Thursday 31 January 2013
Liberate Bhojshala to regain Hindu Rights through a Mighty Fight. Jai Shri Ram!
‘Bhojshala’ is an ancient and the only temple of Mata Saraswati, built by Raja Bhoj in 1034 AD. (‘See Photo Evidences’)
Bhojshala was home to thousands of students and scholars and it was
main centre of education. Attacks on Bhojshala started from 1305 AD and
Muslims built today’s Kamal Moulana dargah near Bhojshala. (‘Read Detailed Timeline of Facts’)Bhojshala
has become victim of Governments of Madhya Pradesh due to appeasement
of Muslims for votes. Today Archeological Survey of India (ASI) allows
everyone to go inside Bhojshala ‘as a tourist’ with fees. On tuesday,
Hindus can enter in Bhojshala and they are allowed to take flowers and akshata.
But since the new idol of Vagdevi is seized by Madhya Pradesh
government and kept in Gwalior jail, Hindus can’t offer anything to
Saraswati Mata. On friday, Muslims are allowed to offer Namaz in
Bhojshala complex. Vasant (Basant) Panchami, also known as Mata
Saraswati Jayanti is the only day in the year on which Hindus are
allowed to perform full-fledge puja by taking idol or photo of Mata
Saraswati inside Bhojshala. So Muslims can offer Namaz in Bhojshala 52 times in a year, but Hindus can perform puja only once in a year. It should be noted that Dhar, where Bhojshala is located, has 16 mosques to offer Namaz.
What do you want in Bhojshala on this Vasant Panchami (15th February 2013) - Puja or Namaz
In
year 2006, Vasant (Basant) Panchami was on friday, so the demand of the
Hindus to perform puja in Bhojshala for the full day was refused and
the police also used force against Hindu devotees and arrested many. Now
this year 2013, again Vasant (Basant) Panchami happens to be on friday
and Hindu Devotees are demanding to perform puja for the whole day and
restrict Muslims to offer Namaz in Bhojshala on this day. Also the BJP
Govt. should release Vagdevi (Mata Saraswati) idol from Gwalior Jail,
which was installed by Hindus in Bhojshala.O Hindus, take up this challenge and do your duty towards Dharma !
Our Demands
- on 15th February 2013, ‘Bhoj-shala’ should be made available to Hindus instead of Muslims for ‘namaz’, as it is the day of Vasant Panchami falling on Friday.
- The Government should release the idol of Shri Vagdevi made of ‘Ashta-dhatu (8 metals) from the Gwalior jail.
- From the evidences, it is amply clear that Bhojshala is nothing but a Hindu temple and hence it should be handed over to Hindus completely.
- The Government should restrict Muslims permanently to enter and offer Namaz in Bhojshala.
- Today it is observed that few fanatics and miscreants are damaging ancient idols of Deities and other signs of temple. This damage should stop immediately and Government should ensure that these idols and signs should not get harmed.
- Bring back the original idol of Shri Vagdevi from London Museum.
Watch Videos about History of Bhojshala and Fight by Hindus
What justice was like under the jihadis in Mali
Issa Alzouma made a living from digging gravel for construction companies until they cut off his hand.
Arrested last December on suspicion of stealing a motorbike that he says was his anyway, he was brought before the Sharia court in Gao and sentenced to amputation.
A man enjoys a cigarette after French forces take towns around Gao. Smoking was banned by the jihadis.
Over the last two days, I’ve had something of a tour of the justice system the Mujao, which is Movements for Jihad and Unity, installed in Gao, Mali, during their nine months of rule. They took over what used to be the mayor’s office and turned it into the “justice” centre.
Two men, accused of homosexuality, who were supposed to be executed last Friday, showed me the room they were taken to be tried and beaten. On the floor I found a file with lists of names – these were the women who had been whipped for failing to wear the veil, and the men punished for smoking.
A large airless room in the back of the compound became the Sharia court. Here they and other prisoners were brought to sit in front of two or three Islamic judges who they call marabouts. They said that the judges were mainly Pakistanis and some Tunisians and the whole proceedings were overseen by the Moroccan jihadi in charge of the town, known as Abdel Karim. As the judges passed sentence, a crowd of jihadi supporters behind them watched. Some of the women were flogged right there in the court house. A black patch in front marks the place where cigarettes were ground into the sand and smokers whipped. A few yards away is the stadium where the residents of Gao once watched football and were now forced to come to watch amputations.
One of the most disturbing things I’ve learnt is that those condemned to these harsh punishments were all black Malians – Sonrai, Peul, Bamba, and Della, traditionally the slaves of the Tuareg. The jihadis were a mixture of Malian Arabs and Tuaregs as well as many foreign jihadis.
“They would never do this to one of their own,” said Issa.
He still has bandages on the stump of his right arm where it was cut below the elbow and on his left arm he has looped a black plastic bag full of antibiotics and other medicines given to him by the doctor at the hospital.
As we were talking, his friend Algalas Yatara turned up. His stump seems to have healed slightly better, but like Issa, he still feels like a useless man. It’s not just the pain. It’s the knowledge that these men can no longer support their families.
Their only hope is that now the jihadis who sentenced them to such cruel punishments have left town, maybe some medical organisation will come back to Gao and help them.
Follow @lindseyhilsum on Twitter.
Arrested last December on suspicion of stealing a motorbike that he says was his anyway, he was brought before the Sharia court in Gao and sentenced to amputation.
A man enjoys a cigarette after French forces take towns around Gao. Smoking was banned by the jihadis.Over the last two days, I’ve had something of a tour of the justice system the Mujao, which is Movements for Jihad and Unity, installed in Gao, Mali, during their nine months of rule. They took over what used to be the mayor’s office and turned it into the “justice” centre.
Two men, accused of homosexuality, who were supposed to be executed last Friday, showed me the room they were taken to be tried and beaten. On the floor I found a file with lists of names – these were the women who had been whipped for failing to wear the veil, and the men punished for smoking.
A large airless room in the back of the compound became the Sharia court. Here they and other prisoners were brought to sit in front of two or three Islamic judges who they call marabouts. They said that the judges were mainly Pakistanis and some Tunisians and the whole proceedings were overseen by the Moroccan jihadi in charge of the town, known as Abdel Karim. As the judges passed sentence, a crowd of jihadi supporters behind them watched. Some of the women were flogged right there in the court house. A black patch in front marks the place where cigarettes were ground into the sand and smokers whipped. A few yards away is the stadium where the residents of Gao once watched football and were now forced to come to watch amputations.
One of the most disturbing things I’ve learnt is that those condemned to these harsh punishments were all black Malians – Sonrai, Peul, Bamba, and Della, traditionally the slaves of the Tuareg. The jihadis were a mixture of Malian Arabs and Tuaregs as well as many foreign jihadis.
“They would never do this to one of their own,” said Issa.
He still has bandages on the stump of his right arm where it was cut below the elbow and on his left arm he has looped a black plastic bag full of antibiotics and other medicines given to him by the doctor at the hospital.
As we were talking, his friend Algalas Yatara turned up. His stump seems to have healed slightly better, but like Issa, he still feels like a useless man. It’s not just the pain. It’s the knowledge that these men can no longer support their families.
Their only hope is that now the jihadis who sentenced them to such cruel punishments have left town, maybe some medical organisation will come back to Gao and help them.
Follow @lindseyhilsum on Twitter.
Muslims bomb theatres to protest Vishwaroopam, Kamal Haasan offers cuts
Muslims protesting against Kamal Haasan’s film Vishwaroopam hurled petrol bombs at two theatres in Tamil Nadu where the movie was scheduled to be screened on Wednesday following the High Court staying the ban imposed by the State Government. Petrol bombs were hurled at theatres in the Ramanathapuram district, 600 km from Chennai. There are no reports of injuries. Glass panes at the theatres were shattered.
Meanwhile, Kamal Haasan met with representatives of the Muslim community and later told newspersons that he had come to an amicable settlement over the dispute that rose from his using verses from the Quran in Vishwaroopam. “This film is not against Indian Muslims. It is in support of Indian Muslims. There seems to be some confusion over the use of Quranic verses and I am willing to edit out these references,” he said.
An emotional Kamal Haasan had said on Wednesday morning that he would be forced to leave the country if the ban on his film ‘Vishwaroopam’ was not lifted.
The Tamil Nadu Government had imposed a ban on the film after certain Muslim groups protested against it alleging that it portrayed the community in a negative light. The Rs 95 crore thriller was originally scheduled to release in Telugu and Tamil on January 25.
An emotional Haasan said Tamil Nadu does not want him to stay in the State and he might seek a “secular” place in the country or overseas.
“When MF Hussain can do it, Kamal Haasan will do it. I am fed up. I am an artist. After that, I will have to seek a secular state for my stay. There are secular States from Kashmir to Kerala, excluding Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu wants me out,” he said in a choked voice as the fate of the movie remains to be decided in court.
The actor said he had pledged all his property to make the trilingual movie, estimated to have cost around Rs 100 crore.
He said he might lose his house because of the losses incurred by the delay in the release of the movie.
Haasan said he was still to get interim relief as the film shows were “started and stopped” by police on Wednesday, who sought a physical copy of the single judge’s order passed on Tuesday night, giving clearance to the film.
“…But I believe that along with my Muslim friends, I have been instrument in a political game. I don’t know who is playing and not even hazarding the guess. The fact remains that my history has proven that I have been neither leaning to the left or right but trying to maintain my position,” Haasan said.
He said he would wait for the judgement of the Madras High Court where the Tamil Nadu Government on Wednesday moved swiftly to file an appeal against the interim relief given by the single judge.
“Now I shall wait for the afternoon judgement but after this… I think I will have to see a secular state for me to stay in. I have nothing to lose. I might as well choose a place which would house an artiste like me. “I will learn in another couple of days whether I will be able to find a secular state in India or not. I will find, hopefully, another country which is secular that might take me in,” Haasan said.
Why no noise from PM against Perkasa?
Why is Najib mum on Perkasa's call for the burning of Malay bibles and why doesn't anyone in Umno dare to tegur Ibrahim Ali or Perkasa?
COMMENT
By Chua Jui Meng
The Umno-led Barisan Nasional federal government leaders only look after the financial interest of themselves, their families and cronies. We must wipe out corruption to bring real benefits to the rakyat and country.
For this to be realised, the BN must go.
Pakatan Rakyat is committed to poverty eradication and is confident of raising the monthly income of families who are now RM1,500 and below to RM4,000 in its first term of governance.
Give us the opportunity and chance to show what we can do for the rakyat and country in five years. It is still your choice to change if you are not satisfied with our performance.
We will govern with integrity and responsibility.
The tens of billions of ringgit in savings from leakages or corruption and the prudent use of oil revenue will finance people-centric fiscal measures that can fast track the socio-economic growth of Malaysians and country.
Pakatan de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim has the credentials and track record to ensure success. He achieved budget surpluses in his last five years as finance minister and deputy prime minister.
All other finance ministers have never achieved a budget surplus.
Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak can only show a capital flight of RM1 trillion and a federal debt of RM620 billion (including off Budget liabilities or sovereign guarantees for private corporations like the Port Klang Free Zone and government-linked company loans ending 2011) in his four years in office.
Malaysians and their country are slowly but surely heading towards bankruptcy under Najib and BN.
Pakatan’s priorities
If the rakyat gives Pakatan the mandate to govern after the 13th general election, some of our major priorities are:
To implement measures to raise salaries and wages;
To reduce the retail price of oil to lower the cost of transportation of goods and services thereby triggering a domino effect in cheaper essentials;
To scrap the Automated Enforcement System (AES) which is only aimed at enriching MCA and Umno cronies;
To implement reforms to stop the rot in education standards due to the lowering of grades to shore up “achievements”; and
Free education from primary to tertiary levels for all Malaysian children irrespective of race and religion.
Anwar recently told a crowd of about 8,000 that Islam is about peace and justice, not wealth accumulation.
It is about eradicating poverty. It is not about hate, arrogance and injustice. Who will respect Islam if it is used to propagate cruelty and threaten others, like the call to burn Bibles.
Muslims must eradicate rampant corruption in Malaysia as we are now labelled as Bapa Rasuah (Father of Corruption) by the world.
In governance, whether we are in power, whether you steal contracts, balak (timber) or lembu (cows), we are all accountable and responsible for our actions to Allah (God).
It is impossible to manipulate or cheat Allah. We all want to live in peace, why must Umno’s Perkasa call for the burning of Malay Bibles?
Why is Najib mum on this and no one dares to tegur Ibrahim Ali or Perkasa?
I am also not against business but I am against a government that exploits the poor through raising prices of essentials to feed unabated corruption.
Chua Jui Meng is PKR vice-president and Johor state chief. He is also a former MCA vice-president and an ex-Cabinet member.
COMMENT
By Chua Jui MengThe Umno-led Barisan Nasional federal government leaders only look after the financial interest of themselves, their families and cronies. We must wipe out corruption to bring real benefits to the rakyat and country.
For this to be realised, the BN must go.
Pakatan Rakyat is committed to poverty eradication and is confident of raising the monthly income of families who are now RM1,500 and below to RM4,000 in its first term of governance.
Give us the opportunity and chance to show what we can do for the rakyat and country in five years. It is still your choice to change if you are not satisfied with our performance.
We will govern with integrity and responsibility.
The tens of billions of ringgit in savings from leakages or corruption and the prudent use of oil revenue will finance people-centric fiscal measures that can fast track the socio-economic growth of Malaysians and country.
Pakatan de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim has the credentials and track record to ensure success. He achieved budget surpluses in his last five years as finance minister and deputy prime minister.
All other finance ministers have never achieved a budget surplus.
Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak can only show a capital flight of RM1 trillion and a federal debt of RM620 billion (including off Budget liabilities or sovereign guarantees for private corporations like the Port Klang Free Zone and government-linked company loans ending 2011) in his four years in office.
Malaysians and their country are slowly but surely heading towards bankruptcy under Najib and BN.
Pakatan’s priorities
If the rakyat gives Pakatan the mandate to govern after the 13th general election, some of our major priorities are:
To implement measures to raise salaries and wages;
To reduce the retail price of oil to lower the cost of transportation of goods and services thereby triggering a domino effect in cheaper essentials;
To scrap the Automated Enforcement System (AES) which is only aimed at enriching MCA and Umno cronies;
To implement reforms to stop the rot in education standards due to the lowering of grades to shore up “achievements”; and
Free education from primary to tertiary levels for all Malaysian children irrespective of race and religion.
Anwar recently told a crowd of about 8,000 that Islam is about peace and justice, not wealth accumulation.
It is about eradicating poverty. It is not about hate, arrogance and injustice. Who will respect Islam if it is used to propagate cruelty and threaten others, like the call to burn Bibles.
Muslims must eradicate rampant corruption in Malaysia as we are now labelled as Bapa Rasuah (Father of Corruption) by the world.
In governance, whether we are in power, whether you steal contracts, balak (timber) or lembu (cows), we are all accountable and responsible for our actions to Allah (God).
It is impossible to manipulate or cheat Allah. We all want to live in peace, why must Umno’s Perkasa call for the burning of Malay Bibles?
Why is Najib mum on this and no one dares to tegur Ibrahim Ali or Perkasa?
I am also not against business but I am against a government that exploits the poor through raising prices of essentials to feed unabated corruption.
Chua Jui Meng is PKR vice-president and Johor state chief. He is also a former MCA vice-president and an ex-Cabinet member.
Sugumaran’s death: PM wants forensic report
MIC strategic director S Vell Paari reveals that the police have also agreed for a second post-mortem to be carried out.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has instructed Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai to submit a forensic report on the death of security guard C Sugumaran.
It is also learnt that the police have given the green light to the family to conduct an independent post-mortem.
MIC strategic director S Vell Paari said the prime minister made the call after MIC president G Palanivel raised the matter during the Cabinet meeting this morning.
“Justice must be ensured for the deceased’s family. The police and the related ministries must be transparent in this matter,” added Vell Paari.
Vell Paari said that he spoke to Selangor deputy police chief A Thaiveegan and the latter revealed that a second post-mortem was permitted.
He added that MIC Youth was willing to bear the cost of the independent post-mortem.
“I will ask MIC Youth to contact the family and the PKR leaders involved in the case in order to decide on the independent pathologist to conduct the post-mortem,” he said.
Last Wednesday, Sugumaran was allegedly beaten to death by the police and public while handcuffed in Taman Sri Nanding, Hulu Langat.
Pathologist Dr Mohd Azaini Ibrahim of Serdang Hospital claimed that Sugumaran died of a heart attack despite eyewitnesses claiming the deceased was beaten up.
Sugumaran’s face was also smeared with turmeric powder.
Following this, the attorney-general had called for an inquest but the family had refused to participate, demanding that a murder investigation be carried out instead.
PKR leaders and lawyers N Surendran and Latheefa Koya, who were representing the family, alleged that the inquest was an attempt to cover up the case.
Following the incident, Vell Paari also reiterated the call for the formation of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).
He also suggested Bersih 2.0 co-chairperson S Ambiga to lead the body.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has instructed Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai to submit a forensic report on the death of security guard C Sugumaran.It is also learnt that the police have given the green light to the family to conduct an independent post-mortem.
MIC strategic director S Vell Paari said the prime minister made the call after MIC president G Palanivel raised the matter during the Cabinet meeting this morning.
“Justice must be ensured for the deceased’s family. The police and the related ministries must be transparent in this matter,” added Vell Paari.
Vell Paari said that he spoke to Selangor deputy police chief A Thaiveegan and the latter revealed that a second post-mortem was permitted.
He added that MIC Youth was willing to bear the cost of the independent post-mortem.
“I will ask MIC Youth to contact the family and the PKR leaders involved in the case in order to decide on the independent pathologist to conduct the post-mortem,” he said.
Last Wednesday, Sugumaran was allegedly beaten to death by the police and public while handcuffed in Taman Sri Nanding, Hulu Langat.
Pathologist Dr Mohd Azaini Ibrahim of Serdang Hospital claimed that Sugumaran died of a heart attack despite eyewitnesses claiming the deceased was beaten up.
Sugumaran’s face was also smeared with turmeric powder.
Following this, the attorney-general had called for an inquest but the family had refused to participate, demanding that a murder investigation be carried out instead.
PKR leaders and lawyers N Surendran and Latheefa Koya, who were representing the family, alleged that the inquest was an attempt to cover up the case.
Following the incident, Vell Paari also reiterated the call for the formation of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).
He also suggested Bersih 2.0 co-chairperson S Ambiga to lead the body.
Bench restores ban on Vishwaroopam
The Hindu
Fans pour milk on a Kamal Haasan banner at Central Theatre in Coimbatore
on Wednesday. The Madras High Court has set aside a single judge’s
order giving green signal for the film’s release. Photo: M. Periasamy
The ban on Kamal Hassan-starrer Vishwaroopam was restored on Wednesday, with the Madras High Court setting aside a single Judge’s interim order staying the ban.
Disposing of appeals filed by the Tamil Nadu government challenging the single Judge’s order, the First Bench comprising the Acting Chief Justice Elipe Dharma Rao and Justice Aruna Jagadeesan directed the government to file its reply before the single Judge in all the writ petitions connected to the issue on February 4, as submitted by the Advocate-General (AG).
Considering the heavy financial loss urged on the part of Rajkamal Films International, the producer of the film who is the petitioner, and considering the urgency involved in the matter, the Bench requested the single Judge to take up all the writ petitions connected to the subject on February 6 or any other date convenient to him and dispose them of.
In his order, the single Judge had said he was of the view that the order under Section 144 Cr.P.C. was liable to be kept in abeyance for the present. He granted an interim injunction restraining the authorities from interfering with the petitioner’s rights in releasing the film.
The AG, A. Navaneethakrishnan, submitted there were specific provisions in the Cr.P.C. for the aggrieved party under sub-sections (4) and (5) of Section 144 to approach the same authority or government by way of revision against such orders. When such a remedy was available, the writ petitioner, without availing itself of the same, had rushed to the court. This is not maintainable, he said.
Senior counsel for Rajkamal Films International, P.S. Raman, said the film had been censored by the Central Board of Film Certification and granted the necessary certificate to screen the movie. The State Government had no authority to ban the screening as pre-censorship by the State Government or its agencies was impermissible.
The Bench said though remedial measures were provided for in the Cr.P.C., the aggrieved party had not availed itself of them and had initiated the writ proceedings under Art.226 of the Constitution. It was in these circumstances that the AG had raised objection with regard to the maintainability of the writ petitions and the consequent passing of interim orders.
The single Judge had passed an interim order after having found there was a prima facie case in favour of the writ petitioners, but before any counter had been filed by the respondents. By granting the interim order, virtually the film had been allowed to be screened which would automatically make the writ petitions pending before the single Judge infructuous. Therefore, since such an interim order was in the nature of granting the main relief, the Bench said it was setting aside the interim order.
Perkasa gets brickbats for ‘low class political’ article
Pakatan leaders criticised Perkasa for an article published on its website claiming that the Chinese were supporting the opposition to remove Malay privileges.
PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Rakyat leaders today hit out at the Ibrahim Ali-led Perkasa for an article published on the latter’s website, describing it as “low class” and “nonsensical”.
DAP vice-chairman M Kulasegaran said the statement made in the article against the Chinese community was unfair and baseless.
Yesterday, the Malay rights movement published a post, written by a person known as Zainuddin @ Obey-one, alleging that the Chinese community is backing Pakatan Rakyat as the latter would remove Malay privileges and undermine Islam when in power.
He also alleged that Pakatan was in support of Christian activities and was backing LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) group.
The writer also poured scorn on Merdeka Centre and Universiti Malaya’s Centre of Democracy and Election Research, accusing it of being biased towards the opposition.
Dismissing the claims, Kulasegaran said that the article was a low class political statement.
“When the Chinese were backing Barisan Nasional, everything was all right but when a number of them back Pakatan, Perkasa accuses them of all this,” he said.
The Ipoh Barat MP, who described Perkasa as an extension of Umno, said it is making a mockery of itself by making such wild allegations.
‘Perkasa racist in nature’
“What Umno cannot say, Perkasa says it. The more Perkasa speaks like this, the more it will lose support from Malays and non-Malays alike,” said Kulasegaran.
PKR vice-president Chua Jui Meng said that he was not surprised with Perkasa’s perverse statement.
“Perkasa is Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s [former prime minister] brainchild which is racist in nature. I’m not at all surprised by its nonsensical statement,” he said.
The former health minister also said that the Chinese community is pragmatic, adding that only Mahathir and Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak would believe in Perkasa’s logic.
“Umno must remember that it was the Chinese community that saved BN in 1999. If the community had followed its Malay brothers then, Perkasa would not have existed and we won’t have all this problems now,” said Chua.
He said that Perkasa’s antics are not only alienating the non-Malays but also the Malays.
“Perkasa should ask the thousands of Malays that attended the Jan 12 rally in Stadium Merdeka whether they supported the right-wing movement.”
PAS vice president Salahuddin Ayub said that his party and Pakatan would uphold the sanctity of the Federal Constitution, including the provision on Malay privileges.
“We will definitely speak out on issues affecting Muslims in Malaysia. This view is shared by all leaders in Pakatan,” he said.
Universiti Malaya’s Centre of Democracy and Election Research diector Mohammad Redzuan Othman refused to comment. FMT also failed to reach the Merdeka Centre for comment.
PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Rakyat leaders today hit out at the Ibrahim Ali-led Perkasa for an article published on the latter’s website, describing it as “low class” and “nonsensical”.DAP vice-chairman M Kulasegaran said the statement made in the article against the Chinese community was unfair and baseless.
Yesterday, the Malay rights movement published a post, written by a person known as Zainuddin @ Obey-one, alleging that the Chinese community is backing Pakatan Rakyat as the latter would remove Malay privileges and undermine Islam when in power.
He also alleged that Pakatan was in support of Christian activities and was backing LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) group.
The writer also poured scorn on Merdeka Centre and Universiti Malaya’s Centre of Democracy and Election Research, accusing it of being biased towards the opposition.
Dismissing the claims, Kulasegaran said that the article was a low class political statement.
“When the Chinese were backing Barisan Nasional, everything was all right but when a number of them back Pakatan, Perkasa accuses them of all this,” he said.
The Ipoh Barat MP, who described Perkasa as an extension of Umno, said it is making a mockery of itself by making such wild allegations.
‘Perkasa racist in nature’
“What Umno cannot say, Perkasa says it. The more Perkasa speaks like this, the more it will lose support from Malays and non-Malays alike,” said Kulasegaran.
PKR vice-president Chua Jui Meng said that he was not surprised with Perkasa’s perverse statement.
“Perkasa is Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s [former prime minister] brainchild which is racist in nature. I’m not at all surprised by its nonsensical statement,” he said.
The former health minister also said that the Chinese community is pragmatic, adding that only Mahathir and Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak would believe in Perkasa’s logic.
“Umno must remember that it was the Chinese community that saved BN in 1999. If the community had followed its Malay brothers then, Perkasa would not have existed and we won’t have all this problems now,” said Chua.
He said that Perkasa’s antics are not only alienating the non-Malays but also the Malays.
“Perkasa should ask the thousands of Malays that attended the Jan 12 rally in Stadium Merdeka whether they supported the right-wing movement.”
PAS vice president Salahuddin Ayub said that his party and Pakatan would uphold the sanctity of the Federal Constitution, including the provision on Malay privileges.
“We will definitely speak out on issues affecting Muslims in Malaysia. This view is shared by all leaders in Pakatan,” he said.
Universiti Malaya’s Centre of Democracy and Election Research diector Mohammad Redzuan Othman refused to comment. FMT also failed to reach the Merdeka Centre for comment.
BN’s demonizing ways
By Singa Terhormat
I first came across Nik Aziz in 1990.
Truth be told, I was expecting someone fiery and fearsome and I was a bit hesitant to meet him.
I had become victim to the local media’s demonization of him as being someone fanatical and half-crazy.
I was however surprised to find him very soft-spoken, so much so I had to lean forward to hear his words.
His face too reflected that of a calm, God-fearing person and there was an aura of kindness and gentleness about him.
I can still recall that moment as his persona defied and demolished all earlier perceptions I had had of him.
About the same time too, I had occasion to meet several other PAS leaders and the impression I formed was that they had been terribly wronged by our local media.
Looking beyond their attire, which admittedly is not common for one brought up in an urban setting along the West Coast, as I was, one could unmistakably recognize their greater sincerity, hospitality and gentleness towards others. It is often said that what the eyes reveal do not lie and indeed amongst many of them their eyes reflected those qualities..
It brought home to me the matter of human frailty in that so often when we come across persons or things that are strange or unusual to us we readily and unfairly form prejudices against such persons/things without further examination of the matter.
It is really our refusal to go beyond our ‘comfort zone’ that results in this.
In many ways they were strange to me, but I could see they were kind-hearted souls.
Of course, I am sure, there must be some ‘black sheep’ amongst them too but generally there was nothing I saw even approaching Umno’s penchant for trickery, treachery and selfishness. These were men and women who were basically God-fearing and they by and large exhibited that in their daily conduct.
They may not be as worldly-wise as their brethren in the West Coast, but there is more than a thing or two that they could teach those in the West Coast about human decency.
Almost overnight then, my earlier impression of them changed.
On numerous trips after that to the East Coast, I also met several non-Malays and non-Muslims residing there and the impression I formed was that they were generally a happy lot and they treated and were treated by their Malay-Muslim ‘neighbours’ as almost ‘family-members’.
They were not as rich materially as their ‘cousins’ along the West Coast but they were totally at ease and felt safe and secure with the Malay-Muslims there.
On one occasion my car broke down and I had to take it to a workshop in Kota Bharu to have it fixed. I learnt that the Chinese mechanic attending to my car hailed from Taiping. On enquiring what caused him to migrate to Kota Bharu, he replied that he felt welcome and totally at home there and life was simpler, safer and uncomplicated.
It reminded me that during the May 13th incidents (allegedly initiated by some to several UMNO chieftains), the non-Malays in Kelantan and Trengganu, although being more heavily outnumbered as compared to their West Coast ‘cousins’, were in fact the safest in the country. There was no incident at all in those places.
It did not totally surprise me therefore to read about and see online how Nik Aziz had gone to visit Karpal Singh and later welcome the Bishop in his hotel room. I noticed too how both of his hands were stretched out in humility to clasp Karpal’s and how warmly and graciously they had received each other. There was so much goodwill between all of them. It so obviously came from the heart.
I recall someone close to me recounting how on the occasion of a visit to Nik Aziz at his house after he had become Mentri Besar, this guest of his was amazed to find that all the guests had to sit on the carpeted floor as there was hardly any furniture around and that Nik Aziz’s wife herself was busy in the kitchen preparing food and drinks for them, unaided, which she herself personally served. I want to salute Nik Aziz for having exhibited the true qualities of a Muslim leader.
This is the real 1Malaysia, not Najib’s and Muhyiddin’s orchestrated public campaigns to hoodwink the public whilst at the same time ‘closing an eye” to, if not actually condoning, all the provocation fostered by Perkasa, Katak Ali, Harrusani, JAKIM and their kind.
Najib went all the way to the Vatican to give the impression that he is ‘for all’ whilst at the same time ignoring all the unholy provocation, including the call to burn the Bibles, on his home-front.
How hypocritical can one get?
And now Haris tells us that Najib will soon be leading a Harmony walk to commemorate World Interfaith Harmony Week with religious leaders at Brickfields.
Will they never end their patronizing ways and come to understand that the rakyat will judge them on their deeds and not mere words and slogans?
In the run up to the 13th GE, you can be sure that our local media will again demonise PAS and its leaders to the non-Malays and non-Muslims whilst at the same time demonizing DAP as being anti-Islam to the Malays. What exact stories and events the media will likely come up with, only their evil minds can envisage.
To my fellow-Malaysians therefore, I call upon you to anticipate such happenings and to ignore and disregard them. Let us exercise wisdom in the matter and not be influenced by racist and religious overtones that are meant to divide and cheat us.
I first came across Nik Aziz in 1990.
Truth be told, I was expecting someone fiery and fearsome and I was a bit hesitant to meet him.
I had become victim to the local media’s demonization of him as being someone fanatical and half-crazy.
I was however surprised to find him very soft-spoken, so much so I had to lean forward to hear his words.
His face too reflected that of a calm, God-fearing person and there was an aura of kindness and gentleness about him.
I can still recall that moment as his persona defied and demolished all earlier perceptions I had had of him.
About the same time too, I had occasion to meet several other PAS leaders and the impression I formed was that they had been terribly wronged by our local media.
Looking beyond their attire, which admittedly is not common for one brought up in an urban setting along the West Coast, as I was, one could unmistakably recognize their greater sincerity, hospitality and gentleness towards others. It is often said that what the eyes reveal do not lie and indeed amongst many of them their eyes reflected those qualities..
It brought home to me the matter of human frailty in that so often when we come across persons or things that are strange or unusual to us we readily and unfairly form prejudices against such persons/things without further examination of the matter.
It is really our refusal to go beyond our ‘comfort zone’ that results in this.
In many ways they were strange to me, but I could see they were kind-hearted souls.
Of course, I am sure, there must be some ‘black sheep’ amongst them too but generally there was nothing I saw even approaching Umno’s penchant for trickery, treachery and selfishness. These were men and women who were basically God-fearing and they by and large exhibited that in their daily conduct.
They may not be as worldly-wise as their brethren in the West Coast, but there is more than a thing or two that they could teach those in the West Coast about human decency.
Almost overnight then, my earlier impression of them changed.
On numerous trips after that to the East Coast, I also met several non-Malays and non-Muslims residing there and the impression I formed was that they were generally a happy lot and they treated and were treated by their Malay-Muslim ‘neighbours’ as almost ‘family-members’.
They were not as rich materially as their ‘cousins’ along the West Coast but they were totally at ease and felt safe and secure with the Malay-Muslims there.
On one occasion my car broke down and I had to take it to a workshop in Kota Bharu to have it fixed. I learnt that the Chinese mechanic attending to my car hailed from Taiping. On enquiring what caused him to migrate to Kota Bharu, he replied that he felt welcome and totally at home there and life was simpler, safer and uncomplicated.
It reminded me that during the May 13th incidents (allegedly initiated by some to several UMNO chieftains), the non-Malays in Kelantan and Trengganu, although being more heavily outnumbered as compared to their West Coast ‘cousins’, were in fact the safest in the country. There was no incident at all in those places.
It did not totally surprise me therefore to read about and see online how Nik Aziz had gone to visit Karpal Singh and later welcome the Bishop in his hotel room. I noticed too how both of his hands were stretched out in humility to clasp Karpal’s and how warmly and graciously they had received each other. There was so much goodwill between all of them. It so obviously came from the heart.
I recall someone close to me recounting how on the occasion of a visit to Nik Aziz at his house after he had become Mentri Besar, this guest of his was amazed to find that all the guests had to sit on the carpeted floor as there was hardly any furniture around and that Nik Aziz’s wife herself was busy in the kitchen preparing food and drinks for them, unaided, which she herself personally served. I want to salute Nik Aziz for having exhibited the true qualities of a Muslim leader.
This is the real 1Malaysia, not Najib’s and Muhyiddin’s orchestrated public campaigns to hoodwink the public whilst at the same time ‘closing an eye” to, if not actually condoning, all the provocation fostered by Perkasa, Katak Ali, Harrusani, JAKIM and their kind.
Najib went all the way to the Vatican to give the impression that he is ‘for all’ whilst at the same time ignoring all the unholy provocation, including the call to burn the Bibles, on his home-front.
How hypocritical can one get?
And now Haris tells us that Najib will soon be leading a Harmony walk to commemorate World Interfaith Harmony Week with religious leaders at Brickfields.
Will they never end their patronizing ways and come to understand that the rakyat will judge them on their deeds and not mere words and slogans?
In the run up to the 13th GE, you can be sure that our local media will again demonise PAS and its leaders to the non-Malays and non-Muslims whilst at the same time demonizing DAP as being anti-Islam to the Malays. What exact stories and events the media will likely come up with, only their evil minds can envisage.
To my fellow-Malaysians therefore, I call upon you to anticipate such happenings and to ignore and disregard them. Let us exercise wisdom in the matter and not be influenced by racist and religious overtones that are meant to divide and cheat us.
71-Day Countdown to 13GE – charade of Sabah RCI, Malaysia’s high-risk in defence corruption and worst-ever press freedom ranking proof of failures of Najib’s transformation slogans/policies and why country needs Federal government change in 13GE
Every day, Malaysians are provided new evidence of the failures of the transformation slogans and policies of the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak and why the country needs a change of federal government in the 13th General Elections around the corner.
Today, we need only refer to three current developments.
The first is the charade of the of Sabah Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into illegal immigrants entering into its second week of public hearings.
What have concerned Sabahans and Malaysians that the RCI would not be able to get to the bottom of the whole truth about the illegal legalization of illegal immigrants in Sabah causing a five-fold increase of the state’s population from 600,000 in 1970 to the current 3.3 million seem to have been justified, and this is best summed up by a Malaysiakini reader who commented:
“Now we have it. There will be 100 odd witnesses in the RCI who will claim and counter-claim until it is all so messed up that no further action will be taken. It is all a sandiwara (act).”
But the real flaw of the RCI is the gross omission in its eight terms of reference to identify those responsible for the treacherous acts against the country in the long-running “citizenship for votes” scandals in Sabah state – or to be specific, to probe and identity the masterminds of Project M and Project IC.
Unless and until the Sabah RCI is given an additional term of reference to specifically probe and identity the masterminds of Project M and Project IC in Sabah, the Sabah RCI can only end up as a charade.
Is the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, prepared to give the Sabah RCI a ninth term of reference to probe and identify the masterminds of Project M and Project IC and to recommend the actions to be taken against such acts of treason against the country?
Secondly, Malaysia’s ranking by a leading international transparency watchdog as having high corruption risk in its defence spending and operations, placing it in the same league with countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, Russia, Kazakhastan and Jordan.
In the Government Defence Anti-Corruption Index, the world’s first global analysis of corruption risk in defence establishments worldwide released by Transparency International UK yesterday, Malaysia scored D- in the band range of A to F.
This lowly ranking is a repudiation of Najib’s Government Transformation Programme (GTP) and National Key Result Areas (NKRA) programme which have combating corruption as one of the top priority agendas, as the new anti-corruption index is produced after a two-year study with country research done between July 2011 and November 2012 – which fall fully smack into Najib’s GTP and NKRA programmes in the past four years.
Among Asean countries, Singapore and Thailand outperformed Malaysia, both scoring D+, while Indonesia and Philippines fell behind Malaysia in band E.
Each government was assessed in five main areas of possible defence corruption risks – political, financial, personnel, operations and procurement risks.
Malaysia scored the lowest in financial risks and operations risks, with 25 percent and 10 percent out of 100 percent respectively.
The country report on Malaysia said “Political corruption vulnerability is high, as there is no defence and security committee and parliament’s role in the sector is limited to approving a general, aggregated budget”.
Thirdly, Malaysia plunging to a historic low of No. 145 ranking in the latest 2013 World Press Freedom Index – the worst since the start of the annual index by Reporters Without Border (RSF) in 2002.
Under the unflattering heading of “Cambodia and Malaysia: drift towards authoritarianism” for South-East Asia, RSF said Malaysia’s 2013 press freedom ranking “presented a sorry record, falling 23 places to a position below the one it had in 2002”, as a result of “a campaign of repression by the government, illustrated by the crackdown on the Bersih 3.0 protest in April, and repeated censorship efforts, continue to undermine basic freedoms, in particular the right to information”.
QED – why there must be a change of Federal Government in Putrajaya in the 13GE.
Today, we need only refer to three current developments.
The first is the charade of the of Sabah Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into illegal immigrants entering into its second week of public hearings.
What have concerned Sabahans and Malaysians that the RCI would not be able to get to the bottom of the whole truth about the illegal legalization of illegal immigrants in Sabah causing a five-fold increase of the state’s population from 600,000 in 1970 to the current 3.3 million seem to have been justified, and this is best summed up by a Malaysiakini reader who commented:
“Now we have it. There will be 100 odd witnesses in the RCI who will claim and counter-claim until it is all so messed up that no further action will be taken. It is all a sandiwara (act).”
But the real flaw of the RCI is the gross omission in its eight terms of reference to identify those responsible for the treacherous acts against the country in the long-running “citizenship for votes” scandals in Sabah state – or to be specific, to probe and identity the masterminds of Project M and Project IC.
Unless and until the Sabah RCI is given an additional term of reference to specifically probe and identity the masterminds of Project M and Project IC in Sabah, the Sabah RCI can only end up as a charade.
Is the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, prepared to give the Sabah RCI a ninth term of reference to probe and identify the masterminds of Project M and Project IC and to recommend the actions to be taken against such acts of treason against the country?
Secondly, Malaysia’s ranking by a leading international transparency watchdog as having high corruption risk in its defence spending and operations, placing it in the same league with countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, Russia, Kazakhastan and Jordan.
In the Government Defence Anti-Corruption Index, the world’s first global analysis of corruption risk in defence establishments worldwide released by Transparency International UK yesterday, Malaysia scored D- in the band range of A to F.
This lowly ranking is a repudiation of Najib’s Government Transformation Programme (GTP) and National Key Result Areas (NKRA) programme which have combating corruption as one of the top priority agendas, as the new anti-corruption index is produced after a two-year study with country research done between July 2011 and November 2012 – which fall fully smack into Najib’s GTP and NKRA programmes in the past four years.
Among Asean countries, Singapore and Thailand outperformed Malaysia, both scoring D+, while Indonesia and Philippines fell behind Malaysia in band E.
Each government was assessed in five main areas of possible defence corruption risks – political, financial, personnel, operations and procurement risks.
Malaysia scored the lowest in financial risks and operations risks, with 25 percent and 10 percent out of 100 percent respectively.
The country report on Malaysia said “Political corruption vulnerability is high, as there is no defence and security committee and parliament’s role in the sector is limited to approving a general, aggregated budget”.
Thirdly, Malaysia plunging to a historic low of No. 145 ranking in the latest 2013 World Press Freedom Index – the worst since the start of the annual index by Reporters Without Border (RSF) in 2002.
Under the unflattering heading of “Cambodia and Malaysia: drift towards authoritarianism” for South-East Asia, RSF said Malaysia’s 2013 press freedom ranking “presented a sorry record, falling 23 places to a position below the one it had in 2002”, as a result of “a campaign of repression by the government, illustrated by the crackdown on the Bersih 3.0 protest in April, and repeated censorship efforts, continue to undermine basic freedoms, in particular the right to information”.
QED – why there must be a change of Federal Government in Putrajaya in the 13GE.
Inquest into death of guard
The New Straits Times
KUALA
LUMPUR: Police have received the green light from the Attorney-General's
Chambers to proceed with an inquest to ascertain the circumstances
leading to the death of security guard C. Sugumaran.
Selangor
police chief Datuk Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah said the inquest was also a
form of investigation, adding that no second post-mortem would be
carried out on Sugumaran's body.
Sugumaran, 40, died after running amok near his home in Taman Desa Raya, Kajang, last week.
An initial autopsy revealed that Sugumaran had died of coronary artery disease.
Reports, however, claimed that Sugumaran was beaten by four policemen and a mob of about 20 people as they tried to subdue him.
Sugumaran, said to have a history of mental illness, was handcuffed with his hands behind his back.
He died at the scene. His family had demanded that a second autopsy be conducted.
"The
inquest will determine how Sugumaran died," Tun Hisan said after the
launching of an electronic magazine titled "Beyond" at Sunway University
in Subang Jaya.
"We have recorded 109 statements thus far in this case."
Police
will obtain a date from the magistrate for the inquest and those with
information on the incident have been urged to come forward to
facilitate investigations.
About 50 people
gathered outside Bukit Aman federal police headquarters at 10am
yesterday, where they sat and shouted for five hours for a second
autopsy be done.
Another protest has been planned in Putrajaya on Monday, said Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-president N. Surendran.
'What detergent do I use to clean electoral roll?'
"If I clean today, tomorrow someone dies and it is not clean again...
"How
clean do you want it to be? What kind of detergent do we need to use?"
EC chief Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof told a press conference in Putrajaya
today.He stressed that in spite of revelations to the royal commission of inquiry (RCI) on immigrants in Sabah, the electoral roll for the state - and for the rest of the country - was as clean as these could be made.
"Believe us, the electoral roll is clean. As far as the EC is concerned, we only accept citizens with blue MyKad as voters.
"As for how they got the identity card, that's (under the purview of) the National Registration Department (NRD),” he said, washing his hands clean of possible inaccuracies.
Before the names are entered into the roll, the EC carries out a “vigorous check” with the NRD to ensure that those being registered are citizens and are alive.
"If it is okay, only then we register,” Abdul Aziz explained after launching the commission's dedicated 13th general election website.
He also appealed to members of the public to be proactive and check their details for discrepancies and update the EC with their latest details and addresses.
For this, he said, voters could SMS, email, phone in or go through the EC's new dedicated GE13 website at www.pru13.gov.my.
No comment on Sabah RCI
Asked to comment on the ongoing RCI, Abdul Aziz refused to touch on the testimonies of the witnesses.
"I have been advised not to comment as the proceedings are still going on. Four EC officers are waiting to testify and they will answer any and all questions that the commission may ask," he said.
The RCI hearing in Kota Kinabalu has to date featured damning testimonies on the awarding of citizenship to illegal immigrants and their subsequent registration as voters.
Asked why the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) was not named as an election observer, Abdul Aziz said it was the EC's prerogative to choose whoever it wanted, and he went on to say it was not because Suhakam had any ill feeling toward the commission.
"(Suhakam chief) Hasmy Agam (right) is my friend too."He added that thus far 16 NGOs have been appointed as local observers while five Asean countries and the grouping’s secretariat would be coming as international observers.
‘Malaysia, Australia poles apart’
The EC chief also dismissed Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard's early announcement of election dates as inconsequential to Malaysian politics as both countries were poles apart and used differing electoral guidelines.
"We have different laws, different systems and different conventions."
Commenting further on the EC's dedicated GE13 website, Abdul Aziz said it would be the one-stop portal for all things related to the coming general election, including news, turnout rates, enforcement updates, nomination statistics as well as other information and a live stream of all voting results.
He said the new site costs less then RM100,000 out of the total RM400 million budgeted for the commission’s GE13 budget.
This budget is a whopping RM150 million more than the cost of GE12 in 2008.
Abdul Aziz attributed the inflated cost to inflation, ballooning staff and allowances as well as extra expenses for new types of voting, overseas voting and to handle and increasing number of voters, which will total 13.3 million as against the 10 million voters in 2008, after the latest registrants are gazetted in March.
No documents, but Indian national got his blue IC
Nasir Yusof, who arrived in Sabah in 1982 using an Indian passport, said he heard by word of mouth that the government was giving out blue identity cards to foreigners at the Kota Marudu NRD office.
Responding to conducting officer Jamil Aripin, Nasir said in 1988, he and more than a 100 fellow Indian nationals went in lorries to the Kota Marudu NRD office.
Jamil: What made you go to the NRD?
Nasir: I heard that the government was giving out awards (blue ICs)
Jamil: How did you know this?
Nasir: I heard from my friends.
Jamil: What supporting documents did you use?
Nasir: None.
Jamil: Not even a statutory declaration?
Nasir: No.
Jamil: Did you have a birth certificate?
Nasir: No.
Nasir received his blue identity card within two months of his application. His prior documentation was only an Indian passport.
As to whether Nasir's countrymen, with whom he went to apply for the blue identity cards, received theirs or not was not raised.Nasir said he did not know where the information about the “mass registration” for blue identity card had originated from.
The blue identity card issued to him stated that he was born in Tuaran. It carried a number, with the state code ‘12’, which refers to a local born Sabahan.
He said it was a Kota Marudu NRD officer who decided for him his place of birth.
"When he filled it, he asked me if I was okay with having my birthplace stated as Tuaran. I said okay, because I know the place," Nasir said.
'Voted three times'
He said he registered as a voter in 1990 and has since voted three times, the last time in the parliamentary constituency of Sepanggar.
Nasir now runs a business handling work permits for Indian nationals coming to Sabah.
"There are about 20 employers who are my customers. I handle about two to three work passes for each of them... I charge RM100 per person," he said.
Asked if he was aware that he was being implicated on the Internet for getting blue identity cards for other Indian nationals, Nasir described the allegation as "100 percent defamation".
"I am a member of the Sabah Malaysian Muslim Indian Congress. I made enemies, which is why they are doing this. My business is also affected," he said.
Jamil also grilled Nasir on whether he knew anyone in the Sabah Immigration Department from his handling of the work permits, who could be called to testify, but Nasir insisted that he did not know anybody.
A total of 12 witnesses took the stand today. To date, a total of 49 witnesses have testified since the RCI began the first session of its hearing from Jan 14 to Jan 18.
This second session of hearing, which began yesterday, will conclude on Feb 1.
Sugumaran's family to shun 'sham inquest'
“The
calling of an inquest despite eyewitness evidence suggesting assault
and murder is illogical, sinister and unlawful. We categorically state
here, Sugumaran's family will not participate in this sham inquest,”
said lawyers Latheefa Koya (right) and N Surendran who are representing the family. “The rejection of a murder investigation and calling of inquest is part of a massive cover-up of Sugumaran's death being orchestrated by the police, the Home Ministry, attorney-general and the government.”
Selangor police chief Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah (left) had called for an inquest and Bukit Aman confirmed yesterday that the AG had approved it.Three eyewitnesses had their testimony recorded late yesterday at the Petaling Jaya district police station. Latheefa and Eric Paulsen, who is with Lawyers for Liberty, accompanied them.
Latheefa and Surendran claimed that police had made no attempt to locate these witnesses, despite knowing about them.
“The witnesses came forward entirely of their own accord. The testimony given was shocking, and confirms the family's position that Sugumaran was killed by police personnel,” the lawyers said in a joint statement.
“The witnesses said that a police officer was seen stepping brutally on Sugumaran's neck with his booted foot while the security guard was seen trying to move his head away from under the boot. The police officer continued pressing on Sugumaran's neck until he stopped struggling and became motionless.
In light of this, the two asked how the police and AG could justify only holding an inquest.
“We demand on behalf of Sugumaran's family that a murder investigation be opened immediately. The family and the people of this country expect the police and AG to act fairly and professionally and ensure that justice is done in this case,” they said.
‘Police were involved in melee’
Paulsen
went to the police station yesterday evening with two eyewitnesses - a
20-year-old man and his 16-year-old nephew, who were interviewed by two
officers for three hours.Latheefa came in later with the other eyewitness.
Paulsen (right) said the two had told police that Sugumaran was on the run when he was apprehended in Hulu Langat. Tumeric powder was smeared on his face and he was handcuffed amidst a struggle.
“The two saw (some) people and the police hitting Sugumaran, while one (police personnel) stepped on his neck,” he said.
“The four police (personnel) did not stop the people in the melee and, when Sugumaran was lying motionless, no medical attention was given.
The two witnesses left the scene shortly afterwards and, when they came back, still did not see any emergency personnel attending to Sugumaran.
If Sugumaran had indeed died of a ‘blockage in the heart’ as the police have claimed, Paulsen asked why no effort had been made to resuscitate him.
'No response' on PSM application to join Pakatan
Targeting the end of federal rule by the BN, Parti Sosialis Malaysia
(PSM) last year submitted an application to join Pakatan Rakyat, but is
yet to get a response.
PSM secretary-general S Arutchelvan (right) said
the party had verbally informed Pakatan of its decision last June, and
followed this up with a formal application three months later.
"Standing with Pakatan to fight BN was our previous stand. But due to requests from the people, we decided to join them," he said.
Arutchelvan added that PSM was open to Pakatan deciding on whether the opposition pact preferred to remain with the current ally relationship or accept PSM as one of its component parties.
However, Pakatan has yet to respond to this, but has promised to discuss the issue at its next leadership council meeting, he told a press conference today, at which PSM also released its manifesto for the coming general election.
Also present were party president Nasir Hashim, deputy president M Sarasvathy and Sungai Siput MP Dr M Jeyakumar Devaraj.
PSM in its manifesto makes it clear that it will support Pakatan candidates in the 13th general election.
Apart from that, the manifesto says PSM is ready to use a common logo with the Pakatan parties, if there is one, in the coming general election.
"PSM endorses Pakatan's manifesto and Buku Jingga. PSM will also retain its own manifesto.
"If the election pact cannot materialise for some reason, PSM will still continue to support Pakatan candidates in all constituencies, except in those that PSM will also be contesting," reads the manifesto.
‘Avoid multi-cornered fights at all costs’
However, Arutchelvan quickly added that the question of multi-cornered fights did not arise as seat negotiations with Pakatan were still going on.
He refused to speculate as to whether there would be any multi-cornered fight if PSM failed get the seats that it wanted.
PSM aims to re-contest the four seats that it battled for in the 2008 general election - the Sungai Siput parliamentary seat in Perak and three state states - Kota Damansara and Semenyih in Selangor and Jelapang in Perak.
It went on to win the Sungai Siput and Kota Damansara seats.
However, the socialist party is apparently at odds with its ally DAP over the Jelapang state seat.
The seat saw a three-cornered fight in the last election, in which the DAP candidate Hee Yit Foong beat the PSM and MCA candidates. However, Hee quit DAP to become a BN-friendly Independent assemblyperson during the Perak crisis of 2009.
Asked what would happen if PSM failed to get the seat from DAP, Arutchelvan said, “We will seek the opinion from members of the public.”
PSM lists six areas it will struggle for in its manifesto, which is themed “Enough! Reject 56 years of Umno-BN.”
These are:
(1) Job guarantees, reasonable and fair wages;
(2) Free and good quality public education and health systems;
(3) Local council and village committee elections;
(4) Effective and cheap public transport;
(5) Permanent and adequate housing for the lower income group; and
(6) Environmental conservation through sustainable developments that prioritise human well-being and a well-balanced ecosystem.
PSM secretary-general S Arutchelvan (right) said
the party had verbally informed Pakatan of its decision last June, and
followed this up with a formal application three months later."Standing with Pakatan to fight BN was our previous stand. But due to requests from the people, we decided to join them," he said.
Arutchelvan added that PSM was open to Pakatan deciding on whether the opposition pact preferred to remain with the current ally relationship or accept PSM as one of its component parties.
However, Pakatan has yet to respond to this, but has promised to discuss the issue at its next leadership council meeting, he told a press conference today, at which PSM also released its manifesto for the coming general election.
Also present were party president Nasir Hashim, deputy president M Sarasvathy and Sungai Siput MP Dr M Jeyakumar Devaraj.
PSM in its manifesto makes it clear that it will support Pakatan candidates in the 13th general election.
Apart from that, the manifesto says PSM is ready to use a common logo with the Pakatan parties, if there is one, in the coming general election.
"PSM endorses Pakatan's manifesto and Buku Jingga. PSM will also retain its own manifesto.
"If the election pact cannot materialise for some reason, PSM will still continue to support Pakatan candidates in all constituencies, except in those that PSM will also be contesting," reads the manifesto.
‘Avoid multi-cornered fights at all costs’
However, Arutchelvan quickly added that the question of multi-cornered fights did not arise as seat negotiations with Pakatan were still going on.
He refused to speculate as to whether there would be any multi-cornered fight if PSM failed get the seats that it wanted.
PSM aims to re-contest the four seats that it battled for in the 2008 general election - the Sungai Siput parliamentary seat in Perak and three state states - Kota Damansara and Semenyih in Selangor and Jelapang in Perak.
It went on to win the Sungai Siput and Kota Damansara seats.
However, the socialist party is apparently at odds with its ally DAP over the Jelapang state seat.
The seat saw a three-cornered fight in the last election, in which the DAP candidate Hee Yit Foong beat the PSM and MCA candidates. However, Hee quit DAP to become a BN-friendly Independent assemblyperson during the Perak crisis of 2009.
Asked what would happen if PSM failed to get the seat from DAP, Arutchelvan said, “We will seek the opinion from members of the public.”
PSM lists six areas it will struggle for in its manifesto, which is themed “Enough! Reject 56 years of Umno-BN.”
These are:
(1) Job guarantees, reasonable and fair wages;
(2) Free and good quality public education and health systems;
(3) Local council and village committee elections;
(4) Effective and cheap public transport;
(5) Permanent and adequate housing for the lower income group; and
(6) Environmental conservation through sustainable developments that prioritise human well-being and a well-balanced ecosystem.
Uthaya: No reason to rejoice over lifting of ban
The move, he said when contacted, is a mere political gimmick in light of the looming 13th general election.
The government lifted the ban last Saturday - on the eve of Thaipusam - but Uthayakumar noted that it has yet to meet the movement's 18 demands since Aug 12, 2007, and that many Indian Malaysians remain mired in hardcore poverty.
Uthayakumar
further said that charges against him - for alleged sedition - and 54
Hindraf activists have yet to be dropped by the public prosecutor.He said racial discrimination persists against Indian Malaysians in employment, education, business opportunities and entrance to certain professions.
“Many Tamil schools are still in a bad shape as they are not fully aided by the government. Some schools operate out of cargo containers, shophouses or dilapidated buildings,” he said.
“The government has been announcing big plans, about RM500 million-plus allocated in the budget. But how much of this reaches Tamil schools?
“There was one instance when the government announced an allocation of RM100 million, but in the end the money never reached the schools, and the Education Ministry said it was due to high building costs.”
Uthayakumar suggested that the government, rather than make big announcements, proves its commitment by carrying out its promises.
Referring to limited opportunities in business, he said it was difficult for members of the community to obtain trading licences.
He cited the case of a scrap metal dealer in Lembah Pantai who has been trading there since 2000 - the authorities recently seized his pick-up truck and weighing scale because he does not hold a licence.
“That has been a problem for Indian traders, for they are continuously marginalised by the Umno-led government,” said Uthayakumar.
At the same time, the authorities do not act against Malay traders who set up food stalls by the roadside, he claimed.
Backing for BN now?
Gaining admission to study medicine and law in local universities is another area of concern to the community, Uthayakumar said.
Uthayakumar raised the issue of the Certificate in Legal Practice qualification, where the passing rate for Indian Malaysians is only 10 percent. In contrast, Malays have a higher pass rate.
Indian
students who want to study medicine must meet various conditions
imposed by the government, where they must obtain at least 5Bs in their
Maths and Science subjects for them to do foundation studies either,
locally or abroad, he said.Given these constraints, the youth are further displaced from the mainstream of opportunities and are pushed into social problems.
While acknowledging that such remarks may sound racist to some, he insisted that these area true reflection of the prevailing situation.
Asked whether the lifting of the ban would persuade Hindraf supporters to back the BN, Uthayakumar reiterated that the decision was merely a political gimmick.
Members of the community would also not fall for it, he said, as they would look at hard facts, such as the government's commitment in resolving pressing issues.
“There is nothing yet fulfilled by the government that the community can fully rejoice about. Lifting the ban will not alleviate the problems the community faces,” Utahayakumar added.
“This includes the denial of citizenship to some 450,000 stateless Indians. Only a few have been given citizenship.”
'I will not meet the PM'
Uthayakumar said lifting the ban on Hindraf was done without any cost to Umno and BN, and they expected Hindraf to be in gratitude for this.
“There
are a more than 46,000 non-governmental organisations registered with
the Registrar of Societies, but only Hindraf faces the problem of not
being registered. The withdrawal of the ban is at no cost to Umno. “Similarly with the granting of citizenship, as was done for a 17-year-old girl recently. It did not incur any cost to the BN government.
“However, it has affected the bright future of the girl, for she could not sit for school exams as she was not given a MyKad, despite her parents being born in Malaysia,” he added.
Uthayakumar reiterated that the lifting of the ban would not translate into votes for the BN as the ruling coalition first had to be committed to fulfilling what Hindraf has been demanding for the last five years.
He
also reiterated that he would not meet with Prime Minister Najib Abdul
Razak despite the ban on Hindraf being lifted because the present
government had not fulfilled the demands of the Indian community through
Hindraf. "The PM must deliver first and not make empty promises and talk. Only then will I consider whether to meet him," Uthayakumar added.
Lawyer M Manoharan (right) reiterated the call to to the authorities lift the sedition charge filed against Uthayakumar, arguing that the points the Hindraf leader raised were the result of the marginalisation of the minority Indian Malaysian community.
"If the BN government is sincere, lift the charge against Uthayakumar and also on veteran lawyer Karpal Singh, since the Sedition Act is to be repealed," said Manoharan, who is also the DAP assembylperson for Kota Alam Shah.
PSM endorses demands in Hindraf's blueprint
Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) has endorsed the six demands raised by Hindu-rights pressure group Hindraf, in its five-year blueprint for the uplifting of the Indian community in Malaysia.
The blueprint was unveiled by Hindraf at its anniversary celebrations in November last year.
"PSM is against any policy which discriminates based on race. We call for affirmative action to be taken irrespective of race and religion, to uplift the poor and marginalised in the country,"said central committee member Dr D Jeyakumar in a letter dated January 1, addressed to Hindraf chief P Waythamoorthy (left).
The demands raised by Hindraf that the socialist party supports are:
"We agree with Hindraf that institutional racism exists in our society and that it needs to be identified and addressed in a conscious and concerted fashion. Institutionalised racism will not disappear just because there is a change in government," continued Jeyakumar in the letter.
Hindraf had openly said that it would put its support on the market for any political party willing to endorse its blueprint.
Pakatan Rakyat had already expressed tacit support of the Hindraf demands but stopped short of a full endorsement.
The current administration which recently overturned its decision to declare Hindraf illegal, is also being sought by the group, although there is no response as yet from Premier Najib Abdul Razak to Waythamoorthy's request to meet with him on the matter.
The blueprint was unveiled by Hindraf at its anniversary celebrations in November last year."PSM is against any policy which discriminates based on race. We call for affirmative action to be taken irrespective of race and religion, to uplift the poor and marginalised in the country,"said central committee member Dr D Jeyakumar in a letter dated January 1, addressed to Hindraf chief P Waythamoorthy (left).
The demands raised by Hindraf that the socialist party supports are:
- Upgrade the life and prospects of hundreds of thousands of internally displaced estate workers;
- Resolve the situation of tens of thousands of Indians who remain stateless despite having resided in Malaysia all their lives;
- Stop the denial of adequate and equal educational opportunities;
- Stop unequal employment and business opportunities;
- The impunity of the police should be done away with;
- Enforce human rights.
"We agree with Hindraf that institutional racism exists in our society and that it needs to be identified and addressed in a conscious and concerted fashion. Institutionalised racism will not disappear just because there is a change in government," continued Jeyakumar in the letter.
Hindraf had openly said that it would put its support on the market for any political party willing to endorse its blueprint.
Pakatan Rakyat had already expressed tacit support of the Hindraf demands but stopped short of a full endorsement.
The current administration which recently overturned its decision to declare Hindraf illegal, is also being sought by the group, although there is no response as yet from Premier Najib Abdul Razak to Waythamoorthy's request to meet with him on the matter.
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