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Malay Mail
4 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Anwar, Singapore leaders discuss border, energy and regional cooperation during one-day visit
SINGAPORE, June 1 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim discussed key bilateral issues with Singaporean leaders, including border and maritime affairs, renewable energy, and regional initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid, as he wrapped up his one-day working visit, yesterday. Anwar paid a courtesy call on Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at The Istana and also held a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, before flying home. 'We also reviewed ongoing projects, such as the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, set for completion by late 2026, and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which is expected to boost regional growth,' he posted on Facebook. Anwar is optimistic that the visit will strengthen cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore for mutual benefit. Meanwhile, Wong, in a Facebook post, said he looked forward to continuing the two countries' close partnerships for the benefit of the people. During the visit, Anwar delivered a special address at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue. He also received courtesy calls from United States Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth and Boeing Global President Dr Brendan Nelson. — Bernama
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Drug mules or victims? Confronting the legal dilemma of forced criminality — Haezreena Begum Abdul Hamid
MAY 31 — Malaysia is facing a pressing human rights and legal crisis. We see a growing number of citizens being exploited by international drug syndicates as couriers, and many are ending up on death row in foreign countries. From 2021 to 2023, 77 Malaysians were arrested overseas for drug trafficking. In 2023 alone, 28 individuals were detained in various countries including the United Kingdom, France, China and the Maldives. As of early 2024, 74 Malaysians are reported to be on death row abroad, convicted for transporting narcotics across borders — often under circumstances that suggest coercion or deception. The majority were not hardened criminals, but individuals lured by false job offers, online romance scams, or the promise of quick money. Syndicates have used social media platforms to offer payments of RM5,000 to RM10,000 per trip to smuggle drugs, exploiting economic desperation and emotional vulnerability. In early 2024, British authorities noted a threefold increase in cannabis seizures at Scottish airports involving Malaysians, underscoring the scale of the problem. Closer to home, the Johor Bahru–Singapore trafficking corridor has become a known route for cross-border smuggling. In one high-profile case, Pannir Selvam Pranthaman was convicted in Singapore in 2017 for trafficking over 50 grams of diamorphine. He has consistently maintained he was unaware the parcel he was carrying contained drugs and alleged he was coerced by a trafficker known as 'Anand.' The late Kalwant Singh, executed in 2022, similarly claimed he was forced into transporting narcotics by an individual identified only as 'Anna.' These cases reveal a deeper systemic flaw, as drug syndicates exploit loopholes in Malaysia's legal framework and take advantage of jurisdictional boundaries that restrict foreign authorities such as Singapore from investigating trafficking operations within Malaysian territory. Despite the clear patterns of coercion and manipulation, Malaysia's current legal structure provides little to no protection for individuals caught in these scenarios. While the Penal Code does include defences such as duress/threat (s.94) and mistake of fact (s.76), these provisions are narrowly defined and often inapplicable in complex trafficking cases involving psychological pressure or deceit. More critically, Section 25 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM) only grants immunity to victims for immigration-related offences — not for more serious crimes like drug trafficking, even when such acts were committed under coercion. Drug syndicates exploit loopholes in Malaysia's legal framework and take advantage of jurisdictional boundaries. — Unsplash pic This legal gap is at odds with international norms. Malaysia is a signatory to the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons (Palermo Protocol), which promotes a victim-centred approach and the principle of non-punishment — meaning victims should not be penalised for crimes committed as a direct consequence of their exploitation. Countries such as the United Kingdom have already translated this into domestic law through provisions in the Modern Slavery Act 2015, which provide statutory defences for trafficked persons compelled to commit offences. Malaysia, however, has yet to adopt similar legal safeguards. Without legislative reform, the government risks compounding the harm faced by victims. Trafficked Malaysians who are prosecuted abroad often lack adequate consular assistance, legal representation, or mechanisms for proper victim identification. The absence of guidelines or institutional support means that many are misclassified as criminals and denied access to justice, despite strong indicators of coercion. This reflects not only a failure of protection, but a fundamental failure of principle. Moving forward, ATIPSOM must be amended to include broader immunity provisions for victims of trafficking who are coerced into committing serious offences. Section 94 of the Penal Code, which governs duress, should also be revised to recognise psychological coercion and economic manipulation. Additionally, law enforcement, prosecutors, and consular officers must be trained to identify and support potential victims of forced criminality, particularly in cross-border contexts. Malaysia must also strengthen bilateral cooperation with destination countries to ensure the fair treatment, repatriation, and rehabilitation of its citizens who have been exploited by syndicates. Diplomatic intervention is crucial in cases where victims face the death penalty or life imprisonment without the opportunity to raise a trafficking defence. The time has come for Malaysia to move beyond a punitive approach and adopt a rights-based, victim-focused framework that reflects our international obligations and national conscience. Those coerced into crime should not be punished for their own victimisation. * Dr Haezreena Begum Abdul Hamid is a Criminologist and Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Ex-MMEA director gets 20 months' jail for accepting bribe
Zulfadli Nayan was accused of using his position to refrain from taking action in an investigation involving the vessel MT Singa Gangsa, owned by Alamgala Resources Sdn Bhd. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : A former Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director was today sentenced to 20 months in prison by the Johor Bahru sessions court for accepting a RM10,000 bribe five years ago. Zulfadli Nayan, 44, was found guilty after the court found that the prosecution had succeeded in proving its case beyond a reasonable doubt, Bernama reported. Judge Ahmad Kamal Arifin Ismail ordered the former Tanjung Sedili maritime zone MMEA director to serve the sentence from today. Zulfadli's lawyer, Fazaly Ali Ghazaly requested a stay of execution on the jail sentence, but it was dismissed. Earlier, the lawyer requested the court to only impose a fine on his client, who has four children aged three to 11 to support. He said Zulfadli was suspended from work as senior assistant director of MMEA's international relations and coordination branch on May 23, 2021, and had since been working as an e-hailing driver and taking electrical wiring jobs, earning between RM2,000 and RM3,000 a month. 'He also suffers from gout, serious migraines and gastritis for which he has to take his medication regularly,' Fazaly added. Deputy public prosecutor Zander Lim from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission appeared for the prosecution. On May 23, 2021, Zulfadli claimed trial to a charge of accepting a cash bribe of RM10,000 from shipping company owner Wan Fauzi Wan Kamaruddin at a restaurant in Jalan Yahya Awal, Johor Bahru at 10pm on Oct 2, 2020. He was accused of using his position at the time to refrain from taking action in an investigation involving the vessel MT Singa Gangsa, owned by Alamgala Resources Sdn Bhd. The ship was detained by KM Mulia of MMEA's Tanjung Sedili maritime zone on Sept 17, 2020. Zulfadli was charged under Section 165 of the Penal Code with receiving a bribe, which carries a jail sentence of up to two years, a fine or both upon conviction. On Dec 18 last year, Kamal ordered him to enter his defence after finding the prosecution had established a prima facie case against him.
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
In Johor, ex-MMEA director gets 20 months' jail for RM10,000 bribery over ship probe
JOHOR BARU, May 30 — A former Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director was today sentenced to 20 months in prison by the Sessions Court here for accepting a bribe of RM10,000 five years ago. Judge Datuk Ahmad Kamal Arifin Ismail ruled Mohd Zulfadli Nayan, 44, guilty after finding that the prosecution had succeeded in proving its case beyond a reasonable doubt at the end of the defence case. 'After hearing and considering all the evidence, the court opines that the accused failed to raise a reasonable doubt against the prosecution's case. The court ruled that the accused is found guilty and convicted of the charge,' he said and ordered Mohd Zulfadli to serve the sentence from today. Lawyer Mohd Fazaly Ali Mohd Ghazaly, representing Mohd Zulfadli, formerly Tanjung Sedili Maritime Zone MMEA director, requested for stay of the execution of the jail sentence, but it was dismissed. Earlier, during mitigation, the lawyer requested the court to impose a fine on his client, who has four children aged three to 11 to support. He said Mohd Zulfadli was suspended from work as senior assistant director of the International Relations and Coordination Branch at the MMEA Headquarters on May 23, 2021, and had since been working as an e-hailing driver and taking an electrical wiring job, earning between RM2,000 and RM3,000 a month. 'He also suffers from gout, serious migraines and gastritis for which he has to take his medication regularly,' said the lawyer. Deputy Public Prosecutor Zander Lim Wai Keong, from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), appeared for the prosecution. On May 23, 2021, Mohd Zulfadli claimed trial on a charge of accepting a cash bribe of RM10,000 from a shipping company owner, Wan Mohd Fauzi Wan Kamaruddin, at a restaurant in Jalan Yahya Awal here at 10pm on October 2, 2020. He was alleged to have used his position at the time to refrain from taking action in an investigation involving the vessel MT 'Singa Gangsa', owned by Alamgala Resources Sdn Bhd. The ship was detained by 'KM Mulia' of the MMEA's Tanjung Sedili Maritime Zone on September 17, 2020. He was charged under Section 165 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail sentence of up to two years, a fine or both upon conviction. On December 18 last year, Judge Ahmad Kamal Arifin ordered him to enter his defence after finding the prosecution had established a prima facie case against him. — Bernama
CNA
4 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Economy Minister Rafizi not out of race against PM Anwar's daughter Nurul Izzah to be his heir
JOHOR BAHRU: While Rafizi Ramli failed to retain his No 2 post in Malaysia's ruling Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and has resigned as Economy Minister, he still has a shout in taking over the party's top post from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, said analysts. They added that him stepping down from Anwar's Cabinet now may just be the impetus the maverick 47-year-old needs to revive his standing in PKR, and return to challenge the post of party chief in as soon as three years. Speaking to CNA, the political experts pointed to how Rafizi's outspoken personality of being critical of the government policies, especially those he does not consider to be aligned with the party's 'reformasi' principles, could win him support among PKR members. Furthermore, this is something he can pursue as a backbencher unencumbered by a ministerial position and the need to toe the Cabinet line. "He is more powerful in the party without a Cabinet position,' James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania, told CNA. 'Previously he was caught by the collective responsibility of his job but now he is free to be critical of things he previously could not, such as corruption. He is known best as a reformer.' Meanwhile, the pressure and spotlight will be on newly appointed PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar, Anwar's daughter who defeated Rafizi in a face-off for the PKR deputy president post in last weekend's party leadership polls. Observers said she will need to show the party and the Malaysian people she can deliver on her promise to synergise PKR and clinch victory for the unity government coalition in the upcoming Sabah state elections. If the 44-year-old fails, allegations of nepotism will likely resurface, analysts said, and the question mark of who then can replace Anwar both as party chief and premier of Malaysia will again be put to the fore. In the short term, analysts added that Anwar will have to replace two positions in his Cabinet - the Minister of Economy post vacated by Rafizi - as well as the position of Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability after Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, a close ally to Rafizi, also resigned having lost his vice-presidency post in the party. Observers said that Anwar is likely to appoint PKR members to these Cabinet posts, and he may promote from within the party's ranks, and possibly reward members who won in the recent polls. RAFIZI COULD COME BACK STRONGER TO LEAD PKR: ANALYSTS Azmi Hassan, a senior fellow at the Malaysia-based think-tank Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, told CNA that he feels that it is likely 'not the end of the road' for Rafizi in PKR and that he could well challenge for the party presidency in three years when Anwar is forced to step aside due to a two-term limit stipulated in the party's constitution. "Rafizi will likely remain in PKR and he's waiting for maybe when the party's presidency becomes vacant, perhaps he will challenge, whether it's Nurul Izzah or somebody else," said Azmi. He cited how Rafizi was an asset for PKR and the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition in the last general election in 2022 when he, as a key strategist, was credited within party circles for helping to secure victories in marginal seats. The next general election must be held by Feb 2028 and the next PKR leadership polls is expected to be only after that. This means that if the current ruling coalition goes on to serve a full term, Anwar will likely lead PKR to the national polls. He will be 80 then. Azmi added that Rafizi is also unlikely to leave PKR because some of his key allies have held on to senior positions in the party. These include Negeri Sembilan Chief Minister Aminuddin Harun as well as Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang, both of whom retained their posts as vice-presidents. Akmal Nasir, another of Rafizi's allies, also defended his post in the party's federal supreme council. "It's best for (Rafizi) to relinquish his post in the Cabinet because his appointment as Economy Minister was tied to his position in the party, rather than his acumen for the role. He can now bide his time, canvass for support and be ready to challenge for the (party's) presidency," said Azmi. Chin added that Rafizi will unlikely join another political party because his principles are best aligned with PKR and he has been fiercely critical of parties like the United Malays National Organisation, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) in the last general election campaign. Political analyst Awang Azman Awang Pawi of Universiti Malaya told CNA that both Rafizi and his close ally Nik Nazmi will have time and space to prepare the party for upcoming polls, and prove their worth ahead of the next internal party elections likely to be held in 2028. 'They can try to canvas support to ensure that there is a big wave of voters who will support PKR and PH for the next election,' said Awang Azman. WHAT NURUL IZZAH'S OLIVE BRANCH TO RAFIZI MEANS Analysts added that Nurul Izzah's statement following Rafizi's resignation, in which she praised Rafizi's ideas and principles, outlining that he will "always be a source of strength, whether within the government or outside it", was a positive move to unite the party after a divisive campaign for the internal polls. Chin said Nurul Izzah's efforts to extend an olive branch could pave the way for the two leaders to work together in the long term, a boost for PKR given their complementary strengths. Nurul Izzah has experience in helping to shape policies for Malaysian households living in poverty, as well as catering to the needs of women and youths. Meanwhile, Rafizi's strength is to garner support from fence-sitting voters during elections with his forceful personality. "Many have said that the best leadership combination for PKR is both Nurul Izzah and Rafizi at the head of the party. This combination is considered the dream team for PKR's future," said Chin. After a harsh campaign for the deputy presidency, there were reports that Nurul Izzah and Rafizi were not on talking terms recently. The latter left for Kuala Lumpur almost immediately after the results were announced last Friday and was conspicuously absent during the last day of the party congress on Saturday. Meanwhile, when asked by reporters on Saturday if she would reach out to Rafizi, Nurul Izzah was hesitant and merely said that 'it was an ongoing process' to open lines of communication. Awang Azman added that Nurul Izzah initiating the reconciliation between the two leaders would allow her to engage party members who did not vote for her in the polls. 'It allows the party to engage those who may have felt that they lost, it was a way to reach out and say 'we want to work together'. If she had not reached out and (these members) left the party, the vote share for PKR might fall by 30-35 per cent,' he said. Chin added that Nurul Izzah meanwhile, will be judged in her role as party's number two in the upcoming Sabah elections due by December. He added that Anwar will be encumbered by federal government responsibilities and that it will be up to Nurul Izzah to synergise the grassroots and lead the Madani government's campaign. "If Nurul cannot deliver on Sabah, then people will start raising the issue of nepotism again," said Chin. HOW CAN ANWAR FILL TWO CABINET POSTS? In the near term, Anwar will need to fill up the two ministerial posts which have been vacated. Observers have said that a full-scale Cabinet reshuffle is unlikely given that the priority is to fill two gaps rather than changing ministers' portfolio on a large scale. They added that Anwar will likely pick from members of his party, given that the two spots are part of PKR's quota in the Cabinet. It is understood that each party in Anwar's unity government has a set number of ministerial posts allocated, based loosely on their number of seats in the legislative assembly. Awang Azman predicted that Anwar could reward some party members who contested in the PKR polls and won - including promoting Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives R Ramakrishan to a full minister position. R Ramakrishnan replaced Nik Nazmi as vice-president in last weekend's polls. Before the PKR congress, all four PKR vice-presidents were either state chief ministers or full Cabinet ministers. 'He (Anwar) may also look at the supreme council and promote from there, there will be no shortage of choice,' said Awang Azman. Chin told CNA that if Anwar is unable to promote from within, he may consider appointing senators, including his daughter, into a ministerial position. However doing this could again resurface the nepotism accusations, he added. 'If Anwar does that, he will send a bad signal to his own party. There's enough talent among PKR MPs to fill these gaps,' said Chin.
