Lawsuit seeks to declare BM version of Constitution as authoritative text
He cited Article 160B of the Constitution stating that where the Constitution has been translated into Bahasa Malaysia, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong may prescribe it to be the authoritative text.
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New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Govt to amend Aboriginal Peoples Act to strengthen Orang Asli rights
KUALA LUMPUR: The government will amend the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 to broaden the scope of Orang Asli rights protected under the law. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the purpose of the act was originally to deter the Orang Asli community from engaging in communist activities. "There is a dire need to amend the law. We must remember that this Act, in 1954, was intended to prevent the Orang Asli from becoming involved in communist activities. "Its purpose today is entirely different. We need to focus on education, welfare, housing, infrastructure, and the future of the Orang Asli," he said during Minister's Question Time, in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (BN–Jelebu). He said a study of the Act was currently underway to refine and review the existing provisions and identify gaps in its implementation. Following stakeholder engagements, preliminary issues identified for amendment include land-related matters, such as customary land rights, Orang Asli welfare, the management of customary marriages, and governance involving traditional leadership within Orang Asli communities. "Land administration falls under the jurisdiction of the respective state governments, as stipulated in the Federal Constitution. "Therefore, the Ministry will hold an engagement session with state governments through a Special Meeting of the Orang Asli Consultative Council (MaPOA) to discuss land matters involving the Orang Asli community. "This engagement is a crucial step before the matter is brought to the National Land Council, which will be chaired by the Prime Minister," said Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development. The government is also in the process of developing a comprehensive and inclusive policy, known as the Orang Asli Development Policy, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The policy will align with national priorities, including the Rural Development Policy, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which Malaysia ratified in 2007. "The formulation of this policy reflects the government's commitment to laying a foundation for empowering the Orang Asli community, enabling them to be on par with other indigenous groups globally. "The DPOA will focus on seven strategic areas: land, education, health, economy, leadership, infrastructure, and culture. Its implementation will be guided by the principle of no forced assimilation," he said. Zahid added that Putrajaya was also considering the feasibility of establishing an Orang Asli Advisory Council, modelled after the New Zealand Māori Council, which has played a significant role in promoting the social, economic, educational and cultural advancement of the Māori community. Through the establishment of this council, the government aims to amplify the voices and aspirations of the Orang Asli in shaping their development, within a legal framework that upholds the principle of self-determination — a key element of the UNDRIP.
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Govt reviews global judiciary appointment systems amid reform push
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is currently conducting a comparative review of the judicial appointments mechanisms in the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, and India, alongside Malaysia's mechanism. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, said the study aimed to ensure that judicial appointments in the country are carried out more transparently, independently, and in accordance with the principles of the Federal Constitution. "This study has been conducted in an inclusive manner through joint engagement sessions with the judiciary, the Malaysian Bar Council, Members of Parliament from both the government and opposition blocs, higher education institutions, constitutional experts, civil society organisations, and the public. "This approach aims to ensure that the appointment process is implemented more transparently, independently, and in line with the principles of the Federal Constitution," she said in a written parliamentary reply last night. She added that the government remains committed to upholding the separation of powers and ensuring that key national appointments, including those of superior court judges, are made in accordance with the Federal Constitution and existing laws. This follows the Malaysian Bar's rally for judicial independence on July 14, after claims of judicial interference arising from documents allegedly leaked from Judicial Appointments Commission meeting minutes.
Malaysiakini
7 hours ago
- Malaysiakini
Freedom not licence to hooliganism
YOURSAY | 'It is not a licence to hooliganism.' Whip of dissent: Waytha condemns arrest over PM effigy flogging Why nab protester if govt respects freedom of assembly, NGO asks EmEmKay: Malaysian Advancement Party (MAP) president P Waythamoorthy, I do not agree with you. The situation at the Turun Anwar rally took a disturbing turn when some individuals were seen flogging an effigy of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. In addition, previously, there were incidents where certain protestors stepped on or burned the flags of other countries - acts that sparked outrage both locally and internationally. These kinds of actions are deeply troubling and do not reflect the values of a mature democracy. In any functioning democratic society, public protest and dissent are legitimate forms of expression. However, resorting to violent symbolism, personal attacks, or showing disrespect to other nations crosses a line. Such behaviour not only undermines the protesters' credibility but also embarrasses the wider movement and harms Malaysia's reputation on the world stage. Ultimately, protests should be rooted in principle, not hate or provocation. Mature democracies thrive on debate, respect, and responsible activism, not on displays that incite anger or degrade others. Chiakberliao88: Amnesty International Malaysia's freedom of expression campaigner Kiran Kaur said it was a peaceful assembly. In that case, Bersatu leader Badrul Hisham Shaharin, popularly known as Chegubard, should adhere to its motto, 'Peaceful', and they should be allowed to express their views freely. Why did he resort to canning an effigy of a leader he disliked, in this case, Anwar? Though it was only an effigy, it was like a provocation which could spark reciprocal actions. I am not a fan of Anwar, but the way Chegubard did it was wrong, in my opinion. As I have said before, the best and ultimate way to determine a government is by the ballot box. If Badrul dislikes Anwar so much, then stand against him in whichever constituency he may stand and let the voters be the judge. BlueCougar1744: Freedom to assemble, freedom of expression as enshrined in our Federal Constitution cannot and must not be misconstrued to the extent of slandering, whipping of a mocked effigy of leaders. These cannot be tolerated. If these are allowed, and if the protestors do not like certain leaders, they can do what they deem is right, then it must be condemned and brought to justice. We cannot allow such a culture in our society, as this is not our culture. I may not like what the government has failed at, and that does not allow me to slander or make effigies out of them to whip them out of my displeasure. We cannot behave like hooligans. Just a Malaysian: I am no longer a fan of the Madani government, but I feel Anwar gave more freedom to air opposing views when compared to previous prime ministers. But many, like Badrul, twist facts and figures to create hatred and fear of the masses towards the government. This is no longer freedom of speech; it borders on sedition, and if this had happened during Dr Mahathir Mohamad's rule, Chegubard would have been arrested under the Internal Security Act and sent to Kamunting. Such toxicity must not be allowed to continue. Coward: We need to see the charges before deciding whether the arrest is justified. Freedom of assembly does not mean you can run amok during that assembly and still expect no consequences. One important distinction this time is that the organisers are not questioned by the police. For me, this is significant. So far, those arrested are simply participants in the rally. If they are arrested for canning Anwar, I do not believe their arrest is justified. Nonetheless, I still have to distinguish their arrest from the arrests made at previous rallies. GP2025: This is not a fight between neighbours to make personal comparisons. Besides, PKR did worse things during Mahathir's time. When a public figure misuses his position and upsets large segments of society who protest and express their frustrations, yes, it offends sensibilities, but it's legitimate freedom of expression, as no crime was committed. BlueCougar1744: I disagree with Waythamoorthy 100 percent. We do not need to mirror cultures of hate from other countries. He can move to these countries if he thinks such cultures and practices are welcome there, but in Malaysia, this is not our culture. MAT M DIN: Badrul should protest based on intellect and morals. To whip an effigy of a known person is humiliating and an insult. The protest should be directed at the known immoral behaviour of the person, not to insult him personally. Do you like to be personally insulted? If you do not like it, then do not do it to others. Drngsc: Kiran, freedom of assembly must come with responsibilities. You cannot claim freedom of assembly and then start breaking the law. If you break the law of the land, you must be held responsible and answer for your actions. I cannot assemble outside your house and then start throwing stones and breaking your window. Freedom comes with responsibilities. It is not a licence to hooliganism. Comments frequently deleted: Those currently in power don't realise that if they lose the next election, they will be at the receiving end of the very same laws that they are reluctant to abolish (and use to the hilt) now? The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. In the past year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now. These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.
