Latest news with #MalaysiaMadani
The Sun
an hour ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Suhakam report exposes overcrowding, abuse and deaths in prisons
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's prisons are in a grip of 'silent humanitarian crisis,' with overcrowding, inhumane treatment and rising deaths in custody, painting a grim picture of the country's justice system, former Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Ahmad Marzuk Shaary told Parliament yesterday. Citing the 2023 Suhakam Annual Report which was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat, Ahmad Marzuk described the findings as 'a dark side of the justice system', revealing prisons bursting beyond capacity, and allegations of torture and systemic neglect that have cost lives. 'These are not mere statistics. These are lives, human faces we have forgotten,' he said, calling for urgent reform and accountability. According to the report, 42 prisons built to house 65,000 inmates are holding over 72,000 people. As of November last year, prison population had surged to 87,419 – far exceeding the system's intended capacity of 65,000. 'This is not just a logistical burden. This is a crisis of human dignity,' said Ahmad Marzuk. He pointed to troubling reports from a prison in the northern region, where 125 inmates had signed a petition alleging they were beaten with PVC pipes for minor infractions. Even more disturbing, he said, were claims that instruments of torture had been deliberately hidden during visits by Suhakam. 'The treatment of detainees, especially those on remand who have not been convicted, is deeply troubling. They are stripped naked, denied bathing and fed spoiled food. Complaints are met with violence. This is not justice – it is cruelty.' Ahmad Marzuk also highlighted the rising number of custodial deaths, revealing that 77 were recorded in 2023, including 11 within the prison system. Many of those who died had untreated medical conditions or showed signs of physical abuse, he said. Earlier in the Dewan Rakyat, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said tabled the Suhakam report and reaffirmed the government's commitment to upholding the principles of human rights and constitutional freedoms. She said this commitment was in line with the Malaysia Madani vision, which places human dignity and societal well-being at the heart of national governance. 'Human rights remain a key national and international concern. They are the cornerstone of justice, social harmony and shared prosperity. In Malaysia, these rights are firmly grounded in the Federal Constitution, specifically in Part Two, which outlines basic liberties from Articles 5 to 13.' Azalina said the government views the safeguarding of these rights as a fundamental obligation. 'We believe that strengthening human rights is essential to building a peaceful, inclusive and progressive society.' She also stressed that the tabling and debate of Suhakam's annual report was not merely procedural, but a vital component of Malaysia's democratic accountability.
Daily Express
13 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Express
Two Sabah media practitioners receive aid from Tabung Kasih@Hawana
Published on: Thursday, July 24, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 24, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Fahmi (second right) and others observe the injury on Vicky's arm. - fotoBERNAMA PENAMPANG: Tabung Kasih@Hawana's has brought much-needed cheer and meaningful support to two media practitioners in Sabah who are battling health challenges. One of the recipients, Sabah State Information Department photographer Vicky Sylvester Matanjang, 52, said he was moved by the kind gesture of Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who personally visited his home in Kampung Hungab here today to deliver the contribution. 'I feel appreciated, even though I'm just a photographer. Today is my first day back at work, but I'm only doing light duties as I haven't fully recovered,' said Vicky, who sustained serious injuries in a road accident in March. He said the initiative also reflected the Madani government's concern for the welfare of those facing hardship, especially media practitioners nationwide. Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa; Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin; Sabah State Information Department director Jainisah Mohd Noor; and Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) president Mariah Doksil. Sabah Media journalist Hafizul Andie Zulkarnain, 35, who is still recovering from surgery for a bowel complication and ruptured appendix in June, expressed his heartfelt thanks after receiving the contribution from Nur-ul Afida at his residence in Sepanggar, Kota Kinabalu, last Tuesday. 'Thank you for taking the time to visit and hand over the contribution. It will definitely help with my treatment expenses during my recovery,' he said. Meanwhile, Nur-ul Afida said media associations in Sabah could reach out to the secretariat of Tabung Kasih@Hawana, managed by Bernama, to provide information on media practitioners facing health issues or hardships. 'I would like to seek the cooperation of media associations in Sabah to share information with us so that we can assist our fellow media practitioners in need,' she said. Meanwhile, Mariah expressed hope that the SJA could serve as a key platform for coordinating aid to media practitioners in need. 'We will suggest the names of those eligible to receive donations and assist in providing the necessary information,' she said. The Tabung Kasih@Hawana initiative reflects the spirit of Malaysia Madani by upholding values of compassion and care, particularly for media practitioners who have long contributed to society but are now facing life or health challenges. The fund was established as a Communications Ministry initiative and implemented through Bernama to support serving and retired journalists and other media practitioners who are facing hardships or financial difficulties. To date, a total of 463 media practitioners nationwide have benefited from the initiative. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
19 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Debate on Suhakam report signals Malaysia's stand on human rights
KUALA LUMPUR: The government remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring that the principles of human rights and freedoms enshrined in the Federal Constitution are upheld and implemented fairly and justly. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said this was in line with the principles of Malaysia Madani, which places humanity and well-being at the heart of national governance. "Human rights continue to be a key agenda, receiving attention both nationally and internationally. They are the fundamental foundation of harmony, justice, and universal well-being. "In Malaysia, the guarantee of fundamental rights is clearly set out in Part Two of the Federal Constitution, covering Articles 5 to 13. "It is the government's primary responsibility to preserve, protect, and uphold these rights. The government believes that the strengthening of human rights forms the basis for building a harmonious and prosperous society," she said when tabling the 2023 Suhakam Annual Report and Financial Statement for debate in the Dewan Rakyat. Azalina said that debating Suhakam's annual report in Parliament was an important tradition in the country's democratic history. "As an oversight body monitoring the implementation of human rights, Suhakam presents its findings, recommendations, and the challenges it faces through its annual report to Parliament. "Therefore, this debate is important as it provides Members of Parliament with the opportunity to scrutinise the implementation of human rights in the country, and to propose improvements to existing policies and practices. "It is not just about the report itself, but also reflects our readiness as a nation to openly discuss matters that have long been considered sensitive or insufficiently addressed. "Through this debate, Suhakam's functions can be further strengthened to ensure they are more responsive to current challenges and public expectations. "The government is confident that this debate will serve as a constructive platform for all MPs to engage in a mature discussion on enhancing the protection and promotion of human rights in Malaysia."
Daily Express
a day ago
- General
- Daily Express
Campaign helps boost students' cyber safety awareness
Published on: Thursday, July 24, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 24, 2025 Text Size: Fahmi (fourth left) with teachers and students at the Safe Internet Programme held at Sekolah Kebangsaan St Mary Kampung Limbahau in Papar on Wednesday. – Bernama photo PAPAR: A Safe Internet Campaign organised by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) at SMK St Mary in Limbahau is helping to boost digital literacy and cyber safety awareness among rural students in Sabah. The initiative, under the Ministry of Communications, goes beyond improving internet access by promoting safe, ethical and responsible online behaviour, particularly among young people. Launched by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, the programme included online safety awareness sessions, interactive activities and teacher training designed to instil strong values and resilience in students facing online threats. Form Three student Faradira Horatio, appointed as the school's K-DAT Captain Icon for the campaign, said such programmes should be expanded to other rural areas to ensure all students benefit from cybersecurity education. 'It teaches us to use the internet and social media responsibly, something many students tend to overlook,' she said, adding that she plans to actively raise awareness among her peers about cyberbullying and promote safe, responsible online behaviour. Form Four student Lee Yuh Hui said the campaign provided new insights on digital footprints and the risks of irresponsible internet use. 'Many students still lack awareness about safe digital practices. This campaign helps fill that gap,' she added. Form Five student Steve Noel said the initiative helped students distinguish between credible and false information online. In a statement, MCMC said the campaign reflects a whole-of-nation approach under the Malaysia Madani framework, involving collaboration between schools, government agencies, parents and local authorities to deliver digital safety messages effectively. 'The internet is more than a communication tool, it's a platform to shape values, spread knowledge, and foster unity. Let's ensure this space remains safe, ethical and constructive for future generations,' the statement said. Fahmi also joined students in an interactive session, advising them to remain vigilant about cyber threats. Also present were Communications Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and MCMC Chief of State Affairs Bukhari Yahya. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Express
Safe Internet campaign enhances digital literacy among rural Sabah students
Published on: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 23, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Fahmi speaks at the event. - fotoBERNAMA PAPAR: A Safe Internet Campaign organised by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) at SMK St Mary in Limbahau is helping to boost digital literacy and cyber safety awareness among rural students in Sabah. The initiative, under the Ministry of Communications, goes beyond improving internet access by promoting safe, ethical and responsible online behaviour, particularly among young people. Launched by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, the programme included online safety awareness sessions, interactive activities and teacher training designed to instil strong values and resilience in students facing online threats. Form Three student Faradira Horatio, appointed as the school's K-Dat Captain Icon for the campaign, said such programmes should be expanded to other rural areas to ensure all students benefit from cybersecurity education. 'It teaches us to use the internet and social media responsibly, something many students tend to overlook,' she said, adding that she plans to actively raise awareness among her peers about cyberbullying and promote safe, responsible online behaviour. Form Four student Lee Yuh Hui said the campaign provided new insights on digital footprints and the risks of irresponsible internet use. 'Many students still lack awareness about safe digital practices. This campaign helps fill that gap,' she added. Form Five student Steve Noel said the initiative helped students distinguish between credible and false information online. In a statement, MCMC said the campaign reflects a whole-of-nation approach under the Malaysia Madani framework, involving collaboration between schools, government agencies, parents and local authorities to deliver digital safety messages effectively. 'The internet is more than a communication tool, it's a platform to shape values, spread knowledge, and foster unity. Let's ensure this space remains safe, ethical, and constructive for future generations,' the statement said. Fahmi also joined students in an interactive session, advising them to remain vigilant about cyber threats. Also present were Communications Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and MCMC Chief of State Affairs Bukhari Yahya. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
