Non-Muslims losing the secular game

S Thayaparan
"In a well-functioning democracy, the state constitution is considered more important than God's holy book, whichever holy book that may be, and God matters only in your private life."
- Ayaan Hirsi Ali (The Caged Virgin: An Emancipation Proclamation for Women and Islam)

COMMENT I find it extremely funny that PAS finds the time and opportunity to pray for the demise of Umno and BN but has to hold numerous "councils" before they can decide to take action against those errant local council "saboteurs" that DAP secretary-general and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng seems to think are jeopardising the fragile "secular" alternative alliance.

I mean surely PAS could spare a prayer for God's wrath against those within their ranks who would use Islam for nefarious Umno purposes. I always get a kick out of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang's (right) justification that the Umno demise prayer was in keeping with Islamic principles that allowed such a prayer to be recited when one felt "oppressed". Does anyone else see the irony in this?

Moreover, this whole ‘saboteur' theory is a fair enough assumption in this period of political war. What is disturbing is that nobody in the alliance has come out strongly for the alternative theory, which is that there are people in PAS who reject this ‘separate but equal' masquerade of secularism and really subscribe to the ‘hudud for all' belief.

An honest response from PAS should have been that they reject the application of Islamic laws on non-Muslims as per their opposition compact and all such laws are void ab initio concerning those "caught" in the Islamic net. In other words, legal wrangling be damned (or at least figured out later) in favour of outright political secular rhetoric.

Spare those of us who actually subscribe to the idea of secularism (that the oppositional forces claim to advocate) all this drama about reaching ‘consensus' and discussing the issue with religious councils.

However, PAS finds this extremely difficult to do. When they are not displaying their flaming extremist colours when they go on their morality crusades or attempting to differentiate themselves from Umno morality crusades, they are playing lip service to the tenets of moderation and secularism that they know their supporters, both Muslim and non-Muslim, don't have much allegiance to, what with the march to Putrajaya and all.

If PAS could find a legal loophole in its Automatic Enforcement System (AES) crusade, surely they could find one in their religious text or the glorious Islamic traditions/history (we constantly keep hearing about) that advocates secularism for Islamic entities that find themselves in multi-religious compacts.

Difficult balancing job

PAS secretary-general Mustafa Ali (one of the few politicians in this country that I hold in high regard because of the extremely difficult balancing job he is required to perform) explanation that the ‘KB Four' was not related to syariah law is a copout.

The policing of morality in a country, which has Islam as its official religion, does not have the luxury of falling back on legal technicalities of disparate indecency (sic) laws which interpretation is complex in a multicultural/religious country with differing standards of morality.

These kinds of acts have occurred in Umno-influenced municipal council edicts and when it had, Umno had been barraged with venom of how they allow their Islamic preoccupations to override non-Muslim sensitivities.

In addition, since when in this country does "indecent" behaviour cover unisex hair cutting salons? I get it. I really do. For decades, the moral police have harassed young Muslims couples. Nobody, certainly not the non-Malays, had anything to say about it but make jokes at the expense of their fellow Malaysians. We were warned that we should not "interfere" in the affairs of the Muslims, since their laws did not "touch" us. Except it did.

If Gerakan wants to challenge this so-called "indecency" by-law or whatever law the municipal council felt the need to apply, I say more power to them. It is all a big drama anyway but I for one would like to understand if Pakatan states would adopt such measures in states that are supposed to be governed by a secular coalition.

The political parties (Gerakan, where were you all these years?), which were supposed to maintain the ‘separate but equal' delusions, did nothing to halt the Arabisation process except to see if they could profit from it.

PAS always confined to the wilderness and without a taste of real power were content to play out their Islamic preoccupations in their own backyard. However, the scenario has changed. PAS is a power player in national politics with a credible chance of someday being part of an alliance which could win federal power.

Maybe there are saboteurs or maybe we should interpret what Kelantan state executive councillor Takiyuddin Hassan said about certain by-laws allowing non-Muslims to be charged with indecency (much like what happened in certain non-Muslim ‘indecency' cases, under the Umno watch) as a period of desensitising. The aim of this period is that non-Muslims get into the habit of thinking that the same Islamic standards applicable to Muslims apply to them too.

In addition, yes, The Star is supposed to be a MCA propaganda organ but it is useless and juvenile decrying this when this is politics as usual everywhere in the world. Political parties have their propaganda organs and if the said propaganda are effective, it points more to the weakness of the targets of such attacks and their inability to counter such attacks.

DAP plays religious card, too
Even my piece on PAS and the middle ground could be considered some sort of PAS apologia (my well-known affection for this party cultivated in a bygone era that was drenched with radicals now cauterised from the fold).
I throw around the term "appeasers" to political parties that I do not support - MCA, MIC, etc - as a cautionary tale against Umno but the reality is, that in the strange bed fellows politics which is the alliance of my choice, the term "enablers" could very well be used against the DAP and PKR.

Well more against DAP because let's face facts, PKR is still in its ‘journey man' phase and until it can command a percentage of voters without the influence of the other two time-tested political parties, it will remain the glue that binds the behemoths together and nothing else.

Do not get me wrong, I do not belittle this role and if PKR can survive without the Anwar factor (and I am hopeful that it can), it heralds the shape of things to come, as far as multiracial parties go. However, DAP has positioned itself as the ‘champion' against Islamic provocations used by Umno but also (and let us never forget this) by PAS. That is the deal.

Penang BN chief's Teng Chang Yeow query is Penang heading towards Islamisation is rather idiotic. No Teng, the whole of Malaysia has been in an era of Islamisation, thanks to you and your comrades in BN. What the DAP is doing is merely enabling their Islamic counterparts to carry on this sub rosa process in lieu of Umno.

The DAP's upping of the religious affairs coffers from RM12.5 million in 2008 to RM64 million in 2012, as evidence of how the Malay community is not marginalised, is extremely shallow thinking but not surprising in the quest for the Malay/Muslim vote.

CM Lim Guan Eng rambles on how "the Malays are not angry we give money to Chinese vernacular schools, and the Chinese are not angry that the Muslim affairs council are getting money for their activities". So let me get this straight. The Chinese get money for education and the Malays get money for their ‘Islamic affairs'.

Moreover, how exactly is this encouraging ‘secularism' or better yet, does anyone else finds it queer that an administration that advocates secularism is busy handing out money to one religious group and not the others?

Furthermore, why is it the best evidence of helping the Malays is only through financing their religious institutions? More importantly, since this is a need-based allocation, who monitors how the funds are used and what they are used for?

When groups like the Sisters in Islam draw attention to the fact that hudud is discriminatory and unconstitutional or when academics spell out the reality that syariah favours the rich and powerful, where do you think these Islamic ideas are promulgated?
Sisters in Islam (who are the favoured punching bags of PAS) are told to get with the programme and vote for the opposition. However, the most influential of opposition parties is raising the allowances of religious teachers, who most probably towed the Umno line but who would most likely switch to the PAS tune now that a better deal is offered.

Where, dear readers, do you think all those ideas that the SIS find anathema are being spawned?

Sounding the alarm bell
All these little PAS provocations manufactured or not, which is lost in the deluge of Umno corruption is slowly building up. The MCA, which I have no allegiance to, is not a credible advocate for sounding the alarm bell of Islamic transgression on secular territory merely because they appeased their Umno warlords for decades. Dissing the disingenuous messenger is acceptable but ignoring the message is outright stupid.

Let us be honest here. All this faux ‘muhibbah' displays of non-Muslim politicians garbed in Islamic attire swooning about in mosques, is a one-way street meant to desensitise the maybe opposition-leaning ummah. You will not get any Muslims (certainly not in this country and certainly not politicians) dressing up in the ‘others' ethnic finery glad handling in their places of worship.

The realpolitik is that when you are in bed with an Islamic party, the best you could hope for is a ‘separate but equal' policy. After all this drama, the licensing terms involving hair salons owned by non-Muslims in Kelantan has been postponed. It really should not have been an issue in the first place.
At least Takiyuddin is honest enough to admit that the decision to "postpone" the implementation of the licensing terms is an election tactic to pacify non-Muslim voters.

Karpal Singh (right) seems to be the only one holding up the DAP's end of deal in a consistent uncompromising manner. Of these latest provocations and the quest for Putrajaya, he says "However that the objective cannot, and must not, mean sacrificing principle at the altar of political expediency. The DAP is committed to opposing any attempt to extend Islamic law to non-Muslims, whether directly or indirectly."

Do not blame PAS for not holding up its end of the deal when the other parties continue enabling the regime from Kelantan (and those within the Muslim community committed to the idea of a Islamic state, a harsher version of Umno's?) merely because the throne is within reach.

Losing the secular game? We have not even been playing it with any real conviction.

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S THAYAPARAN is Commander (rtd) of the Royal Malaysian Navy.

Be wary of religious issues used for political gains

S Param

It is heartening to learn that finally the MIC is taking a strong stance on several issues and events affecting the Indian population in the country.
The peaceful demonstration held at the Selangor Menteri Besar's office by the MIC Youth wing recently to protest against the demolition of a Hindu shrine inside the compound of a house by the Sepang Municipal Council (SMC) workers is understandable.

The act of sledgehammer-swinging SMC officers trespassing into private property has been condemned by practically all walks of people, including Pakatan elected representatives (MPs and Aduns).
I am sure the Selangor government has learnt a bitter lesson and will take the necessary steps to prevent similar embarrassing incidents in the future.

Having said that, I do not think it is a wise decision of the MIC Youth wing to challenge the authorities to rebuild the altar (‘MIC to rebuild altar in house' The Star, 13 Nov).
We should allow the law to take its course.
We should wait for the outcome of the promised investigation by the authorities over the incident and what they plan to do next.

As loyal citizens of the beloved country and true followers of the Hindu tenets and teachings, we should show respect for the law and the government of the day.
Ideally MIC should advise the owner of the house to reapply to Sepang Municipal Council to seek permission to build the altar in accordance to the stipulated guidelines.
If it is turned down by the authorities then take them to court. Let the courts decide.

The MIC, representing a large portion of the Indian community, should not be seen as a party that is encouraging civil disobedience in the name of safeguarding the religion and democratic rights.
There must be a limit to our actions. Do not manipulate religious issues for political gains as it may backfire just like what happened in the Batu Caves condo issue.
All religious issues should be handled in a rational way without arousing unwanted charged emotions.

Although I condemned the rash and insensitive actions of the Sepang municipal authorities, I for one do not subscribe to the notion that as Hindus we should blindly champion religious incidents of this nature.
There is a need to thoroughly investigate the incident as evidence is slowly trickling down to show that ample warnings had been issued to the owner of the altar before action was taken.

It cannot be denied that there are individuals and groups out there who are taking advantage of the current political situation to manipulate and abuse religious freedom in the country.
The MIC and the Malaysian Hindu Sangam and other religious and social bodies should be very careful of these people in our midst.

Do not let emotions run wild to the point that rationality is blurred or buried.

The MIC should not spend too much time on this matter but continue to do its good job by focusing on other urgent social and economic issues that are close to the Indian community.

I've not been approached by MIC to contest Sg Siput

Deva Kunjari Sambanthan

I am the daughter of former MIC chief Tun VT Sambanthan.

I write with reference to the article by Terence Netto in Malaysiakini entitled 'MIC views Sg Siput recapture as emblem of revival'.

The thrust of the article is speculative. I wish to address two points which are factually incorrect.

1. I quote: "Folklore has it that the nexus between the Sambanthan family - the large wooden house in which he lived in the constituency is reputedly still intact - and Sungai Siput was such that when the MIC patriarch died in 1979, he was driven to the town so that his expiry could be simulated as having occurred there rather than somewhere in the Klang Valley."

Kindly note that my father passed away peacefully in his official residence at 15, Jalan Ledang (formerly Jalan Guillemard), Kuala Lumpur on the morning of May 18, 1979. He was then taken to the family home in which he was born at No 52, Jalan Lintang, Sungai Siput (North) Perak.

That he had passed away at home in KL and transported to Sungai Siput was well known at the time and a little verification would have confirmed this, rather than the tasteless tone of the statement above as published.

This was not done "so that his expiry could be simulated as having occurred there rather than somewhere in the Klang Valley".

This is a highly irresponsible statement which has no basis in fact.

2. I quote: "For that reason the party has even toyed with the notion of fielding Kunjari Sambanthan, daughter of VT Sambanthan, the MIC president who was first elected to the seat in 1959. Though the 50-something Kunjari has shown no taste for the fray, the fact that she has been propositioned is a measure of the gravity with which the MIC views the recapture of its once hallowed stomping grounds".

I wish to state here that I have not been approached by the MIC to contest in the upcoming general elections as their candidate for Sungai Siput.

Who is the source of this information that I have been "propositioned" (by the MIC?), presented as a fact. For the record, I was not approached by Mr Netto or anyone else on behalf of Malaysiakini in an attempt at verification.

Both the above quotes reflect a lack of commitment to accuracy, which is not something I expect from Malaysiakini.

Please take the necessary steps to correct the misinformation provided in both these statements contained in the referenced article.

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Editor's note: Malaysiakini apologises to Deva Kunjari and her family for the pain and hurt the article may have caused them.

Massive Human Chain – Protest Rally in Dhaka to Arrest and Punish Biswajit Killers.

Biswajit Murder: BJHM & SIF Human Chain and Protest Rally in Central Press Club, Dhaka.

”We demand immediate arrest and punishment of the killers of Biswajit. Otherwise Home Minister must Go Down”.

DHAKA | 14 Dec 2012 :: A huge Human Chain was organised in front National Press Club of Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh. In protest of brutal killing of Biswajit Das in open daylight in the street of Dhaka amidst a nationwide bandh (blockade) on Dec 9th, called by ’18-party-alliance’ of the opposition, this Human Chain and protest rally were organised by Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajote (BJHM) and Sanatan International Foundation (SIF), Bangladesh. Starting at 10-30 this morning the programme was continued more than two hours. In the middle of that programme the aggrieved agitators in the Human Chain protest rally, blocked the adjacent roads by sitting an lying on road that created a traffic jam for a while. [Program duration at human chain is 10.30.am to 11.45 am. Procession and road block program time duration is 12.00 pm to 01.10 pm].

The rally demands the resignation of the BD Home Minister MK Alamgir as he cannot avert liability of the killing of Biswajit and for the alleged inaction to arrest and punish the culprits connected with Biswajit.

Addressing the programme, Biswajit’s cousin Nabin Das said, “Home Minister could not avoid responsibility of the killing. So he should quit from his post shouldering the liabilities.” He also demanded exemplary punishment to the killers.

Nobin alleged that high-ups of the government are trying to save the killers through making derogatory, confusing and light comments on the killing.

Beauti Bonik, sister of late Biswajit, however, could not speak much as she burst into tears in the programme. She only demanded punishment to the killers on immediate effect.

It was substantiated through the first proof from the media coverage (both electronic and print), a 24-year-old tailor Biswajit was brutally killed by a group of ruling party-backed Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL – student union of Awami League) activists during the road-blockade of the opposition 18-party alliances on December 9. But, Mr Abul Klam Azad, Press Secretary of Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Awami League Supremo, categorically denied it and claimed BNP-Jamat connection with the murder so far.

Now it has been authenticated that most of the killers were students of BD capital’s Jagannath University (JnU) and Kabi Nazrul University College.

After the heinous murder the Home Minister Mahiuddin Khan Alamgir also repeatedly denied Chhatra League link with the killers.

But JnU authorities expelled 3 of the killers from the university and cancelled certificates of 2 for their involvement in the killing. Still photos and video footages clearly show the killing incident which drew huge criticisms across the country and the social media like facebook and twitter. May be as repercussion, the Officer-in-charge of Sutrapur Police station, Mr Nazrul Islam has been transferred to Police Training Academy in the evening of the day of protest, as reported. A Dhaka Court today placed three accused of Biswajit killing case–Nahid, Kibria and Kaium–who were arrested earlier, on 8-day remand for police interrogation in the case.

In a press statement, Advocate Gobinda Chandra Pramanik, the Gen. Secy. of Bangladesh Jatiyo Hindu Mohajot (BJHM) expressed the anxiety of Bangladesh Hindu Minorities as the State Administration and the Police are very much reluctant to prosecute the murderers of Biswajit and with a silent support of the Police the Hindus of Dinajpur, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Chattagram and Coxbazar were victimized in various torture like loot and dacoity, abduction and arson to their houses and so on in recent times.

In the press statement of BJHM, it is also stated that it was very strange and fatal decision that the Central Administration did not deploy the RAB to check the situation on apprehension for which the culprits were chanced to kill Biswajit in a meaningless deployment of inept police force.

The rally was attended and addressed by Freedom Fighter- Smt Roma Das, dignitaries, rights activists, advocates, artists and intellectuals like: Prof. Nikhil C. Paul (Chairman SIF), Justice Jhumur Ganguli (Rtd.), Adv. Rabindranath Ghosh (Bangladesh Minority Watch), Chitra Paul (HBCUC, EU), Muhammad Abdul Khaleque (Bangabandhu National Independence Council), Pinaki Das (Natioal President, BJHYM), Ripon Dey (Joint Secretary, SIF), Topon Chokraborty (Rights Activist, SIF), Prof. Sushil Mahato, Prof. Ananda Biswas, Smt, Madhuri Roy (Artist) and many others.

The veteran Freedom Fighter of Bangladesh Mukti Yuddha, Smt. Roma Das told in a great sensation that the Nation has its definite duties to protect its citizens. So, the State machinery must not the victim of street politics. She strongly demanded the immediate justice in this brutal murder of very very innocent Biswajit Das

Chitra Paul the International advisor of BJHM and the Hindu Buddha Christian Unity Council, European Union Leader (HBCUC, EU) told that the name of ‘Biswajit’ is not a name any more, rather it has been symbolized as an icon of a piety Hindu minority to whom this Nation has no answer for the safety, security and the dignity of same people under a threat of majority to minority. She claimed proper and fast adjudication of the case now laundering in a course of reluctance and inaction.

Adv. Rabindranath Ghosh (Bangladesh Minority Watch), a veteran Human Rights Activist in Bangladesh pointed out the deprivation of BD minorities in both the constitution and politics for which such discrimination and the torture can happen time and again. Adv Ghosh demanded immediate justice to the bereaved family of Biswajit by booking all the perpetrators of Biswajit Murder and revival of a true democratic rights and law-enforcement to stop killings of innocent people like Biswajit.

Muhammad Abdul Khaleque, Spokes Person of Bangabandhu National Independence Council (BNIC) sensitized the secular conscience by saying that Biswajit was my brother and this land must provide the equal rights to live for every minority Hindu, Buddhist, Christian like the majority Muslims. So, rejecting all political equations and others the murderers of Biswajit must be drawn up under exemplary punishment.

Pinaki Das , Joint Secretary of Sanatan International Foundation (SIF) thanked the Media persons who took the video footage in severe risk and continuously reporting in both print and electronic media to reveal the truth of Biswajit murder. He requested to Smt. Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister and Mr. MK Alamgir, Home Minister, Bangladesh for an ensured application of law and control over the total situation so that minorities would be protected meaningfully. He also demanded immediate arrest of the actual culprits in a sagacious manner.

Over a thousand protesters including some monks from different temples and monastery of Dhaka and obviously the family members were present in the human chain and protest rally. Some of them put black badges and displayed many banners and posters, in one of which it was written: ” ‘আমি হিন্দু’, জামায়াত-শিবির নই…” (I am a Hindu; I am not a supporter of Jamat, Don’t Kill Me”). Another was displayed: “We demand punishment for Biswahit Murder, Prime Minister – Give us answer”.

Bangladesh Jatiyo Hindu Mohajot (BJHM) warned the Awami League Govt in Bangladesh to start indefinite and bigger agitation everywhere in Bangladesh, if all the culprits of Biswajit murder are not arrested within 3 days.

   

  

Courtesy: BJHM | SIF | bdnews24.

Swara case: Police arrest jirga members for child marriage

DSP Khan says that as soon as they found out about the marriage, they raided the place and arrested all those involved including fathers of the two children. PHOTO: FILE

SWAT: Six members of a jirga, including the prayer leader of Shangram village, were arrested on Friday by the police for arranging the marriage of a five-year old girl to a 10-year old boy. Madyan police said the contract was “null and void” and handed the girl, Nagina, over to her parents.

The marriage between Nagina and Javed was proposed by the jirga to resolve a longstanding dispute between two tribal groups in Sar Banday, Madyan Valley.

The feud started in August 2010 when a man and woman from either tribe eloped, said DSP Naveed Khan. There were many attempts to resolve the dispute but it could not be resolved. Friday’s jirga headed by prayer leader Maulana Jalandar ordered the marriage of the two children, in an attempt to unite the two tribes.

DSP Khan added that as soon as they found out about the marriage, they raided the place and arrested all those involved including fathers of the two children.


This was the third case of Swara in Swat over the past four months.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 15^th, 2012.

Denmark: "'Youths' in Muslim-dominated area demand money from church for being in 'their area'"

Having worked in Copenhagen's youth prison, I know that the only gangs that rule in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, are Muslim -- Blågårdsbanden and Brothas are two of them. JihadWatch has earlier reported on Muslim extortion against non-Muslim businesses on Nørrebro: Denmark: 67-year-old female bar owner becomes national hero for standing up against Muslim mafia's jizya demand.
Read more about the Muslim area Nørrebro in Copenhagen on JihadWatch here.
Translated by Nicolai Sennels, Ekstrabladet December 13, 2012, "Extortion against church on Nørrebro":

A new case of extortion in Nørrebro in Copenhagen has been reported to the police. This time the claim is not directed at a tavern, but a local church. In August this year extortion against Café Viking in the same area caused outraged across the country, as the courageous owner, Jane Pedersen, came up against bullies and went public after threats and vandalism.
Now the criminals have turned against the Holy Cross Church on Kapelvej in the heart of Nørrebro, a few hundred meters from Blågårds Plads.
Three young boys met up twice this week at the rear entrance to the church. Here they notified the verger that the church was in their territory and therefore has to pay money.
Mikkel Gabriel Christoffersen, president of Blågårdsplads parish, confirms to ekstrabladet.dk that the church has reported the matter to the police.
"Three youths visited our employees Tuesday and Wednesday and asked for money, because the church is in 'their' area. They got a clear no, and since the we have not seen more of the boys,' says Mikkel Gabriel Christoffersen."

Philippine police shoot dead Malaysian carrying bomb

The Malaysian suspect was killed in Davao after he threatened to blow up an explosive device in a rucksack, city police chief Ronald de la Rosa said.

MANILA: A man with alleged ties to Islamic militants was shot dead in the Philippines after he threatened to set off a backpack bomb in a stand-off with local police, an official said today.

A suspect identified by police as Mohammad Noor Fikrie of Malaysia was killed in the southern city of Davao after he threatened to blow up an explosive device in a rucksack, city police chief Ronald de la Rosa said.

“‘If you arrest or shoot me I have a bomb. I will explode it,’” de la Rosa quoted the suspect as telling police at the lobby of a hotel during a three-and-a-half-hour stand-off.

The authorities had raided the hotel after a tip-off that one of its guests was planning a “terror” attack in the city of 1.4 million people, de la Rosa said, without elaborating on the source of the information.

He said the Malaysian was a suspected member of Jemaah Islamiyah, an Islamic militant group blamed for attacks in Southeast Asia including the Bali bombing in Indonesia in 2002 that claimed 202 lives.

“Take-down orders were given to SWAT snipers but (it) could not be implemented since the area was overcrowded,” de la Rosa told reporters by telephone.

While in the hotel lobby the suspect brandished a mobile phone, which, he said was the trigger for the explosives contained in the backpack that was being carried by his Filipina wife, de la Rosa said.

The man later took the rucksack from the woman and ran out of the hotel and into a nearby park, where he was shot and killed by police snipers, the police official added.

De la Rosa said police arrested the woman, Anabelle Nieva Lee, and disarmed an “improvised explosive device” that included a mortar shell retrieved from the backpack.

The authorities are investigating the woman’s possible involvement with Jemaah Islamiyah, de la Rosa said, adding that police believe she had converted to Islam when she married the Malaysian.

Philippine authorities said a small number of Jemaah Islamiyah militants have taken refuge with Filipino Muslim militants operating on the southern island of Mindanao.
-Reuters

Saya dikhianati, kata Ibrahim Ali

Presiden Perkasa itu merujuk tindakan Umno memecatnya dari jawatan ketua bahagian.

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Ibrahim Ali menuduh kedua-dua parti terbesar orang Melayu iaitu Umno dan PAS telah mengkhianati beliau kerana cemburu dengan kehebatannya.

Berikutan itu, Presiden Perkasa itu akan tetap mempertahankan kerusi parlimen Pasir Mas yang dimenanginya pada 2008.

Beliau menang atas tiket PAS tetapi kemudian meninggalkan parti itu untuk menjadi wakil rakyat bebas.

Ibrahim mengatakan Umno mengkhianatinya kerana memecat beliau dari jawatan ketua bahagian

Dakwanya, Umno memecat beliau ekoran berlaku persempadanan semula kawasan parlimen.

“Umno telah melukakan hati saya…dia pecat saya tanpa sebab.

“MT (majlis tertinggi) dalam mesyuarat mengatakan tidak ada ketua bahagian yang dipecat tetapi saya seorang dipecat,“ kata Ibrahim selepas perhimnpunan Perkasa di Tasik Titiwangsa hari ini.

Mengenai PAS, Ibrahim berkata, menjelang pilihanraya umum 2008 pemimpin parti itu datang berjumpanya kerana mahu bekerjasama.

PAS, kata Ibrahim mahu bekerjasama dengannya kerana beliau ramai penyokong terutama di Kelantan.

Katanya, jasa beliau kepada PAS lebih banyak dari yang diberikan parti itu.

“PAS hanya memenangkan saya seorang tetapi penyokong saya memberi kemenangan yang banyak kepada PAS.

“Orang PAS tidak senang hati dengan saya kerana saya bersikap terbuka dan berani menegur.

“Saya jadi mangsa cemburu…apa yang saya buat hebat,” kata beliau lagi.

Kemelut Gatco masih tiada kesudahan

Masalah yang menimpa peneroka Kampung Serampang Indah (Gatco) merupakan isu yang paling rumit untuk difahami.
COMMENT
Bahagian Pertama

Isu hak milik tanah perladangan (getah) peneroka Kampung Serampang Indah (Gatco) di Jempol, Negeri Sembilan diberi liputan meluas oleh FMT sejak kali pertama lebih 150 peneroka Gatco mengadakan demonstrasi aman di hadapan pejabat Menteri Besar Negeri Sembilan, Mohamad Hassan pada bulan Mac tahun ini.

Dalam beratus-ratus isu rakyat yang FMT pernah membuat liputan di Negeri Sembilan, isu Gatco merupakan isu yang paling rumit (complicated) untuk difahami bukan sahaja oleh FMT malah semua rakan media yang pernah membuat liputan berhubung isu Gatco.

Ini ialah kerana sejak tanah perladangan dan perumahan Gatco mula dibuka pada tahun 1977 kuasa hak milik tanah Gatco bertukar tangan beberapa kali dan pelbagai masalah timbul berkaitan kewangan.

Kerajaan Negeri Sembilan memberikan tanah ini kepada Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Negeri Sembilan (PKNNS) melalui pajakan 99 tahun. PKNNS pula memberikan tanah ini kepada GATCO melalui pajakan 66 tahun.

Peneroka di sini membeli tapak kediaman seluas satu ekar dan tanah perladangan seluas 10 ekar daripada Syarikat GATCO pada 8 Ogos 1977. Peneroka Bumiputera membayar RM4,000 dan peneroka bukan Bumiputera membayar RM7,600.

Pada tahun 1983, Syarikat GATCO memperbaharui perjanjian dan melakukan pengubahsuaian dan keluasan tanah perladangan dikurangkan kepada lapan ekar.

GATCO membuat pinjaman dengan dua institusi kewangan iaitu United Asian Bank dan Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappijvoor Ontwikkelingslanden. Disebabkan masalah pengurusan, Syarikat GATCO diistiharkan muflis pada tahun 1996. Sepanjang tempoh ini peneroka gagal mendapat geran hak milik.

Pada tahun 2004 tanah perladangan ini dilelong. Peneroka bersedia membeli tanah perladangan ini melalui Koperasi dan telah membayar deposit sebanyak RM320,000.00 (Earnest Deposit) kepada Tetuan Singam and Young (Pelelong).

Apabila peneroka ingin membuat bayaran peringkat kedua, pihak pelelong tidak mahu menerima bayaran dari peneroka atas alasan peneroka tidak mampu untuk menyelesaikan keseluruhan lelong tersebut. Seterusnya tanah perladangan ini ditawarkan kepada Syarikat Thamarai Holdings Sdn Bhd dengan RM16 juta.


Peluang tertutup rapat

Peluang untuk mendapatkan kembali hak milik tanah perladangan ini semakin tipis apabila satu-satunya ruang undang-undang untuk peneroka tertutup rapat apabila pada tahun 2004 peneroka kalah dalam kes tuntutan mereka di Mahkamah Tinggi Seremban.

Maka kalau diikutkan dari sudut undang-undang Syarikat Thamarai Holdings merupakan pemegang hak milik tanah perladangan Gatco yang sah ketika ini.

Walaubagaimanapun peneroka Gatco mendakwa cara tanah perladangan itu dilelong adalah tidak betul kerana pilihan pertama lelongan sepatutnya diberikan kepada peneroka.

Peneroka Gatco mendakwa mereka mempunyai dana yang secukupnya untuk membeli tanah perladangan tersebut.

Justeru itu sebahagian besar peneroka Gatco tidak berputus asa dan berusaha dalam pelbagai cara untuk mendapatkan kembali tanah perladangan mereka.

Peneroka Gatco meletakkan harapan kepada pemimpin parti politik tidak kira sama ada dari Barisan Nasional (BN) atau Pakatan Rakyat untuk mendapatkan kembali hak tanah perladangan mereka.

Harapan besar terhadap MB NS

Pada 28 Mac tahun ini, lebih 150 peneroka mengadakan demonstrasi aman di hadapan Pejabat Menteri Besar Negeri Sembilan, Mohamad Hassan dan menyerahkan memorandum kepada beliau meminta campur tangan Mohamad mendapatkan semula hak tanah perladangan peneroka.

Pemimpin PAS, DAP dan Hindraf Negeri Sembilan turut hadir ketika menyerahkan memorandum tersebut.

Mohamad dalam penjelasan ringkas kepada wakil peneroka di pintu masuk Wisma Negeri berkata bahawa Kerajaan Negeri tidak ada kuasa dalam isu tersebut kerana lelongan tanah perladangan Gatco melibatkan Danaharta dan hak milik tanah perladangan tersebut sudah pun dimiliki oleh Syarikat Thamarai Holdings.

Walaubagaimanapun Mohamad berkata beliau akan menjadi orang tengah dan akan cuba berunding dengan Syarikat Thamarai Holdings dalam menyelesaikan tuntutan peneroka Gatco itu.

Pada 13 Julai 2012, dalam satu program di Kampung Serampang Indah, Mohamad mengumumkan peneroka Gatco akan menerima empat ekar tanah perladangan setiap seorang. Kebanyakan peneroka bersetuju dengan tawaran Mohamad, tetapi sebahagian peneroka Gatco pula masih berkeras dan mahu keluasan asal ladang getah mereka iaitu lapan ekar setiap seorang.
Peranan PAS dalam isu Gatco

PAS memainkan peranan dalam usaha membantu peneroka Gatco mendapatkan hak mereka.

Pada 12 April tahun ini, diketuai oleh Pesuruhjaya PAS Negeri Sembilan, Mohd Taufek Abdul Ghani dan Timbalan Ketua Cabang PKR Rasah, R Tangam; seramai 200 peneroka Gatco menaiki empat buah bas berhimpun di hadapan Pejabat Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak di Putrajaya.

Mohd Taufek, Tangam dan Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Bertindak Peneroka Kampung Serampang Indah (Gatco) pada ketika itu, Abdul Rahman Ali Mohamad cuba menyerahkan memorandum kepada Najib meminta campur tangan Najib menyelesaikan kemelut peneroka.

Walabagaimanapun mereka gagal berjumpa dengan Najib kerana beliau mempunyai tugasan rasmi lain dan memorandum itu diserahkan kepada Setiausaha Sulit Kanan Perdana Menteri, Mohammed Amir Haron.

Niat menyerahkan memorandum bertukar menjadi satu tragedi apabila salah seorang peneroka Gatco, Allahyarham Mohd Nordin Bakri, 54, secara kebetulan meninggal dunia pada himpunan tersebut dipercayai akibat serangan jantung.

Pada 17 April, Mohd Taufek, Tangam, Abdul Rahman dan Ahli Jawatankuasa PAS Pusat, Mazlan Aliman mengadakan satu sidang akhbar di Parlimen berhubung isu peneroka Gatco.

Abdul Rahman menyerahkan sebuah memorandum kepada Pegawai Khas Perdana Menteri, Dato’ Ghazali Ibrahim meminta campur tangan Najib menyelesaikan masalah pemilikan tanah peneroka yang berlanjutan sejak 35 tahun itu.

Beliau juga menyerahkan memorandum kepada Presiden PAS dan juga Ahli Parlimen Marang, Dato’ Seri Abdul Hadi Awang untuk isu itu dibawa ke Dewan Rakyat.

Delegasi DAP turun padang

Pemimpin DAP juga terlibat dalam usaha membantu peneroka Gatco. Selepas mengetahui peneroka Gatco diserang dan dipukul dengan rotan oleh 40 orang pemuda; pada 4 Disember lalu, Timbalan Ketua Menteri 2 Pulau Pinang, Prof P Ramasamy (DAP); Ahli Parlimen Teluk Intan, M Manogaran (DAP) dan Timbalan Pengerusi DAP Negeri Sembilan, P Gunasekaran turun padang ke Kampung Gatco bertemu peneroka Gatco untuk mengetahui dengan lebih lanjut berhubung insiden tersebut.

Sesi dialog pemimpin DAP dengan peneroka Gatco tersebut berlangsung dalam suasana emosi yang amat tinggi apabila rata-rata peneroka yang kena pukul tidak dapat memendam perasaan marah mereka.

Malah ada di antara peneroka berkata jika pemuda-pemuda yang memukul mereka datang lagi, peneroka tidak akan teragak-agak menggunakan kekerasan dan akan bertindak balas dengan kekasaran.

Walaubagaimanapun Ramasamy meminta peneroka agar bertenang dan beliau berjanji akan berunding dengan pemilik Syarikat Thamarai Holdings untuk mencapai kata sepakat.

Ramasamy berkata atas dasar perikemanusiaan mungkin ada ruang berunding dengan pihak Syarikat Thamarai Holdings.

Manogaran yang juga merupakan seorang peguam berjanji akan membantu Ramasamy dalam rundingan dengan Syarikat Thamarai Holdings dari sudut undang-undang.

Manogaran juga memberi sedikit harapan kepada peneroka bahawa pasti akan ada satu jalan penyelesaian di meja rundingan.

Selepas laporan Ramasamy turun padang ke Kampung Gatco tersiar di dalam FMT, ramai pihak mengecam Ramasamy kononnya beliau datang jauh dari utara ke Negeri Sembilan untuk menjadi hero Kampung Gatco.

Sebenarnya ramai yang tidak tahu bahawa Ramasamylah antara orang awal yang pernah cuba membantu peneroka Gatco dalam isu ini sekitar tahun 1982 atau 1983.

Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Bertindak Peneroka Kampung Serampang Indah (Gatco) sekarang, K Krishnan pernah berjumpa Ramasamy ketika Ramasamy masih menjadi pensyarah di Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

Khidmat nasihat


Ramasamy yang belum menyertai DAP pada ketika itu memberi khidmat nasihat dan pertolongan berkaitan kepada Krishnan di bawah sebuah NGO bernama INSAN.

Gunasekaran pula berkata beliau pernah mengemukakan pelan tindakan untuk penyelesaian isu tersebut sekitar tahun 2003 dan 2004. Walaubagaimanapun usaha beliau bersama Krishan tidak mendapat sokongan penuh daripada peneroka Gatco pada ketika
itu.

Gunasekaran berkata hampir semua peneroka Gatco pada ketika itu yakin hanya BN sahaja mampu menyelesaikan masalah mereka.

Gunasekaran turut mendakwa bahawa nilai kayu getah yang menunggu masa untuk ditebang pada bila-bila masa sahaja dianggarkan bernilai RM25 juta untuk 4,000 ekar keseluruhannya.

Gunasekaran berkata RM25 juta itu lebih dari cukup sebagai pampasan kepada Syarikat Thamarai Holdings untuk menyerahkan semula lapan ekar tanah perladangan setiap seorang peneroka.

ESOK: Bahagian Akhir – Hidup peneroka Gatco atau hidup Hindraf?

All eight DAP Malay leaders lose badly in CEC polls

(Bernama) - All eight Malay DAP leaders who contested for central executive committee (CEC) posts lost badly at 16th DAP Congress here.

The results show that the party, dominated by the Chinese, does not make room for Malay candidates including Zairil Khir Johari (picture) who served as political secretary to DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

Zairil only received 305 votes while his boss, Lim garnered 1,576 votes.

A total of 1,823 delegates voted to choose 20 DAP leaders for the 2012-2015 term.

The other Malay candidates who lost were Penang DAP committee member Zulkifli Mohd Noor (216 votes), Senator Ariffin SM Omar (748), Johor DAP vice-chairman Ahmad Ton (347 votes), Pahang DAP deputy chairman Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji (121), Desa Manjung DAP branch chairman Solaiman Op Syed Ibrahim (98), Roseli Abdul Ghani (39) and Harun Ahmad (28).

Zulkifli Mohd Noor, one of the DAP Malay candidates said he fought for 25 years for the Malays to be elected as CEC members but failed.

"When we say 'Malaysian Malaysia,' we must represent all religions, all races...balance. The message I conveyed did not reached the grassroots. They are still choosing leaders based on race," he told Bernama.

He said that the election was also not based on ability and experience of the candidates in fighting for the party.

"There is no change. The results is a setback for Malay candidates. Perhaps the top leaders who contested want to take care of their own interests, not the party's interests."

Perkasa: Impossible for Malays to compete economically because of Islam

Zurairi AR, The Malaysian Insider

Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali suggested today that the Malays are economically disadvantaged against the non-Malays because of certain limitations in Islam.

The outspoken conservative Malay leader, who was speaking today at Perkasa’s annual meet here, cited this as the reason to continue with affirmative action policies, arguing that this was the best way to address this shortcoming of the Malays.

“Gambling, liquor, entertainment outlets ... how could Malays afford, be able to compete?” Ibrahim (picture) asked in his address.

He had claimed that millions of ringgit were denied to the Malays since those businesses are prohibited in Islam, while non-Muslim entrepreneurs had benefited a lot from them.

“We urge the government to continue affirmative action to ensure the security of our nation,” he added.

The firebrand leader had earlier quoted from the book “World on Fire” by Amy Chua, which suggested that the free market breeds ethnic hatred and global instability.

He gave examples of violence in the Philippines, Indonesia and South Africa, where shops owned by economically-dominant races had been burnt down after the natives felt threatened.

“Free economy can never help the natives,” said Ibrahim.

Yesterday, the Perkasa chief had suggested that the Chinese community will become a national security threat if it grows more powerful politically and economically.

In an interview with Sinar Harian, Ibrahim had warned that this could result in another bloody racial clash like the May 13 tragedy.

“What if there is chaos? Like during the May 13 incident, they could not proceed with their trade.

“We, too, do not want that to happen,” Ibrahim was quoted as saying in the article.

Around 5,000 Perkasa members turned up for the launch of their general assembly in Taman Tasik Titiwangsa this morning.

Their general assembly will resume in the Sultan Sulaiman Club in Kampung Baru here this afternoon.

Lebih 15,000 Sertai HKR Pulau Pinang

Harakah

Para hadirin berdiri mengikuti ucapan pemimpin Pakatan Rakyat kerana padang becak.

NIBONG TEBAL: Sekalipun padang becak kerana hujan petang tadi, namun tidak menghalang lebih 15,000 orang menghadiri Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat peringkat negeri Pulau Pinang di Padang Awan Jawi, malam ini.

Hujan yang turun renyai-renyai kira-kira jam 5.40 petang, yang kemudiannya lebat selama 15 minit pada jam 6.00 petang menyebabkan padang menjadi becak dan sebahagiannya ditakungi air.

Begitupun, selepas solat Isyak, orang ramai yang terdiri daripada pelbagai kaum mula berpusu-pusu ke padang tersebut untuk mengikuti pidato yang disampaikan pemimpin Pakatan Rakyat termasuk Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Lim Guan Eng dan Mohamad Sabu.

Education key to human rights awareness

fz.com
by Kristina Mariswamy

ON Dec 10, 1948, fresh from the nightmares of World War II, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration, a result of the international community vowing never again to allow the atrocities that took place during the war, was to complement the UN Charter, as well as serve as a guide to guarantee the rights of individuals everywhere.

 

Sixty-four years later, the world has come a long way, but there is still a lot to be done where human rights are concerned.

 

The same could be said for Malaysia.

 

While the country has made several improvements within the past few years on the issue of human rights, several areas, especially the treatment of migrant workers, is still a matter of concern.

 

So why exactly does a developing nation that boasts world class infrastructure and education systems still have problems treating fellow human beings with dignity and respect?

 

According to Andrew Khoo, Human Rights committee chairman for the Malaysian Bar Council, the root of the problem starts with the fact that Malaysian society, as a whole, looks down upon foreign workers.

"Malaysian society to an extent feel it is a little superior compared to its neighbours.  So we tend to look down on people who come in to Malaysia to work as foreign workers, not the high paying expatriates of course, but the low paying foreign workers who do dirty and difficult work that Malaysians don’t want to do," he said.

 

"We tend to look down upon them and so we don’t seem to allow them same rights as we would allow ourselves," said Khoo in a phone interview with fz.com.

 

Over the years, Malaysia has time and time again been put in hot water because of its treatment of migrant workers.

 

In 2009, the Indonesian government put a freeze on its citizens coming in to Malaysia to work as maids following repeated reports of abuse by their Malaysian employers. In 2011, Cambodia followed suit.

 

With multiple bans and freezes taking place around the region, it is hard not to question if Malaysia's ill treatment of its migrant workers affects our ties with other countries.

 

According to Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Prof Dr Benny Teh Cheng Guan, who specialises in International Relations, such problems are inevitable.

 

"Reported incidents of bad treatment of foreign workers in Malaysia can and do affect our bilateral ties, more so than regional, with other countries," he told fz.com in an e-mail interview.

 

"Look at Indonesia for example, reports on ill treatment of Indonesian maids has caused tension between Malaysia and Indonesia, putting pressure on both sides to relook at the existing policies or practices and how better mechanisms can be put in place to prevent such incidents from occurring again," said Teh.

 

He also stressed that due to the large number of foreign workers entering and residing in the country, a better management system needs to be in place to avoid situations that allow human rights violations.

 

"We have not been able to manage them successfully because of the huge number of them coming and living in our country be it through legal or illegal means. This inevitably opens up to opportunities for abuse," he said.

 

"The recent 6P legalisation programme and the minimum wage plan are definitely in the right direction but more needs to be done. Signing conventions and treaties is one thing, but managing the flow of foreign workers and their presence and wellbeing in the country is another," added Teh.

 

Teh also added that apart from ensuring the wellbeing of foreign workers, the system in place also needed to be able to empower foreign workers, which in turn will make them less susceptible to abuse.

 

"We need to plug all the loopholes to stop illegal immigrants because they are not only the most susceptible to abuse but involvement in crime. We also need to educate our foreign workers of their rights as some may continue to live in fear of their employers.

 

At the end of the day, according to Teh, the crucial element was educating Malaysians on the issue, as well as ensuring that just action be taken against those that are guilty of abusing or taking advantage of foreign workers.

 

"Unless and until we can successfully integrate foreign workers into our society, we will continue to face such problems.

Ibrahim Ali Ready To Contest General Election On Any Ticket

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- Pasir Mas Member of Parliament Datuk Ibrahim Ali is ready to contest on any ticket in the coming general election to defend the Pasir Mas seat.

Ibrahim, who is also Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (PERKASA) president, said he was also ready to negotiate with any quarters or contest independently to defend the seat.

"Discussion is necessary before working with any party. I am hoping for support from all quarters, including the opposition and Barisan Nasional (BN), because I know I can do better than them.

"What banner am I contesting for? I am open for all. I have to see their struggle policy, their behaviour. If I have to contest as an independent, I will do so," he told reporters after the Pribumi Perkasa Negara (PERKASA) rally and Perkasa's 3rd general assembly, here Saturday.

During the last general election, Ibrahim, who contested on a PAS ticket, defeated Ahmad Rosdi bin Mahmad (BN-UMNO) with a majority of 8,991 votes.

Young Generation To Continue Government Efforts To Boost Development And Prosperity - Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- The young generation is responsible for continuing government efforts to drive national development and prosperity to a higher level, apart from ensuring Malaysia is always respected by the world, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said today's young generation not only gain knowledge from universities, but must it a mission to be the generation to continue efforts to bring more success to the country.

"We need to provide them with the best and make them our partners in achieving Vision 2020," he said at a function with student leaders at the 2012 Student Leaders Convention here Saturday.

Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

Najib said, "If Malaysia wants to be respected by the world, we must present Malaysia as a country where changes and development occurs."

"We don't need the Arab Spring to see changes in the country. This is because countries where such conflict occurred have yet to receive dividends and returnS from changes due to demonstrations and rioting which claimed lives, damaged properties and crippled successful industries."

He said the government had also carried out various changes to give room to the young generation, which includes amendments to the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU).

Amendment to AUKU allows the young generation to show their maturity and leadership in the interest of the people as a whole, Najib added.

"We must have trust in the new generation. They are our children and today, no one can say we restrict them from intellectual and leadership development."

A total of 600 university student leaders nationwide, including student leaders from polytechnics and community colleges attended the three-day convention at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC).

'Deepak's claims merit reopening Altantuya case, AG'

PKR-backed NGO Jingga 13 has urged the attorney-general (AG) to reopen the case on the murder of Mongolian interpreter Altantuya Shaariibuu following the exposé of carpet trader Deepak Jaikishan.

Its coordinator Fariz Musa said that Deepak’s recent statement alluding to parties involved in the murder is worth to be investigated by AG.

“...Deepak’s confession and disclosure proves that there were witnesses who were directly involved in the murder of Altantuya,” he told reporters before lodging report at Dang Wangi police headquarters yesterday afternoon.

Recently, Deepak has claimed that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak was linked to the retraction of private investigator P Balasubramaniam's statutory declaration (SD) in 2008.

The Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC), said Fariz, should also reopen the probe on Bala’s case as Deepak has alleged that MACC had tried to close the case of the contradictory SDs.

He added that the MACC itself should also be investigated by the police over the agency’s alleged cover up attempt.

“We urge the reopening of the case to be handled by MACC officers who have more integrity, courage and professionalism in handling the case,” he said.

MACC earlier said the investigation of Balasubramaniam’s complaints was completed and that a review by the deputy public prosecutor and MACC’s operations review panel had decided that no further investigation was needed.

However, responding to public pressure, the MACC later said that they would reinvestigate the case should any “new evidence” emerge.

Police report lodged against Deepak

(Malaysiakini) A police report has been lodged in Penang against carpet trader Deepak Jaikishan for allegedly having knowledge of a crime but failing to report it to law enforcers.

DAP national chief Karpal Singh lodged the report in Penang this afternoon under Section 13 of the Criminal Procedure Code which states:

"13(1) every person aware (a) of the commission of an offence under Section 302 of the Penal Code shall in absence of reasonable excuse, the burden of proving which shall lie upon the person so aware, immediately to give information to the officer in charge of the nearest police station..."

Karpal said Section 302 of the Penal Code states that "whoever commits murder shall be punishable with death".

"I lodge this report so that a thorough police investigation could be launched into the matter as what was uttered by Deepak could constitute an offence under Section 202 of the Penal Code which states:

"'Whoever, knowing or having reason to believe that an offence has been committed, intentionally omits to give information respecting that offence which is legally bound to give, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or both'."
Earlier, Karpal said Deepak had knowledge of a murder but did not report it.

"He has committed an offence under the law," said Karpal during his speech at the party's 16th national congress in Penang.

Karpal said the latest revelation by Deepak in Malaysiakini that he would rather not be involved in something as murky as murder means that fresh investigations must commence immediately.

"If Prime Minister Najib Razak is involved, then something must be done.
"What Deepak said has substance. There must be fresh investigations," he said.

Recently, Deepak made a series of allegations on the murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu by two former bodyguards of Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Najib was then deputy prime minister and defence minister involved in a RM7.3 billion deal for the purchase of two Scorpene class submarines for Malaysia.

Harakah Daily also quoted Deepak in a separate interview that Najib had played a major role in P Balasubramaniam's retraction of his first statutory declaration, when he asked his younger brother Nazim to meet the former private investigator.

No one is above the law

Karpal, who is also Bukit Gelugor MP, was the lawyer holding a watching brief for the murder trial of the two bodyguards at the Shah Alam High Court.

"There must be fresh police investigation. Immediately after this, a report will be lodged at the police station here against Deepak to enable investigations," said Karpal.

"Any person who has knowledge of the commission of murder must lodge a police report. Deepak has not lodged a police report and thus, he has committed an offence.

"What is important is not Deepak, what is important is the revelations that he made. Will it prompt police investigation? If the PM is involved, he must answer for it," Karpal added.

"The spirit of Altantuya must be laid to rest. And I say this because an offence was committed and no matter how high up you are, you must face the consequences."
Reports by Ahmad Fadli KC, Koh Jun Lin, Lee Long Hui, Low Chia Ming and Susan Loone.