DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ This Ramadan, queer and transgender Muslims made their own community
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-17 | by ( Shahamat Uddin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

Queer and transgender Muslims came together to break their Ramadan fasts. But for queer and transgender Muslims, this practice of ummah, or the connectedness Muslims feel while exercising their faith together, has often made them feel excluded from traditional Ramadan celebrations. Courtesy of Dinean RobinsonThe iftar — which included prayers led by a queer Muslim community member named Shiffa, and joyful drag-queen performances — was just one of many ways queer and transgender Muslims fostered community this Ramadan. Dena Igusti celebrated this Ramadan with fellow queer Muslims, saying it helped them get back in touch with their faith. In New York City, queer Muslims joined in song and dance at the LGBT Community Center's iftar to celebrate their layered identities.

Persons: —, affirmations, I've, Armana Khan, Dinean Robinson, Khan, Islam, Reimagining, they'd, Kahani, Dinean Robinson Sophia Uppal, Uppal, wouldn't, Dena Igusti, Ramie Ahmed, Ramadan, Igusti, Imam Daayiee Abdullah, We're, MASGD, Shiffa, Center's iftar, Yaffa Organizations: Service, LGBT Community, The, New York, LGBT Community Center, BI, Mecca Institute, Muslim Alliance, Sexual, Diversity, Queer, Shia, LGBT Locations: New York, queerness, Queens , New York, New, Hajj, Mecca, Palestinian, New York City

WASHINGTON, Nov 4 (Reuters) - Thousands of protesters gathered in Washington on Saturday to demand a ceasefire in Gaza where thousands have been killed in an Israeli offensive since an attack by Palestinian Islamists Hamas, and to denounce President Joe Biden's policy towards the war. The demonstration was among the largest pro-Palestinian gatherings in the United States and among the biggest for any cause in Washington in recent years. [1/2]Demonstrators rally in support of Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, at Freedom Plaza in Washington, U.S., Nov. 4, 2023. "Biden, Biden you cannot hide, you signed up for genocide," protesters chanted in Washington on Saturday. Washington has sought to persuade Israel to accept localized pauses, which Israel has thus far rejected.

Persons: Joe Biden's, Mahdi Bray, Elizabeth Frantz, Biden, Israel, Kanishka Singh, Christopher Cushing Organizations: Palestinian, Hamas, Activists, American Muslim Alliance, Freedom, REUTERS, United Nations, . Washington, Thomson Locations: Washington, Gaza, United States, Freedom, Israel, Washington , U.S, .

☆ Primary Battles Brew Over Progressive Democrats’ Stances on Israel
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( Jonathan Weisman | More About Jonathan Weisman | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +3 min

And progressive organizations are girding for possible challenges to Representatives Cori Bush of Missouri, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and others, funded from the deep pockets of AIPAC and other pro-Israel groups. “They spent a historic amount of money to intervene, and try and buy primaries in 2022,” said Usamah Andrabi, spokesman for Justice Democrats, the liberal insurgent group that helped elect many of the progressives now on the primary target list. “I think we will see a doubling and tripling down, because no one in the Democratic leadership is trying to stop them.”Officially, AIPAC is neutral for now. Progressive Democrats like Ms. Lee have other constituents to consider, including progressive Jews who remain by her side. Ms. Lee said Jews were “10 percent of our district, but we also have Muslim, Arab, Palestinian constituents who are afraid for their families and their lives.”

Persons: George Latimer, Jamaal Bowman, Eliot Engel, Cori Bush of, Rashida, “, ”, Usamah Andrabi, Marshall Wittmann, Bowman, Lee, ” Waleed Shahid, Biden, Avigail Oren Organizations: Westchester County, House Foreign Affairs Committee, Justice Democrats, Democratic, AIPAC, Israel, Progressive Locations: New York, Westchester, Cori Bush of Missouri, Michigan, Israel, Gaza, Pittsburgh

☆ Malaysia reverses plan to take legal action against Meta over harmful content
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( Rozanna Latiff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Reuters) - Malaysia may not go through with a plan to take legal action against Facebook parent Meta Platforms (META.O) following "positive" engagement with the firm on tackling harmful content on the social media platform, communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said in an interview on Friday. "I don't think MCMC needs at this point in time to initiate any legal action. I think this level of cooperation is very positive," he said, adding that the government was considering measures such as fines against social media platforms if they failed to tackle harmful content. Facebook is Malaysia's biggest social media platform, with an estimated 60% of the country's 33 million people having a registered account. The take-downs, he said, were likely to have been made in response to complaints made by ordinary users for violating social media guidelines.

Persons: Fahmi Fadzil, Fahmi, Meta, Anwar Ibrahim's, Rozanna Latiff, Angus MacSwan Organizations: Facebook, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, Meta, Malaysian, Digital Nasional Berhad, Thomson Locations: KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Malay

☆ Swiss watchmaker Swatch sues Malaysia for seizure of Pride watches
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

In May, Malaysian authorities confiscated watches from Swatch's 'Pride collection' because of the presence of the letters 'LGBTQ' on the watches, the home minister said. Home ministry officials "illegally" seized 172 watches from 16 outlets, Swatch said in court documents seen by Reuters. The seizure notices served to Swatch described the watches as having elements of or promoting LGBTQ rights and potentially breaching Malaysian law, the company said. Most of the seized watches, which have a combined retail value of 64,795 ringgit ($14,250.05), did not contain the 'LGBTQ' lettering, Swatch said. He has also said LGBT rights will not be recognised by his administration.

Persons: Swatch's, Anwar Ibrahim's, Anwar, Rozanna, John Revill, Kanupriya Kapoor, Bernadette Baum Organizations: Swatch, Malaysian, Reuters, Malay Mail, Swatch Group, Malaysia, Thomson Locations: KUALA LUMPUR, Swiss, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian, Zurich

☆ Malaysia to take legal action against Meta over harmful content
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-24 | by ( A. Ananthalakshmi | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Reuters) - Malaysia said on Friday it will take legal action against Facebook parent Meta Platforms (META.O) for failing to remove "undesirable" posts, the strongest measure the country has taken to date over such content. It said Meta had failed to take sufficient action despite its repeated requests and that legal action was necessary to promote accountability for cybersecurity and to protect consumers. Asked what legal action it might take, the commission said in an emailed statement on Saturday that allowing abuse of network facilities or application services can be offences under Malaysia's Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. Facebook is Malaysia's biggest social media platform, with an estimated 60% of the country's 33 million people having a registered account. Globally, big social media firms that include Meta, Google's YouTube and TikTok are often under regulatory scrutiny over content posted on their platforms.

Persons: Anwar Ibrahim's, Meta, Miyoung Kim, Edwina Gibbs, William Mallard Organizations: Facebook, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, Malaysia's Communications, Multimedia, Malay Muslim, Meta, YouTube, Thomson Locations: KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Malay, Vietnam, Indonesia

☆ Malaysia to take legal action against Meta over ‘undesirable’ content
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Malaysia said Friday it would take legal action against Facebook parent company Meta for failing to remove “undesirable” posts, the strongest measure the country has taken to date over such content. It also said Meta had failed to take sufficient action despite the body’s repeated requests and that legal action was necessary to promote accountability for cybersecurity and protect consumers. The commission also did not immediately respond to a request for comment on what legal action might be taken. Facebook is Malaysia’s biggest social media platform, with an estimated 60% of its population of 33 million having a registered account. Globally, big social media firms that include Meta, Google’s (GOOGL) YouTube, and TikTok are often under regulatory scrutiny over content posted on their platforms.

Persons: Anwar Ibrahim’s, ”, Meta Organizations: Facebook, Meta, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, Malay Muslim, YouTube Locations: Malaysia, Malay, Vietnam, Indonesia

☆ Malaysia's Anwar begins work as PM after polarising election
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/3] Malaysia's newly appointed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim greets his supporters as he leaves his news conference in Sungai Long, Selangor, Malaysia November 24, 2022. Office of Anwar Ibrahim/Afiq Hambali/Handout via REUTERSKUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim is expected to start discussions on forming his cabinet on Friday as he begins work as prime minister at a challenging time, with the economy slowing and the country deeply split after a close election. Anwar, who was appointed by Malaysia's king following an inconclusive election, said that the people of Malaysia had long been awaiting change. Both men's coalitions failed to win a majority in Saturday's election, but Malaysia's constitutional monarch, King Al-Sultan Abdullah, appointed Anwar after speaking to several lawmakers. Markets surged on Thursday on the end of political deadlock, but investors will be monitoring how Anwar manages the aftermath of the election.

☆ Malaysia’s king names Anwar Ibrahim prime minister after inconclusive election
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in as prime minister on Thursday, capping a three-decade political journey from a protégé of veteran leader Mahathir Mohamad to protest leader, a prisoner convicted of sodomy and opposition leader. His appointment ends five days of unprecedented post-election crisis, but could usher in a new instability with his rival, former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, challenging him to prove his majority in Parliament. Both men failed to win a majority in a Saturday election, but the constitutional monarch, King Al-Sultan Abdullah, appointed Anwar after speaking to several lawmakers. Anwar, 75, has time and again been denied the premiership despite getting within striking distance over the years: He was deputy prime minister in the 1990s and the official prime minister-in-waiting in 2018. Anwar’s coalition, known as Pakatan Harapan, won the most seats in Saturday’s vote with 82, while Muhyiddin’s Perikatan Nasional bloc won 73.

☆ Malaysia's former ruling bloc may back Anwar in PM race
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24 (Reuters) - Malaysia's former ruling coalition indicated that it may support opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister, reversing a decision to stay neutral and potentially helping resolve a political stalemate. The Barisan coalition will not support a government that is led by ex-premier Muhyddin Yassin's alliance, its biggest component party said, though it did not make any reference to Anwar. King Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan will meet with other senior royals on Thursday to help decide who will become prime minister. The constitutional monarch plays a largely ceremonial role but can appoint a premier he believes will command a majority in parliament. The king had suggested that both the leaders work together to form a "unity government", but Muhyiddin declined the proposal.

☆ Malaysia’s Anwar becomes prime minister, ending decades-long wait
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( Story Reuters | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in as prime minister on Thursday, capping a three-decade political journey from a protege of veteran leader Mahathir Mohamad to protest leader, a prisoner convicted of sodomy, and opposition leader. Both men failed to win a majority in a Saturday election, but the constitutional monarch, King Al-Sultan Abdullah, appointed Anwar after speaking to several lawmakers. Anwar was sworn in as Malaysia's prime minister on Thursday, ending a political impasse. Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty ImagesMalaysia's King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah (right) appointed Anwar (left) after consulting with lawmakers. The decision on the prime minister came down to King Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, after both Anwar and Muhyiddin missed his Tuesday afternoon deadline to put together a ruling alliance.

☆ Malaysia's Anwar, Muhyiddin rush to meet deadline to form government
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Significant election gains by an Islamist party also added to investors' fears, notably over policies on gambling and alcohol consumption. Anwar's coalition entered negotiations with Barisan Nasional, the incumbent coalition and Anwar's longtime rival, on Monday to discuss a potential alliance. Anwar's multiethnic coalition won the most seats in the Saturday election with 82, while Muhyiddin's bloc won 73. It would be another astonishing turnaround in Malaysian politics if Anwar and Barisan forged an alliance: as opposition chief, Anwar has spent much of his career trying to oust Barisan. For the 2018 election, Anwar tied up with mentor-turned-foe Mahathir Mohamad to defeat Barisan.

"Let me make a decision soon," the king told reporters outside the national palace. The king had given political parties until 2 p.m. (0600 GMT) on Tuesday to put together alliances needed for a majority. Significant election gains by an Islamist party added to investors' fears, notably over policies on gambling and alcohol consumption. Its electoral gains have also raised fears in multicultural Malaysia, which has significant ethnic Chinese and ethnic Indian minorities following other faiths. Anwar's coalition won the most seats in the Saturday election with 82, while Muhyiddin's bloc won 73.

Significant election gains by an Islamist party also added to investors' fears, notably over policies toward gambling and alcohol consumption. Anwar said he met with some leaders from the incumbent Barisan Nasional coalition on Monday to discuss a potential alliance. "I am satisfied as this negotiation was on the need to form a stable government that's inclusive. Its 30 seats in parliament is key for both candidates to cross 112 seats needed to hold a majority. On Monday, Anwar's coalition partnered with Barisan to form regional governments in two states, which also saw inconclusive elections.

☆ Malaysia's Muhyiddin, Anwar race to form government as turmoil drags on
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Malaysian former Prime Minister and Perikatan Nasional Chairman Muhyiddin Yassin waves as he leaves after Malaysia's 15th general election in Shah Alam, Malaysia November 20, 2022. Anwar's multi-ethnic coalition won the most number of seats in the Saturday election with 82. King Al-Sultan Abdullah, whose largely ceremonial role includes the power to appoint as prime minister a lawmaker he believes will command a majority, could play a decisive role. Massive corruption, mostly related to the looting of billions of dollars from sovereign fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (IMDB), for which former prime minister Najib Razak was jailed earlier this year, seriously wounded UMNO's image. During his time in opposition, Anwar spent a decade in jail on convictions for sodomy and corruption, which he says were politically motivated.

Search resuls for: "Muslim Alliance"

15 mentions found