PM: We need world-class, fact-based reporting
6 Apr 09 : 11.07PM
KUALA LUMPUR, 6 April 2009: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today stressed on the need of world-class and fact-based reporting in Malaysia and the media must be fair and responsible in their reporting.
"This is crucial if we are to foster a constructive debate about our nation's future. I believe we can move beyond those who offer the journalism a conspiracy theory and rumour," he said at the Malaysia Press Institute-Petronas Journalist Awards Night 2008, here.
Najib said responsible reporting does not mean taking side of the government but instead responsible reporting means looking more sceptically and critically at some of the claims from all sides and rumours which make up 'too great part of our political discourse'.
"This is not just true in Malaysia, but such distortions also exist even in the most advanced nations in the world," he said.
Najib said the power of the media, particularly the print and broadcast media, is not only in reporting the news but also in lending credibility to stories and rumours that percolate up from the grassroots and the internet.
"The media best serves the public interest when it goes beyond the superficial; when it asked the tough questions of the rumour-mongers; when it does not lend credence to false innuendo, and instead report on facts and details — whether that is helpful to the government or not," he said.
Najib also said personal attacks have undermined public confidence in the political process and "done nothing to bring us closer to achieving the goals we have for this country".
"I have endured my fair share of these from some quarters of the media. I will always stand up and be accountable for the decision I made as your Prime Minister.
"But I also know that the personal slurs and false accusations levelled against national leaders are deeply damaging to our nation's political discourse and international reputation," he said.
He said countering such personal attacks is not the sole responsibility of any one party or any one person but it is the responsibility of every responsible individual.
"So, today, I call on all parties, all political leaders and all people who want to engage in a new national conversation about the future of our nation — including the media — to do so in a way that respect opinions of others, that values discussions and discourse and that recognises that opponents need not be enemies, that differences of opinion do not come from malicious motives, but from a deep and abiding concern for the future of Malaysia," he said.
Najib also said a new national discourse on the principles of transparency and accountability, service to all and respect and fairness in the public dialogue with the interest of every Malaysians at heart, must be established.
"A vibrant political and public dialogue is the best way forward for our country; the times demand it and the people expect it. Let us not fail them," he added. — Bernama
6 Apr 09 : 11.07PM
KUALA LUMPUR, 6 April 2009: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today stressed on the need of world-class and fact-based reporting in Malaysia and the media must be fair and responsible in their reporting.
"This is crucial if we are to foster a constructive debate about our nation's future. I believe we can move beyond those who offer the journalism a conspiracy theory and rumour," he said at the Malaysia Press Institute-Petronas Journalist Awards Night 2008, here.
Najib said responsible reporting does not mean taking side of the government but instead responsible reporting means looking more sceptically and critically at some of the claims from all sides and rumours which make up 'too great part of our political discourse'.
"This is not just true in Malaysia, but such distortions also exist even in the most advanced nations in the world," he said.
Najib said the power of the media, particularly the print and broadcast media, is not only in reporting the news but also in lending credibility to stories and rumours that percolate up from the grassroots and the internet.
"The media best serves the public interest when it goes beyond the superficial; when it asked the tough questions of the rumour-mongers; when it does not lend credence to false innuendo, and instead report on facts and details — whether that is helpful to the government or not," he said.
Najib also said personal attacks have undermined public confidence in the political process and "done nothing to bring us closer to achieving the goals we have for this country".
"I have endured my fair share of these from some quarters of the media. I will always stand up and be accountable for the decision I made as your Prime Minister.
"But I also know that the personal slurs and false accusations levelled against national leaders are deeply damaging to our nation's political discourse and international reputation," he said.
He said countering such personal attacks is not the sole responsibility of any one party or any one person but it is the responsibility of every responsible individual.
"So, today, I call on all parties, all political leaders and all people who want to engage in a new national conversation about the future of our nation — including the media — to do so in a way that respect opinions of others, that values discussions and discourse and that recognises that opponents need not be enemies, that differences of opinion do not come from malicious motives, but from a deep and abiding concern for the future of Malaysia," he said.
Najib also said a new national discourse on the principles of transparency and accountability, service to all and respect and fairness in the public dialogue with the interest of every Malaysians at heart, must be established.
"A vibrant political and public dialogue is the best way forward for our country; the times demand it and the people expect it. Let us not fail them," he added. — Bernama
No plan to censor MPs' remarks in parliament
6 Apr 09 : 6.14PM
KUALA LUMPUR, 6 April 2009: The Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) has no plan to censor words uttered by members of Parliament during the live telecast of the Dewan Rakyat debate sessions, Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said today.
As such, he said, RTM had no plan to air delayed telecast of the debate sessions to allow editing to be made.
"The original objective for the live telecast is to enable the people to see for themselves the conduct and performance of elected representatives in the Dewan Rakyat," he said when winding up the debate on the motion of thanks on the address of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in the Dewan Negara today.
He said that if the speeches were edited, then it would defeat the purpose of telecasting the sessions live.
Several members had proposed that RTM carry only delayed telecast of the sessions so that censorship could be made on inappropriate words uttered by the MPs.
"If we do editing, then the people will be wondering why we edited out certain things. This will cause suspicions," he said.
On another issue, Ahmad Shabery said, it was RTM's policy not to report on domestic problems involving celebrities or politicians.
On the other hand, he said, RTM had a special programme called Sehati Sejiwa (soul mate) which tells the stories of successful marriage involving celebrities.
To a question by Senator Datuk Dr Firdaus Abdullah whether the ministry would take over the role of monitoring and licensing of private broadcasting stations, which is now under the Energy, Water and Communications Ministry, Ahmad Shabery said he had no power to do so.
"It is up to the prime minister to carry out a restructuring if he thinks it is necessary. At the moment there are five ministries which deal with media monitoring," he said. — Bernama
6 Apr 09 : 6.14PM
KUALA LUMPUR, 6 April 2009: The Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) has no plan to censor words uttered by members of Parliament during the live telecast of the Dewan Rakyat debate sessions, Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said today.
As such, he said, RTM had no plan to air delayed telecast of the debate sessions to allow editing to be made.
"The original objective for the live telecast is to enable the people to see for themselves the conduct and performance of elected representatives in the Dewan Rakyat," he said when winding up the debate on the motion of thanks on the address of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in the Dewan Negara today.
He said that if the speeches were edited, then it would defeat the purpose of telecasting the sessions live.
Several members had proposed that RTM carry only delayed telecast of the sessions so that censorship could be made on inappropriate words uttered by the MPs.
"If we do editing, then the people will be wondering why we edited out certain things. This will cause suspicions," he said.
On another issue, Ahmad Shabery said, it was RTM's policy not to report on domestic problems involving celebrities or politicians.
On the other hand, he said, RTM had a special programme called Sehati Sejiwa (soul mate) which tells the stories of successful marriage involving celebrities.
To a question by Senator Datuk Dr Firdaus Abdullah whether the ministry would take over the role of monitoring and licensing of private broadcasting stations, which is now under the Energy, Water and Communications Ministry, Ahmad Shabery said he had no power to do so.
"It is up to the prime minister to carry out a restructuring if he thinks it is necessary. At the moment there are five ministries which deal with media monitoring," he said. — Bernama
Islamic NGOs disagree to having non-Muslims inform family before embracing Islam
Sunday, 13 April 2008 09:39pm
Muslims• More time needed to study law on converts
©Bernama (Used by permission)
KUALA LUMPUR, April 13 (Bernama) -- The Allied Coordinating Committee of Islamic NGOs (ACCIN) does not agree to having non-Muslims inform their family before converting to Islam.
Its chairman, Sabariah Abdullah, said such a move would deny them the right to convert and would be seen as forcing them to inform their family when the situation then would still be inappropriate.
"It should be left to the individuals to decide whether to inform their family or otherwise because it would be difficult for the family to accept the fact and would cause problems to the convert as well as his family," she told a press conference.
Sabariah said the major problems the convert would face were rejection by the family members, threats to commit suicide or inflict self-injury and fear of isolation by the family.
ACCIN has 16 member organisations, including the Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement (Abim), the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (Macma), the All-Malaysia Indian Converts Welfare and Missionary Association (Al-Hidayah) and the Malaysian Muslim Welfare Organisation (Perkim).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in announcing the proposed rule, had said it was meant to avoid problems, especially when the converts died and their family disputed the status of the deceased's religion.
Abdullah had said those who wanted to convert to Islam must inform their family through a form or letter declaring that their family had been told. He said the idea behind the rule was to recognise the rights of the affected families, especially the spouses.
Sunday, 13 April 2008 09:39pm
Muslims• More time needed to study law on converts
©Bernama (Used by permission)
KUALA LUMPUR, April 13 (Bernama) -- The Allied Coordinating Committee of Islamic NGOs (ACCIN) does not agree to having non-Muslims inform their family before converting to Islam.
Its chairman, Sabariah Abdullah, said such a move would deny them the right to convert and would be seen as forcing them to inform their family when the situation then would still be inappropriate.
"It should be left to the individuals to decide whether to inform their family or otherwise because it would be difficult for the family to accept the fact and would cause problems to the convert as well as his family," she told a press conference.
Sabariah said the major problems the convert would face were rejection by the family members, threats to commit suicide or inflict self-injury and fear of isolation by the family.
ACCIN has 16 member organisations, including the Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement (Abim), the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (Macma), the All-Malaysia Indian Converts Welfare and Missionary Association (Al-Hidayah) and the Malaysian Muslim Welfare Organisation (Perkim).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in announcing the proposed rule, had said it was meant to avoid problems, especially when the converts died and their family disputed the status of the deceased's religion.
Abdullah had said those who wanted to convert to Islam must inform their family through a form or letter declaring that their family had been told. He said the idea behind the rule was to recognise the rights of the affected families, especially the spouses.
I am here, I am here, I am here, I won't resign, says Abdullah
PUTRAJAYA, April 2 — Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today scoffed at speculations he will step down as prime minister.
Abdullah reiterated his stand that he would not run away from his responsibility as prime minister.
"I am here. I am here. I am here. They make all the speculations that I want to run away, I've resigned. Why should I resign," he said after meeting with Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said at his office here.
"My Government has got a strong majority (although) not the two-thirds (majority), but very strong...that is the stand of support. Why I must run away from my entrusted responsibility."
Abdullah was asked to comment on the speculations brought on by prominent Umno members, including Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, calling for his head after Barisan Nasional's poor showing in last month's general election.
The BN lost its perennial two-third majority in parliament and relinquished control of Penang, Perak, Selangor and Kedah, besides failing to regain Kelantan from PAS.
Abdullah's absence from the public eye lately also lent credence to the such speculation.
Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib came to the support of his boss. He said: "It is very unfair to repeatedly ask the prime minister to resign...we have won 140 seats in Parliament compared to 82 by the Opposition...we are only eight seats short of a two-third majority.
"If the prime minister is the cause of our defeat, then we should have lost the whole country to the Opposition. We lost because there were many other contributory factors like the use of blogs and websites to run down the BN."
He said the use of the information and communications technology like the Internet and short-messaging service (SMS) played a crucial role in last month's general election.
"Among other contributing factors were dissatisfaction over candidates picked by BN and Malaysian Indians rejecting the government outright. The move to tarnish the prime minister's name has been going on for a while now and this is being done by an influential retired politician. He even said don't vote for the party but for the candidate. That's not fair," he said, referring to Dr Mahathir's caustic denunciations.
Muhammad said it was important for BN, especially Umno, to find tne root causes for the defeat in the five states and remedy the situation as soon as possible.
"If losing seats is the criteria for a prime minister to resign, then Dr Mahathir should have resigned when during his tenure the BN had lost in Sabah and Terengganu once while it failed to regain Kelantan from PAS.
"Now Pak Lah's work is to rehabilitate Umno and BN. We need to create a level playing field. We also need to use the blogs and the Internet effectively."
He said Dr Mahathir was still very influential, especially after being in power for 22 years, before passing the baton to Abdullah in 2003.
Instead of helping the BN to get back to its feet, the former prime minister was criticising the ruling coalition.
Asked on the claim by Dr Mahathir that Umno leaders were now muzzled and had become "yes men" to Abdullah, Muhammad said the Cabinet still functioned the same way as it did when Dr Mahathir was the prime minister.
"He also alleged that the BN candidates from Umno were picked by someone else but let me assure you that the names of potential candidates were picked by the state liaison chiefs.
"Almost all the names forwarded to the prime minister were allowed to contest. This (the call by Dr Mahathir to Abdullah to step down) is like our own silat master hitting us when we are fighting with someone else. It is very bad for Umno and BN," he said.
Asked if Umno would take disciplinary action against Dr Mahathir for his outburst, Muhammad said this was very unlikely as the former prime minister was "invincible".
"We've taken disciplinary action against many people but this time we are facing an invincible man. He is openly supporting the Opposition, that is too much," said the newly-appointed Selangor Umno and BN chief, succeeding former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo.
Muhammad, himself a former Selangor Menteri Besar, said there was no reason for Umno to abolish the quota system for nominations to party posts for the election of president, deputy president, vice-presidents and supreme council members.
"This year is election year, it would be like we are in a football match, but the referee stops the match and enlarges the goal post, then allows the match to resume. That would not be right," he added.
Under the quota system, a candidate intending to vie for the president's post must garner at least 58 nominations or 30 per cent of Umno divisions in the country. — Bernama
PUTRAJAYA, April 2 — Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today scoffed at speculations he will step down as prime minister.
Abdullah reiterated his stand that he would not run away from his responsibility as prime minister.
"I am here. I am here. I am here. They make all the speculations that I want to run away, I've resigned. Why should I resign," he said after meeting with Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said at his office here.
"My Government has got a strong majority (although) not the two-thirds (majority), but very strong...that is the stand of support. Why I must run away from my entrusted responsibility."
Abdullah was asked to comment on the speculations brought on by prominent Umno members, including Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, calling for his head after Barisan Nasional's poor showing in last month's general election.
The BN lost its perennial two-third majority in parliament and relinquished control of Penang, Perak, Selangor and Kedah, besides failing to regain Kelantan from PAS.
Abdullah's absence from the public eye lately also lent credence to the such speculation.
Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib came to the support of his boss. He said: "It is very unfair to repeatedly ask the prime minister to resign...we have won 140 seats in Parliament compared to 82 by the Opposition...we are only eight seats short of a two-third majority.
"If the prime minister is the cause of our defeat, then we should have lost the whole country to the Opposition. We lost because there were many other contributory factors like the use of blogs and websites to run down the BN."
He said the use of the information and communications technology like the Internet and short-messaging service (SMS) played a crucial role in last month's general election.
"Among other contributing factors were dissatisfaction over candidates picked by BN and Malaysian Indians rejecting the government outright. The move to tarnish the prime minister's name has been going on for a while now and this is being done by an influential retired politician. He even said don't vote for the party but for the candidate. That's not fair," he said, referring to Dr Mahathir's caustic denunciations.
Muhammad said it was important for BN, especially Umno, to find tne root causes for the defeat in the five states and remedy the situation as soon as possible.
"If losing seats is the criteria for a prime minister to resign, then Dr Mahathir should have resigned when during his tenure the BN had lost in Sabah and Terengganu once while it failed to regain Kelantan from PAS.
"Now Pak Lah's work is to rehabilitate Umno and BN. We need to create a level playing field. We also need to use the blogs and the Internet effectively."
He said Dr Mahathir was still very influential, especially after being in power for 22 years, before passing the baton to Abdullah in 2003.
Instead of helping the BN to get back to its feet, the former prime minister was criticising the ruling coalition.
Asked on the claim by Dr Mahathir that Umno leaders were now muzzled and had become "yes men" to Abdullah, Muhammad said the Cabinet still functioned the same way as it did when Dr Mahathir was the prime minister.
"He also alleged that the BN candidates from Umno were picked by someone else but let me assure you that the names of potential candidates were picked by the state liaison chiefs.
"Almost all the names forwarded to the prime minister were allowed to contest. This (the call by Dr Mahathir to Abdullah to step down) is like our own silat master hitting us when we are fighting with someone else. It is very bad for Umno and BN," he said.
Asked if Umno would take disciplinary action against Dr Mahathir for his outburst, Muhammad said this was very unlikely as the former prime minister was "invincible".
"We've taken disciplinary action against many people but this time we are facing an invincible man. He is openly supporting the Opposition, that is too much," said the newly-appointed Selangor Umno and BN chief, succeeding former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo.
Muhammad, himself a former Selangor Menteri Besar, said there was no reason for Umno to abolish the quota system for nominations to party posts for the election of president, deputy president, vice-presidents and supreme council members.
"This year is election year, it would be like we are in a football match, but the referee stops the match and enlarges the goal post, then allows the match to resume. That would not be right," he added.
Under the quota system, a candidate intending to vie for the president's post must garner at least 58 nominations or 30 per cent of Umno divisions in the country. — Bernama
Ex-ISA Detainee Gets RM2.5 Million For Wrongful Arrest And Detention
General
October 18, 2007 18:42 PM
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- For the first time, a former Internal Security Act (ISA) detainee won damages of RM2.5 million in a suit filed against the police and the government over his arrest and torture in 1998.
Abdul Malek Hussin, 51, was awarded RM1 million in general damages for wrongful arrest and detention, RM1 million in exemplary damages, RM500,000 in general damages for assault and ill-treatment and eight per cent interest from today and costs by the High Court Thursday.
Justice Datuk Mohd Hishamudin Mohd Yunus said Abdul Malek was entitled to the damages because his arrest at 10pm on September 25 1998 and 57 days of detention under the ISA were unlawful as they were done mala fide (in bad faith).
He said the interrogation carried out on Abdul Malek in Bukit Aman was political in nature for intelligence gathering for political purposes and had nothing to do with genuine concern for national security.
"The behaviour of the defendants is inhumane, cruel and despicable, as the plaintiff (Abdul Malek) was not just arrested and detained unlawfully for 57 days but was also subjected to a vile assault, unspeakable humiliation and prolonged physical and mental ill-treatment," Hishamudin said.
Abdul Malek, chairman of Malaysians for Free and Fair Election (Mafrel), a non-governmental organisation, claimed that he was ill-treated by the police.
He claimed that besides being slapped three times and blindfolded with his head forcibly covered with a T-shirt and forced to bend forward with his head between his legs in the car taking him the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters, he was also stripped naked in an air-conditioned room and a urine-smelling liquid was forcefully poured into his mouth, he said.
His private part was hit and an object pushed against his anus and he was made to stand in front of an air-conditioner and drenched with water for almost an hour, he added.
Abdul Malek, who is also former PAS executive secretary, filed a suit in March 1999 seeking RM30 million damages for alleged police brutality while under detention in connection with the detention of former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for alleged involvement in activities that could threaten national security.
He was released unconditionally on November 21 1998. He named Special Branch police officer ASP Borhan Daud, the then Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Noor and the Malaysian government as defendants.
Hishamudin said the award for exemplary damages was necessary to show the abhorrence of the court of the gross abuse of an awesome power under the ISA and that any gross abuse of that power must be visited with an award of exemplary damages to ensure that the extent of abuse was kept to the most minimal, if not eliminated completely.
"The Special branch department of the police force must not only be neutral but must also be seen to be neutral and non partisan. It must be above politics.
"The practice of torture of any kind is to be detested. The despicable conduct of the then Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Rahim Noor, was shameful and a disgrace. He had shown an extremely bad example to the thousands of men under his charge.
"The practice of torturing detainees by the police force can never and should never be condoned by the courts. The court must show its utmost disapproval in no uncertain terms," the judge said in his 41-page judgement which he took about 2 hours to read out in court.
Hishamudin also held that the police did not properly inform Abdul Malek of the grounds of his arrest as required under Article 5 (3) of the Federal Constitution and that Borhan had failed to satisfy the court with sufficient particulars of Abdul Malek's activities to justify the arrest and detention.
Outside the court, Abdul Malek who was present with his wife and children said: "I don't say that I'm happy. This is a matter of honour, not money. The ISA must be abolished. There is no reason for its existence in the country."
Abdul Malek's counsel R.Sivarasa said this is the first case where an ISA detainee had successfully won a legal suit for unlawful detention.
This showed that the court was prepared to step in when police abuse their powers.
Hishamudin, in his judgement, said that Borhan's bare assertion that Abdul Malek was directly involved in illegal assemblies which ended up with rioting and public order, was without particulars as no specifics were given on how Abdul Malek was directly involved.
On the other hand, Abdul Malek had furnished unchallenged evidence that at no time during his interrogation in Bukit Aman were any specific questions put to him that he was connected to any violent act of any kind or planning any specific violent act.
He said Abdul Malek gave detailed and unchallenged evidence of the content of the interrogations which he endured for 19 days in Bukit Aman relating, among others, to his relationship with Anwar and his role in the reformasi movement.
The judge said Abdul Malek had succeeded in proving on the balance of probabilities that he had been assaulted and this was supported by medical evidence.
The judge also said that from the time Abdul Malek was brought to the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters until he was handed to the Bukit Aman officers at 2pm on September 26 1998, he was never placed in a lock-up, breaching the Lockup Rules 1953 which required all prisoners to be placed in a lock-up after 6.30pm and no interrogation was to be conducted during these hours.
He said Borhan's version that there was a substantial block of two-and-a-half hours of unexplained time where nothing happened -- between 1.20am and 4am -- was highly questionable.
The police conduct of not keeping Abdul Malek in the lock-up and their contradictory answers invited the inference that they were covering up some unlawful act in relation to Abdul Malek, he said.
The conduct by the police in denying Abdul Malek access to a lawyer also showed mala fide on the part of the police, he added.
-- BERNAMA
General
October 18, 2007 18:42 PM
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- For the first time, a former Internal Security Act (ISA) detainee won damages of RM2.5 million in a suit filed against the police and the government over his arrest and torture in 1998.
Abdul Malek Hussin, 51, was awarded RM1 million in general damages for wrongful arrest and detention, RM1 million in exemplary damages, RM500,000 in general damages for assault and ill-treatment and eight per cent interest from today and costs by the High Court Thursday.
Justice Datuk Mohd Hishamudin Mohd Yunus said Abdul Malek was entitled to the damages because his arrest at 10pm on September 25 1998 and 57 days of detention under the ISA were unlawful as they were done mala fide (in bad faith).
He said the interrogation carried out on Abdul Malek in Bukit Aman was political in nature for intelligence gathering for political purposes and had nothing to do with genuine concern for national security.
"The behaviour of the defendants is inhumane, cruel and despicable, as the plaintiff (Abdul Malek) was not just arrested and detained unlawfully for 57 days but was also subjected to a vile assault, unspeakable humiliation and prolonged physical and mental ill-treatment," Hishamudin said.
Abdul Malek, chairman of Malaysians for Free and Fair Election (Mafrel), a non-governmental organisation, claimed that he was ill-treated by the police.
He claimed that besides being slapped three times and blindfolded with his head forcibly covered with a T-shirt and forced to bend forward with his head between his legs in the car taking him the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters, he was also stripped naked in an air-conditioned room and a urine-smelling liquid was forcefully poured into his mouth, he said.
His private part was hit and an object pushed against his anus and he was made to stand in front of an air-conditioner and drenched with water for almost an hour, he added.
Abdul Malek, who is also former PAS executive secretary, filed a suit in March 1999 seeking RM30 million damages for alleged police brutality while under detention in connection with the detention of former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for alleged involvement in activities that could threaten national security.
He was released unconditionally on November 21 1998. He named Special Branch police officer ASP Borhan Daud, the then Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Noor and the Malaysian government as defendants.
Hishamudin said the award for exemplary damages was necessary to show the abhorrence of the court of the gross abuse of an awesome power under the ISA and that any gross abuse of that power must be visited with an award of exemplary damages to ensure that the extent of abuse was kept to the most minimal, if not eliminated completely.
"The Special branch department of the police force must not only be neutral but must also be seen to be neutral and non partisan. It must be above politics.
"The practice of torture of any kind is to be detested. The despicable conduct of the then Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Rahim Noor, was shameful and a disgrace. He had shown an extremely bad example to the thousands of men under his charge.
"The practice of torturing detainees by the police force can never and should never be condoned by the courts. The court must show its utmost disapproval in no uncertain terms," the judge said in his 41-page judgement which he took about 2 hours to read out in court.
Hishamudin also held that the police did not properly inform Abdul Malek of the grounds of his arrest as required under Article 5 (3) of the Federal Constitution and that Borhan had failed to satisfy the court with sufficient particulars of Abdul Malek's activities to justify the arrest and detention.
Outside the court, Abdul Malek who was present with his wife and children said: "I don't say that I'm happy. This is a matter of honour, not money. The ISA must be abolished. There is no reason for its existence in the country."
Abdul Malek's counsel R.Sivarasa said this is the first case where an ISA detainee had successfully won a legal suit for unlawful detention.
This showed that the court was prepared to step in when police abuse their powers.
Hishamudin, in his judgement, said that Borhan's bare assertion that Abdul Malek was directly involved in illegal assemblies which ended up with rioting and public order, was without particulars as no specifics were given on how Abdul Malek was directly involved.
On the other hand, Abdul Malek had furnished unchallenged evidence that at no time during his interrogation in Bukit Aman were any specific questions put to him that he was connected to any violent act of any kind or planning any specific violent act.
He said Abdul Malek gave detailed and unchallenged evidence of the content of the interrogations which he endured for 19 days in Bukit Aman relating, among others, to his relationship with Anwar and his role in the reformasi movement.
The judge said Abdul Malek had succeeded in proving on the balance of probabilities that he had been assaulted and this was supported by medical evidence.
The judge also said that from the time Abdul Malek was brought to the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters until he was handed to the Bukit Aman officers at 2pm on September 26 1998, he was never placed in a lock-up, breaching the Lockup Rules 1953 which required all prisoners to be placed in a lock-up after 6.30pm and no interrogation was to be conducted during these hours.
He said Borhan's version that there was a substantial block of two-and-a-half hours of unexplained time where nothing happened -- between 1.20am and 4am -- was highly questionable.
The police conduct of not keeping Abdul Malek in the lock-up and their contradictory answers invited the inference that they were covering up some unlawful act in relation to Abdul Malek, he said.
The conduct by the police in denying Abdul Malek access to a lawyer also showed mala fide on the part of the police, he added.
-- BERNAMA
Zam Defends Ministry's Role As Source Of Correct Information
Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin said Monday the function of his ministry is to correct the misinformation and lies being propagated by certain quarters including the opposition parties which are making wild accusations in Machap, Melaka.
He said it did not mean that the ministry and agencies under it were being exploited by the Barisan Nasional (BN) to cover up all malpractices by the government as alleged by the opposition.
"Actually it's very simple. The ministry and agencies under it need to be more active because of the excessive dissemination of lies, misinformation and so on (in the state constituency by-election) in Machap currently. That's why we have to explain.
"It is the responsibility of the Information Ministry to clarify on the lies, false accusations and so on that are being spread by abusing democracy in the Machap by-election.
"That's why the Information Ministry has to be more active, more straight forward in this matter, (it) has to use its agencies to eliminate all the lies being made in Machap," he said when winding up the debate on the Royal address for his ministry at the Dewan Rakyat.
Earlier, Teresa Kok Suh Sim (DAP-Seputeh) stood up to seek clarification on the statements made previously by Zainuddin and his deputy that the ministry had to be more active in the Machap by-election to reply to the allegations by the opposition.
Kok said the statements went against the functions of the ministry which should be independent and neutral in line with the Broadcasting Act.
"The ministry should adopt a neutral stand instead of being Umno's information bureau," she said which led to a `war of words' between her and Zainuddin.
The minister, who refuted Kok's allegations, said the ministry had to be active because there were too many lies made by the DAP in the campaign for the Machap by-election.
"Not acting as Umno information bureau but because of the excessive lies being spread," said Zainuddin.
Kok: "What lies? Every night I go down to Machap. I don't lie, I just point out the truth. All these are malpractices by the BN, discrimination by the BN."
Zainuddin: "Let the Honourable Member believe the lies that she makes but the Honourable Member will not be allowed to lie to the people of Malaysia."
The minister's statement was greeted with loud support from the backbenchers.
This prompted Tan Kok Wai (DAP-Cheras) to stand up to say: "The truth hurts."
Tan's comment was followed by a challenge from Zainuddin that the former explained all the lies that were being spread by the DAP in Machap.
Zainuddin also concluded the `war of words', saying: "I can only make one reminder, that is, the by-election in Machap will send a very bitter message to the DAP. Extremely bitter...it will show that all the accusations were merely lies."
Meanwhile, clarifying on the issue concerning the National News Agency (Bernama), Zainuddin said the appointment of Yong Soo Heong as its Editor-in-Chief was made based on his capability as well as the length of his service in the agency.
"There's no problem whatsoever. Actually, the present Editor-in-Chief was appointed based on the length of his service as well as his capability, so there's no problem," he said replying to Raja Ahmad Zainudin Raja Omar (BN-Larut) who had sought clarification whether Bernama was facing a problem when appointing its Editor-in-Chief recently.
Zainuddin said he was personally satisfied with Yong's selection after looking at the recommendation made by the agency.
"I had seen the recommendation which was based on the respective candidates' service, and he possessed the best criteria and therefore deserved to hold the post. So the question (of Bernama facing a problem) does not arise," he said.
On other matters, Zainuddin said all programmes on the country's independence broadcast by Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) since early this month would be converted into DVD for sale to the public.
"What we are broadcasting now is a build-up to the 50th national day celebrations," he added.
-- BERNAMA
Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin said Monday the function of his ministry is to correct the misinformation and lies being propagated by certain quarters including the opposition parties which are making wild accusations in Machap, Melaka.
He said it did not mean that the ministry and agencies under it were being exploited by the Barisan Nasional (BN) to cover up all malpractices by the government as alleged by the opposition.
"Actually it's very simple. The ministry and agencies under it need to be more active because of the excessive dissemination of lies, misinformation and so on (in the state constituency by-election) in Machap currently. That's why we have to explain.
"It is the responsibility of the Information Ministry to clarify on the lies, false accusations and so on that are being spread by abusing democracy in the Machap by-election.
"That's why the Information Ministry has to be more active, more straight forward in this matter, (it) has to use its agencies to eliminate all the lies being made in Machap," he said when winding up the debate on the Royal address for his ministry at the Dewan Rakyat.
Earlier, Teresa Kok Suh Sim (DAP-Seputeh) stood up to seek clarification on the statements made previously by Zainuddin and his deputy that the ministry had to be more active in the Machap by-election to reply to the allegations by the opposition.
Kok said the statements went against the functions of the ministry which should be independent and neutral in line with the Broadcasting Act.
"The ministry should adopt a neutral stand instead of being Umno's information bureau," she said which led to a `war of words' between her and Zainuddin.
The minister, who refuted Kok's allegations, said the ministry had to be active because there were too many lies made by the DAP in the campaign for the Machap by-election.
"Not acting as Umno information bureau but because of the excessive lies being spread," said Zainuddin.
Kok: "What lies? Every night I go down to Machap. I don't lie, I just point out the truth. All these are malpractices by the BN, discrimination by the BN."
Zainuddin: "Let the Honourable Member believe the lies that she makes but the Honourable Member will not be allowed to lie to the people of Malaysia."
The minister's statement was greeted with loud support from the backbenchers.
This prompted Tan Kok Wai (DAP-Cheras) to stand up to say: "The truth hurts."
Tan's comment was followed by a challenge from Zainuddin that the former explained all the lies that were being spread by the DAP in Machap.
Zainuddin also concluded the `war of words', saying: "I can only make one reminder, that is, the by-election in Machap will send a very bitter message to the DAP. Extremely bitter...it will show that all the accusations were merely lies."
Meanwhile, clarifying on the issue concerning the National News Agency (Bernama), Zainuddin said the appointment of Yong Soo Heong as its Editor-in-Chief was made based on his capability as well as the length of his service in the agency.
"There's no problem whatsoever. Actually, the present Editor-in-Chief was appointed based on the length of his service as well as his capability, so there's no problem," he said replying to Raja Ahmad Zainudin Raja Omar (BN-Larut) who had sought clarification whether Bernama was facing a problem when appointing its Editor-in-Chief recently.
Zainuddin said he was personally satisfied with Yong's selection after looking at the recommendation made by the agency.
"I had seen the recommendation which was based on the respective candidates' service, and he possessed the best criteria and therefore deserved to hold the post. So the question (of Bernama facing a problem) does not arise," he said.
On other matters, Zainuddin said all programmes on the country's independence broadcast by Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) since early this month would be converted into DVD for sale to the public.
"What we are broadcasting now is a build-up to the 50th national day celebrations," he added.
-- BERNAMA
Toilets are like new brides, jokes Samy
The Star, Parliament, Wednesday October 19, 2005
AN INVITATION to the ladies toilet in the august house extended to Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu by a woman MP had the legislators in stitches.
Instead of being flushed by the audacity of Fong Po Kuan (DAP – Batu Gajah), the minister was unflustered and thanked the opposition for "constantly thinking about BN and toilets."
Fong first questioned the poor state of toilets in Parliament and blamed the Public Works Department for it.
"The quality of work is very low. You cannot close the door or turn the lever for the flush.
"I can bring you to see this during break time later. Why is it so inefficient?" she questioned Samy Vellu yesterday during his winding-up speech at policy level for Budget 2006.
Samy Vellu responded by asking the connection between Barisan Nasional and the condition of toilets.
"You must be dreaming about toilets and BN every night. I would like to thank you for thinking of the BN so much.
"Perhaps we should have a ketua pembangkang toilet (opposition leader of toilets)," he quipped.
When Lim Kit Siang (DAP – Ipoh Timur) commented that the Works Department had failed in its duties to prepare good infrastructure and facilities in the House, Samy Vellu said: "Toilets are like new brides after they are completed. After some time, they get a bit spoiled. Even if you do not use them frequently, you need someone to clean them every 25 minutes."
He also told Datuk Idris Haron (BN – Tangga Batu) that the ministry had suggested to the Cabinet that staff trained in facility management be engaged to maintain the facilities at Parliament building.
On construction of the Kuala Lumpur-Putrajaya Highway with some houses 2.3m away, Samy Vellu said it was not the Government's responsibility to pay compensation as the area was not included in the highway plan.
---
Create 'Toilet Minister' Post, Says Samy Vellu
Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- "We will have a Toilet Minister lah," that is the spontaneous reply from Works Ministry Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu when the Opposition Leader again brought up the toilet problem in Parliament which is said to be not functioning well.
Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) who raised the issue when Samy Vellu was winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2006 for his ministry, claimed that the toilet was in a dire state due to the failure of the appointed contractor to renovate the Parliament building.
Monday, Lim also brought up the same matter when Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Mohamed Nazri Aziz was wrapping up the debate on the same bill, jesting that the Parliament should have a special post of Toilet Director General to oversee parliamentary affairs, including the toilets.
"As suggested by the member of parliament for Ipoh Timur, we will create a Toilet Minister's post. When we have a Toilet Minister, we will have a Toilet Opposition Leader," he said in response to Lim's remarks.
Samy Vellu added: "The first day after renovation, everything in the toilet is the most beautiful like a new bride. If it had long been in use and people do not care anymore, then it will not be beautiful anymore."
Dissatisfied with Samy Vellu's answer, Fong Po Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah) rose and explained that the Parliament sitting was about 70 days a year and the use of toilets should not be too frequent until it could be spoilt in such a short period.
Samy Vellu, later assured the opposition that when the parliament renovation works had been completed, he would take the necessary actions before returning the building to the Parliament.
Meanwhile, Samy Vellu said the government was currently considering the construction of a second Penang bridge, adding that a study on the possibility of constructing a second bridge had been completed.
However, he said, in order to overcome traffic congestion in the existing bridge, the government had widened the bridge into three lanes from both directions, including adding motorcycle lanes.
Besides that, Samy Vellu said his ministry, through the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), had identified all locations in need of overhead bridges, including schools, mosques, clinics, night markets and other public areas, and constructions were either ongoing or underway in the crucial areas.
-- BERNAMA
The Star, Parliament, Wednesday October 19, 2005
AN INVITATION to the ladies toilet in the august house extended to Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu by a woman MP had the legislators in stitches.
Instead of being flushed by the audacity of Fong Po Kuan (DAP – Batu Gajah), the minister was unflustered and thanked the opposition for "constantly thinking about BN and toilets."
Fong first questioned the poor state of toilets in Parliament and blamed the Public Works Department for it.
"The quality of work is very low. You cannot close the door or turn the lever for the flush.
"I can bring you to see this during break time later. Why is it so inefficient?" she questioned Samy Vellu yesterday during his winding-up speech at policy level for Budget 2006.
Samy Vellu responded by asking the connection between Barisan Nasional and the condition of toilets.
"You must be dreaming about toilets and BN every night. I would like to thank you for thinking of the BN so much.
"Perhaps we should have a ketua pembangkang toilet (opposition leader of toilets)," he quipped.
When Lim Kit Siang (DAP – Ipoh Timur) commented that the Works Department had failed in its duties to prepare good infrastructure and facilities in the House, Samy Vellu said: "Toilets are like new brides after they are completed. After some time, they get a bit spoiled. Even if you do not use them frequently, you need someone to clean them every 25 minutes."
He also told Datuk Idris Haron (BN – Tangga Batu) that the ministry had suggested to the Cabinet that staff trained in facility management be engaged to maintain the facilities at Parliament building.
On construction of the Kuala Lumpur-Putrajaya Highway with some houses 2.3m away, Samy Vellu said it was not the Government's responsibility to pay compensation as the area was not included in the highway plan.
---
Create 'Toilet Minister' Post, Says Samy Vellu
Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- "We will have a Toilet Minister lah," that is the spontaneous reply from Works Ministry Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu when the Opposition Leader again brought up the toilet problem in Parliament which is said to be not functioning well.
Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) who raised the issue when Samy Vellu was winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2006 for his ministry, claimed that the toilet was in a dire state due to the failure of the appointed contractor to renovate the Parliament building.
Monday, Lim also brought up the same matter when Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Mohamed Nazri Aziz was wrapping up the debate on the same bill, jesting that the Parliament should have a special post of Toilet Director General to oversee parliamentary affairs, including the toilets.
"As suggested by the member of parliament for Ipoh Timur, we will create a Toilet Minister's post. When we have a Toilet Minister, we will have a Toilet Opposition Leader," he said in response to Lim's remarks.
Samy Vellu added: "The first day after renovation, everything in the toilet is the most beautiful like a new bride. If it had long been in use and people do not care anymore, then it will not be beautiful anymore."
Dissatisfied with Samy Vellu's answer, Fong Po Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah) rose and explained that the Parliament sitting was about 70 days a year and the use of toilets should not be too frequent until it could be spoilt in such a short period.
Samy Vellu, later assured the opposition that when the parliament renovation works had been completed, he would take the necessary actions before returning the building to the Parliament.
Meanwhile, Samy Vellu said the government was currently considering the construction of a second Penang bridge, adding that a study on the possibility of constructing a second bridge had been completed.
However, he said, in order to overcome traffic congestion in the existing bridge, the government had widened the bridge into three lanes from both directions, including adding motorcycle lanes.
Besides that, Samy Vellu said his ministry, through the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), had identified all locations in need of overhead bridges, including schools, mosques, clinics, night markets and other public areas, and constructions were either ongoing or underway in the crucial areas.
-- BERNAMA
12/04: Suhakam questions different treatment of Syariah and Civil Judges
Category: General
Posted by: Raja Petra
(Bernama) -- Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) chairman Tan Sri Abu Talib Othman has questioned the different treatment of syariah and civil court judges despite the fact that both courts are of equal standing.
He said that in terms of service and even protocol at official functions, syariah judges were not given equal treatment as their civil counterparts.
"I'm wondering why this is so as both parties are doing the same job of upholding justice. Moreover, both judicial branches are of equal standing," he told reporters after opening a workshop on the syariah court here Thursday.
Abu Talib, who was a former attorney-general, said that the government should address the prevalent perception that syariah judges were inferior.
On another matter, Abu Talib said that non-Muslims were allowed under the Syariah Court Act to testify in syariah court proceedings.
Meanwhile, Chief Syarie Judge Datuk Sheikh Ghazali Abdul Rahman said that the presence of additional judges and the faster pace of proceedings had resulted in the reduction of backlogged cases.
"We have managed to dispose of the cases in less than a year, some even within three months," he said.
Category: General
Posted by: Raja Petra
(Bernama) -- Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) chairman Tan Sri Abu Talib Othman has questioned the different treatment of syariah and civil court judges despite the fact that both courts are of equal standing.
He said that in terms of service and even protocol at official functions, syariah judges were not given equal treatment as their civil counterparts.
"I'm wondering why this is so as both parties are doing the same job of upholding justice. Moreover, both judicial branches are of equal standing," he told reporters after opening a workshop on the syariah court here Thursday.
Abu Talib, who was a former attorney-general, said that the government should address the prevalent perception that syariah judges were inferior.
On another matter, Abu Talib said that non-Muslims were allowed under the Syariah Court Act to testify in syariah court proceedings.
Meanwhile, Chief Syarie Judge Datuk Sheikh Ghazali Abdul Rahman said that the presence of additional judges and the faster pace of proceedings had resulted in the reduction of backlogged cases.
"We have managed to dispose of the cases in less than a year, some even within three months," he said.
T'GANU PANDANG SERIUS PENINGKATAN LELAKI LEMBUT DI KALANGAN REMAJA
KUALA TERENGGANU, 11 April (Bernama) — Kerajaan Terengganu memandang serius
terhadap peningkatan jumlah lelaki lembut di kalangan remaja di negeri ini
yang perlu diperbetulkan kerana jika dibiarkan akan memberi kesan kepada
generasi akan datang.
Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pembangunan Islam Hadhari dan Kebajikan Negeri, Datuk
Rosol Wahid berkata pihaknya mendapati peningkatan bilangan golongan
berkenaan di negeri ini semakin ketara sejak kebelakangan ini.
"Nampaknya sudah ada trend di kalangan remaja di negeri ini menjadi lelaki
lembut. Kita bimbang fenomena ini akan menjadi masalah besar kepada
masyarakat dan sukar dibendung oleh kerajaan jika tidak diperbetulkan.
"Fenomena ini bukan sahaja memberi kesan yang besar kepada remaja malah
daripada segi agama pun tidak menggalakkan lelaki menyerupai perempuan,"
katanya ketika ditemui pemberita di luar persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri
(DUN) Terengganu di Wisma Darul Iman di sini hari ini.
Rosol secara peribadi berkata antara punca peningkatan lelaki lembut itu
disebabkan golongan terbabit terpengaruh dengan perwatakan lelaki lembut
yang ditonjolkan oleh selebriti.
— LAGI
Terengganu-Lelaki 2 (Akhir) Kuala Terengganu
Bagi mengelak fenomena itu daripada terus menular, beliau berkata pelbagai
usaha telah dibuat termasuk mengadakan operasi di tempat yang menjadi
tumpuan golongan berkenaan.
Beliau berkata pihaknya bercadang menubuhkan sebuah pusat pemulihan kepada
golongan terbabit supaya mereka dapat kembali menjadi lelaki normal.
"Kita akan terus memantau fenomena ini. Jika kita lihat fenomena ini semakin
serius, kita mungkin tubuhkan sebuah pusat pemulihan dengan melibatkan
peruntukan undang-undang. Ini bermakna, mereka perlu hadir ke pusat
pemulihan itu dengan perintah
mahkamah dan bukannya kerana sukarela.
"Kita hendak mendidik kerana ia bukan sahaja membawa mudarat kepada
masyarakat tetapi kita takut disebabkan masalah itu akan turun bala daripada
Allah. Pada masa yang sama, kita juga mengharapkan kerajaan pusat dapat
memainkan peranan bagi mengatasi masalah itu," katanya.
Terdahulu, menjawab soalan Wan Ahmad Nizam Wan Abdul Hamid (BN-Air Putih)
pada persidangan dewan, Rosol berkata setakat Mac tahun ini, Jabatan Hal
Ehwal Agama Terengganu menahan 12 lelaki lembut di negeri ini.
Beliau berkata daripada jumlah tersebut yang kesemuanya dilaporkan di daerah
Kuala Terengganu, dua orang dikenakan hukuman penjara atas kesalahan
berwatak sedemikian.
Bagaimanapun, beliau berkata daripada pemerhatiannya, kesemua mereka yang
pernah ditahan itu akan kembali menjadi lelaki lembut dan pendekatan yang
benar-benar sesuai perlu dibuat bagi mengelak gejala itu menjadi lebih
serius.
— BERNAMA
KUALA TERENGGANU, 11 April (Bernama) — Kerajaan Terengganu memandang serius
terhadap peningkatan jumlah lelaki lembut di kalangan remaja di negeri ini
yang perlu diperbetulkan kerana jika dibiarkan akan memberi kesan kepada
generasi akan datang.
Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pembangunan Islam Hadhari dan Kebajikan Negeri, Datuk
Rosol Wahid berkata pihaknya mendapati peningkatan bilangan golongan
berkenaan di negeri ini semakin ketara sejak kebelakangan ini.
"Nampaknya sudah ada trend di kalangan remaja di negeri ini menjadi lelaki
lembut. Kita bimbang fenomena ini akan menjadi masalah besar kepada
masyarakat dan sukar dibendung oleh kerajaan jika tidak diperbetulkan.
"Fenomena ini bukan sahaja memberi kesan yang besar kepada remaja malah
daripada segi agama pun tidak menggalakkan lelaki menyerupai perempuan,"
katanya ketika ditemui pemberita di luar persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri
(DUN) Terengganu di Wisma Darul Iman di sini hari ini.
Rosol secara peribadi berkata antara punca peningkatan lelaki lembut itu
disebabkan golongan terbabit terpengaruh dengan perwatakan lelaki lembut
yang ditonjolkan oleh selebriti.
— LAGI
Terengganu-Lelaki 2 (Akhir) Kuala Terengganu
Bagi mengelak fenomena itu daripada terus menular, beliau berkata pelbagai
usaha telah dibuat termasuk mengadakan operasi di tempat yang menjadi
tumpuan golongan berkenaan.
Beliau berkata pihaknya bercadang menubuhkan sebuah pusat pemulihan kepada
golongan terbabit supaya mereka dapat kembali menjadi lelaki normal.
"Kita akan terus memantau fenomena ini. Jika kita lihat fenomena ini semakin
serius, kita mungkin tubuhkan sebuah pusat pemulihan dengan melibatkan
peruntukan undang-undang. Ini bermakna, mereka perlu hadir ke pusat
pemulihan itu dengan perintah
mahkamah dan bukannya kerana sukarela.
"Kita hendak mendidik kerana ia bukan sahaja membawa mudarat kepada
masyarakat tetapi kita takut disebabkan masalah itu akan turun bala daripada
Allah. Pada masa yang sama, kita juga mengharapkan kerajaan pusat dapat
memainkan peranan bagi mengatasi masalah itu," katanya.
Terdahulu, menjawab soalan Wan Ahmad Nizam Wan Abdul Hamid (BN-Air Putih)
pada persidangan dewan, Rosol berkata setakat Mac tahun ini, Jabatan Hal
Ehwal Agama Terengganu menahan 12 lelaki lembut di negeri ini.
Beliau berkata daripada jumlah tersebut yang kesemuanya dilaporkan di daerah
Kuala Terengganu, dua orang dikenakan hukuman penjara atas kesalahan
berwatak sedemikian.
Bagaimanapun, beliau berkata daripada pemerhatiannya, kesemua mereka yang
pernah ditahan itu akan kembali menjadi lelaki lembut dan pendekatan yang
benar-benar sesuai perlu dibuat bagi mengelak gejala itu menjadi lebih
serius.
— BERNAMA
