Law & Paneir

As 2024 approaches its conclusion, I find myself deeply contemplating my views on Malaysia's prospects in the forthcoming years. The advent of the new administration led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim initially sparked considerable optimism and anticipation among the populace and stakeholders alike. Many believed his leadership would usher in a new era of reform, transparency, and economic revitalisation, addressing long-standing issues such as corruption, inequality, and governance inefficiencies. The promise of a more inclusive political landscape and a commitment to tackling pressing social and economic challenges generated a wave of hope that resonated across various sectors of society. However, as the months unfolded, these hopes and expectations appear increasingly unfulfilled. Anwar Ibrahim The initial enthusiasm has been tempered by a series of challenges that the administration has faced, ranging from political infighting within the coalition to the complexiti...

RECENTLY, it was reported that a delegation from Afghanistan’s Education Ministry visited its Malaysian counterpart as part of an initiative to bolster Malaysia’s foreign policy towards Afghanistan. This visit was said to be in line with Malaysia’s commitment to offer capacity-building support in health and humanitarian sectors, thereby aiding Afghanistan’s social development. The initiative by Malaysia to facilitate Afghanistan’s reintegration into the international community is commendable; however, the Taliban’s actions in undermining women’s rights, particularly their denial of educational opportunities, have generated significant concern among many Malaysians. A brief history The dynamics between the Taliban and women’s rights in Afghanistan have been characterised by a longstanding history of stringent restrictions and significant curtailments of women’s freedoms. When the Taliban initially assumed control in Afghanistan in 1996, they enforced a radical interpretation of Islamic ...

Terrorism remains a persistent global threat, impacting countries across all continents and affecting a wide range of civilians. These attacks are often indiscriminate, targeting soft spots such as public spaces, religious gatherings, and cultural landmarks. One period of heightened risk for terrorist incidents in many countries, including Germany, is the Christmas season. Christmas markets, crowded shopping areas, and holiday festivities provide both symbolic and practical targets for extremists aiming to inflict maximum harm and instil fear. Terrorist groups, from Al-Qaeda and Islamic State to domestic extremists, have long understood the symbolic value of Christmas as a moment when society gathers to celebrate. These attacks are often designed to disrupt holiday cheer and create fear among civilians. This article will examine significant terrorist attacks worldwide, with a particular focus on those that occurred in Germany during the Christmas period, offering pertinent deta...

The recent assassinations of key Hamas figures, coupled with the outbreak of riots in both Bangladesh and the United Kingdom, reveal a significant underlying influence from foreign deep-state actors. The student-led protests in Bangladesh resulted in considerable political turmoil, culminating in the resignation and subsequent flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. These protests, initially sparked by discontent over a contentious quota system for government employment, evolved into a widespread movement demanding her ousting due to allegations of corruption, nepotism, and repression. The situation escalated into violence, with reports indicating the use of deadly force by police, leading to numerous fatalities. The resignation of Sheikh Hasina represents a critical juncture in Bangladesh’s political framework, with an interim government now established and a United Nations fact-finding mission set to examine the violence. The examination should cover individuals or entities responsib...

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is on his first official visit to India. The main aim of this visit is to seek support for Malaysia’s application to join Brics and to fortify bilateral ties, as the country is keen to improve its connections with one of the rapidly expanding economies in Asia. In light of the increasing crumbling of the global order, particularly stemming from trade disputes between the United States and China, as well as the proxy conflict involving the United States and Russia, Malaysia is encouraged to reassess its foreign policy to uphold its neutral stance. Given India’s status as the largest democracy and the fifth-largest economy globally, along with its notable advancements in indigenous space and defence technologies, it is proposed that India emerge as Malaysia’s key partner in the years ahead. Why India is important for Malaysia The historical ties between India and Malaysia extend back several centuries, with significant Indian cultural, religious, and administ...

Terrorism is characterised as the illegal application of force and intimidation, particularly targeting civilians, to attain political objectives. The overarching definition of terrorism encompasses the strategic deployment of violence to instil widespread fear within a population, thus facilitating the realisation of political goals. Furthermore, the FBI differentiates between international terrorism, which involves violent actions perpetrated by individuals or groups motivated by foreign terrorist entities, and domestic terrorism, which refers to violent acts carried out by individuals or groups aiming to promote ideological objectives rooted in domestic factors. Additionally, it entails the employment of violence against non-combatants to fulfil political or ideological aspirations, frequently occurring during periods of peace or amid warfare. The 9/11 attacks The recent commemoration of the 9/11 attacks in the United States marked the anniversary of what is widely regarded as the m...

Malaysia is characterised as a secular state, a principle reflecting its founding fathers’ vision. However, over the years, certain politicians from various factions have exploited religion as a potent tool to garner public support and to suppress or eliminate their political adversaries. The slogan “untuk agama, bangsa dan negara,” which translates to “for religion, race, and nation,” suggests a troubling prioritisation of religious matters over state affairs. This shift in focus by the past and present governments, which places religious issues above national interests, poses significant risks to the future stability and unity of the nation. Furthermore, the investigation into Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings, which is accused of child sexual abuse and forced labour, highlights the potential dangers of intertwining religious motivations with operational practices. Also, an examination of the present state of our government reveals a trajectory similar to that of Pakistan,...