Saifuddin Nasution Ismail

Senator Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail (Jawi: سيف الدين ناسوتيون بن اسماعيل; born 7 December 1963) is a Malaysian politician who has served as the Minister of Home Affairs in Anwar Ibrahim Cabinet, Senator since December 2022. He served as the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs in the Unity Government administration under former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad from July 2018 to the collapse of the PH administration in February 2020, Member of Parliament (MP) for Kulim-Bandar Baharu from May 2018 to November 2022 and for Machang from March 2008 to May 2013 as well as Member of the Penang State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Pantai Jerejak from May 2018 to August 2023 and MLA of Kedah for Lunas from November 2000 to March 2004. He is a member of the People's Justice Party (PKR), a component party of the PH coalition. He has also served as the Secretary-General of PKR from January 2010 to his resignation in October 2014 and again since November 2016 as well as the Secretary-General of PH since March 2020.[1]

In this Malay name, there is no family name. The name Ismail is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by the given name, Saifuddin.
Yang Berhormat Senator Datuk Seri
Saifuddin Nasution Ismail
DGSM DSDK
سيف الدين ناسوتيون إسماعيل‎
Saifuddin in 2023
Minister of Home Affairs
Assumed office
3 December 2022
MonarchAbdullah
Prime MinisterAnwar Ibrahim
DeputyShamsul Anuar Nasarah
Preceded byHamzah Zainudin
ConstituencySenator
Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs
In office
2 July 2018 – 24 February 2020
MonarchsMuhammad V
(2018–2019)
Abdullah
(2019–2020)
Prime MinisterMahathir Mohamad
DeputyChong Chieng Jen
Preceded byHamzah Zainudin
(Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism)
Succeeded byAlexander Nanta Linggi
ConstituencyKulim-Bandar Baharu
Secretary General of the People's Justice Party
Assumed office
25 November 2016
PresidentWan Azizah Wan Ismail
(2016–2018)
Anwar Ibrahim
(since 2018)
Preceded byRafizi Ramli
In office
31 January 2010 – 13 October 2014
PresidentWan Azizah Wan Ismail
Preceded bySalehuddin Hashim
Succeeded byRafizi Ramli
Secretary-General of the Pakatan Harapan
Assumed office
1 March 2020
PresidentWan Azizah Wan Ismail
ChairmanAnwar Ibrahim
Preceded bySaifuddin Abdullah
Senator
Assumed office
3 December 2022
MonarchAbdullah
Prime MinisterAnwar Ibrahim
Member of the Malaysian Parliament
for Kulim-Bandar Baharu
In office
9 May 2018 – 19 November 2022
Preceded byAbd. Aziz Sheikh Fadzir
(BN–UMNO)
Succeeded byRoslan Hashim
(PN–BERSATU)
Majority4,860 (2018)
Member of the Malaysian Parliament
for Machang
In office
8 March 2008 – 5 May 2013
Preceded bySazmi Miah
(BN–UMNO)
Succeeded byAhmad Jazlan Yaakub
(BN–UMNO)
Majority1,460 (2008)
Member of the Penang State Legislative Assembly
for Pantai Jerejak
In office
9 May 2018 – 12 August 2023
Preceded byMohd Rashid Hasnon
(PH–PKR)
Succeeded byFahmi Zainol
(PH–PKR)
Majority10,716 (2018)
Member of the Kedah State Legislative Assembly
for Lunas
In office
29 November 2000 – 21 March 2004
Preceded byJoe Fernandez
(BN–MIC)
Succeeded byGanesan Subramaniam
(BN–MIC)
Majority530 (2000)
Personal details
Born
Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail

(1963-12-07) 7 December 1963
State of Singapore, Malaysia
CitizenshipMalaysian
Political partyUnited Malays National Organisation (UMNO)
(1995–1999)
People's Justice Party (PKR)
(since 1999)
Other political
affiliations		Barisan Nasional (BN)
(1995–1999)
Barisan Alternatif (BA)
(1999–2004)
Pakatan Rakyat (PR)
(2008–2015)
Pakatan Harapan (PH)
(since 2015)
SpouseNorhayati Musa
Alma materUniversiti Putra Malaysia
Tunku Abdul Rahman University College
OccupationPolitician
Saifuddin Nasution Ismail on Facebook
Saifuddin Nasution Ismail on Parliament of Malaysia

Political career

Saifuddin was initially a member of the youth wing of the ruling UMNO party but was expelled in 1999 as its assistant secretary.[2] An ally of Anwar Ibrahim, Saifuddin then defected to the opposition KeADILan party, which later became PKR.[3]

Saifuddin election debut was in the 1999 general election contesting the seat of Padang Serai, Kedah for PKR but lost. A year later, he won the Kedah State Assembly seat of Lunas in a 2000 by-election.[4] However, he failed in his bid to be elevated to the federal Parliament in the 2004 election, losing to Lim Bee Kau of the Barisan Nasional in the seat of Padang Serai again.[5] In the 2008 election, Saifuddin contested and won the federal seat of Machang in Kelantan.[6] For the 2013 election, he returned to Kedah to contest the seat of Kulim-Bandar Baharu, but was defeated by UMNO's Abd. Aziz Sheikh Fadzir.[7] Somehow in 2018 election, Saifuddin made a comeback to win both the Kulim-Bandar Baharu parliamentary seat and Pantai Jerejak, Penang state seat but lost his parliamentary seat in 2022. He later was appointed as senator to serve as minister in Anwar Ibrahim cabinet.

In January 2010, Saifuddin was appointed the Secretary-General of PKR, replacing Salehuddin Hashim.[8] In 2014, he vacated the post to run for the party's deputy presidency, but was defeated by Azmin Ali.[9] He was once again appointed to the post of PKR Secretary-General in November 2016, this time to replace Rafizi Ramli.[10][11]

Controversies and issues

Comment about Kimanis detainees

On 9 December 2022, Saifuddin stated that he had been briefed by Immigration Department officials about a viral video and photos circulating on social media, depicting emaciated detainees allegedly at the Kimanis detention center who were seen appealing to be freed and speaking about their ill-treatment. He expressed that it was 'unfair' for the issue to be sensationalized and urged the media to report objectively.[12] Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) had expressed that it was unacceptable and contrary to good governance for Saifuddin to outrightly dismiss the complaints made by a detainee in a video, instead of ordering an inquiry.[13]

Sosma

On 13 December 2022, Saifuddin stated that a review of Sosma was unnecessary as the law was essential for addressing organized crime-related cases. He mentioned that Sosma allowed the court process to proceed.[14] His statement drew brickbats from human rights organisations and politicians.[15][16][17]

On 16 February 2023, Saifuddin said Sosma will be strengthened as it is still relevant for maintaining national security.[18][19] Malaysians Against Death Penalty & Torture (Madpet) said that Saifuddin does not understand the rule of law and the administration of criminal justice; they also called for his resignation.[20]

Printing Presses and Publications Act

In April 2023, several journalist groups have criticized Saifuddin for reversing Pakatan Harapan's pledge to review and repeal 'draconian Acts' such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) 1984. The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) executive director, Wathshlah Naidu, stated that Putrajaya's decision to retain the law appears to be a recurring practice among elected governments that backtrack on their election pledges for their own benefit.[21]

Swatch LGBT Issue

In May 2023, swiss watchmaker Swatch has reported that Malaysian authorities seized 164 rainbow-colored watches from its Pride collection, with an estimated total value of US$14,000. The confiscation occurred during raids conducted on 13-14 May at eleven shopping malls across Malaysia, including outlets in the capital Kuala Lumpur. The watches were confiscated based on the Printing Presses and Publications Act of 1984, which is criticized by some as draconian and often utilized to prevent content that may offend or undermine race relations.

The incident took place in a country where LGBT individuals face discrimination due to the illegality of homosexuality and the potential penalties of imprisonment and corporal punishment for sodomy, although enforcement is infrequent. The watches in question were described as having "LGBT elements" and were said to feature six colors, rather than the traditional seven colors of a rainbow. Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek expressed disagreement, asserting that the watches, which carry a message of peace and love, should not be considered harmful.

Despite the seizure, Swatch Malaysia's marketing manager, Sarah Kok, confirmed that they would continue replenishing stock and displaying the watches as instructed by the Swiss headquarters. The company expressed confusion over the enforcement unit's actions, wondering how they would handle the numerous natural rainbows that occur frequently in Malaysia's skies.[22][23][24]

On 10 August 2023, under the leadership of Saifuddin, the home ministry has banned all Swatch products that contain any elements related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) individuals, whether on the watches themselves, their boxes, or wrappers. The ministry stated that this ban has been officially declared under the Printing Presses and Publications (Prohibition of Undesirable Publications) Order 2023, citing Swatch products as potentially "prejudicial to morality." Individuals who possess such products from Swatch may face penalties of up to three years' imprisonment, a maximum fine of RM20,000, or both, if found guilty.[25][26]

Election results
Kedah State Legislative Assembly[4]
Year Constituency Candidate Votes Pct Opponent(s) Votes Pct Ballots cast Majority Turnout
2000 N34 Lunas Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (KeADILan) 10,511 50.66% S.Anthonysamy (MIC) 9,981 48.10% 20,746 530 77.58%
N.Letchumanan (IND) 50 0.24%
Penang State Legislative Assembly[27][28][29]
Year Constituency Candidate Votes Pct Opponent(s) Votes Pct Ballots cast Majority Turnout
2018 N36 Pantai Jerejak Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (PKR) 14,014 73.50% Oh Tong Keong (Gerakan) 3,298 17.30% 19,315 10,716 81.70%
Mohd Farhan Yusri (PAS) 1,670 8.80%
Yim Boon Leong (MUP) 97 0.40%
Parliament of Malaysia[27][28][29][30]
Year Constituency Candidate Votes Pct Opponent(s) Votes Pct Ballots cast Majority Turnout
1999 P017 Padang Serai, Kedah Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (KeADILan) 18,023 38.53% Lim Bee Kau (MCA) 27,395 58.56% 46,778 9.372 72.75%
2004 Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (PKR) 15,953 37.78% Lim Bee Kau (MCA) 26,269 62.22% 43,307 10,316 80.31%
2008 P029 Machang, Kelantan Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (PKR) 21,041 50.71% Sazmi Miah (UMNO) 19,581 47.19% 51,372 1,460 86.74%
2013 P018 Kulim-Bandar Baharu, Kedah Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (PKR) 24,911 47.42% Abd. Aziz Sheikh Fadzir (UMNO) 26,782 50.98% 52,766 1,871 86.63%
2018 Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (PKR) 23,159 42.62% Abd. Aziz Sheikh Fadzir (UMNO) 18,299 33.67% 55,390 4,860 83.18%
Hassan Abdul Razak (PAS) 12,885 23.71%
2022 Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (PKR) 21,408 30.44% Roslan Hashim (BERSATU) 34,469 49.00% 71,616 13,061 79.40%
Muhar Hussain (UMNO) 13,872 19.72%
Mohd Yusrizal Yusuf (PEJUANG) 591 0.84%

Honours

Honours of Malaysia

References
  1. "Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail, Y.B. Tuan" (in Malay). Parliament of Malaysia. Archived from the original on 14 April 2010. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
  2. "New trustees prepared to face legal action". New Straits Times. 9 July 1999. Retrieved 29 December 2009.
  3. Tan, Joceline (28 November 1999). "An election full of issues for voters". New Straits Times. Retrieved 29 December 2009.
  4. OTHMAN MOHAMAD (30 November 2000). "Keadilan menang pilihan raya kecil Lunas". Utusan Malaysia. Archived from the original on 28 February 2017. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
  5. "Malaysia Decides 2008 (2004 results)". The Star. Retrieved 25 December 2009.
  6. "Malaysia Decides 2008". The Star. Retrieved 29 December 2009.
  7. Muzliza Mustafa. "BN's Abd Aziz to face off PKR's Saifuddin for Kulim-Bandar Baharu seat Read more: BN's Abd Aziz to face off PKR's Saifuddin for Kulim-Bandar Baharu seat". New Straits Times. Retrieved 11 October 2014.
  8. Habibu, Sira (10 January 2010). "PKR picks Saifuddin to replace Salehuddin". The Star. Archived from the original on 27 February 2010. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  9. Boo Su-Lyn (21 August 2014). "Azmin wins PKR No 2 in party polls". Malay Mail. Retrieved 11 October 2014.
  10. "Saifuddin Nasution is new PKR secretary-general". The Star. 25 November 2016. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
  11. "Rafizi Ramli quits as PKR sec-gen, replaced by Saifuddin". Free Malaysia Today. 25 November 2016. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
  12. "Home Ministry denies Kimanis detainees mistreated, says issue must not be "overplayed"". New Straits Times. 9 December 2022.
  13. "Kimanis detainees: LFL's criticism unfair, I've just been sworn in, says Saifuddin". The Vibes. 13 December 2022.
  14. "Saifuddin defends Sosma, no review in sight". Free Malaysia Today. 13 December 2022.
  15. "Sosma perpetuates injustice, ex-MP tells Saifuddin". Free Malaysia Today. 13 December 2022.
  16. Ayamany, Keertan (14 December 2022). "Gobind: Saifuddin Nasution's defence of Sosma counter to Pakatan's stand". Malay Mail.
  17. "Detention without trial against human rights, Suhakam says on Sosma". MalaysiaNow. 16 December 2022.
  18. "Sosma relevant, necessary to protect country, says Saifuddin". New Straits Times. 16 February 2023.
  19. "Sosma still needed for security, says Saifuddin". The Star. 17 February 2023.
  20. Madpet (13 March 2023). "LETTER | Remove Saifuddin from Home Ministry". Malaysiakini.
  21. "Saifuddin slammed for U-turn on Printing Presses and Publications Act". Free Malaysia Today. 13 April 2023.
  22. "Six questions about the rainbow Swatch timepieces seized by Malaysia's Home Ministry". Malay Mail. 25 May 2023.
  23. "Rainbow Swatch watches confiscated in Malaysia: company". Reuters. 24 May 2023.
  24. "Malaysia confiscates LGBT rainbow Swatch watches". The Guardian. 24 May 2023.
  25. "Owners of Swatch LGBTQ watches in Malaysia could face fine, up to 3 years' jail". CNA. 10 August 2023.
  26. Chen, Heather (11 August 2023). "Wear a rainbow Swatch watch in Malaysia and you could face 3 years in jail". CNN.
  27. "Malaysia General Election". undiinfo Malaysian Election Data. Malaysiakini. Retrieved 28 February 2017. Results only available from the 2004 election.
  28. "SEMAKAN KEPUTUSAN PILIHAN RAYA UMUM KE - 14" (in Malay). Election Commission of Malaysia. Retrieved 17 May 2018. Percentage figures based on total turnout.
  29. "The Star Online GE14". The Star. Retrieved 24 May 2018. Percentage figures based on total turnout.
  30. "Keputusan Pilihan Raya Umum Parlimen/Dewan Undangan Negeri" (in Malay). Election Commission of Malaysia. Retrieved 28 May 2010. Percentage figures based on total turnout.
  31. "Kelantan Ruler to be honoured". Bernama. The Star. 15 January 2012. Retrieved 13 October 2018.
  32. "Husam kembali bergelar 'datuk', Mujahid Dr Dzul Ahmad Awang 'datuk seri'". MALAYSIADATELINE (in Malay). 13 October 2018. Retrieved 13 October 2018.
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