Muhyiddin: Umno General Assembly Focus Of Attention

Umno's 63rd general assembly at the end of this month is the focus of everyone's attention because it involves the power transition between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, said International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Muhyiddin, who is also Umno vice president, said the matter would be considered settled when Najib took over the mantle.

"Other contests like for the deputy president's post of which I am in the fray are also deemed very important especially in the current political and economic scenario.

"We can say Umno is faced with challenges and so too the Barisan Nasional in terms of the people's perception following the outcome of the last general election," he said on the Dialog@1 talk show aired by the TV1 television channel here tonight. The talk was entitled "Global Economic Crisis: Miti's Challenges and Hopes".

He also said besides the power transition, the people wanted to know how Malaysia could ride the crisis, the worst the world has faced since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

"We do not want too much politicking, economic issues are of the utmost priority to ensure Malaysians can have a better life," he said.

Muhyiddin said whoever was elected to fill leadership positions in Umno in the party's polls during the GA must be able to solve the challenges the country was facing now.

Asked whether allegations of rampant money politics in Umno portrayed a negative image of the party in the eyes of the public, he said many people felt this but not all candidates were involved.

"It is important to show Umno is ready to change and overcome weaknesses that may exist. The people are not interested to hear Umno will change, they want to see real changes," he said.

He said Umno must be ready to go to the ground, be people-friendly and undertake many more programmes that were beneficial to the people.

He added that the political scenario had changed and the younger generation of voters were very demanding.

"They are not like voters of before, so the decisions and actions we take will ultimately determine our fate," he said.

AG, IGP 'cleared' in black-eye case - Malaysiakini

Attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail and inspector-general of police Musa Hassan have both been cleared of any criminal involvement in Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim's black-eye case, according to the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz.

MCPX

He was replying to Gobind Singh-Deo (DAP-Puchong) as to why no action has been taken by the authorities after Anwar had lodged reports with the police and the then Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) last July.

Subsequently, the ACA - now called the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission - set up an independent panel to probe the case.

The panel members were Kadir Sulaiman, Wira Mohd Nor and Ahmad Nor Abdullah - all former judges from the Federal Court and Court of Appeal.

According to Nazri, the investigation by the panel began on July 2 last year.

"The investigation was completed two months later as it was considered a sensitive and high-profile case," he said.

"After a detailed investigation, they found the AG and the IGP did not commit any wrongdoing relating to the case as alleged by Anwar."

He further said that each of the panel members had to probe the issue independently in order to draw their own conclusion on the matter.

However, several opposition MPs were not convinced by the minister’s answer, stressing that there had been no information on the case after the investigation was completed.

In his supplementary question, Gobind queried Nazri as to when the panel had made the decision and why there had been no disclosure on this earlier by the authorities.

“We have also not been informed whether any action has been taken against the suspects,” asserted Gobind.

One panel member found case against AG

Nazri said the authorities required “ample time to make the decision public so that it would not be doubted by some parties”.

Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timor) then questioned Nazri as to who had made the final decision, since the investigation had been conducted independently.

“Let’s say one of them decides that the AG is guilty. In that case, who makes the final decision?” asked Lim.

Nazri explained that the decision was made based on the majority view, and in this case, all three members had found no case against the IGP, and only one had found a case against the AG.

He however refused to divulge further details.

Later at a press conference, Anwar, who is also de facto leader of PKR, said it was typical of the government to “manipulate” the facts adduced to the MACC.

“It is not easy to bring a case against those two without evidence, and it also depends on what has been submitted,” said Anwar.

He further accused Nazri of using the Parliament as a place to “defend the case” as the latter chose to reply in the House this morning.

Anwar: I'm disgusted

Anwar said he was "disgusted" with the finding and said the government did not provide full details of his complaint to the investigating panel.

"I believe there is a cover-up because it involves the VVIPs. I am disgusted, I think it is very unfortunate with all the evidence provided, they can brush it aside," he told reporters at Parliament.

"It is typical of the government - you give them strong evidence, medical reports, they refuse to act and allow them to go free," he said.

Last month, Anwar had lodged a police report claiming that the AG and the IGP were involved in a conspiracy to fabricate an arrest warrant in 1998.

Anwar had also accused Abdul Gani (left) and Musa of fabricating evidence in an investigation into the beating he received by former police chief Abdul Rahim Noor while in police custody.

Anwar, then deputy prime minister, was arrested and jailed for corruption. A sodomy conviction was later overturned on appeal.

The oppposition leader had said the involvement of Abdul Gani and Musa was further affirmed by a defamation suit against him last October by Mat Zain Ibrahim, the investigating officer who probed the 'black eye' incident.

Mat Zain had stated that Abdul Gani, who was then a senior deputy public prosecutor, delayed the investigation process and concealed facts from then AG, the late Mohtar Abdullah.

Musa was the investigating officer into previous cases against Anwar, where the former DPM was accused of abuse of power, corruption and sodomy.

Police report last July

In his police report last July, Anwar had alleged: "I believe Musa and Abdul Gani were present in Bukit Aman on Sept 20, 1998 and knew about the assault by Rahim Noor on me.

"Musa and Abdul Gani further concealed the fact of the assault on me from the public until my black eye and injuries were revealed in court.

"I believe both Musa and Abdul Gani were actively involved in the procuring of the second undated (medical) report by Dr (Abdul) Rahman (Yusof) which makes false and incredible conclusions (regarding his injury).

"They gave instructions to Dr Rahman to proceed to write this second report and were acting under the direction and/or jointly with Mohtar.

"These facts show that Musa, Abdul Gani and Mat Zain (who, according to Dr Rahman's second report, accompanied him to the cell in Bukit Aman where I was detained and participated in the so-called reconstruction of the scene) conspired with Dr Rahman to procure the production of this second report.

"This was done so that my police report of Sept 27, 1998, in respect of the assault would be regarded as a false police report for which I could be charged, or at the very least, to damage my credibility, so as to affect my defence in the other criminal cases where I was charged for so-called corruption and sodomy to facilitate a conviction."

'Waythamoorthy can return any time' - Malaysiakini

Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) chairperson P Waythamoorthy is still a citizen and can come back to Malaysia any time, said Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar.

MCPX

However, there is a snag - the minister claimed that Waythamoorthy has returned his passport to the Malaysian High Commission in London and is travelling with British travel documents.

"Despite returning his passport, he is still the citizen although he claims otherwise,” said Syed Hamid.

Waythamoorthy, who has been living in self-exile in London since November 2007, is said to be suffering from a rare heart condition and wants to return to Malaysia to seek treatment.

A scheduled operation at a specialist centre in London on Monday had to be postponed as he was not well enough to undergo surgery.

Doctors are observing him for 48 hours before deciding whether or not to carry out the operation to place an implant in his heart.

The Hindraf leader had expressed his wish to return home so that he can be with his family, and he had sought the government's guarantee that he will not be arrested.

Hindraf's New York-based coordinator, R Shan, has also insisted that the government should issue Waythamoorthy with a new passport.

It is understood that the government had revoked Waythamoorthy's passport last year and he was issued a limited travel document by the British government. Syed Hamid has, however, refuted the claim.

No express guarantee

Shan reiterated the plea to guarantee that Waythamoorthy would be allowed a safe return to be with his family, including his six-year-old daughter.

Asked today at the Parliament lobby if action would be taken against Waythamorrthy if he returns, Syed Hamid declined to give a direct answer.

"Everyone is subject to the law... everyone has to face the consequence," was all he would say.

Waythamoorthy and his brother Uthayakumar were the lead organisers of a massive 30,000-strong rally in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 25, 2007, to highlight the marginalisation of the Indian Malaysian community.

Uthayakumar and four other Hindraf leaders were then detained under the Internal Security Act from December 2007.

However, Waythamoorthy had left the country by then and has been bringing up the issue with political leaders and human rights bodies in Europe and India.

Hindraf itself has since been banned, but its supporters have kept up the pressure on the government to improve the community’s lot under the Makkal Sakthi (people power) movement.

Call for unity: Anwar doubts Najib's sincerity

Bukit Selambau By-Election : The Path To Victory (07/03/2009)

Azalina’s office raided by MACC

KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 – Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers raided the office of Tourism Minister Datuk Azalina Othman in relation to a probe on vote-buying for the Umno party elections.

Azalina was not present during the raid.

MACC officers spent three hours in her office and inspected documents in relation to the award of contracts by the ministry.

The officers also took away with them a number of files and other documents.

Today’s raid follows the detention last week of Azalina’s political secretary who was caught by MACC officers with RM75,000 in cash in his car.

The arrest of Azalina’s political secretary and the raid on her office today will have a significant impact on the minister’s fortunes in Umno and continued employment in the incoming Najib administration.

The minister is competing for a position on the party’s supreme council.

So far no senior Umno politician has been charged with corruption in relation to vote-buying in the Umno elections though there has been a trail of claims saying that money has been exchanging like never before for Election 2009.

Azalina is the highest profile politician to be under investigation in the current probe on vote-buying in Umno.

In a statement issued after the MACC raid, her office said they noted press reports about the probe into her political secretary’s affairs.

They also pledged to give their full cooperation to MACC officers.

It is understood the investigations are centred on whether the Tourism Ministry had awarded contracts to Umno delegates ahead of the party polls.

Investigators are also looking into the affairs of Pempena, a subsidiary of the Tourism Ministry,
which had shed its investments in five companies after suffering a loss of RM20 million.

This was out of an RM54.4 million total outlay on 24 companies as stated in a summary report of a “high level business review” of the Pempena Group released to the ministry on Nov 6.

In their probe into vote-buying activities for the Umno polls, the MACC has so far picked up 12 party divisional officers.

They were allegedly working to help Datuk Norza Zakaria defend his supreme council seat.

The men are being investigated for distributing between RM300 and RM500 to some of the 2,000 delegates who will be attending the general assembly-cum-elections.

Norza has also been questioned by the MACC but has denied any involvement in money politics, saying that he was a victim of a scheme to discredit him.

Guan Eng thanks Najib for money, then asks where it will come from

By Debra Chong- The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, Mar 11 - Like many other Pakatan Rakyat leaders, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng welcomed the new stimulus deal, with a great deal of scepticism thrown in.

The Penang Chief Minister thanked Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for setting aside RM250 million to expand the state's international airport.

But he wants the federal government to pump in an additional RM11.5 billion into 21 state projects he described as "critical" to boost economic growth, such as the proposed RM500 million halal hub in Balik Pulau and Batu Kawan; RM200 million loan for its Heritage Rehabilitation Plan in Georgetown as a Unesco-recognised World Heritage Site; and RM1.1 billion to expand the Mengkuang Dam.

"The reality is if Penang fails, Malaysia will fail because 30 per cent of the total export and tourists originate from and visit Penang," Lim, who is also Bagan MP, said in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Lim's biggest beef with the stimulus concerned the RM60 billion figure. "Where is the RM60 million coming from?" he asked.

"How does the RM10 billion equity investment benefit ordinary workers?" he added.

He claimed that the RM10 billion would be used as a "rescue package for certain crony companies" and pointed to last year's RM5 billion loan from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to ValueCap to support his statement.

He concluded his speech by offering to work together with the federal government to face the economic crisis if it prioritised the public.

"What we want to see is direct assistance to the rakyat, not only focusing on companies. Look at Taiwan and Singapore which gave RM8.5 billion or RM400 spending money in cash to each citizen. Not a sen was for ordinary Malaysians," said Lim.

Transition is on, for sure

KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 - The Opposition may attempt to rally support in Parliament and around the country for Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to stay on as prime minister but the transition timetable is cast in stone.

Abdullah has informed his successor Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak this week that he will hand over the reins of government on April 3.

This slight change to the earlier timetable of stepping down on March 31 is because Abdullah would like to chair the Cabinet meeting on April 1 and bid farewell to the ministers in person, some of whom have served with him under the previous administration.

The swearing in of Najib as the sixth prime minister of Malaysia is set for Friday, four days before the clutch of by-elections in Bukit Gantang, Bukit Selambau and Batang Ai.

This news is likely to dampen speculation that Abdullah will continue in office even after the Umno elections – speculation that went up several notches after Abdullah and Opposition icon Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim met at a lunch yesterday in conjunction with the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.

The event was held at Madrasah Nurul Iman in Hulu Langat and was hosted by prominent religious leader Sheikh Mahmud. The two men and Sheik Mahmud spent some time talking in private.

Anwar downplayed the significance of the meeting saying: “too many assumptions and interpretations have been made about my presence and that of the prime minister in Hulu Langat.’’

Still, Pakatan Rakyat supporters have not been shy to offer their interpretation of the meeting, stressing that there could be a move by Opposition MPs to show support for Abdullah in Parliament next week.

This move, if it happens, will be the latest attempt by the Opposition to convince Abdullah that he has the support of Malaysians and should consider remaining in the country’s top job.

Opposition leaders including Pas spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat have in recent weeks urged Abdullah to toss aside the transition plan, arguing that he was given the mandate in March 2008 to lead the country till the next general elections.

Barisan Nasional officials said that any show of support by Pakatan Rakyat for Abdullah should be viewed through political lenses- as nothing more than an attempt to sow discord within the ruling coalition, especially Umno, and challenge the legitimacy of Najib as the prime minister.

The Malaysian Insider understands that Abdullah has not changed his position on retiring after the party elections in March ever since he told Malaysians in October that he was not seeking re-election as Umno president.

An old school Umno official, he believes that the prime minister of Malaysia must have the support and endorsement of the ruling party.

After March, Najib will have both.

Stimulus Package Lack of True Economic Stimulant

Firstly let me congratulate Prime Minister to be Najib Razak for his sensitiviness towards ailing Malaysian Economic. He finally admit the Economy need antibiotics and serious attentions. When he took over Finance Ministry in Sept 2008, we was told country will able to wade through the economic crisis.

However, I feel the second Stimulus Package too failed to meet really economic problems faced by Malaysia. Append below some of my views based on little economic knowledge I have:

1) The Fiscal expenditure for the year 2009 is only RM10billion of which RM 5 billion each goes to Operational and Expenditure expenses. Even the first Stimulus package of Rm7 billion not bear any fruit, I’m doubt the additional Rm10 billion able rejuvenate the economic root. Even if it does , the beneficiary will be those involve with Government Contracts and Procurements.

2) RM20 billion Guarantee Scheme- we have to look the beneficiary , i.e commercial bank to encourage them lend money. When bank’s principal business is to make LENDING do we need to provide them with incentives and encouragement when DEMAND is great?

We need to understand Malaysian Economic is based on Export Model i.e producing country . For example we only need about 850,000 MT of Palm oil while the rest of about 12 million tonnes exported out. Since, it’s edible the demand somehow exist but not that great extend as Industrial user might have lesser demand or switch to other alternatives. The level of stock of palm oil itself already an indication that demand diminish.

Let Commercial bank by itself , no need to BAIL THEM OUT by providing RM20 billion Guarantee. Instead, use the fund to insure all Produce of Malaysia (with exceptional petroleum ,electronic items and constructions) so that Manufacturer and Exporter able to penetrate new or even Virgin markets. The Business able to generate faster cash flow then.

They may argue we already has Malaysian Export Credit Insurance to assist exporters? This again another white elephant? Just walking in to their office and get some information on their services. They want Super A customer, premium paid upfront, 3-6 months to get customer approved and blah,blah..

Malaysian Products are well received by International Market only our Financial system made it difficult for cash flow turn around faster. How may SME’s suffering due to lack of bank’s support. Leave along SMI/SME with RM20 million capital , how about those with RM500,000 and below. How many of them can survive during this tough time?

We should also look into possibility of Introduce Export Grant as part of encouraging more Malaysian Product exports. This grant should be targeted for companies with RM500,000 paid up capital and those emerging entrepreneurs.

Another factor the package failed to stimulate is LOCAL DEMAND . Train and retrain may prepare us for future but how their family going to survive? Government should atleast consider :

a) Reduce Petrol , Gas and Electricity prices further immediately

b) Allow Industries to Import sugar, flour and other controlled item by themselves . This will reduce quantum of subsidies. The reason behind Government still holding tight import monopoly of Sugar and Flour still remain unanswered.

c) Encourage all Toll Express way to provide discount for users without time limitation

d) As part of Corporate Social Responsibility Toll Express Way operates should voluntarily forgo Government Subsidies due to non increment of Tolls. What if the economy slip further and government revenue dropped significantly?

e) Encourage hypermarkets to buy Made in Malaysia Products. Why only Proton and Perodua, how about other Made in Malaysia products, don’t they entitle for some incentives too.

f) Speed up infrastructure projects including Public Transportation system

g) As health related problem expected to raise , government should consider appoint panel of doctors nationwide to provide medical treatments.

I believe once government successfully rekindle the local and export demand , employment rate will increase thus creating opportunities for all other related industries.

Controlling Local demand is in Governments hand while Industries players with Government support may able to outshine other global competitors making product of Malaysia most preferable.

Conditional cooperation on economic front: Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 March 2009: Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the opposition was prepared to cooperate for the people's benefit in tackling the worsening economic crisis, but on certain conditions.

Anwar (PKR-Permatang Pauh) said the "olive branch" offered by the government was a sign it wanted to cooperate with the opposition, but he reminded the government that the opposition did not forget easily.

He said this when debating the Supplementary Supply (2009) Bill 2009 or the Mini Budget at the Dewan Rakyat today.

Anwar said the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein (the second prime minister), when moving the motion for a coalition government with PAS, had done away with victimisation, stopped making slanderous statements in the media, released detainees held without trial, negotiated, and later offered the olive branch with an open mind.

As such, Anwar asked that these were also implemented by the government, claiming that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was not emulating his late father.

When tabling the second stimulus package totalling RM60 billion yesterday, Najib asked everyone, including the opposition, to cooperate.

Najib noted that there were already calls by the people for the government and the opposition to focus on efforts to resolve the country's economic woes and put aside their political problems. — Bernama

In case you have forgotten: a rebuttal to Nazri Aziz

With press censorship and plummeting newspaper sales, the Internet has become the main source of information. Students are accessing the net, then distributing their printouts, demonstrations are organised via the net, then within hours of the demonstration the action is posted on the net. The censored press is starting to react, being more adventurous in what they dare to publish. The corrupt authorities are finding that they are powerless to act. Such is the power of the net that it has become a case study in itself as to how to counter corrupt governments. – Amnesty International, September 1999

NO HOLDS BARRED

Raja Petra Kamarudin

First, read this report from the Star today:

A-G, IGP cleared in Anwar ‘black eye’ case

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan and Attorney-General Tan Sri Gani Patail were cleared of fabricating evidence in the Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim “black eye” incident of a decade ago.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz told the Dewan Rakyat Wednesday that the two were cleared of any wrong-doing after a two-month investigation conducted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Anwar had accused both Abdul Gani and Musa of tampering with evidence in an investigation into an alleged beating he received from then IGP Abdul Rahim Noor while in police custody in 1998.

“Since this case is sensitive and of high profile, the MACC had suggested a three-person independent panel be appointed as deputy public prosecutors to look into the case,” Nazri in response to a question by Gobind Singh Deo (DAP-Puchong).

The independent panel was made up of former Federal Court judges Datuk Abdul Kadir Sulaiman and Datuk Wira Mohd Noor Ahmad, and retired Court of Appeal judge Datuk Mohd Noor Abdullah.

In reply to Gobind’s supplementary question on when the decision was made, Nazri said that the case was investigated on July 2 last year and was completed two months after that.

“Since we need to consider several things, we took a bit more time to announce the decision so that it does not create doubt among people,” he said, adding that that was why he decided to reply on Wednesday.

In reply to DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang’s question on who was the dissenting voice, Nazri said he could not give the information and majority decision obviously means a 2-1 decision.

He added that the decision for the IGP was 3-0.

Gobind had been asking why the result of the investigation was not officially announced.

MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan had announced the results in an interview with Sunday Star on March 1.

Later Wednesday, Anwar expressed his "disgust" at the outcome of the probe, claiming that the evidence against the IGP and A-G was "strong and solid."

*****************************

Okay, after having read that, now read this piece from Amnesty International circa September 1999:

The Detention and Brutal Treatment of Anwar Ibrahim

20 September 1998, in the closing days of one of the worst Commonwealth Games, on the eve of the Queen's visit to Malaysia, 30,000 people took to the streets of Kuala Lumpur calling for democratic reform and the removal of the corrupt prime minister Mahathir bin Mohamad. The police and security forces reacted with violence, weighing in with tear gas and clubs to clear the streets.

One of the star speakers was Anwar Ibrahim, less than a month before, Finance Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and heir apparent to the corrupt Mahathir bin Mohamad. After decades of subservience, Anwar Ibrahim did the unthinkable and spoke out against the corrupt Mahathir bin Mohamad, the mismanagement of the economy, the cronyism, the corruption. Anwar Ibrahim was sacked (2 September 1998) and the corrupt Mahathir bin Mohamad ran a smear campaign to discredit him. After speaking at the rally, Anwar Ibrahim walked home to the resounding cheers of his supporters. At his home he gave a press conference. Paramilitary police kicked in the door and took him away. He wasn't to be seen again in public for ten days when he made a brief court appearance.

Anwar Ibrahim was beaten into unconsciousness on the evening of his arrest (20 September 1998). Only a few miles away, the Queen and Robin Cook (UK Foreign Secretary) supped and dined with a dictator, toasted the end of the Commonwealth Games. Neither spoke out. The UK has an 'ethical foreign policy'.

Since the sacking of Anwar Ibrahim there has been daily street protests.

The fabricated charges laid against Anwar Ibrahim were corruption and perverse sexual practices. Two star witnesses against Anwar Ibrahim were his friends who had admitted to participating with him in perverse sexual acts, and had been found guilty for these same offences. Ten days later they were to withdraw their 'confessions', claiming they had been extracted under duress.

On the day following Anwar Ibrahim's arrest, with people on the street, the police detained his friends and colleagues. Transmissions (video footage) from broadcasters of the demonstrations and police brutality were blacked out.

The arrest of Anwar Ibrahim spurred the fragmented opposition groups into co-operation. Political parties and NGOs called a joint press conference (27 September 1998) to protest the police brutality, the arrest of Anwar Ibrahim, and called for freedom of speech, right of free assembly, right to fair trial and fair hearing and repeal of all anti-human rights legislation, especially the Draconian Internal Security Act (that enables detention without charge or trial).

22 September 1998, Azizah Ismail, wife of Anwar Ibrahim, was questioned for several hours. Her request to see her husband was denied. She was warned not to ferment trouble. She feared for the safety of herself, her husband and her family. Police Chief, Abdul Rahim Noor, warned that now the Commonwealth Games were over, to expect a purge.

24 September 1998, the fascist police chief, Abdul Rahim Noor, called a news conference. Not used to Western style news conferences or Western media, he shouted at the journalists to 'shut up' and tried to tell them how to behave. The fascist buffoon, festooned with medals, looked like an over-decorated Christmas tree.

29 September 1998, Anwar Ibrahim appeared in court to face nine charges of corruption and perverse sexual activity. This was his first public appearance since his arrest ten days earlier (20 September 1998). He appeared looking pale, drawn and thin, his left temple bruised, his left eye black. He pleaded not guilty to the nine fabricated charges. He described how: “I was boxed very hard on the left temple and the right part of my head. I was hit very hard on the left part of my neck. I was then slapped very hard left and right, until blood seeped from my nose and lips.”

He then collapsed and passed out. He was denied medical attention for five days. He was held in solitary confinement in a darkened room.

On seeing the condition of their father, two of Anwar Ibrahim's daughters wept openly in court. His wife said that she was 'shocked and stunned that my husband has been a victim of police brutality'. She has been warned not to meet with journalists and not to ferment trouble. Anwar Ibrahim faces up to 20 years imprisonment on the false charges laid against him. Under the Internal Security Act he can be held indefinitely without charge or trial.

The authorities have threatened to inject Anwar Ibrahim with the AIDS virus unless his wife calls off the street demonstrations.

According to reports in the Malaysian press, the corrupt Mahathir bin Mohamad has claimed that the injuries sustained by Anwar Ibrahim were self-inflicted. An examination by a doctor of Anwar Ibrahim following his court appearance, supported the allegation that he had been beaten and sustained injuries whilst in police custody.

World leaders have rallied to the support of Anwar Ibrahim leaving the corrupt Mahathir bin Mohamad looking increasingly isolated. At the IMF/World Bank meeting in New York finance ministers spoke out against the treatment of Anwar Ibrahim, the exception was Gordon Brown (UK Chancellor of the Exchequer) who remained silent. Neighbouring countries have spoken out against the treatment of Anwar Ibrahim. At the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation summit held in Kuala Lumpur, US vice-president Al Gore launched a strong attack on the corrupt Mahathir bin Mohamad. World leaders now need to back their fine words with sanctions against the corrupt Malaysian regime.

Opponents of the corrupt Prime Minister are making full use of the Internet to co-ordinate their opposition and to inform the world of the brutal regime. Malaysia is following the path of Indonesia, institutionalised brutality, lack of democracy, with the majority of the population wishing to see the downfall of a corrupt leader. The people are expected to take to the streets until the corrupt Prime Minister is removed from office.

Anwar Ibrahim's teenage daughter, Nural Izzah, has taken up the campaign against the corrupt regime on her father's behalf.

Monday 2 November 1998, the trial of Anwar Ibrahim began. He appeared looking pale, thin and downcast. Most of the defence pre-trial appeals had been rejected by the judge. Several new charges were added to the original list. International observers were denied access to the trial, though several managed to slip into the public gallery. The US State Department attacked the decision to deny access to international observers. Armed security police ringed the court and prevented Anwar supporters from approaching the court.

The key prosecution witness was to have been Mohamed Said Awang (Special Branch director), but the choice of this witness backfired on the prosecution and only served to highlight the level of political corruption under Mahathir. Under oath, Mohamed Said Awang admitted he would lie if instructed to do so by his superiors, he spoke of 'turning over' witnesses and 'neutralising' anyone considered to be a threat. Mohamed Said Awang's testimony revealed a sordid tale of cronyism, political and financial corruption with the corrupt Mahathir at its heart.

Mid-January 1999 as the trial continued the prosecution admitted that Anwar Ibrahim had been badly beaten whilst in police custody. A couple of days later the chief of police resigned.

Freedom of expression and respect for democratic institutions and human rights do not exist in Malaysia. The Prime Minister justifies his iron rule as necessary to keep Malaysia on the path of economic success. The so-called Malaysian economic miracle now lies in ruins. In a histrionic outburst, Mahathir bin Mohamad, desperate to blame others for his own shortcomings and failings, has blamed foreign speculators and agents of foreign powers. In addition to the Draconian and repressive Internal Security Act (which grants the power for indefinite detention without charge or trial) Malaysia also uses the Sedition Act and Printing Presses and Publications Act to silence critics.

Those concerned with the treatment of Anwar Ibrahim and the lack of fundamental human rights within Malaysia should raise their concern with Malaysian diplomats in their own country, and also pressurise their own politicians to impose sanctions on Malaysia.

Malaysia is currently seeking funds from the West to bail out its failed economy. In addition to the usual economic strings, conditions on the reform of the democratic and judicial systems should be attached.

The detention and trial of Anwar Ibrahim is an abuse of the political system and the judicial process. In detaining Anwar Ibrahim Malaysia is contravening acceptable international standards on freedom of expression, the right to a fair trial and the treatment of detainees.

Amnesty International has adopted Anwar Ibrahim as a Prisoner of Conscience. In addition AI has called for the immediate release of all prisoners detained under the ISA and for an independent investigation of the injuries sustained by Anwar Ibrahim whilst held in custody.

Sources of information

John Aglionby, Anwar's teenage daughter picks up baton of reform, The Guardian, 19 October 1998

A.I., Malaysia: A crossroads for human rights and the rule of law?, Amnesty International, 18 September 1998

A.I., Malaysia: Amnesty International calls for Anwar to be charged promptly or released, Amnesty International, 21 September 1998

A.I., Malaysia: Amnesty International declares Anwar a prisoner of conscience, Amnesty International, 25 September 1998

A.I., Malaysia: The arrest of Anwar Ibrahim and his political associates, Amnesty International, 3 October 1998

BBC, The World at One, Radio 4, BBC, 29 September 1998

BBC, News Day, BBC World Service, BBC, 30 September 1998

BBC, The World Tonight, Radio 4, BBC, 30 September 1998

BBC, News Desk, BBC World Service, BBC, 1 October 1998

BBC, News Desk, BBC World Service, BBC, 2 October 1998

BBC, News Desk, BBC World Service, BBC, 5 October 1998

BBC, News Desk, BBC World Service, BBC, 10 October 1998

BBC, News Desk, BBC World Service, BBC, 18 October 1998

BBC, News Desk, BBC World Service, BBC, 25 October 1998

BBC, News Desk, BBC World Service, BBC, 1 November 1998

BBC, News Desk, BBC World Service, BBC, 3 November 1998

BBC, News Desk, BBC World Service, BBC, 15 November 1998

BBC, The World Today, BBC World Service, BBC, 17 November 1998

BBC, News Desk, BBC World Service, BBC, 8 December 1998

Nick Cumming-Bruce, Mahathir sacks deputy in row over economy, News in Brief, The Guardian, 3 September 1998

Nick Cumming-Bruce, Malaysia leader goes for gold in power game, The Observer, 13 September 1998

Matt Frei, Black eye may floor Mahathir, The Daily Telegraph, 4 October 1998

John Gittings, Angry Anwar spurned chance to flee, The Observer, 1 November 1998

John Gittings, Anwar faces fresh charges, The Guardian, 2 November 1998

John Gittings, Anwar downcast as marathon trial begins, The Guardian, 3 November 1998

John Gittings, US 'lecture' ruins dinner, The Guardian, 17 November 1998

John Gittings, Interrogators 'abused Anwar speechwriter', The Observer, 22 November 1998

John Gittings, Anwar 'victim' gives evidence, The Guardian, 3 December 1998

Guardian leader, Malaysian subtext, editorial, The Guardian, 19 November 1998

Frances Harrison, Anwar tells court of political plot, The Guardian, 9 February 1999

Nick Hopkins, Troops guard Queen amid rioting, The Guardian, 21 September 1998

Nick Hopkins, Mahathir cracks down on protests, The Guardian, 22 September 1998

Nick Hopkins, Wife cannot see Malay detainee, The Guardian, 24 September 1998

K Baranee Krishnaan, Anwar was assaulted, confirms doctor, Cyprus Mail, 1 October 1998

Kathy Marks, Anwar's trial is halted by arsenic claims, The Independent, 11 September 1999

Sheila McNulty & Peter Montagnon, Gore backs Malaysian protesters, Financial Times, 17 November 1998

Peter Montagnon & Sheila McNulty, Apec assails credit rating agencies, Financial Times, 19 November 1998

Seth Mydans, Arrested heir voices the unthinkable, The Guardian, 22 September 1998

Richard Lloyd Parry, Battered Anwar in court at last, The Independent, 30 September 1998

Richard Lloyd Parry, Malaysian furry at Al Gore's 'interference, The Independent, 18 November 1998

M G G Pilai & David Watts, US 'encouraging' Malaysian unrest, The Times, 18 November 1998

Michael Sheridan, Police witness turns the tables on Mahathir, The Sunday Times, 8 November 1998

Alex Spillius, Malaysian police storm mosque to break up demo, The Daily Telegraph, 26 September 1998

Alex Spillius, Police beat me as Queen was visiting, Anwar tells court, The Daily Telegraph, 30 September 1998

Alex Spillius, Australian leader hits at Mahathir over Anwar, The Daily Telegraph, 1 October 1998

Alex Spillius, Critics scorn Mahathir's claim that Anwar hurt himself, The Daily Telegraph, 1 October 1998

Alex Spillius, Doctor confirms Anwar's beating, The Daily Telegraph, 2 October 1998

John Sweeney, Don't act like that here in Malaysia, The Guardian, 25 September 1998

John Sweeney, Arrest of Anwar spurs solidarity, The Guardian, 28 September 1998

John Sweeney, Battered Anwar in court, The Guardian, 30 September 1998

Times editorial, The Regime in Malaysia - Corruption, cronyism and clamp-down are also Asian values, The Times, 22 September 1998

Stephen Vines, Malaysia losing fight against cyber protest, The Independent on Sunday, 13 December 1998

David Watts, Malaysia in turmoil as government cracks down on dissenters, The Times, 22 September 1998

David Watts, Anwar's wife accuses police of beating him, The Times, 30 September 1998

More information on Anwar Ibrahim may be obtained from:
Amnesty International, 1 Easton Street, LONDON WC1X 8DJ, England
tel +44-171-413-5500 / fax +44-171-956-1157
e-mail: info@amnesty.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web: http://www.amnesty.org

Learning Maths & Science in English Will Make You A Mat Rempit!

by Sheih Kickdefella

In an unprecedented statement so far, the PAS Muslimat Chief alleged the teaching of Maths and Science will send students backwards and force them into doing all sort of negative things such as becoming drug addicts, Mat Rempit and other ‘wild’ things.

HarakahDaily quoted Ustazah Nuridah Salleh during the launch of The Bukit Gantang Campaign Machinery in Perak. Read here.

Tegas Nuridah, dasar tersebut (Teaching Match and Science in English) seumpama “keris makan tuan” iaitu merosakkan masa depan generasi muda kita .

“Anak-anak kita bukan bertambah maju ke depan malah sebaliknya ianya banyak mendorong kepada kegiatan sosial yang negatif, seperti mendekati penyalahan pengunaan dadah, mat rempit dan terpengaruh sosial liar”.

SURUHANJAYA INTEGRITI AGENSI PENGUATKUASA (SIAP) TABLED BUT HAS 'NO POWERS'

The Special Complaints Commission (SCC) which was tabled last year to replace the (Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) was criticized as a mere "post box" in that it is toothless (no power to persecute) and it just act to receive complaints and forward these complaints to relevant enforcement agencies thus essentially acting like a "post box" while adding another layer to cumbersome bureaucracy.

Today, Home Minister, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar has tabled another bill in Parliament, the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission or SIAP (Suruhanjaya Integriti Agensi Penguatkuasa). SIAP will also have no persecution power and is likely to meet the same fate as SCC.

The UMNO-led Barisan Nasional government 'fears' to form a credible Commission which has absolute persecution powers, since most of its UMNOputras or Barisan Nasional officials would face prosecution.

picture courtesy of Malaysiakini

Verdict In Hindraf Leaders' Appeal Deferred

PUTRAJAYA, March 11 (Bernama) -- The Federal Court today deferred judgment in the appeal brought by five leaders of the banned Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) in their second bid for freedom from Internal Security Act (ISA) detention.

Justices Datuk Nik Hashim Nik Ab Rahman, Datuk Seri S.Augustine Paul and Datuk Hashim Yusoff reserved judgment to a date to be fixed to consider the submissions forwarded by Karpal Singh, counsel for the five, and Solicitor-General II Datuk Mohd Yusof Zainal Abiden.

R. Kengadharan, 42; M. Manoharan, 48; V. Ganabatirau, 36; P.Uthayakumar, 47, and K. Vasantha Kumar, 36, filed this second joint application at the Ipoh High Court on May 30 last year after a similar application was dismissed by the High Court and Federal Court.

Their first application was filed at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Dec 26 2007 after they were arrested. They failed to secure their release as both the High Court and Federal Court ordered that they remain in the Kamunting Detention Centre.

Uthayakumar, a diabetic, has also filed a separate habeas corpus application on grounds of medical negligence but it was also rejected by the High Court and Federal Court. His appeal was thrown out by the Federal Court yesterday on technical grounds for failure to comply with the Rules of the Federal Court to file the petition of appeal.

Meanwhile, Manoharan filed a separate habeas corpus application to challenge the validity of the detention order under Section 8 (1) of the ISA on Aug 8, last year but was also unsuccessful at the High Court and the Federal Court.

In the second joint habeas corpus application, the five men sought to be brought before the court and released in line with the provision of Article 5(2) of the Federal Constitution.

They challenged the validity of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's order confirming the recommendation of the ISA Advisory Board for extension of their detention on and after March 26 last year because of procedural non-compliance by the Advisory Board.

Today Karpal Singh urged the court to reverse the decision of the Ipoh High Court delivered on Sept 8 last year, dismissing his clients'second habeas corpus bid.

He said there was procedural defect due to the Advisory Board's failure to allow the five leaders' application to call the investigating officer as a witness.

Karpal Singh disputed the presence of two senior federal counsel, Datuk Abdul Wahab Mohamed and Najib Zakaria, at the Advisory Board hearing which was done in camera and in the absence of the detainees and their counsel.

He said the procedure adopted by the board was flawed due to their presence thereby contaminating the board's recommendation and the King's decision confirming the extension of the detention.

Yusof argued that the men's continued detention after March 26 last year was valid and in accordance with the Federal Constitution and that the board had strictly complied with the law.

He said the powers and functions of the Advisory Board were governed by Rule 10 (1) and 10 (2) of the Internal Security (Advisory Board Procedure) Rules 1972 which empowered the board to self-regulate its own procedure in respect of any matter.

He also contended that the board was empowered under Rule 10 and Section 16 of the ISA to examine the investigating officer in absence of the detainees and their counsel.

Muthu: Underhand Tactics To Ensure No-contest

By S. Retnanathan

KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 (Bernama) -- MIC presidential aspirant Datuk M. Muthupalaniappan has charged that several MIC leaders are using underhand tactics to frustrate his bid for the party's top post.

Such below-the-belt tactics, he said, were deployed to ensure incumbent MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu won the post uncontested.

The 66-year-old leader from Seremban also claimed that MIC branch chairmen were subjected to threats to ensure that he did not meet the 50 nominations required, to enable him to contest the top post.

"There are people going around asking branch chairmen to sign nomination forms for Samy Vellu, when they (the branch chairmen) had already nominated me.

"Some leaders think that if they force branch chairmen to sign both the nomination forms, one for me and one for the incumbent, automatically the nomination would be null and void.

"Branch chairmen are only allowed to nominate one person. Some leaders are saying it is alright to sign twice. This is wrong and misleading. All they want is to declare my nomination null and void but I have my defence mechanism which I would reveal at the right time," he told Bernama in an interview today.

Late last year, Muthupalaniappan announced his intention to contest the party's top post. He will face Samy Vellu, who had declared that he would defend the post.

The incumbent has been at the helm of the largest Indian-based political party since 1979, when he became the acting president, following the demise of then-president Tan Sri V. Manikavasagam.

Under the party constitution, a presidential aspirant needs to obtain 50 nominations, with each nomination needing one proposer and five seconders, to be eligible to contest. All proposers and seconders must be branch chairmen.

The MIC president will be picked by some 3,700 branch chairmen nationwide. The party has fixed March 22 for the presidential nomination while polling is slated for April 12.

If Samy Vellu wins uncontested, in the event Muthupalaniappan fails to obtain the 50 nominations needed, then the MIC chief would be crowned president on March 22 -- the same date he officially became the party supremo, 28 years ago in 1981.

Another issue brought up by the former MIC vice-president was that the party headquarters was issuing "two sets" of nomination forms to branch chairman.

"One nomination form has Samy Vellu's name printed on it, while the other is empty. The nomination form which has his name is given out freely to branch chairmen while the empty form is only given out after some pestering and coaxing...it is so difficult to obtain a nomination form which is empty as the incumbent's name is printed on it to ensure he obtains the nomination.

"If they give out empty forms, then they are scared that the branch chairmen would nominate me and allow me to contest. The forms should not be handled by the MIC headquarters but the election steering committee.

"The headquarters is controlled by one leader and we all know who he is...he must provide a level-playing field. Let democracy takes its course.

"There is no need for such tactics. If the people really want you to lead, then they will definitely pick you. Please do not force people to pick you," urged Muthupalaniappan who furnished Bernama with a nomination form with Samy Vellu's name printed on it. The form was supposedly obtained from the MIC headquarters.

He said he was only allotted 65 nomination forms and his request for more forms had yet to be entertained, with nominations just 10 days away.

"Although I only need 50 nomination forms, I want more forms as it can be distributed easily. Presently, with the available forms, I have to ensure all forms are filled out properly. If I get two branch chairmen who want to nominate me in Johor, I need to rush the forms to Kedah for the remainder four nominations.

"This takes time. This is because I only have 65 forms. If more nomination forms are given out, then it would make the whole nomination process easier. Nomination forms, which are supposed to be distributed at all state MIC offices, are just not there.

"You can only obtain the forms at the headquarters. So, if someone from Kedah wants to nominate me, then the person has to come down to Kuala Lumpur to collect it. This is not feasible," he added.

He refuted recent claims by party secretary-general Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam that presidential nomination forms were available at all state liaison offices.

"Let me tell you that there are no nomination forms available at state offices. I have checked and double-checked. It can only be obtained at the headquarters. Why is it so difficult to obtain nomination forms? Why limit it to just 65 for a candidate? Give it out freely.

Asked on his chances of obtaining the nominations and contesting the MIC top post, he said presently, the concerted effort put in by some party leaders to ensure he did not contest, seemed to bear fruit.

"I would say that I am facing an uphill task. Even obtaining nomination forms is a huge task, what more asking branch leaders to sign it. The branch chairmen are scared.

"Even in the event of a contest, I am sure there are more tricks up the sleeves of some leaders to ensure Samy Vellu wins comfortably," Muthupalaniappan claimed.

Can the BN save itself? -Anil Netto

The majestic Democracy Tree: Visitors from all ethnic groups gathered here yesterday morning - (Click to expand) Photos by Kinta Kid

More visitors turned up in the evening; notice the bouquet beneath the tree

The BN knows what it needs to do to survive: it has to push through major reforms to wipe our corruption and abuse of power to win back lost support. But is it really capable of such reforms? This was the cover story I wrote for a recent issue of Aliran Monthly:

As the Umno election and general assembly in March approaches, the party faces a huge dilemma.

It is phasing out a leader (Abdullah Badawi) it feels is not suitable to lead the party following a general election setback last year which saw it lose its coveted two thirds parliamentary majority, while five out of 13 states fell to opposition hands.

Umno is now about to endorse a new leader, Najib Razak, whose own leadership credentials are in tatters following crushing by-election defeats in Permatang Pauh last August and Kuala Terengganu in January.

The irony is that it was the lack of meaningful reforms that led to the BN suffering an erosion of support. But it was Abdullah, more than Najib, who realised the importance of reforms, even though he largely failed to deliver them.

The 17 January by-election may not have changed the balance of power but it has implications that extend far beyond the capital of the resource-rich state of Terengganu. Voters were also sending a signal that the Umno power transition scheme had not impressed them. Many analysts saw it as the voters’ refusal to endorse Najib as the prime minister-to-be.

Nota Ucapan Anwar Ibrahim Membahas Rancangan Ransangan Ekonomi Ke-2

Nota Pembukaan Ucapan Membahaskan Rancangan Ransangan Ekonomi Kedua Oleh YB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Tuan Yang Di Pertua,

Saya ingin memulakan ucapan saya dengan menegaskan bahawa saya dan rakan-rakan bersedia melakukan apa sahaja demi untuk membela rakyat. Kami menyokong sebarang inisiatif untuk membantu rakyat. Ada di antara kami telah masuk penjara, dipukul dan disembur dengan gas pemedih mata demi memperjuangkan nasib rakyat.

Elok kita buat perbandingan dengan apa yang dibentangkan oleh Menteri Kewangan semalam dengan apa yang berlaku di Amerika Syarikat. Kerana apa yang dilakukan tidak lain dari mengikut apa yang dilakukan oleh Presiden Obama. Obama mengambil pendekatan Keynesian, maka Menteri Kewangan juga mengambil pendekatan Keynesian.

Ramai yang terpukau dengan begitu besarnya pakej ransangan Obama, berjumlah USD 787 billion (RM 2.91 trillion). Tetapi Paul Krugman, pemenang Hadian Nobel ekonomi, dan ahli ekonomi Keynesian paling terkenal dewasa ini, mengatakan ia mulai “falling behind the curve.” Masalah dan krisis yang berlaku, jauh lebih besar dari pakej ransangan.

Jelas sekali pakar ekonomi ini sedar persoalannya bukan sekadar jumlah dana yang besar dan kemudiannya digembar gemburkan oleh media. Persoalan sebenar yang harus diberi perhatian ialah ketelusan dan pertanggungjawaban institusi serta memecahkan tembok psikologi rakyat terbanyak, peniaga juga pelabur agar yakin dengan pengurusan ekonomi negara. Ini ditegaskan oleh pemenang Hadiah Nobel terkemuka Amartya Sen yang mengutip pandangan Arthur Cecil Pigou, ” One of the problems…arising from financial mismanagement and other transgressions, has become many times magnified by a psychological collapse.”

Kita jangan cepat terpukau dengan jumlah RM 60billion yang diumumkan semalam. Pengumuman semalam langsung tidak memulihkan keyakinan rakyat terhadap penguasa apatah lagi terhadap menteri kewangan yang dicemar dengan pelbagai skandal serta tidak ikhlas untuk menyelesaikan masalah ekonomi yang sedang dihadapi. Beliau leka berpolitik dengan rakus serta kasar, hanya untuk memastikan cita-cita manjadi perdana menteri tercapai.

Perlu ada kejujuran, keikhlasan dan sifat tawadhu, sedia mendengar, pada pihak kerajaan. Ungkapan sahaja, apalagi bila diucapkan dengan nada sinis, untuk mengajak pembangkang menyokong, tidak akan membawa keyakinan rakyat. Kerajaan masih dalam suasana penafian, “in state of denial”. Masalah sekarang terlalu besar, dan kerajaan sahaja tidak mampu mengatasinya. Wang sahaja tidak dapat mengatasinya.

Kerajaan memerlukan dokongan rakyat. Dan jangan lupa di semenanjung majoriti rakyat adalah bersama Pakatan Rakyat.

Kerajaan memerlukan anjakan sikap, revolusi sikap, untuk mendapat dokongan rakyat. Jika tidak pakej ransangan ini akan dilihat sebagai usaha untuk membantu kroni yang sakit, dan monopolis yang rakus, “to reward the inefficient.” Ini yang disebutkan oleh Paul Krugman sebagai “lemon socialism” -”taxpayers bear the cost if things go wrong, but stockholders and executives get the benefits if things go right.”
Lihatlah sahaja apa yang terjadi di Perak. Pentadbiran Dato Seri Nizar hendak dijatuhkan dengan cara yang tidak berperlembagaan di saat kita berhadapan dengan krisis ekonomi yang kian meruncing. Tindakan seumpama ini tidak membantu memulihkan keyakinan para pelabur baik dari dalam mahupun luar negara. Kita pasti tidak berupaya memulihkan keruntuhan psikologi, aspek penting menurut Amartya Sen yang perlu pantas ditangani jikalau menteri kewangan asyik leka mengasah bakat bermain silap mata dengan menghilangkan orang tertentu dan tiba-tiba muncul!

Sekonyong-konyong di dalam ucapan semalam, ranting zaitun tanda ingin bekerjasama dengan Pakatan Rakyat dihulurkan, demi bersama-sama memulihkan kedudukan ekonomi negara. Apa kah menteri kewangan ingat rakyat cepat melupakan penglibatan beliau di dalam menjatuhkan kerajaan Perak yang sah dengan cara haram!

Begitu juga dengan apa yang berlaku di Kedah, usaha membeli, merasuah dan mengugut wakil Pakatan Rakyat dilakukan demi keuntungan politik semata. Ranting zaitun yang dihulurkan hanya omogan kosong menteri kewangan.

Sudah sekian lama kami pihak Pakatan Rakyat menegaskan kedudukan ekonomi berada dalam kedudukan yang getir. Saranan serta nasihat kami tidak diberi perhatian kerana Umno-Bn leka berpolitik berbanding berusaha menyelamatkan negara ini dari terkena bahana kemelesetan. Apabila sudah tidak boleh lagi menyembunyikan fakta kedudukan ekonomi yang malap dari pengetahuan umum, barulah tergesa-gesa mengumumkan satu rancangan ransangan ekonomi. Ini benar-benar seirama dengan maksud dari pepatah Melayu “jangan sudah terhantuk baru tergadah.”

Di Selangor, apabila Kerajaan Persekutuan enggan bekerjasama demi memastikan pengurusan air berada di tangan kerajaan negeri yang sememang-memangnya mahu memastikan tarif air berada pada tingkat harga yang rendah. Kerajaan hanya mahu menyelamatkan syarikat kroni seperti Puncak Niaga bukannya kepentingan rakyat Selangor yang menjadi pertimbangan utama. Mengapa masih mahu dikekalkan penglibatan Puncak Niaga, SYABAS, Splash dan ABBAS di dalam pengurusan air di Selangor sedang kan terbukti jumlah hutang syarikat-syarikat tersebut ialah RM 6.4 billion. Walaupun syarikat mengalami hutang yang sebegitu besar Pengurusi Syabas (Tan Sri Rozali) masih dibayar elaun di antara yang tertinggi di negara ini iaitu sebanyak RM 5.1 juta pada tahun 2007.

Pulau Pinang juga mengalami nasib yang sama kerana dianak tirikan oleh Umno-Bn, pengumuman RM250 juta untuk memperluaskan Lapangan Terbang Pulau Pinang tidak mengubah hakikat tersebut sedangkan Pulau Pinang menyumbang 30% dari ekspot negara. Projek-projek yang harus diberi keutamaan ialah perlaksanaan Lingkaran Luar Pulau Pinang berjumlah RM 1.5 billion, membesarkan Empangan Mengkuang bernilai Rm 1.2 billion serta Projek Monorail Pulau Pinang berjumlah RM 2 billion.

Tuan Yang Di Pertua

Pengurusan ekonomi negara yang diketuai oleh menteri kewangan sebelum ini berada dalam keadaan penafian. Beliau cuba menggambarkan kedudukan ekonomi negara ini berada dalam keadaan serba molek. Termasuk mereka yang senantiasa memberi gambaran yang tidak tepat ini ialah menteri kewangan kedua. Namun semalam, 10hb Mac 2009, menteri kewangan secara panjang lebar mengakui negara ini berhadapan dengan satu krisis ekonomi yang meruncing ketika membentangkan apa yang dipanggil sebagai Rancangan Ransangan Ekonomi Kedua.

Pakar dan ahli ekonomi baik di seluruh dunia mahupun di Malaysia memberi amaran jelas akan kedudukan ekonomi negara ini. Malangnya prestasi ekonomi negara yang merudum dan dituding bersalah ialah kedudukan ekonomi sejagat. Benar, kedudukan ekonomi sejagat tidak membantu, namun ini tidak menjadi alasan kepada pengurusan ekonomi negara menjadi tidak bermaya, kaku serta bersikap tidak bertanggungjawab dengan menyalurkan maklumat yang tidak tepat. Oleh kerana itu kita meragui keupayaan menteri kewangan untuk berhadapan dengan cabaran krisis ekonomi ini. Persoalannya mengapa terlalu lambat? Pengurusan ekonomi seharusnya mempunyai keupayaan untuk lebih pantas bertindak dan mempunyai daya cipta di dalam berdepan dengan kedudukan sebegini.

Kelemahan dan kelekaan pengurusan ekonomi negara ini menyebabkan kita terjerumus, dengan apa yang disifatkan oleh John Maynard Keynes dalam The Great Slump of 1930 sebagai:
Hari ini kita menjerumuskan negara ke dalam kekalutan yang dahsyat(colossal muddle), kerana kegagalan mengawal mekanisma yang sebegitu halus, serta tidak mampu kita fahami. Hasilnya, kita berkemungkinan besar kerugian untuk satu jangka masa yang panjang.

Tuan Yang Di Pertua

Mereka yang sepatutnya bertanggungjawab untuk menjaga negara ini tidak syak lagi gagal dalam menunaikan amanah tersebut. Mereka telah menyebabkan negara ini berhadapan dengan risiko. Rakyat Malaysia bukan sahaja terpaksa mengharungi dampak krisis ekonomi akibat dari kelalaian pengurusan ekonomi negara, malah terpaksa berdepan dengan satu pentadbiran yang terbukti liat untuk melakukan perubahan demi kesejahteraan rakyat dan kemakmuran negara.

Menteri kewangan yang bercita-cita mengambil alih tampuk kerajaan dalam sedikit waktu, tidak memenuhi kehendak rakyat yang mahukan seorang pemimpin yang berdaya maju, beriltizam terus untuk melaksanakan Perubahan, malahan ramai yang percaya menteri kewangan hanya akan menyebabkan negara berterusan mengalami krisis baik dari sudut ekonomi mahupun politik. Apatah lagi sekiranya yang bertanggungjawab untuk mengetuai pengurusan ekonomi sememangnya mempunyai rekod mengambil komisen serta terlibat dengan skandal rasuah.

Sepanjang menjadi menteri kabinet dan kemudiannya sebagai menteri kewangan, beliau belumpun melakarkan kepada kita apakah falsafah ekonomi yang akan mendasari program untuk mendepani tantangan krisis ekonomi. Dengan pengumuman RM 60 billion semalam, sahlah bahawa beliau bukan seorang yang mahukan Perubahan. Rancangan ransangan ini hanya akan menyebabkan hutang negara bertambah besar. Defisit akan mencecah 7.6 % dari hanya 4.8% Keluaran Kasar Domestik.

1. Saya mulakan perbahasan dengan ungkapan pantun yang memberi gambaran kedudukan ekonomi Negara.

2. Berdasarkan analisa yang dibuat oleh IMF keatas Negara-negara OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) dari 1960 – 2007 menunjukkan pelabur-pelabur swasta secara umumnya keluar dari pasaran terlebih dahulu sebelum kemelesetan “rasmi” melanda sesebuah Negara atau rantau. Pelabur tidak akan masuk semula kedalam pasaran sehingga kemelesetan pulih sepenuhnya.

3. Berlainan dengan zaman “Great Depression”, milenium baru dikaitkan dengan globalisasi kewangan yang mengandungi kekayaan swasta dan perseorangan yang begitu besar bersedia bergerak bila-bila masa apabila iklim kewangan global pulih dan keluar apabila terhidu kegawatan akan melanda.

4. Tanda-tanda kemelesetan akan melanda Negara jelas kelihatan sejak akhir tahun 2005 apabila pelaburan langsung asing (FDI) mula mengalir keluar dari pasaran secara besar-besaran sehingga pada tahun 2007, yang keluar melebihi yang masuk. Saya telah memberi amaran kepada kerajaan supaya berwaspada dan berjaga-jaga apabila meminta Dewan ini membahas usul tergempar kedudukan pengaliran keluar pelaburan langsung asing yang amat meruncing ini tahun lepas tetapi tidak diendahkan dan usul saya ditolak. Malah kerajaan terus mengambil sikap “denial” sehingga semua petanda ekonomi untuk suku akhir 2008 menunjukkan Negara sudah mengalami kemelesetan sejak pertengahan tahun 2008 yang dinafikan kerajaan selama ini.

5. Kemelesetan ekonomi menjadi lebih parah dan berpanjangan lagi kerana ia bergabung dengan krisis kewangan global. Hamper semua pelabur swasta telah keluar dari pasaran. Yang tinggal hanya pelaburan kerajaan, agensi-agensinya dan sedikit pelabur swasta domestik. Negara terpaksa bersendirian dalam menghadapi kegawatan ekonomi hari ini tanpa sokongan sector swasta.

Ini membebankan lagi kerajaan dan belanjawan defisit akan terus meningkat kerana terpaksa berbelanja untuk menjana kegiatan ekonomi Negara sepertimana yang diusulkan oleh Menteri Kewangan semalam.

B. BILA RM7.1 BILLION DILULUSKAN?

6. Dalam Kertas Perintah 4A Tahun 2009 yang diedarkan, Maksud B.11 Perkhidmatan Am dan Perbendaharaan – 021900- Pemberian Kemudahan Projek Khas – disebutkan RM7.1 billion telah diluluskan dalam anggaran 2009 (kolum 5) dan Tambahan Pertama 2009 RM5 billion dipohon untuk diluluskan.

7. Setahu saya peruntukkan RM7.1 billion ini belum diluluskan apabila Dewan perintah dihentikan perbahasan kerana Kertas Perintah 4 tahun 2009 untuk maksud peruntukkan ini tidak diusulkan pada sesi yang lepas. Saya pohon Dewan menarik balik Kertas Perintah 4A Tahun 2009 sehingga dinyatakan RM7.1 billion dipohon untuk diluluskan bersama dengan tambahan RM5 billion yang dikemukakan.

8. Sejak diumumkan pada 4 November 2008 hingga akhir Februari tahun ini RM5 billion atau 71.4% telah diagihkan kepada kementerian dan agensi-agensi yang berkenaan. Kerajaan telah membelanja RM567.9 juta atau 8.1% daripada RM7 billion keatas 8,474 projek yang mana 6,239 projek terdiri daripada kerja-kerja infrastruktur awam dan kemudahan asas.

D. PENGAJARAN DARI KRISIS KEWANGAN ASIA 1998

13. Saya masih ingat semasa krisis Kewangan Asia 1998 yang melanda Negara, peruntukan diutamakan untuk “bail-out” syarikat-syarikat kroni daripada digunakan untuk projek-projek pembangunan.
Syarikat-syarikat yang dibail-out pula mengalami pelbagai masaalah sehingga hari ini. Wang-wang rakyat yang digunakan untuk bail-out masih belum terbayar dan ada yang ditukar sebagai geran seperti Perwaja, ada yang terpaksa diambilalih semula oleh kerajaan dengan harga yang merugikan lagi wang rakyat seperti MAS, saham-saham yang dipaksa beli oleh agensi-agensi kerajaan kehilangan nilai seperti TimeDotCom, pinjaman-pinjaman bank yang dijamin kerajaan dilupuskan seperti Time Engineering Bhd dengan Bank Infrastruktur dan pelbagai lagi.

14. Ini menyebabkan sejak krisis kewangan Asia, ekonomi Negara masih belum pulih, mengalami masaalah kronik, tidak berdaya kembang, pertumbuhan terpaksa dijana melalui perbelanjaan deficit kerajaan 11 tahun berturut-turut, dan kemampuan serta daya tahan kewangan kerajaan untuk menghadapi krisis ini adalah amat terbatas.

15. Semasa dunia sedang mengalami “commodity boom” beberapa tahun kebelakangan ini, semua negara pengeluar komoditi yang besar mendapat belanjawan lebihan kecuali Malaysia. Kelemahan kita ini ialah memperkecil dan kadangkala tersilap perkiraan sehingga rancangan pemulihan tidak memenuhi sasaran.

16. Perlu diingatkan keberkesanan pakej rangsangan ini ada hubungkaitnya dengan ekonomi global. Berlainan dengan dekad 30an, ekonomi global hari ini jauh lebih besar dan lebih saling bergantung diantara satu sama lain dengan Negara-negara seperti Brazil, China, India, Timur Tengah selain Jepun, Amerika Syarikat dan Eropah yang menjumlah jutaan pengguna baru berpendapatan menengah. Melainkan pakej rangsangan menjurus kepada peneguhan dan peningkatan perdagangan bebas, sumbangannya akan terbatas terutama sekiranya ia tidak dikoordinasi diperingkat antarabangsa.

E. BELANJAWAN DEFISIT MENINGKAT

17. Peruntukkan fiscal dalam pakej rangsangan pertama dan kedua untuk 2009 sebanyak RM17.1 billion akan meningkatkan belanjawan deficit 2009 kepada 7.6% daripada anggaran asal 4.8%. Belanjawan deficit akan berterusan untuk 2010 dan melihat kepada ‘track-record’ pengurusan ekonomi kerajaan hari ini tak tahu bila ia akan berkahir. Jumlah terkumpul deficit kerajaan sudah lebih daripada RM200 billion atau 37.4% daripada Keluaran Kasar Domestik. Akibatnya hutang kerajaan telah melonjak dari RM112 billion pada 1999 kepada RM289 billion pada suku ketiga 2008. Hutang kerajaan akan meningkat kepada lebih daripada RM300 billion dengan pakej ransangan ini.

18. Kita tidak mahu melihat apa yang berlaku di Amerika Syarikat juga berlaku di Malaysia. Apabila President Bill Clinton meninggalkan White House pada tahun 2000, kerajaan AS mempunyai belanjawan lebihan ‘surplus’ US$280 billion (RM1.04 trillion). Lapan tahun kemudian pada 2008, apabila President George Bush meninggalkan White House kerajaan AS terpaksa menanggong belanjawan ‘defisit’ US$1.6 (RM5.9) trillion dan melumpuhkan bukan sahaja ekonomi AS tetapi seluruh dunia.

F. DEFISIT TAHUN 2010 LEBIH MENCABAR

19. Tahun 2010 akan lebih mencabar. Ini kerana tekanan kepada kejatuhan royalty minyak akan dirasai pada tahun 2010 dan tidak 2009. Hasil kenaikan harga minyak dunia yang begitu tinggi tahun 2008 telah melonjak keuntungan bersih Petronas 46% berjumlah RM38.6 billion dan diambil kira untuk tahun 2008. Ini bermakna Petronas akan membayar cukai dan dividen lebih daripada RM20 billion kepada kerajaan untuk tahun 2009. Ini berdasarkan purata harga minyak US117 seton untuk 2008. Hari ini harga minyak sudah susut kurang daripada US40 setong. Jika ini berterusan dalam tahun 2009, maka hasil cukai dan dividen dari petroleum dan gas akan berkurangan lebih daripada separuh untuk 2010.

K. SISTEM ISLAM ATAU JUDI JADI PILIHAN?

40. Sudah ada kepercayaan bahawa semua pakej menyelamat kewangan yang diumumkan setakat ini di Amerika Syarikat, United Kingdom dan Eropah masih tidak mampu membantu system kewangan dari keruntuhan. Kawalan tersendiri (self regulating) system kewangan sedia ada tidak lagi berfungsi kerana sikap tamak dan rakus mengaut keuntungan tanpa mengira tanggongjawab dan kos social.

Kemungkinan besar system kewangan baru akan muncul atau tercipta tetapi masih kabur bentuk dan jenisnya dan bagaimana ia akan selari dengan system sekarang. Saya tidak mahu terlalu optimistic tetapi system kewangan Islam mungkin akan menonjol sebagai alternatifnya.

41. Ini dapat dilihat dari penerimaan system perbankan Islam secara berleluasa dalam system perbankan Eropah. Bank-bank utama Britain seperti HSBC dan Standard Chartered menyedia kaunter perbankan Islam. Malah badan perakaunan terbesar dunia yang berpusat di London, ‘Chartered Institute of Management Accountants’ mengeluar Sijil Kewangan Islam (Certificate in Islamic Finance) kepada pelajar yang ingin mempelajari system kewangan Islam. Begitu juga Kerajaan Perancis secara rasmi telah membiayai penyelidikan pelaksanaan system ekonomi Islam sebagai alternative dalam menghadapi kegawatan ekonomi global hari ini. Jelas telah berlaku peralihan paradigma dalam system kewangan dan ekonomi global.

42. Malaysia boleh berbangga sebagai salah sebuah Negara pelopor system kewangan Islam global. Tetapi malangnya tindakan Menteri Kewangan yang baru mengambil pendekatan yang tidak konvensyional dalam usaha meningkat pendapatan Negara. Sejak mengambil alih Kementerian Kewangan Oktober lepas, YB Pekan yang juga Timbalan Perdana Menteri telah mengeluarkan 10 lesen judi baru dalam suasana dunia sedang mendekati system Islam dalam pengurusan ekonomi dunia. Sila nyatakan syarikat-syarikat yang mendapat lessen mengeluar cabutan-cabutan baru ini.

43. Amat mudah menjebak masyarakat dalam perjudian, apatah lagi dalam keadaan rakyat tertekan mencari jalan mudah bagi menyelesai kegawatan dan kesempitan kewangan dan kehidupan akibat kegawatan ekonomi negara.
L. PROJEK-PROJEK YANG PERLU DIUTAMAKAN
44. Isu utama berapa besar program pembangunan, dimana dan sector apa yang patut dibelanjakan untuk memberi impak maksima kepada ekonomi. Lebih banyak lebuhraya bertol bukan jawapannya. Negara memerlukan pengangkutan Bandar baru dan moden. Kerajaan patut mengambil kesempatan memulakan fasa pertama dalam system pengangkutan Bandar di Bandar-bandar utama. Inilah masanya kerajaan menyedia peruntukkan untuk projek-projek mengatasi banjir dan banjir kilat, memoden infrastruktur system industri dan perusahaan, infrasruktur penyediaan air bersih, memodenkan system pendidikan, melatih semula kemahiran pekerja mengikut kehendak pasaran semasa, menyedia latihan dan pengalaman kerja kepada penganggur, memperkasa hasil penyelidikan dan pembangunan, membina perumahan untuk golongan berpendapatan serdahana dan rendah, system pengairan untuk pertanian dan ternakan, membuka kawasan-kawasan baru untuk pertanian dan penternakan, membangun kawasan rekreasi dan pelancongan dan pelbagai lagi yang bukan sahaja membuka peluang pekerjaan tetapi juga memberi menafaat besar kepada rakyat dan ekonomi negara.

IPCMC vs Siap & Looking deeper into the Musa/Gani Acquital

by Nathaniel Tan

As promised, here are some comments on the recent finding that Gani Patail and Musa Hassan (Then: deputy public prosecutor and investigating officer in Anwar’s case. Now: attorney general and inspector general. Coincidence?).

Before I get into it, a comment on Nazri and his views on this new EAIC/SIAP bill:

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz had previously revealed that the proposed commission would not have decision making powers.

The commission can only make recommendations to the relevant authorities after completing its investigations.

“The relevant agencies will be given a time frame to act. If no action is taken, the findings of the investigation will then be made public,” he said.

“The police, for instance, would then be forced to take action due to strong public pressure.”

Nazri added that, according to the federal constitution, any punitive action against errant government officers can only be taken by the agencies concerned, and not by a new body such as Siap.

“(To do that) we have to amend the constitution but the government doesn’t have two-thirds majority in Parliament for this,” he said.

This, with respect, is stupid. If the police had even the slightest inclination to react to public pressure, there would never have been the call for the IPCMC.

Malaysians have strongly supported the IPCMC precisely because the police don’t give a rat’s ass about what we think. If they did would they rush candlelight vigilers singing Negaraku? Beat Kugan to death? For that matter, beat up the Deputy Prime Minister?

His last comment is also, for lack of a better word, stupid. He seems to think us foolish enough to believe that we have no IPCMC because the opposition had the gall to deny BN a two thirds majority :|

My dear Nazri, why don’t you table the IPCMC in its original form, and let the voting speak for itself.

Anyway, back to Musa and Gani (another perfect example why we need the IPCMC).

First, of the three ex-judges who acquited these ‘fine’ gentlemen (These are based on preliminary Google searches, and I am open to correction), Mohd. Noor Abdullah appears to be the judge that heard Lim Guan Eng’s sedition trial (the one where he was on the side of an underaged Malay girl who allegedly was a victim of statutory rape involving Rahim Thamby Chik).

Kadir Sulaiman’s name turned up as a member of Mahathir’s Kuala Lumpur War Crimes “Tribunal,” where in judges basically were “well-behaved” and acted in exactly the way Mahathir had expected them to throughout his political career - subservient with foregone conclusions.

A motley crew, I’d say. While these two facts may not be much onto themselves, I think it’s important to consider the allegations against Musa and Gani.

Here, I beg your (and MK’s) pardon if I take the easy way out. The easiest way to refresh your memory is to reproduce Anwar’s police report on the matter, and a MK report on the admission of a former policeman intimately involved in the case. Peruse these, and judge for yourself.

Anwar’s Police Report:

I, Anwar Ibrahim, hereby make the following police report based on information that I have recently received.

This report is in relation to the investigation into the assault on me by the former IGP Tan Sri Rahim Noor on 20 September 1998. I believe Tan Sri (Abdul) Rahim Noor, after being prosecuted, pleaded guilty to the assault. I had lodged a police report in respect of the assault on 27 September 1998.

2. In relation to the investigation into the assault, I believe that the investigating officer ACP Mat Zain Ibrahim (now Datuk Mat Zain) had conducted a thorough investigation and prepared an investigation paper (“IP”) which was presented by October 1998 to the former attorney-general, Tan Sri Mokhtar Abdullah and his team which included the current attorney-general Tan Sri Gani Patail for further action.

3. The said investigation paper concluded that Tan Sri Rahim Noor was the perpetrator of the assault on me. The said paper reached a conclusion after a thorough investigation which included medical reports by Hospital KL forensic specialists such as Dr Ab Halim Mansar and Dr Zahari Noor and statement from at least 60 witnesses. The medical reports concluded that the injury inflicted on me was consistent with an assault.

4. Despite the contents of the investigation paper and the medical reports already available, Tan Sri Mokhtar with the assistance of the current attorney-general, Tan Sri Gani Patail then obtained the services of another doctor whom I was informed to be one Dr Abdul Rahman Yusof.

5. Dr Rahman in an undated and second report speaks of a “reconstruction of the scene” on 14 December 2008. I believe that this so-called reconstruction of the scene never happened.

6. It is an undisputable fact that Dr Rahman’s reports in relation to the assault on me were done without actually even examining me at any time.

7. However, despite the IP and the already existing medical reports, Tan Sri Mokhtar in his press statement of 5 January 1999 appears to accept the views of Dr Rahman on the so-called “inconsistencies” in the other medical reports by the doctors who actually physically examined me.

8. Tan Sri Mokhtar’s press statement also states that the investigation which had been carried out did not identify the person or persons responsible for my injuries. This is inconsistent with the IP which had already concluded by October 1998 that it was Rahim Noor who assaulted me. Tan Sri Mokhtar and his team therefore had willfully misled the public. As the police investigation done by Mat Zain had apparently not led to any conclusion, there was a public outcry and demand for a royal commission which was then set up. Tan Sri Mokhtar also made a false statement that the IP was submitted to him on 19 November 1998. I believe that Tan Sri Gani Patail had full knowledge of the false contents of this press statement.

I believe Tan Sri Musa Hassan and Tan Sri Gani Patail were present in Bukit Aman on 20 September 1998 and knew about the assault by Tan Sri Rahim Noor on me. Tan Sri Musa and Tan Sri Gani further concealed the fact of the assault on me from the public until my black eye and injuries were revealed in court (photo, right).

10. I believe both Tan Sri Musa and Tan Sri Gani Patail were actively involved in the procuring of the second undated report by Dr Rahman which makes false and incredible conclusions such as “the pattern and nature of the injuries are not consistent with a direct blow”, “accidental nature of the injuries could not be ruled out” and “self-inflicted nature of the injury should be considered”. They gave the instructions to Dr Rahman to proceed to write this second report and were acting under the direction and/or jointly with Tan Sri Mokhtar Abdullah.

11. These facts show that Tan Sri Musa Hassan, Tan Sri Gani Patail and SAC II Datuk Mat Zain Ibrahim (who, according to Dr Rahman’s second report, accompanied him to the cell in Bukit Aman where I was detained and participated in the so-called reconstruction of the scene) conspired with Dr Rahman to procure the production of this second report. This was done so that my police report of 27 September 1998 in respect of the assault would be regarded as a false police report for which I could be charged, or at the very least, to damage my credibility, so as to affect my defence in the other criminal cases where I was charged for so-called “corruption” and sodomy to facilitate a conviction.

12. I wish to point out that Tan Sri Gani Patail was the senior prosecutor assisting Tan Sri Mokhtar in the prosecution against me. Tan Sri Musa Hassan was the investigating officer for my prosecution. I also believe, that in an unprecedented manner, an operation room specially for my prosecution was set up at Bukit Aman’s compound where all these individuals would meet regularly.

13. This is not the first time that allegations of fabricating evidence had surfaced in connection with Tan Sri Gani Patail. I am informed that in the Federal Court decision Zainur Zakaria v Public Prosecutor [2001] 3 MLJ, Steve Shim CJ in delivering his judgment pointed out that “… was he not justified, on a prima facie basis, in complaining that Tan Sri Gani Patail’s conduct at the meeting on 2 October 1998 was an attempt to get (KS) Nalla(karuppan) to fabricate evidence in order to perfect charges against him for other alleged sexual offences?” The references to “he” and “him” in that sentence are references to myself.

14. In relation to the above, I refer to the following documents which will be of assistance to the police:

* The press statement by Tan Sri Mokhtar issued on 5 January 1999.

* The notes of proceedings in the report of the royal commission of the evidence of Dr Rahman.

* The second undated report produced by Dr Rahman exhibited in the royal commission report.

15. I call for a fresh investigation into the fabrication of evidence in this case which I am advised is an offence contrary to section 192 of the Penal Code punishable up to 7 years’ imprisonment. I ask that all the persons who are implicated in the procuring of this second report by Dr Rahman i.e. Tan Sri Gani Patail, Tan Sri Musa Hassan, Dr Rahman and Datuk Mat Zain Ibrahim be investigated thoroughly so that the truth is known and the offending individuals punished.

Anwar Ibrahim
1 July 2008

*

Ex-cop: How AG interfered in ‘black eye’ case
Beh Lih Yi | Oct 10, 08 1:14pm

A retired senior police officer who probed the infamous ‘black eye’ incident involving Anwar Ibrahim in 1998 has made startling claims on how attorney-general (AG) Abdul Gani Patail allegedly tampered with evidence in the case.

In a set of court documents revealed this week, Mat Zain Ibrahim implied that the actions of Abdul Gani, then a senior deputy public prosecutor, delayed the investigation process and concealed facts from then AG, the late Mohtar Abdullah.

Malaysiakini contacted Abdul Gani’s office for comments today, but has yet to receive a response to the voice-mail message.

Mat Zain, who had led the investigation team, made his revelations in a 18-page statement of claim in a RM30 million defamation suit that he filed against Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim on Aug 11, in the Shah Alam High Court. Mat Zain retired from the police force in 2001.

He claimed he had been defamed in Anwar’s police report lodged on July 1 implying that he had fabricated evidence relating to the ‘black eye’ incident (left), in cooperation with Abdul Gani and inspector-general of police (IGP) Musa Hassan (while a senior investigation officer in 1998).

In his statement of claim, Mat Zain pleaded innocence to Anwar’s claims and instead pointed the finger at Abdul Gani by recounting how the latter had allegedly interfered in the case.

Mat Zain’s claims were first made public on Wednesday, during Anwar’s sodomy trial in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court. Anwar’s lawyer Sulaiman Abdullah had read out the document in court during submissions on why Abdul Gani should not be involved in any aspect of the sodomy case.

However, the media was told not to report the details pending the court’s decision on the admissibility of the evidence. The gag order was lifted yesterday.

According to the document, Mat Zain was instructed on Sept 27, 1998 by then IGP Abdul Rahim Mohd Noor (left) to head an investigation team, after Anwar lodged a report that day that he had been beaten up while in police custody, thereby sustaining injuries including a ‘black eye’.

Mat Zain said he had immediately instructed two forensic experts, Dr Halim Mansar and Dr Zahari Noor, from the Kuala Lumpur Hospital to examine Anwar.

Abdul Rahim met him privately that night and told him to conduct an in-depth investigation and “to leave no stone unturned” in order to uphold the image of the police force, he said in the document written in Bahasa Malaysia.

“I was ordered to only brief Rahim and (Mohtar) on the progress of the investigation and given the assurance that no other senior police officer will disrupt me in carrying out my duty.”

A similar message was conveyed to Mat Zain in a meeting with then premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad (right) about two weeks later, to brief the latter on the progress of the investigation.

“During that meeting, I explained what actually happened to Anwar and identified the person who hurt him.

“The prime minister advised me that there should be no cover-up in the probe and stated that the government may set up an independent commission to investigate the case if there is any attempt to cover up the incident; (and if a commission had to be appointed) would tarnish not only the credibility of the police force but also mine,” the document added.

On Oct 16, 1998, Mat Zain said he met with Abdul Gani to hand over his first investigation report, after directed to liaise with him because Mokhtar was busy with official duties.

Gani’s role explained

Abdul Gani’s alleged interference came into the picture when Mat Zain alleged in his court document that:

- A questionable medical report was prepared by one Dr Abdul Rahman Yusof, allegedly on Abdul Gani’s order.

Mat Zain stated that he found out there was an attempt to “insert irrelevant and suspicious statements” into the investigation report, especially in relation to “Abdul Rahman’s report which was done on the instructions of Abdul Gani”. Mat Zain said he was confident that Abdul Rahman has never examined Anwar physically.

- Mat Zain claimed he had obtained information that Abdul Gani was on the 30th floor of the federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman when Anwar was assaulted and he believed Abdul Gani knew of the incident either at the time or soon after.

- On Oct 30, 1998, Mat Zain personally handed over his second investigation paper and report to Abdul Gani, and briefed him on the details. Among the conclusions were that the Anwar’s injury was consistent with assault and not self-inflicted; and that Abdul Rahim was the person who caused the injury.

- Although two investigation reports had been given to Abdul Gani on Oct 26 and 30 respectively, Mohtar was quoted in the media on Nov 7 as saying that his chambers had not received any such report.

- It was only on Nov 20 that Mohtar reportedly said he had received the report. Mat Zain said he believed Mohtar’s statement was made after he (Mat Zain) had “pressured” Abdul Gani a day earlier to confirm the status of his two reports.

- On Nov 25, Musa informed Mat Zain that Mohtar wanted to meet him (Mat Zain) at Bukit Aman and to visit the lock-up where Anwar was held. Musa and Abdul Gani were present during the visit.

- Mat Zain later found out that Abdul Rahman’s second medical report had mentioned there was a visit to the lock-up (where Anwar was held) and a “reconstruction of the incidence”, where Mat Zain was named as the person who had accompanied Abdul Rahman to the lock-up. Mat Zain denied this had ever taken place.

- On Jan 6, 1999, Mohtar (left) had reportedly said Mat Zain’s investigations were incomplete and that the latter had yet to identify the perpetrator (despite the findings given to Abdul Gani on Oct 30, 1998).

- Mat Zain said he “believed Abdul Gani concealed important facts from Mohtar’s knowledge” and had personally appointed Abdul Rahman as the medical officer to prepare the report in October 1998. His conclusion was based on the fact that Mohtar had only appointed Abdul Rahman two months later.

- Mat Zain said Abdul Rahman later testified before the royal commission on the ‘black eye’ incident in March 1999 and gave conflicting statements with regard to his own findings. The proceedings came to an end when Abdul Rahim admitted that he had caused the injury to Anwar.

At the end of his court document, Mat Zain vehemently denied Anwar’s accusation that he had plotted any fabrication of evidence with Abdul Gani and Musa.

“The truth is I had acted to the best of my abilities to prevent any party from influencing me to do anything unlawful while investigating Anwar’s injury,” Mat Zain said.

Musa filed a defamation suit against Anwar on July 21 while Abdul Gani has threatened to do the same.

Umno Seeing Healthy Contests, Says Ali

MELAKA, March 11 (Bernama) -- Umno vice president Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said there have been no elements of slander and pitting against each other ahead of party elections at the end of the month.

The contest for top party posts so far was healthy and in the spirit of brotherliness, he said at a meeting between Umno Supreme Council candidates and Melaka delegates here tonight.

Present at the function included Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib, Wanita head Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz and Youth leader Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

Muhammad said the contest this time was positive in the absence of poison pen letters and text messages bent on running down certain candidates.

This was a very good signal for Umno with the delegates giving more or less the same support to all the candidates. "It shows that Umno members have become very matured and not emotional," he said.

Rafidah said contests were part of a democratic process and everyone should accept whatever decisions of the delegates. "We need to ensure Umno remain strong and don't let any split to happen," she said.