Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- NAKBA DAN MALAPETAKA
- The Technology of Trust
- Pusat Pentadbiran Negeri Sabah adalah Sabah for Sabahans …..?
- ‘Respect Sabahan nativity’
- Police report made by Blog House Tony Yew against 5xmom and her religion
- PR says no to 'problem-ridden', 'costly' biometric system
- PM announces 7th NKRA - tackling rising living costs
- The Battle Has Just Begun
- 709 Rally - Significance and Implications
- RCI + inquest = ‘big, big mess’
- BN MPs want more funds ahead of polls
- Malaysia: Struggle For Democracy Intensifies – Analysis
- TBH inquisition reveals racist underpinnings
- Tussle over UDA’s plans for Pudu Jail
- Muslim women barred from working as GROs in Kuantan
- Teoh’s death: ‘Four new leads for police’
- The man who would be PM
- RM14.5bn golden yacht story ‘fake’: Motorboat website
- Tengku Razaleigh & Friends
- The ‘politicised’ civil society
- EC no. 2 grilled in public over 'powerless' claim
- EO - Another ISA? Candelight Vigil & Forum
- Is BN injecting ‘voters’ into Sarawak?
- Punish Bersih or risk losing support, Utusan warns BN
- Apocalypse begins
- Response to Wong Chun Wai: Why Malaysians are angry
- The last resort
- DSAI and Sodomy Three
- Citizens - Post-Bersih Thoughts & Call2Action
- Those whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad
- Kuan Yew warns of two-party system pitfalls
- Learning from our neighbours
- The ghosts of Mahathirism
- Ambiga wants non-partisan committee for electoral reform
- Ahead of polls, Najib’s last card is the budget
- Deployment of Barisan Rakyat Independent Candidate
- Of Raja Nazrin, Real Stories & Regal Rhetoric
- WIKILEAKS: PM ABDULLAH'S POSITION ERODED AFTER TUMULTUOUS WEEK
- Resign Or Snap Election For Najib, Here’re The Reasons
- Back to the Middle Ages
- cakap cakap...DSAI
- Muzzling the media in Malaysia: libel and censorship
- Nazri agrees to debate with Kit Siang over Teoh RCI
- Bourdon disputes minister’s claim
- Clones: ‘EC confessed so cops must act’
- Probe MACC trio for culpable homicide, PKR tells cops
- Who should lead Pakatan after Anwar?
- MACC officers ‘concocted’ story to protect careers
- Mat Sabu disputes police video, maintains knocked down by cops
- Anwar wants condo owner, four others interviewed
| Posted: 27 Jul 2011 12:11 PM PDT DARI JELEBU Hishamuddin Rais Saya harap para pembaca telah dapat memahami dari mana munculnya gerombolan United Malay National Organisation, Malayan Chinese Association dan Malayan Indian Congress. Kesemua badan-badan ini adalah boneka British. Dari namanya kita telah tahu bahawa badan-badan ini dibentuk dan ditaja oleh penjajah British. Setiap tahun pada 15 Mei warga Palestine akan menyambut Nakba. Tarikh ini bukan disambut dengan pesta-pestaan. Tarikh Nakba ini - 15 Mei 1948 - adalah tarikh entiti yang dipanggil Israel telah dipacakkan keatas bumi Arab. Justeru pada tarikh ini warga Palestine diseluruh dunia akan mengingati kembali hari musibah ini. Read more at: http://tukartiub.blogspot.com/2011/07/nakba-ialah-malapetaka.html |
| Posted: 27 Jul 2011 12:07 PM PDT
If there is no trust in the people who run the system, it doesn't matter how 'fool-proof' the technology is. By jaykayenn Who is to say otherwise? The recent announcement by the Elections Commision to use biometric systems at the polls was instantly met with criticism and scepticism. The EC claims that the biometric system is a "fool-proof" system, while opposing parties went on to question the competence of the EC in deploying, maintaining and securing such a system. For me, the technical merits of this, or in fact, any system is rather irrelevant. One may argue that there are several known methods of circumventing a fingerprint reader. Or that the records of voters are unreliable, etc. If we continue along this path, we soon find that 'biometric system' is just a pair of words with no absolute definition. Without a detailed set of definitions, open to peer review, it could mean just about anything the EC wants it to mean. Then there's the matter of implementation. Who is to know if the voting process is being carried out exactly to specifications? What safeguards are there against deviation and fraud? Who makes the observations and certifications? It all comes down to trust. If there is no trust in the people who run the system, it doesn't matter how 'fool-proof' the technology is. For example, there are cryptographic algorithms available these days that are statistically impossible to crack; yet, people get busted and data gets stolen all the time. Not because of any technical failure, but because the people who were trusted with the keys gave in. Read more at: http://www.jaykayenn.com/2011/07/the-technology-of-trust/
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| Pusat Pentadbiran Negeri Sabah adalah Sabah for Sabahans …..? Posted: 27 Jul 2011 12:04 PM PDT When there is a world economy crisis hitting Malaysian soil, instead of taking measures to cut cost and leakages, raise the competitiveness of the nation, strengthen the safety nets for citizens, the BN administration will further increase the deficit budget, causing higher national debts and award more contracts to selected parties. By Lee Wee Tak Reading some facebook walls postings, I suppose a good number of common Sabahans are not exactly thrilled with the proposed Pusat Pentadbiran Negeri Sabah awarded to Bina Puri Group. Was there any public tendering? Never mind that. This is the Bursa Malaysia announcement:  The Chairman of Bina Puri Group is Dato' Ir Wong Foon Meng According to the profile page of its 2010 annual report and accounts:- "He was elected as a State Assemblyman in Terengganu* in 1995 and subsequently appointed as a member of the State Executive Council (EXCO). He was appointed as Senator and elected as Deputy President of the Senate of Parliament of Malaysia in 2004. He was then elected as the President of the Senate from July 2009 until April 2010" * as a MCA candidate In the Chairman's statement touching on "Business Outlook and Prospects", Dato Wong has this comment : ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "….the world economy experienced the worst effects of the global financial crisis in the first half of 2009, ……. As a highly open economy, the Malaysian economy was similarly significantly affected …. Against this backdrop, coupled with the Government's growth impetus policies that included the roll-out of RM9billion in infrastructure projects, including a provision of RM4.7 billion for roads and bridges projects and RM2.6 billion for water supply and sewerage services, the Bina Puri Group will benefit accordingly" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ What the Chairman is saying, to this reader, is that when there is a world economy crisis hitting Malaysian soil, instead of taking measures to cut cost and leakages, raise the competitiveness of the nation, strengthen the safety nets for citizens, the BN administration will further increase the deficit budget, causing higher national debts and award more contracts to selected parties. Understandably, the projects that prop up the Group are significantly public projects funded by tax payers. Was there any public tendering? Oh do shut up!  > 60% of the Group's revenue is derived from public project  According to the Group Managing Director, Senator Tan Sri Datuk Tee Hock Seng in his Review of Operations, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------  "HIGHWAY CONCESSION Read more at: http://wangsamajuformalaysia.blogspot.com/2011/07/pusat-pentadbiran-negeri-sabah-adalah.html
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| Posted: 27 Jul 2011 11:59 AM PDT (FMT) - LAHAD DATU: Children from Chinese-native parents in Sabah are decrying the National Registration Department's (NRD) unwillingness to specify their mixed ethnicity in their MyKad applications. Sources here said the NRD required Sino-Kadazans or Sino-Dusuns to choose between Chinese, Kadazan, Dusun or Murut ethnicity for their MyKads. NRD is insisting that the community use the generic term "Sino-Native" in the documentation. The policy has angered the mixed Chinese-native community in the state. They have refused to subscribe to the NRD ruling and are demanding that their particular native groupings be recognised. Kadazan, Dusun or Murut communities are inherent to Sabah. Sensing an implosion following a recent complaint by a Chinese association in Ranau, Sabah deputy chief minister Yee Moh Chai said it was not right for the federal government to deny Sabahans of mixed parentage their nativity. "In Sabah by virtue of its traditions, customs and beliefs everyone recognises the existence of Sino Kadazan, Sino Dusun and others because inter-marriages here are norm. "They exist and you cannot deny it. If a Sino Kadazan wants to be known as Sino Kadazan then we must respect it. "If it is a fair system that we want in this country, then NRD should only register the people's name minus the particulars like race and religion. It (documents) should only state their nationality as 'Malaysian". "If you want other particulars to be included then you must include all categories and not be selective, " he said recently. 'Right treatment' Yee said as far as Sabah was concerned there were many things that were being done here and that was not done in other parts of Malaysia. "I think they (peninsula) must recognise and learn from us in terms of harmony and living together. It is the 1Malaysia ideology promoted by the Prime Minister," he added.
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| Police report made by Blog House Tony Yew against 5xmom and her religion Posted: 27 Jul 2011 11:58 AM PDT Blog House Malaysia is supposedly the online media watchdog for the Media Consultative Council, claiming to defend bloggers on their site. Bloggers pay a membership fee for their services. Is Tony Yew now telling all bloggers that Blog House Malaysia will not tolerate a person's random thoughts? By Lilian's friend (at least, I'd like to think so) A police report was made against a videographer attached to the Penang government over her tweet allegedly related to the Bersih 2.0 rally on July 9. Utusan had claimed she was inciting the Christians. The Investigating Officer from Brickfields and a cyber crime personnel will be going to Penang to take her statement at the IPD DTL police station around 5.30 pm on Thursday 28 July 2011. The videographer, Lilian, had sent a personal tweet in her protected, private Twitter account. This is what she wrote: As soon as she sent this off, a person by the name of Tony Yew who is the Secretary of Blog House Malaysia demanded she retract what she had said because he claimed she was mixing politics with religion. She replied on Twitter:
However, there was no response from him on Twitter. Instead, he made a police report against her. Blog House Malaysia is supposedly the online media watchdog for the Media Consultative Council, claiming to defend bloggers on their site. Bloggers pay a membership fee for their services. Is Tony Yew now telling all bloggers that Blog House Malaysia will not tolerate a person's random thoughts? Tony Yew appears to have intentionally ignored the fact that it was written at night, in a flippant manner. Then, he did not give her the chance to clarify her statement if he had indeed misunderstood it. Of course, Utusan Malaysia had to publish the story where the original Tweet with "I think" and the "Don't you think so? I go sleep now, bye-bye :)" being omitted, sensationalising her statement to seem like she was trying to gather supporters for her thoughts. Utusan article link here: This is what she said when she wrote to me: 1. My tweets are protected and Tony Yew whom I have added into my account has abused it Therefore, the accusation that I am inciting is false. Her case has not gone to court yet, and I hope it will not reach that stage. Are our private thoughts at stake now? I think we all feel the mainstream media is always twisting facts. Are they now proving that it is in fact true? |
| PR says no to 'problem-ridden', 'costly' biometric system Posted: 27 Jul 2011 10:29 AM PDT (Harakah Daily) - Pakatan Rakyat today rejected the Election Commission's plan to introduce biometric system in the coming general election, saying the system was not only too costly, but has no check and balance as well as fraught with problems of implementation. In a joint statement signed by PAS's election director Dr Hatta Ramli, DAP International secretary Liew Chin Tong and PKR strategic director Rafizi Ramli, PR however pointed out that the move, which drew instant approval from prime minister Najib Razak, had vindicated allegations of phantom voters and multiple voting. Inconsistencies
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| PM announces 7th NKRA - tackling rising living costs Posted: 27 Jul 2011 09:59 AM PDT By Azril Annuar, The Sun PUTRAJAYA (July 27, 2011): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak announced today the seventh National Key Result Area (NKRA) – to tackle the rising costs of living. Najib said the cabinet made the decision as the government does not want the people to suffer from the rising cost of living which has already begun affecting them. "When we first came up with the first six NKRA two years ago, there was no global phenomena on the rising cost of food items. The first six NKRA were initiated after studies were conducted on what the public wanted and needed. "Now that the phenomena on the rising costs of living have become an issue impacting the lives of everyday Malaysians, we have to respond to alleviate the burden and suffering of our people," he said, at a press conference held at his office today. Najib said the 1Malaysia clinics, the 1Malaysia chain of sundry shops and the Tukar programme will now be part of the seventh NKRA. "Pemandu's expertise will be utilised to help the various agencies and ministries involved in items, food items or services concerning the public. It will also be involved in organising labs with the ministries," he added. One of the steps to be taken by the government is to study the supply chain and look at what can be done to "liberalise" it. "Perhaps we will allow for more imported goods and items to add to the market supply. Secondly, we could also open up unused empty fields for food production. We might also find a cheaper alternative on livestock feed," he added. Najib said the newest NKRA will not only cover food items but also other necessities. The first six NKRA are: reducing crime index; poverty eradication; improving urban public transport, combating corruption, education and improving infrastructure in rural areas. Earlier, he held a dialogue session with a number of iconic figures tasked to engage the public in the 1Malaysia Online Roundtable discussion. "It was a very productive discussion. They brought up important suggestions for our consideration. We'll try to respond accordingly. They also want to be involved in the follow through process later. "One of the benefits of this discussion is that we're able to get and feel the pulse of the people," Najib said, adding certain ideas and suggestions raised might be used in the formulating of government policies. Amongst those attending the dialogue were football pundit Serbegeth Singh, celebrity host Aznil Nawawi, ISIS CEO Datuk Dr. Mahani Zainal Abidin and celebrity Lisa Surihani. On the recommendations made by the Royal Commission of Inquiry regarding the late Teoh Beng Hock's case, Najib said: "We will make operational changes to the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) in terms of the training. It's been stated that the training is inadequate and we will strengthen it. "Management of witness will adhere to a new set of guidelines and also with respect to the three who have been named in the report, it's up to MACC and police to make further investigation and the Attorney General to decide on the next course." During the discussion, Najib said he will be cheering Harimau Malaya on their grudge rematch tonight against Singapore at Dewan Wawasan in Kubang Pasu, Kedah with around 10,000 members of the public. He apologised to National Football Team Coach K. Rajagobal for not being able to make it to the game at Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil. "We have a big group here and they're listening to our conversation and they are behind you and Harimau Malaya. I'm sure you'll be able to rise to the occasion and the country is behind you all the way. "I'm sure you have some things (planned) to overcome our two goal loss," he added. |
| Posted: 27 Jul 2011 09:49 AM PDT
By Masterwordsmith As I drove to Caring Society Complex, a light drizzle began - almost as if the heavens were silently weeping for the six civilians, Choo Chon Kai, Sarat Babu, Sarasvathy Muthu, Sukumaran A/L Munisamy, A. Letchumanan, and Dr. Jeyakumar Devaraj (MP for Sungei Siput) who were arrested under the Emergency Ordinance on July 2nd. It has been 27 tormentous days and nights not just for them, but also for their loved ones and loyal supporters. By the time I arrived, the darkness of the night was reminiscent of the solitary confinement cells. Did they know night from day? Or how long they had been there? Deep within, I knew that this candlelight vigil and forum "BERSIH 2.0 Crack-Down: "EO Another ISA" Forum"* would be different from the rest because of the impact of the BERSIH 2.0 rally. Led by Seok Hwa of Suaram, cries of "Hidup Rakyat" and "Bebaskan EO6" filled the night as the crowd grew in size. A few members from the crowd stepped forward to speak up for those in detention and also about the issue at hand - the repressive legislation enforced even though there is absolutely no emergency situation.
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| 709 Rally - Significance and Implications Posted: 27 Jul 2011 09:44 AM PDT By Friends of SUARAM (FOS) Working Committee, Johore Despite all forms of deception, destruction and intimidation and eventually an all-out suppression by the ruling clique of the UMNO-dominated Barisan Nasional Government, 709 rally cum "walk for democracy", was successfully held in Kuala Lumpur City Centre, the heartland of Malaysia. It was a remarkable achievement resulting from a high-degree collective wisdom and correct leadership of Bersih 2.0 leaders, coupled with the extremely huge response and courageous participation of the people. The Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein deployed a large number of fully-armed FRU (riot squads) to block with barbed wire all streets leading to the Merdeka Stadium. Thousands of police were instructed to arrest people, and to disperse any public gathering of people. Only a few thousand demonstrators managed to break through the barricades and successfully entered the area surrounding Merdeka Stadium. Since a peaceful assembly could not be held in the historic and ideal venue chosen by Bersih leaders, more than 50,000 disgruntled participants had no alternative but to take to the streets. Bersihl eaders, including Ambiga and others, in defiance of the restriction order issued by the Court, entered Kuala Lumpur City Centre, braving the possibility of being prevented from entry, or of being arrested. They were eventually stopped and arrested on the way to attend the rally. The "memorandum of 8-point demand for electoral reform" could not be submitted to Agong on that day as a result of the brutal suppression by Barisan Nasional government headed by Najib, Bersih 2.0 had no choice but to appoint another date to submit the memorandum to Agong. 709 rally cum "walk for democracy" was unexpectedly turned into a public demonstration that boosted popular morale. It signified a strong demand for reform of the parliamentary election system as well as for political democracy, after a period of 54 years since Independence. It reflected the unity and co-operation among all ethnic communities, particularly the 3 major communities (Chinese, Malay and Indian). The rally can be interpreted as a severe criticism levelled at the racist blackmail and attack launched by hegemonistic UMNO ruling clique.It took place simply because of UMNO-dominated BN ruling clique stubbornly brushing aside Bersih 2.0's "8-point demand" for electoral reform, which is justified, legitimate and appropriate. The situation was aggravated by Najib going back on his own word, disallowing the rally to be held in Merdeka Stadium. Instead, he gave the green light to the police to resort to brutal repression of those taking part in the rally, including the Bersih leaders. The "709 Bersih rally" can be aptly described as a popular movement of the three ethnic communities launched for the purpose of achieving electoral reform for clean and fair elections. It was a mass struggle unprecedented in the history of Malaysia. The occurrence of this historic event followed by its development is of great significance and of far-reaching implications for democracy and human rights movement in Malaysia. The implications are as follows:- 1. The people realised the unreasonable and deceptive nature of the"rules of the game" of parliamentary elections. The "709 Bersih rally" has brought to light the following points: (1) The past 54 years of practical experience in parliamentary elections since Independence, has taught the broad masses that the "rules of the game" (i.e. election rules, election system and procedures) designed by the British government, and implemented by the UMNO-dominated Alliance and the present Barisan Nasional government are unreasonable and deceptive in nature. (2) The people, through their personal experience in life, have realised that the continuing existence and implementation of the "rules of the game" of parliamentary elections, favouring the ruling clique of the day, would never bring about a popularly-elected government, genuinely representing and protecting the interests of the people. (3) The broad masses have, through the past 54 years of untold suffering, realised that the UMNO hegemonistic ruling clique is the root cause of all racial discrimination, corruption, abuse of power, polarization of wealth and poverty, and social disharmony. The BN component parties (MCA, Gerakan, SUPP and MIC especially) are merely accomplices and lackeys of UMNO's ruling clique. They are working hand in glove against the people; (4) A large proportion of the populace have also realized that, in order to have a better life, the UMNO hegemonistic ruling clique which has ruled our country for 54 long years, must at an opportune time be booted out of the political arena. 2. Daring to put up popular struggle is the answer to the UMNO's racist blackmail It is common knowledge that the BN ruling clique never fails to engage in political blackmail with racist overtones (resorting to lame excuses to intimidate the people ) whenever the Rakyat rise on any occasion to demand justice. In September 2000, after being pressured by Suqiu (the electoral demands made by the Chinese community touching on various national issues). The then Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir decided to settle accounts with the Suqiu Committee not long after the General Election. He summoned leaders of the Suqiu Committee headed by Mr Kuek Hian Hiang of Dong Jiao Zong (the United Chinese School Committees' & Teachers' Associations) to his office. He administered threats to them, pressurizing them to back down on their demands. Meanwhile, MCA and Gerakan leaders coaxed and threatened the leaders of the Suqiu Committee and other Chinese community leaders into setting aside their demands, or risked facing racial backlash. At the same time, the UMNO Youth was stirring up racial sentiments by vowing "to burn down the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall"and shouting slogans like "the Chinese Malaysians go back to China", etc. The UMNO ruling clique headed by Dr. Mahathir practised "white terror" by way of clamouring that "Suqiu has infringed upon the Malay special privileges" and "Suqiu has caused social unrest". By resorting to such "white terror", the government succeeded in thwarting the Suqiu movement. In 1987, the current Prime Minister Najib was the UMNOYouth chief cum Minister for Culture, Youth and Sports. 1987 was the year when the government created a political turmoil when it assigned non-mandarin speaking school administrators to Chinese schools. Najib, in his capacity as the UMNO Youth chief, convened a 10,000-strong rally. A banner bearing the slogan "to soak the Malay keris in Chinese blood" ("Basahkan Keris Dengan Darah Cina") was conspicuously displayed in the rally. In the same rally, Najib delivered a speech highly charged with racist sentiments while waving a keris in his hand. He has now denied having uttered such seditious words as "to soak the Malay keris in Chinese blood" after assuming the post of prime minister (refer to the Chinese news reported by Merdeka Review at http://www.merdekareview.com/news.php?n=9969). But when Bersih 2.0 announced its intention to hold the 709 rally at the Merdeka Stadium, Najib openly supported Melaka chief minister Ali Rustam in mobilizing members of the Malay martial art organization known as PESAKA (Malaysian National Federation of Silat) to take part in the so-called "patriot" rally led by UMNOYouth on 9 July, allegedly to protect the National Palace. Ali Rustam claimed that PESAKA had a total membership of 4000,000. Najib utilized the state machinery (mainly institutions resorting to violence and mass media owned or manipulated by the government) and the racist organization PERKASA to unleash an atmosphere of "white terror" against the people of various communities, in an attempt to frighten them into distancing themselves from the Bersih movement. But such sinister plot failed miserably. The success of Bersih 2.0 rally goes to show that daring to put up popular struggle is the answer to the UMNO's racist blackmail. In the face of the determined action taken by Bersih leaders and the participants of the rally, the racist political blackmail of the UMNO ruling clique has met with total failure. 3. 709 Bersih rally fostered greater awareness as well as unity and cooperation among all ethnic communities 709 Bersih rally has been the biggest popular struggle for human rights and democracy in Malaysia for the past 54 years since Independence. It was estimated that more than 50,000 people from various ethnic groups participated in the rally (mainly the three major ethnic groups - Malays, Chinese and Indians - and other minority groups like Ibans and Kadazans). They were believers of different faiths (largely Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, etc.) and were from all walks of life (workers, farmers, petty traders, professionals, businessmen, academics, artists, political parties, retirees, etc.). The huge crowd of people from different directions, and from all nooks and corners, converged towards the direction of Merdeka Stadium in a peaceful and orderly manner. They were chanting "Hidup Bersih! Hidup Reformasi! HidupRakyat!", expressing their strong desire for reforms. Some of them were seen wearing yellow Bersih T-shirts; some had yellow Bersih 2.0 head banners; while some others were waving national flags. No one was carrying any offensive weapon and such like. Banners which were normally displayed in rallies, but they could hardly be seen in 709 Bersih rally. Those who took part in the peaceful march were however demonized by the UMNO ruling clique as a mob out to create commotions. They were crudely handled with violence by fully-armed anti-riot squads. Tear gas canisters and chemical-laced water cannons were used against them. In the crackdown, a total of 1,667 persons, including the Bersih chairperson Ambiga and several opposition leaders, were arrested, making the number of arrests a record high in history. The mass arrests drew public criticisms from all quarters. Because of that, the police were forced to release all the detainees within a day. It was indeed an embarrassment to the police force. It is to be noted that an overdose of tear gas released by the police resulted in the collapse and death of Baharuddin Ahmad, a participant of the rally. The anti-riot squad fired tear gas canisters and water cannons into the compounds of Tung Shin Hospital and Chinese Maternity Hospital. The police action was merely for the sake of giving chase to the participants who sought refuge in the hospitals. The anti-riot squad totally disregarded the safety of the patients, pregnant women as well as babies in the hospitals. Such repressive actions were immediately severely condemned by the public, and there was heated public discourse on the Internet. To allay public discontent, health minister Liow Tiong Lai convened a media conference with directors of Tung Shin Hospital. He declared that "Tung Shin Hospital and patients did not suffer any injury or damage". That was a futile attempt to justify the government's crackdown. The health minister even went to the extent of claiming that "the police were merely sending the injured to the hospital". He went further to argue that "there would not have been such untoward incident if there were no Bersih rally". All these allegations are sheer nonsense! The truth always prevails. 11 doctors (some of them were from the two hospitals concerned) issued a joint statement founded upon their personal experiences in the rally, served to rebut Liow's false allegations. Numerous articles and photos depicting police brutality were uploaded on the Net. All this constitutes irrebuttable evidence of the repressive actions taken by the government and the police force. The spirit of being fellow Malaysians prevailed in the rally. In the face of violent crackdown, participants of the rally rendered assistance and support to each other, regardless of ethnicity. They marched towards the common goal. It was an invaluable experience and educational process for the Rakyat. It laid the spiritual and material foundation for the struggle on a larger scale for human rights and democracy in the future. Therefore, 709 Bersih rally is of far-reaching implications favourable to the inter-racial unity and cooperation among thevarious communities. This is undeniable. 4. 709 Bersih rally shows NGOs the right direction tomarch forward The launching of "709 Bersih rally" cum "Walk for Democracy" eventually developed into a widespread "709 Public Demonstration". The Bersih chairperson Ambiga and its steering committee have demonstrated theiroutstanding leadership. They won the full confidence and the overwhelming support of the Rakyat. This led to the success of the rally, making it possible for us to move a step forward towards democracy in this country. Ambiga showed her exceptional quality of perseverance and courage in leading Bersih 2.0. She proved herself a shining exemplary leader in civil society. Bersih 2.0 is a coalition of 62 legitimate NGOs (also known as "civil society"). It strives for clean and fair elections. Bersih 2.0 is neither a political party nor a subsidiary of any political party. Bersih 2.0 is to carry on with its struggle for clean and fair elections. It does not exist for the purpose of winning seats in legislative assemblies or seizing power on behalf of any political party. Thus, it is neither subjugated to any political party nor taking orders from any political party. Bersih 2.0 leaders will only act in the interests of the Rakyat, relying on the consensus among civil society groups, and on the final policy decision of the steering committee. Bersih will maintain its independence and autonomy as an NGO coalition. The non-partisan stand adopted by Bersih 2.0 while acting in the interests of the people, was well-received by the people, irrespective of ethnicity, class and religion, and it was also welcomed by various political parties. Bersih 2.0 rally was subsequently turned into a "709 Public Demonstration". This is because the position taken by Bersih 2.0 was in accord with the aspirations and interests of the people regardless of ethnicity, class or creed. It also gained the support of various political parties. In brief, a number of factors contributed to the success of Bersih 2.0 rally, and therefore, the fruit of success ought to be shared and enjoyed by all and sundry. Without doubt, Bersih 2.0 has clearly defined its position, that is, to fight for "clean and fair elections". PSM (Malaysian Socialist Party) launched a 3-day political publicity campaign (from 24 to 26 June) on "Udahlah tu----Bersaralah! BN". The home ministry tried to equate such publicity campaign with Bersih 2.0's electoral reform movement. This was obviously a mischievous attempt on the part of the government to confuse the people, designed to create a wrong impression that Bersih 2.0, like PSM, was calling for "the immediate overthrow of the BN government". The home ministry, through the police, invoked the Emergency Ordinance to detain MP Dr. Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj and 5 others, accusing them of "waging war against Yang Di-Pertuan Agong" and "reviving communism", simply because of the red T-shirts bearing portraits of MCP leaders (i.e. Chin Peng and Abdullah CD) found in their bus. The whole episode is ridiculous to the extreme! The undeniable fact is: On 4 March 2005, Chin Peng,the leader of the Malayan Communist Party (MCP) had, in his "10-point statement", said: "we have taken the oath of allegiance and loyalty to Yang DiPertuan Agong" "we have agreed to give up violence and armed struggle and everything". Prior to this, in 1989, MCP had laid down arms, destroyed all weapons, disbanded its armed forces, and signed the "Haadyai Peace Accord" jointly with the Malaysian government. The detention of Dr Jeyakumar and 5 other members is no doubt a heavy blow to PSM. To some extent, it has tarnished the image of Bersih 2.0. It is detrimental to Bersih's call for electoral reform. "Bersih! Bersih! Hidup Bersih!" was the unanimous slogans chanted throughout the Bersih 2.0 rally on July 9, where no flag or slogan of any political party was seen. The slogans used reflected the common aspirations of the Rakyat for clean and fair elections. Rakyat have given a thumbs-up to the Bersih 2.0 rally. The Bersih 2.0 rally is a mature and successful public demonstration. To sum up, 709 rally has no doubt far-reaching implications conducive to the healthy development of civil society in this country.
Friends of Suaram (FOS) Working Committee, Johor |
| RCI + inquest = ‘big, big mess’ Posted: 27 Jul 2011 09:42 AM PDT By Teoh El Sen, FMT PETALING JAYA: The Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into Teoh Beng Hock's death, which released its findings in a report last Thursday, has created a "big legal mess" by generating more questions than answers, said prominent human rights lawyer Malik Imtiaz Sarwar. Malik, who represented the Selangor government during the inquest and RCI, said rather than serving its original function to bring a closure to the issue, there are now different conclusions by the RCI and inquest. "What has resulted is a big, big, mess. We have now a coroner's decision and a RCI's, which are saying different things. In law, the coroner's findings is the determinative one," the National Human Rights Society president told FMT. Malik said the three Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers – Negri Sembilan MACC director (then Selangor MACC deputy director) Hishamuddin Hashim and two enforcement officers Mohd Anuar Ismail (then the investigating officer) and Mohd Ashraf Mohd Yunus, who are being internally investigated for allegedly driving Teoh to suicide – would most probably make the same argument (that the RCI finding is inferior to a court finding) if they were brought to court. "Both findings (RCI and inquest) are inconsistent. The inquest ruled out a suicide and said there were insufficient evidence to come to a finding of homicide. It also accepted that there were pre-fall injuries on Teoh, but the RCI totally ignored all that," said Malik. Malik said before the Selangor government and lawyers of Teoh's family decided to pull out of the RCI, they suggested and raised concerns over the "dual" findings that would eventually emerge but their arguments fell on deaf ears. "The RCI then should have stood down until the outcome of the revision (on the inquest) had been done away with. Or, the Attorney-General should have withdrawn his application to revise the inquest decision to push for a suicide finding and all parties to start off on a clean slate. But that was never decided on," he said. "At the end of the day, the A-G, who recommended for both a revision and most probably also advised the government to hold the RCI, was asking for two different sides," he said. "Also, the RCI decided to ignore all the evidence in the inquest and reboot the whole case… and it seems that somehow everyone got a second chance to restate their case. They (the commissioners) should not have done that; (RCI chairman) James ( Foong) could have found a way to include the coroner's findings," he added. 'There's no certainty' Malik expressed his disappointment that the RCI now gave rise to more uncertainty than definitive answers. "Where do things stand right now? There's no certainty. What we have now is a whole mess of uncertainty," he said. "Has the RCI served its function? From the very beginning, the decision not to hold a RCI before an inquest was ill-conceived, and having a RCI as a knee-jerk reaction to public anger was also not well-thought out," he said, adding that the original intention of having a RCI was because of public anger and lack of confidence in the inquest's findings. "The RCI was more of a political resolution rather than a legal one," he said.
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| BN MPs want more funds ahead of polls Posted: 27 Jul 2011 09:38 AM PDT
KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 — Barisan Nasional (BN) lawmakers have told coalition leaders that the government must ensure more funds trickle down to their constituencies instead of concentrating on big-ticket projects like the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) construction in Kuala Lumpur if the ruling coalition wants to receive a strong mandate in the next general election. The Malaysian Insider understands that the matter was raised during a meeting on Monday night between 100 BN federal lawmakers and Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. The lawmakers argued that if Putrajaya could set aside funds for the MRT project, a similar amount should be given to generate economic benefits in more constituencies. While the BN representatives said they "understood" the purpose of the MRT project, some of them felt that development projects within "rural" constituencies should be given top priority. MPs who attended the briefing told The Malaysian Insider that many had voiced out concerns that further announcements and implementation of "mega" projects would pose a financial constraint in funding to constituencies. It is understood that some BN leaders present at the meeting had requested an extra RM1 million in allocation of funds on top of the estimated RM1 million usually allocated annually and signed by the district officer of a particular constituency. "There was a general feeling that it (MRT project) is costly, and that the money could be used for the time being for constituencies for smaller projects. One MP needs millions to do a project in his or her constituency," a BN source told The Malaysian Insider. There is controversy over the estimated cost of the MRT project, which some reports have pegged to be as high as RM50 billion, although the authorities have said the cost cannot be finalised until the MRT alignment is confirmed. But Umno MP Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan stressed that while BN MPs were very frank with their suggestions during the meeting, none of them voiced out any disagreement with the MRT project. "Everyone present that evening understood what the MRT was for; questions and points were just raised to strengthen arguments to allow more allocation... it's only as far as MPs who serve in rural areas feel that development projects in their own areas should have been given priority. They were quite frank in giving their input. "It was not about objection towards MRT, it was about more about wanting more funds to spend on a constituency. They are just saying that the money could have instead been used in rural areas, but the government has a different view about the economy," he told The Malaysian Insider.
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| Malaysia: Struggle For Democracy Intensifies – Analysis Posted: 26 Jul 2011 08:16 PM PDT
A notable feature of the Malaysian electoral system is that the electoral system favours the electorate in rural areas. And the rural areas are predominantly inhabited by the Malays. This legislation was introduced on the eve of the formation of Malaysia in 1963. EURASIA REVIEW On July 9, 2011, thousands of Malaysians defied the government ban and marched through the streets of Kuala Lumpur demanding democratic rights for the people. The march was organized in response to the clarion call issued by Bersih – 2, a coalition of 62 non-governmental organizations, who have been demanding a level playing field and free and fair elections. The unprecedented demonstration was in defiance of the Malaysian Government which had detained many Bersih leaders in the false pretext that they were planning the violent overthrow of the Government and were preparing to wage a war against the Agong (Head of State). The Government declared Bersih-2 to be an illegal organization and, what is more, banned the use of yellow colour (the followers of Bersih wear yellow shirts). The access roads to Kuala Lumpur were closed, private buses were prevented from transporting passengers to Kuala Lumpur and those wearing yellow shirts and scarfs were detained before they reached the city. However, the people in a rare display of courage and determination marched hand in hand and were singing "we shall overcome". They were greeted with tear gas shells, chemical laced water cannons and police batons. The use of force, according to international human rights organizations like the Amnesty International and the Human Rights Watch was "excessive". The unprovoked attack resulted in 1670 arrests; one demonstrator, a Malay leader, Baharuddin Ahmad, died in the hospital. Never before in the history of contemporary Malaysia has such a demonstration taken place. The demonstration represented all ethnic groups – Malays, Chinese and Indians. The only comparable show of peoples' strength took place on November 25, 2007 when the Hindraf mobilized the Indian community in a demonstration before the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur. It was an exclusively Indian gathering and they were protesting against the marginalization and impoverishment of the Indian community since the dawn of independence. Anwar Ibrahim, the charismatic Malaysian leader, warned the Government of a "hibiscus revolution" (hibiscus is the Malaysian national flower) if the government did not heed to popular demands and introduce far reaching democratic reforms. Bersih stands for Coalition for Free and Fair Elections. The July demonstration was called Bersih – 2 because the first was organized in 2007. The Bersih is headed by Ms. Ambiga Sreenivasan, a leading lawyer and former President of the Malaysian Bar Association. Ambiga is the recipient of the US State Department's International Women of Courage Awards. Recently Ambiga was awarded the honorary doctorate by her alma mater, the University of Exeter. She dedicated the award to the "brave people of Malaysia" who had overcome "fear of intimidation and harassment". In her acceptance speech she referred to the July 9 rally and underlined the truth that "while it brought out the worst in some, it brought out the best in others and this is where our hope lies". Malay Political Dominance In order to put the present crisis in perspective, it is necessary to keep in mind certain basic political realities of Malaysia. When the British extended their political influence in the Malay Peninsula in the 19th and 20th centuries they introduced Direct Rule in the Straits Settlements and Indirect Rule in the Federated and Non-Federated Malay States. As far as the Malay states were concerned, the fiction of sovereignty was still vested in the Sultans, but the Sultans had to seek and administer the State on the advice of British Residents/Advisors whose advice was binding on all matters "except Malay religion (Islam) and customs (adat)". What is more, the Malays were recognized as the Bhumiputras (sons of the soil). The British encouraged large scale immigration of the Chinese and the Indians for the economic development of Malaya. Before the Second World War, there was not much of an anti-British feeling; politically the country, unlike Vietnam and Indonesia, was a backwater. As the British novelist Somerset Maugham has written "Malaya was a first rate country for third rate English men". However, the political awakening of the Malays following the introduction of the Malayan Union proposals and the unity that they forged under the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) had far reaching consequences in the political evolution of Malaya. Not only did it compel the British to withdraw the Malayan Union proposals, but it also clearly revealed that the Malays will never surrender the pre-eminent position in Malaya. While in later years, the Malay leaders did take the co-operation of the Malayan Chinese Association (MCA) and the Malayan Indian Congress (MIC) in the larger interests of Malaya as a whole, the dynamic leadership of Malaysian nationalism had always come from the Malays. The ruling Alliance, later expanded into Barisan Nasional, was not an alliance of equal partners; it was an alliance in which the UMNO was the dominant partner. The Malay political supremacy continued unabated until Anwar Ibrahim raised the banner of revolt against the undemocratic and high handed policies of Dr. Mahathir. After the split in the UMNO, the non-Malay votes have become extremely important in coming to power, but unfortunately this has not resulted in any dilution of Malay pre-eminence. Two important changes in the political system should be highlighted. While, in early years of independence, the leaders of the Chinese and the Indians – Tan Siew Sin and Sambanthan – accepted the political supremacy of the Malays without any reservation, the new generation of the Chinese and the Indians has started questioning the basis of Malay political supremacy. These Indians and Chinese – third or fourth generation Malaysia born – resent the special rights enjoyed by the Malays and ask, with certain amount of justification, for how many more years they should live in Malaysia to enjoy equal status with the Malays. What is more, they have started questioning the rationale behind many undemocratic features of the Malaysian political system. Equally important are the leadership qualities of Malaysian Prime Ministers. While the first three Prime Ministers since independence – Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Abdul Razak and Hussein Onn – had overwhelming support of Malays and non-Malays, the same cannot be said about Dr. Mahathir and his political successors. The long spell of Mahathir's rule brought about a fundamental transformation in Malaysia. From being a producer of primary commodities, Malaysia has become an industrialized country, virtually an economic power house in the ASEAN region. But the negative side of the story was increasing authoritarianism and pro-Islamic policies. The unfair trial of Anwar Ibrahim and the third degree methods employed against him by the police officials have given a bad image to Malaysia. What is more, the fruits of development have not percolated to the poorer sections of Malaysian society, especially the Indians. The cumulative result was the political Tsunami in the 2008 election and the Barisan Nasional suffered unprecedented reverses. Not only it lost its two thirds majority in Parliament, it failed to regain power in Kelantan and lost power in Kedah, Perak, Penang and Selangor. The victory of the opposition parties had been a morale booster to pro-democratic forces in the country.
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| TBH inquisition reveals racist underpinnings Posted: 26 Jul 2011 06:48 PM PDT
CPI What is most telling about the Royal Commission report on Teoh Beng Hock is its total neglect of the two major structural factors accounting for the tragedy – the Umno and MACC agenda convergence, and the racist character of the civil service. These ingredients together created a scenario where it is difficult to escape the implications that our independent public institutions, like the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission, are neither independent nor public. It is unsettling to see the MACC operate as a tool of the state. It could be even more unsettling if there was perversion in the MACC's function such that it resembles the interrogation unit of the secret police as found in some autocracies. A deconstruction of events leading and consequent to the deadly outcome is necessary to assess the repercussions of Teoh's tragedy. Mind and methods of MACC Firstly, all the deliberate obfuscation and obstructions put up against the fact-finders seeking the truth of Teoh's death implies a collusion to serve the interest of the executive branch. This type direction seemingly coming from high levels is an indication of a political landscape where the state is the party. So has our ruling party Umno become now indistinguishable from the state? MACC investigation into Ean Yong Hian Wah, the DAP Seri Kembangan assemblyman who was Teoh's employer, commenced amidst Barisan Nasional hopes that it could take over Selangor following its successful toppling of the Pakatan government in Perak. Was the initial investigation and subsequent campaign of harassment by the MACC started at Umno's behest? Kicking into action through selectively targeting DAP, the federal agency put the party assemblymen under the microscope. At the same time, the elephant in the room – former Selangor Menteri Besar Mohd Khir Toyo with his unexplained wealth and stunning 'Bali castle' for all to see – somehow escaped notice. The difference in treatment against mere witnesses from the opposition ranks and suspects from within establishment circles is stark. This is demonstrable from the vast discrepancy in the sum for which Ean Yong (RM2,400 order for national flags) and Khir (millions to buy land and build mansion) were respectively investigated. Further contrast is clearly seen in the varied harshness of the process – "aggressive, relentless, oppressive and unscrupulous interrogation" according to the RCI report on Teoh. A comparison between the two cases as well as drawing the necessary inferences will reveal the racial discrimination, on top of the political bias practised by the MACC. Unless the agency is detached from state (read Umno) control and made answerable to an independent body – and Parliament be given oversight – it will continue to function as a political appendage of the party in power and not in any circumstances to regain public trust. Everything under Umno umbrella Secondly, the RCI ruling on Teoh Beng Hock runs contrary to the more compelling evidence suggesting murder. Its conjectures are weak speculation and too far-fetched for arriving at a finding of suicide whereas on the other hand homicide cannot be dismissed. The issue of distrust re-emerges when the commissioners are seen as aligned to the powers that be. In the court of public opinion, the judiciary and public prosecutors are part of the Umno-dominated power axis or have been co-opted by the authorities (synonymous with Umno). Previously, a royal commission had put forward concrete proposals, including the establishment of an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) for the purpose of reforming the police force. The recommendations contained in the extensive RCI report have been largely ignored to date. Yet another set of conclusions from a different RCI on the VK Lingam judge fixing has dissipated into thin air. In the face of the aborted attempts at reform and NFA (no further action), the public is entitled to query the symbiotic relationship between Umno and judiciary and police. Does the 1party control the bench and the men in blue? Inversely, do the police being in possession of sensitive intelligence hold certain levers to control key Umno personalities? Or else how do we explain the police top brass thumbing their nose at the implementation of the IPCMC? Recently we had the royal commission with terms of reference to enquire into MACC investigative procedures. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that the RCI recommendations will once again be more of the same morass. What traditionally arise from these so-called royal commissions are cosmetic changes (e.g. moving the MACC interrogation room to the basement), and the inevitable stonewalling on cleaning up the outfits. After all, Selangor MACC deputy director Hishamuddin Hashim who was the field mastermind behind the torture of Beng Hock was even promoted to MACC director in Negri Sembilan. The state-party nexus between those officials in government pay and Umno is more often than not reflected in the arrangement 'you do our bidding, we cover your back'. It is this mutual protection racket that helped obliterate incriminating traces of what really happened the night of Teoh's death. Instead of promoting the rule of law, such destructive living in each other's pocket only promotes lawlessness as evidenced in the brutish behaviour of the MACC inquisitors. How the long-drawn saga eventually panned out is not only causing immense anguish to the Teoh family and heaping insult on the memory of the deceased but has also inflamed public anger.
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| Tussle over UDA’s plans for Pudu Jail Posted: 26 Jul 2011 06:39 PM PDT
(The Malaysian Insider) - The Urban Development Authority efforts to trim its debts and raise money for its affirmative action programmes is being hampered by politics with the Finance Ministry stalling on the UDA Holdings board's recommendation of a China-based company to redevelop the Pudu Jail land. The Malaysian Insider understands that the government is facing pressure and lobbying from politically-connected local companies who are keen on taking part in the deal. UDA Holdings has recommended China-based Everbright International Construction Ltd as its partner for the redevelopment of the 8-hectare Pudu Jail site. Sources say that the shortlisting process has been completed and Everbright's bid is in excess of RM2 billion, three times the value of the land. "This is 30 per cent higher than the next best bid," a source told The Malaysian Insider. The Edge reported yesterday that the finance ministry is due to decide from a shortlist of five companies in yet another defining moment for the agency that was formed after race riots in 1969 to ensure Malays have a bigger stake in the urban economy. But the highly-placed source said that UDA's board has alreadyselected the best bid and are waiting for the go-ahead from the finance ministry. "There is no more shortlist. The finance ministry is trying to delay in hopes that the Chinese firm will pull out because it's not worth the hassle. But they are having trouble finding a good reason to reject the bid as the board has decided on the best offer," the source said. The Najib administration last week rejected UDA's sale of 3.56 acres of prime land in downtown Kuala Lumpur to 54 per cent Bumiputera-owned Nadayu Properties Bhd, formerly known as Mutiara Goodyear Development Bhd, for not having sufficient Bumiputera holding. The decision over the Pudu Jail site will be yet another test of Datuk Seri Najib Razak's commitment to economic liberalisation. UDA had come under fire recently from Malay hardliners in Umno, Perkasa and Utusan Malaysia for allegedly abandoning the Bumiputera agenda by not appointing Bumiputera joint-venture turnkey investors for the proposed Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC) on the Pudu Jail site located on prime land in the heart of the capital's Golden Triangle.
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| Muslim women barred from working as GROs in Kuantan Posted: 26 Jul 2011 06:36 PM PDT (Bernama) KUANTAN: Muslim women will be barred from working as guest relation officers (GROs) or waitresses in entertainment outlets in the state capital from next year. Kuantan Municipal Council (MPK) president Datuk Zulkifli Yaacob said the decision was unanimously approved at the MPK full council meeting Wednesday and the enforcement date would be determined later. He said the decision was prompted by a call from the Pahang Islamic Religious Department (Jaip) to forbid Muslims from working at entertainment premises that served alcoholic drinks. "A study found that 85 percent of employees of entertainment premises in the capital are Malays, who are Muslims, and they are exposed to alcoholic drinks. "In addition, it contributes to the negative perception of Islam. Although Muslim GROs might not be drinking, but they had to serve alcoholic beverages to their customers," he told reporters after chairing the MPK full council meeting here. Zulkifli said raids jointly conducted by Jaip, the Customs, police, the Immigration Department and the MPK found that many employees of entertainment outlets, including Muslims took alcoholic drinks. "The MPK will also step up joint operations against Muslims drinking alcoholic drinks in public," he added. - Bernama |
| Teoh’s death: ‘Four new leads for police’ Posted: 26 Jul 2011 06:33 PM PDT
By Teoh El Sen, FMT PETALING JAYA: DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang yesterday urged police to re-open investigations into the death of former political aide Teoh Beng Hock based on four new "leads" that the recently released Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report revealed. Lim, the Ipoh Timor MP, said police should be investigating Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers for perjury based on the report's finding that named most of the MACC officers as "liars". "Apart from two brave and truthful souls from Selangor MACC – Azeem Hafeez Jamaluddin and Azian Umar – the report virtually dismissed the rest as a pack of liars led by (then Selangor MACC deputy director) Hishamuddin Hashim, the "mastermind" of the massive and unjustified operation which resulted in Teoh's death," he said. (Azian and Azeem were lauded as brave in the report as their testimony had supported the finding that MACC officers had been instructed to lie by their superiors.) Lim said the report's "most scathing… indictment of the character and testimony" of the officers is "fertile source for the formulation of multiple perjury charges against Hishamuddin and other MACC officers in giving false testimony at the RCI". Under Section 193 of the Penal Code, this provides for a maximum sentence of seven years jail and fine on conviction. Lim, speaking at the "Teoh Beng Hock Royal Commission Inquiry Report – Where is the promised truth?" forum last night, challenged Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail to arrest and charge Hishamuddin based on the following paragraph in the report: "The evidence adduced showed that the MACC officers were prepared to go to great lengths to lie. One glaring example is that of Hishamuddin, a very senior officer, who was overall in charge of Lim said that based on this paragraph alone, a charge could be framed against Hishamuddin. 'A pack of liars He added that the RCI could not have been more condemnatory of Mohd Anuar Ismail, who was appointed investigating officer of the operation by Hishamuddin. Lim quoted another paragraph from the report, which said:"Anuar lied about the role he played in order to cover up for HH. And on top of these factors, he was a trusted senior officer of Hishamuddin who was prepared to sacrifice himself for Hishamuddin…" Calling MACC Selangor officers "a pack of liars" (apart from Azeem and Azian), Lim said the RCI report findings meant that "they had lied all the way from the initial police investigations into Teoh's death to the inquest and the RCI about what happened to Teoh on the fateful days of July 15 and 16, 2009″.
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| Posted: 26 Jul 2011 05:20 PM PDT
But we failed to take into consideration one very important point. And this one very important point is Dr Mahathir is a more seasoned politician than we gave him credit for. And the script for the final scenario was written by him: his puppet Najib became Prime Minister instead of Ku Li who wanted then to be 'independent', reform the government, and offer the opposition a role in the government under a Unity Government. THE CORRIDORS OF POWER Raja Petra Kamarudin
To sack Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah from Umno is to precipitate the party's own implosion. Mohd Ariff Sabri Aziz, Free Malaysia Today Why is Umno quiet about Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and his Amanah? The answer is that they simply can't do anything about it. Even among Umno members there is increasing disquiet about how things are managed. Saifuddin Abdullah's recent 'out-of-line' statements and Khairy Jamaluddin's conscientious objections are only tips of the icebergs. Tengku Razaleigh is merely pointing out the realities. He is still an Umno member – so what can Umno do at the moment? Umno can't sack a person of his stature without precipitating its own implosion. So go ahead- sack him and it will make the days of many. Tengku Razaleigh is of course mindful of the possible repercussions of his actions. He may not be fielded as an Umno candidate in the next elections. He may lose the support of Gua Musang Umno. Current Umno leaders inconsequential The last time I spoke to him, he was telling me of these reservations. I pointed out to him that his victory doesn't just depend on Umno votes. It depends on the rakyat. Given the history of seeing only 60 % of Umno members voting for their own candidates and 60 % of Malays voting for non-Umno candidates in the last general election, I would rate his chances as being above average. The opinion of the present Umno leadership is quite simply inconsequential. So that is why Umno is quiet about the whole thing. At the moment this is what Amanah provides. Amanah provides platform for speaking out against the abuses on the Merdeka heritage. READ MORE HERE: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/2011/07/27/umno-cant-risk-sacking-ku-li/ **************************************** What I am about to say is in response to the article above. It is not something new but what I have said many times in the past. In fact, in my more than one hour interview with TV3 in Perth, I touched on this issue. Unfortunately, TV3 was not 'brave' enough to air that part of my interview. First of all, because of the way Malaysian elections are conducted, even if Barisan Nasional garners just 45% of the popular votes it will still be able to form the federal government. This is the reality of the situation and this is why we need BERSIH -- to reform the electoral system to change this state of affairs. For Pakatan Rakyat to be able to form the federal government it would need to garner at least 60% of the popular votes. And this is almost impossible if we do not reform the system. Maybe 50% of the popular votes would be possible. But 50% would not give Pakatan Rakyat the federal government. It has to be at least 60%. This means, short of a massive revamp of the system, it would be impossible for Pakatan Rakyat to form the federal government. And this means we may need to look at Barisan Nasional for the next Malaysian Prime Minister (unless Pakatan Rakyat can do the 'impossible' and garner 60% of the popular votes). Let's be very clear about one thing. I would love to see the Prime Minister come from Pakatan Rakyat. Whether this 'someone' from Pakatan Rakyat is Anwar Ibrahim or Nizar Jamaluddin or Lim Guan Eng or whoever is secondary at the moment. This is not the issue we need to discuss just yet. The issue is, for the meantime, who from Barisan Nasional should be the Prime Minister. And that was why six years ago back in 2006 we looked at the possibility that this someone from Barisan Nasional, which therefore also meant someone from Umno, has to be someone who is prepared to embark upon a reform agenda. And this someone, due to lack of any other more suitable alternative, would have to be Tengku Tan Sri Razaleigh Hamzah a.k.a. Ku Li. And with that in mind, bloggers, political activists, and civil society members from both sides of the political divide got together to see how Abdullah Ahmad Badawi a.k.a. Pak Lah could be ousted and replaced with Ku Li. Meeting after meeting was held. Ex-Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was also approached and a few meetings were held with him as well. And it was agreed that Pak Lah would be ousted and Ku Li would replace him. But there was one condition that Dr Mahathir stipulated and which Ku Li could not agree to. And that one condition was: once Pak Lah is ousted and Ku Li takes over, a Presidential Council would be formed and the new Prime Minister would be 'guided' by this Council. This is just like how the nine Rulers rule, through state Royal Councils. But this Presidential Council would be slightly different. It would be a de facto Prime Minister Council. Ku Li, of course, did not agree to this and so Dr Mahathir decided to back Najib Tun Razak instead. Najib agreed to become the rubber-stamp Prime Minister with the Presidential Council as the de facto Prime Minister. The question would be: who will head this Presidential Council -- basically the de facto Prime Minister? And the answer is: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. This, in short, meant that Dr Mahathir would become the de facto Prime Minister while Pak Lah's successor would be just a rubber-stamp Prime Minister. Then, along came the number two of the Special Branch of the Military Intelligence, Kol Azmi Zainal Abidin, who claimed he had documentary evidence that Rosmah Mansor and her ADC (and husband) were at the scene of Altantuya Shaariibuu's murder. This most damaging report would thus disqualify Najib and would put Ku Li back in the lead. The day after I signed my Statutory Declaration, Dr Mahathir summoned Tan Sri Sanusi Junid to his office and asked him whether he had read my SD. Sanusi at first did not know what Dr Mahathir was talking about. After Sanusi had read my SD, Dr Mahathir retorted, "Raja Petra has just killed our horse. We need to find a new one." However, before the final nail could be hammered into Najib's coffin, Kol Azmi did a U-turn and claimed that all the evidence had been removed from the Military Intelligence office and had been destroyed. He also claimed that no copies were made. Instead of hammering the final nail into Najib's coffin, it was hammered into my coffin and Najib went on to become the new Prime Minister while Ku Li was shafted in the arse (along with me of course). Is Ku Li going to be a better Prime Minister? That is what many may ask. The question should be whether Ku Li would be a better Prime Minister than Najib. And whether with Ku Li as Prime Minister, we would have a problem of a Rosmah Mansor acting like Queen Marie Antoinette of France. And whether with Ku Li as Prime Minister we would have a de facto Prime Minister calling the shots and playing the role of the real power behind the throne. Ku Li made one thing very clear, which unsettled Dr Mahathir like hell. And that one thing is: he would become an 'independent' Prime Minister who would press for reforms and even consider forming a 'Unity Government' with the opposition. On the basis of these three promises, we decided to back Ku Li as the new Barisan Nasional (Umno) Prime Minister. This was back in 2006, two years before the March 2008 general election and one year before the November 2007 BERSIH rally. No one knew then how the opposition was going to perform in the following general election due in 2008 or 2009. In fact, at that time, there was no Pakatan Rakyat. Pakatan Rakyat had not even been formed yet. And DAP was still an 'independent' opposition party and not part of any opposition coalition. So, our only bet then, in the absence of a strong and viable opposition coalition, was to try to influence changes within Umno and back the best man who could become Prime Minister and bring reforms to Malaysia. I stress, this was back in 2006, five years ago. And back then this appeared to be the best alternative. But we failed to take into consideration one very important point. And this one very important point is Dr Mahathir is a more seasoned politician than we gave him credit for. And the script for the final scenario was written by him: his puppet Najib became Prime Minister instead of Ku Li who wanted then to be 'independent', reform the government, and offer the opposition a role in the government under a Unity Government. |
| RM14.5bn golden yacht story ‘fake’: Motorboat website Posted: 26 Jul 2011 03:37 PM PDT
ANIL NETTO Much has been made in the media about a RM14.5bn golden yacht being made in Europe for an "anonymous Malaysian businessman". The first reports originated in the British tabloid press – but a London-based website, Motorboat & Yachting, claims the story is now confirmed to be fake. The yacht story had initially looked genuine as the golden yacht was featured on the website of UK designer Stuart Hughes. The yacht 'History Supreme' is apparently a gold-plated Baia 100, a model introduced by Baia Yachts of Italy in 2008. But basic journalistic tenets were apparently ignored. The golden yacht story was picked up by half the UK press (and elsewhere) and "reported faithfully, without a call to Baia to check the story's authenticity", claims Motorboat and Yachting deputy editor Stewart Campell. The images that were circulated appeared to have been taken from the Baia Yachts website and 'photoshopped'. The Baia Yachts sales manager Mario Borselli confirmed to Motorboat and Yachting that the story was fake. "We will write him a letter asking him to take them down, but we are not thinking to go legal. It's such a stupid story it's not worth it… I can't believe people would believe someone would be so stupid to commission this boat."
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| Posted: 26 Jul 2011 03:20 PM PDT
ZAID IBRAHIM The launch of Angkatan Amanah Merdeka (Amanah) last Friday by Tengku Razaleigh was not well reported by the mainstream media. That's not at all surprising, but it's still regrettable. Any movement—political or otherwise—that seeks to promote unity in the country deserves support from all quarters. We are a divided country; that is obvious for anyone to see. To know that some of our erstwhile leaders (mainly from BN) are getting together to declare "enough is enough" and target the present malaise gives hope to many Malaysians. I was not invited to the launch but imposed myself by calling the organisers and asking if I could attend. Fortunately, they were gracious about it and I was there together with some 200 others being fêted with speeches about how rotten things have become and what needs to be done. I was seated next to Nurul Izzah Anwar and that was special too. I have always liked her very much and being able to have a friendly chat with her about politics after many months was memorable. There was a lot of speculation about Tengku Razaleigh's game plan or motive behind launching Amanah. Some say it's his way of keeping his hope of becoming the next PM alive. Others are less kind, and say he is clutching at straws to keep himself relevant at a time when his influence within UMNO is fast receding. I am inclined to see the action of Amanah's promoters as noble and sincere. They want to remind people that we must not abandon the principles upon which this nation was founded. They seem to be saying that we must not try to reengineer or remodel this country on new imperatives, forgetting along the way all that has kept this nation together for so long. The call is for a more decent and trustworthy Government — who can dispute the relevance of that? I would prefer Tengku Razaleigh to be more explicit and direct about his plans. In this country there is no middle path that one can take and still hope to make an electoral impact, which is necessary especially if one is looking at effecting a political transformation. One is either with BN or with Pakatan Rakyat. Kita is a new political party that is willing to take a different and more risky route, but our "business model" is different. We focus on issues that have divided us like the NEP, religious freedom, the secular state, democracy, etc, and other similarly sensitive issues because we feel that addressing and understanding them are key to our future stability. Our manifesto touches on all these issues that BN and Pakatan shy away from. But these issues do not win elections in the short term. I do not believe Tengku Razaleigh and his friends are going to articulate them and be ideological in the way that we are. Amanah, I am sure, will be pragmatic in their approach and this is why I was somewhat surprised that its promoters did not endorse the Pakatan Rakyat platform, at least on substantive issues. This will give them the momentum and the enthusiastic crowds on their nationwide tour. Otherwise, who will listen to them but a handful of smart urbanites, who are probably already converted to their line of thinking? Supporting Pakatan does not mean we subscribe to all of their policies or approve of all their leaders. But making Pakatan stronger will transform the political dynamic, which hopefully will bring some positive changes.
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| The ‘politicised’ civil society Posted: 26 Jul 2011 03:05 PM PDT
The Malaysian civil society seems to pick and choose the issues which it wishes to champion, while its leaders prefer to be followers of politicians. Some critics estimated that the EO detention figures would cross 30,000 over the years while police sources revealed that at least 60% of the detainees currently were Indians, including teenagers. Athi Shankar, Free Malaysia Today The civil society has suddenly voiced its grave concern over the draconian Emergency Ordinance (EO), wanting the security law repealed or at least reviewed. The detention of six Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) activists under the EO, which provides for detention without trial, was the wake-up call. The six are Sungai Siput Member of Parliament Dr Michael D Jeyakumar, 56, PSM national deputy chairman M Saraswathy, 58, national Youth chief R Sarath Babu, 25, central committee members Choo Chon Kai, 33, and M Sukumaran, 50, and Sungai Siput branch secretary A Letchumanan, 49. In the past, only a handful of civil society groups have voiced out against the EO but this changed with the latest arrests. In other democracies, civil rights groups launch regular campaigns against bad laws but in Malaysia, it appears that the civil society needs a political boost to get cracking. According to observers, civil society leaders seem to be contented with being mere followers of politicians. "It's an unhealthy trend," said BK Ong, national coordinator of election watchdog Malaysian Election Observers Network (Meonet). "Civil rights movement should never be politicised," he added. The fact remains that the civil society here failed to educate and galvanise people on human rights and civil liberties. The civil society hardly organised regular human rights campaigns without any political inclination or involvement. This could be the reason behind the civil society's failure to garner strong public support for the candlelight vigils across the country to secure the release of the PSM six. "Civil society NGOs lack grassroots touch and support. They seem more inclined to political popularity rather than real civil liberties for ordinary people," explained Ong. Even the crowd at the recent Bersih 2.0 rally was mostly mobilised by political parties and not by the civil society. Playing to majoritarian gallery The EO was enacted by the National Operations Council as part of the state of emergency declared following the May 13 race riots. It remains in force given that the state of emergency had never been revoked to this day. The law was supposedly used to detain those deemed to be subversive by the government, and is in fact used far more frequently than the the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA). But the civil society had been more vocal against ISA because it was used against politicians. Though figures for those detained under the EO are not released by the government, Human Rights Watch estimated that there were 712 detainees in 2005. Some critics estimated that the EO detention figures would cross 30,000 over the years while police sources revealed that at least 60% of the detainees currently were Indians, including teenagers. Deaths among EO detainees under custody had also been reported. One such case involved S Tharmarajen, 19, who died in a police lock-up in Sepang in 2003. Police sources said a few petitions or police reports against an individual might result in them being detained under the EO. But civil society groups hardly uttered a word compared to the noise generated over the death of former DAP political aide Teoh Beng Hock. "Malaysian civil society is only keen to play to the popular bi-racial majoritarian gallery under the disguise of pseudo-multi racialism," claimed Human Rights Party leader S Thiagarajan. He recalled the "deafening pin drop silence" among the civil rights champions on Tharmarajen's death. Even when five Hindraf leaders were detained under the ISA in 2008, the civil society did not pro-actively campaign for their release. Thiagarajan said they were released due to constant pressure from the working class poor Indians. Even though four of those arrested were practising lawyers, the Bar Council merely issued a statement condemning their detention. But the council took a strong stand against the ISA detention of popular blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin, DAP parliamentarian Teresa Kok and Chinese newspaper journalist Tan Hoon Cheng.
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| EC no. 2 grilled in public over 'powerless' claim Posted: 26 Jul 2011 02:40 PM PDT  (Harakah Daily) - "We are powerless" and "we don't make decisions" summarise the explanation by Election Commission deputy chairman Wan Ahmad Wan Omar yesterday's packed public dialogue organised by Malay daily Sinar Harian at the Shah Alam headquarters of its publisher Karangkraf. Titled "What next after July 9", the forum, moderated by NGO activist Wan Saiful Wan Jan, also featured Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Shamsul Amri Baharuddin.
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| EO - Another ISA? Candelight Vigil & Forum Posted: 26 Jul 2011 02:24 PM PDT
Location : Caring Society Complex,Penang Speakers: On 2nd July 2011 and preceding the 9th July Bersih 2.0 rally, six civilians, Choo Chon Kai, Sarat Babu, Sarasvathy Muthu, Sukumaran A/L Munisamy, A. Letchumanan, and Dr. Jeyakumar Devaraj, were arrested under the Emergency Ordinance (EO6). |
| Is BN injecting ‘voters’ into Sarawak? Posted: 26 Jul 2011 02:17 PM PDT By Joseph Tawie, FMT KUCHING: Is the infamous 'Project M' which legitimised illegal immigrants by the thousands in the 1990s in Sabah making its way to Sarawak? Is Umno-Barisan Nasional using the current amnesty programme as a cover for a surreptious plan to consolidating its grip for good in the state? According to sources here, the April state polls had forced Umno-Barisan Nasional to take stock of opposition influence in the rural and rural interiors of Sarawak. In the past BN had seen Sarawak and Sabah as its 'fixed deposit' and was convinced that as long as these states delivered the seats, Putrajaya will remain with BN. However in the April 16 state polls, opposition mustered an unprecedented 45% of the overall votes and that shook BN's confidence. Political analyst Bridget Welsh, in a post-polls analysis, had noted that much of the swing occurred in the rural Malay heartland. BN buckled further under this shocking revelation. Sarawak DAP, upbeat over its 12 state seat victory in the April polls especially in mixed constituency, immediately declared that it was going to contest in the rural areas in the next election further stoking BN's fears. Already word is that BN will lose 10 parliamentary seats including four in the rural areas in the coming general election. Project M tip-off That, added a DAP source, is however only if the field is level, and a recent developement is worrying DAP. Sarawak DAP secretary Chong Chieng Jen claims he's been tipped-off about a possible move by the federal government to introduce the 'Project M' in Sarawak. "I have received information last month that the BN government is planning to introduce the 'Project M' in Sarawak. "I hope my information is not correct. "Nevertheless, we in the opposition will monitor the situation regularly and check the list of new identity card holders with the National Registration, and voter registration with the Election Commission. "We know the situation in Sabah. Because of the 'project M' local Sabahans have now become foreigners in their own state as more and more immigrants are given Malaysian identity cards. "That is why its population has surged. This must not happen in Sarawak," said Chong. He pointed out that this strategy had allowed the federal government to grab back Sabah from the opposition Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) in 1994. "PBS ruled Sabah for nine years after toppling the Berjaya government in 1985. "That problem is still haunting Sabah until this day," he said, adding that Sabah's immigration problems have gone beyond the point of redemption. Putarajaya at all cost FMT recently reported that plans were allegedly afoot in Sabah to legitimise yet another 50,000 illegals. Sources told FMT that 20,000 of them were to be retained in Sabah while 30,000 were allegedly meant for pockets outside of the state. Rumours are that Umno wants these newbies to be placed in Kedah, Terengganu and Johor – the last two believed to have a 50:50 chance of falling to Pakatan Rakyat. According to sources in Sabah, Umno president Najib Tun Razak is desperate to keep Sabah and Sarawak.
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| Punish Bersih or risk losing support, Utusan warns BN Posted: 26 Jul 2011 02:06 PM PDT
By Melissa Chi, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 — The Barisan Nasional administration must penalise the outlawed Bersih 2.0 movement and the people behind it or risk losing electoral support for its perceived weakness, the Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia said today. "The government needs to learn from this incident. To ensure peace and public safety, the authorities should immediately act against the troublemakers. Don't waste the support of more than 4,000 non-governmental organisations and individuals who have lodged police reports against Bersih. "The delay in taking action against the organisers and supporters of the illegal rally on July 9 can erode the people's support because the government is seen as unable to implement the law. So, do not send the wrong message to the people, (that you are) afraid to take any action against the opposition leaders and Bersih organisers," the Malay-language daily wrote in an editorial today. Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Ismail Omar announced two days ago that Bersih 2.0 marchers arrested during the July 9 rally will be charged soon for taking part in what the authorities have classified as an illegal assembly, with the police confident of wrapping up investigations this week. Police arrested nearly 1,700 people, including Bersih 2.0 chief Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, and Pakatan Rakyat leaders during the rally for electoral reforms. Ismail was cited as saying two days ago by state news agency Bernama that his men were still looking into the issues played up by various individuals, saying that there are some who continued to make statements that did not portray the actual situation that day. "Police chief Tan Sri Ismail Omar had said that a thorough investigation regarding the rally is expected to complete this week. But more importantly is that immediate action is taken, including charging those who were involved. "As long as there is no legal action against the Bersih organisers who had triggered chaos in the capital city recently, it will seem like they are free to continue to spread accusations during their political talks," the editorial continued. City police obtained a court order banning 91 individuals from entering Kuala Lumpur on July 9, while almost 200 were picked up prior to the rally. The police have released all those arrested except for six Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) members, including Sungai Siput MP Dr Jeyakumar Devaraj, who are being detained under the Emergency Ordinance for allegedly attempting to wage war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
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| Posted: 26 Jul 2011 01:55 PM PDT By Soothsayer, Aliran Good is bad and bad is good. Those in power attempt to justify their acts of deceit, cruelty and oppression by hard-sell tactics using all the media tools at their disposal. In this tragic-comedy, who will have the last laugh? This is the most unnatural country where innocuous actions are seen as crimes – the wearing of clean yellow T-shirts with the word "Bersih" on them and the possession of banners, pamphlets and flags, and images of long dead communist leaders. Where, indeed, are we heading? Some are still afraid of shadows; how much longer can they use that as an excuse to do nothing? They, whose main concern is only for their own well-being, exist only for the present, not for the future. When they die, their fears will die with them and their existence will stop there. No achievements to speak of, no contribution to peace made, just the end of a mediocre life.The winds of change are swiftly gathering gale force, but where will this twisting cloud in all its terrible power take us? READ MORE HERE. |
| Response to Wong Chun Wai: Why Malaysians are angry Posted: 26 Jul 2011 01:37 PM PDT
By Tan Seng Hai This is in response to Wong Chun Wai's "On the beat" column ("Of Angry Birds and angry Malaysians": Sunday Star 24 July 2011) where he asked Malaysians to stop being angry on the many issues affecting the nation. It was a very well written piece, well placed and sounded almost logical and rational to those who read only the mainstream media. Allow me to give Wong 10 good reasons why Malaysians are angry … in fact Malaysians are very, very angry. 1.0 We are angry that we have been denied our constitutional and democratic rights to a peaceful gathering. We are angry at the police brutality on a frail, tender 65 year old auntie who was sprayed with chemically laced water and tear gassed for exercising her democratic rights when she was walking alone to demonstrate peacefully what she believes in. 2.0 We are angry at the lies, the bias reporting and the cover-ups by mainstream media (the Star included) to serve their political masters. We are angry at the way the mainstream media demonise BERSIH 2. 3.0 We are very angry at the double standards of the police in arresting activists and opposition politicians. While some self proclaimed nationalists and race champions openly spew seditious statements to incite religious and racial hatred and no action was taken against them, others were arrested for merely wearing yellow T-shirts. 4.0 We are angry with the Home Minister and the IGP for their handling of the recent series of events occuring in the country. We are angry with the lies and denials they make in light of clear evidences from photos and videos. 5.0 We are angry at the continual police harassment and intimidation of civil society groups and activists who are perceived as a threat to the political hegemony of the current BN government. The arrest of the 22 Parti Sosialist Malaysia (PSM) members on trumped up charges of trying to revive communism and rebelling against the Ruler is blatant police harassment and intimidation. 6.0 We are angry at the Home Ministry and the Police for using the outdated and This draconian Emergency Ordinance (EO) to detain the PSM 6 without trial. We are angry that they have been detained on flippant charges of trying to revive communism, waging war against the Ruler and inciting people to join BERSIH 2. 7.0 We are angry at Prime Minister Najib for his hyprocrisy in saying one thing and flipping it the very next moment. We are angry at him for having an audience with the Pope to improve bilateral ties and immediately on returning back to Malaysia, he publicly questioned the Malaysian Christians by saying "We wish to tell our friends, the Malaysian Christians… if they respect us, we will also respect them." 8.0 We are angry that Royal Commissions after Royal Commissions have been set up and recommendations have been made to improve our institutions but no significant changes have been made. We have not forgotten the Royal Commissions to investigate the Lingam video, police brutality on Anwar Ibrahim while in police custody and Teoh Beng Hock's death while in MACC custody. 9.0 We are very angry that there are too many deaths in custody of several authorities and nobody is held accountable and responsible for the deaths. We are angry that 1535 detainees have died in police custody between 2003-2007, 1300 illegal foreigners have died in immigration detention camps between 2002-2008 and 2 deaths in MACC custody most recently. We are angry that one death is one too many and wonder how many hundreds more went unreported and unnoticed. 10.0 We are angry that the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA) and the EO continue to be used and abused by the authorities. We are angry that there are still 25 persons detained without trial under ISA and 819 persons detained under the EO. Wong Choon Wai asked "Can we stop being angry people and try to make sense of the issues affecting the nation?" But the real gem of his article was when he asked "Or better still, just laugh at them (the issues)?" I wonder if Wong has found it in his heart to laugh at Auntie Anne Ooi (Auntie BERSIH) or the PSM 6 who are facing the uncertainty of being put in solitary confinement indefinitely without trial. Or laugh at the Teoh Beng Hock and Sarbani issues? Datuk Wong, I wonder if you are laughing.
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| Posted: 26 Jul 2011 01:18 PM PDT
By ViewAct I will have to make this very short. As I don't think I have much time left. Err … I mean, we don't have much time left. The ruling party is in desperation now, as time is cut short for them before the coming GE. Our DPM has, in many a time, hinted at snap polls; and our PM has recently cut short his overseas trip to make way for damage control after Bersih 2.0. But a G.E is still not due for at least a year! So why the rush? I believe many of us have read the economist's prediction that there will be another recession. With the uprising social movements worldwide, where people began to feel the impact of corrupted governments and decided to change for good, it wouldn't be hard to see how things would be ahead of us. Adding salt to injury, we have individual(s) within the ruling elite, or relative(s) of which, who spend public funds lavishly, causing greater impact to the already declining economic status. Money level is running low now. One minister even said that we could go bankrupt by 2019 if we continue to accumulate debt. Worse still, a few "rich states" were under PR's rule after 2008 upon which they need to dig deeper into Sabah and Sarawak's pockets to finance the spendthrift habits of those who walks in the corridors of power. The state election results there have lit the yellow warning light. And they realise that money cannot always buy them all that they desire. Bersih 2.0 confirmed their fear, when people braved the streets, despite threats of arrests, and actual acts of brutality by the very institution supposed to ensure their safety. Our PM has been bumping into hard walls lately, with even the Queen of England wearing yellow during his visit there. All his, and anyone's explanation to justify the brutal treatment during the Bersih event is seen by the whole world to be wide-eyed-lies, trying to wriggle their way out of the dirt. But the more they wriggle, the more dirt is kicked up, and the dirtier they look. The last budget announcement was in October. So was the one before it. So I don't think there would be any change this year. We are now about to end July, leaving merely 2 months for Mr. PM's preparation for the next budget. Now he cannot simply make figures, as it would look really fictional, and PR will surely bring it up in the parliament. But if he spills it out honestly, he'll be in deeper trouble as there will be more questions from everywhere, even the rakyat, as to where all the money has gone to. Heads you win, tail I lose. It's a dead end. They cannot afford another negative image on their already "bottom-of-the-gutter" look they put themselves into. They really would have to come up with something now. While at the same time, trying to cover the truth of Bersih 2.0 from those living in rural areas by making quick tours and handing out "goodies" to them. The media will be "commanded" to focus on these instead, and I believe that will be carried out obediently. Not forgetting that bulan Ramadhan is just around the corner. They are to cease all "unwholesome" activities and be as "suci" as possible, cleansing their body as well as their soul for the month (well, at least on the outside, they have to seem like they are doing so). This leaves them with only 1 month left for all the preparation before budget time, and all the politicking they need. Ok. Let's not forget the snap polls that our DPM "promised", which might fall anywhere between November 2011 to April 2012. There is just too little time left. And with Bersih's impact, they are left with very little choices to choose from. I've recently watched how our mainstream media focuses on one of our PM's trips, where he addressed the residents there on election promises. I watched how he demonized PR and claims that only BN can provide good financial support to them. Not forgetting a report that someone took the "sex tape" to Indonesia, trying to convince the people there that the "actor" is in fact DSAI (I wonder why he wouldn't also show the tape of CSL at the same time then?). With the Socialists from Bersih 2.0 still detained, and the continuous linking of Bersih to the opposition, I am in fact fearing the worst to come. Something tells me that something's cooking. And looking at the trend, it's not likely they will make it through safely in G.E 13. So to ensure they won't lose, they have to deploy a similar plot they once did – make up some issue and when PR's leaders take action, they will start arresting people, claiming them threats to national security. I can't explain it. But it's a strange uneasiness in the air that hints something's boiling. It could be something relating either to some actions of the royals, or a governmental "secret" that is deliberately "leaked" as bait to trap PR's leaders. Once they can heat up enough retaliation among the people, Malays especially, they will spring into action. And I am sure Perkasa, Utusan, and the youth section would be eager to play a part. In my opinion, the TBH RCI could be a test "program". Something to "Pull" the hand of the "Royals" into issues they cannot resolve, and if the opposition makes a remark that they can spin, it will be turned into a tornado to swallow prominent leaders who could threaten their positions. They are already making remarks sounding like "Members in the RCI are chosen by the King and rejecting its result is showing disrespect to the King". I believe it is a crucial time, from now to the coming G.E. While PR needs to continue serving the rakyat better, they have to be careful of their choice of words as well as the actions that they decide to take against issues caused by the ruling party. A wrong step may see them being reduced to what they once became years ago where many of them were sent into "custody" behind the "bars" of injustice.
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| Posted: 26 Jul 2011 01:15 PM PDT
I support Pakatan Rakyat. I think this is simple enough to understand ……I repeat "I support Pakatan Rakyat". Now again if anyone is going to interpret this as me covertly supporting UMNO/BN because I am silent on this matter – then do so. By steadyaku47 Most times I shake my head in wonderment at the gullibility of men…and women. I am an equal opportunity kind of guy – men and women have equal rights to being gullible. No gender bias here! The defining criteria that elevates you from being a moron to being a "thinking" being is the ability to comprehend what is being said to you. Most dogs understand "SIT", "STAY" and even, though albeit reluctantly "NO". Now there are people out there who has taken the trouble to visit my blog (for that I am grateful!) in order to agree to disagree with what I put in the public domain. What I disagree is the disagreeable way they choose to disagree with me. I tend to measure others by the manner I measure myself. Let me explain. When I am surfing the net I will only linger to read anything if the first few lines agree with me. If I continue to read something that disagree with me I do so because I want to see whether what is being said will move me to have a different perspective of the issue at hand. Sometimes it does and if it moves me I will write to say so. If it does not then I take it as "lesson learnt." The feed back I get these last few weeks from my writings on DSAI has some defining characteristics. In the main they are abusive, eloquent in their description of my private and public persona and firm in their desire to die not for country, bangsa and religion…but for DSAI! Good for DSAI bad for me! Let us not dwell to much on me…I am the messenger not the story. And the story that needs to be told is one that most of us already know. We know and yet we are hoping against hope that DSAI is not the person most of us already know he is! But a few truths about me and I will try to say this in plain language so that what I said will not be construed (opps I better use a simpler word here)…so that what I said will not be misinterpreted as being something else. First: I have never ever received a single ringgit from UMNO/BN to write what I write. Now some of you will interpret that as me confessing that I did received a few cents NOT exceeding one ringgit from UMNO/BN – I will leave that to the imagination of others to interpret if that is what I intended to convey! Read more at: http://steadyaku-steadyaku-husseinhamid.blogspot.com/2011/07/dsai-and-sodomy-three.html
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| Citizens - Post-Bersih Thoughts & Call2Action Posted: 26 Jul 2011 01:10 PM PDT
Come and share your views on what we, the citizenry, can do and should do, and what you as an individual want and will do to take us beyond the euphoria of Bersih 2.0, 9th July, 2011.
SABM is pleased to announce that its Inaugural Rakyat Voices Series will be launched on 30th July, 2011 at Rumah Saya Anak Bangsa, 66 Lorong Setiabistari 1, Bukit Damansara. |
| Those whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad Posted: 26 Jul 2011 01:04 PM PDT
With another layer of control being mooted through the government-proposed Media Consultative Council, it wouldn't be much of a surprise if Malaysian press reports and television news lose even more credibility over the next few months or so. By Zaharom Nain (Aliran) With all that is happening around us, we may well ask, what is happening to this country of ours? Could Euripedes have been right all those centuries ago, wonders Zaharom Nain.  William Bourdon's deportation has generated even more publicity for the Scorpene investigations in France Many of us have long been opposed to monopolistic or oligopolistic control of institutions, including media institutions. More often than not, critiques of such control have been leveled at large corporations or moguls. Indeed, such concentration of control often invariably leads to lack of transparency and, of course, of accountability. This, and the current revelations about the alleged dirty tricks employed by NOTW reporters and top executives, evidently now put Murdoch's global media empire under much scrutiny and under threat. But capitalists like Murdoch are not the only ones who wish to monopolise media ownership. Many tin-pot dictatorships and their authoritarian cousins also try to do so, believing in the maxim that those who own the means of material production (the economy, including media organisations) will also own and control the means of mental production (ideas). Indeed, Malaysia presents a perfect example of such concentration of media ownership. But here it is very much political ownership, primarily in the hands of BN political parties, led by Umno. Sadly, though predictably of course, this has led to unethical reporting, deliberate distortion and misrepresentation and, more frequently now, the production of blatant lies. One consequence has been the rapid decline in newspaper readership in Malaysia, with more people reading tabloids like Harian Metro and Kosmo, indicating perhaps the widespread assumption now that trivia is what's important in a Malaysian newspaper (and television) and that `real' news is to be got elsewhere. And, with another layer of control being mooted through the government-proposed Media Consultative Council, it wouldn't be much of a surprise if Malaysian press reports and television news lose even more credibility over the next few months or so. The problem with such attempts to monopolise information production these days is that new and alternative sources of information are now quite easily available. And, really, the condescending (and largely official) view that the rural heartland can still be swayed (read duped) by newspapers and television clearly doesn't wash anymore. Even the (allegedly ignorant) oppressed do wise up in the end. There is just so much condescension and stupidity that one can take, however humble and `uneducated' one may be. And lately, surely out of desperation, the mainstream media and, especially, their political masters appear to have gone stir crazy. Just this past week, the continuing overreaction to Bersih 2.0, the comments made about the late Teoh Beng Hock, and the deportation of William Bourdon have been but three clear examples of those in power having lost the script and very much lashing out blindly. Indeed, the act of arresting, detaining and then sending elderly activist, Hii Tiong Huat, to a psychiatric ward surely smacks of more over-reaction? The poor guy has been arrested thrice in two weeks for apparently wearing a yellow t-shirt and carrying a sign board supporting Bersih, culminating in his being sent to a psychiatric hospital by the police on Friday. Perhaps just ignoring him and spending more time catching real criminals might be a better strategy. Especially since the crime rates in KL and Selangor aren't exactly something to boast about. Then there's the recent conclusion of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the death of Teoh Beng Hock. Of course, this being Malaysia, many had anticipated the outcome. But the minister who announced the findings, himself purportedly a lawyer, surely went over the top with his `reading' of Teoh Beng Hock's character, when the RCI had made no such reference in its 124-page report. And what's worse, when this was pointed out to him, he put the blame on his officers who had prepared the press statement for him. This passing of the buck has become a shameful habit for many of those who like to see themselves as leaders, but really aren't. And these days, they kid no one with this pathetic, uncouth behaviour. The fact is, an innocent man is dead. Remember, he was summoned not as a suspect but as a potential witness. And, whatever the shortcomings of the RCI, it has pointed out quite clearly at least three individuals who contributed to the death. Sure, they've now been suspended. But given that they are government officers, surely the least the minister could have done – indeed, surely the least the government must do – is tender an apology to Teoh Beng Hock's family. That's precisely what the Malaysian Bar Council is asking of the government. Is that too much to ask of a government that talks about making Malaysia 'a caring society'? The third example of action and behaviour that make very little, if any, sense in this age of the internet has been, of course, the detention and deportation of French lawyer William Bourdon. Granted, Malaysian law does indeed allow for such action, without any explanation needed. But, surely, if Bourdon had been left unimpeded to conduct his business – a high-profile case, we are now told by internet news sites, involving the French and the Scorpene submarine deal – fewer questions would have been raised and fewer people would now be talking about it while, perhaps, singing Yellow Submarine? Indeed, last I heard, despite Bourdon being absent at the fund-raising dinner in KL, Suaram (the NGO at the heart of the case), still managed to get 500 attendees, raising RM200000 to help fund the case in the French courts. And now more people know about it simply because this French lawyer was deported for `violating the conditions of his social visit pass'. So, there you have it. Three very recent cases – of overreaction, of intemperate behaviour, and of virtually blindly lashing out. All by people in authority. And I've deliberately left out UiTM's Ibrahim Ali award (or is it non-award now?) With all this happening, together with the ongoing detention of the PSM6 under the Emergency Ordinance, we may well ask, what is happening to this country of ours? More pointedly, what is happening to make our `leaders' act this way? Indeed, could Euripedes have been right all those centuries ago? Zaharom Nain, an Aliran member, is an academic who researches on media and communications issues.
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| Kuan Yew warns of two-party system pitfalls Posted: 26 Jul 2011 12:00 PM PDT
By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysia Insider KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 — Singapore's influential founding father Lee Kuan Yew has spoken out against a two-party system, warning that it could cause weak governments even as opposition parties make gains and democracy flourishes across Southeast Asia.
The former prime minister of the island republic said in a recent interview with China Central Television (CCTV) that the progress made by Singapore since it was established in 1965 should not be taken for granted or that "what has been achieved is always secure", adding that poor governance would cause it to "spiral downwards." "I believe once you have weak, ineffective government, the whole progress you have made will spiral downwards. But the majority of people believe it is secure for them, so now they have ideas about the West, two-party system," Lee said. Singapore's general election in May saw its opposition make record gains, claiming six of 87 seats as the ruling People's Action Party saw its popular support drop by nearly seven percentage points to 60 per cent. Developments across the region, especially Lee's former countrymen in Malaysia denying Barisan Nasional (BN) its customary two-thirds of Parliament in 2008, are said to have stirred up a political awakening on the island. Years of mass popular protests have also toppled a military-backed regime in Thailand while Indonesia has blossomed into a global giant after democratic reforms in the late 1990s. In the interview, Lee noted that Singaporeans now desire a "First World Parliament," which was the slogan of the opposition Workers' Party that took six seats at the May 7 polls. "Their argument is simple. A First World country must have a First World Parliament. A First World Parliament must have a First World opposition. Then you can change dice. I think if ever we go down that road, I'll be very sorry for Singapore,' he said.
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| Posted: 26 Jul 2011 11:09 AM PDT By Karim Raslan, The Star THERE are times when we need to be reminded that Malaysia is in South-East Asia. Even though Bukit Bintang is teeming with Persians and Arabs, we are not part of the Middle East, and will never be. Romanticising Bersih 2.0 by saying it's part of the "Arab Spring" ala Mat Sabu, PAS' newly-elected deputy president, may well capture public imagination but it makes little sense beyond the party faithful. So, everyone relax-lah, we aren't about to succumb to the "Arab Spring". Indeed, we can learn a hell of a lot more about political and economic changes (or not as the case may be) from our Asean neighbours rather than the Middle East. Let's begin our whirlwind tour: > MYANMAR: Total control means you end up destroying the economy and impoverishing your people. Telling people what to think and do turns them against you. Instead of respecting you, they grow to hate you. At the same time, don't lock up enigmatic, beautiful and principled ladies like Aung San Suu Kyi. You'll turn them into unbelievably powerful icons that will haunt you forever: > PHILIPPINES: Be forewarned! Under "Noynoy" Aquino, (the "accidental" President), the perennial Asian basket case is catching up on us. With a domestic market of over 100 million consumers, it'll soon be a major competitor – much like Indonesia. At the same time, the Filipino diaspora truly love their homeland, remitting over US$1bil (about RM3bil) every month. Acquiring skills, capital and international work experience they're poised to turn the republic into a global service centre (its Business Process Outsourcing already earns over US$15bil (about RM45bil) per annum. Moreover, with thousands of miles of gorgeous beaches and gracious serving staff, tourism will also boom. > THAILAND: Diligent and clever administrators (like former Premier Abhisit Vejjajiva) need to beware of striking looking ladies like Yingluck Shinawatra. They tend to electrify the political debate, especially when they've got nothing serious to say and spend their time waving, shaking hands and smiling very charmingly. Never forget, that the majority – will and must – prevail in the end. In democracies - the elite - generals, businessmen and, aristocrats will always lose if they chose to fight the man in the street. > INDONESIA: Corruption is awfully hard to root out – as President Bambang Susilo is finding even within his own political party – the Democrats. As the different Democrat party leaders accuse one another of both taking and/or giving bribes, it's worth remembering that none of this would have come to the surface had it not been for republic's rambunctious and energetic media. However, a lively and independent media needs counter-veiling national institutions that can be trusted: law courts, police and tax officials to name just a few. Strengthening these institutions will take decades - not years - and in the interim there'll be a great deal of injustice and unfairness. Ordinary citizens can play an important role by refusing to bribe and by documenting every government official's infraction with their handphone cameras. People will only stop cheating if they know they'll be caught. > SINGAPORE: If you're the Prime Minister and you're facing an angry electorate (just days before polling) who are sick and tired of being lectured at, then the best thing to do is apologise. Lee Hsien Loong did it and swung over to the PAP many voters, who would otherwise have supported the Workers Party. At the same time, the government freed up the state-owned and controlled media so that it reported all candidates fairly. Candidates were allowed access to TV and print. Then, when you've scraped back into office again, make sure you stop and reconsider government policy. Reassess the things that matter to the ordinary man: housing, jobs, inflation and transport. Societies change. Aspirations change and politicians must adapt to these changes or risk being voted out of office. Prime ministers are expected to connect and emote with their electorate: communication is critical and it isn't one way – politicians have to listen to what we, the people, want. The days of command politics with its top-down approach is over. Malaysian leaders would be well-advised to beware of good-looking lady politicians. Humility and patience are two of the other important characteristics. Indeed, service-oriented leaders will always do well in our region. Nonetheless, South-East Asians view politicians as expendable - if they fail to perform we vote them out; if they succeed we'll give them a second chance. We, the people, are sovereign with politicians merely as ser- vice-providers, like hotel butlers and doormen – who always refuse tips. Given our low perception of politicians you do have to wonder why anyone would want to enter such a grimy world? |
| Posted: 26 Jul 2011 11:02 AM PDT By Stanley Koh, FMT Is Mahathirism back with a vengeance? Recent events do make it seem like the Najib regime has decided to adopt the former prime minister's authoritarian style in saving its flagging political fortunes. It has resorted to using draconian laws and shameless propaganda in the face of an awakening electorate and increasing exposures of its misdeeds. The government seems to have ignored the strong signal given by the 2008 election result that Malaysians want more democratic space. And what was Bersih 2.0's July 9 rally if not a reaffirmation of that demand? But instead of using the occasion to promote his much-vaunted liberalist image, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak seemed to have done what Dr Mahathir Mohamad would have done—crush them and damn what the world says. After May 13, 1969, Mahathir ominously proclaimed: "There is not going to be a democracy in Malaysia. There never was and there never will be." He was speaking then as a critic of the government, but during his 22-year tenure as prime minister, he seemed to have applied himself to ensuring that his prediction would be realised. Khoo Boo Teik, in his Paradoxes of Mahathirism, wrote: "Certainly Mahathir did not balk at using authoritarian means to restore his control over mass dissent in October 1987. Then he professed to lament the irresponsibility of misfits who had abused his liberalism, not unlike how, after May 13, 1969, he spoke of the immaturity of the people as an obstacle to the full practice of democracy." The Mahathir era witnessed the full exploitation of repressive laws, notably the Internal Security Act and the Police Act. The latter law requires police permits for public gatherings. This condition was stringently enforced against opposition groups but ignored for government parties. Things have not changed. Mahathir's government amended the Societies Act in 1981 and the Official Secrets Act in 1986 to constrict further the arena of public debate. It also consistently exploited its two-thirds majority in Parliament to make constitutional amendments aimed at strengthening its political position. Money politics It was also during the Mahathir era that the Malaysian judiciary lost its independence and respectability. Mahathir tried to keep whittling away at that independence even in the last years of his tenure. In 1999, he was quoted as suggesting that the judiciary needed further reform because judges "tend to favour" the opposition. The practice of "money politics" deepened its roots during the Mahathirism era. Scholars Graham K Brown, Siti Hawa Ali and Wan Manan Muda wrote in their research paper on Policy Levers in Malaysia: "Initially, under the guise of the 1971 promulgated New Economic Policy, the regime developed a fearsome machinery for dispensing patronage to supporters of the government. This money politics involves both state and private funds the BN parties control between them, a massive corporate empire that operates on the individual, corporate and even state level. The abuse of public funds is often unabashed."
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| Ambiga wants non-partisan committee for electoral reform Posted: 26 Jul 2011 10:51 AM PDT By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal, The Malaysian Insider SHAH ALAM, July 26 — Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan today proposed that the Election Commission (EC) set up a special committee to discuss issues concerning electoral reform following public outcry over the existing electoral system.
The Bersih chairman said that the committee should comprise both Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) representatives as well as representatives from NGOs. "Is the EC prepared to set up a committee to look into all issues, and maybe in three months' time come up with a report on how the electoral roll can be set up?" she asked today during a public forum with EC deputy chairman Datuk Wira Wan Ahmad Wan Omar. But Wan Ahmad did not once respond to her suggestion throughout the entire forum, choosing instead to reiterate that the EC carried out its duties accordingly and should not be held responsible over the implementation of any reform demands. "The EC is open to suggestions. We will invite all parties to hear the suggestions, and also any NGOs who are truly 'ikhlas' (honest)," he said.
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| Ahead of polls, Najib’s last card is the budget Posted: 26 Jul 2011 10:47 AM PDT
By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 — With less than two years left of Barisan Nasional's (BN) mandate, hopes of an opportune time for federal polls are slim for Datuk Seri Najib Razak as dissent grows and the economy remains sour. Politicians from both sides of the divide told The Malaysian Insider that with a cash-strapped Treasury struggling to maintain subsidies in the face of surging inflation, the prime minister should announce an election budget at the end of the year and dissolve Parliament soon after. Analysts also believe that while heightened racial rhetoric has recovered some Malay support for the ruling coalition, it is a zero-sum game that is delivering centrist voters to Pakatan Rakyat (PR). "We should have a good budget first. Tun Abdullah Badawi didn't have such a budget and then called an election," said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, referring to the former prime minister who was forced to step down a year after BN recorded its worst showing ever in Election 2008. PKR deputy president Azmin Ali agreed, pointing out the economy was still lagging behind Putrajaya's six per cent growth target, only recording 4.6 per cent GDP growth in Q1 and is expected to remain under five per cent until June 2011. "In two years, things can't get much better. But the question is with the government already short of funds, what can BN promise in its next budget?" the Gombak MP told The Malaysian Insider. Political analyst Khoo Kay Peng went further, saying "things are going to get worse for Najib." "There is no point waiting. The economy is going to be tougher in 2012 and meanwhile, no logical government will allow the likes of (Malay rights group) Perkasa and Utusan Malaysia to run rampant. It shows that Umno ultras are asking for a bigger slice of the pie. Najib is losing the middle ground," he said. Pulai MP Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said this was due to the ease with which issues could be politicised post-Election 2008. "It doesn't matter what is the timing. Whenever it is, the opposition will just play up an issue for votes. Najib should just ensure the party machinery is ready because from now to 2013, nothing much is going to change," the Umno division chief said.
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| Deployment of Barisan Rakyat Independent Candidate Posted: 26 Jul 2011 10:35 AM PDT By Haris M Ibrahim, President, MCLM Press Conference to Announce Deployment of Barisan Rakyat Independent Candidate The Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM) would like to invite representatives from your organisation to attend a press conference to announce the deployment of the first MCLM-endorsed Barisan Rakyat Independent Candidate (BRIC). Date: Friday, 29 July 2011 Time: 11.00 am Venue: MCLM Secretariat, 17-1, Jalan 1/109E, Desa Business Park, 58100 Kuala Lumpur For more information, please contact 03-7982 7101 or admin@mclm.org.uk. Thank you. HARIS M. IBRAHIM PRESIDENT |
| Of Raja Nazrin, Real Stories & Regal Rhetoric Posted: 26 Jul 2011 05:17 AM PDT
Raja Petra has told us his "real story" to the above questions. It has something to do with your succession to the Perak throne and also to save the financial empire of one of members of your royal family. Is RPK's story accurate? Will you tell us the "real story"? By Martin Jalleh Your Royal Highness (YRH), Recently, during a talk themed: "The role of Malay rulers in nurturing unity" held in Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in Shah Alam, YRH declared that "rulers should not be shielded from the truth and must be told the real story". May I, with due respect to YRH, tell you the truth that many of us (especially those who are sons and daughters of Perak) find it very hard to believe that you meant every word that you said during the talk. Some, in responding to the article highlighting your talk, have asked you to "walk the talk"! Much as we would really like to consider what you had proclaimed as "rare wisdom" from a ruler and intellectual, very unfortunately, the tragic manner in which the Perak royal family handled the Perak Constitutional Crisis (PCC) reduces your speeches to mere "regal rhetoric". You were so very right when you said that "rulers should never be surrounded by people with personal interests who are willing to use them as tools". If only the Perak royalty had displayed and determinedly demonstrated such astuteness during the PCC! It was the public's perception that His Royal Highness (HRH) Sultan Azlan Shah had allowed himself to be surrounded by the PM and his cohorts and to be used as a political tool. HRH also denied the ousted Perak MB Nizar Jamaluddin of an audience at a very crucial point. By writing this open letter to you I run the risk of Umno or Perkasa members making police reports against me but I am confident enough that YRH will not allow these elements to make use of you, as they have so often and unashamedly done so, out of political expediency. To confirm the hypocrisy of the Umno elite, you should consult your royal colleague and veteran Umno leader, Tengku Razaleigh, who during the height of the PCC strongly suggested that it is Umno who has harmed the Malay rulers more than anyone else! In sharp contrast to your professed openness, Umno, through the Attorney-General's (AG's) Chambers has gone to extremes to do the opposite. Take for example the AG's appeal against a High Court's decision to acquit Karpal Singh of a charge of sedition against the Perak Sultan. Unbelievably the DPP told the Court of Appeal that: "People have the legal right to take Sultans to court but to speak openly of it is seditious…as this would inflame the sentiments of laymen who did not have a good grasp of the law"! Understandably, the AG and his Chambers are suspected of suffering from the inflammation of the brain, which in many respects is as bad as "yellow fever". Bitter & Brutal Truth YRH, you stressed that: "Rulers should be willing to accept the fact, no matter how bitter, as justice could not be uphold without the truth"? Logically, you would need to be willing to accept the fact, no matter how bitter, that hardly anyone takes you seriously these days. Public sentiments for HRH Sultan Azlan Shah are the same. Perakians had placed their hopes high on HRH – whom they had held in high regard. But he seemed to be swayed by Umno's political subterfuge and scheming. Public perception of his impartiality plummeted thence after. YRH so rightly pointed out that: "In all conflicts, no one party is right all the time and no one party is wrong all the time." HRH Sultan Azlan Shah (a former Lord President though he was) was wrong in his personal discretion and his straying beyond his parameters of power during the PCC. No one presented the brutal and bitter truth so honestly, clearly and professionally than respected retired judge N H Chan who bravely declared that HRH had "sidestepped" provisions of the Perak Constitution and made a "fatal error". YRH also very accurately pointed out in your talk that: "The credibility of some national instruments require recovery of perception and need improvement in line with current world dynamics to restore confidence in the people." During and after the PCC, key democratic institutions were manipulated by the powers that be to contain, cripple and crush legitimate dissent. They degenerated to the point that the public no longer trusted them. This was especially true of the judiciary. The judiciary sunk so low during the PPC, as to allow itself to be intimidated, its independence and impartiality interfered with, and its integrity reduced to ignominy. Today the reputation of the judiciary or whatever is left of it, has been sullied irreparably. Very ironically on 31 Oct. 2007 I had in an Open Letter thanked HRH Sultan Azlan "for portraying the truth about the state of the country's judiciary and your accompanying clarion call for major reforms in the judiciary…" I wrote: "Today, we have become a laughing stock. We are second to none when it comes to kangaroo courts and court jesters like the de facto Law Minister. The judgments of our courts are often quoted in political satire and online comic scripts." Nothing has changed still then! Just as the "credibility of some national instruments require recovery of perception and need improvement", I am sure you will agree that the credibility of the royalty also requires recovering of perception and regaining public confidence! Perhaps, YRH, this can only happen if the people are told the "real story". Just as the rulers need to be given the true picture, the public also needs to hear the "real story" to make a wise and good decision in the next General Elections. YRH, please tell us the "real story" on why there was such an undue and indecent haste by HRH to dismiss the leader of a popularly elected coalition? Why was there such an unholy haste to recognize, install and swear in a government against the expressed wishes of the people? Raja Petra has told us his "real story" to the above questions. It has something to do with your succession to the Perak throne and also to save the financial empire of one of members of your royal family. Is RPK's story accurate? Will you tell us the "real story"?
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| WIKILEAKS: PM ABDULLAH'S POSITION ERODED AFTER TUMULTUOUS WEEK Posted: 26 Jul 2011 01:00 AM PDT
Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim dispatched his lieutenants to Taiwan with the avowed aim to complete talks with BN members of Parliament who would crossover to bring down Abdullah's government. At the same time, the Opposition alliance stated the September 16 deadline to topple the government could slip. 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 000805
SIPDIS
FOR EAP/MTS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/12/2018 TAGS: PGOV, KDEM, MARR, MY SUBJECT: PM ABDULLAH'S POSITION ERODED AFTER TUMULTUOUS WEEK
REF: KUALA LUMPUR 787
Classified By: Political Section Chief Mark D. Clark for reasons 1.4 (b and d).
SUMMARY 1. (C) Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi has seen his political position eroded during a tumultuous week of mounting challenges from within his United Malay National Organization (UMNO), his coalition partners, and the opposition. While struggling to regain cohesion within his National Front (BN) coalition in the face of inter-racial tensions, UMNO leaders have raised new questions over Abdullah's 2010 transition to his deputy Najib Tun Razak, creating fresh doubts that Abdullah can gain his party's reelection in December. Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim dispatched his lieutenants to Taiwan with the avowed aim to complete talks with BN members of Parliament who would crossover to bring down Abdullah's government. At the same time, the Opposition alliance stated the September 16 deadline to topple the government could slip. The chief of the armed forces clarified that the military would remain apolitical, but could be called out via proper legal channels to assist with internal security. Abdullah emerged from an UMNO meeting to state that the government could use the Internal Security Act (ISA), and its detention without trial provisions, to preserve internal security; on September 12 the government made good on this threat by detaining controversial blogger Raja Petra. End Summary. RACIST COMMENTS PROMPT UMNO LEADERS MEETING 2. (SBU) To quell growing animosity and tension between UMNO and its ethnic Chinese partners in the National Front coalition resulting from caustic racist comments from Penang UMNO division leader Ahmad Ismail, PM Abdullah was forced to hold a meeting of the BN Supreme Council on September 9 and a gathering of the UMNO Supreme Council on September 10. The BN leaders referred the matter to UMNO to take action against its own member. After a three hour meeting, the UMNO Supreme Council decided to suspend Ahmad from the party for three years, stripping him of all of his official duties. Despite this ruling, Ahmad remained defiant and suggested his Penang division quickly would create a new role for him. Some of Abdullah's detractors in the party, like Selangor warlord Khir Toyo, came to Ahmad's defense. The Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) and the Chinese-dominated Gerakan party voiced their appreciation for UMNO's decision, but also called for a stop to further racially incendiary remarks. 2010 TRANSITION UNRAVELING? 3. (C) As Abdullah and UMNO attempted to douse heated racial tensions that damaged the BN coalition, this week also witnessed the fraying of UMNO's acquiescence to Abdullah's plan to hand over power to DPM Najib in 2010. The most direct blow came from International Trade and Industry Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, an UMNO Vice President who is considered a potential candidate for Deputy Prime Minister should Abdullah step down. Muhyiddin stated on September 10 that Abdullah should resign well before the June 2010 transition date. Muhyiddin noted that the initial promise of this two-month old proposal, meant to assuage concerns about Abdullah's sagging popularity and party support, had now "sunk away". Reacting during a televised press encounter, Abdullah was visibly angered by Muhyiddin's comment. Abdullah questioned why Muhyiddin would challenge the transition plan when the UMNO Supreme Council had already approved the transition and its timing. On September 12, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak appeared to contradict Abdullah and shift his position away from Abdullah's deal, stating that delegates at the December UMNO party elections should approve the transition and its timetable. Other important UMNO leaders have revived their calls to eliminate high quotas for the number of nominations needed to contest leadership positions in the party polls, a system which now heavily favors Abdullah. MAHATHIR SEEKS RETURN TO UMNO 4. (SBU) Complicating matters further for Abdullah, former PM and former UMNO President Mahathir, who quit UMNO on May 19 after expressing disgust with Abdullah's leadership, is considering returning to the party. A smiling UMNO Vice President Muhyiddin told reporters September 9 that Mahathir was persuaded by him, Tengku Razaleigh and several other veteran UMNO leaders at a private meeting at Mahathir's residence on September 6 to rejoin UMNO to help "fix the problems" afflicting the party. Foreign Minister and senior UMNO official Rais Yatim later joined other party leaders in welcoming Mahathir's proposed return to the fold. Mahathir reportedly is now backing his former nemesis, Tengku Razaleigh, to unseat Abdullah in the December UMNO party elections. Commenting tersely on the possible return of Mahathir, whose harsh criticisms of the Prime Minister continue unabated, Abdullah stated September 11 that the UMNO Supreme Council will decide on the issue as "this is a party matter." THE OPPOSITION ATTEMPTS TO COUNTER TAIWAN PLOY... 5. (SBU) Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim meanwhile sought to keep the pressure on UMNO and BN by dispatching four senior officials from this Peoples Justice Party's (PKR) to Taiwan, supposedly to meet with BN MP's who may crossover to bring down Abdullah's government. BN had hastily arranged a "study tour" to Taiwan for BN members of Parliament, September 8-17, in what is widely viewed as a ploy to thwart September 16 crossovers. PKR said their officials would attempt to finalize the crossovers (the opposition requires 30 to claim the majority and topple Abdullah's government). OPPOSITION ADMITS SEPTEMBER 16 COULD SLIP 6. (SBU) As PKR announced its officials were going to Taiwan to finalize crossovers, the opposition People's Alliance (Pakatan) also issued a statement suggesting that the September 16 deadline for toppling BN could slip. The three-party alliance of PKR, the Democratic Action Party (DAP) and the Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS), in a September 11 release, explained that the September 16 deadline may have to be postponed due to the Taiwan trip by the BN MPs. However, the coalition expressed confidence that a change of federal government "would happen soon." Subsequently, BN officials announced that many of the MPs would be returning early from Taiwan, hinting that this should eliminate excuses for Anwar not meeting his September 16 deadline. ARMED FORCES TO STAY OUT OF POLITICS, BUT STILL ON CALL 7. (SBU) Malaysian Armed Forces Chief General Abdul Aziz Zainal stated at a press conference September 11 that the armed forces have been and will remain apolitical. The General gave his assurance following questions and criticism from opposition and civil society quarters over his statement on September 9, urging the government to take stern action against anyone stoking racial sentiments in the country and thereby threatening national unity. "The armed forces are highly professional and apolitical", Abdul Aziz clarified on September 11, and would only get involved in internal matters if requested through the legal process by the authorities or police. He explained, "Our (the military's) secondary role is to support the police and government agencies in any form of operations where our presence is requested -- such as for internal security, humanitarian and disaster relief operations.8 General Abdul Aziz refused to comment when asked by reporters whether he would support a new government, adding "I do not know of any (impending) changes in government." ABDULLAH THREATENS USE OF THE INTERNAL SECURITY ACT 8. (SBU) PM Abdullah stated September 10, following the UMNO Supreme Council meeting, that he did not rule out the possibility of invoking the Internal Security Act (ISA), which allows detention without trial for those who threaten national security. He added that the Home Minister, who has the authority to approve ISA detentions, would "think twice or even three times" before deciding to take that step, but "if the minister thinks that it is an appropriate action to be taken, then he will take it." 9. (SBU) The Prime Minister said that in the September 10 Cabinet meeting, his Ministers expressed concern and described race relations in the country as showing "not so good signs," and that a number of sensitive issues which were not openly discussed before were being raised. Although the government has managed to control the situation thus far, he added that "we cannot allow a fiery situation to prevail as it could jeopardize the peace and security of our country." Responding to a question on whether the government would curtail freedom of speech in the country, the PM explained that there was no such thing as absolute freedom anywhere in the world, noting "People cannot just say whatever they like, in the name of free speech, to the extend that it can offend and hurt others and jeopardize security." MAKING GOOD ON THE THREAT 10. (SBU) Abdullah's government made good on the threat by arresting controversial blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin at his home on September 12, using the ISA. Home Minister Syed Hamid confirmed to reporters that police had detained Raja Petra under the ISA provision for persons who pose threats to "security, peace and public order." Raja Petra has repeatedly enraged the BN government by, among other things, blunting attacking senior political leaders, connecting DPM Najib to a murder scandal, and condemning the sodomy allegations against Anwar. Raja Petra currently faces sedition and defamation charges. Septel provides more details of the arrest and provides suggested press guidance. COMMENT 11. (C) Abdullah has endured a rough week, one that has eroded his political strength. The current tone of the direct and indirect challenges to his position are similar to those he faced in the first six weeks after the March 8 election debacle when his continuation in office was an open question. Two factors are increasing the pressure on Abdullah at this point. First, UMNO has become unnerved in the face of Anwar Ibrahim's threat to bring down the government this month, and the greater Anwar's menace, the more UMNO elites consider replacing Abdullah with a stronger figure. Second, the UMNO divisional elections, which select delegates to the December party polls, begin on October 9 almost immediately following the Muslim holidays at the end of the Muslim fasting month. Those leaders who wish to challenge Abdullah's reelection and his two-year transition to Najib must stake out their positions now and maneuver for support, or the opportunity quickly will be lost. KEITH
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| Resign Or Snap Election For Najib, Here’re The Reasons Posted: 25 Jul 2011 10:51 PM PDT
Finance Twitter As much as I would like to stop writing about PM Najib administration, the plot just got interesting and I think he may just hit the bull's eye as far as my prediction that his downfall may be faster than his predecessor, Abdullah Badawi, is concerned. Compared with Najib, Badawi now seems like a cute adorable little kitten, who merely likes to sleep (on the job). Malaysians tend to be more forgiving on lazy prime minister but not a prime minister who lies, cheats, brutal, dirty (allegation on Mongolian Altantuya's murder), hypocrite but above all stupid yet arrogant. One cannot help but fell off the chair laughing after read that Najib said he cancels a family vacation because he wants to spend more time with Malaysians. This was perhaps the best joke ever by premier Najib since he took over from Abdullah Badawi. This joke actually worth a thousand "Like" on his facebook page. Forget about Bersih 2.0 because this guy may quit under pressure – not from opposition parties or Bersih 2.0 but from his internal UMNO party. Boy, if it was true that the US$24 million controversial diamond ring indeed belongs to his wife Rosmah Mansor, that ring is cursed. Anyone notice the deadly silence from Mahathir after the Bersih 2.0 rally that instantly flush Najib's popularity into the toilet bowl? I've wrote earlier that Najib administration's extreme stupidity in tackling the simple issue of Bersih 2.0 made the whole episode smells rat. Najib can't be that foolish (or was he?) and even if he was indeed stupid, his wife would have save the day, unless of course the plan to unseat him has been brought forward by his own circles. Mahathir doesn't like Najib for two main reasons - his wife and his close connection with Singapore Government. It seems Najib may have to quit soon, probably before his term expires in 2013. And if Najib plans to stay until next year to enjoy more free overseas holidays using taxpayers money under his capacity as the prime minister, his dream is now short-lived based on his emergency return to take control of Putrajaya. How on earth could everything turns upside-down before his "shopping" trip to United Kingdom and Italy ends? It appears he has no other option but to call an early election, possibly before 11-11-2011 in order to neutralize his enemy from within UMNO, if he's able to do that. 1) Perkasa Ibrahim AliIbrahim Ali, the guy whom you love and hate has successfully performed his duty, if indeed it was true that he was actually a mole, regardless whether he was planted by Anwar or Mahathir. His job was to create chaos and racial disharmony. Both Anwar or Mahathir knew the Malay votes and to a certain extent the Indian votes have return to UMNO under Najib's leadership. If the Chinese voters were to go back in droves to UMNO- led National Front coalition, then the opposition is toast and Najib would become very powerful, so much so that he can ask Mahathir to fly kite. One has to remember Mahathir is a master in the game of divide-and-rule. As long as Ibrahim Ali can continuously feed the racial hatred cookies to both ethnic-Malay and ethnic-Chinese, Najib's strength is being checked. And wasn't Ibrahim Ali a director in Vincent Tan's Berjaya Group, one of the closest cronies during Mahathir administration? Well, if Najib truly believed that Ibrahim Ali was God-sent Angel to help fish runaway Malay votes for his administration, then he deserves what he's getting now. 2) Deputy PM MuhyiddinOne needs to see the bigger picture on how the deputy PM seems to be pouring kerosene everytime his boss, PM Najib Razak, starts a new project in his bid to gain voters' support. When Najib was shouting till foam at mouth his 1Malaysia concept, Muhyiddin declared he was Malay first and Malaysian second. And of course Mahathir almost swear he doesn't actually understand the concept of 1Malaysia. Muhyiddin is indeed a strong deputy as he was one of the warlords who enjoys ground support. Najib doesn't like a strong deputy because it would make him looks weak, which is true because his political rising star was purely based on his father's name, the second prime minister Tun Razak. In short, Najib was born with silver platter hence he has never been known to be a risk-taker. The fact that Muhyiddin together with Mahathir were extremely quiet post-Bersih 2.0 rally speak volume about how both were equally pleased with the public and international criticism on Najib administration in handling the peaceful demonstration. Muhyiddin can almost smell the aroma of the premiership.
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| Posted: 25 Jul 2011 08:20 PM PDT
Yes, in Mekah and Medina there is no banned sect of Islam. In Mekah and Medina everyone is just plain Muslim and we are allowed to pray side-by-side with them and behind imams who are Salafis or Wahhabis. But when we come back to Malaysia, we ban them, arrest them and declare that they are deviant Muslims and terrorists whom Malaysians must not follow. NO HOLDS BARRED
Malaysia appears to have many enemies of the state. The colour yellow. Words such as 'Reformasi', 'Hindraf', 'Bersih', 'Altantuya', etc. Shiah and anything at all within the scope of non-Sunni Islam. Communists. Jews. Gays. Democracy. Gatherings. Marches. Rallies. Free speech. Bahasa Malaysia Bibles. Proportional representation in Parliament and the State Assemblies. Opposition political parties. You name it and they are all enemies of the state as far as Malaysia is concerned. The Malaysian government is scared of its own shadow. And now Wahhabism is the latest addition to the list of 'banned items'. The article 'The Wahhabi Myth' addresses the fallacies connected to Wahhabism or Salafism as follows: The 'Wahhabi' Myth by Haneef James Oliver clarifies many of the gross inaccuracies and outright lies that have been attributed to the belief of the Salafi Muslims (often referred to as "Wahhabis"). Karen Armstrong speaks about the difference between Osama bin Laden's sect (Qutbism) and Salafism/"Wahhabism" in a Guardian article entitled "The label of Catholic terror was never used about the IRA": "Bin Laden was not inspired by Wahhabism but by the writings of the Egyptian ideologue Sayyid Qutb, who was executed by President Nasser in 1966. Almost every fundamentalist movement in Sunni Islam has been strongly influenced by Qutb, so there is a good case for calling the violence that some of his followers commit "Qutbian terrorism." Qutb urged his followers to withdraw from the moral and spiritual barbarism of modern society and fight it to the death. Read more here: http://sinningslave.wordpress.com/ The bottom line is, anything that does not comply with my beliefs, standards, ideology, doctrine and whatnot is just not on and is haram. That was how things were back in the Middle Ages. Either you are with me or you are against me. And if you are against me then you are my enemy and you must die a violent and painful death. The problem is, while the civilised world has abandoned these old Middle Ages ways and beliefs, in the developing world -- such as in Malaysia -- we are still living in the Middle Ages and still adopting what the civilised world has long abandoned. In short, as the previous Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said: Malaysia is a country with First World infrastructure but Third World mentality. And this statement came from the Malaysian Prime Minister himself. And do you need me to quote what one-time Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said about the mentality of Malaysians? No, I thought not. I better not quote anything from Dr Mahathir lest you all froth and foam at the mouth like rabid dogs. Tens of thousands of Malaysians go to Mekah and Medina every year for their Haj and Umrah. To date, millions of Malaysians have performed both the main and 'small' pilgrimages. And what do they do in Mekah and Medina? They pray side-by-side with the Shiah, Wahhabi, and many other sects of Muslims -- behind an imam of the Grand Mosque in Mekah and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina who are Salafis or Wahhabis. Yes, in Mekah and Medina there is no banned sect of Islam. In Mekah and Medina everyone is just plain Muslim and we are allowed to pray side-by-side with them and behind imams who are Salafis or Wahhabis. But when we come back to Malaysia we ban them and arrest them and declare that they are deviant Muslims and terrorists whom Malaysians must not follow. I watched a movie last night about a gang of robbers that the FBI was trying to track down. They had some suspects but could not get a warrant to put them under 24-hours surveillance. It would be very difficult to convince the court, said the FBI boss, unless one of them converts to Islam. What does that tell you? It tells you that Islam is dangerous and Muslims are terrorists. If one of the bank robbers were a Muslim then the court would readily waive his fundamental rights. That is of course a made-in-America movie where anything Islam is bad and Muslims are terrorists. I suppose they are not that wrong when even the Malaysian government labels Wahhabis or Salafis as terrorists. And is not Malaysia a perceived Islamic country and did not Umno say it is the largest Islamic party in the world? When the Christians and Jews call Muslims terrorists, they are prejudiced. When Muslims call Muslims terrorists, this is a statement of fact and proves what the West suspected of Islam -- that it is a terrorist religion. And did I not say many times that Muslims are Islam's greatest enemy? ************************************ Wahhabi alert will damage ties with Saudi Arabia, says PAS By Shannon Teoh, Malaysian Insider PAS said today that Putrajaya was damaging ties with key Muslim countries such as Saudi Arabia, home of the religion's two holy cities of Mecca and Medina, by placing ulamas suspected of practicing Wahhabism on a terror watchlist. PAS vice president Datuk Mahfuz Omar told reporters today that the move by the National Security Council (NSC) to monitor scholars such as influential former Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin was an overreaction that could jeopardise ties with the country where Wahhabism is the dominant form of Islam. "This will hurt ties with Saudi Arabia and give a negative perception towards Malaysia," the Pokok Sena MP said. About 26,000 Malaysian Muslims travel annually to perform the Haj in Mecca, one of the largest national quotas given by the kingdom. Malaysia has asked for another 10,000 places as nearly 700,000 are on the waiting list. Deputy president Mohamed Sabu also mocked the Najib administration's move, calling it a "fiction and propaganda." The Malaysian Insider reported yesterday that the NSC met and ordered state muftis and religious agencies to monitor and take action against the traditionalist Islamic practice that has been linked to terrorism. Maverick scholar Asri was first linked to Wahhabism and the terrorists group Jemaah Islamiah (JI) early last year, along with PAS President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, former Perlis mentri besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim dan Perlis Mufti Juanda Jaya. The Malaysian Insider understands that Abdul Hadi and Shahidam Kassim have been omitted from the watchlist. Two Umno lawmakers have come to the defense of Dr Mohamed Asri Zainul Abidin, insisting that the Najib administration has wrongly labelled the maverick former Perlis mufti as a potential terrorist threat. Both Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said that the NSC had overreacted over a difference of opinion by raising a terror alert over fears that Wahhabism was being revived. *********************************** Asri not a terrorist, say Umno MPs By Shannon Teoh, Malaysian Insider Two Umno lawmakers have come to the defence of Dr Mohamed Asri Zainul Abidin, insisting that the Najib administration has wrongly labelled the maverick former Perlis mufti as a potential terrorist threat. Both Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said that the National Security Council (NSC) had overreacted over a difference of opinion by raising a terror alert over fears that Wahhabism was being revived. The Malaysian Insider reported yesterday that the NSC met and ordered state muftis and religious agencies to monitor and take action against the traditionalist Islamic practice that has been linked to terrorism. "Asri is not a terrorist," Saifuddin said on micro-blogging site Twitter yesterday. The Temerloh MP told The Malaysian Insider later that "I disagree with labelling someone as a Wahhabi, leading to calling him a terrorist. This only divides Muslims." Khairy also said in a statement that reports that Asri and other Muslim scholars have been placed on a watchlist for as "Wahhabis and terrorists... is an overreaction." "I see no subversive action or effort by Asri that qualifies him as a terrorist," the Rembau MP added. The Malaysian Insider also reported that the NSC meeting listed several prominent leaders as Wahhabis including a group of young Islamic scholars who joined Umno last year. Although he did not follow suit in joining the senior partner in the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, Asri, who has been linked to Wahhabism in the past, is said to wield considerable influence over young Muslim scholars. Saifuddin also told The Malaysian Insider that Wahhabism was practiced in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. "Does this mean that Malaysian Muslims should no longer perform the Haj (in Mecca)? We can have differences of opinion in Islam. We should not let this bring us to labelling others as Wahhabi or terrorists," he said in a text message. Khairy also agreed that it was unacceptable that someone was accused of terrorism without being allowed to offer an explanation. Asri was first linked to Wahhabism and the terrorists group Jemaah Islamiah (JI) early last year, along with PAS President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, former Perlis mentri besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim dan Perlis Mufti Juanda Jaya. The Malaysian Insider understands that Abdul Hadi and Shahidam Kassim have been omitted from the watchlist.
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| Posted: 25 Jul 2011 06:33 PM PDT
STEADYAKU47 We are not born liars. Neither are we born to hate another human being. We are what we are today because somewhere in the process of growing up we consciously or subconsciously took to be our own persona the things that are around us. For most of us the person who lied to us first are our beloved parents. From them we learn that lies are done when the circumstance requires it. Sad is it not to think that our parents lied to us first! Now as adults we are faced with having to tell lies and being lied to. How we each justify lying is open to endless arguments but it can be explained by this simple phase " self serving". Nobody can deny that the lying they do is for their own ends. The problems for most of us begins when lying becomes what our leaders choose to do because telling the truth will destroy their credibility in our eyes. For Barisan Nasional politicians this (telling lies) has become the knee jerk reaction to almost anything that if they were to tell the truth would be unpalatable to the Malaysian public. No need to go to far back….that Din guy from the Home Ministry recently said "that there was no political agenda in the deportation of French human rights lawyer William Bourdon….. he was deported due to "visa non-compliance" and for making a speech in Penang". He knows and we know that he is lying but it has all now become a game…another lie, another day in government. But then that is the way Barisan Nasional do things. I do not support Barisan Nasiona (as if BN cares!) I want Pakatan Rakyat to win at the 13th General Election. So what do I do when Pakatan Rakyat leaders lies? What should I do when I KNOW they have lied? I really care not if you tell me that Pakatan Rakyat leaders do sometimes have to lie or tell untruths to politically survive. Political survival is just that – surviving! If Pakatan Rakyat is to succeed it must not only survive but must also thrive and be able to stand heads and shoulders above the corrupt and arrogant BN politicians. Tok Guru, Hadi, Karpal, Kit Siang and Guan Eng all stand heads and shoulders over ANY Barisan Nasional leaders. DSAI does not! And this DSAI is the leader of these leaders of Pakatan Rakyat –the first amongst equal! Why do I say that DSAI lies? Let me tell you why. You all know about his time in UMNO and you all think you know what he did as DPM of a BN government. I heard stories and I do KNOW of one or two instances when what he did could be construed to be "questionable" but I would not be able to prove it in a court of law because I have nothing incriminating to put forward against DSAI. So like most of you out there I speculate but speculation has never made anyone guilty of any crime unless you have an army strong enough to act on the speculation and you yourself act as judge, jury and executioner. Mahathir tried to do that with DSAI in the Sodomy One case. He failed. Since his dismissal by Mahathir from his post as DPM there have been stories and speculation a plenty but nothing stuck to DSAI. Not until Saiful. You can choose to believe what you want but as you can see with Mahathir, our judiciary can only do the bidding's of its political masters if the facts support the prosecution case against DSAI. In sodomy two this is a fa it accompali – a done deal – no if's no but's. So why is so many people in denial? Let me try and put this phenomena of DSAI in perspective. I was at his house when he was released from prison. Since then I have met and talked with him a number of times. I have followed his progress up the ranks of Pakatan Rakyat. Knowing of his past and the flaw in his personal self I waited to see how he would conduct himself as leader of the opposition. Unfortunately at all critical junctures he failed: The announcement of taking over the government from BN just after the 12th general election. The loss of Perak and many PKR MP's, The Bala press conference and the subsequent debacle of Bala pulling out his first SD. The comic yet tragic manner in which the PKR party election was conducted. The Saiful accusations. And other lapse of judgements by DSAI that has cost PKR and PR dearly only increased my anxiety of DSAI ability to change into the leader we all (including me) wanted him to be. Some of you are still patient with him. Some of you know that he can never change and yet feel that there is no other leader within PR to take his place. Some say that we need to stay with DSAI because he has been through so much and ought to be given the opportunity to lead PR against BN. We can go through all these for and against arguments till kingdom come – but while you are all entitled to your own thoughts – so am I entitled to mine.
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| Muzzling the media in Malaysia: libel and censorship Posted: 25 Jul 2011 06:26 PM PDT
It was abundantly clear from the reaction to the Bersih 2.0 rally on July 9th that the Malaysian government has become ever more insecure about its hold on power. And yet as the government becomes ever more insecure the measures it resort to in order to shore up its hold on power become ever more disproportionate and some might say desperate. Last week provided two examples of this. The first was the ruling on July 19th in a defamation case brought by Interior Minister Rais Yatim against blogger Amizudin Ahmat. Amizudin Ahmat, better known as 'Din Binjai', had posted a blog entry that alleged a Cabinet Minister had raped his Indonesian housemaid besides a picture of Rais. The judge rule in favor of the minister and ordered that Amizudin pay RM400,000 (approx. $120,000). While the Malaysian government remains officially committed to its policy of not censoring the Internet in the last few years it has opted to pursue individual bloggers in the courts confident that a largely compliant judiciary will pass judgments whose cumulative effect will be self-censorship to avoid similar damages. This decision comes on the back of a ruling in February when Malaysia's most famous blogger, Raja Petra Kamarudin was found guilty of defaming senior lawyer Seri Muhammad Shafee Adbullah over three articles posted on his website Malaysia Today. To date damages have yet to be decided but Raja Petra has been in exile since 2008 when the charges were first brought against him.
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| Nazri agrees to debate with Kit Siang over Teoh RCI Posted: 25 Jul 2011 06:09 PM PDT By Clara Chooi. The Malaysian Insider KUALA LUMPUR, July 26 — Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz today declared his willingness to debate the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into Teoh Beng Hock's death with Lim Kit Siang. Through his media officer, the minister in the Prime Minister's Department, who is now in London, said he would accept Lim's offer but suggested that the meeting with the DAP stalwart be held after the fasting month of Ramadan. In a blog posting yesterday, Lim had slammed Nazri (picture) for saying that the Teoh RCI had absolved the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) of murder charges and called on the minister to justify his stand. He invited Nazri to do so at a forum tonight entitled "Teoh Beng Hock Royal Commission Inquiry Report — Where is the promised truth?" scheduled for 7.30pm at the Kuala Lumpur-Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall here. In a Twitter posting this afternoon, Nazri's aide said: "Nazri Aziz accepted YB Lim Kit Siang's challenge for a debate as posted on the latter's fcbk @limkitsiang stil waitng 4 a response from YB." The aide added: "Nazri accepted the challenge n suggested the forum is 2 b held after Ramadhan" and explained later that the minister is now in London for the 57th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference which goes on until Thursday. When contacted, Lim acknowledged the tweet and said he would respond at tonight's forum. "I did not use the word 'debate'... I invited him to the forum tonight to explain his position. But, through his officer, he said he accepted the debate so I will respond tonight," he said.
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| Bourdon disputes minister’s claim Posted: 25 Jul 2011 06:00 PM PDT
The French lawyer disputes Hishammudin Hussein's accusations of a social visa violation. (Free Malaysia Today) - Prominent French human rights lawyer William Bourdon is baffled to learn that his deportation is attributed to a violation of his social visa. According to him, he never had such a visa in the first place. Home Minister Hishammudin Hussein yesterday said that Bourdon, 55, was deported last Friday because he violated his social visa by giving a speech in Penang and insisted that there was no hidden political agenda. "I don't know what the minister is talking about because I didn't even have a social visa. So it is very strange that he is speaking of one," Bourdon told FMT in an interview from Paris. His fiancee, Lea Forrestier, confirmed this in a later text message and added that citizens of the European Union do not need a visa for travel into Malaysia. She also said that the only documentation Bourdon had filled up was a small card on which he had clearly specified that he was in Malaysia for "professional purposes". "My personal interpretation is that there is political motivation behind my deportation. There was no basis for the decision. And this is a very sensitive case for Malaysia," Bourdon said.
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| Clones: ‘EC confessed so cops must act’ Posted: 25 Jul 2011 05:42 PM PDT
By Teoh El Sen, FMT PETALING JAYA: The police must investigate allegations of "clone voters" now that the Election Commission (EC) has confessed to its existence in the electoral rolls. PAS Youth secretary Khairul Faizi Ahmad Kamil said the discovery of several new cases of "clone voters" is irrefutable proof that phantom voters existed on the EC's voter lists. Khairul, who lodged a report at the Dang Wangi police headquarters today, said that since the EC itself had admitted to the existence of "clones", the police must take immediate action. "This is serious. These cases seem to show that anyone in Malaysia can get two ICs and two different people can have a same IC number. "Malaysia's democracy is now under threat because voting itself is being questioned," he said. Khairul's report was a follow-through to the party's expose last week. PAS Youth's democratic rehabilitation and mobilisation committee chairperson Suhaizan Kaiat last week revealed that one of the main "players" in these "clone voters" cases was the National Registration Department (NRD). "Two big offences have been made by NRD and EC. One is that the NRD has issued old ICs to two identities. "Secondly, EC has allowed a voter the right to vote more than once," said Suhaizan, who is also Johor PAS Youth chief. Suhaizan had previously revealed the existence of double registration of voters on the electoral rolls. Double deals The first case involved one Mariam Su, who was registered with two new registered identity cards (NRIC) – 720616025472 and 720610025738. This was despite her having only one old IC with the number A2278510. A second case involved one S Murugan, who was registered with the same birth date, gender but was registered as a voter in both state and parliamentary constituencies. Murugan had two NRICs that are nearly identical save for the last four digits. Murugan, whose old IC number was A2909056, is currently registered under two NRICs, 731002025877 and 731002025201. Today, Suhaizan also provided another two examples of "double registration" in the electoral roll. He said two voters with different names are Low Kim Lian and Tom binti Din. Both were registered under the same old IC 1790975. Both are voting in the same state and parliamentary constituency. Another case is of one Baharom Abd Rahman. He has the same birth date, gender but is registered in a different voting locality. He is registered under 550331025859/4774090 and RF65018 (believed to be identity for postal vote). "All these are proof of mistakes, and there are many more. How could there be such problems that NRD and EC did not verify in the first place? "There's something wrong with their SOP (standard operating procedure)," Suhaizan said. EC 'U-turn' Suhaizan noted that despite proof of overlapping data in the electoral rolls, the EC has no right to strike out the compromised list unless someone goes through a lengthy court process. He said this was because under Section 14 of the Election (Conduct of Elections) Regulations 1981, the electoral roll serves as evidence to determine whether a person is entitled to vote. Suhaizan also said that EC is making a mistake in saying that it is confident in its election process. "The EC does not understand the problem: the biometric system can only be used when you have a complete and authentic electoral roll. "At this point in time and until we have solved problems with the integrity of the electoral roll, this system is not suitable for Malaysia," he said. On Sunday, The Star quoted EC deputy Wan Ahmad Wan Omar as saying that the EC needs the help of political parties and individuals to purge "clones" from the electoral rolls.
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| Probe MACC trio for culpable homicide, PKR tells cops Posted: 25 Jul 2011 05:29 PM PDT By Debra Chong, The Malaysian Insider PETALING JAYA, July 26 — PKR pushed the police today to renew their investigations into three Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers linked to Teoh Beng Hock's death under the Penal Code. The party's communications chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad named the trio as Hishammuddin Hashim, Mohamad Anuar Ismail and Mohd Ashraf Mohd Yunus. "Actually, they could be investigated under sections 304 and 304A of the Penal Code which is culpable homicide and be jailed up to 20 years," he highlighted to reporters today. The Selangor state lawmaker noted the cops had already rejected initiating criminal investigations into the three graftbusters and chose instead to pass the responsibility back to the MACC, which has chosen to suspend the trio pending a domestic inquiry."Seeing as how this issue has been repeatedly raised, it is clear that an internal inquiry is not the solution," he said, adding: "As the English say 'who will guard the guards?'" Nik Nazmi made the call today while pushing for Putrajaya to form another royal panel to look into the death of senior Customs officer Ahmad Sarbaini Mohamed, who was the second person — after Teoh — to die while in MACC custody. He noted that Teoh's RCI had taken a long time to set up and only because there was great political pressure following an open verdict in a coroner's inquiry, forcing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to agree to it. Teoh, a DAP political aide, was found dead on July 16, 2009 on the fifth-floor corridor of Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam after he was questioned overnight by MACC officers at their then-Selangor headquarters on the 14th floor. He was 30 years old. "The Teoh Beng Hock Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report has only strengthened the case for a free and independent investigation into the death of Sarbaini," said Nik Nazmi, the Seri Setia assemblyman.
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| Who should lead Pakatan after Anwar? Posted: 25 Jul 2011 05:28 PM PDT Nizar Jamaluddin The truth is Pakatan needs Sabah and Sarawak to win the upcoming General Election and PKR is not helping by making mistake after mistake in these two states. I would say that the most suitable leader to replace Anwar if he is found guilty in the sodomy trial as Pakatan leader should come from either DAP or PAS. The opposition needs a good politician as its leader and currently in my humble opinion PKR has none of them.
Of all people, it was legendary American footballer Joe Namath once said,""To be a leader, you have to make people want to follow you, and nobody wants to follow someone who doesn't know where he is going." In the context of Pakatan Rakyat, the current leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is currently facing heaps of challenges to the point of hinting on the possibility that he might have to face incarceration yet again. I'm very sure that Pakatan is seriously considering a name to replace their charismatic leader in the event that he is found 'guilty' in his second sodomy trial. Nik Aziz and Kit Siang The tricky part is actually to find the most suitable candidates to fill in Anwar's shoes, a leader who is one hundred percent sure of his political direction. They are only a few that meet this requirement, DAP parliamentary leader and Ipoh Timor MP, Lim Kit Siang being one of them. But bear in mind that Kit Siang is not getting any younger, he is 70. Then there is PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat who is 80 this year. Other then these two prominent veterans, who else would be the most fitting person to become Pakatan chief? We are not just talking about being an MP, state assemblyman or a minister. We are talking about the possibility of naming the next Malaysian Prime Minister if ever Pakatan manage to take over Putrajaya. Lim Guan Eng DAP seems to have a few adept candidates. Number one is its Secretary General and Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng. With his leadership Penang has become the No. 1 state for total capital investments in 2010 attracting RM12,238 million, up nearly five times as compared to RM2,165 million In 2009 and comprising 26% of Malaysia's total investments of RM47,177 million for 2010. This is based on a report by the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA). A commendable achievement since that it is a known fact that Penang has been experiencing budget surpluses for 2007, 2008 and 2009. Tony Pua Then there's Tony Pua who is the Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya Utara. Pua who graduated from Keble College, Oxford University is definitely one of the most prominent MPs from DAP in Dewan Rakyat. Pua currently is one of the most aggressive in pressuring the government on the issues of high profile defense budget. Mat Sabu There are also a few names from PAS that could make the list. The leading name is obviously its new deputy president Mohamad Sabu who is also known as Mat Sabu. Mat Sabu is very well known for his public speaking abilities which would be a big advantage for him. The man who had been detained twice under the Internal Security Act (ISA) had recently caused a stir when he claimed he was intentionally rammed by a police car during the Bersih 2.0 rally on July 9. The police then screened a video which showed that the motorcycle which Mat Sabu was riding pillion, was not hit by a police Land Rover as alleged, but when the motorcycle was making a "U" turn, it hit the Pajero's (not Land Rover as Mat Sabu had claimed) fender which caused the motorcycle to go out of control before skidding in the Seri Persekutuan housing area. Khalid Samad Then there is former Perak Mentri Besar and Bukit Gantang MP, Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin. Nizar is especially popular with his ability to speak Mandarin since coming from a half Malay and half Chinese parentage – a perfect combination for a leader of multiracial Malaysia. Another popular name from PAS is Shah Alam MP, Khalid Samad. Khalid is known for his unconventional approach. In my opinion Khalid has taken actions that merit praise, like visiting a church after his win during the elections. And yet he was criticized by Umno leaders for it earning the nickname 'Khalid Gereja'.
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| MACC officers ‘concocted’ story to protect careers Posted: 25 Jul 2011 05:12 PM PDT
PKR wants a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate Ahmad Sarbaini Mohamed's death while in MACC custody. (Free Malaysia Today) - Opposition party PKR is backing a demand by the family members of Ahmad Sarbaini Mohamed that a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) be set up to probe the Customs officer's death at the KL MACC headquarters. Party communications director Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said today the exposure made by the RCI on Teoh Beng Hock, who died in a similar situation, reinforces the need for one. Teoh died while under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) custody in Shah Alam in 2009. Nazmi told reporters at a press conference at party headquarters here that the 'indepth' posting by Raja Petra Kamaruddin in his blog MalaysiaToday also justified the need for a RCI on Ahmad Sarbaini's death. Raja Petra in his posting claimed Ahmad Sarbaini accidentally fell to his death after MACC officers made him stand on the ledge of a window to force a confession out of the Selangor Customs deputy director. He claimed that MACC investigator, Ahmad Ghani Ali, who allegedly said "it wasn't me, it was my people" to Ahmad Sarbaini's widow, had convened a "conference" with his colleagues to "brainstorm and concoct the most plausible story" to protect their careers. Ahmad Sarbaini was found dead on April 6 after he was believed to have fallen from the pantry on the third floor of the MACC Kuala Lumpur office in Jalan Cochrane and landed on a badminton court on the first floor. Recently a forensic investigator in the ongoing inquest on Ahmad Sarbaini concluded that the senior customs officer did not jump to his death nor was he pushed from the KL anti-graft office. Apart from convening the RCI, Nik Nazmi who is also the Seri Setia assemblyman, urged the Najib administration to implement the recommendations made by the RCI on Teoh's death. He described the government's response towards the RCI's findings on Teoh, as 'lacklustre'. Teoh was said to have been driven to commit suicide resulting from "aggressive, relentless, oppressive and unscrupulous interrogation" by three MACC officers. The three officers named were the then Selangor MACC director Hishammuddin Hashim, and enforcement officers Mohd Anuar Ismail and Mohd Ashraf Mohd Yunus. Opposition leaders have called for the three MACC officers to be charged under Section 304 and 304A of the Penal Code for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. But the police have said that they cannot take action as none of the three had violated the law. All three have been suspended pending an internal investigation into the RCI findings. MACC, on their part, have said that it will set up a panel to look into reforming its investigative methods.
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| Mat Sabu disputes police video, maintains knocked down by cops Posted: 25 Jul 2011 05:02 PM PDT
(The Malaysian Insider) - Mohamad Sabu accused the police today of misleading the public when he claimed that the motorcycle he was riding on to get to the Bersih rally on July 9 was hit on purpose by a Proton Waja police car and not a Mitsubishi Pajero as suggested by official video footage. He (picture) pointed out to reporters that in his July 14 police report which was distributed at a press conference, he had said that the Waja had hit the motorcycle, injuring his right leg, and he was then detained by police officers who carried him into a Mitsubishi Pajero. "We are disappointed with the internal security and public order (KDNK) director, who is willing to be a tool for Umno and Barisan Nasional by lying and claiming that my medical condition is fake. Questioning someone's health is such low politics," he said. The KDNK chief Datuk Salleh Mat Rashid had screened a CCTV recording last week, showing that there was no contact between the PAS deputy president and the police four-wheel-drive vehicle during the chaotic scenes seen during the rally calling for free and fair elections. "From our investigations we adduced that while attempting a U-turn Mat Sabu's motorcycle hit a divider and the front part of the police car," he had said. Salleh also claimed that Mohamed's injuries were not serious as "there was no fracture. I don't know how or why he's using a wheel-chair." Mohamed said today that "in the video itself, behind the Pajero, you can see the Waja cross the road and hit me." "The question is that while our opponents are Umno and BN, why do we have to be confronted by police, who should be professional and neutral?" he added.
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| Anwar wants condo owner, four others interviewed Posted: 25 Jul 2011 04:59 PM PDT
(Bernama) - Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has filed an application to interview five witnesses before he takes his stand in his ongoing sodomy trial on Aug 8. In the application, filed this morning via Messrs Karpal Singh & Co, Anwar named two of the witnesses as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor. Anwar stated that under the law, the onus is on the prosecution to facilitate witness interviews by the defence and that the costs will be paid by the prosecution. In a supporting affidavit, Anwar said that his counsel S.N. Nair had received a letter from the Brickfields Criminal Investigation Department, dated July 18, stating that Mohd Rodwan, Najib, Rosmah and Musa had declined to be interviewed but agreed to be defence witnesses on condition that a subpoena is issued against them. At the close of their case, the prosecution offered 71 witnesses, of whom the defence chose to interview 25. |
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