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Saturday, October 29, 2016
Friday, October 14, 2016
Transgender Symposium: Arrest and Detention
From left: Ms Chinta, ASP Riza, YB Lee Khai Loon, YB Teh Yee Cheu, Zulfakri, Ustaz Khairol
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Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Bebas Lim Guan Eng
Firstly, he was not armed, did not resist arrest and had been cooperative with the MACC all along. Secondly, the Chief Minister should not be treated like a criminal before a guilty conviction has been passed.
He faces two counts under Section 23 of the MACC Act and Section 165 of the Penal Code.
Nonetheless, the MACC seem to be at the call and beckon of the UMNO chief. While RM2.6 billion transactions may be brushed off as a donation, the accusations against the Chief Minister pale in comparison to what seems to be an obvious play to ‘save’ the Prime Minister from all allegations especially the 1MDB scandal.
Unfortunately, BN-UMNO has all the unfair advantages and government machineries to carry out their wishes and bidding.
This senseless detention of the Chief Minister will not dampen the spirits of Penangites but rather, unite us all despite earlier differences and disagreements. This move to cripple the opposition pact is a rather desperate move on the part of BN-UMNO, especially during Ramadhan and just a few days short of Hari Raya.
I am truly disappointed at how BN-UMNO flex their muscles and unparalleled powers at the opposition pact. Voices of dissent are silenced and forced into submission, while corruption in the country remains rife and racism glorified. Political persecutions are not new to the country. First, BN-UMNO put the former opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim behind bars despite acknowledgement from the UN that the imprisonment was 'arbitrary'. The international community is well aware of Anwar's political imprisonment. Now, Lim Guan Eng is being detained. While government institutions systematically clamp down on its federal opposition leaders, the Prime Minister and his new cabinet rejoice at the pain they inflict on those who do not agree with him.
This is a sure sign of a failed democracy and a failed government with failed leadership. True strength is when a government is fair and decent. At present, BN-UMNO is despicable and very obscene. This is not how a multi-racial country should celebrate the upcoming Raya holidays.
#BebasLGE #BebasAnwar
Child's Act 2001 discussion by PWDC
The Child Act 2001 is inadequate to protect children’s rights – this was the opinion and outcome of a roundtable discussion hosted by the Penang Women’s Development Corporation under YB Chong Eng, the state executive councilor for Youth and Sports, Women, Family and Community Development. Members of Parliament from Pakatan Harapan such as YB Zuraida Kamaruddin, YB Sim Chee Keong and YB Teo Nie Ching received feedback from notable NGOs such as the Women’s Centre for Change (WCC), Service Civil International; and women advocates like YB Lim Siew Khim, DAP councillors Syerleena Rashid and Chris Lee, Aida Yusof Rawa from Parti Amanah, Lim Kah Cheng, and Priscilla Ho.
The objective of this meeting, held last weekend, was to work together towards eliminating sexual crimes against children. Lim Kah Cheng aptly pointed out that although the number of police cases have drastically reduced through the years, the number of cases admitted to hospitals remained the same. She also mentioned that according to international standards, for every reported case, between 8 to 10 cases goes unreported.
Also raised in the discussion was the importance of having specially trained personnel to handle cases for abuse victims to reduce the traumatic experience. Our society’s mindset is still very much bent on blaming the girls for untoward incidences. Many cases also go unreported due to shame and stigmatisation, and tedious procedure and court process.
Our Malaysian Child Act 2001 was amended in April this year to include a registry for sex offenders. However, this was done without consulting Pakatan Harapan’s leaders and the Child Act 2001 still needs elaboration for further protection of children’s rights.
The new laws introduced increased penalties for child neglect, exploitation and abuse to a maximum fine of RM50,000, 20 years’ jail or both upon conviction.
Who should report abuse cases?
At present, medical officers and medical practitioners, family members and child care providers are obliged to reporting suspected abuse cases to the Social Welfare Officer or risk being fined up to RM5000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.
The question then arises: How about the duty of school teachers to inform the authorities?
To this, a teacher who was present in the discussion expressed that there were difficulties in reporting such cases especially if it involved school teachers as the abusers. Teachers accused of abuse are usually transferred elsewhere, however, the floor does not think that it is a good idea.
A lawyer who was also present informed the floor that in cases of child abuse, the perpetrators are usually coaxed to a guilty admission so that the victim need not relate the incident over and over again in court.
YB Sim Chee Keong recounted a few high profile cases regarding crimes against children including the Richard Huckle case, the murder of Nurin Jazlin, the ‘finger-rape’ case, and a few others. He also noted that there were 44 child marriages in Penang in 2010.
“The courts seem to be lenient towards child offenders, citing reasons like the abusers are still young and have bright futures ahead,” he said.
According to WCC, a total number of 7,240 reports were lodged of which 20 percent were charged in court. Out of these only 101 cases or 7 percent resulted in a conviction.
Registry for sex offenders
Section 118 of the Child Act states of the ‘The Register of Children’:
“The Register shall contain –
(a) Details of every case or suspected case of a child in need of protection;
(aa) Details of persons convicted of any offence in which a child is a victim; and
(b) Such other matters in relation to such case or suspected case as the Director General may from time to time determine.”
In the above matter, YB Teo Nie Ching noted that the registry should rightfullyly be ‘The Register of Sex Offenders’ and not otherwise. The members of parliament present in the discussion will push for further amendments in this direction.
Two sets of law
Syerleena Rashid, highlighted that the problem of having two sets of law – Syariah and the Civil Court Law – and that it must be resolved to address issues like child marriages.
YB Zuraida Kamaruddin from Parti Keadilan Rakyat opined that children, especially girls, should have the opportunity to education, and not start a family before they are ready.
“Parents of young girls who are victims of sexual abuse should not be married off to the abusers as this will not solve anything,” she said. “The definition of rape must also be elaborated so that perpetrators will not get away with lame excuses like ‘no penile penetration’.”
YB Chong Eng closed the session expressing hopes that the parliamentarians are able to forward the details of this discussion to parliament in the next session, which will be in October, to counter the problems faced by victims of sexual abuse.
“Our main aims are to raise awareness about sexual crimes against children and also to work towards eliminating sexual crimes against children,” said YB Chong Eng.
The hotline for crimes against children is 15999.
Written by: Carolyn Khor
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Two term tenure for CM a good proposal
Letter by Carolyn Khor, Assistant to YB Teh Yee Cheu and Communications Chief for Wanita Keadilan dated 4 April 2016
The Speaker of the State Assembly wields great powers bestowed upon him through the state constitution which governs the house. The approval or rejection of a motion lies, ultimately, in the hands of the Speaker, who decides whether or not the matter reaches the State Assembly for debate during sittings.
Last week, YB Teh Yee Cheu, the state assemblyman for Tanjong Bunga submitted a motion to the Speaker’s office and the State Secretariat’s office to limit the Chief Minister’s tenure to two terms, each being not more than 5 years. He reiterated that he was submitting the motion due to public interest and is ready to face consequences from his party, if any. He also cited Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago as having practise two-term limits. Although the Westminster parliamentary system, which the Malaysian parliament is modeled after, has no fixed-term limit, unlike the United States, YB Teh opined that the State Assembly does have the powers to make the change possible. If the State Constitutional committee, which is headed by the Chief Minister agrees to study the matter in detail, have it refined, made into a bill, then debated during the State Assembly, the two-term limit might just be realised.
The Chief Minister, first of all, should not feel threatened by this two-term limit. It is common knowledge, that such gallant proposals are a herculean task, requiring no less than a few years to even a decade for it to be ready. Of course, this will also largely depend on when the incumbent CM is ready to move on to even higher grounds. But, during this time, it will bode well, both for the people of Penang and also the CM to consider the two-term limit, for the following successors. The CM may in fact, leverage on this two-term proposal to recover from his diving popularity among the Penangites given the recent bad publicity. This would, effectively, be like killing two, or even three birds with one stone, much in the way how Penang has the penchant for being the first in most things.
It takes a lot of courage and will-power to convince the authorities to give up their hold on power. Power, like heroin or opium, is intoxicating. As Penangites, we deserve good policies and good governance and this includes curtailing excessive powers given by the people to a selected few, empowering them to be representatives of the people.
Is conscience banned in the State Assembly or does this signal an improper execution of power? In all fairness, important issues that are of public interest should be debated, nonetheless, and the proposal for the two-term limit should be approved too.
Last night, a DAP veteran member held a press conference to condemn YB Teh Yee Cheu for his actions. Futher to that,the veteran club was quoted as saying: “If he continue [sic] to behave like this and used by umno and show no remorse, he should resign as ADUN and quit the party.”
As YB Teh’s assistant, I strongly condemn the actions of the veteran club members as this is out of line. A state representative is elected by the electorates and that is something which should be respected. We should be supportive of the only voice in the state assembly that dares to voice out against the executives. If all we want are yes-men, then we do not need 'UBAH' anymore. ‘Toeing the party line’ does not work if voices of dissent are not allowed.
How unbecoming of all those who step forward to condemn YB Teh without understanding the larger picture. Justice, fairness, good judgment and freedom of speech has been silenced. How different is this administration from BN? We used to condemn BN for the same actions but now the DAP leadership in Penang is no different. We need to save Penang from the grips of autocratic leaders who can no longer differentiate right from wrong.
People ask, “Why not just concentrate toppling BN? Why should we accept someone who seems to go against the state government?”
The answer is simple: If nobody took up the role of speaking out within the coalition, we are subjecting ourselves to dictatorship. Do not shoot the messenger. We should push for freedom of speech. And at what cost? Only our conscience.
The proposal of having a two-term limit is a noble cause. As we all know, Taib Mahmud governed Sarawak for 33 years. This would have been different if someone had dared to propose a two-term limit such as what YB Teh did. Instead of accusing him of being disloyal or a traitor to the party, Penangites should realise that YB Teh's actions are merely as an ombudsman and a defender of public interest. He is simply carrying out his duties as a people's representative.
I am certain that the Speaker would do the right thing by the people of Penang, provided that he does not receive unsolicited advise from people who think that they have a right to decide on everything.
Carolyn Khor
Assistant to YB Teh Yee Cheu
Communications Chief for Wanita Keadilan
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
RM50 million slash for Chinese schools nationwide is discriminatory
Press Statement by Carolyn Khor, Ketua Komunikasi Wanita Keadilan dated 22 December 2015
RM50 million slash for Chinese schools nationwide is discriminatory
MCA should be ashamed of themselves for supporting the RM50 million slash for Chinese schools nationwide ever since the 2013 general election. Heng Seai Kie should know that the allocation comes from the taxpayers not BN, and there is no excuse to penalise Chinese voter’s children just because the electorate wanted a clean and fair government.
If slashing 50 percent funding to Chinese schools is realistic like she said, then how realistic can it be when only BN voters pay taxes? It is simply low to suggest that it is realistic for Chinese children to suffer just because of incompetent politicians like herself and MCA who support the BN government’s decision to do so. As a BN component party, MCA should have protested against the RM50 million cut.
With dwindling support for MCA in the Dewan Rakyat, it is clearly a sign from the community that MCA is no longer relevant. As revealed by Heng, 15 percent Chinese voted for the opposition. What has MCA done for the 15 percent? Unfortunately, what the 15 percent Chinese received was also the RM50 million reduction in funds to schools.
This is not the way to punish patriotic citizens who voice their dissatisfaction though the ballot box. Withholding funds or slashing financial allocations is blackmail and blaming the electorate for exercising their rights. If funds can be used as a means to win votes, then how is it not considered bribery? MCA should not promote bribery.
Fishing votes by promising goodies has become the norm in Malaysia. It is an unhealthy practise that should not be encouraged.
That said, the RM50 million allocated to 1,692 Chinese schools pales in comparison to the RM1.1 billion allocated to the PM's department.
Why are Chinese schools being discriminated against? After nearly 60 years after Merdeka, the allocation is a measly RM50 million and the Chinese are still being accused of being cheats, liars and pendatangs. What is MCA doing about it?
Sarawak does not need MCA to bribe them with goodies and false hopes. With the state elections near, will BN be using the RM2.6 billion to do programmes in Sarawak? Where is the RM2.6 billion?
Wanita Keadilan has always been wary of such lowly tactics used by the BN government. We also know the importance of a good education for children. Therefore, through our MPs in the Dewan Rakyat, we will continue to be vigilant and fight for every Malaysian’s needs and rights and especially for our future generations.
Carolyn Khor 许彩贞
Ketua Komunikasi Wanita Keadilan
Exco Wanita Pusat
Parti Keadilan Rakyat
Saturday, June 13, 2015
If I were Bunya Jalong...
If I were Bunya Jalong... by Carolyn Khor
Monday, January 27, 2014
Choi’s attire should not be blown out of proportion
A 25 year old Muslim convert and primary school teacher lodged a police report against the school board’s director who had requested her to remove her headscarf if she wanted to continue teaching at SJK (C) Nan Ya in Kota Tinggi. Did she feel victimised and was therefore seeking help? And was it necessary for her to make the police report?
Speaking out for the people is a Wakil Rakyat’s job
Friday, December 27, 2013
Pardon me, can you please apologise again?
Jahara must be deaf to request a second apology from Lim Guan Eng.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
How sexist remarks attract remarkable attention
A grandmother by any other name is still a grandmother.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Thursday, December 12, 2013
A time to understand human rights: Human Rights Day on 10 Dec
Malaysia is still rated fairly free despite fall in Human Development Index ranking.
- All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood;
- Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Stepping out of men's shadows by Carolyn Khor
** Article published in MSN Malaysia
Monday, December 2, 2013
Understanding women by Carolyn Khor
** Article published in MSN Malaysia
Friday, November 29, 2013
Relive your childhood at ESCAPE Theme Park
Link to PGC
Focus: Relive your childhood at ESCAPE Theme Park, Teluk Bahang ~~~ by Carolyn Khor | |
Relive your childhood at ESCAPE Theme Park, Teluk Bahang ~~~ by Carolyn Khor
Everyone has an inner child who just cannot wait to come out to play, that is, if given a chance. Spread over seven acres for now, ESCAPE Theme Park in Teluk Bahang is a childhood dream come true. Its Founder and Chief Escape Officer, Sim Choo Kheng is every bit the Peter Pan who still believes in fun and laughter, along with a heavy dose of nature.“We need to reconnect with Mother Nature. It is only instinctive of us to be protective of the environment when we love it,” said Sim, who reminisces his youth as a kampong boy who used to climb trees, swam and fished for fresh water prawns in the streams in Thean Teik Estate, Ayer Itam where he grew up. Sim hopes to share this joyful experience with the children of current generation whom he describes as having a ‘lack of creativity and curiosity’ due to the overdosed institutionalized learning. ‘Low-tech, High Fun’ is how Sim describes his theme park. “We do not have the money like the 'Big Boys' in Orlando, but we have the creative flair, the international experience and more importantly the passion and drive to realise a new theme park genre that is distinctively in harmony with nature and its surroundings,” he said, adding that ESCAPE adheres to the international safety, operational and cleanliness standards. Sim, 48, has been in the theme park industry for more than 20 years and is involved in the operating, designing and building of theme parks worldwide. ESCAPE, according to him, will be his ‘final destination’ when he manages to re-create his playground he lost to 'progress'. "I yearn to be a kid again, I shall return to where it all started!”, he exclaimed. Having realised ESCAPE since ten months ago is a personal fulfillment in addressing the void of human interaction with nature such as participatory learning and reconnecting with our core values. According to Sim, the idea of a theme park started during the Industrial Revolution where people needed to take a break to ease their minds off the stark reality of hard work. Unlike other theme parks, ESCAPE does not have roller-coasters or sugar coated fantasies. Sim thinks that some theme parks are ‘distorted in their views between having fun and being scared’. "We think we have solutions for everything, in reality very often we resolve a problem by creating a new one". “The idea of outdoor fun is to enhance bodily motor skills and coordination besides boosting physical fitness,” he said. ESCAPE Waterplay is expected to be featured in late 2014 and Treetops Hotel in the near future. The total area of 44 acres within the vicinity of the ESCAPE Theme Park will host many more attractions later. “Repurposing this former Teluk Bahang Dam construction site means we didn't have to disturb much of the surrounding nature, almost all the old structures built by PBA were enhanced with many thought-provoking ideas complying to ESCAPE's ethos. We respect nature and we hope that we could convey this message of love for nature to those who visit our theme park,” he concluded. ESCAPE Theme Park opens daily from 9:00a.m to 6:00p.m. Further details may be found here: www.escape.my. |
A breath of life for well-being
Focus: A breath of life for well-being ~~ by Carolyn Khor | |
“Our guruji’s objective was simply to make people smile and be happy always,” said Sam, a 29 year old Penang Art of Living volunteer. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of the organization known as The Art of Living, has 152 centres worldwide with five centres in Penang. It was founded in 1982. Sri Sri was born on 13 May 1956 and resides in India. He currently tweets at @srisrispeaks. Among Sri Sri’s insightful quotes are: “If there are ripples on the surface of the lake, we cannot see its depth. Similarly, unless the mind is restful, we cannot experience the harmony and union within us.” “Break through all the barrier and feel that you are blessed. This is the only step you have to take. The rest will all happen.” “Life teaches you the art of letting go in every event. When you have learnt to let go, you will be joyful, and as you start being joyful, more will be given to you.” Besides breathing techniques, meditation and yoga are also offered at the centre. Sam says that the breathing technique taught at their centres, called Sudarshan Kriya, is recognized as a proven method to manage anger, violence and other negativities like anxieties and depression. The meditation technique used is called Sahaj Samadhi. The Sri Sri Yoga method adopted by the centre is an integrated approach to Yoga using a combination of Asana, Pranayama, meditation,, ancient yoga knowledge and service. According to the brochure, this is a prayerful discipline that leads to the union of the body and the mind. Sam’s wife, Angel had introduced Sam to The Art of Living about three years ago due to the increasing demands in life which included juggling with an education, a career and his family life. With sleep deprivation, Sam decided to seek help. Angel was introduced to the organization some time earlier to help her improve on her general well-being. Both husband and wife found the techniques useful and helpful. “Just one hour of the Sudarshan Kriya breathing exercise tames anger, soothes worries, stress and anxieties and heals emotional frustrations,” claims Sam. “It also helped me view things in a broader perspective and I now lead a healthier and happier lifestyle with a peaceful mind”. “We are all on the same journey but using different paths,” said Sam when asked about how The Art of Living differs from all other organizations which claim to also offer the same stress-free solution. The Art of Living Foundation channels a large percentage of their collection from courses, The Art of Living publications and sales of Ayurveda products to help rural areas in India and other parts of the world with humanitarian projects such as conflict resolution, disaster relief and sustainable rural development, empowerment of women, prisoner rehabilitation, education and environmental sustainability. For those who are interested to understand The Art of Living may want to attend the basic course which is usually conducted for 6 days continuously from Tuesdays to Sundays, for a total of approximately 24 hours. Class fees are RM350 per course for adults and RM250 for senior citizens above 60 years old. For more information, please contact Sam 016-4841280 or visit the website: http://www.artofliving.org/my-en |