Muslim bodies urge boycott of Cadbury chocs

Muslim bodies urge boycott of Cadbury chocs

Muslim bodies urge boycott of Cadbury chocs

Posted: 29 May 2014 09:01 AM PDT

30 May 2014| last updated at 01:23AM
By BALQIS NASIR | news@nst.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: THE Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) and Malaysian Muslim Wholesalers and Retailers Association (Mawar), have called for a boycott of all Cadbury products.

Sheikh Abdul Kareem S. Khadaied of PPIM said as a company trusted by many for decades, Cadbury Malaysia had not only violated the Food Act, but also the public trust after traces of porcine DNA was found in two of its products.

"We urge all Malaysians regardless of religion, to boycott all Cadbury products as the main issue now is not about halal and haram, but the sensitivity of all Malaysians.

"I am disappointed with Cadbury Malaysia because as an established company, it should have had prior knowledge about traces of porcine DNA in its products, since it boasts of test mechanisms and facilities," he said at a press conference yesterday.

Meanwhile, Mawar adviser Bazeer Ahmed said 800 business outlets under the association had been instructed to return all Cadbury products to the company.

"We urge the Health Ministry and the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) to issue statements pertaining to strict punishment against companies whose products are found to have porcine DNA or other non-halal ingredients," he said.

Traces of porcine DNA were found in two out of three samples of Cadbury products , following random tests done by the ministry in February. Cadbury Malaysia said it was working closely with Jakim to address the issue to ensure that its products were in compliance with the halal guidelines.

Sheikh Abdul Kareem S. Khadaied (second from right) and members of the Malaysian Muslim Wholesalers and Retailers Association throwing chocolates into a waste bin as a symbol of a boycott. Bernama pic

RM2.8m in subsidised fuel seized

Posted: 29 May 2014 09:01 AM PDT

30 May 2014| last updated at 01:29AM
By A. AZIM IDRIS | news@nst.com.my

PUTRAJAYA: TWELVE days into Op Titik and  Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry enforcement officers  have seized RM2.8 million in subsidised petrol, diesel and natural gas.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Hasan Malek, said 82 cases were being investigated with raids conducted in hotspots to curb fuel smuggling.

In terms of seizures, Selangor had the most with RM577,864 worth of fuel and gas confiscated followed by Kedah with RM387,881.30.

A total of RM50.9 million in properties amassed by errant companies and individuals had been frozen, Hassan said.

Enforcement agencies, including police, Customs Department, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, are involved in Op Titik.

"We will continue to come down hard on individuals and companies and identify petrol kiosks and warehouses used as transit points by syndicates," Hasan said.

He said the ministry would be reinforced with an additional 500 enforcement personnel by next year to complement its 2,000-strong officers.

The reinforcement is needed as the government is implementing the Goods and Services Tax next year. Hasan said the ministry would also act against premises selling Cadbury chocolates with the Malaysia Islamic Development Department halal logo, but contained traces of porcine DNA.

Ministry officers had inspected 175 business premises and found that the Cadbury Dairy Milk Hazelnut and Cadbury Roast Almond products, which had the halal logo suspended recently, had been taken off the shelves.

Central Seberang Prai district Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry chief enforcement officer Md Nasir Mohamed (right) inspecting a lorry in a petrol station in Butterworth, Penang, on Tuesday. Pic by Azma Razana Johari

Sultan’s legal rulings a legacy for the nation

Posted: 29 May 2014 09:00 AM PDT

30 May 2014| last updated at 01:41AM

PUTRAJAYA: SULTAN Azlan Shah's collection of landmark constitutional law and other judgments have stood the test of time and remained a continuing legacy for this nation, said Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail.

Gani said the collection of judgments consistently emphasised and upheld the rule of law for Malaysia and the constitutional rights of Malaysians.

"They are also testament to the distinguished career of a learned jurist and experienced administrator of the law," he said in a statement yesterday, offering deepest condolences on the passing of Sultan Azlan Shah on behalf of the Attorney-General's Chambers and Legal Profession Qualifying Board.

The late Perak ruler passed away at 1.30pm on Wednesday at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur. His Royal Highness was 86.

Sultan Azlan Shah had a long and illustrious career in law.

He was appointed magistrate in the judicial and legal service in 1953, subsequently serving as sessions court president, federal counsel, deputy public prosecutor, legal adviser of Pahang and Johor, registrar of the High Court of Malaya and later, chief registrar of the Federal Court of Malaysia, to his appointment as a High Court judge in 1965 at the age of 37.

"His wisdom, expertise and dedication to upholding justice through the law culminated in his rise to the pinnacle of the judiciary as Lord President (now renamed Chief Justice) of the Federal Court, Malaysia in 1982 after 17 years on the superior courts, at the comparatively, youthful age of 54," said Gani.

He said Sultan Azlan Shah remained a much respected figure in law not only in Malaysia but throughout the Commonwealth, even after his ascension to the throne as the 34th Sultan of Perak in 1984 and during his term as the ninth Yang di-Pertuan Agong (1989-1994).

Gani, who is also Legal Profession Qualifying Board chairman, said Sultan Azlan Shah was actively involved in the Sultan Azlan Shah Law Lecture series.

The late Perak ruler also generously provided Sultan Azlan Shah Scholarships and Awards for excellence in legal studies, including to graduates of the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) run by the Legal Profession Qualifying Board.

Gani said the Attorney-General's Chambers was honoured and privileged to have had Sultan Azlan Shah as one of its legal officers.

"More so, for his professionalism, legal acumen and wit on the Bench that made it a pleasure for lawyers and legal officers alike, to appear before His Lordship (as he was then known)." Bernama

Najib pays tribute to Tun Razak

Posted: 29 May 2014 09:00 AM PDT

30 May 2014| last updated at 01:34AM

   The prime minister, in a Facebook post, also expressed his joy to be in China to celebrate the 40th anniversary of bilateral ties between the two nations.

   "I am elated to be in China to commemorate 40 years of strong ties, first forged by my late father, Tun Abdul Razak," he said.

   Najib also shared his admiration for the historic sculptures he visited at the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Xian on Wednesday.

   "I was awestruck by the fine detail of the terracotta warriors at the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors in Xian.

   "This is the beginning of Chinese civilisation and serves as a reminder of China's contribution to mankind."

Sultan Azlan Shah laid to rest

Posted: 29 May 2014 09:00 AM PDT

30 May 2014| last updated at 01:53AM
By NOOR ADZMAN BAHARUDDIN AND AUDREY DERMAWAN | news@nst.com.my

KUALA KANGSAR: THE late Sultan Azlan Shah, Perak's 34th sultan, was laid to rest at Makam Al-Ghufran (Royal Mausoleum), at Masjid Ubudiah, the silver state's royal mosque here yesterday.

  The ceremony, steeped in tradition, started with pall bearers, comprising 30 soldiers from the different units carrying the yellow-hued Seraja DiRaja (hearse) with the coffin on top.

  Soldiers and policemen lined up the street, and the one kilometre-long procession was led by the Nobat di Raja (Royal Court Ensemble).  A large crowd had waited patiently near the mosque to see their sultan during the final rites.

  Immediately behind the Seraja DiRaja was the new Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah. He was accompanied by the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

They were followed by  Sultan Nazrin Shah's wife, Tuanku Zara Salim Davidson, and other members of the Perak royalty.

  The entourage also included Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and his wife Puan Seri Noorainee Abdul Rahman,  Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and wife Datin Seri Saripah and other dignitaries and their wives

  Throughout the procession, the cannon was fired 86 times, to coincide with the late Sultan Azlan Shah's age. Dark clouds had earlier loomed over the royal town but cleared up as the procession reached the mosque with its golden dome and minarets, creating a spellbinding sight.

  Prayers and the talqin (funeral rites), led by Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria, were recited once Sultan Azlan Shah's body was laid to rest, in between the graves of his predecessor, Sultan Idris Shah II and his son, Raja Kecil Sulong Datuk Seri Raja Ashman Shah, who died of asthma at the age of 54 on March 29, 2012.

  Sultan Nazrin Shah's mother Tuanku Bainun then poured rose-scented water and sprinked flower petals on her husband's grave. The gesture was followed by Sultan Nazrin Shah, Tuanku Zara, Sultan Sharafuddin and close relatives.

  Sultan Azlan Shah's remains were earlier laid in state at the Balairong Seri (Royal Throne) for the people to pay their last respects to their ruler, who passed away on Wednesday afternoon.  

  Leading the thousands of mourners, all in black attire, was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and accompanied by Sultan Nazrin Shah, Tuanku Zara and Zambry.  The prime minister also expressed his condolences to members of the Perak royal household.

  Meanwhile, many of Sultan Azlan Shah's subjects, from all walks of life, made a beeline for Istana Iskandariah to pay their last respects to their beloved ruler, the people's sultan.

  A sombre mood prevailed among those in attendance, amidst the slightly overcast skies when the palace opened its doors to the public at 9am.

  Also paying their last respects were cabinet ministers, members of the judiciary and the legal fraternity, who all had praises for him when he served as lord president.

  Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah led the foreign heads of state and governments as well as representatives from the various foreign missions, comprising ambassadors and high commissioners.  Sultan of Kelantan Sultan Muhammad V was also present.

  Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah also paid their last respects to Sultan Azlan Shah. Additional reporting by Sylvia Looi and Adrian Lai

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah accompany the new Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah in paying their last respects to the late Sultan Azlan Shah at Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar yesterday. Pic by Supian Ahmad

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor lead a group of mourners during final rites for the late Sultan Azlan Shah at Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar yesterday. Pic by Supian Ahmad

Outpouring of tributes, prayers on social media

Posted: 29 May 2014 09:00 AM PDT

30 May 2014| last updated at 01:39AM
By KALAAVANI KARUPIAH AND BALQIS LIM | news@nst.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: SOCIAL media platforms  continue to be inundated with messages of condolences following the passing of Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah.

On Facebook and Twitter, users expressed their sadness over the death of the sultan, whom they described as a visionary and great statesman for his work in various fields, including the legal field as well as hockey.

Lee SH, via his Twitter handle @Leesh300, wrote: "Our deepest condolences to the family of His Royal Highness Sultan of Perak on the demise of Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah, a great son of Malaysia".

Nur Inani via her handle @naniyyyyyyyy, noted that even the weather was sombre, reflecting the mood of the nation.

"Harini cuaca mendung saja. Tanda sedih atas kemangkatan Sultan Perak (The weather today is so gloomy, indicative of the sadness over the passing of the Sultan of Perak)."

Ezwan Rahimy via his account @ezmyz: "Ayah call bagitahu bumi Perak dilimpahi hujan lebat. Seakan-akan turut bersedih atas kemangkatan Almarhum Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah (My dad rang and told me that it was raining heavily in Perak. As if the weather was also mourning over his death)." Additional reporting by Nikita Nawawi

Members of the Royal Artillery Regiment firing 86 cannon shots in salute to Sultan Azlan Shah's age during his funeral in Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar, yesterday. Pic by L. Manimaran