Jui Meng : NEP has to end
Giam Say Khoon
(Extracted from theSun Online)
KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 28, 2008) : MCA presidential candidate Datuk Chua Jui Meng said today he will lobby for the New Economic Policy (NEP) to be ended if he is elected MCA president.
"I will lobby for the closure of the NEP, maintaining only its poverty eradication aspect," he told a press conference at the launch of his MCA presidential campaign manifesto titled "Rebuild the Party, Return to Relevance, Realise Vision 2020".
The NEP was originally formulated to remove the envy and distrust between racial communities and to ultimately foster an unified national identity after the May 13 riots in 1969.
"Now, 38 years have passed and today the Malay middle class is large and securely established, the United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP) some years ago commended the Malays as one of the most successful in the world in creating a huge middle class," Jui Meng said.
"The need for the NEP, therefore, no longer exists and the constitutional rights of all Malaysians should be restored," he added.
Chua said he has been openly criticising national issues when he was still Bakri MP, particularly in 1988 when he delivered a two-hour speech in Parliament on the Malaysian Chinese dilemma caused by deviations in the implementation of the NEP.
"As a result of the speech, the government responded quickly and sensitively by calling for the first National Economic Consultative Council (NECC) in 1989 and resulted in the replacement of the policy with the National Development Policy in 1990. Chinese voter sentiment then changed in 1995, 1999 and 2004 from pro-Opposition to pro-Barisan Nasional (BN)," he said.
Jui Meng also challenged his opponent, vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat to show his track record that he had been "brave enough" to speak up on national issues.
Asked whether his "Return to Relevance" and "the president must be brave enough to speak up on issues" was the same stand as Tee Keat's, Chua said:
"Can Tee Keat show me his track record that he had criticised Umno and national policies that are considered brave enough? However, I can so far remember that he had only spoken up on the 'RM3,000 become RM30,000 issue' (the incident involved the misappropriation of funds for repair works in two Chinese primary schools in Johor in 2006 where a RM30,000 contract ended up with only work worth RM3,000)."
To "Return to Relevance", Chua said he will go on a nationwide tour in his first year as president to hear the views and grievances of the Chinese community, hold annual community hall meetings for feedback and create political, economic and education masterplans for the community.
"It is important that our leader has the courage to actively voice the concerns of the people we represent in Parliament, even if it is critical of the government"
"MCA must start playing a proactive role within the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition to further promote racial unity and the inclusion of every community in Malaysia, regardless of race or religion," he said.
To "Realise Vision 2020", Chua said he will set up a Federal Constitution advisory committee to review national polices and come up with an updated Mandarin translation of the Constitution so that the Chinese are aware of the inalienable rights as Malaysian citizens.
To "Rebuild the Party," Chua said he will introduce rules to enforce transparency and limit the powers of the disciplinary committee so that its powers can never be abused to silence legitimate dissent within the party.
He said the party will need to undertake a nationwide campaign to locate all its 1.3 million members, update and consolidate its membership database.
Asked whether MCA would quit the BN should Umno still refuses to accept proposals, Chua said many MCA leaders are actually prepared to quit BN but he thought that now is not the time to leave BN and it is immoral to leave the coalition during crisis.
"We must negotiate with Umno and if this fails, (then) MCA must sit down and think what to do next," he added.
Monday, 29 September 2008
Friday, 26 September 2008
Can Abdullah salvage his premiership for some legacy
Abdullah’s mid-2010 transition plan scuttled - can he salvage his premiership when the writing is on the wall?
by Lim Kit Siang
26 Sept 2006
The fifth Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is now on his last leg. He has at most six months. The end could come even faster, in a matter of weeks.
A coup d’etat was staged at this morning’s emergency UMNO Supreme Council meeting, where Abdullah’s mid-2010 power-transition plan was scuttled for good.
Although Abdullah declared after the meeting that he had not decided whether to defend the Umno President’s post in March next year, asserting that “The decision is mine, you can go on guessing”, these are empty brave words as the writing is clearly on the wall of another Prime Minister and Umno President being forced out of office.
Can Abdullah salvage his premiership to leave behind some honourable legacy to future generations?
It is a great disappointment bordering on grave breach of national trust that the emergency UMNO Supreme Council meeting today had only time for the political future of Abdullah and the Umno war-lords, but no time or thought for the deepening multiple crisis of confidence confronting the nation in the past seven months since the March 8 general election.
When the Umno Supreme Council could hold an emergency meeting over the political future of Abdullah and the Umno warlords, but no time for the multiple national challenges on the political, economic, educational, institutional, good governance and nation-building fronts, Malaysians are being told in no uncertain terms as to how irrelevant the Umno leadership have become to the popular hopes and national aspirations of the people in Malaysia.
by Lim Kit Siang
26 Sept 2006
The fifth Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is now on his last leg. He has at most six months. The end could come even faster, in a matter of weeks.
A coup d’etat was staged at this morning’s emergency UMNO Supreme Council meeting, where Abdullah’s mid-2010 power-transition plan was scuttled for good.
Although Abdullah declared after the meeting that he had not decided whether to defend the Umno President’s post in March next year, asserting that “The decision is mine, you can go on guessing”, these are empty brave words as the writing is clearly on the wall of another Prime Minister and Umno President being forced out of office.
Can Abdullah salvage his premiership to leave behind some honourable legacy to future generations?
It is a great disappointment bordering on grave breach of national trust that the emergency UMNO Supreme Council meeting today had only time for the political future of Abdullah and the Umno war-lords, but no time or thought for the deepening multiple crisis of confidence confronting the nation in the past seven months since the March 8 general election.
When the Umno Supreme Council could hold an emergency meeting over the political future of Abdullah and the Umno warlords, but no time for the multiple national challenges on the political, economic, educational, institutional, good governance and nation-building fronts, Malaysians are being told in no uncertain terms as to how irrelevant the Umno leadership have become to the popular hopes and national aspirations of the people in Malaysia.
Chua Soi Lek Caricatures Conspiracy : Political Assassination
Soi Lek Cries Foul
2008-09-26 16:54
PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek who is contesting for the post of MCA deputy president, said Friday (26 Sept) that a conspiracy was being mobilised among party delegates to assassinate his political career.
He said the conspiracy involved the distribution of his caricatures aimed at tarnishing his image besides giving the impression that he was an irresponsible doctor and people's representative.
He said the caricatures showed him in three situations, namely when he was serving as a medical doctor, when he became the health minister and as a candidate who resorted to corrupt practices ahead of the party's leadership election on 18 Oct.
"They portray me as an unethical medical practitioner besides me being a minister who received rewards for each development project of ministry.
"I was also shown giving RM10,000 to a delegate to buy his vote when I have never given money to anyone especially not the delegates," he told a press conference here today.
Dr Chua said he had lodged a report at the Petaling Jaya police station over the caricatures and given the names of two MCA members believed to be closely connected to the case because they knew what happened in the ministry when he was Health Minister.
"Let the police investigate and if it is true, they will surely get something in return for the immoral work," he said. (Bernama)
2008-09-26 16:54
PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek who is contesting for the post of MCA deputy president, said Friday (26 Sept) that a conspiracy was being mobilised among party delegates to assassinate his political career.
He said the conspiracy involved the distribution of his caricatures aimed at tarnishing his image besides giving the impression that he was an irresponsible doctor and people's representative.
He said the caricatures showed him in three situations, namely when he was serving as a medical doctor, when he became the health minister and as a candidate who resorted to corrupt practices ahead of the party's leadership election on 18 Oct.
"They portray me as an unethical medical practitioner besides me being a minister who received rewards for each development project of ministry.
"I was also shown giving RM10,000 to a delegate to buy his vote when I have never given money to anyone especially not the delegates," he told a press conference here today.
Dr Chua said he had lodged a report at the Petaling Jaya police station over the caricatures and given the names of two MCA members believed to be closely connected to the case because they knew what happened in the ministry when he was Health Minister.
"Let the police investigate and if it is true, they will surely get something in return for the immoral work," he said. (Bernama)
Yap Pian Hoon to contest MCA VP Post
Yap Pian Hoon To Contest VP Post
2008-09-26 12:24
KUALA LUMPUR: Former MCA Vice-president and party veteran Datuk Yap Pian Hon Friday (26 Sept) announced he will be contesting the vice-president's post in the party election scheduled on 18 Oct.
Yap, a former three term vice-president from 1990-1999, will be making his third attempt to be re-elected as one of the four vice-president since 1999. He failed in his effort to be elected as vice-president in the 1999 and 2005 party elections.
"I have undergone many challenges in my political career and all these I regard as an asset. Not easy to call it a quits regardless how difficult it can be.
"Hence, I have decided to offer myself again as a candidate to be vice-president," he said in a statement issued to Bernama here Friday.
Yap, who is also former MCA Youth chairman and Selangor state executive committe (exco) member, has often being called a "cat with nine lives" for his political tenacity and was once detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) during the Operasi Lallang operation in 1987.
Despite being elected three times as vice-president, Yap was never recomended for minister or deputy minister position unlike in the cases of the other vice-presidents.
Yap is the seven candidate vying for the party vice-president position after Deputy Home Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Kong Cho Ha, Youth Chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai, Wanita Chief Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen, Johor Exco Datuk Tan Kok Hon.
Apart from that, vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn also has announced he would defend the vice-president post. (Bernama)
2008-09-26 12:24
KUALA LUMPUR: Former MCA Vice-president and party veteran Datuk Yap Pian Hon Friday (26 Sept) announced he will be contesting the vice-president's post in the party election scheduled on 18 Oct.
Yap, a former three term vice-president from 1990-1999, will be making his third attempt to be re-elected as one of the four vice-president since 1999. He failed in his effort to be elected as vice-president in the 1999 and 2005 party elections.
"I have undergone many challenges in my political career and all these I regard as an asset. Not easy to call it a quits regardless how difficult it can be.
"Hence, I have decided to offer myself again as a candidate to be vice-president," he said in a statement issued to Bernama here Friday.
Yap, who is also former MCA Youth chairman and Selangor state executive committe (exco) member, has often being called a "cat with nine lives" for his political tenacity and was once detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) during the Operasi Lallang operation in 1987.
Despite being elected three times as vice-president, Yap was never recomended for minister or deputy minister position unlike in the cases of the other vice-presidents.
Yap is the seven candidate vying for the party vice-president position after Deputy Home Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Kong Cho Ha, Youth Chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai, Wanita Chief Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen, Johor Exco Datuk Tan Kok Hon.
Apart from that, vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn also has announced he would defend the vice-president post. (Bernama)
Currency Pegging by Tun Mahathir
1. I am not in the business of advising the Government. When I mentioned the advisability of pegging the Ringgit, it was in answer to a question posed by a reporter. If the Government noticed the report I would feel flattered.
2. Pegging currencies is not as easy as it sounds. The whole thing must be studied very carefully. Even getting agreement by a select panel is not easy. A decision made on the spur of the moment that pegging is not possible cannot really reflect the assessment made together with experts in consultation.
3. Pegging need not be always with the US Dollar. But the fact that the US Dollar is currently not stable is no reason why the idea should be summarily dismissed.
4. There can be other options. Other more stable currencies can be used or a basket of currencies may be used to reduce extreme volatility.
5. The US Dollar is backed by nothing, not even reserves in foreign currencies and gold which other countries hold in order to back their own currencies. The US is a bankrupt nation which means it is not in a position to provide foreign currency backing for its money.
6. The gold in Fort Knox has been depleted long ago and the pegging to gold of a certain amount as agreed to at the Bretton Woods has been done away with by President Nixon. No more gold standards. Yet the US Dollar still commands a certain value in the market. It is still being used for trade payments. This in fact gives the US Dollar a certain value even though the value, in exchange rate terms may change.
7. If the US Dollar is not used in international trading, it will have no value at all. This will of course hurt a lot of countries including Malaysia which carry substantial sums of US Dollar as reserves. Countries like China, Saudi Arabia and tiny Singapore would want to support trade payments made in US Dollar. They do not want their huge reserves of US Dollar to become worthless.
8. What we see here is the importance of international trade payments in sustaining the value of a currency.
9. Long, long ago I suggested the use of a special currency for trade. The currency should be equal in value to a fixed amount of gold. It should not be used domestically as each country would have its own currency pegged to the special trading currency.
10. The price of gold may go up and down but we know that the price of gold today is more than, say, 30 years ago. If we keep gold long enough we will eventually see it appreciating. It is not as volatile as currency notes.
11. So gold is an ideal standard for a trade currency. Effectively we would be going back to the Gold Standard, both for the trading currency and the domestic currency. For the domestic currency the rate against gold can change in keeping with inflation.
12. It was suggested that we call this trading currency the "dinar". Transactions would of course not be in solid gold dinars but with equivalent papers. It is not practical to carry around so much gold dinars but this will not be necessary if a country's export to another country and its import from that country is fairly balanced and only the difference need to be paid.
13. I am not an expert in this area but we can get experts to study whether pegging or the gold dinar are feasible. I would not dismiss the eficacy of these so easily.
14. Perhaps I can make a ridiculous suggestion. Why not make all Malaysian trade payments in Malaysian Ringgit?
15. We are a big trading nation. We export more than 200 billion Ringgit worth of raw material and manufactured goods and we import slightly less than that. Traders cannot just ignore us or boycott us. They need our exports and they need to sell their products to us.
16. All we need to do is to demand payment in Malaysian Ringgit for our exports. We can require payment for our imports in Ringgit according to the current value in an international trading currency or gold.
17. If we do this there will be a constant demand for Ringgit and this will keep the value of the Ringgit at a certain level which we can fix, taking into consideration factors which influence its value.
18. This may sound like a ridiculous suggestion. But not being a trained economist or financier I can allow myself the privilege of unorthodox thinking.
by Tun Mahathir
www.chedet.com
25 Sept 2008
2. Pegging currencies is not as easy as it sounds. The whole thing must be studied very carefully. Even getting agreement by a select panel is not easy. A decision made on the spur of the moment that pegging is not possible cannot really reflect the assessment made together with experts in consultation.
3. Pegging need not be always with the US Dollar. But the fact that the US Dollar is currently not stable is no reason why the idea should be summarily dismissed.
4. There can be other options. Other more stable currencies can be used or a basket of currencies may be used to reduce extreme volatility.
5. The US Dollar is backed by nothing, not even reserves in foreign currencies and gold which other countries hold in order to back their own currencies. The US is a bankrupt nation which means it is not in a position to provide foreign currency backing for its money.
6. The gold in Fort Knox has been depleted long ago and the pegging to gold of a certain amount as agreed to at the Bretton Woods has been done away with by President Nixon. No more gold standards. Yet the US Dollar still commands a certain value in the market. It is still being used for trade payments. This in fact gives the US Dollar a certain value even though the value, in exchange rate terms may change.
7. If the US Dollar is not used in international trading, it will have no value at all. This will of course hurt a lot of countries including Malaysia which carry substantial sums of US Dollar as reserves. Countries like China, Saudi Arabia and tiny Singapore would want to support trade payments made in US Dollar. They do not want their huge reserves of US Dollar to become worthless.
8. What we see here is the importance of international trade payments in sustaining the value of a currency.
9. Long, long ago I suggested the use of a special currency for trade. The currency should be equal in value to a fixed amount of gold. It should not be used domestically as each country would have its own currency pegged to the special trading currency.
10. The price of gold may go up and down but we know that the price of gold today is more than, say, 30 years ago. If we keep gold long enough we will eventually see it appreciating. It is not as volatile as currency notes.
11. So gold is an ideal standard for a trade currency. Effectively we would be going back to the Gold Standard, both for the trading currency and the domestic currency. For the domestic currency the rate against gold can change in keeping with inflation.
12. It was suggested that we call this trading currency the "dinar". Transactions would of course not be in solid gold dinars but with equivalent papers. It is not practical to carry around so much gold dinars but this will not be necessary if a country's export to another country and its import from that country is fairly balanced and only the difference need to be paid.
13. I am not an expert in this area but we can get experts to study whether pegging or the gold dinar are feasible. I would not dismiss the eficacy of these so easily.
14. Perhaps I can make a ridiculous suggestion. Why not make all Malaysian trade payments in Malaysian Ringgit?
15. We are a big trading nation. We export more than 200 billion Ringgit worth of raw material and manufactured goods and we import slightly less than that. Traders cannot just ignore us or boycott us. They need our exports and they need to sell their products to us.
16. All we need to do is to demand payment in Malaysian Ringgit for our exports. We can require payment for our imports in Ringgit according to the current value in an international trading currency or gold.
17. If we do this there will be a constant demand for Ringgit and this will keep the value of the Ringgit at a certain level which we can fix, taking into consideration factors which influence its value.
18. This may sound like a ridiculous suggestion. But not being a trained economist or financier I can allow myself the privilege of unorthodox thinking.
by Tun Mahathir
www.chedet.com
25 Sept 2008
KTMB Chairman and Board Resigned to Protest appointment of Idrose as new MD
KTMB Chairman and Board Resigned to Protest appointment of Idrose as new MD
25 Sep 2008 (Source NST and The Star)
KTM Bhd chairman Tan Sri Lim Ah Lek and some of its independent non-executive directors are believed to have tendered their resignation at a meeting today, according to a reliable source.
They are said to have resigned in protest against the government’s decision to revoke an earlier decision to appoint former Pos Malaysia Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Idrose Mohamed as the new managing director.
It was reported earlier that they had threatened to quit following the government’s decision to appoint former general manager of KTMB’s freight services division Abdul Radzak Abdul Malek for the post from Sept 2, replacing Datuk Mohd Salleh Abdullah.
KTMB board is said to be not happy with the Finance Ministry’s decision to revoke an earlier decision to appoint Idrose for the post.
However, it is not immediately known how many directors have joined Ah Lek, who is former Human Resources Minister, in tendering their resignation.
The non-executive directors are Datuk Othman Abd Razak, Datuk Mani Usilappan, Puan Sri Aida Boey Abdullah, Datuk Wong Mook Leong and Dr Kader Sultan Md Ismail.
Three other KTMB directors are non-independent non-executives Aniz Rizana Mohd Zainudin, Dr Ismail Jamaluddin and Dr Aminuddin Hassim.
It is believed the revocation of Idrose’s appointment was a last-minute decision and the Finance Ministry’s endorsement for Abdul Radzak was made early this month.
KTMB board members when contacted declined to comment, saying they are bound by the company secrecy.
Lim when contacted did not deny or confirm the resignations.
No official announcement on the appointment of Abdul Radzak has been made so far despite him assuming the post since Sept 2.
Abdul Radzak retired from KTMB last year.
25 Sep 2008 (Source NST and The Star)
KTM Bhd chairman Tan Sri Lim Ah Lek and some of its independent non-executive directors are believed to have tendered their resignation at a meeting today, according to a reliable source.
They are said to have resigned in protest against the government’s decision to revoke an earlier decision to appoint former Pos Malaysia Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Idrose Mohamed as the new managing director.
It was reported earlier that they had threatened to quit following the government’s decision to appoint former general manager of KTMB’s freight services division Abdul Radzak Abdul Malek for the post from Sept 2, replacing Datuk Mohd Salleh Abdullah.
KTMB board is said to be not happy with the Finance Ministry’s decision to revoke an earlier decision to appoint Idrose for the post.
However, it is not immediately known how many directors have joined Ah Lek, who is former Human Resources Minister, in tendering their resignation.
The non-executive directors are Datuk Othman Abd Razak, Datuk Mani Usilappan, Puan Sri Aida Boey Abdullah, Datuk Wong Mook Leong and Dr Kader Sultan Md Ismail.
Three other KTMB directors are non-independent non-executives Aniz Rizana Mohd Zainudin, Dr Ismail Jamaluddin and Dr Aminuddin Hassim.
It is believed the revocation of Idrose’s appointment was a last-minute decision and the Finance Ministry’s endorsement for Abdul Radzak was made early this month.
KTMB board members when contacted declined to comment, saying they are bound by the company secrecy.
Lim when contacted did not deny or confirm the resignations.
No official announcement on the appointment of Abdul Radzak has been made so far despite him assuming the post since Sept 2.
Abdul Radzak retired from KTMB last year.
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Ku LI Statement : Unity to face Malaysia Situation
Statement by Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah
(Sept 23, 2008)
I write this as a Malaysian, as someone who, over 47 years of political life, has had the privilege of playing some small part in the formation our country, the building of its institutions, and our achievement of a degree of economic sufficiency. I write out of deep concern about the present state of our country.
In the lives of nations as of individuals, there come moments of profound possibility, when the potential for self-transcendence and for self-destruction are simultaneously present.
As before some critical examination in our youth, we come to the daunting realisation that we hold our future in our hands, when how we will fare many years hence, and whether we shall flourish or languish, will depend on how we conduct ourselves now, in this small window of time.
We are in a political impasse that threatens to metastasise into a Constitutional crisis. Political crises come and go, but the present crisis might well be the beginning of a cascade of failures leading to long-term instability and destruction.
1. Our impasse occurs at a time of heightened economic, political and security challenges. The global economy faces the prospect of a meltdown on a scale last seen in the Great Depression of the last century. As a trading nation, we are strongly exposed to its effects.
Meanwhile, while we seem to have slept, the global economy is undergoing an epic transformation that we must either adapt to or are marginalised by.
2. This year's ground-shifting General Election result signaled a public sentiment that cannot be ignored. Malaysians want fundamental change, and they want it now, whether from within the ruling coalition or from outside it. The Malaysian demographic has changed dramatically over the last 50 years. We have seen the birth of a more sophisticated, demanding electorate that has rightly lost patience with incompetence and dishonesty.
3. The grievances of Sabah and Sarawak, which found only partial expression in the General Elections, remain unaddressed. This risks the very integrity of our Federation.
4. Misunderstandings over race and religion are ripe for political exploitation, with potentially disastrous consequences.
Post election promises notwithstanding however, the government now commands even less confidence than it did post March 8.
The public is in near despair over the prospects for change from within the ruling party. Rather than share the public's sense of urgency, our present office-holders have redoubled efforts to frustrate renewal, cut off reform, and silence criticism. These efforts only underscore the weakness of the administration and its will to change.
We can no longer deny that in its present form, and under present leadership, the government, led by the party to which I have given my life, is now structurally and inherently incapable of providing the direction and confidence that the country needs, whether over the long or short term. The indications are there for all to see:
1. The government has been unable to respond to the economic crisis with even a basic plan of action. Business confidence has plummeted as capital flees the country. Our economic policy remains as uncoordinated and directionless as it has been in since the beginning of this administration.
2. The recommendations of two Royal Commissions of Inquiry have been ignored or watered down into insignificance.
3. In this context, Umno's constitutional provision for the renewal of its leadership by triennial elections might have been expected to provide some hope of renewal. Instead of embracing this opportunity, however, the leadership of the party has retreated into the fantasy world of a "transition plan" which rides roughshod over the party's constitution and the rights of its members. This risible attempt to treat public office and party trust as a private bequest between two individuals, one of whom wishes to hold office beyond his democratic mandate and the other to ascend without one, and the continuing effort to force feed the country with this notion, fools no one. Instead, and against background of rampant money politics, it kills the public's hope of national renewal via Umno. Behind the babble about a "transition plan" the Prime Minister continues to be subverted by members of his own cabinet and subjected to thinly cloaked power plays to force his resignation.
This resort to a "transition plan" betrays a disturbing failure to grasp the meaning and purpose of public office. In the more mature society into which we aspire to grow, persons who demonstrate and moreover propagate such disregard for constitutional and democratic process would long ago have been disqualified from public life, let alone from national leadership. The news appears not to have sunk in that the public rejects leaders who shun the open light of democratic contest in favour of staged plays and backroom plots.
Given Umno's core role in national politics, this is a dangerous state of affairs. Meanwhile the Opposition has made undeniable gains in the number of parliamentarians it commands. Beyond the hype and inflation, and regardless of whether Pakatan Rakyat now has "the numbers" to command a majority, what we cannot doubt is that support for the governing majority continues to erode, and that this erosion continues so long as there is no hope of real change in the type of leadership Umno provides. There is now a credible threat that the present government may at some time fall by a vote of no confidence, or by some otherwise constitutionally legitimate demonstration of parliamentary majority. After 51 years of rule by a single party, this is not a possibility that is well understood. It is justifiably viewed with trepidation. Neither sheer denial on the one and, or inflated claims on the other, help the situation.
To all appearances, we are beginning to lose grip of the rule of law. The use of the Internal Security Act and of Sedition Laws to target particular individuals further erodes the credibility of the government. Our actions exacerbate rather than calm the fear that stokes civil and racial strife. In the present context of a leadership struggle within Umno and against a strong Opposition it is impossible to dispel the notion that these extreme measures are calculated to maintain certain individuals in power rather than to address verifiable threats to national security. Nothing does more to undermine the legitimacy of a government than plainly unjust acts. The ridiculous justifications given for some of these detentions has further undermined public confidence that the awesome powers of state are in safe hands.
We cannot afford to allow these disturbing trends to play out their destructive course while we suffer a de facto leadership vacuum, and while the rule of law is uncertain and the Constitution not upheld.
Against this background, I appeal to all parties to come together in humility, beyond party politics, to hold an honest discussion, in the spirit of shared citizenship and with the gravest attitude of common responsibility towards a long-suffering rakyat, about what is happening to our country and how we might agree together on a peaceful way beyond our impasse. We need to come together to find unity and direction out of this dangerous situation. In doing so, we might turn our crisis into an opportunity and renew our unity and sense of direction as Malaysia.
Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah
31 Jalan Langgak Golf
55000 Kuala Lumpur
Updated: 08:35PM Tue, 23 Sep 2008
(Sept 23, 2008)
I write this as a Malaysian, as someone who, over 47 years of political life, has had the privilege of playing some small part in the formation our country, the building of its institutions, and our achievement of a degree of economic sufficiency. I write out of deep concern about the present state of our country.
In the lives of nations as of individuals, there come moments of profound possibility, when the potential for self-transcendence and for self-destruction are simultaneously present.
As before some critical examination in our youth, we come to the daunting realisation that we hold our future in our hands, when how we will fare many years hence, and whether we shall flourish or languish, will depend on how we conduct ourselves now, in this small window of time.
We are in a political impasse that threatens to metastasise into a Constitutional crisis. Political crises come and go, but the present crisis might well be the beginning of a cascade of failures leading to long-term instability and destruction.
1. Our impasse occurs at a time of heightened economic, political and security challenges. The global economy faces the prospect of a meltdown on a scale last seen in the Great Depression of the last century. As a trading nation, we are strongly exposed to its effects.
Meanwhile, while we seem to have slept, the global economy is undergoing an epic transformation that we must either adapt to or are marginalised by.
2. This year's ground-shifting General Election result signaled a public sentiment that cannot be ignored. Malaysians want fundamental change, and they want it now, whether from within the ruling coalition or from outside it. The Malaysian demographic has changed dramatically over the last 50 years. We have seen the birth of a more sophisticated, demanding electorate that has rightly lost patience with incompetence and dishonesty.
3. The grievances of Sabah and Sarawak, which found only partial expression in the General Elections, remain unaddressed. This risks the very integrity of our Federation.
4. Misunderstandings over race and religion are ripe for political exploitation, with potentially disastrous consequences.
Post election promises notwithstanding however, the government now commands even less confidence than it did post March 8.
The public is in near despair over the prospects for change from within the ruling party. Rather than share the public's sense of urgency, our present office-holders have redoubled efforts to frustrate renewal, cut off reform, and silence criticism. These efforts only underscore the weakness of the administration and its will to change.
We can no longer deny that in its present form, and under present leadership, the government, led by the party to which I have given my life, is now structurally and inherently incapable of providing the direction and confidence that the country needs, whether over the long or short term. The indications are there for all to see:
1. The government has been unable to respond to the economic crisis with even a basic plan of action. Business confidence has plummeted as capital flees the country. Our economic policy remains as uncoordinated and directionless as it has been in since the beginning of this administration.
2. The recommendations of two Royal Commissions of Inquiry have been ignored or watered down into insignificance.
3. In this context, Umno's constitutional provision for the renewal of its leadership by triennial elections might have been expected to provide some hope of renewal. Instead of embracing this opportunity, however, the leadership of the party has retreated into the fantasy world of a "transition plan" which rides roughshod over the party's constitution and the rights of its members. This risible attempt to treat public office and party trust as a private bequest between two individuals, one of whom wishes to hold office beyond his democratic mandate and the other to ascend without one, and the continuing effort to force feed the country with this notion, fools no one. Instead, and against background of rampant money politics, it kills the public's hope of national renewal via Umno. Behind the babble about a "transition plan" the Prime Minister continues to be subverted by members of his own cabinet and subjected to thinly cloaked power plays to force his resignation.
This resort to a "transition plan" betrays a disturbing failure to grasp the meaning and purpose of public office. In the more mature society into which we aspire to grow, persons who demonstrate and moreover propagate such disregard for constitutional and democratic process would long ago have been disqualified from public life, let alone from national leadership. The news appears not to have sunk in that the public rejects leaders who shun the open light of democratic contest in favour of staged plays and backroom plots.
Given Umno's core role in national politics, this is a dangerous state of affairs. Meanwhile the Opposition has made undeniable gains in the number of parliamentarians it commands. Beyond the hype and inflation, and regardless of whether Pakatan Rakyat now has "the numbers" to command a majority, what we cannot doubt is that support for the governing majority continues to erode, and that this erosion continues so long as there is no hope of real change in the type of leadership Umno provides. There is now a credible threat that the present government may at some time fall by a vote of no confidence, or by some otherwise constitutionally legitimate demonstration of parliamentary majority. After 51 years of rule by a single party, this is not a possibility that is well understood. It is justifiably viewed with trepidation. Neither sheer denial on the one and, or inflated claims on the other, help the situation.
To all appearances, we are beginning to lose grip of the rule of law. The use of the Internal Security Act and of Sedition Laws to target particular individuals further erodes the credibility of the government. Our actions exacerbate rather than calm the fear that stokes civil and racial strife. In the present context of a leadership struggle within Umno and against a strong Opposition it is impossible to dispel the notion that these extreme measures are calculated to maintain certain individuals in power rather than to address verifiable threats to national security. Nothing does more to undermine the legitimacy of a government than plainly unjust acts. The ridiculous justifications given for some of these detentions has further undermined public confidence that the awesome powers of state are in safe hands.
We cannot afford to allow these disturbing trends to play out their destructive course while we suffer a de facto leadership vacuum, and while the rule of law is uncertain and the Constitution not upheld.
Against this background, I appeal to all parties to come together in humility, beyond party politics, to hold an honest discussion, in the spirit of shared citizenship and with the gravest attitude of common responsibility towards a long-suffering rakyat, about what is happening to our country and how we might agree together on a peaceful way beyond our impasse. We need to come together to find unity and direction out of this dangerous situation. In doing so, we might turn our crisis into an opportunity and renew our unity and sense of direction as Malaysia.
Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah
31 Jalan Langgak Golf
55000 Kuala Lumpur
Updated: 08:35PM Tue, 23 Sep 2008
Sunday, 21 September 2008
Interview Anwar Ibrahim by Georgetown University Prof
Prof attempts Malaysian takeover
by Eric Pilch
(Features in "The Georgetown Voice") dated 18 Sept 2008
Anwar Ibrahim, the man poised to become Malaysia’s new prime minister, is profiled in today’s Voice. The full text of the email interview with him has been reproduced below:
To start off, why are you attempting to remove the current government from power?
In a democracy, imperfect though it is in Malaysia, you need two legitimacies to govern: a moral legitimacy and a political one.
The moral legitimacy stems from your entire deportment whilst governing – transparency of conduct, rule of law, separation of powers, integrity of office bearers, and the like.
The political legitimacy results from your effective command of the electorate and its legislators.
The National Front of Malaysia, in power for 51 years now, has been oozing its moral legitimacy to govern for at least a decade now. The judiciary was corrupted, the police force became dysfunctional, the civil service was reduced to a rubber stamp, money politics infected political parties, and matters to do with race and religion became a minefield. The economy is sluggish, now approaching quagmire status and the government has offered no solution to the problem of widespread joblessness, rampant inflation and the decline in foreign direct investment. In sum a tragic state of affairs after 51 years of governance.
The National Front’s political legitimacy was premised on its command of a two-thirds majority in Parliament. Once before it lost that majority — in 1969 when race riots flared in the aftermath of that loss.
On March 8th this year, it lost that majority in the general election, the 12th in the nation’s history. A psychological threshold was breached and in its wake, there was mounting discovery that the emperor has no clothes.
The divestment of the moral and political legitimacy to govern has brought the National Front to the current impasse. The opposition coalition wants to end this stalemate by inviting government legislators to join in our campaign of national regeneration.
What are your thoughts on the current Prime Minister Mr. Abdullah Ahmad Badawi?
I’ve known the Prime Minister for many years and have found him to be a decent person – I hope I don’t sound patronizing – but wholly ineffectual.
Why do you believe the Prime Minister is unwilling to meet with you?
He thinks it will spell the death knell of his premiership. I’m trying to convince him that it’s more about national salvation than about the longevity or the lack, of individual political careers.
It is in his interest and the nation’s that he meets me and we discuss matters. The future, following a meeting with me, need not be less than emollient to him. In politics, you have to read the mood and the currents right. He has read and continues to read them wrong. He ought to opt for conciliation. Finality is not the language of politics.
Do you believe that the government’s decision to send 50 MP’s to Taiwan last week was designed to thwart your plans?
It was transparently and unabashedly that. It has led the public to think that the government is a troupe of court jesters.
Do you maintain your innocence with regard to the sodomy and corruption charges that have been brought against you at various times?
I have always maintained that they were a conspiracy – and to this date not a shred of evidence has been proffered to support the wildly speculative claims. With the government’s pervasive control of the official media, those charges – diabolical, trumped-up and patently false – have been given illegitimate currency.
This time, in the courtroom of public opinion, the veracity of those charges has evanesced faster than the government’s popularity. No one believes those charges save the ones whose political longevity is dependent on my being clapped in the slammer.
I must convey my sincere appreciation to those in the international community who have been outspoken in their criticism of the conspiracy launched against me. In that respect Georgetown University remains quite supportive to our efforts here.
What are your policy priorities and goals if you succeed in becoming Prime Minister?
In the main, it is the implementation of the Malaysian Economic Agenda, which is a program that will unite Malaysians by giving them more equality of opportunity. Their talents will flourish and the goal of a united nation that has eluded us for decades will become attainable. You get that insight — that people revenge the stifling of their talent in conflict — from the plays of Ibsen.
We must reestablish the integrity of our judiciary and take an uncompromising stand against corruption and cronyism. The economy is sluggish and lagging vis-à-vis our neighbors in Asean. Foreign investors who once flocked to Malaysia are now uncomfortable with the prospects of a government that does not respect the rule of law and basic principles of the free market. Our education system has fallen into disrepair under the mediocre stewardship of political appointees.
We are committed to a humane economy – stimulate growth but ensure that the poor and marginalized do not slip trough the cracks. The excesses of capitalism have wrought havoc on global markets as we have seen once again in the latest turmoil on Wall Street. These crises have real impact on people – who can lose jobs, retirement saving and investment portfolios overnight. Our commitment to market oriented economic policies remains firm, but we will follow a course described by John Kenneth Galbraith as an appropriate dose of state intervention to rectify the social inequities attendant on the unbridled forces of the free market.
How was your time at Georgetown, and is there anything you’d like to share with the readers about your time at the University?
I spent a year and a half there. It was a decompression chamber for me after six years of unjust incarceration. I was able to crystallize much of the thought that swirled in me all that time in jail. The period I spent in Georgetown, teaching, reading and reflecting has fuelled my campaign to fight for a new dawn for my people in Malaysia.
I can’t help but recall my earlier visit to the campus in 1996 when I delivered a speech on the dialogue of civilizations and the need to achieve a Convivencia in the spirit and model of Andalusian Spain. To have been present on campus interacting with the diverse students and faculty in a stimulating intellectual and spiritual environment, I felt as though we were approaching that ideal.
I must convey my warm greetings to the students who honored me with their participation in my classes and to staff and administration who were unsurpassed in their kindness and hospitality to my family and I.
Finally, would you ever consider returning to Georgetown after the conclusion of your political career?
It would be a monumental task to decline another invitation by President DeGioia, a dear friend, to return to the hilltop for another bout of teaching.
But right now that’s a bridge too far. I’m certain to come back but in what capacity I can’t say. Georgetown will long remain in my memory as an idyllic place that gave me a renewal at a point in my life when it was most needed.
by Eric Pilch
(Features in "The Georgetown Voice") dated 18 Sept 2008
Anwar Ibrahim, the man poised to become Malaysia’s new prime minister, is profiled in today’s Voice. The full text of the email interview with him has been reproduced below:
To start off, why are you attempting to remove the current government from power?
In a democracy, imperfect though it is in Malaysia, you need two legitimacies to govern: a moral legitimacy and a political one.
The moral legitimacy stems from your entire deportment whilst governing – transparency of conduct, rule of law, separation of powers, integrity of office bearers, and the like.
The political legitimacy results from your effective command of the electorate and its legislators.
The National Front of Malaysia, in power for 51 years now, has been oozing its moral legitimacy to govern for at least a decade now. The judiciary was corrupted, the police force became dysfunctional, the civil service was reduced to a rubber stamp, money politics infected political parties, and matters to do with race and religion became a minefield. The economy is sluggish, now approaching quagmire status and the government has offered no solution to the problem of widespread joblessness, rampant inflation and the decline in foreign direct investment. In sum a tragic state of affairs after 51 years of governance.
The National Front’s political legitimacy was premised on its command of a two-thirds majority in Parliament. Once before it lost that majority — in 1969 when race riots flared in the aftermath of that loss.
On March 8th this year, it lost that majority in the general election, the 12th in the nation’s history. A psychological threshold was breached and in its wake, there was mounting discovery that the emperor has no clothes.
The divestment of the moral and political legitimacy to govern has brought the National Front to the current impasse. The opposition coalition wants to end this stalemate by inviting government legislators to join in our campaign of national regeneration.
What are your thoughts on the current Prime Minister Mr. Abdullah Ahmad Badawi?
I’ve known the Prime Minister for many years and have found him to be a decent person – I hope I don’t sound patronizing – but wholly ineffectual.
Why do you believe the Prime Minister is unwilling to meet with you?
He thinks it will spell the death knell of his premiership. I’m trying to convince him that it’s more about national salvation than about the longevity or the lack, of individual political careers.
It is in his interest and the nation’s that he meets me and we discuss matters. The future, following a meeting with me, need not be less than emollient to him. In politics, you have to read the mood and the currents right. He has read and continues to read them wrong. He ought to opt for conciliation. Finality is not the language of politics.
Do you believe that the government’s decision to send 50 MP’s to Taiwan last week was designed to thwart your plans?
It was transparently and unabashedly that. It has led the public to think that the government is a troupe of court jesters.
Do you maintain your innocence with regard to the sodomy and corruption charges that have been brought against you at various times?
I have always maintained that they were a conspiracy – and to this date not a shred of evidence has been proffered to support the wildly speculative claims. With the government’s pervasive control of the official media, those charges – diabolical, trumped-up and patently false – have been given illegitimate currency.
This time, in the courtroom of public opinion, the veracity of those charges has evanesced faster than the government’s popularity. No one believes those charges save the ones whose political longevity is dependent on my being clapped in the slammer.
I must convey my sincere appreciation to those in the international community who have been outspoken in their criticism of the conspiracy launched against me. In that respect Georgetown University remains quite supportive to our efforts here.
What are your policy priorities and goals if you succeed in becoming Prime Minister?
In the main, it is the implementation of the Malaysian Economic Agenda, which is a program that will unite Malaysians by giving them more equality of opportunity. Their talents will flourish and the goal of a united nation that has eluded us for decades will become attainable. You get that insight — that people revenge the stifling of their talent in conflict — from the plays of Ibsen.
We must reestablish the integrity of our judiciary and take an uncompromising stand against corruption and cronyism. The economy is sluggish and lagging vis-à-vis our neighbors in Asean. Foreign investors who once flocked to Malaysia are now uncomfortable with the prospects of a government that does not respect the rule of law and basic principles of the free market. Our education system has fallen into disrepair under the mediocre stewardship of political appointees.
We are committed to a humane economy – stimulate growth but ensure that the poor and marginalized do not slip trough the cracks. The excesses of capitalism have wrought havoc on global markets as we have seen once again in the latest turmoil on Wall Street. These crises have real impact on people – who can lose jobs, retirement saving and investment portfolios overnight. Our commitment to market oriented economic policies remains firm, but we will follow a course described by John Kenneth Galbraith as an appropriate dose of state intervention to rectify the social inequities attendant on the unbridled forces of the free market.
How was your time at Georgetown, and is there anything you’d like to share with the readers about your time at the University?
I spent a year and a half there. It was a decompression chamber for me after six years of unjust incarceration. I was able to crystallize much of the thought that swirled in me all that time in jail. The period I spent in Georgetown, teaching, reading and reflecting has fuelled my campaign to fight for a new dawn for my people in Malaysia.
I can’t help but recall my earlier visit to the campus in 1996 when I delivered a speech on the dialogue of civilizations and the need to achieve a Convivencia in the spirit and model of Andalusian Spain. To have been present on campus interacting with the diverse students and faculty in a stimulating intellectual and spiritual environment, I felt as though we were approaching that ideal.
I must convey my warm greetings to the students who honored me with their participation in my classes and to staff and administration who were unsurpassed in their kindness and hospitality to my family and I.
Finally, would you ever consider returning to Georgetown after the conclusion of your political career?
It would be a monumental task to decline another invitation by President DeGioia, a dear friend, to return to the hilltop for another bout of teaching.
But right now that’s a bridge too far. I’m certain to come back but in what capacity I can’t say. Georgetown will long remain in my memory as an idyllic place that gave me a renewal at a point in my life when it was most needed.
Saturday, 20 September 2008
Malaysia Bar Council unanimously against ISA
20 Sept 2008
KUALA LUMPUR, Sat: The Extraordinary General Meeting of the Malaysian Bar started about 10.20 this morning after more than 519 members had turned up to satisfy the quorum requirement. By 11.30am, 737 members had registered for the EGM which was called by the Bar Council in its meeting last Saturday.
Proceedings began with the President of the Malaysian Bar, Ambiga Sreenevasan calling the meeting to order. Members were informed that the Bar Council had invited 3 persons to address the floor – S. Pushpaneela (the wife of M. Manoharan), Member of Parliament, Teresa Kok and Norlaila Othman.
Pushpa together with her son took to the podium and thanked the Bar Council and the Malaysian Bar for their support and assistance. She also highlighted the challenges faced by her, her children and all family members of the ISA detainees. Although she was visibly upset, she still managed to express her relief that Teresa had been released and was glad that at least one person’s prayers had been answered. Pushpa received a standing ovation from the floor when she completed her very touching speech.
Teresa Kok then took to the stage to a rousing welcome. She started by saying “I’m Back!” She briefly highlighted the circumstances of her arrest and the 3 areas of questioning she faced during her detention. She then described the conditions of her detention. She questioned the need to detain her to answer questions about the 3 issues when she could have easily answered such questions at the police station. She then highlighted the ramifications of her detention to her personally and to investment opportunities for the state of Selangor. She said that she had on the morning of her detention held a briefing for investors from China and she had told them that Malaysia was a peaceful nation.
"Can you believe it? A day after I told these investors that Malaysia was a peaceful nation, they read about my arrest", said Teresa who ended her speech by thanking the members of the Malaysian Bar for their support.
Norlaila Othman, fondly known by many members of the Bar as Kak Laila, then came forward to describe her plight as a wife of a detainee who has been held without trial for 6 years. She first said that her husband was very happy with the visits organised by the Malaysian Bar. She then expressed her gratitude to her personal friend, Edmund Bon, who had been assisting her ever since her husband was detained. She thanked Edmund and his team for all their assistance and support.
Ambiga then highlighted what the journalist, Tan Hoon Cheng, had said of her detention. She also articulated the words of Raja Petra’s wife regarding his detention.
The motion was then put forward by the President of the Malaysian Bar. Proceedings were then opened to the floor. Ambiga then called for any members who oppose the Motion to express their views. No one came forward.
Ambiga then invited Syamsuriatina Ishak to explain to members the work of the Human Rights Committee and the periodic trips to Kamunting. Tina said that periodic trips are conducted by members of the Committee to Kamunting to visit the detainees. Tina informed members that the work of the Committee has been greatly appreciated by the detainees and that she hoped that more members of the Bar would participate in the work being done.
Several members expressed their views. Dipendra Harshad Rai asked whether Council has any other plan such as to bring the motion to higher bodies. Ambiga thanked Dipendra and agreed that the Council will look at it. Latheefa Koya agreed with Dipendra. She suggested the Bar do things in solidarity with Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA.
Ravindra Kumar spoke of his experience visiting the detainees in Kamunting. He said it was very intimidating and could be described as a hell hole. He said the lawyers detained there were visibly affected and appeared to be under severe mental anguish. He said that not enough is being done for them.
Mah Weng Kwai said that there was support from the international community and as President of LawAsia, it will be discussed at their next meeting.
Renuka Balasubramaniam highlighted the lack of resources faced by the Human Rights Committee and the Legal Aid Committee and urged members to come forward to assist in any way they could.
Haji Sulaiman Abdullah pointed out that the ISA is of our own making and is not inherited from our colonial past. He highlighted the freedom of the press. He said that there is now constant discussion in the mainstream media about the ISA and we should protect this vigorously.
Chew Swee Yoke said that Uthayakumar had been deprived of his medication and was being given some other medication that he was told is similar. He has also been deprived of his diabetic diet.
The motion was then put to a vote. It was carried unanimously. The meeting then ended about 12.10pm.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE MOTION
WHEREAS
THE MALAYSIAN BAR:
(a) Outraged that the Internal Security Act 1960 ('ISA') has recently been used to arrest Raja Petra Kamaruddin (a blogger), Tan Hoon Cheng (a journalist) and Teresa Kok (a member of Parliament);
(b) Deeply concerned that at present, there are more than 60 individuals detained under the ISA;
(c) Reiterating its earlier call, by its resolution of 15 March 2008, for the immediate and unconditional release of all persons presently detained without trial, including Manoharan a/l Malayalam, Uthayakumar a/l Ponnusamy, Kengadharan a/l Ramasamy, Ganabatirau a/l Veraman and Vasantha Kumar a/l Krishnan;
(d) Asserting the importance of upholding the Rule of Law, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution and the Rukunegara;
(e) Reaffirming the Bar's continued and unequivocal opposition to the ISA and all laws that allow for the detention of persons without trial, as they are unconstitutional, oppressive and undermine the Rule of Law;
(f) Taking note that, as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Government must fulfil the pledges it made, inter alia, to "promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms" and to promote "a free media, including in cyberspace"; and
(g) Deeply concerned that on 11 September 2008, the Government sent show-cause letters to three newspapers namely, Sin Chew Daily, The Sun and Suara Keadilan, regarding the reporting of certain issues.
NOW RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS, THAT:
1. The Malaysian Bar strongly condemns the arrests of Raja Petra Kamaruddin, Tan Hoon Cheng and Teresa Kok and strongly calls upon the Government to immediately and unconditionally release Raja Petra Kamaruddin, who is still being detained.
2. The Malaysian Bar strongly calls upon the Government to immediately and unconditionally release all persons presently detained without trial, including Manoharan a/l Malayalam, Uthayakumar a/l Ponnusamy, Kengadharan a/l Ramasamy, Ganabatirau a/l Veraman and Vasantha Kumar a/l Krishnan, who were ordered to be detained for two years from 13 December 2007.
3. The Malaysian Bar strongly calls upon the Government to immediately repeal the ISA and all other laws that allow for the detention of persons without trial such as the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969 and Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985.
4. The Malaysian Bar strongly condemns the issuance of the three show-cause letters to Sin Chew Daily, The Sun and Suara Keadilan and strongly calls upon the Government to immediately withdraw the show-cause letters.
5. The Malaysian Bar calls upon the Government to uphold its pledges to the United Nations Human Rights Council to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms and to promote a free media, including in cyberspace.
6. The Malaysian Bar calls upon the Government to demonstrate its commitment to, and to uphold, the Rule of Law as enshrined in the Federal Constitution and the Rukunegara.
Proceedings began with the President of the Malaysian Bar, Ambiga Sreenevasan calling the meeting to order. Members were informed that the Bar Council had invited 3 persons to address the floor – S. Pushpaneela (the wife of M. Manoharan), Member of Parliament, Teresa Kok and Norlaila Othman.
Pushpa together with her son took to the podium and thanked the Bar Council and the Malaysian Bar for their support and assistance. She also highlighted the challenges faced by her, her children and all family members of the ISA detainees. Although she was visibly upset, she still managed to express her relief that Teresa had been released and was glad that at least one person’s prayers had been answered. Pushpa received a standing ovation from the floor when she completed her very touching speech.
Teresa Kok then took to the stage to a rousing welcome. She started by saying “I’m Back!” She briefly highlighted the circumstances of her arrest and the 3 areas of questioning she faced during her detention. She then described the conditions of her detention. She questioned the need to detain her to answer questions about the 3 issues when she could have easily answered such questions at the police station. She then highlighted the ramifications of her detention to her personally and to investment opportunities for the state of Selangor. She said that she had on the morning of her detention held a briefing for investors from China and she had told them that Malaysia was a peaceful nation.
"Can you believe it? A day after I told these investors that Malaysia was a peaceful nation, they read about my arrest", said Teresa who ended her speech by thanking the members of the Malaysian Bar for their support.
Norlaila Othman, fondly known by many members of the Bar as Kak Laila, then came forward to describe her plight as a wife of a detainee who has been held without trial for 6 years. She first said that her husband was very happy with the visits organised by the Malaysian Bar. She then expressed her gratitude to her personal friend, Edmund Bon, who had been assisting her ever since her husband was detained. She thanked Edmund and his team for all their assistance and support.
Ambiga then highlighted what the journalist, Tan Hoon Cheng, had said of her detention. She also articulated the words of Raja Petra’s wife regarding his detention.
The motion was then put forward by the President of the Malaysian Bar. Proceedings were then opened to the floor. Ambiga then called for any members who oppose the Motion to express their views. No one came forward.
Ambiga then invited Syamsuriatina Ishak to explain to members the work of the Human Rights Committee and the periodic trips to Kamunting. Tina said that periodic trips are conducted by members of the Committee to Kamunting to visit the detainees. Tina informed members that the work of the Committee has been greatly appreciated by the detainees and that she hoped that more members of the Bar would participate in the work being done.
Several members expressed their views. Dipendra Harshad Rai asked whether Council has any other plan such as to bring the motion to higher bodies. Ambiga thanked Dipendra and agreed that the Council will look at it. Latheefa Koya agreed with Dipendra. She suggested the Bar do things in solidarity with Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA.
Ravindra Kumar spoke of his experience visiting the detainees in Kamunting. He said it was very intimidating and could be described as a hell hole. He said the lawyers detained there were visibly affected and appeared to be under severe mental anguish. He said that not enough is being done for them.
Mah Weng Kwai said that there was support from the international community and as President of LawAsia, it will be discussed at their next meeting.
Renuka Balasubramaniam highlighted the lack of resources faced by the Human Rights Committee and the Legal Aid Committee and urged members to come forward to assist in any way they could.
Haji Sulaiman Abdullah pointed out that the ISA is of our own making and is not inherited from our colonial past. He highlighted the freedom of the press. He said that there is now constant discussion in the mainstream media about the ISA and we should protect this vigorously.
Chew Swee Yoke said that Uthayakumar had been deprived of his medication and was being given some other medication that he was told is similar. He has also been deprived of his diabetic diet.
The motion was then put to a vote. It was carried unanimously. The meeting then ended about 12.10pm.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE MOTION
WHEREAS
THE MALAYSIAN BAR:
(a) Outraged that the Internal Security Act 1960 ('ISA') has recently been used to arrest Raja Petra Kamaruddin (a blogger), Tan Hoon Cheng (a journalist) and Teresa Kok (a member of Parliament);
(b) Deeply concerned that at present, there are more than 60 individuals detained under the ISA;
(c) Reiterating its earlier call, by its resolution of 15 March 2008, for the immediate and unconditional release of all persons presently detained without trial, including Manoharan a/l Malayalam, Uthayakumar a/l Ponnusamy, Kengadharan a/l Ramasamy, Ganabatirau a/l Veraman and Vasantha Kumar a/l Krishnan;
(d) Asserting the importance of upholding the Rule of Law, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution and the Rukunegara;
(e) Reaffirming the Bar's continued and unequivocal opposition to the ISA and all laws that allow for the detention of persons without trial, as they are unconstitutional, oppressive and undermine the Rule of Law;
(f) Taking note that, as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Government must fulfil the pledges it made, inter alia, to "promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms" and to promote "a free media, including in cyberspace"; and
(g) Deeply concerned that on 11 September 2008, the Government sent show-cause letters to three newspapers namely, Sin Chew Daily, The Sun and Suara Keadilan, regarding the reporting of certain issues.
NOW RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS, THAT:
1. The Malaysian Bar strongly condemns the arrests of Raja Petra Kamaruddin, Tan Hoon Cheng and Teresa Kok and strongly calls upon the Government to immediately and unconditionally release Raja Petra Kamaruddin, who is still being detained.
2. The Malaysian Bar strongly calls upon the Government to immediately and unconditionally release all persons presently detained without trial, including Manoharan a/l Malayalam, Uthayakumar a/l Ponnusamy, Kengadharan a/l Ramasamy, Ganabatirau a/l Veraman and Vasantha Kumar a/l Krishnan, who were ordered to be detained for two years from 13 December 2007.
3. The Malaysian Bar strongly calls upon the Government to immediately repeal the ISA and all other laws that allow for the detention of persons without trial such as the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969 and Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985.
4. The Malaysian Bar strongly condemns the issuance of the three show-cause letters to Sin Chew Daily, The Sun and Suara Keadilan and strongly calls upon the Government to immediately withdraw the show-cause letters.
5. The Malaysian Bar calls upon the Government to uphold its pledges to the United Nations Human Rights Council to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms and to promote a free media, including in cyberspace.
6. The Malaysian Bar calls upon the Government to demonstrate its commitment to, and to uphold, the Rule of Law as enshrined in the Federal Constitution and the Rukunegara.
Govt Subsidy Vs Petronas Profits (Part 4)
Now that Petrol Price has gone down, PM is saying Petronas revenues will be less and thus less less subsidy. (refer to the article for NST below dated 18 Sep 2008)
Why when Petrol Price goes up, the Government has not said anything on increase of Petronas Revenue thus more subsidy?
Why when Petrol Price goes up, the Government has not said anything on increase of Petronas Revenue thus more subsidy?
Referring to my previous to post in my blog regarding
(3) Govt Subsidy Vs Petronas Profit Dated 18,April 2008
18 Sept 2008
(NST) PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi refused to give hints of further reduction in fuel prices, saying the government would be paying less in subsidy if the world crude oil prices continued to go down. "The cheaper the world prices, the better. However, Petronas' revenue will be less. So is the subsidy borne by the government. We will talk about this some other day," he said at a news conference at the Prime Minister's Office yesterday.
Recently, the prime minister had said the government would reduce fuel prices by a further 15 sen by end of the year if world crude oil prices stay at US$109 (RM374) per barrel.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad was quoted as saying that the government might reduce fuel prices before Hari Raya.
On Aug 22, the pump price of petrol was reduced to RM2.55 from RM2.70 per litre (RON 97) and diesel to RM2.50 from RM2.58 per litre.
After the press conference, Abdullah tested a "hydrogen" motorcycle, costing about RM1 million, invented by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
The environment-friendly motorcycle, which uses hydrogen as a combustible source and cell fuel engine, does not emit smoke or noise.
Also present was UTM vice-chancellor Tan Sri Professor Dr Mohd Zulkifli Ghazali.
Friday, 19 September 2008
Interview with Zaib Ibrahim : Why he resigned?
Zaid: Party was not ready for reform
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 — Three days since his resignation, former de facto law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim is still in the news.
Yesterday, he explained that his presence at an opposition-led gathering to set up a parliamentarian caucus against the ISA was his show of support in a cause he believed in — and one of the reasons he quit.
Zaid, 57, who is law-trained, had always maintained that the ISA should not be used for political purposes, but only on terrorists or anyone advocating violence.
He dispelled talk of joining the opposition, saying his Sept 16 decision had not been calculated.
He is still a Barisan Nasional senator.
He has plans to set up a foundation called My Future Foundation to focus on activities for young Malaysians and provide them a forum to raise and discuss concerns and issues about race relations.
When Sept 16 came, it was Zaid who was referred to as the man of the moment by Malaysian media, not opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who had promised a government takeover that day.
Zaid's resignation after six months in the Cabinet shocked many, as he was considered one of PM Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's strong loyalists.
He is also popular in the liberal civil community and had vowed to bring forward ideas and proposals for a more transparent judiciary.
He had described the recent ISA arrests of opposition politician Teresa Kok, blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin and journalist Tan Hoon Cheng as the “last straw”.
His disappointment showed at the 40-minute press conference, where he said he was frustrated at facing “brickwalls” and apologised for his “failure” to effect change.
He elaborates in an e-mail interview with The New Paper.
When did you first think about resigning?
I first thought of resigning from the Cabinet after my first month in office. My idea of reform has been construed by some influential members of Cabinet and the party as undesirable and against party interests.
When was the tipping point?
When I was not able to do all these (reforms) and having heard the arguments against them, it then dawned on me that... my party was not ready.
Not ready for a process-driven system, not ready for meritocracy, not ready for greater levels of accountability and a truly independent judiciary. They would like to cling on to the leverages of power based on discretion and privileges.
I could not do much without the support. So, on Sept 12, when they detained Member of Parliament Teresa Kok under the ISA, a journalist for reporting what an Umno leader said — which in my view smacks of racism — and the blogger, I said enough is enough.
What went through your mind as you mulled over this decision to resign?
It was not difficult as I had to endure calls from my party to resign even within my first month. I was labelled an Opposition reformer. I wasn't able to get support from those stakeholders whose support was necessary for me to be effective.
How supportive have your family and friends been?
My family has been very supportive especially my wife, even though I forgot to tell her. She and the rest of my family fully understand my reasons.
(Some friends) said that I could have achieved more by remaining a member of Cabinet.
I want to reassure them that I've thought this through and through and I've come to the conclusion that I could stay on for a few more years, but I would not have achieved much.
Did you seek anybody's advice before you made your decision? Whose was it and what did he or she say?
No. But as I confronted all the challenges in the last six months, I did get advice from many quarters including a senior statesman of an Asean country whom I respect very much.
He advised that I should be patient when faced with adversity.
Advice, suggestions and reflections are good most of the time. But on matters that are dear to our heart, discussions will not change much.
I believe that my country is at a crossroads. I truly feel that the institutions of government, the courts, the police and the judiciary, need a major overhaul... a major clean-up.
Since I was not able to effect positive changes to these things, I resigned.
What has been the reaction to your resignation?
Those who are critical of or oppose my views about the need for rule of law, about justice and fairness for all, were jubilant.
They said I was arrogant, not a true Malay patriot, not a team player.
But the overwhelming response and views of the people of Malaysia have been very supportive of my decision. I'm deeply touched.
I never thought a single act of resignation would trigger such a response throughout the country and from all Malaysians.
Do you rule out politics then? If so, what would make you consider rejoining?
I did not resign after six months just to be in the record books as being the only minister to have resigned from the Cabinet on a matter of principle since Merdeka.
I resigned because I was not able to effectively serve the country. However, just because I'm no longer a minister does not mean I'm out of politics.
I will do whatever I can to make Malaysia better. I'm not quitting politics.
Datuk Anwar Ibrahim has said that defections would allow him to gain majority rule he needs to form a government. Though this is legal, what are your thoughts on this method of gaining control of Parliament?
Crossovers are permitted under our laws. So if Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has the support of the majority of the House, he can form the new government.
Of course, I would have preferred that we have an “anti-hopping law”, which I proposed, but (it) did not find favour with either my own party or with the Opposition. — The New Paper
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 — Three days since his resignation, former de facto law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim is still in the news.
Yesterday, he explained that his presence at an opposition-led gathering to set up a parliamentarian caucus against the ISA was his show of support in a cause he believed in — and one of the reasons he quit.
Zaid, 57, who is law-trained, had always maintained that the ISA should not be used for political purposes, but only on terrorists or anyone advocating violence.
He dispelled talk of joining the opposition, saying his Sept 16 decision had not been calculated.
He is still a Barisan Nasional senator.
He has plans to set up a foundation called My Future Foundation to focus on activities for young Malaysians and provide them a forum to raise and discuss concerns and issues about race relations.
When Sept 16 came, it was Zaid who was referred to as the man of the moment by Malaysian media, not opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who had promised a government takeover that day.
Zaid's resignation after six months in the Cabinet shocked many, as he was considered one of PM Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's strong loyalists.
He is also popular in the liberal civil community and had vowed to bring forward ideas and proposals for a more transparent judiciary.
He had described the recent ISA arrests of opposition politician Teresa Kok, blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin and journalist Tan Hoon Cheng as the “last straw”.
His disappointment showed at the 40-minute press conference, where he said he was frustrated at facing “brickwalls” and apologised for his “failure” to effect change.
He elaborates in an e-mail interview with The New Paper.
When did you first think about resigning?
I first thought of resigning from the Cabinet after my first month in office. My idea of reform has been construed by some influential members of Cabinet and the party as undesirable and against party interests.
When was the tipping point?
When I was not able to do all these (reforms) and having heard the arguments against them, it then dawned on me that... my party was not ready.
Not ready for a process-driven system, not ready for meritocracy, not ready for greater levels of accountability and a truly independent judiciary. They would like to cling on to the leverages of power based on discretion and privileges.
I could not do much without the support. So, on Sept 12, when they detained Member of Parliament Teresa Kok under the ISA, a journalist for reporting what an Umno leader said — which in my view smacks of racism — and the blogger, I said enough is enough.
What went through your mind as you mulled over this decision to resign?
It was not difficult as I had to endure calls from my party to resign even within my first month. I was labelled an Opposition reformer. I wasn't able to get support from those stakeholders whose support was necessary for me to be effective.
How supportive have your family and friends been?
My family has been very supportive especially my wife, even though I forgot to tell her. She and the rest of my family fully understand my reasons.
(Some friends) said that I could have achieved more by remaining a member of Cabinet.
I want to reassure them that I've thought this through and through and I've come to the conclusion that I could stay on for a few more years, but I would not have achieved much.
Did you seek anybody's advice before you made your decision? Whose was it and what did he or she say?
No. But as I confronted all the challenges in the last six months, I did get advice from many quarters including a senior statesman of an Asean country whom I respect very much.
He advised that I should be patient when faced with adversity.
Advice, suggestions and reflections are good most of the time. But on matters that are dear to our heart, discussions will not change much.
I believe that my country is at a crossroads. I truly feel that the institutions of government, the courts, the police and the judiciary, need a major overhaul... a major clean-up.
Since I was not able to effect positive changes to these things, I resigned.
What has been the reaction to your resignation?
Those who are critical of or oppose my views about the need for rule of law, about justice and fairness for all, were jubilant.
They said I was arrogant, not a true Malay patriot, not a team player.
But the overwhelming response and views of the people of Malaysia have been very supportive of my decision. I'm deeply touched.
I never thought a single act of resignation would trigger such a response throughout the country and from all Malaysians.
Do you rule out politics then? If so, what would make you consider rejoining?
I did not resign after six months just to be in the record books as being the only minister to have resigned from the Cabinet on a matter of principle since Merdeka.
I resigned because I was not able to effectively serve the country. However, just because I'm no longer a minister does not mean I'm out of politics.
I will do whatever I can to make Malaysia better. I'm not quitting politics.
Datuk Anwar Ibrahim has said that defections would allow him to gain majority rule he needs to form a government. Though this is legal, what are your thoughts on this method of gaining control of Parliament?
Crossovers are permitted under our laws. So if Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has the support of the majority of the House, he can form the new government.
Of course, I would have preferred that we have an “anti-hopping law”, which I proposed, but (it) did not find favour with either my own party or with the Opposition. — The New Paper
Teresa Kok ISA Experience (Her Story)
Teresa Kok ISA Experience
An electrical blip that plunged the DAP headquarters into darkness for some 10 minutes did not spoil the 'welcome home' party for outspoken politician Teresa Kok.
MCPXA bouquet of flowers, a cake and mooncakes were already waiting her even before she came into the conference room.
The 50-minute press conference was conducted in an almost festive note as DAP chairman Karpal Singh, Selangor MB Khalid Ibrahim and state exco colleague Elizabeth Wong joined in.
Relating the incidents of the day, Kok told of how she was tailed the whole day by police before the arrest took place on her way home last Friday.
"I was going back to my condo after a function when a car sped up to block my car while another stopped behind me.
"Police came and tapped on my window to say that I was being arrested under the ISA. My request for a phone call was rejected.
"After instructing my driver to inform the party and my family, I was taken away," said Kok.
Requests for a shower and a chance to pick up some clothings before going to the police station were also ignored, said Kok.
The police, she added, wanted to handcuff her but after pleading with them, they relented and took her to a police station without the restraints.
Kok said that she was unsure where she was taken to and only got to her cell around 4am.
During her seven-day detention, Kok said she was only questioned twice – Saturday and Sunday – on the three allegations.
After the first session on Saturday, the three-term Seputeh MP offered to write her own statement for the police.
"They gave me a laptop on Sunday and I typed out my answers to their three questions in Bahasa Malaysia," said Kok.
The rest of her detention was uneventful, said Kok, except for one day when they gave her only boiled eggs, gravy and some cucumber for lunch and dinner.
Bible to read
Initially, she was not given any reading material but later on she was given a Bible after she requested for "something". On the last two days, Kok was allowed to read newspapers.
"But I got some of the news by asking the investigating officer when I was being questioned in his room. That was the only time I got some air-cond," said the politician with an impish grin.
After the first two days, Kok was also permitted to exercise before she was returned to her '6 by 8' cell at 5.30pm each day.
The only upsetting moment in her detention was when she was told her confinement would be extended by 28 days.
"It was distressing as I had already answered their questions," said Kok.
"It was also ironic that the morning they arrested me, I was explaining to 300 businessmen from China that Malaysia was a politically stable country for them to do business with."
"Imagine, their horror when the person who spoke to them on Friday appeared in the papers the next day, detained."
On her immediate plans, Kok, said that she will return to work as soon as possible.
"In fact, I've three functions to attend tonight," said Kok.
She ended the conference by thanking everyone who had supported her, with a special note to former law minister Zaid Ibrahim, who quit after protesting the ISA arrests.
"Zaid is really my friend! Thanks Zaid and you are welcomed to join Pakatan Rakyat anytime," she quipped.
An electrical blip that plunged the DAP headquarters into darkness for some 10 minutes did not spoil the 'welcome home' party for outspoken politician Teresa Kok.
MCPXA bouquet of flowers, a cake and mooncakes were already waiting her even before she came into the conference room.
The 50-minute press conference was conducted in an almost festive note as DAP chairman Karpal Singh, Selangor MB Khalid Ibrahim and state exco colleague Elizabeth Wong joined in.
Relating the incidents of the day, Kok told of how she was tailed the whole day by police before the arrest took place on her way home last Friday.
"I was going back to my condo after a function when a car sped up to block my car while another stopped behind me.
"Police came and tapped on my window to say that I was being arrested under the ISA. My request for a phone call was rejected.
"After instructing my driver to inform the party and my family, I was taken away," said Kok.
Requests for a shower and a chance to pick up some clothings before going to the police station were also ignored, said Kok.
The police, she added, wanted to handcuff her but after pleading with them, they relented and took her to a police station without the restraints.
Kok said that she was unsure where she was taken to and only got to her cell around 4am.
During her seven-day detention, Kok said she was only questioned twice – Saturday and Sunday – on the three allegations.
After the first session on Saturday, the three-term Seputeh MP offered to write her own statement for the police.
"They gave me a laptop on Sunday and I typed out my answers to their three questions in Bahasa Malaysia," said Kok.
The rest of her detention was uneventful, said Kok, except for one day when they gave her only boiled eggs, gravy and some cucumber for lunch and dinner.
Bible to read
Initially, she was not given any reading material but later on she was given a Bible after she requested for "something". On the last two days, Kok was allowed to read newspapers.
"But I got some of the news by asking the investigating officer when I was being questioned in his room. That was the only time I got some air-cond," said the politician with an impish grin.
After the first two days, Kok was also permitted to exercise before she was returned to her '6 by 8' cell at 5.30pm each day.
The only upsetting moment in her detention was when she was told her confinement would be extended by 28 days.
"It was distressing as I had already answered their questions," said Kok.
"It was also ironic that the morning they arrested me, I was explaining to 300 businessmen from China that Malaysia was a politically stable country for them to do business with."
"Imagine, their horror when the person who spoke to them on Friday appeared in the papers the next day, detained."
On her immediate plans, Kok, said that she will return to work as soon as possible.
"In fact, I've three functions to attend tonight," said Kok.
She ended the conference by thanking everyone who had supported her, with a special note to former law minister Zaid Ibrahim, who quit after protesting the ISA arrests.
"Zaid is really my friend! Thanks Zaid and you are welcomed to join Pakatan Rakyat anytime," she quipped.
Press Statement by YB Teresa Kok
19-09-2008: Teresa Kok's statement after her release from ISA detention
Press Statement by YB Teresa Kok, Member of Parliament for Seputeh,
Senior Exco for Selangor State Government and
ADUN for Kinrara on 19th September 2008 at
Petaling Jaya, after her release from ISA detention
My ISA Detention Is Without Any Legal or Moral Basis. It Is A Clear Abuse of Detention Without Trial
I HAVE been released after being detained in solitary confinement in a 6'-by-8' holding cell for seven days under the Internal Security Act (ISA). I was informed by the police that they detained me under Sec 73(1) of Internal Security Act 1960, which means I have incited racial and religious tension and conflict.
After being detained for seven days under the guise of so-called investigations, the police failed to produce any evidence or proof of me being involved in the activities of causing racial and religious tension.
They were only able to ask me few questions based entirely on the false and malicious article written by Zaini Hassan under the topic "Azan, jawi, JAIS, Uitm dan ba-alif-ba-ya" that was published in Utusan Malaysia on Sept 10, 2008.
The three main questions that the investigation officers asked me were:
(1) whether I have mobilised a group of residents at Bandar Kinrara to present a petition to oppose the azan at the Bandar Kinrara mosque on Sept 13;
(2) whether I have made a statement that 30% of the Selangor Islamic Department (JAIS) allocation is to be given to other non-Islamic religious bodies; and
(3)whether I have opposed to the Jawi wording road signages in Kuala Lumpur.
I denied the first two accusations as I did not do any such things as accused. I also told them that the issue of opposing road signages in Jawi in Kuala Lumpur were done in January/February 2008 at the request and following the pressure of resident associations.
The resident associations, particularly in Taman Seputeh, were most unhappy because many of the road signages were changed arbitrarily by DBKL a few months before, and changed again soon after this time with Jawi wordings. They were strongly opposed to this kind of wastage of public funds by DBKL.
I was quite surprised that there were no other questions posed to me besides these few main questions.
The Internal Security Act (ISA) is meant to detain people who threaten national security. The three issues stated above have nothing to do with national security.
If the police wanted to carry out investigation on me, they can always ask me to give statements in any of the police stations. There was absolutely no need to detain me under the ISA for seven days. This is a phenomenal abuse of the power of police under the ISA.
Besides, it is nonsensical for the police to detain me under the ISA merely based on the unsubstantiated article written by an irresponsible columnist in Utusan Malaysia .
How can they regard that article as the gospel truth without investigating the writer in the first place? How can Utusan Malaysia publish it without verifying the facts?
I wish to ask the police whether they have called Zaini Hassan and Utusan Malaysia 's editors for questioning before and after my detention.
I know that the imam of the Bandar Kinrara mosque has publicly denied that I had gotten involved in the Puchong residents' petition against the azan of his mosque on Sept 13.
I am also quite surprised to read in the New Straits Times dated Sept 19 that the official of the Bandar Kinrara mosque was called by the Dang Wangi police to record his statement only yesterday (Sept 18) afternoon.
Why did the police do it so late, one week after I was arrested? Why didn't they check their facts first before they arrested me and put me behind bars?
I have been made a scapegoat due to the internal squabbles of Umno.
I see my detention as a ploy by Umno to try to cover up the embarrassment and the outrage of the racist statements made by Ahmad Ismail in Penang. I wonder: why did they choose an innocent person like me, as I have never made any racist statements or racist speeches in the past?
I have lodged the police report on Sept 17, 2008, against Utusan Malaysia , Zaini Hassan and Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo for criminal defamation. I would therefore urge the police to investigate Utusan Malaysia 's editors, those racist bloggers and Dr Khir Toyo under the Penal Code.
As I have mentioned in my previous lawyer's visit, I will sue Utusan Malaysia , Zaini Hassan and Dr Khir Toyo. I have also instructed my lawyers to sue the Malaysian government for my unlawful arrest and detention.
Raja Petra Kamaruddin should be released.
As I am freed from ISA detention today, I also call for the release of Raja Petra, the Hindraf Five and all the other 60-plus detainees under the draconian ISA.
I would also like to thank all politicians in the ruling parties as well as in the Pakatan Rakyat, NGOs, churches and all social organisations who have campaigned and prayed for my release.
Teresa Kok
Member of Parliament for Seputeh, Senior Exco for Selangor State Government and ADUN for Kinrara
Sept 19, 2008
Press Statement by YB Teresa Kok, Member of Parliament for Seputeh,
Senior Exco for Selangor State Government and
ADUN for Kinrara on 19th September 2008 at
Petaling Jaya, after her release from ISA detention
My ISA Detention Is Without Any Legal or Moral Basis. It Is A Clear Abuse of Detention Without Trial
I HAVE been released after being detained in solitary confinement in a 6'-by-8' holding cell for seven days under the Internal Security Act (ISA). I was informed by the police that they detained me under Sec 73(1) of Internal Security Act 1960, which means I have incited racial and religious tension and conflict.
After being detained for seven days under the guise of so-called investigations, the police failed to produce any evidence or proof of me being involved in the activities of causing racial and religious tension.
They were only able to ask me few questions based entirely on the false and malicious article written by Zaini Hassan under the topic "Azan, jawi, JAIS, Uitm dan ba-alif-ba-ya" that was published in Utusan Malaysia on Sept 10, 2008.
The three main questions that the investigation officers asked me were:
(1) whether I have mobilised a group of residents at Bandar Kinrara to present a petition to oppose the azan at the Bandar Kinrara mosque on Sept 13;
(2) whether I have made a statement that 30% of the Selangor Islamic Department (JAIS) allocation is to be given to other non-Islamic religious bodies; and
(3)whether I have opposed to the Jawi wording road signages in Kuala Lumpur.
I denied the first two accusations as I did not do any such things as accused. I also told them that the issue of opposing road signages in Jawi in Kuala Lumpur were done in January/February 2008 at the request and following the pressure of resident associations.
The resident associations, particularly in Taman Seputeh, were most unhappy because many of the road signages were changed arbitrarily by DBKL a few months before, and changed again soon after this time with Jawi wordings. They were strongly opposed to this kind of wastage of public funds by DBKL.
I was quite surprised that there were no other questions posed to me besides these few main questions.
The Internal Security Act (ISA) is meant to detain people who threaten national security. The three issues stated above have nothing to do with national security.
If the police wanted to carry out investigation on me, they can always ask me to give statements in any of the police stations. There was absolutely no need to detain me under the ISA for seven days. This is a phenomenal abuse of the power of police under the ISA.
Besides, it is nonsensical for the police to detain me under the ISA merely based on the unsubstantiated article written by an irresponsible columnist in Utusan Malaysia .
How can they regard that article as the gospel truth without investigating the writer in the first place? How can Utusan Malaysia publish it without verifying the facts?
I wish to ask the police whether they have called Zaini Hassan and Utusan Malaysia 's editors for questioning before and after my detention.
I know that the imam of the Bandar Kinrara mosque has publicly denied that I had gotten involved in the Puchong residents' petition against the azan of his mosque on Sept 13.
I am also quite surprised to read in the New Straits Times dated Sept 19 that the official of the Bandar Kinrara mosque was called by the Dang Wangi police to record his statement only yesterday (Sept 18) afternoon.
Why did the police do it so late, one week after I was arrested? Why didn't they check their facts first before they arrested me and put me behind bars?
I have been made a scapegoat due to the internal squabbles of Umno.
I see my detention as a ploy by Umno to try to cover up the embarrassment and the outrage of the racist statements made by Ahmad Ismail in Penang. I wonder: why did they choose an innocent person like me, as I have never made any racist statements or racist speeches in the past?
I have lodged the police report on Sept 17, 2008, against Utusan Malaysia , Zaini Hassan and Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo for criminal defamation. I would therefore urge the police to investigate Utusan Malaysia 's editors, those racist bloggers and Dr Khir Toyo under the Penal Code.
As I have mentioned in my previous lawyer's visit, I will sue Utusan Malaysia , Zaini Hassan and Dr Khir Toyo. I have also instructed my lawyers to sue the Malaysian government for my unlawful arrest and detention.
Raja Petra Kamaruddin should be released.
As I am freed from ISA detention today, I also call for the release of Raja Petra, the Hindraf Five and all the other 60-plus detainees under the draconian ISA.
I would also like to thank all politicians in the ruling parties as well as in the Pakatan Rakyat, NGOs, churches and all social organisations who have campaigned and prayed for my release.
Teresa Kok
Member of Parliament for Seputeh, Senior Exco for Selangor State Government and ADUN for Kinrara
Sept 19, 2008
Review ISA : Koh Tsu Koon
19-09-2008:
Review ISA, says Koh
by Regina William
PENANG: While welcoming the cabinet's decision to proceed with the formulation of a Race Relations Act, Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon has emphasised on the need to substantially amend the Internal Security Act (ISA) or to replace it with a more specific act on national security and anti-terrorism, as proposed by Suhakam.
Koh said incidents over the past two years had shown that while the Malaysian society may have become more integrated in many aspects, there were still elements of extremism, racism or sheer opportunism which played on racial and religious issues for publicity and self promotion.
"At the same time, members of the public at large have become increasingly more sensitive and critical against such irresponsible behaviours that hurt feelings, cause uneasiness and evoke sentiments.
"There is a greater determination for zero tolerance," Koh said in a statement.
He said Gerakan had set up a special taskforce to prepare a memorandum to the Cabinet in relations to the proposed National Unity Act, amendment or abolition of ISA and amendments to other related acts.
The taskforce will be headed jointly by two vice presidents, namely Datuk Dr S Vijayaratnam who is also the chairman of Gerakan's International and Inter-ethnic Relations Bureau, and Datuk Chang Ko Youn who is the Central Legal Bureau chairman.
Koh also stressed that the proposed Race Relations Act should cover a more comprehensive scope, to be more appropriately called the National Unity Act, which will promote inter-ethnic, inter-religious understanding and harmony, besides inter-ethnic relations.
At the same time, Koh said there must be clear provisions for stringent deterrents to penalise those who intentionally threaten national unity and inter-group harmony.
A special tribunal and other appropriate dispute resolution mechanism, such as mediation, should also be set up to specifically handle such cases, he added.
Review ISA, says Koh
by Regina William
PENANG: While welcoming the cabinet's decision to proceed with the formulation of a Race Relations Act, Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon has emphasised on the need to substantially amend the Internal Security Act (ISA) or to replace it with a more specific act on national security and anti-terrorism, as proposed by Suhakam.
Koh said incidents over the past two years had shown that while the Malaysian society may have become more integrated in many aspects, there were still elements of extremism, racism or sheer opportunism which played on racial and religious issues for publicity and self promotion.
"At the same time, members of the public at large have become increasingly more sensitive and critical against such irresponsible behaviours that hurt feelings, cause uneasiness and evoke sentiments.
"There is a greater determination for zero tolerance," Koh said in a statement.
He said Gerakan had set up a special taskforce to prepare a memorandum to the Cabinet in relations to the proposed National Unity Act, amendment or abolition of ISA and amendments to other related acts.
The taskforce will be headed jointly by two vice presidents, namely Datuk Dr S Vijayaratnam who is also the chairman of Gerakan's International and Inter-ethnic Relations Bureau, and Datuk Chang Ko Youn who is the Central Legal Bureau chairman.
Koh also stressed that the proposed Race Relations Act should cover a more comprehensive scope, to be more appropriately called the National Unity Act, which will promote inter-ethnic, inter-religious understanding and harmony, besides inter-ethnic relations.
At the same time, Koh said there must be clear provisions for stringent deterrents to penalise those who intentionally threaten national unity and inter-group harmony.
A special tribunal and other appropriate dispute resolution mechanism, such as mediation, should also be set up to specifically handle such cases, he added.
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
Anwar Ibrahim's Sept 16 press statement in full
Anwar Ibrahim's Sept 16 press statement in full
SEPT 16 - Today, Malaysians celebrate Malaysia Day - the day our country became whole and our people become united. This day has a new meaning. After years of struggle, after fighting against a system that is corrupt and unjust - we affirm that victory is finally at hand. Our vision of rebuilding this country and bringing its people together, as the founding fathers envisioned, is within reach.
The economy is in turmoil with runaway inflation and joblessness creating widespread discontent. Racial tensions have been rising, exacerbated by the propaganda spread in the government owned mainstream media. The administration has offered no vision to steer the nation out of this quagmire and there is manifest erosion in confidence in the current government.
We in Pakatan Rakyat believe we can save Malaysia from economic ruin and the dangerous politics of racism. We will do so prudently, legally and in doing so we will not jeopardise the security and stability of the country and the safety of its people.
We have received firm commitments from members of parliament in excess of the number required to form a new government, and our government will reflect the diverse make-up of Malaysian society.
It has been our concern to ensure a peaceful transition of power. We do not wish to see a repeat of what transpired in the Selangor and Perak state governments, where following the victory of Pakatan Rakyat on March 8, documents were shredded and removed by the outgoing administration.
We furthermore advise radical elements within BN against the abuse of state power to unlawfully harass and detain our supporters.
The immediate investigation by the ACA (Anti-Corruption Agency) of Yong Teck Lee after the announcement by SAPP (Sabah Progressive Party) of its intention to move a motion of no-confidence against Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is another example of the tactics we reject.
The use of the ISA, as has happened to MP Teresa Kok, would be an unlawful impediment to the transition process.
In light these serious concerns, yesterday leaders of Pakatan Rakyat sent a letter to the prime minister at 2.30pm requesting a meeting to discuss the future course of the nation's leadership and to seek his assurance on the following important matters:
1) That the BN shall not hinder or prevent their BN MPs from acting in accordance with their conscience, constitutional rights and independent judgment;
2) That the BN government shall not invoke the Internal Security Act to detain any of the MPs who will join Pakatan Rakyat, or any of the present 82 Pakatan Rakyat MPs;
3) That the BN government shall not invoke emergency or police powers, or suspend the constitution, or dissolve parliament in response to our intention to form a new government;
4) That the Barisan Nasional government shall not impose roadblocks and impede the MPs from gaining access to the House of Parliament and the institutions of government.
We believe the prime minister will share Pakatan Rakyat's concerns for the welfare of the people and security of the nation. We are confident he will ensure the BN will act constitutionally and democratically to ensure that the transition will be peaceful, and there will be no actions taken to sabotage the wishes of the people or play on racial tensions in the country.
We appeal to all quarters in Malaysian society to understand our intentions are for the betterment of Malaysian society. The mainstream media, in particular, should accept the reality of these historic times and report fairly, accurately and without bias. The irresponsible tact that is used by the media to obfuscate issues, attack opposition supporters and instigate racial tensions must end immediately.
Following our meeting with the prime minister, we intend to proceed within the framework established by the federal constitution in the formation of a new government, with the assent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
ANWAR IBRAHIM
Opposition Leader
De facto PKR leader
SEPT 16 - Today, Malaysians celebrate Malaysia Day - the day our country became whole and our people become united. This day has a new meaning. After years of struggle, after fighting against a system that is corrupt and unjust - we affirm that victory is finally at hand. Our vision of rebuilding this country and bringing its people together, as the founding fathers envisioned, is within reach.
The economy is in turmoil with runaway inflation and joblessness creating widespread discontent. Racial tensions have been rising, exacerbated by the propaganda spread in the government owned mainstream media. The administration has offered no vision to steer the nation out of this quagmire and there is manifest erosion in confidence in the current government.
We in Pakatan Rakyat believe we can save Malaysia from economic ruin and the dangerous politics of racism. We will do so prudently, legally and in doing so we will not jeopardise the security and stability of the country and the safety of its people.
We have received firm commitments from members of parliament in excess of the number required to form a new government, and our government will reflect the diverse make-up of Malaysian society.
It has been our concern to ensure a peaceful transition of power. We do not wish to see a repeat of what transpired in the Selangor and Perak state governments, where following the victory of Pakatan Rakyat on March 8, documents were shredded and removed by the outgoing administration.
We furthermore advise radical elements within BN against the abuse of state power to unlawfully harass and detain our supporters.
The immediate investigation by the ACA (Anti-Corruption Agency) of Yong Teck Lee after the announcement by SAPP (Sabah Progressive Party) of its intention to move a motion of no-confidence against Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is another example of the tactics we reject.
The use of the ISA, as has happened to MP Teresa Kok, would be an unlawful impediment to the transition process.
In light these serious concerns, yesterday leaders of Pakatan Rakyat sent a letter to the prime minister at 2.30pm requesting a meeting to discuss the future course of the nation's leadership and to seek his assurance on the following important matters:
1) That the BN shall not hinder or prevent their BN MPs from acting in accordance with their conscience, constitutional rights and independent judgment;
2) That the BN government shall not invoke the Internal Security Act to detain any of the MPs who will join Pakatan Rakyat, or any of the present 82 Pakatan Rakyat MPs;
3) That the BN government shall not invoke emergency or police powers, or suspend the constitution, or dissolve parliament in response to our intention to form a new government;
4) That the Barisan Nasional government shall not impose roadblocks and impede the MPs from gaining access to the House of Parliament and the institutions of government.
We believe the prime minister will share Pakatan Rakyat's concerns for the welfare of the people and security of the nation. We are confident he will ensure the BN will act constitutionally and democratically to ensure that the transition will be peaceful, and there will be no actions taken to sabotage the wishes of the people or play on racial tensions in the country.
We appeal to all quarters in Malaysian society to understand our intentions are for the betterment of Malaysian society. The mainstream media, in particular, should accept the reality of these historic times and report fairly, accurately and without bias. The irresponsible tact that is used by the media to obfuscate issues, attack opposition supporters and instigate racial tensions must end immediately.
Following our meeting with the prime minister, we intend to proceed within the framework established by the federal constitution in the formation of a new government, with the assent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
ANWAR IBRAHIM
Opposition Leader
De facto PKR leader
Monday, 15 September 2008
PM Reject Zaid Ibrahim's Resignation
PM rejects Zaid's resignation
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 - De facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim is not out of the Cabinet just yet.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi rejected the letter of resignation Zaid sent in today, telling him instead to take a two-week break.
Sources told the Malaysian Insider that Zaid informed the PM that he felt compelled to quit the Cabinet on a matter of principle because he disagreed with the use of the Internal Security Act (ISA) on journalist Tan Hong Cheng, DAP MP Teresa Kok and blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin.
He felt that a minister or government official who is at odds with the policy or decision of the administration must offer his resignation.
Abdullah said issues and matters could be discussed and thrashed out in Cabinet.
Zaid, who has been at the forefront of judicial reforms, also said that he felt that his resignation would help the PM politically.
He noted that his opposition to the ISA and his push for reforms did not go down well with certain segments in the ruling party.
"Zaid said he did not want to be a liability to the PM in Umno. Pak Lah thanked him for his concern but said he was committed to the judicial reforms and that he would take his chances with Umno,"" said a source.
The lawyer was a popular addition to the Cabinet following the March 8 general election, with many Malaysians hailing his
appointment as a sign that Abdullah was committed to improving the judiciary.
Zaid pushed for the government to pay ex-gratia payments to judges who were sacked and suspended after the judicial crisis in 1988.
He was also instrumental in proposing the Judicial Appointments Commission. But he has faced major opposition from within his own party as some believe that reforms would result in the government having less control over an important institution and in more non-Malays being appointed to the Bench.
As a result of this opposition, Abdullah has taken his foot off the reform pedal, promising to hit the full speed button after he secures his position as Umno president in Dece
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 - De facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim is not out of the Cabinet just yet.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi rejected the letter of resignation Zaid sent in today, telling him instead to take a two-week break.
Sources told the Malaysian Insider that Zaid informed the PM that he felt compelled to quit the Cabinet on a matter of principle because he disagreed with the use of the Internal Security Act (ISA) on journalist Tan Hong Cheng, DAP MP Teresa Kok and blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin.
He felt that a minister or government official who is at odds with the policy or decision of the administration must offer his resignation.
Abdullah said issues and matters could be discussed and thrashed out in Cabinet.
Zaid, who has been at the forefront of judicial reforms, also said that he felt that his resignation would help the PM politically.
He noted that his opposition to the ISA and his push for reforms did not go down well with certain segments in the ruling party.
"Zaid said he did not want to be a liability to the PM in Umno. Pak Lah thanked him for his concern but said he was committed to the judicial reforms and that he would take his chances with Umno,"" said a source.
The lawyer was a popular addition to the Cabinet following the March 8 general election, with many Malaysians hailing his
appointment as a sign that Abdullah was committed to improving the judiciary.
Zaid pushed for the government to pay ex-gratia payments to judges who were sacked and suspended after the judicial crisis in 1988.
He was also instrumental in proposing the Judicial Appointments Commission. But he has faced major opposition from within his own party as some believe that reforms would result in the government having less control over an important institution and in more non-Malays being appointed to the Bench.
As a result of this opposition, Abdullah has taken his foot off the reform pedal, promising to hit the full speed button after he secures his position as Umno president in Dece
Zaid Ibrahim Quit to protest ISA against Civilian
Zaid Ibrahim quits (updated)
By SHAILA KOSHY
KUALA LUMPUR: De facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has submitted his resignation letter to the Prime Minister.
However, it is not known yet whether Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has accepted Zaid's resignation.
According to sources, the senator tendered his letter of resignation to the Prime Minister's office just before 2pm on Monday.
Zaid could not be reached for confirmation.
The former Kota Baru MP was not fielded to stand in the March 8 general election.
Following the general election, however, Abdullah appointed him a Senator and a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.
In announcing his new Cabinet on March 18, Abdullah said that Zaid would be responsible for legal matters and take on the role to reform the judiciary.
It was only last Tuesday that Zaid said he might soon become a full-blown Law Minister with the requisite authority and responsibility to help him effect legal reform.
“In fact, my own position will be reviewed to Minister of Law to give me more authority but that will take time. You can’t have responsibility without authority,” he had said then.
However on Sunday, Zaid broke from rank to say that the use of the Internal Security Act against civilians was wrong, adding that he was prepared to resign over the issue.
By SHAILA KOSHY
KUALA LUMPUR: De facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has submitted his resignation letter to the Prime Minister.
However, it is not known yet whether Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has accepted Zaid's resignation.
According to sources, the senator tendered his letter of resignation to the Prime Minister's office just before 2pm on Monday.
Zaid could not be reached for confirmation.
The former Kota Baru MP was not fielded to stand in the March 8 general election.
Following the general election, however, Abdullah appointed him a Senator and a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.
In announcing his new Cabinet on March 18, Abdullah said that Zaid would be responsible for legal matters and take on the role to reform the judiciary.
It was only last Tuesday that Zaid said he might soon become a full-blown Law Minister with the requisite authority and responsibility to help him effect legal reform.
“In fact, my own position will be reviewed to Minister of Law to give me more authority but that will take time. You can’t have responsibility without authority,” he had said then.
However on Sunday, Zaid broke from rank to say that the use of the Internal Security Act against civilians was wrong, adding that he was prepared to resign over the issue.
Sunday, 14 September 2008
The Article that causes Teresa Kok Arrest
The Article Published in http://www.pembelamelayu.com/ that causes Teresa Kok ISA Arrest
PAS MP lodges report against Khir Toyo
Maria J.Dass
SHAH ALAM (Sept 11, 2008): Kota Raja Member of Parliament Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud has lodged a police report against former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo and website pembelamelayu.com for spreading malicious slander and lies about certain quarters pressuring the state authorities to tone down the call to prayer at mosque and surau in the state.
When contacted, Siti Mariah, who is also PAS central committee member, said the police must investigate and act on this immediately as malicious lies can ruin racial and religious harmony.
Pembelamelayu.com quoting Mohd Khir in his blog said Seputeh MP and Puchong Assemblyman Theresa Kok had supported a petition by the Chinese in Kinrara against the azan (call to morning prayer) in their area.
The website also alleged that Seri Serdang assemblyman Satim Diman had raised the issue at the state assembly but did not get a response.
In her report lodged at the Dang Wangi police headquarters today, Siti Mariah said Mohd Khir’s statement, published in Utusan Malaysia on Tuesday, was “malicious and aimed at raising the anger and anxiety of Malay Muslims”.
“This action by Khir, the blog and Utusan Malaysia is an obvious attempt to manipulate the sentiments of the Malay and Muslim people,” Siti Mariah said.
She said newspapers should verify the facts before publishing such reports.
(The Utusan Malaysia report quoted Khir, but Kok's name was not mentioned.)
"As a Muslim, I was upset when I read the article, but upon checking with Teresa, I found out that she had not been involved in the petition at all.”
She added that she obtained a copy of the state assembly Hansard from the Speaker’s office and found that allegations that Satim was ordered to remain seated when he brought up the issue at the state assembly was unfounded.
She said it is understood that committees of the mosques involved have also lodged reports with the police against the unfounded allegations.
When contacted, Mohd Khir said: “Let the police to investigate the allegations.”
Asked if he stood by the statements made, Mohd Khir said: “A report has been lodged, so I don’t want to say anything more on the matter.”
On Wednesday, Kok, referring to the article published on PembelaMelayu.com, denied even receiving such a complaint from residents and said she personally had no problems with the prayer calls.
Kok had also demanded a retraction and apology from Mohd Khir, Utusan Malaysia, its writer Zaini Hassan and Satim.
Updated: 07:40PM Thu, 11 Sep 2008
The article from www.pembelamelayu.com that cause the ISA Arrestof Teresa Kok
Bukti Petisyen memperlahankan speaker masjid waktu Subuh adalah benar
PAS MP lodges report against Khir Toyo
Maria J.Dass
SHAH ALAM (Sept 11, 2008): Kota Raja Member of Parliament Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud has lodged a police report against former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo and website pembelamelayu.com for spreading malicious slander and lies about certain quarters pressuring the state authorities to tone down the call to prayer at mosque and surau in the state.
When contacted, Siti Mariah, who is also PAS central committee member, said the police must investigate and act on this immediately as malicious lies can ruin racial and religious harmony.
Pembelamelayu.com quoting Mohd Khir in his blog said Seputeh MP and Puchong Assemblyman Theresa Kok had supported a petition by the Chinese in Kinrara against the azan (call to morning prayer) in their area.
The website also alleged that Seri Serdang assemblyman Satim Diman had raised the issue at the state assembly but did not get a response.
In her report lodged at the Dang Wangi police headquarters today, Siti Mariah said Mohd Khir’s statement, published in Utusan Malaysia on Tuesday, was “malicious and aimed at raising the anger and anxiety of Malay Muslims”.
“This action by Khir, the blog and Utusan Malaysia is an obvious attempt to manipulate the sentiments of the Malay and Muslim people,” Siti Mariah said.
She said newspapers should verify the facts before publishing such reports.
(The Utusan Malaysia report quoted Khir, but Kok's name was not mentioned.)
"As a Muslim, I was upset when I read the article, but upon checking with Teresa, I found out that she had not been involved in the petition at all.”
She added that she obtained a copy of the state assembly Hansard from the Speaker’s office and found that allegations that Satim was ordered to remain seated when he brought up the issue at the state assembly was unfounded.
She said it is understood that committees of the mosques involved have also lodged reports with the police against the unfounded allegations.
When contacted, Mohd Khir said: “Let the police to investigate the allegations.”
Asked if he stood by the statements made, Mohd Khir said: “A report has been lodged, so I don’t want to say anything more on the matter.”
On Wednesday, Kok, referring to the article published on PembelaMelayu.com, denied even receiving such a complaint from residents and said she personally had no problems with the prayer calls.
Kok had also demanded a retraction and apology from Mohd Khir, Utusan Malaysia, its writer Zaini Hassan and Satim.
Updated: 07:40PM Thu, 11 Sep 2008
ISA : Anwar to meet Pak Lah
ISA : Anwar to meet Pak Lah
Anwar Ibrahim is seeking a meeting with Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to discuss national security in the wake of the ISA crackdown and the future of Malaysian politics.
The proposal was agreed by the Pakatan Rakyat leadership council, Anwar told a press conference after the council meeting at the PKR headquarters this afternoon.
The council also comprise DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang. They were present at the meeting which requested Anwar to meet the prime minister.
The proposal was brought up after the government yesterday invoked the draconian Internal Security Act to arrest a prominent blogger, a journalist and an opposition politician. The journalist was released this afternoon.
The crackdown came ahead of Anwar’s threat to topple the BN federal government by next Tuesday. He claimed he has sufficient number of Barisan MPs to defect to the opposition alliance to do so.
Asked whether the proposed meeting with Abdullah was to effect a transition of power, Anwar replied, "It’s about the future direction of this country without specifically speaking about the transition.”
The opposition leader sidestepped a question on the likelihood of Abdullah's refusal to see him, saying that it will be an issue concerning national security and of paramount importance.
‘Possibility of a second wave’
Anwar also said that Pakatan’s Sept 16 plan was unrelated to the ISA arrests when asked whether he would defer his plan to ease the political tension in the face of more possible arrests.
“The priority is political stability. It’s not an issue of deferring, we have the number to move and we will move according to the mandate. We don’t want to allow the government to create political instability using the race card,” he stressed.
He also said that apart from national security, another major issue that Pakatan has to grasp with was that a huge number of BN legislators are abroad after being sent on an agricultural study tour of Tawain.
To another question, Anwar did not discount the possibility of more arrests on Pakatan leaders.
“There is a possibility of a second wave, we are mindful of that fact. That’s why we discussed that possibility separately and within PKR. We shouldn’t feel threatened, it’s Umno and BN leaders who feel threatened by public sentiments clamouring for change,” he said.
In a related development, the Pakatan Rakyat leadership council also agreed to jointly organise with the Selangor government a peaceful gathering at the Kelana Jaya stadium on the eve of September 16 to celebrate Malaysia Day.
Earlier, the council issued a one-page statement condemning the government’s “desperate move” to use the ISA on the trio and demand for their immediate release or to charge them in court.
Anwar Ibrahim is seeking a meeting with Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to discuss national security in the wake of the ISA crackdown and the future of Malaysian politics.
The proposal was agreed by the Pakatan Rakyat leadership council, Anwar told a press conference after the council meeting at the PKR headquarters this afternoon.
The council also comprise DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang. They were present at the meeting which requested Anwar to meet the prime minister.
The proposal was brought up after the government yesterday invoked the draconian Internal Security Act to arrest a prominent blogger, a journalist and an opposition politician. The journalist was released this afternoon.
The crackdown came ahead of Anwar’s threat to topple the BN federal government by next Tuesday. He claimed he has sufficient number of Barisan MPs to defect to the opposition alliance to do so.
Asked whether the proposed meeting with Abdullah was to effect a transition of power, Anwar replied, "It’s about the future direction of this country without specifically speaking about the transition.”
The opposition leader sidestepped a question on the likelihood of Abdullah's refusal to see him, saying that it will be an issue concerning national security and of paramount importance.
‘Possibility of a second wave’
Anwar also said that Pakatan’s Sept 16 plan was unrelated to the ISA arrests when asked whether he would defer his plan to ease the political tension in the face of more possible arrests.
“The priority is political stability. It’s not an issue of deferring, we have the number to move and we will move according to the mandate. We don’t want to allow the government to create political instability using the race card,” he stressed.
He also said that apart from national security, another major issue that Pakatan has to grasp with was that a huge number of BN legislators are abroad after being sent on an agricultural study tour of Tawain.
To another question, Anwar did not discount the possibility of more arrests on Pakatan leaders.
“There is a possibility of a second wave, we are mindful of that fact. That’s why we discussed that possibility separately and within PKR. We shouldn’t feel threatened, it’s Umno and BN leaders who feel threatened by public sentiments clamouring for change,” he said.
In a related development, the Pakatan Rakyat leadership council also agreed to jointly organise with the Selangor government a peaceful gathering at the Kelana Jaya stadium on the eve of September 16 to celebrate Malaysia Day.
Earlier, the council issued a one-page statement condemning the government’s “desperate move” to use the ISA on the trio and demand for their immediate release or to charge them in court.
MUSLIM PROFESSIONALS FORUM : ISA ARREST UNJUSTIFIABLE
MPF PRESS RELEASE - ISA ARRESTS
13th September 2008
The arrests of MP Theresa Kok and journalist Tan Hoon Cheng under the ISA following that of blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin raise grave concern for Malaysians.
An endearing legacy of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s leadership that we have come to appreciate is the openness albeit limited, that has come as a breath of fresh air after 2 decades of punitive control of the public sphere.
The arrests of the three individuals under the draconian law at a time when Malaysians have become more mature politically and less inclined to be baited by racial politics will no doubt further erode the legitimacy of and support for the ruling party, perhaps irrevocably.
Of no less import will be the repercussions to Malaysia’s reputation internationally, that time and again the ruling party resorts to an unjust and antiquated piece of legislation to silence dissent in order to sustain her cling to power.
It is clear to all that the arrests of MP Theresa Kok and journalist Tan Hoon Cheng are completely without justification. Tan was merely doing her job as a journalist and UMNO has undertaken the appropriate measures, including an apology from its deputy president. In the “Puchong Azan Issue”, MP Theresa Kok was arrested over what is clearly a false allegation. We urge the authorities to immediately release the two and bring to book those responsible for fomenting racial and religious hatred.
It cannot be completely denied that Raja Petra Kamarudin in his writings and those who contribute to his blog have expressed views that many Muslims consider as denigrating the prophet and the religion of Islam. However we believe this can be countered by sound arguments based on well accepted teachings and sources of Islam. In the extreme, the authorities may take him to the Syariah court. The use of the ISA is excessive, inhumane and runs counter to Islam’s principles of justice.
In this blessed month of Ramadhan, we urge the authorities to act justly in carrying out their responsibility of maintaining the peace and security of the country. We also urge everyone in the public sphere to exercise restraint and wisdom in discussing issues of race and religion.
Board of Directors
Muslim Professionals Forum
Dr. Mazeni Alwi
Dr. Shaikh Johari Bux
Haji Mohamed Ali Ghazali
Dato’ Dr. Musa Mohd. Nordin
13th September 2008
The arrests of MP Theresa Kok and journalist Tan Hoon Cheng under the ISA following that of blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin raise grave concern for Malaysians.
An endearing legacy of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s leadership that we have come to appreciate is the openness albeit limited, that has come as a breath of fresh air after 2 decades of punitive control of the public sphere.
The arrests of the three individuals under the draconian law at a time when Malaysians have become more mature politically and less inclined to be baited by racial politics will no doubt further erode the legitimacy of and support for the ruling party, perhaps irrevocably.
Of no less import will be the repercussions to Malaysia’s reputation internationally, that time and again the ruling party resorts to an unjust and antiquated piece of legislation to silence dissent in order to sustain her cling to power.
It is clear to all that the arrests of MP Theresa Kok and journalist Tan Hoon Cheng are completely without justification. Tan was merely doing her job as a journalist and UMNO has undertaken the appropriate measures, including an apology from its deputy president. In the “Puchong Azan Issue”, MP Theresa Kok was arrested over what is clearly a false allegation. We urge the authorities to immediately release the two and bring to book those responsible for fomenting racial and religious hatred.
It cannot be completely denied that Raja Petra Kamarudin in his writings and those who contribute to his blog have expressed views that many Muslims consider as denigrating the prophet and the religion of Islam. However we believe this can be countered by sound arguments based on well accepted teachings and sources of Islam. In the extreme, the authorities may take him to the Syariah court. The use of the ISA is excessive, inhumane and runs counter to Islam’s principles of justice.
In this blessed month of Ramadhan, we urge the authorities to act justly in carrying out their responsibility of maintaining the peace and security of the country. We also urge everyone in the public sphere to exercise restraint and wisdom in discussing issues of race and religion.
Board of Directors
Muslim Professionals Forum
Dr. Mazeni Alwi
Dr. Shaikh Johari Bux
Haji Mohamed Ali Ghazali
Dato’ Dr. Musa Mohd. Nordin
SIN CHEW DAILY REPORTER DEFENDS REPORT
Sin Chew Daily Reporter Defends Report
BUKIT MERTAJAM, Sept 13 (Bernama)-- Sin Chew Daily reporter, Tan Hoon Cheng who was released Saturday after being detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) defended her report on alleged racist remarks made by former Bukit Bendera Umno chief, Datuk Ahmad Ismail.
Tan, 33, said the report was done in a professional manner and was based on what she heard on the night the remarks were made.
"I just write what I heard," she told reporters at her house here after being released at 2.40pm Saturday.
Friday, Tan was detained under the ISA at her home in Taman Alma at about 8.40pm over the controversial report.
Tan said she was treated well by the police during the 17 hours in custody.
"My thanks to everybody including the police who treated me in a very good and professional way," she said.
"I could not sleep but the police treated me well, no problem," she said adding that the incident will not deter her from carrying out her duties.
Ahmad has since been suspended for three years by Umno and also has been stripped of all his party posts.
-- BERNAMA
BUKIT MERTAJAM, Sept 13 (Bernama)-- Sin Chew Daily reporter, Tan Hoon Cheng who was released Saturday after being detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) defended her report on alleged racist remarks made by former Bukit Bendera Umno chief, Datuk Ahmad Ismail.
Tan, 33, said the report was done in a professional manner and was based on what she heard on the night the remarks were made.
"I just write what I heard," she told reporters at her house here after being released at 2.40pm Saturday.
Friday, Tan was detained under the ISA at her home in Taman Alma at about 8.40pm over the controversial report.
Tan said she was treated well by the police during the 17 hours in custody.
"My thanks to everybody including the police who treated me in a very good and professional way," she said.
"I could not sleep but the police treated me well, no problem," she said adding that the incident will not deter her from carrying out her duties.
Ahmad has since been suspended for three years by Umno and also has been stripped of all his party posts.
-- BERNAMA
Saturday, 13 September 2008
Even BN Component CONDEMN Government ISA ARREST (Updated)
Even BN Component CONDEMN Government ISA ARREST
Ong Ka Ting : The Party Leader are with me.
- We draw a clear line that MCA is against the use of ISA on any journalists, more so in this case
After learning of the arrest of the Sin Chew Daily reporter, Ong said he had immediately discussed with the party leadership before conveying the public and party’s views and feelings to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“The party leaders told me that I have their backing and they are with me.
“We have principles and we are standing by it. We are drawing a clear line that the MCA is against the use of ISA on any journalists, more so in this case,” he said.
MCA
Datuk Ong Tee Keat : The perpetrator is still at large
- anyone with right mind would certainly be stunned
The MCA has expressed shock that former Bukit Bendera Umno division chairman Datuk Ahmad Ismail, who made racist remarks has not been taken to task but reporter Tan Hoon Cheng, who wrote about the incident, has been arrested instead.
“The perpetrator who vowed to conduct a nationwide roadshow on his remarks without any remorse is still at large,” MCA vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat said in a statement yesterday.
He said anybody in his right mind would certainly be stunned by such an arrest targeted at the reporter and not the perpetrator.
MCA
Datuk Seri Fong Chan Onn : Disagree with the use of ISA
- Reporter only carry out her duties.
MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn said he disagreed with the use of the ISA on Tan.“As a reporter, Tan was only carrying out duties assigned to her. Her story had gone through the due editorial process before it was printed,” he said.
MCA
Ong Ka Ting : The Party Leader are with me.
- We draw a clear line that MCA is against the use of ISA on any journalists, more so in this case
After learning of the arrest of the Sin Chew Daily reporter, Ong said he had immediately discussed with the party leadership before conveying the public and party’s views and feelings to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“The party leaders told me that I have their backing and they are with me.
“We have principles and we are standing by it. We are drawing a clear line that the MCA is against the use of ISA on any journalists, more so in this case,” he said.
MCA
Datuk Ong Tee Keat : The perpetrator is still at large
- anyone with right mind would certainly be stunned
The MCA has expressed shock that former Bukit Bendera Umno division chairman Datuk Ahmad Ismail, who made racist remarks has not been taken to task but reporter Tan Hoon Cheng, who wrote about the incident, has been arrested instead.
“The perpetrator who vowed to conduct a nationwide roadshow on his remarks without any remorse is still at large,” MCA vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat said in a statement yesterday.
He said anybody in his right mind would certainly be stunned by such an arrest targeted at the reporter and not the perpetrator.
MCA
Datuk Seri Fong Chan Onn : Disagree with the use of ISA
- Reporter only carry out her duties.
MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn said he disagreed with the use of the ISA on Tan.“As a reporter, Tan was only carrying out duties assigned to her. Her story had gone through the due editorial process before it was printed,” he said.
GERAKAN
Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon : This is consistent with Gerakan's stand that the ISA should be reviewed, if not repealed.
Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, meanwhile, urged the Government to bring Raja Petra to trial in court under existing laws.“This is consistent with Gerakan’s stand that the ISA should be reviewed, if not repealed,” Dr Koh said in a statement.
Public Pressure Vs Government - Grave Injustice by BN
Public pressure turns against government
-"......the government had committed a grave injustice by arresting a journalist who was only doing her job when she reported Datuk Ahmad Ismail's reckless description of Malaysian Chinese as squatters in the country"
...............if Tan deserved to be held under the ISA so did Ahmad
ANALYSIS
SEPT 13 ~ Why was Sin Chew Daily News reporter Tan Hoon Cheng released 24 hours after her arrest under the Internal Security Act (ISA)? Was it because the alleged threat on her life somehow disappeared just as fast it appeared on the police radar screen?
The simple answer: The intervention by Barisan Nasional politicians, including a few from Umno, who were convinced that the government had committed a grave injustice by arresting a journalist who was only doing her job when she reported Datuk Ahmad Ismail's reckless description of Malaysian Chinese as squatters in the country. And who were concerned of the heavy political punishment that would be exacted on the Barisan Nasional for this mistake.
The Malaysian Insider has learnt that several Umno politicians met Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi last night after finding out about the arrest. They argued that the detention appeared to be a move to punish the messenger who had exposed an Umno division chief.
Wearing their political antennas, they also noted that the Chinese community ~ already peeved with the Barisan Nasional over a range of issues ~ is recoiling with anger over her detention.
One of the Umno politicians noted that if Tan deserved to be held under the ISA so did Ahmad who not only sparked off the ugly episode during the Permatang Pauh by-election but compounded it by making a series of inflammatory remarks after that.
This morning, MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting spoke to Abdullah, and voiced the party's distress over the reporter's detention under the ISA.
He noted that the Chinese community felt that this action was unjustified and could have far reaching consequences for race relations.
It is understood that Abdullah empathised with him. Or more likely was only too aware of the political cost of prolonging the detention.
Tan was released at 2.30pm, presumably after the PM gave instructions to Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.
Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng welcomed her release.
"Her unconditional release is a people's victory and the outcome of sustained public pressure against the use of draconian laws," he said in a press statement.
He is right. Sustained pressure by politicians and some government officials close to the PM persuaded him to overrule the police. What is clear from the detention of Tan, DAP's Teresa Kok and blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin is that the government will have to contend with stronger public activism than ever before.
Partly this is driven by the sense of injustice over singling out these three individuals and partly it is the result of a more politically conscious society. Catholic churches are organising vigils for Kok and Raja Petra.
At the St Francis Xavier church in Petaling Jaya ~ Kok's parish ~ a prayer and silent witnessing session will be held until 2am tomorrow. In an SMS which was circulated widely to Catholics, Father O.C. Lim said: "The unjust may break our bones but they can't break our spirit.''
The Bar Council is going to hold an extraordinary meeting to discuss the use of the ISA on the three individuals. But more than the show of solidarity by religious groups and organisations is the open indignation shown by the man in the street.
Newspapers have been inundated with callers from irate readers upset with the use of the ISA on Tan and Kok, some of them wondering why a decent and God-fearing man like the PM was resorting to detention without trial.
With such a build-up of pressure from the ground, the authorities will be hard pressed to keep the DAP MP for Seputih behind bars much longer.
-"......the government had committed a grave injustice by arresting a journalist who was only doing her job when she reported Datuk Ahmad Ismail's reckless description of Malaysian Chinese as squatters in the country"
...............if Tan deserved to be held under the ISA so did Ahmad
ANALYSIS
SEPT 13 ~ Why was Sin Chew Daily News reporter Tan Hoon Cheng released 24 hours after her arrest under the Internal Security Act (ISA)? Was it because the alleged threat on her life somehow disappeared just as fast it appeared on the police radar screen?
The simple answer: The intervention by Barisan Nasional politicians, including a few from Umno, who were convinced that the government had committed a grave injustice by arresting a journalist who was only doing her job when she reported Datuk Ahmad Ismail's reckless description of Malaysian Chinese as squatters in the country. And who were concerned of the heavy political punishment that would be exacted on the Barisan Nasional for this mistake.
The Malaysian Insider has learnt that several Umno politicians met Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi last night after finding out about the arrest. They argued that the detention appeared to be a move to punish the messenger who had exposed an Umno division chief.
Wearing their political antennas, they also noted that the Chinese community ~ already peeved with the Barisan Nasional over a range of issues ~ is recoiling with anger over her detention.
One of the Umno politicians noted that if Tan deserved to be held under the ISA so did Ahmad who not only sparked off the ugly episode during the Permatang Pauh by-election but compounded it by making a series of inflammatory remarks after that.
This morning, MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting spoke to Abdullah, and voiced the party's distress over the reporter's detention under the ISA.
He noted that the Chinese community felt that this action was unjustified and could have far reaching consequences for race relations.
It is understood that Abdullah empathised with him. Or more likely was only too aware of the political cost of prolonging the detention.
Tan was released at 2.30pm, presumably after the PM gave instructions to Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.
Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng welcomed her release.
"Her unconditional release is a people's victory and the outcome of sustained public pressure against the use of draconian laws," he said in a press statement.
He is right. Sustained pressure by politicians and some government officials close to the PM persuaded him to overrule the police. What is clear from the detention of Tan, DAP's Teresa Kok and blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin is that the government will have to contend with stronger public activism than ever before.
Partly this is driven by the sense of injustice over singling out these three individuals and partly it is the result of a more politically conscious society. Catholic churches are organising vigils for Kok and Raja Petra.
At the St Francis Xavier church in Petaling Jaya ~ Kok's parish ~ a prayer and silent witnessing session will be held until 2am tomorrow. In an SMS which was circulated widely to Catholics, Father O.C. Lim said: "The unjust may break our bones but they can't break our spirit.''
The Bar Council is going to hold an extraordinary meeting to discuss the use of the ISA on the three individuals. But more than the show of solidarity by religious groups and organisations is the open indignation shown by the man in the street.
Newspapers have been inundated with callers from irate readers upset with the use of the ISA on Tan and Kok, some of them wondering why a decent and God-fearing man like the PM was resorting to detention without trial.
With such a build-up of pressure from the ground, the authorities will be hard pressed to keep the DAP MP for Seputih behind bars much longer.
Solidarity vigil for ISA detainees tonight : NUJ Bukit Aman ; DAP Paramount Garden
Solidarity vigil for ISA detainees tonight
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 ~ A non-governmental organisation pushing for the abolishment of the Internal Security Act (ISA) will be holding a candlelight vigil outside the gates of the federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman here tonight as a show of support for all ISA detainees, in particular the three who were arrested yesterday for allegedly threatening national security.
Nalini Elumalai from Suaram said that the vigil will go ahead despite statements by the home minister that Tan Hoon Cheng, the Sin Chew journalist detained under the ISA last night, could be released today.
Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar also said he did not expect any more arrests under the ISA this weekend.
"We can't believe everything the government says. The vigil will go ahead and we will decide what to do later if anything changes," she told The Malaysian Insider.
The gathering will start from 8.30pm, after the breaking of fast for Muslims who are observing Ramadan this month, at the entrance accessible from the Butterfly Park in the Lake Gardens, said Nalini, the secretary for Suaram, which is organsing the vigil.
She is expecting a turnout of about 100 people.
The DAP is also planning its own candlelight vigil for its central executive committee (CEC) member Teresa Kok, who is one of the three held under the ISA yesterday.
Their vigil will begin at 7pm at party headquarters in Paramount Garden, Petaling Jaya. An emergency CEC meeting to discuss the ISA arrests will commence after the vigil.
DAP CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
13.09.08 Candle Light Vigil for detainees under ISA;
DAP Headquarters, 24, Jln 20/9, Paramount Garden, PJ;
7pm;
Inquiry: 03-7957 8022
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on all journalists to turn up outside Bukit Aman police headquarters for a candlelight vigil at 8.30pm Saturday.
'
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 ~ A non-governmental organisation pushing for the abolishment of the Internal Security Act (ISA) will be holding a candlelight vigil outside the gates of the federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman here tonight as a show of support for all ISA detainees, in particular the three who were arrested yesterday for allegedly threatening national security.
Nalini Elumalai from Suaram said that the vigil will go ahead despite statements by the home minister that Tan Hoon Cheng, the Sin Chew journalist detained under the ISA last night, could be released today.
Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar also said he did not expect any more arrests under the ISA this weekend.
"We can't believe everything the government says. The vigil will go ahead and we will decide what to do later if anything changes," she told The Malaysian Insider.
The gathering will start from 8.30pm, after the breaking of fast for Muslims who are observing Ramadan this month, at the entrance accessible from the Butterfly Park in the Lake Gardens, said Nalini, the secretary for Suaram, which is organsing the vigil.
She is expecting a turnout of about 100 people.
The DAP is also planning its own candlelight vigil for its central executive committee (CEC) member Teresa Kok, who is one of the three held under the ISA yesterday.
Their vigil will begin at 7pm at party headquarters in Paramount Garden, Petaling Jaya. An emergency CEC meeting to discuss the ISA arrests will commence after the vigil.
DAP CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
13.09.08 Candle Light Vigil for detainees under ISA;
DAP Headquarters, 24, Jln 20/9, Paramount Garden, PJ;
7pm;
Inquiry: 03-7957 8022
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on all journalists to turn up outside Bukit Aman police headquarters for a candlelight vigil at 8.30pm Saturday.
'
US Interference : ISA - Malaysia Rule of Law in Question.
Washington summons Malaysian envoy
KUALA LUMPUR: The United States has summoned Ilango Karuppannan, the charge d’affaires of the Malaysian embassy, to protest what it called the “crackdown on dissent” at a time when the opposition was attempting to form a new government.
According to the AFP, Ilango was summoned to the State Department after the three arrests under the Internal Security Act (ISA) on Friday.
”Peaceful expression of political opinions is a fundamental right and critical to a democracy,” a State Department official told AFP.
”The United States believes that the Malaysian Government should provide due process and treatment consistent with Malaysian law and international standards,” said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
”We expect that democratic countries that purport to advocate free expression of political views will not curtail such freedom,” the official said.
This is the second time Ilango was summoned to the State Department in a month.
The last time was when PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was charged with sodomy.
”The United States firmly believes that freedom of the press and freedom of speech are fundamental to a vibrant democracy,” the State Department official said.
On Friday, Malaysia Today news portal editor Raja Petra Kamarudin, Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng and Seputeh MP and Selangor senior executive councillor Teresa Kok were arrested under the ISA.
Three publications - Sin Chew Daily, The Sun and Suara Keadilan - have also been issued show-cause letters by the Home Ministry for breaching guidelines set by the Government.
KUALA LUMPUR: The United States has summoned Ilango Karuppannan, the charge d’affaires of the Malaysian embassy, to protest what it called the “crackdown on dissent” at a time when the opposition was attempting to form a new government.
According to the AFP, Ilango was summoned to the State Department after the three arrests under the Internal Security Act (ISA) on Friday.
”Peaceful expression of political opinions is a fundamental right and critical to a democracy,” a State Department official told AFP.
”The United States believes that the Malaysian Government should provide due process and treatment consistent with Malaysian law and international standards,” said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
”We expect that democratic countries that purport to advocate free expression of political views will not curtail such freedom,” the official said.
This is the second time Ilango was summoned to the State Department in a month.
The last time was when PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was charged with sodomy.
”The United States firmly believes that freedom of the press and freedom of speech are fundamental to a vibrant democracy,” the State Department official said.
On Friday, Malaysia Today news portal editor Raja Petra Kamarudin, Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng and Seputeh MP and Selangor senior executive councillor Teresa Kok were arrested under the ISA.
Three publications - Sin Chew Daily, The Sun and Suara Keadilan - have also been issued show-cause letters by the Home Ministry for breaching guidelines set by the Government.
Malaysian Bar Council : ISA Draconion and Undemocratic
Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan ,President Malaysian Bar Malaysian Bar Council : ISA Draconion and Undemocratic
The Bar Council is shocked and deeply troubled over the reported arrest of Raja Petra Kamaruddin under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
The Malaysian Bar has consistently denounced the ISA as draconion and undemocratic, and believes that preventive detention laws should not be invoked under any circumstances. The ISA and other preventive detention laws violate fundamental rights, are unconstitutional and oppressive, and have no place in a society that respects and upholds the rule of law. If an offence has been allegedly committed, the individual concerned must be charged in court and given a fair opportunity to defend himself. We agree with the view reportedly expressed by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Rais Yatim yesterday when he disagreed with the call for the use of the ISA on Datuk Ahmad Ismail, saying that this “will have a huge effect on… the rule of law” and that he should therefore “go through the normal process of law”.
The Bar Council is equally perturbed that three newspapers have been issued show-cause letters today over their news coverage. This together with the arrest of Raja Petra Kamaruddin under the ISA may be viewed as a chilling message that our fundamental freedoms are not secure.
Too often we see in other countries, the rule of law and human rights becoming the first casualties when these countries face uncertainties. This must never be allowed to happen in our country where the rule of law is entrenched in our Rukunegara. More so as Malaysia is a member of the UN Human Rights Council.
We therefore call for the immediate release of Raja Petra Kamaruddin and other detainees.
Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan
President
Malaysian Bar
12 September 2008
The Bar Council is shocked and deeply troubled over the reported arrest of Raja Petra Kamaruddin under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
The Malaysian Bar has consistently denounced the ISA as draconion and undemocratic, and believes that preventive detention laws should not be invoked under any circumstances. The ISA and other preventive detention laws violate fundamental rights, are unconstitutional and oppressive, and have no place in a society that respects and upholds the rule of law. If an offence has been allegedly committed, the individual concerned must be charged in court and given a fair opportunity to defend himself. We agree with the view reportedly expressed by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Rais Yatim yesterday when he disagreed with the call for the use of the ISA on Datuk Ahmad Ismail, saying that this “will have a huge effect on… the rule of law” and that he should therefore “go through the normal process of law”.
The Bar Council is equally perturbed that three newspapers have been issued show-cause letters today over their news coverage. This together with the arrest of Raja Petra Kamaruddin under the ISA may be viewed as a chilling message that our fundamental freedoms are not secure.
Too often we see in other countries, the rule of law and human rights becoming the first casualties when these countries face uncertainties. This must never be allowed to happen in our country where the rule of law is entrenched in our Rukunegara. More so as Malaysia is a member of the UN Human Rights Council.
We therefore call for the immediate release of Raja Petra Kamaruddin and other detainees.
Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan
President
Malaysian Bar
12 September 2008
Ahmad Ismail Vs Sin Chew : Culprit Free and Arrogant, Storyteller Detained
WHERE IS JUSTICE IN MALAYSIA?
Ahmad Ismail Vs Sin Chew : Culprit Free and Arrogant, Storyteller Detained
A veteran journalist once shared his work experience with me. He has an interesting interpretation of our role as journalists.
"We are like a story teller, we report truthfully of what we have seen and heard during our interviews. We are telling the stories on behalf of those who can't tell their stories, to inform those who are not witness to their stories." he told me earnestly.
To fulfill such an obligation, we have to listen attentively, and pen our words cautiously, mindful of what we have written will affect the lives of certain people. Listening to him, I can't help to admire and respect his passion for the profession.
The recent Ahmad Ismail's story reminds me of this conversation that we had a while ago. I realised that to be a good journalist, a lot of effort is needed. A public speech made in front of the Deputy Prime Minister and many others could end up having various versions.
Ahmad did not deny that he had called the Chinese (penumpang) lodgers (who do not deserve equal rights with Malays) but he insisted that his speech was quoted out of context as he was referring to the role of Chinese prior to Merderka. He has refused to apologise .
This is not the first time when the media has been made a scapegoat, and most likely it will not be the last. I felt vehement over the fact that my colleague, Tan Hoon Heng, was made a scapegoat in this whole incident. To report truthfully is our duty as a journalist. I am proud that the two other reporters who were present at the scene dared to tell the truth. I believe our readers would have the wisdom to see through all the lies and nonsense.
In days when public opinion is spun to cause confusion, we, the storytellers have to be extremely cautious and careful. We have to listen attentively and write cautiously, to ensure that the whole story is accurately presented before our readers, and to ensure that we ourselves are not made scapegoat of certain politicians with personal agendas only known to them. (By TAN LEE CHIN/ Sin Chew Daily)
Ahmad Ismail Vs Sin Chew : Culprit Free and Arrogant, Storyteller Detained
A veteran journalist once shared his work experience with me. He has an interesting interpretation of our role as journalists.
"We are like a story teller, we report truthfully of what we have seen and heard during our interviews. We are telling the stories on behalf of those who can't tell their stories, to inform those who are not witness to their stories." he told me earnestly.
To fulfill such an obligation, we have to listen attentively, and pen our words cautiously, mindful of what we have written will affect the lives of certain people. Listening to him, I can't help to admire and respect his passion for the profession.
The recent Ahmad Ismail's story reminds me of this conversation that we had a while ago. I realised that to be a good journalist, a lot of effort is needed. A public speech made in front of the Deputy Prime Minister and many others could end up having various versions.
Ahmad did not deny that he had called the Chinese (penumpang) lodgers (who do not deserve equal rights with Malays) but he insisted that his speech was quoted out of context as he was referring to the role of Chinese prior to Merderka. He has refused to apologise .
This is not the first time when the media has been made a scapegoat, and most likely it will not be the last. I felt vehement over the fact that my colleague, Tan Hoon Heng, was made a scapegoat in this whole incident. To report truthfully is our duty as a journalist. I am proud that the two other reporters who were present at the scene dared to tell the truth. I believe our readers would have the wisdom to see through all the lies and nonsense.
In days when public opinion is spun to cause confusion, we, the storytellers have to be extremely cautious and careful. We have to listen attentively and write cautiously, to ensure that the whole story is accurately presented before our readers, and to ensure that we ourselves are not made scapegoat of certain politicians with personal agendas only known to them. (By TAN LEE CHIN/ Sin Chew Daily)
BAR Council EGM on ISA
Bar Council to have EGM on ISA
Saturday, 13 September 2008 03:44pm
©The Star
by Zulkifli Abd Rahman
KUALA LUMPUR: The Bar Council will hold an emergency Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on Sept 20 to discuss what it called a serious national crisis regarding the arrests of three people under the Internal Security Act (ISA) on Friday.
The meeting, which would be held at Wisma MCA at 10am, would discuss the violation of the rule of law, Bar Council chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan said.
She added the Council had set up a legal team, headed by council member Rajpal Singh with about 25 state bar chairmen and representatives, to provide legal aid to the detainees and anyone else who might be arrested later.
Ambiga said the ISA was not a solution to any perceived threat to peace, adding that the three people were arrested in connection to matters that were already in the public domain.
She added that the use of the ISA, far from relieving any perceived tension, had instead created far more uneasiness and unhappiness among right-thinking people in Malaysia.
“We have sufficient provisions in the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code that allow for police investigations in these instances.
“If there are perceived offences, charge these people in open court and give them their fundamental right to defend themselves. Our nation and our people don’t deserve the ISA,” she told reporters Saturday at the Bar Council headquarters after chairing a meeting on the issue.
Ambiga was commenting on the arrest of Malaysia Today news portal editor Raja Petra Kamaruddin, Selangor senior executive councillor Teresa Kok and Sin Chew Daily News reporter Tan Hoon Cheng on Friday under Section 73(1) of the ISA.
She also appealed to the Home Ministry to withdraw the show-cause letters issued to Sin Chew Daily, The Sun and Suara Keadilan for breaching guidelines set by the Government.
To a question, Ambiga said she was not aware of any news whether any of the Bar Council’s members may be detained under the ISA later.
Immediate past Bar president Yeoh Yang Poh said it was sad to learn that the Government deemed it necessary to deprive the people of their freedom without going through the due process of law after 50 years of nation building.
Hendon Mohamed, past president of the Bar Council, said she was shocked that the ISA was still used for purposes of convenience, and urged the Government to consider allowing itself to become more open and let the people speak up.
Another past Bar president Sulaiman Abdullah said the country was not facing a major crisis, yet a law that was supposed to overcome a major crisis was being used.
“If the Government insists in continuing to use the ISA, the Act should be used with safeguards written into it, such as that any executive action on the ISA must be subject to judicial scrutiny,” he added.
Saturday, 13 September 2008 03:44pm
©The Star
by Zulkifli Abd Rahman
KUALA LUMPUR: The Bar Council will hold an emergency Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on Sept 20 to discuss what it called a serious national crisis regarding the arrests of three people under the Internal Security Act (ISA) on Friday.
The meeting, which would be held at Wisma MCA at 10am, would discuss the violation of the rule of law, Bar Council chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan said.
She added the Council had set up a legal team, headed by council member Rajpal Singh with about 25 state bar chairmen and representatives, to provide legal aid to the detainees and anyone else who might be arrested later.
Ambiga said the ISA was not a solution to any perceived threat to peace, adding that the three people were arrested in connection to matters that were already in the public domain.
She added that the use of the ISA, far from relieving any perceived tension, had instead created far more uneasiness and unhappiness among right-thinking people in Malaysia.
“We have sufficient provisions in the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code that allow for police investigations in these instances.
“If there are perceived offences, charge these people in open court and give them their fundamental right to defend themselves. Our nation and our people don’t deserve the ISA,” she told reporters Saturday at the Bar Council headquarters after chairing a meeting on the issue.
Ambiga was commenting on the arrest of Malaysia Today news portal editor Raja Petra Kamaruddin, Selangor senior executive councillor Teresa Kok and Sin Chew Daily News reporter Tan Hoon Cheng on Friday under Section 73(1) of the ISA.
She also appealed to the Home Ministry to withdraw the show-cause letters issued to Sin Chew Daily, The Sun and Suara Keadilan for breaching guidelines set by the Government.
To a question, Ambiga said she was not aware of any news whether any of the Bar Council’s members may be detained under the ISA later.
Immediate past Bar president Yeoh Yang Poh said it was sad to learn that the Government deemed it necessary to deprive the people of their freedom without going through the due process of law after 50 years of nation building.
Hendon Mohamed, past president of the Bar Council, said she was shocked that the ISA was still used for purposes of convenience, and urged the Government to consider allowing itself to become more open and let the people speak up.
Another past Bar president Sulaiman Abdullah said the country was not facing a major crisis, yet a law that was supposed to overcome a major crisis was being used.
“If the Government insists in continuing to use the ISA, the Act should be used with safeguards written into it, such as that any executive action on the ISA must be subject to judicial scrutiny,” he added.
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