| Attracting the Best To Teaching Posted: 29 Jun 2011 12:53 PM PDT 
Having been brought up under the current system it would be unrealistic to expect these teachers to be agents or advocates for change. Their position is essentially that the system was good enough for them; it should be good enough for the present and future generations. Stated differently, current teachers are part of the problem, not of the solution. M. Bakri Musa
www.bakrimusa.com
Early this year the US Department of Education, together with OECD and the Asia Society, convened a summit of education ministers, master teachers, and union leaders from 15 countries. The theme was on attracting, training and retaining the best teachers. Those were no ordinary countries participating; their students had consistently excelled in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA).
America has some of the finest private and public schools, while its colleges and universities regularly dominate anybody's list of the best. Yet there was US Education Secretary Duncan sponsoring this symposium and its opening speaker. That reflects the seriousness with which American leaders and policymakers consider education. It also shows their humility and commitment to learn from the best. I long for such traits in our leaders and educators.
The core assumption of the summit is that you cannot have excellent schools without excellent teachers. "Great teachers are not just born that way," Secretary Duncan noted in his opening remarks. "It takes a high-quality system for recruiting, training, retaining, and supporting teachers over the course of their careers to develop an effective teaching force," he continued.
This emphasis on schools and education is well placed. As OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria put it, "The prosperity of our nations depends on whether we succeed to attract the brightest minds into the teaching profession, and the most talented teachers into the most challenging classrooms."
Pivotal Role of Teachers
You cannot have good schools without good teachers. Good teachers in turn come from good students, and good students need good schools in order to shine. This is not an extended version of the old chicken-and-egg riddle. Rather what these countries with exemplary schools and outstanding teachers have demonstrated is the pivotal position of the teacher. Finland and Singapore in particular have shown that you can indeed intervene to make teaching an attractive profession, the first-choice career of the talented.
In Finland teaching is a much-sought occupation, with ten applicants for every position! The teaching profession there attracts the best applicants in part because teachers get competitive pay. Singapore aggressively recruits from among the top third of its students, and those interested in and committed to teaching are paid while still in school.
Keen competition in itself is no indicator of quality. In Malaysia, there is a glut of applicants for religious teachers but no one dares claim that the applicant pool is made up of top-tier students. There is similar stiff competition to be teachers in Egypt, but its schools and students rank at the bottom in international comparisons. The reason is that the Egyptian economy is in such a rut that teaching is the only job available. The same dynamics apply to our religious teachers.
Recruiting top talent is only the beginning. Rookies' enthusiasm will get you only so far. Teachers must also be given superior initial training; then there must be a mechanism for continuing professional education and training.
Finland has an exceptionally superior system; hence it is attracting the best talents. Teachers there get training to the level of a master's degree, even for primary school teachers. They are rightly treated as professionals because they are rigorously trained and more importantly, behave as such. They are also trained to be diagnosticians to recognize not only the different learning styles but also learning problems.
A unique feature of the Finnish system is that each teacher is also a researcher, participating in research in collaboration with the local university. The best way to keep abreast in your field is to be involved in research even if only tangentially.
Being true professionals, Finnish teachers have considerable autonomy, as are their schools. The Finnish Ministry of Education is more a resource center than a command-and-control one. Its bureaucrats are not control freaks.
Those countries are also actively widening the pool talent for recruitment to include those from underrepresented minorities and those seeking mid-career change. This has particular relevance for Malaysia; it too must aggressively recruit from among Orang Asli and other minority groups especially of East Malaysia. It is important for minority students to have role models from among the teachers.
No professional would be satisfied unless he or she is assured of career advancement as well as appropriate reward and recognition for a job well done. In Singapore teachers are career tacked to be master teachers, school leaders, or specialist in curriculum or research. The government regularly tracks what competing sectors are paying their workers in order that teachers remain competitively paid.
Reforming Schools
The other significant lesson from the summit is that school reforms when effectively executed can bear positive results quickly. Poland is an example. It initiated reform only in the late 1990s but within a decade it has dramatically reduced the number of its poorly performing students and cut in half the variations in performance among its schools. Previously Polish students regularly perform at below average level of OECD countries; after reform they were on par with Americans.
Reforming school is the rage everywhere, Malaysia included. The consensus at this conference is that teachers must both be the active agents for and effective implementers of reform.
This creates a dilemma for Malaysia. Where teachers are well trained, thoroughly professional and highly effective as they are in the Scandinavian countries, they should be actively involved with the reform process. In Malaysia however, our teaching profession is far from that. It has been significantly degraded with respect to standards and professionalism, as reflected in the quality of their products – the students.
Having been brought up under the current system it would be unrealistic to expect these teachers to be agents or advocates for change. Their position is essentially that the system was good enough for them; it should be good enough for the present and future generations. Stated differently, current teachers are part of the problem, not of the solution. This does not mean that they cannot be trained or persuaded to be part of the solution, but we should not underestimate the difficulties and challenges.
The reform in Poland was, as expected of a former communist country, a top-down affair. Yet it was highly successful. Likewise in Singapore; no surprise there either, but it was also effective. A generation ago Singapore faced problems similar to what Malaysia faces today where teaching was not the first choice career for its top students.
Thailand too has its "Malaysian problem;" the Thais solved it in their own unique patient way. Recognizing the futility of persuading these teachers to agree for reform, the government simply bypassed them by liberalizing the school sector to foreign players. Consequently, international schools blossomed in Thailand. Yes, they are an option only for the elite and rich. These schools are educating the children of the influential. These students are destined to hold key positions in their country, their superior education and social standing assured them of that. They would be the ones to lead successful reforms in the future.
In reforming Malaysian schools, we could pursue either the top-down approach of Poland and Singapore, or use the slower and surer Thai way. However, I do not see the necessary enlightened and intelligent leadership to effect meaningful top-down reform, nor do I see a farsighted leadership to initiate the slow Thai way.
Quality of Schools and Fertility Rates
On perusing the list of countries whose students excelled in PISA, one fact stands out: Those countries also have low fertility rates. The latest addition to the list of top performers is China, specifically Shanghai. China's almost inhuman "one-child" policy has many critics but there is no questioning its benefits. For the past few decades China was spared the burden of feeding and housing over 300 million potential Chinese. Imagine the savings in not having another Bangladesh within your borders! Spared of those huge expenses, the Chinese could now divert resources to improving their schools.
The reverse however is not true; low fertility rates alone do not guarantee good schools. Sri Lanka is proof of that.
In Malaysia, the fertility rate for Malays, while declining, is still nearly doubled that of non-Malays. The wide discrepancy in academic achievement and other social indices between Malays and non-Malays is ultimately attributed in part to this difference in fertility rates.
If today the authorities were to implement an effective and acceptable family planning program that is enthusiastically endorsed by the religious authorities, the positive impact would be felt almost immediately. First, there will be the drop in the number of pregnancies, and nine months later the decline in the number of births. With that the savings in expenses related to medical care. That would only be the beginning. Six years later when those potential babies would be ready for school, the savings would be even greater as there would be no need for new schools and teachers.
Even more remarkable, those savings would be cumulative; they would continue to add up. With those savings we could then expend resources towards improving the quality of life of our people, and that would include providing them with good schools and superior teachers.
Those OECD and other advanced countries can focus on making their schools superior because they have the resources to do so; they have been spared the expenses that would have been incurred had they had high fertility rates. This basic link was not discussed at the summit as it was taken for granted. For Malaysia however, it is a reality that is not yet even acknowledged, much less addressed.
The wisdom of those eminent educators from OECD displayed at the summit is still valid, and Malaysia could usefully adopt them provided our leaders and policymakers bear in mind that we have a more basic problem outside the realm of education but related to it. We have to tame our fertility rates first; then with the savings we would have the resources to address the challenges of education. |
| Home Minister invites the 'American Dream' to Malaysia? Posted: 29 Jun 2011 12:49 PM PDT Indeed it is becoming crystal clear - by any accounts you use to validate the incidents talking shape in the country, that democracy has been finally quarantined with the ban on the yellow color. By J. D. Lovrenciear The Home Minister of Malaysia's outright ban on the wearing of anything yellow – be it a T-shirt, shoes, pants or skirts, headband, or whatsoever, is impacting shockwaves down the spine of caring, concerned citizens. The Home Minister's announcement and the immediate police action that went into over-drive with premises raided, will be ringing alarm bells all over the world for certain. The learned professor from the International Islamic University in Malaysia has in all honesty and with courage pointed out that there is no law in the country to effect such a ban. And that the highest law of a democratic nation - the Constitution of Malaysia is being compromised. The authorities are claiming that this mother of all bans on wearing anything yellow and suggesting 'Bersih 2.0' is being invoked for "national security". Simultaneously more threats are being pumped out of the government's nozzle – i.e. the police, the various pro-UMNO and BN agentries and from the corriodors of vested interests. Arrests have already started and more are expected. Those under detention are claimed to be abused with absolute disregard for human dignity and basic rights as provided for under the law. Bullying, rowdiness and vandalism against those supporting the rally for a fair, clean and just election is seen to be on the rise and unabated while some are even condoned with absolution. The media is being encouraged and protected to spew wild, fiery and seditious allegations with impunity. Parliamentary immunity is compromised. Parliamentary sessions are also being bulldozed through with utter disregard for democracy and respect for the august house. Now, all these are certainly more threatening to national security than the Bersih 2.0 rally. But how come the equation does not tally? How long more does the government of the day want to fight this induced war on its citizenry? Indeed it is becoming crystal clear - by any accounts you use to validate the incidents talking shape in the country, that democracy has been finally quarantined with the ban on the yellow color. Truly, bitter as it may be, the truth is when the citizens are denied of a free and peaceful assembly, the Constitutional rights have been hung. When the most supreme law of a nation – the Constitution, is not kept to the letter, democracy has been compromised. The world is taking stock of the current Malaysian PM's inability to deal with this development that is already deep into a crisis mode through the government's own doing. In fact, with the latest announcement by the highest authority of law enforcement – the Home Minister, Malaysia has virtually entered a crisis stage and no less. The leaders in the region are also very concerned with the way the government is reacting on a daily basis. It is not an understatement to say that many of these democratic leaders are distancing themselves from Malaysia. Civil society organizations in the region and the world are also zooming their lens on Malaysia. Painful as it may be to the ears and egos of power, the government has failed to tackle the cause and concern in a mature, transparent and respectful manner from the beginning without compromising democracy. It appears that going by the series of actions forced upon the rakyat in the interest of "national security", the Malaysian government has provided an impetus for the citizens to now join the ranks of the worldwide community of civil society protesting against perceived or real tyranny, regimes, and police state brutality. The 'American Dream' for true democracy and civil liberties that is sweeping the globe today has finally been invited by the kind courtesy of the Malaysian government, i.e. the Home Minister, with this 'yellow T-shirt and anything yellow' blanket ban.
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| Paralympics RM4 million poser Posted: 28 Jun 2011 09:36 PM PDT 
By Haresh Deol, The Malay Mail PETALING JAYA: Why was a staggering RM4 million invested by the Malaysian Paralympics Council (MPC) in a company helmed by its president and his sons? This is the poser raised by several council members upon learning of the investment recently. A probe by The Malay Mail revealed that in 2008, MPC had invested RM4 million in an events management company, Paralimpik Ventures Sdn Bhd. Our investigations showed a cheque for RM2 million was issued on April 4, 2008, and another RM2 million was transferred about two weeks later, on April 17, 2008. The cheque and telegraphic transfer were allegedly signed off by MPC president Datuk Zainal Abu Zarin and its then treasurer, Liew Yoon Loy. It is understood the money was derived from donations and fund-raising activities carried out by the MPC over the years. Sources claimed nothing on the hefty investment had been heard of since. A check with the Companies Commission of Malaysia revealed Zainal and his sons, Idi Irwan and Ilia Ikhwan, were listed as the directors of Paralimpik Ventures. One person not amused by this episode was MPC council member Prof M. Chandra Sekaran, who said the issue had raised more questions than answers. "Who allowed the investment? Was it documented? How much have we made? Most importantly, who will be held responsible if the investment goes wrong?" he asked. Chandra claimed he was approached by Zainal to invest some money in the company in 2008. Chandra was the treasurer for the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) then. "We were told it was a new scheme by Bank Negara Malaysia that promises to double the investment within a year but we at the MAB did not agree to it. "Millions have been channelled out of MPC but it has not been documented. Such an investment requires the approval of two-thirds of the council, not just a handful of people." He said there was no letter of undertaking by Bank Negara on the investment. "The manner the investment was done is unethical and we have been kept out of the loop for far too long. "Now, where is the money?" Chandra said he was eager to raise this issue at the much-awaited annual general meeting (AGM), which could be held soon. It was learnt the MPC had not conducted its AGM since 2005 and was only registered with the Sports Commissioner's office in May 2008. MPC executive board member Lee Sheng Chow, a blind national para athlete, said the revelation caught him by surprise. "This is news to me. We had had many meetings in the past, yet this was never brought up," Lee, who is also founder and president of the Malaysian Disabled Persons Sports Association, said. "This has to be clarified. Such dealings must be done in a transparent manner." Zainal, however, maintained the money was secure and kept aside for the possible construction of MPC's new headquarters. Meanwhile, Sports Commissioner Datuk Yassin Salleh said MPC would be hauled up to explain the matter. "We were not privy to such information before but once this is reported to us or even published in the newspapers, we will surely investigate. "I don't want to jump the gun but we need to know why such a thing was done in the first place and who had consented to the deal." This latest controversy has been deemed a "double whammy" for the MPC, which was in the limelight earlier this month after several national para athletes cried foul when their monetary rewards were significantly "slashed". On June 16, The Paper That Cares front-paged a report on Malaysia's paralympic athletes, whom despite finishing sixth out of 51 countries in last year's Asian Para Games in Guangzhou, China, only received 30 per cent of what able-bodied athletes got in cash incentives. Special athletes used to earn RM80,000 for a gold medal, RM40,000 for silver and RM20,000 for bronze at the regional games but when the incentives were presented to them in April, the winners only received RM24,000 for gold, RM12,000 silver and RM6,000 bronze. The National Sports Council (NSC) clarified, however, that the para athletes would be better taken care of under an incentive scheme introduced this year. |
| IGP says cops to arrest those with pro-Bersih ‘shoes, cars, buses’ Posted: 28 Jun 2011 09:26 PM PDT 
By Yow Hong Chieh, The Malaysian Insider
KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 — The police will not only arrest those sporting Bersih T-shirts but may also take action against anyone using any medium to promote the illegal rally, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has said. "Not just T-shirts but shoes, cars, buses. If these are the tools used to encourage people to gather (illegally), this amounts to sedition," Tan Sri Ismail Omar told reporters at Bukit Aman police headquarters here today. Earlier today, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein declared T-shirts bearing messages in support of Bersih illegal as they were related to an illegal assembly. He, however, did not specify the legal provision that the garments were deemed to have breached. Ismail explained that it was the duty of the police as the "protectors of society" to safeguard public order and national security, which he said would be in jeopardy if the Bersih 2.0 rally were allowed to take place. "Based on PDRM (Royal Malaysian Police) intelligence ... if this rally is held, tension, chaos, the destruction of property, injury and even loss of life may occur," he said. "PDRM will not allow any individual or certain parties to do anything that could trigger chaos and anarchy." He added that the police have received information that foreign elements were poised to exploit the chaos that would "very likely" result from the rally but declined to reveal their identity or if they were working with opposition parties. Ismail also warned Bersih organisers and supporters not to take advantage of his civil treatment of them so far to continue "inciting" the public to take part in the illegal rally. "I am still being civil at this point but don't force me to go to the next stage," he said. "Just watch ... There have been arrests but you will see further action if anyone still dares to break the law." READ MORE HERE |
| Seven arrested in Bersih office raid Posted: 28 Jun 2011 09:00 PM PDT 
(The Malaysian Insider) - Police have confirmed that seven Bersih volunteers detained during this afternoon's raid on the election watchdog's secretariat office in Petaling Jaya are now in remand. Federal CID chief Datuk Seri Mohd Bakri Zinin said that one Malay man, one Chinese man, one Malay woman, two Chinese women and two Indian women had been detained to help with investigations. He, however, declined to specify the legal provision under which the seven were being investigated. The volunteers are understood to be staff members from women's rights group Empower, which is part of the Bersih coalition for free and fair elections. Bakri added that 314 yellow, 90 orange, 136 cream Bersih T-shirts and banners were also seized during the noon raid carried out by some 20 policemen, at least one of whom was armed with an assault rifle. Selangor Chief Police Officer (CPO) Datuk Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah had earlier said that the police had obtained information that illegal activities were taking place in the house, adding that the tip-off appeared to be accurate. Lawyer Honey Tan, representing Empower, said the police were investigating the workers under the Printing Presses and Publication Act (PPPA) and for planning an illegal assembly under the Police Act. Bersih had earlier said that no search warrant was issued prior to the raid and that the police threatened to cut the locks to the office. Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein earlier today declared the Bersih T-shirts illegal over links with the unsanctioned July 9 rally. Bersih began an online campaign this afternoon asking those with Facebook and Twitter social network accounts to paint the Internet yellow with icons and badges in that colour. |
| PAS uncovers fake Bersih pamphlets Posted: 28 Jun 2011 08:44 PM PDT 
A factory is printing "hundreds of thousands" of material calling for a Libya-style revolution, say MPs. (Free Malaysia Today) - A factory in Johor is printing fake Bersih pamphlets calling for a Libya-style revolution to overthrow the government, according to MPs from PAS. Speaking to reporters in the parliament lobby, Kubang Kerian MP Salahuddin Ayub showed a photographed copy of the pamphlet. It had a Bersih 2.0 logo directly above a caption that read "Bersama kita tumbangkan kerajaan sekarang! Adakah kita mampu seperti Libya?" This translates to "Together we will topple the government now! Can we be like Libya?" He said a reliable source told PAS that a factory was printing the pamphlets by the "hundreds of thousands". He said his party would make a police report about the development. Libya is in the midst of a civil war, which erupted after citizens took to the streets in defiance of Muammar Gaddafi's autocratic regime. More than ten thousand people have been killed since the fighting started in February. Kuala Selangor MP Dzulkefly Ahmad said he believed the pamphlets were the work of quarters out to sabotage Bersih's objectives. "We disown all this nonsense," he said. "We are no such revolutionary types." He told FMT he would not reveal the exact location of the Johor factory, saying the information was relayed to PAS in confidence. Pokok Sena MP Mahfuz Omar said the message on the pamphlet was contrary to Bersih's message. "We are not here to overthrow the government," he said. "We are gentlemen. We want free and fair elections." He said the only way PAS and its Pakatan Rakyat partners wanted to change the government was through the ballot box. |
| Bersih internet campaign begins: A message to all Malaysians Posted: 28 Jun 2011 08:16 PM PDT 
Salam! Today, Wednesday, 29th of June, from 2pm-6pm, is Bersih's day of internet activism. Our goal is to exponentially increase visible support for Bersih online, as part of our movement for a free and fair electoral system, and for a better Malaysia for all Malaysians.  We call upon all Malaysians of all backgrounds, regardless of their affiliations, to join us in helping ensure that Malaysia's citizens will always retain the right to choose their government in a clean, democratic manner.
We hope to use democratic tools on the internet to objectively demonstrate how many Malaysians stand united behind these goals. In the first stage of our campaign, our objectives are to:
1. Reach 50,000 PicBadge Users – http://www.picbadges.com/bersih-2/1743665/
2. Get 50,000 Facebook Likes on our Official Page – http://www.facebook.com/pages/BERSIH-20-OFFICIAL/213938935311531
3. Get 10,000 followers on Twitter – http://twitter.com/bersih2 Also change your profile picture to something yellow. The only way we will achieve these goals is if as many Malaysians as possible spread the message through their social networks – Facebook, Twitter, e-mail, and so on. This marks the beginning of a web campaign that will last to the 9th of July and beyond, where every day from 2pm – 3pm, we will call on Malaysians to help spread the message. On the 29th of June from 2pm to 6pm, the theme for Facebook and Twitter is to write about "Why #Bersih?" – why it's needed, why we as individuals are choosing to walk, and why it will make Malaysia better for all Malaysians. We call upon activists to encourage positively, avoid pressuring others, and not get drawn into unproductive arguments. Ultimately, what we need are numbers to support the cause. Thank you all for your kind support – together we will change the country we love for the better. |
| Arrests precursor to UMNO's fall: Nik Aziz Posted: 28 Jun 2011 08:07 PM PDT 
(Harakah Daily) - The spate of arrests and police harassment throughout the country against supporters of the Bersih rally is a precursor to the UMNO and Barisan Nasional's downfall, said PAS Murshidul Am Tuan Guru Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat. "These arrests act as a precursor to the eventual fall of UMNO and Barisan Nasional," said the Kelantan Menteri Besar on a Twitter posting from Uzbekistan where he is on an official trip.
"I think the government has yet to learn from the fallen government in the Middle East."
Nik Aziz said the crackdown by the government could not scare the people away from supporting Bersih, whose rally on July 9 has been under attack from right-wing UMNO politicians threatening to incite violence to prevent a repeat of the Bersih rally in 2007 which attracted some 50,000 people in Kuala Lumpur.
Todate,, police have arrested more than 80 people, mostly for wearing the yellow t-shirt. At noon today, the office of Bersih 2.0 in Petaling Jaya secretariat was raided without any warrant.
 Meanwhile, PAS Youth chief Nasrudin Hasan Tantawi (right) has again urged UMNO to stop its excessive provocation by threatening to create chaos and instability ahead of the rally.
Nasrudin also cited a report by Perkasa mouthpiece Utusan Malaysia, quoting a Malay martial arts master threatening hinting that his disciples would resort to violence if Bersih rally went ahead as planned.
He echoed a statement by the staunchly pro-UMNO member of parliament, Ibrahim Ali, who also heads Perkasa, that he would not be able to control his supporters if they wished to bring weapons.
"With so many people how will you know who started it?" he asked.
Nasrudin reiterated that Bersih had no such agenda for violence and was to ensure peace in the country. |
| Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim Public Dialogue in London Posted: 28 Jun 2011 07:47 PM PDT 
Friends of Pakatan Rakyat have the pleasure of inviting you to join us for an afternoon with Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim who will speak on the following:
'Reforming Malaysia's Future: Pakatan Rakyat's GE13 strategy for social,political and economic transformation' Date : Sunday 3rd July 2011
Time: 5pm - Registration and Refreshments
5.30-6.15pm - Talk
6.15- 7pm - Q&A
Location : Holiday Villa Hotel, 37 Leinster Gardens, London, W2 3AR. Nearest Tube: Bayswater/Queensway |
| Anak Mamak disrupts press meet, rains abuses Posted: 28 Jun 2011 07:38 PM PDT 
Meanwhile the Penang High Court will decide tomorrow on the application for a judicial revision on their seven-day remand by 30 PSM detainees. (Free Malaysia Today) - Several members from the unregistered Suara Anak-Anak Mamak Pulau Pinang disrupted a Bersih-related press conference and hurled abuses against members of a coalition of civil society here today. Led by its chief Mohamed Ghani Abd Jiman, they hurled abuses against the civil society coalition members, including former state executive councillor Toh Kin Woon. While Toh was speaking to reporters near the state police headquarters this afternoon, the group, among others, shouted "Go back to your country if you want to complain", "Don't eat shit eat rice", "You seem old and about to die, go home" and "We are here to protect the law and order, and sovereignty of the country". Earlier, Toh led some 10 civil society members to submit a memorandum to state police chief Ayub Yaakob. The memorandum was received by Ayub's representative ASP M Selvi. Although Ghani and his gang were hurling abuses against Toh and the others in front of the police headquarters, police personnel just watched the commotion for most of the time. George Town police chief ACP Gan Kong Meng, who was present, later intervened and told both Ghani and Toh as well as the rest to leave the place. 
As Toh proceeded to continue his press conference outside the nearby Mydin Supermarket, Ghani and his gang again hurled abuses. Earlier, Ghani and his group scared off a Bersih 2.0 female activist while she was distributing copies of the memorandum to newsmen. The female activist hurriedly left the place fearing for her safety. This is the second time within 12 hours that rowdy groups had disrupted a Bersih gathering. Last night, PSM members faced a similar situation with a huge group of rowdy youths outside the northern Seberang Perai police headquarters. PSM submits memorandum This morning, PSM secretary-general S Arutchelvan led a party delegation to hand over a separate memorandum to the state police chief. Both memorandums touched on the detention of 30 PSM activists on Saturday while they were travelling in a tour bus along the North-South Expressway. The memorandums contained complaints of poor condition of police lock-ups, harassment of detainees, lack of water supply and medical treatment. The memorandums also called on the police to release the detainees at least on police bail. READ MORE HERE |
| Selangor exco man’s post in jeopardy Posted: 28 Jun 2011 07:26 PM PDT 
Dr A Xavier Jeyakumar is expected to be charged with allegedly assaulting a former PKR member at a controversial divisional polls last year. (Free Malaysia Today) - Selangor executive councillor Dr A Xavier Jeyakumar's position is in jeopardy following allegations that he assaulted a former PKR member during the Kota Raja PKR division elections last year. Sources told FMT that the police had recently submitted their investigation papers – nine months after the alleged incident – to the Attorney-General's Chambers for further action. It is reliably learnt that the police had recommended Jeyakumar be charged under Section 324 of the Penal Code for the alleged offence. A person charged under this section can be jailed for not more than seven years or fined or caned if found guilty. If Jeyakumar is convicted, he stands to lose his exco post as the Federal Constitution stipulates that an assemblyman would be disqualified if he is sentenced to a jail term of more than a year or
fined not less than RM2,000. Jeyakumar, who is also the Seri Andalas assemblyman, is alleged to have assaulted former PKR member KS Kottapan during voting at the party's divisional meeting in September 2010. The polls was mired in controversy after Jeyakumar was accused of allegedly using dirty tactics to win the division chairman's post. The election results were announced about 66 hours after the ballots were cast. "Since this is a high-profile case involving a politician, the police have sent the file to the Attorney-General's Chambers. The police feel that they have a strong case against Jeyakumar," said a source.
READ MORE HERE Video footage of fracas MX5sMw9A6UE SEE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX5sMw9A6UE |
| Ambiga appalled by govt intimidation Posted: 28 Jun 2011 07:15 PM PDT 
Bersih 2.0 chairperson denounces the Najib administration for being bereft of statesmanship and turning on the rakyat. (Free Malaysia Today) - The spate of arrests and intimidation of Bersih 2.0 supporters over the past week has left the coalition's chairperson, S Ambiga, appalled by the government's irresponsibility towards its citizens. The latest arrests took place during a police raid of the Bersih secretariat this morning after which seven staff members were detained for questioning. "I denounce in the strongest manner the raid and the arrest of Bersih staff today," Ambiga told FMT. "And I call for their immediate and unconditional release." The government's heavy-handedness during the run-up to the July 9 rally has also caught the former Bar Council president by surprise. Asked if she had expected such severe clampdowns, Ambiga replied that she was "astounded" at the government's reaction. "From day one the general reaction from the powers of authority showed a distinct lack of statesmanship," she said. "I'm appalled that the government can turn on its people this way." "The government is caught in a time warp and is not listening to the voices of the people. My question now is how can a responsible government threaten its people in this manner?" Death threat Ambiga also refuted an earlier statement by Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, that the Bersih T-shirts are illegal by the virtue of being linked to an illegal rally. If we look at the eight demands printed on the back of those T-shirts, which of those are illegal?" she asked. READ MORE HERE |
| Back down, IGP advises rally organisers Posted: 28 Jun 2011 07:03 PM PDT 
Despite the Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar's advice, Perkasa says it will only call off its July 9 rally if Bersih cancels its march. (Free Malaysia Today) - Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar met with Perkasa secretary-general Syed Hassan Syed Ali today to dissuade the latter from holding a counter-rally on July 9. Ismail was expected to meet with Bersih 2.0 chairman Ambiga Sreenevasan tomorrow at 11.30am while Umno Youth deputy chief Razali Ibrahim was supposed to turn up today. Speaking to reporters after his meeting, Syed Hassan said the police had sent a letter requesting Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali's presence at the Bukit Aman federal police headquarters. Ibrahim, however, is currently in Kelantan. "The IGP was just giving advice and a reminder. It is sort of a briefing to coax us from holding the rally," Syed Hassan said, adding that it was a short discussion with Ismail and several other officers, including Kuala Lumpur police chief Amar Singh. "He was explaining to me how having such a rally will inconvenience and scare the public," he said, commending Ismail for taking this approach. "He repeated that the police will have to take action if the organisers insisted on going against the law and holding the July 9 rally without permits," he added. However, Syed Hassan said that Perkasa would only back down if Bersih 2.0 cancelled its rally. "If anyone should be arrested, it should be the Bersih people first. They claim to have the people's voice, but we are also representing the people's voice. See who has more people then. "Their motives are unclean, they are not Bersih. They just want to shame the country and pressure the government. Their leaflets are not all about the election, they're talking about price hikes and all," he said. Ridiculous fear Ambiga, when contacted, said she would meet with Ismail tomorrow. "I still have faith that good sense will prevail. I believe that all channels of communication must always be kept open," she added. Meanwhile, PAS deputy president Mohamed Sabu, whom the police said had failed to show up despite being summoned today, claimed that he did not receive any calls. READ MORE HERE |
| It all started with an allegation Posted: 28 Jun 2011 06:21 PM PDT 
History is an interpretation of events. You can't change the actual events in history. But you can interpret the events. And everyone would have his/her own interpretation of things. For example, to the British it was 'The Indian Mutiny'. To the Indians it was a 'Fight for Independence'. The event never changes. How you perceive it would. NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin How many non-Muslims understand the conflict between the Sunnis and the Shiahs? For that matter, how many Muslims understand it? Why have millions of Muslims died at the hands of fellow Muslims since the time of the death of Prophet Muhammad? Many Muslims are in denial mode and Sunni Muslims, the largest sect in Islam (which most Malaysian-Malays belong to), would rather believe it is because the Shiahs are deviants. And that is why Malays who become Shiahs, or are suspected of following Shiah teachings, are arrested by the Malaysian government -- because they are following 'deviant' teachings. Let me tell you why the Sunnis and Shiahs are 'at war' with one another. And to understand this I need to take you back to the time of the Prophet when the schism between Muslims first started -- even before the Prophet could breath his last breathe. What I want to relate today is the official history of Islam. So it is not really my interpretation of events as such. And the story goes as follows. Once upon a time the Prophet's youngest wife, Aishah, was travelling through the desert in a caravan. The caravan stopped for a 'pit stop' and Aishah decided to seek a secluded spot to answer the call of nature (they did not have R&R stops in the desert in those days). Without realising that Aishah was missing, the caravan continued on its journey leaving Aishah behind. When Aishah returned she discovered that the caravan had left so she sat down to wait for them to come back for her. But they did not realise they had left her behind until they stopped for the night. By then it was too dark to turn back so they decided they would do that the following morning come daybreak. In the meantime a young, handsome Arab on horseback passed by and he saw Aishah sitting all alone in the desert. Although this Arab had never met Aishah before he immediately recognised her as being one of the Prophet's wives because all the Prophet's wives wore tudungs or headscarves. The young Arab offered to give Aishah a lift and help chase after the caravan. Before they could reach the caravan, night fell, so they had to seek shelter for the night in a cave and continue their journey to look for the caravan the following morning when it was light again. The following morning the Arab reached the caravan with Aishah riding pillion on the only horse that he possessed. Of course, this triggered talk that Aishah had spent the night alone with a young, handsome Arab. Within a day the whole of Medina was gossiping about this story and in no time at all the Prophet's enemies were spreading the story about Aishah's 'affair' with a young, handsome Arab. Ali, the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law (the first person after Khatijah, the Prophet's first wife, to become a Muslim) came to see the Prophet to inform him that the rumours about Aishah's 'affair' were becoming very bad and extremely serious. The Prophet was very troubled with this because Aishah was his favourite wife and also the daughter of his best general, Abu Bakar. Ali argued that the Prophet cannot afford to be linked to rumours of an unfaithful wife. Ali insisted that the Prophet divorce Aishah. The Prophet was extremely upset. He refused to divorce Aishah but he did leave her house and did not return for a number of days. And this was when, according to Islamic beliefs, the Surah An-Nur (below) was revealed by God. 
I will not go into details about this Surah but suffice to say that the Muslims believe that God, in response to the Prophet's dilemma as to what to do about the rumours of Aishah's 'affair', laid down the 'rules' on how to handle such rumours. In the end the Prophet did not divorce Aishah but went back to her house and made her swear that she did not commit adultery with the young, handsome Arab (as guided by Surah An-Nur) -- and Aishah did so. So that ended the rumours of Aishah's affair or adultery. The matter was now settled. But that did not settle the matter between Aishah and Ali. Since that day Aishah and Ali became adversaries (this is merely how I interpret this event, though). And this revealed itself on the Prophet's death. The Prophet wanted to spend his remaining days in Aishah's house and he in fact died on Aishah's lap. Just before he died, though, he summoned Ali and, according to Ali, the Prophet said that when he dies Ali should take over as the successor (caliph, in the Arabic language). When the Prophet died the council met to debate who should be the new successor and Ali told them that the Prophet had already anointed him as the successor and that Aishah was a witness to this. The council summoned Aishah to testify but she said she did not hear the Prophet say this. Because Aishah could not confirm what Ali said, Abu Bakar, Aishah's father, was appointed the successor instead. It was not until Abu Bakar and the two caliphs after him, Omar and Othman, died did Ali get his turn to become caliph (the fourth caliph after the Prophet). But soon after Ali took office, Aishah, who was then living in Mekah, led an army of Meccan Muslims to invade Medina with a view to oust Ali. And this was when the famous (or infamous) 'War of the Camel' took place. It is called the War of the Camel because Aisiah was riding a camel and Ali instructed his archers to not harm her (who was, after all, his step-mother) but to aim for the camel. The camel was brought down with a well-aimed arrow and Aishah fell to the ground. Ali then approached Aisiah, helped her to her feet, and told her to return to Mekah. Thus ended the rebellion. The Medinan Muslims, however, were angry with Ali. Rebellion was considered a serious crime and rebels must be sentenced to death, their property confiscated, and their family sold into slavery. But all Ali did was to help Aishah to her feet and allow her to return to Mekah unpunished. Many people turned against Ali and declared him a bad Muslim for not upholding the law. Aishah may be the Prophet's widow and Ali's stepmother. But the law is the law and Ali had violated the law. So they turned on him and soon after that Ali was assassinated. Okay, that is the event in history. I can't change that particular event, which is well-documented. But I would like to interpret that event the way I see it. It was most unfortunate that Aishah needed to answer the call of nature and doubly unfortunate that she did not inform anyone in the caravan and they left without realising she was missing. It was also unfortunate that a young, handsome Arab, a Good Samaritan, passed by and he was riding alone. If he had been in a group rather than alone then the story of Aishah's affair and adultery would not have been possible. But what happened, happened and the bad blood between Aishah and Ali resulted in the Sunni-Shiah conflict that is still going on until today. You see, when they assassinated Ali, his followers formed 'the Party of Ali' or Shiatul Ali (now know as Shiah for short) to seek revenge for Ali's death at the hands of fellow Muslims. And the Shiahs are still seeking revenge until today (man, do these Shiahs have long memories). But what I want to stress here is not so much the Sunni-Shiah conflict but how rumours of sexual misconduct can have serious repercussions. In the Aishah-Ali case millions died because of it, Muslims at the hands of Muslims. Ali's solution to this was that Prophet Muhammad must divorce Aishah to protect the image and reputation of the Prophet. A Prophet can't afford to have these rumours of an unfaithful wife hanging over his head. A Prophet and his family must be seen to be above sin and transgression. As they say: it is a matter of perception. Of course, these rumours were being spread by the Prophet's enemies. That is natural. Who else but your enemies would do this? But the Prophet's enemies were able to spread these rumours only because the event did happen (meaning: Aishah spent the night alone in the desert with a young, handsome Arab). If the event had not happened then they would not have been able to spread any rumours. Those who supported the Prophet and/or Aishah naturally did not believe the rumours. Ali did not say be believed it as well. What Ali said was the Prophet has to divorce Aishah to protect/insulate the Prophet (and Islam, of course) from these rumours. I interpret this as the saddest episode in Islamic history. How something so innocent can be twisted into something so devious that has now split Islam beyond repair is sad. But it happened. Okay, now relate all this to present day Malaysia. How would you interpret Malaysia's ongoing crisis of confidence for both the government and the opposition in the context of the story of the Sunni-Shiah conflict? Yes, that is certainly something to ponder on. But I shall stop here and allow you to ponder this on your own. Those who can see it will see it. Those who can't…well, what more can I say about Malaysia's education system that breeds dungus and lamebrains? And what is my point? If you can't get it then I will not waste my time with you any longer. |
| Kebajikan untuk Semua Posted: 28 Jun 2011 04:56 PM PDT 
DARI JELEBU Propaganda buah catur mereka licik dan menarik. Propaganda berjalan secara tersusun dan dirancang. Untuk umat Islam telah dikatakan bahawa sistem ekonomi sosialis ini 'tidak bertuhan'. Kepada kaum tani, pesawah dan peladang dihujahkan jika mereka menyokong kelahiran ekonomi sosialis maka satu ketika nanti bukan sahaja mereka kehilangan tanah ladang malah bajak, kerbau dan isteri mereka juga wajib di kongsi. Hishamuddin Rais Saya meneruskan tulisan minggu ini dalam usaha saya untuk menerangkan kosep dan falsafah Negara Kebajikan. Saya berharap tulisan ini dapat memberi sadikit pencerahan kepada pembaca yang budiman tentang ekonomi dan politik Negara Kebajikan. Saban hari kita semua ada membaca, ada mendengar dan mungkin melihat di kaca Tv bagaimana parti-parti politik bukan sahaja di Malaysia malah diseluruh dunia cuba mengajukan dasar ekonomi kepada warga. Justeru perjuangan politik adalah pejuangan untuk merebut peluang ekonomi. Perjuangan politik ialah perjuangan agihan punca-puca ekonomi. Khalas. Ada dua sistem ekonomi telah diwujudkan dalam dunia ini – sistem ekonomi kapitalis dan sistem ekonomi sosialis. Dua bentuk sistem ekonomi ini bertentangan antara satu sama lain. Akidah sistem ekonomi kapitalis ialah: keuntungan maksima sebagai pemandu. Manakala akidah sistem ekonomi sosialis ialah : kebajikan ramai menjadi kemudi. Sistem ekonomi inilah yang melahirkan budaya, yang melahirkan nilai dan mewujudkan lembaga-lembaga daulah. Di hadapan mata kita sekarang – yang berlaku disekeliling kita, budaya kehidupan dalam negara kita ini – semuanya diwujudkan dari sistem ekonomi kapitalis. Sistem ekonomi adalah injin ketamadunan negara bangsa. Di zaman Firaun – sistem ekonomi feudal telah memaksa warga Mesir untuk menjadi hamba abdi mendirikan Pyramid. Di Tanah Melayu sistem feudal telah membenarkan Raja memungut cukai atau mengambil anak dara yang cun untuk dijadikan gundek. Sistem ekonomi kapitalislah yang melahirkan budaya konsumer yang kita lihat di Amerika, di negara Arab, di Eropah, di Jepun dan diikuti di Kuala Lumpur. Tidak ada budaya bangsa atau sosok individu yang akan terlepas bebas dari hegemoni sistem ekonomi. Sistem ekonomi merangkumi semua sudut cabang kehidupan manusia moden. Di Malaysia kita tidak ada peluang memahami agar dapat menilai apakah dia sistem ekonomi sosialis yang dikatakan ada potensi untuk melahirkan Negara Kebajikan. Kekurangan pemahaman kita terhadap sistem elternatif kepada sistem kapitalis ini memiliki sebab-sebab sejarah. Di zaman Perang Dingin, kuasa Anglo-Amerika terutama Amerika Syarikat negara imperial yang unggul telah menaburkan propaganda untuk memburuk dan menakut-nakutkan rakyat dunia tentang sistem ekonomi sosialis. Propaganda buah catur mereka licik dan menarik. Propaganda berjalan secara tersusun dan dirancang. Untuk umat Islam telah dikatakan bahawa sistem ekonomi sosialis ini 'tidak bertuhan'. Kepada kaum tani, pesawah dan peladang dihujahkan jika mereka menyokong kelahiran ekonomi sosialis maka satu ketika nanti bukan sahaja mereka kehilangan tanah ladang malah bajak, kerbau dan isteri mereka juga wajib di kongsi. Untuk pekedai kecil atau tuan tanah yang memiliki saekar dua kebun getah – mereka ditakut-takutkan dengan kehilangan mata pencarian. Tanah sekangkang kera atau kedai runcit mereka akan dimilik negarakan jika ekonomi sosialis ingin diwujudkan. Kepada kaum buruh pula mereka ditakut-takutkan yang mereka akan hilang pekerjaan dan hanya akan menjadi 'kuli batak'. Tenaga kerja mereka akan hilang dan hanya memburuh uintuk memboncitkan perut para birokrat daulah yang tidak melakukan apa-apa pekerjaan. Propaganda, fitnah dan pembohongan ini dijalan dengan perancangan media yang tersusun. Dengan wujudnya jaringan pendakwah kapitalis yang diberi upah lumayan. Dengan para kang kong di universiti yang terus besedia untuk menerima upah bersuara. Maka propaganda anti-Negara Kabajikan ini meluas dan melebar. Dalam negara kita ini – sebut sahaja satu sistem alternatif kepada sistem yang ada sekarang ianya akan menjemput pelbagai tuduhan dan momokan. Warga akan ditakut-takutkan, warga akan diancam dengan pelbagai ancaman jika warga berani memikirkan tentang satu sistem ekonomi yang berkemungkinan melahirkan Negara Kebajikan. Read more at: http://tukartiub.blogspot.com/2011/06/apa-dia-negara-kabajikan.html |
| Bersih 2.0 Australia Posted: 28 Jun 2011 04:38 PM PDT 
For me to organise a rally or march or parade, all I need is to inform the city council. It was that easy as the website clearly states that a public demonstration only requires a notification for organising a public demonstration. By Maverick Hello there, my name is Maverick and I'm currently undertaking a degree course in Adelaide. I'm 22 this year and I'm the head organiser of the Bersih 2.0 rally in Adelaide. I'm mostly influenced by my dad when it comes to politics, listening to his frustrations day in day out for almost the past 12 years of my life, that's how I got into knowing politics. We are known as Bersih 2.0 Australia. It's the same rally in which it is being held in Malaysia as we've been in contact with the majority of the leaders/committees of Bersih 2.0 held in Malaysia. We have been brought together by David, the head organiser of Bersih 2.0 Adelaide. He has been in contact with other leaders in other states, choreographing this move. Well, it is organised in every major city in Australia, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Canberra and even Hobart and Brisbane in the coming days. We are a group of Malaysians, consisting of both young and old, living in a country where we deem democracy is at its best. We've been in contact with one another over the past few days via emails and facebook, and yes, we use facebook to communicate a lot. For me to organise a rally or march or parade, all I need is to inform the city council. It was that easy as the website clearly states that a public demonstration only requires a notification for organising a public demonstration. Furthermore, I believe that it's the same for the other states. You can have a look at this link if you don't believe me: http://www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/services/notification-to-council.html. I've been in discussions over emails with other leaders from abroad including Malaysian Bersih leaders. I'm the sole organiser of Bersih 2.0 Adelaide and I don't have a committee of 5 to 10 people. I have never done this before as this was purely following my heart as a Malaysian. But ever since the day I started, I've received more and more support from the leaders and the people of Malaysia, even Australians!
In Adelaide, the rally would be held at Victoria Square Fountains. It would be more of a teaching to Malaysian students about democracy and about the situation that we're facing in Malaysia as we all know, the majority of young Malaysians are very afraid to voice out their concerns or stand up for politics. Melbourne will be having theirs at State Library Lawns. Sydney at Consulate General of Malaysia. Perth at the Consulate General of Malaysia situated in Perth, and Canberra at Parliament House of Australia. All rallies at each state are held at the same time as the Malaysian rally. Each state will be expecting different numbers of people attending but at this stage, Melbourne has the largest group. There will be a majority of Malaysians attending for sure but whether we will be having mostly students attending them I would not be able to answer you as we're focusing on gathering all Malaysians and not merely students.
Learn more from here, https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=196304237083769 I decided to organise this rally in Adelaide when I read all the news posted on the net about the happenings in Sarawak and its chief minister. When I was reading through web page after web page, there was an outcry of conspiracy in the handling of the people's money. I was so upset that it really triggered a sudden emotional surge of patriotism within me. I felt that as a Malaysian, I have the responsibility of organising one here in Adelaide, showing the Malaysian public that even Malaysians abroad care about their country, we miss our country and we still love our country! Unlike some people in the cabinet who has branded us as betrayers of the country. I know MSDA has sent out a message to all Malaysian students abroad about not joining such rallies but I'm not afraid at all even though I am a student. I know that the Australians practice true democracy and they would support us in organising such events. In the next few days we would be in contact with state senators and MPs in supporting us for this rally. The human rights in Australia is so powerful, Malaysians in Malaysia should start to show their support for Bersih as that's the way a country should be governed - by having strong voices in the nation. As stated before, I believe we have taken all possible and neccessary precautionary measures ie police clearance and council notifications have all been submitted. So we're readying ourselves up for the 9th of July. In concludsion, to all my fellow Malaysians, please stand up and speak up for your rights. Never underestimate your strength you have as the people of Malaysia. Your voices and your votes count in every aspect of the country especially for our children. If it's not for our future then theirs. Stand up everyone, it's time we tell the government that its not them who are in power, it's the people! It's time to tell them that we want only Rakyat Malaysia, not Malay, Chinese or Indian. It's time that we stand united, ready ourselves and battle for CHANGE!! |
| Not 1 but 2 Posted: 28 Jun 2011 04:32 PM PDT 
In an unbalanced situation the stronger will abuse or even kill off the weaker. If there is no artificially created balance which must be well maintained with great effort and integrity, an ugly, cruel and abusive dictatorship will arise – a dictatorship that will try to be God or pretend it is God because it exists as a single monopoly and there is no one to challenge its power. By batsman Not 1Malaysia but free, fair and clean 2 party political system. In the affairs of imperfect humans, it is better to have 2. Only in perfection is there the necessity of 1. In fact, perfection demands that only 1 perfection is possible. There cannot be 2 perfect but exactly similar entities. Having 2 perfect but exactly similar entities means either that one or both is not perfect or they are not exactly similar. It is not possible to distinguish between 2 perfect and exactly similar entities, therefore they cannot be 2 but one. If you are able to understand the reasoning above, then you can understand why there is only one God, but in the affairs of imperfect human beings and their artificially constructed institutions, it is not only better but necessary to have at least 2. Even then, in having 2, imperfect human beings must necessarily demand that other conditions exist in order that there is approximate balance and that 2 does not become 1. In an unbalanced situation the stronger will abuse or even kill off the weaker. If there is no artificially created balance which must be well maintained with great effort and integrity, an ugly, cruel and abusive dictatorship will arise – a dictatorship that will try to be God or pretend it is God because it exists as a single monopoly and there is no one to challenge its power. God maintains nature in equilibrium. Man has no such wisdom and continually causes disequilibrium and commits genocide. To improve, man must admit his imperfection and seek to achieve some form of balance. This other condition necessary for a balanced and healthy 2 party political system is a neutral legal system implemented by professionals who have no interest in the outcome of elections to determine who rules for the next term i.e. a professional judicial and public service. All these things are necessary because humans are imperfect and need to expend great effort to ensure things work well as well as to ensure it remains that way. So it makes good sense that we do not need a 1Malaysia but a free, fair and clean 2-party political system – not 1 but 2. All Bersih 2.0 is demanding is reform of the electoral system such that we can have free, fair and clean elections. Unfortunately, the dictatorship in power is accusing Bersih 2.0 of threatening national security and some of its supporters as proponents of communism – communism which practices monopolistic 1 party rule. The accusations of the dictatorship in power does not make any sense at all. The dictatorship is fearful of free, fair and clean elections. This is the only conclusion that makes any sense. By the way, those in the opposition who accuse RPK of betrayal because he went on TV to try and explain his SD – just explain, not even retract, have no idea what makes a healthy 2 party system viable. They try to perpetuate a lie in the spirit of irreconcilable hostility and blind loyalty. Such irreconcilable hostility is the stuff of abuse and dictatorship. Such blind loyalty is the stuff of fascist thugs and goons. Trying to perpetuate a lie itself is abuse of the concept of "free, fair and clean". Such oppositionists forget the role of perception in politics. They are too engrossed in self and do not pay enough attention to the perception of the voters. If the voters perceive that the morals and integrity of the dictatorship in power and the ambitious opposition which wishes to get into power is not much different, then their decision on who to vote for will rest on who they think will be more effective in delivering goodies. Such voting decisions will be forced to become mercenary, cronyistic and racialist in character. This is already what we all very clearly observe. This is already happening in reality. So reformists – please wake up and support Bersih 2.0 in an intelligently free, fair and clean manner. Be intelligent in realizing that although Bersih 2.0's struggle has political implications it is non-party political i.e. neutral. It's struggle is to get electoral reforms which are the conditions necessary for a health 2 party political system to be viable. With this, Ambiga is right when she told DSAI off and Hindraf is wrong to say it will not participate just because the PR has not met its demands. Both DSAI and Hindraf are wrong to try and make Bersih 2.0 look party political. This gives UMNO ammunition to tell lies that Bersih 2.0 serves the political interests of the PR. Both DSAI and Hindraf are shooting themselves in their own feet and sabotaging Bersih 2.0 as well. (Are you at all surprised?) Bersih 2.0 does not serve any political party. It is neutral and seeks only to improve the political maturity and cleanliness of politics in Malaysia. |
| Cops raid Bersih office Posted: 28 Jun 2011 04:17 PM PDT 
(The Malaysian Insider) - Police officers today raided the Bersih 2.0 office in Petaling Jaya, according to steering committee member Maria Chin Abdullah. She told reporters here in Parliament that 20 policemen were currently raiding the premises, and claimed that a search warrant was not issued prior to the raid. "Police raided the office at about 12pm, without a warrant. They are now at the office taking details of the staff," said Maria. The Bersih secretariat also doubles as the Empower office. Empower is a non-governmental organisation that is part of the Bersih coalition pushing for free and fair elections. Cemme Lee, a member of the Bersih 2.0 secretariat, said the police earlier entered the Empower office without a warrant. "They threatened to cut our locks," Lee, who is currently in Empower's office building, told The Malaysian Insider today. "They're taking down details of our ICs... they took our video cameras," she said, adding that there were six Empower staff members and a volunteer in the office presently. Lee said there were 15 police officers within the premises, but did not know how many were outside the building located in Section 4, Petaling Jaya. She added that the police are refusing to specify the purpose of their search. "They said they're here to check... they're counting Bersih shirts right now," she said. Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein earlier today declared Bersih T-shirts "illegal" by association with the unsanctioned July 9 rally. Lawyers for Liberty co-ordinator Fadiah Nadwa Fikri told The Malaysian Insider that she was on her way to the Empower office. |
| Silat exponents threaten to ‘wage war’ on Bersih activists Posted: 28 Jun 2011 04:09 PM PDT 
(The Malaysian Insider) - More than 50,000 Silat exponents are prepared to "wage war" with Bersih activists next Saturday, Utusan Malaysia reported today. The Mahaguru (grandmaster) of the Pertubuhan Seni Silat Lincah Malaysia (PSSLM) Tan Sri Omardin Mauju was quoted as saying that the exponents were the third line of defence in the country, after the police and military, to ensure national security. "We maintain our stand to go to 'war' if they still want to proceed with this illegal rally," he was quoted by Utusan Malaysia as saying. "If it happens, I cannot guarantee I can control the emotions of my members because they have been taught to act when faced with opposition." The July 9 rally by Bersih 2.0 is making eight demands of the Election Commission (EC), including the call for free and fair elections. The government insists that elections are already free and fair, pointing to the opposition's gains in Election 2008. Pakatan Rakyat (PR) hopes the demonstration will generate momentum ahead of a general election expected within the year. The first Bersih rally in 2007 saw up to 50,000 people take to the streets of Kuala Lumpur before they were dispersed by police armed with tear gas and water cannons. The demonstration has been partly credited for Pakatan Rakyat's record gains in Election 2008, where the opposition pact swept to power in five states and won 82 parliamentary seats. PKR has accused the police of dancing to the tune of Utusan Malaysia and Umno leaders in their investigations into the July 9 Bersih rally. READ MORE HERE |
| Sipitang looks set to welcome it's honorable guest - Prime Minister, Dato Seri Najib Tun Abd Razak Posted: 28 Jun 2011 04:05 PM PDT 
This is the first ever visit by a Prime Minister; none of our previous Prime Ministers had ever visited Sipitang. By Amde Sidik Sipitang looks set to welcome it's honorable guest - Prime Minister, Dato Seri Najib Tun Abd Razak on 30 of July in conjunction with Sipitang's Gasing and Tamu Besar also known as Gata, a biennial feastivity since 2003. This is the first ever visit by a Prime Minister; none of our previous Prime Ministers had ever visited Sipitang. Sipitang, the durian town of Sabah, is also the gateway for people from Sarawak and Brunei to visit Sabah situated about 8 kilometers from the Sabah and Sarawak border. The Prime Minister is expected to officiate a RM10 million Sipitang esplanade. He would be in Sipitang town by noon traveling from Tenom via a new high road which takes less than 2 hours' driving from Tenom. Sipitang has about 30,000 people. About 60% of Sipitang's population is made up of the Kadayan community; 30% is Lundayeh and Murut and the rest are Brunei, Chinese and others for 10%. The main employment provider is a paper and pulp factory also called the Sabah Forest Industry which was set up during the Berjaya government in the 70's but sold to an Indian company in the year 2005. Sipitang, a coastal town situated at Brunei Bay, historically had abundant fish and marine life but now all are rapidly dissipated. The dramatic reduction of the quality of marine life is suspected to be due to the toxic disposal from SFI to the sea. Some years ago, our Malaysian writer who happens to be Sipitang-born, questioned SFI about this which infuriated the then SFI Public Relation Officer at that time. Sipitang has changed from all wooden buildings to now of mostly concrete. But like any other towns in the state, the design and planning of the town is typically done haphazardly which will take many more years to meet European standards. If Kota Kinabalu is still trying, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Sipitang fail. Sipitang may change its composition in future. This was highlighted recently in the local media with regards to the increased number of foreigners buying local Native Title Land by dubious means. The most common modus operandi is by the use of local proxy. The case in hand, eleven acres of land in Kg Ulu Naparan was bought by forty foreigners who raised up a fund of RM280,000; they used one Kadayan on their behalf, then allotted one lot for him to build a house as an enticement. The Kadayans and Brunaians alike in the surrounding areas are furious at some of these Kadayans taking advantage of the situation and some local leaders are still investigating to bring the matter up to a higher authority. Sipitang town may look pretty for a short while. Others argue it wouldn't cater to provide employment which the district is in dire need of. A half million ringgit to build an arch erected with donations by the Sabah Land Development is a very questionable way of spending public money. Apart from it being badly designed, it creates unnecessary congestion long before it should. |
| Release full video, Johari challenges blogger Posted: 28 Jun 2011 04:03 PM PDT 
The PKR MP is seen in this clip as being very friendly with the three men, laughing and joking with them several times during the sex video screening. (The Malaysian Insider) - Datuk Johari Abdul today demanded a pro-Umno blogger to release the full recording of the PKR leader watching the infamous sex video with the "Datuk T" trio, claiming that it will absolve him of any accusations. A new video clip emerged on the Internet yesterday to attack Johari's credibility with suggestions he had asked "Datuk T", comprising Datuk Shazryl Eskay Abdullah, former Malacca Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik and Datuk Shuaib Abdul Lazim, for RM1 million. The latest video is a recording of Johari (picture) watching the sex video in a hotel room, accompanied by the trio. The 1.59-minute-long video, posted by pro-Umno blogger "Papagomo" carried a blog posting which quoted Shazryl as alleging that Johari was convinced that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was the man in the sex clip, and that Johari had also asked for RM1 million for himself and RM1 million each for five other MPs who would "leave PKR" after viewing the video. The posting also quoted Shazryl as saying that Johari had demanded RM100,000 in "advanced payment", and that the PKR man had been paid half the amount. The latest video clip however contains no evidence to suggest he had asked for money. "I challenge Papagomo to show the full tape, do not edit and only show two minutes, I watched it, I was there at least for half an hour. "Show the part where Rahim offered me money and offered to take me to see the Prime Minister," Johari told reporters today. The Sungai Petani MP claimed that he could not remember the context of a line he had said when watching the sex video, which was repeated a few times in the recording. "I can't remember...but what is said "it's not about Anwar, it's about the scene"...its scene, not sin. Only way to find out, show the whole video," Johari said. Johari has maintained he is "completely" innocent of the "untrue" accusations. READ MORE HERE |
| Johari tak ikhlas pertahan Anwar isu video seks Posted: 28 Jun 2011 03:55 PM PDT 
(Berita Harian) - Hanya empat hari selepas mempertahankan Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim bukan pelaku dalam rakaman video seks yang ditayangkan 'Datuk T', pada Mac lalu, semalam terbongkar pula video yang merakamkan aksi Datuk Johari Abdul ketika menonton video kontroversi itu. Rakaman dalam sebuah bilik pada 21 Mac lalu itu menunjukkan Ahli Parlimen Sungai Petani berkenaan bersama bekas Ketua Menteri Melaka, Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Tamby Chik, Datuk Shazryl Eskay Abdullah dan bekas Bendahari Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (PERKASA), Datuk Shuaib Lazim menyaksikan video itu. Ketika melihat aksi rakaman itu Johari kedengaran berkata: "Bukan kerana Anwar, tapi kerana dosa itu," disambut dengan ketawa Datuk T. Rakaman selama satu minit 58 saat yang disebarkan semalam itu bagaimanapun mendedahkan pendirian Johari yang tidak tetap. Jumaat lalu, pemimpin Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) itu mempertahankan Anwar bukan pelaku dalam rakaman video seks yang ditayangkan tiga bulan lalu sambil berkata ada seribu kemungkinan mengenai identiti individu terbabit |
| Harussani Zakaria: Ambiga mahu jatuhkan imej negara Posted: 28 Jun 2011 03:46 PM PDT 
(Utusan Malaysia) - Mufti Perak, Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria menyifatkan Datuk S. Ambiga dilihat cuba menjadi 'superhero' dengan tindakannya mengetuai penganjuran perhimpunan haram pada 9 Julai ini. Beliau berkata dengan mengetuai perhimpunan yang tidak mendapat permit daripada pihak berkuasa itu, penganjur mahu mencari publisiti dengan menjatuhkan imej negara pada kaca mata dunia sekaligus akan mendapat publisiti. "Tindakan itu juga seolah-olah dia (Ambiga) mahu menjatuhkan imej kerajaan di luar negara dengan mengadakan perhimpunan yang tidak mendatangkan faedah," katanya ketika dihubungi di sini hari ini. Beliau turut mencadangkan supaya pengamal undang-undang yang bertindak seperti Ambiga dibatalkan lesen guaman mereka. Beliau berkata, sebelum ini bekas presiden Majlis Peguam itu pernah mempersoalkan peruntukan yang termaktub dalam Perlembagaan Persekutuan berhubung hak dan keistimewaan orang Melayu. Harussani berkata, malangnya ada kalangan masyarakat yang sudah lupa serta mempunyai perasaan hasad dengki antara satu sama lain. "Rentetan itu, mereka bertindak menyokong perhimpunan haram yang bakal dianjurkan pada 9 Julai ini bagi menunjukkan tanda protes," katanya. |
| PKR sees Emergency in Putrajaya bid to stop Bersih Posted: 28 Jun 2011 03:46 PM PDT 
By G Manimaran, The Malaysian Insider PETALING JAYA, June 29 — PKR said today it expects the federal government to declare an Emergency in Kuala Lumpur as a last resort to stop the July 9 Bersih 2.0 public rally calling for electoral reforms. Shuhaimi Shafiei, a member of PKR's central leadership council, said the assessment was based on the move by the authorities in recent days to clamp down on plans for the rally through mass arrests of Bersih activists "We expect them to use whatever means including declaring Emergency," he told reporters at his party's headquarters here today. Shuhaimi, who is also PKR's Selangor information chief, said he believed the recent police action pointed to plans by Putrajaya to declare Emergency. "We are heading in that direction...this is a move by Putrajaya because they are scared of losing power. "Nevertheless such actions will anger a public who are now aware of their rights," he said. The police have in hauled up a number of opposition leaders and Bersih activists for questioning in recent day. Perkasa and Umno Youth leaders have also been questioned in relation to their plans to have Bersih counter-rallies. On Sunday, the authorities arrested 30 activists from the Socialists Party of Malaysia including Sungai Siput MP Michael Jayakumar, on suspicion of "waging war on the King," and suspected communist activities after finding T-shirts with images of former Communist Party leaders Chin Peng and Rashid Maidin. "What has happened shows the terrible fears of those in Putrajaya.
READ MORE HERE |
| WIKILEAKS: Cartoons prompted media clampdown Posted: 28 Jun 2011 03:40 PM PDT 
According to Wikileaks, former premier Abullah Ahmad Badawi tightened the government's grip on the media following the controversy surrounding the caricatures of Prophet Muhammad. According to whistleblower website Wikileaks, Abdullah tightened the government's grip on media sources when the images appeared in the New Straits Times, the Chinese-language Berita Petang Sarawak, Guang Ming Daily, the Sarawak Tribune, and TV channels RTM1, RTM2, and Umno-controlled TV3 and NTV7 in 2006. Tashny Sukumaran, Free Malaysia Today Caricatures of Prophet Muhammad published in two dailies and aired on two free-to-air TV channels as well as the ensuing protests led former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to clampdown on the media. According to whistleblower website Wikileaks, Abdullah tightened the government's grip on media sources when the images appeared in the New Straits Times, the Chinese-language Berita Petang Sarawak, Guang Ming Daily, the Sarawak Tribune, and TV channels RTM1, RTM2, and Umno-controlled TV3 and NTV7 in 2006. Of these, Berita Petang Sarawak, Guang Ming Daily and the Sarawak Tribune had their publishing permits suspended – a fate which the NST avoided by publishing a full-page apology on its front page. As a result of the seditious cartoon, the Sarawak Tribune was suspended for four years, only returning to the stands in May last year under the banner of the New Sarawak Tribune. Opposition PAS and several religious leaders also fanned the cartoon flames despite efforts by the government and mainstream media to put the controversy behind them, with about 500 protesters gathering outside NST's office here. Supporters of PAS and of Anwar Ibrahim's PKR waved signs and shouted slogans that referred to the NST editors as "bastards" and agents of Israel and Singapore, it added. PAS also tried to organise similar protests at mosques in every state capital, while the Perak government-funded religious council website posted an online poll asking readers whether Muslims should "hunt and kill, or launch war" against those who "insulted Prophet Muhammad." READ MORE HERE |
| Minimum wages now, not policies Posted: 28 Jun 2011 03:35 PM PDT While a significant number of workers suffer due to poor wages, the government continues to be pro-employer in its approach. Now, rather than immediately setting and implementing a minimum wage for all workers in Malaysia, or coming out with a minimum wage law, the BN government is telling us that it is tabling a new Bill called the National Wage Consultative Council Act, and the fear is that this will just be as ineffective as the previous law, and all workers will not enjoy basic minimum wages for some time yet, if at all. By Syed Shahrir Syed Mohamud, Free Malaysia Today It was a sad day for workers and unions in Malaysia when Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak at the Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) dinner on June 14 made no firm commitment on the promotion and protection of workers' rights. As for the minimum wage issue, his response was that this matter is to be referred to the National Wage Consultative Council. There was also no positive response on the issues of retirement age of 60, increasing maternity leave to 90 days for all workers, and the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA). Workers in Malaysia are still a very low priority of the current Umno-led Barisan Nasional government that has ruled since independence in 1957. Pleas of workers and their families for decent wages continue to be ignored by a government that has been shown to be pro-employer and pro-business, which, by its actions and omissions, seems to be more interested in maintaining the supply of lowly paid, "problem-free" and "easily used and disposable" workers especially for private sector companies. Workers' demand and plea for a basic minimum living wage law that will ensure that workers and their families will be able to live decent lives as human beings continue to be ignored by this government, which has at the same time been very fast in increasing the cost of living. This government has allowed increase in the cost of electricity, water, postal services, phone charges, toll charges, petrol and generally the cost of living. The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) saw an overall rise of cost of almost all goods and services. Continuous subsidy removals have also resulted in the increase of prices of basic goods and amenities needed by all persons to sustain life. All these measures that resulted in an increase in the cost of living of workers and their families have been done speedily and systematically, but at the same time this government has not ensured increase in wages, and has been systematically removing the right to secure employment until retirement age. New workers today are being allowed by the government to be employed as short-term contract workers, and sadly even once permanent workers are made to leave through various schemes, like voluntary separation schemes (VSS) and then re-employed as short-term contract workers. Then, the government has expressed the intention of wanting to deny these now contract workers the right to go to court and claim for reinstatement when they are wrongfully dismissed by employers, but the trade unions and civil society opposed this and the government has yet to make this law. Now, another disturbing trend is that the government is allowing some companies to avoid employment relationships, and their duties and obligations to the workers who work in their factories, plantations and workplaces. It is doing this by a new illegal entity called outsourcing agents, who are actually contractors for labour that supply workers to principals, and this clearly is not allowed in our Employment Act 1955. The law applies to all, including the government, and action is demanded that injustice and violation of law are aggressively ended.
Workers living below poverty line On minimum wage, Malaysia always had the Wages Councils Act 1947, which gave the government the means and mechanisms to stipulate minimum wages for workers but, alas, it seems that only four categories of workers have been covered by orders made under this Act, that is, in 1967, 1970, 1972 and 1977. They are catering and hotel workers, shop assistants, cinema workers, and Penang stevedores and cargo handlers respectively. For example, the 1970 order on shop assistants provides that the minimum remuneration for a worker ranges from RM170 to RM250, depending on the age of the worker, location and whether full-time or apprentice. READ MORE HERE |
| Bersih T-shirts illegal, declares Hisham Posted: 28 Jun 2011 03:32 PM PDT 
By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider PUTRAJAYA, June 29 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said today T-shirts with messages in support of Bersih have been outlawed because they were related to an illegal assembly. "The Bersih T-shirt is related to an illegal assembly, then whatever they are wearing is illegal," he told reporters. Police officers have been arresting activists and opposition members wearing Bersih T-shirts ahead of next weekend's rally and counter rallies organised by Umno Youth and Perkasa, all of which the government has said will not be given police permits. However, the Bersih organisation has not been declared illegal nor has the word "Bersih" been gazetted as such. Hishammuddin did not mention today under what law the T-shirts would be considered illegal. Speaking at a press conference here, he also rejected claims that the police clampdown on those supporting the July 9 march for electoral reforms was politically motivated. "On whose part? I can ask the same thing to them," he said, implying that it was Pakatan Rakyat (PR) who were politicising police action related to the Bersih rally. The Umno vice president also promised that action will be taken against the Umno Youth members who had surrounded the PKR headquarters on Monday, when they allegedly threatened to burn down the office. "I told the police to treat them as with Bersih. Nobody is above the law," he said. Police officers have also raided the Bersih office in Petaling Jaya today, according to steering committee member Maria Chin Abdullah. She told reporters here in Parliament that 20 policemen were currently raiding the premises, and claimed that a search warrant was not issued prior to the raid. Activists under Bersih and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) component parties are gearing up for the rally this July 9, the second such gathering calling for electoral reforms. READ MORE HERE |
| The Tipping Point Posted: 28 Jun 2011 03:19 PM PDT 
ART HARUN Apparently, Pak Samad Said, our Sasterawan Negara/National Laureate, read the last two paragraphs of the following speech on 19th June 2011 at the launch of Bersih. I copied the following speech of his from his blog. "Murbawan Malaysia tidak senang dengan apa yang sedang berlaku di negara ini. Kita menghantar pesanan yang sangat waras. Demokrasi perlu murni dan terus dimurnikan. Kenapa kita tidak boleh memperbaik situasi? Kenapa kita harus membiarkan demokrasi diperkuda oleh segelintir kuasawan yang tampaknya bermaharajalela? Telah lama kita tidak senang dengan aliran demokrasi yang diperkuda ini. Telah lama kita inginkan demokrasi yang bersih, bergerak atas landas yang murni. Kita sedar bahawa jalan ini tidaklah mudah. Maka itu, kita menjadi lebih berazam. Kita maklum bahawa gergasi media arus perdana kini sedang ikut garang menghempit kita dalam arus peristiwa yang semakin durjana. Kita sedang berlawan dengan keangkuhan yang pejal. Oleh media arus perdana ini, kita sewenangnya digambarkan sebagai kumpulan "siasah" yang sangat bercita-cita buruk. Lebih buruk, kita digambarkan sebagai kelompok yang sengaja ingin menggelorakan masyarakat seburuk hajat. Kita tidak begitu. Kita ingin memperbaiki jentera demokrasi agar lebih berhati nurani. Kita tidak menginginkan demokrasi yang kasar dan sombong; kita merindukan demokrasi yang tulus dan betul. Inilah gerakan kita yang, sayangnya, terpaksa bermula di tengah keangkuhan kerajaan yang merasa segala-galanya sudah betul, malah sudah syurgawi, di tanah air ini. Kita sebenarnya masih dalam derita yang terus dicipta oleh tangan kasar berhati angkuh yang sangat bercita-cita. Kita merindukan suara kuasa yang waras dan insani; suara pembimbing yang ikhlas dan mengerti. Kita tidak memerlukan suara angkuh dalam era yang sudah terlalu lama sombong ini. Kita mengharapkan tangan kuasa yang berhemah, sedia memimpin dan berdamai, turut bantu mencipta iklim demokrasi yang harum. Memanglah kita mengkhayalkan dunia indah itu, walaupun kenyataan yang terserlah dan mengembang kini sedang menunjukkan di atas kepala kita sentiasa sedia terapung awan kelam yang menjanjikan tofan. Jikalau berlaku, kita bukanlah kelompok manusia yang gamam berlari; kita, sebaliknya, adalah manusia yang cekal berdiri. Kita ingin memupuk demokrasi yang lebih berhati nurani. Dua ratus tahun dulu seorang tokoh kecil Sam Adams, dengan kelompoknya yang kecil juga, telah mencurahkan teh ke dalam laut di pelabuhan Boston, Amerika. Kata Sam Adams: "It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set bushfires in people's minds." Kita nyalakan unggun api itu pada malam ini!" (the original site is here). Frankly, I think, the Home Minister, has lost the plot. Pure and simple. READ MORE HERE |
| ‘Fight me in KL if you dare, Najib’ Posted: 28 Jun 2011 03:14 PM PDT 
Bersih leader Haris Ibrahim challenges the PM to 'stop hiding in Pekan' and to contest in KL during the next elections. (Free Malaysia Today) - Bersih 2.0 leader Harris Ibrahim has challenged Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to an electoral duel. But, Haris, who is also president of the Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM), said the Umno president must contest in a seat in Kuala Lumpur. "If Najib wants a challenge, stop hiding in Pekan. Contest in any seat in Kuala Lumpur. I will take you on," he said, referring to the Pekan parliamentary seat in Pahang, which was Najib's stronghold. Speaking on Durian FM's live programme last night entitled "HardTalk: Bersih", Haris was responding to Najib's call on Bersih to stand for elections instead of taking to the streets. However, the lawyer was confident that Najib would not take up the challenge. Haris said Najib and Barisan Nasional leaders stood in rural seats because the urban voters were well informed compared to their rural counterparts. Meanwhile, the Bersih leader also explained that the election watchdog was not a political party. "It is to ensure that the 13th general election is free and fair," he said. Asked on why there was such a necessity, Haris replied: "Financial analysts local and abroad said that we'll be a banana republic within the next two to three years." Bersih 2.0 had come under fire from government leaders over its plan to hold a rally on July 9 to press for electoral reforms. Haris also commented on the "Datuk T" trial, which he described as a "circus". READ MORE HERE |
| As vice tightens, Anwar says rally the only option Posted: 28 Jun 2011 01:03 PM PDT 
By Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider KLANG, June 29 — Despite the ongoing round of arrests and the threat that violence may hamper Bersih's rally next week, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim insisted today that the street protest was the only avenue available to push for electoral reforms. Anwar, leader of the federal opposition and its prime minister-designate, said this was because the opposition had previously exhausted all other available options to no avail. "That is the whole interest (of Bersih 2.0), to express in this manner because all other avenues have failed. We have sent memos, (held) series of discussions, protest... Everything has been done, submissions with facts and evidence," he told reporters after speaking at a forum on public service integrity here this morning. Election watchdog Bersih along with Pakatan Rakyat (PR) component parties are gearing up for a rally this July 9, the second such gathering calling for electoral reforms. The first rally, also organised by Bersih, was held in 2007 and saw some 50,000 people take to the capital's streets. The gathering eventually dispersed, however, and resulted in chaos when the police deployed tear gas and water cannons on demonstrators. The historic event has been partly credited for PR's record gains in Election 2008, when the opposition pact was swept to power in five states and won 82 parliamentary seats. MORE TO COME HERE |
| More Bersih-related arrests Posted: 28 Jun 2011 12:59 PM PDT By Stephanie Sta Maria, FMT KUALA LUMPUR: The number of arrests in connection with the Bersih 2.0 rally has mounted with 14 more people being hauled up by the police in Sungai Siput this morning. Among them were DAP-Jalong assemblywoman Leong Mee Meng and PKR-Teja assemblyman Chang Lih Kang. The group had just started distributing miniatures of the national flag in the Sungai Siput market at 9am today when police entered the area 15 minutes later. Eight members of the group were clad in the yellow Bersih T-shirts while the rest wore DAP's red Ubah T-shirts. "The police ordered us to stop distributing the flags because we were supporting Bersih which isn't allowed," Leong told FMT when contacted. "We asked them what was wrong in demonstrating our love for the country by handing out the flags." "They repeated that support for Bersih isn't allowed, to which we asked if we were then expected to support "kotor". That was when they arrested us." Leong claimed that 20 policemen were present and shuttled the group out of the area to angry shouts from the public. The police attempted to handcuff one member of the group but relented after protests from the others. "We're now waiting in the Sungai Siput police station for our statements to be recorded," she said. "The police have already confiscated all our flags. But this is really too much. We were not doing anything that was disrupting the peace." READ MORE HERE. |
| Analysts fear riots from Bersih rally Posted: 28 Jun 2011 12:57 PM PDT (The Malaysian Insider) - KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 — The July 9 Bersih rally is causing concern in two political analysts, who fear it may be used by unsavoury elements to create full-scale riots in the city. Prof Dr Ahmad Atory Hussain of Universiti Sains Malaysia said it takes just a small section of the crowd, which organisers expect to be in the hundreds of thousands, to spark chaos. "The organisers might say the assembly will be peaceful, but one individual is all it takes to cause mob behaviour," the sociologist was quoted in a Bernama Online report. Ahmad also voiced concerns that any potential clash may lead to intercommunal unrest. He did not, however, share his thoughts with regards to the identities of the possible instigators. Another pundit, UTM political science lecturer Che Hamdan Mohd Razali, expressed doubt that Bersih's motives are as transparent as the group claims, and voiced suspicion that the rally was intended to goad authorities into heavy-handed reaction. "I see the assembly is meant to provoke. It is also to build up anti-government sentiment among voters for the coming general election," he said in the same report. READ MORE HERE. |
| WIKILEAKS: Cartoon controversy envelops more media sources Posted: 28 Jun 2011 01:00 AM PDT 
The public demand for higher quality news reporting has become increasingly risky for government-controlled media organizations to satisfy, however, since highly sensitive racial and religious issues typically provide the subtext for the most provocative and best-selling stories. The cartoon controversy prompted Prime Minister Abdullah to wield one of the government's most potent legal weapons for controlling the media in order to signal that boundaries still exist on press freedom when it comes to racial and religious issues. THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin 
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KUALA LUMPUR 000365 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/03/2016 TAGS: PHUM, KDEM, ASEC, PREL, PGOV, KISL, KPAO, MY SUBJECT: CARTOON CONTROVERSY ENVELOPS MORE MEDIA SOURCES REF: A. KUALA LUMPUR 313 B. KUALA LUMPUR 193 C. KUALA LUMPUR 357 Classified By: PolCouns Thomas F. Daughton for reasons 1.4 b, d 1. (C) SUMMARY: For the third time in a month, the Malaysian government has suspended publication of a daily newspaper that printed an image of a Prophet Muhammad cartoon. The government-controlled New Straits Times (NST) managed to avoid punishment, however, after it issued an "unreserved apology" for publishing a syndicated cartoon that poked fun at the global Prophet Muhammad caricature controversy (ref A). Meanwhile, two of Malaysia's four free-to-air television channels issued apologies for inadvertently broadcasting images of Muhammad cartoons in early February. The opposition Islamic party PAS and several religious leaders continue to fan the cartoon flames, despite efforts by the government and mainstream media to put the controversy behind them. PAS tried to organize cartoon protests on March 3 in mosques in each of Malaysia's 13 state capitals, while the northern state of Perak's government-funded religious council website posted an on-line poll (later withdrawn) asking readers whether Muslims should "hunt and kill, or launch war" against those who "insult the Prophet Muhammad." Prime Minister Abdullah has signaled that the government will continue to monitor media coverage of racial and religious issues to ensure that GOM-defined constraints are not violated. At least in the near term, editors will likely restrict their coverage to news that is "print to fit" within the GOM's evolving boundaries of acceptability. End Summary. A Third Newspaper Falls Through Thin Cartoon Ice... 2. (C) The internal security ministry suspended publication of the Chinese-language Berita Petang Sarawak newspaper for two weeks starting February 26 in response to its February 4 publication of a "seditious" photo of a man reading a newspaper in which one of the Danish cartoons was clearly visible. Berita Petang Sarawak became the third newspaper to have its publishing permit suspended over publication of Prophet Muhammad cartoons. Earlier in February, the government suspended the Chinese-language Guang Ming Daily for two weeks for an infraction similar to that committed by Berita Petang Sarawak, and the prime minister, acting in his dual role as internal security minister, indefinitely suspended publication of the Sarawak Tribune for reprinting one of the caricatures (ref B). ... While Another Skates Around It 3. (C) After coming under fire for its February 20 publication of a syndicated cartoon alluding to the Danish caricature controversy (ref A), Malaysia's second-largest English-language daily, the New Straits Times, issued a front-page, "unreserved apology" on February 24. Within hours of the paper's appearance, PM Abdullah stated that the government would take no further action against the NST, which is owned by the ruling UMNO party. The PM's decision to forgo action against the NST did not deter about 500 protesters from holding a protest at NST's Kuala Lumpur offices following Friday prayers on February 24. Supporters of PAS and of Anwar Ibrahim's Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) waved signs and shouted slogans that referred to the NST editors as "bastards" and agents of Israel and Singapore. In a full-page analysis of its cartoon crisis, the NST's editors wrote on February 25, "That is PAS. That is Keadilan. In the name of Islam, they perform prayers and march from a holy place carrying placards that call people bastards. What is so Islamic about pre-judging others and slandering them without any evidence?" PKR leaders later distanced themselves from the demonstration, calling it "disgraceful" and claiming they had no role in organizing it. Offensive Cartoons Also Spotted on TV 4. (C) In its adroitly worded February 24 "apology," the NST called the attention of the internal security ministry to several television broadcasts that had aired images of the banned Muhammad cartoons in early February. According to media reports, all four of Malaysia's free-to-air television channels (state-owned RTM1 and RTM2, and UMNO-controlled TV3 and NTV7) broadcast images of at least one Muhammad cartoon. The NST's move was widely viewed as a shot at the information minister, who led the charge against the paper's editorial staff over its syndicated cartoon. The government is currently reviewing the allegations and is expected to decide soon whether any punishment of the stations is warranted. For its part, TV3 tried to head off a reprimand by airing an apology to its viewers on February 28 for "accidentally" broadcasting a news segment that showed one of the controversial images "for 13 seconds." The channel also sent a written explanation of its actions to the energy, water and communications ministry. NTV7 did likewise on March 1. The two state-owned channels, RTM1 and RTM2, have not yet acknowledged that they aired footage of a Prophet Muhammad cartoon. Other Cartoon-Related Developments 5. (C) The official, state-funded website of the religious council of Perak (a large state in northern peninsular Malaysia) recently posted an on-line, Malay-language poll asking readers to choose the most appropriate action to be taken against those who "insult the Prophet Muhammad." The poll allowed readers to choose among six answers, including, "hunt and kill them or launch war against them." The on-line poll was pulled from the website March 2 after a disparaging March 1 report about it by Internet-based news provider Malaysiakini. The poll had attracted little public attention and only about 175 "voters," 22% of whom supported the most extreme response. 6. (C) PAS planned to organize further protests against the Muhammad cartoons on March 3 at designated mosques in each of Malaysia's 13 state capitals. An intervening decision by the government to raise gasoline prices (ref C) changed the theme of the protests, however, and PAS representatives told us late March 2 that demonstrations would occur only in Kuala Lumpur and three state capitals. Comment 7. (C) Both the government and the mainstream media want to see the end of the cartoon saga, which has absorbed considerable time and attention here over the past month. The "guilty" newspapers have been quickly punished and news coverage has moved on to other issues. The TV broadcasts that displayed the Muhammad cartoons are now more than three weeks old; any punishment of the channels at this point will likely be mild, swift and meted out with little fanfare. PAS and a few Islamic religious leaders have tried to keep the controversy on life support, mostly in a bid to rally political support, but new issues arising daily are making that increasingly difficult. 8. (C) The cartoon controversy has played out in the larger context of a slow relaxation of press controls that began after Abdullah Badawi took office in late 2003. In order to build a general air of believability and be commercially competitive -- both with each other and with the Internet -- the government-controlled media have attempted to provide increasingly objective and complete reporting on national stories. The public demand for higher quality news reporting has become increasingly risky for government-controlled media organizations to satisfy, however, since highly sensitive racial and religious issues typically provide the subtext for the most provocative and best-selling stories. The cartoon controversy prompted Prime Minister Abdullah to wield one of the government's most potent legal weapons for controlling the media in order to signal that boundaries still exist on press freedom when it comes to racial and religious issues. For the near future, we expect news editors to respond by restricting their coverage of such issues to news that's "print to fit" within the GOM's slowly evolving notions of acceptability. LAFLEUR |
| Okay, since TV3 is the issue Posted: 27 Jun 2011 05:24 PM PDT I have received quite a number of 'strong' messages from PKR or Pakatan Rakyat supporters from Australia, the UK, Malaysia, etc., all condemning me for my TV3 interview. One Chinese activist told me that most PKR people believe I have been bought. One Malay lawyer said that Ambiga of BERSIH told him she knows for a fact I have been bought. One Chinese PKR supporter wants to challenge me to a fist-fight in London. NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin I am being vilified because I gave an interview on TV3. Many who were once my friends have turned on me and accuse me of selling out to the other side. The fact that what I said on TV3 is no different from what I have been saying for so many years is not the issue. The issue is: I said what I have been saying for so many years on TV3. That is the bone of contention -- TV3. Have I changed my stance? Did I say anything new on TV3 that I have never said before? Was what I said on TV3 opposite to what I have been saying all these years? Did I do a U-turn and retract what I said in the past? Many have no issue with what I said on TV3. Their issue is I should not have said it on TV3 -- never mind if what I said is acceptable. They can accept what I said as long as it was not on TV3 -- anywhere else but TV3. This appears to be the issue. The issue appears to be TV3. Going to TV3 is like a Malaysian Muslim going to Israel. That is a most unpardonable crime and a sin of the highest order. Okay, I can accept that. The issue is not what I said. The issue is I said it on TV3. And since TV3 is the issue then let us view the following video from TV3. BFz5YuvdWiA SEE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFz5YuvdWiA |
| I am a socialist and proud of it Posted: 26 Jun 2011 06:04 PM PDT One very senior PAS leader (I will not mention his name) said that he really admires Britain for being a very good example of what a Muslim country should be like. When asked what it is about Britain that he finds very Islamic, he replied the socialist system where the needs of the rakyat are looked after and well taken care of. Yes, according to this senior PAS leader, Britain is a good 'Muslim' country. And it is a good Muslim country because of its socialist policies. And in Malaysia we arrest people because they are Socialists. The Prophet must be turning in his grave at this transgression. NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin There are four schools of thought or mazhab within the Sunni branch of Islam -- Shafiee, Hanafi, Maliki and Hanbali. Most Malaysian Muslims are Sunnis of the Shafiee school of thought. The Maliki school of thought is the second largest of the four schools (approximately 25% of all Muslims -- mostly in North Africa, West Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and in some parts of Saudi Arabia). Malik ibni Anas, the 'founder' of the Maliki school of thought, was an extremely outspoken man -- too outspoken for his own good. He issued decrees or fatwas that forbid the pledging of allegiance to the Caliph Al-Mansur. For this very stubborn stance the Caliph had Malik flogged half to death and threw him into prison. After a serious attack of conscience, Caliph Al-Mansur released Malik from prison and apologised to him. The Caliph also offered Malik compensation in the form of money and residency in Baghdad. Malik, however, declined the Caliph's offer and remained in Mekah where he continued with what, today, would be considered as his radical and anti-Monarchy teachings. Some years later, Harun al-Rashid, the new Caliph, summoned Malik to visit him while the former was performing the haj in Mekah (in Malay this is called titah mengadap or summoned for an audience). Malik, however, refused to do so. Instead, he invited the newly installed Caliph to attend his class to listen to his lectures, which the Caliph did. That is the very short story about one of the four Imams of Sunni Islam. And why am I telling this story to what can be considered a large non-Muslim readership of Malaysia Today? Simple. Islam is the religion of the Federation, according to the Federal Constitution of Malaysia. So you should know a bit about Islam and Islamic history so that the scumbags and slime-balls in the government will not be able to con you. Secondly, of course, is because many Malay-Muslims themselves do not know their Islamic history. So they make stupid statements that are so embarrassing it makes me ashamed to admit that I am also Malay-Muslim. So they too need educating to stop them from opening their mouths and putting their feet into it. Now, relate that to present day Malaysia. If Imam Malik, one of the four Imams of Sunni Islam, was still alive today and was living in Malaysia, would he be arrested by the government and charged with 'waging war against the king'? Remember, Imam Malik issued a fatwa forbidding us from pledging allegiance to the Ruler (whether Caliph, Agong, Sultan or whatever). And for that he was jailed and flogged. However, the Caliph realised he had erred and later released Imam Malik, apologised, and offered him compensation. The famous Harun al-Rashid of 'The Arabian Nights' summoned Imam Malik but the latter refused to go meet the former. Instead, the Caliph was told that 'the mountain should come to Muhammad', so to speak. And instead of punishing Imam Malik or arresting him for 'waging war against the king', the Caliph did as he was told. As a Muslim, if we do not want to follow the example of the Imams and the Prophet Muhammad, then whose example do we want to follow? In the olden days in Europe, it was believed that the king was appointed by God and those who oppose the king have therefore sinned against God. You would then be jailed or put to death on charges of treason against the king. This is what Malaysia is practicing. It is not practising Islam. Malaysia is not following what the Imams of Islam have taught us. Malaysia is practicing the culture and beliefs of olden days Europe where to defy the Ruler means you defy God and therefore should be punished. It is time that Malaysia honours the concept of Islam as the religion of the Federation. Get rid of all these un-Islamic practices and culture. Let us not be like the jahil (ignorant) Christian kings of Europe. Has not Imam Malik, one of the four Imams of Islam, taught us what is true Islam? Now, on the second subject -- Communism. Communism, or more accurately Socialism, is an Islamic concept. Yes, I bet that surprised you. Communism is derived from the word commune or community. And in Islam this is called Ummah (masyarakat in Bahasa Malaysia). Islam stresses the importance of the ummah. Muslims are called Ummah Islam, the Community of Islam. Islam teaches us that anything done on a community basis earns extra rewards (pahala). If we pray as a community we get extra pahala. If we eat as a community, as opposed to eating alone, we not only get full but we get pahala as well. And so on and so forth. Any grade one Muslim schoolchild can tell you this. Communism, or people of a commune, is therefore not against Islamic teachings. It is, in fact, very Islamic. Now, let us not confuse this concept of commune with Communist Terrorism or Communist Terrorists (CTs) -- which is what the Malaysian government has outlawed. For that matter, even Islamic Terrorism is outlawed, not only Communist Terrorism. You outlaw Islamic Terrorism. Do you outlaw Islam? And in that same spirit, you outlaw Communist Terrorism. But is Communism about terrorism or about the commune (ummah)? We need to know the difference. We also should not confuse Socialism with Communism. Socialism is very Islamic. Socialism is about social justice. Islam believes in social justice. Islam is all about social justice. For example, we have the zakat system in Islam. This is where the rich pay tithes so that the less fortunate, the poor, the old, the sick, the widows, the orphans, etc., can be supported financially. Zakat is mandatory in Islam. And this is socialism. Islam forbids usury. We all know how destructive western capitalism, in particular the financial-banking system, can be. Countries and billions of people are subjected to economic slavery because of this. Financially strong countries dominate the weaker countries. This is a form of slavery of the worst kind and Islam is opposed to it. In short, Islam outlaws Capitalism and propagates Socialism. But most Muslims prefer Capitalism rather than Socialism, as most Muslims prefer Autocracy rather than Democracy (aren't most dictatorships-Monarchies in the Muslim world?). Socialism is opposed to the concept of the strong dominating the weak, the rich enslaving the poor, the minority oppressing the majority, etc. Islam is also against this and Islam propagates the concept of the ummah (or commune) determining its own destiny. It is time the Muslims understood this. It is also time the Muslims practice the real concept of Islam. Most Muslims confine themselves to merely the rituals of Islam. And that is where their Islam ends. And they think that just because they have fulfilled their ritualistic obligations they have already been guaranteed a place in heaven. No, doing what Imam Malik did is not waging war against the king. And upholding Socialism does not make you a traitor to your country. Instead, it makes you a true Muslim. One very senior PAS leader (I will not mention his name) said that he really admires Britain for being a very good example of what a Muslim country should be like. When asked what it is about Britain that he finds very Islamic, he replied the socialist system where the needs of the rakyat are looked after and well taken care of. Yes, according to this senior PAS leader, Britain is a good 'Muslim' country. And it is a good Muslim country because of its socialist policies. And in Malaysia we arrest people because they are Socialists. The Prophet must be turning in his grave at this transgression. |
| WIKILEAKS: Update on the F-5 engine scandal Posted: 26 Jun 2011 01:00 AM PDT A chorus of commentary in online media has expressed incredulity at the Government's position that the thefts were carried out solely by two relatively low-level individuals and that higher-ups in the military and elsewhere were not involved. We share some of the incredulity expressed in the blogosphere about the Government's case and explanation of who was behind the engine thefts. In coordination with Washington, Post is continuing to push for a complete accounting of how the thefts occurred and the ultimate disposition of the engines, and to remind the GOM of the seriousness of the issue and need for remedial actions. THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 KUALA LUMPUR 000012 SIPDIS FOR EAP/MTS AND INR E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/07/2020 TAGS: PM, PGOV, MY SUBJECT: MALAYSIA: UPDATE ON F-5 ENGINE SCANDAL REF: A. 09 KL 1016 -- F-5 FOLLOW UP B. 09 KL 1013 -- MALAYSIAN F-5 ENGINES CASE Classified By: Political Counselor Brian D. McFeeters for reasons 1.4 b and d. Summary and Comment 1. (C) Malaysian government officials continue to communicate little information directly to Post regarding the missing F-5 engines (reftels). Most of the information on the scandal to date has come thru the local media, which reported on January 6 that police arrested and charged one Air Force sergeant and a business owner with the theft and illegal sale of the engines. The Attorney General and Defense Minister both were quoted in the press as saying that they were satisfied with these results. They gave no indication that investigations would continue into possible broader complicity in the thefts, nor what remedial actions are being taken by the GOM to assure that such security and procurement breaches would not occur again. A chorus of commentary in online media has expressed incredulity at the Government's position that the thefts were carried out solely by two relatively low-level individuals and that higher-ups in the military and elsewhere were not involved. On January 6, the Embassy's Office of Development Cooperation received a letter from the RMAF which provided a brief update on the missing engines case and indicated a willingness to respond to additional inquiries from the USG once the GOM investigation is completed (see para 7). 2. (C) Comment: We share some of the incredulity expressed in the blogosphere about the Government's case and explanation of who was behind the engine thefts. In coordination with Washington, Post is continuing to push for a complete accounting of how the thefts occurred and the ultimate disposition of the engines, and to remind the GOM of the seriousness of the issue and need for remedial actions. We look forward to a readout of next week's meeting on this issue between PM's PDAS and Malaysian Ambassador. The Ambassador and DCM have pending meeting requests with senior MFA officials. End Summary and Comment. What the Media has Been Reporting 3. (SBU) Government-influenced media reports continue to provide evolving, if changing and conflicting facts pertaining to the disappearance of the two F-5 engines. -- The most recent reports (January 7) indicate that the engines were stolen separately -- one on December 20, 2007 and the other on January 1, 2008 and that the discovery of the theft occurred on May 22, 2008. -- Media reports say the RMAF filed a police report on August 4, 2008 after they conducted their own investigation. -- The destination of the engines has been cited as both Argentina and Uruguay, although early accounts by the police reported in the press also indicated the engines went through or to the Middle East, and specifically Iran. -- Some independent online news portals claimed that the engines ended up in Iran. At a press conference, the Attorney General reportedly became defensive when asked about the Iran connection, and all references placing the engines in the Middle East or Iran have since been removed from the state-run media. -- Specific details regarding the May 2008 RMAF investigation and the August 2008 police investigation have not been released, although both the Attorney General and Defense Minister have implied that no one was held accountable as a result of those investigations. -- As to where the engines currently are, Attorney General Gani Patail attracted attention with a January 5 comment quoted in the Star newspaper that, "I really do not know what is being done to it now, whether the engines are used as scrap metal or as sinker for fishing." -- The press reported that Police arrested RMAF Sergeant N. Tharmendran and company director Rajandran Prasad on January 6 in connection with the two missing F-5 engines. Tharmendran was charged with conspiring to steal the engines, while Rajandran was charged with intentionally disposing of items that he knew to be stolen. -- Attorney General Gani had previously said on January 4 that "many people" were involved, but did not indicate that the investigation into the perpetrators would continue. According to Gani, "what is important is recovering the engines." No information has been released regarding the identities of the buyer and/or any middlemen. -- Defense Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was quoted by the Malaysian Insider on January 6 as saying at a public event that no further investigation or special inquiries were necessary, stating after the arrests that he was "satisfied with the Attorney-General's action and investigations into the case." Zahid also downplayed the severity of the theft, stating on January 7 that "The contract to purchase was made in 1972. At that time, the engine's price, including the afterburner, was $121,428 each," basing this on the exchange rate at that time. (Note: the original value of the missing engines given by the newspapers was listed as $15 million each. End note.) -- Public condemnation of the results has been muted by the state-run media, but the online blogosphere has been swift, one-sided, and damning of the GOM's arrests and conclusion that Tharmendran and Rajandran were the only ones involved. 4. (C) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has kept itself at arms length from the scandal. Ambassador and DCM have not yet been able to secure meetings with senior MFA officials to discuss this issue (among other bilateral issues). MFA Principal Assistant Secretary (Americas Division) Mohamad Radzi Jamaluddin told Poloff January 6 that the Defense Ministry has the lead and described that Ministry as being "elusive" in its handling of the case. Radzi opined that the newspapers were publishing a lot of misinformation, and that they were often factually incorrect. He suggested that press reports that the GOM has reached out to the USG for assistance in the investigation were false, because any such request would have been routed through the MFA. (Note: Post has no record of any request for assistance on this case from the GOM. End Note.) Letter from the RMAF 5. (SBU) Following ref A discussion between Office of Defense Cooperation chief Lieutenant Colonel Steve Ma and Brigadier General Azizan bin Shaari, Director of Materiel with Royal Malaysia Air Force (RMAF), ODC chief received an official letter from the RMAF on January 6. Begin text: 05 January 2010 OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION ON THE MISSING F5E GE J85-21 ENGINES Ref: A. FMS Case MF-D-SAJ B. FMS Case MF-D-SBE C. FMS Case MF-D-SBK D. FMS Case MF-D-SCA E. Malaysian Government Contract No: PERB/K&B/107/84. F. The discussion between Assistant Chief of Staff Material / LTC Stephen C. Ma on 28 Dec 2009 at the Ministry of Defense, Malaysia. 1. The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) presents its compliments to the Office of Defense Cooperation and the United States Embassy Kuala Lumpur. 2. In pursuant to the discussion vide reference F, the RMAF regrets to inform that there are two (02) F5E GE J85-21 engines found missing from the inventory believed to be stolen on the 26th May 2008. The serial numbers of the engines are as follows: a. E227718 b. E227856 3. The RMAF had conducted an internal investigation where procedures with regards to handling and transportation were re-examined and tightened. A report had been lodged with the Royal Malaysian police on the 4th of August 2008 to continue with the investigations and to pursue with criminal prosecution against individuals linked to the theft. 4. The RMAF fully understood the requirements of the United States government on Foreign Military Sales (FMS) policy in relation to this incident but unable to notify earlier pending completion of investigations by the Royal Malaysian Police. We believed that the investigation is nearing its conclusion and will follow with prosecution by the Attorney General's Chamber. We will endeavor to notify the progress on this matter to the United States Government through your office as soon as we have more information. 5. Thank you. (signed) DATO' SRI RODZALI BIN DAUD Gen RMAF Chief of Air Force End Text KEITH |
| What Malaysia needs: my ‘advice’ to Umno (UPDATED with Chinese Translation) Posted: 25 Jun 2011 08:21 PM PDT Yes, changes came in many countries. But in most cases it was not because of the elections. It was because the government acted brutally and undemocratically against its own citizens. So we need you to act brutally and undemocratically against peace-loving Malaysians so that we can see what happened in the Philippines, Indonesia and Egypt also happen in Malaysia. THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin 
There is talk that a roundup will be launched starting from tonight and those behind the BERSIH rally of 9th July 2011 are going to be detained. There is talk that 'both sides' of the BERSIH rally are going to be detained, which will include Ibrahim Ali and Khairy Jamaluddin. There is talk that the roundup this time around will not be as big as Operasi Lalang of 27th October 1987 when 106 dissidents, activists and opposition leaders were detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA). There is talk that the ISA will not be used against these people but those rounded up will be 'kept out of circulation' and off the streets for a while just to 'cool things down' a bit. There is talk that the army has been told to be on stand-by in case it is needed to 'restore law and order' on 9th July 2011. There is talk that the army has been ordered to 'shed blood' if necessary in its effort to 'restore law and order'. There is talk that if the army is told to act aggressively against fellow Malaysians the soldiers will refuse to do so and will instead join the ranks of the demonstrators like what happened in so many other countries since the Russian revolution. 
There is talk that thousands of PAS 'red shirts' or Unit Amal will form a human barricade against the police and/or army on 9th July 2011 to ensure that the 'yellow shirt' demonstrators are safe from harm even if many of the 'red shirts' need to die a jihadist's death in the pursuit of amar makruf, nahi munkar. There is talk that the BERSIH rally will be a purely Malay affair because the Chinese and Indians are too scared and extremely selfish and will stay away although they are the ones who talk the most. There is talk that this time around more Chinese and Indians are going to be on the streets compared to the first BERSIH rally of 10th November 2007 because the Chinese and Indians want to show the government what they think of the racial and religious discrimination they are being subjected to. 
There is talk that the BERSIH rally will turn into a civil war and Malaysia is going to end up like Egypt with Umno out of power and Najib-Rosmah seeking asylum in Singapore together with a planeload of Birkin handbags and Jimmy Choo shoes. There is talk that the government wants to use 9th July 2011 as the excuse to declare an emergency and suspend Parliament and subject the country to NOC-rule a la the aftermath of 13th May 1969 (which means no need for general elections). There is talk that less than 50,000 people will be on the streets on 9th July 2011. There is talk that 100,000 people or more will be on the streets on 9th July 2011. There is talk that not less than 300,000 people will be on the streets on 9th July 2011. There is talk that the ratio of BERSIH to PERKASA-UMNO demonstrators will be 20:1 and the Malay KKK crowd will run for cover and hide their sorry arses. There is talk that the ratio of BERSIH to PERKASA-UMNO demonstrators will be 20:1 and the Malay KKK crowd will call upon the police and riot squad to help 'even the odds'. 
There is talk that none of the above will happen and 9th July 2011 will come and go and a few thousand people will march peacefully and go home and the entire thing will be a non-event. Anyway, whatever may be the scenario we will really see over these next two weeks and on 9th July 2011, let me 'advice' Umno and Najib on what Malaysia needs. What we need is for the government to start rounding up people. What we need is for the government to act brutally against the demonstrators on 9th July 2011. What we need is for an emergency to be declared. What we need is for Parliament to be suspended. What we need is for the NOC to be formed to take over the running of the country. 
That is what we need and we need this because this is what Marcos, Suharto, Mubarak, etc., did and this resulted in them being ousted from power and democracy being restored in the Philippines, Indonesia, Egypt, etc. So, Umno, make my day. Do what we need you to do and watch the changes that we fought for so long finally come to Malaysia. Yes, changes came in many countries. But in most cases it was not because of the elections. It was because the government acted brutally and undemocratically against its own citizens. So we need you to act brutally and undemocratically against peace-loving Malaysians so that we can see what happened in the Philippines, Indonesia and Egypt also happen in Malaysia. 
Translated into Chinese at: http://ccliew.blogspot.com/2011/06/blog-post_27.html#more |
| When English is taught in Bahasa Malaysia Posted: 25 Jun 2011 04:03 PM PDT This is what you get when you teach English in Bahasa Malaysia. Read the piece below that was written by a blogger called toreksulong. I can only assume that toreksulong is a Malay and Umno member or supporter. NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin No more erotic sexual in Malaysia hotel because it brought as a court case Leader Pass urgent challenge Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to resign his post as Leader of the Opposition after the sex video that resembles genuine opposition leader was confirmed by a specialist. President of the Malaysian Malay Network (MMD), Azwanddin Hamzah said the pass should be more firm in rejecting Anwar and choose the more moral and representatives do not take the silence. He said Pas previously rejected the 'master' immoral leaders but the party has not taken similar action against him. ''Where PAS leaders called scholars and what their stance on the issue of Anwar's moral? What is certain''Anwar will continue to deny the perpetrators in the sex video was that he and associate the spread of the video is a game of UMNO, "he told The Star here yesterday. The facts recited in the magistrate's court here yesterday says the two experts from Dartmouth College, Handover, New Hampshire, United States, Professor Hany Farid and Professor Lorenzo Torresani confirmed that the video is displayed at the Hotel Carcosa Seri Negara in March is genuine. Azwanddin in the said Anwar as a person associated as an actor in the video should be ashamed and take action to put all the positions he held. He said people now know and have begun to notice that Anwar has always tried to avoid them and do lie to confuse people's minds. Meanwhile, Anwar's former private secretary, Anuar Shaari said the Advisory Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) that have to do four things that pushed the former Chief Justice Youth Force (Akin), Senator Mohamad Ezam Mohd. Noor. Four things, he said, do not swear curse men Anwar denies the sex video; test poligraf to prove they are not lying; sue Datuk Shazryl Eskay Eskay Abdullah and accused Shazryl as a liar. Anwar''need not 'hide' behind the allegations to the contrary qazaf clear that this country actually practiced law and not takzir hudud, "he said. *********************************** In case you doubt what I say and think that I fabricated this piece, you can view it at the link here: http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/9498783-no-more-erotic-sexual-in-malaysia-hotel-because-it-brought-as-a-court-case I suggest, however, you do not give him or her any further hits by visiting the site but do click that link above if you need reassuring that this piece is for real. 
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| New game in town: court of public opinion Posted: 24 Jun 2011 06:46 PM PDT The internet is a powerful weapon. 2008 showed us that. Developments in North Africa and the Middle East showed us that. And since 1998 the opposition has been king of the internet. So why do we not want to provide free state-wide wireless internet to the rakyat in the Pakatan Rakyat states when the internet is the best weapon against Barisan Nasional? THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin Clear proof of conspiracy to destroy Anwar, said N Surendran of PKR. The Bar Council says it is shocked with the screening of the sex video in court. It is up to the rakyat to decide if it is Anwar in the video, said Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. You can read all three news items below. Aiyah, why are we grumbling, moaning, complaining, whining and bitching? Of course it is a conspiracy to destroy Anwar. And why should it NOT be a conspiracy to destroy Anwar? First of all, is that not what politics is all about, to destroy your enemy? Secondly, are we not also trying tooth and nail to bring Najib, Umno and Barisan Nasional down -- to destroy them? Everything is fair in love and war, as they say. And this is love for our country and war against those who are slowly and systematically destroying our country. So there is no such thing as fair or unfair. It is about destroying the enemy of our country to save our country. Sure they will fight dirty. They have been fighting dirty for more than 50 years. Why should they not fight dirty now? It is what they do. It is the nature of the beast to fight dirty. Let us get one thing very clear here. Najib appears to be better-advised than the two prime ministers before him, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. And I know one of those people who are advising him and I know how good he is (no, I will not mention who he is). Of course, as I said in an earlier article, Najib also has many idiots surrounding him. But he is beginning to understand whom he should listen to and who not to listen to. And when it comes to playing the perception game there is one man who is advising him what to do and what not to do and Najib is taking that advise. And this is the man I have to out-think and out-fox in this game of perception and psy-war. The rest of the idiots surrounding Najib are not significant. In fact, they help the cause because most times they shoot themselves in their own feet. Najib has learned how we used the court of public opinion 13 years ago back in 1998. We knew we would never win in a court of law. Anwar is certainly going to be found guilty in the Sodomy 1 trial. So, we are going to lose in the court of law and will have to win our case in the court of public opinion. And that was when the Free Anwar Campaign was launched. It was to make sure that while we may have lost the case in the court of law we will nevertheless win in the court of public opinion. We had to make sure that even if 20 judges pronounce Anwar guilty of sodomy the Malaysian public would still insist he is innocent. That was the game plan. It was all about the perception game and psy-war. And we won in spite of what the court said. I have said this many times before: politics is about perception. Most Malaysians no longer trust the government or Malaysia's judiciary. So it is not important any longer what the court says. Even if they can produce a smoking gun the people will still not trust the court. So you need to win in other ways. The British realised this during the Malayan Emergency. The government cannot beat Communism with guns alone. Guns and violence only makes the resistance stronger. They need to win the hearts and minds of the people to beat Communism. To the government, Anwar Ibrahim, today, is what Chin Peng was 50 or 60 years ago (minus the bombings and killings, of course). And to beat Anwar, today, you will have to use the same tactics you used to beat Chin Peng 50 or 60 years ago. And that would be to win the hearts and minds of the people. Umno thinks (and I stress the word 'thinks' because this may or may not be true) that to bring down Pakatan Rakyat you must first bring down Anwar Ibrahim. Destroy Anwar then Pakatan Rakyat is destroyed. And that is why, as N Surendran of PKR said, they want to destroy Anwar. And would not you and I do the same if our objective were to destroy Pakatan Rakyat? Would we say it is not fair when the objective is to destroy our enemy at all costs? What is so unfair about wanting to destroy our enemy through any means possible? Did not America drop two atom bombs on civilians just to end the war and save American lives? Is it fair and just to kill non-combatants in your enemy's country to save your own citizens? I did not hear anyone condemn America for that. No, grumbling, moaning, complaining, whining and bitching are not the solution. What they did yesterday is typical of Umno. It is the nature of the beast. If you want to fight Umno then expect such tactics to be used against you (or else don't try to fight Umno). After all, many now in PKR, who were once in Umno, also used these same tactics before to destroy their enemies. Only now those same tactics you used to use are being used against you. So accept that. Instead of grumbling, moaning, complaining, whining and bitching, think how to counter them and beat them at their own game. Pre-2008 we used to be very good at the perception game and psy-war. We used to run rings around Dr Mahathir and Pak Lah. We attacked from all sides and they never knew what hit them. Why do you think the opposition did so well in March 2008? But post-March 2008 the opposition became complacent. Three years ago we told Pakatan Rakyat to provide free state-wide wireless internet to the rakyat in all the states under their control. So far only Penang has done this -- and even then only in some parts of Penang, not yet the whole of Penang. What happened to Selangor, Kedah and Kelantan? Selangor talked about it (yes, just talked about it) three years ago. But nothing has happened so far because of some hanky-panky a la Khir Toyo. Yes, that's right, someone in the Selangor state government is trying to pull off a scam. So the free state-wide wireless internet has not taken off yet. If I know all this why not I talk to Pakatan Rakyat? Why expose this publicly and shame Pakatan Rakyat? Why not talk to Pakatan Rakyat behind closed doors instead of washing dirty linen in public? Well, for your information, I have talked to Pakatan Rakyat many times. YB Ronnie Liu can testify to this. I even spoke personally to Anwar Ibrahim some time back when I met him in London for breakfast. But still nothing has happened. And now it may be too late because we may be facing the 13th General Election very soon. You want to know why I am so angry with Anwar Ibrahim? You want to know why I decided to whack him on TV3? Well, the free state-wide wireless internet which never happened because of one corrupt person from PKR in the Selangor state government is one of the many reasons. I will not embarrass Anwar be revealing my entire list of grievances. Suffice that I just talk about the free state-wide wireless internet that never happened because someone from PKR who is in the state government is corrupt. We grumble, moan, complain, whine and bitch about how unfair the government is and how they use the mainstream media and police and judiciary and AG Chambers and whatnot against the opposition. But what are we doing about it other than grumble, moan, complain, whine and bitch? The internet is a powerful weapon. 2008 showed us that. Developments in North Africa and the Middle East showed us that. And since 1998 the opposition has been king of the internet. So why do we not want to provide free state-wide wireless internet to the rakyat in the Pakatan Rakyat states when the internet is the best weapon against Barisan Nasional? I spoke to a Chinese friend yesterday who knows the story of this free wireless internet debacle and he too is puzzled as to why Pakatan Rakyat is dragging its feet on this matter. It is not that the state does not have the money to do it. In fact, they don't need money because the company providing the service is prepared to do it free-of-charge but with advertising rights. I gave my theory. I told my Chinese friend that I suspect it is because Anwar has made a deal with Najib to give Selangor back to Barisan Nasional. Maybe that is one way the court is going to squash his Sodomy 2 trial. My Chinese friend does not think so. He said he does not suspect there is anything dubious but only that Anwar is an incompetent administrator. Anwar is a good speaker but a poor administrator, said my Chinese friend. His poor performance in government, especially as Education Minister, has proven this, explained my friend. I hope my friend is right. I hope it is just incompetence and not because Anwar is a Trojan Horse that the Pakatan Rakyat states, in particular Selangor, are refusing to implement its free state-wide wireless internet after more than three years. But I reserve judgement until I see the results of the next general election and it is proven that Selangor will remain under Pakatan Rakyat. Until then I shall continue to whack Anwar Ibrahim if need be just to light a fire under his arse and get him to wake up DEMI UNTUK KEPENTINGAN RAKYAT. ************************************** 'Clear proof of conspiracy to destroy Anwar' (Free Malaysia Today) - PKR claimed that the court proceeding of the 'Datuk T' trio yesterday was proof that there is high-level conspiracy to destroy Anwar Ibrahim's political career. Yesterday, the trio, former Malacca chief minister Rahim Thamby Chik, former Perkasa treasurer Shuib Lazim and businessman Shazryl Eskay Abdullah pleaded guilty at the Kuala Lumpur magistrate court to screening a sex video to the public. The trio screened a video allegedly showing the opposition leader engaged in illicit sex with a prostitute to several journalists at Carcosa Seri Negara in March. In the proceeding yesterday, one of their defense attorney, Muhamad Shafee Abdullah told the court that forensic analysts from the US confirmed the man in the video was likely to be Anwar. In a statement today, PKR vice president N Surendran said the alleged identity of the person in the video and it authenticity was completely irrelevant to the case yesterday. "And by not being a party to the proceedings, Anwar had no opportunity to defend himself against the allegation," said Surendran. ************************************** Bar Council Says 'Shocked' With Sex Video Screening In Court (The Malaysian Insider) - The magistrate's court should not have screened the sex video allegedly featuring Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday because the "Datuk T" trio had already pleaded guilty to the crime, says the Bar Council. Bar Council president Lim Chee Wee described that the court's decision in allowing the video to be shown as "shocking" and "extraordinary." He stressed that there was no reason to do since those accused of screening the video had readily admitted to the crime. "There is no need to because they have already pleaded guilty; I am surprised why the sex video was shown in court. "This is an extraordinary procedure, I am shocked as to why it happened… if a person has already pleaded guilty there is no need to (reveal the evidence)," Lim told The Malaysian Insider. The lawyer said the court's action was inconsistent with standard procedures in such cases, where evidence is only revealed during the course of a full trial and when the accused maintains his or her innocence. "I have no problem with the punishment, it is just the sex video screening which is an issue," he added. ************************************** Najib: Up to rakyat to decide if it's Anwar in video (Malaysiakini) - Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today said that the rakyat will have to decide whether the person in the sex video produced in court today is opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim. "This is something on which the rakyat will have to make a judgment." "The most important thing is to find the authenticity and truth. We leave it to the rakyat to determine," he said after chairing the BN supreme council meeting tonight in Kuala Lumpur. Although the BN chairperson chose not to rub salt into the wound of Anwar, he pointed out that two foreign experts had verified the authenticity of the video. Shafee Abdullah, the counsel for Rahim Thamby Chik, one of the Datuk T trio, had said that according to the June 4 report by professors Hany Farid and Lorenzo Torresani from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, there is a 99.99 percent match of the male in the video clip to a known photo of Anwar based on facial recognition analysis. |
| Saya sokong Dr Mahathir Posted: 23 Jun 2011 09:41 PM PDT
Saya sokong Dr Mahathir, at least with regards to his statement that Muslims should project the correct perception of Islam to gain respect from the non-Muslims instead of shouting and screaming that non-Muslims must respect Islam while threatening to murder all those who do not show respect to Islam. NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin Muslims Need To Project Actual Islamic Way Of Life To Gain Respect - Dr Mahathir SHAH ALAM, June 24 (Bernama) -- Muslims should play an important role in projecting the actual Islamic way of life to the world so that the religion would be respected by the other communities. Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said by projecting the positive traits and fairness of the religion, "I am certain it will at least reduce opposition to the religion or fear among the non-Muslims against Muslims and Islam." "To the extent that we are regarded as terrorists who kill without mercy . We are accused of many things. As a result, we are attacked and oppressed. This is the fate of Muslims currently," he said at the ground-breaking ceremony for the Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation Complex (Perkim) building for Selangor costing RM30 million, here today. Dr Mahathir, who is also Perkim national president, said Muslims should always correct themselves so that they become successful people in the present world and hereafter. For the Muslims in the country, who form the majority of the Malaysian population, they should implement and determine the system of administration according to the actual Islamic teachings which would bring justice and prosperity to everyone, he said. Dr Mahathir said if the country's administration did not provide justice to everyone as required by Islam, and denied the rights of others and oppressed them, it would give a bad impression on Islam. Dr Mahathir said Muslims in the country must be united and avoid factionalism or enmity between one another. The Selangor Perkim Complex would be built on a 0.56-hectare site and would comprise two blocks with a main hall, office space, shop lots, surau, library, seminar rooms, lecture halls, hostel and a kitchen. *********************************** Now, now, now! Stop foaming at the mouth and start going berserk when I say that I agree with what Dr Mahathir said today. I certainly support what he said in that Muslims are Islam's greatest enemy (at least he implied it) and that Muslims must be good Muslims for the non-Muslims to respect them and Islam. And note that one of the charges of my ISA detention in 2008 was because I had said exactly what Dr Mahathir is saying (although I can bet my sweet ninny that the government is NOT going to detain Dr Mahathir for what he is saying). Dr Mahathir said: Muslims should always correct themselves so that they become successful people in the present world and hereafter. Dr Mahathir also said: Muslims in the country, who form the majority of the Malaysian population, should implement and determine the system of administration according to the actual Islamic teachings, which would bring justice and prosperity to everyone. Dr Mahathir further said: if the country's administration did not provide justice to everyone as required by Islam, and denied the rights of others and oppressed them, it would give a bad impression on Islam. Okay, do you REALLY need me to explain what Dr Mahathir meant? I mean: have I not been talking about this same matter, over and over again, over the last 35 years since the mid-1970s? Are you not tired of hearing me harping on the same issue and sounding like a stuck record? No, no need for me to add anything more to what Dr Mahathir has so eloquently espoused. Let me KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). The majority of Malaysians are Muslims, as Dr Mahathir said. And the majority of government leaders and civil servants are Muslims as well. And most of the incidences of abuse of power and corruption are perpetuated by the Muslims in the government and civil service. So, need I say more? Need I explain how Muslims should demonstrate good Islamic values so that the non-Muslims will respect them and Islam? KISS: keep it simple stupid. Stop corruption. Stop abuse of power. Stop fraud and cheating. Stop robbing the rakyat of their right to a government of their choice through a free, fair and clean election. Stop racism and discrimination. Stop! Stop! Stop! That's all it takes for the non-Muslims to respect Muslims and Islam. It is so simple it makes me laugh. You don't have to be a genius to figure it out. And stop threatening and persecuting Malaysians who wish to march on 9th July 2001, which even the ex-Mufti of Perlis says is the correct Islamic thing to do. Then, and only then, will the non-Muslims start respecting the Muslims and Islam. Kapish? |
| Now what? Posted: 23 Jun 2011 06:11 PM PDT
So what you and I -- the rational and intelligent bunch of Malaysians -- think is not important. We have already formed our opinions anyway and we know who to vote for in the next general election. Nothing is going to change our minds. It is what the simple-minded and God-fearing Malays in the Malay heartland think is what matters. And what are they going to think now that it has been 'proven in court beyond any shadow of doubt' that Anwar is the man in the video? NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin What Othman Wahab and Lim Kit Siang said in the two pieces published in The Malaysian Insider today makes sense (see below). They make sense because Othman and Kit Siang speak rationally and argue intelligently. But this matter is not about making sense and arguing intelligently. It is about the perception game and psy-war. And in the perception game and psy-war nothing makes sense. I, in fact, already anticipated what is going to happen today in my earlier piece: Ever heard of the phrase 'collateral damage'? And was I right or was I right? Anyway, enough of 'I told you so'. What is done is done. Let us now explore what is going to be the upside and downside of this whole episode. The government's reputation has been damaged by this episode -- in particular that of the Police and the Judiciary. But then, so what? What else is new? Their reputations had already been damaged big-time 13 years ago back in 1998 during the Sodomy 1 episode -- and then ten years later in 2008 when the Sodomy 2 episode erupted. How can you damage any further what is already damaged beyond repair? So, have they lost anything? Can they lose anything that they don't have? The 'Datuk T' trio pleaded guilty and 'paid the price' for their crime. It was a small price to pay though. (Shazryl Eskay Abdullah was fined RM3,000 or three months' jail, Shuib Lazim was fined RM1,500 or two months' jail, while Rahim Thamby Chik was fined RM1,000 or one month's jail.) Now these three Datuks have suddenly become 'Malay heroes' (not criminals) for 'standing tall' and being 'brave' and 'righteous' enough to 'reveal the truth' and expose Anwar Ibrahim's 'transgression' in the true Islamic spirit of amar makruf, nahi munkar. (This is what the perception game and psy-war is all about, in case you did not realise this by now). If I were in their place I would not have paid the fine but would have chosen the jail sentence instead. Then they would really be heroes. After all, it is only three months, two months and one month respectively. And for the three months and two months jail sentences there is a one-third remission on the sentence (but not for the one month jail, I think). It's a pity they are not brave enough to refuse to pay the fine and chose to go to jail instead. Okay, what 'good' has come out of all this? As far as the pro-opposition supporters are concerned this just goes to prove that the Police and Judiciary are working for Umno -- as if they did not already know that and are not convinced enough yet? For the pro-government supporters this proves that what Umno said about Anwar all along is true after all -- that he is an immoral person who talks about Islam until he foams at the mouth but is in reality a Munafiq and Fasiq, a type of person whom Islam considers worse than a Kafir (infidel). But what is more important -- and this is what this perception game and psy-war is all about -- is that they now have something 'solid' and 'concrete' to tell the simple-minded and God-fearing kampong people. And this is what is more important to Umno, the simple-minded and God-fearing kampong people. You see; there are two groups of people who are going to determine who gets to form the next federal government. The first group are the voters from East Malaysia (Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan control 57 of the 222 seats in Parliament). The second group are the voters from the Malay heartland. And the second group is what Umno is concerned about. The East Malaysian seats are safe because the opposition in East Malaysia is in a mess (as the recent Sarawak state elections and the ongoing political developments in Sabah have proven). Anyway, Umno has only 11 of those 57 East Malaysian seats so it matters not to Umno -- they will leave it to the 'locals' to sort out Sabah and Sarawak. What Umno really wants is the seats in the Malay heartland, which PAS and PKR captured back in March 2008. First, look at the following chart. 
Can you see that in the 2008 General Election Umno saw 30 of its seats disappear? It managed only 79 seats or 35.6% (about one-third) of the total number of seats in Parliament. This means Umno, on its own, can't form the federal government. It needs Barisan Nasional to be able to form the government. So Umno can't tell the non-Malays to got to hell -- like it did pre-March 2008. Umno needs at least 112 seats to be able to be the Boss again -- or at least 112 seats together with MCA, MIC and Gerakan (which have 20 seats combined). Therefore Umno needs roughly another 35 seats or so. And these would be the 35 seats in the Malay heartland of Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Mainland Penang. So what you and I -- the rational and intelligent bunch of Malaysians -- think is not important. We have already formed our opinions anyway and we know who to vote for in the next general election. Nothing is going to change our minds. It is what the simple-minded and God-fearing Malays in the Malay heartland think is what matters. And what are they going to think now that it has been 'proven in court beyond any shadow of doubt' that Anwar is the man in the video? I don't know how gullible these simple-minded and God-fearing Malays in the kampongs are. Will this perception game and psy-war of Umno work? I don't know yet but in time we will know. It is a brilliant move nevertheless, whether it works or not. This is what perception games and psy-wars are all about. As what Najib Tun Razak said last week: this is not about reality. This is about perception. The question now would be: has Umno managed to get the simple-minded and God-fearing Malays in the Malay heartland to perceive what Umno wants them to perceive? You tell me! ***************************************** Hail, the Datuk T trio — Othman Wahab (The Malaysian Insider) - You mean the powers-that-be took months to play out this video tape sandiwara. Maybe they were waiting for a suitable lawyer, err say, someone with aspirations for higher office and who is not so picky about the character of the clientele. But that is lain cerita; this charade of a court case was already sketched in the minds of most Malaysians after the sordid tape was given unusual play by the mainstream media, the three stooges were feted like heroes by the Najib administration and the police spent an unusual amount of time investigating a simple case (the cops seemed more interested in the identity of the actor than the perpetrators of the sex video). So many of my friends figured that the government would have a sham case, charge the three jokers, give them a slap on the wrist and then introduce the identity of the man as an aside. This came to pass today. So does this qualify me and my friends as brilliant? Sad to say it just means that we are either as average as the thinkers in government or that we can think ahead of the rascals. Does it matter if it is proven that Anwar Ibrahim is the actor? Yes it does because he has denied it. But I still say that this is not proven because the so-called "evidence" and "experts' info" were introduced by the government in court. It was not examined or challenged by anyone. But this was meant to be this way, get the three to plead guilt, give them a token fine and then slip in some dirt on Anwar, dirt which can't be examined. The idea here is to persuade fence-sitters that Anwar is soiled goods and cannot be supported. This is about the coming elections and the three stooges were just that, stooges in a play dictated by Umno leaders. Anwar is a flawed individual, no question about that. But this is where we must not fall into the trap set by Messrs Najib and Muhyiddin. Anwar is not the opposition nor does he represent a better vision for Malaysia. Nurul Izzah, Husam Musa, Tony Pua, Ambiga Sreenevasan, Khalid Samad, Haris Ibrahim, Fuziah Saleh, the former Perlis mufti, the people behind the Sarawak Report, you and me. Now we are the hope of the country. The scoundrels have used all the institutions of the country to damage and destroy one man. They have no respect for the soul of this country, they destroy everything to stay in power and to continue to pillage. Today's courtroom sham should be seen in this light. Don't forget Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik, Eskay, Shuib when you vote. Don't forget Ibrahim Ali when you vote. Don't forget the IGP or the A-G when you vote. They only act for Umno. *********************************************** Police, A-G major casualties in 'Datuk T' charge delay, says Lim (The Malaysian Insider) - The independence and credibility of the police and the Attorney-General's chambers have been dented by the delay in charging the 'Datuk T' trio, Lim Kit Siang has said. "The farce this morning in the magistrate's court where the "Datuk T" trio were charged for the Sri Carcosa sex tape screening has only served to further lower public confidence and esteem in the efficiency, independence and professionalism of the Attorney-General and the Police. "The way the three criminals preened themselves as if they are national heroes for the crimes they have committed raised many questions — including why the AGC and police have to take more than three months to charge the trio in court," Lim said in a statement today. The "Datuk T" trio pleaded guilty and were fined in a magistrate's court today over their involvement in the screening of a sex video allegedly featuring Pakatan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Former Malacca Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik was charged with abetting former Perkasa treasurer-general Datuk Shuib Lazim and businessman Datuk Shazryl Eskay Abdullah in "openly" screening the pornographic material featuring sex acts between a man and a woman at the prestigious Carcosa Seri Negara Hotel here on March 21. Shazryl was fined RM3,000 or three months' jail, Shuib was fined RM1,500 or two months' jail while Abdul Rahim was fined RM1,000 or one month's jail. Lim, who is DAP parliamentary leader added that both the police and the AGC have been exercising double standards in other cases, and listed them- inaction over Utusan Malaysia's Christian Malaysia claims and Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali's threatening bloodshed and another May 13 to counter the upcoming May 13 rally by election watchdog Bersih. "Is it any wonder that never before in the nation's history has the ruling coalition suffered such massive and sustained erosion of public support and confidence to the extent that uppermost in the minds of Malaysians is the question whether the time for the end of UMNO and Barisan Nasional rule in Malaysia has really come?" Lim asked. |
| WIKILEAKS: Update on the use of 'Allah' and the church attacks Posted: 23 Jun 2011 01:00 AM PDT As of January 11, there have been eleven attacks on churches, and one on a small mosque, in Malaysia since the first three attacks overnight on January 7 (ref A). Over the January 9-10 weekend, eight more churches and a small mosque were attacked, raising the total to twelve. Unlike the first few attacks on January 8, which only took place in Kuala Lumpur and nearby Selangor, incidents over the weekend occurred in other parts of the country: in addition to one more in the KL area, there were three in Perak, one in Malacca, one in Penang, one in Negeri Sembilan, and one in Sarawak (on Malaysian Borneo). THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KUALA LUMPUR 000014 SIPDIS SENSITIVE FOR EAP/MTS AND INR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV, PHUM, PREL, MY SUBJECT: MALAYSIA: UPDATE ON THE "ALLAH" ISSUE AND CHURCH ATTACKS REF: A. KUALA LUMPUR 11 -- THREE CHURCHES ATTACKED OVERNIGHT B. KUALA LUMPUR 03 -- COURT RULING ON THE USE OF 'ALLAH' SUMMARY 1. (SBU) Summary: Following three separate attacks on churches over the night of January 7-8 (ref A), unknown individuals made another nine attacks on churches and a mosque over the weekend, according to senior police officials at a special briefing for the diplomatic corps on January 11 at the Ministry of Home Affairs. Police briefers stressed that the incidents were sporadic and not planned, and that the Government was committed to protecting religious facilities across the country and to ensuring civil order. The police and senior Home Affairs officials clarified the government's position in the 'Allah' case (ref B) and stressed how sensitive the issue is to ethnic Malays. They indicated investigations into the attacks are ongoing but that no concrete leads have been developed. They also provided details of the church attacks but stressed that the actual damage, except in the first attack, was relatively minor. Both the Prime Minister and Home Minister issued statements over the weekend committing the government to tough actions against perpetrators of these crimes. The Prime Minister also promised assistance to rebuild and repair damaged churches, the Prime Minister's Department said interfaith dialogues would be held, and Muslim NGO groups offered help guarding churches. While many weekend editorials expressed dismay at the attacks, some continued to defend the right of Muslims to demonstrate and express anger about the High Court's December 31 ruling that the GOM's prohibition on the Catholic Herald's use of the word 'Allah' was unconstitutional. End Summary. ATTACKS CONTINUE OVER THE WEEKEND 2. (SBU) As of January 11, there have been eleven attacks on churches, and one on a small mosque, in Malaysia since the first three attacks overnight on January 7 (ref A). Over the January 9-10 weekend, eight more churches and a small mosque were attacked, raising the total to twelve. Unlike the first few attacks on January 8, which only took place in Kuala Lumpur and nearby Selangor, incidents over the weekend occurred in other parts of the country: in addition to one more in the KL area, there were three in Perak, one in Malacca, one in Penang, one in Negeri Sembilan, and one in Sarawak (on Malaysian Borneo). According to police, most of the attacks involved hit-and-run tactics, whereby the attackers would throw poorly made Molotov cocktails, bricks, or plastic bags full of paint on the churches. None of the additional attacks caused damage valued at over 1,000 Malaysian Ringgit (RM) (approximately $300 USD), and only one person was lightly injured: a pastor, when confronting three attackers who stormed into his church, was pushed to the ground. BRIEFING THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS 3. (SBU) Home Affairs Secretary General Mahmood Adam led a government briefing of the diplomatic corps on January 11 at the Home Ministry. The DCM, Poloff, and RSO attended from the Mission. SecGen Mahmood began by stressing that "things are under control", noting that no incidents had occurred over the last 12 hours. (Note: There was another attack that took place during the previous night, but news of the attack was not released until after the briefing. End Note.) He emphasized the government's commitment to protect religious facilities. Mahmood and the briefing team devoted a significant amount of time to laying out the background and government's position with regard to the 'Allah' case and its appeal to the Court. Mahmood commented that the government's case was focused on "publication" of the word Allah by non-Muslim groups and not on the casual oral use of the word. He asserted that this is a very sensitive issue among Muslim Malays that foreigners would find difficult to comprehend. He downplayed the damage of the attacks, noting that with the exception of the very first attack which gutted a church in Kuala Lumpur, none of the incidents resulted in damage greater than 1,000 RM ($300 USD). A police inspector provided details of each incident, noting that most of the attacks had no witnesses, and very little forensic evidence that was usable in identifying the perpetrators. With one exception, the police think that all of the incidents were carried out by different parties, commenting "these attacks were not planned or organized. There were no big groups involved. They are expressions of dissatisfaction." 4. (SBU) Following the briefing, several questions were posed by members of the diplomatic corps. Most notable was a query posed by the French Ambassador as to why use of the world "Allah" by non-Muslim groups in Malaysia was such a controversial issue, when in Indonesia and several Middle Eastern countries it is not. SecGen Mahmood replied that Malaysia was different and that "to be fair, you have to compare an apple with an apple." Mahmood went on to say that just like Christianity has different branches such as Catholicism, Protestants, etc., so does Islam, and that Malays follow "Ahli Sunnah wal Jamaah". (Comment: "Ahli Sunnah wal Jamaah," is simply the Arabic term for Sunni Islam, which is not different from Islam as practiced widely in the Middle East nor neighboring Indonesia. End Comment.) GOVERNMENT WORDS AND ACTIONS OVER THE WEEKEND 5. (SBU) Prime Minister Najib visited the site of the most serious church attack on January 8 and pledged RM 500,000 (about USD $130,000) in government funds to repair the affected churches. A chorus of ministers joined Najib in condemning the attacks. Home Affairs Minister Hishamuddin Hussein (PM Najib's nephew) was quoted on the front page of the January 11 Malay-language Utusan Malaysia saying that he would not hesitate to implement the Internal Security Act (ISA), because if these incidents were left unchecked it "could disrupt peace and harmony" in Malaysia. (Comment: Hishamuddin also stressed that other laws -- arson, vandalism, etc. -- would be used to charge anyone involved with these attacks, implying that the Najib administration could selectively arrest people whose statements might otherwise provoke discontent. His mention of the ISA is seen by some as a thinly-veiled warning to the opposition to cease accusing the ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO) party of being the root of the problem. End Comment.) MEDIA RESPONSE 6. (SBU) Parallel with this law-and-order approach to the church attacks has been another narrative in the vernacular papers suggesting that Catholic/Christian use of the word 'Allah' is the root of the problem, and that the Catholic Herald and others -- mainly Christians in Sarawak and Sabah -- should gracefully stop using the word. The front page editorial cartoon in the January 11 edition of Utusan Malaysia (the ruling party's Malay language mouthpiece) cites a statement from the Christian head of the Sabah Development Institute, Clarence Bongkos, who suggested over the weekend that Christians voluntarily stop using Allah, which he said would be no problem. "That would be the best solution," the cartoon's straight man concludes. Other articles have made clear that the Allah controversy feeds into national politics. Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim commented "Much of the blame for the recent attacks can be placed at the doorstep of the UMNO-led BN (National Front) ruling party. Its incessant racist propaganda over the Allah issue and the inflammatory rhetoric issued by government-controlled mainstream media, especially Utusan Malaysia, are reprehensible." Citing opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's charge, an op-ed writer counterattacked in Utusan's weekend edition, saying that it was Anwar who was trying to "burn up the masses" by accusing UMNO of racism. The ironies include the fact that in the 1980s Anwar was instrumental in forming one of the Malay student organizations, ABIM, that is now vocally asserting that non-Muslims may not use "Allah." NO REPORTS OF INCIDENTS INVOLVING AMCITS 7. (SBU) As of January 11, 2010, American Citizen Services (ACS) has not received any reports of Americans who have been hurt or effected as a result of these religiously motivated attacks. KEITH |
| Your trivia for today: yellow Posted: 22 Jun 2011 06:52 PM PDT
During the People Power Revolution of 1986, yellow was the dominant theme, the colour being associated with former Philippine President Corazon Aquino. It is now a symbol of both support for her as well as in commemoration of the popular revolt. NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin
The word yellow comes from the Old English geolu, or geolwe which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word gelwaz. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the oldest known use of this word in English is from The Epinal Glossary in the year 700. In the English language, yellow has traditionally been associated with jaundice and cowardice. The ancient Maya associated the colour yellow with the direction South. The Maya glyph for yellow (k'an) also means 'precious' or 'ripe'. 
Yellow is traditionally associated with the Malay Rulers of Malaysia. 
Yellow was also used to represent the Manchus in the new flag of China: Five Races Under One Union, and also under the flag of Manchukuo. 
The legendary first emperor of China was known as the Yellow Emperor or Huang Di. Members of the imperial family of China at that time were the only ones allowed to display the colour yellow in buildings and garments. 
The Yellow Turbans were a Daoist sect that staged an extensive rebellion during the Han Dynasty. Yellow is associated with the word 'caution' and is the second light on traffic lights. Yellow pan traps are used to capture insects, many of which are attracted to shades of yellow. Yellow is also associated with aging, for both people and objects (e.g. yellowed paper). 
Yellow was also the colour of the New Party in the Republic of China (Taiwan), which supports Chinese reunification. In the United States, a yellow dog Democrat was a Southern voter who consistently voted for Democratic candidates in the late 19th and early 20th centuries because of lingering resentment against the Republicans dating back to the Civil War and Reconstruction period. Today the term refers to a hard-core Democrat, supposedly referring to a person who would vote for a 'yellow dog' before voting for a Republican. 
In the United States yellow is also associated with the Libertarian Party, to contrast with the Green Party (green), Democratic Party (blue) and Republican Party (red). 
In the United Kingdom, yellow is associated with the Liberal Democrats. In the United Kingdom, The Monster Raving Loony Party (OMRLP) has made use of yellow, along with black, as its primary party colours. 
During the People Power Revolution of 1986, yellow was the dominant theme, the colour being associated with former Philippine President Corazon Aquino. It is now a symbol of both support for her as well as in commemoration of the popular revolt. In Europe, many liberal parties are symbolised by the colour yellow, including the Free Democratic Party (Germany), Liberal Forum (Austria), Estonian Reform Party, National Liberal Party (Romania) and Liberal and Centre Union (Lithuania). The pan-European Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe and European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party also use the colour yellow. 
In football, the referee shows a yellow card to indicate that a player has been officially cautioned because he has committed a foul or has wasted time. In American Football, a yellow flag is thrown onto the field by a referee to indicate a penalty. Originally in Rugby League and then later, also in Rugby Union, the referee shows a yellow card to indicate that a player has been sent to the sin bin. In auto racing, a yellow flag signals caution. Cars are not allowed to pass one another under a yellow flag. 
In cycle racing, the yellow jersey - or maillot jaune - is awarded to the leader in a stage race. The tradition was begun in the Tour de France where the sponsoring L'Auto newspaper (later L'Équipe) was printed on distinctive yellow newsprint. The term 'yellow' is used as a racial slur for both Asians (yellow peril) and, in the early 20th century, light-skinned African-Americans (high yellow). Yellow (giallo), in Italy, refers to crime stories, both fictional and real. This association began in about 1930, when the first series of crime novels published in Italy had yellow covers. The term 'yellow movie' can refer to films of pornographic nature in Chinese culture, and is analogous to the English 'blue movie'. Lastly, yellow is associated with sensational journalistic practices, or yellow journalism, and resistance to militant trade unions. 'Yellow journalism' is a term that refers to sensationalist journalism that distorts, exaggerates, or exploits news to maximize profit. |
| Now you know why we need better governance Posted: 22 Jun 2011 05:25 PM PDT When Malaysia went through a recession, Thailand continued to see growth. The word 'recession' was not in the Thai vocabulary. When Bangkok suffered massive and disruptive demonstrations it was business as usual. The country's image and economy did not suffer. Malaysia is trying to tell us that the 9th July march is going to hurt the country's image, and therefore the economy. In that case it is because of Malaysia's bad governance if Thailand's image and economy can withstand demonstrations but Malaysia's can't. THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin Illegal assembly will tarnish Malaysia's good image - analysts (Bernama) -- The organiser of the illegal assembly set for July 9, is hell-bent in tarnishing Malaysia's image as a nation blessed with peace, harmony and prosperity, according to several political analysts. They said one of the hidden agendas of the organiser was to leave a black mark in the nation's history, apart from distracting the people's attention from the pending sodomy court case involving a leading Opposition political leader. Non-government organisation 1Agenda chairman Zul Azhar Cha, who is also a blogger, said he had information that the organiser had invited the international media to give wide coverage to the illegal assembly. He recently lodged a police report against the assembly. Previously, similar illegal assemblies were held in 1998 and 2007, resulting in street demonstrations which in turn, causing inconvenience to the public and damage to public property, attracting bad publicity from the international media. According to a lecturer in politics and international studies from Universiti Utara Malaysia, Kedah, Md Shukri Shuib, while the damage to the streets was bad, the bad publicity generated by international news agencies was worse. He said, Malaysia then was portrayed as no longer a paradise for shoppers and tourists. "Instead, it deemed as being in a chaotic state, with images and false and one-sided information fed by a certain 'reform' group," he told Bernama recently. However, the lecturer believed that the majority of Malaysians were much wiser than to blindly let themselves be taken in by the 'wayang kulit' orchestrated by the organiser. "What is one hundred thousand in numbers as compared to the millions of Malaysians who make up the silent majority...the ones who have been enjoying peace and stability, and quietly supporting the government for the future of their younger generations,?" he asked. Businesswoman Zabedah Daud, a political observer in Shah Alam, said, not many would sympathise with a group which planned to put Malaysia in limbo for its own political gains when the current government had tackled almost every issue. "How can they (organiser of illegal assembly) say they want a fair election when it is already fair as fair can be?" "I think, if the Election Commission is not fair or more pro-Barisan Nasional government, would the opposition have won the five states in the last general election,?" asked the grandmother of 18 grandchildren. Stressing that the future of a stable and peaceful Malaysia was of utmost importance to her, and for the sake of her grandchildren, Zabedah hoped wisdom would prevail. She urged the organiser of the illegal rally to abandon the planned illegal gathering which would bring nothing positive to the country. Admitting that she could make reasonable guess on the hidden agenda of the illegal rally, she asked: "Is the ambition of one man to become the prime minister, more important than the future of 27 million Malaysians?" ***************************************** Protests Not Expected to Hurt Thai Economy (Time/CNN) - Thailand's economy was growing like gangbusters. On May 17, the central bank announced that the country had achieved its highest quarterly growth rate in 15 years, with figures showing a 12% year-on-year increase for the first three months of 2010. Two days later, soldiers used force to disperse antigovernment protesters who had paralyzed central Bangkok for weeks. Violence surrounding the two-month-long demonstrations left 86 dead and more than 1,000 wounded, sparking fears that this year's brief economic boom could dissolve into a bust. Thailand's economy, however, is proving more resilient than expected. On Thursday, May 27, the Bank of Thailand predicted gross domestic product would still grow between 4.3% and 5.8% for the year, nearly as high as the 6.2% forecast by the World Bank before the violence began. Economic analysts and the business community expressed cautious optimism that the fallout from the civil unrest would be limited and the country would enjoy a year of strong growth. "We think the central bank's estimate is reasonably accurate, although we are pegging growth at between 4% and 5%," says Supavud Saicheua, an economist with Phatra Securities in Bangkok. "But our forecast is uncertain," he added, citing concerns about Thailand's political and security situation and external factors. (See photos of the protests in Bangkok.) Thailand did not escape from its recent woes unscathed. The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce estimated damages from the protests at roughly $4.6 billion and said they cost the country nearly 1.5% in growth. Those numbers could skyrocket if Thailand's political and social troubles aren't over, and it's not certain that they are. But this week's positive forecasts are based on the growth driven by robust exports, which have not been seriously damaged by the country's political conflict. China's bottomless demand for Thai electronics, computer components, food products and raw materials has helped stoke its southern neighbor's economy; China now gobbles up 10% of all Thai goods shipped overseas. Exports now account for between 60% and 65% of the Thai economy — nearly double what they did in the late 1990s. The Thai sector suffering most severely from the unrest is tourism, which accounts for more than 6% of gross domestic product and is a key source of jobs and foreign-exchange earnings. A small blessing is that the bloodshed took place during the low-tourism season. Industry executives hope that confidence in the country as a holiday destination can be restored before the start of the high season in October. "I'm pretty bullish on how Thailand will do economically this year. I believe we will have a relatively quick recovery — even in tourism," says William Heinecke, whose Thailand-based Minor Group owns 16 hotels around the country, along with fast-food and retail businesses. "Tourists were never in any danger, and there were no problems in many places tourists normally go, such as Phuket and Hua Hin." (Read about the end of Bangkok's siege.) With anger over the government's crackdown still seething in some rural areas, warnings abound that Thailand could erupt into civil war. But Heinecke does not subscribe to that scenario. "Cool hearts will prevail," he says, claiming there hasn't been a single problem among his 25,000 employees around the country despite their differing political views. Others, however, maintain that the situation is more precarious. While Thailand has shown great resilience during past troubles, "we should not simply think that every crisis will be overcome easily. The cycle of the recurrence of political breakdowns has become shorter and shorter," says Nandor von der Luehe, chairman of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce of Thailand. The government needs to address the issues of economic inequality that helped spark the protests and ensure that a reconciliation process starts as soon as possible, he says. "If investors do not believe that the problem has been solved, then sooner or later investments will turn to more attractive places." (Watch a video of Bangkok before the surrender.) Still, a lasting crisis in confidence has not yet come to pass. As head of Amata Corporation and owner of Thailand's largest industrial estates, Vikrom Kromadit depends on foreign and local investment to survive. While business was down during the two months of demonstrations, "industries that have already invested here are still looking to expand," he says. Investors who know the country well have not lost interest, but others may be more nervous, he adds. While much of the public is looking to the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to solve the issues of inequality and injustice that helped fuel the demonstrations, Heinecke says Thai businesses also have the power to effect positive change in society. "The business community will come together on this," he says. "People have said Thailand has changed and will never be the same. We can never return to what we were, but we can move on to something better." |
| Ex-Perlis Mufti agrees with my views on Islam Posted: 21 Jun 2011 08:30 PM PDT
No, this is NOT my normal cheong hei article. I have nothing more to add to what the ex-Perlis Mufti said other than I have been saying the same thing myself for years. But then I am a 'western educated' person and not an 'Islamic scholar'. So my views on Islam are insignificant unless someone the level of a mufti says the same thing. Hah! It feels good to be able to say: I TOLD YOU SO! NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin Ex-Perlis mufti Asri backs Bersih's intentions (Malaysiakini) - Former Perlis mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said after hearing and evaluating the briefing given by the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (Bersih), he found its intentions to be good. Asri said he had been swarmed with questions over the Bersih campaign and for him to take a stand on the issue of demands for just elections. He explained that any life dealings should be assessed in two ways: its purpose and method. "If the purpose and the method used is good then it would be considered a good practice. If it is meant well, but the method deployed is wrong, it's like theft for the purpose of giving charity, it is deemed wrong. If the purpose is wrong or is a sin, then any move towards it would be considered likewise." "Any individuals who participate in the activity must ensure its purpose is halal and noble and the method deployed is also halal," he said. After hearing Bersih's briefing, Asri said he found its intentions are good, that is to claim the rights which should be accorded to the rakyat or people as promised in the constitution. If the demands are successful, the former Perlis mufti said it would not only help alleviate the problems faced by political parties in seeking a just campaign but also improve the way we embark on politics without having a notion of where the party is from. "I do not dispute Bersih's noble intentions. However, I am worried if a certain political party's agenda is realised and not the rakyat's aspirations in general. Whereas the demands are good to ensure justice in managing elections," he said. As to holding a rally, Asri said in principle it is required unless it is accompanied by haram actions like destroying public property, fights and actions leading to bad behaviour. Citing Prophet Muhammad's sayings, Asri said street demonstrations to protest transgression can be held. "In today's context, peaceful demonstrations to prevent political misbehaviour could be held as it has been successful in many countries." "However, demonstrations would be open to dangers and causing chaos and they should be used as a last resort if the demands for justice are not met," he added. "Discussion, negotiation or writing in protest are preferred. I understand all this had been done and the Election Commission should adhere to these demands to prevent the people from going to the streets which would result in untoward eventualities," he said. He warned that if the EC fails to adhere to the demands, it is the rakyat's right to demand them peacefully. "A peaceful rally is an important pre-condition and if it turns violent then it becomes haram. Those who want to attend the Bersih rally must work towards ensuring that they do not destroy public property, injure someone or shout vulgarities at anyone but only shout their demands and slogans to show their dissatisfaction," he said. "It is haram for the demonstrators or the police to provoke anyone, resulting in riots. The police should also realise that the demands are good for the country and not only for the betterment of the people but also the police." "The demonstrators should realise the police are out to ensure peace and there should not be any provocation," he warned, adding that those who provoke would be considered to have sinned. |
| Ever heard of the phrase ‘collateral damage’? Posted: 21 Jun 2011 07:20 PM PDT This is not about saving the three Datuks. It is not about slapping the three Datuks on the wrist and scolding them "naughty boys". It is about catching a big fish named Anwar Ibrahim and about convincing the 40% atas pagar that the man in the video is Anwar Ibrahim. THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin Anwar Ibrahim is not convinced that the 'Datuk T' trio will be charged this Friday. But then Anwar was also not convinced that Perak would fall back into the hands of Barisan Nasional and it did. That one episode alone makes me wary of Anwar's skills at strategic planning and thinking. Okay, you can read what Anwar thinks in the Malaysian Digest news item below. Now let me tell you what I think. First of all, you must put yourself in the other person's shoes. In other words, apply a bit of Sun Tze's teachings when you do strategic planning. And that means do not think what you would normally do but what the other person would do instead. Now, if I were the 'other side' -- and the 'other side' is very brutal and manipulative mind you -- I would not hesitate to sacrifice the less important people. And let's accept it, the 'Datuk T' trio is not that important to the bigger scheme of things. So, turning them into 'collateral damage' is not a big deal. So they get fined a few thousand ringgit or get sent to jail for a couple of months or both, what's the problem? If you agree to bank in RM20 million into my bank account I too would be prepared to return to Malaysia and spend 12 to 18 months in jail. After all, after deducting the one-third remission from my sentence, I would be out by my 63rd birthday, still young enough to enjoy the money. Okay, what would I do if I were the 'other side'? First, I would charge the three Datuks. Then they would plead not guilty and the trial would proceed. Whether the three are discharged without their defence being called, or are eventually acquitted after a trial, or are found guilty and get sent to jail for a couple of months, or are merely fined, is not important. You see: you can't damage the government's image or the reputation of the three Datuks any more than it has already been damaged. As it is, the porn video issue has already backfired and you can't hurt those behind the video any more than they are already hurt. But you can damage Anwar. And that is the real target. During the trial everything will surface -- how the video was recorded, where and when it was recorded, who were the people behind the recording, who are the people in the video, and much more. So you see, the charge is for the crime of distributing porn material, in this case the video. But the trial would need to establish all those other 'facts'. And these 'facts' are what the 'other side' wants to reveal. Now, note one thing. The pro-government supporters do not need convincing -- they are convinced that Anwar is the man in the video. The pro-opposition supporters also do not need convincing -- they are convinced that Anwar is not the man in the video. But those are not the targets. The target is the 40% or so 'undecided', the 'atas pagar' or 'fence sitters'. This is the group that the 'other side' wants to swing. It is pointless to try to swing the 30% pro-government or 30% pro-opposition groups. They are steadfast in their views. It is the 40% neither-here-nor-there group that matters. This is the group that the 'other side' is trying to win over. Note one more thing. The next general election is going to be won or lost within a mere 5% margin or so. So, 40% is a large margin to win over. And this 40% represents the 'atas pagar' or undecided group. Some of this 40% do not decide whom to vote for until the very morning of Polling Day. That is how crucial this 40% can be to the election result. So, no, this is not a wayang kulit (shadow play) like what Anwar may think. This is for real. The three Datuks are collateral damage. They are going to be sacrificed in the interest of catching a bigger fish. And that bigger fish is Anwar Ibrahim. And the 'other side' would be prepared to sacrifice ten Datuks if need be just to get Anwar. So what are three has-been Datuks of no significance to the bigger scheme if things? If I were Anwar I would not be too cock-sure of myself. I would be very worried. I would smell a rat -- in fact, three rats. And these three rats are going to be hung as bait to lure Anwar into the trap that is going to strangle him. This is not about saving the three Datuks. It is not about slapping the three Datuks on the wrist and scolding them "naughty boys". It is about catching a big fish named Anwar Ibrahim and about convincing the 40% atas pagar that the man in the video is Anwar Ibrahim. Will they succeed? I really don't know. If the 'other side' handles this: maybe 'yes' and maybe 'no'. They are so stupid that they keep shooting themselves in their own feet. But if I were to handle this I would know exactly what to do and how to finish off Anwar for good. But then I can't reveal what I would do if I were handling this lest I end up teaching the 'other side' a trick or two, which they may not know of yet. ********************************************* 
Anwar Convinced Datuk T Won't Be Charged by Haider Yutim, Malaysian Digest KUALA LUMPUR, 22 JUNE, 2011: Opposition leader Datuk Sri Anwar Ibrahim said he is not convinced that the 'Datuk T' trio would be charged this Friday. When asked by Malaysian Digest to comment on the matter, he said this case has deferred for months which raised a lot of questions. According to him, the video is still widely distributed and he claimed that the action is encouraged by the government, the police and the Home Ministry. "It is impossible for a pornographic material to be publicized and released by hundreds and thousands if not protected by the powers that be," said Anwar during a press conference at the parliamentary lobby today. He said knowing the Attorney-General Tan Sri Ghani Patail and his track record, he sure that there will be a minimal charge imposed on the trio (Datuk Shazryl Eskay Abdullah, Datuk Shuaib Lazim and Tan Sri Rahim Tamby Chik) in order to appease the 'forces'. "I'm sure they're (the authorities) going to do away (with the case) like the other political motivated charges except when it refers to the Opposition leaders or the normal rakyat," he said. He also told not to take seriously of Ghani's charges. When asked whether he thinks the trio will be off scot-free, Anwar said that this is very likely seeing that the trio is conduit of Umno that provides help for Umno leaders. "Who are the other criminals complicit? Rahim Tamby Chik? Shuib Lazim? One is a 'great moralist' leader and one is one of the Perkasa chiefs. "I mean you are going to say Umno seriously want to take action against these people? I'm not certainly convinced," said Anwar. Datuk 'T' trio who are businessman Eskay, former Melaka Chief Minister Rahim and former Perkasa treasurer Shuib is expected to be charged for showing the sex video allegedly featuring Anwar to several representatives of the media on March 21. The matter was confirmed by Eskay himself when contacted by news portals. |
| WIKILEAKS: What is going on in Malaysia? Posted: 21 Jun 2011 01:00 AM PDT The Administration's unwillingness to stand clearly for freedom of religion and the forthright application of legitimate judicial power, even when it is less than palatable to UMNO, the ruling party, is of concern. That is particularly the case given the imminent trial of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim set to begin on January 25. THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KUALA LUMPUR 000020 SIPDIS FROM THE AMBASSADOR FOR EAP A/S CAMPBELL, ACTING A/S DONOVAN, DAS MARCIEL AND DRL PDAS GLAZE E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/12/2020 TAGS: MY, PGOV, PHUM, PREL SUBJECT: WHAT IS GOING ON IN MALAYSIA? REF: A. KUALA LUMPUR 014 UPDATE ON THE ALLAH ISSUE B. KUALA LUMPUR 011 OVERNIGHT ATTACKS ON THREE CHURCHES C. KUALA LUMPUR 03 GOM APPEALS KUALA LUMPUR HIGH COURT RULING D. 09 KUALA LUMPUR 716 CANING PUNISHMENT POSTPONED Classified By: AMBASSADOR JAMES R. KEITH; REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D). 1. (C) Two fundamental issues arise in connection with the Malaysian authorities' handling of the "Allah" case in which a Malaysian court has ruled unconstitutional the Najib Administration's effort to ban the use of the word "Allah" by a Catholic newspaper, publishing in both English and Malaysian. Freedom of Religion 2. (C) Despite its extensive efforts to reassure expatriate and foreign audiences, the Malaysian Government has focused only on protection of property and persons, foregoing an opportunity to make a clear statement on the maintenance of freedom of religion in the country. Rule of Law and the Independence of the Judiciary 3. (C) The Najib Administration's intervention has not been solely to promote and protect order and social stability. The Government has underlined the tenuous nature of judicial independence in the country by intervening to arrange a stay of the judge's order that the Catholic publication was allowed to use the word "Allah" in its vernacular text. Moreover, the Administration has arranged a series of public comments from figures of authority ranging from the King to the Sultan of Selangor conveying to Malaysian citizens the clear message that the authorities are opposed to the judge's decision and do not foresee a time when the Government would retreat from its ban of the use of the word "Allah" in Catholic or other Christian publications. 4. (C) The Administration's unwillingness to stand clearly for freedom of religion and the forthright application of legitimate judicial power, even when it is less than palatable to UMNO, the ruling party, is of concern. That is particularly the case given the imminent trial of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim set to begin on January 25. There has long been conflict between the ruling party's commitment in principle to freedom of religion and toleration of diverse views in practice. Christians and Hindus, especially, find it hard in some states at some times to build places of worship or keep them from being plowed under in the name of development. Chinese Buddhist temples are less problematic for the established federal and state powers. Jewish places of worship are strictly forbidden. Similarly, the Malaysian authorities do not respect in practice the independence of the judiciary, at least not on a consistent basis in which an opponent to the ruling party can depend on justice being served. 5. (C) There remains a debate in Malaysia as to whether the Prime Minister genuinely intends to enact significant political reform or, alternatively, whether he is merely giving lip service to reform objectives so as to coax as many conservative Malay voters as possible back into warm embrace of the ruling party after mass defections in the March, 2008 elections. There is evidence that his Administration wishes to liberalize the economy and recognizes the concomitant requirement to achieve at least a minimal level of political reform. He has spoken openly about the need to revise the New Economic Policy, which embodies affirmative action provisions for the majority Malays and is the target of opposition and popular criticism because it establishes the equivalent of second-class citizenship for the roughly one-third of Malaysia's population that is either ethnic Chinese or Indian. Najib has similarly taken small steps to open up the economy and is on record suggesting the country must change or perish. 6. (C) But his failure thus far to record much in the way of tangible results, beyond more forward-looking and liberal rhetoric, leads to popular suspicion. The conventional wisdom among most non-ruling coalition Chinese and Indians, for example, seems to be that the ruling party has orchestrated the "Allah" issue so as to increase support among Malay voters by fomenting division between Muslims on one side and Christians or secularists on the other in the opposition coalition. Few in the opposition credit the Government with a sincere commitment to freedom of religion or the rule of law. They may go too far in their distrust of the Government's motives and they may give the Government too much credit in its purported ability to organize conspiracies, but the popular view is widely and deeply held among non-Malay, non-Muslims that the Government is antagonistic toward other religions and is engaged in a long-term effort to expand Islam's primacy in Malaysian society. 7. (C) Najib's public relations efforts to downplay differences among the races and religions and promote the concepts of toleration and moderation notwithstanding, he appears to have hardened popular views since the advent of his Administration given the steps hardliners in the ruling party have forced on their fellow UMNO members. The Kartika caning case and the cow-head incident (ref D), and a number of less prominent news events involving constraints on the practice of religious freedom have firmed up the views of those already in opposition. It is difficult to say at this point how this latest controversy will affect the ongoing priority on the ruling party's part to woo back ethnic Malays before another general election must be held by 2013. But it is clear that there are limits as to how far Najib will go to earn the characterization of Malaysia as a moderate voice in the Muslim world. We should adjust expectations accordingly, and we will have to monitor closely the next likely test of Najib's political will, namely Anwar Ibrahim's January 25 trial. KEITH |
| How politicians hijack revolutions Posted: 21 Jun 2011 12:41 AM PDT
Never mind which revolution you are talking about, the stories are all the same. Politicians are not capable of starting revolutions. The people start revolutions and then politicians hijack the revolution. The politicians hijacked the people's revolution of 10th November 2007 and they will hijack the 9th July 2011 revolution as well if we are not careful. NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin The French Revolution, the Russian Revolution and the Iranian Revolution are the more interesting revolutions to look at. Most of its leaders were in hiding or were not in the country and living in exile. They were not capable of organising anything in the country (especially back then when there were no mobile phones or internet like now).
Most of what happened was unplanned and took even the revolutionaries by surprise. Nevertheless, when the revolution did happen, this created a vacuum, which made it possible for the politicians to just walk in and take over.
Of course, once they took over, they rewrote the history books and painted a different picture of what really happened. Those who were in hiding or in exile overseas suddenly became the heroes of the revolution. And most times these 'hijackers' arrested and imprisoned or assassinated the real revolutionaries.
Let me quote some excerpts from Alan Bullocks's 1,000-page book: Hitler and Stalin, Parallel Lives.
Contrary to later legends, the Bolsheviks played only a marginal role in the development of the revolution before August 1917. On the eve of the February events, their membership was less than 25,000 and, although this was soon expanded, they continued to have much less support than either of their rivals, the Mensheviks and the Socialist Revolutionaries, the two parties that dominated the Soviets.
Neither Lenin and the Bolsheviks nor the other socialist parties 'made' the revolution; they did not create the grievances of the peasants about the land, the more recent anger of the workers against their exploitation, or the war-weariness of the army and the nation.
The outbreak of the revolution of February 1917, like that of 1905, took the Russian revolutionaries by surprise. Some weeks before that, Trotsky, despairing of developments in Europe, had moved to the United States, and in January, Lenin told a group of young socialists in Zurich: "We of the older generation may not live to see the decisive battles of the coming revolution".
February 1917 was no more a spontaneous revolt of the masses than October was to be. October was a coup d'etat, its predecessors in February the sudden collapse of the Tsarist regime, which had lasted for 300 years but proved incapable of coping with long-standing economic and social problems made intolerable by the strains of an unsuccessful war.
As the regime's authority crumbled it left a vacuum which was filled by mutinous soldiers demanding an end to the war, by factory workers demanding food and labour, and by peasants demanding land.
As in 1905, what released these pent-up forces was not a revolutionary conspiracy but the order given to the troops to fire on demonstrators in Petrograd which this time led to a mutiny among the soldiers.
The mutiny rapidly spread to the rest of the capital's garrison, and the government was unable to regain control.
The revolutionary parties were as divided as they were surprised -- divided about their attitude to the provisional governments; to the Soviets, which sprang up all over the country; to peace negotiations; to a unification of radical forces.
This confusion at the top, the lack of authority in face of anarchical conditions in the country and the continuation of the war, persisted until autumn.
Stalin's part in 1917 was neither as prominent as portrayed by official accounts later, nor as insignificant as Trotsky and his other enemies claimed.
There are three reasons why 1917 is a key to the understanding of Stalin's psychological development. The first is his failure to play the leading role he had dreamed of inflicted a deep and lasting trauma.
As soon as he was in a position to do so, from the end of 1929, he took extraordinary steps to heal it. Records were altered or withheld; memoirs suppressed or censored; editors, court painters and film-makers pressed into service to create a 'revised' version of events in the history of the Soviet Union.
The figure of Trotsky, who had unquestionably played a role second only to that of Lenin -- the leading role in the actual seizure of power -- was expunged and replaced by that of Stalin. Lenin remained the great leader who returned to Russia from abroad; Stalin was now elevated to the same level with him, as the leader who never left Russia, and greeted Lenin on his return.
In practice the seizure of power turned out to be relatively easy: the difficult part began only when the Bolsheviks had taken over the government, with a lost war on their hands, with a social upheaval still in progress, with an economy which had virtually collapsed and with the prospect of civil war. Astonishingly, the revolution was over in less than forty-eight hours and with little bloodshed. Having set the policy, Lenin took little part in its execution. At the last moment he emerged from hiding and reached Trotsky's headquarters at the Smolny Institute in disguise just before midnight on the 24th.
At 2 a.m. on the 25th Trotsky pulled out his watch and said, "It's begun," to which Lenin replied: "From being on the run to supreme power, that's too much."
The Mensheviks and some of the Socialist Revolutionary delegates withdrew in protest at the Bolsheviks' seizure of power. They were assured by Trotsky as they left: "You have played your role. Go where you belong: to the garbage heap of history". |
| The Ninth of July Posted: 20 Jun 2011 09:58 PM PDT
If they can pay RM1.8 million just for a 'free' Facebook website, surely the Government of Malaysia can pay that much for a Made-in-Malaysia movie. Let us imagine the dialogue between a local movie producer and the Minister of Arts and Culture when the local producer applies for a government grant to produce a Made-in-Malaysia movie. This is just imagination, mind you, and never happened nor could ever happen. NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin Rice: Will you be showing how well Malaysia has developed under the Barisan Nasional government? Producer: I did not plan on that but I suppose I could if you want me to. I could show scenes of Selangor and Penang. Rice: No, Selangor and Penang cannot. Those are opposition states. You can only show scenes of the states that are under Barisan Nasional rule. You must also show the Petronas Twin Towers. We are very proud of our Twin Towers. Producer: But isn't the Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, which is also under opposition control? Rice: The opposition won only ten seats in Kuala Lumpur. We still won one seat, even though we cheated with the army votes. So Kuala Lumpur is not totally under opposition control, only 91% opposition. Producer: Okay, if you say so. I can try to include the Twin Towers in the movie. Rice: But make sure you show the Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur and not in Melaka like that other movie that they made…can't remember what it was called now. Producer: Oh, you mean that movie 'Entrapment' starring Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Rice: Yes, that's the one. Our Prime Minister was very angry about that. Producer: Najib? Rice: No, Dr Mahathir. Producer: Oh, you mean the Prime Minister back in 1999 when the movie was first released. Rice: No, I mean the Prime Minister now. He is still the Prime Minister…de facto Prime Minister. Producer: I thought Rosmah is the de facto Prime Minister. Rice: Rosmah is de facto 2. Dr Mahathir is de facto 1. Producer: We have two de facto Prime Ministers? Rice: Why not? After all we have two Finance Ministers…Finance Minister 1 and Finance Minister 2. Producer: I see, so what does that make Najib then? Rice: A very confused man…but never mind…please explain the synopsis of your movie…very briefly though. Your detailed paper can follow later. Producer: It is basically a conspiracy theory movie. Rice: Ah, I just love conspiracy theories. All Malaysians love conspiracy theories. Dr Mahathir talks about the Western capitalist conspiracies. Anwar Ibrahim talks about the Sodomy 1 and Sodomy 2 conspiracies. Everyone talks about conspiracies, especially that Blogger-in-Exile, Raja Petra. He is the biggest spinner of conspiracy theories. That's why the people love to read Malaysia Today. They love fantasies involving conspiracy theories. Do you read Malaysia Today? Producer: I'm afraid I don't. Rice: Never mind, even if you do you will say you don't. Nobody admits that they read Malaysia Today. So what is this conspiracy theory about? Producer: It is about the Opposition Leader being behind one politician named Abraham the Frog. The Opposition Leader sends Abraham to join the ruling party as a Trojan horse. Abraham then launches a Malaysian version of the Ku Klux Klan that we shall call Rogol or Perkosa or something like that…I have not decided yet. Rice: Interesting. Frogs becoming horses. Producer: Rogol or Perkosa is secretly a Brown Power Movement. They want all the non-brown people to be kicked out of the country and for power to be back in the hands of the brown people. It is like the Black Power Movement of the 1960s in America, except in this case the Black Power Movement and the Ku Klux Klan are one and the same. Rice: Isn't that a bit confusing? Producer: No, we shall call it 1Malaysia. Both the Brown Power Movement and the Malaysian Ku Klux Klan become one…1Malaysia. Rice: Sounds reasonable. Producer: Abraham then creates trouble and the people become very angry with the government. Actually the government is not behind Abraham. The real mastermind is the Opposition Leader whom Abraham works for. Rice: But don't the people suspect anything? Producer: No, because the previous Prime Minister is financing Abraham. So the people think that the government is behind Abraham. They don't suspect the Opposition Leader. Rice: So the previous Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader are working together then? Producer: No, that is just the thing. The previous Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader are enemies. Rice: But you said they are working together. Producer: They are not. Abraham is secretly working for the Opposition Leader but openly working for the previous Prime Minister. He is like a double agent. Rice: I see. So Abraham is secretly sabotaging the government then? Producer: Yes, that right. Rice: Ah, so he wants to bring down the government to allow the Opposition Leader to take over. Producer: Not exactly. This is where the conspiracy theory gets more interesting and Abraham's role as a double agent gets more complicating. Rice: I see. Producer: Actually, Abraham is pretending to work for both the Opposition Leader and the previous Prime Minister. He is really working for the Prime Minister. Rice: I don't get it. Producer: The previous Prime Minister is secretly trying to bring down the Prime Minister so that his son can take over. So if Abraham can be linked to the previous Prime Minister that will get his son into trouble and he can't take over as Prime Minister. Rice: I see. So Abraham is suspected of secretly working for the Opposition Leader but is seen to be working for the previous Prime Minister whereas he is actually secretly working for the Prime Minister to sabotage the previous Prime Minister? Producer: That's about it. Rice: So who wins in the end? Producer: Ah, that is the real twist, which no one is going to suspect. You see, the Prime Minister's wife is the real mastermind behind all this. Rice: So now we have the Prime Minister's wife also involved in the conspiracy? Producer: Yes, but the previous Prime Minister is aware of this so he too sabotages the Prime Minister's wife. Rice: Ah, and how does he do this? Producer: He asks all his cronies, the Chinese tycoons, to get close to the Prime Minister's wife and to give her very expensive presents. So they buy her millions of dollars worth of Hermes Birkin handbags and eventually she has all the colours and more bags than Victoria Beckhem. Rice: Is that enough to sabotage her? Producer: Yes, then the mainstream newspapers show pictures of all her handbags and she is eventually dubbed as Malaysia's Imelda Marcos and the people rise up in anger and march to the King's palace and Kuala Lumpur becomes just like Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Yemen, Sudan, Syria and so on. Rice: So the government falls and who takes over then? The Opposition Leader or the previous Prime Minister? Producer: None of the above. The person who takes over will be Abraham. The people become fed up with both the government and the opposition so they reject both. They want an independent Member of Parliament to take over and since Abraham is an independent Member of Parliament he becomes the new Prime Minister. Rice: A very interesting twist indeed. And what are you going to call this movie? Producer: 'The Ninth of July': the day the people took to the streets to make Abraham the Frog the new Prime Minister of Malaysia. |
| As I said, it’s all about perception Posted: 20 Jun 2011 04:56 PM PDT "DAP has no representative in MAIPP. Any decisions made by MAIPP regarding internal affairs of the mosque are solely decided by MAIPP. DAP has never been asked for an approval and were only informed by the press," said Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. But then read what the State EXCO member (equivalent of a State Minister) said. The perception created was that the State is behind this move. THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin DAP-Led Penang Govt Introduces Mosque Election (Bernama) - The DAP-led Penang state government has decided to adopt the election system using ballot papers in the election of mosque committee members throughout the state. Chairman of the State Committee on Religion, Domestic Trade and Consumerism Abdul Malik Kassim said the method that was introduced had been agreed upon by the various parties including the Islamic Religious Department, Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAIPP) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). "Through discussions with the various groups, it was agreed that a more transparent method of electing mosque committee members should be introduced instead of the existing system," he told reporters here today. He said the selection through election aimed to give back the right to nominate and elect congregation leaders to members of the respective mosque congregation. He said a guideline on methods of electing the mosque committee members for the 2012-2013 term had been distributed to all the mosques in the state. *************************************** Penang to go ahead with planned mosque polls (The Star) - The state government will proceed with the mosque committee election as the new system is more transparent and will benefit the Muslim community. State Domestic Trade, Consumer Affairs and Religious Affairs Committee chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim said changes to the mosque election were still within the constitution. "Some people claimed that the changes made regarding the election must have the green light from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. However, the right to select the method of choosing the candidates still remains with the state government," he said. "Yang di-Pertuan Agong still has the final say once the nominations are sent to him for approval." Abdul Malik stressed that DAP had nothing to do with the decision which was made after discussions between the state government and the State Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP). After the nomination closed on June 7, 193 mosques out of the total 200 in the state have sent in their nominations for the election starting June 18. Abdul Malik said the numbers showed that the mosque qariah committees had no qualms about supporting the new and more transparent system. Meanwhile, Penang Umno has submitted an appeal to Yang di-Pertuan Agong for the state mosque election to be postponed and reviewed for it to be in line with the Administration of the Religion of Islam (State of Penang) Enactment. Its chief Datuk Zainal Abidin Osman said: "The Muslims are feeling uncomfortable as they have to go to the mosque to vote in their lea-ders. The appointment has always been carried out through meetings and consensus." President of Penang Mosque Qariah Association Datuk Seri Mohd Yussof Latiff shares the opinion, saying he believes that the system needs improvement as "it is too liberal." ************************************** Penang prepared to go to court over mosque elections (Bernama) - The Penang government is prepared to face court challenges over its decision to have election of mosque committee members in the state on June 18, said State Religious Affairs, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Abdul Malik Kassim. He said the election of mosque committee members was provided for in Section 22 (4) of the Pulau Pinang Islamic Religious Council Enactment. "A total of 4,485 people have offered themselves to fill the 4,530 vacancies in 151 of 200 mosques in six districts in the state, to enhance the preservation of the mosque institution," he said in a statement issued Friday. He said 151 mosques will be holding the polls while the rest would be using alternative methods of selecting the committee members. ************************************* Umno 'welcomed' to sue Penang on mosque polls (Malaysiakini) - Penang state executive councillor for religious affairs Abdul Malik Abul Kassim has challenged groups protesting the elections to mosque committees in the state to sue the government. Abdul Malik said the election would go on despite the fierce protests from Umno as the procedure was in compliance with Section 22(4) of the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAIPP) enactment. "So if anybody wants to challenge this, you are welcome," said Abdul Malik, the assemblyperson for Batu Maung. "Those who cannot accept improvements that benefit the people and the Muslim community surely cannot accept this change," he added. Several groups have shot down the new procedure under which mosque committee members would no longer be selected by the Penang Islamic Affairs Council (MAIPP) but elected directly by their congregations. In the frontline of the protest is Umno, which has accused the DAP of interfering in the Islamic affairs of the state. Umno also hit out at the state government for intending to split the Muslim community and allow politics to seep into the congregations. MAIPP has also been strongly criticised for insulting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, with Umno and Muslim NGOs insisting that His Majesty's approval of the new election system was necessary before implementation in the state. However, Abdul Malik said NGOs aligned to Umno were trying to "exploit" the issue and by trying to drag the Agong into the matter, they hoped to make the Malays increasingly angry with the Pakatan Rakyat state government. "Actually, only the selection format has changed," he said adding that previously, mosque committees were selected just by the raising of hands, but now it would be done through voting of candidates offering themselves to serve. Mosque committee members were all along picked without the views of the mosque congregations considered, said Abdul Malik, "but this time we ask them to suggest names for their own committees to MAIPP, which will then be endorsed by the king". No meddling from DAP Abdul Malik said Umno had politicised the issue by slandering DAP, accusing the party of "interfering" in the administration of Muslim affairs. He reiterated that the new procedure was solely the decision of MAIPP, without even an iota of meddling from any DAP leader. "I am confident that the 4,485 people who offered themselves to fill 4,530 posts in 151 of the 200 mosques in the six districts of Penang intend to work together with the state government to uphold Islam," he said. The 151 mosque congregations that agreed to hold the elections will vote in their committees at their annual general meetings, while the remaining 34 will not hold elections at their AGMs. A total of 59 main posts were unchallenged while eight mosque congregations did not submit their nomination forms. Abdul Malik said it was clear that Muslims in Penang were ready for a change that would benefit their community. "The ones not ready for change are Umno and Malay rights pressure group Perkasa, which are anti-change, because they have always been very rigid in their thinking," he said. "That is why they blindly protest against any change by anyone other than Umno... although at the end of the day, they will be copying the same thing," he added. He gave the example of Umno protesting against the PAS-led Kelantan government for introducing the five-day work week. Umno had then accused the state government of being lazy and for reducing work productivity, he said. "But not long after that, the federal government too implemented the five-day work week," Abdul Malik added. |
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