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Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News

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• The Economist says well done Najib but…
• Winners and losers in the latest law reforms
• PAS: Free or prosecute all ISA detainees to prove sincerity
• Delegates to decide SNAP’s future
• Stir over Bangladesh website saying citizens can vote as Malaysians
• Nazri Aziz – the defective law minister
• Hisham says to send ‘Nasi Lemak’ complaints his way
• All the usual suspects....
• France ban on Muslim street prayers comes into effect
• Anwar Trial Looms Over Malaysian Politics
• Malaysian Prime Minister Says He Will Abolish 2 Security Laws
• Formation of Malaysia
• Najib the bold
• Let’s reclaim history for ourselves
• The cloak hides the man
• Antara Liberalisasi dan Reaksi Kepada Pembangkang
• Form ISA truth and reconciliation commission
• A new dawn beckons
• Canada alerted to Taib’s ‘dirty’ assets
• Peanuts, not sweeping reforms
• In Between The Lines
• 48 years of Malaysia
• Malaysia PM's openness pledge greeted warily
• Pakatan claims credit for ISA repeal, law reforms
• Ibrahim Ali cautious over ISA repeal, says racist groups still exist
• Take a stand, cast your vote
• Is a general election looming in Malaysia?
• Malaysian Leader Opens Door for Reforms
• Najib to Repeal Malaysian Laws Before Vote
• Tireless torchbearer for Iban rights
• Messing up with Merdeka date
• Anwar cautious of PM’s reforms, questions new security laws
• Putrajaya will look to US, UK anti-terrorism laws, says Hisham
• Am I missing something?
• After PKR-DAP spat over seats in Johor, more friction in the offing?
• It was People Power that finished off the ISA
• WIKILEAKS: UMNO QUESTIONS ANWAR IBRAHIM OVER "FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE" ROLE
• From the team of 15 Malaysia: UndiLah Launching at 16th Sept 2011
• Snap Elections - Right At The Door Steps
• That Effing Show #64: Sejarah Malaysia Revisited
• Najib's special message: 7 people follow from all over the world
• Dr M: I would have sacked Anwar even if advised not to
• Malaysian Scorpene Submarine Corruption Case Legal Briefing
• Jamil Khir: I did not steal zakat money
• Ibrahim Ali FINALLY admits that Malaya was colonised for 400 years
• Joceline Tan, 'The Mechanic'
• SNAP’s presidential race mired in money politics?
• Is Mat Sabu an undercover communist?
• Deliver reforms or face polls snub, Pakatan warns Najib
• Govt’s soft approach exploited, says Hisham

The Economist says well done Najib but… Posted: 16 Sep 2011 12:55 PM PDT (The Malaysian Insider) — The influential international newspaper The Economist has praised Datuk Seri Najib Razak for his move to repeal the Internal Security Act (ISA) and other controversial security laws but points out that he will have to abolish "institutionalised ethnic discrimination" before he can assume the mantle of a radical reformer. The extreme right-wing of Umno is expected to go along with the sweeping legislative changes as long as it does not touch on ethnic quotas and divisions, the newspaper said in an opinion published in its popular Banyan column yesterday. "It is the system of ethnic quotas and divisions that is really holding the country back — if Mr Najib started to take an axe to all that, then absolutely nobody would question his credentials as a radical reformer," the newspaper wrote. The Economist noted that the reforms announced on the eve of Malaysia Day could further transform the image of Najib from grey, indecisive technocrat to progressive democrat, "or so his supporters hope." Some analysts say his plans to speed up reforms to retake middle Malaysia could still hurt Barisan Nasional's (BN) chances in the next general election because some conservatives may feel alienated. Najib had said on Thursday in a televised address that the ISA and Emergency Ordinance, both of which allow for indefinite detention without trial, would be repealed and replaced by two new laws for use mainly against suspected terrorists. The international media has responded with measured praise to the prime minister's efforts to assume the reformist mantle with the Wall Street Journal also pointing out yesterday that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy trial continues to cast a pall over Najib's bid to become a reformer. Newspapers like the Wall Street Journal and The Economist had flayed the Najib administration over its handling of Bersih's July 9 rally where tens of thousands were dispersed by water cannons and tear gas in chaotic scenes that resulted in nearly 1,700 arrested, scores injured and one ex-soldier dead. An article in The Economist attacking the heavy-handed police action against Bersih activists was even censored by government officials here. But Najib's speech on Thursday has now gained slightly more positive coverage in The Economist, with yesterday's Banyan column describing the repeal of the ISA a most welcome measure.     READ MORE HERE.

Winners and losers in the latest law reforms Posted: 16 Sep 2011 12:44 PM PDT (The Malaysian Insider) - KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 — Two days later, Malaysia is still digesting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's announcement that his government would repeal a raft of draconian laws including the Internal Security Act. It is left to be seen whether the sweet words will be translated into action. But at this moment, here are the winners and the losers: WINNERS ● Najib Razak: Let's be honest, the prime minister was meandering recently and found himself in a political cul-de-sac after a series of flip-flops, snafu over the Bersih rally and concern that his policies are determined by which group shouts loudest. But Najib has a real chance of getting out of this drift and gaining momentum for the general election if he makes good on the promise to abolish these laws. The reforms reflect his hopes to win over the chattering class and claw back the ground lost in the past few years. ● the Bersih 2.0 crew: What stunned Najib and his advisers and even some ministers was the strength of the Bersih turnout despite the lockdown by the police in the capital city. They thought that after a few days all would be forgotten. How wrong they were. The PM was assailed overseas, an unprecedented event, and at home the middle class was stunned at his handling of the episode as he appeared the most savvy of politicians to grace the national stage. And all along, Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan and Bersih 2.0 grew in stature. Without a doubt, if the Bersih organisers had buckled at the threats by the government and did not force the issue and sully Najib's image, Thursday night's historic announcement would not have happened. ● Civil society and anti-ISA campaigners: The support groups for ISA detainees and activists of civil society who have long fought against restrictive laws in the country. They have kept faith that their cause is right and the laws are bad. But their fight doesn't end now. There are more laws to be reviewed and repealed before Malaysia is truly a democratic nation respectful of basic human rights. ● People power: The promise to do away with these restrictive laws is an acknowledgement that the Umno/BN government no longer can run roughshod over the electorate, especially with its slim margin in Parliament. If there is a lesson from this it is the fact that the government only listens when it does not have overwhelming strength in Parliament. LOSERS ● Hishammuddin Hussein, Ibrahim Ali and right-wing elements in Umno: don't be fooled by the smiles and nice quotes that have come out since Thursday night. It is still a long walk but a few are red-faced over Najib jump-starting his stalled reforms package.   READ MORE HERE.

PAS: Free or prosecute all ISA detainees to prove sincerity Posted: 16 Sep 2011 12:41 PM PDT By Melissa Chi, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 — PAS said all Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees should be released or tried in court if Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is sincere following his bold announcement to abolish the security law that allows for detention without trial. Party information chief Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the move was important to help Najib regain the confidence and trust of the people and to show that the announcement was not just "talk" like his economic reforms. "Even if they can't be released immediately, PAS urge that the detainees be tried in court immediately so they can defend themselves if the government claims that they have proof that they are terrorists," he said in a statement today. "Najib must choose between the two options — whether they must be released or tried. In addition, PAS also demands that the government apologise to the ISA detainees following PM's admittance that there are flaws in the draconian law, if he is truly sincere. "Don't be quick to push away the responsibility to apologise to the former leaders because they had drafted this cruel law. Instead, Najib should represent the past leaders to apologise to every ISA detainee because they are from the same group, which is Barisan Nasional," Tuan Ibrahim said.   READ MORE HERE.

Delegates to decide SNAP’s future Posted: 16 Sep 2011 11:55 AM PDT By Joseph Tawie, FMT KUCHING: Sarawak National Party's (SNAP) upcoming triennial general assembly (TGA) on Sept 24 and 25 is likely to decide the direction the party will take as it moves to redefine its political identity. Some 60 delegates will attend the assembly and on their shoulders rests the responsibility of deciding the fate of the party. They go in knowing that this time around rhetoric alone will not be enough to stamp SNAP's identity as a winner. Despite its obvious handicaps, SNAP, given a new crop of leaders and the right direction, has a future to play in Sarawak's politics. For now, SNAP must not only learn to be humble, but must also work very hard to win back the confidence of the Dayaks in particular and the public in general. As the delegates convene to decide SNAP's fate, upmost on the minds of political observers and supporters is the party's "ties" with the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition. Will the delegates decide to keep the party within BN's reach or will it declare itself independent of both BN and its former opposition ally, Pakatan Rakyat? Or will it succumb to and accept Sarawak DAP's offer for SNAP to merge with them? Or what will happen if SNAP declares that it is a BN-friendly party? Being BN-friendly Being BN-friendly does have its advantages. The most obvious advantage is that SNAP will be able to accommodate within its fold partyless people like former Pelagus assemblyman Larry Sng. There is also the possibility that the five rebellious elected representatives from Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) may join the party. The five, better known as "SPDP 5", are assemblymen Peter Nansian (Tasik Biru), Sylvester Enteri (Marudi), Rosey Yunus (Bekenu), Paulus Gumbang (Batu Danau) and parliamentarian Tiki Lafe (Mas Gading). The five rebels who have been embroiled in a crisis with the current SPDP leadership are likely to be sacked any time soon. And as partyless representatives, they will need a platform. If SNAP were to open its arms to them, then there would be no need for the five to form a new BN- friendly party. After all, the five were once SNAP members before they joined SPDP in 2002. Thus, their return to SNAP would be regarded as the return of the prodigal sons. The sticking point, however, is that they will not only be certain of contesting in the general election, but will also likely take over the leadership of SNAP by virtue of their status as elected representatives. Disadvantages of BN link While SNAP may win over these politically influential figures, it may lose its grassroots support. Ground supporters feel that SNAP's return to the BN fold would be filled with obstacles, problems and disappointments. Firstly, there will be seat problems. Which party is willing to surrender its seats to SNAP? Secondly, it will face the same situation as peninsula-based People's Progressive Party (PPP), with no seats to contest come election times. Worse, it will be bullied, sidelined and ostracised. One thing is clear, though: the people who are anti-BN and fence-sitters within SNAP will withdraw their support for the party. Merger, a bad idea The second option is for SNAP to remain neutral or to go solo, without BN or Pakatan alliances.   READ MORE HERE.

Stir over Bangladesh website saying citizens can vote as Malaysians Posted: 16 Sep 2011 11:51 AM PDT (The Malaysian Insider) - KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 — A Bangladesh Prime Minister's Office unit website has claimed that its citizens working in Malaysia have been asked to vote for the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) government, prompting PKR vice-president Fuziah Salleh to call for a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) into the contentious issue. The Pakatan Rakyat (PR) had recently demanded an emergency sitting of Parliament to debate its claim that thousands of permanent residents have been given citizenship and the right to vote "in the blink of an eye" and the Bangladesh website quoted appears to have backed up its claim. "We want a royal commission of inquiry to investigate Bangladesh Prime Minister's statement over this matter. If it has actually happened, Najib must be responsible and provide an explanation," Fuziah told her party's Keadilan Daily website. According to the NGO Affairs Bureau of the Prime Minister's Office website, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met her Malaysian counterpart Datuk Seri Najib Razak last year where they discussed "long standing issues, including legalising Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia". Both met while attending the 66th World Islamic Economic Forum in Kuala Lumpur in May 2010. It said highly-placed sources claimed that during the meeting, Najib assured Sheikh Hasina of considering the issue of legalising Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia country with utmost sincerity. "Today, prime minister's office has allegedly received a confirmation from some of our citizens those working in several sectors in Malaysia since last year that they were given more than citizenships from Malaysian Government. In fact they now have been given a right to be a voter in upcoming Malaysian's general election. "Another highly placed source from prime minister's office has confirmed that Bangladeshi workers may easily conferred Malaysian citizenship with the condition to vote for party that represents the government in power," the website said. The website also reported Sheikh Hasina as urging her people" to take this opportunity in order to lower the national poverty in line with government's initiative and numerous measures to solve all major problems, including power and gas crises". Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said last month that "baseless" allegations of foreigners being given the right to vote will be addressed by the parliamentary select committee (PSC) on electoral reform.   READ MORE HERE.

Nazri Aziz – the defective law minister Posted: 16 Sep 2011 10:44 AM PDT By Mariam Mokhtar, FMT Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohamed Nazri Aziz said that the government was serious in fighting corruption and announced the latest Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) initiative whereby taxi drivers would become mini-ambassadors and informers on behalf of the MACC. He added that if the information the cabbies supplied was successful in securing arrests and convictions, they could also be rewarded for their efforts. Nazri said: "The government is committed to battling corruption through its transformation plan by establishing a National Key Results Area for corruption and reducing corruption via increased enforcement and prevention, while improving the people's perception of the government's and public services' integrity." The campaign was launched by Nazri at the MACC's Hari Raya Aidil Fitri open house on Sept 13. He said that over 30,000 taxi drivers would be the MACC's informers and that around 200 taxi drivers operating in the Klang Valley would start the campaign. Why does Nazri participate in another thoughtless measure rather than confront the problem of corruption head-on? Nazri, who is also the de facto Law Minister, should perhaps be reassigned the title "Defective Law Minister". It is possible he is taking his cue from Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and also the former PMs who only pay lip service, when it comes to tackling corruption. It appears that this latest measure to raise the public's awareness, increase their responsibility, and hence engage the community in fighting corruption was the brainchild of the MACC. According to Nazri, cab drivers made ideal informers because they would pick up information as they talked with their passengers. Perhaps Nazri could tell us how many high-ranking politicians ever use cabs? These representatives of the people are some of those who are allegedly most corrupt. The big fish allegedly involved in corruption are driven around in chauffeur-driven cars. He said: "They (the taxi drivers) are at the frontline of the tourism industry as they are the first group to interact with overseas tourists. "They can be considered the country's duta kecil (mini ambassadors) in disseminating information (about the country). Therefore, programmes like this are needed. "They can be our whistleblower and can play the rôle as deliverer of information to MACC. We expect them to play a crucial rôle. I believe that after this, MACC will brief NGOs and government agencies and may even train them because we are serious in enlisting their help to fight graft." The MACC chief commissioner Abu Kassim Mohamed also said: "Taxi drivers will be MACC's eyes and ears in reporting corruption. They pick up a lot of information from passengers' conversations, or might even witness corrupt transactions in their taxis." Public being ripped off When did Nazri and Abu Kassim last take a taxi? The last time I did, I was ripped off going from Medan Gopeng to my home which is just around the corner. The journey of 2.3km took less than five minutes but cost me RM30. The bus fare from KL to Ipoh was less than this last step of the journey. Do these men not realise that the public is constantly being ripped off by errant taxi drivers and that passengers, especially tourists, are at their mercy? Taxi drivers, their companies and the government agency under which taxis come, should be among the people to be investigated for corrupt practices. The drivers fleece the public with expensive fares, they refuse to use the meter and many of the vehicles they operate are unsafe. The latest taxi I travelled in was not working, the boot would not shut and my suitcase balanced precariously on top of the taxi driver's effects, which took up most of the space in the boot. The taxi was filthy and the driver refused to use the meter. He told me I could be dropped by the roadside if "kamu tidak suka". The belligerent attitude of some of our taxi drivers is similar to that of our politicians. If Nazri were to read the newspapers, especially the mainstream media, he might realise the number of complaints which passengers, especially tourists, make against taxi drivers. The ambassadorial rôle played by the taxi drivers would drive tourists away. As it is, locals have given up complaining as they do not see any action forthcoming from the authorities. Taxi drivers, just like politicians, are a law unto themselves. There are also allegations that the taxi companies are controlled by corrupt politicians. Why should Nazri and the MACC waste more taxpayers' money on idiotic schemes? Why should we waste more of the public purse paying for the salaries of these dim-witted ministers and heads of public institutions?   READ MORE HERE.

Hisham says to send ‘Nasi Lemak’ complaints his way Posted: 16 Sep 2011 10:41 AM PDT (The Malaysian Insider) - Viewers distressed by the screening of Namewee's "Nasi Lemak 2.0" can direct their complaints to the Home Ministry for investigation, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said today. "If there was anything inappropriate in it, they can refer to us," the home minister was quoted saying in a Bernama Online report today. Hishammuddin was responding to the criticism by the Perak "People First Organisation" against the film due to producer Namewee's past controversies, including one in which he was deemed to have demeaned the national anthem. Hishammuddin today said no official complaints have so far been lodged over the movie, but said his ministry's film control division will examine any that are submitted.

All the usual suspects.... Posted: 16 Sep 2011 06:46 AM PDT STEADYAKU47 What Najib did yesterday triggered a stampede of sycophants trying to out do each other in their praise for his so called abolishment of the ISA. Does it mean that the ISA that was here yesterday is now gone today? Let me tell all those gullible people out there….the election is coming…if Najib does not come up with the abolishment of the ISA he will have to invent something similar. Let me explain Najib's thinking process. Imagine this…there is Najib at home sitting down for dinner with the Prime Minister…oops sorry …there is Najib sitting down for dinner with Rosmah. As usual Rosmah briefs Najib on the REAL situation -  re the possibility of her remaining as FIRST LADY. It does not look to good. Her recent attempt (over Hari Raya) at having a regular spot on national TV to "connect" with the people of Malaysia bombed because the people did not want to connect with her! So how now brown cow? What else to do? Tell the real story about Altantuya? No can do! Spending time behind bars is not what this First Lady wants to contemplate doing even in the company of her beloved Najib! Fast track PKFZ? No can do. That would bring the whole BN house of cards tumbling down. Clean up PDRM, MACC and the Judiciary? ..and leave UMNO up the Tembeling River in a raft without a paddle? No can do too!..there must be something else they can do without getting themselves wet.....Rosmah does not look to good without her makeup! And then their "Eureka" moment…abolish the ISA! Nobody who is against them can say that abolishing the ISA is not a good thing! And while Najib is at it why not abolish the Printing Presses and Publication Act, etc etc. Now of course it never occurred to them that it is "THEM" that the people wanted to abolish…but since when has what the people want been of any concern to Rosmah? Never! This is what I like about Rosmah. She manages to offend all the right people...like all Malaysians! She thinks that making Najib abolish the ISA will secure her another tenure as First Lady. Well Rosmah I have news for you. Najib has to be reelected as PM first at the 13th general election to allow you to remain as First Lady – NOT The other way around! Anyway the announcement has been made and all the usual suspects are wheeled out to put in their two cents worth of support. Take this drivel posted by that pretentious little git of a reporter from NST: READ MORE HERE

France ban on Muslim street prayers comes into effect Posted: 16 Sep 2011 06:06 AM PDT (AFP) - Paris:  A ban on praying in French streets came into effect on Friday, with thousands of the nation's Muslim faithful being moved to temporary alternative spaces for their day of prayer. From Paris to Marseille, Friday's midday prayers will be led from disused barracks or other temporary buildings, after the question of Islam's visibility became a political issue under right-wing President Nicolas Sarkozy. France, home to Europe's largest Muslim population, this year banned the face-covering burqa and earlier this week Interior Minister Claude Gueant warned that "from September 16 there will be no more prayers in the street." "If anyone happens to be recalcitrant we will put an end to it," Gueant said, suggesting police could be brought in. "Prayers in the street are unacceptable, a direct attack on the principle of secularism," Gueant told AFP last month, citing the government's defence of the republic's secular values as reason for the new policies. In Paris, a former barracks just north of the city limits has been designated the new prayer area for those living in the multi-ethnic Goutte d'Or neighbourhood, around two kilometres (over a mile) away. The praying faithful at the Goutte d'Or's two mosques have overflowed into the streets since a nearby mosque where 4,000 people could pray closed years ago, sparking the ire of French right-wing and anti-immigration parties. The neighbourhood's mosques are to be closed for at least the coming three Fridays in order to encourage those wanting to pray to go to the renovated barracks, one of the mosques' preachers, Sheikh Mohammed Hamza, told AFP. The barracks has two 750- and 600-square-metre (8,000 and 6,500 square feet) rooms for prayers pending the construction of a new 4,000-square-metre 30-million-euro Institute for Islamic Cultures set for 2013. The temporary prayer site can hold around 2,700 people, police said. Authorities in the southern city of Marseille on Thursday said they too would provide a 1,000-square-metre building for Friday prayers. "Most of the organisations running mosques managed to find solutions allowing them to avoid this kind of practice (praying in the street)," Marseille police said. "However, a small number of them don't seem to be able to deal with the influx of the faithful into their too-small premises." "This provision is temporary and should allow the organisations to find long-term solutions," police said, adding that "all the conditions have been met for there to no longer be prayers in Marseille's streets."

Anwar Trial Looms Over Malaysian Politics Posted: 16 Sep 2011 01:38 AM PDT By James Hookway, The Wall Street Journal Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak is carving out a new role for himself as a liberal reformer after pledging to scrap the country's harsh Internal Security Act, but he still has one big problem in selling his case to the rest of the world—the continuing sodomy trial of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim. The trial has captivated Malaysia since Anwar was arrested three years ago for allegedly violating Malaysia's strict sodomy laws by having sex with a male aide. Mr. Anwar, a 64-year-old father of six with a goatee mustache and snappy glasses, denies the charges, saying they are a political plot to destroy any threat to the ruling coalition that has controlled Malaysia for over half a century. Mr. Najib and his government deny setting him up. If Mr. Anwar is convicted, he faces going to prison for the second time after being jailed in 1998 for allegedly sodomizing two other aides before an appeals court overturned his conviction. The outcome could help determine bigger issues in this majority-Muslim, multi-racial nation of 28 million people, which has been struggling to break away from its system of race and religion-based politics that many analysts believe have retarded growth in one of Southeast Asia's most important economies. Although Mr. Najib is opening up the country's political system to head off the kinds of stresses that have destabilized parts of the Middle East this year—on Thursday he announced plans to repeal harsh laws that allow for detention without trial and pledged new freedoms for the country's closely controlled media—he faces a potential push-back from opponents in his ruling United Malays National Organization party. Some analysts view Mr. Anwar's multi-ethnic opposition alliance as perhaps better placed to pursue a more aggressive liberalization policy—that is if he can stay out of jail and get elected to office. This time around a difference is emerging compared with Mr. Anwar's last trial, or so Mr. Anwar hopes: The importance of forensic evidence that could be partially attributed to—the widespread following here for fictional television cops such as Horatio Caine of the show CSI: Miami. Political analysts say that in 1998 Mr. Anwar was convicted on witness testimony, but this time the prosecution relies heavily on new technologies such as DNA testing and other forensic-investigation techniques. That, Mr. Anwar told The Wall Street Journal during a recent recess at his trial, gives him fresh hope of being acquitted. "Last time there was no medical report and no medical evidence—nothing but the word of mouth," Mr. Anwar said during a lengthy discussion about anal swabs, data samples and the survival time of sperm cells. "But now the case is all about the science—and that's where I have a chance." A Malaysian government spokesman says it has no comment on Anwar's remarks, saying it is a matter for the courts. During recent testimony in the marathon trial, Mr. Anwar's lawyers presented a series of expert witnesses who raised doubts about the credibility of the forensic evidence presented by prosecutors. Australian forensics expert Brian McDonald told the court that the DNA testing and labeling wasn't up to international standards and was riddled with errors. Dr. McDonald said it was unclear where some samples came from. Some of the testimony could help Mr. Anwar's case, especially in the court of public opinion, analysts say. "I think it will resonate," says Bridget Welsh, a professor Singapore Management University and a close observer of Malaysia's political drama. "People in general don't trust the system. That feeling is endemic in Malaysia and Mr. Anwar is trying to capitalize on it." It helps that shows such as the CSI franchises are so popular, especially the Miami-based version famously spoofed by comedian Jim Carrey on the David Letterman show. Malaysians closely follow the adventures of Lt. Caine and his colleagues as they try to bring down criminals using advanced forensic techniques and a spot of fisticuffs when appropriate. "We know about forensics. Nobody can fool us about that. We've all seen CSI," says one keen viewer, Rizal Osman, from Pahang, central Malaysia. Bloggers, among others, often discuss plots from shows such as CSI and Special Victims Unit to discuss what's going on in Malaysia. One person, Gerard Samuel Vijayan, wrote to the Malaysiakini portal to describe an episode of Special Victims Unit that featured a conspiracy to fabricate DNA. He said Mr. Anwar might be facing a similar problem. "Given the holes in the prosecution's case, there is sufficient doubt to acquit the accused," Mr. Vijayan wrote. Either way, as the trial moves toward its conclusion—Mr. Anwar is scheduled to continue making his defense on Monday —Malaysians can expect to hear more about DNA, and in forensic detail, in the weeks and months to come. Claiming he is unable to get a fair trial, Mr. Anwar unleashed a tirade against Malaysia's judiciary recently, liberally quoting from Nelson Mandela, Shakespeare and the Quran to buttress his allegation that the judiciary and government are conspiring to put him away—something Mr. Najib denies. If Mr. Anwar is ultimately convicted, "I hope the forensic evidence lingers in people's minds," he says. "It's worth the effort and expense of debunking the prosecution's entire case." In the meantime, Mr. Anwar's political party is claiming the credit for forcing Mr. Najib to unlock Malaysia's political system. Mr. Anwar took to microblogging site Twitter after arriving on an overnight flight from England to say Malaysians must remain vigilant. "We have to be wary whether the freedoms are now guaranteed and what laws will replace" the Internal Security Act.

Malaysian Prime Minister Says He Will Abolish 2 Security Laws Posted: 16 Sep 2011 01:23 AM PDT By Liz Gooch, New York Times KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — The decision by Prime Minister Najib Razak of Malaysia to abolish two controversial security laws that allow for detention without trial and to relax laws governing the news media is an attempt to revive public support ahead of elections that many believe could be called by early next year, analysts said Friday. Mr. Najib announced on Thursday that he would repeal the Internal Securities Act and the Emergency Ordinance, which rights groups say have been used to silence government critics. He also said that publications would no longer have to renew their printing licenses annually and that the government would review laws relating to freedom of assembly. The two security laws will be replaced with new legislation. It was unclear, however, how long people still may be detained without charge under the new laws. "The abolition of the I.S.A., and the other historic changes I am announcing this evening, underline my commitment to making Malaysia a modern, progressive democracy that can be proud to take its place at the top table of international leadership," Mr. Najib said in a televised address Thursday. "Many will question whether I am moving too far, too fast. Some will say that the reforms should only be carried out in small steps, or not at all," the prime minister said. "To them I say, if a reform is the right the thing to do, now is the right time to do it. There may be short-term pain for me politically, but in the long-term the changes I am announcing tonight will ensure a brighter, more prosperous future for all Malaysians." When he came to power in 2009, Mr. Najib pledged to embark on a series of reforms, but he has been criticized for being slow to act. His announcement comes amid signs of falling public support and widespread condemnation of the government's handling of a protest in July calling for free and fair elections, in which the police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters. A survey of 1,027 people conducted by the Merdeka Center,  an independent polling firm in Kuala Lumpur, found that public support for Mr. Najib dropped from 65 percent in May to 59 percent in August, a decline attributed to the government's handling of the protest and concerns about rising living costs. Last month, he announced that he would form a parliamentary committee to review election procedures, but some analysts have expressed skepticism over whether changes would be made before the next election. Elections must be called by mid-2013, but many analysts expect voting will be held by the first quarter of next year, and say that the new reforms are an attempt to bolster Mr. Najib's support. "The initial responses seem to be overwhelmingly positive, even from people and organizations who may be seen as being antigovernment," said Ong Kian Ming, a political science lecturer at UCSI University in Kuala Lumpur. Ibrahim Suffian , director of the Merdeka Center, said, "There's a sense of hope and a very positive feeling, especially among people who are not ideologically aligned with the government or the opposition, that the government is finally allowing more room for freedom of speech." Mr. Ibrahim said that some people remained cautious about the laws that would replace the Internal Security Act and the Emergency Ordinance. "They want to see proof that it's really gone," he said. "Najib has set very high expectations among the public. This announcement will likely bring some immediate boost, but the proof would be to see how long he will take to repeal the I.S.A., the nature of the two new laws as well as developments on election law reform." Mr. Ong said that the longer it took for Mr. Najib to deliver on these reforms, "the more likely it is that skepticism among the public would set in." Opposition members remain concerned that people will still be subject to detention without trial under the new laws. "These reforms were long overdue and they do not go far enough to bring about a real climate of freedom from oppression in our country," said N. Surendran, vice president of the opposition People's Justice Party. Calling the reforms "election gimmicks," Mr. Surendran described the proposed changes to the media laws as a "hollow reform," because he said the government would still be able to cancel a publication's license. Almost 4,500 people were detained under the Internal Security Act from 2000 to 2010, and 37 people are currently being held under the law, which was introduced in 1960. A government statement, which described the changes as the "biggest shake-up of the Malaysian system since independence from Britain in 1957," said that there would be a six-month transition period while the new laws were introduced, after which the cases of those currently detained would be considered under the new legislation. Mr. Najib said that the law that would replace the Internal Security Act would protect the rights of people detained. "The new law will provide for a substantially reduced period of detention by the police compared to what we have now, and any further detention may only be made with the order of the court, except the law in relation to violence, which is still under the power of the minister," he said, adding that no individuals would be detained solely for their political affiliations. Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, chairman of the Abolish I.S.A. Movement, called for those being held under the Internal Security Act and the Emergency Ordinance to be released immediately and questioned whether the new laws would allow detention without trial, according The Associated Press. Mr. Ong said Mr. Najib would have angered many conservatives within his own party and the police force if he had abolished the Internal Security Act and the Emergency Ordinance without replacing them with other laws. "This is clearly a way to appease these conservative forces which have and will continue to put up resistance against his moves to introduce greater protection for basic human rights," he said.

Formation of Malaysia Posted: 16 Sep 2011 01:18 AM PDT By Datuk JC Fong, Borneo Post As we celebrate the 48th anniversary of our beloved nation, it is time to reflect on the circumstances which led to the formation of Malaysia with Sarawak joining the Malayan states, Sabah and Singapore to give birth to a new federation on Sept 16, 1963, and also how the success and progress of our nation can be sustained and strengthened to secure a happy and prosperous future for generations of Malaysians to come. In May 1961, when Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-haj, affectionately known as 'Bapa Malaysia', mooted the idea of forming a new federation which would embrace Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, Sabah and Brunei, there was grave concern about the political stability and security of South-East Asia. The spread of Communism through armed struggle in the region and the British government's decision to withdraw from 'East of Suez', meant that the then British colonies east of the Suez Canal, such as Sarawak, had to be prepared for an accelerated process of self-government and to deal with the threat to her own security and economic interests. Indeed, the Brunei rebellion in December 1962, which spilled into areas of northern Sarawak, and the presence of the largest Communist party outside China across the Indonesian Border, created much anxiety for both the British administration in Kuching and the local leaders who were preparing themselves to assume the role of seeking independence from Britain. The idea of a new federation of Malaysia as proposed by Tunku Abdul Rahman, then Prime Minister of Malaya, was accepted without much qualms by the British government. With the concurrence of the Malayan government, they set up a commission – the Cobbold Commission – to ascertain the wishes of the people of Sabah and Sarawak to join the proposed federation. Safeguards The key finding of the Cobbold Commission was that 80 per cent of the people of Sarawak would support her entry into the new federation, provided that there were requisite safeguards for the state and her multi-racial and multi religious population, and only 20 per cent 'hard core' group would oppose the formation of Malaysia "under any terms and conditions." Following the Cobbold Commission Report, a joint statement was issued on Aug 1, 1962 by the British and Malayan governments expressing any intention to conclude a formal agreement for the formation of Malaysia which would provide for safeguards for the special interests of North Borneo (Sabah) and Sarawak, and these safeguards would cover such "matters as religious freedom, education, representation in the Federal Parliament, the position of the indigenous races, control over immigration, citizenship and the state constitutions." The Joint Press Statement also announced the formation of an Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC), which would have representatives from the two Borneo states to work out these 'special safeguards'. The IGC drew up the safeguards for the special interests of Sabah and Sarawak and they formed the bases of the Malaysia Agreement signed on July 8, 1963. These safeguards, which included, inter alia, complete control over the states' natural resources like, land, forests, minerals both onshore and off-shore, local government, immigration, usage of the English language in judicial proceedings etc, state ports and more sources of revenues being assigned to the Borneo states, were eventually incorporated or embedded in the Federal Constitution and also into crucial legislation like the Immigration Act, 1963 which was passed and came into force on Malaysia Day. They formed the fundamental bases for Sabah and Sarawak to join Malaya and Singapore in the formation of Malaysia in September, 1963. National integration The forefathers of this nation had taken great pains to ensure that Malaysia succeeded and progressed as a united and harmonious federation. The special constitutional safeguards had been intended to enable the Borneo states not only to maintain an acceptable degree of financial and governing autonomy within a federal system of government, but also to provide for conditions whereby the two states could attain political and economic progress on par with the other already more advanced states in the federation. These safeguards, therefore, were intended to foster national integration. At the time, the founding fathers had not factored in the possibility of any constituent states leaving the federation. That was what made the departure of Singapore in August 1965 so painful and acrimonious. By all accounts, the foundation for a strong, united and peaceful federation has been laid by our forefathers. Malaysia, as a federation, has succeeded when many other countries with a federal system of government have not. It has to be admitted that no system of government is or could be perfect but in Malaysia, there has always been a resolute commitment by the federal government and the state governments of Sabah and Sarawak to honour the terms of the Malaysia Agreement and the constitutional safeguards that have been accorded to the Borneo States. Today, the process of national integration has been strengthened. The peoples of Sarawak and Sabah have made important contributions to the economic progress, security and stability of the country. Substantial budgetary allocations and development funds from the central government coupled with the additional sources of revenues assigned to the Borneo states by the Tenth Schedule of the federal constitution, have enabled the two states to enjoy vast improvements in infrastructures and amenities and to sustain the transformation of their economies. Much remains to be done, but much can be truly achieved towards realising Vision 2020 by strengthening the unity and harmony of our multi-racial and multi religious peoples. Through better understanding, respect for, and adherence by all Malaysians to the constitutional safeguards accorded to Sabah and Sarawak when the federation was formed in September 1963, our country's political stability and security will be assured. For Malaysia as a federation to remain resilient and harmonious, and develop into a high income, progressive nation, its institutions of government both at state and national levels and the people themselves, ought to conduct their affairs and relations with each other in accordance with the federal Constitution, the supreme law of the land and wherein the constitutional safeguards for Sarawak and Sabah are firmly entrenched. The late Tun Mohd Suffian, Malaysia's highly respected jurist and Lord President once said: "Thanks to the goodwill and common sense on the part of our leaders and of our people the constitution has so far worked well, and let us hope that it will continue to work equally well in the future, and that there be peace and prosperity in the country."

Najib the bold Posted: 16 Sep 2011 01:16 AM PDT By Banyan WHEN Malaysia' prime minister, Najib Razak, wants to do things—anything—it seems that he has do it in a big, all-consuming rush. He recently pledged to reform outdated censorship laws and to review the electoral system. That alone was pretty controversial stuff in a conservative political system, but on September 15th he trumped it by promising to repeal the country's most oppressive internal security laws, including the dreaded Internal Security Act (ISA), further relax the laws on the media and to beef up the laws relating to freedom of assembly. Taken altogether, the government has described these changes as "the biggest shake-up of the Malaysian system since independence from Britain in 1957", a "package of radical reforms that will further transform the country into a mature, progressive democracy."  The proposed reforms might also, so his supporters hope, further transform the image of Mr Najib himself, from grey, indecisive technocrat into—well, a radical, mature, progressive democrat. After all, he has an election to win within the next year or so. The political trimmer, it seems, is now very definitely The Man with the Plan. The repeal of the ISA was the most welcome measure. This was introduced in 1960 to help the government combat an armed insurgency by Communist rebels, a conflict inherited from the British colonial era and known then as the "emergency". Its sweeping powers permitted the police to detain suspects indefinitely. However, like other similar laws and regulations of the period, it proved all too useful for governments long after the Communist threat had disappeared, and was retained. The ISA was used for decades to jail opposition politicians, union activists, students, journalists—anyone that the government wanted out of the way. Neighbouring Singapore still has its own ISA.  Other laws on the way out include the Emergency Ordinance, introduced in 1969 following race riots, which also allowed people to be detained without charge; the Banishment Act of 1959; and a law restricting residency , dating from the 1930s. Human rights groups have acclaimed all these changes. The government has also promised that newspapers and journals will now only have to get a publication permit once, valid indefinitely unless revoked, rather then annually, thus reducing the scope for government interference and pressure on the media. If all these laws are indeed repealed and changes implemented, then the political landscape in Malaysia might look very different in a few years' time, and Mr Najib will be able to claim a lot of credit for that. Opposition politicians, many of whom have urged the abolition of the ISA for years, were unusually generous in their acclaim for Mr Najib, and broadly welcomed the announcements.  However, the real test as to whether these reforms will really make a big difference will come next year when the government unveils the two new laws that it say will replace the outgoing ISA and Emergency Ordinance.  New laws will, apparently, allow for "far more judicial oversight", but still allow the police "to detain suspects for preventive reasons." The arguments will revolve around what "limits" the new laws will put on the police to detain people, mainly on grounds of the catch-all "national security" and terrorism. Expect a big political punch-up about that. And we will know more about Mr Najib's credentials as a genuine reformer—as a radical even—when that debate comes around. For now, though, Malaysians will be content with the promises made. The opposition feels vindicated, although they will worry that Mr Najib has swiped many of their most distinctive campaign promises at the next election.  Democracy activists and netizens are proclaiming that Mr Najib has bowed to "people power" after a nasty government crackdown on a rally  in Kuala Lumpur in early July backfired, leading merely to intense criticism of the overzealous tactics used to contain the protestors—much of the legislation used to crack down on the organisers of the Bersih 2.0 rally is now history.  And even Mr Najib's  governing party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), will be relatively happy, feeling that they have a much clearer prospectus going into the next election than they did a few months ago.   Some on the extreme Malay wing of the party grumble that all this reform stuff is going too far, but they will go along with it as long as it does not touch on the most profound sources of oppression and grievance in the  country, the institutionalised ethnic discrimination that privileges Malays over the country's other races, mainly Chinese and Indians.  It is the system of ethnic quotas and divisions that is really holding the country back—if Mr Najib started to take an axe to all that, then absolutely nobody would question his credentials as a radical reformer.

Let’s reclaim history for ourselves Posted: 15 Sep 2011 10:05 PM PDT Tunku 'Abidin Muhriz, founding president of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), starts a weekly column today. IDEAS is a think tank committed to promoting the fundamental precepts of first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman's vision in the belief that a fresh application of those precepts can help the nation overcome the challenges it faces. Clearly, my two ancestors employed different strategies in dealing with the British. Was one a hero and the other a traitor? No, they were merely individuals trying to abide by their adat while dealing with the exigencies of global British power. ROAMING BEYOND THE FENCE By TUNKU 'ABIDIN MUHRIZ, The Star MY formal "hello" will have to wait because the impulse to comment on the current furore about our history is just too great. As I have written elsewhere, genealogy enables us to contextualise events that occurred around our ancestors and those who lived with them. For me and several hundred fourth cousins, there are two ancestors whose political experiences illuminate not only on the process of colonisation, but also expose as ridiculous this "hero versus traitor" dichotomy that so many are attempting to peddle for political purposes today. The elder ancestor is Yamtuan Antah, the elected Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan and Seri Menanti from 1872 to 1887, who is today feted as a hero in the Education Ministry-approved history books. You will find him celebrated in websites that also promote Datuk Maharaja Lela and Mat Salleh as valiant defenders of their race and nation. Essentially, Yamtuan Antah waged war against the British in 1875 after the Undang of Sungei Ujong had signed a Pangkor-like treaty with the British. When the latter trespassed into Terachi, my great-great-great-grandfather's forces attacked, repelling the British forces back to Seremban. Unfortunately, British artillery had arrived, and a cannon shot destroyed Yamtuan Antah's camp. He was driven back to Bukit Putus where a fierce battle that resulted in the award of a Victoria Cross ensued, and eventually the British got to Seri Menanti where they burnt down the Istana (for which the current Istana Lama is a replacement). Subsequently, Yamtuan Antah was recognised only as Yamtuan of Seri Menanti, rather than of Negri Sembilan as a whole. After Yamtuan Antah succumbed to smallpox in 1887, his son Tuanku Muhammad was proclaimed Ruler. A decade later the state was reunited as a federation, complete with the institution of Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan. Educated at the English High School in Malacca, my great-great-grandfather enjoyed much better relations with the British. Sir Frank Swettenham wrote that he was an "example of the best type of intelligent, straightforward Malay Raja", and J.M. Gullick wrote in 1953 "even now, 20 years after his death, a reference to 'Almarhum' (the late Yamtuan) evokes, among the older generation in Negri Sembilan, a Ruler still remembered with deep affection and respect". It was during his reign that Negri Sembilan joined the Federated Malay States, and during a Federal Council meeting in November 1914 Tuanku Muhammad proposed the creation of a locally raised defence regiment. This became the Royal Malay Regiment, and provides an example of where the Rulers were not mere puppets of the British as often alleged, but worked within the system to promote political stability, military security and economic development for their subjects – yes, the British exploited our resources but, by any measure, living standards for the majority of the people improved as well. Clearly, my two ancestors employed different strategies in dealing with the British. Was one a hero and the other a traitor? No, they were merely individuals trying to abide by their adat while dealing with the exigencies of global British power. A neat reconciliation occurred in Tuanku Muhammad's son, Tuanku Abdul Rahman, elected as the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong of the Federation of Malaya as a constitutional monarch steeped in Malay traditions heading a parliamentary democracy based on the Westminster system. The Communist Party of Malaya, opposed to both inspirations of this form of government, tried to murder him. So, there is an excerpt of my understanding of the evolution of my state and my country. Some will disagree with it, and I would be happy to exchange views. However, the battle now raging about Bukit Kepong, the role of Tunku Abdul Rahman and the technicality of British colonialism in Malaya is a political debate. The parties of today are trying to claim a genealogy to the history of this country in order to portray ideological purity and continuity, and as a result history is being debased. Tragically, many supporters of political parties are complicit in this desecration, reducing history to just another marker of irreconcilable polarisation in our country. The only way to fix this is for us to reclaim history for ourselves. Politicians must be removed from the process of writing the curriculum, and professors granted the academic freedom to include controversial viewpoints. Most importantly, the entire basis of the education system urgently needs to change from the rote learning of acceptable "facts" to the equipping of young brains to appreciate and analyse different opinions. This will be a tough sell in a country where sporting and cultural icons of even 20 years ago do not feature in the nation's collective memory, but this newspaper is doing a fabulous job with its highlights from 40 years ago. I look forward to saying "hello" properly next week. Happy Malaysia Day!

The cloak hides the man Posted: 15 Sep 2011 09:01 PM PDT While we remove old laws and replace them with new laws, are we also making sure that the judiciary is independent and above political manipulation? The courts' hands are tied in many instances. Like in the case of the ISA, for example. The court has no power to review your detention other than dabble on technicalities. NO HOLDS BARRED Raja Petra Kamarudin The clothes maketh the man. The cloak can also hideth the man. And this is what we may be seeing in Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's announcement of the repeal of the Internal Security Act (ISA) and the other 'emergency' laws -- a mere cloak of reforms. Of course, I welcome this first step, however small that step may be. It's a good start. But that is all it is -- a small first step and merely a start, not yet the end.  If you can remember, I once wrote that I had no problems with the ISA per se, just as I do not have any problems with the New Economic Policy (NEP) in the spirit it was introduced. Just to digress a bit, I also wrote that I was once a central committee member of the Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry. And I never opposed the NEP. In fact, I supported it. What I opposed was the abuse of the NEP. I lamented on the implementation, or rather the poor implementation. I argued that we need some form of policy to address the imbalance between the various races and the widening gap between the haves and haves-not. The NEP, in the spirit it was introduced, was good. But then it was hijacked and later abused and used as an excuse to perpetuate corruption. They did things that went against set procedures and that by-passed the checks and balances. Those-in-power argued that they were just implementing the aspirations of the NEP. In other words, what happened was, the NEP was the cloak used to cover corrupt practices. Criminal acts became legal if done in the name of the NEP. And the same goes with the ISA. It is the abuse of the law and the fact that it was being used to detain those who oppose the government that is the issue rather than the law itself. The ISA was a cloak to stifle dissent and opposition. I know some will argue that if a law can be abused then it can't be a good law and therefore must be repealed. But that is just it. All laws have a potential to be bad if abused. Even Shariah laws, which are supposed to be God's laws, will be bad when abused. Take the case of the many abandoned wives who can't receive justice in the Shariah courts. The husband just walks away, leaving the unemployed wife to care for all the children. And when these women go to the Shariah court to seek justice, all they get is 'advice' from the court that it is the wife's duty to try and reconcile with her husband. The wife is denied justice and over the next few years she has to suffer while the husband marries a new wife and disowns his old family. Is this God's law? Is God to be blamed or the people who hide behind the cloak of God to deny women justice? King Henry VIII once reformed England as well, just like what Najib appears to now be doing in Malaysia. But King Henry's reforms merely transferred the abuse of power from the hands of the church to the hands of the Monarch. The church no longer had the power to decide whether you had committed heresy or were a deviant or whatever. Henry decided that and the punishment for these perceived 'crimes' were no different from before the so-called 'reforms'. In fact, the church itself suffered punishment. Those who still insisted on holding onto the 'old religion' and who refused to comply with the 'new religion' were persecuted. So, the old laws were removed and replaced with new laws. But the new laws were just as draconian as the old laws. Things did not really change much. It was the same old system camouflaged under a new cloak. Are we seeing just that -- a new cloak being thrown over the same old thing just to give the impression of reforms? That is yet to be seen. So I am not celebrating just yet. Laws are one thing. Implementation of these laws is another. And new laws to replace old laws do not maketh a reform, as King Henry VIII has shown us. While we remove old laws and replace them with new laws, are we also removing the vast and unbridled powers of the AG? The police can say you have committed a crime. But if the AG refuses to prosecute you because you are his buddy or the buddy of the Prime Minister, then nothing happens. And if the police have no evidence that you have committed a crime, but if the AG or those in power want to get you, they can still charge you and put you on trial (and order the judge to find you guilty). What good are laws then, whether good or bad laws, if one corrupted man can decide whether to spare you or to send you to jail? While we remove old laws and replace them with new laws, are we also making sure that the judiciary is independent and above political manipulation? The courts' hands are tied in many instances. Like in the case of the ISA, for example. The court has no power to review your detention other than dabble on technicalities. The court should have the power to review laws and rule that laws that violate the Constitution or that violate your fundamental rights need to be repealed. Currently, the courts have no power to rule on what Parliament has decided. And Parliament decides what is good for the ruling party. That means the court merely upholds the interest of the ruling party. So, reforms is not just about repealing old laws and replacing them with new laws equally draconian in nature. If that is all it takes, then Henry VIII reformed England although more people suffered under Henry's new laws than under the old church laws. Reforms must come in a complete package. Only then can we celebrate Najib's reforms. Can I declare that I am an Atheist and that religion is slavery of the mind, the worst kind of slavery? Can I declare that I am leaving Islam to become a Buddhist because I feel that Islam is a militant religion while Buddhism preaches peace? Can I declare that I am a Communist because I feel that Democracy is a form of economic slavery where the rich oppress the poor? Can I declare that I am gay or at least uphold the right of those who are gay? Can I enter into a gay marriage or at least uphold the right for gay marriages? Can I declare that I am anti-Monarchy and that I uphold the aspiration of a Republic of Malaysia because I feel that the Monarchy is a relic of the past just like Colonialism? If I can't do all that, then reforms are yet to come to Malaysia. And there are many more that needs to be done before we can declare we are seeing reforms. Will we be seeing equal representation in government where the disparity or variance between seats is within 15% plus-minus, and not like now where it is more than 95%? Will we be seeing at least 30% women candidates in the elections considering that women represent more than 50% of the voters? Will we be seeing all Malaysians born in Malaysia after Merdeka being called Malaysians and where there shall no longer be Bumiputeras, Chinese, Indians and lain-lain, and where your race and religion will no longer appear on your documents? Will there be new laws introduced such as the Bill of Rights where your fundamental rights are guaranteed, Anti-Discrimination Act where racists will be sent to jail, Freedom of Information Act to replace the Official Secrets Act, Freedom of Association Act to replace the UUCA that forbids students from being involved in politics, Freedom of Religion Act which prevents the government from interfering in your religious beliefs (or lack of it as the case may be), and so on and so forth?  If someone prevents you from changing your religion, that person goes to jail. If someone prevents a student from campaigning for a political party, that person goes to jail. If someone prevents you from publishing documents involving corrupt ministers, that person goes to jail. If someone asks you to declare your race and religion or puts obstacles in your way because of your race and religion, that person goes to jail.  And so on and so forth. My take is that many Malaysians are not yet ready for full liberties. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what the Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM) is all about. It is not about the elections. It is not about contesting the elections. It is not about identifying candidates to contest the elections. I am quite happy to have nothing to do with the elections if that is what most of the MCLM members want. Let us just leave it to the political parties to fight it out. And if Barisan Nasional wins, yet again, and this time with a two-thirds majority as well, so be it. We shall have to live with that. I am going to discuss with the MCLM committee that since Najib now appears to taking his first but small step to bring reforms to Malaysia, we focus on that and not dabble in the election process or even bother with talking about candidates. Chances are there is going to be chaos and three-corner fights come the next election. So be it. That is not our problem any more. That is the problem of the political parties. I would like to focus on seeing total reforms in Malaysia and not cosmetic change like now.

Antara Liberalisasi dan Reaksi Kepada Pembangkang Posted: 15 Sep 2011 06:00 PM PDT THE SCRIBE A KADIR JASIN MUKHADIMAH – Perdana Menteri, Mohd Najib Abdul Razak, mengumumkan bahawa Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (AKDN) akan dimansuhkan dan digantikan dengan dua undang-undang keselamatan baru. Akta Mesin Cetak dan Penerbitan akan dipinda. Akta Buang Negeri  akan dimansuhkan dan  Akta Kediaman Terhad disemak semula. Perisytiharan Darurat yang masih berkuat kuasa akan ditarik balik dan undang-undang kebebasan berhimpun akan dipinda bagi mengiktiraf Perkara 10 Perlembagaan. Pada mulanya saya tidak bercadang mengulas perkembangan ini. Tapi setelah menerima beberapa pertanyaan dan komen melalui SMS, saya rasa perlu memberi sedikit ulasan awal. 1. AKDN atau Internal Security Act (ISA) ada penyokong tegarnya. Majoriti orang Melayu tidak ada masalah dengannya.  Sebahagiannya pula mempunyai kaitan emosi yang kuat dengan akta itu kerana ramai suku-sakat dan saudara-mara berjuang menentang komunis malah terkorban akibatnya; 2. Hanya Melayu liberal, Melayu muda yang tidak merasai pahit getir darurat dan peristiwa 13 Mei, 1969 atau yang buta sejarah saja yang mati-matian mahu AKDN dihapuskan; 3. Hatta Melayu di pihak pembangkang pun tidak semuanya menentang AKDN sehingga mahu ianya dihapuskan. Kalau mereka nampak mati-matian menentangnya, itu adalah "posturing" politik; 4. Ramai juga pemimpin pembangkang sekarang pernah menjadi penyokong kuat AKDN apabila mereka dalam kerajaan. Mereka adalah fait accompli kepada akta itu kerana tidak berbuat apa-apa bagi menghapuskannya ketika dalam kerajaan; 5. Kalau AKDN berguna kepada Kerajaan Barisan Nasional, ia pun berguna juga kepada Pakatan Rakyat kalau ia ditakdirkan menjadi kerajaan. Cuma sekarang, dengan cadangan pemansuhan akta itu, PR tidaklah berpeluang menggunakannya kalau berkuasa; 6. Kalau Kerajaan BN telah menggunakan AKDN ke atas pemimpin pembangkang, pemimpin pembangkang pun boleh menggunakan AKDN ke atas pemimpin BN kalau BN ditakdirkan kalah pilihan raya suatu masa nanti; 7. Pembangkang sudah pun mendakwa kemenangan. Kata mereka, kerana asakan merekalah, Perdana Menteri mengumumkan liberalisasi itu dan kalau mahu ianya ditunaikan, teruskanlah menyokong PR atau lebih baik lagi pilih PR sebagai kerajaan pada pilihan raya umum akan datang;  8. Masalah yang sering ditimbulkan mengenai AKDN bukan undang-undang itu per se, tapi peruntukannya dan cara ia dikuatkuasakan oleh polis. Kalau itu masalahnya, cara terbaik adalah meminda akta itu; 9. Saya adalah antara penyokong AKDN. Pendirian saya tidak berubah. Tapi saya setuju yang beberapa peruntukan akta itu dipinda seperti yang dicadangkan dalam laporan Suruhanjaya Diraja Penambahbaikan Perjalanan dan Pengurusan Polis Diraja Malaysia bagi memendekkan tempoh siasatan dan mengelakkan penyalahgunaan kuasa oleh polis dan Menteri Dalam Negeri; 10. Suruhanjaya itu mencadangkan pindaan kepada AKDN sebagai tolak-ansur dengan PDRM yang mahu ianya dikekalkan. Saya tidak pasti kalau PRDM telah mengubah pendirian mengenai perlunya AKDN dikekalkan; READ MORE HERE

Form ISA truth and reconciliation commission Posted: 15 Sep 2011 05:42 PM PDT Suaran says such a set-up will bring to closure to the entire episode for all those affected by the draconian law. (Free Malaysia Today) - Following Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's announcement that the Internal Security Act (ISA) will be abolished, there is now a need for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to bring closure to the entire episode for all involved and affected by the law. Suaram director Kua Kia Soong said the TRC was necessary as a recognition of the pain, injustice, and violations perpetrated under the law that allowed detention without trial. "We need to bring it all out in the open and that is when we can be at peace as a nation," he said. Kua said that a TRC was what South Africa formed after the abolition of apartheid. In South Africa, the restorative justice body saw victims testify about their experiences. Perpetrators of violations also spoke at a public hearing and could request amnesty from criminal prosecution. "More than 10,000 Malaysians were detained under the law since 1960 and 39,000 deported during emergency in one year," said Kua, adding that in the 1960s, ISA was used to decimate the entire Labour Party leadership. "Today is not a day of celebration yet. It is a day of excitement. We can only celebrate when we see all detention without trial Acts abolished," he added. Kua himself was a former ISA detainee. He was detained during the infamous Operation Lalang in 1987. GMI: Our work is not done Meanwhile, the Abolish ISA Movement (GMI) said proper compensation must be given to all ISA detainees, who must now be released unconditionally. It is understood that some 25 to 30 people were still detained under the ISA. "After so many years, people still think my husband is a terrorist. We are not talking about money… but who will clear their name?" asked Norlaila Othman, wife of seven-year ISA detainee Mat Sah Mohd Satray. "I want Najib to apologise to all detainees. Admit that the government did not do the right thing. If he does that, I can forgive him," added the GMI committee member. Norlaila said there were numerous families badly affected by the ISA. "What about those who got divorced because of ISA, those who lost their jobs, children who grew up without a parent and those who could not get a proper education?" she asked. GMI president Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh asked whether the repeal of the ISA meant that there would no longer be detention without trial. READ MORE HERE

A new dawn beckons Posted: 15 Sep 2011 05:16 PM PDT The Prime Minister's announcement on a number of changes to the country's laws, including ending the Emergency, will have massive positive implications. Under Article 150, once a proclamation of emergency by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is gazetted, the floodgates are lifted and legislative powers of Parliament are greatly broadened. Parliament can make laws that violate, suspend or bypass any constitutional provision except six items in Article 150(6A). By SHAD SALEEM FARUQI, The Star THE Prime Minister's speech last night evoked the kind of hope and exhilaration I felt many decades ago on Aug 28, 1963, when I heard American civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. deliver his "I have a dream" speech at the steps of Lincoln Memorial. The Prime Minister pointed to a number of changes that he intends to bring to the country. Many of these proposals will have massive positive implications for the country's legal system, its administration of justice and the sovereignty of law over personal discretion. He promised that: > The emergency proclamations that are in operation will be presented to Parliament for annulment; > The Internal Security Act will be repealed but replaced with two security laws framed under the Constitution's anti-subversion provision of Article 149; > The Restricted Residence Act and the Banishment Act will be brought to an end; and > The much-criticised Printing Presses and Publications Act will be amended. It will take some time and considerable research to fathom the full implications of the above pronouncements. Needless to say, the impact on the legal life of the community, the rights of the citizens, the powers of the Home Minister and the police will be monumental. The rule of law will be strengthened and the days of the omnipotence of the Government will come to an end. Looking at the implications of the lifting of the Emergency, the following salient features of emergency laws must be noted: Ordinary legal system eclipsed: Under Article 150, once a proclamation of emergency by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is gazetted, the floodgates are lifted and legislative powers of Parliament are greatly broadened. Parliament can make laws that violate, suspend or bypass any constitutional provision except six items in Article 150(6A). All fundamental rights except freedom of religion can be violated. The federal-state division of powers can be disturbed and state powers usurped. Emergency laws do not require a two-thirds majority. Neither do they require the consent of the Conference of Rulers or the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah and Sarawak. Judicial review on constitutional grounds is ousted because of Article 150(6). An emergency law has no time limit and can continue as long as the emergency lasts. Malaysia has been under such a state of emergency continuously since 1964. For all practical purposes, an emergency legal system eclipsed the ordinary legal system for the last 47 years. The King's power to make laws: As with the powers of Parliament, the powers of the federal executive are immensely enlarged during an emergency. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong acquires plenary and parallel ordinance-making powers under Article 150(2B) as long as the two houses of Parliament are not sitting concurrently. The executive's power of ordinance-making is as large as Parliament's power of legislation. The entire Constitution can be suspended except for six topics in Article 150(6A). Since 1964, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has promulgated nearly 92 emergency ordinances. Among these is the Emergency, Public Order and Prevention of Crime Ordinance, which is a favourite with the police and which results in more preventive detentions than even the Internal Security Act. Executive power to give instructions: Under Article 150, the Federal Government acquires powers to give directions to the states in contradiction with the meticulous federal-state division of powers. If the emergency proclamations are repealed, what effect will that have on the legal system? Restoration of normal laws: If the two proclamations of national emergency in 1964 and 1969 are repealed, the country will return to the normal operation of the constitutional system. The five or so emergency laws made by Parliament under the authority of these proclamations will cease to operate. Any detention under these laws will have to be terminated. Emergency ordinances will end: As with the emergency laws enacted by Parliament, the 90 or so emergency ordinances promulgated by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (and the hundreds of subsidiary laws made thereunder) will also cease operation. However, the cessation of emergency laws is not immediate. Under Article 150(7), there is a grace period of six months during which the emergency laws may still continue to operate. Once the six months expire, the expiry of the laws is automatic and no individual repeal is necessary. However, no action (e.g. for damages) can be taken for anything validly done under previous laws. Some may wonder whether the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, in his discretion, may refuse the Prime Minister's advice to restore the rule of law and to lift the proclamations of emergencies? In a long line of other cases, it has been held that emergency rule does not alter the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as a constitutional monarch bound to act on advice. The case of PP v Mohd Amin Mohd Razali (2000) altered the law slightly: it held that during the dissolution of Parliament, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is not bound by the caretaker government's advice on emergency matters. Amin is, of course, not relevant to the Prime Minister's speech last night because Parliament is not under dissolution and the Prime Minister's advice is binding on the King. Judicial review strengthened: The lifting of the Emergency will remove the eclipse of ordinary laws. The possibility of judicial review of executive and legislative measures will be enhanced. Many human rights will be restored. The demise of hundreds of emergency laws, some conferring preventive detention powers and others excluding due process, will be a defining moment for Malaysian democracy. However, the euphoria that is bound to be felt as a result of these wholesome developments must be tempered with caution. New proclamations: The lifting of the 1964 and 1969 emergencies does not prevent the re-issuing of a new proclamation of emergency and the promulgation of new emergency Acts and ordinances, if circumstances so demand. Subversion laws stay: Even if the Emergency is lifted, Parliament is still armed with anti-subversion powers under Article 149. New security laws under Article 149 have been suggested by the Prime Minister. Existing laws like the Dangerous Drugs Preventive Measures Act will not be affected by the lifting of the Emergency unless the Government sets about to apply the reformative paint brush to them as well. Police Act remains: Controversial ordinary laws like the Police Act, the Official Secrets Act and the Universities & University Colleges Act will remain in the statute book though, of course, they will face pressure to accommodate the spirit of the times. Some may, therefore, regard the lifting of the Emergency as merely a cosmetic measure because Articles 149 and 150 still arm the Government and Parliament with massive power to suspend constitutional guarantees. Such a perspective is unduly cynical. It amounts to an all-or-nothing attitude. Whatever reforms are adopted and implemented must be welcomed. They may be harbingers of new things to come. They will certainly set a new mood and may be the catalyst and impetus for further improvements to the human rights scene. A government receptive to the lifting of the Emergency cannot be indifferent to improving the situation of laws under Article 149. All in all, one must applaud the Prime Minister's courage, his willingness to listen to the voice of the people, his receptiveness to the felt necessities of the times, and his exhilarating agenda for reform. The Attorney-General's office also deserves congratulations for advising the Prime Minister on the incongruence between the rule of law and the state of emergency lasting 47 years. So, let Sept 16, 2011 go down in our history as "a joyous daybreak" to end the long night of the Emergency. > Datuk Shad Saleem Faruqi is Emeritus Professor of Law at UiTM and Visiting Professor at USM.

Canada alerted to Taib’s ‘dirty’ assets Posted: 15 Sep 2011 04:25 PM PDT Swiss-based NGO claims that several top Canadian political leaders have taken an interest in the complaints about Taib's alleged money-laundering activities in Canada. (Free Malaysia Today) - Swiss-based NGO, Bruno Manser Fund (BMF), claimed that the Canadian government is taking a keen interest in complaints raised by BMF about Sarawak Chief Minister Taib Mahmud's alleged money-laundering activities in Canada. The BMF, however, could not confirm if a formal investigation had been initiated on Taib-family-founded Sakto Corporation for the alleged offence, but said Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is well aware of the allegation. Sakto owns and administers properties in Ottawa, Ontario, estimated to be worth well over US$100 million. It is also the centre of a Taib family-linked property empire with significant holdings in the UK, the US and Australia. "(We) can confirm that our letter (about the money-laundering activities in Canada) has aroused great interest in the Canadian government and was brought to the attention of several top (political) leaders there. "This includes Finance Minister, James M Flaherty, the person who is ultimately responsible for money-laundering matters," BNF said in a statement yesterday. In a correspondence with the NGO, a top executive of Canada's Department of Justice gave an assurance that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's (RCMP) integrated market enforcement team are experts in dealing with capital fraud. Sakto run by Taib's daughter But BMF said Canada's federal police have refused to disclose if Sakto Corporation and the Taib family were under investigation, adding that the RCMP does not normally confirm or deny the existence of any criminal investigation. READ MORE HERE

Peanuts, not sweeping reforms Posted: 15 Sep 2011 04:23 PM PDT Let's not be fooled, people. The changes Najib announced are merely cosmetic, and will have to be passed in Parliament first before they become effective. Meanwhile, Articles 149 and 150 are still there to provide Parliament with the power to pass laws that do not have to be consistent with the freedoms guaranteed in Articles 5, 9, 10 and 13, and to allow the Cabinet to declare an emergency. The Emergency proclamations may go, but Article 150 is still around. We the people are still vulnerable. By Kee Thuan Chye, Free Malaysia Today PEANUTS. That's what Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's so-called "sweeping reforms" are. They hardly amount to a political transformation. While it's cheering to note that the Internal Security Act (ISA) will be repealed – finally, after our many years of waiting – and that the Emergency proclamations are to be lifted – a decision that is decades overdue – it's disturbing to be told that they will be replaced by two new laws aimed at preventing subversion and safeguarding public order. And even though the detention period under these new laws may be shorter, with further extensions to be made by court order, the Home Minister is still the one to decide who gets detained for suspicion of being a terrorist. This means, theoretically speaking, that although Najib has given the commitment that "no individual will be detained purely based on political ideology", there is no stopping the government from branding a political opponent a suspected terrorist, whether or not he is one. Just to lock him away. Another so-called "reform" is scrapping the requirement for publications to renew their printing licences annually. This, also, is nothing to crow about. It still means that publications have to obtain a licence that the Home Minister may or may not grant. It still means the Home Minister has the absolute power to suspend or revoke a licence at any time. And his decision cannot be challenged in court. He does not even have to give a reason. It also means the Home Ministry can still call up newspaper editors and cow them into submission for publishing something the ministry finds objectionable. Like what happened recently to The Star when it ran the heading 'Ramadhan delights' for an eating-out supplement that was not totally devoted to halal food. The ministry can still practise the double standards it has been practising – turn a blind eye to the race-baiting and rabble-rousing of Utusan Malaysia but come down hard on the minor transgressions of other publications. So where's the change? If the government were truly sincere and had the political will, it should repeal the Publications and Printing Presses Act (PPPA) and no longer require publications to obtain a printing licence. That would be in keeping with the spirit of what Najib talked about instituting in Malaysia when he announced the "reforms" on Sept 15 – a "democratic system based on the universal philosophy of 'of the people, by the people and for the people'". Vague reforms None of the newly announced "reforms" fully cohere with this spirit. On Section 27 of the Police Act, Najib said there would be a review to take into consideration the provisions under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution which guarantees Malaysians the right to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of association. But in the same breath, he said police permits would still be required for street demonstrations, subject to certain criteria. If freedom of assembly, which should be a right of all citizens, is still curtailed in this fashion, what is that rubbish talk of Najib's about forging a democratic system "of the people, by the people and for the people"? He did say, however, that "permission to assemble will be given in accordance with procedures to be fixed later that will take into account international norms". But this sounds vague. What international norms did he mean? And when is "later" going to be? And speaking of Article 10, why doesn't the government address the other impediments to freedom of speech, such as the Official Secrets Act (OSA), the Sedition Act, the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA), the Multimedia and Communications Act, the Public Order (Preservation) Ordinance? No wonder Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein was smirking and applauding when Najib made his announcements. His absolute powers remain intact. Let's not be fooled, people. The changes Najib announced are merely cosmetic. And of course they will have to be passed in Parliament first before they become effective. Meanwhile, Articles 149 and 150 are still there to provide Parliament with the power to pass laws that do not have to be consistent with the freedoms guaranteed in Articles 5, 9, 10 and 13, and to allow the Cabinet to declare an emergency. The Emergency proclamations may go, but Article 150 is still around. We the people are still vulnerable. Some of us may say that we cannot expect the government to make such truly sweeping reforms in one go, and that we should be thankful for the small mercies we are now getting. Some may say this could be just the beginning, and more reforms could come. That's well and good. But at the same time, we should give credit where it's due for this beginning. It's not Najib we should thank. What we are getting is what has been due us for a long time, what any concerned government should have given us even without our having to pressure them to do so. We should instead acknowledge that the March 8 effect lives on, and therefore the credit for these changes should go to us the rakyat for voting as we did on March 8, 2008. We voted in a stronger opposition, we denied the ruling party the two-thirds majority that it had abused to increasingly curb our democratic rights over the decades. We sent them the message that enough was enough. READ MORE HERE

In Between The Lines Posted: 15 Sep 2011 04:11 PM PDT MASTERWORDSMTIH-UNPLUGGED While I applaud PM Najib's courage in announcing Malaysia's broadest political reforms since independence in 1957 "to accommodate and realise a mature, modern and functioning democracy; to preserve public order, enhance civil liberty and maintain racial harmony", I cannot help but read between the lines of his promises for political reform. Most sincerely, I hope that our PM will ensure that he will see these new reforms come to pass and not to capitulate when right-wing pressure groups such as UMNO and Perkasa voice their objections. Undoubtedly, the next GE is imminent as can be seen in the many populist moves taken by the PM such as: The repeal of the Internal Security Act (ISA) 1960 The enactment of  two new laws to safeguard peace and order  The reduction of the detention period which can only be extended by the courts, except in cases involving terrorism. The lifting of three remaining emergency proclamations - Emergency 1969, Emergency 1966 (Sarawak) and Emergency 1977 (Kelantan). The repeal of the Banishment Act 1959 The replacement of the annual licence renewal requirement for newspapers and publications by a one-off permit by reviewing the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984. The review of  the Restricted Residence Act 1933. The move to allow greater freedom to assemble by reviewing Section 27 of the Police Act 1967 taking into consideration Article 10 of the Federal Constitution which guarantees every citizen with the right to freedom of speech and assembly Note that the above changes would have to be tabled in Parliament. Earlier, the PM had also announced (despite our RM362billion debt) : Bonus payments for civil servants despite our deficit A cash payout for farmers Affordable housing for low-income earners  and other favourable statements to hike his popularity ratings. Consider the context of such 'positive' developments and then read between the lines before we celebrate. It is immature and foolhardy of Pakatan leaders to "have taken credit for Datuk Seri Najib Razak's decision to repeal the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA) as well as several law reforms, saying the prime minister's move was a direct rip-off from their Buku Jingga plans" (read this report). I am not saying their Buku Jingga is not a good idea but even without its existence, any sharp political strategist would have known what to do in the light of the existing political landscape whereby the status quo is losing support and popularity because of the rakyat's outrage over: the removal of subsidies leading to the rising cost of living the announcement that the GST is likely to be introduced after the next GE the slow pace of political and electoral reforms, especially after Bersih 2.0 Bersih 2.0 the widening religious discontent starting from the 'Allah' controversy, the cow-head episodes, church burning, DUMC incident debate over what is or what is NOT historical facts corruption issues the PKFZ scandal the TBH case and Ahmad Sarbani death in custody issues/cases including Kugan's death and many others the recent Air Asia-MAS swap deal, imposition of new charges etc the ETP issues many $$$ issues that have dented the image of the government including the Scorpene submarines, RM 6billion patrol boats, 100 storey Warisan Merdeka, Save Malaysia Stop Lynas issue, Ng Yen Yen's RM1.8 million social media campaign or her RM3.25 million expenditure on overseas trips  and many other reports which have outraged the rakyat The recent development is a successful ploy to deflect the rakyat's focus on real issues that concern each and every one of us. And the Opposition leaders are being led by their noses to follow the red herring trail thrown in their path! One must question: 1. Could the new laws that will replace the Internal Security Act be used against political targets in the same way as how the ISA was used previously? 2. If indeed Malaysia practises democracy and upholds freedom of the press/expression/assembly and all the pillars of democracy, there should not be the need for a media license in the first place. Read this excellent discussion. 3. Bear in mind that one of the government's most powerful tools is the sedition laws which has been used to silence critics as it "criminalises speech with "seditious tendency", including that which would "bring into hatred or contempt or to excite disaffection against" the government or engender "feelings of ill-will and hostility between different races" (Source: Wikipedia). In this post,  I discussed Mat Sabu's sleight of hand to deflect interest in the DUMC and Sodomy issues by throwing a red herring in BN's path. Subsequently, the whole nation went on a warpath to debate historical issues. I had never seen such an outburst of 'historical knowledge and yours truly also joined the bandwagon HERE, Malaysia - Part 1, Malaysia - Part 2 and Malaysia - Part 3. And then the announcement last night. Perfect timing! Currently, our PM Najib has the option of holding snap polls to cut his losses or to delay elections to give him time to gain ground for a bigger win. READ MORE HERE

48 years of Malaysia Posted: 15 Sep 2011 03:32 PM PDT   By Phyllis Wong, The Borneo Post How has Fair Land Sarawak fared since independence? A PROMINENT Sarawakian Lo Suan Hian wrote a very personal account of the ceremony on 16th September 1963 which was published in the Sarawak Gazette on 20th September 1963. It was fair report. Fair in the decorations, the celebrations, the ceremonial uniforms, the grandstands. Fair in the programme with proclamation of Malaysia, raising of national fl ags, playing of anthems. Fair in giving credit to the two doctors who attended to the governor who felt faint during the ceremony. Fair in giving an account of the police on duty to prevent any untoward happenings. Yet, in the midst of all the fairness and beauty, Lo observed: One lady guest remarked it made her feel sad while a local man said the thought of the police having to face the crowd made his blood boil. Today, as Malaysia marks her 48th birthday, The Borneo Post examines the path our 'Fair Land' Sarawak has travelled from its birth as an independent state, carved out of the Brunei Sultanate by White Rajahs, through to the dark years of Japanese occupation during the Second World War, a brief period of anti-cession struggle to maintain our independence before we became a colony of Britain, the birth pangs of a new nation Malaysia and on to what we are now. We walk down memory lane with Sarawakians who had themselves – or their loved ones – gone through British colonial rule, the Japanese occupation, the communist insurgence and the process of the formation of Malaysia. Recalled former State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Bujang Nor: The period leading up to the cession of Sarawak to Great Britain in 1946 was preceded by a tumultuous time, marked by intrigue, loyalty, greed, deception, politics and murder. Of Japanese occupation, veteran Sarawakian journalist Gabriel Tan wrote: The heaviest allied bombing by B17 flying fortresess was on June 4, 1945 over Sibu. Many shophouses were destroyed. The new concrete flat-roof market was fl attened. The number of people killed and wounded was never accounted for but it was in the dozens for sure. There was a blackout that night after the bombing. The town was practically devoid of people, its eerie silence only broken by howling dogs. There were many deaths, mostly reputable vendors, in the bombed out market which is now a car park. Today, Sibu has one of the best markets in Sarawak if not Malaysia. A former communist cadre recalled: Following the Brunei Rebellion in 1962 when AM Azahari launched his attempt to overthrow the Brunei Sultanate, the British carried out large scale arrests of anti-colonisation and anti-Malaysia elements. The 'migration' of the mostly Chinese youths to the Indonesian border was prompted by arrest orders issued by the British to round up suspected communists. About 700-800 CCO members and supporters slipped across the Sarawak border into Indonesia where they received intensive training in guerilla warfare. James Matthews Hoover, the fi rst Methodist missionary who came to Sibu in 1903, wrote to a friend: Our missionary business included the whole range of human interests: religion, education, politics, medicine, immigration, town planning, road building, machinery, boats, etc. On the formation of Malaysia, one political commentator noted: The 20/18-point Agreement should not be ignored or eroded. Thus, certain policies and the relationships between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak must be relooked to address whatever imbalance in terms of infrastructure, social, economic or educational developments between the centre and periphery in the last 48 years. More financial allocations should be channelled to Sabah and Sarawak. The Federal Government should increase the petroleum royalty to at least 15 per cent from the current 5 per cent. But still there are many intriguing questions that run through our minds. What, if, the British had not given up Sarawak and Sabah to hasten the formation of Malaysia with Malaya? What, if, the communists' movement had not posed a serious threat to the security of Sarawak? Would the British have allowed Sarawak to become independent on her own? There is a school of thought that the communist threat was detrimental to the interests of the British who, in consequence, came up with the formula that Sarawak's independence must be with the condition of being part of Malaysia. Changes have always brought about opposition and conflicts just as the anticession movement was the prelude to the handing over of Sarawak under Brooke rule to the British, and the communist insurgency and the Indonesian confrontation were the birth pangs of Malaysia. The early troubled years are still fresh in the minds of those who witnessed the momentous – albeit not altogether troublefree – birth of our nation and some directly involved in events leading up to it are still alive today. There were fears and hopes when Sarawak mulled the proposal of forming Malaysia together with North Borneo (Sabah), Malaya and Singapore. The apprehension was reflected by Tun Temenggong Jugah anak Barieng when he asked in Iban "would the sugarcane that is sweet now turn sour in future?" amidst the negotiations. Will we be better off as an independent country?   READ MORE HERE.

Malaysia PM's openness pledge greeted warily Posted: 15 Sep 2011 03:29 PM PDT By Channelnewsasia.com KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's government must fully explain its plan to overhaul oppressive security laws before it can be declared a victory for human rights, opposition figures and activists said Friday. Rights groups hailed Prime Minister Najib Razak's announcement Thursday that he would repeal an unpopular law allowing preventive detention as a potential watershed validating decades of campaigning by civil liberties advocates. Amnesty International called it a "significant step forward for human rights" in the Muslim-majority country, while the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia praised Najib's "historic and bold decision." But with memories still fresh of a crackdown on a July rally for electoral reform, government opponents demanded clarity on two new laws the premier said would replace the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA) and other legislation. They expressed particular concern that new laws would retain some police preventive detention powers, albeit for shorter periods and subject to more court oversight. "I welcome the repeal of the ISA, which has been long fought for by the people and opposed by (the government)," opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said in a Twitter posting while on a trip abroad. "However, we must be cautious over whether (the new laws) will actually guarantee freedom or just replace the present law," added Anwar, a former deputy premier and past ISA detainee. Najib, who is due to call fresh elections by 2013, made the announcement in an apparent bid to shore up his chances against a fractured yet increasingly potent opposition alliance. He has faced mounting questions over the July rally response, rising racial tensions in the multi-ethnic nation, and an increasingly pessimistic economic outlook. There is also growing dissatisfaction with preferential policies favouring the dominant Malay ethnic group, who make up half the polyglot nation's people. Political analyst Shaharuddin Badaruddin expressed doubt the legal move would lure back voters who in 2008 deserted the long-ruling Barisan Nasional coalition that Najib now heads, handing the opposition historic gains. "The impact of repealing the ISA and security laws really does not have as much resonance compared to boosting the salaries of civil servants or removing taxes," he said, adding voters will be looking more at a budget expected in October. Opposition figures and activists said repealing the ISA will have only a symbolic effect if a range of other oppressive laws are allowed to stay on the books. "The devil is in the details. We have to look at what is the final substance of the two new laws," Ragunath Kesavan, former president of the Malaysian Bar, told AFP. "Whatever it is, there cannot be any more detention without trial, that has to be the basis of any amendment or repeal of the laws." Plans also call for scrapping a requirement that newspapers must apply yearly for licence renewal, which is blamed for stifling debate. It would be replaced by an indefinite licence, but Najib said the new licence could be cancelled, giving no further details. And while the government would review a law requiring police permission for public gatherings, Najib said the revision "would be against street demonstrations." "These reforms manifestly fall short and leave substantial undemocratic and oppressive powers in the hands of the government," said N. Surendran, vice president of the opposition party Keadilan. Najib's de facto law minister Nazri Aziz, who said new legislation would not be introduced to parliament until next March, dismissed such concerns. "Najib has taken a bold move in repealing the (ISA), so the opposition should wait and see what happens in parliament before making such baseless statements," he told AFP. The ruling Barisan Nasional coalition has been accused of routinely using the ISA and other statutes to snuff out challenges to its power. But public opinion has turned against such strict measures in recent years as the opposition has gained strength and soaring Internet use has fuelled more open debate.

Pakatan claims credit for ISA repeal, law reforms Posted: 15 Sep 2011 12:10 PM PDT By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 — Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders have taken credit for Datuk Seri Najib Razak's decision to repeal the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA) as well as several law reforms, saying the prime minister's move was a direct rip-off from their Buku Jingga plans. Opposition leaders have chosen to remain cautious over the PM's announcement, but at the same time said that the "bold reforms" vindicated PR's struggles for "the past few decades." "We are vindicated by the announcement but are still hesitant to pop the champagne as we await the fine print. "Oh, and Najib lifted everything from our Buku Jingga. Every single thing. Najib has just proved and vindicated our struggles over the past few decades," DAP national publicity secretary Tony Pua told The Malaysian Insider. Najib announced last night his intention to repeal the ISA and the remaining three Emergency Declarations when both the Dewan Negara and Dewan Rakyat have their next sitting. In his Malaysia Day address, the prime minister said new laws will be enacted to protect the peace, harmony and security of the country, adding the government will do away with annual printing and publishing permits with permits that can be cancelled if regulations are flouted. Pua said that Najib's announcement last night proved the success of public pressure against the government, citing the recent July 9 Bersih rally as one of the catalysts for last night's announcement. PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar echoed Pua's remarks, and pointed out that most of the law reforms announced by the PM had first been mooted by PR via its Buku Jingga reform plans. The Buku Jingga plans include, among others, a promise to abolish the ISA once the opposition assumed federal power. Nurul Izzah noted although Najib had decided to revoke the Emergency Declarations, the government had previously rejected the same idea when PR first mooted the Emergency Revocation Bill in Parliament last March. "Nonetheless, it is crucial that these changes introduced are meaningful and lasting by ensuring Malaysians are not subjected by reintroduction of draconian legislation in any guise or form. "In fact, if he can announce all these measures, Datuk Seri Najib must immediately implement comprehensive reforms to the electoral system as demanded by Bersih 2.0 and all others," she told The Malaysian Insider. Najib also said last night that two new security laws would be introduced for preventive detention which would be limited only to cases of terrorism and "ensure that basic human rights are protected." The PM said that under the new laws, detentions could only be extended by the court and therefore "the power of detention will be shifted from the executive to the judiciary, unless it concerns terrorism."   READ MORE HERE.

Ibrahim Ali cautious over ISA repeal, says racist groups still exist Posted: 15 Sep 2011 11:45 AM PDT   By Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 — Datuk Ibrahim Ali has cautioned against early celebrations over Putrajaya's decision last night to repeal the Internal Security Act (ISA), telling the government that racism still exists in the country. The fiery founder and president of Malay rights group Perkasa, who supported suggestions to use the ISA against Bersih 2.0 protestors, said he would adopt a "wait-and-see" approach to Datuk Seri Najib Razak's reform promises before declaring a formal stand. "To Perkasa, do not let it end like the saying 'jangan keris makan tuan' (do not fall on your own sword). "Many issues should be considered because Malaysia is a multi-racial country where there are groups that are still bent on having racist attitudes and do not respect the basis of the Federal Constitution with their many demands, as we have seen recently," he said in a statement last night. Ibrahim, who has been detained twice without trial under the ISA, also appeared to doubt the government's sincerity in its latest reforms, questioning if the Najib's announcement was merely a populist move. "Was the decision made for the government to gain popularity or are they truly prioritising national security? "As such, Perkasa chooses to wait and see," he said. Najib announced a slew of reforms during his Malaysia Day address to the nation last night, including repealing the ISA, amendments to other security and press laws and the lifting of three Emergency Declarations. Ibrahim, however, lauded the decision to lift the Emergency Declarations, saying they were no longer relevant. "Perkasa congratulates the PM in conjunction with Malaysia Day celebration and the 54th Merdeka Day," he said. Najib also said that two new preventive laws would be enacted in place of the ISA, which de facto law minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz later told The Malaysian Insider would still allow for detention without trial. But the laws, said to be fashioned after anti-terrorism legislation like the Patriot Act in the US, are to be solely used against terrorists and not to curb individuals from supporting different political ideologies. The Malaysian Insider understands that Najib's speech last night is the start of an election push which will definitely not be held this year although there was speculation of snap polls in November. Najib came to power in April 2009 with the promise of reviewing the ISA but has now done away with the security law completely in what appears to be a drastic move to win back middle Malaysia.   READ MORE HERE.

Take a stand, cast your vote Posted: 15 Sep 2011 11:39 AM PDT By Kong Si Ying, The Star Elections, essentially popularity contests, have the propensity to bow to irrational sentiment and does not always constitute mankind's finest moments, but this is the way we choose our leaders – and our future. THIS is not an essay on governance or politics. I do not propose to promulgate the good or bad of democracy, representative government or any political party. It is merely an essay on our right and duty to vote. This is an entreaty to each of us to understand and, more importantly, participate in the civilisation we exist in. It is a bid for action and ownership over one's future, rather than discontent compounded by indifference. First, we seek to understand the form of civilised society we exist in. Malaysia inherited its parliamentary system from the British. Democracy, in all its varied forms, is perhaps the only form of government my generation will ever know. We elect our class monitor, our student council, a company's board of directors and our parliamentary representatives based on similar principles. It is sometimes referred to as popular government. Elections are essentially popularity contests, which have the propensity to bow to irrational sentiment. This, in turn, does not always constitute mankind's finest moments. It is, however, inevitable in the quest for equality by giving each citizen a voice. If you wish to keep that voice, you must use it. Whether by birth or some other process, we were granted citizenship, and with that came the right to vote for, and hopefully determine, the few among us who will steer our society and make decisions on behalf of all of us. Our Government's policies and decisions, although seemingly remote to our everyday lives, do have profound effects on you and me – how much we will earn, how happy our children will be, how safe our streets are, how long we can live. We choose our leaders and, hence, our future, through the removed but necessary reach of the ballot. That said, I do not seek to debate whether democracy is the ideal form of governance. Representative government is what we have. For now, we play our cards based on the rules that exist. In the very near future, all Malaysian citizens eligible to vote, and who have registered at least three or four months in advance as a voter, will be asked to choose their representatives, or perhaps, to decide whether they would even bother heading to the polling booth in the first place. Whatever your vote, please participate in the choosing of your government and cast that vote. Voting is a civic duty and one might ask to whom this duty is owed. It is owed, if not to fellow citizens, then at the least to yourself. Freedom, egalitarianism and civilised society were not born from indifference. In the absence of crisis, we take for granted our roles as civilians. As an individual with hopes, wants and needs, one owes it to oneself to take ownership and control over one's life, and a necessary extension of that is our government. If you are discontented, consider the alternatives. If you prefer the status quo, vote to defend the incumbent. Whichever it is, vote. Those who do not vote waive the moral right to complain and be disgruntled about the past and future state of governance. You may vote because of the individual or you may vote because of the party. You may vote selfishly to keep yourself in business or you may seek altruism by voting with future generations in mind. Whatever your motivation, there is no right or wrong. Your right to choose extends not only to which box you will cross, but also how you make that choice. The evolution of modern government has made these choices your sacred right. Treasure it, use it. You may listen to what others philosophise about these choices, but the ultimate decision is yours. Likewise, you might choose to abstain from voting for whatever reason. Legally speaking, that is your choice, too. Your vote is ultimately your decision, as is your choice whether to vote. If you feel that your abstention may not matter because your vote is just a drop in the ocean, you are not alone. Many, if not almost all of us, share that view. But if civic indifference is the death of civilised society, tell yourself this – it will not start with me. Much has been said about the many political groups and individuals in our country, by the very same political groups and individuals as well as by those that would be governed by them. Many of us are wary, some of us weary. There are populist agenda, healthy debates, personal attacks, political promises, and this sea of rhetoric can be overwhelming. Sometimes, to shut out the noise, disappointment and disdain, it seems easier to just ignore the politics. Politics. It has become a dirty word. Yet inaction is not the way to live. Inaction stems from either indifference or fear. To the indifferent, consider the duty you owe to yourself, your loved ones and your fellow countrymen to participate in the democracy you co-exist in, and to care enough about what will happen to yourself and to them. To the fearful, I would say (at the risk of quoting a beat generation artist and a Disney film) that "courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear". That something else, is your right to choose your leaders and to own your future as well as the legacy of your nation. Not all of us will become the Nelson Mandelas or Aung San Suu Kyis of the world or participate in an Arab uprising, but we can be our own heroes and reclaim our dignity in our own small but profound way. We may put our faith and trust in the wrong candidate, we may vote and yet be beaten by the majority, but we take a stand and cast that vote and hope for the best, so that although at the end of the day there may be disappointment, there will be no shame.

Is a general election looming in Malaysia? Posted: 15 Sep 2011 11:29 AM PDT By Razak Ahmad, Reuters A recent slew of populist measures has strengthened expectations that Malaysian Prime Minister Najib could call a snap election within the next 6 months, as he seeks a mandate to execute economic reforms and strengthen his grip on power. Bonus payments for civil servants, a cash payout for farmers and affordable housing for low-income earners are among the steps the government has taken to cushion the impact of higher prices and address a major gripe among voters. Najib is also expected to announce several political reforms on Thursday, including amending a controversial security law to make good on promises to allow increased freedom of speech. The government's popularity has taken a dip over the past year because of anger over the rising cost of living, the slow pace of political reforms and widening religious discontent. Analysts say Najib has two options: hold snap polls to cut his losses or delay elections, which would buy him time to appease disgruntled ethnic minorities. The following are possible scenarios on the timing of the next general election, which is not due until 2013, and the implications for reforms. SOONER OR LATER Najib may opt for an early election for fear that economic growth could take a sharp dive if the global economy slipped into recession. "With signs of global growth moderating, and the global economy showing signs of weakness, it would make sense for PM Najib to call an election soon, rather than risk the economic climate turning much worse," Barclay's Capital said in a note on Sept. 1. Analysts say the ruling National Front coalition could also press ahead with early polls as it discounts the support of non-Muslim ethnic minorities who appear steadfast in their opposition towards the government. Najib could also be persuaded to call for an early election with former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim's opposition struggling to build on its strong victory in a Sarawak state election. The three-party opposition grouping has been plagued by infighting and distracted by Anwar's protracted trial on sodomy charges, which he denies. Najib's popularity rating is also still relatively strong at 56 percent in August, although it has declined steadily since hitting a high of 72 percent in May 2010. BUY SOME TIME On the flip side, Najib could hold out beyond the next 6 months to give himself more time to execute reforms. Since taking office in 2009, the premier has taken modest steps to cut fuel subsidies and liberalise the economy. Critics say he must move a lot faster if he wants to make good on a pledge to put Malaysia back on the radar of foreign investors. The government may also want more time to placate unhappy ethnic minority Chinese and Indians who complain of marginalisation. Loss of support among the two ethnic groups contributed to the ruling coalition's disastrous showing in the 2008 general election when it lost its once iron-clad, two-thirds majority. Najib could also take a bet that holding polls later rather than earlier would see the opposition further weakened by internal squabbles and the lack of clear leadership if Anwar were jailed for sodomy. REFORM OUTLOOK? A strong win by either Najib's coalition or the opposition People's Alliance grouping is expected to be positive for financial markets as it would provide certainty in government and economic policy. If the ruling coalition wins big, it could give Najib the mandate to push through delayed reforms such as the introduction of a goods and services tax as well as accelerating subsidy cuts. Similarly, a clear win by the opposition would give it the will to push through pledges to cut government corruption and scrap a pro-ethnic Malay economic policy, which investors say has spawned a patronage-ridden economy. A worst-case scenario for the markets would be an unconvincing win by either side, which would lead to more political tension and policy uncertainty. In 2008, the National Front's poor showing triggered a 9.5 percent slide in the stock market. (Editing by Liau Y-Sing and Robert Birsel)

Malaysian Leader Opens Door for Reforms Posted: 15 Sep 2011 11:04 AM PDT By James Hookway, Wall Street Journal Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak opened the door to major political changes in this Southeast Asian nation Thursday by saying the government would abolish a decades-old law that allows for detention without trial and pledging not to hold anybody in custody because of their political beliefs. Instead, the country's draconian Internal Security Act will be replaced by new legislation targeted at detaining terrorists. Mr. Najib also said newspapers and broadcasters would be able to operate indefinitely without renewing their license each year, as is the case now, unless those licenses are revoked. Mr. Najib's moves could help redefine his troubled premiership if he delivers on his pledges, political analysts say, and could revive his own political standing in the run-up to new elections that must be held in the next 18 months. The new measures also could help steer Malaysia toward a more open political and economic environment and head off the kind of pressures that have destabilized parts of the Middle East this year. People familiar with Mr. Najib's thinking say his remarks, which were broadcast on live television, are part of a wider—but cautious—reform program that is calibrated to liberalize this racially and religiously diverse nation of 28 million people and reinvigorate its economy without provoking a backlash from powerful conservative bureaucrats and grass-roots activists. "Many will question whether I am moving too far, too fast. Some will say reforms should only be carried out in small steps, or not at all," Mr. Najib said of his planned political changes. "There may be short-term pain for me politically, but in the long term the changes I am announcing tonight will ensure a brighter, more prosperous future for all Malaysians." Some activists and observers, however, are already questioning the reach of Mr. Najib's reforms. Nalini Elumalai, secretary of the Abolish the ISA Movement, said she welcomed Mr. Najib's speech but questioned whether the new laws that will replace the Internal Security Act might also be used against political targets, as the ISA has been used in the past. There are currently 37 people held in Malaysia under the law. Bridget Welsh, a professor at Singapore Management University and a longtime observer of Malaysian politics, meanwhile notes that Mr. Najib didn't mention any changes to one of the government's most powerful tools: Malaysia's sedition laws—which criminalize speech that generates ill-feeling toward the government or disharmony among the races—have also been used to silence critics. "Mr. Najib is making a really important first step. He is embracing reform as a political idea—but it's still an idea at this point," Ms. Welsh said. "To garner long-term support he needs to really deliver substantial change." Mr. Najib's speech on Thursday didn't touch on the other key issue that frequently defines politics here: race. Since coming into power in April 2009, Mr. Najib, the 58-year-old son of Malaysia's second prime minister, has rolled back parts of a wide-reaching affirmative-action program that for decades has been used to give a leg up to Malaysia's majority-Muslim ethnic-Malay population and underpinned support for the ruling United Malays National Organization party. Many ethnic-Chinese and ethnic-Indian Malaysians say the program is unfair, and some prominent ethnic Malays argue that the policies have held back Malaysia's economic potential. Mr. Najib has responded by making it easier for all Malaysians to secure overseas scholarships and places at local universities, while stopping short of changing other core elements of the affirmative action program. He also has opened up barriers to investment in sectors such as finance and laid out plans to reduce the influence of powerful government investment funds, though some investors have asked for more. Opposition politicians, meanwhile, have questioned Mr. Najib's commitment to economic reform. While welcoming Mr. Najib's early efforts to roll back the affirmative-action policies that have held sway here since deadly race riots in the late 1960s, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said in a recent interview that Mr. Najib rarely seemed convinced of his own policies. "They are a result of focus groups and consultative meetings and he doesn't really prepare the government to implement them," Mr. Anwar said. The impact of these so-far modest changes also has been blunted by Mr. Najib's government's response to political dissent. Last month, Mr. Najib announced plans to explore possible changes to Malaysia's election laws after police broke up a pro-reform rally with water cannons and tear gas. More than 20,000 people attended the rally for a more transparent electoral system, the biggest political demonstration in the country since 2007. Amnesty International described the crackdown as the worst political repression in years. Malaysia's standing in the international community also has been badly eroded by the continuing trial of the opposition leader, Mr. Anwar, who is accused of violating Malaysia's strict sodomy laws. Mr. Anwar denies having sex with a former male aide, saying the case is politically motivated. He was imprisoned on similar charges in 1998 before his conviction was overturned six years later. Mr. Najib denies having anything to do with the case, pointing out that the complaint against Mr. Anwar was brought by his aide, Saiful Bukhari Azlan, not the state. Political analysts said Mr. Najib's speech could help him seize back the middle ground of Malaysian politics and regain territory lost to Mr. Anwar's opposition alliance in the 2008 national elections. Mr. Najib by law must call new elections by spring 2013 and is widely expected to announce a vote before then. At the same time, pledging fresh political reforms might also enable Mr. Najib to distance himself from the right wing of UMNO. Key members of UMNO remain reluctant to opening up the political environment or leveling an economic playing field that has long been weighted heavily in favor of Malaysia's ethnic-Malay population through the use of the affirmative-action rules. By introducing an ideological gap between himself and his opponents within the ruling party, Mr. Najib could make it more difficult for his rivals to counter his leadership and derail his plans to open up Malaysia, some analysts suggest. *Celine Fernandez and Ankur Relia in Kuala Lumpur contributed to this article.

Najib to Repeal Malaysian Laws Before Vote Posted: 15 Sep 2011 11:00 AM PDT By Gan Yen Kuan, Bloomberg Prime Minister Najib Razak announced Malaysia's broadest political reforms since independence in 1957, two months after street protests that led to the arrest of more than 1,600 people. Najib promised to scrap the Internal Security Act and the Emergency Ordinance, which permit detention without trial, to ensure that people can't be arrested for their political affiliations. The government will also ease restrictions on the media and public assembly, he said. "The abolition of the ISA, and the other historic changes, underline my commitment to making Malaysia a modern, progressive democracy that can be proud to take its place at the top table of international leadership," Najib said yesterday in a speech broadcast on national television. "Many will question whether I am moving too far, too fast. There may be short-term pain for me politically, but in the long term the changes I am announcing will ensure a brighter, more prosperous future." Najib, 58, vowed to improve democratic freedoms before national elections that could be held as early as next year, and after a backlash against the government's response to a July 9 rally demanding an overhaul of electoral laws. Groups such as Amnesty International condemned the use of force to detain the peaceful activists for marching on the capital in defiance of a government ban. The prime minister's speech was "geared toward the election," Ong Kian Ming, a political analyst at UCSI University in Kuala Lumpur, said by telephone. Popularity Drops A group of more than 60 non-governmental organizations known as Bersih 2.0 planned the protests. Bersih, which has the support of opposition parties, wants electoral changes such as campaign periods of at least 21 days and the use of indelible ink on fingers to prevent people from voting more than once. Public support for Najib slipped to 59 percent in August from 65 percent in May, according to a survey by Selangor-based Merdeka Center for Opinion Research. His popularity, which peaked at 72 percent in May 2010, has waned amid growing concerns about higher living costs and the government's handling of the Bersih 2.0 rally, the center said on Aug. 29. The survey of 1,027 people was taken from Aug. 11-27 and didn't give a margin of error. Last month, Najib said the government would establish a bi- partisan parliamentary committee to review changes to electoral rules, and that authorities would also consider amending laws governing censorship of print media. 'Positive Development' During the July protests, Malaysia's Home Ministry blacked out parts of an article in the Economist that called the government "overzealous" in its handling of the Bersih rally. Najib's pledges are a "positive development that opens up space for freedom of speech, rule of law and transparency," said Ibrahim Suffian, a political analyst at Merdeka Center. "The proof lies in the implementation of these statements and the nature of the laws meant to replace the ISA." The Internal Security Act was introduced in 1960 in the wake on an armed insurgency by Communist rebels, giving the police wide-ranging powers to detain suspects indefinitely. It will be replaced by a law that incorporates more judicial oversight and limits police powers to detain people for preventive reasons, Najib said. Opposition leaders including Anwar Ibrahim, Lim Guan Eng and Karpal Singh have been held under the ISA and 37 people are now being held under the the law. The same regulation remains in neighboring Singapore, another former British colony. No Compromise The Emergency Ordinance, introduced in Malaysia following race riots in 1969, permits the detention of suspects for up to two years with a minister's consent. The government used it against six opposition politicians in July. "This will be replaced by a law that will not compromise on national security and terrorism, while increasing democratic accountability and judicial oversight," the government said in an e-mailed statement yesterday. Media laws will be repealed so licenses, which must now be renewed annually, can remain valid indefinitely unless revoked, the government said. While Malaysia's constitution guarantees the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, the law has required police permission before gatherings could go ahead, including on private land such as stadiums. "This law will now be reviewed to bring Malaysia in line with international standards, while ensuring that the police retain the right to prevent violent scenes on the nation's streets," according to the government statement.

Tireless torchbearer for Iban rights Posted: 15 Sep 2011 10:51 AM PDT   By Stephanie Sta Maria, FMT Ibi anak Uding has taken to wearing white these days. She says it's the only way to control her fiery temperament which is constantly stoked by the plight of her native Iban community. To outsiders, Ibi is known as PKR Sarawak's Wanita chief. But among her own she is saluted as the Iban torchbearer in her relentless fight for their rights. And that fight has been a formidable one. The development that has flowed into Sarawak over the decades has not just bypassed natives living deep in the interior but also encroached into their fundamental rights. Protests over disparity and injustices are easily muffled by those in power and would have remained silent if not for Ibi. Seven years ago, an oil plantation company helped itself to Ibi's land by planting its trees there. An outraged Ibi was arrested and badly bruised in her attempt to take back what was rightfully hers. "I lodged a report with Bukit Aman and the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) and I never heard a single word from them," she said. "That's when I knew I had to continue fighting but on a different platform. So I became a politician." Faith and loyalty Ibi, 49, joined the Sarawak National Party (SNAP) and self-financed her campaign for the Balai Ringin seat in the 2006 state election. After the seat fell to Barisan Nasional's (BN) Snowdon Lawan, SNAP slowly sank below the political radar screen and went into hibernation. Ibi was dismayed but decided to wait for a second chance. That chance came in the 2008 general election. By March 2009, she was among the first Dayaks to join PKR. In this year's April 16 Sarawak state election, she was the first Iban woman candidate to be fielded by PKR for the Balai Ringin constituency seat. Balai Ringin is a two-hour drive from Kuching and is among the nine new state seats created by the Election Commission after the re-delineation of electoral boundaries in 2005. Ibans form 89.09% of the voters there and as soon as they heard of her candidacy, they came in droves to offer their assistance.   READ MORE HERE.

Messing up with Merdeka date Posted: 15 Sep 2011 10:48 AM PDT By Jeswant Kaur, FMT Is Aug 31 the independence day of Malaysia or Malaya? Referring to the former, which is what we have for so long been doing, has caused a lot of unhappiness among the people of East Malaysia, that is, Sabah and Sarawak. As of 2010, the population of the two states stood at six million (3.5 million in Sabah and 2.5 million in Sarawak), representing roughly 20% of the population of Malaysia. Historically, the term "Malaysia" came into being on Sept 16, 1963. Prior to that, this country was called "Malaya" which in the Philippine national language of Tagalog also means "free" or "freedom". This being so, the people of Sabah and Sarawak want Aug 31 to be addressed as the independence day of Malaya, not Malaysia. The first prime minister of independent Malaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman, in 1961 mooted the idea of forming "Malaysia" which would comprise Brunei, Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore, all of which had been British colonies. Tunku's reasoning was that this would allow the central government to combat and control communist activities, especially in Singapore. Then there was also the fear that if Singapore achieved independence, it would become a base for Chinese chauvinists to threaten Malayan sovereignty. It was decided that to balance out the ethnic composition of the new nation, the other states, with their Malay and indigenous populations, would be included. The objections raised by the people of Sabah and Sarawak in being included in the Aug 31 independence brings to mind the rejections then made by the political parties in Sarawak in merging with "Malaysia". Sabah's community representatives also opposed the merger and so did the Parti Rakyat Brunei (PRB), albeit the Sultan of Brunei supporting the "marriage". A revolt staged by PRB was seen as a threat to destabilise the new nation, hence the decision to leave Brunei out of Malaysia. After a review of the Cobbold Commission's findings, the British government appointed the Landsdowne Commission to draft a constitution for Malaysia. The constitution would essentially be the same as the 1957 constitution, the only difference being in the rewording. For instance, recognising the special position of the natives of the Borneo states plus granting Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore autonomy which was unavailable to other states of Malaya. Post-negotiations in July 1963, it was agreed that Malaysia would come into being on Aug 31, 1963 consisting of Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore. The date was to coincide with the independence day of Malaya. However, the Philippines and Indonesia fought against this development, with the latter claiming Malaysia represented a form of "neocolonialism" and the Philippines claiming Sabah as its territory, causing the formation of Malaysia to be delayed. This situation led to an eight-member United Nations team being formed to re-ascertain whether Sabah and Sarawak truly wanted to be a part of Malaysia. Malaysia was formally established on Sept 16, 1963 comprising Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore. The above quick-take on how Malaya and Malaysia came to be forces the question of why then is Aug 31 referred to as the independence day of Malaysia, instead of Malaya? Natives of Sabah and Sarawak upset Repeatedly addressing Aug 31 as Malaysia's Merdeka day has been rankling the natives of Sabah and Sarawak for sometime now. Their argument is that the Malaysian government has got its facts wrong by referring to Aug 31 as the independence day for Malaysia. Aug 31, they point out, should be addressed as the independence day of Malaya. How should this issue be dealt with? Should the term "Malaya" henceforth be used to address the country's Merdeka come Aug 31? The irony, however, is that for so long a time now, Aug 31 has been synonymous with the birth date of "Malaysia". How did this anomaly happen?   READ MORE HERE.

Anwar cautious of PM’s reforms, questions new security laws Posted: 15 Sep 2011 10:44 AM PDT By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has remained cautious of the Najib administration's latest move in repealing the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA), and has questioned the proposed new security laws as replacements. In a response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's announcement made last night, the opposition leader said the public should remain "cautious" whether the repealing of the ISA guaranteed "freedom" from other forms of persecution. "ISA: sambut baik pemansuhannya setelah sekian lama diperjuang rakyat dan ditentang umno. Wbp harus waspada samada kebebasan dijamin dan Akta ganti (ISA: welcome the abolishment after long fought for by the rakyat and opposed by Umno. But we have to be wary whether freedom is now guaranteed and what will be the replacement Acts)," said Anwar on micro-blogging site Twitter. Najib announced he wants to repeal the ISA and the three Emergency Declarations when both the Dewan Negara and Dewan Rakyat have their next sitting. The prime minister said new laws will be enacted to protect the peace, harmony and security of the country. He also announced that the government will do away with annual printing and publishing permits with permits that can be cancelled if regulations are flouted. Najib acknowledged in his address to the nation on the eve of Malaysia Day that the move to increase civil liberties was "risky, but we are doing this for our survival." PKR vice-president N. Surendran said reform announcements were "vague and limited" and that the PM had failed to acknowledge any wrongdoing in the usage of the ISA as well as emergency laws for "five long decades." Surendran charged that the reforms still left "substantial" undemocratic and oppressive powers in the hands of the government. "The ISA is to be abolished; however two new laws are to be enacted providing for preventive detention. The ambit and wording of these two new laws are unknown," he said in a statement last night. Najib also said last night that two new security laws would be introduced for preventive detention which would be limited only to cases of terrorism and "ensure that basic human rights are protected."   READ MORE HERE.

Putrajaya will look to US, UK anti-terrorism laws, says Hisham Posted: 15 Sep 2011 10:38 AM PDT By Melissa Chi, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 — Putrajaya will look to anti-terrorism laws from the West as models to replace the Internal Security Act (ISA) which is to be repealed under a raft of reforms announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the Patriot Act in the United States, the Anti-terrorism Act in the UK and Australia will be considered in drawing up new security laws for Malaysia. "All these can be examples for us to foil potential terrorist acts," he told reporters after the prime minister's address to the nation last night. "It is another chapter of the journey which we announced earlier and a lot of work has now got to go into the two Acts that were announced and actually the balancing between national interest and security and civil liberties is the balance that we need to achieve," he added. The home minister said the two new Acts proposed to replace the ISA will cover terrorism and national security. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said the new laws will still allow detention without trial. Hishammuddin had denied on Tuesday speculation that the government will abolish the ISA — a possible indication of resistance among security officials and right-wing elements in Umno to purported plans by the prime minister to repeal the controversial law. Despite talk coming from sources in Najib's office in recent days that the PM was mulling a repeal of the law which provides for detention without trial, the home minister insisted that the law would only be "adjusted and amended." "So as far as KDN (Home Ministry) is concerned, we were fully aware that this transformation needed to be made but the two years that it took us to get here is finding the balance and the events that took place around the world, events that took place in Malaysia helped us in shaping what the prime minister announced today," Hishammuddin said. He reiterated Najib's remarks, saying that the country was no longer in a state of emergency and all the Emergency Declarations will be looked into. "Those are related to the emergency conditions and that was the basic premise of what the prime minister said that we are no longer in a state of emergency.   READ MORE HERE.

Am I missing something? Posted: 15 Sep 2011 04:59 AM PDT So why are we blaming Britain (a country that in the first place never colonised Malaya) for a law that we introduced three years AFTER the British went home and three years AFTER Malaya gained self-rule or Merdeka (from a country that never colonised us)? NO HOLDS BARRED Raja Petra Kamarudin Najib Razak's Moment Selamat Hari Malaysia! Today, 16.9.2011, will go down in history as Najib Razak's day. Nobody expected Malaysia's 6th Prime Minister to have the gumption to scrap the I.S.A. But last night, in a widely-followed Merdeka/Malaysia Day address, he scrapped it. Just like that, and in Bahasa Malaysia, he ended one of colonial Britain's most despised gifts to this nation. The move stunned the usually vociferous political rivals into silence, says the MOLE.* Until way past midnight, the blogs of Anwar Ibrahim and Lim Kit Siang had yet to laud the move. And laud it we Malaysians must. Thank you Mr Prime Minister, and thank you to those who have fought to end this colonial legacy. Merdeka and Selamat Hari Malaysia. http://www.rockybru.com.my/2011/09/najib-razaks-moment.html ********************************** Hold on a minute! Am I missing something here? The above was what Rocky's Bru posted two hours ago. However, two things do not seem to make sense here. First of all, Malaysia was never colonised by Britain. So say 'notable' Malaysian historians. So how can, as Rocky's Bru said, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak have "ended one of colonial Britain's most despised gifts to this nation"? If Malaysia was never colonised by Britain, then surely the ISA can't be "one of colonial Britain's most despised gifts to this nation". Nevertheless, I am extremely glad that Rocky's Bru agrees that the ISA is a 'most despised' law, as what we in the opposition have been saying for so long, and as I have been saying for 35 years since the 1970s when I first became politically active in the era when many of you were still sucking on your mother's tits. Secondly, even if Malaya was colonised by Britain, as Rocky's Bru now seems to admit, we declared Merdeka in August 1957 when the Union Jack was lowered and the new Malayan flag was raised and when we stopped singing 'God Save the Queen' and replaced it with the song 'Terang Bulan', which was stolen from a Hawaiian song called 'Mamula Moon' and which we renamed 'Negara Ku'. The Internal Security Act 1960, however, as the Act itself suggests, was made into law in 1960, three years AFTER Merdeka. That's why it is called the Internal Security Act 1960 and not the Internal Security Act 1948 (when the Emergency was first declared and when Britain was still running the country). So why are we blaming Britain (a country that in the first place never colonised Malaya) for a law that we introduced three years AFTER the British went home and three years AFTER Malaya gained self-rule or Merdeka (from a country that never colonised us)? That's the part that seems to escape me.

After PKR-DAP spat over seats in Johor, more friction in the offing? Posted: 15 Sep 2011 04:20 AM PDT (Bernama) - The spat between PKR and DAP, two of the three partners of the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR), over allocation of seats in Johor may be just the beginning of intense bickering, according to some political analysts. They believe that such tiffs will crop up in the states as the leaders at that level are unlikely to look for a compromise until intervention by their top leaders. "The intense bickering in Johor is due to the fact that the opposition is planning to make more inroads in the state in the next election. What happened in Johor in 2008 was that PKR was not that strong enough to build itself. "Only after (former MCA minister) Datuk Chua Jui Meng became the state chairman did it (PKR) try to get more seats to contest but the DAP is still very strong, especially in the Johor Baharu area," said political commentator Datuk Cheah See Kian. He felt that such spats were not likely to occur only in Johor, but believed that the parties would eventually close ranks. "They will eventually compromise. For example, in the 2008 general election, DAP wanted 21 seats in Penang after originally demanding 23. They said 21, no more compromise after that. However, after discussions with (Datuk Seri) Anwar (Ibrahim), DAP agreed to take 19 as Anwar managed to convince DAP to give PKR two more seats as the party would have to depend on Malay support to form a government," he added. However, James Chin, a political analyst from Monash University in Petaling Jaya, said the DAP-PKR quarrel was more intense this time around due to the fact that DAP was working toward being a more multi-racial party and this had put it at odds with PKR, which had been contesting in "mixed" constituencies in the previous elections. He believed that "personal reasons" also played a part in the squabble as many members in the opposition pact, particularly DAP, were said to be not too happy with Chua's decision to join PKR and his subsequent appointment as Johor PKR chairman. "When Chua was MCA vice-president, he helped BN to destroy DAP. Many people are not happy and find it difficult to work with him even though he is PKR vice-president at the national level and Johor state chairman, which has given him the mandate to negotiate for seats," said Chin. The DAP-PKR friction over seats in Johor somewhat resembled the misunderstanding between the same two parties in the recent Sarawak state election where they initially failed to have a consensus on how many seats to contest. It was only resolved after the PKR national leadership allowed its state leadership to negotiate directly with the DAP state leadership, but still they could not avoid multi-cornered fights with a local opposition outfit, Sarawak National Party (SNAP). After the Sarawak state election, DAP and PKR were also feuding over the proposed "shadow state cabinet" posts after DAP Sarawak chairman Wong Ho Leng announced a line-up. Even for the next general election, PKR is reportedly aiming for 15 parliamentary seats in Sarawak, a matter which may draw a difference in opinion from Sarawak DAP. Not only that, DAP and PKR may also have the same problems in Sabah and would also have to contend with the opposition-based Sabah Progressive Party or Parti Maju Sabah (SAPP). SAPP had already declared that it will stand in at least 40 state seats in Sabah. This includes all the eight Chinese-majority areas, where it will basically pit its candidates against those from DAP and PKR. Even in Penang, a state now controlled by the DAP, DAP veteran Zulkifli Mohd Noor had been reported to be asking his party to reclaim six seats contested by PKR previously. His suggestion has drawn a lot of flak from Penang PKR leaders. The DAP-PKR feud in Johor took place despite an earlier comment by PKR de facto leader Anwar that the issue of seat allocation among the three PR partners - DAP, PKR and PAS - had been resolved in most states with that in a few in the process of being finalised. Anwar was reported to have said that a national-level PR meeting decided that component parties in the states should not make any announcements for the time being. "We find there have been some statements from individuals, but it is not advisable to announce anything yet," he said at a recent Aidilfitri open house. "We have done far better this time than in 2008," he said, explaining that the major parameters in terms of preparations had already been resolved before the next election in contrast to the last-minute agreements in 2008. A political analyst at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Dr Sivamurugan Pandian, said although there was a crack in solidarity, the opposition parties would be smart enough to sweep it under the carpet for the time being and resolve the matter later. He said this raised questions of whether the seats controversy was orchestrated and part of PR's strategy to divert attention from solving the real issues until their top leadership could come out with a plan to overcome the ongoing problems. "What has happened to their so-called Common Policy framework (CPF) and shadow cabinet? Until now, they have not implemented them. If the CPF is already there, then the friction would not have been there in the first place," he said. But the latest controversy over seats has no doubt created speculation and negative perceptions over PR's solidarity. As pointed out by PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution last Wednesday, the misunderstanding was not going to help the coalition. He urged PR members not to wash dirty linen in public.

It was People Power that finished off the ISA Posted: 15 Sep 2011 02:18 AM PDT (Aliran) - Prime Minister Najib Razak's announcement that the ISA and the Emergency Ordinance would be repealed has taken the nation by surprise. He also announced that Section 27 of the Police Act (on public assemblies) and the requirement for publishing permits to be renewed annually would be dropped. Most people would be inclined to welcome these announcements. But we would be well advised to temper any celebration with caution. What will replace these oppressive laws is not clear and has not yet been revealed in much detail. The repeal of the ISA and EO is an acknowledgement that the government can no longer sustain the use of these laws without strong public condemnation and opposition. The repeal of these two laws is the only logical move. Massive public rallies have driven the final nail into the coffin of these obnoxious laws. The people, inspired and spurred on by the civil society Abolish ISA Movement (GMI), have won a remarkable victory through their persistent and determined opposition to the ISA. For that, the people have to be congratulated. The repeal of the ISA and EO, however, will not erase the suffering of all the detainees down the ages who have unjustly suffered at the hands of an oppressive state apparatus. Countless lives have been ruined. An independent tribunal is needed to look into all cases of ill-treatment and torture, psychological or otherwise, that have surfaced over the years. Those who have been abused and ill-treated and incarcerated without trial for years – or their families – must be adequately compensated. Those responsible for ill-treating or abusing detainees must be brought to book as a lesson for others who may be tempted to continue in similar ways. Meanwhile, other laws that restrict human rights such as the Sedition Act, the Police Act, the Universities and University Colleges Act and the Official Secrets Act must also be repealed as a sign of sincerity on the part of the BN. The same goes for other preventive detention laws. READ MORE HERE

WIKILEAKS: UMNO QUESTIONS ANWAR IBRAHIM OVER "FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE" ROLE Posted: 15 Sep 2011 01:00 AM PDT State news agency Bernama and mainstream press outlets carried stories May 20-21 reporting that Khairy publicly demanded an explanation from former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim over Western press reports that Anwar had close connections to outgoing World Bank President Wolfowitz and played a role in the appointment of Shaha Ali Reza to work at the Foundation for the Future. THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin 1.  (C) Summary: Prime Ministerial son-in-law and UMNO youth leader Khairy Jamaluddin has publicly called on opposition figure Anwar Ibrahim to explain his role in the Foundation for the Future and his connections with outgoing World Bank President Wolfowitz.  Anwar, as Foundation chairman, issued a statement clarifying the Foundation's appointment of Shaha Ali Reza in 2006.  With the government's dominance of the mainstream media, UMNO will attempt to use this story to weaken Anwar's reformist and Islamic credentials, and portray Anwar as somehow in America's pocket.  End Summary. 2.  (U) State news agency Bernama and mainstream press outlets carried stories May 20-21 reporting that Khairy publicly demanded an explanation from former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim over Western press reports that Anwar had close connections to outgoing World Bank President Wolfowitz and played a role in the appointment of Shaha Ali Reza to work at the Foundation for the Future.  Khairy told reporters: "Anwar must explain his role in the scandal.... Anwar has to explain because this is an irregularity and abuse of power at the international level." 3.  (SBU) Khairy's remarks followed media accounts in late April that attempted to draw connections between Anwar and the World Bank President.  The Malaysian media carried the stories on the eve of the highly-charged Ijok by-election, which pitted Anwar's opposition party against a candidate from the ruling National Coalition (ref A).  Anwar's campaign strategy focused heavily on criticism of corruption in UMNO and the National Coalition, and in particular focused attacks on Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. 4.  (U) Anwar Ibrahim, writing as Foundation for the Future chairman, issued a statement on May 20 in reaction to the "incessant propaganda from the UMNO controlled media." Anwar's statement described the Foundation's decision in mid-2006 to "regularize" Shaha Ali Reza's assignment by the World Bank to work at the Foundation.  His statement concluded that "the Foundation will not hesitate to institute legal action" should there be no clarification by the media. Malaysian papers carried reports of Anwar's statement on May 21-22. 5.  (U) Post has received a number of local media inquiries on this issue.  Per instructions, we have referred these journalists to the Department. 6.  (C) Comment: After enduring Anwar Ibrahim's sharp criticism over corruption and DPM Najib's alleged links to a murder scandal (reftels), UMNO has seized on Western press accounts of Anwar's role at the Foundation for the Future as a means to hit back.  By implying that Anwar's actions constituted "abuse of power" and by highlighting press reports of Anwar's connections to a former senior U.S. official, UMNO will attempt to undermine the opposition leader's reformist and Islamic credentials.  We expect UMNO also to use the story, at least behind the scenes, to help propagate a belief that Anwar is somehow in America's pocket. With its effective control over the mainstream media, the ruling National Front government will be able to stir this pot if and when it best suits UMNO's purpose. LAFLEUR (MAY 2007)

From the team of 15 Malaysia: UndiLah Launching at 16th Sept 2011 Posted: 14 Sep 2011 11:10 PM PDT JhlyvlstcM8  Or watch the trailer at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhlyvlstcM8 From the Team that brought you '15Malaysia' and 'HereInMyHome', brings you 'UndiLah', a Pete Teo PSA music video promoting the Rakyat's right to vote. Again, we have done an independent, bi-partisan and ZERO-budget production involving over 180 people including common folks, politicians from all parties, athletes, entrepreneur, musicians, actor/actress and a Star War character. Song performed by Afdlin Shauki, Namewee, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, and names like Pete Teo, Lee Chung Wei, Wee Ka Siong, Tony Pua, Nurul Izzah Anwar, Tony Fernandes, Lai Meng, Jehan Miskin and many more are among some of the volunteers that contributed to the success of the project. Again, this By Malaysians, Of Malaysians, For Malaysians Music Video is up for FREE DOWNLOAD through its official website www.undilah.com <http://www.undilah.com/> and the music video will be released at the strike of midnight of our Malaysia Day, 16th Sept 2011. Official Website: www.undilah.com <http://www.undilah.com/>   Please help us to spread the news or contribute in any way you can.   Lastly, thank you for your interest and please help engage Malaysians to claim our ownership of this lovely country.   Yours truly, Albert Law Producer of 'UndiLah'

Snap Elections - Right At The Door Steps Posted: 14 Sep 2011 11:00 PM PDT By XGeneration-Harapan Could it be that PM Najib is going to announce the immediate dissolution of parliament leading to snap polls tonight afer announcing some much awaited news of the relaxation on curbs on a host of civil liberties and maybe some further goodies for the rakyat? If he really does that, I bet that this is going to catch all the opposition figures in a real surprise move but if you look from his angle, isn't this a fantastic move? By what he is going to do, he doesn't even need to answer to Bersih or PAS, the missing clone voters, the controversial church raid etc. Just by one smart move, he now can solve all his headaches of having to give solutions on how to tackle the problem of bringing prices of daily consumerable (edible & non-edible) down. Once and for all, he doesn't need to worry about the difficulties in finding safe seats for MCA and Gerakan. By doing this, he basically is able to outsmart Anwar on his current court case whereby there is a strong possibility that Annuar could overturn the verdict and thus turning the tables on his accuser and those behind it. This will have a lot of repercussions and as a result putting the government in a worrisome and embarrassing situation. By having an election now, it will also potentially give a new lease of life to Sarawak CM Abu Taib Mahmud who is facing imminent MACC as well as some other foreign government probe against his finances as well as having to face all the NCR cases that are coming up ever so often and deals a very hard blow against his reputation and creating an unstable govt. Then again what about all the controversial cases that are pilling up against our AG Abdul Gani Patail as reported by RPK and other prominent Malaysian personalities, how long can he repulse these accusations and attacks as so far all he could do was to keep mum? Do you really think that dealing with such serious accusations, you can just hide in a corner? If ever they are successful in bringing the AG down, you can imagine how big a can of worms they would have opened at the expense of Najib? It is going to be a mouthful! If after hearing all these "favorable" news, you are still not convinced, then you better tell me when would be an even more opportune time to call for snap elections? Look at what is happening to our so-called formidable opposition. They can't even unite for one moment "to win the war for once" but have to fight over each other's dead body just to secure a seat during the present Pakatan Rakyat's seat allocation exercise. And it is as if the party is not hot enough, we now are joined by HRP openly demanding 23 seats from PR! Oh my dear Malaysians brothers and sisters, if this is not the best moment to strike, when do you think is an even better timing? Then again do you remember that the JAIS report to be given to the MB of Selangor has intentionally been delayed for one month? Everything cannot be so coincidental. Don't you agree that it is a nice question to ask oneself? Why did JAIS ask for one month grace? Now see if I can answer it. If they were to submit a report to the MB and if it comes out to be something very negative about the Christians which in this case they are going against the National Christian Body and not just against one single church itself, do you think Najib would allow such an ugly incident to take place? Of course not! So by postponing it by one month, by the time the report is allowed to surface, Najib would have already announced the dissolution of Parliament. And as he already knows it at the back of his palm that basically most non-Malays regardless of them being Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs etc are not likely to support BN, then what does he have to lose if let's say all the Christians do not support him? But if the report comes out timely and poisonous enough, he would have reaped what he wants and that is the Malays. They would be furious with what they read from the report and thereafter this will create a deafening ballistic result on the Malay parties who are deemed to be working hand in glove with these so-called "ungrateful" Christians Friends. In politics, winning the game is all about timing and how deep you are willing to stab. Other than the situation being totally murky where politics are concerned, we must also remind ourselves that it is already well accepted that there is currently huge pessimism on the world financial situation with the economy of some of the "rock solid" financially strong countries in the world going on the slide with high worrisome unemployment figures rising unabated, and also with crude oil price dropping and is expected to drop more in the foreseeable future (it has dropped quite substantially over the last 6 months), coupled with so much negative news of our beloved country's finances being sucked dry through so many scandals, PKFZ, MAS, Bakun Dam, Project MRT etc, etc, can someone tell me that my guess is totally out if I stick my neck out to put a bet on Najib that he will certainly think he will never get another better moment! I do hope that whatever I imagined above is wrong for if I am right, then I cannot imagine the consequences! Only God Can Save Malaysia!

That Effing Show #64: Sejarah Malaysia Revisited Posted: 14 Sep 2011 10:59 PM PDT Hallelujah boys and girls. Have you heard the good news? The best and brightest minds in Malaysia have come together in the form of a Majlis Professor Negara and announced that this land of ours was never conquered by those tea drinking pale faced limeys but was merely a protectorate. Confused? Well so are we. What does it mean? Does it mean we have to rewrite all of our history books? Does it mean that this post-colonial hangover we've been suffering for the last 54 years was nothing more than a hallucination? And the most important question on every woman's mind. What's going to happen to Farish Noor? As it is Malaysia Day, (Happy Malaysia Day btw!) we at That Effing Show have decided to delve a little deeper into this latest revelation. We've done the research. We've pointed and laughed. We're doing all the work so you don't have to. Click! http://yumm.my/oYnRSq

Najib's special message: 7 people follow from all over the world Posted: 14 Sep 2011 10:15 PM PDT TV3 set a new record today when seven (7) viewers from all over the world followed Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's special announcement. This is almost double the normally four (4) viewers worldwide who follow TV3 online. NO HOLDS BARRED Raja Petra Kamarudin

Dr M: I would have sacked Anwar even if advised not to Posted: 14 Sep 2011 06:24 PM PDT Tun Dr Mahathir denies allegation by Perak Mufti, says it is not true (The Malaysian Insider) - Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today denied Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria asked him not to sack Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in 1998 but added he would ignored the advice even if it was given. In a blog posting today, the former prime minister reasoned that at the time, witnesses had already convinced him of Anwar's sodomy crimes and he was not prepared to accept an "immoral" person as his successor. "Even if the Mufti did advise me, and I deny that he did, I would not be able to take that kind of advice. "The learned Mufti may be prepared to accept an immoral person to become the Prime Minister of Malaysia. I am sorry but I hold my responsibility as an 'amanah', a trust, and I never can be prepared to accept an immoral prime minister," he wrote. The Malaysian Insider published Harussani's statement last month saying he had attempted to meet with Dr Mahathir 13 years ago to advise him against sacking then deputy prime minister Anwar and against charging him in court for sodomy. "I would have ignored the claim by the Mufti that he advised me. But the report is in the online news portal and that has political implications unfavourable towards me," Dr Mahathir complained. The Perak Mufti had explained that he was concerned back then that Anwar's sacking would bring about split Malays, and that he had repeatedly cautioned the former prime minister to think about an alternative solution. READ MORE HERE

Malaysian Scorpene Submarine Corruption Case Legal Briefing Posted: 14 Sep 2011 05:48 PM PDT The Solicitors International Human Right's Group (SIHRG) and Malaysian Human Rights NGO (SUARAM) will be hosting a briefing and fund raising event in relation to the French Scorpene submarine deal in which French giant shipbuilder DCNS is alleged to have paid millions of Euros in kickbacks to top Malaysian officials. Joseph Breham, a renowned French lawyer from Sherpa, a non-profit organisation dealing with human rights legal issues and Cynthia Gabriel from Suaram will provide up-to-date briefings followed by an open dialogue session. William Bourdon, a colleague of Mr Breham, who is also part of the French legal team, was unfortunately deported by Malaysian authorities in July this year en route to speak at fund raising events in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur. Please join us for what is bound to be an interesting and engaging evening. Date : Friday 30th Sept 2011 Venue : Lecture theatre BPP Law School, 68-70 Red Lion Street, London WC1R 4NY Time : Registration : 6pm  Briefing and Dialogue Panel : 6.30pm-8.00pm A nasi lemak supper will be on sale at the venue. All proceeds will go towards the legal fund. Admission is free but donations towards the legal case are welcome. Please register at http://malaysianscorpenesubmarinecorruptioncaselegalbrief.eventbrite.com/ For further details pertaining to the case please see below: http://malaysia-today.net/mtcolumns/guest-columnists/39450-malaysian-submarines-the-trail-of-retrocommissions-is-becoming-clearer Briefing on the Scorpene Submarine Case Chronology: 5 June 2002:   Malaysian Government signed an agreement with French DCNS and Spainish Navantia for the procurement of two (2) Scorpene class submarines. The procurement contract was through direct negotiation with the manufacturing companies, said to be with the service of Perimekar Sdn Bhd. According to the Government explanation, the contract was divided into two parts: a.   Cost of two Scorpene submarines together with the package that covers Integrated Logistic Support and training amounted to Euro 969.15m (however on 14 May 2008, Najib told the Parliament that this part cost Euro 999.15) b.    Payment to Perimekar Sdn Bhd in the name of "coordination services" for a period of six years, the sum was Euro 114.96m It is widely believed that payment for the second package was in reality the commission for Najib/Rosmah through Razak Baginda as the owner of Perimekar. With the exchange rate at the time, the cost was equivalent to: 1)    Payment for submarine cost between: RM 2.14b (Euro=RM3.2 in 2002) – RM 5.43b (Euro=RM5.6 in 2008) (nowEuro=RM4.7) 2)    Commission: probably about RM 540m (exchange rate at the time of payment) 26 July 2006: Royal Malaysian Navy announced these vessels will be named after the first and second prime ministers. The first hull will be named KD Tunku Abdul Rahman and the second hull KD Tun Razak. 24 Oct 2007:   The first vessel, KD Tunku Abdul Rahman was launched by then Defence Minister Najib on at the DCNS dockyard, Cherbourg, France. (According to Sharribuu, Altantuya was in France with Najib during the launch) 3 Sept 2009:   The first Scorpene submarine KD Tunku Abdul Rahman, arrived at a Port Klang naval base after a 54-day voyage from France. The second of the series, KD Tun Razak, is scheduled for delivery in late 2009. However it only arrived in mid 2010. 10 Feb 2009:   It was reported that KD Tunku Abdul Rahman could not dive due to technical faults. The Navy sources admitted that the defect had prevented it from diving for three months. However the Government claimed that the problem was fixed in early February and it was allowed to undergo tropical water trial since then. As a result, builder DCNS SA extended the warranty for the submarine, which was supposed to expire on 25 January 2010, until May 2010 so the submarine could complete its trials as the first step to obtaining its Initial Operational Capability (IOC). 25 May 2010:  KD Tunku Abdul Rahman warranty expired. 2 July 2010:    KD Tun Razak, the second Scorpene submarine, arrived at the Lumut RMN Base. It was more than 6 months behind schedule. 7 July 2010:    Marhalim Abas of the Malay Mail again reported that Malaysian submarine crews had remained on dry land since the first arrival due to continuous problems of KD Tunku Abdul Rahman; the crews risked to lose their submarine rating for unable to participate any trial dive. Both submarines are now parked at Sabah Sepanggar Naval base, to date neither of them had undergone the necessary tropical water trial dive. What is the actual cost of the Scorpene submarines? Agreement signed with DCNS/Navantia costed Malaysian taxpayer Euro 1.08b (with Euro 114.96m commission for Perimekar). Nonetheless, we later found out that the price did not include many items. What are the missing items that need additional payments? 1.   Maintenance services: Malaysian Government had awarded a joint venture Boustead-DCN Bhd (BDCN) as the services provider for the submarine maintenance. Until today the cost had not been finalized. Nonetheless, in June 2009 Boustead Heavy Industries in a statement to Bursa Malaysia informed that the government had expressed an intent to award a contract worth RM600 million to its joint-venture unit for in-service support for submarines. March 2010: Defence Minister Zahid Hamidi clarified that for the first year maintenance would cost about RM270m and the annual maintenance cost will be capped at RM600m per year. 2.   LIMA 2009: Defence Minister announced additional contract worth Euro37.5m (about RM150m) for the supply of Support and Test Equipment (S&TE) for Scorpene submarines. 3.   Weapon not included: on 22 June 2010 Defence Minister answered parliament question revealed that the Government has paid Euro219.265m (about RM890m) for 40 units Exocet SM39 missile and 30 units Black Shark torpedo, to be delivered by 2013. 4.   Infrastructure for submarine base in Sabah (not yet constructed)? 5.   Training for crews, support staff etc. No price yet.   Grand total (rough estimate): Hardware: two Scorpene class submarines                         RM 5,430m Commission: in the form of services by Perimekar               RM 540m Package for simulation and training, S&TE                          RM 150m Weapons: 40 Exocet missiles and 30 Black Sharp torpedo     RM 890m Total: RM 6.98b Maintenance service (under negotiation)                             RM 270m (first year)/ RM600m (max) Money spent to date                                                         RM 7.3b     If we add RM600m maintenance                                         RM 7.58b (for 3 years) Uncertain for repair cost to overcome defect                         RM ???

Jamil Khir: I did not steal zakat money Posted: 14 Sep 2011 05:14 PM PDT (The Malaysian Insider) - Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom has denied that he used Islamic tithes to build a mansion for his family. The minister in charge of Islamic affairs told a press conference today he had lived in the Kampung Batu Muda home since 1994 and renovations were paid for with his own money. "Wallahi, I did not take zakat money. You can check with the Federal Territory zakat department and get a clean audit. "I dare to swear if they dare," Jamil Khir told reporters. The Malaysia Today news portal had published a picture of Jamil Khir's home yesterday (picture above), alleging that it was worth millions of ringgit. In the report, PKR Youth deputy chief Khairul Anuar Ahmad Zainuddin had challenged the minister to explain how he could afford such a home after three years in office with a monthly salary of not more than RM15,000. But the senator said today the allegations were a "desperate political" move to tarnish his image. "I have lived there for 17 years and I do not know why it is now being raised. It is just renovations. "I don't want to prolong this issue. Before this I was not unemployed. My last post was as a Major-General with a pension and gratuity. Not up to RM1 million but it was enough," he added. He also said that the expansion of his home was due to the increasing number of people in his family, including his parents and his six children who also earn their own income now.

Ibrahim Ali FINALLY admits that Malaya was colonised for 400 years Posted: 14 Sep 2011 05:03 PM PDT Ibrahim Ali finally admits that Malaya was colonised over a period of 400 years. Actually the Portuguese colonised Melaka exactly 500 years ago in 1511 and the Northern states paid tribute to and were vassals of the Kingdom of Siam while the Southern states were part of the Riau Empire. THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin Perkasa: 'Melayu dijajah 400 tahun, tindakan afirmatif dua dekad DEB mana cukup' (The Malaysian Insider) - Presiden Perkasa, Datuk Ibrahim Ali, menegaskan orang Melayu dan Bumiputera telah dijajah lebih 400 tahun dan, oleh itu, tidak mungkin boleh maju dalam dua dekad sejak Dasar Ekonomi Baru (DEB) dilaksanakan. Tempoh 20 tahun DEB berakhir 1990 dan matlamat dasar itu diteruskan menerusi dasar-dasar susulan sejak itu. Sehubungan itu kata beliau, orang Melayu dan Bumiputera sewajarnya diberi masa dengan menganggap bahawa tempoh DEB antara 1970 hingga 1990 sebagai fasa pertama dan era selepas 1990 sebagai "fasa kedua." "Harus diingat bahawa Melayu dan Bumiputera telah dijajah lebih 400 tahun. DEB hanya dilaksanakan dari 1970 hingga 1990. "Mana mungkin (kaum yang) dijajah 400 lebih boleh maju, berjaya dalam tempoh 20 tahun dan waktu DEB dilancar dan dilaksanakan, orang Melayu dan Bumiputera belum bersedia dan serba kekurangan," kata Ibrahim dalam satu kenyataan dikeluarkan hari ini. Ibrahim menggunakan rujukan dijajah dengan tempoh pelaksanaan memajukan orang Melayu dan Bumiputera ketika negara berhadapan dengan polemik sama ada Tanah Melayu benar-benar dijajah oleh British dan kuasa asing. READ MORE HERE: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/bahasa/article/perkasa-melayu-dijajah-400-tahun-tindakan-afirmatif-dua-dekad-deb-mana-cukup/ *********************************** Sovereignty of Malay Rulers a legal fiction DR CHANDRA MUZAFFAR, The Star In the midst of the controversy over Mat Sabu and Bukit Kepong certain views have been expressed about British rule which may have the unintended effect of confusing rather than enlightening. It is true that the Malay states – unlike Penang, Malacca and Singapore – were not British colonies in the formal sense. Nonetheless, they were under British rule. The sovereignty of the Malay Rulers was a legal fiction. The Ruler was required in both the Federated and Unfederated Malay States to seek, and act upon, the advice of the British Resident or Adviser "on all questions other than those touching Malay Religion and Custom".  In other words, decision-making powers were effectively in the hands of the British. Apart from laws and treaties which established the actual locus of authority with the British, every important dimension of the economy was under their control. Issues pertaining to land, resources, labour, capital and market in the Malay states were all determined by British policy and British interests. This made the situation in the Malay states no different from the three British colonies in their vicinity. Indeed, it was British control over both the internal and external economy of the Malay states that rendered them de facto colonies. Economic control led to the exploitation of Chinese and Indian workers in the tin mining and plantation sectors and the marginalisation of the Malay masses in the peasant sector. The creation of a dual economy with the commodity based, exported oriented sector directed towards the colonial metropolis was a common characteristic of most colonial economies. In reality, the Malay states bore all the iniquities and injustices associated with colonial rule. It is mainly because there was de facto colonialism that Umno in the 50s and Parti Kebangsaan Melayu in the 40s championed the cause of merdeka (independence) from the British. They were focussed upon the substance – rather than the form – of British rule.

Joceline Tan, 'The Mechanic' Posted: 14 Sep 2011 04:15 PM PDT Mat Sabu is dangerous. The Chinese like him. DAP likes him. So, having him as the deputy president of PAS is not good for Barisan Nasional. It might make the Chinese more comfortable with PAS. That is why he needs to be brought down. And that is why they are going all out to get him on charges from being a communist to being a philanderer. And Joceline Tan is one of the many 'mechanics' being employed to assassinate Mat Sabu. NO HOLDS BARRED Raja Petra Kamarudin Old ghosts back to haunt Mat Sabu PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu has been hit by an alleged sex video even as he is struggling with the firestorm over his remarks on the Bukit Kepong massacre. COMMENT By JOCELINE TAN, The Star THERE were many who thought this would be Mohamad Sabu's lucky year when he beat the odds to become PAS' new deputy president. But his luck seems to be running out. Mat Sabu, as he is better known, has been hit by another controversy even as a firestorm is still raging over his remarks that the communists were the real heroes of the Bukit Kepong massacre. Unlucky: Mat Sabu's luck seems to be running out as he has been hit by another controversy. A video titled "Skandal Seks Mat Sabu" has made its way into the Internet and is set to shake the party. The video contains some very sexy conversation between a man and a woman, whom the commentator in the video claimed to be Mat Sabu and Normah Halim, the woman with whom he was caught for khalwat in 1994 in Kota Baru. That was a long time ago, but his past has returned to haunt him. At this point in time, it is hard to tell whether the sexy phone talk, which appeared to have been secretly taped, is genuine or staged. But Mat Sabu's dilemma is that this is one issue which he and his friends in PAS will find hard to address or defend because the khalwat incident involving him and Normah has never been denied although it was thrown out by the syariah court. Mat Sabu and Normah were caught in a hotel room but were acquitted because two of the witnesses gave conflicting accounts of the hotel room's number in which they were caught for khalwat. Mat Sabu was then a rising star. He was Nilam Puri MP and PAS deputy Youth chief. Normah was a local beauty who in her salad days was regarded as the belle of Melor, the area where she hails from. At the time of the incident, she was married to Bukhari Noor, a handsome and wealthy businessman, also from the area. The scandal rocked the party which had just come to power in Kelantan. A lawyer in the case remembered the packed courtroom and how one of the witnesses had even fainted during the proceedings. Mat Sabu had told a close associate then, "mampus aku kali ni" (I'm finished this time), but it was not to be. He scraped through and even survived the general election which was called shortly after. The khalwat incident is etched irrevocably in the memories of the adult generation who had followed the case. In fact, most Kelantanese with some interest in politics would have watched the uploaded video by now and formed their own conclusions. It was clearly put together by his enemies out there, with a running commentary in between segments of the conversation. However, the commentator was quite understated and had referred to the sexy exchange as "bermain cinta" or "flirting". It is not exactly phone sex, but it is what polite society would call "intimate talk" and in less polite society, "dirty talk". There are references to the sexual liaisons between the two speakers, all of which are conducted in the local patios and slang terms. Those who have heard Mat Sabu speak at political ceramah and are familiar with his voice think that it does sound like him. "The male voice sounds like that of Mat Sabu. I know Normah and her husband; they have come to my restaurant. "But the woman in the tape is speaking in a whispered tone throughout; quite hard to say if it is Normah. "I have heard her speaking, but not in a whisper," said restaurateur Juhaidi Yean Abdullah who is also from Melor. Mat Sabu may find himself quite alone in this issue. Not many of his associates from Kelan­tan will be able to defend him with an open heart. "I have heard about it (the video) but I have not listened to it, so I can't say if it is true or false. "It's so difficult to know what is true or untrue in politics because so many things are happening now that the general election is getting nearer but if this is done with bad intention, then it is not right," said Kelan­tan PAS deputy commissioner Datuk Nik Amar Nik Abdullah. Besides, he added, the khalwat case is no longer an issue in Kelantan. "Many people believed it was a plot by Umno even though they were found together in the room," Nik Amar said. Mat Sabu's friends in PAS are angry that these cerita lama or old stories are being dredged out to discredit him. They said if the phone conversations were authentic, then they would have been used against Mat Sabu at the height of the scandal. A lot of it has to do with the Internet and also the fact that Mat Sabu is a major star today. All eyes are on him and everything he says or does has become newsworthy. After all, if anything happens to Datuk Seri Hadi Awang, Mat Sabu will be the next PAS president. But at the time of the khalwat scandal, he was just on the way up. "He was then known as an ayam tambatan (a fighting cock) that PAS used to peck at the other side," said Juhaidi. "The ulama leadership in PAS was so sure that no one like him could ever go so high up. "He was then just an orator, not a threat to anyone inside or outside the party." The stakes, said blogger Syed Azidi Syed Aziz, were much higher now and both sides were using whatever they have against each other. Mat Sabu's response to the latest issue has been "no comment," which Syed Azidi, who used to work for a PAS politician in Kelantan, finds ironic. "It's really funny for someone who makes a living out of talking to have 'no comment'. "I'm not sure how people will take this, but it is certainly extra bullets for his enemies," said Syed Azidi. PAS members took a leap of faith when they elected Mat Sabu as their deputy president. They were aware of his personal baggage but they thought that unlike the ulama leaders, he would be able to take the party to another level. Instead, he has led the party from one controversy to another. And, as Juhaidi pointed out: "Instead of explaining the Negara Kebajikan (welfare state) concept PAS is promoting in place of the Islamic state, the party is spending time defending their deputy president."

SNAP’s presidential race mired in money politics? Posted: 14 Sep 2011 03:36 PM PDT (The Borneo Post) - KUCHING: Money politics has crept into the tussle for the president's post of Sarawak National Party (SNAP) during its coming triennial general assembly (TGA) this Sept 24 and 25. A concerned senior party member said a certain candidate for the president's post is offering as much as RM3,400 for each delegate to cover air tickets, hotel room, pocket money and dinner. "It saddens me when I heard and learned that money politics is now practised in the party by a certain individual who aspires to become the party president." "So it is my fervent hope that such thing (money politics) will stop for the sake of the party because the TGA is not about money, but the leadership quality, commitment and responsibility to serve and deliver." "The party is not and must not be sold," he told The Borneo Post yesterday. He advised party members not to be influenced by money politics, but to choose candidates who have the calibre and leadership quality to lead the party. SNAP secretary-general Edmund Stanley Jugol when contacted said he has been told by a few delegates that they were promised money by "someone". He denied being involved with money politics in the party, adding: "I do not have money." Jugol warned of severe consequences for those who resort to bribing delegates to vote for them at the TGA. "We are watching the situation closely and those involved will be suspended or sacked. There is also a possibility that we will refer them to Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)," Jugol warned. Jugol said money politics have happened in Umno where the guilty members were sacked, and SNAP will sack members found guilty of doing that. Meanwhile, SNAP president Edwin Dundang is sticking to his decision not to seek re-election in the coming TGA. In a telephone interview, Dundang said the decision was to pave way for younger party members to lead the party. "Many senior party members have accepted (my decision not to contest) and that I give way to younger ones," said Dundang who has indicated several times that he will not seek re-election to helm the party. According to Dundang, so far two candidates – secretary-general Edmund Stanley Jugol and Michael Lias – are contesting for the president's post. Nomination for the president post closed on Sept 17. SNAP, the oldest state political party was formed on April 10, 1961 and deregistered by the Registrar of Societies (RoS) in 2002. However, it won the appeal last year when the Court of Appeal set aside the RoS decision. In the last April 16 state election, the Election Commission (EC) reported that from the total 672,667 (68.66 per cent) registered voters who turned up, SNAP only received 15, 663 votes (2.33 per cent). In the election, the party contested in 26 seats and lost all.

Is Mat Sabu an undercover communist? Posted: 14 Sep 2011 03:30 PM PDT By Stephanie Sta Maria, FMT KUALA LUMPUR: Who is whispering into PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu's ear? And was his controversial statement on Mat Indera part of covert efforts by communist sympathisers to revive the ideology in Malaysia? These were the questions posed at a Perkasa-organised forum on "Communism, Mat Indera and Independence" at Kelab Sultan Sulaiman last night. The perplexed inquirer was a panellist and former Special Branch officer, Zulkifli Abdul Rahman, who wondered why Mohamad, better known as Mat Sabu, raised the Bukit Kepong incident during his ceramah at Tasek Gelugor, Penang, last month. Even stranger yet, he said, was that Mat Sabu chose Mat Indera as his idol when the latter has been long dead and is not well-known to the former. "It's a mystery," Zulkifli told the 500-strong crowd. "Why not Rashid Maidin or Shamsiah Fakeh? What inspired him to choose Mat Indera?" "And who is Mat Sabu? He is not a communist… that I'm sure, but who among those surrounding him planted this idea in his head? Was this controversy deliberately engineered? And if so, by whom?" asked Zulkifli. Zulkifli, 75, warned that while the communist armed movement is dead, its ideology is still very much alive and infiltrating institutions of education. He explained that there were two types of communism – first being the armed movement and second being the subversive front or the Communist United Front. "The Communist United Front were undercover communists who spoke fluent Malay and had identity cards which allowed them to merge into society," he said. "(Malayan Communist Party secretary-general) Chin Peng himself said that the conversion to communism is as strong as a religious conversion." "The communists will never abandon their mission of conversion and are targeting the educated ones now. This is why I'm curious as to why Mat Sabu suddenly spoke of communism." Zukifli added that Mat Sabu was wrong in branding Mat Indera a freedom fighter as even Chin Peng had admitted that he was a communist during a meet-the-students session at the National University of Canberra, Australia, in 2004. Another panellist and former army chief, Lieutenant General Jaafar Onn, meanwhile, pointed out that Mat Sabu's praise of Mat Indera was akin to praising the communists who dealt great suffering upon the Malays. And that, to him was unthinkable, considering what he had heard first-hand when his father was serving as an army officer in Batu Pahat in 1945. "The communists wanted to establish a communist republic and went into villages on a recruitment drive," he recalled. "Whoever rejected them were accused of being in cahoots with the Japanese and shot." "The villagers came to see my father to seek his help and relate how their families were tortured. I remember two people talking about their family members being burnt alive, hung upside down to die and tossed in river with bound hands and feet." 'Mat Sabu has destroyed the Malays' Jaafar, 78, who is also the son of Umno founder, Onn Jaafar, questioned whether these were the people that Mat Sabu was hailing as freedom fighters.   READ MORE HERE.

Deliver reforms or face polls snub, Pakatan warns Najib Posted: 14 Sep 2011 03:27 PM PDT By Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider PETALING JAYA, Sept 15 — Pakatan Rakyat (PR) lawmakers today warned Datuk Seri Najib Razak against announcing overly ambitious promises tonight, saying a more "mature" electorate would still reject his administration if the reforms are not implemented before the polls. The lawmakers pointed out that Malaysians have been repeatedly misled into believing many such reform promises in the past and have now grown more doubtful of the Barisan Nasional (BN) government. "History, when it repeats itself for the second time, becomes a joke. "Pak Lah (Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) did this... he promised the sky and the people trusted him and gave him a huge mandate. Now, whatever Najib promises he must deliver before elections are called. If he cannot deliver, I do not think people will believe in those promises," the DAP's Liew Chin Tong (picture) told a joint press conference with other PR leaders here. Najib is expected to announce a raft of reforms centred on security and press laws tonight in a bid to jump-start his 29-month administration that critics say has been stalling lately. The prime minister is to address the nation in a special live telecast at 8.45pm in conjunction with Malaysia Day tomorrow after the weekly Cabinet meeting yesterday decided that he must tell Malaysians about reforms for the Internal Security Act (ISA) and several laws related to the media. MORE TO COME HERE.

Govt’s soft approach exploited, says Hisham Posted: 14 Sep 2011 03:23 PM PDT By Sa'odah Elias, The Star PUTRAJAYA: The Government's initial "soft" approach towards Bersih 2.0 had been exploited by those with political agendas, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein. He said the whole thing was exploited by people who had ulterior motives. The Government, he said, had always upheld civil liberty and had been accommodating with the organisers as they said their planned rally would not be political, but things started to change later. "So at the very last minute we thought that we could not take any chances. "We did not want to take the risk of the whole scenario changing and becoming racial or religious," he said here yesterday. Hishammuddin said that was also why Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had offered the organisers a stadium venue for their rally, an offer that was never withdrawn. "But when you are dealing with people with political agendas, in whatever they do they will keep shifting the goal posts. "If you offer a stadium, they would want a stadium in the middle of the city and they will want to parade all the way there," he said. Hishammuddin said it was the same with the Government's plan to use biometrics for the identification of voters in the coming general election, which the Opposition had objected to. Now, he said, they wanted the use of indelible ink. "When we planned to have the Parlia­mentary Select Committee address all their demands, they said they would not even go unless we extended the campaign period. "A lot of these arguments have political agendas. Issues can be exploited by people who have ulterior motives," he added. Najib is expected to make several announcements in his Malaysia Day message today, some of which were said to directly involve the Bersih rally.

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