Category Archives: Apr 2018

The Malaysian Bar is deeply disturbed by the overall manner in which the constituency boundary changes exercise was conducted by the Electoral Commission, leading up to and including the indecent haste in which its boundary changes proposals were tabled and passed by Parliament on March 28, 2018.

The boundary changes exercise was dogged by procedural issues from the very beginning, starting from the exercise for the state of Sarawak, the proposals for which were presented for public review in January 2015. In the High Court case of See Chee How & Anor v Pengerusi Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya Malaysia, the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak in Kuching ruled that the preliminary information provided in the Electoral Commission’s public notice was insufficient, although this finding was reversed by the Court of Appeal. The Federal Court in turn refused to grant leave to appeal, on the grounds that the proposals had, by then, already been submitted to the prime minister.

The same concerns spilled over once the boundary changes exercise was commenced for Peninsular Malaysia, with questions raised about the adequacy of the preliminary information, the rejection of some of the objections on procedural grounds, the rush of the first round of the local inquiry, the refusal to allow objectors to fully ventilate their objections, the denial of the right for legal counsel to be present, and the refusal to hear some objectors during the second round of the local inquiry.

Appalled by some of the judicial pronouncements

The Malaysian Bar is also appalled by some of the judicial pronouncements taken in the various legal challenges made in the course of this boundary changes process. The courts appear to have denied litigants access to a legal remedy and, in so doing, failed to protect and uphold the Federal Constitution. In particular, the decision of the Federal Court on 19 February 2018 — involving applications brought by two opposition members of Parliament from Perak and seven voters from Melaka — where it was held that the proposals of the Electoral Commission could not be judicially reviewed, because they were actions of the Electoral Commission that did not bind parties, was astounding.

The combined effect of this decision and that in See Chee How is that the Electoral Commission’s proposals can never be tested against the principles of the thirteenth schedule to the Federal Constitution. This is a wholly untenable position. As William Blackstone wrote in his Commentaries: “It is a settled and invariable principle… that every right when withheld must have a remedy, and every injury its proper redress.”

Parliamentary procedure

When it comes to parliamentary procedure, the Malaysian Bar fully supports the fact that the doctrine of separation of powers is a feature of the Federal Constitution, as most recently reaffirmed by the Federal Court in the cases of Semenyih Jaya v Pentadbir Tanah Daerah Hulu Langat and Indira Gandhi a/p Mutho v Pengarah Jabatan Agama Islam Perak.

Applying the principle to this situation, Parliament is the master of its own affairs. However, if there is to be a real respect for the doctrine of separation of powers, and not mere tokenism, then the legislative branch of government must not only be independent, but must be seen to be independent. It should not bow or tie itself to the executive branch and must oppose any attempt by the executive branch to rush through legislation to meet the latter’s own political agenda and timetable. The speaker of the Dewan Rakyat should not act in a manner that gives rise to the irresistible impression that Parliament was but a mere rubber stamp for the exigencies of the executive branch.

Further, even though Parliament is the master of its own affairs, the speaker must exercise his discretion in a fair and non-arbitrary manner. His ruling earlier in the year that a debate on the matter of 1MDB could not proceed — on the grounds it was the subject of court proceedings in the United States of America and therefore “sub judice” — is hard to reconcile with his recent ruling that debating the Election Commission’s boundary changes proposals — although the subject of court proceedings in Malaysia — was not “sub judice” and could therefore proceed. This inconsistency is an abuse of the rule of law.

Incredible variation between the smallest and largest seat

After 60 years of independence, it is incredible that the variation between the smallest and largest seat (by voter size) in Parliament has actually increased over time, rather than decreased. In the 2018 boundary changes exercise, the largest constituency will be the renamed Damansara seat in Selangor, with 150,439 voters, which is 8.53 times larger than the smallest constituency, the Federal Territory of Putrajaya, with 17,627 voters.

Even comparing within states, the variations remain huge. In Selangor, the difference between Damansara and the constituency of Sabak Bernam with 37,126 voters, is 4.05 times, the highest in any single state in Peninsular Malaysia. For this to be occurring in Selangor, arguably the most developed state in Peninsular Malaysia, is incredible.

The Federal Constitution states

Section 2 of the thirteenth schedule to the Federal Constitution states this as one of the principles that “shall as far as possible be taken into account in dividing any unit of review into constituencies pursuant to the provisions of Articles 116 and 117”:

(c) the number of electors within each constituency in a State ought to be approximately equal except that, having regard to the greater difficulty of reaching electors in the country districts and the other disadvantages facing rural constituencies, a measure of weightage for area ought to be given to such constituencies;

The order relating to the 2018 boundary changes exercise was passed by the Dewan Rakyat on March 28, 2018, and then submitted to the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, published in the Federal Government Gazette, and brought into force in the short space of 24 hours.

The proposals are being implemented for the imminent general election.

By disrespecting and totally disregarding the principle of “one person, one vote, one value”, the proposals are fundamentally flawed.

The inherent unfairness and unconstitutionality of the boundary changes exercise and its results may well cast a long and deep shadow over the legitimacy of the outcome of the coming general election and future general elections. 

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KOTA KINABALU: Around 131 representatives from Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish and subparish of Church of Mary Immaculate turned up for the follow-up parish assembly at the Sacred Heart Parish Centre here on 9 Apr 2018.

At this gathering, Dr Jeffrey Soon, coordinating chairman of the parish PAX committee, presented to the delegates the summary of the reports they had gathered from all the groups/ministries/communities existing in the parish since the first gathering on March 13.

Prior to that, Soon also gave a brief overview of how the three parish priorities – issues on family life, faith formation and reaching out to nominal parishioners – came about and how they are related to the three challenges of apathy, secularisation and islamisation as well as the archdiocesan pastoral thrust of “going inward, going smaller, and going outwards” highlighted by PAX Assembly 2015.

In his turn, Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) chairman Jason Joenoi gave the overview from the PPC, highlighting the efforts to meet the needs of the parish, and calling on the groups to work together for the common good.

One of the issues highlighted during the Q&A session is the need to help the newly baptised to grow in their faith development which calls for the involvement of all the parish groups and communities.

The two assemblies were held in preparation for the archdiocesanwide Pre-PAX Assembly on May 1 at the SHPC.

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Indonesian priest Romo (Rev) Eduardo Raja of Ende Archdiocese Flores gave a sharing on Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs or Komuniti Kristian Dasar [KKD]) to Papar parishioners on 7 Apr 2018 at the Fr John Tsung Hall St Joseph Parish here.

The sharing was given during the Easter gathering after the Sunset Mass.

In his welcoming speech, PPC chairman Johnny Sitamin thanked the parishioners for their participation during the Holy Week celebrations,  Romo Eduardo’s ministry to the Indonesian migrant and local communities at the outstation chapels and estates in Papar and Limbahau.

In his sharing, the visiting priest told his audience that the Ende BECs (or Komunitas Umat Basis or KUB as it is known in Indonesia) were started in the 1950s under the Congregation of Santa Maria and became an official body in the 1980s, providing prayer services with gospel reading and reflections,  spiritual and economic community services.

Since 1987, the KUB has become a centre of generating and collecting ideas and discussion platform in dealing with all aspects of lives and thereafter stamped its direct involvement in pastoral activities.

The priest said the KKD works best in smaller groups of 10-20 Catholic families living in a neighbourhood that  know each other well, meeting weekly, praying, reading and sharing the Gospel, celebrating the Eucharist, sharing problems encountered,  and  searching for possible solutions to these problems.

Romo Eduardo stressed the need for all the BECs to work together in ensuring that pastoral faith formation and development are in line with the archdiocesan vision and mission.

Prior to this sharing, the audience witnessed the Easter cake cutting led by Father Thomas Yip and rendition of the blessed birthday and congratulation songs accompanied by the choirs, parish pastoral councillors, catechist, Sister Juanah Saliun and her novices, and the parishioners. —(SOCCOM Papar)

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

PETALING JAYA: The fourth annual Day of Solidarity, themed Pilgrimage towards Justice and Peace, was held on Sunday, March 25 at the Council of Churches Malaysia Ecumenical Centre.

The gathering, initiated by the Conference of Religious Major Superiors and the Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) was to stand up for common Christian values as children of God.

The session began with Taize meditation and a short video message from the prior of the French Taizé Community, Brother Alois.

Bro Alois said, “Solidarity is linked intimately with our faith in Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are called to sow and discover seeds of hope, wherever we are … with the hope that Christ doesn’t abandon anybody.”

“As we work towards the expansion of the kingdom of God, there must also be joy of common humanity in our heart.”

The congregation was invited to join any of the four breakout sessions on Human Trafficking by Global Shepherds, Migrant Workers by Tenaganita, Environmental Issue by Jaringan Kampung Orang Asli Pahang community leader Fatimah Bah Sin and Youth Perspective Towards Justice and Peace by lawyer Syahredzan Johan, to learn and be better equipped about the plights of our fellow brethren.

Each topic saw a fairly even number of attendees as its speakers passionately shared on their respective subjects.

The highlight of the afternoon was the forum. Bukit Bendera, Penang MP Zairil Khir Johari, Selangor State Assembly speaker Hannah Yeoh, Sungai Burung, Penang UMNO member Shamil Norshidi and three-time winner of the Asian British Parliamentary (ABP) Debating Championship’s Asia Best Speaker award and Youth Chief of the Malaysian United Indigenous Party (Bersatu) Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, presented their take on Malaysia’s pilgrimage towards justice and peace. Jerald Joseph, a Commissioner with SUHAKAM was the moderator.

Syed Saddiq, Hannah Yeoh and Zairil shared their thoughts on the need for change for a better Malaysia. Transparency, Accountability, Free from Corruption and Racial Discrimination were of utmost importance in the light of the current political scenario. They spoke with compassion and the need for change for a better Malaysia.

Zairil spoke about the hijrah and that those of us whose forefathers came to Malaysia or migrant workers were likened to a pilgrimage for a better life. Equality and respect must be accorded to all who seek a better future.

The youngest keynote speaker, Syed Saddiq, said his vision of Malaysia for the next 10 years, despite the growing apathy in the wake of pessimism, is optimistic, based on what the young have achieved thus far.

“Change doesn’t happen instantly and it happens when you least expect it,” said Syed.

He believes people’s loyalties to parties and individuals have reduced. They are more aware and conscious of their rights, which will help them move forward.

Syed said, “No matter who governs the nation, the power must return to the people and they will, in turn, determine the country’s progress, like never before.”

Yeoh talked about looking at the bigger picture versus drowning in feeling hopeless just because that is what friends say.

“I am hopeful because there are still a lot of good people working the ground and there will be a breaking point for the situation we are in today,” said Yeoh.

She also believes the need for the implementation of checks and balances in a political party to ensure accountability and transparency, regardless of who is in power, to achieve success.

Syamil shared his concerns on global warming and the life span of earth and the generations to come. There was pin drop silence when he shared statistics with those present.

Archbishop Julian Leow said the closing prayer and the covenanting pledge was read, followed by the audience lighting candles.–Communications and Media Relations Office/Neubert Ambrose

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Members from the Sathya Sai Baba Centre of Bandar Klang visited the Assumption Church on March 17 as part of their Education for Human Values programme for children between the ages of 4 to 17 years.

Hosted by the Assumption Parish Ministry of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and joined by Assumption’s Youth Ministry and media team, participants, especially the lower primary school children, were brimming with smiles, excitement and curiosity as expected from precocious children.

The joy of sharing our Christian values of love, peace, kindness for all was observed when Father Gregory began by introducing the simple sing-a-long hymn “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world…”

Bringing the children, youth and their minders to the church’s pews, the Sacristy and the pulpit, Fr Chan informed them that this is the season of Lent. Drawing attention to the dried tree branch, the prelate explained about Jesus Christ suffering and dying on the Cross to save mankind, his passion to give life to others. “Jesus Christ is the life of the world. When He dies, the world has no life, when Jesus Christ rises from the dead at Easter, the world is alive again.”

A female Sai Baba Centre youth enthralled all those present with her rendition of “Alleluia.”

Later, during the Q&A session led by PMEIA chairman Hilary Narcis, assisted with Core Team member Vincent Quah, the minors, young as they are, posed intelligent questions, such as “In which year did Jesus die?” or “why did Jesus die on the Cross?”

The visit increased the students’ and hosts’ understanding of differences in religions whilst enhancing the common values of unity, respect of diversity, as Hilary Narcis succinctly conveyed “all religions teach good. No religions teach hate.” Thus, clearly, it is misinterpretation of religion which leads to conflict which all faiths would or should never aim for. There was also a suggestion for an exchange visit by Assumption parish to the Sathya Sai Baba Centre in Klang.

At a time when differences in opinion or judicial and authorities’ interpretations of federal or state legislations on religions or public policies which have at times interfered the boundaries of a faith professed by other adherents and divided society, such inte-religious visits foster goodwill and the much cherished aspiration of 1Malaysia.

We should also ponder as wisely posed by Fr Chan in his Facebook; “The visit of the Sathya Sai Baba to the Church of the Assumption was a milestone in many ways. The question is: do our youth (and adults) know what it means to dialogue with them?” It is hoped that through more dialogue and interactions, more goodwill, combined activities to benefit society will be reaped and misunderstandings be cast aside.

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 42 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) from the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Chapel of Our Lady of Good Health attended a formation session on March 17 facilitated by Fr Raymond Michael OFM Cap. We learnt to appreciate our responsibility of bringing Holy Communion to the sick and homebound as a calling, a vocation, a ministering that matters.

The Eucharist makes present for us the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ which is the source of our redemption. It makes present the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Himself. Hence, the Eucharist is the ultimate aim of our Christian living. Jesus does not limit His Eucharistic Presence to the solemn moments of holy Mass. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) are bestowed the unique privilege to bring Jesus to the sick and homebound.

It was wonderful to discover the eight characteristics which were the hallmarks of Jesus’ PASSION for His Ministry:
l It is love of God and neighbour. The focus of Jesus was always on His Father and people, not Himself. Our life with God is like the sheep and the vine. Who are the people that God puts in our life? Each time the EMHC brings Holy Communion to the sick and homebound, it is a visitation of joy that is similar to the First Visitation when Mary visited Elizabeth, bringing the Son of God in her womb. Each visitation is nothing about ourselves but about God.

–It is not a job but a vocation. It is not how much I have done but how much I have grown in my love for Christ. We were reminded that everyone, including the priest, works for God. However, very few see beyond the fact that we are actually doing God’s work. Just like a vocation, once we are immersed in this ministry, it is no longer “what do I prefer” but rather “what does God want me to do”.

–It is doing God’s Will. Just like Jesus for whom everything is always for the Kingdom of God, we too should not be motivated by self-will. Using the wheel as an analogy, it is neither the tyre nor the spokes that move the wheel but the hub. In our lives then, the spokes and wheel form the exterior while the hub is the interior of our lives where God resides.

— It is beginning each new day with a clear vision and passion. What is the intention of our involvement? This question is important because intention sets the vision and without a vision, our mission can lose its passion. From His first dialogue in the temple at the age of twelve till His passion and death on the cross, Jesus never lost sight of His vision to do the Will of His Father to build His Kingdom on earth. To have a vision is to know what you are doing, why and where you are going.

–It is a desire to seek out the lost. The Emmaus Encounter was used as a model for EMHC. As the Risen Lord enters into the presence of the two disciples on their journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus, so too the EMHC enters into a Ministry of Accompaniment whenever he brings Holy Communion to the sick and homebound. Our minds were opened to the world of the sick and homebound who may carry with them their feelings of guilt, depression, anxiety, fear, anger, bitterness, boredom, loneliness and despair.

—  It is being ready to face opposition. In spite of temptations and betrayal, Jesus was never overwhelmed but instead reached out with compassion and love.

— It is not allowing emotions to dictate our ministry. There are obstacles that can hinder us from embracing our calling. Known as the Jonah Complex, these obstacles are characterised by fear (such as fear of the unfamiliar, of change, of losing control and identity, of being set apart from others, of being ridiculed, of responsibility and of failure).

—  It is growing each day in the favour of God. It helps if we give priority to regular times of prayer, live contemplatively in the midst of an active apostolate, have an attitude of constant gratitude, and understand what it means to have poverty of spirit.

Since the sick and homebound face many challenges, our response should be one of love and compassion (in other words, empathy), mercy and hope. We need to respect the individual’s current state of being and to be genuinely interested in the individual’s welfare, with active listening. Keeping confidentiality will help to build trust. The gift of our accompaniment will foster a capacity in the person to help himself and to grow in responsibility for his own personal choices and actions. Ultimately, the sick and home-bou nd will be able to cope better in life. — Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

During the annual 2018 official ceremony for all war victims Jan 21, eight men’s names were commemorated on a new plaque at the main war monument at the Petagas War Memorial Park. This is the second installment of a write-up to remember particularly six men out of the eight, with the perspective on how their Catholic faith had helped them to survive life’s ordeals.

In the second war crime charge, the four victims Paul Lee Fook Onn @ Paul Lee Onn, Simon Thien, Paul Chong Pin Sin and Stephen Pan Tet Liong lived in Tamparuli during the war. The war crime charge stated they were “native residents, chief of the village and very influential.”

SIMON THIEN and Paul Lee Onn shared some land that they applied for in Tamparuli, across from Charlie Peter’s property. Simon was also one of the Fr Weber’s ‘old boys’ from Sacred Heart School as was Charlie. He worked in the Customs as senior officer collecting taxes at the port. He was married to Hiew Nyet Kiao and they had three adopted children Agnes, Rose, and John. He is survived by his siblings, nephews, and nieces.

PAUL CHONG PIN SIN was born in 1903 and came to Jesselton in the 1920s from China and worked as a “house-mate” for “orang putih.”  With the little savings and experience he had from working with them, he first started a ‘laundromat,’  then moved on to trading and became a successful merchant owning a grocery shop in Jesselton town.

A written account by his only surviving child, Rose Chong states that in 1944 a troop of Japanese army marched from Sandakan to Ranau, and reached their house which was near the roadside at Tamparuli. The Japanese army stayed at their house where they required Paul Chong, Simon Thien, Stephen Pan and Paul Lee to supply food and other rations to them.

PAUL LEE FOOK ONN @ PAUL LEE ONN was the first born of three children to parents Anthony Lee Biang and Maria Liew Fung Kiao in Jesselton in 1902. He worked as a chief clerk at Harrisons and Crossfields Shipping. When his father fell ill and eventually died at a young age, his mother sent them to mission schools. Paul was also a former student of Sacred Heart School under Fr Weber. Church records show he was a devoted Catholic and prominent lay leader particularly of the Chinese congregation of Sacred Heart Church in the 1920s and 1930s.

Like Vitalianus Ubing, Paul Lee was also a volunteer with the North Borneo Volunteer Force and was ranked a Sergeant. After the war, the family received a scroll commemorating and honouring his sacrifice. Paul was the father of nine children. His wife was pregnant with their youngest son John when he was taken away and killed. Today, his six surviving children live around the globe.

BUNG AH TEE @ STEPHEN PAN TET LIONG previously worked at the British rubber estate in Sandakan as supervisor and owned a rubber estate in Bakut, near Tuaran. According to his grandson, Stephen’s family was originally from Papar and he was educated at St Joseph mission school, Papar. He was married to Francisca Chin Kon Kiao, and they had ten children.

As with the other families, because of safety Stephen moved his family to Tamparuli. The Pan family lived very near to the other three Chinese families at Tamparuli and became good friends. He was appointed as village Chief or as Kapitan at one time.

In 1945, all four men were captured by the Japanese and never returned. The reason behind the capture was that all the four men’s names were found on the Defender (undercover) list of names. They were accused of, “not supplying the Japanese army with foodstuffs, planning to attack the Japanese in the rear in the event of an Allied landing and in contact with bandits in Kinarut, and to attack the Japanese units which came from Ranau to Tamparuli.” (War crime trial proceedings)

After the Japanese surrendered, the Australian army caught the Japanese and they went house to house to find out how many victims were missing and forced the Japanese to tell where those innocent victims were killed and buried. It was then they knew Paul Chong, Simon Thien, and Stephen Pan were killed together on June 12 at the same place and their bodies shared the same burial ground.

Three months after the killing, the families followed a map given by someone and located the ground in the Telipong area. They recognised and confirmed the bodies by means of personal possessions which were with the remains. However, nothing much could be done then as life was difficult for the families and no one could afford to do anything with the remains. Twelve years later, the three families got together again and transferred all the three men’s remains into a burial jar which was then buried at the Tuaran Christian Cemetery.

Paul Lee was taken away on a separate day while the family was having dinner. He was taken away, badly tortured and returned home twice prior to his final departure on June 16. Although a map of his killing place was also provided by the same person (as mentioned above) months later but sadly, the remains of Paul have never been found.

Out of adversity comes strength, sometimes formidable strength and courage. After the death of Paul Lee, his widow Margaret Liong Choi Chin, like the other three widows in Tamparuli, struggled to bring up their children. The widows got together to form a strong support network.

Due to constant floods, the children were often prevented from going to school, which was located on the other side of the river. So Margaret, with the help from the widows and older children of the families, decided to raise funds to build a school for the children who lived on the south side of the river – about 20 of them from their own families alone. The boys led a Dragon Dance team and the girls sold handmade paper flowers. They went everywhere by bus or on foot. Margaret went as far as Labuan to raise funds for the school.

Their children were first schooled in Charlie Peter’s house in 1946.The families also gathered at the house on Sundays for service or Mass, if there was a priest visiting. Apparently, faith has put the families together and helped them survived through the difficult times.

While going through the hardships of raising funds, the school had to shift to an old Japanese warehouse when the number of students grew too big for Charlie’s house. In 1949, they had to move again to an abandoned two-storey attap house on the land between the properties of Paul Lee and Simon Thien. After some persuasive negotiations between Margaret and the land owner, they bought the land on which the Gong Gao School grew and rebuilt.

Being nearly illiterate, Margaret sought the help of Yong Tao Pin @Yong Chen Koon, who was educated in China, with the school’s administrative work. Meanwhile, Mrs Simon Thien, affectionately known as Nyet Kiao Ji, her sister Fook Kiao, wife of Paul Chong, and others helped with chores and the never-ending fundraising.

In the late 1950s the school was handed over to Father Tepstra who was in charge of the Tuaran Catholic mission. Around 1964, the school became known as St Philip’s School, under the care of Bishop James Buis. The school is very much in operation today and has educated many successful students.

The third war crime charge involved the killing of Lim Hock Beng and Mohinder Singh. They were the two non-Catholics who were also recently commemorated at the Petagas War Memorial Park.

LIM HOCK BENG was working as a wireless operator at the Jesselton Post Office. He was considered the “chief of the rebellion who used the wireless set to catch intelligence that was against the Japanese army and carried out an agitation to the native residents”. According to a family member, Lim Hock Beng was a Christian belonging to the Society for the propagation of the Gospel, now known as the Anglican Church. His wife was Rose Walker, a Catholic, who was also a close family friend of Lothar Manjaji’s wife, Otillia. With the untimely death of Lim Hock Beng, the children were separated. The two eldest, Lucy and Richard were sent to stay in the convent in Singapore where they were taught Catechism and subsequently they and their families became Catholics. The other three siblings, Jane, Victor, and Timothy studied in St Mary’s School, Sandakan where they were also taught catechism and accepted the Catholic faith.

MOHINDER SINGH, a 19-year old male nurse at the Jesselton Hospital, assisted Lim Hock Beng in keeping an eye out for enemy planes using his binoculars. They were captured and killed around early July 1945 and buried unceremoniously together in a shallow grave. Both bodies were later exhumed and taken away by their families.

Many gaps in the stories of these brave men remain and it is hoped more will be uncovered as the families embark on learning about their loved ones. Their story, set against a backdrop of the cruelties of the war and the horrific suffering they must have endured show how only their unwavering faith must have given them courage in their greatest hour of need, surrendering to God their lives and the families they were leaving behind. They also bring to mind the many other brave victims who were taken and killed during the war.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9-10 – Contributed by Vera Chin and Susanna Lye, granddaughters of Lothar Manjaji and Paul Lee.

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU  – Members of the Bethel English Prayer Community (BEPC), or better known as the English Prayer Meeting, took off to the retreat centre at Bundu Tuhan on 9-11 Feb 2018, to rejuvenate and strengthen themselves for another year of activities.

Of the 40 participants, some are currently serving in the ministry while others are those who have responded to the invitation to serve in the BEPC in the year ahead.

Though the prayer meeting has existed since 1974, it has been through many memorable moments, as well as challenging ones.

Currently, the BEPC, with Carlos Cordova as the interim coordinator, is acting as a caretaker for the prayer community pending the expiry of the current leadership to pave way for the election of new leaders this year.

BEPC also paid a courtesy visit to Father Paul Lo as the new assistant parish priest and introduced themselves to him at the close of last year.

Apart from the weekly Praise and Worship, sharing and in-house talks, BEPC also has a special ministry that caters for benevolent prayers, hospital visits and other spiritual outreach for the members. All are invited to join the BEPC for a time of praise and worship every Friday at 8:00 pm at the Sacred Heart Parish Centre, Room F7.

The Bethel English Prayer Community is one of 70 plus ministry/community groups that are flourishing in the Sacred Heart Cathedral parish. – Joe Carlos Leong, CS

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU – The Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia has asked all parishes in Malaysia to hold  24-hours of prayer for the 14th General Elections.

Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish here will begin with Mass on Friday, 27 Apr 2018 at 7:30 pm followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament until 5 pm on Saturday, Apr 28.  It will conclude with the Sunset Mass at 6 pm.

All parish groups and the general parishioners are asked to commit themselves to pray for the coming election and are encouraged to join the 24 Hours of Prayers.

And all parishioners who are registered voters are strongly  urged to exercise their right to vote in this election on Wednesday May 9.

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

Five things you didn’t know can get you in trouble at the next Malaysian General Election.

You wake up early in the morning to the singing of birds and golden beams of light. After getting dressed, you put on your best smile and head down to your designated polling station.

You’re doing your part in deciding Malaysia’s future, after all, and that is something to be proud of.

This certainly would be a beautiful day to have an election, no?

You arrive at the polling station and – yay! – the queue isn’t too long. And there’s even a nice man offering cupcakes with your favourite politician’s face on it. You gladly accept one, eager to sink your teeth in to his face (and your vote in his ballot box) when a uniformed officer taps you on the shoulder. He informs you that you’ve just broken the law, and you may not be allowed to vote at all.

This is one of the 5 following actions – which you may be surprised to learn are illegal! Do take note of them and their respective penalties, and be sure to avoid them at the next Malaysia General Election (GE).

1. Accepting food and drinks from strangers

PENALTY: Imprisonment of up to 2 years, a fine between RM1,000.00 and RM5,000.00, and a suspension of your ability to vote for a period of 5 years.

If you are approached by someone who offers you food, drinks, refreshments, or any other treats before, during, or after the voting process, we strongly advise against accepting this treat. This is especially the case if that person claims that these treats are tokens of gratitude to you for voting.

If the provider does so with reference to voting for a specific candidate, be even more resolute in avoiding them.

Why? The Election Offences Act 1954 identifies accepting these possibly corrupt treats as a part of the illegal act of Treating. This is highlighted specifically in the following section of the act: Section 8 of the Election Offences Act 1954 – Treating (in part):

“…and every elector or voter who corruptly accepts or takes any such food, drink, or refreshment or provision or any such money or ticket or who adopts such other means or device to enable the procuring of such food, drink, refreshment or provision shall be guilty of the offence of treating.”

The keyword here is “corruptly”, which indicates knowledge of ulterior motives behind the provision and acceptance of such treats. However, because it may be hard to ascertain the motives of those who provide these treats at times, it is best to avoid them altogether. Needless to say, accepting money or financial tokens in this context is unacceptable too!

2. Taking ballot papers out of, orb ringing them into polling stations

PENALTY: Imprisonment of up to 2 years or a fine of no more than RM5,000.00, if not both, and a suspension of your ability to vote for a period of 5 years.

Under no circumstances should you leave the polling station with a ballot paper in hand, regardless of whether it is an extra, used, unused or empty ballot paper.

If you find yourself in possession of two ballot papers, even if due to a mistake or oversight, be sure to return the extra piece immediately to the nearest Election Officer, instead of carrying it out of the station.

The act of taking a ballot paper out of the polling station is illegal, based on the following segment of the Election Offences Act 1954:

Section 3(1) of the Election Offences Act 1954 – Offences by any person (in part):

Any person who—

(h) without due authority takes out of the polling station any ballot paper or is found in possession of any ballot paper outside a polling station;

Additionally, you should be cautious of printing any replicas of ballot papers or documents that are capable of being used as ballot papers during GE, not to mention avoid bringing them to a polling station. The same section of the act states the following:

Any person who—

(c) forges or counterfeits or fraudulently defaces or fraudulently destroys any ballot paper or the official mark on any ballot paper;
(j) without due authority prints any ballot paper or what purports to be or is capable of being used as a ballot paper at an election;

Concurrently, when leaving a polling station, be sure to check yourself to see if you have any excess or suspicious pieces of paper either in hand or attached to yourself.

3. Waiting or loitering around polling stations after casting your vote

PENALTY: Imprisonment of up to 1 year or a fine of up to RM5,000.00, if not both.

As soon as you are done voting, be sure to leave your polling station in an orderly and legal manner– for example, while avoiding item number 2 above – and only wait for someone beyond 50 metres from the polling station.

Loitering or waiting within 50 metres of the vicinity of a polling station is considered an election offence, as explained by this section of the Election Offences Act 1954:

Section 26(1) of the Election Offences Act 1954 – Limitation on polling day (in part): Any person who —

(e) within a distance of fifty metres from the limits of any polling station —

(iv) wait or loiter except for the purpose of gaining entry to the polling station to cast his vote…

This translates to say that while you are encouraged to come with your family members and friends to perform your duties as voters, all attempts to rendezvous with them after casting your vote should be made at least 50 metres away from a polling station.

Naturally, loitering around after voting isn’t a good idea either

4. Wearing items of clothing with your favourite party’s logo

PENALTY: Imprisonment of up to 1 year or a fine of up to RM5,000.00, if not both.

This law is one that may be particularly alien to many, but carries a severe penalty nonetheless if breached – which is why you should make it a point to be informed about it.

On the day of the GE, those who visit polling stations – or happen to be present within 50 metres of any polling station – should not do so while wearing items of clothing on which the name of a candidate or the name, emblem or symbol of any political party is printed or imprinted.

This includes almost all categories of clothing items and a range of accessories, as given by the following section of the Election Offences Act 1954:

Section 26(1) of the Election Offences Act 1954 – Limitation on polling day (in part):

No person shall on polling day —

(g) within a distance of fifty metres from the limits of any polling station and in a polling station wear, hold or carry any form or type of clothing, head covering, ornament, rosette, water bottle or umbrella on which the name of a candidate or the name, emblem or symbol of any political party is printed or imprinted.

A neutral approach to dressing is probably your best bet when visiting a polling station, as such. Plain clothing, with minimal or no prints is a safe choice, lest you wish to attract suspicion and possible trouble

5. Not giving your employees sufficient time to perform their duties as voters on polling day

PENALTY: Imprisonment of up to 1 year or a fine of up to RM5,000.00. Malaysian employers, here’s some food for thought. Have you been allocating – or are you planning to allocate – sufficient time for your employees to step away from the office and vote on the day of the GE?

Believe it or not, failure to do so is categorised as an offence against the law. Specifically speaking, it is a violation of the section of the Election Offences Act 1954 that is highlighted below:

Section 25(1) of the Election Offences Act 1954 – Employers to allow employees reasonable period for voting: Every employer shall, on polling day, allow to every elector in his employ a reasonable period for voting, and no employer shall make any deduction from the pay or other remuneration of any such elector or impose upon or exact from him any penalty by reason of his absence during such period.

Going against this directive may also be regarded as preventing your employee or a qualified voter from performing his duties, which the following section of the same act identifies as an illegality:

Section 3(1) of the Election Offences Act 1954 – Offences by any person (in part): Any person who — (n) obstructs or prevents a voter who is otherwise entitled to vote from voting at an election;

Yes, it is important to keep the engines of your businesses running – but it is also imperative that we avoid unnecessary costs while doing, especially in legal terms.

If something seems wrong, it probably is.

Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list of things you shouldn’t do during voting season, but some measure of common sense can be used as well – such as not taking selfies or having heated political discussions with the person lining up behind you. – Herald Malaysia, 13 Apr 2018

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu