Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- In Bersih, an elusive Malaysian unity appears
- Malays being used thanks to PAS, says Utusan
- Hisham: King's advice not heeded
- IGP: Police Had No Choice But To Fire Tear Gas, Water Cannons
- The game is over, time for everybody to move on
- No winners, just losers
- Najib: Let illegal rally be a lesson to the people
- IGP: We counted only 6k; Hisham flays Bersih
- Wahai Hishammuddin
- After Bersih, Umno flexes Najib’s muscles
- Major Defeat For Barisan Nasional’s War For The Hearts And Minds of Malaysians
- Bersih rally lost direction, says Hishammuddin
- Today, Malaysians revisit Bersih 2007
- 'Bersih 2.0' illegal rally fails to muster support
- Old Malaysia Is Gone! Long Live New Malaysia!
- Malaysia police arrest 500 after street battles for electoral reform
- Over 1,400 arrested, tear gas fired in Malaysia protest
- Bersih Global's Gallery Albums
- Some photos of the BERSIH rally of 9th July 2011
- Malaysia Police Fire Tear Gas and Arrest Hundreds of Protesters
- Cops seize Ambiga, Pakatan leaders mid-march
- Follow RPK on Twitter for Latest Updates
- Bersih leaders begin march
- Blocking Bersih has hurt BN, says deputy minister
- Showdown at Menara Maybank
- Ambiga, top leaders arrested; Anwar injured (To be Updated)
- Standing up for our democratic rights
- More cities hold Bersih rallies
- FRU form defensive line at Stadium Merdeka
- Global Bersih movement kicks off with Melbourne
- Photos of Scenes at Bersih 2.0 hotspots
- 236 held as KL lock-down goes into full swing
- NGOs in Asia and Europe condemn Najib
- KL lock-down in full swing
- WIKILEAKS: The Americans foresaw Najib's threat to Pak Lah
- See what playing golf with Najib can do for you
| In Bersih, an elusive Malaysian unity appears Posted: 09 Jul 2011 12:21 PM PDT By Sheridan Mahavera, The Malaysian Insider A brief commotion at an LRT station showed off the Bersih 2.0 rally's young, multi-racial face. National laureate and Bersih icon Datuk A Samad Said was mobbed by Indian and Chinese Malaysian youths as he appeared to board the train home. "Please take a picture with us Pak Samad, you are our hero," said a young Indian Malaysia youth who came to KL to watch the rally. His place was then taken by two other Chinese youths who wanted their own pictures with the national poet. Bersih or the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections may have declared that the rally attracted a multi-ethnic crowd of all ages but the movement still has a huge obstacle to overcome — the stigma that has been painted by the federal government and the Barisan Nasional (BN)-aligned media. Of particular worry are the people in non-urban areas whom Pakatan Rakyat parties, such as PAS and Parti Keadilan Rakyat, are courting ahead of the next general elections. Bersih is a civil society-led movement but it has solid backing from PR parties who have historically complained that the BN games elections. Though Bersih has been hugely successful in deepening and expanding support among urbane professionals of all races, it is still viewed suspiciously by those in the rural areas. Such sentiments would spread from the movement itself to the political parties that support it. PAS grassroots activists, for instance, were pumped up and made it to the rally in thousands. But they privately worry about how the electoral reform movement has been demonised. "Even my husband didn't want to come because he watched the news and thought it would be dangerous," said a Pahang PAS activist who requested anonymity. In the end, the matronly retiree attended the rally with her 18-year-old daughter. "People who watch the nightly news will definitely think negatively of Bersih. They aren't as exposed," says the activist. According to a Johor PAS activist who wanted to be known as Faizul, the news reports of weapon caches found with Bersih T-shirts have been particularly damaging. "Village folk tend to believe what is being shown without really thinking whether it makes sense. Who would put weapons caches and advertise their identity at the same time? It's illogical," says Faizul from Batu Pahat. There were a string of news reports in the days leading up to the rally about police finding caches of parangs, knives and Molotov cocktails in several areas of the city. The bundles were hidden with piles of Bersih T-shirts. Though the police have yet to determine whom the bundles belonged to, the discoveries implied that there were disruptive elements out to hijack the rally. Merdeka Centre head Ibrahim Suffian believes Bersih and the ensuing government reponse have polarised Malaysians of all stripes. "For Pakatan Rakyat supporters, it has just increased their scepticism of the (BN-ruled) government. For those who are pro-government, it has hardened their belief that the PR is out to cause trouble."
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| Malays being used thanks to PAS, says Utusan Posted: 09 Jul 2011 12:18 PM PDT By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 — As Umno attempts to limit the damage from yesterday's rally which threw the city into chaos, its newspaper Utusan Malaysia blamed PAS today for encouraging Malays to be the political tools of Bersih chief Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, DAP and Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The senior partner in the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) has also scrambled to organise a show of support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who addressed his party faithful this morning in a briefing that hopes to boost morale after tens of thousands poured into the streets yesterday calling for electoral reform. Utusan Malaysia courted Malay voters by trying to drive a wedge between PAS supporters who attended yesterday's Bersih rally and those who didn't, praising those who stayed home for refusing to be used by "anti-Islam" elements. "Congratulations for taking the wise decision not to be used by anti-Islam elements," Awang Selamat — the pseudonym for the newspaper's editors — told PAS supporters who did not join the electoral reform movement's street rally yesterday. The Malay daily also said that most of those who protested yesterday were Malay, showing that the Chinese-dominated DAP "were smarter in planning and it is clear that PAS was used." News editor Zulkiflee Bakar also mocked PAS's welfare state agenda by "congratulating" PAS for proving that it is no longer an Islamic party. "The party is now ready to do welfare by offering its headquarters as a meeting point, ordering its Unit Amal to be the main force of the rally and ordering its members to come to Kuala Lumpur," he wrote. He added that PAS was the biggest loser after yesterday's events, as "Malays will now evaluate the inconsistency of PAS" whose supporters attended the march in Islamic garb but "their behaviour while demonstrating was shameful."
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| Hisham: King's advice not heeded Posted: 09 Jul 2011 12:17 PM PDT (NST) - KUALA LUMPUR: Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has criticised the Bersih 2.0 organisers for carrying out their street rally despite the concerns voiced by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. "It is clear that the group responsible for organising the rally did not respect the advice of Tuanku Mizan, which is to hold it in a contained area rather than in the streets." The prompt action by the police, he said, had prevented bloodshed and the loss of lives. "Those involved in the rally were clearly intent on causing chaos in the country. They were also hoping to be detained by authorities so that the government would be portrayed in a bad light."
"The cries of 'Reformasi' also showed the involvement of opposition leaders in the rally." |
| IGP: Police Had No Choice But To Fire Tear Gas, Water Cannons Posted: 09 Jul 2011 12:13 PM PDT (Bernama) - KUALA LUMPUR -- Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar said the situation in the federal capital became peaceful again about 5pm yesterday after the group participating in the illegal rally dubbed 'Bersih 2.0' had dispersed. He said that in the incident, police had detained 1,401 people including 13 children and 115 women. However, he said police were still monitoring the situation around the federal capital before reopening the roadblocks to ensure that those who had joined the rally did not regroup. "I have directed the Kuala Lumpur Acting Police Chief (Amar Singh) to carry out a surveillance to ensure that the crowd do not return. We will only remove the barricades after the surveillance reveals that the situation is satisfactory. "If possible, I want to remove the roadblocks now but we have to monitor until everything have truly ended," he told reporters at a media conference at Bukit Aman, here. Ismail said about 6,000 people had participated in the illegal rally which had assembled at two locations namely Puduraya and outside the Merdeka Stadium. "They had started to assemble before 2pm at Puduraya before moving towards Dataran Merdeka although they had been advised by police to disperse earlier," he said. However, he said the advice was ignored which left the police with no choice but to fire the tear gas and water cannons. On those who were detained, Ismail said police had provided a detention area at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) and they were well treated and given food and medical care for those who were injured. He said for those who were detained, an investigation would be carried out as soon as possible and they would be released immediately upon the conclusion of investigation depending on the case. However, police had yet to determine the number of those who were injured during the incident, he said. Ismail said most of those who had participated in the rally had come from outside Kuala Lumpur, including from the East Coast. Meanwhile, Ismail said he regretted that the rally, which aimed to demand for a clean election had been inserted with elements propagated by the 'reformasi' group (started by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim). "In the police observation, we find that there were people shouting 'reformasi'. Why shout 'reformasi' as though (they) wanted a repeat of the rally held in the year 2000, whereas they say they are demanding for a clean election?", he said. On the report that Anwar was said to have been injured after being hit by tear gas, Ismail said he was not certain because Anwar was not present at both the locations of the rally. However, he confirmed that Anwar was not detained. In another development, the organiser of the illegal rally, S. Ambiga, who was detained at the Kuala Lumpur Police Headquarters, had been released at about 6.30 yesterdayevening. Ambiga was seen leaving the police headquarters after her statement had been recorded. Meanwhile, PAS assistant secretary-general Dr Syed Azman Syed Ahmad confirmed that six other leaders from PAS and Bersih who were also detained at the Kuala Lumpur Police Headquarters were to be released before 9pm. He said the leaders concerned included PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, Maria Chin Abdullah, Nurul Iman Anwar and Jun Labis, whose statements were being taken. The Royal Malaysia Police facebook also listed several other leaders including Umno Youth head Khairy Jamaluddin, Beruas Member of Parliament Ngeh Kor Ham and Subang MP Subang R.Sivarasah as those who were detained. (Bernama) |
| The game is over, time for everybody to move on Posted: 09 Jul 2011 12:11 PM PDT (The Star) - EVERYBODY seems to have achieved what they wanted over yesterday's Bersih 2.0 rally in Kuala Lumpur. The demonstrators had no access to any particular venue, so they gathered anyway en route. And so they declared the rally a success. The police had also imposed a 22-hour lockdown of the city. They, too, declared the day a success. The Federal Government had observed the minimal participation of the public and declared yesterday a success too. There seems to be no rancour or bitter recriminations. Since everybody appears to have got what they wanted, perhaps the country as a whole can now move on. Although 1,667 protesters were detained, all were released last night. Many who had taken to the streets may well have been committed to the cause of a clean election. Then there are the political players who would relish any opportunity to make the nation's political incumbents look bad. After much haranguing over the protest venue, the legitimacy of the protest and even the legal status of the Bersih group itself, the logistics of the protest came to eclipse its purpose. The organisers' efforts in internationalising the protest by getting supporters abroad to hold simultaneous demonstrations worked, at least as an international news item. News reports were filed and foreign commentators weighed in. So, regardless of whether protest organisers succeeded in assembling exactly where they wanted, they got all the publicity they wished. And yet the underlying question remains: was there no better way of putting across the message, cause or demand for a clean general election? Whether or not a street demonstration should be the last resort for aggrieved parties, it should seldom, if ever, be the first. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong had advised rally organisers against a street protest, and the Prime Minister had approved in principle a stadium rally. But had the organisers tried to hold a top-level dialogue with Government leaders to press their case? If every complaint made one or the other party take to the streets, bringing a city to a standstill, people would not be getting much work done. Demonstrators would also not be making many friends, let alone winning supporters. There should be a better way, but we can know only if we try. |
| Posted: 09 Jul 2011 12:06 PM PDT By Wong Chun Wai, The Star IT'S becoming tiring for many Malaysians. We are talking about our politicians and supporters regardless of their political affiliations. Take, for example, the organisers of Bersih 2.0. They need to realise that not all Malaysians are their fans. Not all share their beliefs and decision to stage a rally in Kuala Lumpur. Their supporters have the right to argue and convince others that it is their constitutional right to protest but, again, do not expect everyone to share their enthusiasm. When jazz singer Datuk Sheila Majid tweeted: "I am disappointed with all political parties, NGOs and Bersih. There are better ways to approach," she immediately received a nasty rebuke from a PKR activist who shot her down, saying he used to respect her. She probably lost a fan because of her tweet. There are enough people who would like to tell them that their protest was illegal and that they should know this is basic law. Protesters should know better that when you attend a demonstration, it is not going to be a picnic. One should expect to be arrested and hauled into a Black Maria, so let's not kid ourselves into believing that the cops would give them a red carpet welcome. Certainly, only a politically naive person, or someone in self-denial, would believe that Datuk S. Ambiga was acting on her own. Yes, of course, it was not politically motivated. The opposition politicians just happened to be there. Yes, they just bumped into each other at KL Hilton. In the case of the government, many are also shaking their heads at the authorities' sledgehammer treatment of Bersih 2.0. Just weeks ago, not many Malaysians knew who Ambiga was. Thanks to the over-excitement of the authorities, she has become an icon overnight. And don't blame Malaysians for being cynical over the claims that communist elements were involved in the rally. More so when those dreamer socialists were said to have T-shirts bearing the names of dead Commie leaders. Suddenly, Che Guevera, whom many teenagers at Pertama Complex had all this while thought was Bob Marley, was declared dangerous and subversive. Then there was the obsession with the colour yellow. By the way, there were enough Malaysians who actually believed the Digi Man was arrested by the police, although the e-mailed picture was doctored. But it was a funny spoof, and I wish there were enough Malaysians with a sense of humour to laugh at the fat yellow man. Arresting people who wear yellow T-shirts with the word "Bersih" is not going to help the government win votes. Something is wrong with us if we believe revolutions can be launched by wearing yellow T-shirts with the word "Bersih". One need not be a rocket scientist to know the political backlash of such an action, even though there may be good security measures. And the police, trying too hard to be friendly, put on its Facebook pictures of those detained being served with a buffet meal. There were round tables covered with tablecloth. Not bad at all, man! No wonder there are many people who think a protest in KL is really a stroll on a weekend. And then there was Perkasa's Datuk Ibrahim Ali. The man is really comical. After driving enough people into a frenzy with his racist tirade, he decided to stay home. At one point, he claimed he could mobilise 15,000 people. As a face-saving gesture, he declared he would take "a stroll" at Tasik Titiwangsa. It must have been a pretty long stroll. He was probably walking around in circles. And we can assume everyone would declare themselves winners. Bersih 2.0 will say that they managed to stage a protest despite the police locking down the city. The authorities, too, will say that they won this round by claiming that the Bersih 2.0 crowd wasn't as massive as they had expected. Ibrahim Ali could also declare himself a winner as he could have successfully earned a place in the Malaysian Book of Records for taking the most number of strolls at Tasik Titiwangsa. Umno Youth's Patriots can also claim to be winners despite walking barely 200m before being tear-gassed and arrested. There was another record – Anwar could still post a tweet at 4.40pm that says "undergoing CT scan for injury. Wishing #Bersih all the best." How he could take his mobile phone into a CT scan machine is a wonder. The Opposition leader had purportedly fallen during the protest. Either Malaysians must be very bad in Maths or they are very good at exaggerating. The police said there were only 5,000 protesters whereas Datuk A. Samad Said said 50,000 while the pro-opposition Malaysia Chronicle news portal claimed 100,000 people. The silat exponents turned out to be a lot of hot air in the end. The biggest losers were the public who got stuck in horrendous traffic jams. Businesses can count their losses, vendors could not distribute their newspapers, commuters found at least eight LRT stations shut, the city's cabbies had to stay at home and, worse, terrified city dwellers had to stock up on food unnecessarily. And taxpayers must certainly be wondering why their money is being spent on bringing so many cops into the city – and serving a buffet meal to law-breakers at Pulapol – when they should be busy catching criminals. It must be brought to mind that not everyone who supports Bersih 2.0 are pro-opposition. Many middle class urban voters are unhappy about many issues and it won't hurt the government to listen to them. Don't give up on them so they won't give up on the government. Some concerns are legitimate ones that need fixing. Likewise, Pakatan Rakyat should not misread today's rally as an endorsement of the Opposition. |
| Najib: Let illegal rally be a lesson to the people Posted: 09 Jul 2011 12:02 PM PDT (The Star) - KUALA TERENGGANU: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is grateful that the illegal rally did not cause serious harm to people and property. The Prime Minister also said he was glad that the majority of Malaysians, especially those living in Klang Valley, did not take part in it. "I hope the incident today (yesterday) will serve as a lesson for everyone that street demonstration not only brings hardship to the people, it could also lead to possessions being destroyed," he said after presenting prizes to the winners of the Bakti sports competition here yesterday. Najib also said the so-called demand by Bersih protesters for a clean and fair election was merely to serve their ulterior motive. "Had the event turned serious, they would fully exploit it by giving an impression that Malaysia had no political stability with instances of police brutality. "Bersih supporters even changed their slogan to reformasi during the illegal rally, which is not at all related to their initial demand," he said. "It is proof that this illegal rally is politically-motivated and the demands for electoral reform are just an excuse for them to organise such rallies." The Government, he stressed, was always open to any discussion including a clean and fair election, as it had always practised such a system. "If there are other issues, the rally organisers can discuss with the Election Commission and the Government. "But illegal rallies and street demonstrations are out of the question," he said. If everyone were to go to the street to express their views, then chaos would reign, he added. "What will happen to our country if there are daily street demonstrations?" He said the Government had always wanted the rakyat to choose a government through a fair process. Najib also quashed talk that the rally was a success, saying that the number of people who turned up was small compared with the organiser's initial estimates. "However, we know there are certain media outlets, not the mainstream media, which love to exaggerate the event. "If it was 5,000, they would say there were 10,000 or 20,000." On the arrests of several key leaders including Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, Najib said it was up to the police to take action on them whether they were pro or against the government. |
| IGP: We counted only 6k; Hisham flays Bersih Posted: 09 Jul 2011 11:58 AM PDT
By Teoh El Sen, FMT KUALA LUMPUR: The police claim that only 6,000 people took part in the Bersih 2.0 rally, a figure that was 44,000 less than the coalition's estimate. Media reports however placed the figure at somewhere between 10,000 and 15,000. Speaking at a press conference at the Bukit Aman police headquarters here, Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar denied reports that the protesters had gathered at various locations in the city. According to him, the protesters had converged at only two places, opposite the Puduraya bus terminal and Stadium Merdeka. He also said that the police had acted in a professional manner in handling the protest despite accusations that excessive force was used. "In our attempts to disperse the crowds, the protesters pulled back and started moving towards Stadium Merdeka. However, we managed to foil all attempts to go through our barricades, which were very well managed," he said. Ismail said the protesters had tried to plough through police barricades, forcing his personnel to fire tear gas and their water cannons. However, he stressed that these were done "minimally." Total arrests: 1,667 As at 5pm, the police had arrested 1,667 people, of which 151 were women and 16 below the age of 18. "They are all being investigated for disturbing the peace and participating in an illegal gathering," he said, adding that the detainees who were being held at the police training centre in Cheras would be released once investigations were completed. He assured that those detained were in good health, given food and proper medical attention. "They will be released on bail as soon as their statements are taken and those required for further investigations will be remanded," he said. Ismail said among the key figures arrested were Bersih 2.0 chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan, Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, PAS leaders Abdul Hadi Awang, Mohamed Sabu, Mahfuz Omar and Salahuddin Ayub, and PKR leaders Tian Chua and Fuziah Salleh. Asked about allegations of highhandedness in the arrests, Ismail said there were groups who had provoked the police. "If anyone is unhappy, then please lodge a report," he said. The police chief also revealed that most roadblocks in the city had been removed, saying that the inconvenience was unavoidable. On reports of tear gas being fired into Hospital Tung Shin, Ismail said that was not the police standard operating procedure. "We don't fire into hospitals," he said, adding that there were no reported injuries or deaths during the rally. Hishammuddin flays Bersih, praises cops
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| Posted: 09 Jul 2011 11:52 AM PDT By Spiderman There is a concept in equity which says that only those with clean hands should come to the table. Or something like that. Anyway, I gather Hishammuddin Hussein being a lawyer is familiar with this concept. So he should refrain from commenting on the noble effort by Malaysians who gathered yesterday to march for a better electoral system. Until he and other cabinet ministers agree to declare their assets publicly, I don't think any Malaysians should bother listening to them. You may think I am being too harsh or even digressing from the issue at hand but I think this is really a crucial question. Let me put it this way. Would you listen to or take advice from a criminal, thief, robber, conman, crook, corrupt individual, person with ill-gotten gains or someone who is integrity-challenged? Nine out of 10 individuals would not, I believe. So why should we, taxpayers and law-abiding citizens of Malaysia, take heed of what individuals who don't want to disclose their assets say? Hishammuddin lives in the lap of luxury. Can he justify his fleet of luxury cars, private education for his children and overseas properties? Just like other cabinet ministers he won't. So who is he to pass judgement on honest blue collar workers and professionals who breached the so-called security blanket around the city. (I mean if some harmless men and women can make their way to Merdeka Stadium despite heavy police presence, God forbid we are ever invaded by a foreign power.) He says that Bersih's agenda has been assumed by Pakatan Rakyat. His evidence: there were shouts of Reformasi!. He says that the Election Commission need not entertain any more claims by Bersih. Hey, I thought the EC is independent so why is the home minister telling it what to do? He and the government can delude themselves all they. But this was a turnout of middle Malaysia, one-time supporters of Umno. These are people who make an honest living and believe that they deserve better. What they don't need is condescending views from individuals who don't have the moral standing or a spine. Everyone would like their leaders to be men and women of integrity. Can Hishammuddin or any other cabinet minister stand up to any scrutiny? Their actions in not wanting to declare their assets publicly suggests they can't. |
| After Bersih, Umno flexes Najib’s muscles Posted: 09 Jul 2011 11:45 AM PDT
By G Manimaran, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 — Anticipating the fallout from yesterday's Bersih rally, which threw the capital into chaos, Umno has planned a show of support for Datuk Seri Najib Razak with today's briefing for the party faithful by the prime minister. Held less than 24 hours after tens of thousands of supporters of the electoral reform movement poured into the city, the half-day event will hope to "establish a referendum of support" from the party for Najib's leadership as head of the party and government. A division chief told The Malaysian Insider that the "Majlis Penerangan Perdana" event organised by information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan is a "last-minute programme announced just a few days ago." "It's a programme to show support and loyalty to Najib as the nation faces this new test," said another division leader referring to the Bersih march yesterday. Bersih had claimed a turnout of 50,000 for their street demonstration which went ahead without police permission. The coalition of 62 NGOs decided to take to the streets despite previously accepting Najib's offer to move the street rally to a stadium after the government refused to allow the gathering to take place in Stadium Merdeka. Critics of the prime minister believe that the government's heavy-handed intervention, including hundreds of arrests since July 1, which led to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's call for negotiations between Putrajaya and Bersih, is a blow to his credibility. Restoring it before a general election, which must be called by early 2013, is seen as a test to Najib who took over the reigns in April 2009.
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| Major Defeat For Barisan Nasional’s War For The Hearts And Minds of Malaysians Posted: 09 Jul 2011 11:16 AM PDT By Matthias Chang Barisan Nasional's War of Intimidation has backfired. Malaysians no longer fear the sight of armed security forces, the threat of racial riots and or the Communist bogey. Pictures of the peaceful determination and resolve of the Bersih demonstrators say it all. Objective Malaysians (the silent majority) cannot but be impressed with the maturity and faith of those who were willing to face arrest and police intimidation to uphold their principles. Yes, Malaysia is not Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrain, Yemen etc. but there is a common thread – the people's frustrations (real or otherwise) and the need for expressing their discontent cannot be suppressed. The arrogance of power is no match for grass-root activism. It is indeed ironic that the "1Malaysia" slogan of the Prime Minister (a united multi- racial Malaysia) was reflected more in the ranks of the Bersih 2.0 campaign on 9th July 2011 than in the ranks of political opportunist and upstart Khairy Jamaluddin's miniscule band of "Red Shirts" provocateurs. Perkasa as predicted had no mass following and was totally absent in spite of its provocative bravado. After the fiasco on 9th July 2011, may I suggest to the Prime Minister and theentire Barisan Nasional leadership that their first priority is to dump these political wannabes who are totally devoid of any knowledge and experience of the political realities on the ground. The "political competition" of the Opposition has become more relevant than ever and has captured and occupied more effectively – physically and mentally both the uncontested and contested "political market place". The BN government has spent RM billions, but has yet to show concrete results "on the ground, at the grass-roots level". If these assholes cannot even handle a simple issue of a public demonstration, and the Prime Minister and the entire BN leadership still insist on relying on this bunch of immature political wannabes, then there is but one conclusion – Barisan Nasional will suffer a major setback in the coming General Election. And if the election is held this year, I am willing to put my reputation on the line as a former political secretary to the fourth Prime Minister, that Barisan Nasional will never be able to reclaim the 2/3rd majority in Parliament as well as the four state governments controlled by the Opposition coalition. All these so-called advisers and political pundits can do a better service to the nation if they just spend 24/7 for an entire month, watching the Chinese historical epic "The Three Kingdoms" on sale in any DVD shop in Malaysia. They may just be able to learn some basic lessons on Political Strategy 101. My second advice to the Prime Minister is to send his cousin, the Home Minister to be psycho-analysed for "Enlarged Ego Syndrome" (EES) and to revamp the entire senior management of the national security apparatus of the Polis Diraja Malaysia (the Royal Malaysian Police Force). These UMNO leaders are intellectually bankrupt and politically outdated. What lessons can we draw from today's event? To draw any conclusions and learn from the experience, we have to address the following questions: Firstly, why did the so-called Blue Ocean Strategy experts fail to anticipate a repeat of Bersih 2007 and take pre-emptive measures? Secondly, why did the national security apparatus fail to anticipate Bersih 2.0? When were the Prime Minister and the cabinet briefed on the Bersih 2.0 demonstration? Thirdly, why did the Barisan Nasional government allow the Perkasa provocateurs to hijack the stage to mount their ill-conceived fascist-like reaction to Bersih, followed by the immature UMNO Youth's belated bravado? Fourthly, why did the Prime Minister, after agreeing to allow Bersih to congregate in a stadium, not follow through with that magnanimous decision by directing the police to grant the relevant permits, but flip-flopped and allowed the security apparatus to take complete charge? Fifthly, what made the Barisan Nasional propaganda machinery think that by locking down the entire city since Friday evening, there will be a blowback – anger and opposition by the grass-roots – against the organisers of the Bersih 2.0 demonstration, and not against Barisan Nasional for their high-handed action? Sixthly, was there any evaluation that by taking the sledge-hammer approach to Bersih 2.0 demonstration for "fair and clean elections", the Barisan Nasional government will be able to retain its supporters and gain new adherents or on the contrary piss off its very own supporters and alienate further the 40% undecided voters? Finally, what were the identified strategic objectives to be gained by adopting the sledge-hammer approach and how would they enhance the results in favour of the Barisan Nasional government in the coming General Election? I am curious to know from the Blue Ocean Strategists, the Political Secretaries, the Special Officers and the highly paid consultants what Strategic Briefs/Memoranda that they have submitted to the Prime Minister and the Barisan Nasional leadership. The rakyat has the right to know as well. It is arrogance, height of irresponsibility and a dereliction of duty if no detail briefs were prepared and submitted for consideration. It is my estimation that it will take a minimum of ten months at the minimum to repair the damage done to the image of the Barisan Nasional in general and the prime minister in particular, provided there is a coherent strategy to address and resolve the issues that are close to the hearts and minds of the grass-roots and the sophisticated urban middle-class voters (young and old). The administrative machinery is a giant bureaucracy – a super oil tanker. From top down, over 95 percent of the manpower is project-orientated, in plain BN language, money-orientated – "what's in it for me" mentality. Everyone is eyeing the multi- billion dollar cake, the multi-billion dollar patronage gravy train. |
| Bersih rally lost direction, says Hishammuddin Posted: 09 Jul 2011 01:09 AM PDT  By Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein thanked the police tonight for keeping the Bersih 2.0 rally under control and claimed the group's electoral reform agenda has been outshined by Pakatan Rakyat's (PR) political propaganda. In a statement, the home minister said this afternoon's events clearly showed that the group's criticisms against the Election Commission (EC) had failed to emerge as the primary purpose of today's rally. "The question of the EC no longer arises. Instead, it is the involvement of opposition party leaders that became more pronounced than the agenda they claimed to have before this. "They (protestors) shouted 'Reformasi' and wreaked havoc. This gathering clearly lost its direction and its organisers must be held responsible for the events that occurred," he said. Hishammuddin also said the group had defied the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's advice by insisting on staging its rally in Stadium Merdeka, pointing out that the government had already agreed that the event could be held in any stadium outside the capital. "To the very end, this group clearly did not take the initiative to assemble peacefully at a specific location although the government repeatedly gave its assurance they could meet anywhere, any stadium outside of Kuala Lumpur," he said. The Umno vice-president claimed that opposition leaders today were "hoping" to be arrested by the police in order to cast the authorities in a bad light. "The opposition only wants Malaysia to be seen as unstable and at the end, this will only bring negative effects to our economy and topple a democratically-elected government," he said. Of the thousands that turned up at today's rally, a total of 1,401 were arrested, including prominent leaders like Bersih 2.0 chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan and PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang. Hishammuddin thanked the thousands of riot police deployed across the city centre today, saying they had acted within their jurisdiction when they clamped down hard on protestors. He expressed relief that none of the untoward incidences he had feared had occurred, and credited the police for this, saying they were "brave, fair and prudent".
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| Today, Malaysians revisit Bersih 2007 Posted: 09 Jul 2011 12:58 AM PDT By Debra Chong, The Malaysian Insider Despite Putrajaya's best efforts, the authorities failed today to prevent a repeat of the first Bersih street rally four years ago that was credited for shrinking Barisan Nasional's (BN) voter support in Election 2008. The Najib administration appears to have taken a massive punch to its gut as thousands thronged the city's streets in the afternoon downpour in support of Bersih 2.0's call for electoral reform and ignored the government's description of troublemakers intent of sabotaging Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's leadership. Bersih 2.0 chief Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan coolly kept her equanimity and remained open to discussions with Putrajaya but the BN government's move to clamp down on her and the grassroots movement she represents turned the veteran lawyer into an icon of dissent. The clearest thing this rally has showed is that the middle class and civil society are more willing than ever to stand up and act when faced with a government that does not listen when engaged in civil discussion, not even hesitating to pull out all stops and employ public institutions like the police to act against the public. Even when Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin made a rare intercession to bring both sides to the negotiating table. International news coverage of the Bersih affair today showed the world armed police personnel launching tear gas and chemically-laced water into thousands of unarmed civilians. It was the same in 2007 when Bersih first marched. |
| 'Bersih 2.0' illegal rally fails to muster support Posted: 09 Jul 2011 12:43 AM PDT True? Read and respond, especially those of you who were at the rally. (Bernama) KUALA LUMPUR: The illegal street demonstration planned in the city today by outlawed group 'Bersih 2.0' led by Datuk S. Ambiga failed to garner support from the people as only some 10,000 people turned up for it instead of the 100,000 people the group had targetted.
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| Old Malaysia Is Gone! Long Live New Malaysia! Posted: 09 Jul 2011 12:34 AM PDT By batsman Saturday 9th July 2011 signals a landmark in Malaysian history. The old Malaysia of corruption, cronyism, abuse of power and arrogance of UMNO is on the way out! 9th July 2011 ushers in a new dawn! As a consequence of the tsunami of 2008, AAB was kicked out as President of UMNO. He was seen as too weak and too compromising. He was seen as allowing the situation to get out of hand by UMNO warlords. On 9th July 2011, the hysterical response of strongman and UMNO warlord NTR in suppressing democratic rights of the rakyat in a brutish crackdown on a Bersih 2.0 peaceful demonstration for electoral reform has drawn not only revulsion of the people of Malaysia but international condemnation. It now seems that neither the diffidence and weakness of AAB nor the brutality and strong-arm tactics of NTR offers any solution to the problems of Malaysia. The birth of a new Malaysia and true Malaysian nationalism cannot be stopped anymore. The narrow racist Malay nationalism of UMNO is being cast into the dustbin of history. Malaysians cannot be divided anymore into quarreling races and religions. Malaysia is being reborn as a true nation with a united people of all races and all religions. Although it is still not the end of problems and corrupt crooks will still try their best to kill off new Malaysia, there is a new awareness of true Malaysian nationalism. Long Live New Malaysia! |
| Malaysia police arrest 500 after street battles for electoral reform Posted: 09 Jul 2011 12:24 AM PDT By The Telegraph Police fired tear gas at 8000 protesters, many of whom were left bleeding after the clashes. Crowds chanting "Long Live the People" and "Reform" were also sprayed with water cannons. "We are fighting for free and fair elections," Ambiga Sreenevasan, the head of the Bersih (Clean) grouping that called the protest, told reporters. "The government uses might, we use our right. Our right will eventually prevail." Bersih has vowed to bring together tens of thousands of supporters in the centre of the city to demand electoral reforms, in what threatens to become the biggest anti-government movement in Malaysia since Anwar Ibrahim's sacking as deputy premier in 1998 led to violent street rallies. "We are not being disruptive, we want to walk for free and fair elections," said Nor Shahidal, a college student in her early 20s. "Why is the government trying to intimidate citizens?" said Mohamad Manij Abdullah, 50, a businessman, who joined the rally. "We are only trying to reform elections and have a free and fair government," he told AFP news agency. The protesters are united against Prime Minister Najib Razak, a leader who has enjoyed high popularity ratings and good economic growth but who is a focus of anger for many Malaysians. The demonstrators accuse him of presiding over a system that favours the ruling party, and they want reforms including the eradication of vote buying and preventing some people being allowed to vote several times during elections. Mukhriz Mahathir, a leading member of the powerful United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) which dominates the ruling coalition, said the government had to act to prevent anarchy. "We cannot allow a minority group to protest and stir trouble in the country," he said, accusing protesters of provoking the police into firing tear gas "so that they can accuse the government of being heavy handed." |
| Over 1,400 arrested, tear gas fired in Malaysia protest Posted: 09 Jul 2011 12:08 AM PDT By Niluksi Koswanage and Razak Ahmad, Reuters Malaysian police fired repeated rounds of tear gas and detained over 1,400 people in the capital on Saturday as thousands of activists evaded roadblocks and barbed wire to hold a street protest against Prime Minister Najib Razak's government. At least a dozen people were hurt in the demonstration for electoral reform in downtown Kuala Lumpur. There were no reports of serious injuries but some analysts said the police action was excessive and would dent Najib's image. "We are not criminals, we are just asking for free and fair elections," opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar, told reporters after her father was knocked down and hurt in a melee when he and his supporters were tear gassed. "Many innocent people were injured. We condemn this act of cruelty by UMNO and Barisan Nasional," she said, referring to Najib's party and the ruling coalition. Street protests are rare in this Southeast Asian nation, but foreign investors are worried that any groundswell of anti-government sentiment could delay economic reforms seen as essential to draw investment. If he is put under popular pressure, Najib may reconsider plans for a snap election and hold back on reforms such as cutting fuel subsidies or unwinding an affirmative action program for the country's Malay majority. Polls are not due until 2013 but analysts have said Najib could seek an early mandate after economic growth accelerated to a 10-year high in 2010. "From Najib's perspective, holding elections anytime soon would be a mistake because of the damage that has been done today," said Bridget Welsh, Malaysia specialist at Singapore Management University. "The fact that such a large crowd turned up despite a crackdown shows that voter anger is deep and this is going to push a lot of people who are in the middle toward the opposition." Reuters witnesses saw tear gas shells lobbed repeatedly at groups of protesters in downtown Kuala Lumpur as the crowds chanted "Long Live the People" and "Reformasi, reformasi," the Malay word for reform. Several people were seen bleeding after the tear gas was fired, but police gave no details of any injuries. Crowds around the city's main bus station were also sprayed with water cannon. Malaysia's inspector-general of police, Ismail Omar, said 1,401 people were taken into custody, but many will be released after questioning. At least three senior opposition leaders were among those detained, other officials said. "We have made our point that we want free and fair elections," said Chan Mei Yin, a 32-year old accountant who joined the protest. "The police are just showing that they are brutal to Malaysians. I will not vote for this government." NOT THAILAND While Malaysia is far from being divided by political strife like its northern neighbor Thailand, the opposition has been steadily growing more vocal. Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets at a November 2007 rally, which analysts said galvanized support for the opposition ahead of record gains in a 2008 general election. Analysts said the turnout of protesters on Saturday was more than 10,000, around the same as in 2007. Police, however, put the number at 5,000-6,000, while protest organizers claimed 50,000 attended. "Malaysian civil society is showing the government that intimidation will not work," said Ooi Kee Beng, a political analyst at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies of Singapore. "We're seeing a lack of will on the part of the government to try to negotiate and to defuse the situation. It's all going to look very bad outside Malaysia." After Malaysia's constitutional monarch tried to defuse the situation, the government initially offered Bersih (Clean), the group that called the protest, the use of a stadium to hold its demonstration. But it baulked at allowing the group to use the main stadium in downtown Kuala Lumpur, at which point Bersih said it would defy the ban. From midnight, police locked down the central shopping district of the city of 1.6 million people, setting up roadblocks and barring taxis and buses from the area. Suburban trains, however, continued to operate and other areas of the city were not affected. Bersih has vowed to bring together tens of thousands of supporters to the protest but it fell short. Still, some analysts said the government faced a problem. "Just looking at the crowd there were many 'first timers', young people from the Facebook generation who just wanted to have a peaceful life," said Ibrahim Suffian, director of the independent opinion polling outfit Merdeka Center. "This is trouble for Najib as it will polarize traditionally non-political segments of society like the young even further away from him." Najib took power in 2009, and inherited a divided ruling coalition which had been weakened by historic losses in the 2008 polls. He has promised to restructure government and economy and introduced an inclusive brand of politics aimed at uniting the country's different races. Najib's approval ratings have risen from 45 percent to 69 percent in February, according to independent polling outfit Merdeka Center. But analysts said recent ethnic and religious differences have undermined his popularity. (Additional reporting by Angie Teo and Damir Sagolj; Writing by Liau Y-Sing; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan and Sugita Katyal)
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| Bersih Global's Gallery Albums Posted: 08 Jul 2011 09:49 PM PDT |
| Some photos of the BERSIH rally of 9th July 2011 Posted: 08 Jul 2011 06:28 PM PDT
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| Malaysia Police Fire Tear Gas and Arrest Hundreds of Protesters Posted: 08 Jul 2011 04:31 PM PDT
KUALA LUMPUR — Police arrested hundreds of people and fired tear gas on protesters in Malaysia's capital on Saturday in an apparent attempt to prevent an afternoon rally by election reform advocates. By Liz Gooch, New York Times Officials said they had arrested 672 people for "various offenses" by late morning as they closed off roads leading into the capital and some streets in the city in advance of the rally planned at Merdeka Stadium.
Demonstrators were seen scattering Saturday afternoon as police fired tear gas, and it was unknown whether the rally would be held. Saturday's confrontation between police and protesters culminated after weeks of growing tension as activists have called on Prime Minister Najib Razak to make election laws more transparent. National elections are expected to be held by the middle of 2012. Saturday's rally was organized by the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections, also known as Bersih, or "clean" in Malay. The coalition is made up of 62 nongovernmental organizations. Speaking at a news conference on Saturday, Ambiga Sreenevasan, chairwoman of Bersih, said the arrests and firing of tear gas by police had stirred a sense of outrage among Malaysians. Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy and democracy with regular national elections, but Bersih organizers say that elections are vulnerable to manipulation. They have issued a list of eight demands, including marking voters with indelible ink to prevent them from voting more than once, purging electoral rolls of "phantom voters" and ensuring that opposition parties have equal access to the mainstream news media. The group is also calling for a royal commission to investigate how elections are conducted. Last Saturday, the government declared Bersih illegal, because it had not registered as an organization and was causing unrest among the public. Bersih countered that it was not a new organization, but rather an alliance of existing groups. Mr. Razak said the coalition could hold the rally if it agreed to meet in a stadium, rather than on the streets as first planned. Bersih organizers agreed to the terms, but the authorities said that Bersih cannot proceed without a police permit, which normally would not be granted to a group that has been declared illegal. Bersih leaders responded by accusing the prime minister of having "reneged" on his offer to provide a stadium for their rally. Bersih leaders said they would go ahead with Saturday's protest, despite not receiving permits from police. In recent weeks, 225 people have been arrested in connection with the Bersih movement under various laws including the Sedition Act and Emergency Ordinance, which allows for detention without trial. On Thursday, the police said six people remained in custody. Human rights groups such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have condemned the recent arrests, and called on the government to stop harassing those associated with Bersih. "The Malaysian government's crackdown on an electoral reform group shows utter disregard both for free expression and for the democratic process," Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. A street rally calling for similar changes in 2007, in which the police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters, was credited with helping the opposition make historic gains in the 2008 elections. The next election must be held by mid-2013, but there is speculation it could be held as early as this year.
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| Cops seize Ambiga, Pakatan leaders mid-march Posted: 08 Jul 2011 04:27 PM PDT (The Malaysian Insider) - KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan was arrested by police as she and several Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders attempted to march towards Stadium Merdeka from the Kuala Lumpur Hilton this afternoon. Police earlier also fired tear gas at the group as they tried to force their way past a police barricade. Scores of PR and Bersih activists have now been arrested, including PAS president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang and committee member Dzulkefly Ahmad. They join PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu and two other vice presidents arrested earlier. However, it is understood Dzulkefly was released in the confusion ensuing the arrests. Others detained were PKR's Chua Tian Chang, Bersih steering committee member Maria Chin Abdulla, and both Nurul Izzah and Nurul Iman Anwar, the daughters of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Shielded by scores of supporters, all linking arms, the movement fighting for electoral reform earlier left the KL Hilton hotel about 2pm today and made their way down three flights of stairs and headed towards KL Sentral across the road. The group, shouting "Hidup rakyat!" and "Bersih! Bersih! Bersih!" interspersed with PAS's Islamic battlecry "Allahu Akhbar!" and "Takbir!", pushed past a barricade of police personnel who formed three lines to block the station's sole entrance fronting the hotel. Shopkeepers in the transportation hub quickly moved to shutter their businesses as the massive wave surged towards them. But drawn by the noise, scores of curious onlookers moved forward. At the Bangsar LRT station, a policeman on duty told would-be passengers that the KL Sentral LRT stop is now closed and no one will be allowed to embark or disembark there.
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| Follow RPK on Twitter for Latest Updates Posted: 08 Jul 2011 04:06 PM PDT Things are moving way too fast. Whilst the MT team is trying their best to update this site, please FOLLOW RAJAPETRA ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST AND LIVE UPDATES.
You can also CLICK THIS LINK TO FOLLOW RAJAPETRA ON TWITTER.
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| Posted: 08 Jul 2011 03:25 PM PDT (The Malaysian Insider) - KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — Bersih 2.0, led by Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Lim Kit Siang and others, have begun their march towards Stadium Merdeka. Shielded by hundreds of supporters linking arms, they left the KL Hilton Hotel at 2pm and made their way down three flights of stairs, heading towards KL Sentral. The group, shouting "Hidup rakyat!" and "Bersih", pushed past a barricade of police personnel who had formed three lines to block the station's entrance MORE TO COME
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| Blocking Bersih has hurt BN, says deputy minister Posted: 08 Jul 2011 03:11 PM PDT
By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — A Barisan Nasional (BN) deputy minister lamented today the failure of the ruling coalition to discuss terms with the outlawed Bersih 2.0, whose supporters have amassed in the city by the tens of thousands despite a police lockdown of the capital. Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah told The Malaysian Insider that the government "should have discussed the proposal on how to address a peaceful assembly" as recommended by the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam). "In terms of political communication, we have lots of repair to do," the deputy education minister said. Although he agreed that a stadium gathering was better than marching in the streets, the Temerloh MP said he disagreed with "some who generalise that once done on the road, it will lead to havoc, because many road demos go peacefully." The electoral reforms movement agreed earlier this week to move today's street rally to a stadium after Datuk Seri Najib Razak had made such an offer on Monday. This came after the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had stepped in to defuse tension on Sunday, calling for the Najib administration and Bersih to negotiate over the issue of free and fair elections.
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| Posted: 08 Jul 2011 02:51 PM PDT (FMT) - KUALA LUMPUR: Thousands have started marching towards Stadium Merdeka and are currently at Menara Maybank to meet other groups there. The police have started firing tear gas and their water cannons at the crowd. The protesters, who came together from various locations, were chanting, among others, "Hidup Rakyat" and "Bersih". According to reports from the ground, the crowd could be as big as 10,000 and the number was expected to grow as more groups of protesters join in. At Pudu Plaza, more than 1,000 are also heading towards Stadium Merdeka. DAP MP Tony Pua estimated the figure to be at 3,000. Chants of "Bersih" and "Hancur BN, Hidup Rakyat" reveberates as many of the protesters wave the Malaysian flag, drawings cheers and applause from onlookers. |
| Ambiga, top leaders arrested; Anwar injured (To be Updated) Posted: 08 Jul 2011 02:34 PM PDT
At least five marches have broke out in Petaling Street, near Daya Bumi Complex, Masjid Jamek, Pudu and Sogo and the police have responded by firing tear gas. By Malaysiakini LIVE REPORTS12.20pm: Pudu Plaza - At Jalan Landak, Pudu, some 200 people have started to gather, preparing for the rally. This group is believed to have marched from the former KTM headquarters nearby. The crowd is estimated at 1,000 people. 12.50pm: About 3,000 to 4,000 people are marching from Petaling Street in downtown Kuala Lumpur to Stadium Negara. 12.55pm: Pudu Plaza - DAP leader Teresa Kok is defying her ban and leading protesters to start the march towards Merdeka Stadium. 1pm: Masjid Jamek - The crowd here has grown to about 1,000 people and the are beginning to march. Earlier, a student was hit by a tear gas cannister. He refused to have his photograph taken due to his status. 1.10pm: Masjid Negara - The mosque is mostly empty. Some are complaining that the toilets are locked. 1.14pm: A fake Twitter account @bersihrally have appeared, apparently created only at 9.42 this morning. 1.15pm: Official police figures - 514 arrested. 478 males, 36 females. 1.20pm: Masjid Jamek - There is a standoff here. The growing crowd continues chanting while the police are awaiting reinforcements. 1.21am: Top Bersih leaders Ambiga Sreenevasan, Haris Ibrahim, Wong Chin Huat and A Samad Said are in Hilton Hotel. They are with politicians William Leong, Kamaruddin Jaafar, Zaid Kamaruddin, Syed Azman Syed Nawawi and Tian Chua. They join Anwar Ibrahim who is in the hotel. It is confirmed PKR deputy president Azmin Ali has been arrested and was brought to Pulapol (Police Training Centre). Earlier, PAS vice-presidents Mahfuz Omar and Salahuddin Ayub were also arrested. 1.22pm: Petaling Street - The group of a few thousand which is marching to Stadium Negara turn back to Jalan Tan Cheng Lock after encountering a roadblock. 1.30pm: About 300 Umno Youth members have gathered at Jalan Bukit Bintang. They are all wearing red T-shirts with the word 'Patriot'. These T-shirts are also being given out to the public. 1.33pm: Jalan Tun Perak - PAS leader Dr Hatta Ramli with a loudspeaker tells the crowd of at least 4,000 that party vice-president Mahfuz Omar and about 300 others have been arrested. 1.35pm: Press statement by IPK KL. 1.38pm: LRT Masjid Jamek - A police officer with loudhailer announced: "Perhimpunan hari in tak ada kebenaran jadi diminta semua bersurai serta merta atau kami suraikan dengan kekerasan." 1.40pm: Menara Maybank - Water cannons unleashed on more than 1,000 protestors. 1.43pm: Masjid Jamek - A group of about 10 general duty police officers with gas masks chased after the protesters who ran helter skelter into Masjid India area. [Watch video - 17 sec]1.44pm: Menara Maybank - Water cannon truck fires at the crowd a second time, this time with chemical laced irritants mixed with blue dye. 1.55pm: It begins raining in Kuala Lumpur. 1.57pm: Malaysia Hotel - Khairy Jamaluddin appears at the Umno Youth rally and gives out a short speech. He said that Bersih 2.0 cannot be supported because it is infiltrated by opposition parties. He then leads the crowd in a march towards Stadium Merdeka. They will likely bump into a section of the Bersih 2.0 crowd. 1.59pm: Puduraya - Police fired tear gas on an estimated 10,000-strong crowd, which converges in Puduraya, in front of Menara Maybank. Part of the crowd came in from Masjid Jamek while others are from Petaling Street Police had to resort to using tear gas after the water cannon failed to stop their advance. People in the crowd appear to be recovering from the tear gas and are coming back together to continue with their march. 2pm: Hilton Hotel - It is still raining cats and dogs outside the hotel and the atmosphere inside is tense as Pakatan leaders prepare to march out into the streets. 2.10pm: Puduraya - The police are increasingly harsh towards protestors. Some are dragged on the road. One protestor was bleeding from the head. Some police officers were seen punching and pushing protestors who were trying to flee. In one incident, several protesters were forced to jump off a six-foot high ledge to evade capture. 2.15pm: Bukit Bintang - Umno Youth's 'Patriot' procession has stalled momentarily. 2.15pm: KL Sentral - Pakatan Rakyat and Bersih leaders are marching towards from the Hilton Hotel towards KL Sentral shouting "Bersih! Bersih!" but are stopped by the police. 2.18pm: Pudu-Bukit Bintang - As the drizzle starts, the crowds raise their hands and cheer again, and retreat towards Bukit Bintang. 2.20pm: Puduraya - Police moved in to detain dozens of protesters, with officers going in groups of five to six to detain individual protesters. Incidences of police brutality were seen, with officers allegedly punching and shoving detainees. They were also allegedly seen manhandling female detainees. Some protesters jumped off a six-foot high ledge to evade capture in possibly one of the most dangerous situations of the day so far. 2.25pm: Brickfields - The Pakatan Rakyat and Bersih 2.0 crowd has managed to emerge from KL Sentral and have entered Jalan Tun Sambanthan where they are met by almost 1,000 supporters. 2.30pm: Human Rights Watch's Asia division deputy director Phil Robertson says, "This is a maelstrom of the Malaysian authorities' own making.
2.35pm: Bukit Bintang - The Umno Youth group have stopped in front of Royale Bintang Hotel where they are walking towards another Bersih group at the Jalan Pudu-Bukit Bintang intersection. 2.40pm: Puduraya - The crowd here is breaking up into smaller groups. They are believe to be taking separate routes towards Stadium Merdeka. 2.41pm: PDRM Facebook: As of 2pm, 644 arrested - 597 males and 47 females. 2.43pm: Pandemonium breaks out at KL Sentral as police fire tear gas in a closed environment as Bersih 2.0 and opposition leaders attempted to exit the station via Brickfields. The tear gas forced protesters back into the station, which has been locked down. Journalists outside KL Sentral were barred from entering the station, making it difficult to verify the status of the situation. It was however confirmed that a group of Pakatan leaders and individuals were arrested in the chaos, including Batu MP Tian Chua, Pantai Dalam MP Nurul Izzah Anwar, Kuala Selangor MP Dzukefly Ahmad, artist Wong Hoy Cheong, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang's son and three other supporters.2.45pm: KL Sentral - Anwar Ibrahim tweets that he has suffered a minor injury and that his two daugthers - Nurul Izzah and Nurul Hana - has been arrested during the melee. Bersih 2.0 chief Ambiga Sreenevasan confirms that she has been arrested. 2.48pm: Puduraya - The crowd disperses into Tung Shing Hospital and a nearby Chinese school. Police are firing tear gas into the hospital in attempts to disperse the protestors.
2.50pm: KL Sentral - PKR vice-president N Surendran told Malaysiakini Anwar is bleeding from the head and injured in one of his knees. 2.55pm: Bukit Bintang - There's a standstill between the Umno Youth's Patriot rally and the FRU with neither side budging. 3.10pm: PDRM Facebook - The total number of people arrested as of 2.30pm has reached 672. 3.15pm: Pudu - Police have agreed to give safe passage to the thousands of protesters assembled at Pudu up till Jalan Sultan on condition that they only use half of the road and march peacefully. The accord was met after Pakatan parliamentarians R Sivarasa and Ngeh Khoo Ham negotiated with the police, who also decided to allow the crowd to chant as they march.3.20pm: Pudu - The crowd has begun to march from Pudu towards Jalan Sultan, thanking the police for allowing them safe passage. The 2,000-strong crowd also began singing Negaraku as they march. 3.22pm: Bukit Bintang - The 300 Umno Youth supporters at Jalan Bukit Bintang in front of Federal Hotel begin to disperse after negotiation with the police. Claiming moral victory despite only being able to proceed 200m along Jalan Bukit Bintang - still far from their Stadium Merdeka destination - Umno Youth exco Megat Omardin said that their message have been conveyed. "We have come and we fulfilled our purpose," he told the crowd before another individual led a prayer. Later, Umno Youth Petaling Jaya Utara chief Arman Azha told Malaysiakini that exco Lokman Noor Adam as well as 20 of their members have been arrested. Movement head Khairy Jamaluddin, who was also arrested, later tweeted that he has been taken to Pulapol while exco Ahmad Zaki Zahid is injured. 3.37pm: Pasar Seni - The triumphant group from Stadium Merdeka marched down Jalan Sultan towards Central Market, but they were attacked by tear gas by police near the Pasar Seni LRT Station. 3.38pm: Pudu - The 2,000-strong crowd at Pudu have now been denied safe passage to Jalan Sultan, and riot police have fired both water cannons and tear gas on the protesters assembled in front of the Tung Shin hospital. The crowd is now sandwiched between two FRU blockades. 3.50pm: Istana Negara - A small group of Bersih 2.0 steering committee members are marching towards the palace from Midah Hotel. They are awaiting clearance from the palace to submit Bersih 2.0's petition. 3.50am: Pasar Seni - Bersih leader Wong Chin Huat, after reading out the eight demands of Bersih 2.0, call on the crowd to disperse. 3.50pm: KL Hilton - In an impromptu press conference, PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar, N Surendran and PAS deputy secretary general Syed Azman condemn the police's brutality that they allege has caused injury to several Pakatan leaders. 4pm: Istana Negara - The Bersih 2.0 delegation of about 20 people led by A Samad Said were stopped from marching to the palace gates by the police about 200m away. Negotiations with the police failed and the group agreed to disperse. However, Samad said he needed to rest and the group left him alone with the police before leaving the area. 4.01pm: PDRM Facebook - Among the top leaders arrested are: 4.10pm: Light Rail Train (LRT) stations still closed, according to RapidKL - Pasar Seni, KL Sentral, Masjid Jamek and Dang Wangi. 4.21pm: After almost four hours of cat-and-mouse confrontation with the police in downtown Kuala Lumpur, most of the protesters have dispersed. The Bersih committee is to call press conference at 4.45pm at Midah Hotel. 4.40pm: Pudu - Suhakam commissioner Muhammad Sha'ani B Abdullah condemns the authorities for their harsh handling of the protesters. 4.50pm: Fadiah Nadwa Fikri of Lawyers for Liberty says that the police have invoked section 28A(8) - denial of access to lawyers - at Pulapol (Police Training Centre), where she says 1,000 people are being detained. 5.34pm: PDRM Facebook - As of 3.30pm, a total of 924 people have been arrested. 6.30pm: Police say 1,401 protesters were arrested during the day-long operation, including 13 children. The authorities estimate the crowd turn out between 5,000 to 6,000. 6.45pm: IPK KL - Ambiga Sreenevasan has been released from detention. KL CID chief Ku Chin Wa said that the police would decide whether to take action against her after investigations are concluded.
MORE TO COME
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| Standing up for our democratic rights Posted: 08 Jul 2011 02:15 PM PDT By R Kengadharan
As Malaysians, we must be committed to the principles of integrity. Whether the establishment subscribes to this notion or not, we as Malaysians must maintain an uncompromising stand. In the last two weeks, there has been an intense and continuous crackdown on Bersih 2.0 and it is shameful they are not given an opportunity to be heard at all. Why? And is Bersih 2.0 any way capable of upseting national security and public order? Being a loose coalition of registered societies can Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein declare Bersih 2.0 illegal under the Societies Act 1966? While the minister has powers to declare a movement illegal, he certainly cannot do so for a coalition of diverse organisations. Such a declaration contradicts the Federal Constitution and is a clear assault on human rights. While Bersih 2.0 is striving for electoral reforms, the government carelessly describes the coalition as moving actively to create a situation of unrest and worry. This is utter rubbish. The continued denial to allow them to assemble is an affront to fundamental freedom and the desperate action of a government attempting to unlawfully stifle the freedom of lawful citizens. This must be condemned. Despite Bersih repeatedly stating that it will be a peaceful gathering, the authorites are over-reacting and continue to harass and intimidate the movement and its supporters. The agenda pursued by Bersih 2.0 is not anti-government nor is it anti Barisan Nasional but a struggle to preserve clean and fair elections. Cops gone beserk On the other hand, Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali accused Bersih chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan of having committed treason against the monarch. This is an unfounded allegation and unbecoming of a MP. While Ibrahim is making uncalled for and outrageous remarks, the police on the other hand have gone berserk over Bersih 2.0 and the men in blue are repressing the citizens of this country. The establishment fails to understand that this deplorable pattern of behavior will have a devastating effect at the 13th general election. A responsible government must look into the aspirations of the rakyat and must never be manipulative and deceptive. Instead, every leader regardless of race, religion and political beliefs must rise to the occasion. Actions to the contrary will only undermine democracy. As Malaysians, we must be committed to the principles of integrity. Whether the establishment subscribes to this notion or not, we as Malaysians must maintain an uncompromising stand. We must determine our future and destiny and reject traitors and incompetent leaders and the persecution of any on the premise of a fictitious law. A government must strive to preserve the liberties of its people and must guard the civil society against oppression. It must never tell the people how to run their lives. Additionally, a government should not curtail freedom and fundamental liberties. While the Emergency Ordinance has defeated and destroyed communism, it must not be allowed to destroy democracy.
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| More cities hold Bersih rallies Posted: 08 Jul 2011 02:09 PM PDT By J. Ariffin and Alexis See Tho. The Malaysian Insider
KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — Malaysians in cities across the world will rally today in support of the Bersih 2.0 movement to demand free and fair elections, even as authorities threaten to snuff out the group's march here. What was started as a street rally in Kuala Lumpur later spawned the Bersih 2.0 Global Solidarity Network, which encourages Malaysians abroad to add their voices to the movement. The movement kicked off earlier today with rallies in Melbourne, Australia and Wellington, New Zealand, both beginning even as authorities attempt to stifle Bersih's own rally in Kuala Lumpur. "Malaysians have the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and freedom of speech in keeping with international human rights norms," spokesman for Global Solidarity Network Nathaniel Tan yesterday said in a statement today. "We support Bersih 2.0's eight points for electoral reform and call in addition for a ninth: Suffrage for Malaysians residing abroad," he added. For two weeks, organisers around the world have been busy setting up group pages on social networking site Facebook in support of Bersih 2.0's call for electoral reform. Support groups have been set up in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, France, Ireland, Sweden, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Scotland, Canada and the United States. |
| FRU form defensive line at Stadium Merdeka Posted: 08 Jul 2011 02:02 PM PDT
By T K Letchumy Tamboo, Malay Mail KUALA LUMPUR: With hours left before the planned Bersih 2.0 rally meet the Stadium Merdeka here, security measures at the area has been beefed up on a large scale. At approximately 11.30am today, the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) trucks that were parked at Stadium Merdeka's parking lot moved to the entrance of Jalan Stadium where police personnel were standing guard since 7am. In what seemed like a drill, about 100 police personnel climbed out of the trucks and took their positions in front of the cordoned area of Jalan Stadium. They then ran back and climbed into their trucks. Two minutes later, they repeated this action. The defensive perimeter was further strengthened at 11.45am, when more than six additional FRU trucks along with about 100 FRU trucks arrived at Jalan Stadium. The trucks were initially stationed at the entrance of Jalan Stadium before being moved to the inside of the cordoned off area. The situation has attracted a group of bystanders, who were advised police to leave the area if they had no concerns there. |
| Global Bersih movement kicks off with Melbourne Posted: 08 Jul 2011 01:52 PM PDT
(The Malaysian Insider) - KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — While the police intensify efforts to stop Bersih 2.0 supporters from gathering here this morning, Malaysians across globe have already begun to rally in support of free and fair elections. According to eyewitness accounts from Melbourne, Australia, some 750 marchers brandishing banners and placards in Bersih 2.0's signature yellow have gathered at Federation Square to call for electoral reforms in Malaysia. In Wellington, New Zealand, a group of about 10 people reportedly stood together while encouraging passing cars to honk their horns to indicate support. At Bersih 2.0 New Zealand's Facebook fan page, it was reported that a mini rally was held at the University of Canterbury. About five hours ago, a supporter posted details on the various gatherings in New Zealand, calling on participants to meet at a car park in Church Corner, Christchurch; the Malaysian High Commission in Wellington; Morgan Street, Newmarket, in Auckland; and Royal Oat Mall, also in Auckland at a different time. Bersih 2.0, a Malaysian-based coalition comprising 62 non-governmental organisations, have called on all Malaysians across the globe to participate in today's rally, which is expected to attract tens of thousands of people to the city centre here.
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| Photos of Scenes at Bersih 2.0 hotspots Posted: 08 Jul 2011 01:35 PM PDT
Online news reports on the rally may give us details in words but a picture speaks a thousand words. Here is a collection of photographs taken by Malaysiakini field team at various rally hotspots. Perhaps now, the picture is clearer. Tell the world how you feel by leaving a comment.
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| 236 held as KL lock-down goes into full swing Posted: 08 Jul 2011 01:04 PM PDT
The police are expected to make arrests in the coming hours. (Free Malaysia Today) - With the lock-down of the federal capital, ahead of the planned Bersih 2.0 rally scheduled for this afternoon in full swing this morning, the number of those arrested has increased drastically to 236. Most of them were picked up near Masjid Jamek, Masjid Negara and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. They have been transported to the police training centre (Pulapol) in Jalan Semarak. The crowd of Bersih supporters appeared to be swelling at these locations prompting police to swing into action. The largest gathering was at Masjid Negara with some 300 to 400 Bersih supporters chanting the "takbir". They had been told to disperse but have yet to do so. The police are expected to make arrests in a couple of minutes. The police are also on the verge of dispersing a large crowd that had gathered at the old KTM building beside the national mosque. Meanwhile, police have mounted roadblocks at all major roads leading to the city while LRT passengers are being checked since early this morning. FMT reporters on the ground report that there was heavy police presence in the city, especially in "hotspots" like Dataran Merdeka, Masjid Negara, Jalan Tun Perak, and Jalan Raja Laut, just to name a few. Late last night police "raided" small hotels in the city to flush out outstation Bersih supporters who have come to the city for the rally. Police have also been using helicopters to monitor the situation since this morning. They have mounted a roadblock at the Sungai Besi toll, checking all cars. The roadblock has caused a traffic snarl for those wanting to enter the city, which, for the time being, resembles a ghost town with hardly any cars on the roads. Dataran Merdeka, meanwhile, has been completely cordoned off. Reports from the ground also say that the LRT system seems to be running smoothly but policemen have been placed at all stations. They were seen checking bags of suspected passengers. At least four people have been arrested at the Masjid Jamek LRT station, while another eight near the Sogo shopping centre at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.
There are also reports that some stations like the Jalan Maharajalela LRT station have been shut down for the time being. Among those arrested at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman is a protester who identified himself as Omar Mokhtar Abdullah. Omar shouted at the police as they were approaching a larger group of protesters to warn them to disperse. "Don't worry, (Kelantan Menteri Besar) Nik Aziz (Nik Mat) will be here with many buses, coming to Kuala Lumpur!"
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| NGOs in Asia and Europe condemn Najib Posted: 08 Jul 2011 01:04 PM PDT By Syed Jeymal Zahiid, FMT
KUALA LUMPUR: Some 120 international NGOs, who are part of the Asia-Europe Peoples' Forum (AEPF), have condemned the Najib administration for its clampdown on Bersih 2.0 and the call for electoral reforms. The group has also demanded the immediate release of Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) members, who were detained under the Emergency Ordinance (EO) and for the government to rescind its decision to declare Bersih an illegal organization. AEPF also called for the Malaysian police to stop arresting peaceful political activists promoting Bersih 2.0. In a statement issued yesterday, AEPF said: "May we remind you that Malaysia, as a member of ASEM (with whom we at AEPF actively engage), adheres to the Asia-Europe Cooperation Framework which 'envisage(s) Asia and Europe as an area of peace and shared development, uphold(s) the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, respect for democracy, the rule of law, equality, justice and human rights." ASEM is the Asian-Europe meeting established in 1996 as a platform for inter-regional dialogue. The statement also noted that despite the King's intervention and plead for peace and dialogue from both sides, police continued to make arrests while some remain detained. Police, it said, are using the existing ban on the coalition by the Home Ministry to justifiy their actions. More than 250 people have been arrested in relation to the planned rally today. This morning, the police have arrested more that 21 people suspected of being protesters. Bersih decided to call off the planned street protest after the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin intervened on Sunday, amid heightened tension and called on both sides to sit down for consultation. But when Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak backpedalled on his promise to provide the group with a venue to gather and gave police discretionary power to decide if the rally could be held, the coalition of 62 NGOs decided to gather and march towards Stadium Merdeka later today.
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| Posted: 08 Jul 2011 12:59 PM PDT
The action for now seems to be at Masjid Negara, which is heavily guarded by the police. (Free Malaysia Today) - The lock-down of the federal capital, ahead of the planned Bersih 2.0 rally scheduled for this afternoon, is in full swing with the police setting up roadblocks at all major roads leading to the city while LRT passengers are being checked since early this morning. FMT reporters on the ground report that there was heavy police presence in the city, especially in "hotspots" like Dataran Merdeka, Masjid Negara, Jalan Tun Perak, and Jalan Raja Laut, just to name a few. Late last night the police conducted "raids" at small hotels in the city with the intention of flushing out outstation Bersih supporters who have come to the city for the rally. Police have also been using helicopters to monitor the situation since this morning. They have mounted a roadblock at the Sungai Besi toll, checking all cars. So far nobody has been detained at this roadblock but it has caused a traffic snarl for those wanting to enter the city, which, for the time being, resembles a ghost town with hardly any cars on the roads. Dataran Merdeka, meanwhile, has been completely cordoned off. Reports from the ground also say that the LRT system seems to be running smoothly but policemen have been placed at all stations. They were seen checking bags of suspected passengers. At least four people have been arrested at the Masjid Jamek LRT station, while another eight near the Sogo shopping centre at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. Among those arrested at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman is a protester who identified himself as Omar Mokhtar Abdullah. Omar shouted at the police as they were approaching a larger group of protesters to warn them to disperse. "Don't worry, (Kelantan Menteri Besar) Nik Aziz (Nik Mat) will be here with many buses, coming to Kuala Lumpur!" After a few attempts to get him to leave, police then grabbed Omar and led him to a patrol car.
Omar earlier showed FTM an allegedly self-made yellow T-shirt with the words: "Kotor, Dark Justice". He said that he chose "Kotor" to refer to the government. "Dark Justice", Omar claimed, was his nickname. So far no LRT line or station had been closed. Meanwhile, at Masjid Negara, at least four people have been arrested for allegedly having in their possession yellow Bersih T-shirts The Bersih rally is organised to cal for free and fair elections. The government has banned the organisation but gave the go-ahead for the rally in a stadium.
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| WIKILEAKS: The Americans foresaw Najib's threat to Pak Lah Posted: 07 Jul 2011 01:00 AM PDT
Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi is a breath of fresh air after the long-serving and vituperative Mahathir Mohamad, who retired in late 2003. Abdullah promotes a tolerant, progressive approach to religion that he calls "Islam Hadhari" (civilizational Islam). He is publicly committed to fighting corruption and reining in costly mega-projects, though his government's follow-through has been disappointing. His mild-mannered and cautious approach has also led critics to question his leadership and effectiveness, but his ruling coalition remains secure. Abdullah's chief potential rival, Deputy Prime Minister (and Defense Minister) Najib Razak, plays the role of a loyal bulwark. After two years in power, Abdullah has appealed to the public for patience in delivering reform. As long as the economy continues to grow healthily, the public will grant him that. THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin
C O N F I D E N T I A L KUALA LUMPUR 000705
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/18/2016 TAGS: PREL, MASS, MARR, PTER, ECON, MY SUBJECT: SCENESETTER FOR UNDER SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE DR. RONALD SEGA
Classified By: DCM David B. Shear for reasons 1.4 b and d.
1. (C) SUMMARY: Malaysian-American relations are good and improving; on March 8 we notified Congress of our intention to conclude a Free Trade Agreement with Malaysia. This moderate Muslim-majority state is our tenth-largest trading partner worldwide, and we have robust military-military cooperation. While moving slowly away from the anti-Western rhetoric of former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia continues to oppose us on some key international issues. Counterterrorism cooperation is largely good, but we remain concerned about the release of certain suspects and the level of surveillance of those suspects. Malaysia and its neighbors increasingly realize the importance of maritime security, but enforcement efforts are hampered by sovereignty concerns and a lack of resources. A new Malaysian coast guard is slowly getting its sea legs. Malaysia supports the Mindanao peace talks but has differed sharply with Thailand over separatist violence. The Malaysian government is making progress in implementing a non-proliferation regime, but is no closer to signing an Article 98 agreement with the U.S. End Summary. Political Landscape 2. (C) While Malaysia has plenty of warts, it remains a rare example of an Islamic-majority country that is stable, civilian-led and prosperous. Malaysia has also maintained a largely tolerant social system and a tightly managed democracy, with the same multi-racial coalition in power since independence in 1957. While we continue to urge the government of Malaysia to improve its own governance, we also recognize the constructive role Malaysia can play in the Islamic world and have encouraged Malaysians to increase support for moderation and progress in the Middle East. 3. (C) Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi is a breath of fresh air after the long-serving and vituperative Mahathir Mohamad, who retired in late 2003. Abdullah promotes a tolerant, progressive approach to religion that he calls "Islam Hadhari" (civilizational Islam). He is publicly committed to fighting corruption and reining in costly mega-projects, though his government's follow-through has been disappointing. His mild-mannered and cautious approach has also led critics to question his leadership and effectiveness, but his ruling coalition remains secure. Abdullah's chief potential rival, Deputy Prime Minister (and Defense Minister) Najib Razak, plays the role of a loyal bulwark. After two years in power, Abdullah has appealed to the public for patience in delivering reform. As long as the economy continues to grow healthily, the public will grant him that. Economic Situation 4. (C) In his early days, PM Abdullah made rural development and control of government spending, partly as a means to encourage private sector led growth, his top economic priorities. So far, only his reduction of the government's deficit -- now down to 3.8 percent of GDP -- can be chalked up as a clear success. Abdullah's partisans say that the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP; a five year plan for economic policy and development spending) will be the vehicle for advancing his other economic goals, but the 9MP, unveiled on March 31, contained little in the way of drama or new initiatives. Abdullah has emphasized the need for fast implementation of 9MP (a tacit acknowledgement of the perceptions weak follow through by his government) and created a new government agency to focus on the problem. 5. (C) Meanwhile cuts in government subsidies for gasoline and diesel fuel -- one of the tools used to rein in the deficit -- have proved highly unpopular, and raised concerns about inflation. Increases in prices of other government-managed commodities, such as electricity, may be in the works. For now, the economy is in reasonably good shape, with projected growth of around 5.0 percent in 2005 and official inflation of around 3.8 percent (although private analysts believe the real rate of price increases is much higher). However, the government may be facing a tough choice in the coming year between stimulating the economy to get back on a higher growth track, or raising interest rates to control inflation. Malaysia's International Posture 6. (C) Malaysia currently is the chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and of ASEAN. Malaysia hosted the ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit last December, and will host the ASEAN Regional Forum ministerial this summer. Secretary of State Rice has told the ASEAN foreign ministers of her plans to attend the ARF meetings in July. Malaysia backs the six-party DPRK nuclear talks and supports Iraqi reconstruction efforts, but has been overeager to embrace Hamas and defend the Iranian nuclear program. The foreign ministry seems to be moving slowly away from some of Mahathir's anti-Western rhetoric and policies, but retains friendships with troublesome states like Cuba, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Syria and Uzbekistan. The Malaysian government is publicly supportive of China's "peaceful rise" and recently signed a defense cooperation MOU with China, despite lingering suspicions among senior Malaysian military officials of China's long-term intentions. Malaysia has actively supported peace efforts in the southern Philippines and Aceh in Indonesia. Counterterrorism 7. (C) Malaysia has generally been a reliable and constructive partner on counterterrorism. In 2003, Malaysia established the Southeast Asia Regional Center for Counterterrorism (SEARCCT), which now runs a full schedule of multilateral training courses, many conducted with U.S. support. Early round-ups in 2001 and 2002 of scores of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) suspects crippled that organization's activities in Malaysia. Over 70 suspected terrorists remain in custody under the Internal Security Act (ISA), a "preventive" measure that has also been used to jail political opponents of the government in the past. To our knowledge, prosecutions and trials of the terrorist suspects are not planned. Drawing on their experience in defeating a communist insurgency, the Malaysians take a "rehabilitative" approach for some terrorists, keeping them under police supervision in "restricted residence." Several leading figures (such as JI financier Wan Min) have been released from ISA detention without warning. We remain concerned that surveillance of released terrorist suspects may be inadequate and their "rehabilitation" may be incomplete or insincere. JI, while weakened, still has the capability to strike here, and the Malaysians need to remain vigilant. 8. (C) While the Malaysian leadership firmly opposes terrorist organizations at home, it is deeply uncomfortable with any association of Islam with terrorism, and frequently lectures us on the need to eschew terms such as "Islamic terrorists" or "jihadists." Reflecting the broad support for the Palestinian cause among the majority here, the Malaysian government has no relations with Israel and often argues for the need to address the "root causes" of terrorism in the Middle East. In February, negotiators from the United States succeeded in reaching an agreement here on a text for a bilateral Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT). We are hoping the treaty will be ready for signature in time for the Secretary of State's July visit. The treaty will be a good tool in fighting terrorism and other forms of transnational crime. Maritime Security 9. (C) In July 2005, the insurer Lloyd's of London designated the Strait of Malacca (SOM) as a "war-risk zone," raising premiums for shippers transiting these waters. This prompted a flurry of public cooperation among the littoral states -- Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, plus neighboring Thailand -- including conferences of foreign ministers and military chiefs. On September 13, 2005, the three littoral countries launched an "Eyes in the Sky" (EiS) program to conduct international aerial surveillance of the Strait. EiS currently comprises separate flights by Malaysia and Singapore (Indonesia has "temporarily" dropped out for operational capacity reasons), with crews that use binoculars to survey shipping traffic and make non-secure radio transmissions to shore and ship facilities of the three littoral states. Malaysia has also committed a single Beechcraft B-200 with infrared capability, to enable some night-time surveillance. Talks on establishing an EiS standard operating procedure continue, with a view towards reactivating Indonesian participation and bringing Thailand into the program. 10. (C) EiS represents an important symbolic step forward for the littoral states' cooperation on SOM security, but could be difficult to sustain without international support. DPM Najib has told the media on several occasions that Malaysia would welcome international involvement in Eyes in the Sky. Our working-level contacts remain vague, however, on what sort of American assistance might be accepted in this sovereignty-conscious region. Malaysia will host a meeting this summer sponsored by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in which the littoral states are to identify and prioritize their needs for assistance in enhancing SOM security. On February 15-17, the USG hosted a meeting of key SOM user states at Coast Guard Island, Alameda, California, to discuss the possible range and scope of such assistance. 11. (C) Meanwhile, the Sulu Sea remains an under-monitored passageway for terrorist elements in transit between Indonesia and Mindanao. Terror groups have also carried out a number of kidnappings for ransom in the area. While the region has little value for international shipping compared to the Malacca Strait, it is tremendously important to the travel and fundraising operations of groups like JI and Abu Sayyaf. Together with Embassies Jakarta and Manila, we have focused on this region as a specific theater for building capacity and cooperation between the governments of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Significant new resources, which we are in the process of identifying and prioritizing, will be required to make these efforts successful. New Coast Guard 12. (C) Malaysia's new coast guard began limited operations on November 30, 2005. The government's goal is to reduce overlap and turf battles among the 11 Malaysian agencies tasked with patrolling the country's seas and waterways. The coast guard, officially named the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), will possess 72 vessels transferred from the navy, marine police, marine department, and fisheries department, and has recruited about 1,000 personnel from these and other existing agencies. The navy vessels will transfer with their crews intact. MMEA hopes to fill its 4,000 approved positions within a year. Mindanao Peace Talks, JI Presence 13. (C) Malaysia has facilitated peace talks between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the negotiations have had some success with the sticky issue of "ancestral domain." The talks are hosted by the Malaysian External Intelligence Organization, which in the past covertly supported separatist activities in Mindanao. JI presence at MILF training camps remains a concern, though the MILF has publicly disavowed any connection to JI. We continue to press the Malaysians to make clear to the MILF that it must sever its connections to JI and Abu Sayyaf. Southern Thailand Strains Relations 14. (C) Separatist violence in southern Thailand has killed over 1,000 people since January 2004, and attacks continue almost daily. The Malaysian government has repeatedly denied Thai accusations that it supports the separatist groups, though the people on both sides of the porous border share Malay ethnicity and the Muslim religion. Families and business interests straddle the border as well. In August 2005 Malaysia offered temporary refuge to 131 Thai citizens who said they were fleeing their government's crackdown in the south. The issue, which has also involved the UN refugee agency, rubbed raw nerves in Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, as government officials abandoned the usual neighborly ASEAN rhetoric for sharp verbal attacks on each other. The rhetoric toned down somewhat after the Malaysians returned one of the 131 asylum seekers, who was wanted on criminal charges in Thailand. Slow Progress on Non-proliferation and PSI ... 15. (C) In 2003, a private Malaysian company (partly owned by PM Abdullah's son) was found to have manufactured and shipped nuclear centrifuge parts to Libya. The company pleaded ignorance, but the case underscored the need for Malaysia to adopt effective export controls. The government is moving ahead with plans to adopt such controls, including the conclusion of an Additional Protocol (AP) with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on November 22, 2005. The AP provides a sound policy framework for the implementation of nuclear-related export controls. 16. (C) We continue to urge Malaysia to participate in Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) meetings and exercises. Malaysia sent two observers in August 2005 to a PSI exercise in Singapore, and three observers in April 2006 to a PSI exercise in Australia. The government has said it supports PSI "in principle," and that it would take part in PSI operations on a case-by-case basis. We have been told that the government is considering an endorsement of the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles, which would allow full participation in PSI events. However, elements within the foreign ministry remain adamantly opposed, perceiving that the PSI is targeted against "friends" of Malaysia, like Iran, Pakistan and China. 17. (C) As the chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Malaysia has been too supportive of Iranian claims that its nuclear program is a peaceful one. More recently, the GOM has moved somewhat away from behavior that bordered on "coaching" the Iranians. The EU-3 made considerable efforts to get Malaysia to exert a restraining influence on Iran. While it appears the Malaysians have privately counseled Iran to exercise restraint, it does not seem these words had much influence on the Iranians. Malaysia failed to condemn Ahmadinejad's threat to "wipe Israel off the map" and gave President Ahmedinejad a red carpet welcome in Kuala Lumpur as the IAEA was referring his repeated violations to the United Nations Security Council. ... But No Progress on Article 98 18. (C) Malaysia has steadfastly rebuffed our efforts to conclude an Article 98 agreement, citing unspecified "policy reasons." Though Malaysia is "studying" the Rome Treaty that created the International Criminal Court (ICC), we believe they are unlikely to sign the treaty because of their own concerns over sovereignty. The Malaysians have told us that since they are not party to the Rome Treaty, they see little reason to conclude an Article 98 agreement with us. LAFLEUR
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| See what playing golf with Najib can do for you Posted: 06 Jul 2011 06:53 PM PDT
Tan Kay Hock is the chairman of Johan Holdings Berhad and George Kent (M) Berhad. Tan Kay Hock, who is Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's golfing buddy, is also a member of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA). He owns 49.59% of George Kent. Malayan United Industries Berhad, controlled by Khoo Kay Peng, owns a 9.3% stake in George Kent and 7% of Johan Holdings.
THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin
From left: Tan Sri Tan Kay Hock, George Kent managing director Lee Pui Leng, senior manager of finance Choong Wye Lin and director Datuk Zaidan Othman George Kent Confident of Bid for Ampang-Line LRT Extension Project (Malaysian Digest) - George Kent (M) Berhad, an engineering group, is confident of winning the Ampang-Line Light Railway Transit (LRT)'s extension mega infrastructure project worth RM1.5 billion. The chances of getting the project is very good, its Chairman, Tan Sri Tan Kay Hock told reporters after the company's annual general meeting here today. He said the company's bid for the project was strengthened by George Kent's previous experience of handling government contracts and its achievements. "We are about to hand over the RM97.75 million Kuala Lipis Hospital in Pahang (Najib's home state) to the Ministry of Health, and I guess this is one of the very few hospitals delivered on time." "George Kent only tenders for projects that we think we can do, thus, we don't see any negative points for not winning the tender," he said. Prasarana Bhd is expected to announce the winner of the Ampang LRT extension project by September this year. Tan also said the company, which also produces water meters and the casing for the meters, has embarked on a RM50 million plan to upgrade its manufacturing facilities in Puchong, Selangor to accommodate higher sales in the meter and Original Equipment Manufacturing businesses. He said the present plant was already producing at a maximum capacity. With the expansion, George Kent aims to double its production capacity to two million completed meters and two million pieces of non-meter brass parts per annum. George Kent's pre-tax profit for the first quarter ended Apr 30, 2011 jumped to RM4.8 million from RM3.9 million in the same quarter last year. Its revenue, however, slipped to RM30.7 million from RM32.5 million previously. Tan said the demand for meters from Hong Kong, Macau, Middle East, Puerto Rico and Colombia remained strong. "The company has also penetrated Vietnam and Laos, where we expect good returns," he said, adding that the company expects to sustain its growth as the year progresses. |
2.30pm: Puduraya - The 10,000-strong crowd led by PAS leader Dr Hatta Ramli and PKR leader Badrul Hisham Shaharin has regrouped and move towards town centre.
There is brief respite as Subang MP R Sivarasa tries to negotiate with the police to allow protestors to move back to Masjid Negara. 
2.57pm: Bukit Bintang - Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin has been arrested when he was found to be resting and clearing his eyes from the tear gas fired, at a shack just 100m from the FRU line.
Bersih Sydney 
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