KUALA LUMPUR: Activists and authors in Muslim-majority Malaysia reacted with outrage Tuesday after authorities banned a book aimed at promoting moderate Islam, as concerns mount about growing conservatism. The book, “Breaking The Silence: Voices Of Moderation — Islam In A Constitutional Democracy“, is a collection of essays whose publication was organised by a group of…
KUALA LUMPUR: A Muslim child conceived out of wedlock can now take his or her father’s surname following the Court of Appeal’s latest landmark decision. The appellate court ruled that the National Registration Department (NRD) director-general is not bound by a fatwa or religious edict issued by the National Fatwa Committee to decide on the…
Press Statement Wrong for the Dewan Rakyat Speaker to berate and caution journalists 28 July 2017 Lawyers for Liberty view with extreme concern the conduct of Dewan Rakyat Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia yesterday when during an extensive press conference, he berated the press on their coverage of parliamentary proceedings. He likened his position to a…
Press Statement POCA amendments will no longer allow any opportunity to be heard 26 July 2017 Lawyers for Liberty view with extreme concern the proposed amendments to the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (POCA) that was recently tabled in Parliament which will in effect worsen the already harsh detention without trial law. Under POCA, a…
Press statement Threats of violence against Siti Kasim must not be tolerated 24 July 2017 Lawyers for Liberty are appalled by news reports that lawyer Siti Kasim has received online threats to rape, behead and attack her with acid over her alleged views on LGBT rights and Islam. Any threats of violence against women, even…
Press Statement Police must be fully transparent and accountable for every arrest and detention 24 July 2017 Last week, Lawyers for Liberty received a flurry of telephone calls seeking assistance for family members who went ‘missing’ and incommunicado after they were allegedly arrested by the police from the Klang district, many of whom were in…
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia said it had deported a prominent Bangladesh activist Thursday, with civil groups describing the government treatment of him as “harassment” against human rights defenders. Adilur Rahman Khan, secretary of the rights group Odhikar, was found to be “listed among the individuals banned from entering (Malaysia)” after arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport…
PUTRAJAYA: A total 254 human trafficking cases has been reported here as of June 2017. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said out of the number, 67 convictions were obtained. Ahmad Zahid added there is a positive development in efforts by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) in disbursing their tasks and managing human trafficking victims.…
Press Statement Caning has no place in this day and age 13 July 2017 Lawyers for Liberty view with extreme concern the amendments to the Syariah Criminal Procedure Enactment 2002 that were passed by the Kelantan state assembly yesterday, thus allowing for caning to be carried out in public for certain syariah offences – zina,…
Press Statement Unconstitutional appointments of the Chief Justice and President of the Court of Appeal undermine the independence of the judiciary 10 July 2017 Lawyers for Liberty view with extreme concern the appointment of Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Md Raus Sharif and Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin through the unusual process of “additional judges”…
PUTRAJAYA: The special court for child sexual crimes has convened for the first time and five cases were brought before it. Four were for rape while the fifth was an outrage of decency case. Sessions Court judge Yong Zarida Sazali is presiding in the special court which was launched on June 22 by the Prime…
Press Statement Immediately commence an inquest into the death in custody of Vickraman Devid 18 June 2017 On 16 June 2017, family members of Vickraman Devid were informed by the Shah Alam police that Vickraman had died while under police custody at the Shah Alam Court Complex the day before (15 June) when he was…
PETALING JAYA: The special criminal court to fast track and preside over sexual crimes against children will be unveiled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on June 22. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the much anticipated establishment of the court showed the Government’s seriousness in curbing…
Job Description for Legal/Campaign Coordinator Lawyers for Liberty is seeking a qualified and motivated applicant for the position of Legal/ Campaign Coordinator to support its work through human rights and public interest litigation, research, campaign and advocacy work. Vacancy Announcement Position Title: Legal/Campaign Coordinator Employment Type: Full time, 1 year contract (subject to initial…
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has appeared in court again to call for his immediate release, this time on grounds that he was denied a fair trial. Today, in an originating summons against the government, Anwar, for the second time, is seeking to set aside his conviction and imprisonment for sodomising his former aide…