Doing good by PAS

Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud, a first-time Member of Parliament (Kota RaJa) and a central committee member of PAS, represents the new dynamic progressive voice of the Islamic party. She spoke to Rathi Ramanathan on issues ranging from women’s issues, the NEP and homosexuality.

TheSun: You were a practising medical doctor. When and what made you turn to a political career with PAS?
Siti Mariah: I was a practising doctor for less than three years before I joined UKM as a lecturer, in pre-clinical science. I still do a bit of clinical work like diagnosing hypertension, diabetes etc.

I joined as an ordinary member of PAS in 1993 but only became politically active in 1997 when I resigned as a lecturer from UPM. I chose PAS because of my religiosity and Islamic tendencies. Islam is a way of life, so understanding of politics is one thing, but the party reflects Islamic values. All in my family are PAS members, including my mother who rose to be deputy chief of the Muslimat (women’s wing).

Interestingly, there are more women drawn into politics through PAS. Did your husband object to your joining PAS?
My husband is also a PAS member. I waited until the youngest of my six children started Standard One before I made the decision to be politically active in 1997. Before that I also had a full-time job.

Do you miss being a doctor?
I do miss it as I love seeing patients. But a doctor’s job is demanding and my priority was then with my family. I was also helping my husband run his business before being elected MP.

As a first time Member of Parliament, how are you finding public life? How has it affected your life and how are you coping?
I hardly have time for the family. I have to reschedule the time with my family due to my parliamentary and constituency demands. But I am enjoying these new demands because I love meeting people. Furthermore, I no longer have to worry about earning an extra income as there is more financial independence when you are an MP and it gives me the flexibility to check in on the family business when I need to but I have delegated my duties to my daughter.

PAS appears to be reinventing itself. What can you tell us about the party’s progressive agenda?
It has a progressive agenda. Islam is a universal religion. In the last 10 years of engagement with the various sectors of society, we have found that Islam has been propagandised. However, when we took time to explain the universality of Islam and that Islam protects all and gives rights to all, we found non-Muslims to be very receptive.

Race is not an issue as Islam is the overarching banner which is why we have created a new slogan – PAS for all – which communicates the message that we will fight for everyone’s right. However, PAS is an old party ... now 50 years old and we have a wide spectrum of members with intellectual and economic capacities. Our grassroots are mainly Malay rural folk and now urban and lately, we have attracted non-Muslims, too.

We have been toying with the idea of having non-Muslims, especially the younger generation of Indians as members for the last ten years. We know we cannot be the main and dominant party without the non-Muslim support. They also want us to consider extending membership to them. Our own members consist of old-timers and non-progressives who fear that if we have non-Muslims as members our Islamic agenda will be diluted and we have conveyed that fear to our non-Muslim supporters.

How have you attracted urban support?
It has been through our openness toward new ideas. When it comes to Islamic knowledge and understanding of politics, the urban members are more exposed, well-read, and intellectually stronger compared to our core rural supporters. But we still have to keep in mind our core supporters. They believe Islam is a way of life but in terms of knowledge, we base our interpretation on the Madinah (Medina) model. But we have to adapt accordingly so we have intellectuals who do this and this process in turn has attracted the urbanites.

So would you say the road to a progressive agenda and to re-invent PAS is based on getting the non-Muslims on board or the reforms have to happen before wooing the non-Muslims?
I think it has to be both. You must engage the non- Muslims and also maintain your core supporters. Right now the non-Muslims are prepared to join us and have expressed that they are happy to just join as members. However, they would not have the full rights as standing members and cannot join party ranks.

The head of the party will always be a Muslim and the ulamah will also have a final say in policy matters even if we did allow non-Muslims in as members.

Our decisions are based on the Quran and the Sunnah and we do not make decisions without lengthy debate which needs consensus building. The party head can use veto powers but even before that, he must have consensus.

For example, our Hindraf supporters, because they don’t belong to a party machinery, have a harder time accepting changes and understandably want to see instant improvements. So we worry also that there may be some tension within the party should they join.

The status quo is that we would rather work on the basis of accepting our members as equals and at the same time educate our non-Muslim aspirants on our party struggle. If our core members can accept this then we will allow non-Muslims into our party, otherwise, there will be conflict.

Is one of area of contention the Hudud laws?
Hudud law is only the criminal part of Islam. Until and when people can understand those laws, we will not implement them. There remains a lot of ignorance surrounding Hudud laws as we were never given the opportunity to explain. Hudud laws would apply to only criminals and the process of law is still the same as any other, only the final punishment differs. As Muslims we have to believe in the ultimate law of God and make sure it can function.

It is not unlike what women’s groups and the civil society underwent when lobbying for the rape laws. Without proper guidance and education, there was a lot of resistance.

We will need also to engage academicians and experts on jurisprudence before we implement the laws and then we need to train lawyers, too. Furthermore, as a member of the Pakatan, we also have to ensure that the other parties also accept the Hudud laws.If we cannot convince them, how would we be able to convince the rakyat? It is not on the top of our agenda as uppermost in our list is social justice and the welfare of the people.

How large are the progressive voices within PAS?
The progressive voices are evident in the middle ranks and they are now large, and growing.

Let’s talk about the progressive agenda of women’s rights and gender equality. What efforts has PAS made towards this end?
Islam itself guarantees women’s rights but it is the practices that are not in line. As far as women’s rights are concerned, we have no problem with the methodology. We do need to understand husbands’ rights and wives’ rights. And, if we are talking about rights, we also have to talk about responsibilities.

In PAS, these things are clear, and we do not agree with the position that the party is gender biased. It is up to the women in the party to chart their role in this society.

It is how you quote the laws as the principles are there but lawyers, jurists have to interpret them in a way that is just for both men and women.

On the issue of polygamy, men talk about it as their right, but it is not. There are clear conditions that must be satisfied and women can refuse to allow it. If we were to remove polygamy now, women would be the victims as many marriages are not even registered. So the focus in our view is on enforcement. Are these men in fact getting their wives’ permission?

Polygamy would not be widespread unless women have consented to it. That is why polygamy is not about your right ... it also concerns the right of the family. So we need women and men to understand the laws and issues surrounding polygamy.

Is PAS engaging Sisters (SIS) in Islam?
Unfortunately, not actively. I think it is because of their image that there are problems in engaging them. SIS have done wonderful work, it is just their approach. Customs and traditions are difficult to overcome. We have our ulamah who think in a certain way. Sometimes progressive ideas are perceived to come from the West and when they fail to succeed in engaging these, the ulamah become defensive.

Are you and other women in the Muslimat (women’s wing) pushing for a progressive agenda for women?
We are focusing on the role of women, yes. Ten years ago women in PAS generally were happy not to be in the front line but that view has shifted. We played an active role and demanded, in subtle ways and pushed for ourselves to participate politically, for example, in elections.

Now we are witnessing PAS women candidates in the front line but we do not support the idea of quota, because we believe these candidates must be capable as much effort has been made in training them not to feel inferior. If we see women who are capable, we push them forward. We have seen steady progress. For example, in previous elections only 11 women were fielded and in the 2008 elections, that number rose to 13. At the state level, we have ensured that in both Kelantan and Kedah executive councils women are represented.

Is there a ceiling for women in PAS?
Yes, one day, but in my life time, perhaps as high as vice-president, not president. The party is not ready for that kind of change.

You are a member of the steering committee on the Coalition Against Health Care Privatisation? Can you explain what the coalition intends to focus on?
We have to press on with the "health for all" agenda and we want to protect our public health sector so that it is accessible to all citizens and non-citizens. There are new forces like health tourism which have negatively impacted on the delivery of quality health services as more doctors are drawn to higher salaries in the private sector. The extending of private wings in public hospitals is also a big worry as it cannot but have an impact on the quality of healthcare services when doctors will be overworked.

While we understand that health tourism brings in foreign exchange, we would prefer to focus on paying the doctors and paramedics better wages, fees.

What is PAS’s position on HIV and homosexuality? Shouldn’t the Health Ministry be concerned about sodomy laws that prevent men having sex with men to come forward for prevention, testing, care and support?
HIV is just like any other disease. It can easily move into an epidemic stage. Sad to say, PAS has never actively engaged itself with people living with HIV and the homosexuals. But we don’t support the Health Ministry’s position regarding distribution of condoms.

The reason being, we worry that values are not being addressed and certain sexual practices become a norm and these practices will flourish.

Religion is a powerful tool for behavioural change and should be part of the HIV response. We only focus on harm reduction programmes without trying to change their values. Our experience has been that religious leaders are only engaged at the end and made use of.

So you are saying you are not involved in the policy formulation and that any consultation is tokenism?
Yes. Only when they want us to talk about our perspective, is our position and viewpoint asked. We don’t have a committee looking into issues of HIV, AIDS and sex workers for example unlike other areas like poverty eradication. When NGOs and other civil society groups involve us in their consultation we will direct our resources and information so that PAS can be better informed.

However, it is clear that there is no active attempt to impart religious values. NGOs will call it indoctrination. But we need to impart values and at the same time, hold their hand. When one focuses on helping sex workers, you must also offer them real informed choices and the right support services to get them out of sex work permanently.

Would it be because of the fear of further stigmatisation that NGOs have been reluctant to engage religious leaders and PAS members?
We have to train our people. For myself, there is no problem as being trained as a doctor I can hold anyone’s hand. Engagement will help us to be less judgmental. We are less judgmental now than in the past because we are engaging. We want to hear what these groups have to say. I don’t blame them from staying away and fearing PAS. For example, religion does not allow me to shake hands with men and non-Muslims when I visit my constituency but I compromise by using a glove as I know there is little time to educate them on this. After the elections, by engaging non-Muslims and talking to them they now accept why I cannot salaam them and they accept it and respect my principles. Even the issue of entering a Hindu temple ... there is nothing haram about me going into a Hindu temple but as a politician I worry because of the backlash from Muslims. However, now my Indian constituents do understand me.

So PAS can never accept homosexuality?
We accept the people but we cannot accept the act. Our focus is getting them to come back to the straight path. When we engage them, our aim is to correct their values. Whether we succeed in their rehabilitation or not is not our responsibility. We give them the option of listening to our message.Whether you change or not is between you and God.

What is PAS’s position on the NEP? Many would argue it is a form of institutionalised racism? Would you agree?
Initially, it was not like that when it was developed on the premise of narrowing the income gap between the Malays and non-Malays and to eradicate poverty irrespective of race and religion. But yes, it has developed to become institutionalised racism. While Malays have benefited, it is the Indians now who are impoverished.

So NEP led to the poor condition of the Indians?
Yes, but I would not just blame the NEP but also the MIC leaders who have not brought up the Indian issues to the forefront. That is the role of leaders just as Umno has been strong in advocating for the Malays.

While PAS’s position, however, is to reform the NEP, my personal position is that it being a form of institutionalised racism it is difficult to reform and must be dismantled because it is so entrenched. We have to start afresh with a new affirmative action for all who need it.

Do you support the idea of a system that leans towards a safety net based on income levels?
The government has already extended its safety net programme but it has to be more than that. I have already raised in Parliament for a separate fund to be set aside so that one child per family is given the opportunity to go to university. We have learnt how powerful education can be in lifting families out of poverty. Also, we need poverty eradication to be more targeted so MPs can help families directly and not have to refer the needy to two or three ministries. PAS would also lend its support for an Anti-Discrimination Act to protect all who are discriminated based on race, religion, gender. Discrimination is happening not just at the public sector but the private sector as well. There is so much fear that if the NEP is dismantled, the Chinese and Indians will not hire the Malays. This legislation is aimed at protecting all and alleviating such fears.

What is PAS’s position on human rights?
We believe in social justice and basic political and civil rights, freedom of expression, assembly, but it must be contexualised within collective rather than individual rights. The bottom line with the Islamic struggle is whatever we do, Islam is to be respected and we can practise our religion and if we are suppressed we will fight it. It is our duty to convey and spread the Islamic way of life. We do not coerce people to follow Islam. However, the principles of participation is encouraged through lengthy debates. We never come out with a position without a debate among all party ranks. We believe change has to come from the top and the bottom.

Parliament: Witness protection Bill almost ready

The Star (2/7/08): The Government has completed the first draft of the Witness Protection Bill, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said.

He added the Bill was supposed to be tabled during this Parliament session.

"However, there are many issues that needed to be settled first before the Bill is presented to the Cabinet for official approval and sent to the House.

"The Government stands by its commitment to ensure that this Bill will be tabled during this session," he told Mohd Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak).

Nazri said the Prime Minister had announced recently four measures to deter corruption and instil the people's confidence in the country's institutions and anti-corruption efforts.

"The third measure is that the Bill, which is being drafted now, will include comprehensive laws which will provide protection to both whistle-blowers and witnesses," he added.

Nazri told Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi (BN-Batu Pahat) that the Anti-Corruption Act could use the contents of poison-pen letters as a basis for investigations on wrong-doings.

"But the letters cannot be used in the courts as evidence," he added.

Youth associations must be re-registered

Youth associations already registered under the Societies Act 1966 must be re-registered under the newly-gazetted Youth Associations and Youth Development Act 2007.

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob said all youth associations, whether they were already established or newly-formed, have until December to register.

He also said the most significant requirement stated in the new Act was that the age of leaders of youth organisations should not exceed 40 years.

"As of July this year, the ministry had received 417 applications, of which 212 were approved while 29 were rejected because they were based in Sabah and Sarawak, which don't come under the purview of the Act.

"The Ministry expects to receive 1,500 applications by the end of the year," he told Datuk Ismail Muttalib (BN-Maran).

Ismail said the number of racial-based umbrella youth associations comprised six Malay associations followed by Chinese and Indian associations with four each.

Asked why there were quite a number of associations which had not registered themselves with the ministry, Ismail said many of the main stakeholders of the associations had yet to register because they were above 40 years old.

Ismail Sabri said a 12-month window has been given to the youth associations (from the date the new Act came into force in December last year) to register to give the older leaders time to hand over the leadership to younger ones during their annual general meetings.

Nga chided for asking too many questions

Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia chided Nga Kor Ming (DAP-Taiping) for asking too many supplementary questions during Question Time.

In his original question, Nga had asked Deputy Education Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong whether there were 131 Chinese schools which were classified as unsafe.

Dr Wee gave a comprehensive reply on the ministry's efforts to rehabilitate Chinese and other national-type schools, while also denying the allegation that there were 131 Chinese schools classified as unsafe.

However, in his supplementary question, Nga took a few minutes to ask Dr Wee four questions, which raised the ire of backbenchers and brought the attention of Pandikar Amin.

"I've told all of you (MPs) many times not to make speeches and have debates during Question Time, and it's clear you are not listening to my advice," he added.

Pandikar Amin told Dr Wee to limit his reply to Nga's query on whether the widow of a teacher Chan Boon Heng, who fell to his death when the floor of a school in Kedah collapsed in 2005, had received compensation.

To this, Dr Wee said he would have to check the matter and submit a written reply to Nga to avoid any misunderstanding.

Earlier, Dr Wee said national-type schools which needed repairs must be confirmed first through an inspection process conducted by the Public Works Department before funds are allocated to carry out the repair works.

"We have checked the ministry's records and we found that there aren’t 131 Chinese schools that had been classified as dangerous.

"However, ministry officials will visit schools which need repairs to ensure that money is channelled to finance repair and rehabilitation work," he said.

Dr Wee also told Mohd Nor Othman (BN-Hulu Terengganu) that students of Chinese and Tamil schools which had low enrolment would be transferred to bigger schools.

Review salaries of Prison Dept officers

The Prisons Department has asked the Government to review the salaries and emoluments paid to department officers, Deputy Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung said.

He added that civil servants had been given a pay rise on July 1 last year, in which Prison Department officers received an average raise between RM274.49 and RM829.73 each.

Chor said there is a slight difference between the pay scale of Prisons Department and police officers.

For example, the new basic pay scale of a prisons officer in the KX17 grade is RM827.94 compared to a police officer who receives RM1,100.

"The Ministry has asked the Public Service Department to make a review of the prisons officers salary and introduce incentives and allowances such as RM200 for control and prevention unit officers because their duties involved higher risks," he told Nasharuddin Mat Isa (PAS-Bachok).

Chor added the ministry was seeking increased incentive allowances for officers taking care of prisoners with serious diseases and new housing for at least 80% of all officers.

He told Khairy Jamaluddin (BN-Rembau) that there are now 37,446 prisoners in the country's prisons, which is 28% more than capacity.

Chor said the parole system, which was introduced recently, would help to settle the problem of overcrowding in the prisons.

Bank Islam, BSN given RM50m allocation for housing loans

Bank Islam Malaysia and Bank Simpanan Nasional have been given an allocation of RM50mil to provide loans to house buyers from the low-income group to buy low-cost houses, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Ong Ka Chuan said.

He added these buyers, who didn't have adequate qualifications to ask for ordinary housing loans, could submit their applications to the two banks to buy their houses.

Ong told Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud (PAS-Kota Raja) the Government was aware of the difficulties faced by the lower income group in buying low-cost houses.

Their problems could be solved by applying for the RM50mil loan facilities offered by the two banks, he added.

Ong also said that as of March 31, a total of 30,072 squatters have been moved to people's housing projects (projek perumahan rakyat) implemented by the ministry.

"The squatters are required to pay only RM124 in monthly rental.

"There is no risk of their houses being seized or auctioned due to non-payment of rental because they are only renting from the Government," he added.

Ong told Datuk Halimah Mohd Sadique (BN-Tenggara) that among the problems faced by the ministry in helping to overcome the squatter problem was the lack of census data on the number of squatters.

"We also need to study the right locations to build low-cost housing for them.

"Many of the squatters also want to stay near their workplaces," he added.

Govt may review freeze on registration for Class F contractor

Bernama (26/6/08): The Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Ministry is studying the effectiveness of a freeze in the issuance of new Class F licence, implemented in April 2005, and may reopen its registration in the future.

Minister Datuk Noh Omar said the move was necessary at the time as the number of contractors had outnumbered projects offered by the government.

He said there were 31,847 Class F contractors registered with the Contractor Service Centre (CSS) until June this year compared with 35,500 in April 2005.

"The government did a review on Class F contractors in January 2006 and had so far revoked the licences of 3,399 inactive contractors," he said in reply to Liang Teck Meng (BN-Simpang Renggam) at the Dewan Rakyat.

Noh said the contractors were assessed based on whether their accounts were active, had obtained jobs, submitted quotations, attended courses organised by CSS and had no records of abandoning projects given to them.

"Other wrongdoings include sub-contracting jobs and acting as agents to earn commission. Some of them were blacklisted," he said.

Noh also said the ministry had set up a working committee to encourage genuine joint ventures between Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera contractors as the efforts to harness them since 11 years ago had not been successful.

"The result was not very encouraging... only 11 genuine joint venture companies were be formed. We hope the non-Bumiputera can assist their Bumiputera counterparts and not merely take them in 'Ali Baba' ventures," he said in reply to Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud (PAS-Kota Raja).

On the Entrepreneur Development Institute (Insken), he said RM117.54 million had been spent to create 150,000 new entrepreneurs and upgrading the expertise of another 25,000 under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

He said until April, 792,508 entrepreneurs had repaid RM5 billion out of RM10.3 billion in loans disbursed by agencies under the ministry.

Whistleblower Act: No u-turn, clarifies Nazri

Malaysiakini (8/5/08): "We have no plan to enact any of these acts because although we have the Official Secrets Act, the cabinet can decide on anything that need to be declassified at anytime," he said in replying to a supplementary question from Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud (PAS-Kota Raja) during the question session. (Full report)

Dr Siti's political career

NST (Date Unknown): When she is not talking about medicine with her students, Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud would be talking to other people what ails society.

While most working women take breaks from their careers to spend time with families, Dr Siti is taking a break from her job as a medical lecturer to be active in politics.

Dr Siti, who won the Kota Raja parliamentary seat on a Pas ticket on March 8, said: " "I'm happy that 13 women MPs had made it to parliament. Of the four women candidates from Pas, three were elected. That is an achievement as 50 per cent of our country's population are women."

Dr Siti said apart from championing women's issues in parliament, she will also fight for other causes.

"My electorates do not comprise only women. I have to take everyone's interest at heart and try to solve their problems."

Dr Siti, whose husband is an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon, has six children (aged between 16 and 29) and two grandchildren.

"Although I do not want my children to get involved in politics, I give them the freedom to decide their future," she said.

Question and Answer Session

Q: Where is your birthplace?

A: I was born in Pokok Sena, Kedah.

Q: What about your education?

A: I went to secondary school in Pokok Sena and I later studied at Kolej Tunku Kurshiah Seremban. I then received a scholarship to do medicine in Cairo, Egypt.

Q: Tell us about your career.

A: After graduation, I was posted to several government hospitals. Later, I opted to become a lecturer in physiology. I went on to do my masters in human & applied physiology in the United Kingdom.

Q: When did you enter politics?

A: I resigned from my job and joined Pas in 1977. I was appointed as the information chief of the women's wing in 1999 and the late Pas president Datuk Fadzil Noor appointed me to the central committee in 2000. I am now a member in the central committee and also the women's wing.

Q: How do you like the people to call you?

A: I feel awkward when people address me as Yang Berhormat. I am comfortable if they call me Dr Mariah or Kak Mariah.

Q: What are the issues that you are concerned about?

A: Crime, flash floods, clogged drains due to the rapid development. I also found out that my constituency is below sea level.

Q: Have you set up your service centre?

A: Yes, it is in Taman Sentosa Perdana. We will move in after the opening ceremony soon. I have three full time assistants. One of them is a non-Malay.

Q: What do you do during your free time?

A: I don't have much free time now. Before I was elected, I used to read books and reading is my obsession.

Q: What books do you read?

A: I read political books, autobiographies and philosophy.

Q: Do you have a blog?

A: I am too busy to have one.

Q: How much time do you spend on your computer?

A: Before I was elected, I used to spend the whole morning but now I have little time to do so.

Q: What are the languages you speak?

A: Bahasa Malaysia, English and a little bit of Arabic.

Q: What is your contribution in protecting the environment?

A: I separate the rubbish and throw them into an organic dump at the back of my house. I have inculcated this habit into my children as well. They never throw rubbish around if they are out of the house.

Q: What type of music do you listen to?

A: Sentimental and evergreen.

Q: Do you like to watch movies?

A: I love movies which are family oriented with values and also detective movies which need a lot of thinking.

Latiff slammed by opposition over ‘unprofessional’ answer

The Star (13/5/08): Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad was told off by an Opposition member during the question and answer session.

Dr Latiff had just told Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (BN-Bintulu) that the shortage of specialists in the country was not faced by Malaysia alone and that this was a long-standing problem when Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud (PAS-Kota Raja) stood up to criticise him.

“That is the most unprofessional answer from the ministry. This is an urgent matter,” she said.

Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said Dr Latiff had the discretion over his answers and that “this was his reply although it may not be satisfactory to Yang Berhormat”.

Earlier, Dr Latiff had told Salleh Kalbi (BN-Silam) that there were only four specialists at the Lahad Datu district hospital – two of whom were from India and the others from Egypt.

“On the problem of the lack of specialists, even those who are originally from Sabah do not want to go back to the state to serve. Perhaps they have drunk the water from Klang Valley and they prefer to stay here,” he said.

During the debate, shouts erupted between several Barisan Nasional backbenchers and opposition MPs over a remark on religious belief.

Hamim Samuri (BN-Ledang) was debating the motion of thanks on the royal address when he said that Barisan’s development programmes for the country was based on reality and not concocted by fantasy.

“Only those who lack faith will deny the successes brought about by Barisan,” he added.

Several opposition MPs shouted at Hamim, saying that he was being insensitive and irresponsible, while several Barisan MPs shouted back at them.

N. Gobalakrishnan (PKR-Padang Serai), Mahfuz Omar (PAS-Pokok Sena), Roslan Shaharum (PKR-Bukit Gantang) asked Deputy Speaker Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar to order Hamim to retract his statement.

Wan Junaidi finally ruled that Hamim was not directing his statement at anyone and told him to base his speech on facts next time.

Fuziah Salleh (PKR-Kuantan) questioned why there were many policemen to watch over a peaceful event when the country did not have enough officers to tackle crime.

She asked why seven policemen monitored an event organised for the disabled, the poor and single women in Kuantan recently.

“Serious crimes are occurring and there are not enough policemen to go around. But there seems to be enough for them to watch over a peaceful event,” she said.

“Maybe a PKR Member of Parliament is considered more dangerous than threats to public security and safety.”

Nazri: OSA enough to protect whistleblowers

The Star (9/5/08): The Government has no plans to enact a Freedom of Information Act or other laws to protect whistleblowers because the Official Secrets Act (OSA) is sufficient.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz told the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday that if there was a need to amend the OSA, the Cabinet could meet and decide on the matter.

Replying to a question from Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud (PAS – Kota Raja), Nazri added that the Anti-Corruption Agency would work with the Audit Department to tackle flaws in government agencies, especially in areas where corruption, abuse of power and fraud could occur.

To a supplementary question from Lim Kit Siang (DAP – Ipoh Timur), he said Barisan Nasional needed the cooperation of the opposition in its fight against graft.

Lim had criticised the government's lack of political will and commitment in the government's fight against corruption as those involved in 18 high-profile cases highlighted in 2004 remained unsolved. Although fighting graft remained a top priority as outlined in Barisan's 2004 manifesto, it was impossible for the objective to be achieved within a few years, replied Nazri.

He said that at the same time, the ACA would place emphasis on intelligence-based investigations, particularly on syndicated graft.

Providing statistics, Nazri said the ACA had charged 544 government officers and employees with various offences between 2003 and 2007.

Of the total, 436 were charged under the Anti-Corruption Act 1997 while 67 under the Criminal Procedure Code and other laws, and one under the Anti-Money Laundering Act 2001.

A total of 329 cases involved receiving and acquiring bribes under Section 10 (a) and 11 (a) of the Anti-Corruption Act. Nazri said the number included the police with 202 cases, local authorities 21 cases, Road Transport Department 12 cases, Customs Department 11, Land Office and Islamic Religious Department/Council nine each, Defence Ministry/ Armed Forces six, Education Department five, Works Department two, and Welfare Services Department one.

Nazri said there were 40 cases of abuse of power under Section 15 of the same Act, including 30 cases in the Education Department, two among police and one among the local authorities.

There were 103 cases involving the offence of furnishing documents containing false information under Section 11 (c) of the Act (17 cases involved the Education Department, seven the police force while the rest other departments); and four cases of giving and offering bribes under Section 10 (b) and 11 (b) of the Act.

To a supplementary question from Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi (BN – Batu Pahat), Nazri said the ACA was monitoring its own officers and would issue a letter to question those allegedly living beyond their means although it did not constitute a show-cause letter.

544 civil servants prosecuted for corruption from 2003-2007

Bernama (8/5/08): The Anti-Corruption Agency prosecuted 544 government officers and staff for various corruption offences from 2003 to 2007, the Dewan Rakyat was told Thursday.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said 217 of these officers and staff were from the Royal Malaysia Police, 59 from the Education Department, 28 from the local authorities, 19 from the Welfare Department, 14 from the Islamic Affairs departments and councils and 12 from the Public Works Department.

Also prosecuted were 13 staff from the Road Transport Department, 12 from Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces, 11 from the district land offices, 11 from the Royal Customs Department and 148 from other departments.

The corruption offences they committed included 329 cases of accepting bribes, four cases of giving and offering bribes, 103 cases of submitting documents containing false information and 40 cases of abuse of position.

One case was prosecuted under the Anti-Money Laundering Act and 67 cases under the Penal Code and other laws.

Mohamed Nazri was replying to Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud (PAS-Kota Raja) during question time on the number of civil servants charged with corruption from 2003 to 2007 and the government's strategy on handling corruption.

On efforts to enhance steps to fight corruption in the public sector, Mohamed Nazri said the ACA would change its method of enforcement and punitive action to encouraging government departments and agencies to cooperate with the ACA on various aspects of implementing programmes for prevention of corruption as well as prevention of misuse and abuse of power by stressing on internal surveillance.

"This will be done by setting up the Joint Committee on Prevention of Corruption that will involve direct communication with agencies that were considered critical and high-risk.

"By focusing on these agencies, we are confident there will be a big impact on the effectiveness of prevention of corruption in the country," he said.

The ACA, he said, would step up cooperation with the National Audit Department by taking early action on imbalances in government departments where elements of corruption as well as misuse and abuse of power could occur.

Nazri: No need for law to protect whistleblowers

The Sun (May 8, 2008): The government does not intend to enact any law to ensure freedom of information or to protect whistleblowers, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz said.

"This is because, under the Official Secrets Act (OSA), an item can be classified as secret but the cabinet meeting can decide to declassify it anytime when necessary," he told Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud (PAS-Kota Raja) in Parliament during question time.

In a supplementary question, Siti Mariah asked whether it would be done in line with the government’s decision to form the Malaysian Commission on Anti Corruption.

To her original question, Nazri said from 2003 to 2007, 544 government officers and staff were charged with various offences by the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA).

"This involves 436 cases under the ACA Act, 67 under the Penal Code and other laws and one under the Anti-Money Laundering Act.

"The police were involved in 217 cases, education departments (59), local authorities (28), welfare departments (19), Islamic departments or councils (14), Road Transport Department (13), Public Works Department and Armed Forces or Defence Ministry (12 each), district land offices and Royal Customs Department (11 each) and other departments (148)," he said.

He said under the Anti Corruption Joint Committee, ACA will now focus on encouraging cooperation from government agencies, with emphasis on the aspect of internal control, instead of enforcement and punitive actions.

"By focusing on the critical departments, it will create a bigger impact on the effectiveness of corruption-prevention efforts," he added.

Nazri also said ACA will enhance cooperation with the Auditor-General's Department to check elements of corruption in government agencies and will concentrate on intelligence-based investigation cases, especially those involving syndicates.

To another supplementary question from Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur), Nazri said: "There is political will in the Barisan Nasional (BN) government to fight corruption. This has been proven through the BN’s manifesto since the 2004 general election."

150,000 'Malaysians' without IDs, says Kula

The Sun (May 27, 2008): There are some 150,000 people in the country with no identification documents ranging from the birth certificate to the identity card, said M. Kulasegaran (DAP-Ipoh Barat).

Kulasegaran took the opportunity to raise the issue which was a subject in the motion of thanks on the royal address by Datuk Anifah Aman (BN-Kimanis) yesterday.

He said the issue of stateless people failed to get the government’s attention and was a problem that could easily be fixed.

"Some of these people had parents who have died or disappeared but the National Registration Department (NRD) officers refuse to give them documents.

"There must be efforts to be taken to work this out. If we can give amnesty to foreigners who seek refuge here, why can’t we do something for the people of our own country?

"Instead, the NRD sets out 18 conditions before someone can be registered," he added.

Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak) then questioned Kulasegaran: "Where did Indians come from? What is their status here now? Before, they were in the estates but now they are doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs and engineers."

This sparked a furore amongst the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) MPs deeming the statement as racial based.

Kulasegaran was returned to the floor as Tajuddin shouted in the background accusing Kulasegaran of being afraid of the facts.

"I’m not giving you way. This (man) is drunk on political authority! Sit down, six million dollar man!" Kulasegaran quipped.

This fuelled the fire for Tajuddin who asked for leeway to question the statement.

However, he was not given way and Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud (PAS-Kota Raja) stood up to state that if these arguments continued, no problems will be solved.

"But who is criticising the government?" Tajuddin quipped.

Blocking him out, Siti Mariah asked if the government could "once-and-for-all" find a solution to give them valid identification documents.

"If there is a political will, we can do it but don’t ask for 18 terms and conditions before identity cards and birth certificates are issued," she said.

Kulasegaran agreed with her and when pointed out that other MPs wanted to have a say, said: "I will give way to anyone else but not the six million dollar man."

Tajuddin then called for Point-of-Order calling for the Speaker to ask Kulasegaran to withdraw the statement.

At this point, deputy speaker Datuk Ronald Kiandee put his foot down and advised the MPs to stop name-calling, especially that "title".

"Everytime it is mentioned, he will stand up. There is no need to touch on the issue," Kiandee said, putting an end to the issue.

Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan (BN-Kota Belud) said he was sure these conditions were applicable to the other races.

"They know these rules are set to ensure that only those who qualify get the identification documents," he said.

Kulasegaran argued that it must be understood that there was a high rate of illiteracy and parents do not understand the necessity of a birth certificate and said when PR became the government, it could solve the issue in one day.

Kulasegaran informed the house that since 1997, Indians were the highest in the alcoholic rate, single mothers, criminal cases and school dropouts and there were large numbers of unemployed Indians.

"Labour department figures cannot be trusted because the unemployed do not register with them," he said after being reminded of his time limit.

Earlier, Anifah suggested for a Select Parliamentary Committee to look into the migrants in Sabah and for the government to look into strategies of reducing dependency of foreigners in the state.

"The committee must be responsible to parliament and needs to submit a report on this within a year.

"I know it will take some time but I hope some measures can be implemented in this effort before the next general election," he added.