Law & Paneir

THE proposed construction of the Madani Mosque and the relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple has sparked significant debate in Malaysia. At its core, this issue addresses a critical aspect of the nation’s socio-political landscape: how to manage the coexistence of different religious communities in shared spaces. In a country as diverse as Malaysia, where multiple faiths and cultures intertwine, managing such tensions is essential. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s “Malaysia MADANI” framework, which promotes a civilised, inclusive society, presents an opportunity to explore how religious communities can coexist peacefully and harmoniously. The MADANI framework and the importance of coexistence Anwar’s “Malaysia MADANI” framework envisions a future where all Malaysians, irrespective of their religious affiliations or backgrounds, can coexist peacefully. The fundamental values articulated in the MADANI framework i.e. Sustainability, Prosperity, Innovation, Respect, Tr...

Note: I would like to bring to your attention that I recently encountered an opinion piece published on https://internalasianews.com/weaknesses-of-malaysias-intelligence-force-special-branch-challenges-and-security-threats/  that seeks to undermine the credibility of the Royal Malaysia Police, particularly the Special Branch. I find this perspective to be unfounded and have therefore written a response in which I present counterarguments to the author's claims with which I strongly disagree. The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), particularly its Special Branch, has long been an institution respected both domestically and internationally for its contributions to national security. The article in question casts a shadow over the achievements and sacrifices made by this agency, especially during Malaysia’s challenging periods such as the Confrontation with Indonesia, the fight against communist insurgency, and the ongoing internal security challenges posed by terrorism, racial, and relig...

THIS January, the India-Malaysia Security Dialogue convened in New Delhi, representing a pivotal advancement in the enhancement of bilateral relations between the two countries. The session was co-chaired by Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Adviser, and Datuk Raja Nushirwan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia’s director-general of the National Security Council. The dialogue highlighted the increasing significance of collaboration on various security matters, such as counterterrorism, cybersecurity, defence, and maritime security. With both nations now members of BRICS, Malaysia serving as the ASEAN Chair, and India participating in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), this partnership has the potential to significantly influence both regional and global security landscapes. Key areas of collaboration The India-Malaysia Security Dialogue aimed to enhance collaboration across several vital sectors. Both nations are confronted with the escalating threat of terrorism, which not only jeopar...

IN today’s volatile geopolitical landscape, the role of a National Security Adviser (NSA) has evolved into one of the most critical positions within any government. In Malaysia, the NSA plays a distinctive and essential role in maintaining the nation’s stability in the face of intricate internal and external challenges. Ongoing global disputes, including the trade conflict between China and the US, the tensions between Europe and Russia over Ukraine, and wider regional instability highlight the necessity for a robust and competent NSA in Malaysia to adeptly manage these turbulent circumstances. The complexity of Malaysia’s security landscape In Malaysia, the NSA is pivotal in formulating the nation’s strategies to address both domestic and international security challenges. Given Malaysia’s considerable ethnic and religious diversity, the adviser faces distinct obstacles in fostering national unity and social harmony. The NSA’s responsibilities encompass not only the management of inte...