Malaysia a sinking ship. malaysiakini

The politic atmosphere in Malaysia has gone from interesting to down right stupid. Ever increasing mud-slinging and cock talks by politician diverts all the public concern issues. Last week i waited 45mins for a train at the KL Sentral KTM station to find the train arriving at train station in snail pace on tow by a KTMB engine train. It was not just embarrassing to see this but disappointing to know the pathetic state of our countries public transport system.

Some criticised Makkal Sakthi party as racially based party as a backwards thinking. But i don't see Malaysia coming out of the ropes of racial politics. Even Pakatan Rakyat does not carry that stand. Having PAS in their coalition defeats the pursuit of abolishing racial based politics. Malaysia will always be ruled by race politics unless they abolish race discrimination. There shouldn't be a race recognition in policies. There shouldn't be an issue of bumiputra or non bumiputra.
This is what that makes us slaves of racial politics. It's time to remove the shackles that deprive us of equal standards.

What is the difference between Mindraf and Hindraf? Malaysiakini

Out of all the political parties present in Malaysia now. DAP stands more of de-racialised non-communitarian politics in Malaysia. PKR can be argued as one as well but the whole set up of it was more like justice for one man than justice for a nation. It has been trying to accommodate for all now. But it has more cracks and plastering to do before it is considered genuine.

Hindraf should be part of a political entity because their concerns are political related. How long are they to beg by the doors of parliament? The move to remove political members in Hindraf was definitely called for. Having political friendly politicians makes their movement more legitimate. Hindraf is and should always be only a watch dog for the Indian community and a Hindu movement for spearheading legal actions against wrong doing parties.

The members from Hindraf who want to embark into politics should approach DAP and PKR to create a balance representation or start a genuine multi racial party. With people who believe in Makkal Sakthi and have genuine grouses about the malaysian society. If Mindraf is started than all the principles of their struggle when started, would contradict now. Hindraf was against BN formulation. A party like MIC did not function well under BN regime. Which was controlled by UMNO.

To every struggle there must be a starting point. Hindraf should have started their political pursuit in the beginning. Right after the mammoth rally. It has lost a lot of it's momentum over the year. But on the other hand a lot was promised to Hindraf when Anwar, Kit Siang and all the others jumped into the election frontline in the name of Makkal Sakthi. But not much was seen after that. There are still 3 more guys in ISA and 1 exiled. If these men were masquerading as fighters for the Indians they would have given up or backed down by now. But their spirits are still burning brightly without fail. I respect these men. So Thanedra’s action to start a political party is in a way playing the political game. The government’s action to outlaw Hindraf is reasons for the political action by Hindraf members. I hope they dissolve the party and form a united racial party when the time comes for that.


I was also fighting and persuading my friends of my society to understand Hindraf. Many of them were too accustomed to the good life of Malaysia that they failed to see the balance 80 percent of Indians who live below the average income group. Indians have no savings. We have not much asset or advantage in this country. So even though I agree that injustice and lack of representation of many other communities are also present. But somebody has to do it. So if you aren’t then you shouldn’t stop those who are trying to protect theirs.


Indians should be in politics. It is a must. Good man with good virtues and vision should be leading this community. There must be proper representation of all races in a cabinet. No leader can see what is needed by individual communities if there isn’t someone to represent them.

The rule of law should exist for all.

God save us all, We kept the wrong government in power! Malaysiakini

I’m furious. Is BN telling that if they catch a few fellas for corruption that means they have gotten rid of money politics in BN.? How do we even know if it’s not all a big conspiracy and they use this opportunity to get rid of a few tough competitions?
Vote buying? You think someone is going to take the money out from his own pocket to pay others so that he can stay in power? Just for argument sake we say they use their own money to buy voters. Then surely he will try to make back that money by dipping his hands into the honey jar. So does this person deserve to remain in an important position?

What is astonishing is Khairy J’s statement.

He said that there was an agenda to stop him from contesting for the Umno Youth chief post.

"I know there is an agenda but I don't know by whom and why they are doing this. I am maintaining my innocence". Said Khairy.

I surely as hell don’t understand what the meaning of maintaining my innocence is. So I’m innocent till you catch me red handed then I’ll confess?

The Parliament is a sanctuary for Democracy. The parliement is so hypocritical of who can be questioned during session. If you can’t be question in parliament then why are you an MP?
Everyone in that position is dutifully responsible to answer for their actions and involvement of anything illegal. And to punish one for questioning is outrages.

Not enough of this the government is charging people for seditious remarks about the royalty including Karpal. What is this all about? What did UMNO do last time? When I was back in England as a student there was debate on the need for Royalties. This is a country that has a Majestic history of Royalties in power. During that time many news channel went around interviewing people about their opinion about the remaining need of a royal family. Obviously the debate started because of the cost of maintaining the Royal Family. Our issue is not even close to that. The TV Station interviewed people from all walks of live, immigrant or not immigrant what they thought and they aired on TV. That is freedom of speech. What Malaysia has is a joke.

People are not even allowed to discuss, debate or even question the matters that govern this country. Is it their country or our country? This is seriously the wrong direction this country is heading. And the Captain of these campaigns is no other than our future PM. God saves us all.

A Somali letter. Malaysiakini

An outside view from the inside. Found this by Blogger Godfather. If this letter was for Din Merican i would not know. But felt i should share it with you guys. TC.
PathmanCK

Din,

I’m a Somali living in Malaysia who follows the local scene here very much. I would have to admit that Tun Dr M’s greatest disadvantage is his pure, unadulterated hatred for anyone who disagrees with him. Never have I seen a human being whose sole motivation, drive and engine is pure hatred. Just visit his blog which is read by friends and foes, locals and foreigners and I must tell you it epitomizes him in every way.

Since he started it after complaining of UMNO media strangulation, did you see an article that he has written concerning the poor, the needy, the widows, the orphans, the handicapped, the downtrodden, the wayfarers, compassion, empathy, sharing, sacrifice, charity, morality, accountability, God’s fear and Judgement, forgiveness, patience (etc)? No.

Always it is about some people, blaming others, calling them names, dishing out unvanished, pure hatred. Blaming others for this and that and exonerating himself from all blame? Surely, at this age? You can’t build a society and a nation through hate, vengeance, intense anger and mean spirit. You would have to remind the people the higher purpose of life for them to get motivated and work harder for the less fortunate and for themselves. Finger pointing, blaming others, planting defeatist culture in the Malays, reducing them to mad people (we are sensitive, we will run amok society that makes even foreigners despise the Malays) will not help this society and nation.

My people (the Somalis) suffered from cruel leadership and when the hatred became too much, we turned to each other and till today, we the only nation with no Central govt. The Malays share with us almost every trait, very feudal, manipulated easily, territorial, misuse of Islam for expediency, rigid explanation of Islam and too much interest in outward Islam than inward Islam that strengthens the hearts, our only difference is that the Malays have the Chinese and the Indians around that make them watch out for the “enemies.”

For us, we didn’t have that and that’s why we turned to each other. If God has loved the Malays and Malaysia, it is because He brought other people here. If some Malays regret the presence of the Chinese and Indians, ask us the Somalis and you will know what it means to be an incestous (homogenous) society and you will praise the Almighty day in day out. If it was possible, I would have shipped the Chinese and Indians to Somalia to create diversity in my nation but it is wishful thinking.

The other person who makes me cringe in shame is one Curry[Khairy] Jamaluddin. Never have I seen a more uncouth, uncultured, degenerate, pugancious, ill, nefarious and utterly infantile being than this young man. I have a big heart who tries to understand everyone and put myself in their place, but I don’t think my heart can accommodate one Curry Jamaluddin. He is a primate and deserves the worst treatment (though I hate it because we are Muslims and human beings) but honestly he is too much.

Abubakar
October 25, 2008 at 5:43 pm

Unquote

Heed the warning, folks. Mahathirism must never be allowed to rise again.

I'll be gone for awhile. Happy Deepavali Everyone.

My dear friends,
I'll be gone for awhile. I might not write for awhile. Happy Deepavali to all Malaysians. Hope this year 2008 festival of lights would bring brightness to all the marginalised Indians and other races of Malaysia. Over this 50 years, Malaysia has become a country for a few powerful and well placed individuals in the Barisan Nasional Party. Many were booted out in the recent 2008 Election but there were many who still managed to hold on to their seats. But let this be a reminder. Hindraf's 2007 massive rally is nearing a year. This country has changed slightly. The Birth of a true opposition party has been realised. But the struggle and fate of the Indians are still as hazy as it has was in the beginning.
Another earth moving struggle will surface and it will crumble BN. Hindraf cannot be killed, tortured, poisoned or destroyed. Because it has no head, tail or body. It's a voice, an awakening. Makkal Sakthi is an conscious.
You cant arrest 2 million people. You cant catch 2 million. But U might be able to catch me and few others who are like me but another one will take my place. And after him another. How long can you keep catching and locking up us? Because we are here to stay and stay we shall. God save the King and Malaysia.

Uthaya's speech for KL Duta Court 20/10/08

Dear Hindraf Supporters

Thank you for the concern shown on the recent ban on HINDRAF. Many of you are anxious as to what would happen next. Numerous questions have been posed. What would we do? Have we lost the struggle?

The answer is a simple NO. Yes the Government has declared HINDRAF unlawful. They have taken away our "body" (HINDRAF) but they can never take away our souls for the humanity that will prevail. We belong to a great tradition which believes in the Law of Karma and Reincarnation- the spirit of HINDRAF would soon emerge in a new body, a much energized and energetic force which would lead us to greater democratic heights.

The artificial authority along with the spinmasters of UMNO led by the ruling government continues to chastise us. Let it be.

The history and each person's experience is the hard truth and reality that cannot be killed and what HINDRAF is fighting for is the hard truth and the reality and not what sounds good. The sanctity and dignity is on the truth and the reality is the base of HINDRAF and the Almighty in any form will protect us, as HINDRAF is a humanity struggle in the Almighty's blessing for his children.

Be patient – it would be sooner than later. Oppression intimidation and threats by the Malaysian Government will never derail our struggle. Let us all await the new "Rising Power" of Makkal Sakthi.

THE NEO DEMOCRATISATION REVOLUTION BEGINS.

P.Waytha Moorthy
CHAIRMAN
HINDRAF

Batu Caves true documentary 25th Nov 2007

I'm obligated to put this clips in my blog. To expose the truth that happened on the 25Th Nov 2007. The events that conspired that night. The speeches that was given that night. This people dare to do the unthinkable. This are people who gave birth to the makkal sakthi movement. Unfortunately they were punished severely for their efforts. Since lately there are alot of talks demonising HINDRAF. I would like to recap the events that led to the birth of the Hindraf's strenght. I am sure that every single person at that place that night will never forget or forgive the puppeteers who hurt them that day. Sadly I couldn't be there that night but i did bald my head in protest for the use of ISA against the 5 hindraf coordinators after that incident. Hope this men's can celebrate Deepavali with their families this year.

Waytha Moorthy Interviewed in London

Special Interview with Hindraf, Waytha. Moorthy In London a few weeks ago.

Penang to be a Wi-Fi State.

The idea sounds great. It would be a big leap forward for Penang state government to bring public awareness to the use of technology on a day to day basis. Unfortunately, lately there has been a lot of criticism to this technology possible side effects.

Present official stands in other countries on the same issue: Many advanced countries have adopted a precautionary approach to the use of wireless technology. The Swiss government issued a health alert on electrosmog in 2005.

Germany, Austria and Belgium have all advised schools against installing Wi-Fi networks. In France, five public libraries shut down their Wi-Fi over health concerns. Last year, the German government warned its citizens to avoid using Wi-Fi.

Latest world developments on the matter: Concern over Wi-Fi has been recently raised in the European Parliament. In August 2007, the Bioinitiative Report, endorsed by 14 world experts – the latest scientific opinion on electromagnetic fields (EMFs) – warned that "corrections are needed in the way we accept, test and deploy" wireless technologies "in order to avert public health problems of a global nature".

Countries like South Korea has Wi-fi for nearly all their major cities. Nearly half of UK primary schools and more than 70% of secondary schools are fitted with Wi-Fi networks.

But The World Health Organisation says there are "no adverse health effects from low-level, long-term exposure". Scientists generally believe that Wi-Fi ought to be safer than mobile phone radiation because Wi-Fi devices transmit over shorter distances and so can operate at lower power. The Health Protection Agency says a person sitting within a Wi-Fi hot spot for a year receives the same dose of radio waves as a person using a mobile phone for 20 minutes.

What i would recommend is that all public transport places, libraries and hardcore city areas to have wi-fi for the time being. Have a 3 year expansion plan. So people who wishes not to be in this hotspot can migrate. Wi-fi unfortunately is a technology that cannot be ignored. As fast as the technology of hand phones and computer grow the the use of Wi-fi grows. For instance while i was travelling in Switzerland, I was looking for a place to stay while i was travelling on a train. Since i had a day travel pass, my destination didn't matter. All the train station in Switzerland has free wi-fi. So Everytime the train pulled into a station, I quickly pulled out my laptop and searched for all the hostels and hotels in the next town. Then from my present town to the next town i would call this places to see if there were any vacancy. By the time i reach there i could decide if i needed to get down at that station or not. If they weren't any vacancy then i would do the same for the next town.

Technology is there for us to use. But the responsible thing to do for the state government is to finance their own state university, University Sains Malaysia to carry out a research on this. It would be responsible for a government to have such an approach. What the Pakatan Rakyat Government in Penang does would show a good example to the other states governments to follow. Whatever done with responsibility and precautions is sure to reduce of going wrong.

Pathmanck

Hindraf To Visit PM again in Penang today!

Hindraf has planned to visit Badawi at his open house in Penang today. The ones who went to PWTC on Hari Raya to meet him were the supporters from the south. This ones are from the North. It's Expected to be a thousand of them this time. But i'm sure this time around it wont just be Hindraf making the waves because alot of others have seen it's effectiveness and would like to participate this time. There is a saying no publicity is bad publicity. The reason in carrying out this protest is to show mass public protest againts government actions. It's like playing Black Jack. You reveal just enough to intimidate your opponent to act. Hindraf has done eveything peacefully so far. So the harsh comments to demonise Hindraf is purely lying thru their teeth.

A few of the comments from Malaysiakini and Utusan.

Timo Finian: To aspire to be a politician in the Malaysian sense, one has to be an idealist. To sustain oneself as a politician in the Malaysian sense, one has to be a materialist.

What does Hindraf hope to accomplish going against a battalion of hard-core materialists is anyone's guess. As far as the latter are concerned, the vile ISA, the centre of all the commotion, is to protect their own selfish interests and has nothing to do with ideology.

It wouldn't have moved them even if the whole hall was filled with a sea of black and red t-shirts. They would only find it all the more amusing to the chagrin of the protesters.

A wiser alternative, to make their voices heard, would be to hit them where it hurts. A nationwide boycott of all Petronas stations would be a small start followed by government-owned banks, tabloids etc.

A quick check online could reveal a list of interests owned and operated by Umno fat-cats like hotels and gas-stations. The list could go on.

Bloggers, activists. you need your thinking-caps rather than t-shirts that 'make a lot of noise'.


Malay language daily Utusan Malaysia front-paged several comments by Islamic non- governmental organisations saying Hindraf’s attempt to meet the prime minister at the open house was ‘overboard, discourteous and disrespectful’.

"Their (Hindraf) action was an insult to the Muslims’ celebration, it is uncivilised and irresponsible," said Peninsular Malay Students Federation (GPMS) vice president Syed Anuar Syed Mohamad.
"GPMS requests the government to ignore them as Hindraf is not a legal institution. Action should be taken against them, no matter if it is ISA or other legal action," he added.

Shamsul Anuar Nasarah of the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) was reported as saying that the Hindraf nove was ‘disrespectful and untimely’.

Persistence led to Victory- "Say NO to ISA"

Yesterday at PM Badawi's Open House function. Anti-ISA and Hindraf supporters showed their overwhelming support to the PM. 500 Hindraf supporters and 20 bloggers persistently stood their ground till they were given a chance to meet the PM and to convey their cause. Vey proud of them. Wished i could be there to support them. Photo's of their effort and courage.

Zaid Ibrahim writes open letter to PM

In our proclamation of independence, our first prime minister gave voice to the lofty aspirations and dreams of the people of Malaya: that Malaya was founded on the principles of liberty and justice, and the promise that collectively we would always strive to improve the welfare and happiness of its people.


MCPX
Many years have passed since that momentous occasion and those aspirations and dreams remain true and are as relevant to us today as they were then. This was made possible by a strong grasp of fundamentals in the early period of this nation.

The federal constitution and the laws made pursuant to it were well founded; they embodied the key elements of a democracy built on the rule of law. The Malaysian judiciary once commanded great respect from Malaysians and was hailed as a beacon for other nations.

Our earlier prime ministers, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Razak and Tun Hussein Onn were truly leaders of integrity, patriots in their own right and most importantly, men of humility. They believed in and built this nation on the principles and values enunciated in our constitution.

Even when they had to enact the Internal Security Act (ISA) 1960, they were very cautious and apologetic about it. Tunku stated clearly that the Act was passed to deal with the communist threat.

“My cabinet colleagues and I gave a solemn promise to Parliament and the nation that the immense powers given to the government under the ISA would never be used to stifle legitimate opposition and silent lawful dissent”, was what the Tunku said.

Our third prime minister, Tun Hussein Onn, reinforced this position by saying that the ISA was not intended to repress lawful political opposition and democratic activity on the part of the citizenry.

Gov’t has failed the people

The events of the last three weeks have compelled me to review the way in which the ISA has been used. This exercise has sadly led me to the conclusion that the government has time and time again failed the people of this country in repeatedly reneging on that solemn promise made by Tunku Abdul Rahman.

This has been made possible because the government and the law have mistakenly allowed the minister of home affairs to detain anyone for whatever reason he thinks fit. This subjective discretion has been abused to further certain political interests.

History is the great teacher and speaks volumes in this regard. Even a cursory examination of the manner in which the ISA has been used almost from its inception would reveal the extent to which its intended purpose has been subjugated to the politics of the day.

Regrettably, Tunku Abdul Rahman himself reneged on his promise. In 1965, his administration detained Burhanuddin Helmi, the truly towering Malay intellectual, a nationalist who happened to be a PAS leader. He was kept in detention until his death in 1969. Helmi was a political opponent and could by no stretch of the imagination be considered to have been involved in the armed rebellion or communism that the ISA was designed to deal with.

This detention was an aberration, a regrettable moment where politics had been permitted to trump the rule of law. It unfortunately appears to have set a precedent and many detentions of persons viewed as having been threatening to the incumbent administration followed through the years.

Even our literary giant, ‘sasterawan negara’ the late Tan Sri A Samad Ismail was subjected to the ISA in 1976. How could he have been a threat to national security?

I need not remind you of the terrible impact of the 1987 Operasi Lalang. Its spectre haunts the government as much as it does the peace-loving people of this nation, casting a gloom over all of us. There were and still are many unanswered questions about those dark hours when more than a hundred persons were detained for purportedly being threats to national security. Why they were detained has never been made clear to Malaysians.

Similarly, no explanation has been forthcoming as to why they were never charged in court. Those detainees included amongst their numbers senior opposition members of parliament who are still active in Parliament today.

The only thing that is certain about that period was that Umno was facing a leadership crisis. Isn’t it coincidental that the recent spate of ISA arrests has occurred when Umno is again having a leadership crisis?

‘Militant’ Ezam back in Umno

In 2001, Keadilan ‘reformasi’ activists were detained in an exercise that the Federal Court declared was in bad faith and unlawful. The continued detention of those that were not released earlier in the Kamunting detention facility was made possible only by the fact that the ISA had been questionably amended in 1988 to preclude judicial review of the minister’s order to detain.

Malaysians were told that these detainees had been attempting to overthrow the government via militant means and violent demonstrations. Seven years have gone and yet no evidence in support of this assertion has been presented. Compounding the confusion even further, one of these so-called militants, Ezam Mohamad Noor, recently rejoined Umno to great fanfare, as a prized catch it would seem.

At around the same time, members of PAS were also detained for purportedly being militant and allegedly having links to international terrorist networks. Those detained included Nik Adli, the son of Tuan Guru Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, the menteri besar of Kelantan. Malaysians were made a promise by the government that evidence of the alleged terrorist activities and links of these detainees would be disclosed. To date no such evidence has been produced.

The same formula was used in late 2007 when the Hindraf 5 were detained. Malaysians were told once again that these individuals were involved in efforts to overthrow the government and had links with the militant Liberation Tiger of Tamil Eelam of Sri Lanka. To date no concrete evidence have been presented to support this assertion.

It would seem therefore that the five were detained for their involvement in efforts that led to a mobilisation of Indian Malaysians to express, through peaceful means; their frustration against the way in which their community had been allowed to be marginalised. This cause has since been recognised as a legitimate one. The Hindraf demonstration is nothing extraordinary as such assemblies are universally recognised as being a legitimate means of expression.

In the same vein, the grounds advanced in support of the most recent detentions of Tan Hoon Cheng, Teresa Kok and Raja Petra Kamarudin leave much to be desired. The explanation that Tan Hoon Cheng was detained for her own safety was farcical. The suggestion that Teresa Kok had been inciting religious sentiments was unfounded as was evinced by her subsequent release.

As for Raja Petra Kamarudin, the prominent critic of the government, a perusal of his writings would show that he might have been insulting of the government and certain individuals within it.

However, being critical and insulting could not in any way amount to a threat to national security. If his writings are viewed as being insulting of Islam, Muslims or the Holy Prophet (pbuh), he should instead be charged under the Penal Code and not under the ISA.

In any event, he had already been charged for sedition and criminal defamation in respect of some of his statements. He had claimed trial, indicating as such his readiness and ability to defend himself. Justice would best be served by allowing him his day in court more so where, in the minds of the public, the government is in a position of conflict for having been the target of his strident criticism.

Law used against dissidents

The instances cited above strongly suggest that the government is undemocratic. It is this perspective that has over the last 25 plus years led to the government seemingly arbitrarily detaining political opponents, civil society and consumer advocates, writers, businessmen, students, journalists whose crime, if it could be called that, was to have been critical of the government.

How it is these individuals can be perceived as being threats to national security is beyond my comprehension. The self-evident reality is that legitimate dissent was and is quashed through the heavy-handed use of the ISA.

There are those who support and advocate this carte-blanche reading of the ISA. They will seek to persuade you that the interests of the country demand that such power be retained, that Malaysians owe their peace and stability to laws such as the ISA. This overlooks the simple truth that Malaysians of all races cherish peace. We lived together harmoniously for the last 400 years, not because of these laws but in spite of them.

I believe the people of this country are mature and intelligent enough to distinguish actions that constitute a ‘real’ threat to the country from those that threaten political interests. Malaysians have come know that the ISA is used against political opponents and, it would seem, when the leadership is under challenge either from within the ruling party or from external elements.

Malaysians today want to see a government that is committed to the court process to determine guilt or innocence even for alleged acts of incitement of racial or religious sentiment. They are less willing to believe, as they once did, that a single individual, namely the minister of home affairs; knows best about matters of national security.

They value freedom and the protection of civil liberties and this is true of people of other nations too.

I attempted to push for reform

Mr Prime Minister, the results of the last general election are clear indication that the people of Malaysia are demanding a reinstatement of the rule of law. I was appointed as your, albeit short-lived, minister in charge of legal affairs and judicial reform.

In that capacity, I came to understand more keenly how many of us want reform, not for the sake of it, but for the extent to which our institutions have been undermined by events and the impact this has had on society.

With your blessing, I attempted to push for reform. High on my list of priorities was a reinstatement of the inherent right of judicial review that could be enabled through a reversion of the key constitutional provision to its form prior to the controversial amendment in 1988.

I need not remind you that that constitutional amendment was prompted by the same series of events that led not only to Operasi Lalang but the sacking of the then Lord President and two supreme court justices.

Chief amongst my concerns was the way in which the jurisdiction and the power of the courts to grant remedy against unconstitutional and arbitrary action of the executive had been removed by Parliament and the extent to which this had permitted an erosion of the civil liberties of Malaysians.

It was this constitutional amendment that paved the way for the ouster provision in the ISA that virtually immunises the minister from judicial review, a provision which exemplifies the injustice the constitutional amendment of 1988 has lent itself.

I also sought to introduce means by which steps could be taken to assist the judiciary to regain the reputation for independence and competence it once had. Unfortunately, this was viewed as undesirable by some since an independent judiciary would mean that the executive would be less ‘influential’.

I attempted to do these things and more because of the realisation that Malaysia’s democratic traditions and the rule of law are under siege. Anyway, there is nothing wrong with giving everyone an independent judiciary and the opportunity to a fair trial.

This is consistent with the universal norms of human rights as it is with the tenets of Islam, the religion of the federation. Unchecked power to detain at the whim of one man is oppressiveness at its highest. Even in Israel, a nation that is perpetually at war the power to detain is not vested in one man and detention orders require endorsement from a judge.

If there are national security considerations, then these can be approached without jettisoning the safeguards intended to protect individual citizens from being penalised wrongfully. In other jurisdictions involved in armed conflicts, trials are held in camera to allow for judicial scrutiny of evidence considered too sensitive for public disclosure so as to satisfy the ends of justice.

If this can be done in these jurisdictions, why not here where the last armed struggle we saw, the very one that precipitated the need for the ISA, came to an end in the 1980s?

ISA was never intended to be permanent

Any doubts as to the continued relevance of the ISA in its present form should have been put to rest by the recommendation by the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) that the ISA be repealed and an anti-terror legislation suited to the times enacted in its place. Containing as it did a sunset clause in its original times, the ISA was never intended to be a permanent feature on the Malaysian legal landscape.

Through its continued use in the manner described above and in the face of public sentiment, it is only natural that the ISA has become in the mind of the people an instrument of oppression and the government is one that lends itself to oppressiveness.

Its continued use does not bode well for a society that is struggling to find its place in the global arena. It does not bode well for the democracy that is so vital for us to develop sustainably.

Mr Prime Minister, I remember very clearly what you once said; that if one has the opportunity to do what is good and right for the country, then he must take on the task. I respect you deeply for that and if I were confident that I would have been able to do some good for Malaysia, I would have remained on your team.

Sir, you are still the prime minister and you still have the opportunity to leave your footprint in Malaysian history. I urge you to do so by repealing the ISA once and for all.

Let us attempt to fulfil that solemn promise made by our beloved first prime minister to the people of this country.

Yours sincerely

Zaid Ibrahim

Gerakan mulls quitting Barisan, may join Pakatan

Reported in Star by my pal Lisa Goh

KUALA LUMPUR: Gerakan is considering the option of leaving Barisan Nasional and joining the Pakatan Rakyat opposition alliance.

Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said this was among three options for the party - the other two being to either stay with the ruling coalition, or leave and become independent.

“We are not ruling out any possibility at this moment. We have to assess the situation, but we are not closing any doors.

“Neither are we saying we will definitely leave. It’s something we need to assess but we cannot do it based on sentiments alone,” he told reporters after launching the KL-Federal Territory (FT) state delegates conference here on Sunday.

Dr Koh said the party was examining how the political scenario in the country would continue to change, and had been getting feedback from the grassroots.

“If you go on sentiments alone, I would say more than 60% (want us to leave), but we are taking a lot of factors into consideration, and a decision cannot be based just on sentiments.

“It’s a very trying time, and there is need for a lot of rational, objective analysis. It cannot be a straightforward simplistic decision,” he said.

In his opening speech, Dr Koh also announced that he would be contesting for the president’s post in the October party elections.

“I am offering myself for the post, but I also set a timeframe for myself, and it is unlikely that I will go beyond two terms. I would like to have younger and newer leaders to continue the process of political commitment,” he said.

Asked if he would name his deputy, he replied: “We will let the delegates decide.”

He was also asked to comment on some 20 FT Gerakan members who had defected to Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), including former FT Gerakan information bureau chief Gan Kok Keng and former Setiawangsa Gerakan chief Li Tiam Chai.

“I feel surprised because it was only last week when Li Tiam Chai was with me in a meeting and there were no signs that he was not happy.

“We were talking about how to strengthen the party. So I am surprised but I will continue with the veterans, and new members are committed,” he said.

Dr Koh also commented on the Umno leadership transition, which he hoped would be “smooth and peaceful.”

“Even though the change in Umno leadership is an internal party matter, but we are also concerned because the Umno leader also becomes the leader of Barisan and the Federal Government,” he said.

Earlier this month, Gerakan became embroiled in the controversy over former Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail’s alleged racist remarks in which he purportedly described Malaysian Chinese as “squatters.”

Gerakan leaders had demanded an apology and for action to be taken against the Umno man, who in turn blamed Gerakan for Barisan’s poor showing in the March 8 general election, which saw the state of Penang fall to to the opposition.

The war of words even saw Ahmad’s supporters tearing down a picture of Dr Koh after a press conference.

Confused HINDRAF spouses plea

Confused HINDRAF spouses plea does not dampen struggle to repeal ISA
Now, if you are the spouse of an ISA detainee - then your concern generally is for the immediate and unconditional release of your spouse.

After the release, of your spouse you may not even be bothered to campaign further for the release of the others detained under the ISA or other Detention Without Trial laws... let alone continuing to campaign for the repeal of such laws...

We have to ask ourselves the question whether we were even bothered about those under detention without trial laws before this - before our spouse, friend, acquaintance, our 'leader', our fellow fighter for rights, our church member, our ... was arrested and detained under these laws.

In fact for many, after our 'people' are released - the ISA just is no more a priority. For some, it will be worse - they just become indifferent to it.

Now the police or their agents may be telling family and friends of the detainees - stop the campaigning, stop the protest...etc and then your loved one will be released. They will also say that the continuous campaigns, protest... is actually the cause of your 'loved one' continued detention. STOP it all and they will be released...

This tactic of the police is not unique to the ISA arrests - it is also used commonly by the police whenever they arrest persons. They would say that there is no need for a lawyer - just be patient and the arrested will be released soon after investigations.

If you protest...get a lawyer, etc - then it will be long....it will become complicated...difficult.

If not, it will be settled soon --- and that is the reason WHY many persons, when arrested, do not engage a lawyer as soon as the arrest happens... they(and their families) wait believing the police and hoping for a quick release --- and sometime it does not happen.

And within 24 hours after arrest, when the police take the detainee to the Magistrate to get a remand order, the detainee is most of the time not represented -- and in fact, without contest, the police usually get their way most of the time when it comes to remand applications...

I say, it is very important to engage a lawyer when you get arrested - and choose a lawyer, who is not afraid of the police and who will really fight for the rights of the arrested person. Sadly, there are many lawyers who are afraid of the police or are not interested in challenging the police because they are worried that their 'rice bowl' will be affected..

In Malaysia, sadly most people only start looking for a lawyer after they get charged in court - and that delay is sometimes bad for the person charged.

Not knowing the law, he/she may have done things after their arrest and during detention, which they would not have done if they had early legal advice and representation, may in fact be the very things that will ultimately be the things that will cause them to be found guilty...

Why do they do this? Why do they risk it? Why do they prejudice themselves by their ignorance or by reason of not having a lawyer? To save money - for after all, if I am not charged - then the money spend on a lawyer could have been better spent for other important matters...

I read with interest a recent report in Malaysiakini entitled "ISA detainees' wives: Hindraf has changed"

The struggle of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) is different now compared to when it started some 10 months ago under the leadership of the five who are currently under Internal Security Act (ISA) detention, said the wives of two leaders today.
MCPX
Dr M Kalaivani and B Buvaneswary, the wives of K Kenghadharan and V Ganabatirau, respectively, said they were not comfortable with the direction in which the movement has taken.

Speaking at a press conference in Kelana Jaya, Kalaivani said aside from the goal of obtaining the release of the Hindraf leaders, what is of utmost importance is that the Indian community's problems are alleviated.

Both these goals can be affected without rallies planned by those now coordinating Hindraf activities.

On the contrary, they said the rallies may actually serve to harm the chances of the five's release. - Malaysiakini, 26/9/2008 ISA detainees' wives: Hindraf has changed

They want it all to stop - the rallies, the protest --- and the authorities seem to have convinced them if this happens, then, their spouses will be free..., and so 2 spouses call a press conference (which is not that easy to do) and say things that can be very damaging for the HINDRAF movement and struggle...


Commenting on the anti-ISA vigil planned for tomorrow night, she said as long as the organisers have obtained the required permits to ensure the gathering is legal, she appreciates the effort of all quarters to highlight the plight of her husband and other Hindraf leaders.

"If they are going to do it legally, if they've got a permit, I really appreciate the efforts taken by these individuals. The vigil will be peaceful, so I don't think there is anything wrong with it - as long as they do it legally," she said.

Echoing her statements, Buvaneswary said she too disagreed with the planned gathering at Abdullah's Hari Raya open house as it may be detrimental to her husband’s chances of being released.

Contending that the rallies organised after the detention of the Hindraf five had deviated into becoming 'anti-government' rallies, Buvaneswary said they were defeating the purpose of highlighting the problems of the Indian community.

She said her husband had also told her to call for an end to such rallies.

"Who are these people to call for rallies? If our husbands wanted these rallies, their wish would be conveyed through us because we are their wives. What are the Hindraf coordinators trying to do now?"

"If you want the Hindraf five to be released, there are other methods of seeking this," she added.- Malaysiakini, 26/9/2008 ISA detainees' wives: Hindraf has changed
When it comes to the ISA and the Malaysian police - we really have to re-evaluate our perception of the Malaysian police - many think that they are sub-standard and not very good...but this may be far from the truth..

What have the police (and the authorities) achieved to date? They have got the 5 HINDRAF detainees to already go against each other. Recently, we also heard that one of them may even be a police plant - or agent...How good are they...they are 'breaking' the unity of the struggle...doubts about some 'leaders'..

By arresting the 5, they made them 5 HINDRAF leaders - but are they all really the leaders of HINDRAF?? Or is it what the police (and others) managed to get into our minds - i.e. that these are the 5 main leaders of HINDRAF... [Try to remember the HINDRAF movement before the ISA arrests - and ask yourself who were the 'leaders'. then. Were there even any 'leaders'?]

Remember HINDRAF is not a society - not an association - it is a movement of people...a movement of a long-oppressed people..who finally finds the courage to stand up and say "enough is enough".

HINDRAF rose up from the people because those who were supposed to be looking after the interest/needs/rights of the Indian community were not doing their job - the main culprit being the MIC. Temples demolished - and MIC was silent ( silent also was PPP, IPF, ....). When the so-called leaders and self-proclaimed reps failed, the people arised - The cry was "Makkal Sakti" - "People Power".

The numbers that came forth into the streets - and stood there withstanding the water cannons and tear gas...When this happened, other Malaysians, irrespective of ethnicity/religion again gained courage to fight for rights - for a better Malaysia - for change - and hence the results of the 2008 General Elections...

I go back to the news report about the 2 detainees wives - and note that in their eagerness to get their loved ones released, they even go so far to praise and thank the MIC and Samy Velu...


During the press conference, the wives also recorded their appreciation for MIC president S Samy Vellu and other quarters who are pushing for the five's release.

Commenting on the statements by certain quarters who questioned the "integrity and sincerity" of Samy Vellu in declaring he had met with Abdullah and sought the release of the Hindraf leaders, Kalaivani said her family’s only wish was to see her husband's return.

"I'm sure it’s the same for the other detainees as well and we sincerely hope that no individuals would continue questioning the integrity of any leaders or individuals from any party or question why they are asking for the release of our husbands.

"We appreciate the efforts taken by anybody to secure the release of our husbands, ...." - - Malaysiakini, 26/9/2008 ISA detainees' wives: Hindraf has changed


Now, Zaid Ibrahim has set the standard - will the MIC Cabinet members be resigning now - or did they even threathen to resign?

It is sad that the 2 wives (noting that it was not the family members of all 5 detainees) also goes further to state...that all is well and their husbands are being treated well...


Kalaivani said her husband was being treated well and was provided with the necessary medical attention at the Kamunting Detention Centre.

"We would like to thank the government for having looked after my husband well. He has not had any problems with medication so far, and I’m thankful for that," she added. - Malaysiakini, 26/9/2008 ISA detainees' wives: Hindraf has changed
What she did was very wrong - because she has unconsciously painted a picture that all is great in detention in Kamunting. She has also raised doubts about the assertion by ISA detainees about the bad conditions and even 'torture' that they undergo during detention.

Interestingly, during arrest and detention under the ISA - they treat different people differently. I believe Lim Kit Siang, Karpal Singh and Chandra Muzaffar, the Ops Lallang detainees, were not at all tortured and were treated 'well'. On the other hand, others were tortured...

‘
During the first two weeks of my detention, I was interrogated very vigorously by Special Branch officers about my personal faith and my religious activities. I was not allowed sleep for days at a stretch and was warned that I would not get my food if I did not cooperate. One Inspector threatened to disturb my girlfriend ... On one occasion, I was knocked down to the ground and I injured my back. Since then, I have been passing blood in my urine and have suffered pain in my lower back constantly ... On one occasion, Inspector (name withheld) forced me to strip naked and enact the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. [He] also forced me to crawl on the floor in a naked state ...’.


‘The cell was windowless, the only ventilation being some holes in the upper portion of a wall. It was lit by a single light which was kept on all night ... For a full month ... my entire bedding was a thin plywood sheet on a cement slab. I was beaten with a stick about 1cm x 4cm x 120cm on my legs and the soles of my feet several times ... and was also slapped on the face with the back of my hand …’.

‘A police officer put fear in me ... by saying, ‘If I squeeze your balls, how long can you last?’ ... I was also subjected to the cold treatment during interrogations with very cold air directed through louvers onto my head causing me to shiver ... [i] experienced hallucinations and woke up in cold sweat. For two or three nights, I hallucinated that a big cobra was crawling beside me ... It was under such harsh and oppressive circumstances that I was requested to make statements...’.

‘I was forced to stand on a leg with arms outstretched and head bent backwards for long periods until I collapsed onto the floor ... Immediately I was kicked by the police officer to stand up again on one leg, and this was repeated many times ... I was forced to walk blindfolded towards the wall resulting in knocking myself against the wall and this was repeated many times. The police officers stamped on my toes and fingers causing excruciating and prolonged pains. I was subjected to the ‘cold treatment’ which consisted standing in front of a very cold air conditioner either naked or half naked several times ... and on one occasion the police officer had thrown cold water all over me ... I was forced to strip naked. A police officer ... rolled a bundle of newspapers, lit one end and threatened to burn my genitals [by] bringing the lighted end close to my genitals ... A police officer stated that he would ... make sexual advances to my wife ...’. - Charles Hector, Preventive Detention in Malaysia - A Brief Overview, also Malaysia: ‘Operation Lallang’: Detention Without Trial Under the Internal Security Act – Amnesty International (December 1988), Preventive Detention (Restrictions) Laws In Malaysia – an article that was published in ALIRAN on or about December 1994.


YES - this is what they do. Treat persons differently. They may have treated Dr M Kalaivani's husband well - but we all know that Uthayakumar has alleged that he was not treated well at all.

We may get angry at these 2 women - but remember they are spouses - family members - and they really may not know what they have done - how they may have affected the strugle. But remember, they are also the victims of the police and the authorities..

It was great to see that their 'press conference' has not affected the struggle for the repeal of the ISA and for the immidiate and unconditional release of the HINDRAF 5 and the others detained under the ISA..



About 2,000 people staged a peaceful march through the busy streets of Kuala Lumpur tonight calling for the abolishment of Internal Security Act and freeing detainees under the Act


MCPX
Initially, two separate groups - Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) and coalition of NGOs led by the Writer Alliance For Media Independence (Wami) - had initially planned to hold a candlelight vigil at Dataran Merdeka at about 7.30pm.

When they came across a police cordon at Dataran Merdeka, the Hindraf-led group numbering about 500 decided to march to the temple opposite the Puduraya bus terminal about 1km away.

The crowd marched unhindered towards their destinations and gradually the crowd swelled to about 2,000 people from all walks of life, with many carrying candles.

The other group, which was in a procession holding Chinese lanterns, eventually joined up with the Hindraf group.

The police were caught off-guard by the huge turnout. Many media personnel had also remarked that the large crowd was unanticipated as past vigils had been small in number. - Malaysiakini, 27/9/2008 - Anti-ISA vigil turns into peace march

Let us continue to call for the repeal of the ISA... Let us continue the call for the release of not Raja Petra and the HINDRAF 5 ...but for the release of ALL who are being detained under the ISA and other Detention Without Trial Laws..

Come on -- go get Hari Raya cards and send it to each and every person that you know are being detained under the ISA and other Detention Without Trial laws (My earlier posting/s give the address of the Kamunting Detention Centre and also a list of who were know are being detained under the ISA in Kamunting)

courtesy of charles hector.

Sabah's UPKO to review position in BN

Malaysia Today reported that Upko threatens to review position in BN if NRD can't rectify Sabah citizen's mistake.
Datuk Wilfred Bumburing the deputy president of Upko said that the party will have to resort to reviewing its position in the Barisan Nasional if the National Registration Department cannot rectify the mistake of changing the status of an elderly bumiptura indivisual into a permanent resident because it would prove a display of incompetence from the department. He said “This action by the NRD infringes the basic rights of Malaysians in Sabah and if it is not rectified, Upko must seriously review its position in Barisan. This to me is the last straw with the mess of NRD that is making locals foreigners and foreigners citizens. There is something really wrong at the NRD. This is not the first case” This was where a Panampang resident, Yong lost her native certifate and her original IC was issued a Red IC for replacement which according to the NRD was standard operating procedure. She then showed her passport and driving licence to prove her citizenship but was told to apply for her citizenship and subsequently froze her bank accounts.

The United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (UPKO) is a political party based in Sabah, east Malaysia. It is an ethnically-based party striving to voice the rights and advance the development of Kadazan-Dusun and Murut population of Sabah.
UPKO has 4MP's. If they were to quite BN like SAPP. There would be 6 independent MP's For Pakatan Rakyat to grab. Hopefully this would start a trend and force BN into a corner. I'm not an Anwar's fan but i am a Pakatan Rakyat fan. I hope the formation of an Pakatan Rakyat Federal Govenment materialises soon.

Revolusi 48' Trailer

The sequel to Fahmi Reza's cult favourite 10 Tahun Sebelum Merdeka, Revolusi '48 chronicles the largely forgotten armed revolution for national liberation launched against British colonial rule in Malaya 60 years ago.

This documentary tells the untold story of those who struggled in the anti-colonial guerrilla war of independence, during the Malayan Revolution of 1948.

Coming 20th October 2008!

A must watch video of Malaysia's political crisis

The Malaysian Revolution 2008

Lincoln repeatedly said that the right of revolution, the "right of any people" to "throw off, to revolutionize, their existing form of government, and to establish such other in it's stead as they may choose" was "a sacred right-a right, which we may hope and believe is to liberate the world"
The people who represent Pakatan Rakyat and the people who support it are the people who are exercising their rights. This special rights. The same rights Gandhi seeked when he was treated with injustice in South Africa.

Free the country and it's people so that they all can live with dignity and pride. The people are the one who bring upon a revolution. This revolution has a name and it's called keadilan.

Hindraf backing Anwar's take over.

Hindraf coordinater S.Thanenthiran, Gave an official statement that HINDRAF supports Anwar's take over of the government with the ruling of PAKATAN RAKYAT.
He states self-exiled Hindraf chief P Waythamoorthy is currently in London on a temporary political asylum granted by the British government under the Geneva Convention hopes to return home once the threat of an ISA arrest abates if Anwar becomes prime minister.
As well they are looking forward for the realese of the five hindraf leaders P Uthayakumar, 47, T Vasanthakumar, 35, M Manoharan, 47, R Kenghadharan, 41, and V Ganabatirau, 35 arrested under ISA as well as Raja Petra and Teressa Kok.
Everyone wants good governance without abuse of power, corruption and injustice,” he said.
“Anwar has assured that he will ensure a free and fair country based on equality, justice and democracy for all, something that Barisan Nasional has not given to Malaysians in its unbroken 51-year rule,” said Thanenthiran.

I sincerely hope this becomes a reality. Good luck Pakatan Rakyat and Anwar. Malaysia has been crippled under the ruling of Barisan Nasional for this past 51years. Makkal Sakthi stands by you. Lead this country to stand and start running with our competitions. -pathmanck-