Latest news with #Suhakam
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
First day of Dewan Rakyat focuses on post Asean 2025 foreign policy, cost of haj
KUALA LUMPUR: The Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament of Dewan Rakyat which opens today will see debates on the direction of the country's foreign policy after the Asean 2025 Chairmanship, digital transformation and the issue of increasing hajj costs as among the main agendas. According to the meeting Order Paper displayed on the Parliament portal, Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar) raised a question about the future of Malaysia's foreign policy to the Foreign Minister during the oral question and answer session. He wants to know how the policy could help Malaysia navigate the increasingly complex and dynamic Indo-Pacific geopolitical landscape. The digitalisation of the country also received attention when Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) asked the Prime Minister to explain the progress of the implementation of the MYDigital initiative, especially regarding the registration of MyDigital ID, the integration of government systems with digital platforms, and its impact on the delivery of public services. The issue of digital transformation continued with a question from V. Sivakumar (PH-Batu Gajah) to the Digital Minister who wanted to know the country's preparedness for the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution including technology transfer strategies, local talent development, as well as the level of AI integration in governance and key economic sectors. Datuk Dr Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa) also asked the Prime Minister regarding the justification for the increase in the 2025 haj cost, the status of Tabung Haji investments and the amount of unused Malaysian haj quota for the years 2020 to 2025. After the question and answer session, the sitting will continue with the tabling of the second reading of several bills including the Consumer Credit Act 2025 and the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing (Amendment) Bill 2025. Members of Parliament are also expected to focus on the motion to debate the Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) 2023 (Statute Paper 80 of 2025). Apart from that, two other documents will also be tabled on the MPs' desks, namely the Auditor General's Report 2/2025 and the Suhakam Annual Report 2023. The Dewan Rakyat session for the Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament is scheduled to last for 24 days and among the highlights will certainly be the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan on July 31. — BERNAMA
Daily Express
16-07-2025
- General
- Daily Express
700 facing eviction want government to step in
Published on: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 16, 2025 By: Marutin Ansiung Text Size: Representatives from the eight villages posing for a photo with officials from Suhakam. KENINGAU: More than 700 residents from eight villages in Mukim Dalit Sook want Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to intervene and resolve their ancestral land problem with a company that issued eviction notices in May. They were shocked to suddenly receive eviction notices from a company holding Title Grant PL 136291659, delivered through a law firm based in Kota Kinabalu. Advertisement The eviction notice, dated on May 8, gave residents 30 days from the date of service to vacate the land and hand over vacant possession to the company. However, residents from the eight affected villages — Kampung Bonor, Kabatang Luku Malaing, Likowon, Desa Permai Haksa Pupuhi Melosok, Sanang, Dalit Station, Karamatoi and Angkawangan — refused to leave the land they claim their ancestors occupied for generations. Jamir Ubi, who is the Chairman of the Joint Action Committee for the villages of Mukim Dalit, said they lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) seeking advice and assistance. On June 23 and 24, Suhakam conducted an official visit to these eight villages to hear first-hand their complaints and concerns. 'This is not newly settled land. This is our ancestral heritage. It's where we have built our lives, supported our families and grown our livelihoods,' Jamir said. He said their land title applications (PT) were submitted as far back as 1995, but were rejected on grounds that the area was classified as Forest Reserve. Yet in 2014, the company's application was approved in a short period of time. 'This left us feeling marginalised and forced out of our ancestral birthplace,' Jamir said sadly. Many voiced deep concern about their families' future, especially for the elderly and children who would have nowhere to go if the eviction proceeds. Suhakam expressed concern over possible human rights violations, particularly the right to housing, dignified living and procedural justice. The commission said findings from the visit would be included in a preliminary investigation report and submitted to relevant parties for further action, including to the appropriate Ministries, the State Government and the company involved. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Malay Mail
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Upset Kampung Sg Baru residents march in KL to demand inquiry, govt intervention into ‘forced and unconstitutional' land takeover
KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 — Close to 50 Kampung Sungai Baru residents marched from Masjid Jamek to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia's (Suhakam) office today in protest of what they claim to be the 'forced and unconstitutional' takeover of their residential land. The march began in the blazing hot sun around 2.30pm, after Friday congregational prayers at the nearby Masjid Jamek. Several political leaders were spotted among the crowd, among them were Federal Territories PAS commissioner Azhar Yahya, former Perak PAS chief Razman Zakaria and Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia president Datuk Ibrahim Ali. Prominent lawyers and human rights advocates N. Surendran and Latheefa Koya were also seen during the rally. A list of 10 demands from the residents, written into a memorandum, was submitted by Kampung Sungai Baru Residents' Rights' Committee chairman Zainab Alias to Suhakam secretary Altaf Deviyati. Residents want the government to stop the alleged forceful land takeover, eviction and demolition works at Kampung Sungai Baru in Kuala Lumpur. — Picture by Raymond Manuel Through the memorandum, the residents are seeking the federal government's intervention to stop the alleged forceful land takeover, eviction and demolition works at Kampung Sungai Baru. They are also urging the government to repeal Section 3(1)(c) of the Land Acquisition Act 1960 and to review the proposed Urban Renewal Bill, which they say enables developers to take over lands without obtaining consent from residents. The Urban Renewal Bill is expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat sitting later this month. The residents also called on Suhakam to launch an inquiry into the matter, alleging that the developers forcibly took over 72 flat units and 37 terrace houses through the Land Acquisition Act 1960 in 2021. 'Some residents have left their homes due to strong intimidation and pressure from developers and the contractors that are carrying out demolition works — without respecting the rights of residents who are still waiting for their cases to be heard in court. 'The gazettement and takeover done during the Covid-19 lockdown period also made it difficult for residents to seek legal advice and aid,' the memorandum read. Kampung Sungai Baru Residents' Rights' Committee chairman Zainab Alias (left) hands over a list of demands to Suhakam secretary Altaf Deviyati (right) on July 11, 2025. — Picture by Raymond Manuel The Kampung Sungai Baru redevelopment plan was first proposed some 40 years ago, aiming to turn it into a mixed-use area featuring commercial, financial, service, cultural centers, and upscale residential properties. In December 2024, Federal Territories Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa was reported to have assured the residents that the joint venture offer between the landowners and the developer was based on mutually agreed negotiations without any coercion or pressure. She also acknowledged that the compensation offer for the land acquisition was decided in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act 1960 and other regulations relating to current market value. The compensation package reportedly included replacement units, moving costs, ex-gratia payments for home renovations and temporary rental allowances.
Malay Mail
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Upset Kampung Sg Baru residents march in Kuala Lumpur to demand inquiry, govt intervention into ‘forced and unconstitutional' land takeover
KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 — Close to 50 Kampung Sungai Baru residents marched from Masjid Jamek to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia's (Suhakam) office today in protest of what they claim to be the 'forced and unconstitutional' takeover of their residential land. The march began in the blazing hot sun around 2.30pm, after Friday congregational prayers at the nearby Masjid Jamek. Several political leaders were spotted among the crowd, among them were Federal Territories PAS commissioner Azhar Yahya, former Perak PAS chief Razman Zakaria and Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia president Datuk Ibrahim Ali. Prominent lawyers and human rights advocates N. Surendran and Latheefa Koya were also seen during the rally. A list of 10 demands from the residents, written into a memorandum, was submitted by Kampung Sungai Baru Residents' Rights' Committee chairman Zainab Alias to Suhakam secretary Altaf Deviyati. Residents want the government to stop the alleged forceful land takeover, eviction and demolition works at Kampung Sungai Baru in Kuala Lumpur. — Picture by Raymond Manuel Through the memorandum, the residents are seeking the federal government's intervention to stop the alleged forceful land takeover, eviction and demolition works at Kampung Sungai Baru. They are also urging the government to repeal Section 3(1)(c) of the Land Acquisition Act 1960 and to review the proposed Urban Renewal Bill, which they say enables developers to take over lands without obtaining consent from residents. The Urban Renewal Bill is expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat sitting later this month. The residents also called on Suhakam to launch an inquiry into the matter, alleging that the developers forcibly took over 72 flat units and 37 terrace houses through the Land Acquisition Act 1960 in 2021. 'Some residents have left their homes due to strong intimidation and pressure from developers and the contractors that are carrying out demolition works — without respecting the rights of residents who are still waiting for their cases to be heard in court. 'The gazettement and takeover done during the Covid-19 lockdown period also made it difficult for residents to seek legal advice and aid,' the memorandum read. Kampung Sungai Baru Residents' Rights' Committee chairman Zainab Alias (left) hands over a list of demands to Suhakam secretary Altaf Deviyati (right) on July 11, 2025. — Picture by Raymond Manuel The Kampung Sungai Baru redevelopment plan was first proposed some 40 years ago, aiming to turn it into a mixed-use area featuring commercial, financial, service, cultural centers, and upscale residential properties. In December 2024, Federal Territories Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa was reported to have assured the residents that the joint venture offer between the landowners and the developer was based on mutually agreed negotiations without any coercion or pressure. She also acknowledged that the compensation offer for the land acquisition was decided in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act 1960 and other regulations relating to current market value. The compensation package reportedly included replacement units, moving costs, ex-gratia payments for home renovations and temporary rental allowances.
Free Malaysia Today
10-07-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
Taiping prison officer admits filing false police report over inmate assault
Suhakam is investigating the alleged assault of over 100 inmates at Taiping prison on Jan 17, which resulted in one death and injury to multiple others. (Facebook pic) KUALA LUMPUR : A senior Taiping prison officer has admitted to filing a false police report on the alleged mass assault of inmates by prison wardens, saying it was to keep the incident from being 'manipulated' by other parties. Deputy superintendent Khairul Esmail Zawawi, 31, one of the prison's top five officers, told Suhakam that he filed the report at the Taiping police headquarters after preparing a draft based on information he had gathered. He admitted that the report – which claimed that the more than 100 inmates were the aggressors – did not reflect what actually happened. 'I agree that the report was not entirely true,' he said after being shown CCTV footage that contradicted his version of events. When asked whether the report was false, he replied: 'Yes.' Khairul also acknowledged that he did not personally witness any inmate attacking prison officers. When pressed further, he said the purpose of the report was 'more of a cover report, to prevent other parties from manipulating the situation'. He was testifying during the third session of Suhakam's inquiry into the Jan 17 incident, which resulted in the death of one inmate and injury to multiple others. Khairul also revealed that the report was made on the order of the prison's deputy director, who also contributed to the contents of the report. When asked if everything stated in the report was false, Khairul said: 'Not everything.' However, he acknowledged that there were discrepancies, including the claim that the inmates had attacked the officers first. He said his report was partly based on information received from other officers, including a sergeant who claimed to have received treatment for injuries at Taiping Hospital. 'I didn't see the attack myself, but maybe there were inmates who were aggressive,' he said. The panel then asked: 'Is it fair to say your police report is fake?' Khairul replied in the affirmative, acknowledging that filing a false police report was against the law. Khairul, who has served as deputy superintendent at Taiping prison since 2022, also gave details of what he witnessed on Jan 17, when the mass transfer of inmates from Hall B to Block E took place. He said he was on duty from 2.45pm to 9pm that day and noticed 40 to 50 officers heading to Hall B carrying batons, shields and other gear. 'I wasn't directly involved in the transfer, but I saw officers escorting inmates in a rough manner,' he said. He said some officers used batons to strike inmates on their legs, which he agreed was unnecessary. When asked whether he had intervened, he said he was positioned about 20 to 30 feet away and could not control the situation despite shouting. He also cited the presence of higher-ranking officers, including the prison's deputy director, as a reason for not taking control of the situation. During the session, CCTV footage was played showing officers allegedly forcing inmates to perform the 'duck walk' – a degrading method of movement in a squatting position. When asked if this was allowed, Khairul replied: 'You can't do that. Yes, that's wrong.' He also confirmed, after initially hesitating, that he was the officer seen kicking an inmate. Suhakam's inquiry is chaired by commission chairman Hishamudin Yunus, with commissioner Farah Nini Dusuki also on the panel. The fourth session is scheduled to be held from July 23 to July 25.
