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Key Highlights
Too little info, a lot of flak
Peace prevails for peaceful assemblies
A new ‘religious’ sandstorm erupts
Too little info, a lot of flak
MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki has come under fire after claiming that a lack of information is hindering investigations into the alleged Sabah corruption scandal.
“Nonsense!” That was the response from Warisan deputy president Darell Leiking, who dismissed Azam’s remark as an excuse.
Azam, while stressing that there is no political interference in the case, stated that the whistleblower has yet to provide the commission with the video evidence.
“What has been published (in Malaysiakini) is ‘terlalu sedikit’ (too little),” he said, adding that the limited information makes it difficult for MACC to conduct a thorough investigation.
However, Darell drew comparisons between this case and previous corruption probes, where suspects had been remanded with even less evidence.
“One cannot help but speculate that inaction like this serves to prolong the political survival of those allegedly involved. After all, it’s easier to control individuals with skeletons in their closet, right?
“Can anyone be blamed for considering this possibility?” he asked.
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Peace prevails for peaceful assemblies
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is a veteran of peaceful and not-so-peaceful rallies, announced that his government has agreed to amend the Peaceful Assembly Act.
He said the requirements for rally organisers to obtain permission from a venue owner would be removed.
With the proposed amendments, Anwar said all ongoing investigations under Section 11 of the act would be halted, including on organisers of two recent gatherings - the student-led anti-corruption rally in Kuala Lumpur last month and the recent protest outside Sungai Buloh prison.
“Section 11 of the act that requires approval from a premises owner or residents, which is being disputed now, will be removed from existing regulations,” the prime minister told Parliament.
“The Home Ministry will bring it to the next session. However, the moratorium is in effect now, meaning it applies immediately,” he added.
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A new ‘religious’ sandstorm erupts
The dust has barely settled on the interfaith guidelines dispute, yet a new controversy erupts, with the usual suspects up in arms once more.
On Tuesday, DAP lawmaker Chow Yu Hui proposed in Parliament that the religious affairs minister portfolio be split - one for Muslims and one for non-Muslims.
This ignited protests from various quarters. There was also friendly fire from Umno and Pakatan Harapan’s Amanah.
The PAS Ulama Council condemned the proposal as ill-conceived and irrational. The Malaysian Muslim Lawyers' Association also voiced objections citing the Federal Constitution.
Coming to Chow’s aid, PKR MP Sim Tze Tzin pointed out that in 2008, when PAS was part of the Selangor government, it had not opposed the formation of a state-level special committee for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism.
“So, why is it an issue now? If PAS does it, it’s alright but others cannot do the same. Isn’t this hypocrisy?” he asked.
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Views that matter
 | By Bridget Welsh |
 | By R Nadeswaran |
 | By Mohamed Hanipa Maidin |
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