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Tag: Malaysia

  • Auntie Anne’s: No More ‘Pretzel Dog’, Now It’s Halal ‘Pretzel Sausage’

    Auntie Anne’s: No More ‘Pretzel Dog’, Now It’s Halal ‘Pretzel Sausage’

    KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 ― The local chapter of US pretzel chain Auntie Anne’s confirmed today that it has changed the name of its “pretzel dog” to “pretzel sausage”, after it was reported that they would be denied halal certification if they refused to do so.

    The company’s executive Farhatul Kamilah Mohamed Sazali said the name was changed to meet the requirements set by the country’s halal authorities.

    “We changed already to ‘pretzel sausage’ to comply with Malaysia’s halal certification requirements,” she told Malay Mail Online when contacted today.

    On October 31, the company had posted a statement on its Facebook page, saying that it would fulfil all the requirements towards obtaining halal certification in the country.

    “With the recent news circulating on our halal status, we would like to assure our loyal customers and friends that all our ingredients are purchased from Jakim certified halal suppliers,” the brand said, referring to the Malaysian Islamic Development Department.

    Jakim previously denied that it had rejected Auntie Anne’s application for halal status due to the presence of the word “dog” in its menu, and had blamed media for the public furore.

    Its halal division director Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said the chain’s application for halal certification had failed due to reasons such as incomplete paperwork.

    Previously, Sirajuddin had told the media that “In Islam, dogs are considered unclean and the name cannot be related to halal certification” but later insisted his remark was in general and not specific to the Auntie Anne’s chain.

    Media outlets reported Sirajuddin’s remarks about the unsuitability of the term “dogs” this week, along with the department’s guidelines against halal food items being similar in name to haram products such as beer, bacon and ham, among others.

    The issue surfaced after an executive with US pretzel chain Auntie Anne’s revealed that their application for halal certification had failed due to, among others, concerns over the “pretzel dogs” in their menu.

    Muslim lawmakers from both sides of the political divide have also expressed their disagreement with Jakim’s decision.

    On the heels of the Auntie Anne’s controversy, non-halal pork burger chain Ninja Joe was probed by state religious authorities for allegedly confusing Muslims with its “P. Ramly” homage burger.

     

    Source: www.themalaymailonline.com

  • ASEAN Ulama & NGO Comes Up With Action Plan For Rohingya

    ASEAN Ulama & NGO Comes Up With Action Plan For Rohingya

    THE ACTION PLAN

    ASEAN + ULAMA DAN NGO MEETING TO STOP THE MYANMAR MASSACRE

    1. Distribution of the Shah Alam Declaration Worldwide ( English and Arabic )
    – all OIC Head of State members and OIC  Special Envoy on Rohingya
    – UN Security Council members
    – UN Secretary General and UN Special Envoy on Rohingya
    – all Asean Head of State members
    – Chair of EU
    – main international Media

    ACTION : MAPIM and SHURA

    2. Food and Humanitarian Flotilla to Myanmar
    – defining the objectives ( humanitarian and advocacy )
    – determing of vessel and route ( options  from Penang or Aceh or Krabi or Phuket or India or Bangladesh)
    – solicit support from UN and OIC and EU and Asean member state
    – shipping of food, medical , basic needs
    – participation : ngo activists, international media, celebrities , nobel peace prize winners, ulama, journalist ..ect
    – Funding
    – voyage schedule
    –  public mobilization and public annoucement
    – target dates and time line.

    ACTION : MAPIM and other Ngos

    3. Inter religious Dialogue and  missions with Religous Leaders in Asean +
    – issuing a collective declaration
    – inter religous mission to advocate for peace to Myanmar
    – sending message to Dalai Lama

    ACTION :
    4. Special letter to China , India and Bangladesh
    – demand to pressure Myanmar to stop the genocide
    – demand Bangladesh to protect the rights Rohingya refugees and access to humanitarian assistance
    – send delegate to embassies

    ACTION :
    5. Memorandum to Asean Human Rights Commission
    – demand Myanmar to comply to protection of the Human Rights of minorities
    – send a delegate to Asean Secretariate in Jakarta
    – call to suspend and boycot Myanmar iin Asean if genocide persist.

    ACTION :
    6. Solidarity call to all International  Muslims and Ulama Associations to stop the Myanmar Massacre.
    – call to the International Union of Ulama to urge all ulama world wide to stand up against Myanmar genocide.
    – urge all Muslims to hold special prayers for Rohingya brothers and sisters.
    – call to contribute to humanitarian assistance to Rohingya victims of oppression by Myanmar regime.
    – call to defend the victims of injustice by the Myanmar regime on the Rohingya

    7. International Boycott Campaign on Myanmar
    – to consider an international boycott against Myanmar if genocide persist within the next 7 days.
    – to look into ways of launching an effective boycot in trade , cultural, social , diplomatic and labor.
    9. International Campaign to revoke Peace Prize from Aung San Su Kyi.
    – to send a letter to Aung San Su Kyi conveying a reminder message to her of her responsibilty as a Nobel Peace Prize Winner that she is beholden to carry the duty of protectiong human rights of the oppressed and minorities.
    – to write a petition to the Panel Board of the Nobel Peace Prize

    10. Calling International Ulama for a Fatwa on the Myanmar Rohingya Massacre :
    – to write to the Chairman of International Ulama Union
    – to call on all imam of world masaajid to conduct a special prayer on the oppression on the Rohingya .

    Action Plan Proposed by the Delegates:

    1. Talk with China to put pressure on the Myanmar government as China is influential. Propose solution to PM Najib to talk to China for negotiation.
    2. UN is paralyzed with inaction, hence the neighbouring countries should put pressure on them to take actions through ASEAN channels.
    3. Asian Rohingya Centers (think tank) published a declaration called the “Declaration of Selayang” which initiated the 2017 International Year of Solidarity for Rohingya. Its objective is also to revoke Aung San Suu Kyi’s Nobel Peace Prize award;
    a. Planning for a workshop & public hearing at town halls to hear & share the problems of the Rohingya in Malaysia
    b. Engage with the local Rohingyas to assist them through Whatsapp & Facebook & go global.
    4. Hold dialogues between Buddhists & Muslims in Myanmar.
    5. Stakeholders such as the British, Bangladesh & Myanmar Governments to hold an international conference.
    6. Use OIC as a platform by sending letters to the Myanmar Government on the genocide
    7. Freedom Flotilla for Rohingya
    8. Investigation for the crimes against humanity in Arakan

    Source: www.mapim.org

  • Singapore Fans Organising Malaysian Celebrities’ $50,000 Wedding In Singapore Criticised For Being ‘Wasteful’

    Singapore Fans Organising Malaysian Celebrities’ $50,000 Wedding In Singapore Criticised For Being ‘Wasteful’

    It is not unusual for some fans to go to extremes to please their favourite stars.

    They shower their idols with lavish gifts, or do everything they can to meet them in person.

    But pull sponsors together to pay for a wedding?

    Malaysian TV personalities Amyra Rosli, 25, and Amar Baharin, 31, have already held their wedding – twice.

    But with effort from some of their fans, they will be celebrating their marriage for a third time on Saturday.

    The couple, who first tied the knot on Nov 11, have already held two receptions in Kuala Lumpurfor their families and friends.

    The third reception, which will be held here, is for their Singapore fans.

    The project was spearheaded by Madam Asliani Abdul Ghani, who heads Amyra’s local fan club, Aamyra Rosli Supporters Singapore,together with local events company FA Event & Entertainment.

    The fan club has nearly 29,000 followers on Instagram.

    News of the third reception, which is estimated to cost more than $50,000, irked some users of social media, with critics calling it a waste of money.

    But Madam Asliani, 36, who has been a fan of the couple for four years, feels the effort and money will be worthwhile.

    She told The New Paper: “I can understand how disappointed the fans felt when they were unable to travel to attend the wedding.

    “This is a present to their fans for their support over the years.”

    SPONSORS

    Madam Asliani, a logistics officer, set the wheels in motion after attending the couple’s engagement ceremony in July. She also received the go-ahead from Amyra’s mother, who is a close friend.

    Within three weeks, she and her team of five secured 22 sponsors for the reception.

    There will be about 300 guests at the event, to be held at The Ballroom at East Coast, which is owned by local radio personality AB Shaik.

    Said Madam Asliani: “We gave priority to big fans who were unable to attend past events, those who have paid in the past for their meet-and-greet sessions, and members of the public who have never had a chance to meet the couple.”

    Amyra and Amar, who grew close when they co-starred in the 2015 Malaysian TV drama series Suamiku Encik Sotong, were in town on Nov 22 for a wedding photo shoot.

    Amyra said: “We feel very grateful for our fans here. Singapore is like a second home to us and we are truly touched that the fans have gone out of their way to organise this.”

    One sponsor, Mr Zulkeffli Mohamed, director of local bridal company Chantique The Bridal Gallery, told TNP that the couple’s wedding outfits were specially designed for them.

    “Amyra prefers something simple yet classy, without too many heavy accessories. She will be wearing a modern traditional songket dress, as well as a white ball gown,” said Mr Zulkeffli, 46.

    “I like the couple’s acting. When I met them to discuss the wedding, they were nice.”

    Another sponsor, Madam Masturah Mohd Nor, director of decor company SID Events, is looking at a pastel, English-inspired theme for the reception.

    Madam Masturah, who is in her 50s, said: “I’m thinking of baby’s breath and hanging vases with candles. But we will let this remain as a surprise for the actual day.”

    Netizens reacted with ire to news of the upcoming reception, which was posted on the Berita Mediacorp Facebook page. While it received 1,000 likes, most of the 80 users who commented called it “wasteful” and “stupid”.

    CHARITY

    Others thought the money should have gone to charity.

    But Madam Asliani said: “This is something we do sincerely as fans. This backlash is normal, so we let it be.

    “At the end of the day, we know what our intentions are – and that is to give back to their supporters.”

    Amar said: “Without our fans, we wouldn’t be here. With regards to the backlash that these fans received, that is merely from keyboard warriors who do not know our true intentions.”

    This is something we do sincerely as fans. This backlash is normal, so we let it be.

    – Madam Asliani Abdul Ghani, who organised the third wedding, responding to criticism

     

    Source: www.tnp.sg

  • Malaysia Deputy Home Minister: Not True That Dr Zakir Naik Given Malaysian Citizenship

    Malaysia Deputy Home Minister: Not True That Dr Zakir Naik Given Malaysian Citizenship

    KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 — Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed dismissed today a news report alleging that Indian televangelist Dr Zakir Naik has been given Malaysian citizenship.

    “Not true,” Nur Jazlan told Malay Mail Online when contacted.

    “There are many processes to follow and it takes decades to become a citizen,” he added.

    Nur Jazlan also told The Star Online that Malaysia does not automatically confer citizenship on anybody, unless said person is born in the country to Malaysian parents.

    The Pulai MP said he did not think that Dr Zakir would want to apply for Malaysian citizenship.

    Indian news outfit Hindustan Times cited unnamed representatives of Dr Zakir as saying that the Mumbai-based televangelist’s so-called Malaysian citizenship had come as a “package” together with his “Tokoh Maal Hijrah” award that he received from Malaysia in 2013.

    The publication also claimed that Dr Zakir now holds dual Indian-Malaysian citizenship although Malaysia does not allow such a thing.

    Hindustan Times said the fact that Dr Zakir is purportedly a Malaysian citizen on Malaysian soil would complicate investigations, as Malaysia has not allowed any extradition to India despite signing a treaty in 2010.

    The Muslim preacher is believed to be currently in Malaysia.

    Earlier this month, Times of India reported that the Indian government had imposed a five-year ban on Dr Zakir’s NGO, the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF).

    The daily reported that India’s National Investigation Agency is mulling terror charges against Dr Zakir, reportedly based on testimonies of about 50 terror suspects and convicts recorded from various jails, with those caught citing him as their motivation and source of inspiration.

    In April this year, the state of Terengganu offered Dr Zakir three islands for the preacher to open a branch for IRF, in addition to a religious school.

     

    Source: www.themalaymailonline.com

  • Malaysia’s PM Najib Razak To Join Gathering Protesting Myanmar Government’s Treatment Of Rohingyas

    Malaysia’s PM Najib Razak To Join Gathering Protesting Myanmar Government’s Treatment Of Rohingyas

    Malaysia’s prime minister will be joining a gathering organized by the government to protest violence against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, according to his deputy.

    Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told a press conference that the Dec. 4 gathering would later determine Malaysia’s diplomatic ties with Myanmar’s government if it decides to continue military operations in troubled Rakhine State — home to around 1.2 million Rohingya.

    “The gathering would be attended by Prime Minister Najib Razak and other political leaders. To-date, PAS President Abdul Hadi Awang has confirmed his participation,” he said late Saturday, referring to the Malaysian Islamic Party.

    Hamidi also urged other major opposition political parties, namely the People’s Justice Party and the National Honest Party, to join the gathering.

    “We put aside our political differences and as Muslims we gather to express our concern for our fellow Muslims in Myanmar,” he underlined.

    The announcement came after thousands of people protesting violence against Rohingya joined demonstrations Friday in the capitals of Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

    Over the past six weeks, rights groups have expressed concern over reports of killings, rapes, arbitrary arrests and other violations in villages predominantly inhabited by Rohingya in Rakhine amid military operations launched after fatal attacks on police outposts last month.

    Myanmar has said that since Oct. 9, at least 86 people — 17 soldiers and 69 alleged “attackers” (among them two women) — have been killed, and property destroyed in the area.

    Rohingya groups, however, claim that the number killed in one weekend alone earlier this month could be as high as 150 civilians.

    Humanitarian outfits have called for independent investigations into the initial attacks, the ongoing operations and reported rapes and rights abuses in Rakhine, as with the area placed under military lockdown, rights groups and international reporters have been unable to enter.

    Hamidi said Malaysia remains firm on the principle that it cannot interfere in the affairs of other countries, but said that on humanitarian grounds, it must express its concern to Myanmar authorities.

    “We are not belittling other countries, but we have demonstrated our deep concerns over the Rohingya issues because as fellow Muslims we can feel their sufferings,” he stressed.

    The deputy premier also said the gathering would discuss, and state the country’s stance, on calls for the withdrawal of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Myanmar’s democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, currently the country’s state counselor-cum-foreign minister.

    “If someone who is given the award can no longer maintain peace, it [the conferment] can still be questioned,” Hamidi underlined.

    Meanwhile, Malaysia’s government is also due to send a protest note to the Myanmar government to demand their concern regarding persecution faced by the stateless Rohingya community.

    “A cabinet meeting has decided to send a protest note to the Myanmar Embassy in Kuala Lumpur,” Hamidi added.

    A law passed in Myanmar in 1982 denied Rohingya — many of whom have lived in Myanmar for generations — citizenship, making them stateless.

    The law denies the Rohingya rights to Myanmar nationality, removes their freedom of movement, access to education and services, and allows arbitrary confiscation of property.

    Myanmar nationalists have since taken to referring to the Rohingya — which the United Nations calls one of the most persecuted people in the world — as Bengali, which suggests they are not Myanmar nationals but interlopers from neighboring Bangladesh.

     

    Source: www.worldbulletin.net