Crackdown on illegals must go on immediately

/* February 2nd, 2010 by poobalan | View blog reactions No comments »
 Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe to poobalan.com by Email


Come on, we are not dealing with school kids. Businessmen are adults who are fully aware of right and wrong. They are not mentally incapacitated or threatened to hire illegal workers. Be it high class nasi kandar shops or the stall in chinese food court, from office to homes, you can find foreigners from maid to cashier in quite a number of them. We are the ones hiring foreign workers (legal or illegal), and then cry foul when a robbery or murder happens. We are the one who blame everyone else when social problems increase.

We should make this a quarterly exercise so that can reduce number of illegals in the country. Government must proceed with the crackdown as soon as possible. This will force businesses to hire locals or legal foreign workers, most likely at a much higher cost. This in turn, will contribute towards higher food cost for the consumers. And that, will reflect more correctly on our cost of living. Then we will know the price of security and employment for locals.

The Government will meet representatives from the Chinese chambers of commerce and guilds this week before deciding whether to proceed with a planned crackdown on illegals.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said he had already met with nasi kandar operators on the issue last week.

“I will be meeting the Chinese chambers and guilds next and will decide after that,” he told The Star yesterday.

However, asked if thousands of employers “guilty of hiring illegals” would be given a reprieve from action against them under the crackdown scheduled for Feb 15, the minister was tight-lipped. “Wait for my announcement.”

Sources said the meeting was scheduled to be held on Friday at the minister’s office here.

Last month, the Immigration Department announced that it would commence a nationwide crackdown on thousands of employers, believed to be harbouring or employing illegal workers.

The operation will be carried out with the help of police and Rela.

Currently, there are about 1.8 million legal foreign workers in the country and the department believes there are at least an equal number of illegals.

There have been requests for the crackdown to be postponed as it was scheduled to start on the second day of Chinese New Year, where businesses would be brisk with huge profits to be made.

Last week, Hishammuddin promised to be lenient on employers who hired illegals if they could assure authorities that they were “getting their act together.”

He said, since the deadline for the crackdown was announced, many employers had come forward and admitted to hiring illegal workers.

No comments »

Posted in BornInMalaysia

Tags:

Two ways of presenting lock up death

/* February 2nd, 2010 by poobalan | View blog reactions 1 comment »
 Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe to poobalan.com by Email


I guess readers would have known about the latest lock-up death, which happened in Negeri Sembilan.

Let’s see how Malaysiakini reported it:

The family of a man, said to have committed suicide while in police custody, have refused to collect his remains from the morgue and are seeking another post-mortem.

Sawmill worker P Babu, 28, was found dead in the Jempol police lock up at about 4am after he surrendered himself in connection with a robbery case.

When contacted, Jempol MIC Youth chief M Palani said the first post-mortem report classified the death as suicide.

The deceased had apparently used his shirt to hang himself.

“But this is unofficial. We were told that we would get the black and white report within seven days,” he added.

‘Strong willed person’

Palani said the family have rejected the findings because “Babu was a strong willed person and would not have this decision (to commit suicide)”.

“We are also questioning the fact that he hung himself using his shirt. Shouldn’t he be wearing a police issued t-shirt (for detainees)?” he asked.

Yesterday, Palani filed a police report calling for a thorough investigation into Babu’s death.

Both MIC and PKR politicians have cried foul over the incident and offered to help the family secure a second post-term.

This is The Star version:

Police have ruled out foul play in the death of an ex-convict who was found strangled in his cell at the Jempol police station on Monday morning.

State police chief SAC I Datuk Osman Salleh said findings by a forensic pathologist from the Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital in Seremban also revealed there were no other injuries on 28-year-old P. Babu.

“The only marks visible on the deceased’s body were on his neck and these were consistent with someone who had committed suicide by hanging,” he told The Star.

Osman said police have also viewed the closed-circuit television (CCTV) recordings at the lock-up and had spoken to his cellmates in the course of their investigation.

“The CCTV recordings too didn’t reveal anything,” he said.

Babu, a sawmill worker with several convictions previously, had surrendered to police on Jan 28 to assist in investigations into several robberies near here.

Osman said in the early hours of Jan 26, Babu and three accomplices aged in their late 20s and early 30s had allegedly robbed a couple at a rubber estate near here.

“The couple called the police and a patrol car was immediately despatched to the scene.

“When my men reached the area, they managed to detain one of the suspects while the others managed to escape on their bikes,” he said, adding that police also recovered some stolen jewellery from the man.

Babu, who was released from prison three months ago after serving a six-year jail term for robbery, and the two others surrendered to the police two days later.

It is understood that Babu had also served time for drug-related and cheating offences previously.

When met at the family home at Rumah Rakyat near here, Babu’s uncle M. Mahadevan, 35, said the family would ask for an independent post-mortem.

“We are not going to accept the post-mortem done by the hospital authorities as we don’t believe Babu committed suicide,” said the district council employee.

Mahadevan said although his nephew died at about 3am, he was only allowed to see the body after the post-mortem was conducted several hours later.

He also asked why there were no CCTVs in the toilet as this could have helped determine how Babu died. [can have CCTV in toilet ka???]

“The police have asked us to collect his remains for burial but I will only do so after the independent post-mortem has been done,” he added.

One version did not mention about his previous convictions, nor statements from the police. The other had mentioned both those things. Both versions mentioned about his occupation and voluntary surrender.

What were the efforts of the family, government departments, NGOs etc. in order to rehabilitate this ex-convict? Why did he go back to crime even though he had a job (low salary? no thrill? greed?) ?

Looks like need to wait for the independent post-mortem to identify actual cause of death.

1 comment »

Posted in BornInMalaysia, Indian

Tags:

Nasir Safar a reflection?

/* February 2nd, 2010 by poobalan | View blog reactions No comments »
 Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe to poobalan.com by Email


Update 8.30pm:

The Star carried this news few minutes ago:

Datuk Nasir Safar, special officer to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, will resign over allegedly racist statements he made, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement Tuesday.

“The remarks allegedly made by Nasir in Malacca today do not in any way reflect the views of the Prime Minister,” the statement said.

“Nasir never intended to make any derogatory remarks. He spoke at length on the contributions made by all races in developing the country.

“Nevertheless, Nasir apologises for any offence caused … and in light of this, will tender his resignation.”

Online portals earlier reported that Nasir’s remarks at a 1Malaysia seminar at the Malacca International Trade Centre were so offensive that MIC and MCA members in attendance walked out in protest.

He was reported to have said that Chinese and Indian Malaysians were mere “pendatangs” (immigrants) and that Chinese women came to Malaysia to indulge in the “flesh trade.”

Nasir first denied the reports, saying he was just talking about the country’s history.

“I did not say the word ‘pendatang.’ I only said the country has been successful as the Chinese and the Indians from those days until today have been coming here to work,” he told The Malaysian Insider.

He also dismissed claims that he had threatened to revoke the citizenships of non-Malays who demanded that their rights be respected, the portal reported. (hmmm..trying to evade or implying the participants don’t understand Bahasa Malaysia?)

MIC and MCA leaders had threatened to lodge police reports over the incident.

Latest news via Novinthen’s FB is that the guy has tendered his resignation. However, I hope to see the police, AG office, and judiciary play their roles correctly. Hopefully this guy ends up in prison for a duration suitable for his actions.

This is a virtually stinging slap on PM Najib’s face. His own aide saying like this is like a reflection of the whole cohort. Goes to show nothing much have changed, and there’s plenty more people like him.

Since this was a government department project (the mysterious JASA) and attended by BN coalition members, can’t say its miscommunication or misunderstanding or false news.

BTW, there’s a Facebook group to protest against Nasir.

Hmm..shall we award him Public Enemy No 1 for the month of February?

The stinging remarks made by a special officer to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak during a seminar titled ‘Rapat 1Malaysia’ in Malacca this morning prompted scores of MIC and MCA members as well as representatives from non-governmental organisations to stage a walkout.

NONEAccording to a source who attended the meeting, Nasir Safar had ruffled feathers when he labelled the Indians and Chinese in this country as ‘pendatang’ or immigrants.

“He was saying that the Indians and Chinese came here as immigrants and are now enjoying life in this country.

“He also remarked that the Chinese, especially the women, come here to ‘jual tubuh’ (flesh trade),” added the source who requested anonymity.

He claimed that Nasir also credited Umno for being solely responsible in drafting the constitution, “sidelining the contribution of the other parties in the Alliance back then.”

‘Revoke their citizenship’

Apart from this, the source said the officer also threatened to ‘revoke’ the citizenship of those who were vocal about the subject cap for the SPM examination.

“He was telling us of how he visited several MIC branches to explain the government’s stand on this issue and expressed regret that the branches remained steadfast in their call for the cap to be scrapped. He accused them of making an ‘extreme’ demand.”

NONE“He said, ‘How can they talk so much about the Tamil language when Bahasa Melayu is the official language. If they continue to make such demands, we could revoke their citizenship’.”

“Who is he to revoke their citizenship?” asked the irate source.

Following this, he said “some 60 to 70” MIC and MCA members as well as the NGO reps present decided to leave the room.

“The organisers tried to coax us to stay but we were too upset,” he said, adding that the seminar was organised by Jasa, the Information Ministry’s special affairs division.

Meanwhile, the source said MIC Youth is expected to file a police report on the incident.

Furthermore, a memorandum would also be submitted to Najib when he visits Malacca on Feb 4.

Samy: Punish him under Sedition Act

In an immediate reaction, MIC president S Samy Vellu, who was briefed on the issue by the party leaders who attended the seminar, expressed outrage and demanded that Nasir be punished under the Sedition Act.

Describing the remarks as being “racist of the highest order”, he urged the premier to take the appropriate action against his aide.

Confirming that a police report would be lodged, he said: “MIC condemns the colonial attitude of this person for degrading the Indian Malaysians.”

“His views are entirely the opposite of the goodwill shown by the government and the prime minister under the ‘1Malaysia’ concept,” he added.

Samy Vellu said Nasir must realise that the present generation of Indian Malaysians in this country were born in Malaysia and are also the sons of the soil.

“As such, who is he to suggest that their citizenship should be revoked merely because they have been fighting for their rights.

“In my 29 years of service as a cabinet minister, I have not come across such a person who felt fit to question the loyalty of Indian Malaysians. Shame on you!” he said, expressing confidence that the prime minister would do the right thing.

‘Feelings of all M’sians have been hurt’

MIC deputy president G Palanivel was saddened that such “uncalled for” remarks were made following Najib’s historic visit to Batu Caves during Thaipusam.

“All the Indians who listened to the prime minister (during Thaipusam) would have noted the goodness coming from his heart.

“Soon after the whole tempo has been disturbed. The feelings of all Malaysians have been hurt.

“Such remarks would definitely put back efforts to build national unity,” he told Malaysiakini.

MIC information chief P Kamalanathan lambasted Nasir as an “enemy within.”

“While the prime minister is going through the country and all over the world propagating ‘1Malaysia’ and talking about the importance of Indians and Chinese, we have an officer who works in his department and says racist remarks.

“The person should not be sitting anywhere near the building (the Prime Minister’s Department).

“To ensure that ‘1Malaysia’ is successful, we have to eradicate characters like these from the system,” he added.

‘What’s the point of visiting Batu Caves?’

Also expressing regret over the “insensitive” remarks was MIC Youth advisor S Vell Paari.

“Whatever hard work done by the prime minister in fostering closer ties among the people has been destroyed by this act,” he toldMalaysiakini.

“What is the point in Najib visiting Batu Caves for Thaipusam and visiting Tamil Nadu to talk about the close ties with the Tamils here when his own officer failed to understand the concept of ‘1Malaysia’,” he asked.

He added that the police should investigate the officer for sedition and hoped the government would act soon to alleviate any fresh fears among the Indians and the Chinese.

In a related development, Malaysia Indian Youth Council (MIYC) president A Rajaretinam demanded that Nasir be suspended.

He warned that if no action is taken by next Monday, MIYC, which had five representatives present at the seminar, would mount a massive protest.

Nasir could not be reached for comment.

No comments »

Posted in BornInMalaysia

Tags:

Another death in custody

/* February 1st, 2010 by poobalan | View blog reactions No comments »
 Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe to poobalan.com by Email


More action for Human Rights Party coming soon as a remanded person died in police lock-up. However, in this case, MIC and PKR are already in action.

A sawmill worker was found dead in the Jempol police lock-up in Negeri Sembilan, prompting politicians from both sides of the divide to again cry foul over frequent deaths of police detainees.

P Babu, 28, was found dead in the Jempol police lock-up at about 4am. His body was brought to the Seri Jempol hospital two hours later. Family members are waiting for an autopsy report.

Babu, an orphan who was raised by his uncle, has been under remand since Jan 24 after he surrendered himself to the police over a robbery case.

Negeri Sembilan executive council member VS Mogan said initial police reports suggests Babu hanged himself to death and expressed the state government’s concern.

Mogan, who visited family members at the hospital earlier, said police are still in the dark over how this could have happened.

“I believe there will be a public outcry following the mysterious circumstances of Babu’s death and this is certainly not good for the police.

“Senior police officers in the state should also explain how this could happen,” he said.

The mysterious circumstances of Babu’s death has also prompted MIC Jempol Youth chief M Palani to lodge a police report.

“It is rather unfortunate that another death has happened in the lock-up and I think the public wants answers,” he said.

‘Why always Indians?’

On the opposition front, PKR Negeri Sembilan deputy chief M Ravi has condemned the police over the incident and questioned why most victims of custodial deaths were of Indian descent.

“I hope the police Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan would investigate how custodial deaths happen and why it is more prevalent among the Indian suspects. He has to explain,” he said.

Should the family members be dissatisfied with the autopsy report, Ravi said he would assist them in seeking an independent autopsy to determine the cause of death.

“We are closely monitoring the situation. I am puzzled with Babu’s death, as he had surrendered himself to the police, and yet this happens,” he said, adding PKR may hold a demonstration over the matter.

He added family members had indicated that Babu showed no signs of depression prior to his surrender.

No comments »

Posted in Indian

Tags:

Jakim insubordination?

/* February 1st, 2010 by poobalan | View blog reactions No comments »
 Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe to poobalan.com by Email


This is interesting (and kind of expected actually) news. I wonder if any government agency will organise a forum consisting of non-Muslim panelists for the non-Muslim staff so that they too can have their say. Who know, maybe these folks can provide some alternatives for the blame game. I mean, it looks discriminatory when only certain section of a organisation is given chance to speak out.

The Cabinet must take action against Islamic Development Department (Jakim) for insubordination during their forum last week, said DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang.

Panelists at the Jan 28 forum, attended by some 800 civil servants, blamed Christians for provoking Muslims by challenging the ban on the word ‘Allah’.

The panel, mainly consisting of civil servants, also suggested that the government was lax in defending Islam.

Panelist Zamihan Mat Zin from Institut Latihan Islam Malaysia also suggested that a repeat of the May 13 racial riots could have been possible if the Christians did not back down.

“The divisive, intolerant, incendiary and inflammatory speeches raising the spectre of another May 13…is irresponsible and anti-national,” he said in a statement issued today.

Lim added that the forum was “tantamount to an insurrection against Najib’s 1Malaysia slogan and vision”, and that as a government department, Jakim should explain itself.

The Ipoh Timur MP also questioned the lack of action taken by the police against the forum for “incitement and sedition”.

“How many other such forums have Jakim and other government agencies organized?” he asked.

If you can’t get the whole picture, here’s a longer article from Malaysian Insider:

Islamic academics and administrators have blamed Christians for provoking Muslim anger by challenging the ban on their use of the word “Allah”.

Politicians, particularly those from Umno/Barisan Nasional (BN) were also blamed for failing to defend Islam against perceived threats.

Panellists at a forum organised for civil servants here by the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) suggested that the Barisan Nasional (BN) government was lax in defending Islam, after the High Court ruling allowing a Catholic weekly to use “Allah” in its Bahasa Malaysia section.

Zamihan Mat Zin from the Institut Latihan Islam Malaysia blasted politicians for being vocal only on Malay rights but doing little for Islam.

“Some politicians are ever so vocal when it comes to defending Malay rights but when it comes to their religion, they are quiet. What is the use of defending Malay rights if our religion is not protected?” he told about 800 civil servants at a special forum here today.

Zamihan said deliberate attempts were being made to degrade Islam, citing as an example the Catholic Church’s legal challenge against the ban imposed on the Herald weekly for using “Allah” to describe the Christian God.

“Extremism can be found in any religion and this challenge is definitely one of them,” he said and stressed that references in Islam that “Allah” was exclusive to the Muslims are pervasive. (how about in Sikhism?)

Mohd Aizam Masod, an officer from Jakim’s research department, said the argument that Arab Christians and Jews also used the word “Allah” had no domestic merits given that Malaysia is not an Arabic speaking nation (but we sure try to  act and dress like one!)

“For Christians, this is just a question of translation but for us Muslims, the term Allah is integral to our akidah (faith),” he said, arguing that the usage of “Allah” by non-Muslims can and does confuse Muslims.

“Imagine if Jesus Christ, which under the Unitarian concept is considered as God to the Christians, be called ‘Allah’, wouldn’t it be confusing? Allah is by definition a description of a singular Muslim God, but non-Muslims usage will pluralise it,” he said. (great imagination indeed!)

Deputy chief of Syariah Research Department of the Attorney-General’s office, Mahamad Nasir Disa, who spoke on the issue from a legal perspective, agreed with his fellow panellists that the issue was an act of provocation by Christians.

“Often the argument given by them is that to deny the usage is to deny their rights to practise their religion but our argument is that the word ‘Allah’ is not an integral part of their religion as compared to us. (hmm..this seems more valid point – not integral part)

“If that is the case, then we can talk about rights. If not, don’t talk about rights,” he said.

Mahamad, too, agreed that there is “a lack of real leadership” in dealing with the matter, saying that the government had the power to prevent non-Muslims from using “Allah”. (err…i doubt government can overrule court.)

He said that preventing non-Muslims from using the word “Allah” would ease ethnic tensions.

Yesterday, four boar heads were found at two mosques, the latest in a series of attacks and acts of vandalism on places of worship, including arson attempts on churches, following the “Allah” ruling.

In his remarks, Mohd Aizam also used alleged “historical facts” to say that Christians had tried to convert Muslims in the region since the colonial days by translating their bibles into local languages.

But Zamihan went as far as suggesting that a repeat of the May 13 racial riots was possible if the Christians, which to him practised extremism in the matter, did not back down.

“Who knows, there might be a Feb 13?” said Zamihan. (now, this is like issuing a threat to me…)

No comments »

Posted in BornInMalaysia, Religion

Tags: