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Saifuddin Abdullah #fundie malaymail.com

KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 — All production of films and recording regardless of whether media agencies or individual media outlets must apply for licence before filming, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah insisted today.

Saifuddin said under the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) Act, film producers are required to inform the corporation via existing channels seven days prior to filming date, and this even includes media meant for social media platforms.

“Film producers must apply for Film Production License and Film Shooting Certificate (SPP) regardless of whether they are mainstream media agencies or personal media which produce films on social media platforms or traditional channels,” Saifuddin said during the minister’s question time at Parliament today.

Yesterday, the Foreign Correspondents Club of Malaysia (FCCM) said it was unaware of any requirement to obtain permission from Finas for any news video production, and there was no such issue in the past.

During the minister’s question time, Saifuddin was responding to Kluang DAP MP Wong Shu Qi who asked the minister to state whether all film producers will be made compulsory to apply for SPP, regardless of whether they are a mainstream media agencies or personal media which produce films on social media platforms or traditional channels.

According to Saifuddin, who cited the National FIlm Development Corporation Act 1982, Section 22(1), said “no person shall participate in any production activities, distribute and exhibit films or any combination the activities specified in Section 21(1) unless a licence is issued authorising him to do so”.

He added that the Additional Conditions of Film Production under Regulations 4 of the Act (Licensing) 1983, Condition (1) that is enforced, “licensees, if filming, should inform the corporation no later than seven days before filming a movie begins through certain forms issued by the corporation”.

“By submission of the form, the SPP will be issued by the corporation,” he said, referring to Finas.

Among other things, Finas’ functions under the Act include the development of the film industry, and the regulation and control of the production, distribution and exhibition of films in Malaysia and to issue licences for such purposes.

Wong’s question came after Saifuddin reportedly said his ministry will check if Al Jazeera had obtained a licence from Finas to produce the documentary — Locked Up in Malaysia’s Lockdown — which was aired on its 101 East weekly current affairs show — before it started production, saying that a lack of licence would be considered an offence as permission from Finas is needed before films and documentaries can be produced in Malaysia.

The news outlet has since dismissed claims by Finas that it did not have the necessary licence to film or air its documentary on the alleged mistreatment of migrants in Malaysia.

Al Jazeera English managing director Giles Trendle had in a statement yesterday said that per Finas’ own definition, its 101 East weekly current affairs show does not fall into the category of film requiring a licence.

He also said the authorities, unable to contest the integrity of their journalism, are now attempting this new gambit of claiming the news outlet did not have a proper licence.

Samantha Katie Jones #racist malaymail.com

PETALING JAYA, June 1 — Miss Universe Malaysia 2017 winner Samantha Katie James has sparked fury online over her controversial remarks on the Black Lives Matter protests in the US. James, 25, took to her Instagram Stories on Monday afternoon to declare that the reactions shown by protestors were apparently proof that the “whites (have) won.”

“I don’t live in America and it has nothing to do with me, but to me, it seems like the ‘whites’ won.

“If you’re angry, you respond in rage and anguish and that means it has power over you. They have power over you,” she wrote, along with a caption that read, “foolish humans.”

James, who is of Malaysian Chinese-Brazilian heritage, also told African Americans to “take it as a challenge” and claimed that they “chose to be born as coloured (people) in America.”

When another user messaged her directly to ask what she meant when she said people “choose” to be born with a certain skin colour, James responded by saying that our “souls” determine such outcomes. She also identified herself as a white person in her replies.

“Our souls chose this life, this country, this race, this human form specifically for a reason.

“I always wondered why I was born in Malaysia as a white girl with a Chinese mum and Indian grandparents and a Brazilian dad.

“But I chose this all for a reason, as a soul,” she wrote.

James also hit back at criticisms of her privilege by saying that she had been “insulted all (her) life for being a white girl in a local Malaysian school.”

Social media users immediately slammed James’ remarks and the terms “Samantha” and “Miss Universe Malaysia” climbed to number two and three on Malaysia’s Twitter trends list as of Monday evening. Several people have also called for James’ crown to be revoked by Miss Universe Malaysia in light of her comments.

“Miss Universe Malaysia. More like Miss Gaslighting and Racism,” said one Twitter user.

“Imagine comparing her white a** being scolded by her headmistress for ‘bringing Western culture to school’ with years of slavery and institutional racism suffered by black and brown folk,” wrote another.

James’ Wikipedia page was then edited by trolls who introduced her as a “racist” and “CEO of Clownery” following the backlash, and has since been edited to reflect its original content. Malay Mail has reached out to James on Instagram for comment but she has yet to respond.

Abdul Hadi Awang #fundie #racist malaymail.com

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 — Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang has delivered a warning to Muslims to place their trust in Muslim leaders regardless of their wickedness, claiming that believers will end up in hell if led by non-Muslims.

In a lengthy opinion piece titled “Rule of Law: Where is Allah?” today, the PAS president stressed the importance of religion in keeping the law, and the importance for Islam to reign supreme in the governance of country.

“If the one leading is a Muslim, even if he were cruel, at least (others) can become cattle herders,” the Marang MP wrote.

“But if the one who leads is a non-Muslim, even if he were the kindest, (others) can work however they wish [but] without any limits of what is ‘halal’ and ‘haram’ they will still end up in hell.”

His remark was a rehash of a quote he frequently cites from Muhammad ibn Abbad al-Mu’tamid from the Abbadid dynasty, the third and last ruler of Seville under al-Andalus, the medieval Muslim territory over Iberia.

As his kingdom fell to Moroccan Berber invaders, Al-Mu’tamid was quoted saying: “I have no desire to be branded by my descendants as the man who delivered al-Andalus as prey to the infidels I would rather be a camel-driver in Africa than a swineherd in Castile”.

In his piece, Hadi stressed that the country can only be saved with guidance from Allah, including a faith-based judiciary that is superior to man-made laws.

He also claimed that only an Islamic party deserves to inherit Quranic teachings to provide such guidance — a veiled reference to his own Islamist party — rather than party devoid of morals and faith to God and his Prophet.

In his dissection of the “Rule of Law”, Hadi had urged for Prophet Muhammad to be the role model of law-keeping, including forsaking revenge by pardoning those who repented.

“Don’t ever take the infidelic West as an example, because the best of them will still end up in hell, since their kindness is without any faith to Allah and the End Times,” he wrote.

“Rule of Law” refers to a concept where all members of society, regardless of status, are subject to and governed by the same set of laws.

Hadi has long been a proponent of a Malay-Muslim rule. In 2017, he pointed out that Malaysia should be led by the Malay-Muslims as they are the dominant community, and suggested that the group holds the top decision-making positions in the Cabinet.

Perkasa Malaysia #racist malaymail.com

New Bumi party welcomes non-Bumi Muslims as ‘associate members’

KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 — Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra), founded by Perkasa leader Datuk Ibrahim Ali, today welcomed non-Bumiputera Muslims to join the party.

The Muslim members, however, will not be allowed to hold positions in the party or given voting rights, similar to the practice in Islamist party PAS for members of its PAS Supporters Wing (DHPP) made up of non-Muslim and non-Malay members, and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM).

“The party’s membership is open to all Malay, Bumiputera Malaysians aged 18 years and above. Party members can be elected to any positions in the party in the party election.

“So Clause 512 says membership is open to all non-Malay, non-Bumiputera Malaysians who are Muslims, aged 18 years and above as associate members.

“But they won’t have voting rights,” Ibrahim said in a press conference today.

Ibrahim had, in August last year, announced the formation of Putra and subsequently, applied for it to be recognised as a political party.

He received the green light from the Registrar of Societies (RoS) yesterday.

Harussani Zakaria #fundie malaymail.com

Avoid intellect, logic when it comes to Islam, Perak mufti tells Cabinet

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 — Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria reminded federal ministers yesterday against issuing statements based on logic and intellect when it comes to Islam, claiming that the intellect is influenced by desires and subsequently susceptible to the devil.

In a report carried by Malay daily Sinar Harian, the Perak mufti also warned Muslim ministers against deriding and belittling Islamic laws, as they risk breaching their oath of loyalty that was made in the name of Allah.

“I advise them not to go overboard. Islam is based on faith— Don’t make any remarks based on the intellect or logic because they are laws of Allah,” Harussani said.

“The intellect is governed by desires and it is influence by shaitan (satan). Don’t be ruled by desires and rudderless comments,” he added, using the name of the Devil in Islamic lore.

Harussani said Muslim ministers, deputy ministers and state executive councillors have all taken their oaths in front of the Agong or a sultan, and sworn with the name of Allah to defend the Constitution.

“The Constitution states that the Islam is the religion of the federation. Therefore, they cannot deride and belittle Allah’s rules. If not, then it means they have breached their oaths,” added the mufti.

Harussani made his remarks when asked by Sinar to comment on newly-appointed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Azalina Othman, who commented on the country’s censorship laws which she said had stunted the creative industry.

Azalina had said that the Film Censorship Board needs to relax its guidelines against banning intimate physical contact between Muslim male and female actors, since they were only acting out their roles.

Her remark has since enraged Islamic groups, including independent preacher Datuk Mohd Kazim Elias who urged her to “repent”.

Azalina was appointed as the chairman of the National Film Development Corporation on June 2, but stepped down last week following her appointment to the Cabinet.

She was also picked as the minister in charge of parliamentary affairs, replacing Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim.

Harussani Zakaria #fundie malaymail.com

Perak Mufti outraged over CoA decision on out-of-wedlock name

KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 ? Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria was outraged that the Court of Appeal had yesterday rejected a fatwa, and ruled that a child conceived out of wedlock may bear the father's name.

The Perak mufti also cautioned Muslims, saying that Islamic laws still apply and must be obeyed by adherents although they have been rejected by “worldly” laws.

“Islamic laws remain Islamic laws, it is obligatory for all Muslims to obey, although worldly laws have rejected them,” Harussani was quoted saying by Islamist portal Ismaweb.

“What has the court decided? Why is it opposed to the Constitution? It has already been decided by a fatwa, why didn’t the court follow the fatwa ruling?”

Harussani insisted that Islamic laws must be followed, especially when it involves Muslims, because the faith is the religion of the federation.

In 2003, the National Fatwa Committee declared that a child conceived out of wedlock (“Anak Tak Sah Taraf”) cannot carry the name (“tidak boleh dinasabkan”) of the person who claims to be the father of the child, if the child was born less than six months of the marriage.

Yesterday, Justice Datuk Abdul Rahman Sebli reportedly asserted that the National Registration Department (NRD) director-general is a civil officer and that he is bound under civil law, meaning the NRD should have referred to Section 13A (2) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act for any decisions relating to a child's surname.

The ruling could effectively allow all Muslim children born out of wedlock to finally bear their father's name.

In making the court ruling, Justice Abdul Rahman said the NRD director-general is not obligated to apply, let alone to be bound by a fatwa issued by a religious body such as the National Fatwa Committee

In response, pro-Shariah Bill group Ummah was reported by Ismaweb in a separate article as downplaying the decision, saying that the relevant section only applies to surnames and not patronyms.

“The section refers to surname, if available, for families that practise the use of family names. Meanwhile, the practice among Muslims in Malaysia of using ‘bin’ or ‘binti’ with the name of the father may not fall under the Section 13A(2),” said Aminuddin Yahaya, its chief and the deputy president of Islamist group Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma).

The NRD and government have since filed for a leave application to appeal the decision, a move that was welcomed by Aminuddin.

“Considering the legal issue involving lineage has an effect that goes over the administration of Shariah laws at state level, Ummah urges Islamic councils at all states to help untangle the issue by applying to be interveners in the appeal.

“Arguments and input from authoritative religious parties will help the court to give a more holistic decision, for justice’s sake,” he said.

Some Filipino Catholics #fundie malaymail.com

Extreme Easter: Flogging, crucifixions in Philippines

SAN FERNANDO, April 19 — Hundreds of barefoot men beat themselves with flails and at least 10 were to be nailed onto crosses throughout Good Friday in a blood-soaked display of religious fervour in the Philippines.

Frowned upon by the Church, the ritual crucifixions and self-flagellation are extreme affirmations of faith performed every Easter in Asia’s Catholic outpost.

Barefoot men wearing crowns of twigs walked silently on the side of a village road in the scorching tropical heat of the northern Philippines, flogging their backs with bamboo strips tied to a length of rope.

While many of the 80 million Filipino Catholics spend Good Friday at church or with family, others go to these extreme lengths to atone for sins or seek divine intervention in a spectacle that has become a major tourist attraction.

“This is a religious vow. I will do this every year for as long as I am able,” 38-year-old truck driver Resty David, who has been self-flagellating for half his life at his village in the northern Philippines, told AFP.

He said he also hoped it would convince God to cure his cancer-stricken brother.

Blood and sweat soaked through the penitents’ pants with some spectators grimacing with each strike of the lash.

Some hid behind their companions to avoid the splatter of gore and ripped flesh.

Many in the crowds had driven for hours to witness the frenzied climax of the day’s gory spectacle, when believers allow themselves to be nailed to crosses in a re-enactment the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

“I’m a little bit overwhelmed. It’s very intense, I haven’t expected something like this,” German tourist Annika Ehlers, 24, told AFP.

Ehlers said she had witnessed the first of 10 scheduled crucifixions during the day in villages around the city of San Fernando, about 70km north of Manila.

Eight-centimetre spikes are driven through both the man’s hands and feet before the wooden cross is raised briefly for the crowds to see. After that the nails are pulled out and he is given medical treatment.

The Church says the faithful should spend Lent in quiet prayer and reflection.

“The crucifixion and death of Jesus are more than enough to redeem humanity from the effects of sins. They are once in a lifetime events that need not be repeated,” Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines official Father Jerome Secillano said.

“Holy Week.... is not the time to showcase man’s propensity for entertainment and Pharisaical tendencies,” he added.

Nearly 80 per cent of people in the Philippines are Catholic, a legacy of the nation’s 300 years of Spanish colonial rule that ended at the turn of the 20th century. — AFP

The Malaysian goverment #fundie malaymail.com

(Submitter's Note: People have, and are being charged for this, by the way.)

In Malaysia, special unit formed to monitor insults against Islam

KUALA LUMPUR, March 7 — The federal government has set up a special unit to monitor insults against Prophet Muhammad and Islam, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mujahid Yusof Rawa announced today.

Mujahid, who is also in charge of religious affairs, said his ministry will not compromise on any acts that insult Prophet Muhammad and Islam, pointing out that the country has laws that should be meted out against those who are found guilty of such.

“The initiative to set up the unit supervised by the Islamic Affairs Department (Jakim) is to monitor any writing or provocation deemed insulting to the Prophet and Islam across all media platforms, including social media.

“I have instructed the unit to accept any complaints about insults directed towards Prophet Muhammad and Islam and to immediately report them to the police and the Communications and Multimedia Commission,” he said in a statement here.

He said all complaints can be forwarded via WhatsApp to 010-3005260 or via email to aduan@islam.gov.my.

“I hope all of us can stand shoulder to shoulder to protect and preserve the harmony of our country. I believe the authorities have done the necessary to address this issue,” he said.

Earlier Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the police have detained a 28-year-old man for allegedly insulting Islam and the Prophet Muhammad on social media, within 24 hours of detaining a 43-year-old suspect for the same.

Last month, Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that the government will treat seriously any alleged attempts to insult religions and cause disharmony in the country.

Muhyiddin, who described recent alleged attempts to insult Islam as a dangerous trend, noted that it has also triggered outrage among Muslims.

Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang #fundie malaymail.com

Hadi: Muslims used by ‘enemies of Islam’, now non-Muslims running the country

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 17 ? Misinformation fuelled by the “enemies of Islam” has influenced Muslims and resulted in a “dangerous” political shift in the country, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang has claimed.

In a report by PAS organ HarakahDaily, the PAS president alleged that Muslims, especially the youth have been misled by a misinformation which has inadvertently turned them against Islam.

This, he added resulted in a change of government and a country run and dominated by non-Muslims.

“We have seen how Muslims especially those among the younger generation, who are influenced by Whatsapp, the cyber realm, not realising they themselves have turned and become detractors of Islam.

“(They) have been used by the enemies of Islam, to the point where there is a change of politics that endangers Muslim in our country. When it is being ruled and dominated by non-Muslims,” Abdul Hadi reportedly said.

Hadi then urged Muslims to expand their knowledge on the digital realm in an effort to spread the teachings of Islam while defending the faith on the digital platform.

“Those defending Islam must use all of their skills and knowledge to spread and uphold Islam.

“Those who are capable in this realm, have a responsibility to spread Islam, defend Islam and attacks its enemies with information technology,” he said.

Hadi explained that in a borderless global world, information technology has enabled a cyber war, especially against Islam.

“It is considered 'world without borders. (People) can spread anything to the world whether it is spreading Islam or opposing Islam.

“We are witnessing many groups that oppose Islam across the globe, through the cyber-realm of information technology with various slander.

“We are witnessing a clash in the cyber realm of information technology. Attacks on Islam, its leaders and supporters with various arguments and slander. To give a negative impact on Islam, to humiliate Islam, to demean Islam and scare people away from Islam,” he said.

Khairuddin Aman Razali #fundie malaymail.com

(Submitter's note: In morbid irony, a massive storm hit the region on the same day they did the caning and damaged nearly 600 houses.)

Public caning will ‘invite Allah’s blessings’ to Terengganu, PAS cleric claims

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 ? PAS MP Datuk Khairuddin Aman Razali has lauded Terengganu’s public caning sentence against two women yesterday, claiming the Shariah punishment would “invite Allah’s blessings” to the state and its people.

The Muslim cleric suggested that the Joint Action Group for Gender Equality and Malaysian Bar should demand the implementation of Shariah caning in civil cases, and the amendment of the Penal Code to be Shariah-compliant instead if they were rational and humane.

“What is more important is the method of Shariah caning will invite Allah’s blessings to the people and the state, like it was convicted in the Prophet’s hadith.

“There is no spiritual soul in the implementation of civil criminal punishments,” the Kuala Nerus MP said in a statement.

He also claimed that the sentencing proved that the Shariah judiciary is ready and able to implement Shariah criminal code enacted in the state laws.

Despite his claim, the sentencing yesterday was carried out by a Prisons Department officer from the Kajang Prison in Selangor, and not by an officer of the state of Terengganu or the Shariah courts.

Another Prisons Department officer from Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan was also present, but did not mete out the punishment.

Yesterday, two women found guilty for attempting to have lesbian sex were caned six times in public at the Terengganu Syariah Court, as around 100 people watched the punishment.

The punishment received worldwide condemnation, with federal minister in charge of religious affairs Datuk Mujahid Yusof Rawa saying public presence during the sentencing should be reviewed.

Women’s rights groups, including Justice for Sisters and Sisters in Islam also claimed the sentencing was unlawful, as the caning punishment can only be done against prisoners, but the duo were not imprisoned.

Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah #fundie malaymail.com

Kelantan deputy MB: Child marriage ‘common’, LGBT a bigger issue

KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 — Malaysians should not amplify and sensationalise the issue of child marriages, Kelantan deputy mentri besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah said today after a case involving a man there caused public uproar.

Mohd Amar told Sinar Harian that child marriage has long been a common occurrence, and authorities should instead pay attention to “bigger issues” such as LGBT matters and zina, or illicit sex.

“I feel this issue should not be sensationalised. Like I always said, the issue of zina, children born out of wedlock, gays and lesbians, are bigger issues for the country.

“This issue is not wrong in religion, and should not be amplified as a national issue. It is an isolated case, not all men marry an 11-year-old,” he was quoted as saying.

He also insisted that the illegal wedding happened in southern Thailand and not in his state.

The Narathiwat Islamic Religious Council was reported as saying the couple were married by an imam in Kampung Padang Nyor, Mukim Munok, Sungai Golok, in Narathiwat.

Bernama reported earlier that the Kelantan police have opened an investigation paper on the child marriage involving an 11-year-old girl with a 41-year-old man in Gua Musang recently.

State police chief Datuk Hasanuddin Hassan said although there was no criminal element involved in the marriage, the case was opened on the grounds that the girl was an underage bride.

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