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Civil Society
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Josephine Teo rejects Transformative Justice Collective’s application to cancel correction direction
Minister Josephine Teo has rejected an application by the Transformative Justice Collective (TJC) to cancel a correction direction issued to them under Singapore’s Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA). The correction direction was issued in response to TJC’s Facebook post regarding the execution of Tangaraju S/O Suppiah. The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the posts contained false statements about Tangaraju’s case. TJC has 14 days to file an application to the High Court to set aside the correction direction.
Singaporean expresses disappointment as K Shanmugam fails to provide immediate answers over Ridout Road issue
Following allegations surrounding Singaporean Cabinet Ministers Shanmugam and Balakrishnan’s residential properties rented from Singapore Land Authority, PM Lee announced an independent review. However, netizens and life coach Ishhaq Rajoo Jay criticize the response delay, asking why the truth has to wait until Parliament. The ministers’ failure to provide immediate, straightforward answers has raised further discontent, with public questioning their integrity and the necessity for such an elaborate process for truth-telling.
Online petition calls for Committee of Inquiry (COI) to investigate Ridout Road saga
The recent Ridout Road saga, involving properties occupied by Cabinet Ministers, has raised concerns among Singaporeans. The ongoing independent review led by a colleague of the ministers has been criticized for lacking independence and credibility.
The Workers’ Party has raised parliamentary questions and called for a clearer explanation. An online petition has been initiated, urging the government to establish a Committee of Inquiry (COI) composed of opposition members and/or retired high court judges to ensure a fair and impartial investigation.
Netizens highlight the need for government accountability, transparency, and the inclusion of independent members in the COI.
Kuching High Court dismisses pro-independence activists’ suit challenging validity of Malaysia Agreement 1963
The Kuching High Court in Sarawak, Malaysia, dismissed a suit last Thursday which challenged the validity of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Judicial Commissioner Alexander Siew How Wai ruled that the suit lacked a reasonable cause of action and was misconceived. He emphasized that the Federal Constitution establishes Sabah and Sarawak as part of Malaysia, and any changes would require two-thirds majority parliamentary approval and the consent of Sabah and Sarawak. The judge also ordered the plaintiffs to pay costs amounting to RM10,000. The suit was filed in March 2022 by 11 Sarawakians seeking declarations on the agreement’s legality and the decolonization process.
“Much commendable” if Supreme Court judges to lead the Ridout Road saga’s review, says Senior Counsel Harpreet Singh
Senior Counsel Harpreet Singh Nehal addressed the Ridout Road controversy, emphasizing that the credibility of the government’s review depends on full disclosure of all facts and perceived independence of the review. He suggested appointing respected current or retired Supreme Court judges to lead the review, ensuring impartiality and credibility.
Mr Singh underlined the importance of transparency, fairness, and the avoidance of perceived special treatment in transactions involving ministers or their family members.
Cambodian union leader Chhim Sithar and labour defenders’ verdict condemned by FORUM-ASIA
FORUM-ASIA condemns the conviction of Cambodian union leader Chhim Sithar and eight fellow unionists, asserting that the charges are a misuse of the criminal justice system to silence labour rights advocates. The organization demands immediate action from the Cambodian government, including Sithar’s release and upholding fundamental civic freedoms.
‘Everyone has a migration story’: UN human Rights Office brings #StandUp4Migrants to Malaysia
The UN Human Rights Office and untitled kompeni have launched the ‘Dari Dapur’ campaign in Malaysia, aiming to highlight human stories and rights in migration narratives.
Through short films and shared meals, the campaign brings Malaysians and migrants together, emphasizing commonalities and fostering understanding.
The initiative builds on research showing Malaysians’ support for human rights and the benefits of migration. The campaign’s goal is to reshape the Malaysian narrative, promoting inclusion and empathy towards migrant and refugee neighbors.
BERSIH calls for an end to political appointments and patronage in Malaysian GLCs
The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH) has expressed concerns over the political appointments made by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in government-linked companies.
The appointment of Wong Chen, a Member of Parliament from Anwar’s party, as the Non-Executive Chairman of Malaysia Debts Ventures Berhad (MDV) has drawn scrutiny.
BERSIH calls for transparency in such appointments and suggests excluding elected representatives from GLC positions.
While acknowledging Wong’s qualifications, the organization questions the necessity of his appointment and emphasizes the need for qualified individuals to be appointed to key positions in GLCs and statutory boards.
Malaysian ministry raids Swatch boutiques, seizes ‘Pride Collection’ watches over alleged Link to LGBT
The Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs conducted raids on 11 Swatch watch boutiques, seizing watches from the “Pride Collection” due to their association with the LGBTQ+ community. The raids followed a social media post linking the watches to Coldplay’s support for the community. The CEO of Swatch expressed disappointment, emphasizing that the collection promotes peace and love.
