Latest news with #MerdekaCentre
Malay Mail
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Survey: Majority polled think Najib should not be pardoned
KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 — More than half of respondents in a survey on Malaysians' views about the criminal justice system said they oppose the pardon plea by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak. The rider survey, conducted by Merdeka Centre and commissioned by Projek Sama, a civil society group consisting mostly of academics, polled over 1,200 Malaysians between March and April this year. Respondents were asked four primary questions, one of which specifically addressed their opinion on Najib's pardon. Only a third supported the plea, while over half opposed it, citing feelings of betrayal. 'Overall, 32.7 per cent of respondents supported his pardon plea on the grounds that he has contributed to the country, while 57.8 per cent believed that Najib should not be pardoned for various reasons,' the group said in a statement. Among those who opposed the pardon, slightly over a third said their objection stemmed from the belief that Najib's scandal was a betrayal of the people and caused significant losses. Another 15 per cent cited pending cases as their reason for opposing the former prime minister's pardon, while 8.1 per cent pointed to Najib's refusal to admit guilt despite his conviction. Najib is currently seeking to serve his remaining sentence at home, even as he continues to face trials for multiple corruption and criminal breach of trust charges related to the 1MDB scandal. More to come
The Star
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Most Malaysians against Najib getting royal pardon, survey finds
KUALA LUMPUR: The majority of Malaysians believe that Datuk Seri Najib Razak should not receive a royal pardon over his corruption conviction, a survey found. In a survey commissioned by civil society organisation, Project Stability and Accountability for Malaysia (Projek Sama), revealed that 57.8% of the 1,210 respondents across 222 parliamentary constituencies believed that the former prime minister should not be pardoned for various reasons. Thomas Fann, who is the head of Projek Sama said 34.3% of respondents found that the former premier had betrayed the people and caused significant losses. 'Another 15.4% of the respondents mentioned pending court cases by Najib and another 8.1% revealed his refusal to admit guilt,' he said when presenting the report at Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall here on Friday (May 9). The report, titled "No Dua Darjat: Public Perception on Proportionality of Criminal Sentences, Home Detention and Najib Razak's Pardon Plea" was commissioned to Merdeka Centre to carry out a short rider survey involving Malaysians across ethnic, gender, generations, socio-economic, geographical and political backgrounds. Meanwhile, 32.7% of the respondents supported Najib's pardon plea on the grounds that he had contributed to the nation, the survey carried out from March 27 to April 17 found. The survey also found that across ethnic backgrounds, the strongest backing for the former Umno president for a royal pardon is from the Indian community with 62.2% of respondents, followed by Muslim bumiputra at 50.5%. It was also revealed that 95% of Chinese respondents rejected Najib's pardon plea, followed by 51% of non-Muslim bumiputra respondents. On political backing for his royal pardon bid, Najib also enjoyed the highest backing from Barisan Nasional supporters at 67.7%, followed by Perikatan Nasional supporters at 44.6% and 39.2% of GPS, GRS and Warisan supporters. The survey also showed the highest objection to Najib's pardon plea was from Pakatan Harapan supporters at 87.3%, followed by 57.1% of voters of other political coalitions or parties.
New Straits Times
23-04-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
NGO: Divorced Muslim women struggle to claim alimony, child support, other rights
KUALA LUMPUR: Muslim women, particularly those in the B40 or low-income group, often face various challenges following divorce, particularly when it comes to securing their rights within the Islamic legal framework. Their ex-husbands not only neglect their responsibility to provide them maintenance but also fail to pay child support, even when ordered by the Syariah Court. These were among the issues discussed in a forum organised by Sisters in Islam (SIS) in collaboration with Merdeka Centre and IOI Foundation, held here recently. Titled "Financial Rights of Low-Income Muslim Women in the Islamic Family Law System in Selangor and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur", the forum highlighted the findings of a study conducted by Merdeka Center, an opinion research firm. LENGTHY LEGAL PROCESS Among the main issues faced by B40 Muslim women following divorce are claiming alimony as well as their matrimonial property and financial rights. Studies have found that women in this group face huge challenges in obtaining these rights through the Syariah legal system in Malaysia due to several factors, including a lack of knowledge about their entitlements after divorce and bureaucratic obstacles, as well as social pressures that hinder their ability to claim their rights in court. Senior researcher at Merdeka Centre Nor Mariana Mohd Daud, their study – carried out in July 2024 – revealed that some of these women also experienced severe emotional distress due to financial instability, and even faced depression because they were unable to meet their financial obligations. The study by Merdeka Centre involved 124 respondents consisting of B40 women residing in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. The majority of the respondents were aged between 41 and 50, while the rest were under 30. At the time the study was conducted, the respondents had gone through divorce and were single mothers. "About 81 percent of these single mothers had a (monthly) household income of only RM1,000 to RM2,000," Nor Mariana said. She said out of the 124 respondents, 51 percent admitted they did not file any claim in court after the divorce for several specific reasons. "These low-income women (respondents) were aware the legal process to make a claim would take a long time, which discouraged them from pursuing their rightful entitlements. The second reason was insufficient financial resources. "In some cases, we found that some women had to borrow money from relatives just to open a divorce file. So imagine the financial burden they would face if they were to open additional files for other claims. "Many women we interviewed told us that even opening one claim file (in court) would cost RM50. "For some of them, RM50 was a big amount which they could not afford, even though these women knew they were entitled to financial rights under Islamic law," she added. She said another factor preventing some women from fighting for their rights in court was the lack of evidence. "They never imagined, let alone intended to separate (from their husbands). As a result, while living together as husband and wife, they never kept any proof (of their misdemeanours), believing their relationship would last forever," she said. Nor Mariana said 49 percent of respondents did proceed to file financial claims in court as a means to continue supporting themselves and their children. CONSTRAINTS AND CHALLENGES Many of the respondents also said they were unwilling to be burdened by the complicated process of making financial claims against their ex-husbands. Nor Mariana said they were aware that if such claims were filed, they would have to go through a lengthy court process. "They also faced financial constraints… their expenses exceeded their income, particularly in the case of women who were earning only RM1,000 a month. "Even those earning RM2,000 to RM4,000 a month faced the same situation of expenses exceeding income. Their expenditure covered the basic and essential necessities which, they (respondents) must bear, especially since many divorces occurred while these women were housewives and did not have any job," she said. She said another factor discouraging the respondents from filing claims was pressure from external parties, including their ex-husbands and in-laws. "In fact, some of them also experienced pressure from their own families and friends, who influenced their decision not to pursue financial claims in court. They also faced social stigma such as feelings of shame and low self-esteem. The absence of a support system from family and friends is a major reason why many women do not follow through with asserting their rights," she said. Meanwhile, SIS communications manager Ameena Siddiqi said the findings of the study revealed the harsh reality experienced by Muslim women after going through separation. She said the challenges and constraints faced by low-income women must be addressed through stronger legal reforms, stricter enforcement mechanisms and support programmes that prioritise the welfare of women and their children. "This latest study uncovers the reality for divorced Muslim women. It shows the barriers they face, which ultimately force them to live in poverty," she said. Ameena said that with the availability of these research findings, the relevant authorities must no longer remain silent but should instead begin taking steps toward reform, including policy development and collaboration to resolve the issues. SIS recommends that the government increase awareness of the importance of family support by implementing programmes disseminated through the media, working with local communities and fostering integration among agencies to ensure aid reaches those in need. SIS also hopes that public dissemination of information about financial rights and maintenance claims can be improved, alongside offering newly divorced women free legal services and reducing the costs involved in preparing court documents. – Bernama
New Straits Times
23-04-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Difficulty in claiming alimony, child support among issues faced by divorced Muslim women
KUALA LUMPUR: Muslim women, particularly those in the B40 or low-income group, often face various challenges following divorce, particularly when it comes to securing their rights within the Islamic legal framework. Their ex-husbands not only neglect their responsibility to provide them maintenance but also fail to pay child support, even when ordered by the Syariah Court. These were among the issues discussed in a forum organised by Sisters in Islam (SIS) in collaboration with Merdeka Centre and IOI Foundation, held here recently. Titled "Financial Rights of Low-Income Muslim Women in the Islamic Family Law System in Selangor and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur", the forum highlighted the findings of a study conducted by Merdeka Center, an opinion research firm. LENGTHY LEGAL PROCESS Among the main issues faced by B40 Muslim women following divorce are claiming alimony as well as their matrimonial property and financial rights. Studies have found that women in this group face huge challenges in obtaining these rights through the Syariah legal system in Malaysia due to several factors, including a lack of knowledge about their entitlements after divorce and bureaucratic obstacles, as well as social pressures that hinder their ability to claim their rights in court. Senior researcher at Merdeka Centre Nor Mariana Mohd Daud, their study – carried out in July 2024 – revealed that some of these women also experienced severe emotional distress due to financial instability, and even faced depression because they were unable to meet their financial obligations. The study by Merdeka Centre involved 124 respondents consisting of B40 women residing in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. The majority of the respondents were aged between 41 and 50, while the rest were under 30. At the time the study was conducted, the respondents had gone through divorce and were single mothers. "About 81 percent of these single mothers had a (monthly) household income of only RM1,000 to RM2,000," Nor Mariana said. She said out of the 124 respondents, 51 percent admitted they did not file any claim in court after the divorce for several specific reasons. "These low-income women (respondents) were aware the legal process to make a claim would take a long time, which discouraged them from pursuing their rightful entitlements. The second reason was insufficient financial resources. "In some cases, we found that some women had to borrow money from relatives just to open a divorce file. So imagine the financial burden they would face if they were to open additional files for other claims. "Many women we interviewed told us that even opening one claim file (in court) would cost RM50. "For some of them, RM50 was a big amount which they could not afford, even though these women knew they were entitled to financial rights under Islamic law," she added. She said another factor preventing some women from fighting for their rights in court was the lack of evidence. "They never imagined, let alone intended to separate (from their husbands). As a result, while living together as husband and wife, they never kept any proof (of their misdemeanours), believing their relationship would last forever," she said. Nor Mariana said 49 percent of respondents did proceed to file financial claims in court as a means to continue supporting themselves and their children. CONSTRAINTS AND CHALLENGES Many of the respondents also said they were unwilling to be burdened by the complicated process of making financial claims against their ex-husbands. Nor Mariana said they were aware that if such claims were filed, they would have to go through a lengthy court process. "They also faced financial constraints… their expenses exceeded their income, particularly in the case of women who were earning only RM1,000 a month. "Even those earning RM2,000 to RM4,000 a month faced the same situation of expenses exceeding income. Their expenditure covered the basic and essential necessities which, they (respondents) must bear, especially since many divorces occurred while these women were housewives and did not have any job," she said. She said another factor discouraging the respondents from filing claims was pressure from external parties, including their ex-husbands and in-laws. "In fact, some of them also experienced pressure from their own families and friends, who influenced their decision not to pursue financial claims in court. They also faced social stigma such as feelings of shame and low self-esteem. The absence of a support system from family and friends is a major reason why many women do not follow through with asserting their rights," she said. Meanwhile, SIS communications manager Ameena Siddiqi said the findings of the study revealed the harsh reality experienced by Muslim women after going through separation. She said the challenges and constraints faced by low-income women must be addressed through stronger legal reforms, stricter enforcement mechanisms and support programmes that prioritise the welfare of women and their children. "This latest study uncovers the reality for divorced Muslim women. It shows the barriers they face, which ultimately force them to live in poverty," she said. Ameena said that with the availability of these research findings, the relevant authorities must no longer remain silent but should instead begin taking steps toward reform, including policy development and collaboration to resolve the issues. SIS recommends that the government increase awareness of the importance of family support by implementing programmes disseminated through the media, working with local communities and fostering integration among agencies to ensure aid reaches those in need. SIS also hopes that public dissemination of information about financial rights and maintenance claims can be improved, alongside offering newly divorced women free legal services and reducing the costs involved in preparing court documents. – Bernama
