After great expectations were set for the Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz debate on 1MDB, for the second time, the Police stepped in to stop the debate by refusing to grant a “permit”.
The original intent was for the debate to be held in a townhall in the Tourism Minister’s own constituency, Padang Rengas. The Police put a stop to that, forcing a change in venue to the premises of Karangkraf Media Group, the publisher for local daily, Sinar Harian in Shah Alam.
Despite an earlier approval by the Selangor police with conditions which were accepted by the organisers, the Police has now rescinded the approval.
Apparently, “the Shah Alam district police headquarters had received objections from residents in the surrounding area”. Hence, “after studying and considering the matter based on public order, the peaceful assembly permit reference 4/17 dated March 31 is cancelled,” the Police said.
The denial of a permit for a political debate or dialogue is ridiculous at so many levels.
For one, Karangkraf is located at an industrial area, a good distance from the nearest residential zones.
Secondly, it is the role of the Police to facilitate and ensure that the dialogue or debate takes place in a peaceful manner by providing the necessary support and security. The constitutionally-guaranteed rights to freedom of assembly and speech should not be denied by those who are threatening those very freedoms.
However, most importantly, it is not at all within the powers of the Police to deny approval for the event to take place. Based on the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) 2012, all the organisers are required to do under the law is to give a 10-day “notice”. The Act does not provide for the police to say yay or nay to an assembly, what more an indoor function at private premises. A police permit is no longer required.
The clear cut abuse of power by the Police in this case shows without a doubt, the fear by the Najib administration for the debate on 1MDB to take place. The debate will only serve to confirm in the minds of Malaysians – the fact that billions of ringgit of 1MDB funds surfaced in the personal bank accounts of the Prime Minister.
It would have been a debate so lopsided that even Dato’ Seri Nazri Aziz, arguably one of the sharpest debaters on the frontbench, could not possibly win. However, with the Tourism Minister demonstrating unbounded bravado, the Police was called to step in to stop the debate to save Dato’ Seri Najib Razak the blushes.
Dato’ Seri Nazri has previously told reporters that “Malaysia is not a Police State”, after the original debate was denied by the Police, hence the subsequent alternative arrangement was made.
Hence, we call upon the Senior UMNO Minister to prove that Malaysia is indeed “not a Police State” by insisting and proceeding with the debate with Tun Dr Mahathir, regardless of the ruling made by the Police.
The Minister’s failure to do so will not only confirm, by his own benchmark, that Malaysia has indeed degenerated into a Police State. It will also confirm that he is not a man of his words and has conveniently found a face-saving way out of proceeding with the much anticipated debate.
Showing posts with label Civil society. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Civil society. Show all posts
Monday, April 03, 2017
Saturday, December 03, 2016
The Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar should stick to catching criminals who rob the country instead of telling artists what they should and should not draw
Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar has advised political cartoonist Zunar to channel his creative juices towards drawing "nice cartoons" if he wanted to exhibit his work.
"He can draw McDonald's or Donald Duck, " he quipped when asked if Zunar would be allowed to showcase his cartoons in a public exhibition.
Perhaps Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar has failed to read and/or understand that we have a Federal Constitution which guarantees “Fundamental Liberties” including the “Freedom of speech, assembly and association”.
While such liberties are not absolute, we are supposed to be far from a totalitarian or police state to the extent where the IGP tells an artist to draw “nice cartoons”.
Certainly, just because Zunar’s criticism of the ruling kleptocratic elite who are mired with rampant corruption, abuse of power and incitement of racial flames are portray in a manner which is unpalatable for those who are in power, that certainly do not mean that they are illegal in anyway.
In fact, Tan Sri IGP, you are not required to like Zunar’s art!
Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar tried to justify his repeated arrest of Zunar by claiming that the artist had “insulted the country’s leaders”.
He asked what if the tables were turned when someone draws cartoons which insulted opposition leaders? "If tomorrow such cartoons targeted Penang Chief Minister (Lim Guan Eng), would he like it if we just ignored them?”
Firstly, a hopefully not too profound question for our Inspector-General of Police:
If a thief were to be insulted by a caricature him or her as a “despicable thief”, would you arrest the thief or the artist? Is the alleged “insult” which has hurt the feelings of the thief wrong in the eyes of the law, or is should the thief who have stolen billions of dollars from the people of Malaysia be arrested, investigated and charged instead?
After all, as far as we are aware, no leader of this country is legislated to be above the law.
Secondly, Tan Sri Khalid raised the most ironic of examples – with regards to purported insults against opposition leaders like the Penang Chief Minister.
In fact, DAP and other opposition leaders have been regularly demonised via caricatures appearing in Utusan Malaysia for the past decades, their posters and pictures torn and burnt by UMNO demonstrators – what exactly has the Police done against these parties?
We are not asking for the Police to take action against these people. However, the fact that the IGP only takes action against those who criticise UMNO leaders and close one eye to those who viciously attacked those in the Opposition clearly demonstrates his bias and hypocrisy in the reasons provided for the persecution of Zunar.
We call upon Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar to stop making Malaysia and its police force the butt of international jokes by stopping all actions against artists, civil society members and political dissidents. Instead, he should regain the respectability of the force by initiating urgent arrests and investigations against all parties cited by the United States, Switzerland and Singapore investigators who have stolen and misappropriated billions of dollars from 1MDB and SRC International, including but not limited to Jho Low and his father, Riza Aziz, Eric Tan Kim Loong, 1MDB and SRC officials as well as the shameless “Malaysian Official 1”.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Why doesn’t the Government just stop all Malaysians from travelling overseas since it does not have to give any reason under the Immigration Act?
I am disappointed that former Public Accounts Committee Chairman, Datuk Nur Jazlan has decided that there is absolutely no need for the Government to be transparent and accountable for its decisions.
The Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed said the government need not have to give reasons for barring Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah from leaving Malaysia.He told reporters that “it's a power given under the Immigration Act, we don't need to explain why... We are not compelled to give a reason.”
Even if it is true that the law gives the Government such dictatorial rights, a Government who prides itself on transparency and accountability will nevertheless attempt to justify its actions.
The lack of such transparency and accountability only points to a Government which is intent on abusing its powers to repress its critics and dissidents. Maria Chin was on the way to South Korea to receive the prestigious Gwangju Prize Human Rights Award, an award previously bestowed upon Aung Sang Suu Kyi and Xanana Gusmao.
At the same time, even if a law grants the authorities the relevant discretion to exercise its powers, such discretion under any democratic regime governed by the rule of law must be exercised reasonably. Such discretion were never meant to be abused according to the authorities’ whims and fancies.
I have been barred from leaving the country since 24 July 2015. The Government and the Director of Immigration had similarly refused to provide me with any reason as to why I have been barred from leaving the country.
It was only when the decision was challenged in court that the Director of Immigration provided an affidavit which disclosed that I have had my travel rights restricted because I was allegedly under police investigations for “activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy" which carries up to a 20-year prison sentence.
Even so, I have only been called in for questioning by the Police as a witness for their investigations and have never been informed by any parties that I was ever a suspect.
Hence the Government’s crude attempts to restrict our travel rights are outrageous abuse of power, which only serves to prove the critics allegations of Malaysia transforming itself to be police state run by a tin-pot dictatorship.
The Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed said the government need not have to give reasons for barring Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah from leaving Malaysia.He told reporters that “it's a power given under the Immigration Act, we don't need to explain why... We are not compelled to give a reason.”
Even if it is true that the law gives the Government such dictatorial rights, a Government who prides itself on transparency and accountability will nevertheless attempt to justify its actions.
The lack of such transparency and accountability only points to a Government which is intent on abusing its powers to repress its critics and dissidents. Maria Chin was on the way to South Korea to receive the prestigious Gwangju Prize Human Rights Award, an award previously bestowed upon Aung Sang Suu Kyi and Xanana Gusmao.
At the same time, even if a law grants the authorities the relevant discretion to exercise its powers, such discretion under any democratic regime governed by the rule of law must be exercised reasonably. Such discretion were never meant to be abused according to the authorities’ whims and fancies.
I have been barred from leaving the country since 24 July 2015. The Government and the Director of Immigration had similarly refused to provide me with any reason as to why I have been barred from leaving the country.
It was only when the decision was challenged in court that the Director of Immigration provided an affidavit which disclosed that I have had my travel rights restricted because I was allegedly under police investigations for “activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy" which carries up to a 20-year prison sentence.
Even so, I have only been called in for questioning by the Police as a witness for their investigations and have never been informed by any parties that I was ever a suspect.
Hence the Government’s crude attempts to restrict our travel rights are outrageous abuse of power, which only serves to prove the critics allegations of Malaysia transforming itself to be police state run by a tin-pot dictatorship.
Thursday, September 06, 2012
Stop Persecuting SUARAM
The Companies Commission of Malaysia has shown remarkable diligence in raiding the offices of Suara Inisiatif Sdn Bhd, the operating entity of Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) non-governmental organization (NGO).
Yesterday, officers from the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) had gone to Suara Inisiatif Sdn Bhd’s company secretary and auditor’s office and conducted a search and seized documents related to the company.
The notices to search and seize were issued under Section 7C and 7D(1) of the Companies Act 1965. The above sections of the law are essentially the powers of CCM to conduct searches and seizures or “fishing expeditions”, indicating no particular offence committed by SUARAM.
The raid was conducted despite SUARAM having written to CCM on 20th July 2012 that they will provide full cooperation to the latter and will provide further documents and information upon receiving written requests to do so.
Even PERKESO, the agency which manages SOCSO payments had ordered SUARAM to produce a list of documents to the office on 30th August 2012. In compliance to the notice, SUARAM had produced the requested documents to the relevant officer, who in-turn was completely clueless to SUARAM’s presence.
The actions by the Government agencies, under pressure from UMNO and right-wing racist organisations such as Jaringan Melayu Malaysia and PERKASA, particularly by CCM are of extreme prejudice in nature.
Over the past year, I have exposed many companies which have flouted many laws in the Companies Act 1965. They’ve included the companies owned by Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil’s family members who own the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC).
For example, NFC has granted personal loans to the directors of the company that breached Section 133 and 133A of the Companies’ Act where such loans are clearly prohibited.
The family’s other companies, National Meat & Livestock Company Sdn Bhd, Real Food Company Sdn Bhd and Meatworks Sdn Bhd have failed to hold the company’s Annual General Meetings, file its Annual Returns to the Registrar of Companies together with their Audited Financial Report. These offences are clear breached of Section 169A of the Companies Act, which carries the penalty 5 years in prison and/or RM30,000.
Similarly, Yayasan Gerakbakti Kebangsaan (YGK) owned by UMNO Youth with Khairy Jamaluddin and Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan as directors, has never filed their accounts since 2009.
Why is it that up to today, despite the above exposes being made at least 6 months ago, the CCM has failed to act against the above companies despite the proven breaches? On the other hand, why is it that despite having done no wrong, the CCM and the other government agencies have been relentless in their pursuit to charge SUARAM.
It is clear as day that the current persecution is mediated the exposes on Najib and the multibillion ringgit Scorpene submarine scandal.
We call upon the CCM to stay away from politically motivated actions which will only tarnish its image as an impartial entity. If it has to act against SUARAM, then surely action must be taken against the many companies of UMNO leaders, family members and cronies which have clearly breached many aspects of the law
SUARAM has done an impeccable job with the Scorpene submarine scandal which implicates the Prime Minister himself. We hope SUARAM will maintain the course and double up its efforts especially to ensure that those corrupt leaders who abuses power will be rejected outright.
Yesterday, officers from the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) had gone to Suara Inisiatif Sdn Bhd’s company secretary and auditor’s office and conducted a search and seized documents related to the company.
The notices to search and seize were issued under Section 7C and 7D(1) of the Companies Act 1965. The above sections of the law are essentially the powers of CCM to conduct searches and seizures or “fishing expeditions”, indicating no particular offence committed by SUARAM.
The raid was conducted despite SUARAM having written to CCM on 20th July 2012 that they will provide full cooperation to the latter and will provide further documents and information upon receiving written requests to do so.
Even PERKESO, the agency which manages SOCSO payments had ordered SUARAM to produce a list of documents to the office on 30th August 2012. In compliance to the notice, SUARAM had produced the requested documents to the relevant officer, who in-turn was completely clueless to SUARAM’s presence.
The actions by the Government agencies, under pressure from UMNO and right-wing racist organisations such as Jaringan Melayu Malaysia and PERKASA, particularly by CCM are of extreme prejudice in nature.
Over the past year, I have exposed many companies which have flouted many laws in the Companies Act 1965. They’ve included the companies owned by Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil’s family members who own the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC).
For example, NFC has granted personal loans to the directors of the company that breached Section 133 and 133A of the Companies’ Act where such loans are clearly prohibited.
The family’s other companies, National Meat & Livestock Company Sdn Bhd, Real Food Company Sdn Bhd and Meatworks Sdn Bhd have failed to hold the company’s Annual General Meetings, file its Annual Returns to the Registrar of Companies together with their Audited Financial Report. These offences are clear breached of Section 169A of the Companies Act, which carries the penalty 5 years in prison and/or RM30,000.
Similarly, Yayasan Gerakbakti Kebangsaan (YGK) owned by UMNO Youth with Khairy Jamaluddin and Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan as directors, has never filed their accounts since 2009.
Why is it that up to today, despite the above exposes being made at least 6 months ago, the CCM has failed to act against the above companies despite the proven breaches? On the other hand, why is it that despite having done no wrong, the CCM and the other government agencies have been relentless in their pursuit to charge SUARAM.
It is clear as day that the current persecution is mediated the exposes on Najib and the multibillion ringgit Scorpene submarine scandal.
We call upon the CCM to stay away from politically motivated actions which will only tarnish its image as an impartial entity. If it has to act against SUARAM, then surely action must be taken against the many companies of UMNO leaders, family members and cronies which have clearly breached many aspects of the law
SUARAM has done an impeccable job with the Scorpene submarine scandal which implicates the Prime Minister himself. We hope SUARAM will maintain the course and double up its efforts especially to ensure that those corrupt leaders who abuses power will be rejected outright.
Friday, June 08, 2012
BERSIH 3.0: Semangat Bersih, Harapan Negara
The truth to Bersih 3.0, the call for free & fair elections!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
MRT: Government Concession Proves Strength of Civil Society
Despite being peppered with snide remarks against the protesting parties, we welcome the statement by Dato’ Azhar Abdul Hamid, the Chief Executive Officer of the newly established MRT Corporation to finally end the 10-week old MRT land acquisition controversy. Dato’ Azhar has pledged that Jalan Sultan properties will not be acquired for the Klang Valley MRT project, as long as businesses and landowners vacate their premises temporarily during tunnel construction.
This was in direct contrast to the reply provided in Parliament earlier in the morning when the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Dato’ Ahmad Maslan had responded on behalf of the Government that there will be no guarantee of “returning” of the surface land rights to the respective owners.
It also makes a mockery of the initial claim by Syarikat Prasarana Bhd, the previous owner of the MRT project, that they’ve had months of discussion with the Attorney-General’s Chambers before concluding that there is no provision on how the tunnel could be constructed without affecting the ownership of the surface properties.
The Government has effectively conceded that it is entirely possible for underground stratum land to be acquired for tunneling purposes under the National Land Code without affecting the ownership and the surface land use. As highlighted many times during the controversy, the National Land Code 1965 had been specifically amended in 1990 to allow for the acquisition of underground land without affecting surface property by inserting Part Five (A) (section 92A to 92G) under Clause 3. The amendment enables the disposal of “underground land”, which can then either be alienated or leased for the use to construct tunnels, car parks and to lay pipes.
This concession also renders the re-alignment of the tunnel and its entry point at Jalan Damansara, off Jalan Duta to save a VIP residence an unnecessary and costly exercise, since the land underground could be acquired without affecting the ownership of the surface land and property.
To remove any lingering doubts, the MRT Co. should declare an official position that no surface land above tunneling works for the MRT project will be forcibly acquired and that land will be acquired strictly on the basis of the construction of MRT stations or its ancillary facilities such as air vents and access points. No parcel of land should be compulsorily acquired for the purposes of profit generation by the Government.
Finally, the U-turn by the Barisan Nasional Government proves time and again that the rakyat needs to mobilise and speak up for their rights to ensure that they are not be victimized and the powers of the Government abused. The Bersih rally, for example has forced the Government to set up the Parliamentary Select Committee on Electoral Reforms. While this does not yet guarantee actual reforms, especially if elections are held before the reforms are exercised, it is a step forward for the country’s political system. Outrage from the civil society has also led to the recent announcement by the Prime Minister to lift “the state of emergency” and promise to abolish several draconian laws such as the Internal Security Act.
The above actions also prove that civil and political pressure works to correct the wrongs and abuses, and hence more Malaysians must speak up and take part in activities to defend their basic rights and entitlements.
This was in direct contrast to the reply provided in Parliament earlier in the morning when the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Dato’ Ahmad Maslan had responded on behalf of the Government that there will be no guarantee of “returning” of the surface land rights to the respective owners.
It also makes a mockery of the initial claim by Syarikat Prasarana Bhd, the previous owner of the MRT project, that they’ve had months of discussion with the Attorney-General’s Chambers before concluding that there is no provision on how the tunnel could be constructed without affecting the ownership of the surface properties.
The Government has effectively conceded that it is entirely possible for underground stratum land to be acquired for tunneling purposes under the National Land Code without affecting the ownership and the surface land use. As highlighted many times during the controversy, the National Land Code 1965 had been specifically amended in 1990 to allow for the acquisition of underground land without affecting surface property by inserting Part Five (A) (section 92A to 92G) under Clause 3. The amendment enables the disposal of “underground land”, which can then either be alienated or leased for the use to construct tunnels, car parks and to lay pipes.
This concession also renders the re-alignment of the tunnel and its entry point at Jalan Damansara, off Jalan Duta to save a VIP residence an unnecessary and costly exercise, since the land underground could be acquired without affecting the ownership of the surface land and property.
To remove any lingering doubts, the MRT Co. should declare an official position that no surface land above tunneling works for the MRT project will be forcibly acquired and that land will be acquired strictly on the basis of the construction of MRT stations or its ancillary facilities such as air vents and access points. No parcel of land should be compulsorily acquired for the purposes of profit generation by the Government.
Finally, the U-turn by the Barisan Nasional Government proves time and again that the rakyat needs to mobilise and speak up for their rights to ensure that they are not be victimized and the powers of the Government abused. The Bersih rally, for example has forced the Government to set up the Parliamentary Select Committee on Electoral Reforms. While this does not yet guarantee actual reforms, especially if elections are held before the reforms are exercised, it is a step forward for the country’s political system. Outrage from the civil society has also led to the recent announcement by the Prime Minister to lift “the state of emergency” and promise to abolish several draconian laws such as the Internal Security Act.
The above actions also prove that civil and political pressure works to correct the wrongs and abuses, and hence more Malaysians must speak up and take part in activities to defend their basic rights and entitlements.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
10 November Date
I went to court this morning at 9am together with 19 others who were being charged for the anti-ISA and commemoration of BERSIH rally candlelight vigil for the mention of the hearing dates (for the full trial).
After a long long wait, our turn came up finally at noon, when it was agreed that the trial will be set to start on the 10th November later this year. It didn't hit me then, but in the car, while driving back to Parliament, I sort of realised that it was a familiar date...
And then... ta da! It's the anniversary of both our arrest, as well as the 2nd anniversary of the BERSIH rally! How appropriately symbolic! ;-)
After a long long wait, our turn came up finally at noon, when it was agreed that the trial will be set to start on the 10th November later this year. It didn't hit me then, but in the car, while driving back to Parliament, I sort of realised that it was a familiar date...
And then... ta da! It's the anniversary of both our arrest, as well as the 2nd anniversary of the BERSIH rally! How appropriately symbolic! ;-)
Friday, January 30, 2009
Do We Live in The Simpsons Country?
For those who have not watched Malaysiakini's video on the 21 of us being charged by the Attorney General's office for gathering to light candles and sing the national anthem, here it is.
More interestingly, K Anand, who writes at The Malaysian Insider brings back memories of a 2006 episode of The Simpsons entitled "The Monkey Suit", where Lisa attempted to bring the Theory of Evolution into schools, and got arrested for her troubles. The parody is just frighteningly similar to what's happening to our Bolehland today...
Lisa then decides to go underground, organising a class after regular school hours to teach her classmates about Darwin and his book “The Origin of the Species”.Way to go, Malaysia.
As she starts her first class, the door of the room is busted open by Police Chief Wiggum of the Springfield Police Department and his two deputies, guns drawn, arresting a young girl who was just trying to educate her fellow students.
Lisa says something to the effect that “there are harden criminals out there and you want to arrest me”, to which Wiggum replies “we only work based on the last law passed”, which was the one made at the town hall meeting above.
As they are talking, the scene shifts to the Kwik-E-Mart where a machine-gun toting criminal is randomly shooting at passersby from the rooftop. Looking through the window, Chief Wiggum just shrugs and says “ahhh... on another day we would have been all over that scene”.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Charged!
Tony sheds a tear on Haris' big shoulders as he enters the courtroom
as an accused for the first time... sob! (Pic courtesy of Sinchew)
as an accused for the first time... sob! (Pic courtesy of Sinchew)
Heh, as many of you would have read by now, the Government decided to offer us big "ang pow" before Chinese New Year by charging us for our presence at the candlelight vigil commemorating the first anniversary of the BERSIH rally as well as to oppose the continued use of ISA.
Of course, you've read all about our arrest here and here. Both Weng San and I have yet to charge the police of assault, and yet they've decided to proceed to prosecute us "under instructions from the top".
In the past, one could "almost" understand that action is taken if we march the streets, stop traffic, sit on the roads that actions would be taken. But in this case, we were on MBPJ property with councillors and Selangor state government exco present, lighting candles and singing the national anthem, and yet the police came in to beat up people without arms and charge them in court. Of course, when the UMNO thugs take the streets, the police will give them security escort instead ;-)
It is of course, a classic case of intimidation. If any of us elected representatives are found guilty, under the law, the judge has no choice but to impose a minimum RM2,000 fine, and we'll all be disqualified from our elected positions. Yes, it's a concern, but I do know of other newly elected reps who have their charges outstanding since 1999 reformasi days... so yes, I'll remain PJU MP for a while more yet ;-)
More importantly, as the Bar Council President, stated in the Malaysian Insider:
Bar Council president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, who had shown up in support of the accused, said the charges were "completely ridiculous" and transgressed against the public's right to participate in a peaceful demonstration.While in Malaysiakini:
She added that it was a waste of taxpayers' money to prosecute the 21.
Ambiga told reporters that the attorney-general should drop the charges and put in efforts to prosecute real crimes and not people exercising freedom of expression which is protected under the Federal Constitution.I can't agree more. With crime rates soaring, I'm sure we must one of the biggest criminal gangs in town, or worse, national security threats which required the Attorney-General's office from Putrajaya to personal send of the "rising star" Deputy Public Prosecutors to handle the charges.
"These people are not dangerous," she said, adding that there are better ways where the government could have utilised the taxpayers' money rather than to charge them.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Arrested Development
My latest article for The NutGraph looked once again (no more after this, I assure you, as this was written just after the episode occurred), at my arrest by the Royal Malaysian Police for attending an alleged illegal gathering at the PJ Civic Centre (note also the irony of the venue).
Besides a personal take on the "experience", I also touched on the robust debate as to whether I should even have attended the event here, and would it have compromised my role as a member of parliament.
WELL, it was just going to be a sooner-or-later thing. Getting arrested is kinda like a serious occupational hazard for a politician, elected or otherwise, who belongs in the opposition camp in this country.Read the full article here and enjoy! ;-)
So when I was actually arrested on Sunday, 9 Nov 2008, at the candlelight vigil commemorating the first anniversary of the historic Bersih (Coalition for Clean and Fair Election) rally, I was certainly not mentally unprepared. Especially not after the ISA (Internal Security Act) "scare" just a few weeks earlier.
I still remember my very first interview with a senior journalist from a local paper when I was about to quit my job, sell my company and join the topsy-turvy world of politics with the DAP, some 18 months ago. As the interview ended, she said she really couldn't imagine me, this geeky, pseudo-intellectual (aka nerd), corporate personality involved in your "typical" opposition activities such as street rallies, protest demonstrations, and of course, getting arrested by the police.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Released from Police Bail
The above is a 7 minute video shot by BK on the night of the his own arrest.
As you would probably have read in the online news reports yesterday, those who were arrested on 10th November for the peaceful candlelight vigil to protest against the Internal Security Act as well as to commemorate the 1st anniversary of the BERSIH rally, have all been released from police bail, after reporting ourselves to the PJ police station yesterday morning.
As the officer-in-charge stated, "we'll call you if you get charged". Otherwise, we don't have to report back to the police station. ;-)
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Civil Dissent Debate
This is a letter which I received from one of my voters, who has kindly permitted me to publish it here. I do not wholly agree with the views expressed by him, but the point here is the space for discussion, which is what a mature democracy is all about.
At the same time, I would not go to the extent that we should go to the streets for every little protest. There needs to be a discretionary balance. In my opinion, the Bersih rally last year galvanised the nation, so should we not have had it?
We can certainly agree on certain issues, while agreeing to disagree on others.
Dear YBs,
We want you to be free to attend Parliament, State Assembly meetings. We don't want you to be behind bars or be found guilty of breaking the law.
Should this happen, we, the constituents will have no voice in the Dewan Rakyat or Dewan negeri. we will only be the losers.
I myself hate such laws, as much as you do. But the law is the law, and it's very clear about getting a permit for any public gathering for such purposes.
Agreed you may have tried many times to get permits from a biased Police force, and failed. Still it is no excuse to break the law. This is what the present authority wants you to do - break the law, then they try you, find you guilty, fine you or imprison you and deprive you of your seat in Parliament of the State assembly. The Police will act-with or without provocation. What will happen if your group has been infiltrated ? The saboteur will only need to throw a small stone, and all hell will break loose ! You'll be accused of trying to overthrow the Government by force, and IMMEDIATELY arrested under the ISA ! That's what the Police and especially Syed Hamid Albar wants. We don't want that to happen, do we ? The Police are not clean. They came with guns and knives, ready to throw these weapons among you and then accuse you of being heavily ARMED with dangerous weapons !
I am just as frustrated as you are. You were lucky, they decided to,let you out to allow you to ask your first question in Parliament. You may not be so lucky the next time. Then I'll be even more frustrated !
Until the day we have a new government, we cannot change the law. When there is a NEW government in place, with a 2/3 majority, then, and only then, we can make changes.
File reports against the Police, bring up the issue in Parliament, alert internation bodies , play up the issue in the press, internet, blogs, but please do not fall into their trap, call ILLEGAL ASSEMBLY !
The Negara ku, our NATIONAL anthem and our flag is the pride of our nation, The Negara Ku is meant to be sung at legal occasions with respect-not at an illegal demonstration. Get your permit - and you can sing it with patriotism and pride ! - without fear !
In the meantime, those who are opposed to the ISA,SEDITION ACT, POLICE ACT 27, ect ect, will have to be patient. We, the people of Malaysia, waited 51 years to see the BN lose it's 2/3 majority, and 5 states. We'll wait for the NEXT election to see further changes.
So please be careful next time, for they can even act if you hold it INDOOR !
"27A. (1) Where any activity takes place on or in any land or premises which do not constitute a public place and—
(3) Where three or more persons neglect or refuse to obey any order given under subsection (1), the activity concerned shall be deemed to be an unlawful activity, and all persons taking part or concerned in the activity, or in organizing or directing the activity, shall be guilty of an offence."
I don't mean to educate you, for you should know better.
Rgds.
Stanley Teoh
PJ Utara
At the same time, I would not go to the extent that we should go to the streets for every little protest. There needs to be a discretionary balance. In my opinion, the Bersih rally last year galvanised the nation, so should we not have had it?
We can certainly agree on certain issues, while agreeing to disagree on others.
Dear YBs,
We want you to be free to attend Parliament, State Assembly meetings. We don't want you to be behind bars or be found guilty of breaking the law.
Should this happen, we, the constituents will have no voice in the Dewan Rakyat or Dewan negeri. we will only be the losers.
I myself hate such laws, as much as you do. But the law is the law, and it's very clear about getting a permit for any public gathering for such purposes.
Agreed you may have tried many times to get permits from a biased Police force, and failed. Still it is no excuse to break the law. This is what the present authority wants you to do - break the law, then they try you, find you guilty, fine you or imprison you and deprive you of your seat in Parliament of the State assembly. The Police will act-with or without provocation. What will happen if your group has been infiltrated ? The saboteur will only need to throw a small stone, and all hell will break loose ! You'll be accused of trying to overthrow the Government by force, and IMMEDIATELY arrested under the ISA ! That's what the Police and especially Syed Hamid Albar wants. We don't want that to happen, do we ? The Police are not clean. They came with guns and knives, ready to throw these weapons among you and then accuse you of being heavily ARMED with dangerous weapons !
I am just as frustrated as you are. You were lucky, they decided to,let you out to allow you to ask your first question in Parliament. You may not be so lucky the next time. Then I'll be even more frustrated !
Until the day we have a new government, we cannot change the law. When there is a NEW government in place, with a 2/3 majority, then, and only then, we can make changes.
File reports against the Police, bring up the issue in Parliament, alert internation bodies , play up the issue in the press, internet, blogs, but please do not fall into their trap, call ILLEGAL ASSEMBLY !
The Negara ku, our NATIONAL anthem and our flag is the pride of our nation, The Negara Ku is meant to be sung at legal occasions with respect-not at an illegal demonstration. Get your permit - and you can sing it with patriotism and pride ! - without fear !
In the meantime, those who are opposed to the ISA,SEDITION ACT, POLICE ACT 27, ect ect, will have to be patient. We, the people of Malaysia, waited 51 years to see the BN lose it's 2/3 majority, and 5 states. We'll wait for the NEXT election to see further changes.
So please be careful next time, for they can even act if you hold it INDOOR !
"27A. (1) Where any activity takes place on or in any land or premises which do not constitute a public place and—
(a) the activity is directed to, or is intended to be witnessed or heard or participated in by, persons outside the land or premises, or is capable from all the circumstances of being understood as being so directed or intended; or(2) Any person who disobeys any order given under subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence.
(b) the activity attracts the presence of twenty persons or more outside the land or premises; or
(c) the activity is likely to be prejudicial to the interest of the security of Malaysia or any part thereof or to excite a disturbance of the peace, any police officer may order the persons involved in the activity to stop the activity and may order all persons found on or in or outside the land or premises to disperse.
(3) Where three or more persons neglect or refuse to obey any order given under subsection (1), the activity concerned shall be deemed to be an unlawful activity, and all persons taking part or concerned in the activity, or in organizing or directing the activity, shall be guilty of an offence."
I don't mean to educate you, for you should know better.
Rgds.
Stanley Teoh
PJ Utara
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Why SingThe National Anthem?
The Chief Police Officer (CPO) of Selangor, under heavy criticism, retorts to media questioning of police actions by asking "Why Sing The National Anthem?"
Well, the simple answer to his stupid question, if he ever was really looking for an answer, is "Why not?" Is there a law against singing the National Anthem to demonstrate our patriotism to the country, among many many other things? The police seems to have forgotten that the event was held in the interest of, and for the betterment the country.
Fact of the matter is, we have told the crowd to disperse after the anthem is sung, and the police had decided to take action while it was being sung, instead of waiting even a few seconds more.
We took pains to cut short all our speeches, which in total added to no more than 10 minutes (it's all recorded I'm sure, so it's easily verifiable) and told everyone to go home. None of us really have any interest in getting arrested or create problems for the police. But of course, the CPO had to show the nation who's the boss.
Well, the simple answer to his stupid question, if he ever was really looking for an answer, is "Why not?" Is there a law against singing the National Anthem to demonstrate our patriotism to the country, among many many other things? The police seems to have forgotten that the event was held in the interest of, and for the betterment the country.
Fact of the matter is, we have told the crowd to disperse after the anthem is sung, and the police had decided to take action while it was being sung, instead of waiting even a few seconds more.
We took pains to cut short all our speeches, which in total added to no more than 10 minutes (it's all recorded I'm sure, so it's easily verifiable) and told everyone to go home. None of us really have any interest in getting arrested or create problems for the police. But of course, the CPO had to show the nation who's the boss.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Why The Unnecessary Force?
I'll just let these pictures taken on the evening of the arrest, and posted on PenangWatch.net and let them speak for itself. ;-)
A few more pictures of minor bruises are available at Penang Watch.
Selangor State Assemblyman for Kg Tunku, Lau Weng San was seeking a situation update
from the police officers by their vehicles. For his troubles, despite having identified himself,
he was given two punches on the face and chucked into the police truck as well.
from the police officers by their vehicles. For his troubles, despite having identified himself,
he was given two punches on the face and chucked into the police truck as well.
A victim who was pulled from behind and fell with her head first onto the pavement,
resulting in a immediate visit to the hospital. Note her hospital gear.
resulting in a immediate visit to the hospital. Note her hospital gear.
And these are her blood-stained clothes.
Present here with her is the Selangor State Exco, Ronnie Liu.
Present here with her is the Selangor State Exco, Ronnie Liu.
A few more pictures of minor bruises are available at Penang Watch.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Would you like a scholarship worth RM3,000 for a certified Video Journalism course at Malaysiakini?
Course Details:
Course Details:
- Practical workshops held every fortnight (weekends) for 2 months - 10am till 6pm
- Workshops will focus on reporting skills & the production of video news content
- Learn principles required to become a Citizen Journalist or a better blogger
- Earn side income as a part-time video journalist at Malaysiakini.tv
- Fellowships will also be given to the best trainees
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Najib's New Toy
Wow, our Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak has launched a spanking new website, "1Malaysia" with videos, picture galleries and all.He asked for "rational dialogue to discuss the things that matter deeply to us as a nation... While I may not always agree with you, be assured that your views will be heard."
He also added that "What makes Malaysia unique is the diversity of our people ... and I want to preserve this diversity and unity."
So what do you think? Well, don't just think, tell it to him yourself! His website has a comment page for you to fill in all your "rational dialogues". You have signed the petition for Teresa Kok, Raja Petra, the Hindraf 5 and all the other ISA detainees. Now, go to our honourable deputy prime minister's website comment page and give him a piece of your mind.
There are nearly 24,000 signatories on the petition to date (thank you all for the support! keep them coming!) and if 50% of these signatories post their comments on his website, he might just get the message. It is extremely important for our current Barisan Nasional leaders to really "hear" the rakyat, that we are pissed with BN, that we have become the laughing stock of the world, that Pak Lah administration is in complete shambles, that his economic policies are condemning us to mediocrity (or worse), that many of our Ministers are a joke.
I've received many emails asking what you can do. You can do this. But remember, be "rational", we do not need to go overboard to win the argument. We let the facts speak for itself. And remember, the IPs are likely tracked so please, no seditious stuff, we will not go to Datuk Ahmad Ismail or Penang UMNO's level.
And better still, get 10 other friends and family members to do the same!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Free Teresa, Abolish ISA!
Sign the Petition to Free Teresa, Abolish ISA! Forward this petition to all Malaysians via email, SMS, blogs or Facebook.The Barisan Nasional Government has on the 12 September detained Member of Parliament for Seputeh, state assemblywoman for Kinrara as well the senior state executive councillor for Selangor, Sdri Teresa Kok without trial under the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA).
She has been accused of stirring up racial sentiments by instigating residents to petition against mosques in Kinrara and Kota Damansara to lower the volume of their speakers. Teresa denied these allegations and both mosques have also come out to deny these accusations. There is hence absolutely no basis for the arrest. She has already threatened to sue Dr Mohd Khir Toyo, the former Selangor Menteri Besar and Utusan Malaysia for making and publishing these unfounded allegations.
The arrest of Sdri Teresa Kok,Raja Petra Kamaruddin, the Hindraf 5 as well as others is hence arbitrary, high-handed and a mockery of democracy. By labelling Teresa and others as threats to national security without any shred of evidence is a travesty of justice and a gross violation of human rights.
The petitioners hence resolves that the BN government should not use draconian powers under the ISA to cling on to power and demands the immediate and unconditional release of Teresa, Raja Petra, the Hindraf 5 and other detainees. In addition, we the petitioners demand the immediate repeal of the ISA to prevent abuses that oppresses the fundamental liberties of each and every Malaysian.
As loyal and upright Malaysians, sign the petition today!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Release Raja Petra NOW!
The DAP strongly and unreservedly condemns the undemocratic and draconian measure by the Barisan Nasional Government of utilising the Internal Security Act (ISA) to detain popular blogger, Raja Petra Kamaruddin for his vocal criticisms against the Government.
We demand for his immediate and unconditional release from detention under ISA. This demand includes the immediate and unconditional release of other political prisoners, detained without trial for their anti-Barisan Nasional views such as the Hindraf 5 who were arrested in December last year.
If Raja Petra has committed any wrongs under Malaysian laws, the Barisan Nasional government should charge Raja Petra accordingly in open court. Under our laws, a man is innocent until proven guilty.
The reluctance of the federal government is pursuing the matter in open court reflect its ill-intent to protect dark vested interests. This move to utilise the ISA against a blogger who has not demonstrated any violent “terrorist” tendencies marks a clear cut abuse of power by the Prime Minister and his Home Affairs Minister.
This signals a growing desperation among Barisan Nasional politicians, and more sinisterly, a possible start in draconian crackdown against all BN critics in this country.
The Government's move will only strengthen the resolve of DAP and its Pakatan Rakyat partners as well as the Malaysian public that a change in Government is not only preferable, it is absolutely necessary to ensure that Malaysia will have a bright future ahead.
We demand for his immediate and unconditional release from detention under ISA. This demand includes the immediate and unconditional release of other political prisoners, detained without trial for their anti-Barisan Nasional views such as the Hindraf 5 who were arrested in December last year.
If Raja Petra has committed any wrongs under Malaysian laws, the Barisan Nasional government should charge Raja Petra accordingly in open court. Under our laws, a man is innocent until proven guilty.
The reluctance of the federal government is pursuing the matter in open court reflect its ill-intent to protect dark vested interests. This move to utilise the ISA against a blogger who has not demonstrated any violent “terrorist” tendencies marks a clear cut abuse of power by the Prime Minister and his Home Affairs Minister.
This signals a growing desperation among Barisan Nasional politicians, and more sinisterly, a possible start in draconian crackdown against all BN critics in this country.
The Government's move will only strengthen the resolve of DAP and its Pakatan Rakyat partners as well as the Malaysian public that a change in Government is not only preferable, it is absolutely necessary to ensure that Malaysia will have a bright future ahead.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Damansara Uptown Charity Carnival
The spastic children delivered a rasa sayang performanceThe carnival will take place on July 27 (Sunday) from 9am to 2pm at the Uptown public car park in Damansara Uptown (opposite Uptown 37).
The following is the press report by The Star:
AT A time when many people are prudent with their spending, charitable organisations are in greater need of donations.
[...]According to SCAS&FT president Datuk Dr Lam Peng Chong, the association needs about RM2mil a year to provide transport, food, education and living skills training to about 300 children.
The association is also trying to raise RM12mil to redevelop its 47-year-old building into a twin six-storey building, which would have rental space to generate revenue for the centre.
Also present at the press conference were See Hoy Chan executive vice-president Joe Tan, Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua and Damansara Utama assemblyman Dr Cheah Wing Yin.Armed with a keyboard, drums and tambourines, about 10 children from the home then put on a musical performance for the guests.
Pua, who took time out from the parliamentary sitting to attend the event, said issues at the Parliament bogged him down as he was on his way to the event.
“When I saw them performing, I knew that other matters can wait. We sometimes lose focus on the important things in life,” said Pua, who was moved by the performance.
See you there! ;-)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Discrepancy in MBPJ Council List
This is an update to the post I wrote a few days ago with regards to a press statement issued by my DAP colleague, ADUN for Kg Tunku with regards to certain potential discrepancy in the local council appointments in MBPJ.
In MBPJ, it was announced that there will be a total of 24 new councilors of which four of them are from PAS, seven from PKR and six from DAP, with the remaining seven councilorship to be appointed from non-partisan nominees, i.e. NGOs and RAs in Petaling Jaya.
It is an important change, when compared to the previous Barisan Nasional Government, that NGO members are appointed to the local council to ensure increased transparency and good governance, and to ensure special and needy interest groups are taken into account, such as the appointment of Anthony Thanasayan, president of the Animal Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association.
However, I have been informed that a member of a political party replaced a non-partisan local Petaling Jaya residents' association president under the NGO quota in MBPJ. In addition, I've been made to understand that this was done at the very last minute to avoid possible objections to the move.
I'd like to express my regret and disappointment that such action has blemished an otherwise excellent step taken by the Selangor state government to include NGO participation while waiting for the local government to be democratically elected in the near future.
I'd like to call upon the Selangor state government to review its decision, to ensure that all party members are placed strictly within the party quotas i.e., 7 from PKR, 6 from DAP and 4 from PAS and only genuine and reputable NGO members as well as leaders of local residents' associations are given strict priority.
I would also be interested to find out if the above is happening to other local councils as well in Selangor.
In MBPJ, it was announced that there will be a total of 24 new councilors of which four of them are from PAS, seven from PKR and six from DAP, with the remaining seven councilorship to be appointed from non-partisan nominees, i.e. NGOs and RAs in Petaling Jaya.
It is an important change, when compared to the previous Barisan Nasional Government, that NGO members are appointed to the local council to ensure increased transparency and good governance, and to ensure special and needy interest groups are taken into account, such as the appointment of Anthony Thanasayan, president of the Animal Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association.
However, I have been informed that a member of a political party replaced a non-partisan local Petaling Jaya residents' association president under the NGO quota in MBPJ. In addition, I've been made to understand that this was done at the very last minute to avoid possible objections to the move.
I'd like to express my regret and disappointment that such action has blemished an otherwise excellent step taken by the Selangor state government to include NGO participation while waiting for the local government to be democratically elected in the near future.
I'd like to call upon the Selangor state government to review its decision, to ensure that all party members are placed strictly within the party quotas i.e., 7 from PKR, 6 from DAP and 4 from PAS and only genuine and reputable NGO members as well as leaders of local residents' associations are given strict priority.
I would also be interested to find out if the above is happening to other local councils as well in Selangor.
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