.my/uploads/images/2022/09/05/1899693.jpg" width="400" /><br />Al-Sultan Abdullah menyempurnakan Perasmian Kompleks Mahkamah Syariah Negeri Pahang yang dimasyhur dengan nama Kompleks Syariah Al-Sultan Abdullah di sini pada Isnin.<br /><br />KUANTAN - <b><span style="color: red;">Tiada sebarang keistimewaan atau pengecuali kepada pihak yang melakukan kesalahan dalam melaksanakan keadilan.</span></b><br /><br />Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al Mustafa Billah Shah bertitah, ketegasan prinsip keadilan Islam juga tidak membenarkan sebarang ketidakadilan kepada sesiapa pun termasuk pihak yang tidak disenangi.<br /><br /><br /><br />Titah Seri Paduka Baginda, undang-undang hanya memiliki satu bahasa; satu prinsip; satu hukuman dan satu aplikasi kepada sesiapa pun.<br /><br />"Keadilan yang diamalkan tanpa memilih kasih berjaya mengangkat martabat Islam pada zaman Rasulullah.<br /><br /><br />"Prinsip keadilan yang telus dan terbuka turut berjaya membangunkan masyarakat yang adil, saksama, makmur dan sejahtera,"titahnya.<br /><br />Seri Paduka Baginda bertitah demikian dalam titah diraja sempena Majlis Perasmian Kompleks Mahkamah Syariah Kuantan yang dimasyhur dengan nama Kompleks Syariah Al-Sultan Abdullah di sini pada Isnin.<br /><br /><br />Turut berangkat, Raja Permaisuri Agong,Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah dan Pemangku Raja Pahang,Tengku Mahkota Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al Mustafa Billah Shah.<br /><br />Hadir sama, Menteri Besar Pahang, Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail dan Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Hal Ehwal Agama), Datuk Idris Ahmad. -<a href="https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/219896/berita/nasional/laksana-prinsip-keadilan-tanpa-pilih-kasih-agong" target="_blank"> Sinar Harian, 5/9/2022</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><div class="moat-trackable pb-f-theme-normal pb-f-dehydrate-false pb-f-async-false full pb-feature pb-layout-item pb-f-article-article-topper" data-chain-name="no-name" data-feature-id="article/article-topper" data-feature-name="no-name" data-pb-fingerprint="0foNz3EoPqj" id="fUhYPo1UFXFGLs"> <div class="border-bottom-none border-bottom-100-pct"> <div class="article-topper" id="article-topper"> <div id="topper-headline-wrapper"> <div class="topper-headline"> <h1 data-pb-field="custom.topperDisplayName" itemprop="headline">MALAYSIA'S MONARCHS OF MAYHEM</h1> </div> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="pb-container"> </div> <div class="moat-trackable pb-f-theme-normal pb-f-dehydrate-false pb-f-async-false full pb-feature pb-layout-item pb-f-article-article-deck" data-chain-name="no-name" data-feature-id="article/article-deck" data-feature-name="no-name" data-pb-fingerprint="0fmvBuOhMqe" id="f06qdPBVFXFGLs"> </div> <div class="author-sig-line-wrapper"> <div class="author-sig-line"> <div class="author-byline"> <div class="author-wrapper" data-authorname="William Branigin"> <div class="author-info"> <span class="by-lbl">By </span> <a class="author-name" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/william-branigin/"> William Branigin</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <span class="author-timestamp" content="1992-12-29T12:00-500" itemprop="datePublished">December 29, 1992</span> </div> <p>SINGAPORE
-- Britain's royal family may be having a rough time these days, but at
least none of its members has been accused of clubbing a golf caddy to
death, fatally shooting a man from a helicopter or beating up a
field-hockey coach.</p> <p>These and other alleged offenses by the
sultan of Johor, one of Malaysia's nine hereditary rulers, are being
discussed publicly for the first time in the former British colony amid
an unprecedented spate of royal-bashing that has accompanied the easing
of a taboo against criticizing the sultans.</p> <p>Fed up with a history
of abusive, sometimes violent, behavior by some of the constitutional
rulers, the Malaysian Parliament is considering a government proposal to
strip the nine sultans of their immunity from prosecution.</p> <p>With
members of Parliament now airing charges of royal misbehavior openly,
the normally docile Malaysian press has been having a field day
recounting lurid tales that would have been punishable under the
country's Sedition Act only a few weeks ago. The act, which prohibits
any questioning of Malaysia's form of government, remains in force, but
now is being largely ignored with regard to the sultans.</p><p>Under
the Southeast Asian country's unique rotating monarchy, the sultans,
who serve as titular rulers of nine of Malaysia's 13 states, hold
elections among themselves every five years to choose one of their
number as king. The controversial sultan of Johor, Mahmood Iskandar ibni
Al-Marhum Sultan Ismail, 60, was king of Malaysia from 1984 to 1989 and
now again rules his state of Johor on the southern tip of peninsular
Malaysia across from Singapore.</p> <p>Trouble for the royals began
brewing in July when one of the sultan's younger sons, Tunku Abdul Majid
Idris, 22, allegedly beat up the opposing goalkeeper after a
field-hockey match that his team lost. The Malaysian Hockey Federation
suspended the prince from playing in tournaments for five years.</p> <p>In
response, the sultan orchestrated the abrupt pullout of a Johor school
hockey team from a national tournament in November, a move sharply
criticized by the team's coach, Douglas Gomez. The hot-tempered sultan
summoned Gomez to his palace Nov. 30 and thrashed him in the presence of
royal bodyguards, Gomez reportedly told police. Police are
investigating the incident.</p><p>Earlier
this month the Malaysian Parliament publicly accused the sultan of
beating the coach and unanimously passed a censure motion, the first
time such an action had been taken against one of the hereditary rulers.
Then on Dec. 15 Idris, who is not covered by the royal immunity, was
charged in court with assaulting the goalkeeper. He faces up to a year
in jail and a fine if convicted.</p> <p>"If such incidents are repeated,
it will affect the public's opinion of royalty like is happening in the
United Kingdom," Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad told reporters.</p> <p>After
the censure motion, Mahathir, who has clashed with the sultans
previously during his 11-year tenure, called for constitutional changes
to remove the rulers' immunity from legal proceedings. A debate on the
matter is scheduled for January. A potential obstacle is that under the
constitution, any changes to the sultans' privileges must be approved by
their "Council of Rulers," essentially giving the sultans a veto power.</p><p>Deputy
Prime Minister Abdul Ghafar Baba warned that while no one is yet
calling for abolition of the monarchy, its fate lies in the sultans'
hands. "A fair king is respected," he said, "a cruel king dethroned."</p> <p>He
said that although the constitution gives the sultans certain rights,
"it does not allow them to assault, kill or hurt any citizen."</p> <p>Another
member of Parliament, Shahidan Kassim, charged during the session that
the sultan and his eldest son, Tengku Mahkota, were implicated in 23
criminal incidents since 1972 ranging from rape to assault and homicide.</p> <p>Among
the examples aired in Parliament was Mahmood Iskandar's conviction for
manslaughter in 1977 on charges of shooting a man in a boat from a
helicopter, ostensibly to prevent a smuggling attempt. He was sentenced
to six months in prison, but his father, who was then Johor's sultan,
pardoned him. He succeeded his father as sultan in 1981.</p><p>In
another case, members of Parliament asserted, Mahmood Iskandar, while
serving as king in 1987, bludgeoned a caddy to death with a golf club,
reportedly for sniggering over a bad shot. The incident had long been
rumored, but never previously publicized, and no action against the king
was ever taken.</p> <p>Neither Mahmood Iskandar nor his sons have
commented on any of the allegations, which were published in the
Malaysian press as a result of having been raised in Parliament.</p> <p>Another
ruler, Sultan Ismail Petra of Kelantan, stirred controversy earlier
this year when he refused to pay the required duty on a Lamborghini
Diablo sports car that he had imported. Invoking his royal
untouchability, he walked into a customs area and drove off in the car.</p> <p>In
a separate case, government officials said this month that the royal
family of Pahang was linked to contractors involved in illegal logging
in that state.</p><p>While
the sultans have long been revered among ethnic Malays in the racially
diverse country, they have increasingly aggravated the growing Malaysian
middle class in recent years with their inside-track involvement in all
kinds of businesses, in addition to the payments they draw from federal
and state budgets, political analysts said.</p> <p>Nearly $50 million a
year is paid to the royal families in federal stipends, Malaysian
officials estimate, and millions more go for royal residences, vehicles
and natural-resource concessions. - <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1992/12/29/malaysias-monarchs-of-mayhem/25a4fb98-e873-4c7f-ba62-65e9cd6e32b2/" target="_blank">Washington Post, 29/12/1992</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> </div> </div><div id="headline">
<div class="article-headline">
<h1>Tiger habitat threatened by Malaysian royals’ mining plans</h1>
</div>
<div class="single-article-meta">
by <a data-wpel-link="internal" href="https://news.mongabay.com/by/rachel-donald/" rel="tag">Rachel Donald</a> on 7 July 2021 </div><div class="single-article-meta"><i> </i></div><div class="single-article-meta"><i>A company owned by members of
Pahang state’s royal family plans to mine iron ore in a forest reserve
that is home to 15 threatened species, including tigers, elephants,
tapirs, sun bears and leopards.</i></div></div><div class="row"><div class="col-lg-8 single" id="main"><article class="post-244559 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-global-forests location-asia location-malaysia location-peninsular-malaysia location-southeast-asia topic-animals topic-biodiversity topic-conservation topic-deforestation topic-environment topic-environmental-politics topic-forest-destruction topic-forest-fragmentation topic-forests topic-governance topic-mining topic-protected-areas topic-rainforest-conservation topic-rainforest-deforestation topic-rainforest-destruction topic-rainforest-mining topic-tropical-forests topic-wildlife byline-rachel-donald" id="post-244559"><div class="bulletpoints"><ul><li><i>The area, which was
until June 2019 listed as a permanent forest reserve, is part of a
wildlife corridor connecting key forest complexes in Peninsular
Malaysia’s Central Forest Spine.</i></li><li><i>The planned iron mine,
which came to light after the project’s environmental impact assessment
was made public, is one of a spate of extractive projects recently
found to be linked to Malaysian royalty.</i></li></ul></div> <p>An
environmental report has revealed the Malaysian royal family is
requesting permission from the Department of Environment for a new iron
ore mine in the middle of one of the few remaining habitats of 15
threatened animals, including the critically endangered Malayan tiger.</p>
<p>The proposed project involves the deforestation and excavation of
60.75 hectares (150 acres) in the Som Forest Reserve, part of the
Central Forest Spine linking four of Peninsular Malaysia’s key forest
complexes. Alongside the Malayan tiger (<i>Panthera tigris jacksoni</i>), of which fewer than 200 remain in the wild, the Som Forest is home to the Malayan tapir (<i>Acrocodia indica</i>), Asian elephant (<i>Elephas maximus</i>), sun bear (<i>Helarctos malayanus</i>) and two different species of leopard.</p>
<p>According to the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the
proposed iron mine, the project poses a direct risk to these species,
all of which are fully protected under Malaysia’s 2010 Wildlife
Conservation Act. The Department of Environment did not respond to a
request for comment regarding the enforcement of this law.</p>
<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_244563"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-244563" height="267" src="https://imgs.mongabay.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2021/07/07094147/7-trachypithecus-obscurus-768x512.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Dusky
langurs (Trachypithecus obscurus). Surveys in the Som Forest Reserve,
part of which will be cleared if the mine proceeds as planned, found the
area is home to 26 mammal species protected under Malaysian law. Image
by Erik_Karits via <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://pixabay.com/photos/dusky-leaf-monkey-4843669/&source=gmail&ust=1625732913729000&usg=AFQjCNHmi0vX_Be-SovrY1JoHF7XdBrRcA" data-wpel-link="external" href="https://pixabay.com/photos/dusky-leaf-monkey-4843669/" rel="noopener external" target="_blank">Pixabay</a> (Public Domain).</figcaption></figure>
<p>The planned mine would destroy an area the size of 113 football
fields that comprises these protected species’ habitat. Beyond the
“irreversible” loss of habitat, the EIA report highlights that these
animals will be at increased risk of human-animal conflict due to them
being pushed toward nearby plantations and residential areas. The report
also warns of the potential for disrupting a key wildlife corridor, and
the “rampant” poaching of animals in and around the project area.</p>
<p>In addition, the proposed site is just 500 meters (546 yards) from a
salt lick that is regularly visited by a big herd of elephants along
with tapirs and sun bears. Salt licks are a key resource for animals to
increase their mineral intake, and also protected from any man-made
disturbance under the 2010 Wildlife Conservation Act. The report states
the mine will not only permanently alter the animals’ routes to the salt
lick, but also risk the “total loss of functionality” of this critical
resource.</p>
<p>Despite stating that nothing can be done to stop both the loss of
habitat and negative impacts on flora and fauna — including a total of
188 fully protected species found in the proposed site — the report
concludes that, with mitigation measures, the project can be implemented
with acceptable environmental risks and impact.</p>
<p>The consultancy firm that produced the EIA report, Garuda Samudera, did not respond to a request for comment.</p>
<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_244581"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-244581" height="300" src="https://imgs.mongabay.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2021/07/07122122/Taman-Negara-xuanxu-cc-by-sa-2.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Taman
Negara, Peninsular Malaysia’s vast rainforest park. According to
project’s EIA, mining in the Som Forest will affect the ecological
integrity of a wildlife corridor linking the Greater Taman Negara Forest
Complex with the Krau Wildlife Reserve. Image by Xuanxu via <a data-wpel-link="external" href="https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/6f8c5701-742d-4d93-8da0-3878c6540030" rel="external" target="_blank">CreativeCommons</a> (<a data-wpel-link="external" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/" rel="external" target="_blank">CC BY-SA 2.0</a>).</figcaption></figure>
<p>News of the Som Forest proposal was first reported by independent news site <a data-wpel-link="external" href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/579935" rel="noopener external" target="_blank">Malaysiakini</a>
on June 21, just weeks after the state government approved mining
operations beside Lake Tasik Chini, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, despite
the lake and its surrounding area being gazetted as a state park and
permanent forest reserve. The royal heads of state had recently made a
public pledge to <a data-wpel-link="external" href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/577341" rel="noopener external" target="_blank">rehabilitate the lake</a>
which has suffered under decades of nearby excavation operations.
However, journalists discovered the company leading the project, Golden
Prosperous Resources Sdn. Bhd., was appointed by Hanishah Ventures Sdn.
Bhd., a private company owned by two members of the royal family of
Pahang state, one of whom is the aunt of Malaysia’s current king.</p>
<p>However, it is the king’s sister, Tengku Nong Fatimah Sultan Ahmad
Shah, who is running the Som Forest project. She owns the site’s mining
lease and 70% of Sutera Manja Sdn. Bhd., through which she also chose to
appoint Golden Prosperous Resources to mine for iron ore. The remaining
30% of Sutera Manja is owned by three other members of the Pahang royal
family. Fatimah is also the point of contact for the Hanishah Ventures
mining project at Lake Tasik Chini, although company documents for
Hanishah Ventures do not list her as a shareholder.</p>
<p>The Som Forest project site was designated as a permanent forest
reserve until June 2019, when it was degazetted to state land by the
state government, downgrading its legal protection. Although animals,
forests and Indigenous groups are protected under numerous laws in
Malaysia, glaring loopholes exist; in this case, all it takes to
degazette a piece of protected land is publicizing its change of status
in the government gazette.</p><p><img alt="" class="wp-image-244562 size-full" height="720" src="https://imgs.mongabay.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2021/07/07093930/Malaysian-royals-mining-plans.jpg" width="540" />Notice
in the government gazette on June 18, 2019, announcing that a
60.75-hectare (150-acre) plot will be excised from the Som Forest
Reserve.</p>
<p>While such decisions remain in the hands of the state government, the
Pahang royals have long enjoyed links with politicians. The former
king, Fatimah’s father, <a data-wpel-link="external" href="https://www.sarawakreport.org/2017/05/najib-paid-pahang-sultan-rm2-million-out-of-1mdb-account-major-exclusive/" rel="noopener external" target="_blank">accepted handouts of $2 million</a>
from former prime minister Najib Razak during the notorious 1MDB
corruption scandal. Indeed, despite a family wealth that allows them to
build billion-dollar palaces, the Pahang royals continually seek
opportunities to expand upon it: of the 11 mining leases currently
granted in the state, three belong to individual members of the royal
family.</p>
<p>Journalist Clare Rewcastle Brown, who exposed the 1MDB scandal, told
Mongabay: “The royal families of Malaysia operate openly in business and
use their social and political influence to leverage major
shareholdings in contracts generated especially within their home states
and usually involving resource extraction. They effectively control the
non-transparent decision making in their states to their own enormous
financial advantage.”</p>
<p>While the value of any excavated iron ore will line private pockets,
it is Malaysia’s most vulnerable who will pay the price. This mine
doesn’t just pose a risk to wildlife: it will affect the entire
ecosystem, including poor rural villagers.</p>
<p>The EIA notes that silt and sedimentation in the nearby Kerak and
Pahang rivers could increase during site clearing and mining, posing a
risk to villages downstream that depend on aquaculture. Residents are
also at risk of losing their homes and lives due to the possible
increase in the frequency of flash floods, which <a data-wpel-link="external" href="https://cleanmalaysia.com/2017/09/16/development-can-worsen-effects-flash-floods-penang/" rel="noopener external" target="_blank">often accompany deforestation</a>.</p><p>A leopard (<i>Panthera pardus</i>). Image by Mohd Fazlin Mohd Effendy Ooi via <a data-wpel-link="external" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/phalinn/2918257862/" rel="noopener external" target="_blank">Flickr</a> (<a data-wpel-link="external" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" rel="noopener external" target="_blank">CC BY 2.0</a>). - Mongbay</p></article></div></div><div class="soliloquy-outer-container" data-soliloquy-loaded="1"><div aria-live="polite" class="soliloquy-container soliloquy-transition-fade soliloquy-fade soliloquy-controls-active soliloquy-arrows-active soliloquy-theme-base" id="soliloquy-container-244566" style="background-image: none; height: auto; margin: 0px auto 20px; max-height: 512px; max-width: 768px; opacity: 1;"><div class="soliloquy-wrapper" style="max-width: 100%;"><div class="soliloquy-controls soliloquy-has-pager soliloquy-has-controls-direction" style="opacity: 1;"><div aria-controls="soliloquy-container-244566" aria-label="carousel buttons" class="soliloquy-controls-direction"><a aria-label="previous" class="soliloquy-prev" href="https://news.mongabay.com/2021/07/tiger-habitat-threatened-by-malaysian-royals-mining-plans/" tabindex="0"><span></span></a><a aria-label="next" class="soliloquy-next" href="https://news.mongabay.com/2021/07/tiger-habitat-threatened-by-malaysian-royals-mining-plans/" tabindex="0"><span></span></a></div></div></div>
</div>
</div>
<p>The mining project is due to last two years, but the damage will
persist long after. The EIA recommends necessary land rehabilitation to
combat continued environmental disturbance after the project has wrapped
up. While some of the rehabilitation can be carried out alongside the
mining itself, the EIA clearly states that revegetation of the land will
likely require continued waste treatment and regular fertilizer inputs
due to the high toxicity of mine waste. However, in the proposed project
timeline, there is no indication of a plan to continue this
rehabilitation after the mine shuts.</p>
<p>Golden Prosperous Resources did not respond to questions from Mongabay.</p>
<p>The project is awaiting approval from the Department of Environment
and, thanks to its royal backers, can expect little in the way of public
resistance; portraying the royals in a negative light is enough to land
a citizen in jail in Malaysia. These gag laws make it very difficult
for politicians, activists and citizens to protest projects bearing the
royal stamp of approval. In early June, for example, Malaysia’s Muda
youth movement <a data-wpel-link="external" href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/578356" rel="noopener external" target="_blank">slammed officials</a> for allowing the continued exploitation of Tasik Chini — but did not berate the royal family for its role in the exploitation.</p>
<p>“The richer they have become the more influential it has made them so
that people are now fearful to speak in terms that are not groveling
let alone critical because of what might happen to them,” Rewcastle
Brown said. “In particular there is a willingness on the part of the
police and judiciary to abuse old-fashioned sedition laws to arrest and
prosecute people just for speaking critically about such practices.”</p>
<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_244565"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-244565" height="267" src="https://imgs.mongabay.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2021/07/07100412/17-Deforestation-Peninsular-Malaysia-768x512.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Deforestation
in Peninsular Malaysia. Projects that require, and get, approval for
deforestation are common in Malaysia. Image by Stratman via <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://flickr.com/photos/stratman2/35958262831/&source=gmail&ust=1625732913730000&usg=AFQjCNHIm_A5jvlGbGq5UDhMp6mYUN1nYQ" data-wpel-link="external" href="https://flickr.com/photos/stratman2/35958262831/" rel="noopener external" target="_blank">Flickr</a> (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/&source=gmail&ust=1625732913730000&usg=AFQjCNEULrKwCrC0AXjnl5CdHvBw5wcFeg" data-wpel-link="external" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/" rel="noopener external" target="_blank">CC BY-NC-ND 2.0</a>).</figcaption></figure>
<p>Projects like these are extremely common in Malaysia. Despite the Som
Forest being a gazetted as a forest reserve, the EIA report reveals
there are many other mines, plantations and logging projects neighboring
the site, which is secondary forest itself, having been logged just
decades ago. Indeed, just 23 days after submitting this proposal, Golden
Prosperous Resources submitted another to <a data-wpel-link="external" href="http://www.doe.gov.my/portaleia/" rel="noopener external" target="_blank">log 124.38 hectares (307.35 acres) of the Bukit Ibam Forest Reserve</a>. Details of this EIA are not yet available to the public.</p>
<p><i><b>Banner image</b> of a Malayan tiger (</i>Panthera tigris jacksoni<i>) by Brice De Reviers via <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.flickr.com/photos/wandererphotographer/21549181139/&source=gmail&ust=1625732913729000&usg=AFQjCNFoGK_gScv7GvDSmtkxO9BvAxLX-Q" data-wpel-link="external" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/wandererphotographer/21549181139/" rel="noopener external" target="_blank">Flickr</a> (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/&source=gmail&ust=1625732913730000&usg=AFQjCNEULrKwCrC0AXjnl5CdHvBw5wcFeg" data-wpel-link="external" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/" rel="noopener external" target="_blank">CC BY-NC-ND 2.0</a>). Source: <a href="https://news.mongabay.com/2021/07/tiger-habitat-threatened-by-malaysian-royals-mining-plans/" target="_blank">Mongbay, 7/7/2021</a></i></p><p><i> </i></p><div class="pl-8 pr-8 pt-6"><div class="text-3xl font-semibold leading-snug text-coolGray-600 mt-2 tracking-normal print:text-lg">Another royalty-linked mining project</div><div class="text-coolGray-500"><div class="text-xs lg:text-sm font-medium opacity-90 flex items-center space-x-2 mt-2"><div><div></div><div class="flex flex-wrap items-center text-xs lg:text-sm opacity-90 font-normal"><div class="whitespace-nowrap"><span>Published: </span> Jun 23, 2021 6:12 AM</div><div class="text-lg leading-none mx-1">⋅</div><div class="whitespace-nowrap"><span>Updated: </span> 7:35 AM<div><hr /><p style="font-size: initial; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><br /></p><div class="medium-insert-images"><figure style="margin: 0px;"><img alt="" height="240" src="https://icf.newscdn.net/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2021/06/f626289890cae5a91c7bb8cc124ca0f5.jpg" style="max-width: 100%;" width="400" /></figure></div><p style="font-size: initial; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><br /><b>Another royalty-linked mining project</b><br /><br />A company with links to the Pahang royal family is <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/579935" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">planning</a>
to excavate iron from a degazetted forest reserve at Kuala Tembeling in
Jerantut - which is home to several protected species, including the
critically endangered Malayan Tiger.<br /><br />The company is linked to Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah's younger sister, Tengku Nong Fatimah.<br /><br />Previously, <i>Malaysiakini </i>reported that the monarch's aunt, Tengku Hanizar Tengku Muhammad, co-owned a company that plans to mine minerals <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/577341" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">near Tasik Chini</a>, in Pekan.<br /><br />Both projects had appointed Golden Prosperous Resources Sdn Bhd as the contractor.<br /><br />The
project in Kuala Tembeling sits in the middle of the Som Forest
Reserve. Curiously, its mining lease will end next month but site
clearing is only scheduled to begin in August this year.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="css-5k5t4f eg5341w19" data-qa="GenericArticle-Headline" style="text-align: justify;"><h2 class="e1oct4f93 css-1u8qly9 eun57400" data-qa="ContentHeadline-Container"><span class="css-0 eun57402" data-qa="ContentHeadline-Headline">Malaysia’s Johor royals linked to forests felled for oil palm plantations without full approval</span></h2></div><div class="css-4uvzju eg5341w18" data-qa="GenericArticle-SubHeadline"><div class="e1oct4f92 css-19mvk5a endg9y30" data-qa="ContentSubHeadline-ContentSubHeadlineContainer"><ul class="css-1mniedq emcar6e12" data-qa="ContentSchemaRender-defaultRenderMapFunctions-Component-0"><li class="css-1mniedq emcar6e11" data-qa="ContentSchemaRender-defaultRenderMapFunctions-Component-1">Satellite
images show hundreds of hectares of trees cleared from a site by a
company Johor’s royal family part owns, without the proper approvals</li><li class="css-1mniedq emcar6e11" data-qa="ContentSchemaRender-defaultRenderMapFunctions-Component-3">Locals
say nearby plantations turned rivers itchy, sour and at times
coffee-black – and drove elephants out of the forests into surrounding
villages - <a href="https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3186193/malaysias-johor-royals-linked-forests-felled-oil-palm?campaign=3186193&module=perpetual_scroll_0&pgtype=article" target="_blank">SCMP, 24/7/2022</a></li></ul> <br /><h1 class="sc-eDPEul jUeWRP pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">Shocking expose of politicians, royalty in multi-billion medicine monopoly</h1><div class="sc-aXZVg jiTbBU"><p>A 12-page document is submitted to the health minister, claiming corruption in the supply of drugs to the government.</p>
</div><div class="sc-cwHptR llSLcQ d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="sc-dcJsrY jSPIFe" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/fmtreporters/">FMT Reporters</a> - </span></div></div></div><div class="sc-cPiKLX hSRCTm pb-3" itemprop="articleBody" style="height: auto;"><p></p>
<p>PETALING JAYA: Shocking and detailed revelations have emerged on how
companies linked to politicians close to the previous government control
the supply of billions of ringgit worth of medical drugs to the
government, giving them a monopoly that could have increased the cost of
drugs supplied to government hospitals and clinics nationwide.</p>
<p>The 12-page dossier sighted by FMT, which was submitted to Health
Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad today, confirmed his statement last week that
pharmaceutical giant Pharmaniaga did not have a monopoly on the supply
of drugs to his ministry as widely speculated.</p><p>Instead, the document listed 20 companies with links to prominent
politicians, including former ministers who represent the top echelons
of the Umno leadership.</p>
<p>The companies acted as “tendering agents” over a four-year period
between 2013 and 2016, reaping contracts worth a total of RM3.7 billion.</p>
<p>The tendering agents, according to the document, acted for more than
70 pharmaceutical companies, all of whom used only the “same few
official-owned tendering agents”.</p>
<p>“The reason is clear, and it is none other than corruption,” said the dossier.</p>
<p>A quick check by FMT revealed that the lion’s share of RM1.4 billion,
or some 38%, went to a company owned by the uncle of a former minister
and senior Wanita Umno politician.</p>
<p>Other personalities with ties to the companies include members of the
royal family, a former high ranking Felda officer, a former ambassador
to the US, a former official of the health ministry and a former
minister who lost in the recent election.</p>
<p>It is understood that the supply of medicine to the government by
international pharmaceutical companies is done through local
subsidiaries through a tender process.</p><p>Explaining the process, the whistleblower said “tendering agents” are appointed by international pharmaceutical companies.</p>
<p>“International pharmaceutical companies collude with official-owned
tendering agents to bid rig. By refusing to supply or deal to other
resellers and tendering agents, international pharmaceutical companies
grant official-owned tendering agents a monopoly, thus securing an
automatic win in a tender,” said the whistleblower, whose identity is
being withheld.</p>
<p>“Foreign companies cannot participate in a Malaysian government
tender directly, but instead must go through a Malaysian distributor,
reseller or tendering agent.</p>
<p>“When the health ministry puts out a procurement tender,
international pharmaceutical companies will engage Bumiputera tendering
agents to bid for the tender according to the tender specifications,”
the dossier said.</p>
<p>The whistleblower explained that tendering agents are paid a
percentage of commission based on every tender won, and earn clean
profit since they do not handle marketing, logistics or distribution
activities.</p><p>“From at least 2011 to the present, international pharmaceutical
companies have been paying bribes to high ranking officials/politicians
to assist in obtaining or retaining business in Malaysia in violation of
the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).</p>
<p>“These corrupt payments are concealed as commission payments to official-owned tendering agents,” it added.</p>
<p>When contacted by FMT, Dzulkefly said his office was going through the document. - <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2018/06/13/politicians-royalties-in-shocking-expose-of-multi-billion-medicine-monopoly/" target="_blank">FMT, </a></p><p> <br /></p><div class="pl-8 pr-8 pt-6"><div class="text-3xl font-semibold leading-snug text-coolGray-600 mt-2 tracking-normal print:text-lg" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Company linked to royalty in Lynas' waste disposal site project</b></span></div><div class="text-coolGray-500"><div class="text-xs lg:text-sm font-medium opacity-90 flex items-center space-x-2 mt-2"><a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/en/author/Wong%20Kai%20Hui"><div class="cursor-pointer"><div>Wong Kai Hui</div><div class="flex flex-wrap items-center text-xs lg:text-sm opacity-90 font-normal"><div class="whitespace-nowrap"><span>Published: </span> Feb 17, 2021 10:10 AM</div><div class="text-lg leading-none mx-1">⋅</div><div class="whitespace-nowrap"><span>Updated: </span> Feb 24, 2021 8:08 AM</div></div></div></a></div></div></div><div class="pl-8 pb-4 relative flex mt-4 print:pb-0 print:pl-0"><div class="jsx-3464146825 text-opacity-95 font-normal text-xl content text-coolGray-700 font-body tracking-midwide leading-relaxed" id="full-content-container"><div class="px-4 lg:px-0" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Bukit Ketam, located around 35km from Kuantan town, was an unassuming place
until recently when Lynas Malaysia announced it will be building its permanent
disposal facility (PDF) there to store toxic waste from its factory near
Kuantan port.</p>
<p>While much attention was on the rare earth firm, what is taking shape at
Bukit Ketam is much bigger than Lynas, and a firm linked to Pahang royalty has
been tasked to set the plan in motion.</p>
<p>A total of 202.35 hectares, the size of 283 football fields, has been carved
out of the Bukit Kuantan permanent forest reserve, to be converted into a
Multi-Category Industrial Scheduled Waste Disposal Site (MCISWDS).</p>
<p>Lynas' PDF will only occupy 58.25 hectares or 29 percent of the overall
site.</p><p>Gading Senggara Sdn Bhd (GSSB), a private firm linked to Pahang royalty,
will be the contractor of the MCISWDS. Likewise, Lynas appointed the same
company to <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/508944" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">build its PDF</a> there.</p>
<p>GSSB, founded in July 2012 as Puncak Trillium Sdn Bhd, changed to
its current name in December 2014.</p>
<p>A <i>Malaysiakini</i> check on the firm with the Companies Commission of
Malaysia (CCM) revealed <b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;">that the majority shareholder, with a 50 percent stake,
is Pahang Regent Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah.</span></span></b></p>
<p>The second-largest shareholder is Gading Group chief executive officer
Johari Harun, who is also the Bentong Umno vice-chief. He controls a 40 percent
stake.</p><p>The remaining 10 percent is held by one Mohd Firdaus Redzuan. The company
information is based on records it submitted to the CCM as of Oct 5, 2020.</p>
<p>The company's directors are Johari, Firdaus, and one Ahmad Radzi
Zaini.</p>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Environmental struggles</p>
<p>The mega-contract is another project that the people of Kuantan have to deal
with as the town struggles to balance the environment and industry over the
last decade.</p>
<p>The path from town to the future MCISWDS site is flanked by oil
palm plantations with road tainted with red dirt, a reminder of the rampant
<a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/324677" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bauxite mining</a> in 2015 that left parts of Kuantan
covered in red dust.</p>
<div class="medium-insert-images">
<figure>
<img alt="" height="240" src="https://i.malaysiakini.com/1057/4eea7514f043ea98602554d57164bf2b.jpg" width="400" />
</figure>
</div>
<p>The mining frenzy, which saw oil palm smallholders giving up their
land for mining in exchange for stacks of cash, eventually forced the federal
government to intervene by imposing a moratorium on exports from the Kuantan
port.</p>
<p>The MCISWDS itself was a byproduct of environmentalists protesting
against Lynas' Advanced Material Plant in Gebeng, Kuantan since 2010.</p>
<p>Its processing of rare earth material at the facility produces
toxic waste, including radioactive Water Leach Purification (WLP) residue.</p>
<p>While the waste has low radioactivity, its build-up over the years raised
concerns.</p>
<p>The previous Pakatan Harapan government, which as the opposition had
supported protests against the facility, unsuccessfully tried to get the waste
sent back to Mt Weld in Western Australia, where the original rare earth was
mined from.</p>
<p>However, Lynas Malaysia agreed, as part of its new <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/488112" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">licensing condition</a>, to move its cracking and
leaching operations, which produces the radioactive waste, back to Western
Australia.</p>
<p>The waste already produced here since 2012 remains a problem and this is
where the PDF comes in.</p>
<p>But the MCISWDS project is significantly larger than Lynas' PDF and it
is not yet clear what other forms of waste will be stored at the facility.</p>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">A waste dumpsite until 2119</p>
<p>The MCISWDS in Pahang will hug the state's border with Terengganu.
Adjacent to the site, on the Terengganu site of the border, is a vast durian
plantation.</p>
<div class="medium-insert-embeds">
<figure>
<div class="medium-insert-embeds">
<figure>
</figure>
</div>
</figure>
</div>
<p><span face="Roboto, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif">
Information on the MCISWDS is still limited but some details can be gleaned
from the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report on Lynas' PDF,
located within the site.</span></p>
<p>According to the EIA, the Pahang government, Kuantan Municipal Council, Land
Office, Pahang Forestry Department, Pahang Public Works Department, Terengganu
government, Syarikat Air Terengganu, and Kemaman Municipal Council have no
objections to the Lynas PDF.</p>
<p>Supporting documents also revealed that the Pahang government already
excised the MCISWDS area from the Bukit Kuantan Forest Reserve, which was
gazetted as a permanent forest reserve since 1962.</p>
<p>The forest in the project site will be felled before construction
begins.</p>
<p>Under Section 13 of the National Forestry Act 1984, the "state
authority" can excise a permanent forest reserve by publishing a gazette
specifying the extent of such land and a fixed date.</p>
<p>The interpretations of Acts 1948 and 1967 defines "state
authority" as the ruler of a state.</p>
<p>The accompanying land grant in the EIA showed the site is now listed for
industrial use for a period of 99 years - from Aug 14, 2020 until Aug 13,
2119.</p>
<div class="medium-insert-images">
<figure>
<img alt="" height="240" src="https://icf.newscdn.net/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2019/08/8bd683c2e058a4a77d539be9bb6d3b4d.jpg" width="400" />
</figure>
</div>
<p>While the waste, at least for Lynas, will be stored there permanently, the
EIA said the site could still be converted into a public recreational park in
the future.</p>
<p>According to the Lynas PDF project implementation timeline, the land
clearing was scheduled to start in the middle of this month.</p>
<p>GSSB had applied to the Pahang Forestry Department for the land clearing in
October 2020.</p>
<p>The Pahang Forestry Department has informed the Department of
Environment last November that it did not have any objections, as long as GSSB
left the forest surrounding the project site untouched.</p><p><i>Malaysiakini</i> has contacted GSSB for a response and requested further information about the MCISWDS project. - <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/563264" target="_blank">Malaysiakini, 17/2/2021</a></p><div class="pl-8 pr-8 pt-6 "><div class="text-3xl font-semibold leading-snug text-coolGray-600 mt-2 tracking-normal print:text-lg"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cops investigating Women's March organisers under Sedition Act</span></span></div><div class="text-coolGray-500"><div class="text-xs lg:text-sm font-medium opacity-90 flex items-center space-x-2 mt-2"><div><div></div><div class="flex flex-wrap items-center text-xs lg:text-sm opacity-90 font-normal"><div class="whitespace-nowrap"><span>Published: </span> Mar 14, 2019 7:27 PM</div><div class="text-lg leading-none mx-1">⋅</div><div class="whitespace-nowrap"><span>Updated: </span> Mar 9, 2021 12:19 PM</div><div class="whitespace-nowrap"> </div><div class="whitespace-nowrap">Police
are investigating the organisers of last Saturday's Women's March in
Kuala Lumpur under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948.</div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="pl-8 pb-4 relative flex mt-4 print:pb-0 print:pl-0"><div class="jsx-3464146825 text-opacity-95 font-normal text-xl content text-coolGray-700 font-body tracking-midwide leading-relaxed" id="full-content-container"><div class="px-4 lg:px-0" itemprop="articleBody"><p>In a statement today, the organisers said they are also being probed under Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.</p><p>If
convicted under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act, a person can be
slapped with a three-year jail term, or RM5,000 fine, or both.</p><p>"(We)
will comply with the process despite these laws being unfairly and
disproportionately being used against us," said the organisers.</p><p>The
International Women's Day March last Saturday had, among others, called
for an end to child marriage and gender-based violence.</p><div class="medium-insert-images"><figure><img alt="" height="240" src="https://i.newscdn.net/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2019/03/5cafd107442f3d001bed16cc1000590a.jpg" width="400" /></figure></div><p>However, this message was overshadowed by the focus on the presence of some participants from the LGBT community. - Malaysiakini, <br /></p></div></div></div><p> </p></div></div></div>
</div> </div></div></div>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-3893789075711978992023-09-09T07:58:00.004-07:002023-09-09T07:58:49.120-07:00SUHAKAM Commissioners must resign or be removed for failure to investigate into complaint lodged against Chairman, and for later referral of the complaint to be dealt by the Prime Minister’s Department(MADPET)<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Media
Statement – 10/9/2023</span></u></i><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></u></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SUHAKAM
Commissioners must resign or be removed for failure to investigate into
complaint lodged against Chairman, and for later referral of the complaint to
be dealt by the Prime Minister’s Department</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">National Human Rights Institution must be independent, and be
seen to be independent especially from the State</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">SUHAKAM is
Malaysia’s <a name="_Hlk145173908">National Human Rights Institution</a>, and
it <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">must always be independent and be seen
to be independent, especially from the government</b>, but when the Human
Rights Commission decided to not inquire and decide on a complaint lodged with
SUHAKAM alleging, amongst others, racial discrimination and abuse of power by a
fellow Commissioner, and later to refer to it to the legal affairs division of
the Prime Minister's Department, this impacted the perception of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>independence of SUHAKAM, which may also well
be considered a failure of duties of SUHAKAM commissioners. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">After being appointed by the King (Yang
Di-Pertuan Agung), like Judges, SUHAKAM Commissioners must be independent, and
committed to the protection and promotion of human rights.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">By asking a
division in the Prime Minister to deal with the inquiry of a complain submitted
to SUHAKAM, it may give the wrong impression that SUHAKAM is under a division
in the Prime Minister’s Department. With 8 Commissioners, the inquiry against even
a fellow Commissioner should still be done by SUHAKAM.(Star, 24/6/2023)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">As such, all
SUHAKAM Commissioners, or those involved in the decision-making in not doing
the inquiry and referring the complaint to the Prime Minister ought to resign,
or even be removed to restore the credibility and independence of SUHAKAM.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US">Now, even the Human
Rights Commission Of Malaysia Act 1999(HRCM Act)’s grounds for disqualification/removal
as stated in Section 10, amongst others, that says that If any Commissioner had
‘…(ii) … <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">misbehaved or has conducted
himself in such a manner as to bring disrepute to the Commission</b>; or (iii)…
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">in conflict with his duties as a member
of the Commission</b>.’, <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">In this case,
firstly, they failed in their duty to duly investigate or do a public inquiry and
decide on a complaint against fellow SUHAKAM Commissioner, and secondly, they elected
to refer it to the Prime Minister’s Department asking for the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘…allegations to be looked into by an
independent body…’. This is totally absurd.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET
(Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture) is appalled at how the complaint
to SUHAKAM regarding the serious allegation about human rights violations against
the now immediate past Malaysia’s National Human Rights Institution (SUHAKAM)’s
Chairman was dealt with.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #7030a0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Complaint Against SUHAKAM Chairman – racial discrimination,
etc</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">In brief, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">in March 2023, a complaint was lodged</b> by
several complainants with SUHAKAM against the then SUHAKAM chairman Prof Datuk
Dr Rahmat Mohamad alleging human rights violations like racial discrimination
and abuse of power. Racial discrimination is a serious human rights violation,
that is also specifically mentioned in the United Nations General Assembly’s Paris
Principles (‘Principles Relating to the Status of National Human Rights
Institutions’) that sets out the minimum standards that NHRIs must meet in
order to be considered credible, independent and to operate effectively.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Then <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">on 28 April 2023, the said the Chairman
files a law suit against one of the complainants</b>, a senior SUHAKAM staff
alleging, amongst others, defamation. This, itself is conduct unbecoming of a SUHAKAM
Commissioner.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Did a SUHAKAM Commissioner
file the law suit in court to prevent SUHAKAM from inquiring into the
complaint? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Section 12(2) of
the Human Rights Commission Of Malaysia Act 1999(HRCM Act) states that ‘The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Commission shall not inquire into any
complaint</b> relating to any allegation of the infringement of human rights
which-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(a) is the subject matter of
any <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">proceedings pending in any court</b>,
including any appeals; or<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(b) has been
finally determined by any court.’ </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Can we then say
that this SUHAKAM Commissioner had ‘… misbehaved or has conducted himself in
such a manner as to bring disrepute to the Commission; or (iii) has acted in
contravention of this Act and in conflict with his duties as a member of the
Commission…’, which is also a ground for disqualification and removal as
SUHAKAM Commissioner? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Then, on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">16/6/2023, SUHAKAM comes out saying the
Chairman will withdraw the suit.</b> Has the suit been withdrawn yet? Should it
not have been the Chairman himself that made this statement, and not SUHAKAM?
In any event, there is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">no news about any
withdrawal of the suit in court</b>, and if he did, the withdrawal should be a
withdrawal with no liberty to file afresh.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">If the court
action has already been withdrawn, then SUHAKAM is now free inquire and decide
on the complaint against Chairman Rahmat Mohamad. SUHAKAM must therefore retract
its decision to refer to Prime Minister’s Department, and do the inquiry
themselves. Even if the Chairman resigns, an inquiry and decision must still be
made and decided by SUHAKAM.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Then, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">on 24/6/2023, it is reported that ‘The
Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) says it will refer matters
related to allegations against its chairman to the legal affairs division of
the Prime Minister's Department…</b> the commission said it was imperative for
such allegations to be looked into by an independent body…’(Star, 24/6/2023). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #7030a0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">What did the government then do? The Minister’s
appointment to another position was wrong.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">It seems that no
independent inquiry was done, and the complaint is yet to be dealt with. Was
there a human rights violation or not remains an unanswered question. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">What happens is
the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Minister appointed the sitting
SUHAKAM Commissioner to another big position, possibly one that comes with
remuneration on 23/8/2023</b>, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rahmat
resigned on 31/8/2023</b>. ‘…The Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of the Prime
Minister's Department said Rahmat is now the <a name="_Hlk145188720">Asian
International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) Advisory Board chairman </a>for
2023-2025 term, following an appointment made by the Minister in the Prime
Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman
Said on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Aug 23</u></b>…’(NST,
28/8/2023)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US">MADPET is of the position that it is wrong for the
Minister or Government to appoint a sitting SUHAKAM Commissioner to another
position, possibly one with allowances, remuneration or powers.</span></b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US"> It is different if the appointment comes long after he ceases to be
a Commissioner, but it not the case here.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">No sitting
SUHAKAM Commissioners must be appointed to other positions by the government,
as this affects the Independence of SUHAKAM and/or the said Commissioner. Noting
that the State or State linked entities/persons may often be the alleged violators
of human rights, such ‘appointment’ can be perceived as ‘bribes’ and may impact
the perception of independence of Commissioners and SUHAKAM itself.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">SUHAKAM’s
independence and perception of independence from government is of paramount
importance, as reasonably SUHAKAM will have to deal with all kinds of
complaints of violations of human rights, where in many cases, the alleged
perpetrator may be the government, government departments/agencies or officers,
Government owned or linked companies, Ministers and even the Prime Minister.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Noting what has
happened, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MADPET calls for the immediate
resignation of all SUHAKAM Commissioners, or alternatively that they be removed
as SUHAKAM Commissioners</b>. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET notes
that no individual Commissioner have to date come out publicly and stated
his/her objection to the decision for SUHAKAM not to inquire into the
complaint, and/or the decision to ask the legal affairs division of the Prime
Minister's Department to deal with it vide an independent inquiry. No
Commissioner have also come out publicly stating that he/she was not part of
the decision-making process.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US">MADPET calls for Minister in the Prime Minister's
Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said to apologize,
explain her actions that undermined the independence of a SUHAKAM Commissioner,
and to immediately revoke the 23/8/2023 appointment of the sitting SUHAKAM
Commissioner as the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) Advisory
Board chairman. </span></b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US">This is important to affirm the Malaysian
government’s acknowledgement that SUHAKAM is a truly an independent National
Human Rights Institution, which the people can rely on.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">As the former
SUHAKAM’s Chairman’s case has allegedly been withdrawn,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> MADPET calls for SUHAKAM to conduct an immediate investigation/inquiry
and make a decision on the complaint made against the then SUHAKAM Chairman. </b>A
resignation does erase the fact that there was a complaint about human rights
violation. A human rights complaint to SUHAKAM must always be investigated and
decided by SUHAKAM.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Not dealing with
a complaint/petition to SUHAKAM is bad, and it may affect people’s perception
about the independence and commitment of SUHAKAM to Human Rights. We do not
want to give the impression that certain complaints of human rights violations especially
when the alleged HR violators are SUHAKAM Commissioners/staff, Government or
government-linked entities/persons may simply not be independently investigated/inquired
and decided by SUHAKAM. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">SUHAKAM is and
never should be or be seen as a defender of government actions or omissions
that are rights violations. Neither is SUHAKAM a government’s representative or
apologists. SUHAKAM is a National Human Rights Institution that defends and promotes
human rights, and who is also brave to speak out even against the government,
the Prime Minister, Minister, government-linked entities/persons or anyone when
their actions violate human rights.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US">MADPET calls on SUHAKAM and its Commissioners to
always ensure their independence and perception of independence, and to always
defend and promote human rights without fear or favour.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Charles Hector</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">For and on behalf of MADPET (Malaysians
Against Death Penalty and Torture) </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i><u style="color: #2b00fe;">Extract from the Act </u><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> <b><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles">10 Disqualification</span><span class="casetitle" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder2_lblActTitle"> (HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF MALAYSIA ACT 1999)</span></b></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">A member of the Commission may be removed from office by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong if-</span></i></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote><p><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">(a) the member is adjudged insolvent by a court of competent jurisdiction;</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">(b)
the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, after consulting a medical officer or a
registered medical practitioner, is of the opinion that the member is
physically or mentally incapable of continuing his office;</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">(c)
the member absents himself from three consecutive meetings of the
Commission without obtaining leave of the Commission or, in the case of
the Chairman, without leave of the Minister;</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">(d) the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, is of the opinion that the member-</span></i></p><blockquote><p><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">(i) has engaged in any paid office or employment which conflicts with his duties as a member of the Commission;</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">(ii) has </span><span style="color: red;"><b>misbehaved or has conducted himself in such a manner as to bring disrepute to the Commission</b></span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">; or</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">(iii) has </span><span style="color: red;">acted in contravention of this Act and <b>in conflict with his duties as a member of the Commission</b>.</span></i></p></blockquote></blockquote><i><span class="legtitle" id="ctl00_CMain_lblPartTitles" style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>12 Commission may inquire on own motion or on complaint</b></span></i><span class="casecontent" id="ctl00_CMain_lblSectionText" style="color: #2b00fe;"><p><i>(1) The
Commission may, on its own motion or on a complaint made to it by an
aggrieved person or group of persons or a person acting on behalf of an
aggrieved person or a group of persons, inquire into an allegation of
the infringement of the human rights of such person or group of persons.</i></p><p><i>(2) The<span style="color: red;"><b> Commission shall not inquire into any complaint relating to any allegation of the infringement of human rights which-</b></span></i></p><blockquote><p><i><span style="color: red;"><b>(a) is the subject matter of any proceedings pending in any court</b></span>, including any appeals; or</i></p><p><i>(b) has been finally determined by any court.</i></p></blockquote><p><i>(3)
If the Commission inquires into an allegation under subsection 12(1)
and during the pendency of such inquiry the allegation becomes the
subject matter of any proceedings in any court, the Commission shall
immediately cease to do the inquiry.</i></p></span><br /></div> <br /> <br /> <b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Allegations against Suhakam chief referred to PM Dept's legal division </span><br /></b> <br /> By <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/authors?q=SYED+UMAR+ARIFF">SYED UMAR ARIFF</a> <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/">Nation </a> <br /> <br /> Saturday, 24 Jun 2023 7:55 PM MYT<br /> <br /><br />PETALING
JAYA: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) says it will
refer matters related to allegations against its chairman to the legal
affairs division of the Prime Minister's Department. <br /><br />In a
statement on Saturday (June 24), the commission said it was imperative
for such allegations to be looked into by an independent body.<br /> <br />It
was reported last week that Suhakam chairman Prof Datuk Dr Rahmat
Mohamad had filed a lawsuit against a staff member who had accused him
of power abuse. <br /><br />However, the suit was dropped in favour of an independent internal investigation.<br /><br />"Therefore,
Suhakam has decided to refer this matter to the Legal Affairs Division
of the PM's Department for advice and direction to ensure the inquiry
remains transparent and independent. <br /><br />"We stand by our commitment
to ensure an independent inquiry shall be conducted to preserve the
trust and confidence of the public," it said. - <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/06/24/allegations-against-suhakam-chief-referred-to-pm-dept039s-legal-division" target="_blank">Star, 24/6/2023</a><p></p><p> <br /></p><h2><span style="color: red;">Suhakam chairman to withdraw lawsuit against employee</span></h2>
<div class="feature-img">
<figure class="wp-caption featured"><img alt="" class="img-fluid wp-post-image" data-adbro-processed="true" height="218" src="https://themalaysianreserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Rahmat.jpg" width="400" /></figure> </div>
<div class="navigation-top pb-20 pt-20">
<div class="d-sm-flex justify-content-between">
<p class="editor-info">
<time datetime="2023-06-16">
Friday, June 16th, 2023 </time>
at <a href="https://themalaysianreserve.com/category/breaking-news/" rel="category tag">Breaking News</a> | <a href="https://themalaysianreserve.com/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a> </p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="at-above-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://themalaysianreserve.com/2023/06/16/suhakam-chairman-to-withdraw-lawsuit-against-employee/"></div><p><b>by RADZI RAZAK<b> / pic BERNAMA</b></b></p>
<p><b>THE</b> Malaysia Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) today announced chairman Prof Datuk Dr Rahmat Mohamad (<i>picture</i>)
will withdraw a defamation suit against the commission’s own senior
officer in light of some complaints being highlighted in the media.</p>
<p>The Commission said the lawsuit, which was filed on April 28, was not
a result of a complaint by the said senior Suhakam staff, but was a
result of a defamation that was communicated before the official
complaint was filed.</p><p>The lawsuit was brought into contention by human rights group Suara
Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) which held its press conference earlier today,
criticising Rahmat and Suhakam for foregoing internal complaints with
external civil action against their own employee.</p>
<p>The commission also takes note and thanks Suaram and the media for
exposing the allegations of internal repression that took place at
Suhakam.</p>
<p>“The commission was informed that the chairman will withdraw
the defamation suit case that has been filed and will give way to an
independent internal investigation that will not implicate any member of
the commission.</p>
<p>“All accusations and complaints that have been disclosed to the media
will be investigated regardless of whether they involve members of the
commission or Suhakam staff,” said the commission in a statement today.</p>
<p>Suhakam also promised to conduct an internal audit for its internal
mechanism as well as place an integrity officer from the Malaysian
Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to facilitate the matter.</p>
<p>In expressing its commitment to combating all forms of racism and
ensuring that the commission, as a national human rights institution, is
free from racism, Suhakam will also expedite the internal policy
regarding office discrimination, sexual harassment, whistleblower and
racism within 30 days from today.</p>
<p>“The commission also hopes that no party politicises this issue and
gives focus to the agenda in strengthening human rights in Malaysia,”
said the statement. - <a href="https://themalaysianreserve.com/2023/06/16/suhakam-chairman-to-withdraw-lawsuit-against-employee/" target="_blank">Malaysian Reserve, 16/6/2023</a></p><h1 class="sc-eDPEul jUeWRP pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold"><span style="color: red;">Suhakam chairman to withdraw defamation suit against staff member</span></h1><div class="sc-aXZVg jiTbBU"><p>Human rights commission to launch an internal investigation after allegations of abuse of power surface.</p>
</div><div class="sc-cwHptR llSLcQ d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="sc-dcJsrY jSPIFe" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/fmtreporters/">FMT Reporters</a> - </span><time class="sc-aXZVg eeJhAp fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1686904777000" style="min-height: 15px;">16 Jun 2023, 4:39pm</time></div></div></div><div class="mb-3" style="height: 40px;"><div class="st-left st-has-labels st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="sharethis-1693671854451"><div class="st-total">
<span class="st-label">43</span>
<span class="st-shares">
Shares
</span>
</div><div class="st-btn st-first" data-network="facebook" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="facebook sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/facebook.svg" />
<span class="st-label">Share</span>
</div><div class="st-btn" data-network="twitter" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="twitter sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/twitter.svg" />
<span class="st-label">Tweet</span>
</div><div class="st-btn" data-network="whatsapp" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="whatsapp sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/whatsapp.svg" />
<span class="st-label">Share</span>
</div><div class="st-btn st-last" data-network="email" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="email sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/email.svg" />
<span class="st-label">Email</span>
</div></div></div><div class="sc-cPiKLX hSRCTm pb-3" itemprop="articleBody"><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2333072" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_2333072" style="width: 800px;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2333072 size-full" data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01h9bbb62a175xx45vstt37xt5" height="250" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Prof-Dr-Rahmat-Mohamad-SUHAKAM-7.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 0px;" width="400" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-2333072">Suhakam
chairman Rahmat Mohamad has reportedly dropped his defamation suit as
the commission overhauls its internal complaints procedure.</figcaption></figure>
<p>PETALING JAYA: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) says
its chairman, Rahmat Mohamad, will withdraw a defamation suit he filed
against his own staff member last month.</p>
<p>In a joint statement issued by the commissioners, Suhakam
said the suit was being dropped to facilitate an independent internal
investigation that does not involve any members of the commission.</p></div>
<p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01h9bbb62bj1vz865xw2mpkz7y">“All
allegations brought to the attention of the media will be investigated
regardless of whether they involve members of the commission or Suhakam
staff,” they said.</p>
<p>Suhakam said it will conduct an internal audit and ask the Malaysian
Anti-Corruption Commission if it will assign an integrity officer to
Suhakam.</p><div data-google-query-id="CObykKqrjIEDFTKWZgIdWMwL1A" id="div-gpt-ad-1661356464065-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/FMT_ROS_1x1_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
<p>“The commission acknowledges the importance of mechanisms for resolving internal issues within Suhakam,” it said.</p>
<p>Suhakam added that internal policies covering discrimination, sexual
harassment, whistle-blowers and racism will be expedited within 30 days.</p>
<p>Earlier today, rights group Suaram raised concerns about the defamation suit.</p>
<p>Rahmat began the lawsuit after the staff member alleged he had abused
his powers to influence a Suhakam hiring panel to favour a specific
candidate for the position of chief assistant secretary.</p>
<p data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_01h9bbb62bj1vz865xw2mpkz7y">The staff member had reportedly lodged an official internal complaint against Rahmat in April, which resulted in the lawsuit.</p>
<p>Suhakam also faced scrutiny after Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, on
Wednesday, said the human rights commission had been “silent” on abuse
of power by enforcement agencies.</p>
<p>Kok said that aside from its commissioners being relatively
unknown to the public, Suhakam also appeared to be “quieter” than
before. - <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/06/16/suhakam-chairman-to-withdraw-defamation-suit-against-staff-member/" target="_blank">FMT, 16/6/2023</a><br /></p><p> </p><h1 class="page-title mb-2"><span class="d-inline-block mr-1" style="color: red;">Rahmat resigns as Suhakam chairman</span> </h1> <div class="d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"> <div><span>By <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/authors/mohd-iskandar-ibrahim" target="_blank">Mohd Iskandar Ibrahim</a> - </span>
August 28, 2023 @ 8:14pm
</div></div> <div class="social-share ml-auto"><div class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons st-right st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="st-1"><div class="st-btn st-first st-remove-label" data-network="facebook" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="facebook sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/facebook.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="twitter" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="twitter sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/twitter.svg" />
</div><div class="st-btn st-remove-label" data-network="whatsapp" style="display: inline-block;">
<img alt="whatsapp sharing button" src="https://platform-cdn.sharethis.com/img/whatsapp.svg" />
</div></div></div></div> <div><div><div class="field field-featured-image"><figure><img alt="Prof Datuk Rahmat Mohamad is resigning from his post as the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) chairman effective Thursday (Aug 31). -FILE PIC" class="img-fluid" data-adbro-processed="true" height="293" src="https://assets.nst.com.my/images/articles/2808nstSuhakam_1693228471.jpg" width="400" /> <figcaption class="py-2">Prof
Datuk Rahmat Mohamad is resigning from his post as the Human Rights
Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) chairman effective Thursday (Aug 31).
-FILE PIC</figcaption></figure></div></div></div> <p>PUTRAJAYA:<b><span style="color: red;">
Prof Datuk Rahmat Mohamad is resigning from his post as the Human
Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) chairman effective Thursday (Aug
31). </span></b></p>
<p>The Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of the Prime Minister's Department
in a statement said Rahmat was appointed to lead the commission for the
2022-2025 term. </p>
<p>"He carried out various initiatives including the success of the 2020
Suhakam annual report and financial statement in Dewan Rakyat on June
12 to 14," read the statement. </p>
<p>According to the statement, the government would appoint an
interim chairman soonest to ensure Suhakam's governance proceeds
smoothly during this transition phase, until a new chairman is appointed
by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.</p><p><b style="color: red;">The division said Rahmat is now the Asian International Arbitration
Centre (AIAC) Advisory Board chairman for 2023-2025 term, following an
appointment made by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law
and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said on Aug 23. </b></p><div data-adloox-sid="20993353539" data-adloox-type="slot" data-google-query-id="CJLlu9Xxi4EDFbGfZgIdXnsAIA" id="div-gpt-ad-1535527649803-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/NST_1x1_Programmatic_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div></div>
"The appointment is in line with his background in the field of
international legislation and his experience as the fifth
secretary-general of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organisation
(AALCO)." - <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/08/948399/rahmat-resigns-suhakam-chairman" target="_blank">NST, 28/8/2023</a>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-5120017003831116302023-08-27T03:55:00.002-07:002023-08-27T03:55:12.371-07:00Repeal SOSMA, and not make small amendments. Repeal Detention Without Trial Laws – POTA, POCA and DD(SPM)A (MADPET)<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Media
Statement – 27/8/2023</span></u></i><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></u></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Repeal SOSMA, and not make small amendments. Repeal Detention
Without Trial Laws – POTA, POCA and DD(SPM)A</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lawyers including late Karpal Singh
threatened to boycott cases that used ESCAR (a law like SOSMA)</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET (Malaysians
Against Death Penalty and Torture) is pleased that the PH-BN government is
looking as Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012(SOSMA), and may likely
restore the bail granting discretion to judges. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">At present, the
Act enacted by Parliament prohibits bail pending the end of the criminal trial,
which means that the accused of any offences listed as SOSMA offences are
forced to languish in detention until the end of the trial – this is draconian
as it ignores the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Further, it is
totally unjust for any possibly innocent individual because of denial of bail results
in having to languish in detention until the completion of trial, noting that
trials in Malaysia can take a long time to end, maybe even years. Imagine the
suffering also caused to the family, children and dependents of these possibly
innocent accused persons. What happens when they are found not guilty?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Leave it to the
judges to determine whether bail be allowed or not, and it is wrong for
Parliament by law to steal from judges this power to determine whether bail be
granted or not. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">It was reported
that ‘The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>federal government has no
intention to repeal the controversial Security Offences (Special Measures) Act
2012 (SOSMA), Ramkarpal Singh</u></b> said today. Instead, the deputy minister
in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>government plans to introduce two
amendments to the law, one of them being the issue of bail</u></b>.’(Malay
Mail, 23/8/2023).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET is
disappointed that this PH-led government’s position, as expressed by the late
Karpal Singh’s son, is not to repeal SOSMA, and, as such, we reiterate that
what is needed urgently is the abolition of SOSMA, not simply making some minor
amendments here and there. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">All Criminal Trials must comply Evidence Act
and Criminal Procedure Code </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">All persons
should equally be given a FAIR TRIAL, in compliance with the existing Evidence
Act and Criminal Procedure Code. Now, those accused of SOSMA listed offences
are discriminated and not accorded the same fair rights in a trial. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">There is no
justification for the allowing any exception on the strict compliance of the
Evidence Act and Criminal Procedure Codes that ensures the standard for a fair
trial in Malaysia. If there is a need, then amend the Evidence Act and Criminal
Procedure Code, and apply the same standards and procedures to all accused in
all criminal trials.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060;">SOSMA – a violation of
constitutional guarantee of equality? </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">SOSMA is a bad
law, similar to the ESCAR (Essential (Security Cases) Regulations, 1975), that
violates the right to a FAIR TRIAL, as it provides to provide for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>special measures</u></b> relating to
security offences, etc including the use and admission of evidence currently
prohibited by Malaysia’s Evidence Act.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Noting that our
Federal Constitution provides for in Article 8(1) that ‘<b>All persons are
equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law</b>.’
SOSMA is a violation of this Constitutional guarantee. It allows for a class of
accused persons to be tried differently, not in full compliance with Malaysia’s
Evidence Act and Criminal Procedure Code – hence a violation of Article 8.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Even late Karpal Singh and the Bar opposed
ESCAR ( a law like SOSMA)</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">SOSMA, being an
Act <a name="_Hlk143846888">to provide for special measures relating to
security offences</a>, is just like the ESCAR<a name="_Hlk143846831"> (Essential
(Security Cases) Regulations, 1975) </a>which <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">was strongly opposed to the late Karpal Singh, Malaysian lawyers and
the Bar. Lawyers threatened the boycott any cases that used ESCAR</b>, that permitted
the avoidance of strict compliance of the Evidence Act and Criminal Procedure
Code. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The government’s
reaction to the Malaysian Bar then was the amendment of the Legal Profession
Act 1976, that, amongst others, barred young lawyers (below 7 years of
practice) from holding bar leadership positions and being in Bar Committees, an
increased quorum for General Meetings.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Hence, the
retaining of SOSMA is certainly NOT what lawyers including the late Karpal
Singh, and the better Pakatan Harapan of the past wanted. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Hope, that the
current PH-led government will revert back to its earlier just position and
abolish SOSMA speedily. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">SOSMA repealed the ISA, but is not a
replacement Detention Without Trial (DWT) law</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">SOSMA is <b><u>not
a detention without trial law</u></b>, as all <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">those charged under any SOSMA listed offence will be accorded a TRIAL,</b>
whereby prosecution is duty bound to prove in an open court beyond reasonable
doubt that the accused is guilty of the crimes he/she was charged with.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">In a Detention
Without Trial, like the then Internal Security Act (ISA), and the present Prevention
Of Crime Act 1959(POCA), Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 (POTA) and the
Dangerous Drugs(Special Preventive Measures Act 1985 [DD(SPM) Act], which are
detention without trial laws, there will be <b>NO TRIAL</b> and the accused
does not have the opportunity to defend themselves in court. For all SOSMA
listed offences, there is a trial.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Confusion may
have arisen because the draconian ISA was repealed by Section 32 SOSMA in 2012,
which states ‘ (1) The Internal Security Act 1960 [Act 82] is repealed….’, but
this certainly does not mean that SOSMA replaces ISA and is a ‘new’ Detention
Without Trial law. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">After ISA repealed, a new law POTA, and POCA’s
scope increased resulting wider scope for DWT</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">What happened
after the repeal of the draconian Detention Without Trial laws, ISA in 2012,
and the Emergency (Public Order and Crimes Prevention) Ordinance 1969 was
repealed in 2013 was that a new DWT Trial law Prevention of Terrorism Act <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2015</u></b>(POTA) was enacted. The
existing <a name="_Hlk144047959">Prevention Of Crime Act 1959(POCA) </a>was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">amended in 2014</b> and thereafter to
increase the scope of alleged crimes that would make suspects be subject to
detention without trial.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Like ISA,
Detention Without Trial laws are draconian also <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">because judicial review or court challenges of <u>the reasons</u> for
the arrest, detention or restriction is not allowed</b>. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Hence, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">not only is there a denial of the right of fair
trial,</b> but also the denial of the right to challenge the reasons it was used
on you. This facilitates miscarriage of justice, including the possibility that
an innocent person being wrongly arrested, detained and restricted. This is why
Malaysia must abolish all Detention Without Trial(DWT) laws.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Even if politicians are not victims, Repeal POCA,
POTA and DD(SPM)A</span></b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US"></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Some say that
the ISA was strongly opposed by politicians and political parties, after
politicians fell victim to this DWT law in Operation Lallang in 1987. So, until
politicians fall victim to POCA, POTA or the DD(SPM)A, Malaysian politicians may
not repeal these remaining DWT laws. It seems that political parties and
government do not care if ‘unknown’ Malaysians become victims of DWT laws.
MADPET hopes that this not be the case, and call for the immediate repeal of all
DWT laws.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #002060; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Anwar’s and PH’s ‘reasons’ for not repealing
bad laws unacceptable</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Some say, that
the current PH-led government is backtracking or making U-turns in its
commitment to abolish draconian laws or provisions in law because it did not
manage to obtain majority in the last General Elections, forcing it to form a
coalition government with other parties who do not care about human rights. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">This is a lame
excuse, as PH managed to win <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>won 81
seats out of 112 seats required to form government, which means it has more
than 50% in Cabinet that is all that is required to table laws, and MADPET
believes that there are sufficient non-PH MPs and Opposition MPs that will pass
any good laws that promote justice and human rights. Hence, the excuse of PM
Anwar Ibrahim’s PH-led government or Pakatan Harapan(PH) for not repealing bad
laws is not justifiable, and may not be accepted by the public. Table the
required Bills to repeal bad laws, and bad provisions in some laws. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US">MADPET reiterates the call for the immediate repeal of
SOSMA, and all Detention Without Trial Laws, being Prevention Of Crime Act
1959(POCA), Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 (POTA) and the Dangerous
Drugs(Special Preventive Measures Act 1985 [DD(SPM) Act]. MADPET also calls for
a MORATORIUM on the usage of these draconian laws pending abolition.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Charles Hector</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">For and on behalf of MADPET(Malaysians
Against Death Penalty and Torture)</span></p><br /><h1 class="article-title">Deputy law minister says govt will amend Sosma, repeal ‘not in the pipeline’</h1> <div class="social-sharing"> <div class="social-inner"> <div class="social-item"><a class="sharing-icon-email" href="mailto::?subject=Deputy law minister says govt will amend Sosma, repeal ‘not in the pipeline’&body=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/08/23/deputy-law-minister-says-govt-will-amend-sosma-repeal-not-in-the-pipeline/86698" target="_blank" title="Share Article By Email"><img alt="email" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" height="30" src="https://www.malaymail.com/theme_malaymail/images/emIcon.png" width="30" /></a></div></div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/08/23/140612.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/08/23/140612.JPG&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="Deputy law minister says govt will amend Sosma, repeal ‘not in the pipeline’" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/08/23/140612.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="266" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/08/23/140612.JPG&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" title="Deputy law minister says govt will amend Sosma, repeal ‘not in the pipeline’" width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">Deputy
minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional
Reform) Ramkarpal Singh speaks at a press conference in Putrajaya August
23, 2023. —Picture by Shafwan Zaidon</div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info "> <div class="article-byline">By Kenneth Tee</div> <div class="article-date">Wednesday, 23 Aug 2023 10:07 AM MYT</div> </div> <p>PUTRAJAYA,
Aug 23 — The federal government has no intention to repeal the
controversial Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma),
Ramkarpal Singh said today.</p><p>Instead, the deputy minister in the
Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said the
government plans to introduce two amendments to the law, one of them
being the issue of bail.</p><div id="mm-story-outstream"></div><p>“We
are looking at several aspects, the question on bail is the issue we are
looking into now. There are two recommendations. However, in our
improvement of the Act, it will proceed in stages accordingly.</p><p>“Repeal
is not in the pipeline,” he told reporters after flagging off a brisk
walk in conjunction with Merdeka this month at the ministry here.</p><div id="mm-story-mreg-2"></div><p>At
present, Section 13 of Sosma only allows for bail if the offender
facing a security offence is one who is below 18 years, a woman, sick or
infirm person.</p><div id="mm-teads"></div><p>Introduced in 2012 as a
replacement to the colonial-era Internal Security Act (ISA), the equally
controversial preventive detention law retained its predecessor's
clause which allows for suspects of an investigation to be detained
without trial for up to 28 days at a time.</p><p>When asked when the
Cabinet would deliberate on the matter, Ramkarpal said there was no
definite timeline as of yet but did confirm it will be done within this
year.</p><p>"At this point in time we have more or less completed most
of the engagement with stakeholders, so now it's bringing said proposals
for [Cabinet's] consideration. </p><p>"No timeline but at the earliest," he said.</p><p>Earlier
this month, Ramkarpal had in an issued statement said the proposed
amendments were now jointly being studied by the Home Ministry, the
Royal Malaysia Police and the Attorney General’s Chambers.</p><p>Prior
to the issuance of Ramkarpal's statement, a hunger strike by family
members of Sosma detainees in front of the Sungai Buloh Prison had taken
place. </p><p>Last December, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin
Nasution Ismail defended the retention of Sosma, saying "the law allows
the court process to take place,” which led to much criticism from
political figures and rights groups over the country’s stance on the
protection of human rights.</p><p>His stance has put him in conflict
with some allies in Pakatan Harapan (PH) as well as civil society groups
that have pointed out the apparent hypocrisy in defending the
preventive detention law that the coalition previously rejected when it
was in Opposition.</p><p>Saifuddin Nasution's predecessor, Datuk Seri
Hamzah Zainudin had in March 2022 said parties who do not agree with
Sosma are those who want to make room for criminals and terrorists to
dominate the country.</p><p>Hamzah had then too defended the
government's stance of retaining Sosma with further amendments to extend
enforcement of the 28-day detention period, noting that the law is
still relevant and crucial to ensuring public order and national
security. - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/08/23/deputy-law-minister-says-govt-will-amend-sosma-repeal-not-in-the-pipeline/86698" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 23/8/2023</a><br /></p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Bail for detainees among recommendations to improve Sosma <br /></b></span> <b><br /></b> <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/">Nation </a> <br /> Wednesday, 23 Aug 2023 1:21 PM MYT <br /> <br /><p>PUTRAJAYA:
A provision allowing bail for detainees is being considered as part of
the recommendations to improve the Security Offences (Special Measures)
Act 2012 (Sosma). <br /><br /><b>Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's
Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Ramkarpal Singh when asked
about developments on Sosma said that efforts to improve the Act are now
almost complete. <br /></b><br />According to him, several engagement
sessions with stakeholders including the Home Ministry, the Royal
Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Attorney-General's Chambers and family
members of Sosma detainees have been held whereby the recommendations
received will be presented to the Cabinet soon. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: red;">"The
recommendation to allow bail (for Sosma detainees) is an issue we are
looking into now. Repeal (of the Act) is not in the pipeline but we are
looking into improvements,"</span></b> he told reporters after
participating in the Merdeka 'brisk walk' activity organised by the law
and institutional reform portfolio agency here Wednesday (Aug 23). <br /><br />Currently,
a person arrested under Sosma cannot be bailed except for a juvenile
(under the age of 18), a woman or a person who is sick or infirm subject
to the discretion of the court. <br /><br />Ramkarpal said all Sosma improvements will not be implemented in one go but will be done in stages. <br /><br />In
February, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the
Unity Government did not intend to repeal the Act, but would make
improvements.<br /> <br />According to Saifuddin Nasution, it is because
PDRM still needs the law so that immediate action can be taken to avoid
any public panic and threats to the nation's sovereignty and the
well-being of the people. <br /><br />Earlier in his speech, Ramkarpal
called on the members of the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) to continue
to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and mutual respect in line with
the concept of Madani Malaysia which emphasises unity. <br /><br />In
conjunction with the 66th National Day, BHEUU has organised a number of
activities including a Jalur Gemilang (naitional flag) raising ceremony,
independence talks and a visit to the Declaration of Independence
Memorial in Melaka. - <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/08/23/bail-for-detainees-among-recommendations-to-improve-sosma" target="_blank">Bernama - Star,23/8/2023</a></p><p> <br /></p><div class="pl-8 pr-8 pt-6 "><div class="text-3xl font-semibold leading-snug text-coolGray-600 mt-2 tracking-normal print:text-lg"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: red;">Ramkarpal: Abolishing Sosma not in pipeline, govt to improve it instead</span></b></span></div><div class="text-coolGray-500"><div class="text-xs lg:text-sm font-medium opacity-90 flex items-center space-x-2 mt-2"><a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/en/author/Hariz%20Mohd"><div class="cursor-pointer"><div>Hariz Mohd</div><div class="flex flex-wrap items-center text-xs lg:text-sm opacity-90 font-normal"><div class="whitespace-nowrap"><span>Published: </span> Aug 23, 2023 <br /></div></div></div></a></div></div></div><div class="pl-8 pb-4 relative flex mt-4 print:pb-0 print:pl-0"><div class="jsx-3464146825 text-opacity-95 font-normal text-xl content text-coolGray-700 font-body tracking-midwide leading-relaxed" id="full-content-container"><div class="px-4 lg:px-0" itemprop="articleBody"><p>The
government has no intention to repeal the Security Offences (Special
Measures) Act which allows detention without trial for 28 days.</p><p>Instead,
according to Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law
and Institutional Reform) Ramkarpal Singh, Putrajaya aims to improve the
law by introducing several amendments in stages.</p><p>"It's not in the
pipeline. But we are looking at improvements," he told reporters in
Putrajaya this morning when asked if there is any plan to abolish Sosma.</p><p>Ramkarpal
said the ministry has completed the groundwork in reviewing the act,
which included engagement sessions with stakeholders.</p><p>While
there is no timeline set for the review, the deputy minister said they
plan to bring proposals from the engagement sessions to the cabinet
soon.</p><p>"There is no timeline as such, but as I said, our groundworks are more or less completed. Now we are preparing the summary.</p><p>"At
this stage, we plan to bring up two main proposals to the cabinet for
Sosma improvements. These (the improvements) will not be done at one go,
but perhaps in several stages," he said.</p><p>The two main proposals include improving Sosma on the question of bail, added Ramkarpal.</p><p><strong>Controversial law</strong></p><p>Sosma is a controversial law which allows up to 28 days of detention.</p><p>While
the government has said it was planning to review Sosma provisions,
human rights activists have been pushing for a complete repeal.</p><div class="medium-insert-images"><figure><img height="240" src="https://i.newscdn.net/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2023/07/97dfa7479f356959a6c675f1eb6a78b4.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="">Family members of 69 Sosma detainees launched a hunger strike outside the Sungai Buloh Prison</figcaption></figure></div><p>Last month, about 100 family members of 69 Sosma detainees launched a <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/673885">hunger strike</a> outside the Sungai Buloh Prison to demand the release of their family members, who are imprisoned without trial.</p><p>About 34 detainees are reportedly being held at Sungai Buloh while the remainder are in Alor Setar, Kedah.</p><p>Following this, Ramkarpal urged them to remain patient as the government is <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/673952">reviewing</a> improvements to the act. -<a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/676658" target="_blank"> Malaysiakini, 23/8/2023</a></p><h1 class="article-title">Home minister: 624 individuals arrested under Sosma, 195 currently on trial</h1> <div class="social-sharing"> <div class="social-inner"> <div class="social-item"><a class="sharing-icon-email" href="mailto::?subject=Home minister: 624 individuals arrested under Sosma, 195 currently on trial&body=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/03/03/home-minister-624-individuals-arrested-under-sosma-195-currently-on-trial/57737" target="_blank" title="Share Article By Email"><img alt="email" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" height="30" src="https://www.malaymail.com/theme_malaymail/images/emIcon.png" width="30" /></a></div></div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/03/03/95878.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/03/03/95878.jpg&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="Home minister: 624 individuals arrested under Sosma, 195 currently on trial" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-adbro-processed="true" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/03/03/95878.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="260" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/03/03/95878.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" title="Home minister: 624 individuals arrested under Sosma, 195 currently on trial" width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">In
a parliamentary reply today, Saifuddin revealed that 195 offenders are
currently on trial, with 147 charged under criminal conspiracy, 47 for
human trafficking, and two for terrorism. — Bernama pic</div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info "> <div class="article-byline">By Shahrin Aizat Noorshahrizam</div> <div class="article-date">Friday, 03 Mar 2023 11:10 AM MYT</div> </div> <div class="main-container-article-body" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="article-body"> <p style="text-align: justify;">KUALA
LUMPUR, March 3 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail
said that <b><span style="color: red;">624 people were arrested under Security Offences (Special
Measures) Act (Sosma) 2012 last year.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">In a parliamentary reply
today, Saifuddin revealed that<span style="color: red;"><b> 195 offenders are currently on trial,
with 147 charged under criminal conspiracy, 47 for human trafficking,
and two for terrorism.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">“For
the year 2022, the Royal Malaysian Police have arrested a total of 624
people under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).
Of these, 71 arrested have been charged in court, 401 have been
sentenced, 140 have been released and 12 are still under investigation.</p></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">“The
ethnic breakdown consists of 247 Malays, 83 Chinese, 89 Indians, 47
Other Races and 158 foreign nationals, all aged between 18 to 69 years
old,” he said.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Saifuddin
Nasution was responding to Sosma questions posed by Perikatan
Nasional’s (PN) Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan and DAP’s Raub
MP Chow Yu Hui.</p><div data-google-query-id="CJ203t_U_IADFZiIZgIdi6cAIg" id="mm-teads" style="text-align: justify;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt;"></div><div class="teads-adCall"></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Apart from Sosma, the minister also revealed that <b><span style="font-size: large;">132 people were arrested under the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (POCA).</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Previously,
it was reported that the new government is willing to sit down with
various stakeholders to review laws that have the potential to be abused
for political purposes. - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/03/03/home-minister-624-individuals-arrested-under-sosma-195-currently-on-trial/57737" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 3/3/2023</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p></div></div></div>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-66579261364127817212023-07-17T10:42:00.000-07:002023-07-17T10:42:02.511-07:00Possible Enforced Disappearance of Myanmar HRD Thuzar Maung and her family in Malaysia on 4/7/2023 - Speedy Transparent Investigation needed (MADPET)<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Media Statement – 18/7/2023</span></u></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Speedy Transparent Investigation needed in Possible Enforced Disappearance
of Myanmar HRD Thuzar Maung and her family in Malaysia on 4/7/2023</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET (Malaysian Against Death Penalty
and Torture) is concerned about Malaysia’s and the Malaysian police’s diligence
in investigating the incident of 4/7/2023 when Human Rights Defender Thuzar
Maung(46), her husband, Saw Than Tin Win(43), <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>her daughter, Poeh Khing Maung(16); and sons
Aung Myint Maung(21) and Thukha Maung(17) was possibly enforced disappeared from
their home in Kuala Lumpur. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the Malaysian
authorities fail ‘…to investigate the case ‘diligently and seriously’ (and) had
hampered the progress (of the investigation)…’, it may be evidence of enforced disappearance.
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was reported that all 5 are
UNHCR recognised refugees, and have been in Malaysia since 2015 when they fled
from Myanmar, to escape persecution and growing violence against Muslims.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thuzar Maung, also spelled Thu
Zar Moung, is an outspoken supporter of Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement. She
is, amongst others, also the chair of the Myanmar Muslim Refugee Community and
Myanmar Migrant Workers Committee.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">According to a Human Rights
Watch(HRW) statement</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: verdana;">‘….On July 4, 2023, unidentified men
abducted Thuzar Maung, 46; her husband, Saw Than Tin Win, 43; her daughter,
Poeh Khing Maung, 16; and sons Aung Myint Maung, 21, and Thukha Maung, 17, from
their residence in Ampang Jaya, Kuala Lumpur, based on reports from witnesses
and CCTV footage. Thuzar Maung, also spelled Thu Zar Moung, is an outspoken
supporter of Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement…</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: verdana;">….At about 4:30 p.m. on July 4, a car
entered the gated community where the family lives. The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">driver told the security guards they were
police</span></b>. Two hours later, Thuzar Maung was on the phone with a
friend, who heard her yell to her husband that unknown men were entering the
house, before being disconnected. At about 7:10 p.m., the same car and the two
cars owned by Thuzar Maung’s family were seen leaving the compound. Thuzar
Maung’s phone and the phones of her husband and children appear to have been
immediately turned off, as no calls have gone through since….</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: verdana;">CCTV footage at the guard booth <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">captured the license
plate of the “police” car</span></b>, which Malaysian police have since
identified as fake. The footage also captured a black-gloved hand of the driver
of one of Thuzar Maung’s cars holding out the gate card to exit the compound.
Vehicle logs show that the same car had entered the gated community on June 19.
Thuzar Maung’s colleagues who entered the house on July 5 said there were no
signs of robbery…’</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Enforced Disappearance, Kidnapping or other crimes?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This may be a case of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ENFORCED DISSAPEARANCE</b>, whereby it the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>disappearance was done by agents of the
State (like the police,etc) or by persons or groups of persons acting with the
authorization, support or acquiescence of the State</u></b>. HRW, in their statement,
said that the driver of the car that was used told the security guards that
they were police. The perpetrators could also be ‘agents’ of Myanmar, acting
with the authorization, support or acquiescence Malaysia.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Alternatively, it could be kidnapping or abduction by
criminals.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hence, MADPET is of concern that
the Malaysian police is only taking this case as a missing persons case. "The
investigation has been opened under the Missing Persons' KEP," he [Selangor
police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan] said when contacted on Monday (July
17) – Star/17/7/2023.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Based on the allegations in the
HRW Statement, it is more than a missing persons case, but may include
kidnapping and even the crime of impersonating the police. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As it involves refugees from
Myanmar, it’s of not just of national but international concern. Investigation
must also proof that Malaysia is not involved directly or indirectly, and there
has been no violation of the principle of non-refoulement. The 5 must be found
speedily.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Enforced Disappearance - Raymond Koh, Amri Che Mat, Joshua Hilmy and Ruth
Sitepu still missing</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET notes sadly that Malaysia
to date has still not managed to find Pastor Raymond Koh, Amri Che Mat, Joshua
Hilmy and Ruth Sitepu, all victims of enforced disappearance according to the
findings of SUHAKAM(Malaysian Human Rights Commission).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the case of Pastor Raymond Koh
and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amri Che Mat, SUHAKAM(Malaysian
Human Rights Commission) after an inquiry concluded was an enforced disappearance
and that the police were behind it. ‘…Commissioner Datuk Mah Weng Kwai[a former
Judge] said its decision was based on the findings of its panel that had been
looking into Koh’s abduction, which took place on February 13, 2017. “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The direct and circumstantial evidence
in Pastor Raymond Koh’s case proves, on a balance of probabilities, that he was
abducted by State agents namely, the Special Branch, Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur</u></b>…’
(Malay Mail, 3/4/2019)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the case of the enforced disappearance
of Joshua Hilmy and Ruth Sitepu, last seen in November 2016, SUHAKAM after the
inquiry ‘said it did not find evidence that the that the pastor and his wife were
abducted by “agents of the state”. Suhakam commissioner Mohd Hishamudin Yunus[a
former Judge], who chaired the inquiry, said their disappearance was carried
out <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>by “a person or more than a
person unknown with acquiescence of the authorities”</u></b>.“Their involuntary
disappearance breached the laws of Malaysia,” …“However, (although) we did not
find evidence that they were abducted by agents of the state, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">yet the authorities
failed to investigate the case ‘diligently and seriously’ (and) had hampered
the progress (of the investigation</span></b>),” (FMT, 15/4/2022).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">All 4 remains missing to date.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Official Secrets Act – Hiding of Truth? Abolish it in favour of
Transparency.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Following SUHAKAM’s finding of
enforced disappearance of Pastor Koh and Amri Che Mat, sadly the government’s
response was not to commence investigation and prosecution, but to set up a
task force to investigate SUHAKAM’s conclusions. It was given six months to
complete its report. Then the Task Force report was classified secret under the
Official Secrets Act, and remains classified to date. Why? What is the
government hiding?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On 9/5/2023, Justice Wan Ahmad
Farid Wan Salleh, ordered that the report - which was classified under the
Official Secrets Act (OSA) 1972 - should be released to Amri’s wife and her
lawyer, prohibiting them from disclosing the report to any members of the
public. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Why was the government wanting to
keep it secret? "A general assertion that the report, if disclosed, would
allow criminals and enemies of the state to take advantage of the police
operation is insufficient," he[Justice Wan Ahmad Farid] said in the online
proceedings here on Tuesday (May 9)…’ (Star, 9/5/2023)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET notes sadly, that the
State has now appealed this High Court Order, and have also obtained an order
staying the release of the report pending the disposal of appeal. (FMT,
7/6/2023) </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">MADPET calls for a speedy, comprehensive and transparent investigation
into the possible enforced disappearance of Thuzar Maung, Saw Than Tin Win, Poeh
Khing Maung, Aung Myint Maung and Thukha Maung. There should be ‘no secrets’ or
use of the OSA to hide the revelation of truth or to protect agents of the
State, or the State itself.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">MADPET calls for disclosure on the stage of investigation in the enforced
disappearance Pastor Raymond Koh, Amri Che Mat, Joshua Hilmy and Ruth Sitepu,
Will there be any prosecution? Are there other facts of the case that are being
kept secret using the OSA <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for reasons
like to not <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘allow criminals and enemies
of the state to take advantage of the police operation..’?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">MADPET calls for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Pakatan Harapan-led
government that promised reforms, to immediately repeal the Official Secrets
Act (OSA) 1972 and end the government culture of ‘secrecy’ in favour of
transparency and accountability. </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Charles Hector</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For and on behalf of MADPET
(Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture) </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></i></p>
<div class="news-header__main text-gray-800">
<h1 class="news-header__title text-2xl font-medium leading-tight break-words md:text-4xl lg:text-5xl xl:text-6xl " id="4215">Malaysia: Myanmar Refugee Activist Abducted</h1>
<p class="news-header__subtitle text-base md:text-2xl ">Urgently Locate, Ensure Safety of Thuzar Maung, Family Members </p>
</div>
<div class="byline__container mt-3 flex flex-wrap text-gray-800 flex-col">
</div>
<div class="embed embedded-entity embedded-entity-type-media embedded-entity-bundle-image embedded-entity-viewmode-embeddable">
<div>
<figure class="figure figure--expand text-center"><div class="figure__media relative inline-block mx-auto">
<a class="figure__link" href="https://www.hrw.org/modal/102542" rel="modal:open">
<img alt="The Myanmar refugee activist Thuzar Maung with her husband, Saw Than Tin Win, who were abducted along with her three children from their home in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 4, 2023" data-responsive-image-style="embedded_images" height="267" src="https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/styles/embed_xxl/public/media_2023/07/202307asia_malaysia_thuzarmaung.jpg?itok=WZ2NTJaV" width="400" /></a><span class="figure__caption">he
Myanmar refugee activist Thuzar Maung with her husband, Saw Than Tin
Win, who were abducted along with her three children from their home in
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 4, 2023.</span>
<span class="figure__credit">© 2023 private</span>
</div></figure></div>
</div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">(Bangkok) – The <a href="https://www.hrw.org/asia/malaysia">Malaysian</a> government should immediately prioritize a thorough and transparent investigation into the abduction of the <a href="https://www.hrw.org/asia/myanmar-burma">Myanmar</a> <span aria-label="Explain glossary term refugee" class="onomasticon onomasticon-cursor-default" data-tooltip="Generally, a refugee is a person who has been forced to flee their country because of persecution, war, or violence. Under the 1951 Refugee Convention, a refugee is someone who is unable or unwilling to return to their home country because of a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, or political opinion. Under customary international law, governments are prohibited from forcibly returning refugees to their home country if it would place them in danger." tabindex="0" title="refugee">refugee</span> activist Thuzar Maung and her family, Human Rights Watch said today.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">On July 4, 2023, unidentified men abducted Thuzar Maung, 46; her
husband, Saw Than Tin Win, 43; her daughter, Poeh Khing Maung, 16; and
sons Aung Myint Maung, 21, and Thukha Maung, 17, from their residence in
Ampang Jaya, Kuala Lumpur, based on reports from witnesses and CCTV
footage. Thuzar Maung, also spelled Thu Zar Moung, is an outspoken
supporter of Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We fear that Thuzar Maung and her family were abducted in a planned operation and are at grave risk,” said <a href="https://www.hrw.org/about/people/elaine-pearson">Elaine Pearson</a>,
Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “The Malaysian government should
urgently act to locate the family and ensure their safety.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">At about 4:30 p.m. on July 4, a car entered the gated community where
the family lives. The driver told the security guards they were police.
Two hours later, Thuzar Maung was on the phone with a friend, who heard
her yell to her husband that unknown men were entering the house,
before being disconnected. At about 7:10 p.m., the same car and the two
cars owned by Thuzar Maung’s family were seen leaving the compound.
Thuzar Maung’s phone and the phones of her husband and children appear
to have been immediately turned off, as no calls have gone through
since.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">CCTV footage at the guard booth captured the license plate of the
“police” car, which Malaysian police have since identified as fake. The
footage also captured a black-gloved hand of the driver of one of Thuzar
Maung’s cars holding out the gate card to exit the compound. Vehicle
logs show that the same car had entered the gated community on June 19.
Thuzar Maung’s colleagues who entered the house on July 5 said there
were no signs of robbery.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Thuzar Maung is a long-time advocate for democracy in Myanmar and
refugee and migrant rights in Malaysia. She serves as chair of the
Myanmar Muslim Refugee Community and Myanmar Migrant Workers Committee
and has worked closely with Myanmar’s opposition National Unity
Government. She has over 93,000 followers on Facebook, where she posts
criticism of abuses by Myanmar’s junta, which took power after a
February 1, 2021 military coup. Her friends and colleagues expressed
concern that she was targeted for her activism. The police in Kuala
Lumpur have opened an investigation into the case.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Thuzar Maung fled Myanmar for Malaysia in 2015 to escape growing
violence against Muslims. All five family members are recognized by the
United Nations Refugee Agency as refugees in Malaysia.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“Foreign governments should press Malaysian authorities to quickly
uncover the location of this family,” Pearson said. “Myanmar activists
are apparently at risk even when they criticize the military junta from a
country where they have sought asylum.” - <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/07/17/malaysia-myanmar-refugee-activist-abducted" target="_blank">Human Rights Watch</a><br /><br /><br /> <br /> <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cops investigating alleged abduction of Myanmar activist and family </span><br /></b> <br /> By <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/authors?q=FARIK+ZOLKEPLI">FARIK ZOLKEPLI</a> <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/">Nation </a> <br /> <br /> Monday, 17 Jul 2023 6:19 PM MYT <br /> <br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">KUALA
LUMPUR: The police have opened a Missing Persons' Police Inquiry Paper
(KEP) over the alleged abduction of a Myanmar activist and her family in
Ampang Jaya. <br /><br />Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the police have received a report on the matter. <br /><br />"The investigation has been opened under the Missing Persons' KEP," he said when contacted on Monday (July 17). <br /><br />The
Human Rights Watch (HRW) had called on the Malaysian government to
investigate the abduction of Myanmar refugee activist Thuzar Maung and
her family. <br /><br />The HRW claimed that on July 4, unidentified men
abducted Thuzar Maung, 46; her husband, Saw Than Tin Win, 43; her
daughter, Poeh Khing Maung, 16; and sons Aung Myint Maung, 21; and
Thukha Maung, 17; from their residence in Ampang Jaya based on reports
from witnesses and CCTV footage. -<a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/07/17/cops-investigating-alleged-abduction-of-myanmar-activist-and-family" target="_blank"> Star, 17/7/2023</a></p><h1 class="article-title">Special Branch behind pastor Raymond Koh’s disappearance, says Suhakam</h1><div class="social-sharing"><div class="social-inner"><div class="social-item"><a class="sharing-icon-facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.malaymail.com/article/390133" target="_blank" title="Share Article on Facebook"><img alt="facebook" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" height="30" src="https://www.malaymail.com/theme_malaymail/images/fbIcon.png" width="30" /></a></div> </div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <img alt="Susanna Liew and Norhayati Mohd Arifin attend the announcement of Suhakamu00e2u20acu2122s public inquiry findings into the disappearances of pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat in Kuala Lumpur April 3, 2019. u00e2u20acu201d Picture by Hari Anggara" class="loaded" data-adbro-processed="true" data-was-processed="true" height="267" src="https://media2.malaymail.com/uploads/articles/2019/2019-04/20190403HR3.JPG" title="Susanna Liew and Norhayati Mohd Arifin attend the announcement of Suhakamu00e2u20acu2122s public inquiry findings into the disappearances of pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat in Kuala Lumpur April 3, 2019. u00e2u20acu201d Picture by Hari Anggara" width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">Susanna
Liew and Norhayati Mohd Arifin attend the announcement of Suhakam’s
public inquiry findings into the disappearances of pastor Raymond Koh
and Amri Che Mat in Kuala Lumpur April 3, 2019. — Picture by Hari
Anggara</div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info "> <div class="article-byline">By By Ida Nadirah Ibrahim</div> <div class="article-date">Wednesday, 03 Apr 2019 1:32 PM MYT</div> </div> <div class="main-container-article-body" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="article-body"> <p style="text-align: justify;">
KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 — After an extensive public inquiry, the <b><span style="color: red;">Human
Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) announced today that the Special
Branch, the special police intelligence team from Bukit Aman, was
involved in the abduction of pastor Raymond Koh, similar to that of
activist Amri Che Mat.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Commissioner Datuk Mah Weng Kwai said its
decision was based on the findings of its panel that had been looking
into Koh’s abduction, which took place on February 13, 2017.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red;">"The direct and circumstantial evidence in Pastor Raymond Koh’s case
proves, on a balance of probabilities, that he was abducted by State
agents namely, the Special Branch, Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur.</b></p></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;"> “The
Panel further finds that there is no evidence to support the
contention, as suggested by Counsel on behalf of Pastor Raymond Koh’s
family and Counsel for the Bar Council, Pastor Raymond Koh was abducted
by persons or groups of persons acting with the authorisation, support
or acquiescence of the State,” Mah said.</p><div data-google-query-id="CKvJsteXloADFS6qZgId7ioHeQ" id="mm-story-mreg-2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify; width: 300px;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/mm-story-mreg-2_0__container__" style="border: 0pt none;"></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">
Mah said the conclusion was reached based on testimony from Amri’s
wife, Norhayati Mohd Ariffin, who said she was told by Special Branch
officer Mohd Shamzaini Mohd Daud that the enforced disappearances of
both Koh and Amri were carried out by Bukit Aman’s Special Branch.</p><div data-google-query-id="CKzJsteXloADFS6qZgId7ioHeQ" id="mm-teads" style="text-align: justify;"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt none;"></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;"> <img alt="Suhakam commissioner, Datuk Mah Weng Kwai, announces the findings of Suhakam’s public inquiry into the disappearances of pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat in Kuala Lumpur April 3, 2019. — Picture by Hari Anggara" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" height="267" src="https://media2.malaymail.com/uploads/articles/2019/2019-04/20190403HR2.JPG" style="float: left;" width="400" /><br /><span class="embedded-image-caption">Suhakam
commissioner, Datuk Mah Weng Kwai, announces the findings of Suhakam’s
public inquiry into the disappearances of pastor Raymond Koh and Amri
Che Mat in Kuala Lumpur April 3, 2019. — Picture by Hari Anggara</span><br /><br />He
said the <b><span style="color: red;">conclusion also drew from the police’s refusal to acknowledge
this and reclassify Koh’s case from abduction to enforced disappearance.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">
Based on the findings, the inquiry panel made several recommendations
including the formation of a special task force to re-investigate Koh’s
disappearance, the separation of powers between the police and religious
authorities, and reforming the police’s standard operating procedures
(SOP).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> “Every effort must be made to track down the abductors of
pastor Raymond Koh in a thorough police investigation,” said Mah, adding
that an experienced investigating officer should be appointed for the
case.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> He added that the families must be given closure.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">
Inquiries into the disappearances of Koh, Amri, and two others missing —
pastor Joshua Hilmi and his wife, Ruth Hilmi — were held under the
Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> The inquiry on Koh’s case took place over 21 days and heard 16 witnesses, and ended last December 8.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">
Koh, whose real name is Keng Joo Koh, 64, was last seen by his wife
Susanna Liew Sow Yoke in February 2017 in Petaling Jaya less than three
months after Amri’s abduction.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Joshua and Ruth have also been missing since 2016. - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/04/03/special-branch-behind-pastor-raymond-kohs-disappearance-says-suhakam/1739334" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 3/4/2019</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> <img alt="" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" height="344" src="https://media2.malaymail.com/uploads/articles/2019/2019-02/4-missing-activists.jpg" style="float: left;" width="400" /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> <br /><br /></p><h1 class="sc-bjUoiL DjqTM pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">No evidence couple abducted by ‘state agents’, says Suhakam inquiry</h1><div class="sc-evZas fHYujY"><p><b style="color: #2b00fe;">Public hearing confirms, however, that pastor Joshua Hilmy and his wife Ruth Sitepu are ‘victims of enforced disappearance’.</b></p>
</div><div class="sc-breuTD kXJGaT d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="sc-hKMtZM lloZhb" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/hokityen/">Ho Kit Yen</a> - </span><time class="sc-bczRLJ gqcqdZ fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1649993691000" style="min-height: 15px;">15 Apr 2022, 11:34am</time></div><div><time class="sc-bczRLJ gqcqdZ fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1649993691000" style="min-height: 15px;"> </time></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><time class="sc-bczRLJ gqcqdZ fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1649993691000" style="min-height: 15px;">T</time>he
Suhakam inquiry into the disappearance of pastor Hilmy Joshua Hilmy and
his wife Ruth Sitepu says the authorities failed to investigate the
case ‘diligently and seriously’. (Facebook pic)</div></div></div><div class="sc-hAZoDl egPrae pb-3" itemprop="articleBody" style="text-align: justify;">
<p>KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia’s (Suhakam)
public inquiry into missing couple Joshua Hilmy and Ruth Sitepu has held
that they are victims of enforced disappearance.</p>
<p><b>However, it said it did not find evidence that the pastor and his wife were abducted by “agents of the state”.</b></p></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Suhakam commissioner Mohd Hishamudin Yunus, who chaired the inquiry,
said <b><span style="color: red;">their disappearance was carried out by “a person or more than a
person unknown with acquiescence of the authorities”.</span></b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red;">“Their involuntary disappearance breached the laws of Malaysia,” the
former judge said when delivering the inquiry’s decision today.</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="color: red;">“However, (although) we did not find evidence that they were abducted
by agents of the state, yet the authorities failed to investigate the
case ‘diligently and seriously’ (and) had hampered the progress (of the
investigation),” he said.</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Joshua, a Malay who converted to Christianity, and his Indonesian
wife Ruth were last seen on Nov 30, 2016 at their Petaling Jaya home.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Hishamudin pointed out that police had failed to prioritise missing
persons’ cases like Joshua and Ruth’s, and did not look into the
couple’s case thoroughly.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“The IO (investigating officer) testified that Joshua had been
investigated for sedition for insulting Prophet Muhammad on Facebook in
2014. Groups such as Perkasa had lodged reports against him.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We note that there were no efforts by the IO to revisit the
Facebook post, which we find strange as the police should have
investigated it to find any leads that might be useful in the couple’s
disappearance.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Even though some pertinent information was found during the
early stage, it was not taken seriously by police and no danger alert
was triggered.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We are of the view that the lack of interest and
seriousness by police in appreciating the severity of the case, treating
it as a normal missing persons case, reflects the failure of the police
to prioritise the case,” he said.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Hishamudin also criticised the police’s lack of speed in commencing the investigation.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“The couple’s friend Peter Pormannan lodged a report at the Klang police station in March 2017 after he couldn’t find them.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“The IO only recorded Peter’s statement one month later. As a
responsible IO, it is crucial for him to act immediately at the early
stage to gather as much information as possible,” he said.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The panel also found that police tried to “suppress” Joshua and Ruth’s case from the Indonesian embassy.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“According to Ruth’s brother Imam Sitepu’s testimony, he said the IO told him not to report Ruth’s disappearance to the embassy.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We are of the view that the IO tried to suppress this case
from the knowledge of other agencies and the public,” Hishamudin added.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He also said police never updated Ruth’s family on the
status of the investigation, as required under the Criminal Procedure
Code.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Although Iman did not make a specific request, it is
incumbent on the police to inform the family of the progress,”
Hishamudin said.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Fellow commissioners Jerald Joseph and Madeline Berma
assisted Hishamudin in the inquiry, which was held from Feb 10, 2020 to
Jan 22 this year. A total of 26 witnesses assisted the inquiry. - <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2022/04/15/no-evidence-couple-abducted-by-state-agents-says-suhakam-inquiry/" target="_blank">FMT, 15/4/2022</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>High Court orders limited disclosure of task force report into Amri's disappearance to his wife <br /></b></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br /> By <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/authors?q=NURBAITI+HAMDAN">NURBAITI HAMDAN</a> <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/">Nation </a> <br /> Tuesday, 09 May 2023 2:18 PM MYT <br /> <br />KUALA
LUMPUR: The High Court here has ordered the government to make a
limited disclosure on a special task force report relating to the
disappearance of activist Amri Che Mat, whom his family claimed to have
been abducted. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: red;">Justice
Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, in his decision, said that the report -
which was classified under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) 1972 - should
be released by first respondent Mohd Russaini Idrus exclusively to
Norhayati Mohd Ariffin, who is Amri's wife. </span></b><br /><br />Mohd
Russaini, who is the Police Force Commission secretary, is the secretary
to the task force that investigated Amri's disappearance. <br /><br />Justice
Wan Ahmad Farid, who was delivering his decision in a judicial review
application filed by Norhayati, said that he found the first
respondent's explanation in his affidavit-in-reply in the judicial
review as "not watertight". <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"A
general assertion that the report, if disclosed, would allow criminals
and enemies of the state to take advantage of the police operation is
insufficient," he said in the online proceedings here on Tuesday (May
9). </span></b><br /><br />However, the <b>court prohibited Norhayati from
disclosing the report to any members of the public except for her
lawyers in a main suit she filed in November 2019 against 21 parties
including the government and the police over the alleged failure to
effectively investigate her husband's alleged abduction. <br /><br />The same order also applies to the applicant's lawyers.</b><a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/starpicks/2023/07/15/master-your-well-being-and-health-monitoring-in-style-with-huawei-watch-4-series"> </a> <br /><br />The court did not make any order as to costs. <br /><br />Norhayati
was represented by lawyer Surendra Ananth while Senior Federal Counsels
Shamsul Bolhassan and Ahmad Hanir Hambaly appeared for the respondents
during the proceedings. <br /><br />Norhayati had first filed the main civil
suit in November 2019 over her husband's disappearance and sought the
discovery of the task report to be disclosed for the purpose of legal
action. <br /><br />The defendants in the suit, however, objected to the
discovery application on the grounds that the task report was classified
under the OSA. <br /><br />Norhayati then filed for leave for judicial review of the matter and she was granted leave on July 19, 2022. <br /><br />At the same time, she withdrew the discovery application in her main suit. <br /><br />When contacted, Surendra confirmed that the main suit against the 21 parties has been fixed for case management on May 19. <br /><br />"The suit is also fixed for trial between June 19 and 22," he said. <br /><br />Amri was allegedly abducted in Perlis close to midnight on Nov 24, 2016. <br /><br />The
vehicle he used was subsequently found in an abandoned construction
site at Bukit Chabang, Perlis, at around 12.30am the next day. - <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/05/09/high-court-orders-limited-disclosure-of-task-force-report-into-amri039s-disappearance-to-his-wife" target="_blank">Star, 9/5/2023<br /></a></p><h1 class="sc-fEOsli fiphyx pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">Govt appeals against order to release report on activist’s disappearance</h1><div class="sc-bczRLJ eZxXlM"><p>The government has also obtained an order staying the release of the report pending the disposal of appeal.</p>
</div><div class="sc-breuTD kXJGaT d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="sc-eCYdqJ GmhYy" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/hokityen/">Ho Kit Yen</a> - </span><time class="sc-bczRLJ gqcqdZ fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1686108320000" style="min-height: 15px;">07 Jun 2023, 11:25am</time></div></div></div><div class="mb-3" style="height: 40px;"><div class=" st-left st-has-labels st-inline-share-buttons st-animated" id="sharethis-1689612989413"><br /></div></div><div class="sc-hAZoDl egPrae pb-3" itemprop="articleBody"><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2309612" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_2309612" style="width: 800px;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2309612 size-full" height="250" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Norhayati-Mohd-Ariffin11-filepic-261020.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-2309612">The
High Court had ordered the government to release the report on missing
Amri Che Mat to his wife, Norhayati Ariffin, for the purpose of her
civil suit.</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: justify;">KUALA LUMPUR: <b><span style="color: red;">The government has filed an appeal to overturn a court
order compelling it to release a classified report on the disappearance
of activist Amri Che Mat to his wife.</span></b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Lawyer Larissa Ann Louis, appearing for Norhayati Ariffin,
said the <b><span style="color: red;">appeal was filed last week. She said the government has also
obtained an order staying the release of the report pending the disposal
of appeal.</span></b></p></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Last month, the High Court ordered the government to disclose the
report prepared by a special task force to Norhayati within one month
from May 9.</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>The court had, however, said Norhayati could only use the report for
the purpose of her civil suit, and that she and her legal team were
prohibited from disclosing it to third parties.</b></p><div data-google-query-id="CKWb3vCaloADFdGw2AUdOzwC4A" id="div-gpt-ad-1661356464065-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/FMT_ROS_1x1_0__container__" style="border: 0pt none;"></div></div>
<p>Amri, the founder of the NGO Perlis Hope, went missing in 2016, which
led to a public inquiry into his disappearance by Suhakam between 2017
and 2019.</p>
<p>In 2021, the human rights commission concluded that Amri was a victim
of an enforced disappearance carried out by the state, specifically by
the police’s special branch.</p>
<p>In response, the home ministry established a task force to
investigate Suhakam’s conclusions. It was given six months to complete
its report.</p>
<p>Neither the ministry nor the task force has released the report
despite repeated calls to do so by various parties, including Suhakam
and other NGOs.</p>
<p>In December 2021, Norhayati filed a suit in the High Court
seeking an order that the government declassify its report on her
husband’s disappearance.</p>
<p>In the application to initiate a judicial review, she sought
to set aside several provisions in the Official Secrets Act under which
the report had been classified.</p>
She also wanted the court to declare as unconstitutional the
government’s decision to classify a report by the special task force on
the disappearance of Amri and Pastor Raymond Koh as secret. - <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/06/07/govt-appeals-against-order-to-release-report-on-activists-disappearance/" target="_blank">FMT, 7/6/2023</a>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-43586159023617191542023-07-06T11:01:00.006-07:002023-07-06T11:01:38.460-07:00Mandatory Death Penalty Abolished, But Review of Death Sentence Cannot Start Until Minister Puts Into Force the Revision of Sentence law. (MADPET)<p> </p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Media Statement – 7/7/2023</span></u></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 20.0pt;">Mandatory
Death Penalty Abolished, But Review of Death Sentence Cannot Start Until Minister
Puts Into Force the Revision of Sentence law.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET (Malaysians Against Death
Penalty and Torture) celebrates the putting into force on 4/7/2023 by Minister Azalina
Othman Said, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and
Institutional Reform) the <b>Abolition Of Mandatory Death Penalty Act 2023</b>,
which was gazetted after receiving royal assent on 16/6/2023. This ends the era
where judges had no choice but to sentence to death any person found guilty of
some 11 offences that had the mandatory death penalty.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Put
the Revision of Sentence Act into force so sentence revision can begin</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET urges that <a name="_Hlk139582905"><b>Revision of Sentence </b></a><b>of Death and
Imprisonment for Natural Life (Temporary Jurisdiction Of The Federal Court) Act
2023<i>(Revision of Sentence Act)</i></b>, which was also gazetted on 16/6/2023
be immediately put into force, so the Act will come into operation. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is most important for the
about 850 of about 1324 persons on death row, who have exhausted all appeals that
now qualify to apply for a revision of sentence. He/she ‘…who is sentenced to
death may make an <u>application in writing to the Federal Court within ninety
days</u> from the date of coming into operation of this Act…(2) Upon receiving
an application under subsection (1), the <u>Federal Court shall review the
sentence of death</u>.’(Sec.3(1) <a name="_Hlk139555030">and (2)Revision of
Sentence Act</a>]. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Only after it is in force, can
the many persons ‘…who is serving a <u>sentence of imprisonment for natural
life may make an application</u> in writing to the Federal Court within ninety
days from the date of coming into operation of this Act. (2) Upon receiving an
application under subsection (1), <u>the Federal Court shall review the
sentence of imprisonment of natural life</u>.’ {Sec.5(1) and (2)]</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Government
needs to assist in the review of sentence application and process</span><span style="color: #44546a; mso-themecolor: text2;"></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Given that there will be possibly
about 1,000 or more review of sentence applications <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>filed and have to be heard by the already busy
Federal Court, it is important that the State also plays an active part in
assisting those who become entitled to make a review of sentence applications
to ensure justice be done, and the objects of these new laws is given full
effect speedily. This will also need assistance from the Prisons Departments, Public
Prosecutor, Courts and others.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET also calls on the
Malaysian Bar, who has been a strong advocate for abolition, since the passing
of the Bar Resolution calling for abolition of the death penalty in 2006, to
step up and assist in the review of sentence process.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Judges Need To Note That Malaysia today
is clearly for abolition of the death penalty since 2018</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET hopes that the Court, in
hearing this sentence review applications <b>will note that Malaysia has long adopted
the position of moving towards the abolition of the death penalty</b> in line with
the global trend. In 2007, there were 104 nation states in favour of abolition.
That number in favour has been systematically growing over the years. In 2008,
it was 106. In 2010, it was 108. In 2012, it jumped to 111, and in 2016, it was
117 and now in 2022, it was 125, which meant more than two third of UN member
States are for abolition.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On 15/12/2022, Malaysia was proudly
amongst the 125 countries that voted in favor of the UN General Assembly’s “Moratorium
on the use of the death penalty with a view to abolishing the death penalty”
resolution. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Malaysia, under the Pakatan
Harapan Plus government, voted for the very first time in favour of this
resolution in 2018. The Perikatan Nasional (BERSATU, PAS included) and BN Plus
Government again vote in favour the resolution in 2020. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">PM Ismail Sabri, then PM Anwar
Ibrahim brought about abolition of mandatory death penalty</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On 6/10/2022, the Perikatan
Nasional government under Prime Minister Ismail Sabri tabled 7 Bills that would
abolish the mandatory death penalty, and this was the first concrete action by
the government. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Post GE15, the new Bills were tabled,
and now the Abolition Of Mandatory Death Penalty Act 2023 abolished not just the
mandatory death penalty but also natural life imprisonment. The PH-led government
also tabled the law, Revision of Sentence of Death and Imprisonment for Natural
Life (Temporary Jurisdiction of The Federal Court) Act 2023, which is still not
in force, allows those on death row and those under life imprisonment to apply
to court for a review of the sentence.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In short, both the current
government and the Opposition parties have now adopted the position of moving
towards the abolition of the death penalty.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Justice Demands Court’s
Understanding and Flexibility</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Noting that in all cases that
carried the mandatory death penalty, both the prosecution and lawyers
representing the accused would have failed to adduce evidence that would have
convinced the court to sentence the convicted to a lower sentence because it
was of no use as the courts could only impose one sentence - the death penalty.
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In these cases, which then
carried the mandatory death penalty, there would have also been no submission
of aggravating and mitigating factors that judges would consider before passing
sentence, as there was only one sentence available - the death penalty.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As such, when it comes to the
review of sentence of death now, there may be a need for serious re-evaluation
of the court records and the facts, and justice may require the introduction of
material new evidence, where it is hope that the court would be flexible in
this extraordinary special situation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Whipping, very different from the
Islamic Caning, Must Be Abolished</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whilst, the Abolition of
Mandatory Death Penalty Act would give judges the discretion on conviction<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to impose the death penalty or alternatively jail
of between 30 and 40 years as well as no fewer than 12 strokes of the cane or
whipping, <b>MADPET calls for the abolition of whipping</b>, and for the
granting of greater discretion in sentencing maybe jail between 10 and 40 years.
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now, that Malaysia has abolished
mandatory death penalty, <b>MADPET reiterates its call for Malaysia to totally
abolish the death penalty</b>. Maybe, the next step towards total abolition is
the abolition of death penalty for offences where there is no victim that is
killed or seriously injured by the perpetrator.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;">Charles Hector</i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;">For and on behalf of MADPET(Malaysians Against Death
Penalty and Torture)</i></p>
<h1 class="article-title"><span style="color: red;">Abolishment of mandatory death penalty gazetted, to come into force tomorrow</span></h1> <div class="social-sharing"> <div class="social-inner"><br /></div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/07/03/126578.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/07/03/126578.jpg&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="Abolishment of mandatory death penalty gazetted, to come into force tomorrow" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-adbro-processed="true" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/07/03/126578.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="266" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/07/03/126578.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" title="Abolishment of mandatory death penalty gazetted, to come into force tomorrow" width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">Malay
Mail’s check with the Malaysia Federal Legislation website showed the
gazettement dated June 30, 2023 and signed by de facto law minister
Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said was uploaded today. — Bernama pic</div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info "> <div class="article-byline">By Muhammad Yusry</div> <div class="article-date">Monday, 03 Jul 2023 8:16 PM MYT</div> </div> <div class="main-container-article-body"> <div class="article-body"> <p>KUALA
LUMPUR, July 3 — The abolishment of the mandatory death penalty will
come into force tomorrow as the Abolition of Mandatory Death Penalty Act
2023 has been gazetted.</p><p><em>Malay Mail’s</em> check with the
Malaysia Federal Legislation website showed the gazettement dated June
30, 2023 and signed by de facto law minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman
Said was uploaded today.</p><p>“In
exercise of the powers conferred by subsection 1(2) of the Abolition of
Mandatory Death Penalty Act 2023 (Act 846), the minister appoints July 4
2023 as the date on which the Act comes into operation,” said the
statement.</p></div></div><p>The Dewan Rakyat passed the Bill proposing to make the
death penalty an option and no longer mandatory after it was tabled for
its third reading on April 3.</p><p><img alt="" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" height="357" src="https://www.malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/04/02/103337.png" width="400" /></p><div data-google-query-id="CNLPy_m7-v8CFSUOgwMdp5kN8A" id="mm-teads"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/32246135/1x1-teads_0__container__" style="border: 0pt none;"></div><div class="teads-adCall"></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red;"><b>The
Abolition of Mandatory Death Penalty Bill would give judges the
discretion on the death penalty rather than requiring them to do so when
convicting on offences that made them mandatory.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The amendments
in the Bill <span style="color: red;"><b>also include replacing life and natural life imprisonment
(until death) as an alternative to the mandatory death sentence, with
the new alternative of jail of between 30 and 40 years as well as no
fewer than 12 strokes of the cane.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Abolition of Mandatory
Death Penalty Bill 2023 was tabled for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat
by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional
Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said on March 27 this year.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Azalina’s
predecessor, Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, had tabled a similar
piece of legislation on October 6, 2022, but Parliament’s dissolution
to pave the way for the 15th General Election meant it was never put
before lawmakers for debate.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Since July 2018, Malaysia has placed a
de facto moratorium on executions pending institutional reforms
undertaken by the various administrations that have existed in that
time.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The last death row prisoner was hanged in 2017 but because
legislation carrying the mandatory death penalty has remained effective,
the courts have been bound to continue sentencing defendants to death
despite the moratorium on executions.</p><hr /><p><em><a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/04/03/a-brief-history-of-malaysias-capital-punishment-and-death-row-inmates/62376">Read here</a> for Malay Mail's explainer on the brief history of capital punishment and death row inmates in Malaysia. - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/07/03/abolishment-of-mandatory-death-penalty-gazetted-to-come-into-force-tomorrow/77669" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 3/7/2023</a></em></p><div class="article-section"> <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia">Malaysia</a> </div> <h1 class="article-title">A brief history of Malaysia’s capital punishment and death row inmates</h1> <div class="social-sharing"> <div class="social-inner"> <div class="social-item"><a class="sharing-icon-email" href="mailto::?subject=A brief history of Malaysia’s capital punishment and death row inmates&body=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/04/03/a-brief-history-of-malaysias-capital-punishment-and-death-row-inmates/62376" target="_blank" title="Share Article By Email"><img alt="email" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" height="30" src="https://www.malaymail.com/theme_malaymail/images/emIcon.png" width="30" /></a></div></div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/04/02/104083.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/04/02/104083.jpg&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="A brief history of Malaysia’s capital punishment and death row inmates" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-adbro-processed="true" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/04/02/104083.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="260" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/04/02/104083.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" title="A brief history of Malaysia’s capital punishment and death row inmates" width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><i>Decades
after colonial rule, Malaysia has finally taken the first concrete
steps towards abolishing the death penalty, after proposed legislation
to make capital punishment optional and not mandatory was put before
Parliament a second time. ― AFP pic</i></div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info "> <div class="article-byline">By Kenneth Tee</div> <div class="article-date">Monday, 03 Apr 2023 7:00 AM MYT</div> </div> <div class="main-container-article-body" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="article-body"> <p style="text-align: justify;">KUALA
LUMPUR, April 3 — Decades after colonial rule, Malaysia has finally
taken the first concrete steps towards abolishing the death penalty,
after proposed legislation to make capital punishment optional and not
mandatory was put before Parliament a second time.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Abolition
of Mandatory Death Penalty Bill 2023 was tabled for first reading in the
Dewan Rakyat by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and
Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said on March 27.</p></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Azalina’s
predecessor, Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, had tabled a similar
piece of legislation on October 6, 2022, but Parliament’s dissolution
to pave the way for the 15th General Election meant it was never put
before lawmakers for debate.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Legal amendments involving policies
on punishment and substitute sentence to the mandatory death penalty are
a positive change to make the country’s criminal justice system more
holistic and inclusive, apart from not denying individuals their basic
right to proper justice,” Azalina told the Dewan Negara days before the
Bill’s tabled for the first reading.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The
current Bill seeks to revise the current death penalty by giving judges
the discretion to mete out sentences on a case-by-case basis.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The
amendments also include replacing life and natural life imprisonment
(until death) as an alternative to the mandatory death sentence, with
the new alternative of jail of between 30 and 40 years as well as no
fewer than 12 strokes of the cane.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">For the amendments to take
effect, the Bill must obtain approval by way of three readings from both
the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, before being presented to the Yang
di-Pertuan Agong for royal assent and subsequently gazetted.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Since
July 2018, Malaysia has placed a de facto moratorium on executions
pending institutional reforms undertaken by the various administrations
that have existed in that time.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The last death row prisoner was <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2017/05/24/amnesty-criticises-two-secretive-executions-calls-for-moratorium-on-death-p/1383745" target="_blank">hanged</a>
in 2017 but because legislation carrying the mandatory death penalty
has remained effective, the courts have been bound to continue
sentencing defendants to death despite the moratorium on executions.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>A brief history of Malaysia’s capital punishment</strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The
death penalty has occupied a place in the Malaysian criminal justice
system ever since British colonial administration, when the mandatory
death penalty was originally enforced for murder.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">When Malaya
achieved independence in 1957, it inherited the common law system
including the death penalty introduced during the reign of British
Malaya.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Did you know the well-known Dangerous Drugs Act was
enacted by the British colonial government in 1952 to combat the threat
of substance abuse, yet capital punishment for drug trafficking — under
Section 39B — was not carried out until 1975?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The death penalty
remained discretionary for Section 39B up until 1983 when the legal
provision was amended to make it mandatory, after which Malaysia’s drug
laws would go on to be considered as among the harshest in the world.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Today
in Malaysia, 34 offences such as murder, drug trafficking, waging war
against the state and terrorism were punishable by death. Of those, 11
carried a mandatory death sentence.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Executions are performed as hanging by the neck until death, and usually conducted on Fridays.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">At present, Malaysia is one of 53 countries worldwide that still maintain the death penalty in both law and practice.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="image_body" style="text-align: left;"> <div style="max-width: 100%; padding: 0px;"> <div style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="loading" data-was-processed="true" src="https://www.malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/04/02/103337.png" style="width: 100%;" /></div> <div class="image-caption"></div> </div> </div><p></p><p><strong>What are the numbers?</strong></p><p>According
to the Prison Department’s latest data, a total of 1,318 prisoners were
sent to the gallows between 1992 and 2023 for one of seven capital
offences that carried the mandatory death penalty.</p><p>The capital
offences listed are Section 121, 302 and 396 of the Penal Code for
waging war against a Ruler, murder and gang-robbery with murder,
respectively; Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act for drug
trafficking; Section 3 of the Kidnapping Act for abduction for ransom;
and Section 3 and 3A of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act for
illegal firearms discharge.</p><p>The majority of the condemned — 870 of
them or 66 per cent — comprised drug offenders, followed by convicted
murderers at 318 or 24.1 per cent.</p><p>For the remainder, 16 were
convicted for illegal firearms discharge, seven for waging war against
the Agong, five for kidnapping, and two for gang-robberies.</p><p>Despite
the movements to reform the death penalty, 2022 also saw the highest
number of condemned persons at 123, of which 79 or 64.2 per cent were
drug offenders followed by 44 or 35.8 per cent convicted of murder.</p><p>The
Abolition of Mandatory Death Penalty Bill seeks to abolish the
mandatory death penalty, to vary the sentence of imprisonment for
natural life and whipping, and to provide for matters connected
therewith by amending the Penal Code (Act 574), the Firearms (Increased
Penalties) Act 1971 (Act 37), the Arms Act 1960 (Act 206), the
Kidnapping Act 1961 (Act 365), the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (Act 234),
the Strategic Trade Act 2010 (Act 708) and the Criminal Procedure Code
(Act 593) in line with the Government policy to abolish the mandatory
death penalty in all legislation. - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/04/03/a-brief-history-of-malaysias-capital-punishment-and-death-row-inmates/62376" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 3/4/2023</a></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2022/12/malaysia-amongst-125-countries-that.html">Malaysia,
amongst 125 countries, that voted in favour of the 2022 UN General
Assembly Resolution towards abolition of the Death Penalty on 15/12/2022</a>
</h3>
<div class="post-header-line-1"></div>
<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Media Statement – 18/12/2022</span></u></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Malaysia, amongst 125 countries, that
voted in favour of the 2022 UN General Assembly Resolution towards abolition of
the Death Penalty</span></b></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On 15/12/2022, at</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Seventy-seventh Session 54th Meeting,
the UN General Assembly’s adopted the “Moratorium on the use of the death
penalty</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">with a view to abolishing the death penalty” resolution. MADPET is proud
that Malaysia was one of 125 nation states that voted in favour. Singapore and
Brunei, sadly, were the only ASEAN member states amongst the 37 countries that voted
against, and there were 22 abstentions. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This is an historic moment, when majority of two
thirds was achieved, and the number of votes in favour continues to increase. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2020, there were 123 votes in favour to 38
against, with 24 abstentions. In 2018, it was 121 votes in favour, which also included
Malaysia for the very first time. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In 2007, there were 104 in favour. In 2008, it
was 106. In 2010, it was 108. In 2012, it jumped to 111, and in 2016, it was
117. As such, the global trend continues to be <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>towards the abolition of the death penalty </span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On 15/12/2022, after adoption of the
Resolution, ‘the Assembly called on States to progressively restrict use of the
death penalty and ensure that those facing it can exercise their right to apply
for pardon or commutation… In addition, it called on States to ensure the death
penalty is not applied based on discriminatory laws, improve conditions in
detention and establish a moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing
the death penalty…’(</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">UN Meetings Coverage of GA</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">)</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and
Torture) is proud that Malaysia voted in favour of this Resolution that
unequivocally calls for all countries to establish a moratorium on executions
with a view to abolishing the death penalty. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b><span style="color: red;">Malaysia, under the Pakatan Harapan Plus
government, voted in favour of this resolution in 2018. The Perikatan Nasional(BERSATU,
PAS included) and BN Plus Government elected to again vote in favour in 2020.
Now, the Pakatan Harapan Plus government under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has
taken the same stance in December 2022.</span></b></span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MADPET notes that Bills are now before the
Parliament that will effectively abolish the mandatory death penalty, which we
call all on MPs to vote in favour. This can be considered the first step
towards abolition.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Thereafter, we call on the Prime Minister Anwar
Ibrahim’s Coalition Government led by Pakatan Harapan and to forthwith take the
next step and abolish the death penalty in Malaysia speedily. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We recall that the then Minister in the Prime
Minister’s Department of the then PH Plus Government, Datuk Liew Vui Keong on 13/11/2018
in Parliament did say that ‘…the Cabinet has decided that the death penalty for
33 offences under eight acts of law be abolished, and this includes
Section 302 of the Penal Code (murder)...He said the decision, which was
reached collectively,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>also encompassed
the Firearms (Heavier Penalties) Act 1971; Firearms Act 1960,
Kidnapping Act<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1961, Armed Forces Act
1972. Also in the list are the Water Services Industries Act 2006; Strategic
Trade Act 2010 and Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. ..’(Malay Mail 13/11/2018).</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">When a country, especially a democratic nation
State, executes a criminal, it inevitably makes all its citizens ‘murderers’. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A criminal reasonably must be punished for
his/her crimes, but his life must never be extinguished. Sentencing must be
fair, consistent, proportionate and with the opportunity for rehabilitation.
The abolition of the death penalty, in favour of repentance, rehabilitation and
second chances is consistent with the values of the different religions and
cultures of the Malaysian people.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MADPET reiterates our call for the abolition of
the death penalty, and for the moratorium on executions pending abolition.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Charles
Hector</span></i></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For
and on behalf of MADPET(Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture)</span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p><p> </p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-68136264487221168732023-06-24T07:14:00.000-07:002023-06-24T07:14:20.735-07:00Wrongfully jailed: 'I was among 35 inmates whipped on same day' - Will Anwar Ibrahim's government do better that Ismail Sabri?<p><i>It is good that Media reported the statement of now 28 groups </i><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2023/06/pm-anwar-ibrahim-and-malaysia-needs-to.html">PM
Anwar Ibrahim and Malaysia needs to ensure justice be done to
documented migrant worker Sabri, who was wrongly convicted, imprisoned
and WHIPPED for being illegally in Malaysia(28 Groups)</a></p><p>See below also a Malaysiakini report in August 2022 - <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: red;">Wrongfully jailed: 'I was among 35 inmates whipped on same day' </span></b></span></p><p><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Groups call for RCI on wrongfully jailed, whipped Indonesian worker</span></b><br /><br /><br />The various rights NGOs and union bodies urge Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to offer Sabri Umar an apology on behalf of Malaysia. <br /><a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/fmtreporters/">FMT Reporters</a> - 22 Jun 2023, 10:30am<br /><br /><img height="250" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/28d562db-sabri-umar-indonesian-worker-malaysians-against-death-penalty-and-torture-pic.jpg" width="400" />Indonesian worker Sabri Umar after he was acquitted by the Tawau High Court last July. (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture pic) <br /><br />PETALING JAYA: Over two dozen rights NGOs and union bodies have called for the government to set up a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to probe a case involving an Indonesian worker who was wrongfully imprisoned and whipped for allegedly not having a valid work pass. <br /><br />“We call on Malaysia to set up a RCI and look into the case of Sabri Umar and other rights violations that may have befallen many other migrant workers,” the 27 groups said in a joint statement.<br />Stay up-to-date by following FMT's Telegram channel<br /> <br /><br />They said the current position of Malaysia seems to be the speedy repatriation of migrant workers despite them having outstanding claims against their immediate or past employers. <br /><br />“This policy must change, and there must be no repatriation of migrant workers or foreign nationals until the human resources ministry determines that there are no outstanding or pending employment related claims against their employers,” the groups said. <br /><br />The groups added that the home ministry must also determine that there are no outstanding claims against others, or that the migrant worker is not needed as a witness in any other cases. <br /><br />The groups urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to offer an apology to Sabri on behalf of Malaysia, adding that “offering some compensation would also be just”. <br /><br />The signatories to the statement include Aliran, Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture (Madpet), North South Initiative (NSI), Sabah Timber Industry Employees Union to Union (Stieu), Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM) and the Teoh Beng Hock Trust for Democracy. <br /><br />In April 2022, Sabri was arrested and then sentenced to 11 months in prison and five strokes of the rotan by a sessions court under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act. <br /><br />While waiting for his appeal to be heard, he was whipped in the Tawau prison on June 23. <br /><br />The Tawau High Court acquitted him in July after his lawyer managed to prove that Sabri had a valid Indonesian passport and a work pass from his employer, Fu Yee Corp. <br /><br />Upon release, Sabri needed a special pass to remain in Malaysia for one month to pursue justice, but was only given a two-week pass by the immigration department. This happened twice, and appeals were made to the home ministry but Sabri has yet to receive a decision on his appeals. <br /><br />In August 2022, Sabri commenced a legal suit at the Tawau High Court against the home minister, the Sabah chief minister, the immigration department, and others, seeking a court order asking the minister to state his decision on Sabri’s two appeals against the immigration department’s decisions. <br /><br />Sabri also filed a claim for reinstatement at the Industrial Court in May, but the case has yet to be heard. <br /><br />The Tawau High Court dismissed Sabri’s application for a court order that would allow him to stay in the country legally until “his quest for justice is over”. Sabri then appealed to the Court of Appeal. - <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/06/22/groups-call-for-rci-on-wrongfully-jailed-whipped-indonesian-worker/">FMT, 22/6/2023</a><br /> </p><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large;">27 civil society groups demands justice for wrongfully convicted migrant worker in Malaysia</span><br /></b><br /> <br /><a href="https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/category/civil-society/">Civil Society</a> <br /><br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/sabri.jpeg"> <img height="200" src="https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/sabri.jpeg" width="400" /> </a>Photo on the right, Sabri Umar released from detention.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br />22 June 2023 <br /> <br /> <br />By <a href="https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/author/theonlinecitizen/">The Online Citizen</a><br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2023/06/22/27-civil-society-groups-demands-justice-for-wrongfully-convicted-migrant-worker-in-malaysia/#respond">0</a> <br /><br />KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA — A coalition of 27 groups, trade unions, and organizations have issued a public statement demanding justice for Sabri Umar, an Indonesian migrant worker who has reportedly been wrongfully convicted and brutally punished in Malaysia. <br /><br />The statement calls on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Malaysian government to rectify what they describe as a “gross miscarriage of justice.” Sabri Umar, who had been lawfully employed in Malaysia for about seven years, was wrongfully charged and convicted for residing in Malaysia illegally. <br /><br />He was whipped five times at Tawau Prison on June 23, 2022, and sentenced to 11 months of imprisonment by the Sessions Court on April 19, 2022. <br /><br />According to the groups, Sabri was arrested at his workplace following an alleged sexual assault complaint filed by his employer, Fu Yee Corporation. Despite being presented with Sabri’s valid passport at the time of arrest, the authorities proceeded with the charges. <br /><br />The Deputy Public Prosecutor, in possession of Sabri’s valid passport and work permit endorsed by the Immigration Department, continued with the charges. The undersigned groups question this decision, as the evidence clearly proved Sabri’s legal status in the country. <br /><br />Furthermore, the Immigration Department tendered a document in court claiming no records on Sabri existed, contributing to his conviction. The coalition condemns this action and has expressed disappointment with Fu Yee Corporation for failing to notify the courts or authorities about Sabri’s wrongful conviction. <br /><br />The groups also underline the role played by Sabri’s Union, the Sabah Timber Industry Employees Union (STIEU), in bringing this issue to the fore. After their intervention, the High Court called up the case for revision and acquitted Sabri on July 22, 2022. <br /><br />However, Sabri has encountered ongoing difficulties since his release, including short-term special passes from the Immigration Department and an unsuccessful High Court application to remain in Malaysia legally until his quest for justice is complete. Fearing further arrest and harassment, Sabri has temporarily returned to Indonesia. <br /><br />The groups accuse the National Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM), the Malaysian Parliament, and the Home Minister of inaction regarding Sabri’s case, thus putting the onus on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to intervene. <br /><br />The statement stresses that failure to ensure justice in such cases could inadvertently encourage further rights violations and exploitation in Malaysia. <br /><br />To prevent this, the undersigned groups call on the government to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate Sabri’s case, and others like it, and to review the current policy of repatriating migrant workers with outstanding claims or cases. <br /><br />The statement concludes with an urgent call for a public apology and appropriate compensation for Sabri. <br /><br />The groups demand action against those responsible and reiterate the need for a Royal Commission of Inquiry. They urge Malaysia, as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, to set an example by actively promoting and defending human rights of all, including migrant workers and foreign nationals. <br /><br />The following are the 27 group signatories: </p><p>ALIRAN<br />Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha(MASUM), India<br />Black Women for Wages for Housework<br />Building and Wood Workers International (BWI) Asia Pacific<br />Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO)<br />Global Women’s Strike<br />Haiti Action Committee<br />International Women’s Rights Action Watch Asia Pacific (IWRAW AP)<br />Japan Innocence and Death Penalty Information Center<br />Labour Law Reform Coalition, Malaysia<br />Legal Action for Women, UK<br />MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture)<br />Migrant Care, Indonesia<br />Network of Action For Migrants in Malaysia(NAMM)<br />North South Initiative, Malaysia<br />Payday Men’s Network (UK-US)<br />Persatuan Komuniti Prihatin Selangor & Kuala Lumpur<br />Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor(PSWS), Malaysia<br />Programme Against Custodial Torture & Impunity (PACTI), India<br />Sabah Plantation Industry Employees Union (SPIEU)<br />Sabah Timber Industry Employees Union to Union (STIEU)<br />Safety and Rights Society (SRS), Bangladesh<br />Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM)<br />Teoh Beng Hock Trust for Democracy<br />Union of Forestry Employees Sarawak (UFES)<br />WH4C (Workers Hub For Change)<br />Women of Color-Global Women’s Strike, US/UK - <a href="https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2023/06/22/27-civil-society-groups-demands-justice-for-wrongfully-convicted-migrant-worker-in-malaysia/">TOC, 22/6/2023</a><br /><br /><br /> <br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">PM is urged to intervene in the wrongful conviction of Indonesian worker </span></b><br /> <br /><br /> <br /> By <a href="https://www.sinardaily.my/kolumnis/577/nurul-atikah-sarji">NURUL ATIKAH SARJI</a> <br />23 Jun 2023 08:12pm </p><p><br /><br /> <img height="250" src="https://www.sinarharian.com.my/sinarenglish/uploads/images/2023/06/23/2242704.jpg" width="400" /> <br /><i>According
to the statement, on June 23, 2022, Sabri Umar was wrongfully charged
and convicted for residing in Malaysia illegally whipped five times at
Tawau Prison and having been lawfully employed in the country for about
seven years. Filepic </i><br /> <br /> <br />SHAH ALAM - Prime
Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is urged to ensure justice is served
for Indonesian migrant worker Sabri Umar, who was wrongfully prosecuted
and punished in Malaysia. <br /><br />Twenty-eight civil society groups have
jointly issued a statement today, demanding justice for the migrant
worker who suffered the ordeal exactly one year ago. <br /><br />In the
statement issued today, Sabri was wrongfully and illegally whipped five
times, was wrongly charged, convicted, and sentenced to 11 months in
prison and five strokes of whipping for being illegal on April 19, 2022,
by the Sessions Court, and was wrongfully and illegally whipped five
times at Tawau Prison on June 23, 2022. <br /><br />This was even though he had been lawfully employed in the country for about seven years. <br /><br />"In
fact, Sabri's valid passport and work permit, which proved his legal
status, were presented to the authorities at the time of his arrest, but
the charges were still pursued. <br /><br />"He was wrongfully prosecuted
and given a sentence of 11 months in prison and five strokes of the whip
on April 19, 2022, by the Sessions Court, and the groups claimed it was
a gross miscarriage of justice," the statement read. <br /><br />The
coalition also criticises the Deputy Public Prosecutor for proceeding
with the charges despite possessing Sabri's valid documents. <br /><br />Also, the Immigration Department's negligence in claiming that there were no records of Sabri's existence caused his conviction.<br /><br /> "It
is disappointing that the employer, one Fu Yee Corporation, who ought
to be aware that Sabri was indeed a legal migrant worker in Malaysia,
failed to inform the courts and other authorities that Sabri was
wrongfully convicted and sentenced for being illegally in Malaysia. <br /><br />"An employer’s obligation to a migrant worker is until the worker is safely back in his country of origin," it said. <br /><br />Meanwhile,
the Sabah Timber Industry Employees Union (STIEU) intervened in the
case, leading to his acquittal by the High Court; however, the statement
mentioned that Sabri has faced ongoing difficulties since his release,
including short-term special passes and an unsuccessful High Court
application to remain in Malaysia legally until his quest for justice is
complete. <br /><br />The groups also criticised the National Human Rights
Commission (SUHAKAM), the Parliament, and the Home Minister for their
alleged inaction in Sabri's case, calling out to Anwar to intervene. <br /><br />To
address the situation and prevent similar violations in the future, the
coalition demands the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry to
investigate Sabri's case and others like it. <br /><br />"There should also
be a review of the current policy of repatriating migrant workers with
outstanding claims or cases," it added. <br /><br />The organisations
emphasised Malaysia's position as a member of the United Nations Human
Rights Council and pushed for action against those involved. <br /><br />The 28 civil societies are as follows;<br /><br />ALIRAN<br /><br />MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture)<br /><br />Building and Wood Workers International (BWI) Asia Pacific<br /><br />WH4C (Workers Hub For Change)<br /><br />Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha(MASUM), India<br /><br />Black Women for Wages for Housework<br /><br />Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO)<br /><br />Global Women’s Strike<br /><br />Haiti Action Committee<br /><br />International Women's Rights Action Watch Asia Pacific (IWRAW AP)<br /><br />Japan Innocence and Death Penalty Information Center<br /><br />Labour Law Reform Coalition, Malaysia<br /><br />Legal Action for Women, UK<br /><br />Migrant Care, Indonesia<br /><br />Network of Action For Migrants in Malaysia(NAMM)<br /><br />North South Initiative, Malaysia<br /><br />Payday Men’s Network (UK-US)<br /><br />Persatuan Komuniti Prihatin Selangor & Kuala Lumpur<br /><br />Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor(PSWS), Malaysia<br /><br />Programme Against Custodial Torture & Impunity (PACTI), India<br /><br />Sabah Plantation Industry Employees Union (SPIEU)<br /><br />Sabah Timber Industry Employees Union to Union (STIEU)<br /><br />Safety and Rights Society (SRS), Bangladesh<br /><br />Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM)<br /><br />Tenaganita, Malaysia<br /><br />Teoh Beng Hock Trust for Democracy<br /><br />Union of Forestry Employees Sarawak (UFES)<br /><br />Women of Color-Global Women’sStrike, US/UK - <a href="https://www.sinardaily.my/article/199479/malaysia/national/pm-is-urged-to-intervene-in-the-wrongful-conviction-of-indonesian-worker">The Sinar Daily, 23/6/2023</a><br /> <br /><img height="240" src="https://i.newscdn.net/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2022/08/5efde2d18e21739e7fa4a49af9e5f565.jpg=s600" width="400" /><br /><img src="https://static01.malaysiakini.com/desktop/img/mk-small-logo-50.png" /><br />News<br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: red;">Wrongfully jailed: 'I was among 35 inmates whipped on same day' </span></b></span><br />S Vinothaa<br />Published: Aug 17, 2022 7:45 AM<br />⋅<br />Updated: 10:05 AM<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/632366"></a><a href="https://wa.me/?text=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/632366"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/share?url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/632366"></a><br />The Indonesian migrant worker who was wrongfully imprisoned and whipped said he was among 35 other Tawau Prison inmates who were whipped on the same day, one after another.<br /><br />Recalling his harrowing experience waiting for his turn to be whipped, Sabri Umar said all the inmates were asked to strip with only a piece of cloth to cover their private parts.<br /><br />“We took turns to step onto a wooden frame and our legs were spread apart but not bound. Our hands were spread upward and tied to the frame we were standing on.<br /><br />“They untied us after the caning and told us to put on our shirts back while we waited in a group and watched others being caned,” described the 31-year-old, his voice quavered as if he was reliving the horror again.<br /><br />Sabri said it was a terrifying moment being gathered in the same area and witnessing others before him being caned.<br /><br />“Many of them screamed and cried, but those who were stronger didn’t cry. I remember one person receiving 10 strokes that day.<br /><br />“After being caned, I immediately felt drained of all my energy. The cane tore the skin on my buttocks and I started to bleed after a few minutes.<br /><br />“I could not sit for the next 10 days and I slept facing down to avoid making my wounds worse,” Sabri recalled.<br /><img height="240" src="https://i.ncdn.xyz/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2020/07/d2dcebfd355cdc039a21d9177ebd117d.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Sabri’s woes</span></b><br /><br />Over a period of just four months since April, the former employee of a plywood factory in Kalabakan in Tawau, Sabah, was wrongfully terminated of his employment, arrested and wrongfully detained by the Tawau police.<br /><br />Sabri was investigated under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 but eventually charged and sentenced under Section 6(1) (c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.<br /><br />He claimed to be innocent of both charges, but the Sessions Court sentenced him to 11 months in jail and five strokes of the cane.<br /><br />Four months after his arrest, Sabri was <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/632099">acquitted</a> by the High Court in Tawau, but he lived in constant fear of a re-arrest under the sexual offence and of finding himself behind bars as swiftly as he was put there the first time.<br /><br />Owing to the swift manner by which he was imprisoned and sentenced, Sabri agreed that there was a high possibility that there were other wrongfully imprisoned inmates in the Tawau Prison.<br /><br />Sabri, who now has the support of the <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/632225">Indonesian Consulate</a> in Tawau, was administered five strokes of the cane despite a pending notice of appeal and he told Malaysiakini that he would <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/632099">seek justice</a>.<br /><br />For two days after the whipping, Sabri was running a fever and he only took the yellow medicine handed to each inmate after the caning.<br /><br />He alleged that they received no other medications and some inmates who also had fever were asked to just take a cold shower.<br /><br />After his acquittal, he went to see a doctor and get himself checked as he was experiencing pain when urinating.<br /><br />The consul at the Indonesia Consulate in Tawau, Heni Hamidah, told Malaysiakini that they sent Sabri for a second medical test on Monday to find out the extent of the complications resulting from the whipping.</p><p><br /><img height="240" src="https://i.newscdn.net/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2022/08/907487e7b726fcdeeac6eeeb5f05048a.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">‘Ratify UN Convention against torture’</span></b><br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Criminal lawyer Michelle Rossana Usman from Kota Kinabalu, who was engaged to represent the migrant worker by the Sabah Timber Industry Employees Union of which Sabri is a member, noted Malaysia’s notoriety for its flogging practices.<br /><br />Quoting a statistic by Amnesty International, Michelle said the international human rights organisation estimates that as many as 10,000 people are subjected to caning in Malaysia every year, most of whom are foreign nationals.<br /><br />"Sabri was unfortunately whipped for an offence that he could not have been guilty of as he had proper documentation to enter Malaysia as a migrant worker.<br /><br />"It is high time Malaysia ratifies the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.<br /><br />"The government also needs to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights," she stressed.<br /><br />Michelle, who is a member of the Sabah Human Rights Centre, pointed out that Sabri's case was an example of a workers' union member who was wrongfully charged with crimes he was not guilty of.<br /><br />"What about the thousand others who are charged in our courts but are not represented at all?" she asked.<br /><br />Michelle urged the government to amend existing legislation to treat immigration violations as administrative offences, rather than crimes punishable with imprisonment and caning.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /><img height="240" src="https://i.newscdn.net/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2022/08/0843c2cfaef241ca582a0d945e017fe7.jpg" width="400" />Tawau Prison<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Judicial caning in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia</span></b><br /><br />Judicial caning in Malaysia is meted out for more than 60 criminal offences such as drug trafficking, rape, illegal entry into Malaysia under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and making false passports under the passport Act 1966.<br /><br />According to the Amnesty International Report 2020/21, the <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/569787">judicial caning</a> sentence was also meted out to Rohingya refugees during the pandemic.<br /><br />Following protests from local activists, the sentence was <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/535568">set aside</a> for the 27 Rohingya refugees at a hearing in the High Court in Alor Setar in 2020. However, the migrants continued to be caned, in addition to their prison sentences for illegal entry into Malaysia.<br /><br />The 27 refugees, who were among 40 refugees convicted by a Magistrate’s Court in Langkawi for entering Malaysia without a valid permit, had obtained legal representation to appeal.<br /><br />The 40 were also sentenced to seven months in jail.<br /><br />The High Court in Alor Setar decided that caning would be inhumane as the men were refugees with no prior history of criminal activity or violence.<br /><br />Meanwhile, a country that was known to carry out flogging in public squares, <b><span style="color: red;">Saudi Arabia, abolished that corporal punishment in April 2020.</span><br /></b><br />Crown Prince Mohammed Salman has spared the rod and offenders will instead be fined or receive jail sentences.<br /><img height="240" src="https://i.newscdn.net/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2022/08/6cc342e4612cd38e61e32553d7e6ceb5.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br />- <a href="https://m.malaysiakini.com/news/632366" target="_blank">Malaysiakini, 17/8/2022</a><br /><br /><br /></p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-11660724285392587442023-06-22T04:05:00.001-07:002023-06-22T04:05:15.355-07:0022/6/2023(Anniversary of a migrant being whipped wrongly) - Media Statement of 28 Groups<p><i> # Statement carried by media, amongst others <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/06/22/groups-call-for-rci-on-wrongfully-jailed-whipped-indonesian-worker/" target="_blank">Free Malaysia Today</a>, <a href="https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2023/06/22/27-civil-society-groups-demands-justice-for-wrongfully-convicted-migrant-worker-in-malaysia/" target="_blank">The Online Citizen</a></i><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><u><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">28 Group Media Statement – 22/6/2023(Anniversary of a migrant being
whipped wrongly)</span></u></i><i><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></u></i></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">PM
Anwar Ibrahim and Malaysia needs to ensure justice be done to documented
migrant worker Sabri, who was wrongly convicted, imprisoned and WHIPPED for
being illegally in Malaysia.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We, the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">28</span></b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> undersigned groups,
the trade unions, organizations and we call on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and
the Malaysian government to ensure that justice is done in the Sabri Umar case,
the documented Indonesian migrant worker who was wrongly charged and convicted
for being in Malaysia illegally in Malaysia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCr8VDAsdc6nZK8Q36Q8jleuMObA-xsRPutzbtOE4L83s0rVV66V19_-SBOeZqh3gzJjI90ZL-amEED0P4IQqQuav2Nj7KridESaIjeX0fSfBEovPK_B9obHOMwyoe9tIqWYCxQ0BX5Y3vyCqc-bLgyscPlr0UEJPRgMVx9k1qkcj4TB41Wao/s320/Sabri%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCr8VDAsdc6nZK8Q36Q8jleuMObA-xsRPutzbtOE4L83s0rVV66V19_-SBOeZqh3gzJjI90ZL-amEED0P4IQqQuav2Nj7KridESaIjeX0fSfBEovPK_B9obHOMwyoe9tIqWYCxQ0BX5Y3vyCqc-bLgyscPlr0UEJPRgMVx9k1qkcj4TB41Wao/s1600/Sabri%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On 23/6/2022, one year ago, documented Indonesian
migrant worker Sabri Umar, was wrongfully and illegally whipped 5 times at
Malaysia’s Tawau Prison on 23/6/2022. Sabri Umar, who had been working legally
in Malaysia for about 7 years, suffered a GROSS MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE when he
was wrongly charged, convicted and sentenced to 11 months in prison and 5
strokes of whipping for being illegally in Malaysia on19/4/2022 by the Sessions
Court.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When the police arrested Sabri at his
workplace, the employer handed his valid passport to the police, which should
have been clear evidence that he was a legal worker in Malaysia. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Deputy Public Prosecutor who charged him
in court had Sabri’s passport/s, which also had the Immigration Department’s
endorsement of his still valid work permit. There was no reason why he he was
even charged for being illegally in Malaysia.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Immigration Department keeps record of
entry, and also issues work permits – but then, it is a mystery why the
Immigration Department submitted a document stating that there was no records
on Sabri. This document, which was also tendered in court by the prosecution,
would have confused the court.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was the employer’s action of making a
police report of an alleged sexual assault that cause Sabri to be arrested on 5/4/2022.
It is disappointing that the Employer, one <span lang="EN-MY" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Fu Yee Corporation</span><span lang="EN-MY" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">,</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> who ought to be
aware that Sabri was indeed a legal migrant worker in Malaysia failed to inform
the courts and/or other authorities that Sabri was wrongfully convicted and
sentenced for being illegally in Malaysia. An employer’s obligation to a
migrant worker is until the worker is safely back in his country of origin.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The
Injustice Was Highlighted by the Union and Civil Society</span></b><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was only because of Sabri’s Union, the Sabah
Timber Industry Employees Union (STIEU), that finally moved Human Rights
Defenders, Civil Society and Trade Unions to highlight this gross injustice
through various actions including Joint Statements, amongst others, by 46
groups on 19/7/2022 entitled Sabri, Migrant Worker Wrongfully Whipped Before
Appeal Heard. The statement was reported by media.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On 22/7/2022, the High Court called up the
case for Revision, and Sabri was finally acquitted. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On release, Sabri had to get a Special Pass to
remain in Malaysia to pursue justice, but alas the Immigration Department only
gave him a 2-weeks Pass, not the usual 1-month Pass and for the reason for
Sabri to make arrangement to leave Malaysia. This happened twice, and appeals
were made to the Home Minister but to date Sabri is yet to get the decision on
his appeals. Hopefully the current Home Minister will finally make a decision.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In fear of being repatriated forcefully back
to Indonesia, Sabri filed a High Court case to get a court order that will
allow him to stay legally in Malaysia until he will be able to complete his
quest of justice. Unfortunately, the High Court denied his application, and he then
had to appeal to the Court of Appeal.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sabri, subjected to ongoing harassment and
threats from various quarters have now returned to Indonesia, hopefully
temporarily. He was also in fear of being arrested again, imprisoned and
whipped again. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">National Human Rights Commission
(SUHAKAM)</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On 10/8/2022, 47 parties including Sabri filed
a Petition/Complaint to SUHAKAM urging also a Public Inquiry but sadly SUHAKAM
came back and said that they will not not inquire into any complaint relating
to any allegation of the infringement of human rights which- (a) is the subject
matter of any proceedings pending in any court, including any appeals; or (b)
has been finally determined by any court.’. This possibly was because he had a
case for wrongful dismissal at the Industrial Court, but previously SUHAKAM
despite there being a case in court had decided to hold a public inquiry in an
enforced disappearance matter. We hope that SUHAKAM reconsider and inquire into
this matter.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Malaysian Parliament</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The matter was also brought to Parliament and
the Malaysian Parliamentary Special Select Committee On Fundamental Liberty And
Constitutional Rights on 16/8/2022, whereby a Joint Statement was also issued
on that day entitled <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Call On Malaysian
Parliamentary Special Select Committee To Ensure That Migrant Worker Sabri
Umar’s Pursuit For Justice Is Not Impeded By Deportation And Other Means.’.
Sadly, Parliament too failed to do anything till now, and we hope that this new
Parliament will act.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Home Minister Yet To Decide on
Sabri’s Appeal</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Home Minister has yet to respond to Sabri’s
2 appeals against the decisions of the Immigration Department to date. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What good is a right and a clear procedure in
the law, if the Minister simply does not respond to appeals. Without the
Minister’s decision on appeal, Sabri cannot use his right to take the matter up
for Judicial Review in the High Court, if still dissatisfied with the
Minister’s decision. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The failure of the State, the Parliament and
even the National Human Rights Institution to do the needful to ensure justice
in Sabri’s case is appalling. What use is laws that provides procedures for
victims seeking justice if the Minister just ignores appeals in accordance to
law.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Will PM Anwar do the needful to
ensure justice be done?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Malaysia now has a new Prime Minister since
November 2022, and we call on the Prime Minister and the government of Malaysia
to do the needful to ensure justice is done in the Sabri Umar’s case. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The world is watching, to see if Malaysia is
also against violation of rights of Sabri and other migrant workers, who reasonably
have contributed much to the economy of Malaysia. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A government committed to human rights and
justice, and would ensure that all migrant workers whose rights are violated
will find redress in Malaysia. The avenues available to these victims, when
rights are violated in Malaysia are in Malaysia – the cannot claim justice in
their countries of origin, unless Malaysia creates the possibility by giving
other countries jurisdiction, or creating mechanisms in Malaysian embassies in
these countries from where migrant workers come from.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The failure of Malaysia to ensure justice be
done in cases involving rights violations of migrant workers and foreign
nationals in Malaysia, would inadvertently encourage exploitation and rights
violations, or even trafficking in Malaysia. The perpetrator will be emboldened
to violate other migrants in the future, knowing that they get off scot free.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Royal
Commission to look into Sabri’s and other Migrant victims of rights violations</span></b><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We call on Malaysia to set up a Royal Commission
of Inquiry and look into the case of Sabri and other rights violations that may
have befallen many other migrant workers. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Policy
Change - No repatriation until confirmation of no outstanding claims/cases</span></b><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The current position of Malaysia seems to be
the speedy repatriation of migrant workers when their employment in Malaysia,
irrespective of the fact that these migrant workers may have outstanding claims
of worker or human rights violations against their immediate past employers and
others. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This policy must change, and there must be NO
repatriation of migrant workers or foreign nationals until the Minister of
Human Resources determine that there are no outstanding or pending employment
related claims against employers. The Home Minister must also determine that
there is no outstanding claims against others, or that the migrant worker is
not a needed witness in any other cases. The rights of migrant workers must
also be protected by Malaysia – including the right to seek justice, including compensations.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sabri
victim of Malaysian Public Officers Actions or Negligence</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Noting that in the Sabri’s case, that his
claims arise also by reason of failings of public officers whose
actions/omissions or negligence caused him to suffer loss of liberty from
5/4/2022 until 22/7/2022, and suffering by reason being whipped 5 times, it is
only right that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Malaysia not only look into
this matter, but also consider apologizing and compensating Sabri justly. Action
must also be taken against the perpetrators.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Therefore, we call on Malaysia’s new Prime Minister, on behalf of
Malaysia, to forthwith tender an apology to Sabri bin Umar, a migrant worker
from Indonesia, Malaysia’s neighbor and fellow ASEAN Member State. A
compensation would also be just.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We reiterate out call that Malaysia considers a Royal Commission of
Inquiry to look into this matter, noting that Malaysia depends highly on
migrant workers, and Malaysia needs to defend and protect the rights of these
foreign workers. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Malaysia, being a member to the United Nations Human Rights Council
(HRC) for the term 2022-2024, must set an example of a State that actively
promotes and defends human rights of all, even migrant workers and foreign
nationals in Malaysia.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;">Charles Hector</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;">Apolinar Z. Tolentino, Jr</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;"> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For and on behalf the following 28 groups</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">ALIRAN</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Building and Wood Workers International (BWI) Asia Pacific </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">WH4C (Workers Hub For Change)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha(MASUM), India</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Black Women for Wages for Housework</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Global Women’s Strike </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Haiti Action Committee</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">International Women's Rights Action Watch Asia Pacific (IWRAW AP)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Japan Innocence and Death Penalty Information Center</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Labour Law Reform Coalition, Malaysia</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Legal Action for Women, UK</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Migrant Care, Indonesia</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Network of Action For Migrants in Malaysia(NAMM)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">North South Initiative, Malaysia</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Payday Men’s Network (UK-US)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Persatuan Komuniti
Prihatin Selangor & Kuala Lumpur</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES" style="font-family: verdana;">Persatuan Sahabat
Wanita Selangor(PSWS), Malaysia</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Programme Against
Custodial Torture & Impunity (PACTI), India</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sabah Plantation
Industry Employees Union (SPIEU)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sabah Timber Industry
Employees Union to Union (STIEU)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Safety and Rights Society
(SRS), Bangladesh </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES" style="font-family: verdana;">Saya Anak Bangsa
Malaysia (SABM)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES" style="font-family: verdana;">Tenaganita,
Malaysia</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Teoh Beng Hock Trust
for Democracy</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Union of Forestry
Employees Sarawak (UFES)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Women of Color-Global
Women’s Strike, US/UK</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><span style="color: #800180;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><u>See earlier posts</u></span></span></i></span></p><p></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2022/06/migrant-worker-whipped-before-high.html">Migrant Worker WHIPPED before High Court heard and decided on Appeal against conviction/sentence? Unjust? Contempt?</a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2022/11/suhakam-must-reconsider-just-like-in.html">SUHAKAM
Must Reconsider, just like in 2018, the decision to stop investigation
and not hold Public Inquiry on the case of Sabri, the wrongfully
detained, convicted, sentenced and whipped documented migrant worker(38
Groups) </a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2022/10/suhakam-lost-its-teeth-no-decision-yet.html">SUHAKAM
lost its teeth? No decision yet on wrongly detained/whipped Sabri's on
whether a Public Inquiry (reqested by 47 Groups) will be held? see
SUHAKAM Petition</a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2022/08/call-on-malaysian-parliamentary-special.html">Call
On Malaysian Parliamentary Special Select Committee To Ensure That
Migrant Worker Sabri Umar’s Pursuit For Justice Is Not Impeded By
Deportation And Other Means.-- Rights And Liberties In Law Is
Meaningless, If Victims Are Deterred From Using Available Avenues In
Malaysia - 25 Groups, 16/8/2022</a></h3><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://charleshector.blogspot.com/2022/08/sabri-umars-quest-for-justice-continues.html">Sabri Umar's quest for justice continues to be hamperred as Immigration Department once again gives a 2-weeks Special Pass?</a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2022/07/sabri-migrant-worker-wrongfully-whipped.html">Sabri, Migrant Worker Wrongfully Whipped Before Appeal Heard - Statement of 45 Groups- 19/7/2022</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <br /></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2022/07/do-not-send-recently-acquitted-wrongly.html">Do
not send recently acquitted wrongly convicted migrant worker out of
Malaysia until he exercises his rights in Malaysian Courts and other
avenues of justice - No attempts of ‘cover-up’ or preventing access of
justice(19 Gps) - 24/7/2022</a></h3><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://charleshector.blogspot.com/2022/08/malaysia-wanting-sabri-to-leave.html">Malaysia
wanting Sabri to leave Malaysia and not remain in Malaysia to pursue
his rights against police and government agencies appaling - 29 Group
Statement 4/8/2022</a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="https://charleshector.blogspot.com/2009/06/whipping-must-be-abolished-it-is.html">Whipping must be abolished - it is inhumane, it is torture,...34,923 poor migrants whipped (2002-2008)</a></h3><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQh-bEmbEmIjO0tkkueb7ieQBd_gZqioOr8dFiTDkHfzpnLdOuuysPHtTkHAcYLyHZG5_tFcBCiP1ii2i_GwtuOyKqZmpmYfanNxmKanuoD3bVbITsstcx88GqGHW4DWftqqLmR72c9EtNKoML7EOckAesUtrPPLGFo3YmlwZNSu8GNjwgiQI/s521/whipping%20malaysia.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="521" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQh-bEmbEmIjO0tkkueb7ieQBd_gZqioOr8dFiTDkHfzpnLdOuuysPHtTkHAcYLyHZG5_tFcBCiP1ii2i_GwtuOyKqZmpmYfanNxmKanuoD3bVbITsstcx88GqGHW4DWftqqLmR72c9EtNKoML7EOckAesUtrPPLGFo3YmlwZNSu8GNjwgiQI/w400-h258/whipping%20malaysia.webp" width="400" /></a></div><a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/09/govt-wants-gazette-museum-heritage-site" target="_blank">Image from NST,24/11/2014</a> - https://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/09/govt-wants-gazette-museum-heritage-site<br /><p></p><p></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-8945412285706246742023-06-15T08:17:00.007-07:002023-06-15T08:17:54.591-07:00Coroner Need Report ‘Cause Of Death’ Of 24 In Police Custody in 2022, And Not Merely A Police Unit(MADPET)<p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><u><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Media Statement – 15/6/2023</span></u></i><i><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 20.0pt;"></span></u></i></span>
</p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 20.0pt;">Coroner Need Report ‘Cause Of Death’ Of 24 In Police Custody in 2022,
And Not Merely A Police Unit</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET (Malaysians against Death Penalty and Torture) and all Malaysians
are still waiting for the Coroner’s finding on the about 24 deaths in police
custody cases that happened in 2022. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We are pleased that since the Criminal Investigation Unit for Deaths in
Custody (USJKT) was established in January last year, the number of deaths in
police custody decreased by 48 percent in 2022 or <b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">24 </span></u></b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">cases, compared
to </span><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">46</span></u></b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> the previous year</span><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">.(Malaysiakini,
12/6/2023)</span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We are happy that the Minister announced the findings of the police,
being the Criminal Investigation Unit for Deaths in Custody (USJKT) found that
only 2 deaths of police custody had criminal elements, whereby one is already
in court and the other is still under investigation. BUT what was the findings
of the Coroner?<i><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(Malaysian Insight/FMT, 12/6/2023)</span></i><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We trust better the investigation and determination of the Independent
Coroner, who is a Magistrate or a Sessions Court Judge, rather than the USJKT,
which at the end of the day <b><u>is still part of the police</u></b> that is
looking at <b>deaths in <u>police</u></b> custody.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Coroner’s duty, according to the Malaysian Criminal Procedure Code,
is to establish the "cause of death" include not only the apparent
cause of death as ascertainable by inspection or post-mortem examination of the
body of the deceased, but also all matters necessary to enable an opinion to be
formed as to the manner in which the deceased came by his death and as to <u>whether
his death resulted in any way from, or was accelerated by, any unlawful act or
omission on the part of any other person.</u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We note that the police, other detainees in the same police lock-up or
some other before the police arrest could have caused the death in police
custody. Death caused by negligence like failure to provide needed healthcare
in time, or even deprivation of needed regular medication is also a crime in
Malaysia.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With regard to death in custody, Section 334 CPC states that ‘...<b><u>When
any person dies while in the custody of the police</u></b> or in a psychiatric
hospital or prison, the officer who had the custody of that person or was in
charge of that psychiatric hospital or prison, as the case may be, <b>shall
immediately give intimation of such death to the nearest Magistrate</b>, and
the Magistrate or some other Magistrate shall, <b>in the case of a death in the
custody of the police, and in other cases may, if he thinks expedient, hold an
inquiry into the cause of death….’</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Minister said that “… six cases have been referred to the Coroner's
Court, with four of them in the midst of inquest proceedings while the other
two are still pending…’ </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET reiterates that all deaths in custody must according to law be
brought to the attention of the Coroner, and it is only the Coroner who decides
whether to conduct an inquest or not. The government, the Minister or even the
police have no business determining whether an inquest be conducted or not. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Minister should reveal as to whether inquests by the Coroner have been
completed for the all the 24 deaths in custody cases that happened in 2022. It
would be best if the findings of the Coroner is speedily revealed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Minister should also inform us as to whether there were CCTV recordings
in the lock-ups or stations where the death occurred. If not, the Minister
should inform us as to when the CCTV with recording capabilities and body-cams
on police officers will become a reality. What exactly is the reason for the
delay since the Budget for these have been long approved?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET reiterates the call of the Malaysian Bar, vide Resolution adopted
in 2022, that a Coroner’s Court Act be enacted, with Session Court Judges as
Coroner. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET calls for greater transparency on all deaths in police custody,
and that an INQUEST be held for all such deaths for this will help erase the
perception that the police caused the deaths.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>Charles Hector </span></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>For and on
behalf of MADPET(Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture)</span></span></i></span></p>
<p></p><div class="text-3xl font-semibold leading-snug text-coolGray-600 mt-2 tracking-normal print:text-lg"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Death in police custody cases reduced by 48pct last year</b></span></div><div class="text-coolGray-500"><div class="text-xs lg:text-sm font-medium opacity-90 flex items-center space-x-2 mt-4"><a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/en/author/Bernama"></a><div class="cursor-pointer"><div>Bernama</div><div class="flex flex-wrap items-center text-xs lg:text-sm opacity-90 font-normal"><div class="whitespace-nowrap"><span>Published: </span> Jun 12, 2023 7:43 PM</div><div class="text-lg leading-none mx-1">⋅</div><div class="cursor-pointer cursor-pointer flex flex-col items-center justify-center py-2 text-xs bg-coolGray-100 bg-opacity-10 text-coolGray-500 print:hidden"><span>Updated: </span> Jun 13, 2023 8:19 AM</div></div></div></div></div><div class="cursor-pointer flex flex-col items-center justify-center py-2 text-xs bg-coolGray-100 bg-opacity-10 text-coolGray-500 print:hidden cursor-pointer"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/668442" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank"><div class="cursor-pointer p-2 w-full flex items-center justify-center"><svg class="text-blue-500 w-5 h-5" fill="currentColor" height="1em" stroke-width="0" stroke="currentColor" viewbox="0 0 24 24" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g></g></svg></div></a></div><div class="cursor-pointer p-2 w-full flex items-center justify-center"><svg class="text-green-500 w-5 h-5" fill="currentColor" height="1em" stroke-width="0" stroke="currentColor" viewbox="0 0 24 24" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g></g></svg></div><a href="https://twitter.com/share?url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/668442" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank"><div class="cursor-pointer p-2 w-full flex items-center justify-center"><svg class="text-sky-500 w-5 h-5" fill="currentColor" height="1em" stroke-width="0" stroke="currentColor" viewbox="0 0 24 24" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g></g></svg></div></a><div class="pl-8 pb-4 relative flex mt-4 print:pb-0 print:pl-0" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="jsx-3464146825 text-opacity-95 font-normal text-xl content text-coolGray-700 font-body tracking-midwide leading-relaxed" id="full-content-container"><div class="px-4 lg:px-0" itemprop="articleBody"><p><span style="color: blue;">PARLIAMENT</span>
| Since the Criminal Investigation Unit for Deaths in Custody (USJKT)
was established in January last year, the<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> number of deaths in police
custody decreased by 48 percent in 2022 or 24 cases, compared to 46 the
previous year.</span></b></p><p>Deputy Home Minister Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said of
all the death cases investigated last year, USJKT found two cases with
criminal elements.</p><p>One involved a case in Taiping, Perak, which
has been charged and is now being tried, while the other case in
Kelantan is still being investigated.</p><p>In addition, he said six
cases have been referred to the Coroner's Court, with four of them in
the midst of inquest proceedings while the other two are still pending.</p><p>"USJKT
will also present the report findings, investigations and developments
of each custody death in meetings with Suhakam and EAIC (Enforcement
Agency Integrity Commission), held every three months.</p><p>"These
meetings are aimed at implementing a system of checks and balances
functions for the investigation on deaths of individuals in police
custody and to improve the management of police detainees."</p><p>He
said this when briefing Tan Hong Pin (Harapan-Bakri) during the Special
Chamber session in the Dewan Rakyat today on steps taken by the home
ministry in managing cases of death in police custody.</p><p>Shamsul
Anuar said that through the establishment of USJKT, various improvements
to the standard operating procedures were implemented, including
lock-up inspections, closed circuit television monitoring of lock-ups
and so forth.</p><p><i>- Bernama <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/668442" target="_blank">- Malaysiakini, 13/6/2023</a></i></p></div></div></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><h1 class="Page__PostTitleH1-sc-1auxjzz-0 gbCfui pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">48% drop in number of deaths in police custody, MPs told</h1><div class="Text__StyledText-sc-zn3g65-0 kDiUsv"><p>Deputy home minister Shamsul Anuar Nasarah says there were criminal elements in only two of the 24 cases last year.</p>
</div><div class="ArticleMeta__StyledArticleMeta-sc-allg4l-0 jDSNjC d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="Style__StyledAnchor-sc-kwuyeg-0 SOKaF" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/bernama2016/">Bernama</a> - </span><time class="Text__StyledText-sc-zn3g65-0 CxAGa fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1686569316000" style="min-height: 15px;">12 Jun 2023, 7:28pm</time></div></div></div><div class="mb-3" style="height: 40px;"><div></div></div><div class="Content__StyledDiv-sc-1n9vywj-0 gtsRQT pb-3" itemprop="articleBody"><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1007815" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_1007815" style="width: 800px;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-1007815 size-full" height="250" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Prison-Jail-051118.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-1007815">Six
deaths in custody cases have been referred to the Coroner’s Court with
four in the midst of inquest proceedings and two pending.</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align: justify;">KUALA LUMPUR: The number of deaths in police custody dropped by 48%
to 24 cases last year, compared to 46 in the previous year, after the
Criminal Investigation Unit for Deaths in Custody was established, the
Dewan Rakyat was told.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Deputy home minister Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the unit found two
cases with criminal elements. One involved a case in Taiping, Perak,
which is the subject of a trial, while the other case in Kelantan is
still being investigated.</p><div id="article-midres-call-to-slot" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="PageRow__StyledDiv-sc-pkcx3s-0 dgxKAP col-12 p-3 rounded mb-3 fs-12-px"><div class="row"><div class="col-12 col-sm col-md-12 col-lg d-flex align-items-center pe-3"><div class="mx-auto mx-sm-0 mx-md-auto mx-lg-0 fst-italic opacity-75"></div></div><div class="col-12 col-sm-auto col-md-12 col-lg-auto mt-3 mt-sm-0 mt-md-3 mt-lg-0 text-center text-sm-end text-md-center text-lg-end"></div></div></div></div></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Six cases have been referred to the Coroner’s Court with inquest
proceedings being held on four of them, while the other two are still
pending.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He said the investigation unit would present its findings, reports of
investigations and developments of each custody death in meetings with
Suhakam (the human rights commission) and the Enforcement Agency
Integrity Commission which are held every three months.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“These meetings are aimed at implementing a system of checks and
balances for the investigation of deaths of individuals in police
custody and to improve the management of police detainees.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Shamsul was briefing Tan Hong Pin (PH-Bakri) during the Special
Chamber session in the Dewan Rakyat today on steps taken by the home
ministry in managing cases of death in police custody.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The deputy minister said that through the establishment of USJKT,
various improvements to the standard operating procedures were
implemented, including lock-up inspections, closed circuit television
(CCTV) monitoring of lock-ups and so forth. - <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/06/12/48-drop-in-number-of-deaths-in-police-custody-mps-told/" target="_blank">FMT, 12/6/2023</a><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-87036954225309613162023-05-23T10:30:00.005-07:002023-05-30T02:12:22.718-07:00Malaysia Must Stop Pressuring Facebook and Telegram to Monitor or Control User’s Private Communication(MADPET)<p> </p><p> </p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Media
Statement – 24/5/2023</span></u></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Malaysia Must Stop Pressuring Facebook and Telegram to Monitor or
Control User’s Private Communication</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Telegram and app owners must be strong and protect user’s privacy</span></i></b><b style="font-family: verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Malaysia’s actions with Facebook, Telegrams,
other App owners and service providers is raising concerns relating to our
right to privacy, including our right of private communication. The government
should not be ‘spying’ on people, and neither should the State <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>be asking service providers or App owners to be
monitoring our communications over the internet. Internet user’s privacy must always
be respected, and many will just abandon apps where their private communication
is being seen by others, including the State.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and
Torture) reiterated its call for the immediate repeal of section 233, 263, 252,
265 and other draconian provisions in the Communications and Multimedia Act
1998(CMA). What the Minister is trying to do must be by reason of this
draconian Act.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">. ‘…The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia
Commission (MCMC) is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">strengthening its
cooperation with Meta Platforms Inc (Meta) to curb Facebook activities that
violate Malaysian laws</b>, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil
said…’(Malay Mail, 22/5/2023). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Is there any other way other than invading the
privacy of users and monitoring content of communication, that these service
providers and app owners can do what Malaysia is asking them to do? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The Minister, from the Pakatan Harapan that
were all for reforms and human rights before elections, must now clarify what
Malaysia is getting Facebook and other service providers to do.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Protect the privacy of our private
communications</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">The monitoring of any or all communications of all
Malaysian users is totally unacceptable. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">However, if an internet user makes a police
report or a complaint to law enforcement of a crime, then the investigation of
the complainant’s communication through which the alleged crime occurred, and
maybe even the tracking the scammers, online gambling, pornography, etc may be
permissible. But certainly, no ‘spying’ on the communications on everyone all
the time or at any time, for whatever reasons and certainly NOT because
Malaysia wants to PREVENT attempts or crime that yet to happen, which may or
may not occur in the future.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">There may be some support today in Malaysia if
it was the monitoring of Ministers, politicians, political appointees and
public officers to prevent corruption, power abuse and such crimes involving
Malaysia’s monies. However, MADPET would also be against that.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Laws, disrespecting privacy, that
enable continuing monitoring to prevent possible future crimes is unjust </span></b><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Section 263(2) states, ‘(2) A licensee shall,
upon written request by the Commission[Malaysian Communications and Multimedia
Commission(MCMC)] or any other authority, assist the Commission or other
authority as far as reasonably necessary <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">in
preventing the commission or attempted commission of an offence under any
written law of Malaysia or otherwise</b> in enforcing the laws of Malaysia,
including, but not limited to, the protection of the public revenue and
preservation of national security.’ A ‘.."licensee" means a person
who either holds an individual licence, or undertakes activities which are
subject to a class licence, granted under this Act;..’. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Investigation and action comes after
crime committed</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Action after a crime is committed is
reasonable, but insisting actions to prevent a crime which MAY or may not
happen though means continuing monitoring and actions by service providers or
app owners is unacceptable.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Are these service providers and app owners also
asked to suspend accounts on users because they believe there may be an attempt
to commit a crime is also wrong. If the State has a justification to take
action, they must act on their own after giving the alleged perpetrator the
right to be heard and getting a Court order. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">There have been experiences of Facebook
accounts being temporarily suspended, but the user is at a loss as to whether it
is the action of Facebook, or really the action of Malaysia that got Facebook
or other apps/services to do so. There must be transparency on the part of the
Malaysian government, and the government must remember the presumption of
innocence until found guilty by a court of law. So, no to interference,
monitoring, suspension or blocking of accounts of users of any apps used for
private communication.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Facebook ‘buckled’ but not Telegram?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Whilst Facebook may have buckled to Malaysian government’s
request, it is good to note that Telegram has not to date. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Minister of
Communications and Multimedia Fahmi Fadzil said Telegram has been asked from
the outset to tackle these matters “but has refused to do so up to now, so I
asked MCMC to study the necessary actions”.</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;"> He said MCMC was strengthening its
co-operation with Facebook owner Meta to curb activities that violate Malaysian
laws. (FMT,22/5/2023).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MADPET urges Facebook
and other service providers that will monitor user’s communication to ensure
Malaysian laws are not violated to openly disclose the fact to users, so users
can make informed decision as to whether to use the app or service. Many want
their communication to be private even from the prying eyes of the owner and
service provider.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MADPET applauds
Telegram, service providers and app owners that have stood strong against
government pressure to ensure privacy of user and user’s communication is
always protected.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MADPET urges the Malaysian
government to stop ‘pressuring’ service providers and app owners to ensure that
the users do not violate Malaysian laws.</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;"> Stop making service providers and app owners liable
for crimes committed by users whilst using these internet communication tools.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MADPET reiterates its
call for the immediate repeal of the draconian provision in Malaysia’s Communications
and Multimedia Act 1998(CMA).</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;"> Enclosed is MADPET’s statement ‘Respect People’s Right to Privacy,
Freedom of Expression - Repeal Section 233 and other rights violating
provisions in the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998(CMA)’ dated 4/3/2023,
which looks at some of these draconian provisions.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MADPET calls for the
respect of privacy, and urges the government to impose a moratorium on the
usage of these draconian provisions pending repeal.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Charles Hector</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For and on behalf of MADPET </span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">ADDENDUM</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">Media Statement – 4/3/2023</span></u></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">Respect People’s Right
to Privacy, Freedom of Expression - Repeal Section 233 and other rights
violating provisions in the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998(CMA)</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">Suspect’s right to be
informed and to be heard must be respected before online services are ‘blocked’
by State</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">The continued use of the draconian Section 233 Communications
and Multimedia Act 1998(CMA) by Malaysian government under Prime Minister Anwar
Ibrahim is appalling. News that the government will review this section is
welcomed, but MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture) calls for
the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">repeal of Section 233 and all anti-human
rights provisions in CMA</b>. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">Despite the long-standing call of the Malaysian Bar (also
vide a Bar Resolution passed at the AGM in 2016 attended by over 1,000 lawyers),
SUHAKAM (Malaysian Human Rights Commission), civil society groups and others for
the repeal of this law, this PH-led government is still using this law.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">The Bar in a statement December 2015 said, amongst others that
‘…Section 233(1)(a) of the CMA is a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">serious
encroachment on the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by Article
10(1)(a) of our Federal Constitution. </b>…Section 233(1)(a) of the CMA is also
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">repugnant to the rule of law</b>, as it
is broad in scope, vague and ambiguous, with entirely subjective terms such as
“offensive” and “annoy”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can easily <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">be misused to stifle speech and expression</b>,
to shut out contrary views, to quash dissent, to deny democratic space, and to
suppress Malaysians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is this imprecision
that gives rise to the perception that the provision is yet another dressed–up
political weapon in the armoury of the Government…’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">Section 233 criminalizes the publication and dissemination
online of communication that is ‘…obscene, indecent, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">false, menacing or offensive i</b>n character with intent to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">annoy, abuse, threaten or harass another
person</b>…’ It is just too broad and vague, and is open to abuse. For example,
the highlighting of violation of human rights or laws, or facts connected to
alleged violations of rights/laws, would likely ‘annoy’ or even ‘harass’ the
wrongdoer, and for the alleged wrongdoer, it could also be said to be ‘menacing
and offensive’. This should never be considered an offence.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">As such, this section deters even the highlighting of human
rights abuses, breaches of law and even possible government wrongdoing. A criticism
of a statement of a Minister or anyone that is in the wrong can also be alleged
to be false, menacing, annoying or even harassment.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">In 2022, the Centre for Independent Journalism documented <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">114 cases where Section 233 of the
Communications and Multimedia Act was used to investigate netizens and human
rights defenders</b>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">CMA has also infringed press freedom, and this also can violate
people’s right to information. Two national newspapers are being investigated
by police for publishing news reports insinuating that Chinese vernacular
school students in the country are reluctant to learn Bahasa Malaysia. This
maybe just an opinion of some, so why the investigation at all.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">Blocking access without
owner-user knowing – section 263</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">Another draconian provision is Section 263, whereby Section
263(2) states, ‘(2) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>A licensee</u></b>
shall, upon <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>written request by the Commission</u></b>[Malaysian
Communications and Multimedia Commission(MCMC)] or any other authority, assist
the Commission or other authority as far as reasonably necessary in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>preventing the commission</u></b> or
attempted commission of an offence under any written law of Malaysia or
otherwise in enforcing the laws of Malaysia, including, but not limited to, the
protection of the public revenue and preservation of national security.’ A ‘.."licensee"
means a person who either holds an individual licence, or undertakes activities
which are subject to a class licence, granted under this Act;..’.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">This means access to your blog, website, Facebook, email, etc
can be blocked by the licensee or service providers on the request of the MCMC,
who simply have to send a written request. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">What is worse is that you may <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">not know WHY this happened, and who is responsible</b> for this ‘censorship’
and deprivation of your right to communicate with others? Worse, this ‘censorship’,
interference, blocking of access and even closure of account of your online
facilities of communication can even happen before any alleged crime is
committed. One may end up wrongly blaming service providers and social media
applications, when the truth may be that it was the government that is
responsible.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">If blog/website or any social media facility access is to be
blocked, the suspect of the alleged crime must be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">immediately informed by MCMC or the relevant authorities, and accorded
the right to challenge that decision. </b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">Note that all the police or MCMC can do is allege or suspect
that a crime has been committed, for it is only the court, after a fair trial,
that determines whether an offence has been committed or not. Hence, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">premature punishment by blocking access to
internet facilities must end</b>, as punishment ought to come after the court
decides on the guilt.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">Spying on us – Section 252,
265</span></b><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;"> …</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">How many people’s communication online are being intercepted
and listened to using CMA? The people’s right to privacy must be respected and
acknowledged. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">Section 252 CMA ‘…. authorise the officer <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>to intercept or to listen to any
communication</u></b> transmitted or received by any communications….’ . <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CMA says, "interception capability"
means the capability of any network facilities or network service or
applications service to intercept communications under section 265;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">All that is needed now is the authorization of the Public
Prosecutor, and MADPET believes that it is better that the requirement be a
Court order made by a Judge, who will have to consider our right to privacy
before allowing for any such ‘spying’.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">Section 265(1) states, ‘The Minister may determine that a
licensee or class of licensees shall <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">implement
the capability to allow authorised interception of communications</b>…’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">CMA needs a total review, and all draconian provisions that
violates our human rights must be forthwith repealed</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture) calls
for the immediate repeal of section 233, 263, 252, 265 and other draconian provisions
in the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998(CMA);</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">MADPET calls for an
immediate stay in the usage of Section 233 and all draconian provisions of the
CMA pending repeal;</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">MADPET calls for respect
and acknowledgement of a persons right to privacy, and to insert this right in
the Constitution or relevant laws;</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">MADPET calls for press
freedom, and for the government to ‘end’ trying to scare or ‘control’ journalists
and media outlets from reporting and/or delivering information, including critical
opinions, to the Malaysian public.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">Freedom of speech, expression and opinion must be respected.
If there is some ‘fake’ or ‘misleading’ information online, the government
should speedily correct or clarify rather than prosecuting the author and those
who shared it online. The government must acknowledge the right of people to express
opinions different from that of the government of the day, the police or MCMC.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Charles
Hector</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">For
and on behalf of MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture)</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p>
<p></p><h1 class="Page__PostTitleH1-sc-1auxjzz-0 gbCfui pb-4 mb-0 fw-bold">MCMC has Telegram in crosshairs over porn, drugs</h1><div class="Text__StyledText-sc-zn3g65-0 kDiUsv"><p>Communications
and digital minister Fahmi Fadzil says people who conduct illicit
activities using social media apps should be taken to task.</p>
</div><div class="ArticleMeta__StyledArticleMeta-sc-allg4l-0 jDSNjC d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"><div><span class="author"><a class="Style__StyledAnchor-sc-kwuyeg-0 SOKaF" href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/author/bernama2016/">Bernama</a> - </span><time class="Text__StyledText-sc-zn3g65-0 CxAGa fs-12 bootstrap-font-family" datetime="1684759446000" style="min-height: 15px;">22 May 2023, 8:44pm</time></div></div></div><div class="Content__StyledDiv-sc-1n9vywj-0 gtsRQT pb-3" itemprop="articleBody"><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2439946" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_2439946" style="width: 800px;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2439946 size-full" data-adbro-processed="true" height="250" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/74bf15a2-fahmi-fadzil-fmt-120523-1.jpg" width="400" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-2439946">Communications
and digital minister Fahmi Fadzil said Telegram had been approached
repeatedly by MCMC over such issues, but to no avail.</figcaption></figure>
<p>PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission
is examining ways in which it can curb illicit activities on the
Telegram social media app, communications and digital minister Fahmi
Fadzil said today.</p>
<p>The minister referred to users sharing pornography, and trading in drugs and medicines not approved for use in Malaysia.</p></div>
<p>“All of these matters are worrisome as they are legal violations,” he said.</p>
<p><span style="color: red;"><b>He said Telegram has been asked from the outset to tackle these
matters “but has refused to do so up to now, so I asked MCMC to study
the necessary actions”.</b></span></p><div data-google-query-id="CJKK09SJif8CFWDecwEdKAkDxA" id="div-gpt-ad-1661356464065-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/FMT_ROS_1x1_0__container__" style="border: 0pt none;"></div></div>
<p>He said MCMC was strengthening its co-operation with Facebook owner Meta to curb activities that violate Malaysian laws.</p><p>Fahmi
said commission officials met with Meta management last week and
discussed controls for online gambling as well as scam advertisements.</p>
<p>He denied claims by Telegram account holder Edisi Siasat that the ministry had not taken any action at all. - <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/05/22/mcmc-has-telegram-in-crosshairs-over-porn-drugs/" target="_blank">FMT, 22/5/2023</a></p><p> </p><div class="article-section"> <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia">Malaysia</a> </div> <h1 class="article-title">Fahmi: MCMC working with Meta to curb Facebook activities that violate Malaysian laws</h1><div class="social-sharing"><div class="social-inner"><br /> </div> </div> <div class="article-image-gallery"> <div class="layout-ratio"> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/05/22/115907.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" media="(min-width: 786px)" type="image/jpg"></source> <source data-srcset="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/05/22/115907.jpg&w=400&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" type="image/jpg"></source> <img alt="Fahmi: MCMC working with Meta to curb Facebook activities that violate Malaysian laws" class="lazy figure-img img-fluid rounded loaded" data-adbro-processed="true" data-src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/05/22/115907.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" data-was-processed="true" height="266" src="https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://malaymail.com/malaymail/uploads/images/2023/05/22/115907.jpg&w=800&q=100&f=jpg&t=2" title="Fahmi: MCMC working with Meta to curb Facebook activities that violate Malaysian laws" width="400" /> </picture></div> <div class="image-caption">Communications
and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil poses for a picture with guests at
the Malaysian National News Agency’s (Bernama) 56th Anniversary and
Aidilfitri Open House celebration at Wisma Bernama, Kuala Lumpur May 22,
2023. — Bernama pic</div> </div> <div class="telegram-subscribe"><br /></div> <div class="article-info"> <div class="article-date">Monday, 22 May 2023 7:48 PM MYT</div> </div> <div class="main-container-article-body"> <div class="article-body"> <p> </p><p>KUALA
LUMPUR, May 22 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission
(MCMC) is strengthening its cooperation with Meta Platforms Inc (Meta)
to curb Facebook activities that violate Malaysian laws, Communications
and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said.</p><p>He
added that the commission met with Meta management last week and
discussed controls on Facebook relating to online gambling and ads of
non-existent investments and scams.</p></div></div><p>“This issue is on Meta’s side,
I have repeatedly brought it up to be resolved, so during this meeting,
we have asked for further explanations on the online gambling and scam
issues, and these are what we are focusing on currently.</p><p>“I
hope our cooperation through MCMC and META will grow even closer in our
efforts to curb any misuse of the platform,” he told reporters after
attending the Malaysian National News Agency’s (Bernama) 56th
Anniversary and Aidilfitri Open House celebration at Wisma Bernama here
today, in the presence of Bernama chief executive officer (CEO) Roslan
Ariffin and Bernama acting editor-in-chief Jamaluddin Muhammad.</p><p>Fahmi
was refuting claims by Telegram account holder Edisi Siasat that his
ministry had not taken any action against such activities on Facebook.</p><p>He
also said they were studying how to take stern action against Telegram
users who upload pornography and use the app to sell drugs and medicines
unapproved by the Health Ministry.</p><p>“All of these matters are
worrisome as they are legal violations, from the onset, the (Unity
Government) administration has asked Telegram (to address) these issues
but they have refused to do so till now, so I asked the MCMC to study
the necessary actions,” he said.</p><p>Fahmi also took the time to
congratulate Bernama on its 56th anniversary, saying that the agency
played a vital role as a news agency in reporting news and historic
national events.</p><p>“Congratulations Bernama... a prime mover in the
Malaysian media industry, and as the organiser of the National
Journalists Day (Hawana) 2023.</p><p>“Changes in the media industry due
to the development of social media need to be studied together and my
ministry and I stand ready to assist Bernama,” he added. — Bernama - <a href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/05/22/fahmi-mcmc-working-with-meta-to-curb-facebook-activities-that-violate-malaysian-laws/70467" target="_blank">Malay Mail, 22/5/2023</a><br /></p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-54441765789157488102023-05-22T01:07:00.005-07:002023-05-22T01:07:25.844-07:00MADPET - Justice Demands Revocation of the ‘6-month Refusal to Entry’ of Singaporean Couple who were allegedly dissatisfied with Malaysian Immigration Officer/s<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Media Statement – 22/5/2023</span></u></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Justice Demands Revocation of the ‘6-month Refusal to Entry’ of
Singaporean Couple who were allegedly dissatisfied with Malaysian Immigration Officer/s</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Public
Officers Must Always Be Courteous</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">MADPET (Malaysians
Against Death Penalty and Torture) is shocked and ashamed that Malaysia had
banned a Singaporean couple from entering Malaysia for 6 months just for wanting
to complain about the actions of Immigration officers (New Straits Times,
22/5/2023). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Malaysia
should be welcoming of public complaints from anyone against public officers
and government departments/agencies, and not be perceived as ‘retaliating
against any that dare to complaint’.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">According to
the NST news report, the couple’s complaints or dissatisfaction was, amongst
others, about the stamping of the Malaysian Immigration entry stamp on the
passport, where allegedly the officer had left a blank page on the passport,
and stamped the page following. ‘…"I think this needs to be standardised
because its not fair for us (Singaporeans)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> to be paying for our passports and the
officers are just wasting our pages</i></b>…’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">This may not be
a big deal for people who sometimes travel overseas, but for those who regularly
travel between countries, this may mean that the passport pages may run out early
before the passport expires, thus requiring the passport holder to expend monies
to get another NEW passport.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">When the
alleged victims asked about how to lodge a complaint, they were allegedly told
to do it online – and when requesting assistance on how to do it online, they
ended up being banned from entering Malaysia for 6 months.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">‘"He <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">told
us to do it online, without explaining it to us</i></b>. He also <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">raised
his voice and told us to do it outside the office</i></b>. There was no need
for him to act that way…’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">‘"<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">After
my wife asked him a few times on how to do it on the website, he was irritated
and took our passports</i></b> from us. We were taken to another office on
level 2 where <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">we were issued with a 'Refusal of Entry' letter</i></b> by one 'Asisten
Superintenden Rexsus', an Indian female officer," said Qayyum…’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">‘…He said <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">when
they asked for an explanation as to why they were issued with the 'Refusal of
Entry' letter when they just want to know the reasons, she couldn't give them
an answer. "Instead, she raised her voice and sarcastically gave us a
choice of being banned from Malaysia for either 6 months or 1 year.</i></b>
After which, she told us we were banned for 6 months from entering Malaysia for
no valid reason."…’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The conduct
of Malaysian public officers, if true, is appalling and a national embarrassment.
Public officers must at all times be respectful to people who seek their
assistance, irrespective whether they are rich or poor, as in this case
apparently the couple was travelling on a motorcycle. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In Malaysia, we
have heard before about ‘bad’ behavior of public officers, even law
enforcement. Ideally, they should always be courteous. Prime Minister Anwar
Ibrahim should ensure that public officers should always be courteous to the
public, and a failure to do so ought to be a misconduct.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Complaint
procedures should be made easy, and in fact where one cannot directly make a complaint
to an officer on site, then there must be at least someone who is there to
assist if complaints are to be lodged online. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The response to
these dissatisfied clients of Malaysian immigration who wanted to seek
clarification and/or lodge a complaint was the issuance of a Refusal of Entry into
Malaysia for 6 months, which is shocking and unjust. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">One must
acknowledge that some amongst us are just FEARFUL of complaining against public
officers or the government, and the State is duty bound to eliminate this fear,
including the fear of retaliation by the government.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">MADPET calls
on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the Minister and the government of Malaysia to
immediately revoke and cancel the said ‘Refusal of Entry’, and to apologize to
the victims.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">An inquiry
should also be done on the incident, and the alleged complaint with a view of
ensuring justice be done, which may also include compensation for the victim/s
and disciplinary actions. The problem may also have been caused by the
inadequacy of staff, resulting in the few being overworked. If the couple
committed a crime, charge them in court.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">MADPET also calls
on the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) to investigate, where the
Immigration Department of Malaysia is under EAIC’s jurisdiction, and EAIC has the
power to investigate any complaints of misconduct it receives from a member of
the public or that are referred to it by any person. MADPET will try to also lodge
a complaint. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">EAIC should have
the power to investigate any matter within its jurisdiction comes to its
attention, without any requirement of a complaint lodged by anyone. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Charles Hector</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For and on behalf of MADPET</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Re: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New
Straits Times, 22/5/2023, Singaporean
couple banned from Malaysia for questioning Immigration officer >
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nst-viral/2023/05/912024/singaporean-couple-banned-malaysia-questioning-immigration-officer</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></span></p><p></p><h1 class="page-title mb-2"><span class="d-inline-block mr-1" style="color: red;">Singaporean couple banned from Malaysia for questioning Immigration officer</span> </h1> <div class="page-article"><div class="d-block d-lg-flex mb-3"><div class="article-meta mb-2 mb-lg-0 d-flex align-items-center"> <div><span>By <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/authors/new-straits-times" target="_blank">New Straits Times</a> - </span>
May 22, 2023 @ 1:56pm
</div></div> <div class="social-share ml-auto"><div class="addthis_inline_share_toolbox"></div></div></div> <div class="article-content"><div><div><div class="field field-featured-image"><figure><img alt="A Singaporean couple who had questioned the way an Immigration officer stamped their passports upon entering Malaysia, ended up being banned from entering the country for six months. - Pic credit Facebook/Abdul Qayyum Rahim" class="img-fluid" data-adbro-processed="true" height="225" src="https://assets.nst.com.my/images/articles/SGPassport_1684734969.jpg" width="400" /> <figcaption class="py-2">A
Singaporean couple who had questioned the way an Immigration officer
stamped their passports upon entering Malaysia, ended up being banned
from entering the country for six months. - Pic credit Facebook/Abdul
Qayyum Rahim</figcaption></figure></div></div></div> <div class="field field-body"><div class="dable-content-wrapper" itemprop="articleBody"><p>KUALA
LUMPUR: A Singaporean couple who had questioned the way an Immigration
officer stamped their passports upon entering Malaysia, ended up being
banned from entering the country for six months.</p>
<p>Sharing his ordeal on Facebook, Abdul Qayyum Rahim said he and his
wife were heading to Johor Baru via the Tuas checkpoint (Second Link) on
March 20.</p>
<p>"We were stuck at the checkpoint for an hour because there were only
two counters open. When we arrived at the counter, the officer told us
to remove our passports' covers in an impolite tone.</p>
<p>"I then removed the covers and gave them to her and after she
verified our particulars, she proceeded to chop (stamp) the passports.
Upon checking the passports, I noticed that the officer had purposely
left a blank page on my passport. As for my wife's passport, she chopped
on page 27 before scribbling on it and re-chopped on page 28 for no
good reason," said Qayyum.</p></div></div></div></div><p>He said he then parked his motorcycle and they walked to the office
where he asked a male officer the procedure on how to lodge a complaint
against the officer at the counter.</p><div data-google-query-id="CKeO7LWniP8CFfePSwUdptkCBQ" id="div-gpt-ad-1535527649803-0"><div id="google_ads_iframe_/1009103/NST_1x1_Programmatic_0__container__" style="border: 0pt none;"></div></div>
<p>"He told us to do it online, without explaining it to us. He also
raised his voice and told us to do it outside the office. There was no
need for him to act that way.</p><p>"After my wife asked him a few times on how to do it on the website,
he was irritated and took our passports from us. We were taken to
another office on level 2 where we were issued with a 'Refusal of Entry'
letter by one 'Asisten Superintenden Rexsus', an Indian female
officer," said Qayyum.</p>
<p>He said when they asked for an explanation as to why they were issued
with the 'Refusal of Entry' letter when they just want to know the
reasons, she couldn't give them an answer.</p>
<p>"Instead, she raised her voice and sarcastically gave us a choice of
being banned from Malaysia for either 6 months or 1 year. After which,
she told us we were banned for 6 months from entering Malaysia for no
valid reason."</p>
<p>He said the officer at the counter was not wearing a nametag, so he
couldn't get her name while the male officer at the first office wasn't
wearing a proper uniform, just a t-shirt and a jacket.</p>
<p>"The female officer who issued us the letter at Level 2 office, her name is Asisten Superintenden 'Rexsus'," said Qayyum.</p>
<p>He added a friend of his also had a similar experience.</p>
<p>"She told me her boyfriend questioned why the officer stamped the
centre of the page in his passport and the officer shouted at him and
took them to the higher office," said Qayyum.</p>
<p>He said he just want a clarification on how and what is the proper procedure for the Malaysian Immigration to stamp passports.</p>
<p>"I think this needs to be standardised because its not fair for us
(Singaporeans) to be paying for our passports and the officers are just
wasting our pages.</p>
<p>"And also please look into this matter and do something about the
officers on the ground. We understand this is their job, but the least
they can do is treat us the way they want to be treated. I just hope
with this post, Malaysia Immigration will take action on the procedure,
the proper turnouts for an officer and also the proper way of treating
foreigners coming in your country.</p>
<p>However, Qayyum's version of the incident has been disputed by other
Facebook users, with some claiming that it was the couple who provoked
the officer in the first place.</p>
<p>Others, meanwhile, said the the couple should not have questioned the
way the officer carrying their duties and that it was just a small
matter.</p>
<p>Facebook user Rahmat Mohamed commented, "Should not comment or
challenge so much when you enter another country. Being Singaporean does
not mean you have the entitlement. The country's immigration have every
right to refuse entry to anyone if they feel you are a threat to them. I
think you followed your emotion on this issue. It (is) a small matter."</p>
<p>Other users took pity to the officers, saying that they might have
been very tired since they have to check multiple passports everyday.</p>
<p>Cubby Kuan commented, "Do you know in one day how many passports they
have to chop? Hundreds or maybe thousands of passport especially during
peak seasons. Imagine they have to turn all the passports page by page
to find the recent blank page to chop (so you don't waste your page),
then the last person in the line will need to sleep in the airport, no
need go out, wait for 10 hours the officer still haven't chop finish
because the need to find the page one by one to chop." - <a href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nst-viral/2023/05/912024/singaporean-couple-banned-malaysia-questioning-immigration-officer" target="_blank">New Straits Times, 22/5/2023</a><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p>
<p><br /></p>Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28832193.post-82309612317199663602023-04-29T04:02:00.003-07:002023-04-29T04:02:18.128-07:00After Mandatory Death Penalty, Abolish Detention Without Trial Laws End Detention/Restriction Without Right To Fair Trial in Upcoming May Parliamentary Session - MADPET <p> </p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b> </b></span><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Media
Statement – 29/4/2023</span></u></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After Mandatory Death Penalty,
Abolish Detention Without Trial Laws</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red; font-family: verdana;"><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">End Detention/Restriction Without
Right To Fair Trial in Upcoming May Parliamentary Session</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As this Malaysian government’s
actions leading to the abolition of mandatory death penalty and imprisonment
for natural life is applauded, MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and
Torture) calls for the immediate repeal of the even more draconian Detention
Without Trial(<b>DWT</b>) laws like Prevention Of Crime Act 1959(POCA), Prevention
Of Terrorism Act 2015(POTA) and the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive
Measures) Act 1985.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As there is no trial, the victims
of DWT laws will never ever be sentenced to death or natural life imprisonment
for the crimes the government allege that they have committed. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">These DWT laws <b>ignore the
presumption of innocence until proven guilty after a fair trial</b>, where accused
persons have a right to defend himself/herself and the Judge finally decides
whether one is guilty or not. Article 11 of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights states: “Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be
presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law in a public trial at
which they have had all the guarantees necessary for their defence.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Anyone, including the innocent,
can be victims of any DWT laws, as these Malaysian laws does <b>not even allow
victims the access to court to challenge the reasons used to justify their detention
or restrictions.</b></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Section 15B(1) of POCA, where
similar provisions are in all DWT laws, states, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘<b>There shall be no judicial review in any
court</b> of, and no court shall have or exercise any jurisdiction in respect
of, any act done or decision made by the Board in the exercise of its
discretionary power in accordance with this Act<b>, except in regard to any
question on compliance with any procedural requirement</b> in this Act
governing such act or decision.’ This means you <b>cannot challenge or question
the alleged reasons or justifications as to why you have been arrested,
detained or restricted</b> indefinitely by DWT laws, only whether the proper
procedure has been followed by the authorities.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Double Punishment for Crimes</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Section 17 POCA states that, ‘Any
registered person who is convicted of any offence committed after the date of
the entry of his name on the Register under the provisions of any law specified
in the Second Schedule shall be liable to imprisonment for a term of twice as
long as the maximum term for which he would have been liable on conviction for
that offence, and also to whipping.’ This includes some offences under Penal Code,
Societies Act and other laws.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thus, for example, for the Section
323 Penal Code offence of ‘…voluntarily causes hurt, shall be punished with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine which may
extend to two thousand ringgit or with both….’, the person whose name has been
registered under POCA will be facing the risk of DOUBLE the sentence provided
in law. Noting the fact that persons registered under POCA have literally have <b>no
way of challenging the reasons for the arrest, detention, restriction and even entry
into the Register</b>, it is most unjust and in <b>violation of the principle
in Article 8(1) of the Federal Constitution which states, ‘(1) All persons are
equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law.’</b> On
conviction of a crime, everyone should be sentenced in accordance to the sentence
provided in law for that crime. To be liable to higher or double sentence is
simply unjust. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Even If Celebrities Like Anwar, Kit Siang… No Longer Victims Of
DWT – It Still Must Go</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Even though, for some time now,
since the abolition of the infamous Internal Security Act, no prominent persons
like Karpal Singh, Anwar Ibrahim, Mat Sabu, Hadi Awang, Irene Xavier or Theresa
Lim Chin Chin have been arrested, detained or restricted under DWT laws, many persons
continue to be victims of these DWT laws and we cannot ignore the need to
speedily repeal all DWT laws.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In March 2022, a member of the
Crime Prevention Board (LPJ) under the Home Ministry revealed that from April
2014 until March 10 2022, action has been taken <b>against 10,012 individuals using
POCA</b>. A total of 2,673 individuals were placed under the detention order
while another 6,537 individuals under the surveillance order, and another 802
individuals were released. As of 28/2/2022, a total of 425 individuals are
still placed under the detention order while another 2,166 individuals are
still under surveillance order. (Star, 13/3/2022)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He also reportedly said that ‘…based
on the 2021 statistics, a total of 1,190 people had action taken against them
under Poca compared with 1,968 in 2020 in several areas including Simpang
Renggam, Pokok Sena, Bentong and Bintulu. He said <b>most of the cases involved</b>
<b><span style="color: red;">drug-related crimes and criminal fraud through the
Internet</span></b>…’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In March 2023, a media report stated,
‘…On POCA, Saifuddin [Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail] said that 132
individuals were detained, of which 67 were Malays, 13 Chinese, 38 Indians, 13
of other races and one foreigner. He said those detained were between 19 and 59
years old…’(Star, 7/3/2023)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">POCA, which was originally for
violent crimes committed by triads and gangs, have since been amended and it
can be applied broadly even for all penal code offences suspected to be committed
by more than 1.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Resort To DWT Laws Easy for Law Enforcement to Avoid Duties
to prove guilt?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the recently disclosed 2019
Royal Commission of Inquiry Report On The Discovery Of Transit Camps And Graves
At Wang Kelian, which confirmed the deaths of about 114 persons, it was stated
that the before 2015, the police did not bring many cases to court for human
trafficking prosecution, as POCA was used to take action against them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is possible as POCA now is so broad and
can be used for a variety of crimes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hence, DWT laws can even be used
to ‘protect’ even criminals, to deny victims of crime closure, and even the
possibility of being compensated by convicted criminals. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">How many murderers are under DWT
laws, who if charged and convicted in court would face the death penalty if
convicted – who now allows them to walk free after being detained for a couple
of years? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Has the DWT laws caused law enforcement
to get lazy, as they do not have to thoroughly investigate to be able to convince
the court of the guilt of the accused if they elect to use POCA and other DWT
laws.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Are there cases where bribes were
involved to get law enforcement to use DWT, rather than go for a fair trial,
where there may be a risk of other truths being revealed during trial, and the
possibility of higher sentences for the guilty?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The guilt of any criminal must be
proven in court, and only the courts must have the power to punish vide the
sentences provided for the respective crimes in Malaysia. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Extrajudicial punishment imposed
by the administration or any other administrative Boards must end. Only the
courts and judges determine guilt, and should be the only ones allowed to
impose punishment on a person convicted of a crime.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Noting that the next Parliamentary
Session of the Malaysian <b>Parliament will be on 22<sup>nd</sup> May - 15 June
2023, MADPET calls on the Malaysian Government to table the Bills that will
lead to the abolition of Detention Without Trial Laws.</b> The session
thereafter will be in October, which is long way.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;">MADPET reiterates the call for
a speedy repeal of SOSMA, Sedition Act, Societies Act and all other draconian
laws.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Charles Hector</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">For and on behalf of
MADPET(Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture)</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p>
<br /><br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Eighty-three held under Poca from Jan 1-March 10 </span></b></span><br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/">Nation </a> <br /> Sunday, 13 Mar 2022 4:50 PM MYT <br /> <br /> <img height="267" src="https://apicms.thestar.com.my/uploads/images/2022/03/13/1513323.jpg" width="400" /> <br /> <br /><br />KOTA
BARU: A total of 83 individuals nationwide have been detained under the
Prevention of Crime Act (Poca) 1959 from Jan 1 to March 10 this year. <br /><br />A
member of the Crime Prevention Board (LPJ) under the Home Ministry,
Datuk Khalil Azlan Chik said from the figure, 12 were placed under the
detention order while another 71 individuals were placed under the
surveillance order.<br /> <br />He said LPJ received many case files for
action either to issue a police detention order or a surveillance order
against hardcore criminals who cannot be prosecuted by the courts due to
certain problems. <br /><br />"It is difficult to accuse a person in court
without proof. However, there are testimonies about the involvement of
individuals and their files have already been submitted.<br /><br />"Action can only be taken after we have gone through the processes at Bukit Aman and the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC). <br /><br />“The
enquiry officer would also have to meet the detainee before making
recommendations to LPJ for further action,” he said to reporters after
launching the Melor police station here. <br /><br />Also present were
Kelantan police chief Datuk Muhamad Zaki Harun and Kelantan Crime
Prevention and Community Safety Department (JPJKK) head ACP Mit Emong.<br />Khalil
said since Poca was introduced on April 2, 2014 until March 10, action
has been taken against 10,012 individuals under the Act. <br /><br />A total
of 2,673 individuals were placed under the detention order while
another 6,537 individuals under the surveillance order, and another 802
individuals were released. <br /><br />As of Feb 28, a total of 425
individuals are still placed under the detention order while another
2,166 individuals are still under surveillance order. <br /><br />This brings the total number of those who are still under detention and surveillance orders at 2,591 individuals. <br /><br />"In
Kelantan alone, there are a total of 127 individuals from outside the
contingent registered under Poca placed in various police stations in
this state,” he said. <br /><br />Khalil said based on the 2021 statistics, a
total of 1,190 people had action taken against them under Poca compared
with 1,968 in 2020 in several areas including Simpang Renggam, Pokok
Sena, Bentong and Bintulu. <br /><br />He said most of the cases involved drug-related crimes and criminal fraud through the Internet. <br /><br />"We
also discovered that most of them are aged between 30 and 40. The
youngest to date is an 18-year-old individual while the oldest is 73
years old. <br /><br />"The purpose of the order is to initiate
police-society collaboration to guide the individuals into becoming
useful individuals. We hope after two years, they will be rehabilitated
and released to their home states,” he added. - Bernama, Star - 13/3/2022<br /><br /><a href="#"></a><br /> <br /> <b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">Hundreds held under Sosma, Poca and Pota last year </span></b><br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/">Nation </a> <br /> Tuesday, 07 Mar 2023 <br /> <br /> <img height="321" src="https://apicms.thestar.com.my/uploads/images/2023/03/07/1968517.jpg" width="400" /> <br /> <br /><br />KUALA
LUMPUR: A total of 624 individuals were detained under the Security
Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) last year, says Datuk Seri
Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic). <br /><br />The Home Minister added that 140 of these detainees had already been released.<br /> <br />“Of
those detained, 71 were charged in court, 401 were punished, 140 were
released and 12 are still under investigation,” he said in a written
reply to a question by Chow Yu Hui (PH-Raub) in the Dewan Rakyat
yesterday. <br /><br />Chow had asked about the number of those detained under Sosma, as well as the breakdown of their race and ages.<br /> <br />He
also enquired about the number of those detained under the Prevention
of Crime Act (Poca) and the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Pota). <br /><br />Last
month, Saifuddin Nasution, in a written reply to RSN Rayer
(PH-Jelutong), said Sosma was still a relevant law to maintain national
security because it allows the police to take immediate action to defuse
any threats to national sovereignty and harmony. <br /><br />Repealing
Sosma was not among the pledges in Pakatan Harapan’s GE15 election
manifesto, though several DAP leaders had previously criticised Sosma as
having draconian provisions.</p><br />Meanwhile, Saifuddin Nasution
said those detained under Sosma last year were between 18 and 69 years
old and included 247 Malays, 83 Chinese, 89 Indians, 47 of other races
and 158 foreigners. <br /><br />On Poca, Saifuddin said that 132 individuals
were detained, of which 67 were Malays, 13 Chinese, 38 Indians, 13 of
other races and one foreigner. <br /><br />He said those detained were between 19 and 59 years old. <br /><br />Poca,
which was amended in 2015, is a preventative law to deal with
criminals, particularly members of secret societies, terrorists and
other undesirable persons. <br /><br />Saifuddin Nasution said that only one individual, a Malay, was detained under Pota and is currently under a detention order. <br /><br />Pota,
which was passed in April 2015, allowed authorities to take action
against Malaysians suspected of being involved with the Islamic State or
other terrorist organisations. <br /><br />To a written question by Datuk
Wan Saiful Wan Jan (PN-Tasek Gelugor), Saifuddin said that as of Jan 30
this year, 195 individuals were detained under Sosma and are currently
undergoing trial. <br /><br />Of this total, 46 were for smuggling and human
trafficking, two for terrorism and 147 for organised crime under the
Penal Code. - <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/07/hundreds-held-under-sosma-poca-and-pota-last-year" target="_blank">Star, 7/3/2023</a><br />Charles Hectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10962669552161424734noreply@blogger.com0