 Press Releases  May 13th, 2013 Media Statement
9 May, 2013
GBM AGAINST RACISM- IN MALAYSIA!
Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia (GBM), a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and non-partisan organisation representing 25 NGOs is greatly concerned with the characterisation of the Pakatan Rakyat’s gains in the recent elections as a “Chinese tsunami” by the Prime Minister YB Dato’ Seri Mohd Najib Abdul Razak.
It has since been echoed by the Utusan Malaysia and various facebook entries. The Utusan Malaysia, 7 May 2013, carried the headline, “Apa lagi Cina Mau?” (What else do the Chinese want?). This and other similar entries would undoubtedly instigate hostility of the Malay community against the Chinese.
Prime Minister Mohd Najib Abdul Razak defence of Utusan Malaysia’s racial innuendos is most unbecoming.
The election outcome shows a BN winning only 47.38% of the popular votes. This poor showing cannot be entirely due to the Chinese voters alone.
Notwithstanding gains in Kedah, UMNO’s support base has been eroded substantially in Johor, Melaka and Pahang, where two outgoing Menteri Besar/Chief Minister and two deputy ministers were deposed. Similarly, there was a strong Kadazandusun swing against the BN, resulting in the opposition’s seat gains increase from 1 to 12 in … [Read more]
Press Releases September 23rd, 2012
20 September 2012
Use and Abuse of the Freedom of Speech Discourse
The violent consequences of past artistic, literary and cultural aggressions against the sanctity of Islam and the prophet seemed to have not taught us any lessons. The abomination against theism continues unabated. Claiming to be works of literature or the arts, the perpetrators have guised behind the cloak of freedom of speech. The notoriety against Islam has been littered with the likes of Salman Rushdie’s despicable Satanic Verses, through to the ugly Danish cartoons and the latest “film” which has maliciously maligned prophet Muhammad. Caricatures of the prophet have today headlined the French press. The pristine beliefs of Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism have similarly not been spared this irreligious onslaught.
These vulgar and blasphemous provocations are intent on mocking the believers reverence of their religious text, tenets and their prophets. Specific individuals and interest groups are unashamedly abusing our noble values of freedom of speech and expression to tarnish the image of authentic religions, demonizing it and demeaning its prophets with trails of untruths and unfounded claims.
In response to the film “Innocence … [Read more]
Hazlan Zakaria
Over 70 civil society organisations today called upon Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to take action against political hooliganism mushrooming in the country, or stand accused of condoning such violence and being in bed with its thuggish perpetrators.
 “If the political violence continues due to the alleged impunity granted by the police, the PM will be perceived as being complicit in these acts of violence and intimidation,” said the groups in a joint statement read out at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.
The groups came forward to express their alarm that the worrisome trend of “contrived violence”, which they believe is being engineered to suppress free democratic discourse and political choice in the run-up to the 13th general election.
Such political intimidation and violence, the groups claim, will undermine the very fabric of society and its freedoms if left unchecked.
 They pointed to the attacks on ceramah held by NGO Asalkan Bukan Umno and during the political speeches by PKR leaders Nurul Izzah Anwar and her father Anwar Ibrahim, as signs of the worrying trend.
They … [Read more]
Press Releases November 26th, 2011
The Plan of Action for Malaysia (PoAM) Coalition urges the Government to immediately withdraw the Peaceful Assembly Bill, which is unconstitutional and more repressive than the existing Police Act.
PoAM urges the public to join the protests organised by Kempen Kebebasan Berhimpun (KKB), the Bar Council and other civil society groups as well as overseas Malaysians against this act. The events scheduled so far are:
1. Vigil: (a) 26th November, Saturday 7.30pm, Dataran Merdeka
2. Walk: (a) 26th November, Saturday 2-3pm, KLCC park near water fountain; (b) 29th November, Tuesday, 11.30am, Lake Club to Parliament
3. Public Forum: 29th November, Tuesday, 8pm, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
PoAM reminds the public that in 1981, the then new Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad too attempted to amend the Societies Act to cripple political participation of associations, but the amendment was defeated by a united front of civil society groups coming from all backgrounds.
PoAM is therefore confident the bill will have to be withdrawn or be rendered unenforceable if the public pressure continues to mount.
PoAM holds that the hefty fines of RM 10,000 for assembly organisers who fail to notify … [Read more]
Press Releases June 24th, 2011
24th June 2011
We the undersigned board members of MPF read with horror and disbelief the open threats to commit murder on proponents of BERSIH 2 March planned for 9 July 2011.
Rhetorics and posturing are part and parcel of an active democracy, but any threat of violence is malicious and jeopardises the peaceful co-existence of all in this beloved country of ours
Regardless of one’s feelings about the correctness or otherwise of the planned gathering on 9 July 2011, nobody other than the insane or racial supremacist will be in agreement with the obnoxious wave of highly coordinated text messages aimed at Dato’ Ambiga and her like minded colleagues.
The inaction of the relevant authorities does not bode well for an otherwise peaceful and harmonious Malaysia. Failure to apprehend and charge the culprit with intent to murder will be dereliction of duty of the highest order.
The silence of the national leaders in the face of this racist and deplorable death threat is also cause for concern. All Malaysians who love this country must unequivocally condemn this dastardly and cowardly act of extreme provocation.
The royal houses whose existence … [Read more]
Press Releases September 18th, 2010
Kuala Lumpur, 17th September 2010………The biggest ever contingent from Malaysia to participate in a gigantic land convoy left over the past 2 days to London. On 18th September 2010, they will depart London and join convoys from Casablanca and Doha, carrying supplies such as medicine, medical equipment, educational & building materials to Gaza.
Viva Palestina Malaysia (VPM) successfully raised funds to be a part of this 5th Land Convoy ‘A Global Lifeline to Gaza’. Our funds enabled the purchase of 6 vehicles which will be filled with desperately needed aid and this includes supplies for the construction of a school for orphans and a maternity hospital.
VPM members who will be participating in the ‘Global Lifeline to Gaza’ Convoy are:
Azra Banu
Siti Azura Dato Nordin Torji
Mohd Faisal Mohd Idrus
Abd Wahab Yahya
Rofazlin Jusoh
Mohd Yusof Ahmad
Azmi Katiman
Mohd Taupek Abd Rahman
Mohd Zin Kandar
Norazmi Talib
Dato Dr Musa Mohd. Nordin
Dato Adnan Mohd Tahir
The Malaysian contingent of 12 volunteers, including 2 ladies, would drive and co-drive the 6 vehicles. Ten (10) left for London on the 15th and 16th September to begin this month long road trip.
Dato Mohd Adnan Tahir, chairman of VPM and Dato Dr … [Read more]
Press Releases January 25th, 2010
 PRESS RELEASE ON VIVA PALESTINA MALAYSIA’s BOYCOTT ISRAEL WALKABOUT
Kuala Lumpur, 24th January 2010…….Viva Palestina Malaysia (VPM) members, family and friends donned ‘Boycott Israel’ t shirts while taking in a leisurely morning stroll amidst the cool crisp morning air and lush green surroundings of Taman Bukit Kiara. The walk was aimed at encouraging the public to boycott Israel as well as 4 companies which support the Zionist regime through their manufacturing and business operations.
As part of sustained efforts to support the Palestinian cause for freedom and justice, Viva Palestina Malaysia (formerly known as COMPLETE – Coalition of Malaysian NGOs against Persecution of Palestinians) joins the worldwide call for a boycott of Israel.
The Sunday walk was the third activity in a series of ‘Boycott Israel’ events held by VPM starting with our Boycott Israel Campaign I held on 15th August at Menara DBKL followed by a ‘Family and Friends Day’ at Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall on November 14th.
Viva Palestina Malaysia’s activities reinforce the message that was relayed by last year’s ‘Criminalising War’ Conference in Kuala Lumpur at which Y.A. Bhg Tun … [Read more]
Press Releases January 8th, 2010
PRESS RELEASE
The cowardly and utterly senseless act of a group of misguided, chauvinistic bigots in torching at least three churches in the Klang Valley this morning must be condemned in no uncertain terms by all peace loving Malaysians.
This act of arson, committed presumably in the name of Islam desecrates the very religion it purports to protect. The Holy Quran unequivocally prohibits destroying the houses of worship of all religions, as warned in Surah Al-Hajj, Verse 40.
“… Had not Allah checked the excesses and aggression of one set of people by means of another, surely would be destroyed monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, in which the name of Allah is commemorated …”
During the reign of Umar ibn Al-Khattab, the second righteous caliph, the religious freedom of the citizens of Ilya (Jerusalem) and the sanctity of their synagogues and places of worship were confirmed: “This is the protection which the slave-servant of Allah, Umar, the Commander of the Believers, extends to the people of Ilya: The safeguarding of their lives, properties, churches, crosses, and of their entire community. Their churches cannot be occupied, … [Read more]
Press Releases November 10th, 2008
MPF 4TH PRESS RELEASE – ISA ARRESTS
8th November 2008
The Muslim Professionals Forum ( MPF ) applauds the decisions handed down at the Shah Alam High Court and Kuala Lumpur Sessions court on 7th November, 2008.
In ordering the release of ISA detainee, blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin, judge Syed Ahmad Helmy Syed Ahmad has shown great wisdom and fairness as has judge Komathy Suppiah in denying the prosecution’s request for the case of Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to be transferred to the High Court. We similarly echo the sentiments of the defense counsel in the former case, when he said that this was a “ historic ruling and profound moment for civil liberties in this country.”
The ISA is an archaic piece of legislation and the time has come for its natural demise. The Muslim Professionals Forum very strongly calls for the immediate repeal of this draconian relic and the prompt judicial review of all ISA detainees. We urge the government to take the bold step of doing what is right and just. Justice and fairness are principles enshrined in Islam, and it is incumbent upon every Muslim to uphold these values, elevating them to their sublime pedestal.
The decisions in our courts yesterday … [Read more]
Press Releases September 28th, 2008
MPF 3ND PRESS RELEASE – ISA ARRESTS
The Qur’an guarantees Freedom of Expression, so Free Raja Petra and all ISA detainees
25th September 2008
 We read the statement issued by the Home Minister concerning the detention of Raja Petra Kamaruddin under the dreaded and inhumane Internal Security Act (ISA) with skepticism. According to the Home Minister, Raja Petra was detained because his articles ridiculed Islam. One is now left to wonder whether Islam itself allows such detention without trial in order to protect its sanctity from being ridiculed by people, the likes of Raja Petra.
We would like to stress the fact that there is ample evidence in the Qur’an which guarantees freedom of expression (hurriyat ar-ra’iy) that is generally accepted as a subset of freedom of speech (hurriyat al-qaul). Individuals should be able to accept or reject a particular faith or dogma on the basis of personal conviction, and that no amount of external pressure or compulsion should be permitted. The cardinal Qur’anic doctrine is that: “There shall be no coercion in matters of faith” [2:256]
Every single person has the right, guaranteed by the Qur’an, to freely follow and express his … [Read more]
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