Community service for offences under Local Government Act not slavery, asserts Nga
Addressing the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (July 21), Nga emphasised that the Federal Constitution upholds basic human rights.
"I beg to differ. The Federal Constitution guarantees basic human rights, but for offences that have been convicted in the court, it is not a form of slavery," he asserted while concluding the debate on amendments to the Local Government Act, which include introducing mandatory community service for littering offences.
During the debate, Hassan Abdul Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) expressed concerns that community service could be seen as a form of slavery and potentially unconstitutional.
"According to the Bill, community service is defined as an unpaid job or service. I understand that any work that is not paid can bring an element of forced slavery," he argued, suggesting that some form of allowance be provided to avoid categorisation as slavery.
The proposed Bill introduces subsection 104a(1), which empowers courts to issue a community service order for individuals convicted of breaching by-laws under the Act.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
12 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Opposition leaders hit out at Anwar, urge him to step down
KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition leaders at a rally in Dataran Merdeka have criticised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and called on him to step down. Speaking at the Pas-led rally here today, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin accused the government of failing the people. Hamzah, the opposition leader in the Dewan Rakyat, said the people were suffering and that the RM100 aid under SARA for all Malaysians aged 18 was not what the people wanted. He also led a prayer, calling for Anwar to resign from the top post. Muhyiddin, the former prime minister, meanwhile acc,used the government of not caring enough for the people, citing the rising cost of living. He too spoke on the RM100 aid, saying it should be targeted and given to those most in need instead of everyone. Azmin, meanwhile, claimed many people, from small traders to civil servants, were suffering with the rising cost of living and the increase in the Sales and Services Tax (SST). "The people are suffering. The people are tired," said Azmin. Meanwhile, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, 100, who was also present, took a jab at Anwar over the latter's refusal to act against him on the Pulau Batu Puteh issue on account of his age. He said that Anwar's remarks in the Dewan Rakyat on the matter essentially determined he was guilty. Mahathir said the government should have just taken him to court if it felt he was guilty instead of using his age as an excuse.
The Sun
12 minutes ago
- The Sun
MADANI govt upholds freedom of speech, says Saifuddin Nasution
ALOR SETAR: The Madani government remains steadfast in upholding the Federal Constitution's guarantee of freedom of speech, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said today. He emphasized that his ministry did not overreact to the recent assembly in Kuala Lumpur, respecting court rulings on police notification exemptions. 'When the court says there's no need to notify the police, we go along with it,' Saifuddin Nasution told reporters after launching the Kedah Contingent Children Interview Centre (CIC). The event was also attended by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay and Home Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Awang Alik Jeman. The minister questioned the opposition's approach, asking whether they preferred to act outside Parliament rather than within it. 'If the opposition truly respects democratic principles, do they want to act outside Parliament or inside Parliament?' he said. Saifuddin Nasution argued that assemblies outside Parliament have little impact compared to formal legislative processes. 'In Parliament, the Prime Minister has opened up the opportunity fully, and the opposition can table a motion of no confidence. The Prime Minister even said their motion would be prioritized, yet after five days of parliamentary sessions, there's silence,' he added. He urged the opposition to use democratic channels properly if they seek change. 'If they understand the democratic process and want to topple someone, it should be done through Parliament. Instead, we see noise outside about gatherings. The people must decide—do they want democracy or just unrest?' The minister also warned against negative economic repercussions. 'Do they want to paint an ugly picture and scare investors just as the economy is improving?' he asked. - Bernama
Borneo Post
42 minutes ago
- Borneo Post
Road projects in Tuaran must be prioritised for people's benefit
During the oral question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat on 22 July 2025, Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau raised an important concern regarding the status of several road upgrading projects in the Kiulu and Tamparuli areas. The matter was directed to the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) during the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Fifteenth Parliament. Among the key projects highlighted by the Member of Parliament for Tuaran were: 1. Topokon to Wangkod to Tinuhan Road 2. Guakon Baru Road, Tamparuli Madius expressed his deep disappointment when informed that these two road projects, despite their clear importance, were not approved by the Ministry of Economy under the Mid-Term Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12 RP3) 2023. In addition, they were not listed among the priorities of the Sabah State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN). He stressed that these projects are vital to enhancing rural connectivity and improving the socio-economic well-being of local communities. In this regard, he called on the relevant ministries and agencies to resolve the technical issues promptly and to advocate for the reconsideration and approval of these proposals. As a native of Tuaran and someone who knows these areas well, I fully support Madius's position. The roads he mentioned are more than just infrastructure; they are essential links that support local development, daily movement, and access to basic services. These roads urgently need to be upgraded, and in certain stretches, a realignment or detour of the existing road alignment is necessary to ensure proper construction that meets safety and accessibility standards. It is regrettable that such critical projects have been excluded from UPEN Sabah's list of priorities. These are not optional enhancements but real necessities that must be addressed urgently. The people affected by these road conditions have waited long enough. In conclusion, I commend Madius for his steadfast efforts to raise this matter in Parliament. I sincerely hope that the relevant authorities will give these projects the urgent attention they deserve for the benefit of the people of Tuaran and the surrounding areas.
