| Why The Sledgehammer? Posted: 04 Jul 2011 10:49 AM PDT By Aliran Executive Committee It looks like if they don't get you under one law, they will get you under another law. That seems to be the case as far as Dr Jeyakumar Devaraj and his colleagues are concerned. But this time they used a sledge-hammer just to make sure that they get them. Jeyakumar and colleagues arrested under the Emergency Ordinance. During the seven days' remand the police did not unearth any incriminating evidence to justify their action against 30 Parti Socialis activists for allegedly "waging war against the king". That was the reason stated for remanding these people. Before that, there was talk they could be investigated for sedition. On the seventh day of their remand, six of them were freed from the Kepala Batas Police Station. The implication of this action was very explicit: the police had actually cleared them of whatever they were originally suspected of being involved in. In other words, there was no case against them and therefore there was no reason to seek a further remand to continue with the police investigation or to charge them. It was the end of the case and the matter was closed to the satisfaction of the police. But lo and behold, at the very moment Jeyakumar and his colleagues were freed, police personnel from Bukit Aman immediately re-arrested them! This time they were being arrested under the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969. This time they used the sledge-hammer approach. This Ordinance doesn't give you a chance to challenge the arrest and detention.
But this Ordinance is meant for suspected goons and gangsters and criminals who habitually indulge in crime and violence; suspected criminals who pose imminent danger to citizens and remain a constant threat to public order. The activities of Jeyakumar and his colleagues come nowhere near to this conceived potential danger to the nation. Their activities were never violent or criminal. In fact, they are very concerned and compassionate people who only want to do good that will benefit the discarded and marginalised sectors of our community. Jeyakumar is noted for devoting his entire life to the care of the less privileged and discriminated urban poor, the neglected estate communities and the largely ignored Orang Asli. His ways are gentle, his approach is gentlemanly. He has never advocated any violence in the pursuit of justice for the poor, the weak and the meek. It was always persuasion and reasoning that he deployed to seek justice. Reasoning and rational Malaysians cannot accept any insinuation that he is a danger to public order. In their eyes Jeyakumar is a victim of gross injustice. Aliran has known Jeyakumar for many years. He is one of our loyal members committed to the aspirations of Aliran. His concerns are exemplary and inspiring. He is a tireless worker for the good of the nation. We reject any allegation of criminal intent on his part. Detaining him under the EO is a terrible injustice to this man of peace. Aliran calls upon the Barisan Nasional government to be fair and just and free Jeyakumar and his colleagues immediately. Their continued detention does not speak well of our notion of justice or our respect for the rule of law. It looks like if they don't get you under one law, they will get you under another law. That seems to be the case as far as Dr Jeyakumar Devaraj and his colleagues are concerned. But this time they used a sledge-hammer just to make sure that they get them. Jeyakumar and colleagues arrested under the Emergency Ordinance. During the seven days' remand the police did not unearth any incriminating evidence to justify their action against 30 Parti Socialis activists for allegedly "waging war against the king". That was the reason stated for remanding these people. Before that, there was talk they could be investigated for sedition. On the seventh day of their remand, six of them were freed from the Kepala Batas Police Station. The implication of this action was very explicit: the police had actually cleared them of whatever they were originally suspected of being involved in. In other words, there was no case against them and therefore there was no reason to seek a further remand to continue with the police investigation or to charge them. It was the end of the case and the matter was closed to the satisfaction of the police. But lo and behold, at the very moment Jeyakumar and his colleagues were freed, police personnel from Bukit Aman immediately re-arrested them! This time they were being arrested under the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969. This time they used the sledgehammer approach. This Ordinance doesn't give you a chance to challenge the arrest and detention. But this Ordinance is meant for suspected goons and gangsters and criminals who habitually indulge in crime and violence; suspected criminals who pose imminent danger to citizens and remain a constant threat to public order. The activities of Jeyakumar and his colleagues come nowhere near to this conceived potential danger to the nation. Their activities were never violent or criminal. In fact, they are very concerned and compassionate people who only want to do good that will benefit the discarded and marginalised sectors of our community. Jeyakumar is noted for devoting his entire life to the care of the less privileged and discriminated urban poor, the neglected estate communities and the largely ignored Orang Asli. His ways are gentle, his approach is gentlemanly. He has never advocated any violence in the pursuit of justice for the poor, the weak and the meek. It was always persuasion and reasoning that he deployed to seek justice. Reasoning and rational Malaysians cannot accept any insinuation that he is a danger to public order. In their eyes Jeyakumar is a victim of gross injustice. Aliran has known Jeyakumar for many years. He is one of our loyal members committed to the aspirations of Aliran. His concerns are exemplary and inspiring. He is a tireless worker for the good of the nation. We reject any allegation of criminal intent on his part. Detaining him under the EO is a terrible injustice to this man of peace. Aliran calls upon the Barisan Nasional government to be fair and just and free Jeyakumar and his colleagues immediately. Their continued detention does not speak well of our notion of justice or our respect for the rule of law. |
| 42,000 1Malaysia homes to be built in 20 areas Posted: 04 Jul 2011 10:40 AM PDT By Sean Augustin, NST PUTRAJAYA: Phase one of the 1Malaysia Housing Programme (PRIMA), which features, among others, stamp duty exemption to provide affordable homes for middle-income earners, was launched yesterday. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said 42,000 houses would be built in 20 strategic areas that had been identified in the Klang Valley and Seremban.
PRIMA is specifically for Malaysians earning not more than RM6,000 monthly, be they in the government or private sector or self-employed. Najib said the loans were up to 105 per cent and house buyers could apply from a selected list of financial institutions. The additional five per cent, he added would be for the insurance and legal fees. The three-room and two bathroom homes under this programme cost between RM150,000 and RM300,000, depending on the location and size.
The homes will be built in Putrajaya, Cyberjaya, Ara Damansara (Petaling), Bandar Tun Razak (Cheras), Putra Heights (Subang Jaya), Bandar Bukit Raja (Klang), Kota Elmina (Sg Buloh), Sg Besi (Kuala Lumpur), Elmina East and Elmina West in Shah Alam, Lagong Mas (Rawang) , Bandar Ainsdale (Seremban) and Seremban Sentral. Najib said there was a significant gap in the construction of medium-cost houses in cities like Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru as developers were more interested in medium-high cost and high-cost projects due to the lucrative returns. "We are aware of the problems faced by middle-income earners who can't afford expensive homes, but at the same time are not eligible for low-cost housing programmes.
"But no groups would be left out. This programme is part of the government's agenda to increase the quality of life of Malaysians and is in line with the 1Malaysia concept.
"We do not want to burden the rakyat. We are helping to ease their current financial strains."
Najib also said a special corporation, the 1Malaysia Housing Programme Corporation, would be set up to plan and coordinate the projects under the programme.
He said laws to govern the corporation were being formulated and would be tabled in the next Parliament sitting in October.
He added that buyers could only sell their units after 10 years to avoid speculation.
Later at a press conference, Economic Planning Unit director-general Datuk Noriyah Ahmad explained that the housing corporation would be modelled after Singapore's Housing and Development Board that plans and develops public housing towns to provide Singaporeans with quality homes.
Present were Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.
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| TNB should engage customers Posted: 04 Jul 2011 10:34 AM PDT By Terence Fernandez, The Sun RECENT reports in this paper on overbilling by Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) resurrect the argument against monopolistic agreements that may not benefit the consumer. Two exposes on consumers saddled with inflated bills and TNB's lethargy in addressing them head on to quell public concern do not augur well for what is the corporate responsibility of the sole power supplier in the country. Granted that Chong Sook Tak had his RM31,000 "arrears" reduced to RM900 following this paper's involvement, but TNB has yet to explain how his bill was calculated and how it had come to that figure. Inquiries by this paper only proved TNB's high-handedness in addressing complaints overall when we were tersely told that the matter would be resolved directly with Chong. The question is how many other Chong Sook Tak's are out there? Here is one consumer who took the initiative to question the company and bring the matter to the public's attention. How many others suffer in silence and just pay up without checking – due to ignorance or simple lethargy in dealing with profit-oriented corporate bodies? Just how much has TNB made from overcharging its customers? Now with the so-called tampering with meters, the national power company is introducing new devices, which in the experience of some customers mean higher charges. One example is Lee Siow Eng who blew the lid off the infallibility of these meters. He was charged RM10,000 in arrears after his meter was replaced due to alleged tampering. According to TNB, Lee's meter reading showed "lower charges" which the former decreed was incorrect. There had been several other similar complaints – albeit regarding lesser amounts – to the media on higher charges once the new meters are in place. The question is how is it when the readings are low, the device is deemed to have been tampered with or faulty, but never when the readings are high? Can TNB honestly tell us that it had, on its own initiative, looked up customers with unusually high meter readings and adjusted their bills? Or are such efforts reserved only for low readings? In the same breath, in the case of Lee, why did TNB wait five years before informing him? The National Consumer Complaints Centre had stated that billing issues form the bulk of complaints that come to its door. Random checks show that accusations of "tampering with meters" are among the main excuses given by TNB when consumers cry foul. This is akin to adding insult to injury. Perhaps it is about time that the Energy Commission of Malaysia steps in – after all consumer protection and dispute resolutions are among its responsibilities. As I am writing this, TNB is in crisis mode, holding meeting after meeting with its ground crew and technical advisers. This is good. But it is not enough if the people are left in the dark. Media inquiries are also given scant regard, with the poor corporate communications guys being made to face the wolf pack. Just like it spends money on "awareness campaigns" – in one case "silencing" at least one consumer group with generous grants – TNB should take the initiative to engage with its customers and explain the switch to new meters and how readings are conducted. What constitutes "lower readings" and when can we get a reasonable explanation on estimations? It is ridiculous for a person who has been away for a month to be charged the same amount he usually pays when he is at home. But the truth is we the consumers are to be blamed. Big corporations, including ones with bullying tendencies, only thrive when people are indifferent to their own welfare. "Just pay and get on with life" seems to be the mantra many Malaysians live by, until the likes of Chong and Lee blow the fish out of the water. It also does not help when so-called consumer groups compromise their agenda for the almighty ringgit. It is perhaps time for people to be more aware of what they are paying for and ensure that they get the service that is expected. Tell me, how many of you actually know how to read your electricity bill? |
| Parties move to defuse tension over rallies Posted: 04 Jul 2011 10:21 AM PDT By Azril Annuar, Pauline Wong and Hemananthani Sivanandam, The Sun In a positive response to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's call for compromise and moderation to avoid trouble arising from protest marches planned for Saturday, the government and the organisers of the rallies today moved to defuse the tension which had built up in past weeks. The prime minister said a venue would be offered to the rally organisers if they wanted to present a memorandum to the King. And the leader of Bersih 2.0 said the organisers would seek an audience with His Majesty and abide by the King's advice. Umno Youth, which planned to hold a rally to counter Bersih, announced that it had called off its plans. Warning that street demonstrations may bring more bad than good, although the original intention is good, the King had on Sunday counselled the government and the organisers of the three protest marches, the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih), Umno Youth and Malay rights group Perkasa, to resolve the issue through consultation rather than acting on their emotions. Making the first move to defuse the situation, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak said the government was willing to allow the Bersih rally, provided it is not a street demonstration. "If they want to present a memorandum, request it nicely from the authorities. We are willing to give them a stadium for them to gather," he said, at the Prime Minister's Department monthly assembly in Putrajaya this morning. "The government will not stop them from having a demonstration in a stadium from morning till night. They can shout all they want but don't hold a street demonstration as it has the risk of endangering the nation," said Najib, adding that a street demonstration meant they had different intentions. Najib's compromise offer was vastly softer than the no-compromise positions taken by the Home Ministry and the police earlier. Last week, the police announced they were no longer willing to negotiate or compromise with Bersih 2.0 organisers, and began a crackdown which has so far seen over 150 people detained for questioning. On Saturday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein had declared that Bersih 2.0 is illegal and justified the crackdown. Najib said there was no guarantee the proposed demonstration will be peaceful, as irresponsible parties might take advantage of the rally. "There may be those who like to incite riots and cause disturbances that will take advantage of the situation and join the rally, leading to undesirable incidents. We must think of this, the worse that can happen, before it's too late. "We must avoid making emotional decisions, taking emotional actions.There are other avenues available," he said, adding that the Election Commission (EC) is willing to review any legislation regarding the electoral process and to improve it where possible. "We are willing to make improvements. The EC had said it is willing to implement a biometric system to dispel the perception that there are phantom voters, he added. Bersih 2.0 chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan told a press conference that following an emergency meeting of the coalition's steering committee, the coalition had sought an audience with the King towards resolving issues surrounding the Bersih 2.0 rally. "The coalition will abide by the advice of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, even if it means calling off the rally. As a matter of respect (to the King), we want to communicate with His Majesty our decision first before making an announcement," said Ambiga, urging the media not to speculate as to what the outcome of the meeting will be. "We want to resolve this in the best interest of all concerned," she said. Umno Youth today announced it had cancelled its plans to have a rally to coincide with the Bersih rally on Saturday. Its deputy chief Datuk Razali Ibrahim said the decision was made to abide by the King's advice. "We take the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's advice seriously. Thus, I have urged Patriot not to continue with the rally to heed Tuanku's advice that all parties should adhere to the rule of law to defend the country's Constitution," he said. Umno Youth had last month launched "Himpunan Patriot" (Patriots Rally), to support the current electoral system. Perkasa secretary-general Syed Hussin Syed Ali hinted that Perkasa may be willing to call off its counter-rally, but will announce its final decision tomorrow. "If Bersih continues with the rally, so will we. This is our decision for now," he said in a text message. |
| Khairy offers to work with Bersih if rally called off Posted: 04 Jul 2011 10:16 AM PDT By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, July 5 — Umno Youth will call off its counter-rally and instead back some Bersih 2.0 demands if the latter cancels its July 9 march, says Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin. Khairy told The Malaysian Insider yesterday the youth wing will offer the olive branch as it has always acknowledged that the present system required improvements that could be worked out with the Election Commission. "We believe that a united bipartisan front on points that we agree on will be more effective if Bersih really wants change," the Umno Youth chief said. In an unexpected turn of events yesterday, Bersih pledged to abide by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin's advice to negotiate with the government instead of forcing a confrontation. Former Bar Council president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan who leads the coalition — which was declared illegal last week by the government — of 62 NGOs said she will seek an audience with the King before Saturday and call off the rally if told to do so. "I've always said that we support the present system but that acknowledge improvements are needed," Khairy added. The Rembau MP, who is still overseas on a volunteer mission to Gaza, Palestine, said that Umno Youth would support a cleaning of dead individuals on the electoral roll, overseas voting, free access to all media and television slots for all parties contesting elections. "These can all be on the table for negotiation," he said. Both Perkasa and Umno Youth had declared earlier yesterday they'd reciprocate a Bersih stand down. Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin's statement Sunday led to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak making an offer yesterday to provide Bersih with a stadium for their rally if they opted out of a capital march. READ MORE HERE. |
| Do You Not Sense Stupidity At Its best? Posted: 04 Jul 2011 10:10 AM PDT By Mind No Evil I honestly think that most UMNO/BN leaders have all gone berserk over the Bersih issue. However, there are some sensible and like minded UMNO/BN leaders though. These opposing factions within UMNO/BN must have sense a serious threat to their position and status. Not a day is without a statement from an UMNO/BN leader condemning the intended Bersih rally as a real threat to national security. What threat to national security are they talking about when the rally is all about the expression and demands of the people's rights to free and fair elections? Even SUHAKAM deemed the rally as within the bounds of the people's rights. The legal fraternity echoes a similar view.
Threat to national security is the 'tag line' the government has been saying all along; contrary to the claims made by Bersih which the government denounces. Now who are we to believe? The latest and the most unthinkable and outrageous statement came from none other than Malacca Chief Minister Ali Rustam. He had suggested that Ambiga's citizenship be stripped off or that she is declared a restricted resident and her movements curtailed. Do we not see the stupidity in Ali Rustam? What reasoning is this? Like all others, Ali Rustam reasoned that the Bersih rally is all about causing apprehension, fear and untold destruction to the country. Now, to counter this perceived fear, PESAKA a Malay martial arts organization is ready to deploy 4 million of its members to join the rally to act against Bersih provocateurs'. This is unbelievable; 4 million and where is that number coming from, I wonder?
Now, who is Ali Rustam trying to lie? May I ask him who the provocateurs are? READ MORE HERE. |
| Round and round the mulberry bush Posted: 04 Jul 2011 03:20 AM PDT 
Alternative Action Team president, B. Kalai Vanar, wants Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin to revoke Bersih chairperson S. Ambiga's citizenship for going ahead with the plan to organise a mass rally on July 9. Kalai said his movement was backed by Pusat Penyelidikan Tamil Malaysia. -- Free Malaysia Today
NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin Datuk: Tan Sri, I think I may have found the solution on how to handle BERSIH.
Tan Sri: Finally….a solution. Shoot!
Datuk: We can withdraw Ambiga's citizenship.
Tan Sri: Now hold on! Won't that make the Indians angry? We already have problems with HINDRAF. I don't want a new movement called AMBIGARAF to be launched by the Indians.
Datuk: AMBIGARAF?
Tan Sri: Yes, Ambiga Rights Action Force.
Datuk: Oh, that won't happen, Tan Sri. It is the Tamils themselves who are asking His Majesty the Agong to withdraw Ambiga's citizenship.
Tan Sri: Oh good, if the Tamils themselves are asking for it then no problem.
Datuk: Yes, then later when we withdraw the citizenship of other Indians the Tamils cannot complain since they started this whole 'withdraw the citizenship of Indians' thingy.
Tan Sri: Hmm…yes…I like that. Once we open the Pandora's box the Indians can't complain any longer.
Datuk: Pandora? Is he also a Tamil?
Tan Sri: Oh never mind…sigh…how I wish we did not change our medium of education from English to Malay. When can we withdraw her citizenship?
Datuk: As soon as we sort out one tiny problem.
Tan Sri: What tiny problem?
Datuk: If we withdraw her citizenship and she is no longer a Malaysian citizen, she can no longer remain in Malaysia. All non-citizens will have to be deported.
Tan Sri: So? That's the whole idea isn't it? To kick her out of Malaysia.
Datuk: Yes, but where do we deport her to?
Tan Sri: To India of course.
Datuk: But she is not an Indian citizen.
Tan Sri: So what? That would become India's problem, not ours.
Datuk: But how do we send her back to India?
Tan Sri: On a plane of course, like how all Indians go to India.
Datuk: But she won't have a Malaysian passport since we would have to cancel her passport once we withdraw her citizenship.
Tan Sri: Naturally. But why would that be a problem?
Datuk: No airline would allow her to board a plane without a passport.
Tan Sri: Then how would we send her back to India?
Datuk: Exactly. That is what I meant.
Tan Sri: So we can't let her remain in Malaysia because she is no longer a Malaysian citizen but we can't deport her since she no longer has a passport.
Datuk: Right. That's the tiny problem I was talking about.
Tan Sri: Sheesh….Catch 22.
Datuk: You want me to catch who?
Tan Sri: Sigh….Malay medium education…never mind.
Datuk: So what do you suggest we do, Tan Sri?
Tan Sri: Me? You were the one who suggested we withdraw her citizenship.
Datuk: The suggestion came from the Tamils, Tan Sri.
Tan Sri: Aiyah…these Tamils are talking…..
Datuk: Tamil?
Tan Sri: I was going to say 'talking cock'. So that means it is not possible to withdraw anyone's citizenship then?
Datuk: Not unless we can figure out what to do with them once we withdraw their citizenship.
Tan Sri: Aiyah…this will not work. Go figure out another solution.
Datuk: Okay, Tan Sri. And what should I tell these Tamil people?
Tan Sri: Tell them to stop talking….
Datuk: Cock?
Tan Sri: No, Tamil. |
| PAS, PKR, DAP all for an audience with Agong Posted: 04 Jul 2011 02:27 AM PDT (Harakah Daily) - Responding to a call by the Agong for all quarters to go to the negotiating table, Pakatan Rakyat leaders have lent support to Bersih's decision to seek a meeting with the Agong to explain the coalition's demands on electoral reforms. PAS president Tuan Guru Abdul Hadi Awang said the confusion and misunderstanding surrounding the rally planned for July 9 was due to the traditional media's campaign against the event.
"Such a misunderstanding has led to provocations by several parties to give the impression that the situation is out of control to the extent that the country's law is no longer respected by the authorities," he said.
The intense crackdown on Bersih's second major rally this Saturday took a twist yesterday after the Agong called on all quarters to engage in negotiations. This followed an earlier statement by deputy inspector general Khalid Abu Bakar declaring that all doors to negotiation had been "closed".
Bersih has listed eight demands on the Election Commission, including a total revamp on the controversial "postal vote" which critics say has been always manipulated.
'All countries undergoing reforms except ours'
Welcoming the Agong's advice to rally organisers to rethink their plan and for the government to act with justice and wisdom, PAS, said Hadi, was grateful for the Agong's concern in his capacity as the head of the Federal constitution.
 Hadi urged an investigation into the basis of criticisms over the country's electoral system, saying all parties must face the realities about the system's weaknesses with open heart.
"This is inline with Tuanku's decree that the government should carry out their responsibility entrusted to it by the people in a just and wise manner.
"The protest is mooted because there are too many weaknesses in the Malaysia's electoral practice tainted by cheating, corruption, power abuse and an undemocratic media," added Hadi, who said election abuses had increased recently.
Hadi said that while other countries "have undertaken much reforms on their electoral systems and democracy for the good of their people", Malaysia appeared to be taking a step in the opposite direction.
DAP to Najib: Heed Agong's call
DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang welcomed the Agong's intervention in the war of words between the rally organisers and its detractors, namely UMNO Youth, Perkasa, the police and the government, who so far arrested close to 200 people, mostly for wearing the yellow Bersih t-shirts.
Lim urged prime minister Najib Razak to heed the royal advice and meet Bersih 2.0 leader to find a solution to improve the country's election system.
He added that such a meeting was crucial to address public concerns over free and fair elections in the run-up to the 13th general election.
PKR deputy president Azmin Ali also expressed the party's readiness to seek an audience with Tuanku Mizan before July 9.
"I'm glad that Dato Ambiga (Sreenevasan) is now seeking an audience with the King and Pakatan Rakyat will also do the same so that we can bring our evidences and proofs to back our explanations", said Azmin, who is also the Gombak member of parliament.
Earlier, the Bersih 2.0 steering committee decided to seek an audience with the Agong.
"We will communicate with Agong before making our final decision," the coalition representing more than sixty groups of various backgrounds said after a discussion in Petaling Jaya. |
| PSM 23 charged under Societies Act and ISA Posted: 04 Jul 2011 02:23 AM PDT They are accused of being in possession of Bersih pamphlets and subversive documents. (Free Malaysia Today) - Twenty-three members of Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) were charged in the magistrate's court today with possession of 600 photocopies of Bersih pamphlets and subversive documents. The accused ranged in age from 17 to 64. They were granted bail of RM4,000 for each of the two charges. Thirteen posted bail today and the others are expected to do so tomorrow. But police released all of them. Pertaining to the Bersih pamphlets, they were charged under Section 48(1) of the Societies Act or alternatively Section 43 of the act. Section 48(1) carries a jail sentence not exceeding five years or a fine not above RM15,000 or both. Section 43 carries a jail term not above three years or a maximum fine of RM3,000 or both. The charge for possession of subversive documents came under the Section 29(1) of the Internal Security Act. It carries a jail sentence of not more than five years or a fine not more than RM10,000 or both. The prosecution said they committed both offences at Sungai Dua toll plaza of the North-South Expressway at 3.30pm on June 25. Thirteen of the accused are women and two are boys. The women are Cheang Sew Yin, 60, Soh Sock Hwa, 29, Chan Mooi, 55, K Kamala Devi, 57, K Deeeba, 22, K Thanusia, 21, G Packialetchumy, 40, R Saroza, 64, R Nalayani, 64, M Santhana Devi, 30, P Indra, 54, P Jody, 52 and M Kavitha, 35. The boys are J Raveen Veerasenan and S Thivya Kumar, both 17 years old. The other eight suspects are A Shanmugam, 57, M Ravindran, 20, M Arokiam, 62, G Velaitham, 54, M Sivoosamy, 52, S Ramasamy, 35, Gana Santhanam, 45, and S Selvam, 42. Another man, S. Murugan, the driver of the bus in which the activists were travelling when they were arrested, was released without any charges. Another teenager, S Ragu, 16, who was released on police bail on June 26, failed to turn up to face charges today. The prosecution asked the court for another date for his case. READ MORE HERE |
| Debunking the Bersih 2.0 critics Posted: 03 Jul 2011 07:02 PM PDT 
Misleading arguments and suggestions should not be left standing without a challenge. Here I show seven types of faulty arguments that have been made against Bersih 2.0 and comment on specific examples. It is hoped that the reader would be able to identify them on his own in the future, and be inspired to debate the critic to discover the truth or the best way forward for a given policy. Written by Pak Sako, CPI A number of political commentators have criticised Bersih 2.0 in the news media and blogs. Among these critics are Chandra Muzaffar, Anas Zubedy, Ahirudin Attan (Rocky's Bru) and Mahathir Mohamad. Their comments would have been welcome if they were honest and holistic assessments of Bersih 2.0. It would have been nice to see the use of sound reasoning. Instead we have faulty argument upon faulty argument, in article upon article. This is regrettable not just for the dubious ethics with which personal political interests are advanced. It is also unfortunate because the trusting reader becomes confused as to what is true or false and becomes prone to accepting questionable statements and conclusions as truthful. Misleading arguments and suggestions should not be left standing without a challenge. Here I show seven types of faulty arguments that have been made against Bersih 2.0 and comment on specific examples. It is hoped that the reader would be able to identify them on his own in the future, and be inspired to debate the critic to discover the truth or the best way forward for a given policy. A. The middle ground In dealing with what they see as a problem, the critics usually begin with an appeal to the middle path or 'third way'. This is in spite of the fact that a middle ground might fly in the face of logic. They propose a fallacious kind of give-and-take — sacrifice a wheel or two here so as to keep a radiator or fan belt running there. This makes no sense when, for a policy choice or reformist action to truly work or have its intended effect, like a car you need to retain all of its necessary parts. Have yourself a very effective Bersih 2.0 rally, says one commentator, but do it in the pits of Putrajaya where no one hears you (Anas Zubedy in 'Bersih 2.0 — is there a third alternative?', The Malaysian Insider, June 23). Why rally, asks another commentator, when you can have dialogue with the Election Commission and national government — the very same parties that had four years since the first Bersih rally of 2007 to improve the electoral system but did very little (Chandra Muzaffar in 'Understanding the context', The Star, July 3).
The progressive option is not about having Bersih 2.0 or not having it. The progressive option is to reach an immediate agreement for commencing the reform of electoral processes, failing which a Bersih 2.0 march would proceed to inspire change through other mechanisms such as the ballot box. The Agong's call for negotiations should be seen in this positive light. The government should take this as a golden opportunity to wrest the advantage. There is still time for half a week of intensive dialogue between Bersih, the Election Commission and the government to reach an agreement on reform action before 9 July. B. Exaggeration The critics also commonly play up unsubstantiated dangers and costs (e.g., by appeal to threat) and play down benefits and mitigating facts (the ignorance of counterevidence). Consider the following commentators' statements pertaining to physical injury and business cost. "In the first Bersih demonstration on November 10 2007, a number of people were injured. There were similar casualties in the Hindraf demonstration… in the same year." (Chandra Muzaffar)
He reports not how many people were injured (10, 100 or 1,000), what kind of injury was sustained (scratches and scrapes or bullet wounds) and why (whether due to Bersih or Hindraf demonstrators quarreling among themselves or they were hurt as a result of unnecessary, heavy-handed police action). There is also a failure to properly discuss the desirability of the freedom to express fair demands and upholding democratic principles given the risk of scrapes, bruises and such.
It is also difficult to ascertain whether the commentator is sincere in his concern for the marchers and others nearby. Assuming that the planned march goes ahead, he does not ask for the authorities to fully cooperate with the Bersih 2.0 organisers to ensure safety and order. He does not ask of the police to refrain from possibly hurting the marchers. He does not suggest to the authorities to control or remove potential troublemakers such as Perkasa and their 'war general' Ibrahim Ali who openly threatened chaos. The commentator did not even encourage a peaceful, celebratory atmosphere. "Traders and taxi drivers in the affected areas will inevitably suffer a loss of income. Here again, the past is a good teacher. In previous demonstration in Kuala Lumpur, people in various walks of life had to pay the price." (Chandra Muzaffar)
"Merchants and business organisations need sales during the weekends to survive and make a profit to continue providing employment to the thousands under their care. We cannot afford to lose millions of ringgit every time the rakyat gather to voice concerns." (Anas Zubedy).
Certain traders and taxi drivers might lose their regular daily income for that day fully or partially, but others at slightly different locations in Kuala Lumpur could benefit. The above two commentators refuse to see that benefits could also accrue to the shuttle-bus, energy, merchandise and food and beverages businesses as a result of there being a mass concentration of consumers about town.
There are also those benefits that are unquantifiable in monetary terms: the camaraderie between participants of different races and beliefs; the greatly broadened public awareness about the importance and urgency of electoral reforms; and the sense of empowerment people feel about being able to shape their collective destiny in pressuring reluctant national institutions to peacefully push through needed electoral improvements.
To be complete about it, there are other costs in the form of inconveniences to the public as a result of congestion. But these are not different to the price that Malaysians pay day in and day out when trapped in traffic jams and when having to shove about to board infrequent, jam-packed commuter trains.
It is difficult to imagine the catastrophic net business costs assumed by the second commentator as a result of a couple of hours of orderly marches (endangerment to "thousands" of jobs and losses running "in the millions"). Businesses have ample time to plan and prepare for contingencies, if any (Bersih announced the march many weeks ago). Businesses could also imagine that it is a public holiday. Would they complain so loudly about having to close shop if the sudden death of a monarch imposes an immediate one-day public holiday and road closures for processions? C. Scaremongering If middle-ground diplomacy and mild exaggeration do not compel the desired outcome, scare tactics might be used. Abusive ad hominems, straw-man attacks and deliberate omissions can be combined to make the following type of political statements: "Anwar… [a] deeply flawed politician… the de facto leader of Bersih… wants to become prime minister… and will resort to any means to achieve his ambitions"; "PAS and DAP are also driven by the desire to gain power through the quickest route. For them also the end justifies the means." (Chandra Muzaffar)
Observe the manipulation of emotion by using subjective statements such as "deeply flawed" and speculation ("will resort to any means"). There is little concern for providing evidence. We have also partial reporting; only opposition political parties are mentioned when all Malaysians, including the ruling Barisan Nasional supporters, were invited to join the Bersih march to advocate and demand for electoral reforms. The above commentator also ignores the fact that all rational political parties do seek power, and they do wish to attain it with the least possible cost or resistance, without recourse to violent acts or breaches of trust.
"If the stadium option had materialized, certain elements in Bersih, it is alleged, would have turned the stadium to a Tahrir Square, with demonstrators camping there day and night for weeks on end." (Chandra Muzaffar)
Here we see the non-reporting of sources ("it is alleged"). Alleged by whom and upon what basis, we are not told. An honest commentator would just say he "fears" or "has a gut feeling that there might be" long-standing protests. Moreover, asserting a Tahrir Square scenario is, on its own, a domino fallacy (i.e., the unproven assumption that a particular event is the first in a series of steps that will inevitably lead to some specific, undesirable consequence). READ MORE HERE |
| Police to investigate Ambiga’s foreign funds Posted: 03 Jul 2011 06:03 PM PDT 
The IGP says that they will work with Bank Negera on allegation that the Bersih leader used a local bank to receive funds from foreign NGOs. (Bernama) - The police have begun investigations into an allegation that Bersih 2.0 chairman S Ambiga used a local bank account to receive funds from several foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar said today the police would work together with Bank Negara to investigate the allegation. "We will investigate anyone who has elements which indicate something that could jeopardise the public peace," he told reporters after launching the Command Post Exercise for the police and the armed forces here. A local newspaper today reported that the bank account, one of five belonging to Ambiga, a former Bar Council chairman, had received hundreds of thousands of ringgit, via foreign funds. According to the report, the bank was chosen by Ambiga and foreign NGOs "to realise their plan to cause chaos to Malaysia" because a part of the bank's shares was owned by an opposition leader. Commenting on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's statement yesterday which reminded the people to ensure the demand for democracy would not bring destruction to the country, Ismail urged the public to abide by the statement. "As Malaysian citizens, we must give attention to the Seri Paduka Baginda's statement as a guidance to be followed to maintain the country's peace and harmony," he said. Ismail said the police would take action against anyone who broke the law, especially involving the scheduled illegal assembly. Meanwhile, Bukit Aman Deputy Director of Management (Public Relations) Assistant Commissioner Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said the police had received 4,000 reports on the scheduled rally, so far. He said, of the 220 people detained, 170 were released. The rest were remanded to facilitate investigations. |
| Nizar: BN govt playing racial card Posted: 03 Jul 2011 05:57 PM PDT 
Barisan Nasional is using Malay sentiments to stop the growing participation of Malays for the Bersih rally, says former Perak MB Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin. (Free Malaysia Today) - The Barisan Nasional government has been accused of using the racial card to neutralise Bersih's "Walk for Democracy" rally on July 9. Perak Pakatan Rakyat said the BN was using Malay sentiments like religion, waging war against the King and the revival of communism to stem the growing participation of Malays for the Bersih gathering. "They are also trying to tarnish Bersih's (chairperson) S Ambiga's public image by alleging that she is anti-Islam and Malays should not support her in this public gathering," said Perak PAS leader Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin. Nizar who was also the former Perak Pakatan menteri besar cited several factors to back his claim that BN was using Malay sentiments to defuse the community's participation in the rally. He said the BN government had initially used Section 122 of the Penal Code to claim that Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) members were part of Bersih movement and were allegedly reviving the communist ideology by waging a war against the King. The government then changed the charges against six PSM members to that of under Emergency Ordinance (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) 1969 (EOPOPC) for subversive activities. He said allegation was also made that Bersih was being funded by foreign sources with Christian interests to destabilise the nation. He added this was followed by Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein who declared Bersih 2.0 as not being a registered organisation as such an illegal organisation effectively July 1,2011. READ MORE HERE |
| Bersih to seek audience with King, willing to cancel rally Posted: 03 Jul 2011 05:46 PM PDT 
(The Malaysian Insider) - In an unexpected turn of events today, Bersih 2.0 pledged to abide by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's advice, saying it will seek an audience with him before Saturday and call off the rally if told to do so. The group's steering committee chairman, Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, who had just returned from a meeting with former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi this morning, made the announcement at a press conference here in the afternoon and revealed that the decision was reached during an emergency meeting held last night after the King released his statement. "Bersih 2.0 offers its deep appreciation to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for his support on the people's aspiration to reform the election system. "Bersih 2.0 will abide by his majesty's advice to hold a dialogue towards achieving a consensus on electoral reform and the development of democracy in Malaysia," she said, reading from a statement. Ambiga added that Bersih 2.0 will write in to the palace today to seek an audience with the King. She declined to say if the rally was officially called off as the King had said last night that street demonstrations brought more harm than good but stressed that an official announcement would be made once a meeting was set up. Asked if she would call off the rally on request from the constitutional monarch, Ambiga said: "Yes." She reiterated that Bersih's steering committee members had already agreed on its next move during last night's meeting but wanted first to inform the King before making its decision public, out of respect to the royal institution. Should the King refuse an audience, however, Ambiga declined to say if the rally would proceed as planned. Instead, she repeated that an announcement would be made "at that stage" and urged the media not to speculate. Ambiga, however, agreed that Bersih's final decision would depend on the Agong's advice. "Yes, yes, absolutely," she said. READ MORE HERE |
| Asri tells Bersih to accept stadium offer Posted: 03 Jul 2011 05:34 PM PDT 
(The Malaysian Insider) - Influential Muslim cleric Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin (picture) called today for Bersih to accept Datuk Seri Najib Razak's offer to hold its July 9 rally in a stadium. The former Perlis mufti painted a win-win situation, where peace would not be disturbed and Bersih supporters would not be stopped by police, allowing it to gather a larger crowd in support of electoral reforms. "Accept the prime minister's offer to hold it in a stadium with a representative of the Agong present to receive your protest letter and you can even hold ceramahs after that," he said. The maverick scholar added that if the demonstration became too large for the stadium's capacity, the overflow should be allowed to gather around the stadium without any disturbance. PM Najib had made the offer after Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin intervened yesterday and asked the government and Bersih to negotiate their differences. The constitutional monarch rarely issues edicts or statements but the heightened atmosphere over the past week has prompted Istana Negara's intervention. Bersih chief Datuk Amibga Sreenevasan said today that the coalition of 62 NGOs would seek an audience with the King before making any further decision on the July 9 march. Mohd Asri also recommended that Bersih held a "Bersih week" instead and ask the public to wave the Malaysian flag or wear yellow to show their support for the movement. "In this way, more people can show their support for free and fair elections. Even those who are against wastage and price increases can join in. "They can express their dissatisfaction in a safe way at home, in their cars and with their clothes. If they hold a gathering and the police obstruct them, then they will not amass the numbers they wanted and it would defeat the purpose," he said. |
| Latest on BERSIH (UPDATED) Posted: 03 Jul 2011 04:14 PM PDT This is just a quick note to inform you of the latest developments of the planned BERSIH rally this Saturday, 9th July 2011. I will update this page and tell you more once I get the latest news from BERSIH. NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin There appears to be some confusion within the ranks of the BERSIH committee. If the purpose of His Majesty the Agong's announcement yesterday was to throw the cat amongst the pigeons then it certainly worked. It looks like someone else has been reading up on Sun Sze as well. Anyway, as you read this, the BERSIH committee meeting is in session to decide how to respond to His Majesty's 'titah'. Titah means the Monarch's royal edict or command. The question here would be: was this really His Majesty's titah or was it crafted for His Majesty? Most Malaysians now understand how the system works and are no longer awed by such royal edicts or commands. Two members of my own family have sat on the throne as Agong -- so we know that His Majesty, at best, lives in a diamond-studded golden cage. The cage may be golden and diamond studded, but it is still a cage nevertheless. Remember back in the late-1950s when Tunku Abdul Rahman was the First Prime Minister of Malaysia and Tuanku Abdul Rahman the First Agong? A British cabinet minister tried to barge in to the Tunku's office without an appointment and the Prime Minister refused to see him. Malaysia, after all, had gained independence and was no longer a British colony so who did this Kwailo think he is? Later, during an audience with the Agong, the British cabinet minister complained to His Majesty and suggested that His Majesty sack the Prime Minister for his kurang ajar (insolence). To this suggestion His Majesty the Agong replied that in Malaysia it is not the King who sacks the Prime Minister but the Prime Minister who sacks the King. That was way back 50 years or so ago and things have not changed much since then. In fact, since Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad took over as Prime Minister 30 years ago, it has become worse. Was not Dr Mahathir the man who engaged the Monarchy in a Constitutional Crisis back in the mid-1980s where Umno openly and loudly reminded Their Highnesses that the Federal Constitution of Malaysia clearly states that the King has to 'take advice' from the Prime Minister and the Sultans from the Menteris Besar? Many Malaysians at that time lauded and applauded Dr Mahathir's 'brave' effort at 'cutting down the royalty to size'. And His Highnesses were sent running back to their palaces with their royal tails between their legs, metaphorically speaking. Today, how many believe that the Rulers make their own decisions? How many believe that a statement from Istana Negara is a statement from the mouth of His Majesty the Agong? Does not Istana Negara come directly under the Prime Minister's Department? And since the time of Dr Mahathir are not all statements from Istana Negara first vetted by the Prime Minister's Department and first approved by the Prime Minister's Department before they can be released? And is it not the procedure that the Prime Minister's Department drafts all statements and speeches of the Agong? I remember when the late Sultan of Johor was the Agong and, as was customary, he read out his speech prepared by the Prime Minister's Department. His Majesty had never seen that speech until it was time to deliver it and clearly he was struggling with it. Halfway through the speech, His Majesty, with a look of irritation on his royal face, retorted: siapa tulis ni (who wrote this)? But then His Majesty the Johor Sultan has been known to do things 'out of script' like jumping over the fence during a football match or stepping down from the VVIP stage to try his hand at riding a superbike during the Merdeka Day parade. Never has Malaysia seen such a 'colourful' Agong in its 53 years of Merdeka and probably never will again. So there you have it: my short story on Malaysia's monarchy and why BERSIH must first explore whether the titah from the Agong released yesterday needs to be further clarified before the committee decides whether to call off the planned BERSIH rally of Saturday, 9th July 2011 or proceed with it. And later today we will know the answer to that question. *********************************** LATEST DEVELOPMENTS BERSIH will seek an audience with His Majesty the Agong to get clarification on yesterday's titah. If clearly His Majesty wishes to avoid any security problems and would like the march to be called off then BERSIH will try to hammer out a compromise. One compromise would be to hold the rally in a stadium instead of marching on the streets as originally planned. The Stadium Merdeka is one such stadium that is being suggested. The BERSIH committee appears divided on this matter. Understandably, not many want to be seen as durhaka (treasonous) by ignoring His Majesty's titah -- if it really is His Majesty's titah in the first place. Some are of the view that the BERSIH chairperson may have become intimidated by this latest development of the Agong's titah -- plus with the warnings of the army stepping in, more detentions without trial, the four million silat exponents taking to the streets to oppose BERSIH, May 13 Version 2.0, the Muslims declaring a holy jihad against BERSIH, etc. If Ambiga feels that things have got out of hand and have become very dangerous then she might have to consider bailing out to allow someone else more prepared to face the consequences to take over. We can quite understand if Ambiga is now living on the edge and is fearful for her life and under the present circumstances no one will fault her if she throws in the towel. Nevertheless, whether the BERSIH march finally gets aborted, or is held in a stadium, or proceeds as planned, the message has been delivered. What BERSIH wanted to do was to draw attention to the need for electoral reforms and this has been achieved. Let us wait and see where BERSIH goes from here. |
| Bersih 2.0 berusaha menghadap Agung Posted: 03 Jul 2011 03:23 PM PDT 
(Harakah Daily) - Jawatankuasa penganjur Bersih 2.0 sedang berusaha untuk menghadap Yang Dipertuan Agung, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin sebelum Sabtu ini sebelum membuat sebarang keputusan mengenai perhimpunan itu. Menurut kenyataan yang dikeluarkan oleh sekretariat Bersih 2.0, "Kami akan berkomunikasi dengan Yang Dipertuan Agung sebelum membuat keputusan akhir."
Pagi ini Pengerusi Bersih 2.0, Datuk Ambiga Srevanasan bertemu dengan bekas Perdana Menteri, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Ini adalah bertujuan untuk menyelesaikan situasi sekarang, kata satu kenyataan yang dikeluarkan Sekretariat Bersih melalui Twitter mereka.
Petang semalam Yang Dipertuan Agung, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin mengeluarkan titah agar diadakan rundingan antara pihak Bersih dan kerajaan.
Baginda juga mengarahkan kerajaan agar melaksanakan segala amanah yang diberikan rakyat secara adil dan bijaksana serta menyelesaikan masalah dengan rundingan.
Titah ini dikeluarkan baginda seminggu menjelang perhimpunan Bersih 9 Julai ini dengan kira-kira 100 orang sudah ditangkap kerana dikaitkan dengan perhimpunan itu.
Timbalan Ketua Polis Negara pula telah mengeluarkan kenyataan pintu rundingan sudah ditutup dan akan menahan pihak yang terlibat dengan perhimpunan ini.
Menurut Tuanku Mizan, baginda mengikuti dengan teliti akan perkembangan cadangan Kumpulan Bersih untuk mengadakan perarakan dan perhimpunan beramai-ramai yang bertujuan untuk menyerahkan memorandum kepada Beta selaku Yang di-Pertuan Agong, dan bagaimana pihak kerajaan menangani isu ini khususnya agensi-agensi dan jabatan-jabatan yang terlibat. Bantah tahan PSM Sementara itu, Bersih 2.0 dalam kenyataannya mengecam keras tindakan polis menahan enam pemimpin Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) yang ditahan di bawah Akta Dharurat.
"Ia sama seperti ditahan di bawah ISA," kata satu kenyataan Bersih 2.0.  Semalam, Setiausaha Agung Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) S. Arutchelvan ( gambar) membuat laporan polis terhadap Menteri Dalam Negeri Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Ketua Polis Negara Tan Sri Ismail Omar dan timbalannya Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar kerana melemparkan tuduhan palsu terhadap lima aktivis parti itu termasuk Ahli Parlimen Sungai Siput Dr Michael Jeyakumar. Selain Michael, turut ditahan di bawah Ordinan Darurat adalah M Saraswathy, Choo Chon Kai, M Sukumaran, A Letchumanan dan Sarat Babu. Kesemua mereka ditahan di bawah Seksyen 3 (1) Ordinan Darurat (Ketenteraman Awam Dan Mencegah Jenayah) 1969 yang membolehkan ditahan selama 60 hari tanpa perbicaraan. Kata Arutchelvan (gambar), sebelum ini kesemua mereka ditahan di bawah Seksyen 122 Kanun Keseksaan iaitu dakwaan melancarkan perang ke atas Yang di-Pertuan Agong namun telah dibebaskan daripada tuduhan itu. "Kemudian semalam polis membuat tangkapan semula di bawah Seksyen 3 (1) Ordinan Darurat kerana kononnya terdapat sebab-sebab untuk mempercayai yang mereka telah bertindak mengikut apa-apa cara yang memudaratkan ketenteraman awam. "Ini adalah tindakan salah guna kuasa di mana polis bersembunyi di belakang undang-undang zalim ala ISA (Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri). Polis dan KDN (Kementerian Dalam Negeri) juga tahu bahawa ISA tidak lagi popular sehingga terpaksa mengunakan undang-undang darurat yang ramai orang tidak mengetahuinya," katanya dalam laporan polis itu. Tegas Arutchelvan, Ordinan Darurat digunakan ke atas individu yang melakukan jenayah berat dan bukan berunsur politik. "Mereka berenam ini adalah tahanan politik pertama dituduh di bawah Ordinan Darurat yang masih digunakan di zaman tidak ada darurat. "Maka tujuan sebenar Ordinan Darurat digunakan adalah untuk menghindar orang dari menyertai perhimpunan aman Bersih 2.0. Semua alasan dan kenyataan lain adalah tipu muslihat dan agenda memperbodohkan rakyat," katanya. Minggu lalu kesemua mereka ditahan berhubung Himpunan Bersih 2.0 bersama 25 yang lain. |
| ‘The army is ready to preserve peace’ Posted: 03 Jul 2011 03:10 PM PDT 
However Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid urges Bersih, Perkasa and Umno Youth to heed the King's advice calling upon all to preserve the peace in the country. (Free Malaysia Today) - Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today said the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) is prepared for any eventualities and will act if the King decrees an emergency. "The army is always ready," said Zahid at an event at the Defence Ministry here. Commenting on the upcoming rallies by Bersih, Perkasa and Umno Youth this Saturday, Zahid however called upon the participants to heed the King's statement yesterday calling upon all to preserve the peace in the country. Yesterday, the head of state, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin issued a rare statement, amidst escalating tension among the state apparatus and the rally organisers, calling upon all parties to resolve any issues through consultation and not to succumb to emotions. "The fact is, street demonstrations bring more harm than good although the original intention is good. Instead we should focus on our main objective to develop this country, not to create problems that will cause the country to lag behind," said the King. Zahid, who is also Umno vice president, said everyone concernced should heed the King's advice and abandon their plans to demonstrate on July 9. He also expressed confidence in the police's capability to handle the situation. "Be it yellow shirt or red shirt, please heed to the police instruction,"said Zahid. READ MORE HERE |
| Group wants King to revoke Ambiga’s citizenship Posted: 03 Jul 2011 03:00 PM PDT 
A small group of NGOs want the King to revoke Bersih leader S.Ambiga's citizenship "to teach her a lesson". (Free Malaysia Today) - A small band of mostly unknown NGOs want Bersih chairperson S Ambiga's citizenship to be revoked for going ahead with the plan to organise a mass rally on July 9. The group of 10 NGOs led by Alternative Action Team submitted a memorandum the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin through a palace official this morning. The memorandum is asking the King to revoke Ambiga's citizenship. "We want to teach her a lesson, we can't let these people claiming to ask for clean elections when they are actually controlled by foreign elements," said Alternative Action Team president B Kalai Vanar, who led the group. "After May 13 (1969), we don't want yet another incident of bloodshed in Malaysia," he told reporters at the national palace gates. He said the group could have brought 500 supporters and had at first planned to but "on the advise of IGP, we didn't want any chaos". Only 10 supporters turned up chanting "Retreat Bersih! Destroy Racists! Take away Ambiga's citizenship!", while holding up a banner in front of curious tourists. When asked, Kalai said his movement was backed by Kelab Perpaduan Insan Selangor, Kelab Penyokong BN, Pusat Penyelidikan Tamil Malaysia, but could not name the rest. Kalai claimed the electoral system handled by the Election Commission was much better compared to Thailand, Philippines and Taiwan. "They say they want clean elections but they just want to look for trouble and confront the government," he charged. READ MORE HERE |
| Street protest will be destructive, says Najib Posted: 03 Jul 2011 02:56 PM PDT 
The premier also reiterates the government's stand that Bersih can hold its rally in "a stadium from morning until night". (Bernama) - Najib Tun Razak has reminded the people not to destroy what has been built over the years. The Prime Minister said the planned illegal rally by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) on July 9 is not a good way to find a solution. "The illegal rally is not intended to correct the system but is politically motivated to gain power via undemocratic means. "Street protest… if it does happen… will give a free ride to many people. There is no guarantee that everything will proceed peacefully. "Those who love rioting and chaos will take advantage of the situation. This is what we want to avoid," he said at the Prime Minister's Department monthly gathering here today. Also present were Chief Secretary to the Government Mohd Sidek Hassan and several Cabinet ministers. Najib said there are other ways to address the issue and that they should not be influenced by emotion. "This is a reminder before its too late. If they want to submit a memorandum and so forth they can show democracatic decency by cooperating with authorities. "We are willing to provide a stadium for them to rally but why choose to protest in the streets….they must have other ideas. "The government is not against them rallying in a stadium from morning until night. Just don't hold street protest as it is very risky to the nation," he said. If the illegal rally's goal is to correct the election system, then how did Barisan Nasional lose five states in the 2008 general election, he asked. Listen to the King Najib said this shows that the election system conducted in the country is free and fair. The Election Commission (EC) is also willing to make improvements by introducing a biometric system. "The funny thing is when when they win there is silence on phantom voters. But it reappears when election is near. This type of phantom comes and goes." He reminded the people to listen to advice from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin who is worried that the illegal rally will bring more harm than good. "I hope we remember and realise the responsibility to take care of the country's future for the sake of the children and the survival of Malaysia that we love." Malaysia has since independence, developed into a successful nation based on five principles of racial harmony, political stability, open market system, upholding the constitution and law and introducing policies that will be implemented. Najib said the government has successfully implement the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) and Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) in the first six months of the year. "We are and will continue to make efforts to alleviate the people's burden. We don't want to burden the people and plan to upgrade their quality of life from time to time," he added. |
| Dr M’s daughter slams crackdown Posted: 03 Jul 2011 02:52 PM PDT 
Marina Mahathir says the action taken by the authorities was similar to that used by third-world dictators. (Free Malaysia Today) - Marina Mahathir, the daughter of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad – who had little tolerance for dissenting voices – criticised the clampdown on Bersih 2.0 supporters. Speaking on behalf of Sisters In Islam, one of the 62 NGOs that form the Bersih coalition, she said the action taken by the authorities was similar to that used by third-world dictators. "Only those in fear would resort to such things… we are behaving like a third world country or less," she told a packed press conference here, flanked by several representatives from Bersih. More than 150 people were detained, mostly for wearing yellow T- shirts with the word "Bersih" in connection with the polls watchdog's planned rally on July 9. Opposition leaders, some of whom had been hauled up for questioning for backing Bersih's call for a rally to demand electoral reforms, said the mass arrests was one of the harshest crackdowns in the country's political history. Marina said the government's crackdown was not reflective of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's efforts to transform Malaysia into a developed country. "We are a developing country, we should behave like one and rise above (all this) and have some faith in our people," she said. Marina also condemned the personal attacks on Bersih chairperson S Ambiga, whom she praised for having an excellent track record in fighting for human rights. "The personal attacks are unwarranted. They should use better arguments to resolve the issue and not resort to personal attacks," she said. READ MORE HERE |
| WIKILEAKS: Update on the F-5 engine scandal Posted: 26 Jun 2011 01:00 AM PDT 
A chorus of commentary in online media has expressed incredulity at the Government's position that the thefts were carried out solely by two relatively low-level individuals and that higher-ups in the military and elsewhere were not involved. We share some of the incredulity expressed in the blogosphere about the Government's case and explanation of who was behind the engine thefts. In coordination with Washington, Post is continuing to push for a complete accounting of how the thefts occurred and the ultimate disposition of the engines, and to remind the GOM of the seriousness of the issue and need for remedial actions. THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin 
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 KUALA LUMPUR 000012 SIPDIS FOR EAP/MTS AND INR E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/07/2020 TAGS: PM, PGOV, MY SUBJECT: MALAYSIA: UPDATE ON F-5 ENGINE SCANDAL REF: A. 09 KL 1016 -- F-5 FOLLOW UP B. 09 KL 1013 -- MALAYSIAN F-5 ENGINES CASE Classified By: Political Counselor Brian D. McFeeters for reasons 1.4 b and d. Summary and Comment 1. (C) Malaysian government officials continue to communicate little information directly to Post regarding the missing F-5 engines (reftels). Most of the information on the scandal to date has come thru the local media, which reported on January 6 that police arrested and charged one Air Force sergeant and a business owner with the theft and illegal sale of the engines. The Attorney General and Defense Minister both were quoted in the press as saying that they were satisfied with these results. They gave no indication that investigations would continue into possible broader complicity in the thefts, nor what remedial actions are being taken by the GOM to assure that such security and procurement breaches would not occur again. A chorus of commentary in online media has expressed incredulity at the Government's position that the thefts were carried out solely by two relatively low-level individuals and that higher-ups in the military and elsewhere were not involved. On January 6, the Embassy's Office of Development Cooperation received a letter from the RMAF which provided a brief update on the missing engines case and indicated a willingness to respond to additional inquiries from the USG once the GOM investigation is completed (see para 7). 2. (C) Comment: We share some of the incredulity expressed in the blogosphere about the Government's case and explanation of who was behind the engine thefts. In coordination with Washington, Post is continuing to push for a complete accounting of how the thefts occurred and the ultimate disposition of the engines, and to remind the GOM of the seriousness of the issue and need for remedial actions. We look forward to a readout of next week's meeting on this issue between PM's PDAS and Malaysian Ambassador. The Ambassador and DCM have pending meeting requests with senior MFA officials. End Summary and Comment. What the Media has Been Reporting 3. (SBU) Government-influenced media reports continue to provide evolving, if changing and conflicting facts pertaining to the disappearance of the two F-5 engines. -- The most recent reports (January 7) indicate that the engines were stolen separately -- one on December 20, 2007 and the other on January 1, 2008 and that the discovery of the theft occurred on May 22, 2008. -- Media reports say the RMAF filed a police report on August 4, 2008 after they conducted their own investigation. -- The destination of the engines has been cited as both Argentina and Uruguay, although early accounts by the police reported in the press also indicated the engines went through or to the Middle East, and specifically Iran. -- Some independent online news portals claimed that the engines ended up in Iran. At a press conference, the Attorney General reportedly became defensive when asked about the Iran connection, and all references placing the engines in the Middle East or Iran have since been removed from the state-run media. -- Specific details regarding the May 2008 RMAF investigation and the August 2008 police investigation have not been released, although both the Attorney General and Defense Minister have implied that no one was held accountable as a result of those investigations. -- As to where the engines currently are, Attorney General Gani Patail attracted attention with a January 5 comment quoted in the Star newspaper that, "I really do not know what is being done to it now, whether the engines are used as scrap metal or as sinker for fishing." -- The press reported that Police arrested RMAF Sergeant N. Tharmendran and company director Rajandran Prasad on January 6 in connection with the two missing F-5 engines. Tharmendran was charged with conspiring to steal the engines, while Rajandran was charged with intentionally disposing of items that he knew to be stolen. -- Attorney General Gani had previously said on January 4 that "many people" were involved, but did not indicate that the investigation into the perpetrators would continue. According to Gani, "what is important is recovering the engines." No information has been released regarding the identities of the buyer and/or any middlemen. -- Defense Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was quoted by the Malaysian Insider on January 6 as saying at a public event that no further investigation or special inquiries were necessary, stating after the arrests that he was "satisfied with the Attorney-General's action and investigations into the case." Zahid also downplayed the severity of the theft, stating on January 7 that "The contract to purchase was made in 1972. At that time, the engine's price, including the afterburner, was $121,428 each," basing this on the exchange rate at that time. (Note: the original value of the missing engines given by the newspapers was listed as $15 million each. End note.) -- Public condemnation of the results has been muted by the state-run media, but the online blogosphere has been swift, one-sided, and damning of the GOM's arrests and conclusion that Tharmendran and Rajandran were the only ones involved. 4. (C) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has kept itself at arms length from the scandal. Ambassador and DCM have not yet been able to secure meetings with senior MFA officials to discuss this issue (among other bilateral issues). MFA Principal Assistant Secretary (Americas Division) Mohamad Radzi Jamaluddin told Poloff January 6 that the Defense Ministry has the lead and described that Ministry as being "elusive" in its handling of the case. Radzi opined that the newspapers were publishing a lot of misinformation, and that they were often factually incorrect. He suggested that press reports that the GOM has reached out to the USG for assistance in the investigation were false, because any such request would have been routed through the MFA. (Note: Post has no record of any request for assistance on this case from the GOM. End Note.) Letter from the RMAF 5. (SBU) Following ref A discussion between Office of Defense Cooperation chief Lieutenant Colonel Steve Ma and Brigadier General Azizan bin Shaari, Director of Materiel with Royal Malaysia Air Force (RMAF), ODC chief received an official letter from the RMAF on January 6. Begin text: 05 January 2010 OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION ON THE MISSING F5E GE J85-21 ENGINES Ref: A. FMS Case MF-D-SAJ B. FMS Case MF-D-SBE C. FMS Case MF-D-SBK D. FMS Case MF-D-SCA E. Malaysian Government Contract No: PERB/K&B/107/84. F. The discussion between Assistant Chief of Staff Material / LTC Stephen C. Ma on 28 Dec 2009 at the Ministry of Defense, Malaysia. 1. The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) presents its compliments to the Office of Defense Cooperation and the United States Embassy Kuala Lumpur. 2. In pursuant to the discussion vide reference F, the RMAF regrets to inform that there are two (02) F5E GE J85-21 engines found missing from the inventory believed to be stolen on the 26th May 2008. The serial numbers of the engines are as follows: a. E227718 b. E227856 3. The RMAF had conducted an internal investigation where procedures with regards to handling and transportation were re-examined and tightened. A report had been lodged with the Royal Malaysian police on the 4th of August 2008 to continue with the investigations and to pursue with criminal prosecution against individuals linked to the theft. 4. The RMAF fully understood the requirements of the United States government on Foreign Military Sales (FMS) policy in relation to this incident but unable to notify earlier pending completion of investigations by the Royal Malaysian Police. We believed that the investigation is nearing its conclusion and will follow with prosecution by the Attorney General's Chamber. We will endeavor to notify the progress on this matter to the United States Government through your office as soon as we have more information. 5. Thank you. (signed) DATO' SRI RODZALI BIN DAUD Gen RMAF Chief of Air Force End Text KEITH |
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