Sedition Act Will Be Reviewed Comprehensively, Says Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced that the government would review comprehensively the Sedition Act 1948, without leaving out any options.

The prime minister said the tabling of the Security Offence 2012 Bill to replace the Internal Security Act 1960, did not mean the end of (political transformation) efforts that began seven months ago.

"Definitely the government will continue with the noble transformation and renewal efforts," he said when tabling the Bill in the Dewan Rakyat.

On Sept 16, last year in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebration, Najib announced three initiatives, namely the Political Transformation Programme involving the repeal of the Emergency Declaration, Internal Security Act 1960, Restricted Residence Act 1933 and Banishment Act 1959, formulation of the Peaceful Assembly Act, and amending the Publications and Printing Presses Act 1984.

Najib said foremost, three principles must remain in any evolution of the new legal framework, that is, tackling actions and deeds that could create hatred, contempt or disaffection towards the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or any of the rulers.

He said it was also to deal with seditious acts or words that could promote feelings of ill-will and hostility between the different races or classes of the Malaysian population.

The third principle, he said, was dealing with deeds or words that questioned any matter, right, status, position, privilege, sovereignty or prerogative established or protected by the provisions of Part III of the Federal Constitution or Article 152, 153 or 181 of the Federal Constitution.

Najib said the government would also be formulating a new law to replace the Publications and Printing Presses Act 1984, and would keep its promise of doing away with the need to renew the publishing licence annually.

He said a Media Council would be established for the media industry to be self-regulatory.

"We are not scared or afraid to compete in the arena of democracy, and we are not afraid to compare ideas and policies with anyone. We believe we have done the best for the people of Malaysia. And we will continue to do the best for them," he said.

Najib said it was clear that the tasks had not yet been completed and the government needed to strive harder to ensure generations of Malaysians would continue to live in a peaceful and prosperous nation that was free of fear, tension and uneasiness.

"The important thing is, we are building a nation where the supremacy of the constitution and sovereignty of the law are the protection for each individual so that he or she is free to voice opinions, criticise, support, hold differing views, be involved in politics and be a member of any association.

"In short, no one will be punished for exercising his or her rights as guaranteed under the Federal Constitution and the country's laws," he said.

Students’ Occupy Dataran protest enters Day 3

A group of some 30 students are determined to continue their Occupy Dataran Merdeka protest against burdensome study loans.

The students are insisting on their constitutional right to freedom of assembly, which they believe trumps KL City Hall regulations, to carry on the sit-in.

The tent protest began on Saturday and has seen KL City Hall enforcement officers scuffling with the students, who are determined to continue their protest against the PTPTN tertiary education study loan scheme.

High study loans are contributing to mounting household debt in the country. The students are insisting that higher education should be free. In a sense, the students’ protest is a critique of the neoliberal approach of curbing government spending on essential services like education and health care and getting users (students and patients) to bear the financial burden.

PTPTN study loans were introduced in 1997 following moves to ‘corporatise’ institutions of tertiary education in the country. This has seen the gradual removal of subsidies in higher education, thus shifting the burden of financing higher education from the government to the students/public.

For a typical three-year arts degree course in a public university, a student now has to take a RM19500 study loan (RM21000 for a science degree). Loans are repayable six months after the course is completed. Typically, the loan has to be repaid in 120 monthly instalments over 10 years.

All study loans are charged an administrative cost of 3 per cent based on the outstanding principal balance. (That works out to a total admin charge of RM3000-plus.)

If a borrower is unemployed or if his or her finances are unstable after the course has been completed, the borrower may apply for a deferment of the repayment. But the 3 per cent annual administrative cost will still be charged for the entire duration of the deferment.

Aggravating the problem is the rising number of unemployed graduates and diploma holders. The number has doubled to around 100000 since 2008.

Just for ‘fun’, let’s compare the above with the ‘cow’ loan scheme:

Loan from the government for NFC signed in 2007 (The Star)

Total loan: RM250m

Repayment period: 20 years

Grace period for repayments: 3 years

(First drawdown: RM7m in January 2008; therefore, first repayment due in 2012)

Interest payable: 2% p.a.

No prizes for figuring out which is the more attractive proposition: investing in cows and condos OR embarking on a three-year undergraduate degree course.

No wonder the country is in the state it is in!

Islamic terrorists issue threat against Jedward ahead of Eurovision

TERRORISTS have threatened to target Jedward and other Eurovision participants at the annual music competition in May.

The Azeri terrorists, an Islamic group, have said they will target the participants of the Eurovision song contest in Azerbaijan as they are “European scum”. It has threatened the use of “knives and chemical weapons” at the contest.

The terror group said in a statement yesterday “Blood of the European scum must be shed by the will of Allah.”

The annual musical contest has attracted entries from 42 countries from eastern and western Europe this year, but the group said the Eurovision is “a nightmare for all Muslims.”

The statement comes after a widespread crackdown by Azeri authorities on the group in preparation for the contest - 17 members were arrested and one blew up himself and a policeman in recent raids.

Jedward and other travelling participants will now have additional security measures introduced for their protection. 42 Countries will send delegations to Baku, while thousands of fans are expected to travel to the Caucus nation for the event.

New figures have shown the 2012 Eurovision will be the most expensive ever staged, with organisers spending €50m on the competition, dwarfing the previous record of €27m spent in Moscow in 2009.

The Azeri government is keen to put on a good show for the international media, and has spent over €500m on Eurovision related infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Crystal Hall, the arena which will play host to the event. It is the largest international event ever staged in the country.

Meanwhile Jedward continue their pre-contest chart success in Europe, securing the number one spot in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovenia.

- Brian O'Reilly

Hubby watching porn online finds film starring his wife

An Egyptian man who went online to watch a porno film for the first time got the shock of his life when he found that the woman in the film was his own wife.

The man, identified as Ramadan, instantly collapsed in disbelief on the floor at an internet shop before coming round and rushing home to face his unfaithful wife.

The woman first denied his allegations and started to swear at him, prompting her husband to face her with the film.

Unable to deny it any more, she confessed to have betrayed him with her pre-marriage boy friend, telling him she had never loved him although they had four children during their 16-year marriage.

“I found 11 films showing my wife in indecent scenes with her lover….it was the first time I watched a porno film and I did this just out of curiosity,” Ramadan told Egyptian newspapers at his house in the northeastern province of Dakhalia.

“She first denied it and accused me of being insane before I faced her with the films…she then confessed to be still in love with her boyfriend, saying he is as young as her and that I am an old man.”

Ramadan said he had been happy during his marriage life until he logged on to that website. Newspapers did not say whether he decided to divorce her.

Indian investigators seek financial papers for Maxis-Aircel probe

NEW DELHI, April 15 — Four countries including Malaysia were sent letters of requests by India asking them to provide financial documents related to Maxis Berhad’s acquisition of Indian telco Aircel, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported today.

The formal requests were made by a special Indian court following an application by the country’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). These were also sent out to Bermuda, Mauritius, and the United Kingdom.

Indian investigators are probing the acquisition of Aircel by Maxis for elements of graft, after former telecommunications minister Dayanidhi Maran was accused of receiving illegal gratification in return for causing Aircel’s owner, C. Sivasankaran, to sell a 74 per cent stake to Maxis.

The CBI previously said that “undue favours” were given following the acquisition.

“An illegal gratification of Rs549,96,01,793 (RM328 million) was accepted as a quid pro quo through his brother Kalanithi Maran in the garb of share premium invested in Sun Direct TV by South Asia Entertainment Holdings (a fully-owned subsidiary of Astro All Asia Networks Plc.),” it reportedly said.

Maxis previously insisted its RM2.5 billion purchase of 74 per cent of Aircel from Sivasankaran was on a willing-buyer, willing seller basis and said Sivasankaran retained 26 per cent of Aircel to gain “upside benefits” should Aircel be floated.

The telecommunications giant said that Sivasankaran only complained to the CBI after his claims were dismissed by international arbitrators earlier this year, more than five years after the deal was done on December 30, 2005.

Astro told the CBI that its purchase of 20 per cent of Sun TV was a legitimate transaction between two long-standing business partners who have had dealings since 1996.

Bersih to rally at Dataran Merdeka even without DBKL nod

Wong said Bersih 3.0 will be held at or as close to Dataran Merdeka as possible. — File pic

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 — Bersih 2.0 will “soon” inform Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) of its April 28 rally plan at Dataran Merdeka but added that it would proceed to use the venue even if refused permission.

“If they do not allow us to use Dataran Merdeka, we will still gather there, or try to get as close as possible to the area,” Bersih 2.0 steering committee member Wong Chin Huat told The Malaysian Insider today.

But Wong remained optimistic that they would receive approval from the city hall, adding that anything otherwise was a sign that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was a “hypocrite” who had “lost control of DBKL”.

“Let’s put it this way — DBKL is part of the federal government, and we’re counting on Najib to be a responsible leader who is responsive to the wants of the public,” he said.

He added that he was sure DBKL was already aware of Bersih 2.0’s plans to use Dataran Merdeka for its coming April 28 rally, and the application would merely be a formality.

The Malaysian Insider reported previously that Bersih 2.0 had acknowledged Putrajaya’s advice for it to seek permission from DBKL for its rally.

But the election watchdog’s co-chair, Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, stressed to The Malaysian Insider that the permit application should merely be a matter of formality as Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has already said the rally could proceed.

The group said it selected Dataran Merdeka as a venue for Bersih 3.0 due to its historical relevance to the people’s struggle for Independence and a democratic Malaysia.

The iconic Dataran Merdeka, or “independence square”, where the Malayan flag was hoisted for the first time after independence, had long belonged to the Royal Selangor Club before it was taken back by DBKL in 1987.

According the City Hall’s website, DBKL is the authority responsible for managing and maintaining the square.

Bersih 2.0’s July 9 rally last year had saw thousands throng the capital city’s streets to march for free and fair elections during a time when gatherings were still deemed illegal without permit from the authorities.

At about midday, riot police fired tear gas and chemical-laced water to disperse protesters who had assembled for an otherwise peaceful event calling for electoral reform.

The clampdown drew negative publicity for the Najib administration in the foreign media, and was seen as the catalyst for a series of reforms announced by the government.

Activists sue police for false imprisonment

Two activists are seeking hundreds of thousands in general, exemplary and aggravated damages for the trauma and shame inflicted on them by the Simunjan police.

KUCHING: Two activists, Numpang Suntai (file picture) and Nicholas Mujah Ason, have jointly filed a RM280,000 legal suit at the Kuching High Court against Deputy Superindent of Police (DSP) Choo Yin Kok, Sargeant A Ramlee and OKK Binsin for false imprisonment.

All three are from the Simunjan police station

Numpang is also suing the police officers for malicious prosecution.

The government is also named as the third defendant in the suit.

Apart from the RM280,000 claim, the duo are also seeking general, exemplary and aggravated damages to be assessed by the court and interest thereon at the rate of 8% from Oct 22, 2010, to the date of judgment and thereafter at of 8% per annum to date of full payment and realisation.

They are also claiming damages, costs and other relief as the court deems just.

Numpang, from Kaumpung Bajong Ili, is a retiree, while Mujah who comes from Kampung Ensika, Sebangan, is the secretary-general of Sarawak Dayak Iban Association.

On or about Oct 20, 2010, Numpang was summoned to the Simunjan police station for a discussion.

Imprisoned for ‘mischief by fire’

As he was having medical treatment in Kuching at that time, Numpang agreed to go to the Simunjan police station on Oct 22.

When he arrived at the police station, he was informed that he was being arrested on suspicion of causing ‘mischief by fire’ in connection with an incident that occurred at a logging camp owned by timber companies – Quality Concrete Sdn Bhd and Loyal Billion Sdn Bhd.

He was detained in the lock-up.

The next day (Oct 23) Numpang was taken before the district officer of Simunjan for a further remand and again sent to the lock-up. He remained imprisoned until he was released on Oct 25 at about 10.20am.

He was released without making any plea or any charge proffered against him. Nor was he ordered to appear before the magistrate.

Numpang claimed that his arrest and detention were without reasonable or probable cause and therefore illegal.

He alleged that his arrest and detention were tainted with malice.

Numpang was never charged with “mischief by fire” as was informed by Choo.

No valid reason

Choo or his officers did not have any discussion with Mumpang or failed to interview him.

Instead he was put in the lock-up without any valid reasons or grounds or reasonable or probable cause.

Numpang said he had suffered shame and damages as a result of the illegal arrest and detention or false imprisonment and was traumatised by his experience.

On the malicious prosecution against him, Numpang was asked to appear before a magistrate’s court in Serian on Dec 15, 2010, and was charged by the public prosecutor with “criminal intimidation”.

He had allegedly uttered intimidating words to the representatives of the timber companies on Oct 18 at the logging camp in Rantau, Sebangan.

The case was heard before the magistrate’s court in Simunjan on Feb 16, 2011.

On March 10, 2011 the magistrate ruled that the public prosecutor had failed to establish any prima facie case against him.

Numpang was discharged and acquitted.

Similar charges

The public prosecutor appealed but after a number of postponements, the prosecutor withdrew the case.

As for Mujah, he was also summoned to the police station on Oct 22 for a discussion.

When Mijah presented himself on Oct 23, he was arrested also on suspicion of causing “mischief by fire” in connection with the fire that occurred at the logging camp of the two companies at Sebuyau, Sebangan.

He was detained in a lock-up and released on Oct 25 without any charge proffered against him nor was he ordered to appear before the magistrate.

Mujah claimed that he had suffered shame, damages and was traumatised as a result of the illegal arrest and detention.

‘Cop punched me, hurled racist insult’

The businessman managed to record the melee on his video camera.
VIDEO INSIDE

KUALA LUMPUR: A wireman claimed that he was assaulted by a traffic policeman on Thursday at a roadblock in Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam, and managed to record the scuffle on his digital video camera.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Aw Yuen Wei, 30, said his van was stopped at the roadblock near Jalan Kota Kemuning, and he gave his driver’s licence for inspection.

“One of the policemen told me that it was illegal to load commercial items in my Perodua Rusa. I told him the items were my personal stuff and not for commercial use,” Aw said.

He said the items in his car were electrical wires.

But Aw claimed the policeman was angry at his explanation and started hurling vulgarities at him, even calling him “Cina babi” ( Chinese pig).

Hearing the racist slur, Aw said he lost his temper and started scolding the officer, accusing him of trying to find fault with him to get bribe.

He then re-entered his van when the policeman punched his right shoulder.

Unknown to the officer, Aw’s video recorder was switched on and the entire melee was recorded.

Four-minute clip


Aw claimed that he pushed the officer away and when the latter tried to hurl another blow, Aw took out his camera and told the officer that he got everything recorded.

“The officer immediately backed off,” said Aw, who failed to get the name of the errant cop.

He also claimed that none of the other policemen tried to stop the scuffle.

“One officer came later and told me to settle the matter. However, I refused and ended up with a summons,” he said.

The officer summoned Aw for “salah guna lori dengan membawa barang-barang pendawaian elektrik dan mangga” (misusing his lorry by loading electrical wires and padlocks).

Aw managed to take a picture of his assailant.

When FMT viewed the recording later, the video showed some minor differences.

The four-minute clip showed the traffic officer telling Aw that he should not use a van registered as a private vehicle for commercial purposes.

‘Take disciplinary action’

Aw is seen telling the officer that even the Road Transport Department did not reprimand him for it, but the officer told Aw that does not make an offence legal.

Aw was then seen getting down his van at 1.09 minute and returned at 2.06 minutes, telling the officer not to “make a living like this”. The officer was seen hurling abuses at Aw.

An irate Aw then banged the van’s windscreen, entered his vehicle and shouted “barua punya polis”.

He later opened the van door and shouted “Rasuah punya Malaysia” before slamming it shut again. That was when the officer returned and punched Aw on the right shoulder, asking, “Apa you cakap sama saya?” ( What you said to me).

Aw was then seen pushing away the officer and showed him the video camera indicating that he had the melee recorded.

The wireman lodged a report on the matter yesterday at the Pandan Indah police station.

On a related matter, Aw’s lawyer Keppy Wong said that he would write to the Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar and the Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail on the matter.

Wong, who is also the Kampung Cheras Baru branch DAP chairman, said that the authorities must take disciplinary action against the officer.

“The officer must also be investigated not only under the Penal Code for assault but also under the Sedition Act for hurling racist insults,” Wong said.

He added that it was unbecoming of public officials to hurl racist insults against fellow citizens and the matter must be dealt sternly.

“Previously we had racist teachers and principals but now we have racist policemen,” he said.

‘We won’t cower to BN’s scare tactics’

Twelve windscreens of cars belonging to DAP members were smashed in Mas Gading constituency whilst the owners were attending a campaign dinner.

BAU: Sarawak DAP’s launch last night of its campaign to wrest the Mas Gading parliamentary seat, which is a Bidayuh-majority constituency, was marred by a group of motorcyclists who smashed the windscreens of 12 cars while the owners were attending a party dinner at Kampung Sg. Pinang.

Local and national DAP leaders were addressing more than 1,000 people at the dinner when a group of motor cyclists were seen smashing the windscreens of the cars which were parked quite a distance from the venue.

Commenting on the incident, visibly upset Sarawak DAP secretary Chong Chieng Jen said: “Obviously it was a sabotage work by BN members or their supporters.

“Such behaviour only goes to show they are afraid of us. Only cowards do that sort of thing; only someone who is in fear will do a dirty tactic trying to scare the people,” he said.

Chong added that neither the car owners nor the crowd were perturbed by the attacks, as they had come to terms with such ‘scare tactics’ by the ruling regime.

“The people are not scared, and from their response when we made the announcement, no body rushed out to check their cars. This is something like crisis management.

“I was afraid that the people would start to rush out and look at their cars. The response from the people was very calm and the scare tactic of BN does not have any intended effect of what they want,” said Chong, who is the MP for Bandar Kuching and Kota Sentosa assemblyman.

“To us in DAP, it is a form of encouragement as it means that DAP has an impact. Otherwise, if it has no impact, nobody will bother to disturb our function,” Chong added.

Party to subsidise cost

He said that one of DAP supporters, who is in the car accessories business had offered to replace the windscreens of affected owners for a special rate.

Chong said, DAP on its part would meet half of the costs of the smashed windscreens.

Mordi Bimol, who is the potential DAP candidate for Mas Gading, said that he would not be cowed by this dirty tactic.

“I will organise more dinners. In fact there would be another dinner at Kpg Paun, Sematan on Sunday night.

“Every day I visit the various villages in the constituency. The response is good, and it is a good sign.

“The people who smashed the windscreens of the cars are scared of us, and at least they realise our presence here,” Bimol added.

Earlier in his speech, Bimol urged people to vote for change saying the the BN government had failed to look after the people’s interest.

“They were more concerned in looking after their own interests and in enriching themselves by getting timber licences, involving themselves in government contracts and taking away native customary rights land from you.

“They never raised issues that affect the people in the State Assembly; in fact some even slept in the state assembly,” he said.

DAP targets 12 seats

He said that a large number of the about 100 villages in the Mas Gading constituency have no tar-sealed roads, no clean water supply and no electricity.

“How can the BN representatives speak on your behalf when they consider themselves as the ‘towkay’ (boss) and they will not allow you to fight the boss (jangan lawan towkay).

“They have forgotten about you who have voted for them. Before the election, they promised to give the people this and that and they also promised various projects.

“But after the election, they regarded themselves as your masters and treated the voters as their servants.

“Not only that, they took away your land.

“We need to change and I beg all of you to support me, and support DAP. Today I apply for a job from you all. Give me a chance to work for you,” Bimol said.

Mas Gading has about 19,472 voters (according to the 2011 electoral rolls), more than 80% of them are Bidayuh voters.

The incumbent is Tiki Lafe who is now partyless after being expelled from Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party.

It is one of the Dayak seats that DAP is eyeing in the coming election. Another confirmed Dayak seat is Serian.

Other seats like Mambong and Sri Aman are still under discussions with its partner PKR.

DAP is expected to contest between 10 and 12 seats in the coming election.

Open Letter to Dr M: Is The Tun Hallucinating?

Malaysia Chronicle

My dear Tun Dr Mahathir

I’m at a loss as to whether you are hallucinating or failing to see the reality.

Your views on Penang and Selangor are misconceived and misplaced. You come across as a dishonest politician determined to score political points and mislead Malaysian voters. You do no credit to yourself nor do you live up to your reputation as an elder statesman (Bernama, 29 January 2012).

Your statement, “They have already been given a lot of chances. A lot of unhappy things have happened in Penang, the same (is happening) in Selangor,” does not make any sense at all. “They have been given a lot of chances”, you unreasonably claim.

Pakatan only came to power on March 8, 2008. They have been in office only for four short years. What chances were given to them and who gave them those chances? What are you talking about? What miracles were you expecting them to perform in this short period of time?

Compare their short term of office to the Barisan Nasional’s nearly 55 years of tenure – truthfully and honestly. We can justifiably throw back at the BN the very words you had uttered: “They (BN) have already been given a lot of chances. A lot of unhappy things have happened in Penang, the same (is happening) in Selangor.” This is indeed a valid observation requiring an honest answer from you, dear Tun.

More than half a century

Indeed, 55 years is a very long time. It is more than half a century. The BN have been given all the chances it wanted and needed. But what have the BN achieved during their long tenure in office except undermining our unity and keeping the people apart? Our unity has been destroyed by senseless and thoughtless policies and statements without a care for the welfare of the majority of Malaysians who are peace-loving and poor.

Yes, Tun, if anybody had been given too much chance it is the BN. Indeed, what more can the BN do which they had failed to do during these 55 years? What miracles can the BN now perform to transform this country into a haven for all citizens and provide them with a dignified livelihood?

What do you actually mean by claiming, “They have been given the chance. What’s there left to try. If we allow the situation to deteriorate badly, it will be difficult to repair.”

Your rambling statement, “If we allow the situation to deteriorate badly, it will be difficult to repair” comes across as ridiculous and garrulous. What has the Pakatan done that has brought about the deterioration? What is that they are doing that would render the problem beyond repair? Please be specific and enumerate the wrongdoings of the Pakatan.

Don’t make statements you can’t back up

Tun, you should not make sweeping claims that are without merit. Many Malaysians are truly disappointed and disillusioned with you and justifiably feel that you have out-lived your usefulness as a political leader. You had your time and you did things the way you wanted to. That period is over and done with. There is nothing more for you to do.

Both Penang and Selangor have attracted the biggest FDI totalling more than RM15bn, which is unmatched by the BN-controlled states. Doesn’t this indicate positively that the Pakatan-controlled states are performing very much better in spite of their short term of tenure and lack of administrative experience and expertise? Honestly, dear Tun, doesn’t that deserve some praise?

You kept everything under wraps and resorted to the Official Secrets Act (OSA) to deny citizens their right to be informed. A lot of scandals and corruption prevailed because they are kept from the purview of public scrutiny and guarded as state secrets.

The Pakatan-controlled states in Selangor and Penang, on the other hand, have promulgated a Freedom of Information Act in order to be transparent and accountable. Tun, isn’t this something that has to be complimented?

Cronies and corruption

Under your tenure for 22 years, many crony politicians became wealthy beyond imagination and without being accountable for their wealth. Elected representatives and cabinet ministers declared their assets only to you and, according to certain well-informed circles, you had used this information to secure their unquestioning loyalty. That was how you had your way – it was your way and no other way!

We are reminded of the episode concerning the removal of Osman Aroff, the then Menteri Besar of Kedah, who had enjoyed the support of the majority of assembly members in Kedah. These assembly members went to see you, dear Tun, to plead for the retention of their MB. You, reportedly saw them individually and after that they all returned to Kedah abandoning Osman Aroff. Rumour had it then that you had a file on each of them and that forced them to fall in line behind you.

Dear Tun, Pakatan-controlled states of Selangor and Penang did something that you wouldn’t dare dream of doing. All their Exco members declared their assets publically. This is something that civil society of Malaysia has been campaigning for, for a very long time, claiming that this would curb corruption and check abuse of governance.

But you would not be persuaded. You wanted to be the sole privy to the corruption and abuse so that you would have absolute control over politicians holding public positions.

Many Malaysians, in the past, have worked loyally and faithfully and had contributed to the progress of this country. These old timers who retired many years ago are forced to struggle to live a hard life with their meagre pensions in these times of hardships. Their counterparts of modern times, on the other hand, draw reasonable pensions to lead a decent life. The hardships suffered by these senior citizens have not been addressed. Their contributions were not even acknowledged.

But the Pakatan government in Penang has been giving out RM100 once a year for the last three years to express their appreciation to these senior citizens. Admittedly, this isn’t very much but the very thought of appreciation really warms the hearts of these people. With the vast resources available to the BN, they are placed in a far better situation to do more to help these unfortunate people. But why, dear Tun, did the BN government not bother doing this? They could have shown a generous face and given more to these people with all the wealth at their disposal. But they did nothing!

Corruption has become so rampant that so much of our wealth is either lost or stolen to the detriment of the nation. Contracts given to crony companies with inflated costs have drained our wealth. Highway toll agreements, the Tajuddin-Malaysia Airlines out-of-court settlement, the rescue of Bank Rakyat and Bank Bumiputra, the reckless forex fiasco in the UK, the bungling Maminco tin-buying spree, to name a few – they have all resulted in the loss of billions of ringgit that could have alleviated the plight of the poor. These are, unfortunately, dear Tun, your legacies that brought terrible hardships for the homeless and the helpless.

Uplifting the people

You wouldn’t have open tenders for projects that would have saved billions of ringgit and secured the services of contractors with ability and proven expertise. That would have prevented some contractors from running away without completing their projects and ensured that buildings wouldn’t collapse because of poor workmanship and inferior materials. But repeated episodes of cheating contractors and uncompleted projects did not seem to disturb the conscience of those in charge. It was business as usual and billions of ringgit were regularly squandered without a care in the world.

On the other hand, now we have open tenders in the Pakatan states and Class F contractors are very happy and contented with this arrangement. According to these contractors, under the previous BN government, one had to have connections to get a contract and one had to give inducements to be considered favourably. Otherwise, getting contracts would have been impossible. But now, with open tenders, the deserving have been rewarded with contracts and they have delivered the completed projects on time. Isn’t this something that has to be appreciated, dear Tun?

Malaysian workers have been struggling for years for a minimum wage policy. The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has been championing this issue for decades. But it was opposed vehemently by the Malaysian Employers Federation, which wanted to reap hefty profits from the sweat of the workers. And the Malaysian government did not have the political will to implement the minimum wage policy. Thus we lost our local skilled workers and builders who left the country to work elsewhere. But the exploitation continues to this day with the employment of foreign workers.

Isn’t it praiseworthy that the Pakatan government in Selangor has implemented a minimum wage policy for all its employees in GLCs as from January this year? They are paid a minimum salary of RM1,500. Shouldn’t the employees enjoy the fruit of their labour, dear Tun?

Farmers in the new villages of Perak who have been tilling the land and growing vegetables and fruit for the country for generations were exploited and kept in a state of uncertainty as to their livelihood as they did not own the land. Every election this became a moot point for the farmers. Whether their TOL would be extended or cancelled was a worrying experience for these farmers. And when the BN wins the election in Perak, the TOL of these farmers would be renewed. The message was very clear. Vote for the BN or your TOL would not be renewed. They were beholden to the BN for the extension of their TOL.

The Pakatan government gave them the land titles and their dignity and freed them from their unnecessary anxiety. The rational was these farmers have been on the land for generations and have been serving the nation with their produce and they deserved the land titles. Isn’t this something wonderful that deserves to be congratulated, dear Tun?

Every voter who dies in Penang and Selangor is given RM1,000 and RM2,500 respectively for funeral expenses. This assistance is greatly appreciated, especially by the poor. For the first time a voter receives something very specific and substantial when he or she dies. This had never happened under BN rule. They bribe the living for their vote and forget them when they are dead. Under the Pakatan rule they take care of the living and the dead! Don’t they deserve a pat on their back, dear Tun?

All this caring and giving must make a great impact on the people. If given more time there will be other good policies that will benefit the people and perhaps make it difficult for the BN to make any headway in the future. Is that what is worrying you, dear Tun? Is this what you meant when you sounded the warning to the BN, “If we allow the situation to deteriorate, it will be difficult to repair”?

You have correctly foreseen the inevitable doom for the BN. You have realised that it will be difficult to undo the good deeds of the Pakatan. In comparison, the BN will be cast in poor light and cursed for neglecting the majority of the deserving Malaysians who are poor. You are seeing what is impending and you have the right to fear the inevitable, dear Tun!

By P Ramakrishnan Former president of Aliran

Dr M: Now a good time for polls

The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak should call for a general election while he is confident of victory, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.

The former prime minister also said that time was running out before Najib would be forced to hold national polls mandatorily.

“If we think we can win, we can call the election. If the people give us a good support, that’s the time to call the election,” Dr Mahathir was quoted as saying in a Bernama Online report.

“Even now, it looks good,” he continued.

Prime Minister Najib is expected to call for an early general election soon to allow Barisan Nasional (BN) to take advantage of the positive mood following a slew of cash handouts and a civil service pay increase.

The Malaysian Insider understands the election may be held as early as June with Parliament expected to be dissolved in mid-May.

The window within which Najib retains control over the timing of the election is now narrowing.

“I think it (election) won’t be too long into the future because there isn’t much time left; we only have until middle of next year,” Dr Mahathir said today.

ISA replacement will not impede PDRM, says Hisham

The Malaysian Insider 
by Anisah Shukry

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 — The new law replacing the Internal Security Act (ISA) will not hamper the abilities of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to protect the safety of the public, the home minister said today.

Bernama Online reported Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein as saying the PDRM was satisfied with the new law and was confident they would be able to carry out their responsibility well.

“The [law] cannot be tabled if the police, as the end users who are in charge of national security, are not satisfied with it.

“Thus, I assure you PDRM has declared it is confident that what Prime Minister (Datuk Seri) Najib Razak will present tomorrow is able to guarantee the safety and security of the public,” he was quoted as saying in the report.

He added that the discussions on the replacement for the ISA had begun in 2009 and involved the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, the Bar Council and several NGOs.

“The discussions took into account many issues, including the detention period,” he said.

He also said the Cabinet had agreed to strengthen PDRM in terms of its co-operation, investigation skills, laws, surveillance and two-way relationship with neighbouring countries.

Putrajaya’s Security Offences (Special Measures) Bill 2012 was met with growing criticism over claims that it persists in denying basic liberties, just hours after being tabled in Parliament last week.

The ISA replacement law was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat last Tuesday, removing the government’s option to detain individuals without trial and providing a maximum detention of 28 days for investigation purposes.

Under the ISA, an individual believed to have committed a security offence can be detained for up to two years without trial, on orders from the home minister.

The Bill seeks to provide for “special measures” relating to security offences for the purpose of maintaining public order and security and for connected matters.

The new law also notably states that no individual can be arrested solely for his political belief or any political activity, as promised by Najib last year when announcing a raft of reforms aimed at increasing civil liberties.

But the Bill still allows any police officer to arrest and detain “any person whom he has reason to believe to be involved in security offences” without warrant for 24 hours for investigation.

This led the Malaysian Bar to call for a review of the law which allows a summary of evidence to build a case, as opposed to the evidence itself and gives police power to detain for 28 days and intercept communications without judicial oversight.

“The radical departure from the ordinary rules of evidence may negatively impact on the accused’s right to a fair trial,” Bar Council president Lim Chee Wee said in a statement.

He also noted the Bill’s definition of security offences under Section 3 was “too wide” and urged the government to use a more precise one, as can be found in the UN Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism.

Two Bangladeshi Workers Die, Three Sustain Injuries After Being Struck By Lightning

GUA MUSANG, April 15 (Bernama) -- Two Bangladeshi workers died, while three others sustained injuries, after being struck by lightning in a rubber plantation in Pos Balau here Sunday.

The dead are Amir Amza, 29, and Mohammad Akterwas, 35, while the three who sustained injuries are Mohammad Robiul Islam, 32, Bashamin, 29 and Lieon, 28.

The Bangladeshi workers were walking through the heavy downpour to get to the workers' quarters, which is located about two kilometres from the plantation, when the mishap occurred at about 3.30pm.

Isa consolidating power in Felda, claims Anak

DIDPs face bleak future

DIDPs? Take note of this term: ‘development-induced displaced persons’ – you will be hearing more and more about such communities across the country including in Penang.

It is actually a global phenomenon, affecting mostly developing countries trying to move up the “development” path – which raises a key question: development for whom? The average person or those with Big Capital?

According to Wikipedia:

Development-induced displacement is the forcing of communities and individuals out of their homes, often also their homelands, for the purposes of economic development. It is a subset of forced migration. It has been historically associated with the construction of dams for hydroelectric power and irrigation purposes but also appears due to many other activities, such as mining and the creation of military installations, airports, industrial plants, weapon testing grounds, railways, road developments, urbanization, conservation projects, forestry, etc. Development-induced displacement is a social problem affecting multiple levels of human organization, from tribal and village communities to well-developed urban areas.

Development-induced displacement or the forced migration in the name of development is affecting more and more people as countries move from developing to developed nations. The people that face such migration are often helpless, suppressed by the power and laws of nations.

The lack of rehabilitation policies for migrants means that they are often compensated only monetarily – without proper mechanisms for addressing their grievances or political support to improve their livelihoods.

Displaced people often internalise a sense of helplessness and powerlessness because of their encounter with the powerful external world, although there are also several examples of active resistance movements against development-induced displacement.

In Penang, at least five communities are facing the nightmarish prospect of displacement:

Air Itam’s Kg Boundary 5 (comprising 23 houses);
Batu Feringghi’s Kg Catteir (1000 houses);
Jelutong’s Estate Syarifah Aloya (72 houses),
Tanjung Tokong’s Kg Mount Erskine (31 houses) and
Tanjung Bungah’s Kg India (145 houses).

On Sunday, Kampung Boundary 5 residents are holding a protest against a developer’s attempt to evict them from Lot 1272 Mukim 16 Sek 2, Geran no. 32296 Daerah Timur Laut Bandar Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang. The developer wants to build three-storey bungalows.

The residents claim that 46 separate plots on the land were initially rented out to them since the 1960s until 36 of the plots were sold to them.

The residents now claim the landowners sold the land to a developer in 2006 without their knowledge.

The developer apparently took action to remove 10 non-landowners (who owned their houses but not the land), leaving behind the 36 other plots.

A new developer then emerged claiming that it owned the entire land, including the 36 remaining plots.

In 2009, the new developer served the residents a notice to quit.

The residents allege their caveats on the land were mysteriously removed without their knowledge.

In 2010, 13 villagers (one has since dropped out) filed a claim seeking a declaration that they are the genuine purchasers in the 4-acre land of Kampung Boundary 5. [Just 12 residents are left of the 36 plot owners, after the developer compensated 24 plot owners.]

In their suit, the residents listed the two developer firms and five others (the previous landowners) as defendants. The residents allege that both these firms are related and that the transfer of ownership between them was a sham.

The two firms, for their part, applied to strike out the residents’ suit on grounds that the plaintiffs did not have locus standi – which the court disagreed. The High Court in February 2012 dismissed the two firms’ application and ordered the firms to pay costs of RM7000 to each of the plaintiffs.

Meanwhile, the developer obtained an eviction order from a lower court and the bailiff is coming on Tuesday, 17 April.

For their part, the residents applied on Friday for a stay order pending the disposal of their High Court case, and they will know the outcome of their application on Monday.

The developer has increased the compensation amount progressively, but residents claim it is still much lower than market value.

Building Hindu Relationships in Europe

By Kumari Kunti Sherreitt

Between March 27th – 28th, 2012 the Hindu Forum of Europe held its Hindu Leaders Meeting in Radhadesh followed by a Networking Luncheon and a conference at the European Parliament in Brussels.

“Who is teaching the [Hindu] priests?,” “How do we [Hindus] get recognized in our country?”

These are some the questions raised during a two-day event hosted by the Hindu Forum of Europe (HFE) late last month. Some of the major issues faced by Hindus and Hindu groups in Europe include the need for visibility, the need for specialization in their own traditions, and the need for recognition in par to that of other major religions. Some of the issues that were discussed, but most were added to the list of work that the HFE has yet to do. However, it was clear from the event, that there is interest and eager participants in the cause.

After months and months of planning, finally the HFE two-day, jammed packed: Hindu Leaders Meeting, Networking Luncheon, and EU Parliament Conference event had come. The quiet community of ISKCON Radhadesh became a host to a group of colorful, witty and determined members - and members to be - of the HFE.

Arrivals for began the day before the meeting and were stayed in the Radhadesh guesthouse. The Hindu Leaders Meeting started late Tuesday morning (as expected) but eventually when everyone had arrived, the room was full of a diverse yet familiar group of Hindus; Swamis from Portugal, Italy, and the UK and leaders and businessmen of both long-standing and budding Hindu organizations from across Europe, ready to share and unite on a the common goal - of promoting Hinduism in Europe.

After opening prayers led by National Council of Hindu Temples UK Secretary General Dr. Raj Pundit Sharma, there was a get – to – know each other icebreaker, followed by two interactive discussions about the needs and situation of Hindu organizations in Europe led by Bharti Tailor (now HFE president) and Birkram Laubhalsingh (now HFE Vice President). The open discussion generated some interesting points about the standing and the future of the countries represented in the meeting. Officially there were ten countries represented, although in all fairness Pundit Madhu Shastri represented two. The following group work brought new perspectives as well as new relationships to bud within the group. The UK representation was the largest and therefore they were requested to team up with members from other countries, and share insights from their very successful situation there.

Amongst the familiar faces were ISKCON’s own Shaunaka Rishi das and Yadunandana Swami who spoke at the end of the topical discussion session about Hindu education in Europe. Everyone was impressed with the programs that were being offered: both the Bhaktivedanta College and the Oxford Center for Hindu Studies. One of the members of the meeting said it was “this was one of the best presentations I have seen in ten years.”

The later project particularly sparked an avid discussion, questioning why Hindus do not send their children to learn about their own traditions, and rather only to become “engineers and doctors?” There were no definitive answers, yet Shaunaka Rishi das suggested everyone to spread the word about the Oxford Center, the only of its kind in the world, that can be fitted into any Hindu’s study – not just theologians or religious studies majors. (Please visit www.ochs.org for more information about the Oxford Hindu Studies Center.)

Another exciting project that was presented was the “Save Ayurveda” Campaign, presented by Amarjeet Bhamra Ayurveda from the UK. Mr. Bhamra made a trip for this meeting specifically to present this issue of concern. The organization is asking the UK to not allow the Ayurveda to “be divorced from Veda” and created as a separate unit from Hindu traditions. As we speak the campaign is in need of support, as the future of use of Ayurvedic medicine doctors will no longer be legally allowed in the UK and possibly the rest of Europe. Mr. Bhamra is asking for support of this campaign, as it is against the Hindu religion to make such an integral aspect of Hindu culture become lost in lieu of the Pharmaceutical companies. (Please visit the website www.saveherbalmedicine.com for more information.)

That evening everyone enjoyed bhajans in the temple room in Radhadesh and took rest, for the next day was to be a busy one.

Hindu Forum of Belgium’s Networking Lunch

At noon the guests began to arrive at the Fine Arts Center, BOZAR in the center of Brussels, for the Networking Luncheon hosted by the Hindu Forum of Belgium (HFB). Alongside the speeches, there were entertainment, a MOSA (Museum of Sacred Art) display (Radhadesh’s own devotional art museum) and beautiful selection of Indian-Western dishes, catered by Radhadesh and Sri Krsna Caitanya from France. The master of ceremony was Visvambar Caitanya, the HFE secretary, who youthfulness added some light-heartedness and fun to the entire afternoon.

Hrdaya Caitanya, Radhadesh president who was representing the Belgium Council for Religious Leaders, of which is a member of, alongside the HFB President Manik Paul, made a convincing speeches about the necessity of Belgium to be recognized, encouraging the audience to work together toward this goal. This was followed by a speech from Katrina Von Schnurbein, the Advisor at the European Commission for the dialogue with religious communities and philosophical and non-confessional organizations, who spoke about the necessity of such organizations as the HFB to connect with the EU Commission. As Stein Villumstad, General Secretary for European Council for Religious Leaders, the last of the speakers at Lunch who spoke about the type of language differences that insiders of a religion speak and the need to have a foothold in the political arena to best express it from their point of view, congratulated the “successful events” of the HFB and HFE organizations.

A local Belgian group, “Chrysalide” performed an Indian-French fused mix of tabla, harmonium, and guitar ragas with French lyrics to the audience of over 120 guests. Just after Banishree Falisse, a devotional Khayal styled singing artist continued with rhythmic melodies for a captured audience. However, as the event was more than one hour behind schedule, many began to cue up for the awaiting lunch, and so half of the audience returned to their seats to eat their dainty laddhus while Banishree sang.

Everyone who attended the event was given the BBT’s “Hidden Glory of India” book as a gift when they left.

EU Parliament Conference: “Hindu Contributions to the European Project”

The European Union Parliament conference directly followed the lunch that evening. The EU Parliament is just a 10 min drive from the center of Brussels, where the Lunch was held. Most of the EU is still in construction, but this wing of the building is fully functional; its metallic futuristic styled architecture and mood rings toward the hopeful future of the EU.

The guests were personally escorted into the Parliament to the Henry Spaak room, where everyone was treated like members of the EU for the day: recliner chairs, ear-sets for clearer hearing of the speakers on desks, and drinks, all sponsored by Graham Watson, a UK Member of Parliament (MEP) who has interest in the HFE and it’s organization; as he is a member of the Indian Delegation for the EU.

There were many speakers, including some from the Hindu Leaders Meeting as well as the Networking Lunch, however the appearance and speech of MEP Watson toward a deeper connection between the EU and the Hindu faith community was proposed. Mahaprabhu das, HFE General Secretary and ISKCON Communications Europe Director also made a speech in the same direction, explain that the Hindu tradition is an accepting and non-confrontational one, that has no desire to make converts, but rather share the knowledge and wisdom that its scriptures have to offer. Other speakers included the founder of Sevashram Sanga in the UK, Nirliptananda Swami, who explored the role of Hindus in the European society, touching upon the roles of women.

When the conference had finished, everyone was ready and eager to return on the bus home to Radhadesh, after a long and exciting day.

Overall the two-day event was inspiring and promising towards the further development and participation of the Hindu communities in Europe with each other, a definite rarity amongst religious traditions, as it seems working with a stranger is easier than one’s own neighbor in the realm of religious beliefs. But the Hindus groups that have made an effort to join and contribute to the Hindu Forum of Europe are making such steps, and this work has and will continue to pay off.

Ku Li sokong tuntutan Bersih 3.0

Islamic ‘Adult Breastfeeding’ Fatwas Return

Saudi Sheikh Abdul Mohsin al-Abaican

Back in May 2007, Dr. Izzat Atiya, head of Al Azhar University’s Department of Hadith, issued a fatwa, or Islamic legal decree, saying that female workers should “breastfeed” their male co-workers in order to work in each other’s company. According to the BBC:

He said that if a woman fed a male colleague “directly from her breast” at least five times they would establish a family bond and thus be allowed to be alone together at work. “Breast feeding an adult puts an end to the problem of the private meeting, and does not ban marriage,” he ruled. “A woman at work can take off the veil or reveal her hair in front of someone whom she breastfed.”

Atiya based his fatwa on a hadith—a documented saying or doing of Islam’s prophet Muhammad and subsequently one of Sharia law’s sources of jurisprudence. Many Egyptians naturally protested this decree—hadith or no hadith—though no one could really demonstrate how it was un-Islamic; for the fatwa conformed to the strictures of Islamic jurisprudence. Still, due to the protests—not many Egyptian women were eager to “breastfeed” their male coworkers—the fatwa receded, and that was that.

However, because it was never truly rebutted, it kept making comebacks.

For instance, three years later in 2010, a high-ranking Saudi, Sheikh Abdul Mohsin al-Abaican issued a fatwa confirming that “women could give their milk to men to establish a degree of maternal relations and get around a strict religious ban on mixing between unrelated men and women.” But unlike Atiya’s fatwa, “the man should take the milk, but not directly from the breast of the woman. He should drink it [from a cup] and then [he] becomes a relative of the family, a fact that allows him to come in contact with the women without breaking Islam’s rules about mixing.”

Now, a report titled “Kuwaiti Activists: Husband Breastfeeding from Wife not Prohibited,” published earlier this month by Arabic RT (see also Garaa News) opens by announcing that “The adult breastfeeding fatwa has returned once again to the spotlight, after Kuwaiti Islamic activists supported the adult breastfeeding fatwa issued by the Egyptian Salafi, Sheikh Jamal al-Murakbi [different from Al Azhar’s Sheikh Atiya]. This time around, the Kuwaitis examined the adult breastfeeding fatwa in the context of relations between a man and his wife.”

While the Kuwaiti sheikhs all essentially agree that the activity is not strictly forbidden according to Sharia—only “disliked” (literally makruh)—they are divided over the particulars.

• Sheikh Nazim Misbahi, head of the Fatwa Committee of the Islamic Heritage Revival Society in Kuwait, supports the decree, agreeing that “it is not forbidden [haram] for a man to breastfeed from his wife.”

• Sheikh Bassam al-Shatti, a Sharia professor, specifies: “If the husband deliberately sucks to obtain milk from the breast of his wife, this is forbidden; however, if it happens unintentionally during foreplay with his wife, then there is no problem—though it is disliked according to the four schools” of Sharia.

• Sheikh Sa’d al-Anzi stressed that “if the man, while being intimate with his wife, sucks her nipples, it is nothing, considered foreplay; but if the milk reaches his mouth, he should spit out—even if goes down in his stomach,” i.e., vomit.

Consider for a moment the significance of these Islamic edicts: whether women “breastfeeding” coworkers (Egyptian fatwa, 2007), whether men drinking female breast-milk in a cup (Saudi fatwa, 2010), or whether Kuwaiti minutiae concerning bedroom foreplay—such fatwas are reminders of the inescapable strictures of Sharia law: while these sheikhs offers various circumstances and interpretations concerning “adult breastfeeding,” they are all confined to the words of the prophet of Islam.

This is precisely why, despite all the claims that Islam is perpetually being “misunderstood”—by terrorists, by “Islamophobes”—understanding what Islam commands and forbids is actually quite a simple matter: along with the Koran, determine what the prophet said in canonical hadiths.

It is, after all, no coincidence that the above mentioned Kuwaitis, like Sheikh Misbahi, were members of the delegation that recently went to ask Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti about Islam’s position on churches in the Arabian Peninsula: the same source that compelled the Grand Mufti to declare that all churches must be destroyed, is the same source that advocates “adult breastfeeding”: Muhammad and his teachings. All very straightforward, really.

Pakistan: Forced conversions spark anger

Lahore, 13 April (AKI/Dawn) - Prof. Ashok Kumar is not afraid of taking a prominent stance on the Rinkle Kumari issue.

Fear, he says, is secondary compared to what is happening to the Hindu community in Pakistan, in particular Sindh. “We can’t just sit back and watch what our community is going through,” he says.

The recent case of Rinkle Kumari is not altogether an uncommon occurrence. Several young Hindu girls have been kidnapped in the dead of night from their homes, and dragged off to be forcibly converted to Islam, as they and their family members have later alleged. Usually this conversion is accompanied by a signing of the ‘nikahnama’ which strengthens the kidnappers’ side of the story, but still does not provide any kind of proof whether the marriage was done under duress or not.

On Thursday, protesters belonging to the Hindu and Christian communities in Lahore, accompanied by representatives of the Joint Action Committee (a group of social organisations), gathered outside the Lahore Press Club and shouted slogans in response to the slow treatment of the case, venting anger at religious fascism, forcible conversion, and a lack of support from the government.

Ashok Kumar, a professor of Sindhi language in the Linguistics Department of the Punjab University, is one of the protesters.

There are others too, students, professionals, young women, social workers, but the turnout has not been very high.

“We only decided this last night so couldn’t inform everyone on such short notice,” said Shahtaj Qizalbash from AGHS Legal Aid.

But Tanveer Jahan, also a member of the JAC, gives a more direct reply. “When it comes to minority rights, or any such sensitive issue, one just cannot expect any mass participation in Pakistan,” she says.

“You can just forget about the masses.” She says that both sides of the picture are grim – one side which does not support, and only watches the situation passively, while the other side which does come out on the streets but does so for its own vested interests and exploitation. “It is social workers like us who are stuck in the middle.”

“Down with mullah-ism!” shout the protesters, and a small number of drivers slow down on the busy section of the Simla Hill roundabout to see what the commotion is about. While many simply shake their heads and carry on, some are affected nevertheless, like Mehr Muhammad, a contractor.

“It is a sin to take away anyone’s rights like that,” he says, as he stands by watching the protest. “No religion allows this trampling of religious freedom. These girls should not be kidnapped and converted through force…how is it even conversion?” he questions, his brow furrowing over the worrying situation.

But another man has a completely different opinion. “Isn’t it a blessing if anyone is being converted into a Muslim?” he questions.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected two petitions, one filed by Rinkle’s husband, and the other filed by the father of another Hindu girl Dr Lata, from Jacobabad.

The two wanted to meet the girls, but the apex court observed that the two girls should be allowed to make a decision on whether they want to go with their parents or husbands based on a freewill therefore they were sent to Panah, a shelter home run by human rights lawyer Dr Majida Rizvi, where they will stay isolated till the court summons them again. The matter is to be taken up again on April 18.

The matter has been tangled yet further with the alleged involvement of Mian Mithu, a PPP MNA from Ghotki, where Rinkle was kidnapped, and also one Naveed Shah, who was a close associate of Mithu.

“Even when Nafisa Shah and some other PPP MNAs tried to move a resolution against this issue in the assembly, Mian Mithu did not support it,” says Tanveer Jahan. “I simply ask if an FIR has already been lodged against these two then why are they not under arrest?”

Another girl, Asha is still missing and Dr Ashok says: “The state of the Hindu girls being converted is terrible. Since January there have been at least 47 kidnappings. Another point to observe is that this is only happening to young girls, never boys or elders.”

Peter Jacob, worker for minorities’ rights, says this forcible conversion is not restricted to just Hindus and in Sindh. “In the last five years, there have been up to 400 to 500 conversions of Christians. And something equally horrifying, I know of: forcible circumcision of young men in Punjab and one in Balochistan…where are we going, one asks.”

In feudal terms, owning another party’s woman is having the upper hand. That coupled with marriage, gives the perpetrator more strength. No one knows what becomes of many of the girls after being married. Meanwhile, many Hindus feel that they are simply being harassed so they leave the country forever.

“But this is not just an issue restricted to Sindh,” says one. “This protest is meant to be calling out to the whole nation…Why does no one raise their voices for our rights too?” he asks.

Explain Indonesian with MyKad, NRD told

An Indonesian is in possession of a MyKad bearing the same number with that issued to a Kelantan -born taxi driver.

KUALA LUMPUR: An Indonesian has been using a MyKad which is indentical to that issued to a Kelantan-born taxi driver.

Exposing this today, Hindraf leader P Uthayakumar demanded an explanation from the National Registration Department (NRD).

According to him, the MyKad used by the Indonesian carried the same number and name of Rodzi Mohd Noor, except that in the former’s card Mohd was spelt as Mhd.

While Rodzi’s address was based on his home address in Rantau Panjang, the Indonesian man’s MyKad had a Kuala Selangor address.

“This is a very serious matter and the NRD director general should explain how this can happen,” said Uthayakumar during a press conference here.

Rodzi, who was also present, told reporters that he had lost his MyKad in 2000. “I later lodged a police report and got my new Mykad,” he said.

“However, I began to feel suspicious when I could not renew my road tax because there were two traffic summonses issued for a Proton Iswara with the number plate WEE 6037. The car was said to have been registered under my name, but I never used such a car,” he added.

Furthermore, Rodzi said he was blacklisted by a telecommunications company for purportedly not paying his mobile phone bill despite not being a subscriber of that particular service.

When he checked with the Road Transport Department (JPJ), the taxi driver, who now resides in Lembah Pantai, was shocked to discover that there was another person with the same MyKad number.

“With the help of JPJ officers, I cleared the summonses and filed a police report against the Indonesian man,” he said, adding that he had met the culprit in Kuala Selangor but the man managed to escape before the police arrived.

“Not only did he buy a car but he also obtained a driver’s licence under my name,” he said.

Rodzi said that despite three police reports and an official complaint being filed with NRD, no action had been taken.

Meanwhile, Uthayakumar asked how it was possible for an Indonesian to obtain a MyKad without NRD’s approval.

He added that there were numerous cases where illegal immigrants had been allegedly issued with MyKads by NRD.

“We would not be surprised if this ‘imposter’ Rodzi has also registered as a voter and would perhaps vote in the coming election,” he said.

Old poison, new bottle

We want the government to seriously respect our civil and political rights. What we don't want is the feel good factor, says DAP MP Charles Santiago.
COMMENT

By Charles Santiago

Its not easy to figure out what’s happening in Malaysia. We have a government that back tracks on promised reforms, flip flops on decisions and tries to deliver its nonsense on a silver platter to the people.By Charles Santiago

Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak croons the country is ready to enter a new era, with heightened maturity – whatever that means is vague because the proposed amendments and dismantling of various laws in Malaysia are merely cosmetic changes.

Malaysia is one of the 16 countries which have not ratified the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD). The country’s institutionalised racial discrimination had contributed to a severe brain drain, with 1.4 million people with tertiary education having left the country.

And yet the government has pulled back plans to table a legislation, in Parliament, to do away with hate crimes and weed out racial discrimination. Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz, minister in the Prime Minister’s department, attributed this about turn to being able to manage our race relations better.

Last year we saw school teachers and a principal using racial slurs to ridicule Chinese and Indian students. To top that, Malay rights group, Perkasa, was openly inciting racial tension by spewing venom.

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community has also come under severe attacks recently. The organisers of Seksualiti Merdeka, an annual festival of talks, shows, forums and film screenings to promote sexuality rights have been targeted, ridiculed and threatened.

In 1994, the government banned anyone who is homosexual, bisexual or transsexual from appearing on the state-controlled media. We have not progressed to curb such explicit hatred against the LGBT community since then.

In 2010, the Film Censorship Board stated it would only allow the depiction of homosexuality if the characters repented or died.

Now we have some segments of society suggesting individuals from the marginalized LGBT community must be banned from appearing on air altogether.

And yet the legislation to root out hate crimes is on the back burner.

‘We want true democracy’

Even though Najib has been trumpeting the fact that he did away with three Emergency Ordinances, we know better as other crucial reforms are simply shadow play.

For example, the Security Offences (Special Measures) Bill is not a radical shift from the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA) which allows for indefinite detention. The new Bill still allows for indefinite detention up to 28 days from the 60 days under the ISA.

If this is what Najib means by revamping the judiciary, he better think again for any indefinite detention poses a grave threat to fundamental liberties. And Human Rights Watch candidly sums this up by saying that the failure to bring a detainee before a judge, without any delay, violates international standards for prompt judicial review.

The Bill also gives wide powers to the police. Holding detainees up to 48 hours opens the channel for abusive interrogation. And we have seen one too many cases of police abuse while in detention. Between 2003-2007, there were 1,535 custodial deaths in the country.

Under the new Bill, the police would have the power to intercept communication and conduct searches without judicial warrant. It would also permit the police to unilaterally place monitoring devices on people who are released from detention and allow a blanket provision to deny bail.

Is this how Najib and his government want to treat a matured society? Does the prime minister truly believe that passing off a proposed law which allows for serious infringement on personal and civil liberties as reform would go unnoticed by the people?

We want true democracy. We want the government to seriously respect our civil and political rights. What we don’t want is the feel good factor.

The renowned poet, Hafiz, said “Not even seven thousand years of joy is worth seven days of depression”. Maybe Najib could learn from his poetry.

Charles Santiago is DAP’s MP for Klang.

Settler dies in front of PM’s office

Mohd Nordin Bakri's hope of seeing the prime minister's intervention to resolve his land woes turned tragic when he collapsed and died in front of the PM's office.

PUTRAJAYA: A settler’s hope of seeing a land issue, which has been dragging on for more than three decades, resolved turned tragic when the father of five collapsed and died outside the Prime Minister’s Office here.

What irked his fellow settlers was that the police personnel present did not offer to help while the ambulance only arrived some 20 minutes later.

The deceased Mohd Nordin Bakri, 54, was among 200 settlers from Kampung Serampang Indah (formely known as GATCO) near Jempol, Negeri Sembilan, who chartered four buses and travelled 150km in the hope of meeting Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak yesterday.

They wanted to hand over a memorandum and call for the premier’s intervention into the land matter.

However, they could not meet Najib as he was attending to official matters but managed to hand over the memorandum to the premier’s private secretary Mohammed Amir Haron.

As a six-member delegation met Amir near the security post, Nordin suddenly collapsed and those present rushed to his aid. They carried him to the security post and asked for an ambulance.

“I was very disappointed that medical help came late. After I informed the security personnel and Amir, the ambulance only came more than 20 minutes later,” said Paroi state assemblyman Mohd Taufek Abdul Ghani, who was also present.

“I also regret that despite the presence of a large number of police personnel, none of them offered to give Nordin first aid,” added the PAS leader.

Meanwhile, Kampung Serampang Indah (GATCO) action committee secretary C John told FMT that Amir promised to raise the matter with Najib and issue a reply within two weeks.

On March 28, FMT reported that the settlers held a peaceful demonstration in front of the Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar’s office urging the state leader to intervene and help them.

A total of 400 settlers bought a 10 acre agricultural land from GATCO in 1977. The bumiputera settlers paid RM4,000 and the non-bumiputera settlers forked out RM7,600 for the land.

However in 1983, GATCO declared bankruptcy and the size of the land was reduced to eight acres per settler. In 2004, the land was auctioned. The settlers paid RM320,000 (earnest deposit) to Singam and Young Associates who was the auctioneer.

‘Where is justice for us?’

“When we wanted to pay the second installment, the auctioneer refused to receive the second payment. Later the land was auctioned to Thamarai Holdings Sdn Bhd for RM16 million.

“The basis of our argument is that the government, especially the Negeri Sembilan state government and Menteri Besar Mohd Hasan should take responsibility on the basis that the land originally belonged to the state government,” said committee chairman Abdul Rahman Ali Mohamad.

Under the previous menteri besar, he said, the state government leased the land for 99 years to Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri, Negeri Sembilan (PKNNS).

“Later PKNNS leased the land for 66 years to GATCO. It’s clearly stated in the terms and conditions that GATCO should develop the land for the settlers,” he added.

Rahman said when GATCO went bankrupt, the state government and Dana Harta should have given the settlers the first choice with regard to owning the land.

“We paid the money for the land 35 years ago and now we are willing to pay RM18 million to get back our land. Why did the government allow this to happen? Where is justice for us?” he asked.

Is the Tun hallucinating?

by P Ramakrishnan - Aliran

In an open letter to Mahathir, P Ramakrishnan takes to task the former premier for his outrageous statements about the Pakatan administrations in Penang and Selangor of late.

My dear Tun Dr Mahathir,

I’m at a loss as to whether you are hallucinating or failing to see the reality.

Your views on Penang and Selangor are misconceived and misplaced. You come across as a dishonest politician determined to score political points and mislead Malaysian voters. You do no credit to yourself nor do you live up to your reputation as an elder statesman (Bernama, 29 January 2012).

Your statement, “They have already been given a lot of chances. A lot of unhappy things have happened in Penang, the same (is happening) in Selangor,” does not make any sense at all. “They have been given a lot of chances”, you unreasonably claim.

Pakatan only came to power on March 8, 2008. They have been in office only for four short years. What chances were given to them and who gave them those chances? What are you talking about? What miracles were you expecting them to perform in this short period of time?

Compare their short term of office to the Barisan Nasional’s nearly 55 years of tenure – truthfully and honestly. We can justifiably throw back at the BN the very words you had uttered: “They (BN) have already been given a lot of chances. A lot of unhappy things have happened in Penang, the same (is happening) in Selangor.” This is indeed a valid observation requiring an honest answer from you, dear Tun.

Indeed, 55 years is a very long time. It is more than half a century. The BN have been given all the chances it wanted and needed. But what have the BN achieved during their long tenure in office except undermining our unity and keeping the people apart? Our unity has been destroyed by senseless and thoughtless policies and statements without a care for the welfare of the majority of Malaysians who are peace-loving and poor.

Yes, Tun, if anybody had been given too much chance it is the BN. Indeed, what more can the BN do which they had failed to do during these 55 years? What miracles can the BN now perform to transform this country into a haven for all citizens and provide them with a dignified livelihood?

What do you actually mean by claiming, “They have been given the chance. What’s there left to try. If we allow the situation to deteriorate badly, it will be difficult to repair.”

Your rambling statement, “If we allow the situation to deteriorate badly, it will be difficult to repair” comes across as ridiculous and garrulous. What has the Pakatan done that has brought about the deterioration? What is that they are doing that would render the problem beyond repair? Please be specific and enumerate the wrongdoings of the Pakatan.

Tun, you should not make sweeping claims that are without merit. Many Malaysians are truly disappointed and disillusioned with you and justifiably feel that you have out-lived your usefulness as a political leader. You had your time and you did things the way you wanted to. That period is over and done with. There is nothing more for you to do.

Both Penang and Selangor have attracted the biggest FDI totalling more than RM15bn, which is unmatched by the BN-controlled states. Doesn’t this indicate positively that the Pakatan-controlled states are performing very much better in spite of their short term of tenure and lack of administrative experience and expertise? Honestly, dear Tun, doesn’t that deserve some praise?

You kept everything under wraps and resorted to the Official Secrets Act (OSA) to deny citizens their right to be informed. A lot of scandals and corruption prevailed because they are kept from the purview of public scrutiny and guarded as state secrets.

The Pakatan-controlled states in Selangor and Penang, on the other hand, have promulgated a Freedom of Information Act in order to be transparent and accountable. Tun, isn’t this something that has to be complimented?

Cronies and corruption

Under your tenure for 22 years, many crony politicians became wealthy beyond imagination and without being accountable for their wealth. Elected representatives and cabinet ministers declared their assets only to you and, according to certain well-informed circles, you had used this information to secure their unquestioning loyalty. That was how you had your way – it was your way and no other way!

We are reminded of the episode concerning the removal of Osman Aroff, the then Menteri Besar of Kedah, who had enjoyed the support of the majority of assembly members in Kedah. These assembly members went to see you, dear Tun, to plead for the retention of their MB. You, reportedly saw them individually and after that they all returned to Kedah abandoning Osman Aroff. Rumour had it then that you had a file on each of them and that forced them to fall in line behind you.

Dear Tun, Pakatan-controlled states of Selangor and Penang did something that you wouldn’t dare dream of doing. All their Exco members declared their assets publically. This is something that civil society of Malaysia has been campaigning for, for a very long time, claiming that this would curb corruption and check abuse of governance.

But you would not be persuaded. You wanted to be the sole privy to the corruption and abuse so that you would have absolute control over politicians holding public positions.

Many Malaysians, in the past, have worked loyally and faithfully and had contributed to the progress of this country. These old timers who retired many years ago are forced to struggle to live a hard life with their meagre pensions in these times of hardships. Their counterparts of modern times, on the other hand, draw reasonable pensions to lead a decent life. The hardships suffered by these senior citizens have not been addressed. Their contributions were not even acknowledged.

But the Pakatan government in Penang has been giving out RM100 once a year for the last three years to express their appreciation to these senior citizens. Admittedly, this isn’t very much but the very thought of appreciation really warms the hearts of these people. With the vast resources available to the BN, they are placed in a far better situation to do more to help these unfortunate people. But why, dear Tun, did the BN government not bother doing this? They could have shown a generous face and given more to these people with all the wealth at their disposal. But they did nothing!

Corruption has become so rampant that so much of our wealth is either lost or stolen to the detriment of the nation. Contracts given to crony companies with inflated costs have drained our wealth. Highway toll agreements, the Tajuddin-Malaysia Airlines out-of-court settlement, the rescue of Bank Rakyat and Bank Bumiputra, the reckless forex fiasco in the UK, the bungling Maminco tin-buying spree, to name a few – they have all resulted in the loss of billions of ringgit that could have alleviated the plight of the poor. These are, unfortunately, dear Tun, your legacies that brought terrible hardships for the homeless and the helpless.

Uplifting the people

You wouldn’t have open tenders for projects that would have saved billions of ringgit and secured the services of contractors with ability and proven expertise. That would have prevented some contractors from running away without completing their projects and ensured that buildings wouldn’t collapse because of poor workmanship and inferior materials. But repeated episodes of cheating contractors and uncompleted projects did not seem to disturb the conscience of those in charge. It was business as usual and billions of ringgit were regularly squandered without a care in the world.

On the other hand, now we have open tenders in the Pakatan states and Class F contractors are very happy and contented with this arrangement. According to these contractors, under the previous BN government, one had to have connections to get a contract and one had to give inducements to be considered favourably. Otherwise, getting contracts would have been impossible. But now, with open tenders, the deserving have been rewarded with contracts and they have delivered the completed projects on time. Isn’t this something that has to be appreciated, dear Tun?

Malaysian workers have been struggling for years for a minimum wage policy. The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has been championing this issue for decades. But it was opposed vehemently by the Malaysian Employers Federation, which wanted to reap hefty profits from the sweat of the workers. And the Malaysian government did not have the political will to implement the minimum wage policy. Thus we lost our local skilled workers and builders who left the country to work elsewhere. But the exploitation continues to this day with the employment of foreign workers.

Isn’t it praiseworthy that the Pakatan government in Selangor has implemented a minimum wage policy for all its employees in GLCs as from January this year? They are paid a minimum salary of RM1,500. Shouldn’t the employees enjoy the fruit of their labour, dear Tun?

Farmers in the new villages of Perak who have been tilling the land and growing vegetables and fruit for the country for generations were exploited and kept in a state of uncertainty as to their livelihood as they did not own the land. Every election this became a moot point for the farmers. Whether their TOL would be extended or cancelled was a worrying experience for these farmers. And when the BN wins the election in Perak, the TOL of these farmers would be renewed. The message was very clear. Vote for the BN or your TOL would not be renewed. They were beholden to the BN for the extension of their TOL.

The Pakatan government gave them the land titles and their dignity and freed them from their unnecessary anxiety. The rational was these farmers have been on the land for generations and have been serving the nation with their produce and they deserved the land titles. Isn’t this something wonderful that deserves to be congratulated, dear Tun?

Every voter who dies in Penang and Selangor is given RM1,000 and RM2,500 respectively for funeral expenses. This assistance is greatly appreciated, especially by the poor. For the first time a voter receives something very specific and substantial when he or she dies. This had never happened under BN rule. They bribe the living for their vote and forget them when they are dead. Under the Pakatan rule they take care of the living and the dead! Don’t they deserve a pat on their back, dear Tun?

All this caring and giving must make a great impact on the people. If given more time there will be other good policies that will benefit the people and perhaps make it difficult for the BN to make any headway in the future. Is that what is worrying you, dear Tun? Is this what you meant when you sounded the warning to the BN, “If we allow the situation to deteriorate, it will be difficult to repair”?

You have correctly foreseen the inevitable doom for the BN. You have realised that it will be difficult to undo the good deeds of the Pakatan. In comparison, the BN will be cast in poor light and cursed for neglecting the majority of the deserving Malaysians who are poor. You are seeing what is impending and you have the right to fear the inevitable, dear Tun!

P Ramakrishnan is the past president of Aliran

Dear America: My name is Khan. I'm not a terrorist

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan is one of the most famous men on the planet [Reuters]

He is one of the most famous men on the planet. Adored by millions. His films are almost always box office smashes. But when Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan travelled to the US on Thursday, he was detained by security for two hours while they checked out his "status".

Ironic, considering his biggest hit film was the story of a man determined to visit the US president and give him a very simple message: My Name is Khan and I'm not a terrorist.

The film is a powerful look at what it means to be Muslim in the land of the free and the home of the brave. I wonder if he told Homeland Security that he wasn't a terrorist.

He says he feels angry and humiliated. I know how he feels. In the last three years I have travelled to the US six times. Each time, bar one, I was stopped. I was asked to go to a holding facility and my passport was taken. You are asked to sit down by a polite but hostile official.

Don't use your mobile phone to call loved ones who might be waiting for you. Don't talk to the official who will studiously ignore you. Just wonder what you did to warrant such treatment.

I'm British Pakistani. I hold a British passport. I was born and brought up in the UK. I am not visibly Muslim. My religion or lack of it is my own affair and I don't have a criminal record.

Yet I feel as though that's exactly what I am. A criminal. Each time I sat in this holding facility I looked around at the people sat with me. Tired children. Harrassed parents worrying about what is going on. One time I even saw a near blind old man in wheelchair.

Occasionally I saw Europeans, but the vast majority of the time it was men between the ages of 18-45. I'm taking an educated guess with that figure. I didn't take a poll. They seemed to be of south Asian or Arab origin, and again I'm taking an educated guess.

Male. 18-45. Of south/central Asian or Arab origin. That's a massive demographic to tar with the same brush. Each time I was questioned by a Department of Homeland Security officer I was asked the same questions. What was I doing here? Who did I plan to visit?

Each time they would tell me that the procedure was routine, that they would get me out as soon as possible. From the Middle East, where I am based, to the US is a 14-hour flight. Every time I was tired, hungry and I could feel that I was about to get rattled. But shouting and getting angry would not have helped. These men are just doing the job.

It's the US that has a problem. It's simply in a tailspin when it comes to dealing with Muslims. In New York security cameras are pointed at mosques.

Recently revealed American security files show that if a cafe had a television screening Al Jazeera, then it was worthy of further investigation.

America, and I have seen this in British Muslim communities, is scaring the very people it needs to help it. Good US citizens who pay their taxes, vote and who love the country are concerned about what's happening.

I have a friend. There is nothing Muslim about her other than her name. She swears like docker and parties harder than Kanye West. She is Palestinian American. Even this young New Yorker, who is as American as it gets, right down to her Brooklyn accent, feels scared in the US.

She often says to me "Drink now, you never know when they might arrest you." She’s joking, of course. But "in vino veritas, in wine, truth" so goes the old saying.

Scared in your own country. Imagine what it feels like if you are a visitor and your first introduction to America is a welcome that says "We think you are a person worthy of further investigation". Imagine what it feels to not be able to call your loved ones who wait patiently outside the airport.

Shah Rukh Khan is one of the most famous men on the planet. He had the power of the Indian embassy to get him out of detention. We ordinary mortals are left to our own devices.

The US was brutally hurt by the events of September 11th 2001. But over a decade later it has not learned the lesson that its greatest asset is people.

If future attacks from a tiny but determined minority are to be stopped, then enlist the help and respect of those good people who share the name of the faith with the terrorists, but not their spirit.