Latest news with #235thPrisonDay
Barnama
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
PKR Not Facing Vote-buying Threat, Says Saifuddin
GEORGE TOWN, May 17 (Bernama) -- Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has dismissed claims that Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) is grappling with vote-buying practices ahead of its 2025–2028 party elections. Saifuddin, who previously served as PKR secretary-general, said the party's Disciplinary Board has not received any formal complaints related to money politics. 'I don't believe the party has reached a point where money is being handed out in exchange for support. Vote-buying, in the sense of giving cash to gain backing, is not happening in PKR,' he told reporters after officiating the 235th Prison Day celebration at Padang Kota Lama here today. bootstrap slideshow 'However, using money to fund event logistics — such as meals, tent rentals, or hotel bookings — does take place, and that is a separate matter,' he added. The event was officiated by Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib. Saifuddin, who is also Home Minister, said PKR now has better logistical capabilities and financial resources compared to its early years when events, including party congresses, were held in food stalls, homes and school halls due to limited funds. bootstrap slideshow However, he cautioned against excessive spending that may come across as extravagant, noting that the public is sensitive to displays of luxury. He urged party members to report any instances of vote-buying to the Disciplinary Board if they have evidence. 'This party wasn't built on financial strength. It was founded on ideals that resonated with the people. The party's rules are very clear about what is and isn't allowed,' he said. His remarks come in response to recent comments by PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, who acknowledged the party faces potential risks of vote-buying, describing it as one of the hardest forms of corruption to prove.
New Straits Times
17-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Saifuddin dismisses money politics claims in PKR party elections
GEORGETOWN: Former PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has dismissed allegations of money politics in the party's ongoing elections, particularly claims that money is being used to gain support or influence. He said the party remains committed to its founding principles, which prioritise promoting ideals and values to the public, rather than relying on power or financial incentives. "Money politics in the context of giving money to gain support, I don't think PKR is at that level," he told reporters after attending the 235th Prison Day celebration here today. Saifuddin acknowledged that some candidates may spend on logistical needs such as organising programmes, hosting meals, renting tents, or booking venues, which he said was not unusual compared to the early days of the party in 1998 and 1999. "At that time, (PKR deputy president Datuk Seri) Rafizi (Ramli) was still studying while I was already a founding member. Programmes were held in small eateries or homes, just simple setups," he said. He added that today's candidates may have more resources, which allows them to hold events at larger venues, but cautioned against excessive spending. "I agree that it should not appear lavish or be held at five or six-star hotels. As a veteran in the party, I say this is inappropriate," he said. Yesterday, Rafizi was reported as saying that the party is facing the risk of money politics, which he described as one of the most difficult forms of corruption to prove. Commenting on the statement, Saifuddin, who still plays an active role as a member of PKR's Political Bureau, urged party members who have evidence of money politics practices to come forward and lodge an official report with the party's disciplinary board. He also said campaign activities should not be excessive to the point of creating negative public perception. All parties within PKR, he said, must maintain a harmonious atmosphere ahead of the election and avoid engaging in divisive political culture. "The right mindset is that we are all in this together, not a destructive 'us versus them' approach. After the party election, we must return to the ground and be ready to face the upcoming Sabah state election," he said. Meanwhile, Saifuddin extended his best wishes to the candidates for the deputy president post, Rafizi and Nurul Izzah Anwar, describing both as young leaders who have made significant contributions to the party. "I wish both of them all the best. My message to party members is that both candidates are among the best from a pool of capable individuals, so use reasonable criteria when evaluating them before voting.
Barnama
15-05-2025
- Barnama
Celebrating 235 Years Of Correctional History, From Fort Cornwallis To Modern Prisons
By Erma Idayu Mohd Yusop GEORGE TOWN, May 15 (Bernama) -- To enhance public understanding of the nation's correctional history and evolution, this year's 235th Prison Day celebration emphasises the establishment of Malaysia's first modern prison. The first modern prison was set up in 1790 at Fort Cornwallis here during the British colonial era, making it significant in the history of the nation's correctional institutions. In an exclusive interview with Bernama, Penang Prison director Abd Rauf Lang Pasif said the prison was regarded as modern for its time because of its structured and organised administrative system and that it represented a significant shift from the traditional methods of incarceration used previously. "Historical records indicate that Malaysia's modern prison system began with the arrival of two prisoners from India. Subsequently, the prisoner population grew as inmates from Sumatra were brought in to help construct the prison and its supporting infrastructure in Penang. "Two men, Eyeno Deen Sheikdan (also known as Ainuddin Sheidan) and Mohamed Heiant, were brought from Bengal, India, by the British for incarceration. This made them the first two prisoners in Malaysia, marking the beginning of modern prisons in the country," he said. Abd Rauf said the prisoners were used as cheap labour to build infrastructure and support economic activities and that a second prison was later built at Chowrasta Lines. However, he said a new facility known as Penang Gold was built and began operations in 1849 due to overcrowding, and it still exists today as the Penang Remand Prison. "This year, Penang was selected as the host location for the 235th Prison Day celebration for several reasons. One being that the first modern prison was established in this state. Additionally, this choice aligns with our theme, "Peradaban Manusiawi Perkukuh Masyarakat MADANI."
