11 December 2023
On Today Show
> Zunar, Political Cartoonist – Voicing Freedom: Zunar's Stand Against Repressive Laws and Actions
> Siti Kassim, Human Rights Lawyer and Activist – Challenges in Governance: Unequal Treatment of Political Statements
> Abun Sui, Senator of PKR Sarawak – Road to Murum: Navigating Infrastructure Challenges in Sarawak
> Anjang Aluej, Chairman of the Network of Kampung Sungai Papan – Land Struggles: Orang Asli Communities Resist Encroachment Logging
Topik Pada Hari Ini
> Zunar, Kartunis Politik – Menyuarakan Kebebasan: Pendirian Zunar Menentang Undang-undang dan Tindakan Represif
> Siti Kassim, Peguam Hak Asasi Manusia dan Aktivis – Cabaran dalam Pentadbiran: Rawatan Tidak Saksama terhadap Pernyataan Politik
> Abun Sui, Senator PKR Sarawak – Jalan ke Murum: Menyulitkan Cabaran Infrastruktur di Sarawak
> Anjang Aluej, Pengerusi Jaringan Kampung Sungai Papan – Perjuangan Tanah: Komuniti Orang Asli Menentang Pembalakan Penyusupan
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*Special Randau*
1. Non-Malays Eligible for Future Malaysian Prime Minister, as stated by Lim Kit Siang in a speech before Malaysian students in the UK. According to Lim, there are no legal or constitutional barriers. This statement was strongly contested by PAS Secretary-General Takiyuddin Hassan.
2. Incoming Agong - Sultan Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar calls for more responsibilities to be given to the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, including direct oversight of MACC and Petronas. We welcome your views and opinions.
3. Zunar Denied Entry to Sarawak. Zunar demands an explanation and will write a letter to Sarawak Immigration.
4. Lazy Malays and the Ban on Displaying the Israeli Flag. It's normal to have criticism and differing opinions. Why should it lead to imprisonment?
5. Hilman Idham remains Gombak State Assemblyman; a petition submitted by Shafiee Omar. A voter who claimed to be bribed with RM150 to vote for Hilman was rejected by the judge.
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Zunar, Political Cartoonist
*Voicing Freedom: Zunar's Stand Against Repressive Laws and Actions*
Zunar was on his way to a cartoon drawing workshop at La Promenade Mall in Kuching, Sarawak, when he was detained by Sarawak immigration at the entrance gate of Kuching Airport on December 8, 2023. He shared with RFS that he was not informed why he was detained or why his name was on the blacklist for entry into Sarawak. Despite his willingness to address any shortcomings if informed, he was not given any reason for the detention. After three hours, he was eventually allowed to enter with a three-day authorization pass. Zunar expressed hope for a government administration, including GPS, that avoids imposing restrictions without clear reasons.
Zunar expressed satisfaction with Anwar Ibrahim's PMX administration, praising Anwar's efforts to restore the country's economy and maintain a clean, corruption-free, and stable political environment. Within a year, Malaysia saw an influx of foreign direct investments under Anwar's leadership.
However, when questioned about the administration's failure to repeal the Sedition Act of 1984 and specific incidents such as the imprisonment of an individual waving the Israeli flag and the charges against a Cambodian citizen for making critical remarks about lazy Malays, Zunar voiced dissatisfaction. He disagreed with the imprisonment of Cambodian citizens for criticizing lazy Malays, emphasizing the right to express disagreement. Similarly, he opposed the imprisonment of individuals waving the Israeli flag, asserting the importance of freedom of expression. Zunar also disagreed with the retention of the Sedition Act, citing its weaknesses and potential for manipulation. He suggested that if a specific act is needed to protect the king from insults, the government should enact a dedicated law rather than maintaining the Sedition Act. While acknowledging that these incidents may not be directly under PMX Anwar Ibrahim's direction, Zunar argued that, as prime minister, Anwar should take responsibility.
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Siti Kassim, Human Rights Lawyer and Activist
*Challenges in Governance: Unequal Treatment of Political Statements*
Siti Kasim is very angered by the arrest of a man who displayed the Israeli flag, based on charges. The accused is charged with displaying the Israeli flag in a public place, which is deemed contrary to the Emblems and Names (Control of Display) Act 1949.
Siti asserts that there is nothing wrong if the individual is just expressing views about the future possibility of Malaysia establishing diplomatic relations with Israel. She questions whether someone who is a fan of the Israeli football team and uses their logo, similar to foreign country logos, would face similar consequences. She also questions why there is no action taken against those displaying the Palestinian flag. She questions the government's focus on international issues when there are unresolved problems within the country.
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Abun Sui, Senator of PKR Sarawak
*Road to Murum: Navigating Infrastructure Challenges in Sarawak*
Two days ago, Abun Sui visited Murum with PKR Chairman Roland Engan to assess the current situation. Passing through Murum Road, which had been damaged by recent rain, it was observed that the muddy conditions had been cleared, allowing for vehicle passage. However, caution is still advised as certain sections of the road remain damaged.
In Tegulang, they conducted an examination of the infrastructure in Long Malim and Long Wat, including roads, clinics, and schools. The Penan and Kenyah communities continue to depend on unpaved, muddy roads. A surprise visit was also made to SK Tegulang without prior notice to observe the actual conditions. Unfortunately, the observed toilets and facilities have not witnessed any improvements. Despite the federal government's announcement, led by Anwar Ibrahim, of a RM70,000 allocation for maintenance and upgrades in government schools nationwide, SK Tegulang has not received the related funds. The current status of this allocation remains uncertain. The condition of toilets in the area remains old and inadequate.
Abun Sui discovered that there are still indigenous children without identification cards, rendering them unable to enroll in schools. Despite the Malaysian Constitution guaranteeing every child's right to education, it is disheartening that in Sarawak, children without identification cards face barriers to education. Abun Sui mentioned that he has already reported this situation to the Minister of Education.
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Anjang Aluej, Chairman of the Network of Kampung Sungai Papan
*Land Struggles: Orang Asli Communities Resist Encroachment Logging*
Encroachment logging activities are taking place in the Orang Asli communities of Kg Sg Papan, Kg Kensew, and Kg Janking in Grik, Perak, carried out by Majuta Sdn Bhd. The affected area, known as the Kensew ancestral domain, encompasses the Luakwang region and spans 80 hectares.
The signboard indicates that the initial entry occurred in July 2023, marked by the construction of a logging road that traverses from Sg Papan straight to Felda FGV 1, then to Felda Tawai 2, and into the Luakwang area. The boundaries of this area connect with Kg Keyef, Ong Jemol, and Kg Cunek, forming four distinct territories.
The company's representatives approached the communities in July, expressing the company's intention to enter the area for logging. However, the communities adamantly refused to grant permission. A second meeting took place, during which Anjang Aluej mentioned that the company would offer the communities some form of token. Despite the offer, the communities declined to accept. Subsequently, the company proposed a cash compensation of RM100.00, but once again, the communities refused.
Despite the community's opposition, the company proceeded to enter the area with machinery. Consequently, the communities have lodged two police reports. They are currently seeking advice from COAC and PEKA.
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