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Cat murdered by laundry dryer shocks Malaysia

The Independent
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Cat murdered by laundry dryer shocks Malaysia

On Wednesday, September 12,  Malaysians were confronted by the gruesome news of a pregnant cat found murdered in a dryer of a laundry in Kuala Lumpur. The horrible discovery was made by unsuspecting customers who were about to unload their washed, wet laundry into the dryer for drying.

Instead of an empty, clean dryer, what they found inside made them feel so disgusted. A female cat, which was pregnant incidentally, dead and covered with its own blood. They quickly alerted the owner of the self-service laundry who then made a police report of the cruel act caught on his laundry CCTV.

Local news portal Kosmo! reported that the owner knew the perpetrators of that cruel act as they were regular customers but that he did not know their names. Based on the CCTV recording, they looked like foreigners and not locals.
The owner proceeded to release the CCTV clip of the despicable act to media outlets as well as the Malaysia Animals Association.

Both the Malaysia Animals Association and Malaysian Response Team, also an animal rights group then uploaded the said clip onto their Facebook page and lodged a police report of their own.

Based on the CCTV recording, the incident happened shortly after midnight on Tuesday, 11 September at a time when there were not many other customers around.

Many strongly condemned that vile act of animal cruelty and strongly urged the authorities to apprehend the people responsible. In fact Malaysia Animal Association went as far as releasing the personal details of one of the suspects, though it remained unclear how they came about it. Media outlets have refrained from publishing the same details for legal reasons.

The Gombak police confirmed to the public that they had received reports about the incident that took place at the laundry located within Gombak.

By Friday, 14 September the police had arrested two suspects and were seeking a third accomplice.Gombak district police chief Assistant Commissioner Samsor Maarof confirmed the arrests to the press. He further explained that the case was being investigated under Section 428 of the Penal Code for cruelty towards animals.If found guilty, they are liable to a fine or three years in prison or both.

Since the brutal incident became public, Malaysians have taken to social media to vent their frustrations and sheer abhorrence. A mostly animal-loving lot, many Malaysians expressed how that despicable act struck a most sensitive chord within them.

An example is local artist Faizati’s drawn depiction of the murdered cat.
Next to the picture was the hashtag #JusticeforKucingDobi, meaning ‘Justice for laundry cat’. It has since gone viral with many Malaysians citing the same hashtag on the Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages in solidarity for their love for animals.

Perhaps the most haunting part of his Twitter were the words he shared that echoed what every Malaysian felt about the incident:
“Sometimes you find humanity in an animal and sometimes you find an animal in the behaviour of a human being”
(translation)

Journalist who helped expose 1MDB scandal detained in Singapore due to “mystery blacklisting”

Jewel Stolarchuk
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Journalist who helped expose 1MDB scandal detained in Singapore due to “mystery blacklisting”

British investigative journalist Clare Rewcastle Brown, who helped expose the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal across the Causeway, was briefly detained at 1am in Singapore this morning when officers found that she had been blacklisted against entering or leaving the city-state since 2016.

The publication Rewcastle Brown runs, The Sarawak Report, shared on Facebook: “Clare was briefly detained in Singapore at 1AM last night after her book launch. Turns out ‘someone’ put her on the blacklist in 2016 but the Singapore authorities were baffled about why she had been placed on the list.

“After clarifying her involvement in the #1MDB expose they shook her hand and she was free to go. They suggested she raise the problem of the ‘mystery blacklisting’ with the authorities.”

Rewcastle Brown had been in Singapore to launch her book ‘The Sarawak Report’ that takes an inside look at the 1MDB scandal that shook Malaysia. The book launch was held yesterday at The Agora.

Sarawak-born Rewcastle Brown is considered a “heroine” by many in Malaysia due to her work helping to expose the 1MDB scandal as well as other scandals from the Sarawak and Sabah region.

Rewcastle Brown’s mysterious blacklisting comes after a series of travel bans that were set against her by Malaysian authorities in the past.

In July 2013, the journalist was barred from entering the Kuching International Airport and was put back on a plane for Singapore after being detained at the airport. Two years later, on 1 August 2015, ex-Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Razak addressed UMNO delegates in Seremban and in a clear reference to the Sarawak Report, demanded that “white people” stay out of Malaysia’s affairs.

Following a series of exposés by Sarawak Report regarding the 1MDB scandal, an arrest warrant was issued by a Malaysian court in August 2015 for Rewcastle Brown.The arrest warrant was obtained for her alleged involvement in “activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy” and the “dissemination of false reports”.

Responding to the arrest warrant, Rewcastle argued that it is the Malaysian government who is “detrimental to parliamentary democracy” by suppressing free speech (closing down two newspapers) and arresting people who officially engaged in the 1MDB investigations.

After the ruling Barisan Nasional was defeated and Pakatan Harapan took power during 2018 Malaysian general election, an arrest warrant for Rewcastle Brown was lifted and she was able to set foot on Malaysia again on 18 May 2018.

It is thus quite puzzling why Rewcastle Brown was blacklisted from entering Singapore in an order from 2016 and why such an order was not revoked sooner. Netizens responding to the Sarawak Report’s update on the matter also expressed confusion over how this might have occurred:

Ong Ye Kung says there is no discrimination of the LGBTQ community here

Obbana Rajah
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Ong Ye Kung says there is no discrimination of the LGBTQ community here

Yesterday, Education Minister Ong Ye Kung said that there is no discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community “at work, housing (and) education” here in Singapore.

After India’s move to repeal the law banning gay sex, there has been a push in Singapore to do away with section 377A of the Penal code, that criminalizes sex between men.

Mr Ong was one of the attendees of the annual Singapore Summit, a conference for business and for leaders to discuss business and global affairs.

https://www.facebook.com/ongyekung/photos/a.920603904620879/2270368196311103/?type=3&theater

“The fact is they (the LGBTQ community) live in Singapore peacefully, no discrimination at work, housing (and) education. They go about their lives. However, on the issue of LGBTQ, it is also an issue of social mores and societal values,” he said, adding that it is in Singapore’s DNA to be inclusive.

Since India’s Supreme Court struck down the country’s law banning gay sex on Sept 6, the LGBTQ community here has called on the Singapore Government to follow suit, and to repeal section 377A of the Penal Code, which criminalises sex between men.

Mr Ong also echoed sentiments similar to those of Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam, who said that ultimately society has to decide on their stance.

“We might be the largest animal in the jungle, but we are not the jungle. Some things we leave it to society to decide over time,” Mr Ong added.

Section 377A remains in the books because Singapore society is still largely conservative, but the Government does not and will not proactively enforce the law.

Many netizens were angered by Mr Ong’s comments and argued that discrimination was indeed present against the LGBTQ community.

One netizen, Poh Kok Ing, rightly questioned: Can gay people get married? Can they buy an HDB flat as a couple? Can they adopt kids? Did they even conduct an inquiry into workplace discrimination against gay people?

   

 

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Employer yells at and humiliates maid in public for giving child a biscuit

Obbana Rajah
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Employer yells at and humiliates maid in public for giving child a biscuit

A video of an employer yelling at her domestic helper for giving her son a biscuit has made rounds through the Internet and social media. Not only does the lady scream at her helper at the top of her lungs, she does so in public, at a playground filled with other parents and children.

The employer, as many netizens speculate, seems to be from the People’s Republic of China judging from her accent. At the start of the video, she can be seen yelling at another lady carrying what seems to be her child and she says, “You can eat it, but you cannot give him”.

The PRC lady blames the maid for her child’s eating habits and continues to scream, “You  the problem trouble, you the trouble-maker”.

https://www.facebook.com/SingaporeUncensored/videos/253559971967596/

She then demands to know all the foods the maid had fed her child.

“One by one tell me. Don’t tell lie!” she yells.

The replies of her domestic helper are inaudible but she can be seen to carry the child throughout her scolding.

Ironically, at one point in the video, the helper puts the child down. But the little boy refuses to go to his mother but wants to again be carried by the helper.

The employer then goes on to question the behavior of the maid at the playground.

“Why do you just sit on the chair and then just leave him here”, she questions.

Netizens were outraged at the treatment of the domestic helper, saying that at the end of the day no human being deserved to be humiliated in that manner, even if they were another’s employee. Others also said that the PRC lady should have gone home to settle her grievances with her helper and not do so in a public setting.

Many also allege that the incident took place in Hong Kong, but online reports, along with the racial profile of the other people at the playground suggest otherwise.

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NEA officers – no official identification, no co-operation?

Obbana Rajah
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NEA officers – no official identification, no co-operation?

One citizen took to Facebook with a video of two alleged National Environment Agency (NEA) officers who did not produce their official identification passes, but requested identification from him. While it is unclear as to whether they failed to bring their official passes, or simply refused to produce them, the man in question refused to co-operate with these ‘officers’ because of their lack of official identification.

Supposedly, NEA officers on the ground are paired with a security officer, all who travel in plain-clothes. In order to ask for the particulars of someone committing a offence, they will show their official NEA pass and identification. Should the committing the offence decline to give the NEA officer their identification card (IC), the security officer will issue their warrant card, identifying that they have the authority to take someone’s particulars down.

https://www.facebook.com/SingaporeUncensored/videos/898424410363889/

In the video shared, the alleged NEA officers were a man and a woman, with the man wearing a device resembling a portable camera around his neck. It is unclear from the video if the officers did not have a pass or if they refused to show their pass, but other reports on the incident allege that the officers insist that they cannot show their identification passes.

Netizens who comment on the video expressly state that they would not co-operate with ‘officers’ without official identification. Their view also comes after recent telephone scams where victims are called and summoned to court by someone alleging to be the police.

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National Council of Churches of Singapore remains staunch in its stand against sex between men

Miren Gonzalez
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National Council of Churches of Singapore remains staunch in its stand against sex between men

The National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) announced its stand on repealing Section 377A of the Penal Code, which criminalizes sex between two men – it does not agree. The NCCS, which represents around 200 churches, said that the “homosexual lifestyle is not only harmful for individuals, but also for families and society as a whole”.

Section 377A of the Penal Code treats sex between men as a criminal offense, with up to two years’ jail time as punishment. Interestingly, there is no law criminalizing sex between women.

In October 2014, Mr. Tan Eng Hong and couple Mr Gary Lim and Mr Kenneth Chee challenged Section 377A, which they said goes against Articles 9 and 12 of the Constitution, with the goal of striking it down.

Article 9 states that “no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty save in accordance with the law” and article 12 states that “all persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law”. Article 12 bans discrimination against any citizen of Singapore on grounds of descent, religion, race or place of birth.

But the Court of Appeal ruled that Section 377A was constitutional and rejected their arguments. The NCCS has said that they agree with the decision, saying, “The position of the National Council of Churches of Singapore on the issue of 377A, which is clearly articulated in its 2003 statement, remains unchanged. It does not support the repeal of 377A. The Council therefore agrees with the 2014 ruling of the apex court concerning the constitutionality of section 377A and supports the government’s decision to retain it.”

The quote is part of a bold and unwavering statement the NCCS made in response to local DJ Johnson Ong Ming filing a court challenge against Section 377A on Monday, September 10.

The NCCS said, “The Bible clearly and categorically prohibits homosexual behavior because it is a perversion of the way in which God has ordered human sexual relationships.”

They are most likely referring to verses from the Bible like Leviticus 18:22, which states, “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.” Also, I Corinthians 6:9-10 says, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.”

Singapore’s Section 377A has been a hot topic of discussion ever since India’s earth-shattering announcement on September 6, repealing their own ban on gay sex. On the heels of that, Singaporean diplomat Tommy Koh urged the gay community to take a stand and challenge Section 377A again, even after the failed attempt in 2014.

Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said that Singapore’s society has to ultimately make the decision regarding Section 377A and commented that people are “deeply split” on the matter.

On the repeal of Section 377A, the NCCS commented that it “would result in the normalization and promotion of this lifestyle, which in turn would lead to undesirable moral and social consequences, a slippery slope as seen in some countries taking this step.”
The NCCS ended its statement by calling upon Christians “to pray for the government and the people of Singapore as this contentious issue is being debated, that they will not be influenced by domestic pressures or global trends.”
People took to Facebook to air their strongly-worded opinions.
Some have commented on the need for separation between church and state:
 
Facebook screengrab
Others have defended the NCCS, citing democracy and freedom of speech:
Facebook screengrab
Some are saying that it’s a Christian thing, because the Buddhists and the Muslims aren’t saying anything about it:
Facebook screengrab
Others cry “hypocrisy” and say that this isn’t just about gay rights, it’s about “doing the right thing”, calling for “equality for all”:
Facebook screengrab
Some say we should “put religion aside” and look at it from “a healthcare point of view”:
Facebook screengrab
Some Christians weighed in with their opinions, saying that “God loves us so much he gave us freedom of choice”:
Facebook screengrab
And yet others called for Christians to “stand firm and never be moved”:
Facebook screengrab
A Buddhist spoke up, citing offense “if my government allows one faith to impose its doctrine on me”:
Facebook screengrab
Some turned to sarcasm to express their opinions, saying that the NCCS should ban greed, gambling and all things that are “harmful for individuals, but also to families and society as a whole” (using NCCS’ own words):
Facebook screengrab
And, summing it all up, this netizen says, “Singapore is multi-religious. PERIOD. And secular too”:
Facebook screengrab
Looks like K. Shanmugam is right – society is split on Section 377A.

Video of “possessed” instant noodles cup shooting up from shop counter goes viral

The Independent
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Video of “possessed” instant noodles cup shooting up from shop counter goes viral

A video of what many online seem to believe is paranormal activity has been going viral on social media. In the video, a shopkeeper can be seen sitting beside a shop counter minding his own business when an instant noodles cup shoots up from the counter and lands upside down, seemingly on its own.

The shopkeeper looks bewildered by the sudden movement, that many netizens have said is due to the instant noodles cup being “possessed”:

 

While some netizens have claimed that the shopkeeper was pranked by a ghostly presence, others have opined that the noodles cup may have shot up if the worker had the hot bowl on top of an object like a cigarette lighter, causing an explosion due to the heat.

22-year-old’s $1 graduation gift becomes lifetime lottery prize

The Independent
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A 22-year-old Connecticut woman’s life changed on the day she graduated college, after a $1 lottery ticket her father gave her as a graduation gift struck the big bucks.

Anissa Dellaripa of South Windsor won the top Win for Life prize and chose to claim the $2,000 a month for life payment option instead of a lump sum that would have come up to about USD400,000.

Anissa told Connecticut Lottery officials: “My dad often buys me scratch tickets for fun. He gave me this one and said, ‘Here, scratch it.’ The ticket cost only a dollar; he didn’t really think anything of it.

“I went to my room, scratched the ticket, and couldn’t believe it when I saw the ‘WIN FOR LIFE’ prize [symbol]. I thought he gave me a fake ticket as a joke, but I really won!”

On why she picked the monthly payment option, Anissa said: “It’s a lot of money for me because I’m so young. I just graduated in June with an Associate’s Degree. This will help me to go back to school for my Bachelor’s Degree. It’s a gift my father can leave me with for the rest of my life.”

Golden Retriever elected as Mayor of California town

The Independent
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Golden Retriever elected as Mayor of California town

A golden retriever has been serving as town mayor of the small Californian community of Idyllwild for five years.

Maximus Mighty Dog Mueller II, or Mayor Max as he is fondly called by locals, belongs to Phyllis Mueller and Glen Warren who call themselves Mayor Max’ chiefs of staff.

Phyllis Mueller told ABC13 News: “His role is to make the world a better place by conveying unconditional love and doing as many good deeds for others. My role as the chief of staff is to help run the vision of the mayor’s office for Idyllwild, so we actually run an actual mayor’s office.”

Besides interacting with locals and tourists and showing off some special tricks he’s learnt, Max and his canine friends often appear at charity events as well.

One resident, Andrea Valadez, told reporters: “Max is awesome. He is super friendly and he lets my son give him treats.”

Phyllis Mueller revealed that Mayor Max is following in the footsteps of his uncle who was first elected mayor of Idyllwild in 2012, beating out over a dozen other dogs and a few cats to clinch the top spot:

“Six years ago, Idyllwild decided to elect its first mayor. You had to be a local resident, but you couldn’t run yourself, you could run your pet. In a voted election, 14 dogs and two cats ran and we decided to have an election to raise money for the animal rescue. So you paid $1 a vote and you were encouraged to vote a lot.”

Mayor Max succeeded his uncle and “will hold his ceremonial role for his lifetime,” according to ABC13 News.

This is not the first time that a dog has been elected mayor in a US community. An 11-year-old great pyrenees named Duke has served several terms as elected mayor of Cormorant, Minnesota:

 

PAP flags are unlawfully placed above Singapore flag at HDB estate

Jewel Stolarchuk
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PAP flags are unlawfully placed above Singapore flag at HDB estate

A photo showing a flag display at what appears to be a public housing estate has been circulating online. In the photo, five flags are planted on each side of a short outdoor staircase that goes between the void deck of a block and the pedestrian footpath.

There are a total of ten flags and the majority of the flags, six out of ten, bear the logo of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP). The remaining four flags are the national flag of Singapore.

While it is not unlawful to place a party flag near the national flag, it is unlawful to place any other flag above the national flag. In the picture that is circulating online, two PAP flags fly above the first two national flags, before another pair of PAP flags fly before the second and last set of national flags.

According to the ‘Manner of display of Flag’ section in Part III of the SINGAPORE ARMS AND FLAG AND NATIONAL ANTHEM ACT, “Subject to international practice, the Flag shall take precedence over all other flags when displayed in Singapore.”

Further, the law states that “When the Flag is displayed with any other flag or flags, the Flag shall be displayed prominently, in the position of honour and, where practicable, above all other flags.”

The Act also explicitly states that “The Flag shall not be displayed below any other flag, emblem or object.”

Screencapture/ Singapore Statutes Online

While there is some speculation that the flags may be displayed in a constituency held by the ruling party, it is unclear exactly where the flag display was captured.

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