DRKam: The Kedah state government has no constitutional power to ban federally licensed gambling in Kedah. It can refuse premises licences, but the actual betting and lottery licensing regime falls under the federal government.

And here's the awkward part: when Perikatan Nasional was in federal power, with PAS as part of the government, special draws were increased from eight to 22 a year.

So, what say you, Kedah Menteri Besar Sanusi Nor? If Muslims are expected to refrain from pork because it is forbidden, why do we need the government to physically remove every gambling outlet to stop Muslims from gambling?

Is our faith so fragile that it needs the government to police every temptation on our behalf? And shouldn't a government representing all Malaysians, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, be making laws for everyone rather than legislating morality for one faith?

Apanama is Back: Let us not forget that PAS was part of the federal government. In fact, PAS has been a key partner in the ruling federal administration for years now, holding ministerial and government roles.

If PAS is so sincerely committed to the moral principles of prohibiting gambling at all costs, the question must be asked: why did PAS not propose and push for a constitutional amendment or federal legislation to prohibit gambling nationwide during all the years it held federal power?

The federal government, and indeed Parliament, has full authority under the Constitution and the federal list to legislate on matters of gambling and lotteries.

If PAS was truly serious about ending gambling across Malaysia, it would have put its political weight behind a formal constitutional or legislative amendment at the federal level - rather than leaving this "curse" allegation to be hurled from the state level today.

Instead, what we see now is a public attempt to shift blame onto Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, while conveniently overlooking PAS' own record and inaction while it governed at the federal level.

It is easy to moralise from the comfort of a state podium, but leadership is about taking responsibility - and accountability for federal policy rested, in large part, in PAS' own hands.

The people of Kedah and Malaysia deserve a serious, principled debate on this matter - not theatrics and accusations directed at political opponents.

GSVL: First, gambling is only prohibited for Muslims. In fact, federal and state laws do not permit Muslims to gamble. Secondly, non-Muslim religions do not expressly prohibit gambling, but it is not encouraged.

Thirdly, unlike in Islam, non-Muslim religions give their followers the freedom to choose for themselves what is morally right or wrong.

Gambling, lotteries, and gaming houses come under federal jurisdiction, and it is not a state matter. The Federal Constitution does not expressly prohibit gambling in Articles 3 to 13 of the supreme law.

Lastly, it is not for PAS to legislate on public morality for non-Muslims. Why should it matter if non-Muslims want to indulge in gambling, alcohol and other vices, since they are already “destined for eternal damnation”, according to PAS?

BlueShark1548: Indeed. Muslims are not permitted by Islam to gamble, and gambling is bad. However, one should not impose their religious beliefs on others. Is it Islamic to pray for another person's stomach to burst?

Malaysia is a secular nation with a multiracial population and with many different religions. Gambling is a human trait which you can never be curtailed. It is just like drugs. We have strict laws, but there are still drug users and traffickers. It is better to legalise gambling than let it go underground, where we cannot monitor it at all.

Does Sanusi not have comments on the taxes paid by Genting casinos? What happens to the millions paid to the government? Is the money paid by casinos haram and should not be used for the benefit of all Malaysians?

Sanusi is angry because the Federal Court has given him a tight slap on his face. His actual behaviour is being exposed for all to see.

BrownJaguar5869: I don’t gamble. I don’t encourage gambling either. But Malaysia cannot be governed as though everyone must live according to one community’s religious rules.

We are a multiracial, multireligious country governed by the Federal Constitution. Regulate gambling strictly, protect Muslims from it, tackle addiction and illegal gambling, and tax legal operators properly. But a blanket ban imposed on everyone is another matter altogether.

And please, enough with saying Anwar will be “cursed”. This is governance, not a religious threat. The courts have already ruled on the limits of the state’s powers.

Respect the Constitution and govern for all Malaysians, including those whose beliefs and personal choices may be different from ours.

In a hard-cover publication of over 430 pages retailing for RM100 a piece, he enumerates numerous instances of misrepresentation and under-representation of the roles played by non-Malays in Malaysia, especially in school textbooks with previous entries altered or omitted altogether.

Malaysiakini readers would be well aware of his frequent articles on such misrepresentations, and a voice given to minorities whose roles are not sufficiently aired through numerous articles he contributed to the news portal.

The first 34 chapters are based on corresponding articles in Malaysiakini but widened and properly annotated as befits their inclusion in a book of this nature.

One which is totally new is Chapter 35 on the May 13, 1969 racial riots.

Ranjit’s book acknowledgments include Malaysiakini founder and former editor-in-chief Steven Gan, who approved his request to run a column on history in Malaysiakini.

Harmonious Harmony : How long can a community live with lies and make believe life ? This suited our architects (politicians) for which the result was they amassed sinful wealth leaving the community in wanting . 

To replace this narrative as everything has a shelf life , religion is taking centre stage . Targeting NMs , displacing intolerance and apologising for the rest like corruption as divine ! Our politicians have been creative albeit to care of thier interest .

Malaysiansatay : Perhaps KJ should start with this book since he is ‘interested’ in the nations history?

lipdah : The over rated politician???

He had also served as deputy ministers under Abdullah Badawi and Najib Razak administrations. It was not until 2020 that he was made a full minister – Minister of Human Resource – that came with “golden opportunities”. 

Born and raised in gang-infested Sentul, it wasn’t hard for Saravanan to click with the big boss of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), a component party of the corrupted Barisan Nasional coalition. After all, Samy Vellu was the infamous Godfather of Indian gangster in the 1980s and 1990s, who served under the Mahathir leadership during his 22 years iron-fist rule (1981-2003).

COMMENT | In the Malaysian context, both truth and lies exist alongside each other, most of the time complementing each other, fudging or even preventing the correct information or facts from reaching the public.

For citizens, the Enforcement Agencies Integrity Commission (EAIC) is the last bastion of truth - an organisation that seeks the truth but has no power to prosecute.

Like the royal commission inquiry of the past, it seeks to establish where governance failed, procedures were overlooked, and compliance was non-existent.

Monday’s EAIC response to my request came as a mild surprise: its hearings were open to the public, but with a caveat - the commission can use its discretion to prevent access for security reasons.

I can understand and appreciate the stand - the commissioners have to follow the laws enacted by Parliament, and hence they are merely applying the law.

But why did our lawmakers, when promulgating the legislation, impose this condition?

Claims of defence that the truth would cause distrust and a run on its deposits were given and accepted as a plausible reason in the Tabung Haji scandal.

Nenek : There was Hari Ini Dalam Sejarah when 3 ex PM's ("alleged" thieves) were hauled into the hallowed halls of justice in the same day. One for the Malaysian Book of Records. I hope I live to see the day when a blue blood goes through the same process.

PurpleGopher8633 : We have no reputation and respect in the world. All the world knows of Malaysia is coruppted prime ministers followed by their kakis the ministers. Shockingsame in football. How many hands were greased to get citizenship

It’s the same Tabung Haji, but the difference is RM4.8 billion.

To be fair, former auditor-general Madinah Mohamad has said her team found no evidence of theft or misappropriation, but that doesn’t answer the question that should now haunt Tabung Haji: If nobody stole the money, who was responsible for losing it?

GreenWalrus1469: Another convenient fact ignored. Why non-Muslims need to fund RM19 billions TH assets loss so that Muslims can continue to enjoy their religious obligations? 

Religion is a personal obligation. If your god lets you down that’s between you and your god. This organisation is for Muslims only and run by Muslims. There no need for non-Muslims to get involved.

Veteran 1972 : One simple answer, the responsibility lies with UMNO, that gang of Ali Baba's! Whaddaya you expect? 3 ex-PM's with unexplained wealth. Lots more of them are currently off the radar especially H2O! With no helicopters and OPV'S.

Turnedback : The Audit General is very fishy, MACC must check her wealth from her bank account and assets, how can she painted Tabung Haji no mismanaged or irregularities when billions were unaccounted for. Was she qualified to took the post as Audit department head or because of her strong connection with political UMNO, she was appointed.

Dana wibawa case millions to charity hijacked or cheating... Sabri gold bars melted by heat from charges arising... 3 musketeers as in le miguel cervantes novel gone from heroes to 3 stooges goofing... 

A new chapter in politics court cases a dime a dozen among ministers rakyat sneering.... Old guards command no respect for corruption in administering... But justice seems too slippery for judges prone to interfering. By Loga.

NST : KUALA LUMPUR: In a rare convergence, three former prime ministers are expected to appear at the Court Complex here today, each facing a different legal battle. Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob are all expected at the Jalan Duta complex, turning an ordinary court day into a gathering of former national leaders.

Najib will return to the High Court for the continuation of 1Malaysia Development Bhd's (1MDB) multibillion-ringgit civil suit against him and several others. The trial, before judicial commissioner Mohamad Redzuan Idrus, is expected to continue with testimony on transactions and decisions at the heart of the 1MDB controversy.

1MDB is seeking billions of ringgit in damages from the former Pekan member of parliament and the other defendants over losses allegedly suffered by the sovereign wealth fund. In another courtroom, Muhyiddin will continue his trial on seven charges linked to the Jana Wibawa programme.

The Bersatu president faces four charges of abusing his position to obtain RM232.5 million in gratification for the party, and three money laundering charges involving RM200 million. The trial has seen a string of witnesses testify on projects, payments and companies allegedly linked to the programme.

The Pagoh member of parliament's case will be heard before Special Corruption High Court judge Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin. The most closely watched arrival could be Ismail Sabri, who is expected to be charged at the Sessions Court.

The Bera member of parliament is expected to face a charge under Section 36(2) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 over an alleged failure to declare assets as required by the anti-graft agency. His expected appearance comes after an earlier charging date was postponed following health complications.

Ismail Sabri was admitted to the National Heart Institute and later underwent a procedure to have a pacemaker

Without mincing words, senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah accused the PAS leader of displaying a “two-faced and holier-than-thou attitude on this issue”, saying it clearly reflected his political hypocrisy.

“The reality is that when PAS was part of the PN government, the administration increased the number of special draws for gambling from eight to 22 times a year.

“In contrast, it was Anwar, whom Sanusi has now insulted, in his capacity as prime minister and finance minister, who reduced the number back to eight times a year,” he added in a statement issued in his capacity as Kedah PKR’s state leadership council communications director.

PinkWalrus4927 : Dear Sanusi...kalau makan babi ada lah haram tak perlu kempen bagi tau org islam. Kalau judi haram tak kan kena kempen bagi tahu org islam. They know themselves But only gambling Sanusi need to be educated. Bodoh punya PAS Tlg translate kat dia

Turnedback : Talking against gambling, do Sanusi knows that his Gaji partly comes from the Gambling tax , if Sanusi can be so suci, don't take your Gaji.

UNDECIDED : Without mincing words, senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah accused the PAS leader of displaying a “two-faced and holier-than-thou attitude on this issue”, saying it clearly reflected his political hypocrisy. 

“The reality is that when PAS was part of the PN government, the administration increased the number of special draws for gambling from eight to 22 times a year. @@@@@ When one has a holier than thou attitude, you cannot avoid being hypocritical and even more so if the person is a religious scholar.

Veteran 1972 : Muslim Hypocrisy: On the Violation of Religious Freedoms. Muslim protests against Western Christian violations of Muslim freedoms are clearly a case of people living in glass houses throwing stones. Any such violations pale in comparison to the pervasiveness and severity of violations of the religious freedom of Christians in Middle Eastern and Muslim states. 

The treatment of Muslim minorities in Western Christian states has become a high profile issue in world politics, yet the significantly poorer treatment of Christian minorities in Muslim states has not been given nearly as much attention. Two recent laws embody the nature of these issues in the West. 

First, a 2004 French law prohibited public school students and employees from wearing “conspicuous religious symbols,” including headscarves, skullcaps and large crosses. While this law technically applies to all religions, Muslims perceive the law as directed primarily against the wearing of head-coverings by devout Muslim women. 

Second, in 2009 a Swiss referendum banned the building of minarets—the prayer towers that are an integral part of mosques. Both of these laws have been accurately portrayed as restrictions on Muslim religious freedom. More importantly, these are not isolated incidents, with similar practices occurring in other Western democratic states. 

Yet, Muslim protests against these laws also represent an international double standard. Muslims across the world often take to the streets to protest such violations of religious freedom in the Christian world while at the same time Muslim states regularly engage in more pervasive and severe violations of the religious freedom of Christians and others. 

In order to demonstrate this I compare the treatment of Muslims in 26 Western democracies to the treatment of Christians in 17 Middle Eastern Muslim states. (Israel and Lebanon are not included due to substantial participation by non-Muslims in government).

The Umno leader pleaded not guilty to the charge before judge Suzana Husin today.

He was alleged to have committed the offence by giving a sworn written statement that did not comply with the MACC notice under Section 36(1) of the MACC Act 2009 on Feb 7, 2025.

According to the charge sheet, Ismail Sabri was served with the MACC notice on Jan 10 the same year.

Today’s prosecution made Ismail Sabri the third former prime minister charged in court under the MACC Act.

GrayParrot9290  : Lhdn do not want know ? Rakyat has 1001 question on this case and watching !

ProMalaysia : Why is he charged for NON DISCLOSER OF ASSETS ONLY. He should be charged for corruption. How can he justify his ill-gotten wealth.

apanama is back : On an unusual day in court, three former prime ministers were at the same court complex to face separate legal proceedings on Thursday (Aug 27). 

Najib is in court for the ongoing hearing of a US$5.6bil civil suit filed by 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) against him and five other former 1MDB directors. Muhyiddin's graft trial linked to the Jana Wibawa programme is also being heard at the High Court in the same complex. 

Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri is charged at the Sessions Court this morning. When will it be Zahid's turn with his 47 charges? By the way, where are Hadi Awang and Akmal? Let's CELEBRATE!!!!! The above is a VERY EXCELLENT example of Malay Unity.

BrownWalrus3447 : Why Umno youth head so quiet? Does he know something that we do not know?

Speaking in Alor Setar, Sanusi said the state government had done all it could to curb the vice when it imposed a blanket ban on gambling and lottery outlets in 2023. However, the Federal Court quashed the ban on Aug 12. Sanusi (above) said the matter now rests with Anwar, who also holds the finance minister portfolio.

“Now the ball is in the finance minister’s court. You all know who is the finance minister. “So now, are you going to approve? Because if you do, you will be cursed (celaka) by Kedahans.

“What else can we say? Kedahans will curse you because you allow (it),” he said during a special briefing at the menteri besar’s official residence last night. The session was organised by the Kedah state government’s information arm, Urus Setia Penerangan Darul Aman, to explain the implications of the court ruling.

RedRaven6070 : If Malaysia really lost RM4.5 trillion (RM4,500,000,000,000) to corruption over the past 22 years, then congratulations—we certainly know how to make money disappear. And, of course, it definitely wasn’t through gambling.

Dino : Dont ban legal gambling just because your religion , non muslims are not subjected to islamic laws, better learn from your sifu Ustaz Azizan who did not ban legal 4d outlets in Kedah when he was the Kedah MB eventhough he is from Pas like you.

mosquitobrain : PAS Kedah MB Sanusi, once a nincompoop, always a nincompoop. If you've wanted to go to heaven, please do as you wish. Nobody is stopping you. Did your religion teach you to practice forgiveness instead of cursing others? If your religion do not allow you to take non-halal foods, will you also curse others who consume it? Stop mocking yourself.

BlueCougar1744 :The holier than thou is truly a hypocrite. Does he know that by the same measure he applies this to anyone, the same measure will also apply to him. I do not encourage gambling and like God, the Creator believes in democratic and a freewill to chose his way of life, God will be the Judge and not you.

Many Malay netizens bashed the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) for sacking Solehah. One Amin S said - “Mereka takut fakta kegemilangan Melayu” (They are afraid of the glorious facts about the Malays). So, he continued, they had to sack her to shut her up. His comment was in a post by Berita Harian about her sacking. It received more than 443 likes.

Koel : This woman is a pitiful figure of fun and it is not pleasant to continue bashing her. There are academics and then there are populist political aspirants honing their ethnonationalist skills. A university chose to promote the latter. 

It is probably more relevant to find out which schools, departments and universities gave her these degrees. Her degrees and academic promotions have to be questioned. The persons responsible for these must be identified because they have created this frankenstein. 

This person is a symptom of deeper problems in tertiary education. According to published information, Solehah is a linguist. However, how her public statements on history link with her specialisation of linguistics is unclear. How did her dean address this? 

In core assumptions related to research, researchers may adopt an interpretivist mode that accepts shifting realities. But these are thoroughly grounded in rigourous research, over many years and should stand scrutiny and debate. 

So the question comes back to the heads of departments, the deans and the supervisors who supervised the work of this individual. What rigorous standards did they ensure in choosing to promote such a person? 

Often, when a university lacks the specialisation necessary to scrutinise the work of their postgraduate students or their academics, they will approach external specialists, established in their fields, to do the necessary. 

Are universities in this country employing this rigour. Or are we cynically handing out degrees and promotions to those lacking merit and indepth knowledge? If so, such handouts are worthless than toilet paper. 

And the fact that so many are supportive of the simpleton statements that lack intellectual rigour and credibility once again points to major failures at all levels of Malaysian education. When a country runs on ignorance, worse will follow. 

This is the harvest of 60+ years of promotion of mediocrity in education and specifically higher education. And we are all tainted by this. But more importantly, we should fear where this is rapidly leading this country.

apanama is back : No wonder the education minister, in the same mould as Solehah, said that our education system is 'on par with Singapore and Japan.' 

Now you know why IIUM waited for 118 days before saying 'enough is enough' with Solelah and sacking her. It is all about a dumbed-down education system.

Another Bright Bulb

Free Malaysia Today reported that Madinah, who served as auditor-general from 2017 to 2019, also said she and her team found “no evidence of theft or misappropriation” during their audit of the pilgrimage fund. “If my team and I had found such evidence, I would have raised it and referred the matter to the relevant authorities.

“My mandate was very clear,” she reportedly said today as a speaker at a National Musyawarah Forum on Tabung Haji in Kuala Lumpur.

V S : So much for the quality and competence . The head believes and relies on the team’s findings . She must now be wondering why charges being made on the board members of TH by the MACC .

save our currency : She works on paper figures. She didn’t check bank accounts. The legacy of ketuanan creations. The reality is in the pagar makan padi accounts and overseas. It’s apt to name ketuanan who enriched themselves via stealing as pagar. Siapa itu itu pagar.

MS : The woman was a political appointee, unqualified in anything and everything related to audits. Put in that position by someone who the courts later convicted and called a "national embarrassment" (and knowing how unsuited she was for the position) she clearly knew which side of her bread is buttered. 

As others have pointed out, her political pedigree in no small way helped, a fact reinforced by her presence at the National Musyawarah Forum attended by other "luminaries" such as Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Plantation and Commodities Minister Noraini Ahmad, Majlis Amanah Rakyat chairperson Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, and PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan.

DonGetMeWrong : Why would it even surprised us that the ex auditor general is defending her "clean" audit report on TH financial status? Does anyone that is appointed to the job based on their qualification? 

Majority are political appointments to curry flavour "you scratch my back I scratch your back" syndrome. Tell which person appointed to a job of authority ever admit their fault (only the ketuanan kind). Majority are appointed to sit there and collect their big fat salary.

BOBBYO : Funny as TDM says, that there are leaders that say one plus one is three, according to Tan Sri Madinah's methodology of auditing the accounts of TH. 

While all the accountants if they would audited TH's account between 2014 to 2018 meticulous, would have come to the same conclusion, that the accounts have been falsified.. 

Only the Malaysian Audit Agency under her tenure can come up with the conclusion that the accounts were audited according to standards and the audit evidence. She could not see the huge elephant in the room, that showed a huge number of zero's missing.from the figures presented by TH. 

Coming from a non accountant back ground, it raises serious red flags as how she was appointed to that vital post. Was it due to political loyalty or was she appointed so that she would come in handy, when the situation arise. Like the AG Appandi Ali, when the IMDB scandal was exposed in the public domain. 

How he cried out "ALL IS WELL" We find the same act being played out, when it came to TH's audited accounts. She is still saying that "ALL IS STILL WELL" by defending in her part that she played when she headed the Audit Dept. 

The evidence presented by those involved in the RCI investigation exposed the real truth and nothing but the truth. That billions have been mismanaged by some unscrupulous people or leaders. Even by right she should be investigated and even those who worked on the TH's account. 

They should be hauled up and they should give their explanation as how they came to such a conclusion that the accounts of TH are truthful and done in all honesty.

In a Facebook post, Nik Elin (above) said her reading of the 147-page Syariah Offences (Kelantan) Enactment 2026 revealed at least 11 provisions that could potentially face legal challenges.

“Do not always punish the people (of Kelantan) with laws that may ‘sound good’ in name and wording, but ultimately end up as political rhetoric and can be challenged by Nik Elin 2.0,” she said, referring to the possibility of other critics like her emerging.

Her warning comes despite the Kelantan state government formulating the new syariah offences law to avoid future legal challenges over its constitutionality. In her post, the lawyer did not list the 11 provisions that could be challenged.

However, when contacted, she said among the provisions that could be challenged were sections 12, 15, and 16. This covers disturbance to Muslims places of worship; safeguarding private parts; and safeguarding other body parts. The last two provisions are meant to discourage sexual acts contrary to Islamic law. Nik Elin told Malaysiakini the enactment's definition of a Muslim as per Section 2 could also be challenged.

The definition includes “a body, movement, or group whether incorporated or not incorporated” managed by a Muslim and further covers such a body that carries out “any activities, takes a stand, or shares opinions on any matters related to syariah law”.

On the Other Hand : PAS tries hard to make it seem like they are holier-than-thou, but there is a huge divide between what they prescribe for the man in the street, and for what they do themselves, and what they feel their friends can do. 

Witness how PAS leaders were calling for the scoundrels involved in the GIHSB scandal to be treated with kid gloves? What happened to the public caning and shaming that PAS so often likes to prescribe in that case? 

The hypocrisy and double standards stand out like a sore thumb. The entirety of it, from its very beginning, was just a scheme to get rich quick and take that which belonged to others.

Nature : All this legal thing doesn't make sense if No economic development and people living in poor conditions.

Anony_1601363616034791660231601362776648 : You are spot on... These legal things are put in place to control the masses or shall i say "ummah... its not applicable for themselves or those higher up then these implementers. These ladies can make a super combination if they could join together...

1. Nik Elin
2. Siti Kassim
3. Mariam Mokhtar
4. Tengku Yasmin Nastasha Tengku Abdul Rahman( Nik Elin's daughter)

Notice all these 4 brave women never wear the tudung!!...

DonGetMeWrong : Religion is personal. No other religions has religious law to force believers into submission. 

Does Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism etc other than Islam has banking, financing, insurance, even stock exchange has halal certified counter, halal certification for doing business to comply with? 

So much complication to be a Muslim. Just wondering

Raja Chulan : A whole gang of the 'best' Islamist brains in Kelantan vs one plain simple women and the women wins. Ha! Ha!

apanama is back : While most of us know why PAS lawmakers in Kelantan are focusing too much on religion rather than improving the quality of life of the Kelantanese, this issue goes beyond the incompetence of the lawmakers and their enthusiasm for the enactment and implementation of syariah laws, no matter how they run counter to our Federal Constitution. 

One needs to look at the root cause and the historical facts on how indoctrination happened so that the majority Muslim will support this syariah law unquestioningly. The following is the well-documented study report. 

Malaysia ranks among the top countries worldwide in the degree of state regulation of religion. Malaysia ranks sixth out of 198 countries worldwide in the degree of restrictions on the free practice of religion, surpassing even Saudi Arabia (Pew Research Centre 2017). 

In another measure, the government involvement in Religion Index, only ten countries worldwide have a higher ranking than Malaysia. Malaysian law requires Muslims to attend Friday prayers, fast during Ramadan, and abide by dietary restrictions year-round. Drinking, gambling, and "sexual deviance" are prohibited, as is interfaith marriage and conversion out of Islam. 

But over and above these rules and regulations, it is the state's monopoly on religious interpretation that is the most striking feature of Malaysian law. Once recorded in the official Gazette, fatwas from state-appointed officials assume the force of law and public expression of alternate views is criminalised. 

From this vantage point, Malaysia appears as a religious state, at least for the 60% of Malaysian Muslims who are subject to these laws. From this vantage point, Malaysia appears to be the antithesis of a secular state and the realisation of a religious state, at least for the sixty per cent of Malaysian Muslims who are subject to such rules and regulations. 

Aspects of religion and governance are clearly intertwined in Malaysia. Still, the Malaysian case illustrates how the simple dichotomy of "secular" versus "religious" can obfuscate more than it reveals. As recent work shows, the secular/religious binary takes its own starting point for granted. 

It overlooks how both categories are constructed as mirror opposites, as well as the modern state's expanding regulatory capacity. In addition to this binding monopoly over the interpretation of Islamic law, the Malaysian government built significant infrastructure to deliver its state-sanctioned understanding of Islam. 

Witness that fifty-six deviant sects (including Shia Islam) have been outlawed. In the Federal Territories, the Administration of Islamic Law Act also establishes a monopoly on the administration of mosques, including the trusteeship and maintenance of all existing mosques (Articles 72 and 74), the erection of new mosques (Article 73), and the appointment and discipline of local imams (Articles 76–83). 

More than this, federal and state agencies dictate the content of Friday sermons (khutab). Imams, already on the government payroll and licensed by the state, are also monitored and disciplined if they veer too far from state-proscribed mandates. 

Combined with the state's extensive reach in other areas, such as public education, television and radio programming, and quasi-independent institutions such as IKIM (Institute for Islamic Understanding), the state plays a prominent role in shaping popular understandings of Islam. 

No wonder you could see that there are very few "Nik Elin" who could see their true colour out of the 'indoctrination circle.'

BOBBYO : Whole life they have no work to do but keep on trying to control human beings. What they can say, do and even at times eat, places they can go, what they wear, with whom they can socialize and even there will be a time they will decide of how can you die. 

According to their interpretation of the Holy Book. God created humans and gave them a free will to choose. Humans find ways of how they can enforce their laws to entrap the humans in the various cages of their so called laws. 

Laws which by right which is between man and God, but these radicals want to be busy bodies and have their say in the every part of the human life and also dish out their mode of punishment. Not satisfied they want to even draft laws according to their own interpretation of the Constitution. 

Our forefathers who sat and consulted all those involved in achieving independence for the nation. They had to make sure that all the parties involved were satisfied and the interest of the various races looked after. Fast forward 60 over years, and what do we have here. 

New leaders who want to interpret and introduce their own version of the agreement signed by our forefathers. If only our forefathers would be alive today and see what is happening to the nation, they worked so hard to achieve freedom from the British. 

How religion and race is manipulated and used to achieve political success. Not finding ways to build up the economy. Not finding ways that will lift the standard of education, so that the people can compete with the best. Not finding ways to make sure the people have the best of the health facilities. 

Not finding ways to provide clean water or even make sure that the people have the best and fastest internet facilities. Not finding ways where the people have the best mode of transport. They have all the time in the world to sit down and draft laws, to try and find ways to go around the Constitution and come up with their version of laws. 

There should be more people like Nik Elin Nik Rashid that will speak out and defend what our forefathers agreed upon and drafted out the nation's Constitution.

Dr Suresh Kumar : What a brave lady. Hats off to her for courage to take on the Lebais to defend our supreme constitution.

Dr Peter Jebaseelan Jesudason : Muslims must be wary of those in authority who want to enhance their control over them by introducing Sharia legislation which conflicts with the Malaysian constitution. 

The Malaysian constitution is the supreme law of the land. Sharia has very limited application and is for Muslims only and it concerns issues related to " family law ". The scope of Sharia punishments is heavily restricted by the Malaysian constitution. 

Sharia punishments such as stoning and limb amputation is banned. Even the number of strokes of the rotan is limited by the Malaysian constitution. Brave Muslims like Nik Elin are giving notice to the Islamic authorities that they refuse to be treated " seperti lembu dicucuk hidung ".

Finance Twitter : In May 2015, Mahathir Mohamad warned Tabung Haji to cancel its land purchase from 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Berhad).

He disagreed that the Malaysia’s Pilgrims’ Fund was being used to bail out 1MDB – purchasing a small 1.56 acre of Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) land for RM188.5 million, when an area 45 times bigger (70 acres) was purchased by 1MDB for only RM194.1 million. 

Tabung Haji was set up about 55 years ago to help Muslims in the country save up for the hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca they are obligated to perform at least once. Over the decades, the fund board gained respect in the Islamic world for its management of the savings and Shariah-compliant investments, enabling over 30,000 Malaysian Muslims to perform Hajj every year.

Flushed with cash, the fund, however, caught a pair of glowing greedy eyes of former Prime Minister Najib Razak, who decided to secretly milk it. In December 2015, Zeti Akhtar Aziz, Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia (Central Bank of Malaysia) sent two letters to the chairman of the fund, Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim, and copied them to the Prime Minister, who was also the Finance Minister.

The letters warned that the pilgrims’ fund was on the brink of collapse and a massive bail out by taxpayers may be required. Governor Zeti also warned that the fund’s obligations far exceed its assets, as she observed that Tabung Haji was paying out far more than it had made in profits in recent years, in the form of excessive “dividends” and “bonuses”.

It would take slightly more than two years to discover the horror story of the Tabung Haji financial situation. All hell broke loose after the stunning downfall of the Najib regime in May 2018. By December that very same year, it was found that the Pilgrims’ Fund was “insolvent” – a polite word to declare that the Malay Muslim institution was bankrupt.

Delusion is not a crime

– PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang

COMMENT | Abdul Hadi Awang’s recent comments have understandably upset some folks. Hadi, of course, delights in all of this. This is a politician who has never attempted to hide the fact that he believes Islam is supreme and that everyone else must submit to its authority.

The one thing people often ask me is this: Why is PAS on the ascendancy? Are they really making gains or is all of this an electoral mirage? The answer to both questions is: those are the wrong questions. The reality is that PAS defines the Islamic discourse in this country.

While the PAS president may occasionally have his statements taken by the police for hate speech, the fact that the prime minister cannot even bring himself to utter Hadi’s name or directly call out PAS for its hate speech is further evidence of the mainstreaming of extremist ideologies in this country and how weak Putrajaya is.

BluePanther4725 : So-called muslims like Hadi Awang and those in PAS use Islam to justify their corruption, racism, hate speech, oppression, injustice and wrongdoings. 

Hadi is not fit to represent muslims as he is not a true muslim. A good person or true muslim will not make such baseless slander against the non-muslims like Hadi Awang.

HOYOHOYO:Hello Commander Hadi Awang has mastered clerical fascism in bolihland. He has portrayed himself as the Supreme Leader with race and class. Subtly calling for total devotion, blind faith, and obedience from its rural followers is dangerous. 

His wooden tongkat was auctioned at RM16000 for the fundraising of PAS in Melaka yesterday. Islamic NGOs, academics and JAKIM are dumbstruck by his speeches. They couldn't or don't know how to respond to his threats. Hadi Awang will continue talking and writing his falsehoods. 

The silence of the Head of Islam is deafening. It is blasphemy and treason against the faith. The sultans and YDPA need to stop him now.

Anonymous_3f4b : Both are fundamental Islamists brought up in that mould Hadi is an open Islamist while Anwar is a closet Islamist. Both complement each other. The sooner the people realise the dual role of these 2 Islamists the better it is for them to understand.

apanama is back : "… the fact that the prime minister cannot even bring himself to utter Hadi's name or directly call out PAS for its hate speech is further evidence of the mainstreaming of extremist ideologies in this country and how weak Putrajaya is." 

Yes, MADani is going to hand over the key to Putrajaya to PAS and Hadi without any doubt. The Renaissance Man is hell-bound to HELP PAS in one way or another. Blame him. When Harapan lose the election, they will blame conservative voters and PN/PAS, but they have ample time to curtail the hate speech that resonates well among the conservative voters. 

Just issuing a statement on Hadi's hate speech and expecting voters to turn around is foolish at its maximum when the PM has at its disposal all the resources to arrest and sentence Hadi for hate speech. But he is deliberately looking at the other side. And you know who the main enabler is? DAP. 

This party, too, merely issued a statement but is unwilling to take Hadi to court for reasons known to most of us. Why was hate speech not prevalent previously, say, under the Mahathir administration? Because he is strong and knows how to curb hate speech. However, the current MADani fellow is incompetent, weak and cowardly.

darmakochi : “Muslims involved in corruption are not as many as non-Muslims, because they are guarded by faith and belief that there is sin before Allah.” What a stupid statement by that person!

In a joint statement today, the group led by Bagan Dalam assemblyperson Kumaran Krishnan expressed disappointment with a previous statement by 14 DAP members criticising Rayer (above) over his stance on the demolition of the Veeramakaliamman Temple at Bukit Lagi, Kangar.

Kumaran and 42 leaders from various party branches questioned why the criticism of Rayer had been aired publicly instead of through the party's internal channels. “We can have differences of opinion. That is normal in a democratic party.  "But is openly attacking our own colleagues and leaders the best way to resolve those differences?” they asked.

They cautioned that publicly attacking fellow party members could provide ammunition to political opponents and create an impression of division within DAP. Yesterday, the 14 DAP members said dialogue should be encouraged to find the best solution, but unlawful activities should not be condoned.

They also stressed that no one was above the law and said party leaders should verify the facts and take an impartial position when community interests conflict with legal requirements.

The 14 included Selangor DAP Youth vice chief Nur Rahim Nasir, DAP branch leaders Shakir Ameer Mohideen (Setia Impian), Farhan Haziq (Bandar Baru Bangi), Abdul Majid Abd Aziz (Pekan Paloh), Nor Miswary Ramli (Pusat Bandar Shah Alam), Izzul Afiq (Taman Kemuncak), Aslam Ahmad Ramli (Kampung Tunku SS1), and Aldrin Ng (Kampung Baru Pasir Pinji), as well as former Dusun Tua assemblyperson Edry Faizal Yusof.

While their statement did not name Rayer, several of the signatories confirmed to Malaysiakini that it was linked to the Jelutong MP's condemnation of the state government for demolishing the temple after it was found to have been built on government land without a permit.

apanama is back : The rule of law under MADani is always SELECTIVE toward minorities, especially Malaysian Indians. That is why we can observe bullying of minorities and the weak. Just compare Hadi and Malaysian Indians. 

Hadi can spew nonsense with a racial tone, and he will always be scot-free, while the century-old Hindu Temple will be torn down in the name of the rule of law, when that law itself did not exist a century ago. Even if a temple is in non-compliance, it should be dealt with professionally. 

Let's say a surau is non-compliant; don't you deal with it amicably and relocate the surau? Of course, you do, but when it comes to a Hindu Temple, suddenly you talk about the rule of law and proceed with demolition. I had asked a few Hindu priests about the Veeramakaliamman Temple at Bukit Lagi, Kangar. 

The temple is about 80 years old, just short of another 20 years until it reaches a century. That means from 1957 to 2026, it seems there is NO RULE OF LAW. SUDDENLY, in 2026, the rule of law crops up. Remember, Perlis is in Malaysia, and the Federal government can still halt the demolition, but since it is a Hindu Temple, the rule of law comes into play, selectively. 

Coming back to DAP, we can see the party is divided: one community, all of the same race, opposes Rayer's statement, while another supports Rayer's call for negotiations. But Anthony Loke will say a cool head prevails.

darmakochi : "The rule of law is not a license for those in power to bully the weak or minorities" Very well said!

Even if the 10^th Prime Minister is a fake reformist, serial liar, hypocrite, traitor, untrustworthy, anti-Chinese, and whatnot, the chameleon is still the “best of the worst”, his apologists love to argue.

“If not Anwar, who else” – his worshippers like to lecture critics who dare to question the PM. Yet, the so-called most popular Malaysian leader had lost not one, not two, but three state elections namely Sabah, Johor and Negeri Sembilan. And you can bet all your money that Anwar-led Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition is going to lose the upcoming Melaka state election too. 

But losing four state elections consecutively was just an appetizer. Anwar’s party – People’s Justice Party (PKR) – would be lucky if it could retain half of the current 31 parliamentary seats it won in the November 2022 national polls. The party might end up withless than 10 MPsin the next 16^th General Election. While PKR is still in “denial, delusion and drunk” with power, someone appears to have woken up.

Nurul Izzah, who is Anwar’s eldest child, has resigned as PKR deputy president – about 14 months after she was elected in the party’s elections in May 2025. In a statement issued on the night of Aug 6, 2026, she said – “I extend my deepest appreciation to the party president Anwar Ibrahim and the party leadership for acknowledging my decision to step down as PKR’s deputy president.”

The prime minister said such actions should not be turned into racial or religious issues. “If you ask me, Muslims and Malays should be even more serious and meticulous when it comes to upholding morality and values, because we should set an example.

“In dakwah, we call this dakwah bil hal (lead by example); the most effective form of preaching is preaching by example.

“If we say we must fight drugs, but there are many drug problems among our own people, or say we must fight corruption, but many of those who greedily take bribes are also among us, that is not setting an example.

OCT : Corruption is very rampant in Malaysia Govt, GLC & GLIC. When Corruption started, it was small amount. The Govt was very forgiving. However, as times go on, Corruption has grown into a big fire that consumes everything. 

The Govt always portray it is a clean Govt with good men looking after it's interest. If not mistaken it became a big issue during Bank Bumi time. Later there was PKFZ, Proton, Perwaja, MAS and many others ending with the biggest case in 1MDB. 

Most of the tim3s it involves MM but very seldom any big MM big fish is caught. Money sakau but hardly recovered. It is very difficult to pin it on party leaders as the PM depends on them to keep him as PM. When almost everyone is in the game, there is hardly anyone wants to rock the boat. 

Easy money. No need hardwork. It has become to each its own. You don't tell, I won't tell. No brainer philosophy. When caught, no need to repay. You get to keep the money. 

Whether PM is successful in his words and has the guts to go after the warlords will depend on the result in sending them to court and later jail. PM seems to more vocal than action

WhiteHorse7513 : Only when the ship(PKR) is sinking that PMX wakes up and speaks about sinfulness among Muslims supporting/ not objecting corruption.PMX kept quiet all this while thinking his silence and pro malay antics will garner malay votes for PKR but alas this backfired wholesale.

Veteran 1972 : They are the worst to be used as examples, even my toes are laughing!

Daniel lee : Our country is surely heading the wrong direction . Every day , we hear from our leaders , Goverment or the Muslim opposition ranting every thing weak about their race and religion . 

It just beats the hell out of the nons because since independence and our constitution protect the race and religion so much that all the minorities are left to fend for themselves ! Yet, daily we are blamed for the ‘perceived’ failures of them. 

For context , the NEP is for Malays, almost 99% of Govertment servants are malays, big bulk of entry to Public universities are reserved for Malays , special discounts for Home purchases are for Malays and the list can go on and on ! 

Therefore , please stop blaming us when you are not competitive . We , the nons , are not the causes of your failures. It’s your own race and perhaps , too pampered by all your entitlements that make your own failures. 

However , you should also reliased that many elites Malays are super rich but kept low profile and the ordinary poor are calling backwards ! Meanwhile , many of us, the nons are suffering because we need to save every single cent for our children’s education and other expenses! 

We get no help from the Govertment but just pay our taxes ! My life is very miserable as many of our kids left this country to find a better country with less descrimination and these are the things the Malays can never empathise with us.

In a US Court in Oakland on Tuesday, it was alleged that Meta (which owns Facebook) knowingly hooked and exploited children, with accusations that the company deliberately made Instagram and Facebook addictive to young users.

Meta “exploited how kids’ brains work”, California prosecutor Megan O’Neill said in opening arguments, painting Meta’s business model as one built to “hook the users, hold them for as long as they can, harvest their data, and then hide the truth from the public.”

Finance Twitter : The genuine Malay Muslims in this country should stop worrying about losing their Malay privilege or Islam supremacy to non-Muslims. In the same breath, they should also stop worrying that the special position of Malay Rulers would disappear overnight. The rights of the Malays, Islam and Monarchy are strongly guarded and enshrined in the Constitution.

In reality, the minority non-Muslims couldn’t care less about the Malays or Bumiputera (son of the soil), as long as they do not force their extreme, radical and racist belief or policies on the minorities. The real enemies of Malay Muslims are not the ethnic Chinese or ethnic Indian but rather the fake Malay Muslims who have infiltrated into the system and take advantage of the racism policies.

We’re talking about people like Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim, whose ancestors came from India and landed in Malaya (modern day Malaysia) by boat, the same way Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s ancestors originated from Kerala did. In fact, due to his South Indian descent, Abdul Azeez speaks fluent Tamil in addition to Malay. But being proud of his roots can only bring him so far.

Fortunately for Abdul Azeez, the Federal Constitution defines a Malay as a person who professes the religion of Islam, habitually speaks the Malay language, and who conforms to Malay customs. So, Mr. Azeez transforms himself as a Malay and enjoys all the perks and privileges as if he is a genuine Malay, when in fact he’s just a “Mamak” (Indian Muslim).

Authorities insist the temple stood on state land without a permit. Engagements were held, alternatives suggested, and the law applied. Yet this legalistic defence rings hollow when applied to spiritual sites that have served communities for generations.

Arguments over ownership of places that existed long before Malaysia’s borders were drawn are lame excuses for cultural erasure. The same logic has threatened the century-old Sakyamuni Caves Monastery at Gunung Kanthan in Perak, where quarrying interests and eviction orders hang over a living Buddhist sanctuary nestled in limestone caves of immense geological and spiritual value. Across the peninsula, ancient sites linked to the Srivijaya era, once part of a vast maritime cultural sphere have been neglected, damaged, or lost to development and indifference over the decades.

All governments since federation have deeply neglected this aspect of the nation’s heritage. Malaysia’s soul was never monocultural. It was forged through Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms, Arab and Chinese traders, Indian labourers, indigenous communities, and Islamic sultanates.

On the Other Hand : Why is it that Article 11(2) of the Federal Constitution is ignored? It states: 'No person shall be compelled to pay any tax the proceeds of which are specially allocated in whole or in part for the purposes of a religion other than his own.' 

If the Islamic religious authorities quote the law, then why do successive Muslim-led governments breach the Federal Constitution with impunity, when their actions favor Islam, and oppresses non-Muslims? 

The bailout of Tabung Haji using taxpayers funds is a clear breach of the Federal Constitution, and so is the use of taxpayers funds from the Consolidated Fund, to pay for JAKIM, TH, and all State Islamic bodies, like JAIS. It is completely ILLEGAL to use the taxes paid by non-Muslims to fund these organisations. When is Mkini going to ask politicians this question? Why so scared to uphold the Constitution?

The 26-year-old, going by the pseudonym of “Gabir” to protect his identity, told the i that he and his boyfriend were sitting in a restaurant together in Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, when the city was seized by the Taliban on 15 August.

They both rushed back to their respective homes, and soon Gabir was unable to get hold of his partner as his phone signal and internet connection began to fail.

He said: “At 5 or 6 o’clock, my brother told me something has happened, that ‘you should contact your friends’. When I call my friends, everyone’s phone is off.”

Tragically, Gabir finally discovered from a friend that his boyfriend, who was just 24 years old, had been tracked down by the Taliban and killed.

“Two cars came, with Taliban in it,” he said. “They said, ‘Where is his home?’ and beat him so much. They took him away – nobody knows where – and then they kill him.

“Afterwards they said they brought the body [back] and cut his body into pieces to show the people that this is what we do with gay people.” Gabir and his boyfriend had been together for eight months after meeting at university, and had been planning to leave Afghanistan to get married.

Following the young man’s horrific death, Gabir hasn’t even had time to grieve, as he is in hiding and fearing for his own life.

He recently received an anonymous call from someone who told him: “I know you are gay, before capturing Kabul we knew everything about you, you have three or four friends who are gay, you have a boyfriend.

“Once we settle here in Kabul we will not let you live. If we find you, we will kill you.” Since then, Gabir has been on the run, but he said: “I’m 100 per cent sure I’m going to die. There is no hope for me.” In a heartbreaking message to the British government, Gabir added:

“I just want to leave this country. I don’t want to die. “I don’t want them to kill me and cut me into pieces like they did my boyfriend. “We deserve to live… Please, please, please, save us.”