CRITICISMS towards moral policing in Malaysia are nothing new. Back in 2005, the Federal Territories Islamic Department came under fire after its infamous raid of Kuala Lumpur’s Zouk nightclub. After the Muslim detainees’ claims of sexual harassment and other abuse by religious enforcers, the government sought to curb moral policing, in rhetoric at least. In [...]

IN part two of stories about those who have encountered the religious police, freelance writer Nabila Nasir, 25, recounts the harassment and extortion she and a now ex-boyfriend experienced at the hands of moral guardians in mid-2007.

KUALA LUMPUR, 17 Dec 2008: The police will not stop Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas (Jerit) from handing over a memorandum to Parliament tomorrow provided it does not involve a parade or bicycle convoy to the extent of disrupting public order. Kuala Lumpur Deputy Chief Police Officer Datuk Abu Samah Mat said it was up to Parliament [...]

IPOH, 10 Dec 2008: Sungai Siput police today detained 50 members of the Oppressed People Network (Jerit) who were riding bicycles from Kuala Kangsar to the city, here, and recorded their statements. A police spokesperson said the group, aged between 13 and 16 who were yesterday detained and released in Kuala Kangsar, were stopped at [...]

PETALING JAYA, 6 Nov 2008: The Malaysian Bar has called for the police to stop harassing lawyers by calling them in for questioning in relation to their cases. Its president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan said lawyers must be free to act for their clients without fear or favour. The independence of the Bar is critical to [...]