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Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News


Mind control: the game of religion and politics

Posted: 07 Jul 2011 08:01 PM PDT

When you see kemunkaran (evil), fight it with your hands, said Prophet Muhammad (meaning, rise up in opposition). If you fear to fight it with your hands then fight it with your mouth (meaning, speak out against it). And if you still fear to fight it with your mouth then hate it in your heart. But those who only dare hate it in their heart is the sign of a very weak Muslim, said the Prophet.

NO HOLDS BARRED

Raja Petra Kamarudin

Friday sermon accuses Bersih of manipulating Muslims

(The Malaysian Insider) — For the second week in a row, the Friday sermon in mosques throughout Kuala Lumpur attacked the credibility of Bersih's organisers, accusing them today of causing disunity by questioning Islamic rights and manipulating Muslims.

The sermon, obtained from the website of the Malaysian Department of Islamic Development (Jakim), charged that the organisers were using many tricks to achieve their goals. The sermon is prepared by the government and read out in all mosques in Kuala Lumpur.

"The big question is, who exactly are these people who have become traitors to their religion, race and country? They have actually angered Muslims before. Questioning Muslim rights and manipulating some Muslim leaders who have been blinded by the pursuit for power," said the prepared text.

The sermon did not name any of the leaders it was referring to, but it is believed to be aimed at Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders as well as the organisers of tomorrow's rally.

Last week's sermon accused Bersih's leaders of being "extremists", and had urged Muslims to reject the movement.

Today's sermon however stated that the rally's organisers undermined Islam through many means including legal measures. The speech also claimed that these leaders encouraged hatred among Malaysians by making provocative slogans.

"This is who they are, wearing masks on the pretext of upholding justice, making the rakyat a shield but the truth is that they have their own agenda to destabilise the country, weaken its rulers and destroy the harmony between the country's citizens," added the sermon.

The sermon warned Muslims against supporting any cause which could jeopardise the country's peace and security.

"As Muslims who love their religion, race and country, do not be fooled by their lies. Let us unite in defending every inch of our land from being invaded by enemies of Islam, unite so that every effort by our enemies will not bear fruition," said the sermon.

It urged Muslims to abide by the wishes of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin that peace and security of the nation should be the utmost priority at all times.

***************************************

Yes, JAKIM again, the same people who accused me of insulting Islam -- when I wrote that Friday prayer sermons spread hate messages -- which resulted in me being detained without trial under the Internal Security Act.

So, BERSIH is now the enemy of Islam whose aim is to undermine Islam. How convenient to pull the race and religion card out of your hat when you need a bogeyman.

JAKIM sounds just like the Christian preachers of 1,000 years ago -- whom in their sermons said that the Jews killed Jesus Christ and the Jews cut out the hearts of Christian babies and eat it raw and whatnot.

The result of that anti-Jew propaganda was the Jews all over Europe were expelled from the country of their birth. They were persecuted and discriminated against and were placed in 'special neighbourhoods' which they were forbidden from leaving under pain of death. They also had to wear yellow stars on their chest.

This was almost 1,000 years before Hitler and the Nazis did the same thing. England, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc., were 700-800 hundred years ahead of Hitler but we keep talking about how bad the Nazis were while forgetting that the whole of Europe was as bad or worse than the Nazis.

So how different is JAKIM compared to the Europeans of 1,000 years ago or Nazi Germany of World War 2? JAKIM is just like the Fascists and Nazis. They stir hate and they hide behind religion in doing so. 

Yes, I know, many are asking me why I do not have the balls to come back to Malaysia. It is not about balls. It is about the freedom to say what I want to say. And can I go back to Malaysia and say that JAKIM is just like the Fascists and Nazis?

I can, I suppose. But then I would have to do that from behind the barbed wire fences of the Kamunting Detention Centre.

No, staying here is not just about freedom from prison. Staying here is about the freedom to whack racism, extremism, persecution, discrimination, hate sermons, Fascism, Nazism, and whatnot -- everything that Umno stands for and everything that I am opposed to.

Let me put it this way. If the Malaysian government can guarantee me that I shall be allowed Internet access in jail (like in the western countries) and if the government can guarantee me that I can continue to write and update Malaysia Today every day without fail, I, in turn, can guarantee that I will return to Malaysia and spend my time in jail.

Can we have a watertight agreement in writing?

READ: Expanding Internet Access in Prison (http://news.change.org/stories/expanding-internet-access-in-prison)

Many prisons outside Malaysia allow inmates to keep in contact with the outside world through the use of the Internet and e-mails. In Malaysia, they still lock you up in solitary confinement in windowless cement boxes with no beds and mattresses.

Anyway, back to the issue of Friday prayer sermons. Is JAKIM doing a great service to Islam by indoctrinating Muslims to hate Christians and those of other religions? Malays are being brainwashed into becoming bigots and racists. And they are using religion to do this evil deed.

Many from the other faiths consider Islam an evil religion. Non-Muslims believe that Islam is a religion of hate. And can we blame them for coming to this conclusion when our words and deeds give this impression? Even I think that the government is spreading hate through the Friday prayer sermons. Why should non-Muslims not think the same?

And have a look at the memo below. What the Telekoms Malaysia staff does during working hours is the business of the company. But what they do outside working hours is nobody's business.

What illegal activity is Telekoms Malaysia talking about? Demonstrating? The so-called 'perhimpunan haram' being organised by BERSIH?

Read Imam Ghazali's kitab on haram and halal. Imam Ghazali has explained everything that is haram and halal in Islam. And demonstrating (perhimpunan) is not one of those listed as haram.

Is Malaysia not a Muslim country? Is not Islam the religion of the Federation? So, should we not follow the proper Islam of Imam Ghazali and not the false Islam of the Malaysian government?

And, according to Imam Ghazali, amar makruf, nahi munkar is mandatory to all Muslims. Failure to uphold this principle would make you a weak Muslim.

When you see kemunkaran (evil), fight it with your hands, said Prophet Muhammad (meaning, rise up in opposition). If you fear to fight it with your hands then fight it with your mouth (meaning, speak out against it). And if you still fear to fight it with your mouth then hate it in your heart. But those who only dare hate it in their heart is the sign of a very weak Muslim, said the Prophet.

That is true Islam, not the Islam of JAKIM. And organisations like Telekoms Malaysia are going against Islamic teachings. Maybe that is because a Jew is the CEO of Telekoms Malaysia and we all know that Jews are enemies of Islam, as what the Friday prayer sermons teach us.

 

The plan is working well (UPDATED with Chinese Translation)

Posted: 05 Jul 2011 01:00 AM PDT

Participating in a march against the ruler is a sin that may affect the faith of Muslims, Federal Territory Mufti Datuk Wan Zabidi Wan Teh said yesterday. "From their understanding of the Quran and Sunnah, ulamas agree that loyalty to the ruler is obligatory for every Muslim," he added.

NO HOLDS BARRED

Raja Petra Kamarudin

Tan Sri: So, Datuk, are things working according to plan?

Datuk: Yes, Tan Sri, everything is perfect. We got the Federal Territory Mufti to issue his fatwah.

Tan Sri: Good, and how was it?

Datuk: He made it very clear that it is obligatory for all Muslims to support the government. If you oppose the government then you are kafir and you will burn in hell for eternity.

Tan Sri: He said it exactly like that?

Datuk: Not exactly like that lah, Tan Sri. He has to twist and turn a bit to confuse the Muslims.

Tan Sri: I see, like what most of these people do best anyway.

Datuk: The mufti said that from their understanding of the Quran and Sunnah, ulamas agree, etc., etc. etc. But he did not quote any verses from the Quran or any of the so-called Hadith. He also never mentioned by name which ulamas are of this opinion. So he very cleverly left it vague, which is therefore quite safe because no one can contradict him.

Tan Sri: But won't the Muslims ask for clarification since it is very vague?

Datuk: No lah, Tan Sri. When we were children, remember, we were never allowed to question the ustaz or ask for clarification? Whenever we ask any questions the ustaz would whack us and tell us that only those influenced by the devil will was-was.

Tan Sri: Very true. Yes, it is easy to fool Muslims because they will swallow whatever these so-called religious people say, hook, line and sinker. So far no one has contradicted the mufti with their own fatwah? Not even Nik Aziz or Dr Asri?

Datuk: No. It's already more than 24 hours and no one has rebutted the mufti. So I don't think we will face any problems. We can now circulate this fatwah in all the kampongs.

Tan Sri: I am surprised that Muslims can swallow this fatwah without question. If they just used their brains they will know that all the Prophets -- Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad -- opposed the government. If what the mufti said is true then Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad will also become kafir.

Datuk: Exactly. But then our education system has been able to reduce Muslims to a race that never questions religious people. So, as long as it comes from religious people, no one asks any questions -- although sometimes these religious people bullshit just like politicians.

Tan Sri: Don't we all know that. And what about the other matters?

Datuk: BERSIH has applied to use Stadium Merdeka but we rejected their application. We gave them a very vague excuse that some renovation work needs to be done on the stadium.

Tan Sri: But I thought that same night they were supposed to have a rock concert.

Datuk: That has been postponed to 1st October.

Tan Sri: I see, so the stadium is really closed then?

Datuk: Not quite. We are considering allowing PERKASA to use the stadium instead.

Tan Sri: On the 9th?

Datuk: Yes. Same time and date as BERSIH.

Tan Sri: But how will we explain rejecting BERSIH but approving PERKASA?

Datuk: We will say that PERKASA applied first.

Tan Sri: But we said we rejected BERSIH because of the renovation work.

Datuk: We will say that the renovation work is now delayed because the budget has not been approved yet.

Tan Sri: This sounds like we are twisting and turning.

Datuk: We ARE twisting and turning, Tan Sri.

Tan Sri: Can the people buy this?

Datuk: Well, we used this same excuse when Tunku Abdul Rahman and Hussein Onn applied to form Umno Malaysia. We rejected Umno Malaysia's application on grounds that Umno Baru applied to use the Umno name first even though Umno Baru submitted their application three days after Umno Malaysia.

Tan Sri: Yes, I remember that one. So everything is going smooth according to plan then?

Datuk: Not quite, Tan Sri. PERKASA requested an audience with His Majesty the Agong but Istana Negara declined the request.

Tan Sri: Oh, how are we going to explain that?

Datuk: We will think of a good spin. Not sure what we are going to say yet though.

Tan Sri: Hmm…that's embarrassing.

Datuk: Never mind. We can always refocus attention on different issues.

Tan Sri: Like what?

Datuk: Well, the police have announced that BERSIH is still an illegal organisation even though His Majesty consented to the audience. That means we can still arrest those behind BERSIH. Then the police announced that anyone wearing BERSIH T-shirts would still be arrested. Then the police announced that BERSIH still needs to apply for a police permit even though the assembly in the stadium is the Prime Minister's idea. The people will all argue about this and will forget that His Majesty refused to meet PERKASA.

Tan Sri: Have they applied for the police permit yet?

Datuk: Not sure but even if they have we can still reject the application because they need to apply for a permit 14 days before the event and 9th July is only three days away. That is the rule, 14 days.

Tan Sri: But what about PERKASA's application? How can we approve theirs if we reject BERSIH's?

Datuk: We can backdate it and say that they applied for the police permit more than 14 days ago.

Tan Sri: Good plan. Okay, and do you think all this is working in our favour?

Datuk: I think so, Tan Sri. People will be so angry because of all these twists, turns and bullshit that BN is going to get whacked in the next election.

Tan Sri: Good, very good. We need to create as much problems as we can so that BN performs very badly just like Pak Lah did in March 2008. Then Muhyiddin and Mukhriz can push for Najib's resignation just like Najib pushed Pak Lah out after the last GE.

Datuk: I think that is more or less assured, Tan Sri. Najib is looking more and more stupid on this BERSIH blunder. The Umno people are really pissed. We told Muhyiddin and Mukhriz to stay very silent and not make any comments. Let Najib and the police do all the talking.

Tan Sri: Yes, I have noticed how quiet Muhyiddin and Mukhriz have been. Khairy did open his mouth though.

Datuk: Yes, he said he is prepared to work with BERSIH. Umno Youth will whack him hard on this…you see.

Tan Sri: Okay, I need to brief Tun on all these developments. Keep me updated on anything new.

Datuk: Will do, Tan Sri. And please send Tun my salam and tell him we are with him all the way.

Tan Sri: I think Tun is going to be very pleased. His son should be the DPM very soon once Muhyiddin becomes PM.

**************************************

Sertai perarakan haram boleh jejaskan iman - mufti

(Bernama) - Menyertai perarakan menentang pemerintah adalah sebaris dengan dosa-dosa besar yang boleh menjejaskan iman, kata Mufti Wilayah Persekutuan Datuk Wan Zabidi Wan Teh.

Merujuk kepada beberapa hadis, beliau menerangkan bahawa dosa akibat menderhaka kepada pemerintah diletakkan sebaris dengan syirik, membunuh, makan harta anak yatim, riba dan menderhaka kepada ibu bapa.

"Termasuk dalam perbuatan derhaka ialah membantah tanpa mengikut saluran yang betul mengenai apa jua keputusan pemerintah yang dibuat secara sah berasaskan kuasa yang diberikan kepada mereka dalam menjalankan urusan pentadbiran negara," katanya dalam satu kenyataan hari ini.

Wan Zabidi berkata, Rasulullah SAW telah mengingatkan dalam hadis-hadis sahih bahawa antara pelbagai aliran kefahaman agama, hanya pegangan Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah yang akan selamat di akhirat kelak.

"Dan berasaskan dalil-dalil jelas dalam Al-Quran dan Sunnah, para ulama Ahli Sunnah telah ijmak (sepakat) mengatakan bahawa taat kepada pemerintah adalah fardu ke atas setiap Muslim," katanya.

Wan Zabidi berkata, sejarah dan realiti masa kini seperti yang dialami beberapa negara Islam yang terjerumus dalam kancah perang saudara, membuktikan kegiatan yang bermula dengan tunjuk perasaan terhadap pemerintah akhirnya mencetuskan suasana anarki dan kekacauan dalam negara.

Beliau berkata, memandangkan kemusnahan yang sangat besar terhadap agama dan umat disebabkan kegiatan penderhakaan atau "bid'atul khuruj", maka tidak hairanlah golongan penderhaka digelar Rasulullah sebagai "kilabunnar" (anjing neraka).

Wan Zabidi berkata, dalil-dalil turut menerangkan bahawa perbuatan derhaka selain daripada menjejaskan iman, juga boleh memutuskan jalan ke syurga dan menyebabkan seseorang mati dalam keadaan jahiliah.

"Sayugia diperingatkan mereka yang terlibat dalam penganjurannya, bukan sahaja akan menanggung dosa perbuatan itu, tetapi juga dosa setiap orang yang mengikutnya, tanpa mengurangkan dosa pengikut tersebut," katanya.

Wan Zabidi menyeru setiap umat Islam tidak melibatkan diri dengan apa jua bentuk tunjuk perasaan kerana ia adalah sebahagian daripada tindakan derhaka yang boleh menjurus ke arah pertumpahan darah, kehilangan nyawa, kemusnahan harta benda dan kesengsaraan masyarakat awam.

 

Translated into Chinese at: http://ccliew.blogspot.com/2011/07/blog-post_06.html

 

Yeh! Yeh! Kita menang!…hmm…or did we? (UPDATED with Chinese Translation)

Posted: 04 Jul 2011 06:25 PM PDT

Bersih 2.0 will hold its rally for electoral reforms in a stadium and not in the streets, the group said today fresh from an audience with the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong in Istana Negara. "We accept the government's offer to hold the demonstration in a stadium. We will not hold it in the streets," Bersih 2.0 chief Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan told reporters today.

NO HOLDS BARRED

Raja Petra Kamarudin

Datuk: Tan Sri!

Tan Sri: Calm down, Datuk….apa hal bising sangat ni?

Datuk: I have some good news, Tan Sri.

Tan Sri: Ah, what is it this time? Ambiga has migrated and has applied for Australian citizenship? 

Datuk: No lah, Tan Sri. Better than that.

Tan Sri: What can be better than Ambiga leaving Malaysia?

Datuk: The BERSIH march is off…cancelled…batal.

Tan Sri: Hmm…that is certainly good news. How come?

Datuk: Ambiga had an audience with the Agong this afternoon and BERSIH has agreed to cancel the street march and hold a rally in the stadium instead.

Tan Sri: His Majesty agreed to meet Ambiga?

Datuk: Yes.

Tan Sri: So that means His Majesty recognises BERSIH?

Datuk: Looks like it.

Tan Sri: So that means we can't ban BERSIH then.

Datuk: Why not, Tan Sri?

Tan Sri: Aiyah...if His Majesty had an official meeting with BERSIH this would mean His Majesty recognises BERSIH. 

Datuk: So?

Tan Sri: So it means we can't ban BERSIH. If not then His Majesty would be guilty of collaborating with an illegal organisation and we would have to arrest His Majesty under the Internal Security Act.

Datuk: Oh…I never thought of that.

Tan Sri: Yes…and that's why you are a mere Datuk while I am a Tan Sri.

Datuk: That also means we cannot allege that BERSIH is backed by the Communists and Jews. If not then His Majesty would be guilty of working with the Communists and Jews.

Tan Sri: Now you are getting it. So how can that be good news?

Datuk: Didn't His Majesty think of this? Aiyah…why so stupid?

Tan Sri: Hey, that is seditious. You can't call the Agong stupid.

Datuk: No, I didn't mean it like that. I meant it was stupid of us to allow the Agong to meet Ambiga.

Tan Sri: But we dragged the Agong into this. So how can we prevent the Agong from meeting BERSIH?

Datuk: Ia lah. We made a big mistake in issuing that statement from the Agong.

Tan Sri: Hey! Cakap baik sikit!

Datuk: Sorry, I meant we made a big mistake in asking the Agong to issue that statement.

Tan Sri: That's better. Don't ever say we issued that statement on behalf of the Agong.

Datuk: Okay lah, but at least the street march is off…now it's been reduced to just a rally in a stadium.

Tan Sri: How many people do you think will attend the rally?

Datuk: Not sure. Maybe 100,000…could even be 200,000. Now that it is no longer an illegal assembly and there is no danger of arrests many more people may turn out. Those who were initially afraid to turn out may now turn out since it is safe. Mana tahu? Could even be 300,000 people.

Tan Sri: How would 300,000 people park their cars at the stadium?

Datuk: Oh, cannot lah. There is not enough car park space for 300,000 people. They will have to park their cars elsewhere and walk to the stadium…or take public transport.

Tan Sri: So, to get to the stadium they will have to walk, right?

Datuk: That's right.

Tan Sri: Which means they will be marching to the stadium instead of marching to the Agong's palace, right?

Datuk: Yes, that's right…oh…I see what you mean.

Tan Sri: Yes, that's what I mean. So the march is still on then. Only now it is a legal march, not an illegal march. And they will march to the stadium instead of to the palace. And we can't do anything about it because the Agong has agreed to this. We can no longer arrest the marchers.

Datuk: Aiyah! This is a disaster. We got tricked. What to do, Tan Sri?

Tan Sri: What can we do? His Majesty has just given BERSIH legitimacy and it has been agreed that a legal rally can be held in the stadium and because of the huge crowd that may turn out they cannot drive to the stadium but will have to march there dressed in yellow shirts. 

Datuk: Mampus! 

Tan Sri: Yes, mampus. This is even worse. At least if they proceeded with the original plan we can ban BERSIH and declare it a menace to society and a threat to nation security. Now we can't touch them. We can't even arrest anyone on 9th July. And because the rally is legal more people will come out. They are not scared any more. And Umno Youth and PERKASA can't march on the streets in opposition to BERSIH. If they do we will have to arrest them.

Datuk: Alamak. We can't touch the BERSIH marchers but will have to arrest the Umno Youth and PERKASA marchers. And Khairy already said if BERSIH cancels the street march he is prepared to work with them. So Umno Youth must now support the BERSIH rally at the stadium. 

Tan Sri: Exactly. Now you know why I am a Tan Sri and you are just a Datuk?

Datuk: And that means we can't also ask the Agong to revoke Ambiga's citizenship.

Tan Sri: Revoke citizenship for what? For obeying the Agong by cancelling the street march and by holding a rally at the stadium like how Najib asked them to?

Datuk: Somehow I think we have been had…suckered big time.

Tan Sri: Aiyah…please get out of here and leave me alone. I need to draft my resignation letter. 

Datuk: What should I do, Tan Sri?

Tan Sri: I suggest you also go draft your resignation letter. Najib will want both our heads on a silver platter after this.

 

Translated into Chinese at: http://ccliew.blogspot.com/2011/07/blog-post.html

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. 

 

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.

 
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WIKILEAKS: The Americans foresaw Najib's threat to Pak Lah

Posted: 07 Jul 2011 01:00 AM PDT

Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi is a breath of fresh air after the long-serving and vituperative Mahathir Mohamad, who retired in late 2003. Abdullah promotes a tolerant, progressive approach to religion that he calls "Islam Hadhari" (civilizational Islam). He is publicly committed to fighting corruption and reining in costly mega-projects, though his government's follow-through has been disappointing. His mild-mannered and cautious approach has also led critics to question his leadership and effectiveness, but his ruling coalition remains secure. Abdullah's chief potential rival, Deputy Prime Minister (and Defense Minister) Najib Razak, plays the role of a loyal bulwark. After two years in power, Abdullah has appealed to the public for patience in delivering reform. As long as the economy continues to grow healthily, the public will grant him that.

THE CORRIDORS OF POWER

Raja Petra Kamarudin

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUALA LUMPUR 000705

 

SIPDIS

 

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/18/2016

TAGS: PREL, MASS, MARR, PTER, ECON, MY

SUBJECT: SCENESETTER FOR UNDER SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE DR. RONALD SEGA

 

Classified By: DCM David B. Shear for reasons 1.4 b and d.

 

1. (C) SUMMARY:  Malaysian-American relations are good and improving; on March 8 we notified Congress of our intention to conclude a Free Trade Agreement with Malaysia.  This moderate Muslim-majority state is our tenth-largest trading partner worldwide, and we have robust military-military cooperation.  While moving slowly away from the anti-Western rhetoric of former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia continues to oppose us on some key international issues.

Counterterrorism cooperation is largely good, but we remain concerned about the release of certain suspects and the level of surveillance of those suspects.  Malaysia and its neighbors increasingly realize the importance of maritime security, but enforcement efforts are hampered by sovereignty concerns and a lack of resources. A new Malaysian coast guard is slowly getting its sea legs.  Malaysia supports the Mindanao peace talks but has differed sharply with Thailand over separatist violence.  The Malaysian government is making progress in implementing a non-proliferation regime, but is no closer to signing an Article 98 agreement with the U.S.

End Summary.

Political Landscape

2. (C) While Malaysia has plenty of warts, it remains a rare example of an Islamic-majority country that is stable, civilian-led and prosperous.  Malaysia has also maintained a largely tolerant social system and a tightly managed democracy, with the same multi-racial coalition in power since independence in 1957.  While we continue to urge the government of Malaysia to improve its own governance, we also recognize the constructive role Malaysia can play in the Islamic world and have encouraged Malaysians to increase support for moderation and progress in the Middle East.

3. (C) Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi is a breath of fresh air after the long-serving and vituperative Mahathir Mohamad, who retired in late 2003.  Abdullah promotes a tolerant, progressive approach to religion that he calls "Islam Hadhari" (civilizational Islam).  He is publicly committed to fighting corruption and reining in costly mega-projects, though his government's follow-through has been disappointing.  His mild-mannered and cautious approach has also led critics to question his leadership and effectiveness, but his ruling coalition remains secure.

Abdullah's chief potential rival, Deputy Prime Minister (and Defense Minister) Najib Razak, plays the role of a loyal bulwark.  After two years in power, Abdullah has appealed to the public for patience in delivering reform.  As long as the economy continues to grow healthily, the public will grant him that.

Economic Situation

4. (C) In his early days, PM Abdullah made rural development and control of government spending, partly as a means to encourage private sector led growth, his top economic priorities.  So far, only his reduction of the government's deficit -- now down to 3.8 percent of GDP -- can be chalked up as a clear success. 

Abdullah's partisans say that the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP; a five year plan for economic policy and development spending) will be the vehicle for advancing his other economic goals, but the 9MP, unveiled on March 31, contained little in the way of drama or new initiatives.  Abdullah has emphasized the need for fast implementation of 9MP (a tacit acknowledgement of the perceptions weak follow through by his government) and created a new government agency to focus on the problem.

5. (C) Meanwhile cuts in government subsidies for gasoline and diesel fuel -- one of the tools used to rein in the deficit -- have proved highly unpopular, and raised concerns about inflation.  Increases in prices of other government-managed commodities, such as electricity, may be in the works. 

For now, the economy is in reasonably good shape, with projected growth of around 5.0 percent in 2005 and official inflation of around 3.8 percent (although private analysts believe the real rate of price increases is much higher).  However, the government may be facing a tough choice in the coming year between stimulating the economy to get back on a higher growth track, or raising interest rates to control inflation.

Malaysia's International Posture

6. (C) Malaysia currently is the chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and of ASEAN.  Malaysia hosted the ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit last December, and will host the ASEAN Regional Forum ministerial this summer. 

Secretary of State Rice has told the ASEAN foreign ministers of her plans to attend the ARF meetings in July.  Malaysia backs the six-party DPRK nuclear talks and supports Iraqi reconstruction efforts, but has been overeager to embrace Hamas and defend the Iranian nuclear program.  The foreign ministry seems to be moving slowly away from some of Mahathir's anti-Western rhetoric and policies, but retains friendships with troublesome states like Cuba, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Syria and Uzbekistan. 

The Malaysian government is publicly supportive of China's "peaceful rise" and recently signed a defense cooperation MOU with China, despite lingering suspicions among senior Malaysian military officials of China's long-term intentions.  Malaysia has actively supported peace efforts in the southern Philippines and Aceh in Indonesia.

Counterterrorism

7. (C) Malaysia has generally been a reliable and constructive partner on counterterrorism.  In 2003, Malaysia established the Southeast Asia Regional Center for Counterterrorism (SEARCCT), which now runs a full schedule of multilateral training courses, many conducted with U.S. support. 

Early round-ups in 2001 and 2002 of scores of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) suspects crippled that organization's activities in Malaysia.  Over 70 suspected terrorists remain in custody under the Internal Security Act (ISA), a "preventive" measure that has also been used to jail political opponents of the government in the past. 

To our knowledge, prosecutions and trials of the terrorist suspects are not planned.  Drawing on their experience in defeating a communist insurgency, the Malaysians take a "rehabilitative" approach for some terrorists, keeping them under police supervision in "restricted residence."  Several leading figures (such as JI financier Wan Min) have been released from ISA detention without warning. 

We remain concerned that surveillance of released terrorist suspects may be inadequate and their "rehabilitation" may be incomplete or insincere. JI, while weakened, still has the capability to strike here, and the Malaysians need to remain vigilant.

8. (C) While the Malaysian leadership firmly opposes terrorist organizations at home, it is deeply uncomfortable with any association of Islam with terrorism, and frequently lectures us on the need to eschew terms such as "Islamic terrorists" or "jihadists." 

Reflecting the broad support for the Palestinian cause among the majority here, the Malaysian government has no relations with Israel and often argues for the need to address the "root causes" of terrorism in the Middle East. 

In February, negotiators from the United States succeeded in reaching an agreement here on a text for a bilateral Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT). We are hoping the treaty will be ready for signature in time for the Secretary of State's July visit.  The treaty will be a good tool in fighting terrorism and other forms of transnational crime.

Maritime Security

9. (C) In July 2005, the insurer Lloyd's of London designated the Strait of Malacca (SOM) as a "war-risk zone," raising premiums for shippers transiting these waters.  This prompted a flurry of public cooperation among the littoral states -- Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, plus neighboring Thailand -- including conferences of foreign ministers and military chiefs. 

On September 13, 2005, the three littoral countries launched an "Eyes in the Sky" (EiS) program to conduct international aerial surveillance of the Strait.  EiS currently comprises separate flights by Malaysia and Singapore (Indonesia has "temporarily" dropped out for operational capacity reasons), with crews that use binoculars to survey shipping traffic and make non-secure radio transmissions to shore and ship facilities of the three littoral states. 

Malaysia has also committed a single Beechcraft B-200 with infrared capability, to enable some night-time surveillance.  Talks on establishing an EiS standard operating procedure continue, with a view towards reactivating Indonesian participation and bringing Thailand into the program.

10. (C) EiS represents an important symbolic step forward for the littoral states' cooperation on SOM security, but could be difficult to sustain without international support.  DPM Najib has told the media on several occasions that Malaysia would welcome international involvement in Eyes in the Sky.

Our working-level contacts remain vague, however, on what sort of American assistance might be accepted in this sovereignty-conscious region.  Malaysia will host a meeting this summer sponsored by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in which the littoral states are to identify and prioritize their needs for assistance in enhancing SOM security.  On February 15-17, the USG hosted a meeting of key SOM user states at Coast Guard Island, Alameda, California, to discuss the possible range and scope of such assistance.

11. (C) Meanwhile, the Sulu Sea remains an under-monitored passageway for terrorist elements in transit between Indonesia and Mindanao.  Terror groups have also carried out a number of kidnappings for ransom in the area.  While the region has little value for international shipping compared to the Malacca Strait, it is tremendously important to the travel and fundraising operations of groups like JI and Abu Sayyaf.  Together with Embassies Jakarta and Manila, we have focused on this region as a specific theater for building capacity and cooperation between the governments of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Significant new resources, which we are in the process of identifying and prioritizing, will be required to make these efforts successful.

New Coast Guard

12. (C) Malaysia's new coast guard began limited operations on November 30,  2005.  The government's goal is to reduce overlap and turf battles among the 11 Malaysian agencies tasked with patrolling the country's seas and waterways.  The coast guard, officially named the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), will possess 72 vessels transferred from the navy, marine police, marine department, and fisheries department, and has recruited about 1,000 personnel from these and other existing agencies.  The navy vessels will transfer with their crews intact.  MMEA hopes to fill its 4,000 approved positions within a year.

Mindanao Peace Talks, JI Presence

13. (C) Malaysia has facilitated peace talks between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the negotiations have had some success with the sticky issue of "ancestral domain."  The talks are hosted by the Malaysian External Intelligence Organization, which in the past covertly supported separatist activities in Mindanao.  JI presence at MILF training camps remains a concern, though the MILF has publicly disavowed any connection to JI.  We continue to press the Malaysians to make clear to the MILF that it must sever its connections to JI and Abu Sayyaf.

Southern Thailand Strains Relations

14. (C) Separatist violence in southern Thailand has killed over 1,000 people since January 2004, and attacks continue almost daily.  The Malaysian government has repeatedly denied Thai accusations that it supports the separatist groups, though the people on both sides of the porous border share Malay ethnicity and the Muslim religion.  Families and business interests straddle the border as well. 

In August 2005 Malaysia offered temporary refuge to 131 Thai citizens who said they were fleeing their government's crackdown in the south.  The issue, which has also involved the UN refugee agency, rubbed raw nerves in Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, as government officials abandoned the usual neighborly ASEAN rhetoric for sharp verbal attacks on each other.  The rhetoric toned down somewhat after the Malaysians returned one of the 131 asylum seekers, who was wanted on criminal charges in Thailand.

Slow Progress on Non-proliferation and PSI ...

15. (C) In 2003, a private Malaysian company (partly owned by PM Abdullah's son) was found to have manufactured and shipped nuclear centrifuge parts to Libya.  The company pleaded ignorance, but the case underscored the need for Malaysia to adopt effective export controls.  The government is moving ahead with plans to adopt such controls, including the conclusion of an Additional Protocol (AP) with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on November 22, 2005.  The AP provides a sound policy framework for the implementation of nuclear-related export controls.

16. (C) We continue to urge Malaysia to participate in Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) meetings and exercises.  Malaysia sent two observers in August 2005 to a PSI exercise in Singapore, and three observers in April 2006 to a PSI exercise in Australia.   The government has said it supports PSI "in principle," and that it would take part in PSI operations on a case-by-case basis.  We have been told that the government is considering an endorsement of the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles, which would allow full participation in PSI events.  However, elements within the foreign ministry remain adamantly opposed, perceiving that the PSI is targeted against "friends" of Malaysia, like Iran, Pakistan and China.

17. (C) As the chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Malaysia has been too supportive of Iranian claims that its nuclear program is a peaceful one.  More recently, the GOM has moved somewhat away from behavior that bordered on "coaching" the Iranians.  The EU-3 made considerable efforts to get Malaysia to exert a restraining influence on Iran.

While it appears the Malaysians have privately counseled Iran to exercise restraint, it does not seem these words had much influence on the Iranians.  Malaysia failed to condemn Ahmadinejad's threat to "wipe Israel off the map" and gave President Ahmedinejad a red carpet welcome in Kuala Lumpur as the IAEA was referring his repeated violations to the United Nations Security Council.

... But No Progress on Article 98

18. (C) Malaysia has steadfastly rebuffed our efforts to conclude an Article 98 agreement, citing unspecified "policy reasons."  Though Malaysia is "studying" the Rome Treaty that created the International Criminal Court (ICC), we believe they are unlikely to sign the treaty because of their own concerns over sovereignty.  The Malaysians have told us that since they are not party to the Rome Treaty, they see little reason to conclude an Article 98 agreement with us.

LAFLEUR

 

See what playing golf with Najib can do for you

Posted: 06 Jul 2011 06:53 PM PDT

Tan Kay Hock is the chairman of Johan Holdings Berhad and George Kent (M) Berhad. Tan Kay Hock, who is Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's golfing buddy, is also a member of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA). He owns 49.59% of George Kent. Malayan United Industries Berhad, controlled by Khoo Kay Peng, owns a 9.3% stake in George Kent and 7% of Johan Holdings.

THE CORRIDORS OF POWER

Raja Petra Kamarudin

From left: Tan Sri Tan Kay Hock, George Kent managing director Lee Pui Leng, senior manager of finance Choong Wye Lin and director Datuk Zaidan Othman

George Kent Confident of Bid for Ampang-Line LRT Extension Project

(Malaysian Digest) - George Kent (M) Berhad, an engineering group, is confident of winning the Ampang-Line Light Railway Transit (LRT)'s extension mega infrastructure project worth RM1.5 billion.

The chances of getting the project is very good, its Chairman, Tan Sri Tan Kay Hock told reporters after the company's annual general meeting here today.

He said the company's bid for the project was strengthened by George Kent's previous experience of handling government contracts and its achievements.

"We are about to hand over the RM97.75 million Kuala Lipis Hospital in Pahang (Najib's home state) to the Ministry of Health, and I guess this is one of the very few hospitals delivered on time."

"George Kent only tenders for projects that we think we can do, thus, we don't see any negative points for not winning the tender," he said.

Prasarana Bhd is expected to announce the winner of the Ampang LRT extension project by September this year.

Tan also said the company, which also produces water meters and the casing for the meters, has embarked on a RM50 million plan to upgrade its manufacturing facilities in Puchong, Selangor to accommodate higher sales in the meter and Original Equipment Manufacturing businesses.

He said the present plant was already producing at a maximum capacity.

With the expansion, George Kent aims to double its production capacity to two million completed meters and two million pieces of non-meter brass parts per annum.

George Kent's pre-tax profit for the first quarter ended Apr 30, 2011 jumped to RM4.8 million from RM3.9 million in the same quarter last year.

Its revenue, however, slipped to RM30.7 million from RM32.5 million previously.

Tan said the demand for meters from Hong Kong, Macau, Middle East, Puerto Rico and Colombia remained strong.

"The company has also penetrated Vietnam and Laos, where we expect good returns," he said, adding that the company expects to sustain its growth as the year progresses.

 

Malaysia Today’s 40% truth and 60% lies

Posted: 05 Jul 2011 04:43 PM PDT

The Inquiry into the death of Customs officer Ahmad Sarbaini Mohamed has just kicked off and already there are revelations of 'unexplained mysteries'. Last month, Malaysia Today ran a four-part series on the matter but we stopped at part 4 and said that part 5 will only be published if they try to whitewash the Inquiry and sweep everything under the carpet. That time has not come yet but in the meantime let me refresh you on the matter.

THE CORRIDORS OF POWER

Raja Petra Kamarudin

This is where we stopped in the final series (part 4) of Ahmad Sarbani's death: the lies and deceptions by the MACC:

They need to nail Ahmad Sarbani real bad and they will go to great lengths in achieving this. And note that these are Muslims who pray five times a day, fast during the month of Ramadhan and go to Mekah, mind you! Yet they would not hesitate to do a deed most foul -- framing a dead man.

But the Police and Customs officers are fighting back. They are not going to allow the MACC to frame Ahmad Sarbani. They want the world to know he is clean and that he did not commit suicide. And they want us to know how the MACC is tying to suggest otherwise. And to do that they have enlisted the help of Malaysia Today.

In the next part, part 5, we will disclose who killed Ahmad Sarbani -- but only if we need to. We will hold back part 5 pending the official statement by the government as to how Ahmad Sarbani died. Since the AG has announced that there will be an Inquest, let us give the Police an opportunity to reveal the real evidence at this Inquest and let us hope that they get it right this time.

If the MACC, AG Gani Patail and the Police repeat what they did in trying to cover up Teoh Beng Hock's death, then Malaysia Today will reveal the full investigation report on who killed Ahmad Sarbani. And if they want to call our bluff and play poker, thinking that we will not do it, then they do not know Malaysia Today well enough yet. We just love challenges and will rise to any challenge.

So don't force us to do this. But we will if we have to just to clear the name of an innocent dead man who did not commit suicide but was murdered. So, till next time, part 5, if circumstances force us to come out with a part 5, take care and keep the fight for change going.

You can read the full thing in the ADDENDUM links below (parts 1 to 4).

Now read this: Ahmad Sarbaini's death: CCTV recordings tampered with, court hears (http://www.malaysia-today.net/mtcolumns/newscommentaries/41729-ahmad-sarbainis-death-cctv-recordings-tampered-with-court-hears)

The CCTV recordings at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) building had been tampered with around the time of Ahmad Sarbaini Mohamed's death, the Coroner's court was told Wednesday.

Audio-video analyst ASP Fauziah Che Mat, who is with the police forensic lab in Cheras, told the court that she believed that the "CCTV recordings had been tampered with by someone who was skilled".

In her analysis of three hard drives taken from the MACC building, two containing recordings of inside the building had two interruptions, one of which was a 22-hour gap.

ADDENDUM

Ahmad Sarbani's death: the lies and deceptions by the MACC (part 1)

http://malaysia-today.net/mtcolumns/no-holds-barred/40947-ahmad-sarbanis-death-the-lies-and-deceptions-by-the-macc-part-1

Ahmad Sarbani's death: the lies and deceptions by the MACC (part 2)

http://www.malaysia-today.net/mtcolumns/no-holds-barred/40949-ahmad-sarbanis-death-the-lies-and-deceptions-by-the-macc-part-2

Ahmad Sarbani's death: the lies and deceptions by the MACC (part 3)

http://malaysia-today.net/mtcolumns/no-holds-barred/40951-ahmad-sarbanis-death-the-lies-and-deceptions-by-the-macc-part-3

Ahmad Sarbani's death: the lies and deceptions by the MACC (part 4)

http://malaysia-today.net/mtcolumns/no-holds-barred/40952-ahmad-sarbanis-death-the-lies-and-deceptions-by-the-macc-part-4

 

WIKILEAKS: Malaysia loses game of "chicken' with Singapore over bridge

Posted: 05 Jul 2011 01:00 AM PDT

This plan, which local MP Nur Jazlan privately described to us as "a game of chicken", had some serious flaws -- it did not take into full account the need to maintain rail links and a water pipeline that supplies the island republic with fresh Malaysian water.

THE CORRIDORS OF POWER

Raja Petra Kamarudin

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUALA LUMPUR 000679

 

SIPDIS

 

SIPDIS

 

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/14/2015

TAGS: PREL, ELTN, SN, MY

SUBJECT: MALAYSIA LOSES GAME OF "CHICKEN" WITH SINGAPORE OVER BRIDGE

 

Classified By: Acting Political Counselor Brian H Phipps for reasons 1. 4 b and d.

 

1. (C) On April 12, the Government of Malaysia announced that Malaysia would abandon its plan to build a new bridge across the Johor Strait between Malaysia and Singapore.  When Singapore's leaders had balked at Malaysian plans to replace an existing 82-year old causeway with a new bridge, the Malaysian government announced that they would build a "scenic" half-bridge to join up with Singapore's side of the causeway at the boundary line. 

This plan, which local MP Nur Jazlan privately described to us as "a game of chicken", had some serious flaws -- it did not take into full account the need to maintain rail links and a water pipeline that supplies the island republic with fresh Malaysian water.

Demolishing its own side of the causeway could have put Malaysia in breach of a longstanding bilateral water sharing agreement with Singapore.  Malaysia had wanted to build the bridge to improve shipping access to and between the ports of Johor Baru and Port Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), as well as to enrich contractors linked to Malaysia's ruling political coalition. 

Press reports indicate that the bridge contractors will be paid some 27 million USD in compensation on what was to have been a 300 million USD project.

2. (C) Malaysia's government-controlled press was filled with articles justifying the project's cancellation and blaming the move on Singaporean intransigence.  Johor state politicians have been vocal in their opposition to supposed Singaporean conditions for agreeing to the bridge project -- free passage through a small area of Malaysian airspace in order to facilitate access to international airspace for military training and exercises, and permission to purchase Malaysian sand for Singaporean land reclamation projects.

These influential politicians, including the state's Chief Minister Abdul Ghani Othman, outspoken Backbenchers' Club President MP Sharir Samad, and MP Nur Jazlan owe their local political reputations to standing up to and playing tough with Singapore. 

While Singaporean tourists in search of bargains make an important contribution to the local economy, the richer, more successful Singaporeans also generate resentment in neighboring Johor. 

One discordant voice in the chorus of those supporting the decision was Mahathir Mohamad, the former PM, who himself originally proposed replacing the causeway with a bridge in 1996.

LAFLEUR

 

WIKILEAKS: Farah Pandith’s visit shows many faces of Islam in Malaysia

Posted: 03 Jul 2011 01:00 AM PDT

In contrast, under Islamic rule citizens could be confident that rulers (who could be chosen through democratic elections, perhaps) would act within the bounds of behavior as laid out in the Koran and Sunnah, and citizens were law-abiding because of their strong religious beliefs. Asked whether his description of Islamic rule was Utopian, Zaid answered that, on the contrary, such rule had existed under the Caliphs. Realistically, Zaid concluded, Muslims in Malaysia could not expect to establish Islamic rule in the near term, nor was JIM advocating such a step, but there was a need to offer a competing vision to that of the west.

THE CORRIDORS OF POWER

Raja Petra Kamarudin

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 KUALA LUMPUR 001014

 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

 

FOR EAP/MTS AND S/SRMC

 

E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: KPAOY, PHUM, KDEM, MY

SUBJECT: FARAH PANDITH'S VISIT SHOWS MANY FACES OF ISLAM IN MALAYSIA

 

REF: A. KUALA LUMPUR 716 -- CANING PUNISHMENT POSTPONED

     B. KUALA LUMPUR 980 -- AMB VERVEER'S VISIT TO

        MALAYSIA

 

KUALA LUMP 00001014  001.2 OF 004

 

SUMMARY

1. (SBU) Special Representative to Muslim Communities (SRMC) Farah Pandith visited Malaysia to begin engagement with civil society and establish contacts with government officials, politicians, teachers, students, and NGOs on December 13-14.

SRMC Pandith explained her recent appointment as the Special Representative to Muslim Communities, emphasizing the President's and the Secretary's policy of creating new partnerships  with Muslim communities around world.  SRMC Pandith was well received by the Malaysians--both as a champion of Islam and for her efforts in promoting a new relationship based on mutual interest and mutual respect between the U.S. and Muslims around the world--but concerns over U.S. foreign policy remained apparent in meetings with politicians, government officials and students. 

SRMC Pandith established solid connections during her initial visit and several organizations expressed interest in remaining in contact with her.  Post hopes that she will be able to capitalize on her initial success with a return visit in 2010.  End Summary.

SISTERS IN ISLAM, SISTERS IN THOUGHT

2. (SBU) On December 13, Farah Pandith met with the pioneers of the local NGO Sisters in Islam (SIS): Zainah Anwar (Founder), Hamidah Marican (Executive Director), and Norani Othman (co-founder) and discussed a wide range of social and religious issues pertaining to Islam. 

Zainah explained that she started the organization 20 years ago out of concern that Muslim women in the country were being discriminated against, especially in issues concerning Family Law (marriage, divorces, custody), which is the purview of Syariah courts.

According to Zainah, "Everything was argued in the name of religion and no one questioned it."

3. (SBU) Sisters in Islam attracts criticism from conservative Muslim groups in Malaysia because SIS argues for fresh interpretations of the Quran, and is seen as backing a Western approach toward equal rights for women.  There have been numerous calls to ban the organization, including from the Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS).  Pandith asked about SIS' relationship with GOM and civil society. 

Zainah replied that the NGO has been subject to police harassment for criticizing the caning sentence of Kartika, a Muslim woman arrested by religious police for drinking beer (reftels).

SIS is very concerned over rumors that members could face trial on sedition charges.

4. (SBU) SRMC Pandith welcomed SIS's courageous approach to issues such as women,s rights and suggested that SIS try to penetrate the Malay youth demographic by using comics and graphic novels.  SIS members were interested in the idea and requested technological assistance and further contact with Pandith.

VISIT TO MADRASAH SCHOOL

5. (U) To get closer to grassroots Muslim life in Malaysia, SRMC Pandith visited the Al-Amin Madrasah School located in Bangi, a one hour drive from Kuala Lumpur in the shadows of the National University of Malaysia, on December 14. 

Founded in 1989, this private school with 100 teachers and 893 primary and secondary students is part of a network of madrasahs comprising 35 schools and 8,000 students and is chaired by Ustaz Megat Mohamed Amin. 

Amin, who recently returned from a "life-changing" multi-regional International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) on secondary and elementary education in the U.S., was instrumental in establishing in 2008 an English Language Access Microscholarship program for 60 Muslim students to learn after-school English for two years at a madrasah in the conservative state of Kelantan.

6. (U) During the discussions, a school board member noted that the madrasah taught the government-required curriculum in addition to Islamic courses.  SRMC Pandith complimented the team on its broad curriculum and encouraged sharing the model with other Muslim communities. 

In response to Ustaz Amin's comment that the school could do better in encouraging interactions with non-Muslim communities, SRMC Pandith suggested the expansion of the madrasah's social entrepreneurship-based community development projects to include non-Muslim schools in the local community.

POLITICIANS SHIFT CONVERSATION FROM ISLAM TO OBAMA, PALESTINE

7. (SBU) SRMC Pandith, DCM Rob Rapson, and Poloffs met with politicians from each of the three predominantly Muslim parties over lunch: the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), the People's Justice Party (PKR), and the Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS).  All three politicians agreed that Islam is compatible with democracy.  UMNO Member of Parliament (MP) Nur Jazlan stated that the ongoing "Islamization process" in Malaysia started "around 30 years ago." 

(Note: this was a thinly veiled suggestion that it started after then-Islamist activist Anwar Ibrahim joined UMNO in 1982.  End Note.) 

Jazlan stated that once the process started, UMNO and the government "could not turn back the clock" and therefore UMNO was forced to embrace Islamization.  Jazlan candidly stated if UMNO did not embrace the challenge, the party would be accused of being "un-Islamic." 

Jazlan conceded that he is not happy with what is happening, but is unable to stop it due to political considerations. 

PAS Youth Secretary General Kamaruzaman Mohamad, not a member of Parliament, added that PAS is committed to democracy until "we capture power."

8. (SBU) PKR MP Yusmadi Yusuf welcomed President Obama's Cairo speech but expressed concern from PKR leaders, including party advisor Anwar Ibrahim, that Obama seems to be "speaking on behalf of Muslims," and that this slant is not going down well among them. 

(Comment: post does not feel that this is an accurate assessment of Anwar's views.  End Comment.

Yusmadi felt that President Obama should instead address the problems in the "Muslim world" as an outsider. He nonetheless stressed that Muslims in Malaysia welcomed the new administration which he felt "is genuinely concerned" about the "Muslim world" compared to the previous administration. 

Yusmadi also suggested that the U.S. should formulate an economic model for Muslim countries which he claimed "would endear the U.S. among Muslims."  He cited Southern Thailand as a possible region to implement this economic model. 

Kamaruzaman echoed Yusmadi's view that there is a genuine optimism among Muslims over U.S. policies after the Obama administration came to power, but pointed out that Muslims will always have problems with the U.S. so long as the Palestinian issue is not resolved.  He criticized the U.S. for being a staunch and uncompromising ally of Israel.

Until the U.S. can become more of an "honest broker", said Karamuzaman, the U.S. will always be viewed with suspicion by Muslims.

RELIGIOUS MINISTRY: TOLERATING RELIGION, IF DONE THEIR WAY

9. (SBU) SRMC Pandith met with Minister for Religious Affairs Jamil Khir Baharom, who immediately reflected upon his positive experience attending graduate school in the U.S., and elaborating on the similarities between the U.S. and Malaysia. 

Jamil noted that both countries are multi-racial and commented on how other races have the freedom to celebrate their religion in Malaysia.   The Minister then went on to explain that Malaysia practices Sunni Islam exclusively, noting that Shia and Sufism are not allowed in Malaysia.  According to Jamil, "it's better to have one school of thought instead of many."

10. (SBU) The Minister noted that Islamic education is compulsory for all Muslims, starting with primary and secondary students with continuation in public universities.

He recalled the poor Islamic education system in Malaysia prior to independence and felt privileged that the Federal Government took over the education system by outlining the school syllabus and having it standardized.  The teachings also differed from one village to another, which led to different schools of thought. 

Jamil added that the Ministry of Higher Education collaborates with the Religious Affairs Department in setting up the syllabus, and now many Malaysian scholars study abroad, especially in Egypt and Jordan. 

Jamil did not elaborate on other activities that the Ministry engages in, though he did say that one of them is to monitor sermons given after Friday prayers.

ENERGIZING THE NEXT GENERATION OF GLOBAL MUSLIMS

11. (U) At a round table discussion with Islamic scholars, academics, students, Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program alumni, and a local entrepreneur, SRMC Pandith emphasized her role as convener, facilitator, and intellectual partner listening to the next generation and encouraging initiatives for the common good. 

She stressed the diversity of Islam and the desire to build relationships across Muslim communities over time and based on mutual interest and respect.  She noted the power of traditional and social media networking to spread information, expand engagement, and reach more global youth interested in positive change.

12. (U) Faisal Hassan, President of the YES Alumni Association of Malaysia, spoke of his group's diverse activities including community service and development projects (promoting peace, building leadership skills, developing English-language programs), organizing a worldwide YES Alumni Conference in Malaysia in November 2009, participating in the AFS World Congress in Kuala Lumpur in November 2009, and networking with other alumni abroad to share best practices and experiences.  SRMC Pandith encouraged YES to expand its network even further through social media and to consider working with other entrepreneurs to "scale up" their activities and have an even greater impact around the world.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP'S POSSIBILITIES AT THE GRASSROOTS LEVEL

13. (U) SRMC Pandith spoke about the power of entrepreneurship for Muslim communities at the roundtable, mentioning entrepreneurship not only in its traditional business context, but also in terms of innovation (technology and ideas) and social entrepreneurship (giving back through community development). 

She stressed that examples of Muslim entrepreneurship successes highlight "the good side of Muslim communities around the world."  Malaysian entrepreneur Dhakshinamoorthy "Dash" Balakrishnan, CEO of Warisan Global, shared his personal experiences at the grassroots level in hiring over 800 Malaysian Muslim graduates to engage villagers in entrepreneurial projects making greater use of the Internet and to create markets for their cottage industry products. 

He also noted the success during the recent Global Entrepreneurship Week that he organized.  He concluded that entrepreneurship has broken both mental and racial barriers and that partnership-based entrepreneurial activities have created stronger levels of trust between various communities in Malaysia.

INTERVIEW WITH FEATURES REPORTER, BERITA HARIAN

14. (U) Following her roundtable with university students and faculty, SRMC Pandith held an exclusive interview with Berita Harian, one of KL's major Malay-language dailies with nationwide weekday circulation of nearly 200,000.  In the interview, SRMC Pandith explained why she had chosen to visit Malaysia, echoing President Obama's description in his Cairo speech, of Malaysia as a "progressive Muslim-majority country" and one that must not be ignored. 

She also talked about why Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is putting an emphasis on grassroots and people to people connections. She also spoke about her position as the Special Representative, her interest in convening dialogues and facilitating networking among like-minded people who support the "diversity of Islam" and want to make a difference. 

She mentioned how the U.S. sees its role as a convener and facilitator, and as an intellectual partner with Muslim communities around the world.  SRMC Pandith stressed that the U.S. is open to new ideas and mentioned her hope that proposals for undertakings between the U.S. and Malaysia can come from a renewed dialogue with Malaysians in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. 

When asked whether public perception and treatment of Muslims in the U.S. had improved since 2001, SRMC Pandith replied that "As is the case in many societies around the world) there is still a need for education about diversity and mutual respect," but stressed that "Muslims in the United States have more freedom to practice their religion than anywhere else in the world."

(Note: A feature article from this interview will be published shortly in Berita Harian's weekend edition. End note.)

JAMAH ISLAH MALAYSIA (JIM): AN NGO WITH CONSERVATIVE IDEALS

15. (SBU) At a December 14 dinner meeting with SRMC Pandith, President of the conservative Islamic NGO Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM) Zaid Kamaruddin and colleagues explained that the 10,000-member organization, many of whom are spread at all levels of the government strata, was dedicated to strengthening Muslim values in Malaysia. 

He and fellow believers set up the NGO in 1982 after Anwar Ibrahim, who was then leader of the Muslim Youth Organization (ABIM) decided to join the ruling political party, UMNO.  Zaid and others thought the struggle for Muslim values had to remain outside the government. 

Zaid said JIM sought to offer an alternative vision to what he called the "liberal western" system of government that Malaysia had adopted.  Democracy was a significant achievement, but Islamic government "by God" would be better.  In addition, materialistic western values meant citizens lacked ethical discipline, so democracy required extensive regulation and a robust police force to keep society under control.

16. (SBU) In contrast, under Islamic rule citizens could be confident that rulers (who could be chosen through democratic elections, perhaps) would act within the bounds of behavior as laid out in the Koran and Sunnah, and citizens were law-abiding because of their strong religious beliefs. 

Asked whether his description of Islamic rule was Utopian, Zaid answered that, on the contrary, such rule had existed under the Caliphs.  Realistically, Zaid concluded, Muslims in Malaysia could not expect to establish Islamic rule in the near term, nor was JIM advocating such a step, but there was a need to offer a competing vision to that of the west.

17. (SBU) We asked Zaid about two current controversies in Malaysia with religious overtones:  the Catholic Herald's effort to overturn a law restricting the use of the word "Allah" to Muslims, and the pending caning of a Muslim woman, Kartika, for drinking alcohol, noting that these cases attracted attention outside of Malaysia. 

Zaid said that the law restricting the use of "Allah" was not based on Muslim beliefs, but nevertheless a law was on the books and JIM would not risk alienating other Muslim groups by defending the Catholic Herald. 

On the Kartika case, he said there should be no controversy:  she had broken Syariah law in Pahang state, and the required penalty was caning.

18. (U) SRMC Pandith cleared this cable.

KEITH

 
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