The CPM was dissolved, with the Malaysian Communist Party (MCP) formed on 5th December 1983, through the merger of two CPM splinter groups, the CPM revolutionary faction, and the CPM Marxist Leninist faction. The Communist Party of Malaya head Chin Peng was denounced as a counter revolutionary by the new party.

The tunnels at Piyamit 1, in Tambon Tano Mae Ro were built in 1976 by a group of 40-50 cadres over three months, by hand. The tunnels stretch approximately over one kilometre, with originally 9 entrances with cavities up to 20 metres wide in some places. The complex could accommodate up to 200 people.

No description available.

This was one of three guerrilla bases, the other two being at Khao Nam Kang, Sadao in Songkhla, where the 8th battalion was domiciled and Sukhrin District in Narathiwat, where the 10th battalion was domiciled. No description available.

The prime purpose of the tunnels was to act as an air raid shelter and a food, weapon, and ammunition storage. The guerrilla group lived in the jungle and walked through dense forests with supplies to carry out their insurgency missions into Malaysia. When looking around the area of the tunnels, its extremely hard to comprehend how difficult these hit and run missions would have been. The museum on site provides some insights.

The MCP didn’t have the strength to lay siege to towns and cities according Maoist tactics. Conditions in Malaysia were very different were MCP cadres were primarily Chinese, and the villages primarily Malays. The MCP relied upon support of the Chinese and Orang Asli. The aim of the MCP was to build a People’s Democratic United Front to bring down the ‘reactionary Kuala Lumpur regime.’ The party was opposed to bureaucratic capitalism, now known as GLCs, feudalism, and imperialism. The MCP wanted to create a People’s Republic of Malaysia, abolishing all reactionary laws, upholding freedom of religion, nationalising foreign companies, seizing lands occupied by big businesses, and redistribute those lands to landless peasants. The MCP also wanted the equality of all nationalities, and oppose what they saw as neo-colonialism.

No description available. Thai military authorities estimated the MCP had a force of approximately 800 guerrillas before their surrender to the Royal Thai Army in 1987. Of the 800 guerrillas who surrendered, 250 were women. There are a number of peace villages within the area, with the land a donation from King Rama IX of Thailand, who also granted those who stayed Thai citizenship.

Today the complex is a prime tourist attraction in Betong, near the hot springs. Pre-Covid, the attraction received around 200,000 tourists, mainly from Malaysia and Singapore.

The Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill 2024 will give the federal territories mufti powers that can’t be challenged by the parliament, where the mufti himself, will have legal immunity. The bill also selectively defines Islam as Ahl Sunnah Wah Jamaah, Mazhab Syafie that is aligned with the al-Asyarah and al-Maturidiyah schools of thought. This ignores the diversity of the many schools of Islam long existing in Malaysia.

The bill was introduced by the minister in the prime minister’s department Mohd Na’im Mokhtar (religious affairs), which presumably had cabinet approval. In addition, the Conference of Rulers name has been used to promote the bill, even with the Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail expressing concerns over the narrow interpretation of Islam. Although the bill is limited to the federal territories (Putra Jaya, Wilayah Kuala Lumpur, and Labuan), any forthcoming law may act as a precedent for other states in the peninsula to follow.

A number of NGOs, including the Sisters in Islam Aliran, and a number of groups in Sabah and Sarawak, together with public figures, including former law minister Zaid Ibrahim and lawyer/activist Siti Kassim have opposed the bill. Members of prime minister Anwar Ibrahim’s own government, namely those in the DAP, and his own party PKR have remained completely silent over the issue.

In fact, the PKR MP for Bangi Syahredzan Johan defended the bill, saying any fatwas in the Federal Territories would not be enforceable in the states. A contentious bill The Mufti bill will create a second source of laws in the Federal Territories, unintended by the Malaysian Constitution. Fatwas that will become law, will not be vetted by elected representatives and will not have to be gazetted to be legally binding.

This dilutes the exclusivity of the parliament to be the supreme law maker in the Federal Territories. The new law would convert fatwas into law, which are considered in Islamic jurisprudence as an advisory. Muslims who follow the Shi’ia, Maliki, Hanbali and Hamidi Mazhabs, or follow the teachings of Salafi/Wahabism, could potentially be persecuted under the law.

Those who practice the very liberal Nusantara Islam will also have many of their practices banned, and be considered deviant as well. The Perlis Mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin (known as Dr Maza) contests the bill upon the basis that it restricts freedom of religion and thought, as the Perlis Constitution specifies Al-Sunnah Waljamaah (follower of the Quran and Sunnah), and thus the centre of Salafi/Wahabism in Malaysia.

Should the Mufti bill become law, it will allow the authorities to purge the civil service, education institutions, and the military of Salafi sympathisers. The Mufti bill conflicts with Constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. Thus, it is constitutionally very questionable. Article 3 of the Constitution states that “Islam is the religion of the Federation”.

The Constitution doesn’t mention any specific kind of Islam. Section 2(1) of the Administration of Islamic Law (Federal Territories) Act 1993 (Act 505) acknowledges a wide range of Mazhab. The Mufti bill restricts this and puts a restrictive interpretation upon the constitution. Clause 2 of the Mufti Bill provides that any fatwa issued will be binding upon any Muslim in the Federal Territories.

This will affect every aspect of every Muslim’s personal, economic, and political lives. This will allow the criminalising of traditional Malay customs and pastimes, and prevent Malays attending non-Muslim ceremonies and festivals. The bill will also allow a full scale was against LGBTQ groups in Malaysia. However, this conflicts with Section 34(3) of the Administration of Islamic Law (Federal Territories) Act 1993 (Act 505), where there is an exemption for matters of personal opinion, which most fatwas are.

Clause 4(1) of the Mufti Bill makes the mufti the chief authority on issues of Islamic law in the Federal Territories. This, in effect puts the mufti above the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA), or king, who is designated the head of Islam in in Articles 3(5) and 34(1) of the constitution. In addition, Clause 8(6) of the Mufti Bill allows the Federal territories mufti to initiate the issuing of any fatwas without any direction of the YDPA.

The prime minister Anwar Ibrahim so far has been silent on the Mufti bill, which will change the nature of the constitutional division of powers in government today. An unelected, appointed person will have more power than the YDPA and parliament to make any laws without scrutiny and accountability to the people. Effectively, Malaysia becomes an Islamic theocracy. The YDPA will nominally remain as the head of Islam, but matters of theology and Islamic jurisprudence will be taken away.

The bill is a continuation of Anwar Ibrahim’s work of Islamizing the Malaysian bureaucracy back in the 1980s, when he was deputy prime minister. However, this time Anwar has abandoned his commitment to the Amman Message 2005, which recognized all global Islamic sects, with the mission of building an inclusive Ummah across all sectarian groups.

Some see the bill as a continued fight among the Malay Clerics The bill can be seen as a direct attack on the Salafi factions within the government. An organization referred to as the Alumni, whose membership is Salafi leaning has infiltrated most of government and education bureaucracy. The bill, should it become law will allow the purging of the Alumni from the bureaucracy, and prevent Salafi leaning Muslims entering the bureaucracy in the future.

The new Mufti law will become a powerful weapon for the government to use against those who oppose it in the civil service and society. Potential political consequences The bill could promote further sectarian tensions in Malaysia, which have been subdued and behind the scenes until today. This is primarily a fight between those aligned to the Muslim Brotherhood, and the Salafi/Wahabi movement in Malaysia.

However, the bill will have serious political implications upon current politics in Malaysia. There is no doubt the bill is eroding the trust of DAP Leaders in the government they are part of. The DAP has been pushed aside in its views inside government and this may seriously lead to a fall of support from non-Malays. Disenchanted supporters of the DAP, with few choices available will just not turn out to vote in future elections.

The DAP stands to lose in reputation. Many traditional supporters of Pakatan Harapan (PH) are now starting to see little difference between PH and Perikatan Nasional (PN). The bill is building a theological bridge between the Anwarists and PAS, while at the same time alienating the DAP. This could, at some time in the future lead to a seismic shift in government. Political circles in Sabah and Sarawak are looking at the bill with concern.

This will lead to further pushes by the Borneo states for more autonomy. Sarawak is already going far along this path. However, the bill will disturb many in Kota Kinabalu, who may plan to follow the initiatives Sarawak has already taken. There is a great possibility that this law may spread to other states in the Peninsula, where their own bills are passed giving their respective state mufti similar powers. Whilst the bill may be seen as unconstitutional, the is doubt that any party would go ahead and challenge the Mufti Bill in court, should it become law.

It has transformed itself from a small paramilitary group backed by Iran into an omnipotent political party with the largest private army in the world. A ’state within a state’, whose extensive charity network ensures the popular support of the Shiite community while its military wing attempts to redraw the borders of the region and erase Israel from the map.

But in 2008, after amassing evidence that Hezbollah was earning up to $1 billion a year running an international crime syndicate trafficking in drugs, money laundering and other criminal activities, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) tried to ’bring down Hezbollah’. Their secret mission was called ‘Project Cassandra’, and it ran for over eight years, using wiretaps, undercover operations and informants to map Hezbollah’s illicit networks and cut off funding.

Then, suddenly, it was shut down: sacrificed on the altar of realpolitik to accommodate the US-Iranian nuclear deal. This three part series tells the story of ‘Project Cassandra’, through the testimonies of DEA agents and other people involved.

The strike, which targeted a dining hall during meal hours, left 70 Israeli soldiers injured, some critically. Hezbollah claimed responsibility, stating the attack was in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Beirut and in support of Palestinians in Gaza. Israeli forces shot down two of the three drones, but the third successfully struck its target, leading to mass casualties. Tensions in the region are now at a boiling point.

Not be surprised if this gang is behind it

If he can stay alive, it's only showing Americans, all Americans how dedicated he is to running this country the way it supposed to be ran and how much he actually cares about the citizens of America. Who in their right mind wouldn't just throw their damn hands up and go live a normal life? He loves us and he wants what's best for us and he's showing that he's willing to die for it! That's the man I want to proudly call my president..MAGA! TRUMP 🇺🇸2024!! 💪

All politicians when leaving office become millionaires, look at Obama and Michele. In Malaysia look at UMNO. Donald Trump’s time in the spotlight was a whirlwind of events that to this day have not completely concluded. What was the enigmatic era hiding that only hindsight can uncover? Between the obscure key players behind Trump’s rise to power and the contenders who worked avidly against him, a riddle was written in a code that stumped the masses. This film attempts to decode the uncanny events that took place, and answer the question, “How did Trump rise to power?”

The Mufti Bill, as it is popularly known, will define the role and the responsibilities of the Mufti in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.

Among the duties written out in the Bill is that of the Mufti advising the King on Syariah Law (Section 4), the issuance of fatwas (Section 10), committees to check on fatwas (Section 7), lunar sightings (Section 22) and matters related to the Islamic religious education under Section 26.

The Bill has raised controversy especially regarding the adherence to the Sunni denomination and the al-Asyairah and al-Maturidiyah schools of theology. (See Below) 

The experts also point out that the Mufti Bill does not prevent legal challenges against rulings by the Mufti of Federal Territories.

They, however, call for the Bill to embrace the Federal Constitution’s principle of inclusivity by accepting other Islamic schools of thought to foster better unity among the Muslims in the country.

Clause by clause by constitutional experts

According to constitutional law expert Dr Muhammad Hameedullah Md Asri of Universiti Malaya, Clause (4) of the same Article allows the State law, or in the case of Federal Territories, federal law to control or restrict the propagation of any religious doctrine or belief among persons professing the religion of Islam.

“This is akin to the freedom of speech, which too has a number of exceptions – it is not absolute freedom.

Some parties have said that the Bill is unconstitutional and threatens to undermine individual freedoms and human rights.

Constitutional experts say what is being proposed is to consolidate all matters related to Mufti and his institution into a single Act which will apply only to the Federal Territories.

They explain that although the Federal Constitution does guarantee freedom of religion under Article 11(1), there are provisions for the states to oversee and control the practice and propagation of the Muslim faith itself.

- Author Christopher Hitchens

COMMENT | Rational Malaysians should be rightly afraid of the proposed Federal Territories Mufti Bill, which will get its day in Parliament soon.

Any time a religious law is introduced into the legislative body, it makes it easier for religious agendas to dominate how the country is run. It is as simple as that.

Latheefa Koya, in her must-read piece about this proposed bill, which in essence is merely a religious power grab by the Madani state, issues this chilling warning - “It will give power to the government through the mufti to control or police every aspect of the life of Muslims in this country. No government should have such powers over its people in a democracy, purportedly under the guise of religion.”

Sisters in Islam (SIS), which the Selangor state fatwa committee labelled as deviant (SIS last year obtained a Federal court leave to appeal the issue), said this - “Without oversight and recourse for appeals or legal challenges, the unchecked powers of institutions or figures directly undermine the rule of law and justice.”

Goebbels Malaysia

According to Fahmi, the bill closely mirrors the Sabah Fatwa Enactment which has been in force for the past 20 years.

Despite having a similar law to the proposed bill for two decades, he pointed out that it has never disrupted the cultures and lifestyles of Sabahans.

“Sabah has not experienced any changes in religious practices or freedom for non-Muslims. We still witness events and celebrations such as Tadau Kaamatan being observed, which I attended this year.

Me : Remember when PMX became the PM, first thing he did was convert a Hindu with great fanfare. Second thing he did was bullied an Indian student who was asking him about the Apartheid like policy in Malaysia. So many lies and broken promises whatever happened to the promise on price of petrol and anak China anak saya, anak India anak saya and all the bullshit  he spewed when wanted our votes, even spitting on the Veterans pensions streamlining!

vmsians : The real intention of the bill as admitted by Fahmi..."the mufti's position will have more constitutional and legal order in the country "...Fahmi, the Federal Constitution is SECULAR, UNDERSTAND !!!!

Dr Suresh Kumar : First it was RM1.9 billion funds to Jakim. Why such megabucks, a king's ransom allotted to a religious body, if not to empower them to play a bigger role in running of the country or something else? Can you imagine how many hospitals and schools could be built with that kind of money.

Then came the proposal for Jakim to be involved in state policy matters. And now this. All this points to a systematic and cunning plan by Madani to turn Malaysia into a theocratic state. He is not a man of science. What to expect from a Malay/Islamic studies graduate? The world is preparing to move forward towards the 5th Industrial Revolution, AI, robotics, IoT, etc but we have a leader who seems hell bent on pushing us backward.

With due deference to my Muslim brethren, I have nothing against your religion, but I am against mixing religion and politics, which is a combustible mixture. Today, we are witnessing the devastating effects on countries that mix religion and politics to control the people. Do the Malaysian Muslims want that? Do the Malaysian Muslims want their lives to be controlled by the state like Iran?

Or do then Malaysian Muslims want to embrace Science and Technology and become a knowledgeable society while keeping their faith intact? The ball is in their court. As for non-Muslims, do not for a second think that these laws will not infringe on your rights, it will, there are enough instances and incidents that we have witnessed and are witnessing. This is Anwar and his brand of 'REFORMASI' for you.

“WHO AM I VOTING FOR - AND WHY?!!” That moment when someone says, "I can't believe you would vote for Trump.” I'm voting for the First Amendment and freedom of speech. I'm voting for the Second Amendment and my right to defend my life and my family.

I'm voting for the next Supreme Court Justice(s) to protect the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I’m voting for the continued growth of my retirement and reducing inflation. I’m voting for a return of our troops from foreign countries and the end to America’s involvement in foreign conflicts. I'm voting for the Electoral College and for the Republic in which we live.

I'm voting for the Police to be respected once again and to ensure Law & Order. I am tired of all the criminals having a revolving door and being put back in the street. I’m voting for the continued appointment of Federal Judges who respect the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

I’m voting for keeping our jobs to remain in America and not be outsourced all over the world. I’m voting for secure borders and have legal immigration. I can’t believe we have actually have flown millions illegal immigrants into our country. I'm voting for doing away with all of the freebies given to all of the illegals and not looking after the needs of the American citizens.

I'm voting for the Military & the Veterans who fought for this Country to give the American people their freedoms. I’m voting for peace progress in the Middle East. I’m voting to fight against human/child trafficking. I'm voting for Freedom of Religion. I'm voting for the right to speak what I think is right and not be censored.

"I hate your opinion but I'm ready to put my life away for your freedom to say it". Voltaire I'm voting for the freedom of future generations . I'm voting against communism. "Communist system can be recognized by the fact it spares criminals and criminalizes political opponent". Alexander Solzhenitsyn.

I'm voting for saying "Merry Christmas" again with joy and warmth. I'm voting for singing National Anthem with the hand on our hearts instead of kneeling. What are you voting for? Trump/Vance2024 🇺🇸

74 year old women here. I’ve never seen such a mess of an election. A party that preaches and preaches democracy and they have a presidential candidate who has never received one vote by her party to run for office. Please don’t get complacent thinking Trump has it wrapped up. Vote red we must make it to big to rig like they are so good at doing. Trump!

NEW: Former President Barack Obama says the "brothas" aren't turning out for Kamala Harris like they did for him.

The comments from Obama came during an event at the University of Pittsburgh where Obama sounded the alarm on black voters.

"We have not yet seen the same kinds of… pic.twitter.com/v77CHcOv2A

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 10, 2024

Remember, folks, Harris was NOT nominated, she was installed, like a toilet. If Trump wins - we can troll the democrats and say that Black men saved the country. I'm voting for Trump because I am not fond of defunding police, abolishing ICE, banning fracking, illegal immigration, terrorist attacks on American soil, banning guns, price controls, inflation, high taxes, persecuting political opponents, speech censorship, biased propaganda reporting, World War Ill, and attempts on political opponents life. It shouldn't be this hard to decide who is the better option.

He's pissed cause he found out black people have brains and can decide for themselves. Why doesn't Obama help the black community with all those hundreds of millions he has? So sick of his high and mighty attitude. This fake black man played in our face for 8 years and this Indian lady will not have the opportunity to do the same. Democrats been calling Trump Hitler for 8 years now, so for Obama to up there blaming Republicans for today's divisive society takes some nerve.

According to Borneo Post Online, 14 Sarawak- and Sabah-based groups also said that the bill violates the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and constitutes a direct attack on the nation’s secular system. “We in Sabah and Sarawak strongly oppose the proposed mufti bill that seeks to expand the powers of the mufti in the Federal Territories.

“We firmly reject any move to be ruled by the mufti, as this would effectively sideline the constitutional monarchy, the Madani government and the secular parliamentary democracy that Malaysia is built upon. “Such a change would transform Malaysia into an Islamic state overnight,” they added.

Among the NGO leaders that signed the joint statement are Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation president Daniel John Jambun, Sabah Sarawak Rights Australia New Zealand president Robert Pei, Saya Anak Sarawak founder Peter John Jaban, Republic Sabah North Borneo president Mosses Paul Anap Ampang, Parti Bumi Kenyalang president Voon Lee Shan, and Gabungan Orang Asal Sabah Sarawak Dayak cultural ambassador Themothy Jagak.

Earlier today, Bernama reported Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said that the Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill will be tabled for second and third reading in the Parliament session beginning on Oct 14.

“This has been approved by the cabinet. The bill aims to strengthen the institution of fatwa in the Federal Territories of Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, and Labuan,” he was reported as saying. The first reading of the bill was conducted in July. This is one of three bills concerning Islamic affairs being presented for amendment.

In addition, the bill seeks to establish the definition of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah in accordance with the Al-Asyairah and Al-Maturidiah theological schools. The bill had been panned by several quarters, including Perlis ruler Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail, who described it as carrying a “narrow definition” of Sunni Islam and not being inclusive.

Yesterday, women’s rights group Sisters in Islam said the proposed legislation would give unbridled powers to religious authorities as it would, among others, provide them with legal immunity.

‘Bureaucratisation of Islam’

On that note, the groups said the bill is also opposed by Muslims who are concerned that “the bill marks a more explicit sectarian turn in the bureaucratisation of Islam since the 2000s, aiming to institutionalise Sunni Ash’arism as the state-sanctioned version of Islam”. They opined that the politicisation of ideologies “will foster intolerance and radicalism by promoting dehumanising values and undermining democracy”.

“These actions constitute direct attacks on the secular system, which was a fundamental guarantee to Sabah and Sarawak when Malaysia, and also the Malayan Federation, was set up. “The cumulative effect of these breaches highlights a pattern of erosion of the constitutional safeguards that were intended to protect the pluralistic and secular nature of the federation.”

Impact on Muslims and non-Muslims

According to them, the bill would grant sweeping powers to the mufti, enabling the issuance of religious decrees that could have significant impacts on both Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Such decrees, they added, could bypass the authority of Parliament and courts - effectively placing religious law above civil law while on the other hand, the mufti have no jurisdiction in Parliament as they are not elected representatives of the people.

“Sabah and Sarawak should assert their right to self-determination, as a violation of their rights under the federation has shone a light on the importance of allocating 35 percent of seats in the Dewan Rakyat to the states - a principle rooted in constitutional and historical obligations to safeguard East Malaysian interests.

GreenEagle8114 : Mahathir was right all along, Anwar's not suitable to be PM. He's a bait & switch politician, who promised democratic reforms but actually wants to 'reform' this country into a theocratic state. And DAP has been quiet as a mouse, acquiescing along with his foolhardiness. Anwar's administration is even more radical than a PN government. Give PH a message at the next GE that they won't forget!

MS : As I have always maintained, the Madani Manipulator is more dangerous to the diminishing future of Malaysia, more than all the worst of his predecessors combined. He is hell bent on turning the country into a rabid theocracy in line with his subversive beliefs. Unless the Conference of Rulers steps in to avert the debacle in the making, there is no hope left for the country.

Dr Suresh Kumar : For decades LKS and DAP used to attack MCA and MIC in and out of Parliament for failing to rein in UMNO for their unbridled corruption, nepotism, cronyism, extremism, racism and divisive policies. Now that they are in the government, they are quiet like a dead mouse with their tails between their legs. To put it in a crude manner-like a eunuch. If DAP takes pot shot at MCA, MIC or Gerakan hereafter, we should spit on DAP's face. Shame on DAP!

Wannabe Mullah

In a statement, the women’s rights group said this would cause religious authorities to be shielded from accountability. “Without oversight and recourse for appeals or legal challenges, the unchecked powers of institutions or figures directly undermine the rule of law and justice.

“Additionally, the bill seeks to entrench religious control over both the public and private lives of Malaysian Muslims, further complicating the relationship between personal religious freedom and state-sanctioned restrictions,” said SIS.

The Dewan Rakyat reconvenes next Monday (Oct 14) for its third session this year to deliberate and pass laws such as this. Last month, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar (above) said the government would proceed with the bill’s second and third readings on Oct 16 or 17.

In July, Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail reportedly expressed concern over the bill’s “narrow definition” and said he objected to the Conference of Rulers’ name being used to endorse it.

Binding fatwas

Meanwhile, Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan said recently that the bill would not result in binding fatwas nationwide as issuing a fatwa involves the Fatwa Committee and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“Issuing a fatwa under the bill is also not just based on whims and fancies of the mufti… Malay rulers have and will continue to have the final say on matters of Islam,” he said.

However, SIS said the bill blurs the lines between gazetted and ungazetted fatwa as Section 11 makes all such rulings legally binding. This will apply to all Muslims in the federal territories, not just Muslims residing there, it noted.

The group added that the bill does not clarify if Muslims are allowed to depart from fatwa due to personal observance, belief, or opinion. “Thus, does a fatwa constitute law?

“If so, why is an unelected body or individual being granted the power beyond the democratic remits to create binding laws that affect the personal and religious lives of millions of Muslims in the Federal Territories?” it said.

Oppression of minorities

SIS also demanded clarification on Section 30(1), which would allow mufti to impose fees for services. Additionally, Section 32 provides mufti with protection against suits and legal proceedings.

“At a time of high public distrust against institutions or causes related to Islam and vulnerable persons/communities where monies are concerned, it is untenable for individual religious figures to be given carte blanche, especially with a legislative mandate, to make decisions that affect the lives of millions of Muslims in the federal territories,” it said.

Besides that, the group said passing the bill could lead to the oppression of minority Muslims and non-Muslims through the creation of legal frameworks that discriminate against certain religious practices or beliefs.

“If this bill is allowed to pass, Malaysia’s standing in the global community could be compromised, with international organisations and human rights bodies taking note of the sharp decline in religious freedom and the rise of authoritarianism in religious governance.

Today, conservative Muslims and wannabe clerics do the religious equivalent of blinding one with science. They litter their speeches with Arabic and line their policies with tongue-twisting theological phrases, to convince the masses that they are super religious or brilliant.

Nothing could be further from the truth. It is doubtful that many Malays can comprehend what they are saying, and some Malaysians would probably agree that quantum mechanics would be easier to understand. On July 2, one of the most oppressive bills to be tabled in Parliament, the Federal Territories Mufti Bill 2024, had its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat.

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar introduced the bill and unsurprisingly, few of us paid any attention to it. This is probably because every other day, at least one religious issue will dominate the news, despite there being more important priorities to focus on.

Sweeping powers

Next week, the bill will have its second and third reading in Parliament, before it is voted on and made into law. This time, it must not escape our intense scrutiny yet again. When it was first tabled, few of us were aware. Had Muslim MPs been lobbied to support this oppressive bill, while non-Muslim MPs had no clue what it was all about?

You should be worried about this bill because it represents a fundamental attack on our personal freedom and our democracy. If passed, the bill will give unprecedented sweeping powers to unelected officials to dictate what we can, or cannot do.

Enslaved by religion

Months earlier, the Umno Baru Youth leader, Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh warned non-Muslims not to interfere with Islamic matters.

So, were the halal issues at the time, being used as a smokescreen for laying the groundwork to silence any opposition by non-Muslim MPs towards this controversial bill? Na’im, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan, are trying to make out that the bill is relatively harmless.

Malaya may have achieved Merdeka 67 years ago, but Muslims are still enslaved by religion. The Malay mind is mummified and shaped by ignorance and dogma, while the non-Malays have been browbeaten into submission and silence. The government will attempt to push this bill before the rakyat realises how serious the matter is. These are the worst bits of the bill.

The bill is unconstitutional and our blind submission to it will mean that we transition from a democracy to authoritarian rule in Malaysia. The bill is divisive, it gives unelected people, like the muftis, whose qualifications we do not know, absolute control over our lives. Will the muftis have more power than the king when it comes to religious matters?

Interpretation of fatwa

Although we know that a fatwa is merely an opinion, this is after all Malaysia, and the fatwa will be interpreted according to the whims of these muftis. They will have over-arching powers to sanction anyone whom they think has broken the fatwa. The fatwa will be set in stone just like any law that has been passed.

At the same time, the same unelected muftis will be immune from prosecution. What sort of governance is this? Lives may be destroyed, but these muftis will escape punishment. When one state adopts it, others will follow suit, including Sarawak and Sabah.

You may not think it, but the bill will have serious consequences because it is a clash between two sets of laws, civil and syariah. In 1988, two significant amendments to Article 1216 of the Federal Constitution were made. Our supreme law is the Federal Constitution, but ever since 1988, the powers and jurisdiction of the syariah courts have slowly been expanded beyond the limits permitted by the Constitution.

In October 2024, the syariah courts will overstep their boundaries yet again, and the civil courts will be powerless to stop them because of the way Article 121(1A) has been interpreted.

Non-Muslims also impacted

Despite what the non-Muslims will have been told, the bill will affect us all, both Muslims and non-Muslims.

There are some notable critics of this bill besides Sisters in Islam and some high-profile lawyers. Perlis ruler Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail objected to the use of the Council of Rulers’ name to support the bill. Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, another critic, warned about Sunni sectarianism and that “rigidity would lead to fanaticism and hatred between the people and the government”.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang wanted the bill to be reviewed and he criticised the need for an “official” Islamic strain. When the Perlis ruler objected, Anwar said the experts would deliberate on the matter.

Controlling dissent

In 21st-century Malaysia, this is how the rakyat is kept strictly in line. Politicians control dissent by bullying us with draconian laws, while the muftis claim to save our souls via fire-and-brimstone sermons, promises of rewards in heaven, and threats of endless punishment in hell.

In a nutshell, both politicians and clergy carve up the nation for themselves. They enter into a marriage of convenience because they need one another to maintain their hold on power, and specifically to control you. We thought that Na’im was one of the more “progressive” syariah judges. We were wrong.

Was Na’im under instruction to implement this bill as part of the bigger plan to Islamise Malaysia? Or is the FT Mufti Bill 2024 part of Anwar’s unfinished business? Is he merely completing what he started in 1982 but was unable to finalise because he was ousted from office in 1998?

Koel : By all accounts this is a backward step as Mariam says to allow the muftis and politicians total control. Overnight, rules will be introduced - and it will be for the worse. People need to urge their MPs to stop the bill. Sabah and Sarawak, please step up. This will hit you as well.

2nd Lt Tong (far right) together with brother officers at the 7 Ranger retraining programmes.

This is an open communication from my heart, and also on behalf of my brothers at arms, to you, your cabinet and the government. We, the brave veterans in this nation, are an ignored lot. I say this with full conviction.

The very nation that we served and protected during the best years of our lives. Upon attestation, we took a solemn oath, that we still uphold till the day we die, unlike other public servants, including politicians, who failed in this aspect. This can be clearly seen in the cases of corruption and dereliction of duty.

WE SIGNED A BLANK CHEQUE, IN BLOOD, accepting to be in harm's way. Yes, our service is voluntary, as we do not have compulsory service or conscription. Our career is noble, fraught with uncertainties and of course dangerous and uncomfortable. Yet, we soldiered on, with strong commitment, determination and a sense of love for the nation. We stood stoicly for GOD, KING AND COUNTRY!

That figure inflated to be RM115.00 per month in 1996 as seen in this unclaimed cheque - Chicken feed

Time and time again we endured separation from loved ones, ensuring with our abilities to defend the sovereignty of our beloved nation. From political decisions, we went, unquestioninglly to serve under the auspices of the United Nations, making Malaysia proud, from the Congo in the sixties, till today in Lebanon ( close to an impending catastrophic war.)

Price of Patriotism

Imagine our lives....one day in a trench, in pouring rain, eating instant noodles, to the next day in full military mess kit dining with our King ( who is by constitution, our Supreme Commander) Such is the spectrum and nature of military service. I hope with the preceding explanation, I have given a crystal clear picture of ourselves. Now, as all others in public service, we retire, get old, but never die...we only fade away.

For those who survive and receive a hard earned pension, life is a roller coaster. For those who sacrificed their lives in the course of combat fatalities, they leave behind loved ones, who have certain entitlements too. We remember them each and every year with the highest of gratitude and throw a smart salute military style. For they gave their lives so that we have ours. Sound familiar???

Coming to the crunch of matters. We were shortchanged when salaries were revised in 2013, but pensioners got a raw deal. The veterans, (or rather some brave and determined ones) looked to the courts for justice and got it somewhat. But, what did the government do? It appealed against the judgment in our favour and the matter is now in the Court of Appeal. Well done! It's your legal right, you may say. I do agree, but look back a little.

The previous defence minister, who is still in your cabinet, in parliament stated when asked about the pensions issue, that it's in the courts and the government shall abide by the court judgement. Now it's a different story. Never mind lah, parliamentary immunity etc.etc.

You don't necessarily mean what you say kan? Votes matter, not words kan? Be very clear, we are not beggars, but proud veterans. All we are asking is our rightful pensions, not a wishy-washy civilian type solution. WE ARE CITIZENS, VETERANS, NOT CIVILIANS!

You recently, and very eloquently addressed a large audience stating those who stole public funds and amassed wealth to return it to the people. Good luck with that. Well, we, veterans can ironically ask you to return our " stolen" pensions. Boleh kan? I have also always wondered whether we got our UN Peacekeeping allowances fully or a "haircut" happened. Maybe, some transparency needed here?

Finally Sir,

I now summarise the details:

1. The lot of us left in the lurch are way beyond our 60s, some passing away week after week. In 10 to 15 years all will be gone, survived, maybe, by widows and war widows. Yes, don't forget them too, their spouses died in service.

2. For those who retired before 2013, give out the arrears to date. Even by installments is acceptable, not simply ignored.

3. Restore our pensions to current account, not fancy formula.

4. We have been punished enough, don't punish our widows too, who stand alone at last.

5. Yes, it's a matter of money too, and also dignity. Do you know how many officers are in the B40 group??? When commissioned, we were told we are Division 1 government officers. Not to travel on buses, motorbikes, but cars and taxis. How strange, we ended up in the lower echelons of society?

6. Don't say no money, not in budget. It's KWAP money, all there. Even a kleptocrat siphoned it.

7. No more " akan dibincang, dalam proses dll lagi". Fix it or Fake it. It's all up to your reform agenda. Kill this issue once and for all and earn a veteran's respect, or otherwise earn his displeasure. This is military language. I say no more. Salam Sejahtera.

DAULAT TUANKU

GEMPUR WIRA

TANGKAS TEGAS SAKSAMA

 Major A R RAMACHANDRAN IYER (Retired)

Shelldrake

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