19 Ramadhan 1435 / 17 July 2014

THE SAVAGE ATTACKS ON GAZA’S HEALTH FACILITIES: GAZA’S HEALTHCARE SERVICES ON THE BRINK OF COLLAPSE!

The incessant attacks on the Gaza Strip has caused at least 220 deaths (~40% women and children) and injured 1,450 (~65% women and children). The MOH facilities have not been spared of the savage assaults. Two hospitals, six clinics, three ambulances and a water desalinization centre have been damaged and the toll is increasing.  The MOH has less than six days of fuel reserves to power hospitals, as attacks on the electricity lines have exacerbated the pre-existing power shortages and resulted in complete reliance on generators for 20 hours a day.

Even prior to the invasion, at the end of June, the Ministry of Health (MOH) central drug stores reported that 28% of essential medicine items were at zero stock and half of surgical consumables were at zero stock.

All MOH hospitals stopped elective surgeries three weeks ago to save resources and are struggling to cope with the deluge of emergencies. Chief Surgeon and Medical Director of Shifa Hospital, Dr Sobhi Skaik described the situation as impossible!

Dr. Ayman al-Sahbani, head of emergency in al-Shifa hospital described the gruesome situation at Gaza’s main hospital. “People admitted to the hospital come with shrapnel wounds or injuries resulting from the collapse of walls on people when their houses are bombed. Most of those who arrive dead, come dismembered.  Some arrive with missing parts. Others are torn to pieces.”

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) International, Doctors Without Borders, Nobel Peace Prize Winners in 1999, warned that the response to emergency needs at hospitals in Gaza could worsen quickly “due to already existing chronic shortages of drugs and disposables.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that medical services in Gaza city are on the brink of collapse as the Israeli military onslaught against the Strip continued.

The immediate priority of our humanitarian efforts is the resuscitation of the beleaguered health system made worse by the current invasion. Our estimates of the emergency list of medical & surgical supplies as requested by the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Gaza costs at least USD10 million. And this has not even begun to take into consideration the shortfalls and deficiencies inflicted by the chronic siege and blockade of Gaza.

Our joint endeavour is to provide basic and essential supplies for health care and help restore basic health services to the hospitals and clinics of the MOH of Gaza.

The 7 trucks that have entered Gaza the previous 48 hours have offloaded about USD200K worth of medical & surgical supplies. We are targeting a second convoy to deliver at least USD500K worth of essential medicines, medical equipments, surgical instruments and consumables.

Through our international networks, we have successfully purchased and stored most of these essential goods in Cairo, with the assistance of our partners in Egypt, Arab Medical Union (AMU), Islamic Medical Association of Egypt (IMAE) and PIMA (Palestinian International Medical Aid).

We further appeal to all our generous  individual and corporate donors to help rehabilitate the struggling medical facilities in Gaza.

All forms of generous contributions are acceptable including Zakat & Sadaqah. Kindly find our banking details, for your banking convenience as attached below.  Kindly email your corporate logo to relief@amueg.org for our display banners on the trucks.

May Allah reward you all abundantly for your prayers and contributions during this blessed month of Ramadhan.

Dato’ Dr Musa Mohd Nordin
musamn@gmail.com
vpmalaysia@gmail.com
Chairman, Viva Palestina Malaysia & FIMA Advisory

A/C Name: PERTUBUHAN VIVA PALESTINA MALAYSIA
Bank: Malayan Banking Berhad
Block C, Damansara Offices Complex, Jalan Dungun, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Account no: 5-64324-601324
Swift Code: MBBEMYKL

13 Ramadhan 1435 / 11 July 2014

PRESS RELEASE: MORE ATTACKS ON GAZA

On the morning of 8 July 2014, Israel unleashed yet another sequel of attacks on Gaza – Operation Protective Edge. Like its predecessor, Operation Cast Lead (2008/2009) and Operation Pillar of Defence (2012), these acts of genocide are reminiscent of the manner in which the state of Israel was born.

Violent inhuman atrocities and a militaristic policy of ethnic cleansing of the Israeli Occupying Forces (IOF) was the backdrop to the declaration of the state of Israel on 14 May 1948. The IOF acquired 78% of Palestine, expelled 750,000 Palestinians and destroyed 400 Palestinian villages. A catastrophe of monumental proportions for the indigenous Palestinians – the Nakba.

The unabated aggression of the IOF continues today with further confiscation of Palestinian land for Jewish settlements and the occupation of Jerusalem. The entire population of Gaza is now terrorised by widespread, incessant and indiscriminate bombings. Whilst, in defense, the Palestinians are firing Qassam rockets on the cities of Haifa, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, totally unanticipated by the IOF. Though of varying proportions, both the Israeli and Palestinian people are paying a heavy price, as a consequence of the “occupation mind-set” of the Zionist leadership.

The Israeli government continues to invite world scorn in its despicable treatment of the Palestinians and this latest incident is another ghastly and cowardly stain on its appalling human rights record. The racist, immoral and illegitimate actions of Israel have turned it into a rogue nation and increased its political isolation in the global community.

Where super powers have failed the Palestinians, civil society has responded with vigour and outrage to say “Enough is Enough”. There is a worldwide campaign to put pressure on Israel to abide by international law.

VIVA PALESTINA MALAYSIA REAFFIRM OUR RESOLVE THAT SECURITY, JUSTICE AND EQUALITY IS LONG OVERDUE TO EVERY ISRAELI AND PALESTINIAN.

IN OUR SINCERE AND EARNEST ENDEAVOUR TO REALISE THESE CHERISHED VALUES, WE HEREBY:
1.           URGE the world community and civil society to recognize that since the creation of Israel in 1948, the Palestinians have been forcibly and continually evicted from their homes and denied their right of a dignified return to their homeland.

2.           URGE the United Nations to rein in Israel to embrace the “Hudna” (Truce Plan) which stipulates her withdrawal to the border prior to June 1967 (UN Resolution 242/1967) and honour the right of return of the Palestinians as guaranteed by the UN (Resolution 194III/1949).

3.           URGE the United Nations to force Israel to end the occupation of Palestine, and value the well-being of both Israelis and Palestinians and their peaceful co-existence.

4.           URGE world governments to offer humanitarian aid to the Palestinian government in a show of solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine.

VIVA PALESTINA MALAYSIA  HEREBY:
1.     CONDEMN in the strongest possible term the latest campaign of aggression and genocide by Israel.

2.     URGE the United Nations to do everything possible to immediately end the wanton killings of innocent Palestinians and destruction of their infrastructure.

3.     SUPPORT any move by the Government of Malaysia to champion the Palestinian cause in their quest for freedom, justice and self-determination

4.     ENJOIN peace loving Malaysians to contribute generously to the rehabilitation and recovery of the Palestinian people and state

Dato Dr Musa Mohd Nordin
Chairman, Viva Palestina Malaysia

6 Ramadhan 1435 / 4 July 2014

Love, compassion, empathy and care are just a few of the noble traits nurtured during the blessed month of Ramadhan. The feeding of the less fortunate, namely the poor, orphan, homeless and destitute are among some of the most praiseworthy deeds advocated by the Prophet during this month.

In an authentic tradition narrated by At-Tirmidhi, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said;

“Save yourself from hellfire by giving even half a date-fruit in charity.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Hadith 498).

Charity is enjoined upon every decent human being, and Muslims are duty bound to extend a helping hand where it is needed. God allows that there should be among us in need of charity so that those who are able can give and increase their worth in the sight of God.

Allah says in the Quran, Surah Al Baqarah: 271;

“If you give charity in public, it is worthwhile (for it will persuade others), but if you hide and deliver it to the poor in secret that is (far) better for you. And Allah will remove from you some of your sins (due to this charity). And Allah is aware of all that you do.”

It is therefore highly inappropriate to say the least that in this holiest month of Ramadhan where Muslims are encouraged to engage in charity, the Federal Territories Minister has chosen to ban soup kitchens and fine both givers and takers of this charity.

Homelessness is symptomatic of malaise and inequity in society and the increase in their numbers reflect the widening social gaps. Urban poverty is a phenomenon that is well recognised in many of the big cities of the world including Paris, Tokyo and Washington. Urban poverty is worse than rural poverty for the urbanites have no plot of land to subsist on. In the urban areas it basically means “no money no eat”.

Thus the presence of soup kitchens in these cities to serve the homeless and destitute. These are made possible by many kind souls working individually or collectively with NGOs. They sacrifice their time, effort and money to feed and provide some modicum of relief to the downtrodden and destitute of KL.

The example of Umar Al Khattab, the second caliph of the Islamic empire, serves as a useful Ramadhan reflection for a caring and compassionate socio-political governance.

Umar was out one night with his assistant when he came upon an old woman sitting over a fire and stirring her pot. Her crying children were nearby. She did not recognise Umar and upon being asked informed him that her children were crying because they were hungry and all she had in her pot was water. She was pretending to cook, hoping her children would sleep out of exhaustion. Umar walked away immediately to the state godown and carried food provisions on his back, refusing his assistant’s help. When he returned, he helped the old woman prepare a meal and fed the children. Umar stayed watching till the children went to sleep happy. Only then could he sleep himself.

Food is one of our basic needs and no one relishes queuing and begging for it. The fact that there are some among us deprived of this basic need is a shame upon us. Banning the homeless and criminalising the soup kitchens is a sweep under the rug solution. It will not beautify our city for the stench comes from our failure in addressing a most basic need of our fellow beings – food and shelter.

Taking cognisance of this, the Muslim Professionals Forum urges the honourable minister to:

1. Reflect on the implications of his ill advised decree
2. Understand the problem of urban poverty holistically
3. Engage the  various stakeholders to strategise a comprehensive and long term solution
4. Support and facilitate these soup kitchens instead of persecuting them.

Press release of MPF issued by:
The Board of Directors
Muslim Professionals Forum

1 MAY 2014 / 2 REJAB 1435H

PRESS RELEASE: MUSLIM PROFESSIONALS FORUM ON THE HUDUD BILL

BACKGROUND

1.            When the Hudud Bill was tabled and adopted by the Kelantan State Assembly in 1993, very few had access to the internet and the social media was practically non-existent.  Only professional journalists, subject matter experts and politicians were able to get their views across to the reading public.   Also, Malaysian politics then was much less complicated. Today, “everyone can comment” and it will be there in the public domain.

2.            A deeply complex issue like Hudud is bound to elicit comments from its detractors that range from measured criticisms to ones that are hostile and based largely on prejudice.  Since the lay public overwhelms the learned in terms of numbers, the great bulk of writings is obviously not of the former type.  This may not have been an intended consequence of freedom of expression and we may not have been prepared for this, but this is the reality that we have to face today.

3.            The failings of Hudud implementation makes for a very newsworthy subject.  One need not be surprised by it because that is how some of the media works.  However, the weaknesses of Hudud implementation in other parts of the world where it is seen that the severe prescriptions are only for society’s weak and poor while the powerful get away with far greater transgressions serve as a reminder that this is a delicate and difficult task that has to begin with the building of trust and understanding with those who do not subscribe to it.  In this context we are reminded of the warnings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) when he said, “O people, those who have gone before you were destroyed, because if anyone of high rank committed theft among them, they spared him; and if anyone of low rank committed theft, they inflicted the prescribed penalty upon him. By Allah, if Fatimah, daughter of Muhammad, were to steal, I would have her hand cut off.” (Sahih Muslim. Book 17, Hadith number 3196). Today it is not just the non-Muslims who are opposed to it, Muslims with liberal inclinations are among the most vociferous opponents to the proposed Bill, some for reasons that are not entirely invalid, given the complex nature of Malaysian landscape.

4.            Even after 20 years, that Hudud is regarded by a significant section of society as a spectre that will drive a wedge and drag half the nation to stone age barbarism speaks volumes of our failure to communicate.  It also speaks of our penchant for excessive politicking on both sides of the divide that we fail to handle this difficult and sensitive issue in a manner that is above politics.  It may well be that the detractors of the Hudud will never be able to overcome the notion that Hudud can be allowed a place in modern, multi-religious and largely secular Malaysia. There are in place well established institutions, which have in some aspects accommodated the needs of Muslims in regard to Islamic law, but we feel there have not been sufficient efforts in creating an understanding and the gaining of trust on the subject of Shari’ah (Islamic jurisprudence).

THE MUSLIM PROFESSIONALS FORUM TAKING COGNISANCE OF THE ABOVE:

1.            Urge the proponents of the Hudud Bill to intensify its efforts to lay the pre-requisite groundwork, to inform the nation of the philosophy and text of the proposed bill and its context in Malaysia where notably among others, crime is an escalating national scourge and the safety and security of its citizens under perpetual threat. Notwithstanding the divine exhortation of the authentic scriptures, it would be an abuse of God’s laws and self-defeating if Hudud is implemented in an ambience of inequity, injustice, lack of freedom, pervasive corruption of state and national institutions and an opaque and incompetent corporate and political governance.

2.            Urge our fellow Malaysian, whether Muslims, adherents of other faiths or atheists to engage on the issue with mutual respect, decorum and sensitivity through discourses and dialogues. The current engagements have fallen far short of the basic norms of civility and the spirit of muhibbah as expounded by the founders of our nation. It nonetheless needs to be emphasized unequivocally that the Hudud Bill is only applicable on Muslims and Muslims alone.

3.            Urge the elected representatives to debate the Bill in Parliament rather than allow the intense political posturings outside it.  Surely a well argued debate is better than prejudiced comments that border on hate speech in cyber space.  It appears that there is a fearful confusion that debating the bill equates passing it.  Rather than creating the comic spectacle of forming a human shield at the Parliament building to block the Bill from being tabled, would  it not create a better impression on our representatives if they could mount well-argued responses and use their powers of persuasion to defeat it?   Do we not value openness and frank debate to resolve major issues in our society?

4.            Urge opponents of the Bill who have suggested that PAS is using this to shore up its declining support among the Malays to immediately realize and recognise that Hudud and the Shari’ah is beyond party politics for the ordinary faithful.  To us, Hudud is a part of Shari’ah, albeit a small one.  Although the detailed intricacies are beyond the grasp of the lay believer, the conviction on the place of Hudud as an integral part of the Shari’ah is grounded in Quranic text and the prophetic traditions.

The MUSLIM PROFESSIONALS FORUM HUMBLY NOTES:

1.            In an age where the language of Human Rights have crept into our consciousness in a way that was unimaginable 2 decades ago, may be the people of Kelantan should be given the right to be governed with a law which they feel is integral to the practice of their religion.  After all, it is only a small part of the country and it happens that Muslims make up more than 95% of the population.  The most vociferous critique of the Bill, leaders and members DAP, MCA, GERAKAN and Muslims with more liberal persuasions in Kuala Lumpur will be out of its jurisdiction anyway.

2.            Though 20 years too late, the national-level technical committee on Hudud as proposed by the Deputy Prime Minister is laudable. In fact if the proposed Bill gets sufficient votes, the real headache will only just begin, the devil surely being in the details.

3.            To get into public arguments at this stage for example on the role of doctors in carrying out the prescribed punishments seems premature and inappropriate.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MUSLIM PROFESSIONALS FORUM

Source URL: Rakyat Times

Published on Saturday, 05 April 2014 08:14
Written by Admin

Education concerns us all. It nurtures, transforms and liberates. The future of our nation depends on it.

Lately, issues on education have raised much concern among the rakyat. However, the ensuing discourse has, splintered the aspirations of the various interest groups instead of unifying them. The politicisation of education further complicated the issue.

A group of 29 concerned non-governmental organisations on education from various backgrounds has agreed to work together on an initiative to reform our education system. Our vast experience in running many educational institutions (private) and expertise from among our members will be applied to come up with a Malaysian approach to education.

The consensus of the group which forms the basis for this educational initiative is summarized as follows:

1.      Pluralistic Malaysia
Malaysia is a multi-ethnic, multicultural and multilingual country with multiple streams of schools. Any form of educational legislations, policies and reforms must be premised upon the pluralistic nature of our country;

2.      Holistic Approach
The approach to educational reform in our country should be holistic, with a Malaysian perspective towards a better Malaysia in the long term;

3.      Unity in Diversity
There is a need for a quality educational system which supports the development of schools of all streams and promotes unity through diversity so as to produce knowledgeable persons with integrity, as stated in the National Philosophy of Education;

4.      Equitable and Just Treatment of all Streams
Schools of all streams are valuable assets for the country. Thus, there should an equitable and just treatment for all streams in the national education system. Multiple streams of schools shall remain within the national education system, and should not be disputed.
5.      Bahasa Malaysia the National Language
The status of Bahasa Malaysia as the national language is preserved and protected, and should be a compulsory subject in all schools;

6.      Mother Tongue is a right and as a human right and effective learning medium
Mother tongue is the best medium of instruction for effective learning in motivating students to think critically, learn independently and participate actively in class;

7.      English the Global Language
Undoubtedly, English is the global language. There must be a concerted effort to raise the standard of English among our students to enable them to compete on the global platform;

8.      Deteriorating Standards
The deterioration in the quality of education, as revealed by the international assessments done by The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is of deep concern;

9.      Make Learning Fun
Young people learn better in an atmosphere that is fun. Our education system should incorporate ways that engage our students and not distance them. Students should be encouraged to ask questions and express their opinions which in turn will lead to a more enriching teaching and learning process whence acceptance, understanding, respect and fairness are experienced;

10.  Meet Challenges Head On
Our students are ill-prepared for the tremendous escalation in global competition. Reforms on the Malaysian education system should meet the challenges head-on;

11.  Equal Access to Quality Education
Every student has the right to quality education, regardless of social, ethnic or any other background. Our education system must ensure that each student is guaranteed this.

12. For this education reform to be realised, the Education Act 1996 must be amended and the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025 must be reformulated and rectified.

The group has agreed to work in the following areas:

(a)   Education Philosophy and Mission
(b)   Equity Concerns
(c)    Equality Concerns
(d)   Unity Concerns
(e)   Decentralisation of Education
(f)     Quality and Planning Concerns
(g)   Education Oversight (Ombudsman)

We welcome participation from any interested parties to make this initiative a success.

Education liberates. Let us together free our future generations.

List of Initiating NGOs of National Education Reform Initiative (NERI)

1.       The KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH)

2.       Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia (IKRAM)

3.       Persekutuan Persatuan- Persatuan  Lembaga Pengurus Sekolah China Malaysia (Dong Zong)

4.       Gabungan Persatuan Guru-Guru Sekolah Cina Malaysia (Jiao Zong)

5.       LLG Cultural Development Centre (LLG)

6.       Tamil Foundation (TF)

7.       Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM)

8.       National Indian Rights Action Team (NIAT)

9.       Negeri Sembilan Chinese Assembly Hall (NSCAH)

10.   Muslim Professional Forum (MPF)

11.   Centre for Malaysian Chinese Studies (CMCS)

12.   Dewan Perhimpunan China Pulau Pinang (PCTH)

13.   Dewan Perhimpunan China Melaka

14.   Gabungan Pertubuhan-pertubuhan Cina Johor

15.   Persekutuan Pesatuan-persatuan Alumni Sekolah China Malaysia

16.   The Federation of Alumni Associations of Taiwan Universities, Malaysia (FAATUM)

17.   The Association Of Graduates From Universities and Colleges of China, Malaysia

18.   Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia (JAGAM)

19.   Nanyang University Alumni Association of Malaya

20.   Merdeka University Bhd

21.   The Federation Of Hokkien Associations Malaysia

22.   The Federation Of Kwang Tung Association Malaysia

23.   Persatuan Kwangsi Malaysia

24.   Persatuan San Kiang Association In Malaysia

25.   Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce

26.   Malaysia-China Friendship Association

27.   Eight Major Chinese Youth-based Organizations (EMCO)

28.   Malaysia Christian Youth Association (MCYA)

29.    Council of National Clan-based Youth Federation of Malaysia (CNCYFM)

For Immediate Release

Protect and Uphold Our Rich Diversity

5 January, 2014

Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia (GBM) views the escalating tension vis-a-vis the Kalimah Allah issue with great concern.

We regard Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor’s (JAIS) seizure of Bibles as well as the planned protests against Catholic Churches by various conservative Muslim organizations as  retrogressive and against the goal of establishing a truly peaceful Malaysia.

JAIS had clearly acted beyond its jurisdiction, as it is mandated only to manage  Islamic related affairs. By forcing its way into the Bible Society of Malaysia’s premises it had acted in aggression and disrespect towards an established Christian organization. Much worse, it had done so with neither a warrant nor any evidence that the Bibles were being used to proselytize Muslims.

On this issue, GBM would like to highlight the freedom of religion that is guaranteed in the federal constitution to every Malaysian. In this regard, each and every non-Muslim  is promised the   the right and freedom to practise their religion as long as it does not infringe on the status of Islam as the official religion.

We would also like to affirm our support for Putrajaya’s Ten Point Agreement between the Federal Government and the Christian community in 2011, which recognizes the right of Christians to the use of the word Allah. We expect  this agreement to be upheld by Putrajaya.

Viewing the deteriorating situation with utmost concern and in our shared quest for justice and peaceful co-existence, GBM strongly urge:

1)     1)  JAIS to return the seized Bibles as soon as possible with a formal apology recognizing they had acted beyond their powers.

2)  2) The newly established National Unity Consultative Council to issue an immediate statement against rising politicisation of religion as a hindrance towards a more inclusive and just Malaysia.

3)    3)  The Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Mohammed Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak  to censure the extremist elements within his party which are clearly linked to the groups that are stoking religious hostilities.

Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia, as a multicultural coalition of civil society organizations, seeks to establish a harmonious Malaysia where various cultures can flourish together as one. We believe the multiculturalism and diversity which Malaysia enjoys is at once both a blessing as well as a challenge.

Malaysia’s rich diversity is a celebration of racial, religious and cultural backgrounds and presents an opportunity for us to expand our horizons and together work towards a nation that provides and promotes religious discourse and scholarship with love, compassion and mutual respect. On the other hand, it also poses a fragile challenge to our multi-cultural community because it is readily abused by individuals and groups for ulterior political gains.

Strong, effective and principle centric leadership is required to ensure that Malaysia continues to enjoy our blessed diversity and challenges posed by ethno-religious bigots are immediately identified and eliminated in order for us to live harmoniously and peacefully in mutual respect. We believe it is our joint aspiration and hope to see this happen as soon as possible before the situation further worsens.

Issued by

the Executive Council of Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia

Note: GBM comprises of the following 25 civil society organisation members:

1)          Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH)

2)          Aliran

3)          Tamil Foundation

4)          Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia (IKRAM)

5)          Majlis Perundingan Malaysia Agama Buddha, Krisitian, Hindu, Sikh dan Tao
(MPMA- BKHST)

6)          Negeri Sembilan Chinese Assembly Hall (NSCAH)

7)          Penang Chinese Town Hall (PGCTH)

8)          The Federation of Chinese Associations Johore State (FCAJ)

9)          Lim Lian Geok Cultural Development Centre (LLG)

10)       United Chinese School Alumni Association of Malaysia (UCSAAM)

11)       Muslim Professionals Forum (MPF)

12)       Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)

13)       Pusat Komunikasi Masyarakat (KOMAS)

14)       Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM)

15)       Persatuan Masyarakat Selangor dan Wilayah Persekutuan (Permas)

16)       National Indian Rights Action Team (NIAT)

17)       People’s Green Coalition (PGC)

18)       Anak Muda Sarawak (AMS)

19)       All Women’s Action Society (AWAM)

20)       Partners in Community Organising (Pacos Trust)

21)       Persatuan Bekas Siswazah Universiti dan Kolej di China, Malaysia (Liu-Hua)

22)       Nanyang University Alumni Malaya (Nanda)

23)       Japan Graduates Association, Malaysia (JAGAM)

24)       Gabungan Persatuan Alumni Universiti Taiwan Malaysia (GPAUTM)

25)       Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF)

—

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)
c/o The KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) GBM Secretariat

Phone: 03 2272 3594/012 320 6959    Fax:03 2272 4089

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gabungan-Bertindak-Malaysia-GBM/163726347067478?fref=ts

Email: infogpoam@gmail.com

Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia

Media Statement

14 October, 2013

Rule of Law or Rule by Zahid’s Law?

The Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has, since the last general election been behaving unbecoming of a Minister of Malaysia. He behaved his worst on October the 6, 2013, in Melaka when he committed multiple serious mistakes against the nation.

GBM is aghast at his behavior. It is totally unacceptable of a Minister of any country!

Blatantly ignoring the fact that 51 per cent of the peoples’ popular vote in the13^th General Election went against UMNO, Zahid Hamidi told the Malaysians that 51 per cent of them could leave the country and settle elsewhere. This showed his total disregard for the choice the rakyat and his disrespect for democracy.

Last Sunday, 6^th of October 2013, he was in Melaka to brief the people on issues related to national security. In the supposedly closed door meeting, Zahid Hamidi had the audacity to declare that the “Three Line Gang”, a banned Malay gang, as a friendly “festive gangsters” and cheered them on to do what has to be done. This is a blatant racist call to the Malay underworld to continue with their acts of gangsterism. GBM is constrained to state that lending support to gangsters of any type is contradictory to the responsibilty of the Home Affairs Minister.

With an eye on the forthcoming UMNO General Assembly and his aggressive lobbying for the VP post, Zahid ranted that the Chinese underworld were the head of gangsters and the Indians, the operators. He rationalised that the combination of these two pendatang races in the underworld rendered the Malays as their victims. GBM firmly believes that supporting the Malay gangsters, branding the Chinese and the Indians as head gangsters and operators respectively and declaring the Malays as the victims of gangsterism is unmistakably a racist discourse and a heinous scheme that can provoke racial emotions of the rakyat.  He warned the journalists present at his so-called closed door meeting not to report the racist slurs that he had indulged in at the meeting. He threatened them with the closure of their papers. He had earlier threatened a young journalist, Lawrence Young of Malaysiakini. His threats to muzzle the press violated the freedom of speech as guaranteed by our Constitution.

Another major misdeed of Zahid has been his “shoot first” statement.

GBM is not defending common criminals. It will, however take to task those vested with power, like the Home Minister and the IGP, when they act in total disregard of the Rule of Law.

GBM deeply regrets that our Prime Minister, while busy and active globe-trotting promoting moderation, has done nothing to restrain or reprimand the Home Minister Zahid Hamidi or the IGP.

GBM calls upon the Prime Minister to heed the call of the people and act swiftly to restrain ministers the likes of Zahid Hamidi, and police personnel to tone down their racist innunedos and “shoot first” calls and ensure the security personnel act in a professional manner so as to win back the confidence of the people.

GBM, with utmost respect, would like to appeal to His Majesty, SPB Yang Di-Pertuan Agong to summon the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet, to advise and caution them to conduct themselves in the best interests of the people of this country.

GBM, with utmost  respect, implores  His Majesty, SPB Yang Di-Pertuan Agong to sternly advise the members of the Cabinet to remember and to function as Ministers of all people of Malaysia.

We also implore His Majesty, to advise the members of the Cabinet to embrace unequivocally the Constitution and the precept, “Rule of Law” as the supreme weapon against lawlessness, towards ensuring peace and order in the nation.

GBM appeals to each and every rakyat to do whatever needs to be done to ensure that Rule of Law rules our Country.

Issued by the Executive Council of GBM

GBM comprises of the the following 25 Member Organisations:

1. Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) 吉隆坡暨雪兰莪中华大会堂
2. Aliran 国民醒觉运动
3. Tamil Foundation 淡米尔基金会
4. Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia (IKRAM) 马来西亚回教革新理事会
5. Majlis Perundingan Malaysia Agama Buddha, Krisitian, Hindu, Sikh dan Tao (MPMA-BKHST) 马来西亚五大宗教理事会
6. Negeri Sembilan Chinese Assembly Hall (NSCAH) 森美兰中华大会堂
7. Penang Chinese Town Hall (PGCTH) 槟城华人大会堂
8. The Federation of Chinese Associations Johore State (FCAJ) 柔佛中华总会
9. Lim Lian Geok Cultural Development Centre (LLG) 林连玉基金
10. United Chinese School Alumni Associations of Malaysia (UCSAAM)

1. 马来西亚华校校友会联合会总会
2. Muslim Professionals Forum (MPF) 穆斯林专业论坛
3. Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) 人民之声
4. Pusat Komunikasi Masyarakat (KOMAS) 社区传播中心
5. Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM) 马来西亚之子
6. Persatuan Masyarakat Selangor dan Wilayah Persekutuan (Permas) 雪隆社区协会
7. National Indian Rights Action Team (NIAT) 全国印裔权益行动组织
8. People’s Green Coalition (PGC) 马来西亚人民绿色联盟
9. Anak Muda Sarawak (AMS) 砂拉越青年之子

1. All Women’s Action Society (AWAM) 妇女行动协会
2. Partners in Community Organising (Pacos Trust) 沙巴社区伙伴信托组织
3. Persatuan Bekas Siswazah Universiti dan Kolej di China, Malaysia (Liu-Hua) 马来西亚留华同学会
4. Nanyang University Alumni Malaya (Nanda) 马来亚南大校友会
5. Japan Graduates Association, Malaysia (JAGAM) 马来西亚留日同学会
6. Gabungan Persatuan Alumni Universiti Taiwan Malaysia (GPAUTM) 马来西亚留台校友会联合总会
7. Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF) 回教复兴前线组织

28 July 2013

Cairo’s Ramadhan Massacres – 27 July 2013

The massacre of more than 100 innocent protesters in Cairo as they were preparing for their early morning meal (sahoor) on the 18th of Ramadan (27 July 2013) is another blood drenched aftereffect of the coup that overthrew the legitimately elected President of Egypt in the first free and fair elections the country has seen.

The killing of more than 50 protesters in the Republican Guard Massacre on the 8th of July, also in the blessed month of Ramadan  while people were praying was apparently not enough to whet the blood thirsty appetite of the coup plotters and their supporters among the so called liberals and seculars of Egypt.

The pathetic excuse that the protesters were terrorists and an armed mob is simply inexcusable and totally unacceptable. Video testimony has debunked this wild and politically motivated allegation.

They were peacefully protesting the premeditated coup (which by White House definition is not a coup) of 3 July 2013.

They were peacefully demanding the reinstatement of the country’s elected parliament, the return of duly elected lawmakers and a national constitution agreed upon by more than 60% of the electorate.

They refuse to accept that the 2 million people incited onto the streets is justification to ignore the 13 million democratic votes  (52%) of the general Egyptian electorate.

They refuse to accept the army general in sunglasses who ignores the results of six elections and the mandate given to President Mohammed Morsi to govern Egypt till his appointed term.

They refuse to accept that an army general who was never elected can decide the future of their country and impose an unelected president and a vice president to politically govern Egypt.

If the current wave of violence is not stemmed, Egypt seems destined for a vicious downward spiral into civil strife, which is not in the interest of any peace loving nation. And it’s once glorious army is at risk of condemning itself in the eyes of the world.

In light of this, the Muslim Professionals Forum urges:

1.            The democratic peoples of the world, who believe in free and fair elections and the legitimacy that democracy brings, to condemn in no uncertain terms the horrific acts of killing of innocent civilians by the security forces.

2.            The killings to be stopped immediately and the Army to return to the military barracks where they rightly belong; not in the political space of democratically elected civilians.

3.            The democratically elected president to be reinstated immediately.

4.            The parliament and elected lawmakers to reassume their legislative duties to uphold the sanctity of the Egyptian constitution.

5.            That all political prisoners be released unconditionally or be charged in the court of law.

Ramadhan is a month of worship and reflection and as we race to heighten our piety, MPF calls on all parties involved to reflect deeply within themselves and do what is right for the great nation of Egypt.

Board of Directors

Muslim Professionals Forum