THE problem with the Administration of the Religion of Islam (Federal Territories) Bill 2013 wasn’t just that it was “unfair” to non-Muslims or controversial. The reason it has no place in Malaysia is that the bill entrenches inequalities and does so in the name of Islam.
rights
Seksualiti Merdeka: Threat to national security?
Holding Court by Ding Jo-Ann
ON 1 March 2012, the High Court dismissed Seksualiti Merdeka‘s leave application to judicially review a police ban on their annual festival. The November 2011 festival was banned under section 27A(1)(c) of the Police Act. The section (since superseded by the Peaceful Assembly Act) allowed the police to stop any activity on private premises “likely […]
Restricting the government’s choices?
Holding Court by Ding Jo-Ann
IT was troubling to read Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein’s reasons for the release of eight immigration officers detained without trial under the Internal Security Act (ISA). Hishammuddin said he decided to release the eight, detained “in connection” with human trafficking activities, because they showed “remorse” over their mistakes. He also considered their wishes […]
Wanted: Safe and eco-friendly cosmetics
As if Earth Matters By Gan Pei Ling
BODY wash, hair shampoo, soap, facial cleanser, toner — most of us use these personal care products on a daily basis regardless of gender. Women are likely to use cosmetics as well in addition to these products, but have you ever stopped and looked at the ingredients contained in the products? The ingredients should be […]
Why fast during Ramadan if one is non-Muslim?
Sideways by Deborah Loh
HOW many non-Muslims do you know who fast during Ramadan? And why would they? So far, I’ve found two non-Muslims who are conscientiously fasting the whole of Ramadan. Of these two, one fasts the Muslim way, eating only at sahur and iftar in accordance with the Muslim prayer times. The other doesn’t follow the fasting […]
The arbitrariness of moral policing
By Shanon Shah
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 […]
Who supports Perkasa?
By Deborah Loh“It is necessary for the government to delay any allocation and approval of projects for the community. They show no appreciation to BN government’s efforts, even though the BN government had to hurt the feelings of the Malay [Malaysian] and the natives.” “All their demands are fulfilled by the government but they do not know […]
What use, that cabinet order?
By Deborah Loh“Conversion is not a grounds for the automatic dissolution of a marriage. The children should be brought up in the common religion. For the spouse who intends to convert into Islam, he or she would also have to come clean…The convert would have to fulfil his or her marriage responsibilities according to civil laws prior […]
Najib’s version of media freedom ll
By Shanon Shah“I believe the world media can take some lessons from our Malaysian media.” “As long as the reports do not run foul of our existing laws, the press is free to report on pretty much anything.” PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, speaking to journalists and business leaders before giving out awards at the National […]
JHEOA involved in Orang Asli conversion
By Ding Jo-AnnColin Nicholas PETALING JAYA, 4 May 2010: The Jabatan Hal Ehwal Orang Asli (JHEOA) has been involved in the Islamisation of Orang Asli for decades, said Centre for Orang Asli Concerns coordinator Dr Colin Nicholas. “One of JHEOA‘s main objective is to convert Orang Asli to Islam. They don’t say it openly but their budget […]
