15 June, 2021

Malaysia needs broad-based policy-making to beat pandemic and save livelihood

Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia (GBM) calls for the broadening of political base for government policies to be competent, comprehensive and coherent to beat the Covid-19 pandemic and save livelihood of Malaysians. This is best achieved by a “confidence and supply agreement” (CSA) between the government and opposition parties to effect a political ceasefire and restore political stability.

Instead of overcoming the political crisis since February 2020, the Emergency has severely weakened Malaysia’s response to the pandemic in two ways.

First, the questionable majority of the Government preserved by the Emergency has resulted in insular and narrow-based policy-making, marked by blindspots, incoordination and disconnect from the public.

Second, the suspension of parliamentary oversight has worsened the “dua darjat” phenomenon, double-standard in law-enforcement and queue-jumping in vaccination and fueled public discontentment giving rise to suspicion of corruption when the government seems underperforming and incapable to solve many issues of NIP implementation since the programme started more than 3 months ago.

GBM calls upon the Government and Opposition parties to express their willingness to enter a CSA that

• paves way for broadbased policy making and parliamentary oversight through a reopened and empowered parliament with every ministry scrutinized by a parliamentary select committee and every opposition MP and government backbencher sitting on at least one such committee;
• ensures political stability for an extended period before a pre-agreed date for the 15th General Election (GE15) so that all parties and MPs can concentrate on policies instead of electioneering;
• ensures equitable treatment of all MPs in committee appointment and constituency allocation, and from selective prosecution.

GBM finds the idea of unity government both inviable and undesirable. Extensive reshuffling of cabinet and inter-party negotiation for ministerial portfolios will likely cause more inter-party and inter-personal power struggle than reducing it, hence first causing more disunity. And in the unlikely event of success, an all-party unity government also means no opposition and weaker parliamentary oversights.

GBM opposes the idea of a National Operations Council (MAGERAN), which will further narrow instead of broadening the political base of policy-making. An unelected body consisting one or few politicians with the heads of civil service, military and police has no democratic legitimacy. Any misstep by MAGERAN may trigger a colossal public backlash that erodes the legitimacy of the bureaucracy, security forces and even the constitutional monarchy.

Issued by
Badlishah Sham Baharin,
Chair, Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia (GBM)
For and on behalf of the Executive Council, GBM

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=3698154916957919&id=163726347067478

22 May, 2021

GBM STATEMENT ON THE CEASEFIRE OF THE ISRAEL – HAMAS CONFLICT

In the spirit of unity in diversity and towards building an inclusive humanity, Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia (GBM) welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire between the two conflicting parties. GBM also strongly condemns all forms of aggressions and appeals to the Israeli and Hamas governments to observe their cease-fire and make efforts beyond the restoration of calm to start a serious dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict.

The bloodshed and violence must be seen past religious Muslim-Jew lenses; it is at its core a humanitarian crisis and local geo-political contestations. The barbarous acts are an outrage to the conscience of mankind and undermines the respect for human rights for all people affected and threatens the sanctity of universal human dignity.

Unconscionable deaths were caused both in Gaza from Israeli air strikes, and in Israel viz-a-viz the rockets launched from Gaza. There were also violent clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, where Palestinian families are under threat of eviction.  In Israel, violence by vigilante-style groups and mobs has added another horrendous dimension to the crisis. In this regard, the use of force by both governments against each other’s territorial integrity and political independence is condemned, especially when indiscriminately used on civilians and children.

The fighting unleashed an unprecedented scale of security and humanitarian crisis and may consequentially spur extremist activities around the world. Therefore, the international community must make more effective efforts to curb inflammatory rhetoric. In fact, both sides of the divide must strive for an effective peace process.

In this regard, Israel must comply with existing UN resolutions and not pursue further their indiscriminate expansionists policy. Likewise, Hamas must desist from further deploying arms and violence.

We urge all to pray for the wellbeing of all people in the region in the aftermath of the conflict and war.

Issued by

Badlishah Sham Baharin,

Chair, Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia (GBM)

For and on behalf of the Executive Council, GBM

—

Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia(GBM)
Plan of Action for Malaysia  (PoAM)
马来西亚行动方略联盟(行动方略联盟)

First Floor, No. 1, Jln Maharajalela, 50150 Kuala Lumpur.

Phone: 03 2272 3594/017 3985 606     Fax:03 2272 4089

Email: infogpoam@gmail.com

Website: www.gbm.org.my

Together We Build A Better Malaysia!

—

Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia(GBM)
Plan of Action for Malaysia  (PoAM)
马来西亚行动方略联盟(行动方略联盟)

First Floor, No. 1, Jln Maharajalela, 50150 Kuala Lumpur.

Phone: 03 2272 3594/017 3985 606     Fax:03 2272 4089

Email: infogpoam@gmail.com

Website: www.gbm.org.my

Together We Build A Better Malaysia!

Muslim Professionals Forum takes a particular interest in the ongoing social media exchange concerning one of our Board of Directors, Dato’ Dr Musa Mohd Nordin.

His recent tweet on Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin’s large scale sanitisation operations has garnered much attention and unwarranted attacks.

Here is his tweet in full

OMG! This is both silly and irresponsible. Depriving our last line of defense screening and live-saving #COVID19 patients in ICU. Best she #StayHome and not make a fool of herself!

Dr Musa has been at the forefront of not only medical matters in this country, but also humanitarian relief work here and the world over.

As Chairman of the Federation of Islamic Medical Associations (FIMA) Advisory Council, he has expertise in this field and his views are highly sought after and adhered to.

As an expert, he understands the seriousness of the situation and the need to stay ahead of the curve. To do this, we must live by clearly laid out guidelines by not only Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) but worldwide bodies.

Dr Musa’s comments were clearly consistent with MOH guidelines and it’s Director General’s various statements on this outbreak.

Calling out the irresponsible act of a large gathering of people when there is an existing Movement Control Order (MCO) was the right thing to do. So was the utilization of so many PPE’s (Personal Protective Equipment) at a time when the frontliners are facing a dire shortage.

The world is battling a pandemic unheard of in recent times. In mitigating it, the MCO has been in place since 17th March and it is imperative that everyone complies. Ministers included.

Board of Directors
Muslim Professionals Forum
1 April 2020

Dear Media Colleagues (bcc’ed),

 

On behalf of the following organizations and individuals, we submit the attached letter for your publication,

  COVID-19 Statement ENGLISH

Thank you,

 

Dr Yap Wei Aun

Dr Khor Swee Kheng

 

On behalf of the following signatories (all cc’ed)

Please print the entire list of names, thank you

 

1.       Datuk Seri Dr DZULKEFLY AHMAD   –   Former Minister of Health, Malaysia

2.       Datuk Seri Dr S. SUBRAMANIAM SATHASIVAM   –   Former Minister of Health, Malaysia

 

3.       Prof Dato’ Dr ADEEBA KAMARULZAMAN   –   Dean of Medicine, Universiti Malaya

4.       Mr AMRAHI BUANG   –   President, Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society

5.       Ms AUDRY WAN ULLOK   –   President, Sarawak Tourism Federation

6.       Ms CHRISANNE CHIN   –   National Director, 247 Prayer Malaysia

7.       Mr DELREN TERRENCE DOUGLAS   –   President, Assc. for Residential Aged Care Operators of Malaysia

8.       Dr GANABASKARAN   –   President, Malaysian Medical Association

9.       Dr HARTINI ZAINUDIN   –   Founder, Yayasan Chow Kit

10.   Dr HELMY HAJA MYDIN   –   Co-founder, Asthma Malaysia

11.   Mr J SOLOMON   –   Secretary-General, Malaysian Trades Unions Congress

12.   Dr JEFFREY ABU HASSAN   –   President, Islamic Medical Association Malaysia

13.   Archbishop JULIAN LEOW   –   Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur

14.   The Most Ven Datuk K SRI DHAMMARATANA   –   Chief High Priest of Malaysia, Buddhist Maha Vihara

15.   Mr LAU CHEE BOON   –   Chairman, LLG Cultural Development Centre

16.   Sis LOH PAI LING   –   President, Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia

17.   En LUKMAN SHERIFF ALIAS   –   Chair, Malaysian Alliance of Civil Society Organizations

18.   Ms MOEY YOKE LAI   –   Chair, Federation of Christian Mission Schools Malaysia

19.   A/Prof Dr MOHAMMAD HUSNI JAMAL   –   President, Academy of Family Physicians

20.   Datuk MUNIRAH ABDUL HAMID   –   President, Muslim Women’s Action Society (PERTIWI)

21.   Haji MUSTAFA ABD MAJID   –   President, Malaysian Association of Medical Assistants

22.   Bishop ONG HWAI TEIK   –   President, Council of Churches Malaysia

23.   Datuk ONG SENG KHEK   –   The Kuala Lumpur And Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall

24.   A/Prof Dr PANG YONG KEK   –   President, Malaysian Thoracic Society

25.   Dato’ Dr PAUL SELVA RAJ   –   Secretary-General, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations

26.   Mr PHILLIP YONG   –   Chairman, Association of Sarawak Inbound Agencies

27.   Dr RAJ KUMAR MAHARAJAH   –   President, Medical Practitioners Coalition Association

28.   Prof Dr RAJA AFFENDI RAJA ALI   –   Dean of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

29.   Prof Dr ROSMAWATI MOHAMED   –   Master, Academy of Medicine Malaysia

30.   Prof Dr SHAIFUL BAHARI ISMAIL   –   Dean of Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia

31.   Datuk SHAMSUDDIN BARDAN   –   Executive Director, Malaysian Employers Federation

32.   Pn SHARIPAH ASIAH SYED JUNID ALJUNID   –   President, Malaysian Nurses Association

33.   Tuan Haji YUZAIDI YUSOFF   –   Chairman, Muslim Professionals Forum

34.   Dato’ Dr ZAINAL ARIFFIN OMAR   –   President, Public Health Physicians Association

35.   Prof ZALEHA ABDULLAH MAHDY   –   President, Perinatal Society of Malaysia

 

36.   Tan Sri Dr ABU BAKAR SULEIMAN

37.   Dato’ Dr ALEX MATHEWS

38.   Dato’ Dr AMAR-SINGH HSS

39.   Datuk Dr CHRISTOPHER LEE

40.   Tan Sri Dr JEMILAH MAHMOOD

41.   Tan Sri Datuk Dr KAMAL MAT SALIH

42.   Prof Emeritus Dato’ Dr KHALID ABDUL KADIR

43.   Datuk Dr KULJIT SINGH

44.   Dato’ Dr MUSA NORDIN

The Rohingya Muslims, who comprise 5% of the population in Burma, are the innocent victims of genocide and ethnic cleansing.

The UN Human Rights chief, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva that “the situation seems a textbook example of ethnic cleansing”.

Despite constituting a considerable percentage of the Burmese population, they are deprived of citizenship, let alone to live as Muslims and raise their children according to the rules of Islam.

They do not possess any weapons, yet they are attacked by soldiers equipped with fatal weapons employing disproportionate force.

Unfortunately, children, girls, mothers, women, the old and infirmed are not spared of this inhuman massacre.

The Rohingyas have been deprived of their basic human rights and freedom which is enshrined in the “Universal Human Rights Declaration” signed by all UN member states.

We, the participant NGOs of the Consultation Meeting co-hosted by AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, Turkey), UNIW (Union of NGOs in the Muslim World) and AKFP (Al-Khidmat Foundation, Pakistan), hereby pledge to help the oppressed Rohingya people, towards ending the atrocities perpetrated by the Burmese government, racist and religious elements in the Burmese society.

We, the participants of the Rohingya Consultation Meeting hereby: 1. Urge the Burmese government to protect the human lives on their soils, whether citizens or otherwise and to accept the right of return of the Rohingya people to Burma.

2. Urge the Burmese government to allow aid and relief workers to be immediately dispatched to the areas affected by the conflict, to assume their work without fear of violence.

3. Urge the world community and its international human rights agencies to intervene urgently to protect the lives and properties of the Rohingyas in Burma and elsewhere.

4. Applaud the Bangladesh and Malaysian governments for providing much needed refuge to the Rohingya refugees and to the Turkish government for financial and humanitarian support.

5. Appeal to the government of Bangladesh to permit and facilitate humanitarian and relief NGOs to operate in Bangladesh until the crisis is stabilized or solved.

6. Request all members of the OIC to lobby for the right of return of the Rohingyas on the various international political platforms and actively support and fund the livelihood of the Rohingyas in the refugee camps in Bangladesh.

7. Appeal to all international agencies of the UN, relief and humanitarian NGOs to provide humanitarian relief to the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, inside the Rakhine State and elsewhere in Burma.

8. Urge the mainstream and alternative media create awareness of the massacre in Burma and the plight of the Rohingya people as a humanitarian issue and not a religious one.

9. Urge the educational institutions to undertake awareness campaigns and empower the youth to raise their voices on the Rohingya issue on social media.

10. Urge all participating NGOs to cooperate, coordinate and synergize their resources to ensure optimal outcomes to the Rohingya humanitarian crisis and continue to raise funds at the national and international level.

11. Urge all participating NGOs to strengthen their relationship with local NGOs currently working in Bangladesh and Burma.

Endorsed by member organisations of the International Consortium for Rohingya (ICR):
1) Al-Khidmat Foundation Pakistan (AKFP)
2) Federation of Islamic Medical Associations (FIMA)
3) Union of the NGOS of the Islamic World (UNIW)
4) Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA)
5) British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA)
6) PKPU Indonesia
7) Charity Australia International (CAI)
8) ICNA Relief Canada (IRC)
9) Islamic Aid Bangladesh (IAB)
10) Small Kindness Bangladesh (SKB)
11) Sarendeb Foundation for Relief & Development Sri Lanka (SFRD)
12) AMAL Malaysia
13) Cansuyu Turkey
14) UK Islamic Mission London (UKIM)
15) Helping Hand for Relief & Development (HHRD) USA
16) Disaster and Emergency Management (AFAD) Turkey
17) Turkish Red Crescent (TRC) Turkey
18) Besir Foundation Turkey
19) Deniz Feneri Turkey
20) IHH Turkey
21) Doctors Worldwide (DWW) Turkey
22) Bangladesh Doctors Forum (BDF)
23) Islamic Medical Association Lebanon (IMALB)
24) Islamic Medical Association Malaysia (IMAM)
25) Rohingya Federation of Arakan (RFA)
26) Hayrat Aid Turkey
27) Diyanet Foundation Turke