
Stop spreading unverified claims on Zara Qairina's death, says ministry
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said she did not have detailed figures on the number of complaints or social media posts taken down by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) so far.
"As Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil mentioned yesterday , internet users must be responsible for what they share.
"Many social media posts may contain unverified facts, so let the police carry out their probe without interference," she told reporters after launching the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Digital Grant here today.
The case, which went viral online, has sparked outrage among netizens demanding firm action against all parties involved.
Separately, Teo also reminded the public to ensure the Jalur Gemilang is displayed correctly during the National Month, following recent viral incidents of the flag being hung upside down.
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Focus Malaysia
a few seconds ago
- Focus Malaysia
Siti Kasim takes PMX and Home Minister to task: Why hasn't rogue Akmal been arrested?
AFTER demanding the UMNO president to impose gag order on its notorious youth wing chief over his obsession in stirring up racial hatred and discord, Siti Kasim has chastised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail for their inaction. Worse still, the cops have seemingly chickened out to the two-day ultimatum issued by firebrand Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh that unless hardware shop owner Feng Jin Zhen is charged by today (Aug 13), 'then UMNO Youth shall mobilise its members to drop by the shop on Thursday (Aug 14) to conduct a flag installation class for the Ah Pek'. 'Why must the Home Ministry, AGC (Attorney-General's Chambers) and the police take instruction from Akmal,' fumed the human rights activist and lawyer on her latest YouTube video. 'Why must our authorities allow Akmal to threaten and bully fellow Malaysians? Not only has the man apologised but he wasn't even seeking publicity by uploading the said gaffe on social media to begin with.' For the record, Feng who has apologised profusely over flying the Jalur Gemilang upside down was arrested on Saturday night (Aug 9) prior to being released on bail at about 3pm the following day after police completed recording his statement. The police are investigating the case under Section 5 of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963, Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. 'In total, statements from more than 10 people have been recorded to assist in the investigation into the inverted Jalur Gemilang incident … the investigation papers were sent to the Deputy Public Prosecutor's office today (Aug 11),' Seberang Perai Utara district police chief ACP Anuar Abd Rahman told the media. Mob justice Siti Kasim also hailed the gesture of Lawyers For Liberty (LFL) director Zaid Malek who 'will be there at the store in Penang on Thursday (Aug 14) to educate Akmal Saleh that his actions are wrongful and to protect the store-owner from bullying and intimidation' 'The ordinary public is stunned that Akmal continues to harass and bully the store-owner by using his position as an elected assemblyman and part of the ruling government to act with impunity,' lamented Zaid in a media statement. 'This politician – bereft of any good sense – is gathering a mob to intimidate and bully a member of the public. And nobody in authority seems prepared to put a stop to it.' Added Zaid: 'For all their talk about safeguarding racial unity, this government is turning a blind eye when one of their own stokes the fires of hatred. 'Akmal is not some random individual with no clout; he is a politician with the backing of UMNO which is a key component of the government. His reckless and irresponsible statements can create strife and conflict among Malaysians.' Deafening silence Echoing the sentiments raised by Zaid, Siti Kasim also berated the brand of 'gangsterism politics' that are being propagated by UMNO. Who is he to tell the authorities what to do? We can't fault him in entirety but to also blame PMX and the Home Minister for their silence and inability to subdue the perpetrator every time we're confronted by a chaotic situation sparked by Akmal. Hope there is no more Madani government after GE16 (16th General Election) … over the past three years, UMNO has been incessantly trying to free criminals within their ranks as well as to stir up turmoil and disorder in the country through people like Akmal. Don't expect political leaders like this to champion our economy well-bring, create job opportunities, seek justice for the oppressed poor or fight for social equality. PMX who portrayed himself as a reformist has failed miserably in defending the non-Maay minorities when they're being whacked left, right and centre … the same applies to all Malay reformists like Saifuddin and Mat Sabu who were very vocal in upholding the rights of non-Malays when they were in the opposition. It's very sad that Jalur Gemilang is used as a political bait to whip up racial discord … likewise the double standard of turning a blind eye to similar blunders committed by Malay-oriented organisations. Even OKU (disabled persons) aren't spared from their game plan with the police swiftly acting on reports lodged compared to obvious corruption cases. – Aug 13, 2025


Sinar Daily
a few seconds ago
- Sinar Daily
Zara case may rock Sabah polls
KOTA KINABALU: The Zara Qairina Mahathir case has not just opened an ugly can of worms over bullying at school; it could also cause political ripples ahead of the state election this year. The outpouring of emotions and anger across Sabah remains unabated even as Bukit Aman steps in to take a fresh look into the circumstances leading to the death of the 13-year-old Form 1 student after an apparent fall at her third-floor dormitory of a religious school in Papar. The perceived failure of the state police to carry out a transparent probe and alleged interference from 'hidden hands' have seen thousands attend #JusticeforZara rallies across Sabah, demanding answers over her death. Besides rallies in Sandakan and Tawau on Saturday, there was also a gathering in Labuan on Sunday. More than thousands people dressed in black participated in a peaceful rally called 'Justice for Zara,' which has since gained nationwide traction. - Credit photo: X Yesterday, over two dozen protesters marched from Tugu Negara in Kuala Lumpur to the Parliament building, before handing a memorandum to a group of MPs from both sides of the divide. Many perceive the Zara Qairina case as an institutional failure and injustice, says Universiti Malaysia Sabah senior lecturer Prof Dr Romzi Ationg. 'This collective emotional response is likely to influence voter sentiment, particularly on issues of justice, child safety, and trust in authorities, during the state election,' he said. The 17th Sabah state election has to be held before Nov 11, when the state assembly's term ends. Prof Romzi said voters might increasingly prioritise candidates and parties who commit to transparency, accountability and institutional reform, especially concerning education and law enforcement. 'Delays and lapses in the investigation have eroded public confidence,' he said. Prof Romzi said the government needed to mitigate the rising anger. 'They should consider setting up a transparent, independent inquiry, possibly via a multi-stakeholder panel,' he said. 'This panel must communicate clearly and with compassion, emphasising child protection and responsiveness to public concerns. 'Steps must also be taken to implement structural reforms such as anti-bullying protocols in schools, mandated safety measures in hostels and accessible reporting mechanisms.' Prof Romzi said the unprecedented large crowds were due to universal empathy and the perceived mishandling of the case – which saw a rapid burial without investigation – while speculative rumours intensified public frustration. 'The way leaders and institutions handle the issue in the next few weeks or months will decide whether this anger dissipates or solidifies into long-term resentment that influences voter behaviour,' he added. On social media, people shared that they attended the rallies because they wanted justice for Zara as well as answers. They do not want truth to be swept under the carpet. Christine B., a 38-year-old mother of three, admitted that it could affect her vote. 'Of course, it will affect the current government apart from other basic issues such as water and electricity cuts that we are already facing,' she said. Christine's thoughts were echoed by other mothers, which will add to the challenges for the state government led by the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-Pakatan Harapan coalition. As things stand, Pakatan candidates will not be challenged by either GRS or Barisan Nasional, but GRS and Barisan are expected to contest against each other. All three are part of the Federal unity government. 'There are already many infrastructure woes that the government has yet to address. The Zara case is another blow,' said Martha, a mother of two, who wants to see a real system in place for all schoolchildren. Pointing to viral recordings of conversations between Zara Qairina and her mother over bullying in school, Martha hopes the Bukit Aman probe will uncover the real truth. Zara Qairina, 13, was found unconscious near a drain close to her hostel building at the religious school in Papar on July 16. She subsequently died from the injuries the next day. The body of Zara Qairina, who was buried at her hometown in Mesapol, Sipitang, was exhumed on Saturday for a post-mortem before being re-buried. Bukit Aman has also formed a special team to investigate her death. Sabah Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman and senior political leaders including Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor have called for transparent investigations amid social media demands and speculations about her death. - THE STAR


Sinar Daily
a few seconds ago
- Sinar Daily
The Jalur Gemilang unites us, not divide
The national flag represents unity, pride and identity; and must be respected by all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion or political affiliation. By MUKHRIZ MAT HUSIN 13 Aug 2025 09:41am Bernama photo for illustration purpose only. SHAH ALAM - With less than three weeks to go before Malaysia's 68th Independence Day celebrations, calls have been made for Malaysians to focus on unity rather than allowing political controversy over upside-down Jalur Gemilang incidents to divide society. Former National Unity Advisory Council member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye emphasised that the national flag represents unity, pride and identity; and must be respected by all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion or political affiliation. 'We hoist the Jalur Gemilang to show that we are proud of our country and as a mark of respect for the symbol of a sovereign nation. What is important now is that all parties, especially the public, should not politicise this issue. 'If an incident of the Jalur Gemilang being flown upside down was unintentional, then the party involved should apologise, admit it was a mistake and correct it. That is all,' he said. Bernama photo for illustration purpose only. Lee added that if such incidents occurred due to negligence and without intent, the government should focus on educating and raising awareness among those involved. He argued that no one would deliberately want to fly the flag upside down and turn it into an issue. 'Perhaps there are those who do not know or are ignorant about this matter. That is why I suggest that the government should publicise and run an awareness campaign showing the correct way to hoist the Jalur Gemilang,' he suggested. Universiti Malaya Media Coordinator at the International Institute of Public Policy and Management (Inpuma) Dr G Manimaran, echoed this sentiment as well. He urged a return to the fundamentals of civic education to prevent such incidents in the future. 'Lately, we have been politicising this issue more than seeking solutions to correct the mistake. We have not looked at the root cause of the problem. We need to go back to the basics, which is civic and citizenship education and this should be from all levels,' he said. Senator Professor Emeritus Datuk Seri Dr Awang Sariyan took a firmer stance, stressing that the government must ensure acts of disrespect towards the Jalur Gemilang are treated seriously and dealt with through legal action. 'The government must take firm action through enforcement agencies. Anyone committing the offence of insulting the national flag must be prosecuted in court. The punishment that can be imposed is a maximum fine of RM20,000 or a maximum prison term of three years, or both. 'The government's firmness is important so that insulting the national flag, which is equivalent to insulting the nation, is not taken lightly and does not recur,' he said.