AS often is in cases of sexual assault, the accuser in Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s second sodomy trial has been subjected to much public scrutiny. Media outlets and other Malaysians have combed through so many details of Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan’s private life. These range from details of his family and student life, […]
court
Perak: Losing confidence
By Ding Jo-AnnIT is a cardinal rule in the game of musical chairs that once someone has occupied a seat, no one else can validly sit in it. The Federal Court however, appears to think otherwise in declaring the Barisan Nasional (BN)’s Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir the rightful Perak Menteri Besar. This is despite the […]
Right to go to court over “Allah”
By Ding Jo-Ann(Pic by Nikolai Mamluke / Dreamstime) THE argument that Malaysians are being asked to accept over the “Allah” issue sounds like this: “Muslims are the majority in this country. In a democracy, the majority’s wishes should be prioritised. Christians may have the right to use the word ‘Allah’, but why do it when it provokes […]
Kota Siputeh: Testing the courts
By Ding Jo-AnnEC chairperson Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof THE nationwide constitutional law tutorial continues with the latest Kota Siputeh case. The court has had to intervene once again to arbitrate between the speaker of a legislative assembly and the Election Commission (EC). This time, the 16 Nov 2009 High Court decision ruled that the EC […]
The big deal about a full bench
By Deborah LohGetting the full 11-member bench to hear the case is atall order A FULL bench of judges to hear appeals at the federal court has never been granted in Malaysia’s judicial history, lawyers recall. Some say this is not surprising. For administrative, procedural or logistical reasons, having all judges of the highest court available at […]
Torture by any other fashion
By Jacqueline Ann SurinIF we were to believe everything we read, one would think that torture or degrading behaviour, if done differently, would no longer constitute torture or degrading behaviour. Indeed, this is what Pahang’s Mufti Department would want Muslims and non-Muslims to believe. Scan of New Straits Times report on syariah caning On 26 Oct 2009, the […]
Ong Tee Keat maintains silence
KUALA LUMPUR, 5 Nov 2009: MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat seems to be maintaining a silent approach as the party’s internal crisis drags on. Endless questions about the party from journalists covering his visit to the Bangsar LRT Station in his capacity as the Transport Minister today received no response at all. “Today, […]
The deal about judicial KPIs
By Ding Jo-AnnChief Justice Tun Zaki Azmi THE setting of key performance indicators (KPIs) for judges is being touted as the mechanism that will turn Malaysia’s beleaguered judiciary into an efficient, justice-dispensing system. Chief Justice Tun Zaki Azmi has made improving judicial efficiency his personal mission. “I want to ensure that justice is produced fast. Clear the […]
11 cases brought to court under CMA
CYBERJAYA, 21 Oct 2009: Eleven cases have been taken to court under Section 211 and Section 233 of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998 involving fines amounting to RM24,500 from last year until now. Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said they consisted of six cases of posting comments […]
Inquest into Teoh’s death adjourned (Updated 5.40pm)
Updated 5:40pm, 29 July 2009 SHAH ALAM, 29 July 2009: The inquest into the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock has been adjourned to 5 Aug. Coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas adjourned the hearing to enable lawyer Gobind Singh Deo (representing Teoh’s family), lawyer Malik Imtiaz Sarwar (representing the Selangor government) and the Bar Council […]