Latest news with #antiCorruption
Arab News
16 hours ago
- Arab News
Pakistani province probes alleged sale of UNICEF-tagged soap for anti-polio campaign
PESHAWAR: Authorities in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province are probing the alleged sale of soap bars, which were provided by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for the country's campaign against polio, at a market in Peshawar, officials said on Friday. The comments came after the seizure of over 200 soap bars at the Faqeerabad market in the provincial capital, which bore the 'not-for-sale' marking, according to Additional Assistant Commissioner Azimullah Mehsud. The local administration acted on a tip-off about UNICEF-tagged soap bars being 'diverted' to the open market. A preliminary investigation suggested the consignment originated in the southern Sindh province. Authorities arrested a shopkeeper on June 25, who was selling these soap bars on Facebook and in the local market in the northwestern Pakistani city. 'According to initial investigations, he [the suspect] said these [soaps] were being supplied to him from Sindh,' Mehsud told Arab News. 'The person we have arrested posted them on Facebook and said he is an Afghan national.' He said the UNICEF-tagged soaps were recovered by the city administration and handed over to the anti-corruption department of the city circle for further investigation. 'The suspect allegedly sold these soaps to buyers who would then change the packaging and supply them to various locations, including Jalalabad, an eastern province of Afghanistan, and inside Pakistan such as Dera Ismail Khan district,' he continued. Asked about the tip-off, he said: 'We were told that they have 20,000 cartons.' Mehsud said the authorities recovered three cartons during the raid, with a total of 216 soap bars. He informed the suspect claimed to have additional stock. 'Authorities suspect a large network may be involved [in the activity], but investigations by the anti-corruption department is expected to shed more light on the matter,' he added. Arab News reached out to UNICEF's communication specialist, Zia-ur-Rehman, for comment but did not receive a response. Meanwhile, the anti-corruption department plans to send an open letter to UNICEF and the Sindh provincial administration to further investigate the matter. One of its officials, Humayun Khan, confirmed to Arab News that his department had launched an investigation into the case. Polio is a paralyzing disease with no cure, making prevention through vaccination critical. Multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine, along with completion of the routine immunization schedule for all children, are essential to build strong immunity against the virus. Pakistan, one of the last two countries where polio remains endemic, made significant progress in curbing the virus, with annual cases dropping from around 20,000 in the early 1990s to just eight in 2018. The country reported six cases in 2023 and only one in 2021. However, Pakistan witnessed an intense resurgence of the poliovirus in 2024, with 74 cases reported. According to Pakistan's polio program, 13 cases of the virus have so far been confirmed this year.
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Dissent crucial in democracy, says Anwar after caricature burning
Some of the participants of an anti-corruption rally held in Kota Kinabalu last weekend. (Bersih Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim believes dissent is crucial in a democratic country and freedom of speech must be upheld, says the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Speaking during the daily press briefing, senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah reiterated Anwar's order to the higher education ministry and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) not to take action against its students for protesting. Tunku Nashrul said the incident was a reminder of the people's hope for the government to completely eliminate corruption. 'As the prime minister himself was part of a student movement, and once led a movement for reform on the streets, he understands that criticism, no matter how much it stings, is an important part of democracy. 'The future of our youth should not be jeopardised due to differences of opinion,' he said. Earlier, higher education minister Zambry Abdul Kadir said Anwar had urged UMS not to expel the students involved in burning a caricature of the prime minister during an anti-corruption rally in Kota Kinabalu last Saturday. The Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 protest saw more than 100 people call for action to be taken over the Sabah water department scandal. Organised by several UMS students, the rally ended with the burning of a caricature of Anwar. Police are investigating the burning of the caricature under the Sedition Act 1948 and Penal Code.
National Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- National Post
High-flying Canucks headed to cricket World Twenty 20 Cup
Article content While things on the field have been rosy, there has been a prickly scenario playing outside the boundary lines. The International Cricket Council's anti-corruption group that found itself caught up here in the steamy weather has concluded its investigation into Cricket Canada and returned to London. Article content The anti-corruption unit quizzed members of the Canadian board and 'including at least one' national player. All these individuals will have sleepless nights until this report is released later this year and, by all indications, it could turn out to be a bombshell. Article content This column has in the last three months pointed out several of Cricket Canada's outlandish indiscretions that had fans shaking their heads. Article content Two sticking points have been the national body's decision to hire a CEO who has been charged with fraud and theft by Calgary Police and then a national team player who was charged for trafficking and possession of 20 pounds of cannabis by Barbados police. Article content Article content Cricket Canada also faces a lawsuit by former coach Pubudu Dassanayake for wrongful dismissal following the 2024 World Cup. The national body replaced him with Khurram Rasheed Chohan, who also found himself caught in this revolving door and was given his walking papers prior to the Americas qualifiers. He was replaced by former national team member Ingleton Liburd and he did a superb in the King City qualifiers. Article content 'Ingy was terrific,' Bin Zafar said. 'He planned for every match and the players were happy with the strategy he mapped out for each game.' Article content England pulled off one of its most extraordinary victories on Tuesday by chasing down 371 runs to stun India by five wickets on the fifth day in the first of five Tests at Leeds. Article content Led by Ben Duckett's dazzling 149 and a half-century from Joe Root (53 not out) and an unbeaten 43 by debutant Jamie Smith, England reached its target with ease. Duckett and Zak Crawley (65) set the pace with a superb opening stand of 181 runs and the rest was history even though Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna with two each tried to slow down England. Article content In one of the most exciting Tests ever played, all four innings featured scores of over 350 with India's combined total of 853, the fourth highest in a losing cause. Article content
Free Malaysia Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Student activist, Akmal set for July 1 debate after caricature burning
Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh had criticised students who burned a caricature of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at an anti-corruption rally on Saturday. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : A student activist has taken up Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh's offer to meet for a debate after the latter criticised students who recently burned a caricature of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, describing them as 'cowardly and stupid'. Akmal yesterday hit out at rally-goers who set a caricature of Anwar on fire at an anti-corruption rally in Kota Kinabalu on Saturday, labelling such acts disrespectful. He had issued an invitation to any student unhappy with his remarks to arrange a meeting with him. In response, student activist Fakhrurrazzi Khairur Rijal today said he had accepted Akmal's invitation and had agreed to his proposal to meet at 9pm on July 1 for a debate. 'The dignity of students and the freedom of expression must be defended. We are not afraid to speak the truth,' said the National Youth Federation of Malaysia coordinator in a statement. Youth NGO Mandiri and student group Himpunan Advokasi Rakyat Malaysia are helping coordinate the event, with the venue to be announced on their official social media channels. Fakrurrazzi also said he remains open to the head of PKR Youth, Kamil Munim, joining the July 1 debate alongside Akmal. He said the meeting was crucial to defend the dignity of students and their right to freedom of expression, which had been increasingly challenged by the rhetoric of political leaders. Kamil, who is also Anwar's aide at the finance ministry, previously criticised the student protesters in Sabah who burned Anwar's caricature, describing the incident as excessive and rude. The Gempur Rasuah 2.0 rally, organised by several Universiti Malaysia Sabah students, ended with the burning of the caricature. More than 100 people took part in the protest to call for action over the Sabah water department scandal. Police are investigating the burning of the caricature under the Sedition Act and Penal Code.
CNA
4 days ago
- Politics
- CNA
‘Extreme, disrespectful': Sabah student activists face police probe after caricature of PM Anwar set ablaze in anti-graft rally
KOTA KINABALU, Sabah: Students involved in an anti-corruption rally where they burned a caricature of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim are facing a police probe and possible expulsion. The symbolic burning of the premier has also sparked criticism from a number of politicians from the ruling coalition. Sabah police chief Jauteh Dikun said on Monday (Jun 23) that the police were investigating the university students purportedly from the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) for allegedly failing to comply with conditions set under the Peaceful Assembly Act during the rally over the weekend, according to local media. 'We have received about six police reports so far and opened three investigation papers. There are about nine offences identified, for example incitement involving the 3Rs (race, religion and royalty), burning in a public space and bringing flammable materials to the gathering,' Jauteh was quoted as saying by local news outlet Malay Mail. Jauteh said that they have started to call the students in, and have yet to take statements from any of them. He also said that police would investigate reports from the students that a man, allegedly 'dressed to resemble a Special Branch officer' had damaged one of their cars with acid. He added that the protest in Kota Kinabalu was witnessed by 'many tourists' as it was in a public place and had sparked fear, Daily Express reported. Asked about potential charges the students may face, Jauteh said investigations would proceed under various laws, including the Penal Code and Sedition Act 1948. 'Once completed, we will refer (the investigation paper) to the Attorney-General's Chambers for the next course of action to be taken,' Jauteh was quoted as saying by Free Malaysia Today (FMT). The 'Gempur Rasuah 2.0' student rally, organised by a group calling themselves 'Suara Mahasiswa UMS' or 'Voices of UMS Students' began at the Suria Sabah shopping centre and moved through the city's main roads before culminating in a sit-in at Lintasan Deasoka at Gaya Street. The rally, which began at about 1pm on Saturday and continued until 11am on Sunday, was attended by around 100 students and members of the public, who demanded action on corrupt officials and better governance, including a solution to the perennial water shortage, especially at the university. 'No arrests have been made so far but beginning today (Monday), several individuals involved will be called in to provide their statements,' Jauteh said at a press conference at Sabah Police Headquarters, as quoted by Bernama. According to Jauteh, the organisers had submitted a notification to the police, as required under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, which the police then responded to with 15 conditions to ensure public order was maintained. 'Many people misunderstand the process. The Act does not approve or license rallies - it simply outlines the procedure for organisers to notify the police and for the police to respond. Our role is to help maintain public order and safeguard everyone involved, including the participants,' Bernama quoted Jauteh as saying. 'Unfortunately, in this case, the organisers failed to comply with the stated conditions. While voicing their concerns is their right, it must be done responsibly and without provocation.' In a statement on Monday, the university's vice-chancellor Kasim Mansor said it had identified 13 students from the rally who may face disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion under the Universities and University Collect Act (Amended) 2012. Among the 13, two were directly involved in burning the caricature of the prime minister, an act which the university 'strongly condemns'. Kasim added that a disciplinary committee comprising appointed academicians would be formed soon to investigate the matter and determine appropriate measures to be taken. 'The committee will call each student individually to give their explanation regarding the incident that occurred during Sunday's rally,' he said, as quoted by Malay Mail. Meanwhile, students from the university justified their move by saying that they had ensured a safe distance between protest participants and the public with their symbolic act and wanted a bold move to get their message across to Anwar's unity government. They had also cleaned up the burn marks on the ground with brushes and soap after the incident, Malay Mail reported. BURNING OF PM ANWAR'S CARICATURE SLAMMED AS 'EXTREME AND DISRESPECTFUL' According to local media, the rally was mostly uneventful but took a turn on Sunday when the students set fire to the hand-drawn caricature of Anwar, which sparked concern among several leaders of parties within the ruling coalition. Anwar's Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) youth chief Kamil Munim in a statement on Monday slammed the burning of the prime minister's caricature as 'extreme and disrespectful', which does 'nothing to help resolve the issue being fought for'. 'It cannot even be considered a peaceful protest as it posed a danger to the individuals and the public,' he said on Instagram, which was also shared by the party's youth wing page. 'It fails to convey any meaningful message to the public … it is just an empty act meant to appear bold to grab public attention.' Akmal Saleh, youth chief of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) which is part of the ruling coalition, has also criticised the student activists, saying that while they needed to be bold in fighting for a cause, it did not mean they had to be 'stupid and rude'. 'Being courageous (in speaking up) does not mean decency has to take a back seat,' he said in a Facebook post on Monday evening, as quoted by FMT. 'Just as we were enraged when images of our past national leaders were treated with such scorn, we must too be upset with those who do the same with our current leaders, even if they are from opposing parties,' Akmal added. While Akmal did not specify past incidents, FMT noted that posters of former UMNO president Najib Razak and leader of Malaysia's Islamic party Parti Islam Se-Malaysia Abdul Hadi Awang were reportedly stomped on by participants of the Bersih anti-corruption rally in 2015. In September the same year, effigies of DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang and his son, then Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng were burnt at an event in Kelantan to counter the earlier Bersih gathering. 'ANWAR ONCE LED SIMILAR DEMONSTRATIONS', SAYS A STUDENT A student from the university has come forward to defend the protest and the symbolic act of burning the caricature of the prime minister, noting that Anwar once led similar demonstrations during his university days and in the 1970s. Final-year student Fadhil Kasim in a Facebook post reminded the public that when Anwar was a student leader at Universiti Malaya, he had also led a protest where he and others burned a book written by Malaysia's first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman. 'At that time, they believed the book was 'subversive' so Anwar and his group held a protest and even burned the book in public,' Fadhil wrote in a post which also included an old black and white photo of Anwar and several others setting fire to some items on the floor. Fadhil said that student protesters today have been unfairly criticised by Anwar's supporters including groups such as Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM) and Angkatan Muda Keadilan, the PKR Youth wing which Kamil is chief of. 'People were quick to attack our actions and talk about morals and manners but they ignored the bigger issue, the people's problems and corruption,' Fadhil said, adding that these groups are more interested in appeasing the prime minister than standing up for the people. In the Facebook post, Fadhil had identified himself as 'the student who burned the caricature of Anwar'. 'The truth is Anwar is now the prime minister, not a student anymore … It is different, he seems more focused on keeping the GRS (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah) government strong in his Madani (unity) administration … although GRS is facing major corruption scandals,' Fadhil said. GRS is a Malaysian coalition of Sabah-based parties, established in 2020. A mining scandal emerged in 2024 after a series of leaked videos allegedly showing Sabah assemblymen discussing bribery and misconduct linked to mineral exploitation projects, putting GRS in the spotlight. This takes place ahead of state polls expected soon. Sabah is a key support base that helped Anwar secure a parliamentary super majority in the 2022 General Elections. Fadhil pointed to when Anwar was part of the opposition and would often visit Sabah and spoke about issues like corruption, logging, poor roads and Sabah's rights.
