VOXPOP 'Everybody can see the injustice, and yet the authorities insist on prosecuting an individual who has not made a conscious effort to denigrate Islam.'

Borders store manager seeks suspension of prosecution

vox populi small thumbnail Mushiro: It is obvious to all that Federal Territory Islamic Department (Jawi) has made a blunder here, but they are too arrogant to apologise.

Islam is very clear on these issues and teaches all to repent whenever a wrong is done. The people in Jawi are the type that gives Islam a bad image.

FellowMalaysia: The suspension of prosecution sought by Borders Gardens store manager Nik Raina Nik Abdul Aziz and her counsel in the Syariah Court is valid and ought to be granted on grounds that as the store manager, she has no jurisdiction over the type and content of books displayed for sale in her store.

The prosecution by Jawi is unjust, inhumane and cruel.

Faz: I believe some common sense from both sides will see through a just solution to the issue at heart. More so, from the Islamic Religious Department as the power bestows upon it comes with wisdom and magnanimity.

Islam is not only about rules and regulations but the care for all human beings, and adil (fairness) is the key to all existence.

DR.JAG#04496187: Borders Gardens is not being sued, but the store manager is. Whatever happened to ‘respondeat superior and vicarious liability' (an employer is responsible for the actions of employees performed within the course of their employment)?

But that's just the tip of the iceberg, I suppose. Next is the issue of whether this is a civil suit or a religious one. That must be easy to figure out.

Aris: I wonder whether these are mere court jesters or some real clowns with their regular slapstick routine.

If I'm not mistaken, Borders has a legitimate case against Jawi for unauthorised or illegal raid, search and confiscation, loss of business, etc.

This also applies to store manager Nik Raina who appears to be an innocent victim slapped with wrongful arrest, harassment and prosecution as she is merely a paid employee who is duty bound to carry out the orders of the top management.

She is neither the owner, distributor, or chief executive officer of the bookshop. But I doubt that Berjaya would do so for obvious reasons.

SIC it: It's very troubling that Nik Raina is charged because she's a Muslim and over something she has no control.

Stella Ling: Beware, my Muslim brothers and sisters, of the syariah law as practices in Malaysia. It can get you even if you have committed no wrong.

All they have to do is to claim that your employer has done something wrong and whether you have any say in your employer's decision or not, you get charged.

I would suggest you resign straight away from working in the airline and hospitality industries because they serve liquor.

Gen2: This is a mind-boggling version of applying hudud . Everybody can see the injustice behind this prosecution, and yet the authorities insist on prosecuting an individual who has not made a conscious effort to denigrate Islam.

ROS tells Suaram: An offence to deny our officers entry

Fair Play: Registrar of Societies (ROS) director Abdul Rahman Othman, if indeed Suaram has committed an offence under the ROS, why not just charge them instead of making a threat?

Ace: You are the rakyat's hero, Suaram. Don't be intimidated by them. They have no legal standing to come to your office to probe.

What a joke. If you don't put your foot down, next they will send the Insurance and the Registrar of Co-operatives director-general to your office to probe. A bunch of idiots.

LLKS: The Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) should act professionally. The investigation will raise the public's suspicion that CCM is trying to block the scandal involving the prime minister.

Odin: So, what's your problem, Abdul Rahman? Why talk so much? If it is an offence, charge Suaram. By the way, we are not at all suspicious of Suaram's denying you entry. In fact, we are suspicious of you lot.

Wira: ROS, you have no business to investigate a registered company. Your role is to investigate a registered society, not one that is legally registered as a company. So butt out and let the CCM do its job.

Go get a court order if you think you have to power to act and take Suaram to court if you think the company have breached the Societies Act. Suaram is well-advised by its lawyers.

Anonymous #18452573: Based on common sense, most Malaysians know that there are proper procedures and processes before anybody, whether in uniform or wearing a badge, can enter a home or place of business.

You are not the police and even the police need to show reason and proper cause before they can enter any premises, such as an order from an officer or judge. So who is breaking the law here?

Tidakboleh: CCM, ROS and all enforcement agencies, go and do your constitutionally-sanctioned duties instead of wasting your time doing selective persecution of whistleblowers who are doing their constitutionally-sanctioned duties against corruption, abuse and misuse of power and gross injustice to the rakyat and the nation.

CiViC: A while ago, we were told that Jawi can seize books without approval from Home Ministry, then here we have the ROS given power to "raid" without warrant.

There's no law in Malaysia, only BN's rule.


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