Tuesday, 3 January 2012
Anwar begins tour ahead of sodomy verdict
He will visit eight states in a whirlwind six-day tour beginning in Johor and ending in a courthouse rally.
By Romen Bose
KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim embarks Tuesday on a nationwide tour ahead of a verdict in his long-running sodomy trial, to declare his innocence and campaign for a change of government.
The trial, which opened nearly two years ago, is the latest crisis for the former finance minister who was sacked and jailed on separate sodomy charges a decade ago, only to make a comeback at the helm of a resurgent opposition.
Ahead of the Jan 9 verdict which could see Anwar jailed for up to 20 years, he will visit eight states in a whirlwind six-day tour beginning in southern Johor state and ending in a courthouse rally.
“I am making a call for change, enough of this arrogance of power, the abuses of the ruling party, we need change so that such baseless accusations, the persecution of individuals like myself, do not continue,” he told AFP.
“The tour is not only to declare my innocence but to convince the people that it is time to vote out Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s government so as to move towards greater democracy and openness.”
Najib has until March 2013 to call general election, but is widely expected to go to the people this year with hopes of winding back the stunning gains the opposition secured in the last polls in 2008.
Anwar’s opposition alliance, led by his PKR, won an unprecedented one-third of parliamentary seats in that ballot, stunning the Barisan Nasional government which has ruled for half a century.
The new sodomy allegations, levelled by a young former aide, were lodged soon after, fuelling Anwar’s allegations that the charges were concocted to destroy his political career.
Anwar’s tour begins in the ruling party’s bastion of Johor before heading to the central states of Negeri Sembilan and Malacca on Wednesday, and the opposition’s stronghold of Kelantan in the north on Thursday.
Jan 9 rally
Event organisers say they are expecting several thousand supporters at the late-night event in Johor to hear Anwar speak in a boisterous ceramah.
Anwar is famed for his eloquence and charisma and in cities and villages alike typically gathers large crowds keen for a display of his caustic wit and fiery rhetoric.
The roadshow will Friday move on to Malaysia’s richest state Selangor, which surrounds the capital Kuala Lumpur, followed by Penang, Pahang and Terengganu on Saturday.
After a gathering Sunday night at Anwar’s residence — long a rallying point for his supporters — the tour will culminate on Jan 9 in a rally outside the Kuala Lumpur High Court where the verdict will be handed down.
“We are expecting over 20,000 people to turn up at the courthouse following the country-wide tour, for people to show their support for Anwar,” PKR young wing leader, Shamsul Iskandar, told AFP.
Anwar’s original conviction sparked unprecedented protests and police have urged the leaders of the courthouse rally to cancel the event, warning it would be “unlawful and threaten public order”.
Sodomy is illegal in conservative, Muslim-majority Malaysia and legal experts say a guilty verdict would bar Anwar from contesting the upcoming polls, although others say he may be able to run until appeals are exhausted.
Pakatan struggle will continue
“I have my family around me and party leaders with me, we will speak to the people and reiterate my innocence and pray for the best on Jan 9,” the 64-year-old opposition leader said.
“However, even if I am found guilty and jailed, the opposition’s struggle will go on. We are prepared.”
Anwar’s legal battles have loomed over Malaysian politics for years.
He had been groomed to take the helm of the multi-cultural nation but a bitter split with his boss, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in 1997 led to his arrest the following year.
He was later convicted on sodomy and corruption charges widely seen as politically motivated, but was freed from jail in 2004 after the sodomy conviction was overturned.
- AFP
By Romen BoseKUALA LUMPUR: Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim embarks Tuesday on a nationwide tour ahead of a verdict in his long-running sodomy trial, to declare his innocence and campaign for a change of government.
The trial, which opened nearly two years ago, is the latest crisis for the former finance minister who was sacked and jailed on separate sodomy charges a decade ago, only to make a comeback at the helm of a resurgent opposition.
Ahead of the Jan 9 verdict which could see Anwar jailed for up to 20 years, he will visit eight states in a whirlwind six-day tour beginning in southern Johor state and ending in a courthouse rally.
“I am making a call for change, enough of this arrogance of power, the abuses of the ruling party, we need change so that such baseless accusations, the persecution of individuals like myself, do not continue,” he told AFP.
“The tour is not only to declare my innocence but to convince the people that it is time to vote out Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s government so as to move towards greater democracy and openness.”
Najib has until March 2013 to call general election, but is widely expected to go to the people this year with hopes of winding back the stunning gains the opposition secured in the last polls in 2008.
Anwar’s opposition alliance, led by his PKR, won an unprecedented one-third of parliamentary seats in that ballot, stunning the Barisan Nasional government which has ruled for half a century.
The new sodomy allegations, levelled by a young former aide, were lodged soon after, fuelling Anwar’s allegations that the charges were concocted to destroy his political career.
Anwar’s tour begins in the ruling party’s bastion of Johor before heading to the central states of Negeri Sembilan and Malacca on Wednesday, and the opposition’s stronghold of Kelantan in the north on Thursday.
Jan 9 rally
Event organisers say they are expecting several thousand supporters at the late-night event in Johor to hear Anwar speak in a boisterous ceramah.
Anwar is famed for his eloquence and charisma and in cities and villages alike typically gathers large crowds keen for a display of his caustic wit and fiery rhetoric.
The roadshow will Friday move on to Malaysia’s richest state Selangor, which surrounds the capital Kuala Lumpur, followed by Penang, Pahang and Terengganu on Saturday.
After a gathering Sunday night at Anwar’s residence — long a rallying point for his supporters — the tour will culminate on Jan 9 in a rally outside the Kuala Lumpur High Court where the verdict will be handed down.
“We are expecting over 20,000 people to turn up at the courthouse following the country-wide tour, for people to show their support for Anwar,” PKR young wing leader, Shamsul Iskandar, told AFP.
Anwar’s original conviction sparked unprecedented protests and police have urged the leaders of the courthouse rally to cancel the event, warning it would be “unlawful and threaten public order”.
Sodomy is illegal in conservative, Muslim-majority Malaysia and legal experts say a guilty verdict would bar Anwar from contesting the upcoming polls, although others say he may be able to run until appeals are exhausted.
Pakatan struggle will continue
“I have my family around me and party leaders with me, we will speak to the people and reiterate my innocence and pray for the best on Jan 9,” the 64-year-old opposition leader said.
“However, even if I am found guilty and jailed, the opposition’s struggle will go on. We are prepared.”
Anwar’s legal battles have loomed over Malaysian politics for years.
He had been groomed to take the helm of the multi-cultural nation but a bitter split with his boss, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in 1997 led to his arrest the following year.
He was later convicted on sodomy and corruption charges widely seen as politically motivated, but was freed from jail in 2004 after the sodomy conviction was overturned.
- AFP
Dr Nedu: I’m still contesting in GE13
The MCLM-backed candidate confirms that he will contest in the Kapar seat in the next general election.
PETALING JAYA: The first Barisan Rakyat Independent Candidate (BRIC), Dr Nedunchelian Vengu, has affirmed that he will still be battling it out for the Kapar seat in the 13th general election.
His clarification this morning was a move to clear up the confusion following a recent statement by the Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM) chairman, Raja Petra Kamarudin, that the movement would not be fielding any candidates for the upcoming polls.
“I have been receiving concerned calls from my team and Kapar residents about my candidacy and I’d like to assure them that I will still be contesting the Kapar seat,” Nedunchelian told FMT.
“I was never an MCLM candidate so even if MCLM isn’t around tomorrow, my election campaign will continue. I started my groundwork before MCLM’s endorsement, so Raja Petra’s statement has in no way affected my decision to stand for elections.”
Last July Nedunchelian was officially introduced to the public as a BRIC and an MCLM-backed candidate.
“I accepted MCLM’s support because the tenets of my personal campaign agenda fit with the movement’s social inclusion agenda,” he had said back then.
MCLM’s former president, Haris Ibrahim, had however emphasised that Nedunchelian would remain independent from the movement.
Haris, who announced his resignation from MCLM yesterday, also said that contrary to Raja Petra’s statement, no decision had been made on the fielding of MCLM-backed candidates.
Nedunchelian was born and raised in Kapar, and opened his first dental practice there. As such he pointed out that it was only right for him to contest in his hometown.
“Of the numerous people who offered themselves as candidates under BRIC, I was one of the few to survive MCLM’s stringent vetting and be acknowledged as a winnable candidate,” he said.
“Part of that reason is because I have been close to the grassroots through my community work. I’ve conducted numerous free medical and dental clinics for the needy and children as well as programmes for single mothers and the underpriviledged.”
Nedunchelian will most likely be facing incumbent, PKR’s S Manikasagam, and acandidate from MIC for the seat.
PETALING JAYA: The first Barisan Rakyat Independent Candidate (BRIC), Dr Nedunchelian Vengu, has affirmed that he will still be battling it out for the Kapar seat in the 13th general election.His clarification this morning was a move to clear up the confusion following a recent statement by the Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM) chairman, Raja Petra Kamarudin, that the movement would not be fielding any candidates for the upcoming polls.
“I have been receiving concerned calls from my team and Kapar residents about my candidacy and I’d like to assure them that I will still be contesting the Kapar seat,” Nedunchelian told FMT.
“I was never an MCLM candidate so even if MCLM isn’t around tomorrow, my election campaign will continue. I started my groundwork before MCLM’s endorsement, so Raja Petra’s statement has in no way affected my decision to stand for elections.”
Last July Nedunchelian was officially introduced to the public as a BRIC and an MCLM-backed candidate.
“I accepted MCLM’s support because the tenets of my personal campaign agenda fit with the movement’s social inclusion agenda,” he had said back then.
MCLM’s former president, Haris Ibrahim, had however emphasised that Nedunchelian would remain independent from the movement.
Haris, who announced his resignation from MCLM yesterday, also said that contrary to Raja Petra’s statement, no decision had been made on the fielding of MCLM-backed candidates.
Nedunchelian was born and raised in Kapar, and opened his first dental practice there. As such he pointed out that it was only right for him to contest in his hometown.
“Of the numerous people who offered themselves as candidates under BRIC, I was one of the few to survive MCLM’s stringent vetting and be acknowledged as a winnable candidate,” he said.
“Part of that reason is because I have been close to the grassroots through my community work. I’ve conducted numerous free medical and dental clinics for the needy and children as well as programmes for single mothers and the underpriviledged.”
Nedunchelian will most likely be facing incumbent, PKR’s S Manikasagam, and acandidate from MIC for the seat.
Karzai orders probe in torture of 15-year-old Afghan girl
Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai called for an investigation into the torture of a 15-year-old girl, who police say they rescued after she was locked in the basement of her in-laws' house, starved and her nails pulled out.
Karzai ordered the Interior Ministry on Sunday to look into the case of Sahar Gul, saying the issue "must be seriously investigated," his office said in a statement. He also ordered the deputy minister of the interior to arrest those behind the torture of the girl.
Last month, authorities in the northern Baghlan province said they rescued the girl after hearing reports that she was tortured after she refused to be forced into prostitution. But, they said, they were waiting for her to fully recover to talk to her and learn more.
Sahar was married off to a 30-year-old man about seven months ago. After her parents reported not seeing her for months, police launched their investigation, Baghlan police official Jawid Basharat said at the time.
"After police rescued her from a dark room of her in-laws' house, we saw her nails had been pulled out by her husband. And she said with broken voice that her husband used to cut her flesh using pliers," he said.
The girl was also denied food, he said.
Rahima Zarifi, director of the Women's Affairs Department in Baghlan, said Sahar was immediately hospitalized.
Police have arrested her in-laws, but her husband fled.
The case, Zarifi has said, highlights how women continue to suffer in parts of Afghanistan despite overall progress since the fall of the Taliban.
In the second quarter of this year, the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) registered 1,026 cases of violence against women. Last year, 2,700 cases were recorded.
In December, gunmen attacked and sprayed an Afghan family with acid in their home after the father rejected a man's bid to marry his teenage daughter.
In another case, a 21-year-old, identified only as Gulnaz for her own protection, was sentenced to 12 years in prison after she reported that her cousin's husband had raped her.
Her plight attracted international attention when it came out that she had agreed to marry her attacker to gain her freedom and legitimize a daughter conceived in the attack.
She was eventually freed, following the president's intervention.
Nude pictures land wife in jail... husband free
Court grants the husband divorce without paying dowry
The Abu Dhabi Court of Appeal upheld the verdict of the Abu Dhabi Criminal Court which sentenced a woman to three months in jail for publishing indecent photos of herself on one of the websites, reported 'Al Bayan'.
The family court also issued a ruling of her being divorced from her husband without getting her dowry.
The husband had filed a complaint accusing his wife of publishing nude pictures on pornographic sites.
Investigations revealed that nine pictures were real and five fake.
Meanwhile, the woman - a government employee - accused her husband of taking such photos on his mobile phone under the influence of alcohol to get rid of her and to deprive her of the custody of her children as well as the dowry.
But when the Court of Appeal dismissed her appeal, saying the pictures speak of her act, she justified it by claiming that she took such photos on her husband's demand because he missed her when she was not around.
The Abu Dhabi Court of Appeal upheld the verdict of the Abu Dhabi Criminal Court which sentenced a woman to three months in jail for publishing indecent photos of herself on one of the websites, reported 'Al Bayan'.
The family court also issued a ruling of her being divorced from her husband without getting her dowry.
The husband had filed a complaint accusing his wife of publishing nude pictures on pornographic sites.
Investigations revealed that nine pictures were real and five fake.
Meanwhile, the woman - a government employee - accused her husband of taking such photos on his mobile phone under the influence of alcohol to get rid of her and to deprive her of the custody of her children as well as the dowry.
But when the Court of Appeal dismissed her appeal, saying the pictures speak of her act, she justified it by claiming that she took such photos on her husband's demand because he missed her when she was not around.
PKR: RPK ‘hired’ to smear Anwar ahead of Sodomy II verdict
PKR claims Raja Petra’s criticism was meant to dissuade the public from turning up in support of Anwar on January 9. — File pic
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 2 — PKR today sought to discredit Raja Petra Kamarudin as a “hired Umno blogger” and part of a larger plot to smear Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ahead of the latter’s sodomy trial verdict.
The PKR de facto leader will learn the verdict on his sodomy charge on January 9. He is accused of sodomising a former aide, a charge he has vehemently denied and claims is a conspiracy to destroy his political career.
Today, PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution said Umno and Barisan Nasional were determined to see Anwar jailed, adding that the attacks against Anwar was meant to deflect from the government’s financial scandals.
“It should not be forgotten that Raja Petra Kamarudin, now more known as a ‘hired Umno blogger’, once made a sworn statement that (Datuk Seri) Najib (Razak) and (Datin Seri) Rosmah (Mansor) were involved in the brutal murder of Mongolian model Altantuya Shariibuu...
“The latest are spins by Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian, Umno-owned media who ... pick and contort Raja Petra Kamarudin’s statement on lies and allegations about Anwar’s case in their front pages,” Saifuddin said in a statement.
The self-exiled blogger told Utusan Malaysia that Anwar was morally unfit to become prime minister as Malaysians could not accept a homosexual leading the country.
Raja Petra did not explicitly call Anwar homosexual but said there was no room in Malaysia for someone who is gay and wants to become PM.
He also said he was “90 per cent” sure the man in the “Datuk T” sex video was Anwar, and that many of the latter’s friends believed in the authenticity of the video.
Saifuddin said the interview was a part of Umno’s “desperation” to discourage Malaysians from turning up at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on January 9 to show support for Anwar.
“Anwar is the opposition leader of Malaysia, the Permatang Pauh MP and PKR de facto leader. As a political leader, he has his followers and supporters.
“The attendance of his followers and supporters and PKR members to support him should not be seen as an attempt to cause chaos,” added Saifuddin.
The Machang MP went on to claim that Umno would cause havoc on January 9, and urged Malaysians to see past Umno’s dirty tactics.
“All the discrepancies and financial abuse by Umno and Barisan Nasional has not been answered by Najib and his Cabinet,” added Saifuddin, referring to PKR’s allegations of abuse against Senator Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil and her husband in the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) scandal.
RPK: Azmin can only plot and scheme
Raja Petra trains his gun at Azmin Ali, saying that Anwar's blue-eyed boy is not the right person to lead PKR post-Anwar.
INTERVIEW
PETALING
JAYA: Influential blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin predicts an internal
revolt in PKR if Anwar Ibrahim tries to promote deputy president Azmin
Ali to take over the party after his (Anwar’s) sentencing for sodomy.“In fact there is already an internal revolt. If Anwar pushes for Azmin, there will be a backlash,” Raja Petra told FMT in an interview recently.
Raja Petra said Azmin is devious, likes to plot and scheme, and more worryingly, still had Umno culture in him.
“I have not seen anything from Azmin this far which impresses me or convinces me that he can lead.
“His forte is scheming and plotting, and that’s about it. But sooner or later we need to stop scheming and plotting and get down to business. This, Azmin appears incapable of,” he said.
“Azmin is deceitful and he will put his personal interests and ambition above the interests of the party and the rakyat.
“He is basically a product of Umno who has not been able to shed the Umno culture. He is still Umno through and through. And what we want is ABU: anything but Umno,” said Raja Petra.
Raja Petra also reiterated that PKR members would not have forgotten Azmin’s role in pushing out Zaid Ibrahim from PKR after the contentious party polls in 2010.
“The tragedy of Zaid leaving the party was Azmin’s doing. Then they tried to paint a picture of Zaid being a Trojan horse and whatnot,” he said.
He also added that even Pakatan Rakyat partners PAS and DAP would prefer someone else apart from Azmin to lead PKR.
“Azmin may be acceptable to Anwar as his anointed successor but PAS and DAP do not trust him and do not regard him highly.”
Nurul should take charge
When asked who could fill the leadership mantle in the party post-Anwar, Raja Petra said it was time for vice-president Nurul Izzah to step up and take charge.
“Nurul needs to get out of the father’s shadow. She needs to be Nurul Izzah, not Nurul the daughter of Anwar.“She also needs to oppose her father if need be whenever she feels her father is wrong. Maybe the best thing for her would be if Anwar were to be sent to jail. Then Nurul can be her own woman.”
He also brushed aside general concerns that Nurul was inexperienced and too young to helm PKR, especially going into an election year.
“They say Nurul is too young. 200 years ago girls got married at 11, boys joined the army at 13, and by 30 you were considered old and over the hill.
“Nurul, by the standards of 200 years ago, would be old and over the hill. So, no, I do not think she is too young and certainly she is of the age when she can take over the leadership of the party.
“But does she have enough experience? If she does not play a leadership rolenow then how is she to get the experience? It is a catch 22 situation,” he said.
He was also harsh on Anwar’s leadership, especially in the lack of direction after the massive wins gained in the 2008 general election.
“Over the last three years, he has made more than 60 overseas trips. It appears like Anwar is more interested in lecturing at forums and universities than of managing Selangor as its economic adviser or managing party matters as the party adviser.
“Would Anwar’s absence really be missed?” he asked.
On the attackOn Sunday, Raja Petra told FMT that it was certain Anwar would be jailed for sodomy on Jan 9. He also alluded that Anwar was in fact guilty of the sodomy charge, saying that the PKR supremo was a victim of a honey-trap.
Apart from talking to FMT, Raja Petra had also granted interviews to other mainstream media in which he had said that Malaysians were unable to accept a homosexual to lead the country. However he did not state Anwar was homosexual.
He had also claimed that he was almost 90 percent sure that the man featured in a sex video released by the Datuk T trio was Anwar. He added that Anwar had lied by stating that he did not know the main personality behind the Datuk T trio, Shazryl Eskay Abdullah.
Anwar has not officially responded to Raja Petra’s hard-hitting interviews but PKR vice-president N Surendran said that Raja Petra’s “statements, insinuations and innuendos are unfair,untrue, unsupported by any believable evidence and plainly libelous”.
Surendran reiterated Anwar’s stand that the sodomy trial was “a
transparent fabrication by Umno/BN with the connivance and cooperation
of the police force and the Attorney General’s office”.“Raja Petra’s insinuations are thus based upon a malicious conspiracy which is widely disbelieved throughout this country and abroad,” he said in a statement.
The Selangor government also took offence to Raja Petra’s claims that there was rampant corruption in the PKR-led state and that Anwar, as the economic adviser to the state, had not done anything to improve the state economically.
Political secretary to Selangor Menteri Besar Faekah Husin said the state was willing to finance Raja Petra to visit the state secretariat from wherever he is presently located to hear out his evidence of corruption in the state.
She also accused him of selling out on PKR and Anwar so that he would be allowed back into the country by the Barisan Nasional government.
Many online commentators also lashed out at Raja Petra for his attacks on Anwar, PKR and Pakatan in his interviews.
However Raja Petra, in a blog posting in his website Malaysia-Today today, said that he had expected to get a whacking and that he was unapologetic for his views.
“Not many can accept the truth. They would rather I say what is pleasing to their ears. I am to say that the emperor wears clothes even if he is stark naked,” he said.
Protest over temple land leased for car wash
Butterworth residents stage a protest against the
Penang Hindu Endowments Board for leasing a temple land for a car wash
business.
BUTTERWORTH:
A group of local ethnic Indian residents protested against the Hindu
Endowments Board, Penang, for allegedly leasing out a temple land here
for a car wash business.The 20-minute peaceful protest was held today from 10am near the Jalan Siram – Jalan Telaga Air junction, next to a Hindu cemetery, on a land which belongs to the temple, Butterworth Sri Mariamman Kovil endowments.
The protesters condemned the commercial endevour as being against lay Hindu public interests and demanded Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy to resign immediately as the board chairman.
They also called on for the repeal of the Hindu Endowment Ordinance 1906 and abolishment of the board.
During the protest, they displayed anti-HEB and anti-Ramasamy banners and chanted similar slogans.
A protester A Raja said the board was overstepping its boundary as caretaker and trustee of Hindu properties under the temple jurisdiction.
“The board cannot simply privatise temple land without the committee’s knowledge,” said Raja.
When contacted, Ramasamy said he was unaware of the purpose of the protest.
He said that until now, no one from Butterworth had met him to discuss the controversial issue.
He added that he would have to gather details of the car wash leasing before he could response to the public.
“Anyway, I am willing to meet the people to find an amicable solution to the issue,” Ramasamy told FMT.
The unknown operator of the car wash business had already set up a shed and done some earth clearance on the plot of land.
No positive responseRaja (left) meanwhile said he had telephoned Ramasamy on Dec 14 after 9pm to inform the DAP leader on the Hindu public objection to the project.
“But I did not receive a positive answer,” Raja, a temple trustee at nearby Periacheeamman Alayam, told newsmen during the protest.
Another protester S Rajasegaran said the car wash operations would disrupt Hindu devotees’ frequent use of the land to perform religious rituals and rites during temple festivals.
He claims neighbourhood Hindus have been using the land for the purpose for past 150 years.
“Who is the board to take away our rights? It’s Hindu land, not the board’s,” insisted Rajasegaran.
When locals brought up the issue to the board’s attention several weeks ago, he said several board officials, who were inspecting the site, had brushed aside the locals’ demands.
Rajasegaran alleged that the officials even challenged locals “to do whatever you all want to do. We will carry out our project.”
“The board officials were rude and ill-mannered.”
No comments from HEB
When contacted, HEB official M Ramachandran declined to comment, saying that the board would issue a written reply to the controversy tomorrow.
Periacheeamman Alayam chairman K Jaganathan, 64, said under the colonial ordinance, the board was only a trustee to safe keep several Hindu properties.
As such, he cautioned the board of over-stepping its jurisdiction to manage Hindu properties in Butterworth because “the temple committee is the real manager.”
In today’s property market, value of the endowments, which are all located in prime areas, would be over RM500 million.
Which category are you in?
Of
course I expected to get a whacking. I told my wife that that is
exactly what is going to happen once my interview with the mainstream
media is published. Not many can accept the truth. They would rather I
say what is pleasing to their ears. I am to say that the emperor wears
clothes even if he is stark naked.NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin
The more important issue is not what you think of me. Certainly you will say I have been bought, have sold out, have turned, am a traitor, and whatnot. I have read your comments in Malaysia Today, Free Malaysia Today, Malaysiakini, The Malaysian Insider and whatnot. I have received your private messages and e-mails. The more important issue is: which category are you in?
Are you amongst the less than 4 million Malaysians who voted opposition in the last general election in 2008 or are you amongst the more than 11 million eligible voters who did not vote opposition, did not vote at all, or did not even register to vote?
If you are in the first category then I value your comments. If you are in the second then your comments are of no importance.
Are you amongst the handful of one million Malaysians who live overseas and came back to Malaysia to vote opposition in the last general election in 2008 or are you amongst the majority of the overseas eligible voters who came home to vote but voted Barisan Nasional, did not come home to vote, or did not even register to vote?
If you are in the first category then I value your comments. If you are in the second then your comments are of no importance.
Are you amongst the 20 student demonstrators in Tanjong Malim or the 100 ‘V for Vendetta’ protestors at Dataran Merdeka last night or are you amongst the 28 million Malaysians who stayed home or did other things last night instead of supporting the fight for change?
If you are in the first category then I value your comments. If you are in the second then your comments are of no importance.
Are you amongst those one or two who post comments in the Blogs and websites under you real name because you are committed to the cause or are you amongst the 99.9% of the readers who post comments under fictitious names because you prefer to throw stones while hiding your hands in case you get into trouble.
If you are in the first category then I value your comments. If you are in the second then your comments are of no importance.
Are you, like me, wondering who is running Selangor -- EXCO Member Hasan Ali, Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim, or Selangor State Economic Adviser Anwar Ibrahim -- after you heard of the raid on the pubs last night, or are you not concerned that there appears to be some confusion as to who is in charge in Selangor, especially with the deafening silence by the Pakatan Rakyat leaders today?
If you are in the first category then I value your comments. If you are in the second then your comments are of no importance.
Yes, I value your comments, but only if you fall in the first category of all those various groups above. If not, then your comments are of no significance. And that would probably mean almost all if not all of those who are commenting.
I have resigned as MCLM president
By Haris Ibrahim,
From the very first post in this blog to this day, my political viewpoint has been the same.
If we are to transform this into a nation of a single, united people, and to finally start to see a just distribution of the nation’s wealth, to offer equal educational and economic opportunities to all our children, and, most importantly, to restore vital institutions of state back to their role as servants of the people, UMNO and BN had to be removed from Putrajaya.
My faith, though, in seeing this realised, has been with an awakening people working with the non-BN political parties who are truly pro-rakyat.
This, too, remains unchanged.
On 30th October, 2010, whilst attending to guests at an SABM dinner, lecture, I received an sms from RPK informing that that very night, in London, at the inaugural meeting of the Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement, I had been unanimously elected as president.
3 weeks later, I was in Manchester where, after much deliberation with RPK, I agreed to accept the position subject to our agreement on several issues.
I will only mention two here that I believe relevant to the difficult decision I have made today.
First, matters of policy and direction of MCLM were to be determined and made after mutual consultation and consensus between us.
Second, RPK would oversee the administrative affairs of MCLM, in his capacity as chairman, as well as look into all overseas matters. whilst I would drive our operations here at home.
In December, 2010, in London, RPK announced the launch of our Barisan Rakyat Independent Candidate Initiative.
In July, last year, MCLM announced the deployment of our first candidate, Dr Neduchelian, in the Kapar consitutuency.
In December, last year, after conferring with RPK, MCLM joined several other groups in issuing a warning to Najib that should he call snap elections without first carrying through the electoral reforms demanded by BERSIH 2.0, he should brace himself for street rallies that might culminate in his government being toppled. I wish to reiterate here that this was no idle threat.
Again, after conferring with RPK, MCLM had, last month, firmly aligned itself with the many NGOs and several political parties that hve given life to the Asalkan Bukan Umno / Anything But Umno (ABU) initiative.
Yesterday, the New Straits Times published an interview with RPK that was conducted in Singapore last week.
I had been informed by RPK whilst I was with him in Phuket over the Christmas holiday that this interview was to take place. I was not, however, fully appraised of all that was to be said in the course of the interview.
The matters spoken of by RPK have been quite wide-ranging.
I only propose to allude here to the two parts that have led me to the decision I have made today.
Under the heading “Rights group not a third force – RPK” that appeared in the NST and is reproduced in full on Malaysia Today, RPK is reported to have said that “MCLM had decided it would not field any candidates for the coming general election”.
I can confirm now that no such decision has been made after due consultation.
And under the heading “RPK – Anwar may become irrelevant”, also reproduced in full on Malaysia Today, RPK is reported to have said that “the Egypt-style people’s revolution was not an answer for Malaysia due to the delicate racial balance. “They (Chinese voters) don’t want Tahrir Square type of change”.”
These comments just referred to greatly undermine efforts I am making, albeit through MLCM, in the ABU initiative.
It also saddens me that even as initiatives like SABM and so many others continue daily to undo the ill-effects of UMNO /BN’s 40 over years of race-based, divide-and-rule, my friend should continue to see us as Malays, Chinese, Indians, dll.
I remain committed to all efforts to see this a nation of a single people, all equal.
And I am fully committed to the cause of ABU.
In the circumstances, I find it impossible to continue to serve MCLM as its president.
I have communicated my resignation to RPK by email.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the many who have come forward and volunteered their time and energy towards the cause of MCLM. We could not have made it this far without you.
I want to apologise to the funders in UK for this sudden decision of mine and pray that they will understand that my commitment to see change in our country, whether through elections or on the streets, remains unwavering.
To my friends in Sabah and Sarawak, my commitment to your pursuit of the promises of the 1963 agreement and to rid yourselves of the curse that UMNO and BN have become, remain on course.
I am fully committed to the reforms that we have, up to now, been pressing to see introduced by a new pro-rakyat government in Putrajaya.
God willing, we will, together, plant love, tenderness and respect in this land of ours.
From the very first post in this blog to this day, my political viewpoint has been the same.
If we are to transform this into a nation of a single, united people, and to finally start to see a just distribution of the nation’s wealth, to offer equal educational and economic opportunities to all our children, and, most importantly, to restore vital institutions of state back to their role as servants of the people, UMNO and BN had to be removed from Putrajaya.
My faith, though, in seeing this realised, has been with an awakening people working with the non-BN political parties who are truly pro-rakyat.
This, too, remains unchanged.
On 30th October, 2010, whilst attending to guests at an SABM dinner, lecture, I received an sms from RPK informing that that very night, in London, at the inaugural meeting of the Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement, I had been unanimously elected as president.
3 weeks later, I was in Manchester where, after much deliberation with RPK, I agreed to accept the position subject to our agreement on several issues.
I will only mention two here that I believe relevant to the difficult decision I have made today.
First, matters of policy and direction of MCLM were to be determined and made after mutual consultation and consensus between us.
Second, RPK would oversee the administrative affairs of MCLM, in his capacity as chairman, as well as look into all overseas matters. whilst I would drive our operations here at home.
In December, 2010, in London, RPK announced the launch of our Barisan Rakyat Independent Candidate Initiative.
In July, last year, MCLM announced the deployment of our first candidate, Dr Neduchelian, in the Kapar consitutuency.
In December, last year, after conferring with RPK, MCLM joined several other groups in issuing a warning to Najib that should he call snap elections without first carrying through the electoral reforms demanded by BERSIH 2.0, he should brace himself for street rallies that might culminate in his government being toppled. I wish to reiterate here that this was no idle threat.
Again, after conferring with RPK, MCLM had, last month, firmly aligned itself with the many NGOs and several political parties that hve given life to the Asalkan Bukan Umno / Anything But Umno (ABU) initiative.
Yesterday, the New Straits Times published an interview with RPK that was conducted in Singapore last week.
I had been informed by RPK whilst I was with him in Phuket over the Christmas holiday that this interview was to take place. I was not, however, fully appraised of all that was to be said in the course of the interview.
The matters spoken of by RPK have been quite wide-ranging.
I only propose to allude here to the two parts that have led me to the decision I have made today.
Under the heading “Rights group not a third force – RPK” that appeared in the NST and is reproduced in full on Malaysia Today, RPK is reported to have said that “MCLM had decided it would not field any candidates for the coming general election”.
I can confirm now that no such decision has been made after due consultation.
And under the heading “RPK – Anwar may become irrelevant”, also reproduced in full on Malaysia Today, RPK is reported to have said that “the Egypt-style people’s revolution was not an answer for Malaysia due to the delicate racial balance. “They (Chinese voters) don’t want Tahrir Square type of change”.”
These comments just referred to greatly undermine efforts I am making, albeit through MLCM, in the ABU initiative.
It also saddens me that even as initiatives like SABM and so many others continue daily to undo the ill-effects of UMNO /BN’s 40 over years of race-based, divide-and-rule, my friend should continue to see us as Malays, Chinese, Indians, dll.
I remain committed to all efforts to see this a nation of a single people, all equal.
And I am fully committed to the cause of ABU.
In the circumstances, I find it impossible to continue to serve MCLM as its president.
I have communicated my resignation to RPK by email.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the many who have come forward and volunteered their time and energy towards the cause of MCLM. We could not have made it this far without you.
I want to apologise to the funders in UK for this sudden decision of mine and pray that they will understand that my commitment to see change in our country, whether through elections or on the streets, remains unwavering.
To my friends in Sabah and Sarawak, my commitment to your pursuit of the promises of the 1963 agreement and to rid yourselves of the curse that UMNO and BN have become, remain on course.
I am fully committed to the reforms that we have, up to now, been pressing to see introduced by a new pro-rakyat government in Putrajaya.
God willing, we will, together, plant love, tenderness and respect in this land of ours.
How Raja Petra lost the plot and became irrelevant
It will not work. In fact what Raja Petra has done in his interview will only harden the entrenched views of those who are going to vote for the Opposition and push the fence-sitters (who were hitherto guarding their wallets and feeding their stomachs) to the arms of the Opposition. There will be a thousand and one ways to use the Raja Petra issue to inflict pain on the BN and it does not require much imagination.
By Matthias Chang
This article will come as a shock to many just as Raja Petra’s interview with the New Sunday Times about Anwar but not for those in the political inside track. To those in charge of propaganda in UMNO, the interview in which Raja Petra let loose his pent-up anger on Anwar is a major propaganda coup that will surely turn the tide against the opposition.
There will be some within the ranks of the Opposition who will be disheartened by this open attack on Anwar by a former “loyalist” and founder of Malaysia-Today. There will be many within the ranks of Barisan Nasional who will consider this exposé as the nail in the Opposition’s coffin and contribute to the success of Barisan Nasional in the next General Election.
But I beg to differ.
Here are my reasons.
When I was the political secretary to Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, I was not a member of any political party and till today, I am still not a member of any political party so as to remain an independent observer and opinion maker. I gave my views, opinions and advice just as a lawyer would to his client, honestly and without fear or favour. I would do my research and give the pros and cons and finally my conclusions and recommendations. I endeavoured to be as objective as possible. It makes no difference to me whether my views, opinions and advice were accepted or not. I gave my best efforts and would move on to the next assignment.
By adopting any other attitude in such a position would result inevitably in a subjective and bias approach to one’s assignment. This was how Vice-President Dick Cheney and his team gathered every morsel of intelligence (regardless of their cogency and veracity) to support the policy of waging war against Iraq. The intelligence collected was to serve a pre-conceived agenda.
So, we have to be very discerning about information, views and “advice” given in such POLITICAL SITUATIONS, as any misjudgment would end up in a fiasco.
Let this be a warning!
It is often quoted in political circles that “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”. Yes, it is true up to a point and would depend on the degree of usefulness of this particular “friend”.
In intelligence work, there is always a lingering doubt whether a “defector” is a genuine defector or a “double agent” – whether he is planting and giving enough intelligence jewels to convince the bait that he is genuine. To understand the mindset of such a person, his motive is all important. We should not be easily taken in by the information / propaganda jewels given on a silver platter. There are no free lunches. Everything has a price and consequences.
To those who take the views of Raja Petra seriously, have you asked one critical question: What caused the “fallout” between Raja Petra and Anwar? Do you really know about this “fallout”?
Why was Raja Petra not a member of Party Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)? Or was he? If he is not a member of the party, why is he trying to dictate the composition of leadership of PKR even to the extent of supporting a maverick and a political frog in the person of Zaid Ibrahim, who resigned as the Law Minister and UMNO member to vie for the leadership of PKR? What locus standi has Raja Petra to interfere in the internal affairs of PKR?
Why is he questioning the leadership of DAP and PAS in their support for Anwar? Is Raja Petra really acting in the interest of the Barisan Nasional? What is the ultimate role of the so-called “Civil Liberties Movement” (more commonly referred to as the “third force”)?
Can Raja Petra and the so-called “third force” dictate how a party (whether in the Barisan Nasional or the Pakatan Rakyat coalition) selects the candidates for an election when they are not subject to any party discipline and or adhere to the party’s policies?
Raja Petra is even willing to offer the so-called “electable candidates” of the “third force” to any party who is willing to subscribe to his agenda / policies. Therefore, what is his agenda???
So, before Barisan Nasional embraces Raja Petra and the so-called “third force” so eagerly, it should adopt a wary stance for what is on offer may well be a poison chalice! There may be more than meets the eye.
Differences in a political party are normal. It is part of the democratic process of any party and Raja Petra has always demanded such freedom within the Opposition parties. Yet, he highlights differences of minor players within the ranks of the Opposition parties and exaggerates the implications on the basis that this is the view of the voters.
What voters does Raja Petra or the “third force” represent? Who are these voters?
In 2010, Raja Petra announced that he has thirty “electable candidates” that will stand in the next General Election and will provide their names every week or so. But what happened? Other than giving two names (I stand to be corrected on this) and even if it may be more than two, he certainly did not deliver the thirty names.
Another question that needs an urgent answer – not being a PKR member, how did he end up collaborating with Zaid Ibrahim and supporting his candidacy for Deputy President against Azmin Ali? And when Zaid Ibrahim lost the battle and abandoned the party, Raja Petra went ballistics! Why? Wayang Kulit (shadow play)?
Is Raja Petra “a man who has lost the plot” or something else?
After Raja Petra’s interview with TV3, just before the Sawarak State Election, he lost all credibility in the eyes of the voters who supported the opposition. DAP did rather well notwithstanding the interview. He then gave an elaborate explanation on how he was misquoted etc. He fell for the bait of having publicity on prime time television – an ego trip, and lost big time! His followers abandoned him.
Now, he gives an interview timed just before the High Court’s judgment on Sodomy II fixed for the 9th January 2012.
Why?
So many questions, but so few answers! He claims that he wants clarity and focus on critical issues, but his actions muddy further the already polluted waters. That he needs another constituency to survive and to reap the political harvest in the next General Election from whichever political coalition willing to pay his political ransom is all too clear. So he comes bearing gifts to the Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional as a teaser and prelude to extract the ultimate political ransom.
The trillion dollar question: Why is Raja Petra bearing gifts to Barisan Nasional? But he says that he still supports the Opposition. Is he playing both sides? If he is, and gets away with it, he is indeed a political fiddler par excellence.
In my previous article, “Malaysia – 2012, National Suicide or A New Paradigm”, I had warned that the next General Election will be a “no-holds-barred” political slug fest and it will be ugly. Post-2008, no one can take for granted that the voters would be as gullible as pre-2008. On the contrary, they are more informed and discerning and can see through the fog of the political war.
In the past, such an interview by a former “loyalist” may be the ruin of a political leader, but not this time, as Raja Petra is not the first and will not be the last “loyalist” that will lambast the leader of the Opposition. Prior to Raja Petra, there was Ezam Mohd Nor, one-time “loyal supporter” of Anwar. But Anwar survived this fallout and it is Ezam who has now become irrelevant. I believe that Anwar will survive Raja Petra’s attacks and in due course, Raja Petra will also become irrelevant. Raja Petra is a desperate man and we must all be on guard against such a desperado.
That is why it is so dangerous to assume that this attack by Raja Petra will be the end of Anwar and that this will assist Barisan Nasional to triumph in the next General Election. This would be a gross miscalculation and if Barisan Nasional formulates its strategy on these lines, Prime Minister Najib will definitely be a one-term leader.
Why do I say this?
People are sick and fed-up of the Sodomy II case, not because as alleged by Raja Petra that Anwar dragged on the case, but because the majority of the people have already made up their mind that Anwar is innocent and this is a sham trial to lynch Anwar and bury him once and for all. It matters not whether you agree with this perception or conclusion. But this is the reality. If Sodomy I could not kill Anwar, how can Sodomy II and the other stupid pornographic video bury Anwar?
Anwar went to jail after Sodomy I and came out even stronger and more resilient. Even if Raja Petra says that it is Anwar in the said pornographic video, is he an expert? As far as the people are concerned, Sodomy II is another episode of gutter politics. This is the bloody reality! They are fed-up and disgusted with the way this has been used against Anwar.
I was told once by a political leader that after Sodomy I, the country will not tolerate another sodomy trial against any politician as a means to end his political career.
So, I question Raja Petra’s accusations and allegations against Anwar at this particular juncture. Who will be the ultimate beneficiary of his tirade against Anwar?
Just as Hasan Ali is toxic to PAS members and to many Chinese and Christians who are now supporting PAS and are no longer afraid of Islam, Raja Petra is equally toxic to those in PKR and DAP and those Chinese and Indians who are supporting PKR and DAP. Nothing will change their minds because they are riled by the perceived abuse of power by the leaders of Barisan Nasional and the contradictions and inconsistencies of the BN policies, the various flip-flops.
Anger has now turned into contempt. And we are talking about the conservative middle-class. This is another reality.
I am only the messenger. You may not want to agree or accept this reality. But the fact remains that many people have this mindset. Period!
I would caution the BN to be wary and not embrace Raja Petra too readily. He is toxic like the financial derivatives that almost destroyed the global financial system in the 2007 / 2008 financial tsunami!
In my view, the granting of two full-page of Raja Petra’s propaganda in the New Sunday Times and the Malay mass-media is a desperate attempt by Barisan Nasional to deflect the attention from the various scandals afflicting the BN to Anwar’s Sodomy II trial.
It will not work. In fact what Raja Petra has done in his interview will only harden the entrenched views of those who are going to vote for the Opposition and push the fence-sitters (who were hitherto guarding their wallets and feeding their stomachs) to the arms of the Opposition. There will be a thousand and one ways to use the Raja Petra issue to inflict pain on the BN and it does not require much imagination.
Do you know what decent apolitical families are saying? They have been saying and continue to say, “How can these people be so cruel to inflict so much pain on Anwar’s family?”
You may well consider this view as being superficial and subjective, but can you rid this perception from the people? Raja Petra in his personal vendetta against Anwar for whatever wrong, real or perceived, that Anwar has done to him, has revealed a side of his character that has not been revealed to his supporters all these years – vindictiveness over political differences. And this is an insecure and dangerous trait.
Raja Petra and his family have suffered tremendously for his political beliefs and views and I sympathise and admire his tenacity for enduring such hardships. But, I cannot allow personal sentiments to cloud my judgment.
Raja Petra has demanded that truth be told. I say that if truth be told, Raja Petra has lost the plot and has become a victim of his own vindictiveness. He is not a leader that can be respected or entrusted to change the country as he professes to do so.
Raja Petra may not be too happy reading this article and his band may well mount a counter-attack on me. But it matters not, for in the past, his band has maligned me with profanities instead of debating the issues raised by me in a mature way in his website. What else can they do after they have called me: “Mahathir’s barking dog”, “Mahathir’s crony”, “bastard”, “M#@*%@ F#@*%#”, “scumbag” etc.
Let’s gather our thoughts on the so-called Civil Liberties Movement (the “Third Force”) and its agenda. I have no doubt that there are many genuine people who want to better the country and have indeed made tremendous sacrifices and are willing to follow Raja Petra as the pied-piper.
But, do they know Raja Petra’s ultimate agenda?
Let me summarise for you. It is quite simple. His ambition is to hold the balance of power in Parliament in the event of a Hung Parliament and leverage to the hilt whichever political coalition that is willing to pay the political ransom demanded.
The essence of his ambition is power. Let’s not kid ourselves. Politicians do not venture into politics for altruistic ideals. They want power to fulfill their ambitions. If the country is fortunate, she may from time to time have a politician who does good for the country, but there are far and few.
Yes, I agree that Nelson Mandela is one of the few. Raja Petra does not think that Anwar, Najib, etc. belong to that category. But neither is Raja Petra!
Let us not be distracted by personalities and exaggerated egos across the political divide. We have enough of them. Let us focus on those who can unite our country and lead us to greater heights of excellence and by 2020 to be a developed nation for a start.
By Matthias Chang
This article will come as a shock to many just as Raja Petra’s interview with the New Sunday Times about Anwar but not for those in the political inside track. To those in charge of propaganda in UMNO, the interview in which Raja Petra let loose his pent-up anger on Anwar is a major propaganda coup that will surely turn the tide against the opposition.
There will be some within the ranks of the Opposition who will be disheartened by this open attack on Anwar by a former “loyalist” and founder of Malaysia-Today. There will be many within the ranks of Barisan Nasional who will consider this exposé as the nail in the Opposition’s coffin and contribute to the success of Barisan Nasional in the next General Election.
But I beg to differ.
Here are my reasons.
When I was the political secretary to Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, I was not a member of any political party and till today, I am still not a member of any political party so as to remain an independent observer and opinion maker. I gave my views, opinions and advice just as a lawyer would to his client, honestly and without fear or favour. I would do my research and give the pros and cons and finally my conclusions and recommendations. I endeavoured to be as objective as possible. It makes no difference to me whether my views, opinions and advice were accepted or not. I gave my best efforts and would move on to the next assignment.
By adopting any other attitude in such a position would result inevitably in a subjective and bias approach to one’s assignment. This was how Vice-President Dick Cheney and his team gathered every morsel of intelligence (regardless of their cogency and veracity) to support the policy of waging war against Iraq. The intelligence collected was to serve a pre-conceived agenda.
So, we have to be very discerning about information, views and “advice” given in such POLITICAL SITUATIONS, as any misjudgment would end up in a fiasco.
Let this be a warning!
It is often quoted in political circles that “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”. Yes, it is true up to a point and would depend on the degree of usefulness of this particular “friend”.
In intelligence work, there is always a lingering doubt whether a “defector” is a genuine defector or a “double agent” – whether he is planting and giving enough intelligence jewels to convince the bait that he is genuine. To understand the mindset of such a person, his motive is all important. We should not be easily taken in by the information / propaganda jewels given on a silver platter. There are no free lunches. Everything has a price and consequences.
To those who take the views of Raja Petra seriously, have you asked one critical question: What caused the “fallout” between Raja Petra and Anwar? Do you really know about this “fallout”?
Why was Raja Petra not a member of Party Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)? Or was he? If he is not a member of the party, why is he trying to dictate the composition of leadership of PKR even to the extent of supporting a maverick and a political frog in the person of Zaid Ibrahim, who resigned as the Law Minister and UMNO member to vie for the leadership of PKR? What locus standi has Raja Petra to interfere in the internal affairs of PKR?
Why is he questioning the leadership of DAP and PAS in their support for Anwar? Is Raja Petra really acting in the interest of the Barisan Nasional? What is the ultimate role of the so-called “Civil Liberties Movement” (more commonly referred to as the “third force”)?
Can Raja Petra and the so-called “third force” dictate how a party (whether in the Barisan Nasional or the Pakatan Rakyat coalition) selects the candidates for an election when they are not subject to any party discipline and or adhere to the party’s policies?
Raja Petra is even willing to offer the so-called “electable candidates” of the “third force” to any party who is willing to subscribe to his agenda / policies. Therefore, what is his agenda???
So, before Barisan Nasional embraces Raja Petra and the so-called “third force” so eagerly, it should adopt a wary stance for what is on offer may well be a poison chalice! There may be more than meets the eye.
Differences in a political party are normal. It is part of the democratic process of any party and Raja Petra has always demanded such freedom within the Opposition parties. Yet, he highlights differences of minor players within the ranks of the Opposition parties and exaggerates the implications on the basis that this is the view of the voters.
What voters does Raja Petra or the “third force” represent? Who are these voters?
In 2010, Raja Petra announced that he has thirty “electable candidates” that will stand in the next General Election and will provide their names every week or so. But what happened? Other than giving two names (I stand to be corrected on this) and even if it may be more than two, he certainly did not deliver the thirty names.
Another question that needs an urgent answer – not being a PKR member, how did he end up collaborating with Zaid Ibrahim and supporting his candidacy for Deputy President against Azmin Ali? And when Zaid Ibrahim lost the battle and abandoned the party, Raja Petra went ballistics! Why? Wayang Kulit (shadow play)?
Is Raja Petra “a man who has lost the plot” or something else?
After Raja Petra’s interview with TV3, just before the Sawarak State Election, he lost all credibility in the eyes of the voters who supported the opposition. DAP did rather well notwithstanding the interview. He then gave an elaborate explanation on how he was misquoted etc. He fell for the bait of having publicity on prime time television – an ego trip, and lost big time! His followers abandoned him.
Now, he gives an interview timed just before the High Court’s judgment on Sodomy II fixed for the 9th January 2012.
Why?
So many questions, but so few answers! He claims that he wants clarity and focus on critical issues, but his actions muddy further the already polluted waters. That he needs another constituency to survive and to reap the political harvest in the next General Election from whichever political coalition willing to pay his political ransom is all too clear. So he comes bearing gifts to the Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional as a teaser and prelude to extract the ultimate political ransom.
The trillion dollar question: Why is Raja Petra bearing gifts to Barisan Nasional? But he says that he still supports the Opposition. Is he playing both sides? If he is, and gets away with it, he is indeed a political fiddler par excellence.
In my previous article, “Malaysia – 2012, National Suicide or A New Paradigm”, I had warned that the next General Election will be a “no-holds-barred” political slug fest and it will be ugly. Post-2008, no one can take for granted that the voters would be as gullible as pre-2008. On the contrary, they are more informed and discerning and can see through the fog of the political war.
In the past, such an interview by a former “loyalist” may be the ruin of a political leader, but not this time, as Raja Petra is not the first and will not be the last “loyalist” that will lambast the leader of the Opposition. Prior to Raja Petra, there was Ezam Mohd Nor, one-time “loyal supporter” of Anwar. But Anwar survived this fallout and it is Ezam who has now become irrelevant. I believe that Anwar will survive Raja Petra’s attacks and in due course, Raja Petra will also become irrelevant. Raja Petra is a desperate man and we must all be on guard against such a desperado.
That is why it is so dangerous to assume that this attack by Raja Petra will be the end of Anwar and that this will assist Barisan Nasional to triumph in the next General Election. This would be a gross miscalculation and if Barisan Nasional formulates its strategy on these lines, Prime Minister Najib will definitely be a one-term leader.
Why do I say this?
People are sick and fed-up of the Sodomy II case, not because as alleged by Raja Petra that Anwar dragged on the case, but because the majority of the people have already made up their mind that Anwar is innocent and this is a sham trial to lynch Anwar and bury him once and for all. It matters not whether you agree with this perception or conclusion. But this is the reality. If Sodomy I could not kill Anwar, how can Sodomy II and the other stupid pornographic video bury Anwar?
Anwar went to jail after Sodomy I and came out even stronger and more resilient. Even if Raja Petra says that it is Anwar in the said pornographic video, is he an expert? As far as the people are concerned, Sodomy II is another episode of gutter politics. This is the bloody reality! They are fed-up and disgusted with the way this has been used against Anwar.
I was told once by a political leader that after Sodomy I, the country will not tolerate another sodomy trial against any politician as a means to end his political career.
So, I question Raja Petra’s accusations and allegations against Anwar at this particular juncture. Who will be the ultimate beneficiary of his tirade against Anwar?
Just as Hasan Ali is toxic to PAS members and to many Chinese and Christians who are now supporting PAS and are no longer afraid of Islam, Raja Petra is equally toxic to those in PKR and DAP and those Chinese and Indians who are supporting PKR and DAP. Nothing will change their minds because they are riled by the perceived abuse of power by the leaders of Barisan Nasional and the contradictions and inconsistencies of the BN policies, the various flip-flops.
Anger has now turned into contempt. And we are talking about the conservative middle-class. This is another reality.
I am only the messenger. You may not want to agree or accept this reality. But the fact remains that many people have this mindset. Period!
I would caution the BN to be wary and not embrace Raja Petra too readily. He is toxic like the financial derivatives that almost destroyed the global financial system in the 2007 / 2008 financial tsunami!
In my view, the granting of two full-page of Raja Petra’s propaganda in the New Sunday Times and the Malay mass-media is a desperate attempt by Barisan Nasional to deflect the attention from the various scandals afflicting the BN to Anwar’s Sodomy II trial.
It will not work. In fact what Raja Petra has done in his interview will only harden the entrenched views of those who are going to vote for the Opposition and push the fence-sitters (who were hitherto guarding their wallets and feeding their stomachs) to the arms of the Opposition. There will be a thousand and one ways to use the Raja Petra issue to inflict pain on the BN and it does not require much imagination.
Do you know what decent apolitical families are saying? They have been saying and continue to say, “How can these people be so cruel to inflict so much pain on Anwar’s family?”
You may well consider this view as being superficial and subjective, but can you rid this perception from the people? Raja Petra in his personal vendetta against Anwar for whatever wrong, real or perceived, that Anwar has done to him, has revealed a side of his character that has not been revealed to his supporters all these years – vindictiveness over political differences. And this is an insecure and dangerous trait.
Raja Petra and his family have suffered tremendously for his political beliefs and views and I sympathise and admire his tenacity for enduring such hardships. But, I cannot allow personal sentiments to cloud my judgment.
Raja Petra has demanded that truth be told. I say that if truth be told, Raja Petra has lost the plot and has become a victim of his own vindictiveness. He is not a leader that can be respected or entrusted to change the country as he professes to do so.
Raja Petra may not be too happy reading this article and his band may well mount a counter-attack on me. But it matters not, for in the past, his band has maligned me with profanities instead of debating the issues raised by me in a mature way in his website. What else can they do after they have called me: “Mahathir’s barking dog”, “Mahathir’s crony”, “bastard”, “M#@*%@ F#@*%#”, “scumbag” etc.
Let’s gather our thoughts on the so-called Civil Liberties Movement (the “Third Force”) and its agenda. I have no doubt that there are many genuine people who want to better the country and have indeed made tremendous sacrifices and are willing to follow Raja Petra as the pied-piper.
But, do they know Raja Petra’s ultimate agenda?
Let me summarise for you. It is quite simple. His ambition is to hold the balance of power in Parliament in the event of a Hung Parliament and leverage to the hilt whichever political coalition that is willing to pay the political ransom demanded.
The essence of his ambition is power. Let’s not kid ourselves. Politicians do not venture into politics for altruistic ideals. They want power to fulfill their ambitions. If the country is fortunate, she may from time to time have a politician who does good for the country, but there are far and few.
Yes, I agree that Nelson Mandela is one of the few. Raja Petra does not think that Anwar, Najib, etc. belong to that category. But neither is Raja Petra!
Let us not be distracted by personalities and exaggerated egos across the political divide. We have enough of them. Let us focus on those who can unite our country and lead us to greater heights of excellence and by 2020 to be a developed nation for a start.
RPK’s Statement Baseless And Unsupported
I refer to blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin’s interview in which he discusses ‘ gay Prime Ministers’ in relation to the sodomy trial of federal Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He also says he is ’90 per cent sure’ that the person in the notorious ‘Datuk T’ sex video is Anwar Ibrahim. I do not wish to speculate as to RPK’s motives in making such statements. However I do say that his statements, insinuations and innuendoes are unfair,untrue, unsupported by any believable evidence and plainly libellous. For some reason, RPK ignores the fact that the entire sodomy case is a transparent fabrication by Umno/BN with the connivance and cooperation of the police force and the Attorney General’s office. RPK’s insinuations are thus based upon a malicious conspiracy which is widely disbelieved throughout this country and abroad. Anwar’s trial has made a mockery of justice, and fair and accepted legal procedures; and it has been condemned as such by civil and political leaders as well as rights bodies worldwide. The failure to disclose material evidence critical to the defence; the serious flaws in the way forensic samples were obtained,stored and analyzed; the unusual and legally unsound pre-judgement of the case by Judge Zabidin at the end of prosecution case; the extraordinary meeting between the complainant and the Prime Minister, and the PM’s lying explanation for it, are but some of the proofs of a wide-ranging conspiracy behind the Sodomy II case. Upon this shaky ground, RPK builds a ramshackle tower of vague suppositions and wild innuendoes.
As for the sex video, it was concocted out of desperation by UMNO-linked conspirators as a result of Sodomy II’s failure to turn the rakyat against Anwar Ibrahim and Pakatan Rakyat. A key figure in the shameful sex video fiasco is the former UMNO Vice-President and Chief Minister of Melaka, Rahim Thamby Chik who was forced to resign over a sex scandal involving a minor. Tens of thousands of copies of the pornographic video were freely distributed all over the country, while the police sat by and took no action against the porn-peddlers. When after months of public pressure, the Datuk T trio were charged for a minor offence, the A-G’s chambers took advantage of the proceedings to slander and attack the reputation of Anwar Ibrahim. Has RPK forgotten UMNO’s long, disgraceful and criminal history of abusing the police, prosecution and judiciary in order to silence or neutralize key opposition figures? Further, he provides not the slightest basis or evidence for his extraordinary claim that he is ’90 %’ certain that it is Anwar in the sex video.
It is extremely fortunate that the people of this country have not fallen for these UMNO-inspired plots, which are simply underhand and criminal attempts to halt the reform movement and Pakatan Rakyat’s march to federal power. UMNO must engage in democratic politics by debate and discussion, and stop using dirty and dishonest means to try to bring down Anwar and Pakatan Rakyat.
Issued by,
N SURENDRAN
VICE PRESIDENT
KEADILAN
As for the sex video, it was concocted out of desperation by UMNO-linked conspirators as a result of Sodomy II’s failure to turn the rakyat against Anwar Ibrahim and Pakatan Rakyat. A key figure in the shameful sex video fiasco is the former UMNO Vice-President and Chief Minister of Melaka, Rahim Thamby Chik who was forced to resign over a sex scandal involving a minor. Tens of thousands of copies of the pornographic video were freely distributed all over the country, while the police sat by and took no action against the porn-peddlers. When after months of public pressure, the Datuk T trio were charged for a minor offence, the A-G’s chambers took advantage of the proceedings to slander and attack the reputation of Anwar Ibrahim. Has RPK forgotten UMNO’s long, disgraceful and criminal history of abusing the police, prosecution and judiciary in order to silence or neutralize key opposition figures? Further, he provides not the slightest basis or evidence for his extraordinary claim that he is ’90 %’ certain that it is Anwar in the sex video.
It is extremely fortunate that the people of this country have not fallen for these UMNO-inspired plots, which are simply underhand and criminal attempts to halt the reform movement and Pakatan Rakyat’s march to federal power. UMNO must engage in democratic politics by debate and discussion, and stop using dirty and dishonest means to try to bring down Anwar and Pakatan Rakyat.
Issued by,
N SURENDRAN
VICE PRESIDENT
KEADILAN
Half-century long struggle against ISA
The year 2011 will be remembered for the decision to do away
with the ISA – a move which vindicates the half-century long struggle
against this oppressive law.
But we need to be especially vigilant about what kind of laws will eventually replace the ISA. No to detention without trial.
Prime Minister Najib Razak’s announcement on 15 September 2011, on the eve of Malaysia Day, that the government would repeal the Internal Security Act (ISA) and lift the proclamations of Emergency removed a heavy mill-stone that has weighed down on the nation’s psyche.
Despite the long delay before the actual repeal (supposedly in March 2011), the announcement vindicates the long struggle by ordinary Malaysians to rid the nation of this obnoxious detention without trial law.
The dumping of the ISA would be testimony to the strength of People Power for over half a century. A droplet of discontent grew into a stream and then a raging river which flowed into a sea of protest, the biggest of which was the Abolish ISA rally in 2009.
Even when the peninsula achieved Independence in 1957, we were not fully liberated. The Emergency Regulations Ordinance, introduced in 1948 remained in force. Introduced by the British High Commissioner Edward Gent, the Ordinance was anything but gentlemanly. It allowed for detentions not exceeding one year. Not only suspected communists, but thousands of nationalists including Malay political activists outside the Umno fold such as Ahmad Boestamam and Pak Sako were detained without trial.
Full article in Aliran Monthly.
But we need to be especially vigilant about what kind of laws will eventually replace the ISA. No to detention without trial.
Prime Minister Najib Razak’s announcement on 15 September 2011, on the eve of Malaysia Day, that the government would repeal the Internal Security Act (ISA) and lift the proclamations of Emergency removed a heavy mill-stone that has weighed down on the nation’s psyche.
Despite the long delay before the actual repeal (supposedly in March 2011), the announcement vindicates the long struggle by ordinary Malaysians to rid the nation of this obnoxious detention without trial law.
The dumping of the ISA would be testimony to the strength of People Power for over half a century. A droplet of discontent grew into a stream and then a raging river which flowed into a sea of protest, the biggest of which was the Abolish ISA rally in 2009.
Even when the peninsula achieved Independence in 1957, we were not fully liberated. The Emergency Regulations Ordinance, introduced in 1948 remained in force. Introduced by the British High Commissioner Edward Gent, the Ordinance was anything but gentlemanly. It allowed for detentions not exceeding one year. Not only suspected communists, but thousands of nationalists including Malay political activists outside the Umno fold such as Ahmad Boestamam and Pak Sako were detained without trial.
Full article in Aliran Monthly.
Monday, 2 January 2012
1Malaysia has ruined race relations
According to Wikipedia, the 1Malaysia concept aimed to re-kindle 'ethnic harmony' but the opposite seems to be in place now.
FEATURE
PETALING JAYA: In 1957, when we gained independence, there was no “talk” of race relations. There were no complications. There was just acceptance of a rich and culturally diverse social fabric that made up Malaysia.
But as the country “grew” over the years, politics filtered through the layers of society influencing the racial mix – and acceptance slowly eroded to be replaced by conditional tolerance.
Race relations, simply defined, are “ties” between different races in a country. In Malaysia, these days, “race relations” is often described as a “complicated” issue.
But it’s a “complication” that 67-year-old Mohd Fikri Slamat can’t understand. More unacceptable to him is Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s “ridiculous” 1Malaysia concept conceived last year in a bid to “re-educate” mixed Malaysia about “ethnic harmony”.
“I thought we were doing quite nicely… I don’t see the need for something as ridiculous as the 1Malaysia concept. How does Najib think we gained our Independence?
“Through the work of just one race? Maybe he should go back and re-read authentic Malaysian history to realise that there were other races involved in our Merdeka,” scoffs Fikri.
Forty-four-year-old Wong Chui Seng, a mechanic, believes the 1Malaysia concept has worsened race relations and has served to drive a wedge between the communities.
“While every Malaysian knows that there is a racial lopsidedness where rights to education and ownership of property are concerned, I was never as conscious of how little rights I had as a Chinese person until the 1Malaysia concept came along.
“It seems to be an Umno unity tool… All this talk about racial unity is great, but what is the outcome? I don’t see any additional fair game for all,” he said.
Launched on Sept 16, 2010, in conjunction with Malaysia Day, Najib’s 1Malaysia has its own Wikipedia page which calls on the Cabinet, government agencies, and civil servants to strongly emphasise ethnic harmony, national unity, and efficient governance.
Even before the average Malaysian could grasp the 1Malaysia concept, the brand was franchised out and today, in their face, are the 1Malaysia clinics, 1Malaysia e-mail, 1Malaysia grocery stores, 1Malaysia Foundation and the1Malaysia Youth Fund, among others.
The 1Malaysia Youth Fund was allocated RM20 million in the 2010 national budget. Expectedly, it was a government-linked entity – the Barisan Nasional Youth Lab – which had proposed the fund.
1Malaysia, at what price?
Decrying 1Malaysia as merely a slogan, June Sivapillai, a 38-year-old consultant attorney, said the whole idea was just another “scheme”.
But if Najib could defend himself to Sivapillai , he would most likely tell her that 1Malaysia is a “philosophy” and not a mere slogan.
In his speech during the ground-breaking ceremony of the Federation of Chinese Association Malaysia’s (Hua Zong) new building in Seri Kembangan recently, Najib said the 1Malaysia philosophy could “transform” the mindset of Malaysians towards turning the country into a highly developed nation by 2020.
He said that if Malaysians understood what was needed to hold the country together, they would realise the importance of giving continuous support to the government which had a long and proven experience in building the nation.
“I believe we can achieve prosperity and become a strong country if all Malaysians embrace the notion of the 1Malaysia philosophy,” he said.
Delving into his speech, Sivapillai wryly said: “What he’s (Najib) essentially saying is that we were never, all this while, a strong country and that it’s his concept of 1Malaysia that will get us there.”
“Personally speaking, any effort to unite the people is commendable – but at what price? By this, I mean ringgit and sen.
“You read about this obscene amount of money being spent on the 1Malaysia projects and you don’t see the results.
“You want to do something to unite the people? Stop these campaigns and concepts; make sure that there is an equal share of the pie for everyone.
“If Najib is so hot for the 1Malaysia concept, what is he doing about the racial fiasco created by Ibrahim Ali and the Perkasa gang?
“Since when was it constitutional to let one race denigrate another’s faith and race?”
‘Equality and rule of law’
According to former law minister Zaid Ibrahim, Malaysia was once “a shining example of a working democracy founded on the principles of democracy and egalitarianism but has since degenerated into an authoritarian racist state that is now characterised by incessant racial and religious dissension and economic malaise”.
Quoting his speech “Malaysia – a lost democracy” in an article published in the Asia Sentinel, writer Kim Quek wrote: “In one of the most important political speeches delivered in Malaysia in recent years, Zaid Ibrahim touched on the heart of race relations when he gave a rendition on the evolving racial politics in Malaysia that has so bedevilled the nation for the past few decades.”
He quoted Zaid as saying: “When the country achieved independence in 1957, then Malaya was a model of parliamentary democracy, governed under a written constitution ‘that accorded full respect and dignity for each and every Malayan’.”
“If at all there was a social contract – which should mean the pre-independence consensus reached among the founding fathers representing the various communities – it must be one ‘that guaranteed equality and the rule of law,’ as subsequently reflected in the Federal Constitution.”
But Syed Halim Don, 51, disagrees with such “equality” and Najib’s 1Malaysia because it puts the other races on par with the Bumiputeras.
“When you start including other people in what has been previously allocated for one race, then smaller helpings will have to be served. I don’t like this idea very much because I strongly feel that as the majority race, we (the Bumiputeras) should be given a larger share,” he said.
’1Malaysia a hypocrisy’
There are some others, however, who believe that the 1Malaysia concept will benefit the country in the long run.
Eighteen-year-old Taufik Shamsuddin, for instance, thinks that 1Malaysia “concept” should be given a chance.
“I think we should look at the 1Malaysia concept as an opportunity to strengthen our ties with each other. I don’t think it’s about who gets more or less of something but instead about how well we can work with each other to become better as a nation.”
While race will always be something of a prickly issue to both write and speak about, it seems that there are many who have no problems expressing their thoughts and opinions about the 1Malaysia concept.
Gayathry Venkiteswaran, executive director of the Southeast Asean Press Alliance (SEAPA), aptly sums it up when she said: “I am proud to have my own brand of unity that has grown out of sharing and caring for friends and neighbours.
“The 1Malaysia concept is a hypocrisy, coming from a coalition of political parties whose survival depends on the ethnic divisions in the country.
“I am fully aware of the politicisation of identities that only serves the interests of the few, but I will not let it jeopardise the real relationships I and many of us have with our fellow Malaysians.”
FEATURE
PETALING JAYA: In 1957, when we gained independence, there was no “talk” of race relations. There were no complications. There was just acceptance of a rich and culturally diverse social fabric that made up Malaysia.But as the country “grew” over the years, politics filtered through the layers of society influencing the racial mix – and acceptance slowly eroded to be replaced by conditional tolerance.
Race relations, simply defined, are “ties” between different races in a country. In Malaysia, these days, “race relations” is often described as a “complicated” issue.
But it’s a “complication” that 67-year-old Mohd Fikri Slamat can’t understand. More unacceptable to him is Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s “ridiculous” 1Malaysia concept conceived last year in a bid to “re-educate” mixed Malaysia about “ethnic harmony”.
“I thought we were doing quite nicely… I don’t see the need for something as ridiculous as the 1Malaysia concept. How does Najib think we gained our Independence?
“Through the work of just one race? Maybe he should go back and re-read authentic Malaysian history to realise that there were other races involved in our Merdeka,” scoffs Fikri.
Forty-four-year-old Wong Chui Seng, a mechanic, believes the 1Malaysia concept has worsened race relations and has served to drive a wedge between the communities.
“While every Malaysian knows that there is a racial lopsidedness where rights to education and ownership of property are concerned, I was never as conscious of how little rights I had as a Chinese person until the 1Malaysia concept came along.
“It seems to be an Umno unity tool… All this talk about racial unity is great, but what is the outcome? I don’t see any additional fair game for all,” he said.
Launched on Sept 16, 2010, in conjunction with Malaysia Day, Najib’s 1Malaysia has its own Wikipedia page which calls on the Cabinet, government agencies, and civil servants to strongly emphasise ethnic harmony, national unity, and efficient governance.
Even before the average Malaysian could grasp the 1Malaysia concept, the brand was franchised out and today, in their face, are the 1Malaysia clinics, 1Malaysia e-mail, 1Malaysia grocery stores, 1Malaysia Foundation and the1Malaysia Youth Fund, among others.
The 1Malaysia Youth Fund was allocated RM20 million in the 2010 national budget. Expectedly, it was a government-linked entity – the Barisan Nasional Youth Lab – which had proposed the fund.
1Malaysia, at what price?
Decrying 1Malaysia as merely a slogan, June Sivapillai, a 38-year-old consultant attorney, said the whole idea was just another “scheme”.
But if Najib could defend himself to Sivapillai , he would most likely tell her that 1Malaysia is a “philosophy” and not a mere slogan.
In his speech during the ground-breaking ceremony of the Federation of Chinese Association Malaysia’s (Hua Zong) new building in Seri Kembangan recently, Najib said the 1Malaysia philosophy could “transform” the mindset of Malaysians towards turning the country into a highly developed nation by 2020.
He said that if Malaysians understood what was needed to hold the country together, they would realise the importance of giving continuous support to the government which had a long and proven experience in building the nation.
“I believe we can achieve prosperity and become a strong country if all Malaysians embrace the notion of the 1Malaysia philosophy,” he said.
Delving into his speech, Sivapillai wryly said: “What he’s (Najib) essentially saying is that we were never, all this while, a strong country and that it’s his concept of 1Malaysia that will get us there.”
“Personally speaking, any effort to unite the people is commendable – but at what price? By this, I mean ringgit and sen.
“You read about this obscene amount of money being spent on the 1Malaysia projects and you don’t see the results.
“You want to do something to unite the people? Stop these campaigns and concepts; make sure that there is an equal share of the pie for everyone.
“If Najib is so hot for the 1Malaysia concept, what is he doing about the racial fiasco created by Ibrahim Ali and the Perkasa gang?
“Since when was it constitutional to let one race denigrate another’s faith and race?”
‘Equality and rule of law’
According to former law minister Zaid Ibrahim, Malaysia was once “a shining example of a working democracy founded on the principles of democracy and egalitarianism but has since degenerated into an authoritarian racist state that is now characterised by incessant racial and religious dissension and economic malaise”.
Quoting his speech “Malaysia – a lost democracy” in an article published in the Asia Sentinel, writer Kim Quek wrote: “In one of the most important political speeches delivered in Malaysia in recent years, Zaid Ibrahim touched on the heart of race relations when he gave a rendition on the evolving racial politics in Malaysia that has so bedevilled the nation for the past few decades.”
He quoted Zaid as saying: “When the country achieved independence in 1957, then Malaya was a model of parliamentary democracy, governed under a written constitution ‘that accorded full respect and dignity for each and every Malayan’.”
“If at all there was a social contract – which should mean the pre-independence consensus reached among the founding fathers representing the various communities – it must be one ‘that guaranteed equality and the rule of law,’ as subsequently reflected in the Federal Constitution.”
But Syed Halim Don, 51, disagrees with such “equality” and Najib’s 1Malaysia because it puts the other races on par with the Bumiputeras.
“When you start including other people in what has been previously allocated for one race, then smaller helpings will have to be served. I don’t like this idea very much because I strongly feel that as the majority race, we (the Bumiputeras) should be given a larger share,” he said.
’1Malaysia a hypocrisy’
There are some others, however, who believe that the 1Malaysia concept will benefit the country in the long run.
Eighteen-year-old Taufik Shamsuddin, for instance, thinks that 1Malaysia “concept” should be given a chance.
“I think we should look at the 1Malaysia concept as an opportunity to strengthen our ties with each other. I don’t think it’s about who gets more or less of something but instead about how well we can work with each other to become better as a nation.”
While race will always be something of a prickly issue to both write and speak about, it seems that there are many who have no problems expressing their thoughts and opinions about the 1Malaysia concept.
Gayathry Venkiteswaran, executive director of the Southeast Asean Press Alliance (SEAPA), aptly sums it up when she said: “I am proud to have my own brand of unity that has grown out of sharing and caring for friends and neighbours.
“The 1Malaysia concept is a hypocrisy, coming from a coalition of political parties whose survival depends on the ethnic divisions in the country.
“I am fully aware of the politicisation of identities that only serves the interests of the few, but I will not let it jeopardise the real relationships I and many of us have with our fellow Malaysians.”
We won't eat halal meat, say MPs and peers who reject demands to serve it at Westminster
Lord Ahmed of Rotherham thinks halal should be made available as an option
Muslim MPs and peers have been told they cannot have meat slaughtered in line with Islamic tradition because the method – slitting an animal’s throat without first stunning it – is offensive to many of their non-Muslim colleagues.
The stance has infuriated some parliamentarians who have eaten meat in the Palace’s 23 restaurants and cafes, having been assured that it was halal.
Lord Ahmed of Rotherham said: ‘I did feel misled. I think a halal option should be made available.’
In 2010, the Mail on Sunday revealed schools, hospitals and restaurants were serving halal meat to unwitting customers.
Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Somerfield and the Co-op all said they stocked meat slaughtered according to Islamic tradition without letting customers know.
Fast-food chains including Domino’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, KFC, Nando’s and Subway are also using halal meat without telling customers, it was revealed.
Members of the Church of England have complained that the spread of halal meat was 'effectively spreading Sharia law' across Britain.
The Palace of Westminster has rejected demands to serve halal meat in its restaurants
Alison Ruoff, a member of the Church of England, said: ‘It’s a bit hypocritical that the Houses of Parliament, which have allowed other people to provide halal food, have ruled it out on their own premises.’
When the meat is slaughtered, Islamic verse is uttered before the animal has its throat slashed.
At Halal slaughterhouses thousands of birds are killed every hour.
No halal: Neither the House of Commons or the House of Lords serve halal meat
Najib’s ex-info chief joins DAP
DAP scores a coup with Umno veterans and bloggers, including former Pulau Manis Umno rep Mohd Ariff Sabri Aziz.
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Pulau Manis Umno assemblyman Mohd Ariff Sabri Aziz and Negeri Umno veteran Aspan Alias (photo) have joined DAP.Having Ariff on board is a major coup for DAP because he was Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s information chief in his Pekan Umno division up until 2004.
“If you want to know, yes, that is what we are doing (joining DAP).
“I am impressed by DAP. They are principled, I like their professionalism.
“I was with (Lim) Guan Eng at the bloggers conference last month. There is no fancy words, they are focussed on work … always thinking unlike our Umno people,” he told FMT recently.
Ariff’s admission puts to rest weeks of wildfire speculations in pro-Umno blogs.
He is also rumoured to be contesting under the DAP banner in the next general election.
Ariff is touted to be contesting in Raub where MCA’s Ng Yen Yen is incumbent. Ng is currently the tourism minister, and a MCA vice president.
Warning to Umno’s bloggers
Gunning pro-Umno bloggers who have been maligning them both personally and professionally, an incessant Ariff (photo)
said: “Why the paranoia? If we are not good, failed Adun (assemblymen),
bankrupt politicians, it will be cinch for any winnable Umno candidates
to beat us.“So, it’s no cause of concern or a sleep depriver.”
“But be warned, you want to play ball, we play ball too, so stop telling lies about us and we can promise not to tell the truth about you (Umno).”
Both Ariff and Aspan are not alone. There are increasing speculations of shifts within and out of Umno.
DAP has been targeting ‘thinking’ Malays post-2008 GE to increase its support within the community.
Onboard is Transparency International Malaysia founder Tunku Abdul Aziz Tunku Ibrahim who is now the party’s vice chairman and former Umno education minister Khir Johari’s son Zairil.
Zairil and party strategist Liew Chin Tong along with Youth chairman Anthony Loke have been tasked with wooing selected Malays.
It was reported that the party leaders have been meeting “Malay opinion-makers in small closed-door discussions dealing with issues concerning Islamic state, hudud and Bumiputera affirmative action”.
‘DAP more relevant to Malays now’
Ariff and Aspan have been the target of pro-Umno bloggers who have among others accused the duo of treason.
But according to Ariff, DAP is ‘more relevant’ to the Malays now than Umno.
“Don’t read our move as blasphemous or treasonable. I believe the DAP is more relevant and functional in achieving a more democratic and abuse-free society than Umno.
“In DAP I can speak on the plight of the displaced and disowned Malays with more energy than allowed of in Umno.
“Umno has turned its back on corruption and abuse of political office. DAP abhors these traits. To me these are are attractive propositions.
“As a Muslim, we are changing wadah not aqidah…that is what Umno fears. It fears that its monopoly over Malays is broken, ” said Ariff, who is also an FMT columnist.
Last week DAP Youth chief Anthony Loke had reportedly said that the party had approached Ariff and Aspan but ‘no decision has been made’.
Royalti Komsas: Bangau Oh Bangau!
Lingkaran syaitan yang mencengkam kontroversi Interlok Edisi Murid dilihat masih menyelubungi Putrajaya.
COMMENT
Melihat
akan perkembangan terkini isu royalti teks Komponen Sastera Dalam Mata
Pelajaran Bahasa Malaysia (Komsas), saya teringat akan lagu kanak-kanak
“Bangau Oh Bangau!”Sejak 15 Ogos 2011, saya sudah memaparkan mengenai isu sejumlah penulis yang karya mereka (puisi, cerpen dan novel) diangkat menjadi teks Komsas tetapi penerbit menafikan hak mereka menerima royalti.
Cerpen “Warkah Daripada Ibu” karya Rohani Deraman diterbitkan oleh Penerbit Mega Setia Emas Sdn Bhd pada 2001. Kini cerpen itu diterbitkan dalam antologi Gema Sepi Gadis Genius (DBP: 2010) dan digunakan sebagai teks Komsas Tingkatan Dua. Malangnya, Penerbit Mega Setia Emas Sdn Bhd tidak mahu membayar royalti walau satu sen kepada penulis.
Novel Cempaka Putih Untukmu karya Rohani diterbitkan oleh Penerbit Mega Setia Emas Sdn Bhd pada 2001. Kini novel itu diterbitkan oleh Nur-Ilmu dengan judul Cempaka Putih Untukmu dan digunakan sebagai teks Komsas Tingkatan Tiga di Johor, Sabah, Sarawak dan Labuan. Malangnya, nasib sama berulang.
Puisi “Seorang Insan Istimewa” karya Amy Suzani Mohd Ainuddin @ Natasya Puteri termuat dalam antologi Apologi Kepada Alam terbitan Nur-Ilmu Sdn Bhd pada 2010 sebelum terpilih sebagai teks Komsas. Malangnya, Nur-Ilmu Sdn Bhd tidak mahu membayar royalti walau satu sen kepada penulis.
Cerpen “Limau Bali dan Semangkuk Daging” karya Amy Suzani memenangi hadiah kedua Pertandingan Cerpen Perpaduan anjuran Jabatan Perpaduan Negara pada 1995. Cerpen itu tersiar dengan judul “Budi Semangkuk Daging” dalam antologi Budi Semangkuk Daging terbitan Nur-Ilmu Sdn Bhd pada 2010 sebelum terpilih sebagai teks Komsas. Nasib sama berulang.
Novel Di Sini Bukan Duniaku karya Hazama Harun @ Aida Shahira diterbitkan oleh Associated Education Distributors (M) Sdn Bhd pada 2006. Novel itu diterbitkan semula dengan judul Bukan Duniaku oleh Karya Hartamas Enterprise dan dijadikan teks Komsas Tingkatan Satu di Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu dan Melaka. Malangnya, penulis hanya diberi sedikit saguhati dan diminta menandatangani resit kononnya menerima bayaran hampir lima kali ganda. Penulis juga tidak diberikan salinan resit itu apabila diminta.
Novel Satu Pengajaran karya Mohd Izan Abd Hazes @ Mohd Faris Ikmal diterbitkan oleh Associated Education Distributors (M) Sdn Bhd pada 2006. Novel itu diterbitkan semula dengan judul Hikmah oleh V-Nice Resources dan dijadikan teks Komsas Tingkatan Satu di Perak, Perlis, Kedah dan Pulau Pinang.
Malangnya, Associated Education Distributors (M) Sdn Bhd meminta penulis menuntut bayaran daripada V-Nice Resources manakala V-Nice Resources pula mengatakan pihaknya sudah membuat bayaran kepada Associated Education Distributors (M) Sdn Bhd.
Surat rayuan kepada TPM
Pada 29 Septembar 2011, para penulis terbabit menyerahkan surat rayuan ke Pejabat Menteri Pelajaran di Putrajaya dengan harapan bahawa Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin akan bersikap prihatin, masuk campur dan menyelesaikan isu ini dengan segera.
Masih ingat slogan “Rakyat Didahulukan, Pencapaian Diutamakan” yang sepatutnya menjadi pegangan kerajaan Barisan Nasional BN?Malangnya, tiga bulan kemudian, masing-masing masih menyanyikan lagu “Bangau Oh Bangau!” dengan suara sumbang.
Pada 18 Disember lalu, Amy Suzami menerima surat rasmi yang memaklumkan begini:
“Pejabat YAB Menteri Pelajaran telah meneliti dan memanjangkan surat tersebut kepada Pengarah, Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum, Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia untuk perhatian dan tindakan selanjutnya.”
Rohani, Hazama dan Mohd Izan turut menerima surat sama hampir seminggu kemudian.
Saya hanya mampu tersenyum apabila menerima berita itu. Apa tidaknya, pada 15 Ogos 2011, saya sudah pun menghubungi pegawai di Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum (BPK).
Encik Sairi Adenan membalas e-mel saya dengan menerangkan bahawa kes berkenaan perlu dirujuk ke Bahagian Buku Teks (BBT). Malah, beliau berbesar hati memanjangkan e-mel saya kepada pegawai tertentu di BBT.
Dipendekkan cerita, pada 7 September 2011, saya pergi sendiri ke Putrajaya untuk bertemu Pengarah BBT, Encik Jame Alip.
Saya memilih untuk pergi sendiri kerana semasa perbualan menerusi telefon pada hari sebelumnya, beliau mengatakan bahawa kesemua penulis terbabit sudah menyerahkan surat izin kepada penerbit.
Semasa pertemuan secara bersemuka, Encik Jame menjelaskan bahawa beliau bertemu penerbit terbabit pada 18 Ogos 2011. Untuk makluman, itulah mesyuarat yang sepatutnya saya turut hadir tetapi pada saat akhir, saya dimaklumkan melalui panggilan telefon oleh Ketua Unit Hak Cipta BBT, Haji Md Nor Azmi Sirat, bahawa mesyuarat tersebut dibatalkan oleh Pengarah BBT!
Bagaimanapun, semasa pertemuan pada 7 September, Encik Jame berkata, penerbit terbabit yang beliau temui pada 18 Ogos mengesahkan bahawa para penulis sudah memberikan surat izin terbit; tetapi penerbit tidak perlu menyerahkan salinan surat izin itu kepada BBT. Malah, katanya, itu bukan bidang kuasa BBT.
Saya agak kecewa kerana tidak berpeluang melihat salinan “surat izin palsu” yang diserahkan penerbit terbabit kepada Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia (KPM).
Tentu sahaja saya sedikit pun tidak meragui kebenaran kata-kata Encik Jame. Kalaulah salinan “surat izin palsu” itu ada pada beliau, tentu beliau tidak keberatan untuk menunjukkannya kepada saya.
Kesemua penulis terbabit mengesahkan secara bertulis bahawa mereka tidak pernah memberikan surat izin terbit kepada penerbit terbabit. Maka, “surat izin” yang diserahkan penerbit kepada KPM tentulah dokumen palsu yang bertujuan menipu kerajaan.
Taktik licikPerlu dinyatakan bahawa para penulis terbabit membuat laporan polis pada 10 September 2011 dan salinan laporan itu diserahkan bersama-sama surat rayuan ke Pejabat Menteri Pelajaran pada 29 September lalu.
Namun, nampaknya isu “surat izin palsu” dan tindakan penerbit menafikan hak royalti penulis tidak dipandang berat oleh Menteri Pelajaran.
Mungkin kerana teks Komsas berkenaan tidak “sepenting” novel Interlok Edisi Murid yang cuba beliau pertahankan secara bermati-matian selama setahun sebelum akhirnya “tewas” pada desakan pihak tertentu – MIC? NIAT? Hindraf?
Sebaliknya, dalam isu royalti teks Komsas, Pejabat Menteri Pelajaran sekadar “memanjangkan” isu “empat penulis teraniaya” kepada Pengarah BPK, Datuk Ibrahim Mohamad.
Nyanyian lagu “Bangau Oh Bangau!” ternyata berterusan kerana Pengarah BPK memberi jawapan bertulis berikut kepada Pegawai Khas Menteri Pelajaran:
“Untuk makluman tuan, BPK dipertanggungjawabkan sebagai urus setia dalam proses pemilihan teks KOMSAS Bahasa Malaysia dan Kesusasteraan Melayu (KM) Sekolah Menengah. Setiap karya yang terpilih akan dibawa kepada Mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Pusat (JKP) untuk mendapatkan kelulusan dan seterusnya dihantar kepada Bahagian Buku Teks (BBT) untuk mendapatkan perolehan dan hak cipta daripada penerbit dan penulis.
“Sehubungan dengan itu, hal-hal yang berkaitan dengan royalti adalah di bawah tanggungjawab BBT dan penerbit yang berkenaan.”
Nah! Kalau saya sekali lagi menghubungi Pengarah BBT, beliau pasti akan mengulangi rayuan seperti pada 7 September lalu: “Tolonglah, Uthaya, jangan kacau saya lagi. Awak tak kacau saya; saya tak kacau awak.”
Encik Jame juga mungkin – sekali lagi – menasihatkan saya menghubungi penerbit terbabit untuk berunding secara langsung.
“Kami tak perlu minta apa-apa izin daripada penulis. Kami tak ada masa nak layan semua ini.” Tidak mustahil Julie Looi dari Penerbit Mega Setia Emas Sdn Bhd dan Nur-Ilmu Sdn Bhd akan menengking seperti yang dilakukannya pada petang 7 September 2011.
Jika saya menghubungi pula Encik Steven KH Lee dari Associated Education Distributors (M) Sdn Bhd dan Karya Hartamas Enterprise untuk bertanya mengenai isu surat izin terbit, beliau mungkin mengulangi jawapan sama seperti pada 8 September lalu: “Saya tak boleh terangkan semua ini kepada kamu.”
Nampaknya inilah antara taktik licik yang digunakan pihak tertentu untuk menipu penulis (rakyat) secara berterusan.
Kalaulah saya berada di tempat Menteri Pelajaran, saya akan menghentikan lingkaran syaitan (vicious circle) ini dengan mengeluarkan arahan tegas supaya penerbit membayar royalti kepada penulis dalam masa dua minggu.
Akan tetapi, masakan saya boleh mengajar seorang menteri membuat kerja-kerja yang sudah diamanahkan kepadanya! Kerja-kerja yang memang terletak dalam bidang kuasanya.
Apa pun, sementara isu royalti teks Komsas belum selesai dan masing-masing pihak berkenaan di Putrajaya khusyuk menyanyikan lagu “Bangau Oh Bangau!” dengan suara parau, perjuangan menuntut hak diteruskan!
Guru dan pelajar juga perlu didedahkan kemungkinan teks Komsas yang mereka baca itu diterbitkan secara haram dan Putrajaya belum mampu membela nasib “empat penulis teraniaya”.
Uthaya Sankar SB adalah pemilik tunggal ‘Perunding Media, Motivasi dan Penerbitan Uthaya’. Beliau menggunakan Facebook dan blog untuk menyedarkan orang ramai mengenai isu royalti teks Komsas.
Advisory group head calls for withdrawal of observers from Syria
"What is happening allows the Syrian regime a cover for the exercise of its inhumane practices under the Arab League's watch," Ali Salem al-Deqbasi said in a statement, according to Egypt's state-run MENA news agency. Al-Deqbasi heads the Arab Parliament, an advisory board to the Cairo-based Arab League.
The statement said abuse and killing of civilians have continued as Arab League monitors visit Syria, and requested a meeting of Arab League foreign ministers to address the issue.
An Arab League official said in a statement Sunday that the observers' field work was going "according to plan," noting that only the organization's official governing council has the authority to stop the fact-finding mission.
Additional observers are scheduled to head to Syria this week to join efforts to determine whether the Syrian government is abiding by an agreement to end its crackdown on demonstrators, said Adnan al-Khodeir, head of the Arab League's operations team in charge of the observers' mission.
As the fact-finding mission continued Sunday, at least seven people were killed in Syria, according to an opposition activist group.
Three people died in Hama and four were killed in Homs, the Local Coordination Committees of Syria said. The organization said a child was among its tally of "martyrs," but did not provide additional information.
Meanwhile, the state-run Syrian Arab News agency said Sunday that the bodies of 21 troops "killed in the line of duty by armed terrorist groups" were taken from military hospitals to their final resting places.
CNN cannot independently verify accounts of violence or reports of deaths and injuries in Syria. President Bashar al-Assad's government has restricted access by international journalists.
In mid-March, al-Assad began a crackdown on anti-government protesters calling for his ouster. The Syrian government has repeatedly blamed "armed terrorist groups" for violence during the uprising.
The LCC, which has a network of contacts across Syria, said that more than 5,800 people were killed in 2011 during the crackdown on opposition protests.
Protesters turned out Saturday for anti-regime rallies in restive cities, including Homs, Idlib and Hama, activists said.
On Friday, two major Syrian opposition groups forged a deal that charts a course for democracy if al-Assad's regime crumbles -- a move which analysts said signals maturation and strengthening of the anti-regime forces.
After talks that lasted for more than a month, representatives of the Syrian National Council and the National Coordination Body for Democratic Change in Syria signed an agreement late Friday in Cairo for a transition in a post-Assad era, the NCB said on its Facebook page.
The agreement was scheduled to be filed with the Arab League on Sunday, the NCB said.
Opposition groups hope to end the al-Assad regime's push against demonstrators and its efforts to maintain power across the country.
The Arab League, the United States, the European Union and Turkey have condemned the government crackdown and initiated sanctions. But Russia and China have stood in the way of a strong U.N. Security Council resolution toward the Syrian government.
Earlier this month, al-Assad agreed to a peace initiative with the Arab League that calls for security forces to withdraw from cities, release detainees and end violence. Part of the agreement calls for Arab League observers to monitor whether the government abides by the initiative.
Afghan woman cuts off father-in-law's private part
An Afghan woman cut off her father-in-law's penis with a knife after he tried to have sex with her, a doctor in eastern Afghanistan's Ghazni province said on Saturday.
"One day when the husband was away from home he attempted to have sex with his daughter-in-law and she cut off his penis with a knife," the doctor from a private hospital in Ghazni said on condition of anonymity.
The man went for treatment at the private hospital but was sent on to the capital Kabul for specialist treatment, he added. The incident took place two weeks ago but has only just come to light.
According to figures in an Oxfam report in October, 87 per cent of Afghan women report having experienced physical, sexual or psychological violence or forced marriage.
"One day when the husband was away from home he attempted to have sex with his daughter-in-law and she cut off his penis with a knife," the doctor from a private hospital in Ghazni said on condition of anonymity.
The man went for treatment at the private hospital but was sent on to the capital Kabul for specialist treatment, he added. The incident took place two weeks ago but has only just come to light.
According to figures in an Oxfam report in October, 87 per cent of Afghan women report having experienced physical, sexual or psychological violence or forced marriage.
Police say did not beat up undergrads in UPSI demo
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 1 — The police have denied beating up several student activists during a peaceful
The
president of undergraduate movement Bebas, Muhammad Safwan Anang, lies
unconscious after allegedly being beaten by the police this morning. —
Picture courtesy of Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia
Students and opposition politicians claimed several students involved in the demonstration for academic freedom were allegedly beaten up and arrested early this morning after refusing to heed a police order to disperse.
Perak Police Chief Datuk Mohd Shukri Dahlan said that “necessary action” was taken to uphold public safety, and one of the students had “injured himself.”
“The students did not adhere to police instructions to disperse and we were forced to move in to arrest them.
“They resisted which could have led to the impression that a scuffle occurred,” he was quoted by The Star as saying.
Mohd Shukri said that one student crashed into the glass panel of a nearby clinic during the demonstration and injured himself.
“He was given outpatient treatment at the Tanjung Malim Health Clinic.
“Another student is being treated at the Slim River Hospital for minor injuries,” said the state police chief.
He said that only two students — Adam Adli Abdul Halim and a female student — were from UPSI.
The other students were apparently from Universiti Selangor (Unisel), International Islamic University of Malaysia (UIA) and the Management and Science University (MSU.)
Adam, a 21-year UPSI student, has come under attack for purportedly lowering a banner bearing the likeness of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak outside Umno’s headquarters in the national capital last month.
Mohd Shukri said all the students should be released by the end of the day.
PKR and DAP have condemned the police for alleged heavy-handed action in dispersing some 60 undergraduates who held a peaceful sit-down demonstration in support of a fellow student activist and academic freedom at UPSI in Tanjung Malim shortly after midnight.
The opposition parties claimed the police, including two Special Branch (SB) officers, showed a heavy presence on campus and took violent action against what they said were 100 students, instead of the 60 estimated by lawyer Fadiah Najwa Fikri, when the undergraduates refused to disperse as ordered.
Up to 17 students were arrested in the 2.30am incident and taken to the Tanjung Malim police station.
One student, Muhammad Safwan Anang, was allegedly beaten up, punched and kicked until he lost consciousness.
The president of student reform movement Gerakan Menuntut Kebebasan Akademik (Bebas) is warded at the Slim River Hospital with a broken cheekbone, PKR said in its statement.
The party claimed he was assaulted by eight policemen and SB officers.
Tanjung Malim police confirmed to The Malaysian Insider 17 students were arrested in the incident but declined to elaborate further as investigations are still continuing.
RPK: There's life after Anwar
The sodomy charge against Anwar was not trumped up and he will be found guilty on Jan 9, says popular blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin.
LOOKING AHEAD 2012
PETALING JAYA: Reform activist and influential blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin believes that Anwar Ibrahim was a victim of a honey-trap, but quickly added that the opposition leader was given a fair trial.
He is also certain that Anwar will be found guilty on Jan 9. However, he predicts a low-key reaction from the people on the guilty verdict. Interestingly, he says both PAS and DAP would be less than keen to make Anwar’s conviction a Pakatan Rakyat agenda.
“I think it is a foregone conclusion: Anwar is going to be found guilty. PKR will certainly go to town on the issue, but PAS and DAP will not be too excited about turning the Pakatan agenda into a ‘free Anwar campaign’.
“Ultimately, there is a bigger fish to fry and that would be to focus on the coming general election,” he told FMT in an exclusive interview.
He said that the second sodomy trial “came and went as a non-event”, unlike the 1999 trial.
“In 1999, there was the ‘black eye’ issue and the high exposure of the trial: hence the public awareness regarding the flaws in the trial. This time around, not many people followed the trial or were even concerned about the trial,” he said.
He said that the jailing of Anwar this time around would not garner extra votes for the opposition.
Anwaristas and the PKR leadership will definitely take umbrage at Raja Petra’s frank opinion on the matter, but the popular blogger said even the reaction of the PKR supporters against the verdict would settle down quietly.
“For a while, PKR will rant and rave. Then the excitement will tone down and people will get on with their lives.
“Umno, meanwhile, will just sit back and watch. If the Anwaristas get out of hand and try to turn the event into a ‘Malaysian Spring’, the government will just round them up and silence them.
“The government is ready for the attempt to turn Jan 9 into a Malaysian Spring and they know how to handle it. It will be doomed from the start. This is not going to be Sept 20, 1998,” he said.
Why didn’t he take the stand?
Raja Petra, who is based in London, also said that while the Barisan Nasional-Umno leadership is definitely “out to get Anwar because he is a political threat”, the PKR leader was nevertheless allowed a fair trial.
“I know for a fact that the prosecutor agreed to handle the prosecution only if he was allowed to conduct a fair trial and without any political interference.”
“Therefore, I would say that Anwar was allowed a fair trial,” he said.
Raja Petra added that Anwar was also allowed more than 60 postponements throughout the trial.
“He was supposed to subpoena more than 50 witnesses to testify on his behalf, which in the end he did not and which we are not told why.
“It appears like Anwar was allowed a lot of leeway to defend himself. Why did he not take the stand to testify under oath?
“Saiful took the stand and he was vigorously cross-examined by the defence. Why did Anwar avoid doing the same?” asked Raja Petra.
“I do not think that the charges were trumped up. But I do believe that Anwar is a victim of a honey-trap. In a way it was entrapment, which in a country like the US is illegal,” he added.
New leadership needed
Raja Petra added that Anwar’s conviction could be good for PKR and Pakatan Rakyat.
“If they put Anwar in jail, then the opposition will be forced to look beyond Anwar.
“What we need is a new leadership but as long as Anwar is still around, they will be reluctant to do so,” he said.
He added that with Anwar in prison, PKR will be forced to come to terms with the need to rejuvenate the party leadership.
“There is life after Anwar, as much as many do not think so,” he added.
Anwar, who was once heir-apparent to former strongman prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, has been fighting charges that he sodomised a former political aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan in June 2008.
The accusations emerged shortly after Anwar led the opposition to unprecedented gains in parliamentary polls against BN that has governed the country for five decades.
The Kuala Lumpur High Court is set to make a ruling on the sodomy charge on Jan 9.
Anwar pleaded not guilty to the offence, allegedly committed at a Desa Damansara condominium unit in Bukit Damansara on June 26, 2008. The PKR de facto leader is facing a maximum of 20 years in prison and whipping, if found guilty under Section 377B of the Penal Code.
This is the second time he was accused of sodomy.
In 1998, Anwar lost his deputy prime minister’s post after he was charged with corruption and sodomising his family driver.
He was freed in 2004 after six years of imprisonment when the Federal Court overturned the sodomy conviction.
LOOKING AHEAD 2012
PETALING JAYA: Reform activist and influential blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin believes that Anwar Ibrahim was a victim of a honey-trap, but quickly added that the opposition leader was given a fair trial.He is also certain that Anwar will be found guilty on Jan 9. However, he predicts a low-key reaction from the people on the guilty verdict. Interestingly, he says both PAS and DAP would be less than keen to make Anwar’s conviction a Pakatan Rakyat agenda.
“I think it is a foregone conclusion: Anwar is going to be found guilty. PKR will certainly go to town on the issue, but PAS and DAP will not be too excited about turning the Pakatan agenda into a ‘free Anwar campaign’.
“Ultimately, there is a bigger fish to fry and that would be to focus on the coming general election,” he told FMT in an exclusive interview.
He said that the second sodomy trial “came and went as a non-event”, unlike the 1999 trial.
“In 1999, there was the ‘black eye’ issue and the high exposure of the trial: hence the public awareness regarding the flaws in the trial. This time around, not many people followed the trial or were even concerned about the trial,” he said.
He said that the jailing of Anwar this time around would not garner extra votes for the opposition.
Anwaristas and the PKR leadership will definitely take umbrage at Raja Petra’s frank opinion on the matter, but the popular blogger said even the reaction of the PKR supporters against the verdict would settle down quietly.
“For a while, PKR will rant and rave. Then the excitement will tone down and people will get on with their lives.
“Umno, meanwhile, will just sit back and watch. If the Anwaristas get out of hand and try to turn the event into a ‘Malaysian Spring’, the government will just round them up and silence them.
“The government is ready for the attempt to turn Jan 9 into a Malaysian Spring and they know how to handle it. It will be doomed from the start. This is not going to be Sept 20, 1998,” he said.
Why didn’t he take the stand?
Raja Petra, who is based in London, also said that while the Barisan Nasional-Umno leadership is definitely “out to get Anwar because he is a political threat”, the PKR leader was nevertheless allowed a fair trial.“I know for a fact that the prosecutor agreed to handle the prosecution only if he was allowed to conduct a fair trial and without any political interference.”
“Therefore, I would say that Anwar was allowed a fair trial,” he said.
Raja Petra added that Anwar was also allowed more than 60 postponements throughout the trial.
“He was supposed to subpoena more than 50 witnesses to testify on his behalf, which in the end he did not and which we are not told why.
“It appears like Anwar was allowed a lot of leeway to defend himself. Why did he not take the stand to testify under oath?
“Saiful took the stand and he was vigorously cross-examined by the defence. Why did Anwar avoid doing the same?” asked Raja Petra.
“I do not think that the charges were trumped up. But I do believe that Anwar is a victim of a honey-trap. In a way it was entrapment, which in a country like the US is illegal,” he added.
New leadership needed
Raja Petra added that Anwar’s conviction could be good for PKR and Pakatan Rakyat.
“If they put Anwar in jail, then the opposition will be forced to look beyond Anwar.
“What we need is a new leadership but as long as Anwar is still around, they will be reluctant to do so,” he said.
He added that with Anwar in prison, PKR will be forced to come to terms with the need to rejuvenate the party leadership.
“There is life after Anwar, as much as many do not think so,” he added.
Anwar, who was once heir-apparent to former strongman prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, has been fighting charges that he sodomised a former political aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan in June 2008.
The accusations emerged shortly after Anwar led the opposition to unprecedented gains in parliamentary polls against BN that has governed the country for five decades.
The Kuala Lumpur High Court is set to make a ruling on the sodomy charge on Jan 9.
Anwar pleaded not guilty to the offence, allegedly committed at a Desa Damansara condominium unit in Bukit Damansara on June 26, 2008. The PKR de facto leader is facing a maximum of 20 years in prison and whipping, if found guilty under Section 377B of the Penal Code.
This is the second time he was accused of sodomy.
In 1998, Anwar lost his deputy prime minister’s post after he was charged with corruption and sodomising his family driver.
He was freed in 2004 after six years of imprisonment when the Federal Court overturned the sodomy conviction.
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