Whither Perak?

By Deborah Loh
thenutgraph.com

Pakatan Rakyat Speaker V Sivakumar (left) and Barisan Nasional Speaker R Ganesan

THE Perak Pakatan Rakyat (PR)'s persistence in not legitimising the Barisan Nasional (BN) state government draws either admiration or irritation.

In part, it's a difference of opinion that reflects political alignments. The BN-aligned depict such resilience as "buat kecoh". This was aptly described in a piece in Utusan Malaysia after Perak PR assemblypersons convened a 2 Sept 2009 sitting of the House in an Ipoh hotel. For the PR, it's "lawan tetap lawan", by now a favourite battle-cry in their ceramah.

In the courts, the PR has filed suits to challenge the legitimacy of the BN's 5 Feb takeover of Perak in all aspects possible, except against the state's ruler. A Federal Court decision on who the rightful menteri besar (MB) is, is pending. Embattled PR Speaker V Sivakumar is also suing the BN-installed speaker Datuk R Ganesan. Apart from that, Sivakumar is also pursuing a judicial review of the Election Commission's decision to retain the seats of the Behrang, Changkat Jering and Jelapang assemblypersons who left the PR to become BN-friendly independents.

Symbolic of its defiance, the PR has also insisted on convening assembly sittings, first the 3 March emergency sitting under a tree, then the recent one in a hotel held six months later as required by the state constitution. It deems as illegal the 7 May sitting when Speaker Sivakumar was removed by police and the BN's Ganesan was elected — some say illegally — instead.

Amid charges of lawlessness, of being rabblerousers, and of confusing the public, what is the value of the PR's continued "theatrics"? For how long can its resilience last? Will the well of public sympathy dry up?

The tree where the emergency sitting was convened

Making a point

Clearly, the PR is not relying on the courts to resolve the impasse, and has mounted resistance at other levels. At the grassroots, regular ceramah for Perakians have been held over the past months.

But after seven months since the PR's ouster from the state government, there are views that the alliance should give their fight a rest and recoup for the next general election. After all, they already have public anger and sympathy on their side. While the PR wants to keep the injustice of the takeover alive, getting carried away with fiery rhetoric at a time when the BN federal government is attempting to regain lost ground through liberalisation policies can be a gamble.

But others feel the PR has no choice. "I think it is their duty to keep on being a pest. To remind everybody that the present Perak government was unlawfully set up by taking away a properly elected government with the use of the sultan," says Universiti Malaya associate professor of law Dr Azmi Sharom in a phone interview.

"People should know that there is a reason for their ruckus. It's not about buat kecoh or cari pasal, but a reminder that democracy should not be taken away through the use of institutions like the courts, the police or the palace, or by enticing elected representatives to cross over."

Zambry In short, the PR cannot afford to show any acceptance of the BN state government's legitimacy. But what next, if the Federal Court decides that the BN's Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir is the legitimate MB?

Dissent to continue

Sungkai assemblyperson A Sivanesan reiterates the PR's promise for fresh elections should the highest court decide in embattled MB Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin's favour.

If that doesn't happen, he says the PR promises another protest when BN-installed speaker Ganesan calls for the next assembly sitting, which is due by November, or six months after the 7 May assembly.

"If we attend, it will be under protest and we will ensure that the sitting cannot proceed because Ganesan was not properly elected. He has also misled the Bar Council about his legal practice and should be disqualified," Sivanesan tells The Nut Graph over the phone.

The state constitution requires the speaker to cease his or her business or profession immediately upon election or in not more than three months, or be disqualified. Ganesan wrote a letter dated 6 Aug to inform the Bar Council that he had ceased legal practice, but his notice of cessation was filed on 17 Aug.

In other words, the PR is not likely to accept a federal court judgement that favours the BN. The PR is appealing the Court of Appeal's judgement against the High Court's decision that Nizar is the rightful MB. The coalition also considers as flawed the appellate court's interpretation of the law to allow the sultan to sack a menteri besar and to determine the majority in the assembly without a vote in the House.

Nizar (Pic courtesy of theSun)On other counts, the BN's legitimacy is also tenuous when it comes to the three independents, Sivanesan notes. "If, on a particular issue, they happen not to vote in line with the BN, the credibility of the BN's majority will be lost." The Perak assembly has a total of 59 seats, with 28 each for the PR and the BN. While it is unlikely that the BN-friendly independents will suddenly behave independently, Sivanesan says the theoretical possibility underscores the principle of what a legitimate majority is.

Gerakan Youth chief Lim Si Pin, a Perakian, believes that the PR's continued resistance will bear fruit only if the Federal Court rules Nizar as the MB. "Then they can say that their rule of the state has been unbroken."

Lim is in favour of fresh state elections and has stated so on his blog. Still, he thinks the PR assemblypersons could be doing more "productive things" instead of whipping up sympathies.

"It is understandable that they want to do this, but I think their energies should be channelled elsewhere, like serving their constituencies," he says to The Nut Graph.

"People are sympathetic. But like the story of the boy who cried wolf, people may end up treating the PR's politics as a game. I'm looking at it from a voter's point of view. If I elected you, I rather you come see to my needs than staging assemblies," he says on the phone.

Short memories?

Does this mean the BN is hoping that voters will forget the bitterness of the takeover and the court judgements by the time the next general election rolls around?

Lim "When times are good again, people may forget. It's hard to predict how people will vote in the next general election when other factors come into play between now and then, like if the economy rebounds," says Lim.

Indeed, it appears that this is precisely what Umno is banking on. Supreme council member Datuk Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah says the government's approach is to concentrate on people and economy-centric initiatives.

"People are starting to turn their attention to the things the government has introduced, which is only a fraction of all the things the prime minister wants to implement, so Pakatan can go ahead do whatever it wants," the Tambun Member of Parliament and finance minister II tells The Nut Graph.

He says the PR in Perak should perform its role as the opposition now and focus on development and economic issues in the state. "They should do this rather than instigate people to go against the courts."

Voting on principles?

Sivanesan, however, has faith in the fact that Perak voters' mixed ethnic composition will be positive for the PR in the next general election.

"It won't be like Manik Urai, where the BN thought they were getting back the Malay [Malaysian] votes. But Permatang Pasir disproved that. There may be a small swing of Malays back to the BN, but there will be a larger swing from non-Malay [Malaysian] voters," he asserts.

Perak's voters are 51% Malay Malaysian, 33% Chinese Malaysian, 13% Indian Malaysian, and 3% Orang Asli, notes Sivanesan.

In Perak, all the PR appears to have on its side are the ethnic percentages, and principles. In a political landscape where there's been a shortage of the latter, how Perakians vote next will say much about the progress of Malaysian political maturity. The value of the PR's continuing resistance will also be known then.

Demolition of Kg Buah Pala leaves a bitter taste

By Anil Netto,

The demolition of Kg Buah Pala, which has already begun, leaves a bitter taste.

People are more interested in ‘whacking’ the villagers for their political miscalculations and for being “greedy” because they did not jump at the offer of “double-storey terrace houses worth RM500,000″. At the same time, the developer’s greed is rarely mentioned.

The villagers, after all, are the real victims of a land grab – but they are the ones receiving the most flack. Wierd how the tables have been turned against them. Many “hardcore” Pakatan supporters just want them to disappear so they can get on with the BN vs Pakatan game. We must see the Big Picture, they argue. But they forget it is all the small little pictures like Kg Buah Pala that add up to the Big Picture.

Moving beyond the BN-Pakatan blame game, however, the loss of the village, which harkens back to a different era, when people lived more in harmony with Nature, is a source of mourning.

The demolition of this and other kampungs is a sign that the concrete jungle is taking over our increasingly unsustainable habitat.

The partisanship surrounding the Kg Buah Pala saga is disturbing. At the same time, the human rights angle is hardly mentioned, in particular, the primary rights to land and to shelter, and the right of communities to live in dignity.

Where are the partisan political supporters – Pakatan and BN – when it comes to the Penan who are engaged in a lonely struggle to protect their ancestral lands and the rainforests (what’s left of it) from the rapacious greed of logging companies? Is the silence because there is no BN vs Pakatan angle there? My posting on the Aljazeera video of the Penan received just 14 comments. Why the lack of interest towards their plight and the loss of our rainforests?

This shows that our mindset towards the downtrodden, towards marginalised communities, towards the environment has not yet changed – even after 8 March 2008. Many have simply transferred their loyalties from the BN to the Pakatan, but are still unprepared for a more sustainable model of development that does not harm marginalised communities nor damage our priceless heritage.

A-G: Cow head protesters to be charged

The Sun
by Charles Ramendran, Hemananthani Sivanandam & Eva Yeong

PETALING JAYA (Sept 7, 2009): Those who brought a cow's head to protest against the relocation of a Hindu temple will be charged with sedition and participating in an illegal assembly, Attorney-General (A-G) Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail announced today.

"Those who carried (the cow head) and spoke while stepping on the cow head will be charged under Section 4 (1) of the Sedition Act and alternatively Section 298 of the Penal Code.

"They, as well as the other demonstrators will also be facing another charge under Section 27 (5) of the Police Act for illegal assembly," said Abdul Gani.

He said (Selangor) police submitted the investigation papers on the protest by Section 23, Shah Alam, residents to him in the afternoon. "I am satisfied based on the facts and evidence gathered by police that the demonstrators should be taken to court and I have decided (to prosecute)," he said in a statement issued late this evening.

If convicted under Section 4 (1) of the Sedition Act, the offenders can be fined up to RM5,000 or be sentenced to jail for up to three years or both for the first offence.

If found guilty under Section 298 of the Penal Code, offenders face a maximum six months' jail or a fine of RM2,000.

Those found guilty under Section 27(5) of the Police Act 1967 can be fined between RM2,000 and RM10,000 as well as be jailed for up to a year.

On Aug 28, after prayers, a group of about 50 protesters, claiming to be Section 23, Shah Alam, residents, marched to the Selangor state secretariat building to protest the relocation of a 150 year-old Hindu temple from Section 19 to their neighbourhood.

The group also dragged a cow's head, stomped and spat on it. The cow is considered sacred to Hindus.

Reports and video recordings of the protest involving the cow's head ignited a storm of protest from various sections of society.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abul Razak immediately ordered the police to take action against the group. Politicians, including from the Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat, community leaders and religious authorities condemned the protesters for being disrespectful and insensitive towards the other races in the country.

The protesters, during a meeting with Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said they did not mean to insult Hindus but said the cow head was symbolic of the Selangor government's stupidy.
A number of police reports has also been lodged against the protesters.

A-G: Cow head protesters to be charged

The Sun
by Charles Ramendran, Hemananthani Sivanandam & Eva Yeong

PETALING JAYA (Sept 7, 2009): Those who brought a cow's head to protest against the relocation of a Hindu temple will be charged with sedition and participating in an illegal assembly, Attorney-General (A-G) Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail announced today.

"Those who carried (the cow head) and spoke while stepping on the cow head will be charged under Section 4 (1) of the Sedition Act and alternatively Section 298 of the Penal Code.

"They, as well as the other demonstrators will also be facing another charge under Section 27 (5) of the Police Act for illegal assembly," said Abdul Gani.

He said (Selangor) police submitted the investigation papers on the protest by Section 23, Shah Alam, residents to him in the afternoon. "I am satisfied based on the facts and evidence gathered by police that the demonstrators should be taken to court and I have decided (to prosecute)," he said in a statement issued late this evening.

If convicted under Section 4 (1) of the Sedition Act, the offenders can be fined up to RM5,000 or be sentenced to jail for up to three years or both for the first offence.

If found guilty under Section 298 of the Penal Code, offenders face a maximum six months' jail or a fine of RM2,000.

Those found guilty under Section 27(5) of the Police Act 1967 can be fined between RM2,000 and RM10,000 as well as be jailed for up to a year.

On Aug 28, after prayers, a group of about 50 protesters, claiming to be Section 23, Shah Alam, residents, marched to the Selangor state secretariat building to protest the relocation of a 150 year-old Hindu temple from Section 19 to their neighbourhood.

The group also dragged a cow's head, stomped and spat on it. The cow is considered sacred to Hindus.

Reports and video recordings of the protest involving the cow's head ignited a storm of protest from various sections of society.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abul Razak immediately ordered the police to take action against the group. Politicians, including from the Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat, community leaders and religious authorities condemned the protesters for being disrespectful and insensitive towards the other races in the country.

The protesters, during a meeting with Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said they did not mean to insult Hindus but said the cow head was symbolic of the Selangor government's stupidy.
A number of police reports has also been lodged against the protesters.

Exclusive Interview With Lim Kit Siang: “Pakatan has not yet achieved maturity.”

@My Sinchew (Used by permission)
by Hou Yalun/translated by Soong Phui Jee

Along the 17 months since the formation of Pakatan Rakyat, the first 12 months was a honeymoon and internals problem, including the personnel disputes within the party and frictions among the three component parties, have started to surface over the past five months.

After BN wrestled back the Perak state government, there were rumours that BN is now aiming for Selangor. Faced with internal and external problems, DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, who is keeping an eye on BN's governance, could not help but to urge his own party members to be vigiloant to avoid being defeated before the end of their term.

Lim, like anyone else, could not have expected the 8 March general election results. But they still have to complete the promises they made to the people.

However, Pakatan is still unstable even 17 months after its formation. Its internal conflicts are the greatest pressures, as well as the greatest worry for Lim.

Lim seemed to have reservations on whether Pakatan would capture the federal govenrment in the next general elections. “To do” and “can do” are two different things. Lim is still unclear about the tendency of Chinese voters as he is clearly understands that the recent Pakatan problems have made the people wonder whether they should pin their hopes on Pakatan.

Lim admitted that Pakatan is facing the most serious crisis and if they want the people to continue support Pakatan in the next general elections, they will have to first be matured!

After the 8 March general elections, various remarks that incited racial sentiments could be heard everywhere and racial relations are still very acute and sensitive. MCA, which claimed to be the biggest Chinese based political party, is currently trapped in a party crisis. Many issues related to the Chinese community's interests have been shelved. Meanwhile, DAP, with most of its supporters are Chinese, has failed to escape from Pas' Islamic state controversy.

Pakatan's problems have surfaced one after another and Lim realised the disappointment of Pakatan's supporters, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and netizens.

Could Pakatan have another breakthrough after the 8 March general elections to take over the federal government? With the internal and external problems, even a brave politician Lim would nbot venture to guess.

The honeymoon is over

Question: Pakatan was formed right after the 8 March general elections. You said that it was a challenge. And now Pakatan has been formed for one and a half year, could you talk about the cooperation experience?

Answer: The formation of Pakatan was indeed initiated after the 8 March general elections. It was as well the people's will. We were not facing the general elections as a front but it was for the ruling in a few states. The 17 months was a test, a test to see whether Pakatan is able to deliver its promises to the people.

The people had great expectations of Pakatan in the first 12 months.

But undoubtedly, the internal and external incidents over the past five months have made many people wonder: Can we still trust Pakatan?

Internally, there are endless quarrels and externally, the ruling party has taken a series of concrete campaigns to attack Pakatan, particularly after the Perak regime change. BN has shifted its focus on Selangor. It has declared a war to Pakatan by using all the government-owned institutions.

Pakatan is currently facing a very severe test.

Q: Is there any problem among the member parties over the first 12 months of cooperation?

A: There are three different parties with different stands in Pakatan. It is impossible to have no problem at all. Most importantly, we know how to manage these problems. Inevitably, more problems surface as time passes.

Difference in views are inevitable but we must prioritise the main goals. We have a common important task, which is to drive the country's political reform, give a new hope for democracy and end a party's dominance through a two-line system. At the same time, we have to drive democratisation, making the country more transparent, fair and liberal.

The most important thing is, whether we can keep our general direction? We must think whether we want to leave the differences and take the general direction as our common goal or let the differences to cover up the general direction?

Q: The differences over the past five months have made the people wonder whether it was a right decision to support Pakatan. Does this mean that the internal differences have gone out of control?

A: We are still facing the challenge to see whether we are able to overcome the differences without losing the general direction. Therefore, we convened a meeting to reiterate the most important goal and direction for Pakatan, as well as the need to restore the people's confidence in Pakatan.

We must have a sense of crisis in facing internal and external challenges.

We have reached a consensus to reiterate the importance of Pakatan. Simultaneously, we must not ignore the phenomenon of the past few months that have made the people to lose confidence in Pakatan.

Q: Do do you know that the people have started to lose confidence in Pakatan?

A: From the remarks made by NGOs and bloggers, we can see their disappointment. Not only them, we are disappointed with our inability to solve the problems among ourselves. We think that we should not be ineffectively in resolving some of the problems. We ourselves are disappointed.

Q: Do you think that Pakatan will be able to restore the people's confidence by the next general elections?

A: If we can reflect on this issue jointly and understand that we need to restore the people's confidence, I believe that we can come out with a new situation.

Q: Do you have the confidence to solve the internal problems?

A: We all hope so, but every party must have discipline and the same focus.

Q: Do you have the same confidence in the other two parties?

A: We have reached a consensus that we should have a new start. We should give an opportunity for Pakatan to perform its best.

Q: Do you think that all of you have the sincerity?

A: All of us have the sincerity to see a new political situation. We want not only a comprehensive reform after the 8 March general elections, but as well a step further to comprehensively complete the 8 March general election effect.

Q: How much reform work have been completed since the 8 March general elections?

A: It is very hard to say. The point is, we want to truly be a people's united front and a really strong entity. We are still trying to achieve it. (By HOU YALUN/ Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily)


MySinchew 2009.09.07

SOUND BITES

For the Lawyers - The Constitution and Parliament

1. When I asked whether the Constitution or Parliament came first, I just wanted to make certain. But I am sorry that most who answered were not lawyers.

2. According to Tun Suffian in his book "An Introduction to the Constitution of Malaysia", the Constitution was promulgated on Merdeka Day, 31st August 1957, i.e. before there was a Parliament. In fact the Constitution created the Parliament.

3. The question which arises is whether it is governed by the Interpretation Acts of 1948 and 1967 (Act 388) which in Part 1 section 2 under Application reads;

2. Application

(1) Subject to this section, Part I of this Act shall apply for the interpretation of and otherwise in relation to -

(a) this Act and all Acts of Parliament enacted after 18th May 1967;

(b) all laws, whether enacted before or after the commencement of this Act, revised under the Revision of Laws Act 1968

(c) all subsidiary legislation made under this Act and under Acts of Parliament enacted after the commencement of this Act;

(d) all subsidiary legislation, whether made before or after the commencement of this Act, revised under the Revision of Laws Act 1968

(e) all subsidiary legislation made after the 31st December 1968, under the laws revised under the Revision of Laws Act 1968

(2) Part 1 shall not aply for the interpretation or otherwise in relation to any written law not enumerated in subsection (1)

(3) Part 1 shall not apply where there is -

(a) expressive provision to the contrary; or

(b) something in the subject or context inconsistent with or repugnant to its application

I hope my question would be answered by a few lawyers at least.

*****

Kasitah Gaddam

(in response to comment by Amiir in KASITAH GADDAM published on Aug 20)

Amiir,

1. My friends cases are not like what happened to Anwar.

2. There was a clear-cut case against him. He was tried in a court of law and he had nine lawyers defending him.

3. He was convicted. He appealed three times. Of the 10 judges involved all except two found him guilty.

4. The two who acquitted him, in a written judgment stated that the prosecution got the date wrong but they also expressed the view that the offence had taken place probably on another day.

Tight pants' woman jailed for not paying fine

(CNN) -- A woman put on trial for wearing clothing deemed indecent by Sudanese authorities was jailed Monday for refusing to pay a court-ordered fine, her lawyer said.

Sudanese journalist Lubna Ahmed al-Hussein was facing 40 lashes for wearing trousers.

Lubna al-Hussein had faced 40 lashes for wearing pants deemed too tight and a blouse considered too sheer. The threat of lashes was dropped when a court found her guilty but ordered instead that she pay a fine.

"She is now in jail," her attorney Nabil Adib told CNN. "She refused to pay the fine as a matter of principal."

Al-Hussein will appeal her verdict in an effort to have the conservative Muslim government's decency law declared unconstitutional, Adib said by phone from Khartoum.

"We intend to file an appeal within the next three days, but we do not know how long it will take the court of appeals to decide on the case," Adib said. "We expect it will happen in the next two to three weeks."

He said al-Hussein could be in jail for a month unless her verdict is overturned.

Al-Hussein, who was arrested in July, pleaded not guilty during her one-day trial Monday, he said. She was not allowed to call defense witnesses or present a defense case, he added.

She was sentenced to pay 500 Sudanese pounds ($209) or face a month in prison, starting immediately, the lawyer said.

"She thinks that she did not have fair trial and a conviction was wrong so she did not want to pay the fine nor let anyone else pay on her behalf," Nadib said.

Al-Hussein, a journalist who worked in the media department of the United Nations mission in Sudan, resigned from her U.N. position in order to waive her immunity as an international worker and face trial.

Police lobbed tear gas at people outside the courthouse Monday, and closed roads leading to the courthouse before the trial began, al-Hussein told CNN before the hearing.

Sudanese security forces roughly handled scores of al-Hussein supporters, injuring some and detaining 47 women, according to an eyewitness who spoke to CNN by phone.

A Sudanese official accused "the West" of interfering in the case.

Mohammed Khair, the information attaché at the Sudan Consulate in Dubai, said the international campaign surrounding the case "proves the West contributes only toward deepening (the) crisis."

The human rights organization Amnesty International had previously called for the charges to be dropped.

"The manner in which this law has been used against women is unacceptable, and the penalty called for by the law -- up to 40 lashes -- abhorrent," Tawanda Hondora, deputy director of Amnesty International's Africa program, said in a statement.

Al-Hussein was arrested along with 18 other women on July 3 at a Khartoum restaurant when police burst in and checked women for their clothing.

"I don't think she was targeted specifically," Adib said. "They attack public and private parties and groups. They are called 'morality police' and she was just a victim of a round-up." Put your questions to Dutch activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali here

At the time of her arrest, she said, she was wearing pants, a blouse and a hijab, or a headscarf worn by Muslim women.

Scores of protesters gathered outside the courtroom in Khartoum to support al-Hussein in early August, when she was last scheduled to be tried.

The demonstrators carried banners and wore headbands with the messages, "No return to the dark ages" and "No to suppressing women." Others demanded an amendment to the country's public order law that human rights activists say is vague on what constitutes indecent dress.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said he is concerned about al-Hussein's case.

"The United Nations will make every effort to ensure that the rights of its staff members are protected," Ban said in July. "The flogging is against the international human rights standards. I call on all parties to live up to their obligations under all relevant international instruments."

In addition to the group of lawyers defending her, al-Hussein was also represented by two Egyptian defense attorneys, she said.

Simmering tension over Section 19 temple - Malaysiakini

Tension over the 150-year-old Sri Mariamman Temple in Section 19 had apparently been simmering even before the recent 'cow-head' protest over its proposed relocation to Section 23, Shah Alam.

Temple committee president A Selvakumaran today revealed that Malay NGO Majlis Permuafakatan Ummah (Pewaris) had erected a zinc fence (painted blue in photo) early this year across part of the land on which the temple is situated.

This, he said, had resulted in the loss of a 'car park' for devotees, who now find it more difficult to attend services at the temple.

“We complained about it to the police and Shah Alam City Council, but until now no action has been taken,” he said when contacted.

Worshippers now have to park their vehicles in the surrounding residential area, which causes traffic congestion especially during festivals.

“This is why we have to seek a police permit every time there is a festival, so that they can assist us with the traffic,” said Selvakumaran.

Devotees are also forced to resort to park their vehicles in the residential area on other occasions.

“Thank god, they (residents) are very understanding because they have known about (the temple's existence) for a long time,” said Selvakumaran.

However, the authorities have decided to relocate the temple, as it is within a residential area and because of traffic congestion during the observance of religious festivals.

Pewaris: It's our right

Pewaris, meanwhile, said it has a right to erect the fence as the land “belongs to the State Development Corporation (PKNS), and not to the temple”.

Pewaris spokesperson Nadzim Johan said when contacted that the fence was built to create a space for residents in the neighbourhood, for “physical activities, gatherings or ceremonies”.

“Although we were not authorised to (build the fence), they (authorities) should allow the land to be used by the residents because the temple is also borrowing the land from PKNS,” he said.

A signboard identifies the Pewaris-occupied site as Tapak Gelanggang Pewaris and states that the facility was officially opened on Jan 10.

Nadzim went on to deny that the erection of the fence has led to problems for Hindu worshippers.

“They can still park their vehicles on both sides of the road. Besides, we don't want them to expand the temple,” he added.

'Cow-head' protesters to face charges - Malaysiakini

Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail today said that he would be charging those who took part in the 'cow-head' protest 10 days ago.

"I have decided to charge those who carried (the cow head) and spoke while stepping on the cow head under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act, alternatively under Section 298 of the Penal Code," said Abdul Gani in a statement today.

He added that all the demonstrators will also face another charge under Section 27(5) of the Police Act for illegal assembly. [see below for details of the sections]

He said that the decision was based on the investigation paper submitted by the police to him this afternoon.

"I am satisfied based on the facts and evidence gathered by the police that the demonstrators should be taken to court," he said.

The investigation paper was the result of a two-week long police investigation into the protest which has put Malaysia on the international stage for the wrong reason after public outcry over the issue.

Abdul Gani however did not state when the charges would be preferred against the demontrators. He also did not reveal the number of people to be charged.

New site identified

On Aug 28, the demonstrators, residents of Shah Alam's Section 23, marched to the state secretariat to protest the proposed relocation of the Sri Maha Mariamman Hindu temple from nearby Section 19.

They were reportedly unhappy that the 150-year-old temple is to be relocated in the Malay-Muslim majority neighbourhood.

The protest turned sour when several unidentified men came forward with a dismembered cow's head and placed it in front of the building gates.

Several individuals then proceeded to spit and step upon the animal's head while uttering threats apparently directed at Selangor executive councillor for health, plantation workers, poverty and caring government Dr Xavier Jayakumar

An attempt by the the state government to hold a dialogue with the residents last Saturday turned rowdly (photo, above) when the residents vehemently objected to the temple being relocated to their neighbourhood.

Following this the state government shelved the plan to relocate the temple but today announced that another site has been found in Section 23 for the relocation.

Uthaya released after 12 hrs

Teoh family outraged at MACC chief's suicide theory

By Debra Chong

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 7 – As the inquest into the death of a Selangor government political aide drags on with no clear end in sight, his grieving family’s frustration is fast turning into fury.

This is especially over the latest reported remarks made by the chief commissioner of the national anti-graft body, which many believe to have had a hand in pushing him over the edge.

The family of the late Teoh Beng Hock denounced the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan for publicly insinuating that the 30-year-old political secretary had committed suicide because he “could not withstand the pressure”.

Teoh’s younger sister, Lee Lan noted that Ahmad Said had told Chinese-language daily, Sin Chew Daily, earlier this month that he had been informed of 10 cases of people jumping from buildings after being investigated by Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) since its set-up.

The MACC, formed in January this year, was modelled after the ICAC.

“He also said that if people investigated could not withstand the pressure and jumped from the building, there was nothing that they (MACC) could do,” Lee Lan told The Malaysian Insider, repeating her statement to reporters last Saturday after saying prayers for her brother at the Seck Kia Eenh Temple in Malacca.

“If the MACC continues to make irresponsible remarks which cannot be substantiated with proof, we are prepared to go and see the Prime Minister again to urge him to immediately set up a comprehensive Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate into Beng Hock’s cause of death,” she added, speaking for the rest of her family.

The family scored a meeting with Datuk Seri Najib Razak in his Putrajaya office on July 28.

“No stone will be left unturned in finding out the real cause of death and, if there is any foul play, action will definitely be taken,” the PM promised them then.

Lee Lan, who was the closest of three other siblings to Teoh, challenged Ahmad Said to answer three questions:

1. Who saw Beng Hock jump from [the] MACC building?

2. Beng Hock was classified as a witness in the investigation, what pressure would he have faced?

3. Will MACC’s interrogation method bring about pressure on the witness or suspect to cause them to jump to death?

Teoh was found dead outside the MACC’s Selangor office in Plaza Masalam, Shah Alam on July 16, the same day he was to register his marriage to his pregnant sweetheart.

He had been interrogated overnight by MACC investigators probing claims that his boss, first-term Selangor DAP state lawmaker and executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah, had unlawfully dipped his fingers into state funds.

The inquest will resume tomorrow after a one week break.

Lee Lan, who was the closest of three other siblings to Teoh, challenged Ahmad Said to answer three questions:

1. Who saw Beng Hock jump from [the] MACC building?

2. Beng Hock was classified as a witness in the investigation, what pressure would he have faced?

3. Will MACC’s interrogation method bring about pressure on the witness or suspect to cause them to jump to death?

Teoh was found dead outside the MACC’s Selangor office in Plaza Masalam, Shah Alam on July 16, the same day he was to register his marriage to his pregnant sweetheart.

He had been interrogated overnight by MACC investigators probing claims that his boss, first-term Selangor DAP state lawmaker and executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah, had unlawfully dipped his fingers into state funds.

The inquest will resume tomorrow after a one week break.

A tale of a cow

And that is why one-time Selangor Menteri Besar Khir Toyo said cows are stupid. And he explained why he said this as follows. Malays have a proverb, he said, bodoh macam lembu, which translates to stupid like a cow.

NO HOLDS BARRED

Raja Petra Kamarudin

This story is actually a tale of a cow, not the tail of a cow. And the tale started when Umno lost its cash-cow state, Selangor. Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said they must grab back the cash-cow state, by hook or by crook. And what Malaysian prime ministers want Malaysian prime ministers get.

So they moo-ted a grand plan. And the plan was to raise race and religion issues to work up the Malays so that they would become aroused enough to unite. “Apa pasal itu Moolayu selalu bangkit cerita 13 Mei?” asked a very concerned Chinese citizen of Selangor who spoke very little English and a spattering of bazaar Malay. “Itu bikin kita orang China rasa risau. Kita masih ingat dulu orang China kena sembelih macam lembu semasa Hari Raya Haji.”

Of course, one would imagine that in this day and age Malays can no longer be led by the nose like cows and get taken in so easily by all this propaganda. As they say in Malaysia, Malays, today, have better cow sense. But alas, some are still fooled by bull shit.

But then, we must always remember what one-time Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said: people are like herd. They have herd mentality. Mahathir was of course talking about the fact that all you need to do is lead one cow by the nose and the rest of the herd would follow.

If you remember the John Wayne cowboy movies of the old days you will remember that they always showed scenes of stampeding herds. All it takes is for one cow to become spooked and to start panicking and the rest of the herd would follow suit. This is another thing about herd mentality. All it takes is for one cow to moo and start galloping and all the others would follow although they do not know why they are doing so.

So all you need to do is to spook one cow. And it need not be the lead cow. Any cow will do. And once this cow is spooked and goes moo and starts running in a panic like a bull in a China shop, then the rest of the herd just follows without thinking.

And that is why one-time Selangor Menteri Besar Khir Toyo said cows are stupid. And he explained why he said that as follows. Malays have a proverb, he said, bodoh macam lembu, which translates to stupid like a cow. So stupidity is always equated to cows, at least as far as Malays are concerned.

That was Khir Toyo’s explanation.

What Malays do not know is that the English also have cute sayings, just like the Malays. And one of the English sayings is ‘greedy like a pig’. This normally refers to people who eat too much and stuff their faces unabashedly. This would include people who eat everything they can get their hands on without a second thought -- like many Malaysians who ‘eat’ the rakyat’s money by taking ‘commission’ and ‘under the table’ money. These types of people would classify as those who are greedy like pigs.

But as much as Najib and Khir Toyo tried everything they could to bring down the Selangor government, the Pakatan Rakyat people were not in the least bit cowed. Nothing could shake them and they fought back hard. The Pakatan Rakyat people are just so pig-headed or, as the Malays would say, kepala keras macam lembu. So Umno decided to play hardball by making some of the Pakatan Rakyat EXCO Members sacrificial cows. But still they fought back relentlessly and would not surrender.

Then Umno upped the ante and got some of their members to march to the Selangor State Secretariat building with a cow’s head. They of course pretended that Umno is not involved in this entire thing and that these people acted on their own accord. But the Malays have another saying. And that saying is when one cow is muddy then the entire herd becomes muddy as well. Eventually, everyone blamed Umno for this and many in fact asked why is it that Umno does not have any cow sense. Does Umno not know that they would get blamed for this whatever they may say to deny it?

The Saturday meeting in Shah Alam convinced those who may have had doubts about Umno’s involvement in the cow head episode that Umno is undoubtedly involved. When one Umno man started shouting, the rest followed suit in true herd mentality fashion. It was almost like a stampeding herd when everyone rushed forward and it appeared like they would swamp the main table. Everyone was screaming at the same time and no one could understand what these people were saying. It was almost like the sound of cows in a slaughterhouse.

But the Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, and the Shah Alam Member of Parliament, Khalid Samad, remained very calm. They were not cowed by the mob that even went so far as to threaten to kill them. You could see that the two Khalids were as unperturbed as cows grazing in a field. They did not react or retaliate like a bull that sees red.

And that demonstrated the matured mentality of the Pakatan Rakyat people compared to the Umno people. Khalid even said he was prepared to be slaughtered in the next general election if that is the price he has to pay to seek justice and fair-play.

The Umno people wanted to barbecue the two Khalids like pieces of beef. But the two Khalids stood their ground and refused to give in even as the Umno people were sharpening their carving knives. Trying to get the two Khalids to relent was as difficult as trying to beat a cow into action.

And everyone who witnessed the video of the Saturday melee in Shah Alam realised that Umno is very dangerous and does not care what happens to the rakyat as long as they are able to grab back the cash-cow state that they lost on 8th March 2008.

Mad cow disease in Penang

The look on their faces when they go berserk is something you have to personally see to appreciate. It is indeed a most ugly sight that words can never describe. The fact that most of these people are already ugly to start off with makes it even worse. (First published on 9 September 2008, one day before I was detained under the Internal Security Act).

NO HOLDS BARRED

Raja Petra Kamarudin

Researchers in University Science Malaysia (USM), Penang, have traced local beef as the source of the recent outbreak of Mad Cow Disease. According to Professor Abdool Rehman Maideen, the university decided to conduct this research when it was discovered that many Indians of the Muslim faith appeared to be acting very strange one hour after a heavy meal that comprised of beef.

“The Indians of the Hindu faith did not seem to catch this disease,” explained Professor Abdool Rehman. “It is only those Indians of the Muslim faith who got it. So we suspected that it must have something to do with their diet since many Hindus are vegetarians and most would not consume beef.”

“But what is most perplexing,” said Professor Abdool Rehman, “Malays also eat the same thing but they do not appear to be prone to this disease. In fact, many Chinese, Thais, and others as well eat local beef but how come they are immune from this disease?”

“I think we are seeing a new strain or mutated form of Mad Cow Disease. This is not the same strain that hit this country a couple of years ago. This strain hits only Indians, in this case Indians who eat beef like those Indians of the Muslim faith.”

“It may no longer be accurate to call this disease Mad Cow Disease although it does come from cows and those inflicted with the disease do act like mad cows. Our university has renamed this disease Mamak Disease in light of the fact that Mamaks seem to be the only people who suffer from this problem.”

“We did some tests on Malays and Chinese, and although they eat the same beef as the Indians of the Muslim faith, they do not appear to be prone to the disease -- and neither are Indians who are Christians. We would love to also do some tests on Indians of the Hindu faith but the problem is we can’t get them to agree to consume beef even though it is for research purposes.”

“The way those affected with this disease act is quite frightening,” said Professor Abdool Rehman. “People have been known to jump up from their chairs, try to climb walls, and they would pull down and destroy paintings and photographs. The look on their faces when they go berserk is something you have to personally see to appreciate. It is indeed a most ugly sight that words can never describe. The fact that most of these people are already ugly to start off with makes it even worse. I for one would dread to catch such a disease and that is why from now on I have become a vegetarian and shun all forms of meat.”

Pictures courtesy Kwong Wah Yit Poh

Heh, heh, heh, go ahead, make my day

I challenge Malay Mail to make a police report against me. I was told there are already more than ten police reports piled up against me, not to mention two warrants of arrest and one Internal Security Act detention order. So what is one more police report? By the way, the police know where I am. I am not in hiding and have been in contact with many people, top Umno people included.

NO HOLDS BARRED

Raja Petra Kamarudin

Thief! Thief!

Malaysia Today stole a Malay Mail scoop. We've been working on the story for days. It's what journalists called a "Scoop" or "an Exclusive". This one by Frankie d'Cruz and Kharleez Zubin on the confession of an election rigger we've saved for today's front page because it's a damn good scoop. The people at Malaysia Today seem to think so, too.

Imagine our shock when at 1.52am, which is way before our press time, our scoop was already up on Malaysia Today! (See: http://mt.m2day.org/2008/content/view/26547/84/ )

The Malay Mail usually updates its website around noon (about the same time the print edition goes out to the streets) but today I told our IT people we might as well upload the stories earlier. After all, the Malaysia Today has scooped our scoop!

Our lawyers say this is THEFT, so we're obliged to report it in the morning.

http://rockybru.com.my/

Malay Mail exclusive hijacked

Malay Mail

Monday, September 7th, 2009 04:17:00

OUR exclusive on how former MIC strongman Datuk V. Govindaraj “stole” 30 votes meant for Datuk S. Subramaniam in the 1977 party polls was ironically stolen by online portal Malaysia Today even before Malay Mail had gone to print or had uploaded the story on its website. The story was uploaded on Malaysia Today at 1.52am.

Investigations are under way to ascertain how the story was hijacked.

http://www.mmail.com.my/content/12537-malay-mail-exclusive-hijacked

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

Actually, they uploaded the article at 1.05am while Malaysia Today -- as even Malay Mail admits -- uploaded it at 1.52am. See the link of the article on Malay Mail’s website here: http://www.mmail.com.my/content/12492-dark-secret-revealed

So what is the big issue? It was already in the public domain BEFORE we ‘stole’ it. Malay Mail did not upload the article AFTER we ‘stole’ it, as they claim.

Kerajaan PR Selangor tak boleh bersandiwara isu Seksyen 23 – Berita Harian

SEPT 7 – Isu pemindahan kuil dari Seksyen 19 ke Seksyen 23 di Shah Alam sepatutnya diselesaikan lebih awal tanpa tercetus sebarang kejadian yang tidak diingini.

Bagaimanapun, isu ini berlarutan apabila kerajaan negeri gagal menanganinya sebaik mungkin pada peringkat awal lagi.

Kelmarin, sesi dialog bertempat di Dewan Bankuet, Wisma MBSA, bagi menjelaskan isu pemindahan kuil itu bukan saja tegang, malah Menteri Besar Selangor, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim di'boo' lebih 200 penduduk Seksyen 23 yang menyertai majlis itu.

Malah, ada penduduk yang mengacah untuk membaling kasut sebagai tanda protes kepada ketiga-tiga pemimpin Pakatan Rakyat

(PR) itu. Semua ini menunjukkan kelemahan kerajaan negeri dan Wakil Rakyat terbabit hingga penduduk naik berang dengan sikap mereka yang bukan saja gagal mengambil tindakan lebih awal, malah tidak memberi reaksi langsung sehinggalah isu itu menjadi isu nasional.

Akhirnya, Menteri Besar mengumumkan cadangan pemindahan kuil itu dibekukan sehingga satu lokasi baru lebih sesuai ditemui. Abdul Khalid berkata, cadangan itu terpaksa dikaji semula selepas mendengar rintihan dan protes penduduk Seksyen 23 pada majlis dialog berkenaan.

Sepatutnya, Abdul Khalid atau wakil rakyat di kawasan terbabit, sudah mula melakukan sesuatu apabila sekumpulan penduduk mengadakan bantahan baru-baru ini.

Malah Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Bertindak Bantahan Kuil Seksyen 23, Mahayuddin Manaf, dipetik sebagai berkata, sejak Mei lalu hingga sekarang, baru kelmarin kerajaan negeri mengadakan dialog dengan penduduk mengenai isu berkenaan, itu pun selepas masalah ini menjadi isu nasional.

Apa yang kita bimbang ialah isu pemindahan kuil ini berpotensi untuk mencetuskan pergaduhan antara kaum apatah lagi dalam keadaan negara kini yang mudah terdedah kepada isu sensitif membabitkan kaum dan fahaman agama.

Kerajaan negeri juga kelihatan kurang bijak apabila mengadakan dialog terbuka dengan penduduk terbabit, kelmarin.

Sepatutnya, Menteri Besar menjemput wakil penduduk untuk berbincang secara tertutup dan kemudian mengadakan pertemuan sama dengan wakil kaum Hindu.

Selepas itu, adakan sekali lagi pertemuan berasingan untuk menyampaikan keputusan diambil. Berbincang secara tertutup seperti ini boleh mengelak kejadian seperti yang berlaku kelmarin.

Ini tidak bermakna mengadakan dialog terbuka tidak sesuai dan ia bergantung kepada isu serta situasi semasa. Ternyata kini, kerajaan negeri pimpinan Pakatan Rakyat itu terpaksa mencari jalan penyelesaian terbaik selepas tembelang mereka sendiri pecah.

Pada peringkat awal, kerajaan negeri kelihatan cuba mahu menyembunyikan sesuatu sehingga timbul dakwaan, termasuk kononnya Umno menjadi dalang di belakang tindakan protes oleh penduduk Melayu di Seksyen 23 itu.

Kita berharap selepas ini, tiada lagi isu seperti itu berlaku hingga menggemparkan negara dan semua pihak perlu sensitif kepada soal agama dan kaum.

High Court to hear government’s application in Chin Peng suit on Sept 30

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 7 — The High Court will hear on Sept 30 the Malaysian government’s application to strike out a defamation suit brought against it by former Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) secretary-general Chin Peng and members of the defunct organisation.

If the court dismisses the government’s striking out application, then it will proceed to hear on the same day (Sept 30) the merits of the suit.

The case came up for case management before senior assistant registrar Nazri Ismail in chambers this afternoon where Nazri also fixed Sept 10 for further case management to enable Chin Peng to submit the agreed bundle of documents on the matter.

Senior Federal Counsel Amarjeet Singh and Federal Counsel Wan Roslan Wan Ismail appeared for the government while Chin Peng was represented by counsel Chan Kok Keong.

Chin Peng, born Ong Boon Hua, 85, had filed the suit on behalf of himself and his followers, seeking a declaration that the agreement signed between the Government of Malaysia and the CPM to terminate hostility in 1989 and the administrative arrangement, was still valid, enforceable and binding on the government.

He claimed that the terms expressed in the agreement was that CPM agreed to terminate all armed activities and also among others, agreed that any press statement issued by both the government and Chin Peng shall not contain slanderous terms.

In his statement of claims, Chin Peng also sought damages and an injunction to prevent the Malaysian government or its agents from making defamatory statements about him and former CPM members.

The suit was filed following reports on March 21 and May 6, 2005 that the then Deputy Information Minister Datuk Zainuddin Maidin had announced that Radio Televisyen Malaysia would air documentaries on the atrocities committed by the communist insurgents after the Second World War and for a decade following Malaysia’s independence.

In its statement of defence, the government said that from the aspects of history and public knowledge, the reputation of Chin Peng and other members of his party had already been ruined in the eyes of the public all this while. The government claimed that it did not breach the agreement and that the statement allegedly uttered by Zainuddin was the truth and historically factual.

Chin Peng, who was born in Sitiawan, Perak, now lives in Thailand and has resorted to the Malaysian courts to return to Malaysia to live out the rest of his days. However, he was unsuccessful in obtaining leave from the Federal Court on April 30 to hear his appeal against two lower courts’ decisions compelling him to produce his identification documents to prove that he is a Malaysian citizen before he could pursue his legal action against the Malaysian government. — Bernama

Cow-head protest sacrilege – Hishammuddin just does not get it

By Lim Kit Siang,

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein protests too much. He said he has evidence that the cow-head protesters involved both members of the Barisan Nasional (BN) and the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) parties of PKR and PAS.

Hishammuddin just does not get it – that he is accused of double police standards illustrated by the instant police arrest of 16 persons for peaceful candlelight protest at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday night while cow-head protestors are still scot-free 10 days after the Shah Alam sacrilege.

Hishammuddin’s latest claim that the cow-head protestors come from both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat parties, which is not proven, does not answer the charge that the Home Minister and the Police had failed their most elementary duty of being independent, impartial and professional in discharge policing duties which is not influenced by any personal, party or political bias.

Why is the Police still tip-toeing over the cow-head protest in Shah Alam on August 28, which not only put Malaysia in the dock of world opinion with adverse international media reports scaring off intending investors with the spectre that Malaysia is on the verge of greater racial and religious polarisation and intolerance, but spoilt the national mood for the 52nd National Day celebrations three days later.

Is this because of Hishammuddin’s earlier defence and justification for the cow-head protestors?

Can Hishammuddin and the Police explain why they had no time for niceties when arresting 16 peaceful candlelight protestors at Dataran Merdeka on Saturday night as compared to the kids-glove “special treatment” for the cow-head protestors, enjoying immunity and impunity for their deplorable action in the past 10 days?

If Hishammuddin is right that the cow-head protestors come not only from Barisan Nasional but also from Pakatan Rakyat, then all those guilty of the religious sacrilege to Hinduism which is a sacrilege to all religions in plural Malaysia, then let actions be taken against all the culprits concerned!

MIC Elections 2009: Dark secret revealed

Ex-MIC strongman says he 'cheated' in 1977 party polls

Frankie D'Cruz

Kharleez Zubin

Monday, September 7th, 2009 The Malay Mail

FORMER MIC strongman Datuk V. Govindaraj has made public a dark secret that could have altered the presidency of the party.

Govindaraj has confessed that he pocketed 30 votes meant for Datuk S. Subramaniam in the contest for the deputy president's post against Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu 31 years ago.

Subramaniam ended up losing to Samy Vellu by a mere 26 votes and the latter became president when then president Tan Sri V. Manickavasagam died in 1979.

Govindaraj, 76, an elder statesman of the Indian community who broke his silence to Malay Mail, said he acted “on the spur of the moment” and was “not instigated by anyone”.

The former MIC vice-president said he was speaking up after all these years because he wished to make peace with himself and let everyone know what happened on that polling day in 1977.

“I am the one who stole 30 votes that delegates had cast for Subramaniam.

“I really did not plan it... it was on the spur of the moment when I took a stack of three bundles of 10 votes each and put them in my pocket.”

However, he said, he apologised to Subramaniam and the late Datuk K. Pathmanaban on the same day and both of them “forgave me”.

“Although he was magnanimous and forgave me I still want to go on record and say ‘Subra, I am really sorry’ because he would have been president after Tan Sri Manickavasagam’s death and not Samy Vellu.”

Govindaraj said he had also informed Samy Vellu, whom he backed for the deputy presidency, of the incident as well.

Samy Vellu could not be reached for confirmation.

When contacted, Subramaniam acknowledged that Govindaraj confessed to him and Pathmanaban that he stole the votes to allow Samy Vellu to win.

”We are still friends. I forgave him a long time ago... I do not think about it or wallow over the misfortune I suffered,” he said.

Subramaniam, then the secretary-general of MIC, was hand-picked by Manickavasagam to become deputy president and succeed him.

Relating the incident, Govindaraj said: “I was wearing a batik shirt and was in front of the table with the bundle of votes of 10 each.

“When the scrutineers’ attention was focused on a commotion I took three stacks of 10 votes each meant for Subra and put them in my pocket. I knew those votes were for Subra.

“The history of MIC would have taken a different course if not for my wrong-doing,” said Govindaraj, who was removed from the party Central Working Committee in 2006.

Govindaraj also said he was making this dark secret public because he hoped his confession would ensure that balloting in the Sept 12 polls would be fair and the counting above board.

He proposed an independent body be set up to ensure voting was fair and free from any pressure and interference.

A total of 73 candidates are contesting for the posts of deputy president (three candidates), vice-presidents (seven going for three spots) and Central Working Committee members (63 people vying for 23 seats).
Govindaraj, a former staunch supporter of Samy Vellu and the person credited with introducing him to politics, said the autocratic system of political administration under the current leadership is not good for the country and the party.

Samy Vellu is the longest serving president of the MIC, having held this post for 11 consecutive terms since 1979. He was also the longest-serving Cabinet Minister until his defeat in the 12th general election in March 2008.

Kg Buah Pala in more hopeful times

Just spotted this on Youtube; it could explain some of the disappointment among the villagers, who desperately wanted to preserve their settlement.

This video is dated January 2009 whereas the kampung had already been transferred to the Koperasi on 27 March 2008.

Kepura-puraan 1Malaysia

Kenyataan Media
Ketua Wanita KEADILAN
7 September 2007

Kepura-puraan 1Malaysia

Seperti yang dijangkakan, media arusperdana Malaysia akan mengungkapkan pemikiran dan laporan yang dangkal serta berat sebelah, penuh dengan diskriminasi terhadap Kerajaan Negeri Selangor mengenai dialog anjuran Kerajaan Negeri Selangor bersama penduduk Seksyen 23, Shah Alam mengenai isu cadangan perpindahan kuil dari Seksyen 19 ke Sekyen 23, Shah Alam (Opposition “tasting own medicine” oleh Alina Simon, M.Hamzah Jamaluddin dan TN Alagesh, NST 7/09/09)

Bagi mereka yang berpemikiran waras, jelas bahawa gelagat dan keceluparan yang dipamerkan oleh segelintir penduduk bukan budaya dari Pakatan Rakyat yang baru memerintah belum sampai dua tahun. (sila lihat video)

Pendidikan rakyat adalah tanggungjawab kerajaan yang meletakkan dasar dan pengoperasian serta amalan pemimpin yang dicontohkan kepada rakyat. Umno-BN telah gagal mendidik sebahagian Melayu sehingga menjadi Mat dan Minah pengacau dan pengganggu ketenteraman. Sepanjang pemerhatian rakyat, Pakatan Rakyat tidak pernah menganjur aksi memalukan yang sebegitu rupa. Ia melewati batas hak-asasi manusia untuk bersuara dengan aman. Seluruh dunia diperlihatkan betapa sebahagian Melayu telah bersikap kekontangan nilai, adab dan tamadun – serta membawa imej pembuat kacau, penyangak dan buli dalam satu sesi dialog yang bertujuan untuk memberi peluang setiap pihak mengemukakan pandangan dan cadangan secara beradab, sopan dan dalam keadaan tenteram.

Kenyataan PM, Najib Razak sesungguhnya telah meletakkan diri beliau setaraf dengan penyangak, pembuat kacau dan buli yang beraksi amat menjengkelkan yang menjadi contoh amat buruk bagi sekelian rakyat Malaysia, khususnya generasi muda dan anak-anak.

Apakah Najib Razak akan membiarkan segolongan rakyat yang ganas perlakuannya dibiarkan tanpa sedecit muhasabah terhadap perlakuan mereka yang jelas salah dan sama sekali memalukan?

Menteri Besar Selangor Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim adalah merupakan individu paling bijaksana di akhir sesi dialog tersebut. Beliau telah sedayanya memberi peluang semua yang ingin menyuarakan pendapat dan mengatasi segala rintangan serta memberikan keputusan yang adil kepada semua pihak.

Bezanya Kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat dengan Umno-BN ialah mengundang isu di tangani secara komited dan tidak membiarkan masalah didiamkan dan berlarutan berdekad-dekad. Pakatan Rakyat akan sentiasa melakukan amanah mereka dengan bersungguh-sungguh tanpa menghiraukan sebarang intimidasi dari golongan penyangak yang menjahanamkan kebaikan di mana-mana saja dan memecah-belahkan hubungan sesama manusia. Keseluruhan masalah yang dikendalikan oleh Kerajaan Selangor Pakatan Rakyat adalah warisan dari Kerajaan Umno-BN dan agensi mereka yang telah melakukan berbagai kepincangan dalam pentadbiran dahulu, termasuk mengenai kuil Seksyen 19 yang telah menjadi isu.

1Malaysia Najib Razak merupakan kepura-puraan yang tidak dapat disangkal lagi dengan kenyataan beliau yang sempit itu.

Wanita KEADILAN menuntut Najib Razak sebagai Perdana Menteri Malaysia untuk berpemikiran lebih sihat dan memberi pertimbangan yang lebih saksama terhadap semua isu yang disentuh pada setiap masa dan keadaan.

Zuraida Kamaruddin
Ketua Wanita KEADILAN

Candidates Want More Transparency In MIC Election Process

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- Less than a week before the September 12 MIC election, a group of candidates have asked the party's election committee to implement several measures to reflect a more transparent and open election process such as changing the campaign deadline and having transparency in the vote counting process.

Speaking to reporters here on Monday, the spokesman for the group, S.P.Manivasagum, said that they had recommended several measures to the election committee through a letter sent today to the party headquarters, among others suggesting that the campaign deadline be changed from 12 noon Sept 11, to midnight on that day, similar to past elections.

Under the present ruling, he said, candidates would miss the opportunity to canvass support from delegates, many of whom would be arriving in the city throughout the day on September 11.

He also pointed out that party president Datuk Seri S.Samy Vellu would host a presidential dinner on the night of Sept 11 for all delegates and the group wanted the opportunity for all candidates to campaign and this was only possible if the campaign deadline was extended to midnight.

"But we are not questioning the integrity of the election committee. We want to see a more smoother election and we want to help the election committee to have a hassle free election," said Manivasagum, a Central Working Committee (CWC) candidate.

A large group of CWC candidates were present at the news conference along with one vice-presidential candidate, P.Subramaniam.

All of them are the 'unofficial candidates', not endorsed by party president Datuk Seri S.Samy Vellu who had come out with his own 27 candidates for the CWC seats as well as three candidates for the vice presidential post.

Manivasagum said based on past elections experiences, the voting area, set up on the stage of the Merdeka Hall of the Putra World Trade Centre, had been too congested.

They proposed that booths be set up at the ground level and that there be sufficient space between the booths.

Another matter that they hoped would be addressed by the election committee, was that candidates and their agents be allowed into the counting room, and that recounting be allowed if the difference was less than 100 votes.

Manivasagum said the group also had requested that the number of counting booths be confirmed in advance so that adequate numbers of counting agents could be prepared by the respective candidates.

"The counting process is the pinnacle of the entire election process...a high degree of transparency and openess needs to be upheld during the process," he said.

The group also proposed the installation of close circuit TV cameras (CCTV)to supervise and ensure the smooth operation of the election process whereby in case of protests and doubts the CCTV recording could be an important source of evidence to resolve them.

Cow head protesters to be charged tomorrow - Rocky's bru

Sedition. I'm not quite sure yet how many of them will be charged, but they will be charged under the Sedition Act tomorrow, most probably in Shah Alam, where the cow head protest took place two Fridays ago.

Meanwhile, this just in:
7/9 New site identified for 150yr-old Sri Maha Mariamman temple in another place in Section 23, Shah Alam: Selangor Govt/STAR

Updates: I heard SIX of the protesters will be charged under Sedition act, which carries a penalty of RM5000 or 3 years in jail, or both.
Also, ALL the protesters will be charged for illegal assembly.

Who'll defend them now? Anyone?

Thief! Thief! - Rocky's Bru

Malaysia Today stole a Malay Mail scoop. We've been working on the story for days. It's what journalists called a "Scoop" or "an Exclusive". This one by Frankie d'Cruz and Kharleez Zubin on the confession of a election rigger we've saved for today's front page because it's a damn good scoop. The people at Malaysia Today seem to think so, too.

Imagine our shock when at 1.52am, which is way before our Press time, our scoop was already up on Malaysia Today! [see Screenshot below]



The Malay Mail usually updates its website around noon (about the same time the Print edition goes out to the streets) but today I told tour IT people we might as well upload the stories earlier. After all, the Malaysia Today has scooped our scoop!

Our lawyers say this is THEFT, so we're obliged to report it in the morning.

Sri Lanka expels UNICEF official, agency says

(CNN) -- The Sri Lankan government has ordered a UNICEF official to leave the country, accusing him of spreading propaganda supporting Tamil rebels, the agency -- the United Nations Children's Fund -- told CNN Sunday.

A Tamil mother walks with her children as civilians wait for food at the Manik Farm refugee camp, May 26, 2009.

UNICEF denies the allegations against its spokesman in Sri Lanka, James Elder, an Australian citizen, and officials with the agency are scheduled to meet with government officials on Monday in hopes of keeping Elder inside the country, said Sarah Crowe, UNICEF spokeswoman for South Asia.

There were no details about Elder's status from the government.

Crowe said Elder has often spoken to the media about the agency's concerns about children caught up in the country's civil war and the conditions they endure at camps for the displaced.

"James has been our voice and impartial advocate of the most vulnerable women and children. We want him to remain in the country and continue his work," she said.

UNICEF will appeal the expulsion to the "highest level" if it stands, Crowe added.

The Sri Lankan military defeated the Tamil Tigers this year. The rebels -- formally known as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) -- waged war for an independent state for minority Tamils in Sri Lanka since July 1983. As many as 70,000 people were killed in the conflict.

In February, Elder told CNN that children as young as 4 months old were being treated in hospitals for shrapnel injuries and other wounds of war. The fighting created a "nightmarish" situation for civilians in the conflict zone, Elder had said at the time.

"There is just intense fighting in a small area where children and other civilians are," Elder said. "The space (where conflict is taking place) is shrinking and the fighting is augmenting."

Probe into cow's head incident ends

(NST) KLUANG: The police have completed their investigation into the cow's head incident during a protest against the relocation of a Hindu temple at Section 23 in Shah Alam last month.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the investigation paper had been submitted to the Attorney-General's Chambers.

"However, I would like to reiterate that the investigation is only on the cow's head incident, not on the residents' protest regarding the relocation of the Hindu temple in the area."

He said the cow's head incident was a sensitive issue that needed to be handled delicately to prevent any untoward incidents.

"The residents' protest on the relocation of the temple is something that cut across political boundaries as there are Umno, Parti Keadilan Rakyat and Pas members at the protest," Hishammuddin said after attending the Rahmat Ramadan programme in Taman Sri Lambak here yesterday.

At the event, he distributed aids to the needy and the disabled,

Hishammuddin said the government had been consistent on the cow's head matter and had taken action based on the country's laws.

"Our actions have always based on justice.

"We have never been biased and will take action against those guilty regardless of their race, religion or political belief."

13 in Kg Buah Pala want money instead of house

(The Star) GEORGE TOWN: In yet another twist, 13 households in Kampung Buah Pala want a RM300,000 compensation each from developer Nusmetro Ventures (P) Sdn Bhd instead of a double-storey terrace house.

Village residents association chairman M. Sugumaran said the money would enable them to build a heritage village by themselves on a nearby piece of private land.

“Some well-wishers have come forward to help us secure the land measuring about 2.4ha.

“Since the state government is not honouring its promise to preserve the village as a heritage village, we will use the compensation money to build it ourselves,” he told a press conference yesterday.

Sugumaran said the company had claimed that the cost of building the double-storey house was RM130,000 each and the land for each house costs RM130,000.

“This totals up to RM260,000. We added the RM24,000 rental payment for two years and came up with a round figure of RM300,000.

“We conveyed our proposal to the developer last week and they are expected to give us a reply tomorrow,” he said, adding that it was better to receive a one-off payment instead of waiting two years for the houses to be ready.

“There is a risk waiting that long as we might not get anything,” he said.

Sugumaran said if the developer agreed to their proposal, they promise to leave the place after “settling” with the families living in the households and move out.

“If our proposal does not work out, we will still move out since we have signed the letters to move out, but we will continue to fight from outside,” he said.

Sugumaran denied that the households have accepted the double-storey houses.

Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy had said that Nusmetro executive director Thomas Chan informed him that about 11 families were interested in accepting the double-storey house deal after the demolition of three houses in the village on Thursday.

State government to buy land for temple?

(Sin Chew Daily) PETALING JAYA, Sept 6: "The Selangor state government is considering purchasing a plot of private land at Shah Alam's Section 23 to relocate the Hindu temple at Section 19 in order to appease the dissatisfaction of local residents."

The MP for Shah Alam, Hj Khalid Abd Samad of PAS said, the state government's previous site proposal on PKNS land was met with strong objection from local residents. As such, the state government would now consider buying a piece of private land for the purpose of building the Hindu temple.

He said the state government had agreed on the solution of acquiring private property located near a factory, adding that state government officials would inspect the site soon.

Khalid said a preliminary concept would be achieved in two to three days' time, but the prerequisite was that the site must be agreed by everyone so that events similar to last week's cow-head protest would not recur.

"Many people have offered alternative solutions. We even have the private sector offering us the land.