Bernama (13/5/08): Petronas had been directed by the government to have 200 stations ready for natural gas vehicles (NGVs) in a bid to encourage gas use in vehicles, the Dewan Rakyat was told Tuesday.
Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad, said currently there were 73 such stations operating and two more would be ready this month.
"Twenty-five NGV stations will be ready by the end of this year while 100 more will be ready in 2009," Shahrir said in reply to Dr Che Rosli Che Mat (PAS-Hulu Langat).
Dr Che Rosli wanted to know the status of NGVs which used compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) as their energy source and whether there was sufficient infrastructure to encourage consumers to switch from petroleum to CNG and LNG.
Shahrir said the gases were being used as an alternative in private vehicles and commercial and public transportation vehicles in the country, adding that the gases were also exported.
The infrastructure to be developed would support about 10,700 NGVs, he said.
Shahrir said many in the industrial sector used CNG as an energy source and it was piped directly to factories and independent power producers.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
20 police reports lodged against me, says Karpal
The Star (13/5/08): Twenty police reports have been lodged against Bukit Gelugor MP Karpal Singh for allegedly questioning the powers of the Sultan of Perak.
Speaking to reporters outside the Dewan Rakyat, Karpal Singh said he gave statements on Saturday on two police reports, saying there were 18 to go.
“But there is nothing I have done that is against the law. What I am surprised about, however, is that in my case, the investigation is being rushed and I don’t know why,” he added.
Karpal Singh said the Prime Minister had made a statement that the investigation should be speeded up because the rakyat want to know what punishment could be imposed on him.
“That is a statement that is unfair because one must be convicted before being punished, so he has found me guilty already,” he added.
Karpal Singh said he understood that the Inspector-General of Police said the investigation papers would be done in two or three days and would be forwarded to the Attorney-General.
Karpal Singh had allegedly questioned the powers of the Sultan in ordering the reinstatement of Datuk Jamry Sury as Perak Religious Department head.
On April 29, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin had ordered the transfer of Jamry on grounds that he had been uncooperative with the state government.
Karpal Singh also expressed surprise that the Royal Court of Selangor had reacted yesterday to his statement.
He said his statement was not about the Selangor royalty, and that what he meant was that there was a disturbing trend – implying what had happened in Terengganu and Perlis after the general election.
Speaking to reporters outside the Dewan Rakyat, Karpal Singh said he gave statements on Saturday on two police reports, saying there were 18 to go.
“But there is nothing I have done that is against the law. What I am surprised about, however, is that in my case, the investigation is being rushed and I don’t know why,” he added.
Karpal Singh said the Prime Minister had made a statement that the investigation should be speeded up because the rakyat want to know what punishment could be imposed on him.
“That is a statement that is unfair because one must be convicted before being punished, so he has found me guilty already,” he added.
Karpal Singh said he understood that the Inspector-General of Police said the investigation papers would be done in two or three days and would be forwarded to the Attorney-General.
Karpal Singh had allegedly questioned the powers of the Sultan in ordering the reinstatement of Datuk Jamry Sury as Perak Religious Department head.
On April 29, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin had ordered the transfer of Jamry on grounds that he had been uncooperative with the state government.
Karpal Singh also expressed surprise that the Royal Court of Selangor had reacted yesterday to his statement.
He said his statement was not about the Selangor royalty, and that what he meant was that there was a disturbing trend – implying what had happened in Terengganu and Perlis after the general election.
Ghapur accuses BN of practising double standards
The Sun (12/3/08): Amid strong rumours of Barisan Nasional (BN) parliamentarians crossing over to Pakatan Rayat (PR), Datuk Seri Panglima Abdul Ghapur Salleh (BN-Kalabakan) poured fuel into the fire while debating his motion of thanks on the royal address in the Dewan Rakyat (Parliament) today.
Accusing the ruling BN government of practising double standards, Abdul Ghapur issued a "serious warning" that BN would suffer greatly if this did not stop.
"Sabah mahu keadilan (Sabah wants justice)," he said, drawing a roar from his fellow parliamentarians.
After a moment, he corrected his phrase saying: "Sabah wants justice, not the party."
In a press conference later, Abdul Ghapur was asked if PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had approached him and if he was considering defecting, he denied it.
However, Abdul Ghapur kept emphasising that if not for the number of MPs from Sabah and Sarawak, PR would have managed to get the simple majority to form the new government.
"One-hundred-forty seats minus 54 from Sabah and Sarawak, there would not be enough to even form a simple majority (for BN)," he told reporters later.
He had also called for oil royalty to Sabah to be raised to 20% from its current annual rate of 5% amounting to RM500 million.
If approved, some RM2 billion, which "is not too much", can be channelled on an annual basis to help the state alleviate poverty rates and solve "a lot of problems in Sabah".
In his debate earlier, Abdul Ghapur said the BN did not listen or act on the complaints and issues of the people of Sabah and if the BN did not change its ways, "in the next election, it will not just be BN which will lose. Even I will lose".
In voicing the issues that inundated the state, Abdul Ghapur brought to light that the people in the rural areas drank water from the wells.
"If there is no rain, where will they find water? Even in the urban areas the waters coming out of the pipes are the colour of teh susu (tea with milk).
"Electricity supply is often disrupted in cities of Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan. Is this the meaning of independence?" he asked, also raising housing, inflation, security and housing problems.
Describing Sabahan voices as going into the right ear and coming out of the left, Abdul Ghapur said East Malaysia were sidelined and it felt like the states were step-children.
"We are a country but we are made to be second-class citizens and maybe people will say that Kalabakan speaks like the opposition.
"The fact is, we have been doing this even from before. It also looks like Sabah is being taken for granted," he said, adding that "if there is opposition in the BN, accept it as it is constructive".
Abdul Ghapur said: "If a public referendum arises, Sabahans may prefer to opt to be part of the Philippines if the long-standing issue of undocumented migrants was not dealt with."
Accusing the ruling BN government of practising double standards, Abdul Ghapur issued a "serious warning" that BN would suffer greatly if this did not stop.
"Sabah mahu keadilan (Sabah wants justice)," he said, drawing a roar from his fellow parliamentarians.
After a moment, he corrected his phrase saying: "Sabah wants justice, not the party."
In a press conference later, Abdul Ghapur was asked if PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had approached him and if he was considering defecting, he denied it.
However, Abdul Ghapur kept emphasising that if not for the number of MPs from Sabah and Sarawak, PR would have managed to get the simple majority to form the new government.
"One-hundred-forty seats minus 54 from Sabah and Sarawak, there would not be enough to even form a simple majority (for BN)," he told reporters later.
He had also called for oil royalty to Sabah to be raised to 20% from its current annual rate of 5% amounting to RM500 million.
If approved, some RM2 billion, which "is not too much", can be channelled on an annual basis to help the state alleviate poverty rates and solve "a lot of problems in Sabah".
In his debate earlier, Abdul Ghapur said the BN did not listen or act on the complaints and issues of the people of Sabah and if the BN did not change its ways, "in the next election, it will not just be BN which will lose. Even I will lose".
In voicing the issues that inundated the state, Abdul Ghapur brought to light that the people in the rural areas drank water from the wells.
"If there is no rain, where will they find water? Even in the urban areas the waters coming out of the pipes are the colour of teh susu (tea with milk).
"Electricity supply is often disrupted in cities of Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan. Is this the meaning of independence?" he asked, also raising housing, inflation, security and housing problems.
Describing Sabahan voices as going into the right ear and coming out of the left, Abdul Ghapur said East Malaysia were sidelined and it felt like the states were step-children.
"We are a country but we are made to be second-class citizens and maybe people will say that Kalabakan speaks like the opposition.
"The fact is, we have been doing this even from before. It also looks like Sabah is being taken for granted," he said, adding that "if there is opposition in the BN, accept it as it is constructive".
Abdul Ghapur said: "If a public referendum arises, Sabahans may prefer to opt to be part of the Philippines if the long-standing issue of undocumented migrants was not dealt with."
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
PAS says no strain between Perak palace and MB
IPOH, May 6 — The relationship between the Perak palace and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin is good and there is no tension between the two over the sudden transfer of the Perak Islamic Affairs Department (Jaip) director Datuk Jamry Sury as ordered by Mohammad Nizar last Tueday.
Perak PAS deputy commissioner Asmuni Ani said the issue which had to do with formalities and procedures that the menteri besar should have followed in the matter was instead being played up unnecessarily.
Asmuni, who is a lawyer, said Jamry's transfer was made known to the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, by Mohammad Nizar at the inauguration of the Perak Syariah Court Department Complex last Wednesday.
"It is just that His Highness said to refer the matter to the president of the Perak Islamic Affairs and Malay Customs Council, the Regent of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah. And Raja Nazrin reprimanded Mohammad Nizar as to the formalities and having to follow correct procedures.
"That's all and the relationship with the palace is very good be it officially or personally and there are no problems as made out to be by certain quarters," Asmuni was reported to have said in today's Harakah Daily, PAS's mouthpiece.
Perak State Secretary Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Hashim was reported to have said the matter was considered resolved after a letter of appointment to reinstate Jamry as Jaip director was issued.
The reinstatement of Jamry comes after Sultan Azlan decreed that Mohammad Nizar retracts the transfer order.
After meeting Raja Nazrin, Mohammad Nizar later issued a statement saying he would seek an audience with Sultan Azlan as soon as possible to apologise for transferring Jamry. — Bernama
Perak PAS deputy commissioner Asmuni Ani said the issue which had to do with formalities and procedures that the menteri besar should have followed in the matter was instead being played up unnecessarily.
Asmuni, who is a lawyer, said Jamry's transfer was made known to the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, by Mohammad Nizar at the inauguration of the Perak Syariah Court Department Complex last Wednesday.
"It is just that His Highness said to refer the matter to the president of the Perak Islamic Affairs and Malay Customs Council, the Regent of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah. And Raja Nazrin reprimanded Mohammad Nizar as to the formalities and having to follow correct procedures.
"That's all and the relationship with the palace is very good be it officially or personally and there are no problems as made out to be by certain quarters," Asmuni was reported to have said in today's Harakah Daily, PAS's mouthpiece.
Perak State Secretary Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Hashim was reported to have said the matter was considered resolved after a letter of appointment to reinstate Jamry as Jaip director was issued.
The reinstatement of Jamry comes after Sultan Azlan decreed that Mohammad Nizar retracts the transfer order.
After meeting Raja Nazrin, Mohammad Nizar later issued a statement saying he would seek an audience with Sultan Azlan as soon as possible to apologise for transferring Jamry. — Bernama
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
PAS should have serious discussion on Islamic State issue with Pakatan Rakyat
A reader's opinnion from here wrote this :
Assalamu'alaikum.
I'm writing under capacity as a concerned muslim.
And I'm writing to YB Husam as the Naib Presiden PAS.
Lately, it seems the DAP counterpart namely Karpal Singh has been conducting onslaught against PAS ideology towards establishing Islamic State.
I read with disgust his latest edition calling PAS to drop this struggle. Following all this, can we:
1: Get the closed door meeting between PAS and DAP and even with PKR and explain to them what is the Islamic State all about. I think Karpal is having bigger agenda and it could be hidden agenda by DAP to have this country constitution on Islam be removed or made it explicitly secular. This one Karpal is not stupid.
2: Can we have sessions of explanation to public about this Islamic State? It has been 50 years people were brainwashed that Islamic rules are babrbaric and outdated. PAS should spear head this effort to ensure people receive the right perception.
3: It has been perceived by many fence-sitters that PAS is abandoning the struggle for Islamic State. I strongly believe that PAS should be making explanation sessions like item 2 above.
4: Top leaders in PAS should be more visible and at the forefront to defuse issues rather than be apologetic and defensive. We all should be even more pro-active.
5: Harakah, be it printed or on-line version should take advantage and fully capitalise the issue to pre-empt any narrow understanding on the Islamic State policy. We should be playing the beauty of the Islamic rule non-stop, until people bored to death!
6: Current issues should be explained in the Harakah by Dewan Ulama PAS complete with all nas and proof whether such and such is allowed or forbidden. Not just this time but, all the time.
7: We all have to capitalize the heat post PRU12 to make people attracted to PAS even stronger. Of course we need to be pro-active (as raised in the point 5)
That's all for now.
Thanks and wassalam,
Hasni.
Assalamu'alaikum.
I'm writing under capacity as a concerned muslim.
And I'm writing to YB Husam as the Naib Presiden PAS.
Lately, it seems the DAP counterpart namely Karpal Singh has been conducting onslaught against PAS ideology towards establishing Islamic State.
I read with disgust his latest edition calling PAS to drop this struggle. Following all this, can we:
1: Get the closed door meeting between PAS and DAP and even with PKR and explain to them what is the Islamic State all about. I think Karpal is having bigger agenda and it could be hidden agenda by DAP to have this country constitution on Islam be removed or made it explicitly secular. This one Karpal is not stupid.
2: Can we have sessions of explanation to public about this Islamic State? It has been 50 years people were brainwashed that Islamic rules are babrbaric and outdated. PAS should spear head this effort to ensure people receive the right perception.
3: It has been perceived by many fence-sitters that PAS is abandoning the struggle for Islamic State. I strongly believe that PAS should be making explanation sessions like item 2 above.
4: Top leaders in PAS should be more visible and at the forefront to defuse issues rather than be apologetic and defensive. We all should be even more pro-active.
5: Harakah, be it printed or on-line version should take advantage and fully capitalise the issue to pre-empt any narrow understanding on the Islamic State policy. We should be playing the beauty of the Islamic rule non-stop, until people bored to death!
6: Current issues should be explained in the Harakah by Dewan Ulama PAS complete with all nas and proof whether such and such is allowed or forbidden. Not just this time but, all the time.
7: We all have to capitalize the heat post PRU12 to make people attracted to PAS even stronger. Of course we need to be pro-active (as raised in the point 5)
That's all for now.
Thanks and wassalam,
Hasni.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Nik Aziz backs modern pig farm for Selangor
PASIR PUTEH: PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has expressed support for the proposed high-tech pig farm in Selangor provided it does not contaminate the environment.
He said there was no reason to raise objections against the proposal if the company managing the farm was able to follow the guidelines set by the Department of Environment.
“We support so long as the farm does not contaminate the environment, and non-Muslims have the right to breed pigs,” Nik Aziz said here Monday.
He was asked to comment on a decision by the Pakatan Rakyat government in Selangor to allow a company to open a RM100mil modern pig farm in Tumbuk Estate, Sepang.
As for Kelantan, Nik Aziz, who is Mentri Besar, said the state would not allow the setting up of pig farms on a commercial scale.
“The backyard breeding of pigs by non-Muslims is adequate,” he said. – Bernama
He said there was no reason to raise objections against the proposal if the company managing the farm was able to follow the guidelines set by the Department of Environment.
“We support so long as the farm does not contaminate the environment, and non-Muslims have the right to breed pigs,” Nik Aziz said here Monday.
He was asked to comment on a decision by the Pakatan Rakyat government in Selangor to allow a company to open a RM100mil modern pig farm in Tumbuk Estate, Sepang.
As for Kelantan, Nik Aziz, who is Mentri Besar, said the state would not allow the setting up of pig farms on a commercial scale.
“The backyard breeding of pigs by non-Muslims is adequate,” he said. – Bernama
PAS: Islamic state agenda is still on
From the Star
PETALING JAYA: Although PAS is focusing on Pakatan Rakyat’s agenda of establishing a welfare state and reinstating democracy and good governance, it is not discarding its agenda to set up an Islamic state.
PAS MP for Kuala Selangor Dr Dzulkifly Ahmad said the party did not want to harp on the issue of Islamic state because it was not part of the Pakatan Rakyat agenda.
“We are not pulling it (setting up of an Islamic state) back. It is still an issue that matters to us but we are allowing more time for the electorate to understand us better.
“The more important agenda now is reinstating democracy and good governance,” said the PAS reserach centre director after taking part in an intellectual discourse on a book entitled Who Needs an Islamic State? written by Dr Abdelwahab El-Effendi.
The discussion on the book was organised by the Muslim Professionals Forum here yesterday.
Dr Dzulkifly said PAS was a lot more politically savvy and during the last general election, had reinvented itself by coming up with a manifesto embodying the principle of a trustworthy, just and clean government.
Human rights lawyer Malik Imtiaz Sarwar said people should recognise that the question “Who Needs an Islamic state?” reflected the aspiration of some quarters which wanted a greater role for Islam in public life.
“It’s also a cause of discomfort. We don’t have a homogenous society. We have a multiracial and multi-religious society,” he said.
He added that the constitutional debate on the social contract about the position of the Malays together with the debate on Islamic state made the concept “explosive.”
“We have to take a step back and see what it is we want to achieve when we suggest that we want an Islamic state. If we say that this country is an Islamic state, we are in some way saying that we have a national status.
“To non-Muslims we are in fact saying they have a lesser place. Are we saying that non-Muslims are less significant and of lesser standing in the country? I don’t want to be part of that or be associated with that.”
Dr Abelwahab pointed out that an Islamic state was a system of meting out justice.
“In Islam, the general principle to follow is how to conduct yourself to please God. Islamic state assumes that rules should be rules but you should also use your conscience.”
PETALING JAYA: Although PAS is focusing on Pakatan Rakyat’s agenda of establishing a welfare state and reinstating democracy and good governance, it is not discarding its agenda to set up an Islamic state.
PAS MP for Kuala Selangor Dr Dzulkifly Ahmad said the party did not want to harp on the issue of Islamic state because it was not part of the Pakatan Rakyat agenda.
“We are not pulling it (setting up of an Islamic state) back. It is still an issue that matters to us but we are allowing more time for the electorate to understand us better.
“The more important agenda now is reinstating democracy and good governance,” said the PAS reserach centre director after taking part in an intellectual discourse on a book entitled Who Needs an Islamic State? written by Dr Abdelwahab El-Effendi.
The discussion on the book was organised by the Muslim Professionals Forum here yesterday.
Dr Dzulkifly said PAS was a lot more politically savvy and during the last general election, had reinvented itself by coming up with a manifesto embodying the principle of a trustworthy, just and clean government.
Human rights lawyer Malik Imtiaz Sarwar said people should recognise that the question “Who Needs an Islamic state?” reflected the aspiration of some quarters which wanted a greater role for Islam in public life.
“It’s also a cause of discomfort. We don’t have a homogenous society. We have a multiracial and multi-religious society,” he said.
He added that the constitutional debate on the social contract about the position of the Malays together with the debate on Islamic state made the concept “explosive.”
“We have to take a step back and see what it is we want to achieve when we suggest that we want an Islamic state. If we say that this country is an Islamic state, we are in some way saying that we have a national status.
“To non-Muslims we are in fact saying they have a lesser place. Are we saying that non-Muslims are less significant and of lesser standing in the country? I don’t want to be part of that or be associated with that.”
Dr Abelwahab pointed out that an Islamic state was a system of meting out justice.
“In Islam, the general principle to follow is how to conduct yourself to please God. Islamic state assumes that rules should be rules but you should also use your conscience.”
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Our One Buntung Idiot
(Buntong, Perak)
What a lot of bullshit! You jumped the gun. You created the problem so don't wiggle out of it. Isn't it your duty to ask before you start shitting all over the place. Had you asked and be more matured your mentor at DAP would have gladly point you to the loo, a proper palce to shit.!
I expect they will be more like this kind if thing to come in future but we need to rise above all this. We have an election to win in 2013 lah and make BN the opposition.
I hope DAP kicks him hard in the butt and then forgive him. If he does it again, show him the door
Monday, March 17, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Karpal: Man in clip is Lingam
Wednesday, 20 February 2008 07:40am
©The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The man in the video clip brokering the appointment of judges over the telephone is Datuk V. K. Lingam, submitted lawyer Karpal Singh.
In his written submission delivered by hand to inquiry secretary Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid yesterday, Karpal Singh argued that there was the evidence of businessman Loh Mui Fah and his son Gwo Burne.
He argued that the evidence of both men was admissible under Section 60(1)(b) of the Evidence Act 1950 which states:
“Oral evidence shall in all cases whatever be direct, that is to say if it refers to a fact which could be heard, it must be the evidence of a witness who says he heard it.”
He argued that the evidence of Lingam’s former driver D. Ramachandran, who testified that he was familiar with Lingam’s movements and voice, also identified him.
Apart from that, he said, there was also the evidence of Lingam’s brother V. Thirunama Karasu that the body language and the way the man said “Correct! Correct! Correct!” clearly showed it was Lingam.
Besides, Karpal Singh added, “even his own (Lingam’s) evidence does not amount to a denial that the person in the video clip was in fact him”.
Karpal Singh submitted that the inquiry has the further evidence of Mohamed Zabri, who testified that scientific analysis of the audio and video of the clip showed that it had not been tampered with. He argued that the video clip was authentic.
(Karpal Singh acted for Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the inquiry’s Feb 5 proceedings, when he sought the removal of Commission chairman Tan Sri Haidar Mohd Noor, saying that he (Haidar) was related by marriage to a key witness, Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim.
(Haidar dismissed the application on the grounds that the relationship had ceased about 30 years ago after the death of Ahmad Fairuz’s brother who had married Haidar's sister.)
Yesterday, Karpal Singh said five copies of the submissions were enclosed for onward transmission to the members of the Royal Commission of Inquiry.
Karpal Singh further said that the content of the conversation in the context of this submission was true.
He submitted that Lingam was guilty of sedition under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948 and for of professional misconduct under Section 94(3) of the Legal Profession Act 1976.
The inquiry into the video clip showing a man brokering the appointment of judges over the telephone ended on Feb 15, after sitting for 17 days of sitting.
Lawyers for each of the witnesses have until Feb 25 to file written submissions.
The commission is to hand in its report to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong by March 11.
©The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The man in the video clip brokering the appointment of judges over the telephone is Datuk V. K. Lingam, submitted lawyer Karpal Singh.
In his written submission delivered by hand to inquiry secretary Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid yesterday, Karpal Singh argued that there was the evidence of businessman Loh Mui Fah and his son Gwo Burne.
He argued that the evidence of both men was admissible under Section 60(1)(b) of the Evidence Act 1950 which states:
“Oral evidence shall in all cases whatever be direct, that is to say if it refers to a fact which could be heard, it must be the evidence of a witness who says he heard it.”
He argued that the evidence of Lingam’s former driver D. Ramachandran, who testified that he was familiar with Lingam’s movements and voice, also identified him.
Apart from that, he said, there was also the evidence of Lingam’s brother V. Thirunama Karasu that the body language and the way the man said “Correct! Correct! Correct!” clearly showed it was Lingam.
Besides, Karpal Singh added, “even his own (Lingam’s) evidence does not amount to a denial that the person in the video clip was in fact him”.
Karpal Singh submitted that the inquiry has the further evidence of Mohamed Zabri, who testified that scientific analysis of the audio and video of the clip showed that it had not been tampered with. He argued that the video clip was authentic.
(Karpal Singh acted for Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the inquiry’s Feb 5 proceedings, when he sought the removal of Commission chairman Tan Sri Haidar Mohd Noor, saying that he (Haidar) was related by marriage to a key witness, Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim.
(Haidar dismissed the application on the grounds that the relationship had ceased about 30 years ago after the death of Ahmad Fairuz’s brother who had married Haidar's sister.)
Yesterday, Karpal Singh said five copies of the submissions were enclosed for onward transmission to the members of the Royal Commission of Inquiry.
Karpal Singh further said that the content of the conversation in the context of this submission was true.
He submitted that Lingam was guilty of sedition under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948 and for of professional misconduct under Section 94(3) of the Legal Profession Act 1976.
The inquiry into the video clip showing a man brokering the appointment of judges over the telephone ended on Feb 15, after sitting for 17 days of sitting.
Lawyers for each of the witnesses have until Feb 25 to file written submissions.
The commission is to hand in its report to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong by March 11.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Time to bring down Umno’s lapdogs
From Politics 101 Malaysia blog
This is the first Valentine’s Day in living memory that the mullahs in PAS didn’t issue a fatwa against the celebration of it.
For that alone, if you are a non-Muslim voting in a straight fight between Umno and PAS, just give PAS a chance to help reduce the BN’s majority.
For good governance and democracy to bloom, UMNO must be severely crippled and its hypocrite brand of Islam Badawi must be confined to Abdullah’s bedroom.
In 1999, the Chinese hesitated and did not roll along with the reformasi spirit. If they had, the BN’s 2/3 majority would have disappeared.
Now, the non Malays are given a second chance to make amends for their mistake in 1999. If we muck up our second chance and again let the racist, Islamist Umno off the hook, we deserve Umno doing ‘big business’ on us and our future.
To cripple Umno, we have to first destroy the political lapdogs who prop up Umno, starting with Umno’s senior running dogs MCA, Gerakan and MIC.
Like in K1 kickboxing, you got to take out the legs of a bigger opponent before you can take down the guy.
Umno must pay for all its failures and threats against non Bumis.
MCA, Gerakan and MIC must pay dearly for abetting in Corporate Umno’s crimes against ordinary Malaysians of all races.
2008 must mark the start of the fall of UMNO
This is the first Valentine’s Day in living memory that the mullahs in PAS didn’t issue a fatwa against the celebration of it.
For that alone, if you are a non-Muslim voting in a straight fight between Umno and PAS, just give PAS a chance to help reduce the BN’s majority.
For good governance and democracy to bloom, UMNO must be severely crippled and its hypocrite brand of Islam Badawi must be confined to Abdullah’s bedroom.
In 1999, the Chinese hesitated and did not roll along with the reformasi spirit. If they had, the BN’s 2/3 majority would have disappeared.
Now, the non Malays are given a second chance to make amends for their mistake in 1999. If we muck up our second chance and again let the racist, Islamist Umno off the hook, we deserve Umno doing ‘big business’ on us and our future.
To cripple Umno, we have to first destroy the political lapdogs who prop up Umno, starting with Umno’s senior running dogs MCA, Gerakan and MIC.
Like in K1 kickboxing, you got to take out the legs of a bigger opponent before you can take down the guy.
Umno must pay for all its failures and threats against non Bumis.
MCA, Gerakan and MIC must pay dearly for abetting in Corporate Umno’s crimes against ordinary Malaysians of all races.
2008 must mark the start of the fall of UMNO
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
AN OPEN LETTER TO HINDRAF SUPPORTERS & ALL MALAYSIANS
Coppied & Phased from Malaysia Today Tuesday, 12 February 2008
I invite you to join my only 5 year daughter on Feb 16th who would brave the might of Police with their tear gas and chemical laced water cannons to prevent her and thousands against reaching Parliament House to deliver their messages of Peace and Justice.
Many may wonder why Roses to a PM who doesn't understand or pretend not to understand the plight of Malaysian Indians. Many emailed me seeking answers whether we have softened our demands.
No. Under no circumstances would we soften our demand and approach. We have remained silent for far too long and if we don't insist on our demands now then we never would in the future.
Pre and post 25/11 has seen various baseless accusations against HINDRAF and its leaders. Prior to that hundreds of our letters, appeals, memorandums ect to the PM had gone to deaf ears. When we "moved" the Indian community, suddenly the Government woke up not knowing how to tackle the problem of the new "Peaceful Indian uprising" against their might. They had all the while taken the Indian community for granted. That the Indian community are a bunch that can be pleased with "sweeteners" especially during elections. They had taken for granted that there wouldn't be credible and capable leaders who would genuinely fight for them and their cause. I can only thank the Indian community for having the confidence on HINDRAF.
The Government had to cover up their bungle for the mess they created on 25/11. Hence the accusations of racists, fundamentalists and terrorists. They wanted to create a situation where the Malays would hate HINDRAF and rally behind them. I wouldn't be surprised if it was the Government's strategy to use HINDRAF and 25/11 to unite the already divided Malay community between them, Keadilan and PAS so that the Malays would rally their support behind UMNO. Fear of HINDU fundamentalism was created amongst Malays. It is sad that after 50 years the Government and UMNO still relies on race politics for their survival.
So on Feb 16th we proceed with our Roses. Valentine is associated with the Western Christian culture but accepted universally as a day to express LOVE. It is a time when the whole world seeks for ROSES to reach out their loved ones and send messages of Love.
I don't ask you to love the PM personally but I ask you to love the highest position entrusted upon him by the Yang Dipertuan Agong to lead the country. Most of us hated Mahathir for his 22 years "regime" but we hold no grudges against him today. Likewise would be no reason holding grudges against the PM.
Let us give him the RED & YELLOW ROSES to symbolize/ remind him and assert that we are a peace loving community who come to him in all sincerity with our 18 demands that were submitted in July 2007 (Red Roses) and that we demand Justice for the 5 detained leaders (Yellow Roses). There are many ways of expressing quest and thirst for our basic fundamental rights and ROSES are a special way to convey those messages from a community who have been oppressed suppressed and marginalized for 50 years.
The whole world saw what happened on 25/11. Let the world again see and appreciate the peaceful struggle of these permanently colonized community. Believe me many in the western country are waiting anxiously to observe the Governments' reaction on 16/02.
I have known and read many regimes brought down by Power of Roses. But of course it was a failure at Tianaman Square China. I remember how the soldiers shot down innocent people with ROSES who championed and peacefully sought their rights. And so I can never promise you that all will be well on 16/02. Let us all Pray that our leaders would have the wisdom and courage to accept that after 50 years the Indian Community are prepared to "rise" for their rights because MALAYSIA HAS ALWAYS BEEN THEIR MOTHERLAND. By accepting those Roses the PM would prove to the entire country that he is a listening "father" of the nation.
I seek forgiveness of the Almighty for placing my only 5-year daughter on the forefront to face the possibility of the first round of tear gas and chemical laced water. Like any other child Vwaishhnnavi is a symbol of LOVE & AFFECTION. She is my only worldly treasure. I neither posses not property nor wealth. And I dedicate my only "treasure" for the cause of this suppressed community. I embrace the brave mother of this child for her determination, courage and commitment shown towards the struggle.
Vwaishhnnavi and many others of her age would brave the message of purity, truth, sincerity, and unselfishness for the sake of the future Indian generation.
May I invite all Malaysians irrespective of colour and creed to join us in this symbolic gesture to seek Justice for a marginalized community neglected, unattended forgotten for 50 years. Let us all declare Friday the 15th Feb a National Prayer Day for the Almighty to grand wisdom to leaders of our country to allow our future generation to express their message of Peace & Justice.
Let us all pray that the Prime Minister who claims that he has big ears to listen to grouses of all communities allow this child any many others including us to whisper the message of LOVE AND JUSTICE through the ROSES.
P.Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF
Currently in London
I invite you to join my only 5 year daughter on Feb 16th who would brave the might of Police with their tear gas and chemical laced water cannons to prevent her and thousands against reaching Parliament House to deliver their messages of Peace and Justice.
Many may wonder why Roses to a PM who doesn't understand or pretend not to understand the plight of Malaysian Indians. Many emailed me seeking answers whether we have softened our demands.
No. Under no circumstances would we soften our demand and approach. We have remained silent for far too long and if we don't insist on our demands now then we never would in the future.
Pre and post 25/11 has seen various baseless accusations against HINDRAF and its leaders. Prior to that hundreds of our letters, appeals, memorandums ect to the PM had gone to deaf ears. When we "moved" the Indian community, suddenly the Government woke up not knowing how to tackle the problem of the new "Peaceful Indian uprising" against their might. They had all the while taken the Indian community for granted. That the Indian community are a bunch that can be pleased with "sweeteners" especially during elections. They had taken for granted that there wouldn't be credible and capable leaders who would genuinely fight for them and their cause. I can only thank the Indian community for having the confidence on HINDRAF.
The Government had to cover up their bungle for the mess they created on 25/11. Hence the accusations of racists, fundamentalists and terrorists. They wanted to create a situation where the Malays would hate HINDRAF and rally behind them. I wouldn't be surprised if it was the Government's strategy to use HINDRAF and 25/11 to unite the already divided Malay community between them, Keadilan and PAS so that the Malays would rally their support behind UMNO. Fear of HINDU fundamentalism was created amongst Malays. It is sad that after 50 years the Government and UMNO still relies on race politics for their survival.
So on Feb 16th we proceed with our Roses. Valentine is associated with the Western Christian culture but accepted universally as a day to express LOVE. It is a time when the whole world seeks for ROSES to reach out their loved ones and send messages of Love.
I don't ask you to love the PM personally but I ask you to love the highest position entrusted upon him by the Yang Dipertuan Agong to lead the country. Most of us hated Mahathir for his 22 years "regime" but we hold no grudges against him today. Likewise would be no reason holding grudges against the PM.
Let us give him the RED & YELLOW ROSES to symbolize/ remind him and assert that we are a peace loving community who come to him in all sincerity with our 18 demands that were submitted in July 2007 (Red Roses) and that we demand Justice for the 5 detained leaders (Yellow Roses). There are many ways of expressing quest and thirst for our basic fundamental rights and ROSES are a special way to convey those messages from a community who have been oppressed suppressed and marginalized for 50 years.
The whole world saw what happened on 25/11. Let the world again see and appreciate the peaceful struggle of these permanently colonized community. Believe me many in the western country are waiting anxiously to observe the Governments' reaction on 16/02.
I have known and read many regimes brought down by Power of Roses. But of course it was a failure at Tianaman Square China. I remember how the soldiers shot down innocent people with ROSES who championed and peacefully sought their rights. And so I can never promise you that all will be well on 16/02. Let us all Pray that our leaders would have the wisdom and courage to accept that after 50 years the Indian Community are prepared to "rise" for their rights because MALAYSIA HAS ALWAYS BEEN THEIR MOTHERLAND. By accepting those Roses the PM would prove to the entire country that he is a listening "father" of the nation.
I seek forgiveness of the Almighty for placing my only 5-year daughter on the forefront to face the possibility of the first round of tear gas and chemical laced water. Like any other child Vwaishhnnavi is a symbol of LOVE & AFFECTION. She is my only worldly treasure. I neither posses not property nor wealth. And I dedicate my only "treasure" for the cause of this suppressed community. I embrace the brave mother of this child for her determination, courage and commitment shown towards the struggle.
Vwaishhnnavi and many others of her age would brave the message of purity, truth, sincerity, and unselfishness for the sake of the future Indian generation.
May I invite all Malaysians irrespective of colour and creed to join us in this symbolic gesture to seek Justice for a marginalized community neglected, unattended forgotten for 50 years. Let us all declare Friday the 15th Feb a National Prayer Day for the Almighty to grand wisdom to leaders of our country to allow our future generation to express their message of Peace & Justice.
Let us all pray that the Prime Minister who claims that he has big ears to listen to grouses of all communities allow this child any many others including us to whisper the message of LOVE AND JUSTICE through the ROSES.
P.Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF
Currently in London
Monday, January 28, 2008
Clip Video 111
Transkrip perbualan:
Lingam The constitution judges said the constitution said, in the opinion of the prime minister he recommend. Who the prime minister recommend?
So you are Dzaiddin, you are chief justice, you recommend 10 names, I consent, I said I want these 15 names, can’t do anything. He recommend to rulers, rulers only consulted, not approve, only consult. You Know?
Off-Camera Voice
Because if it goes up to the Court of Appeal…
Lingam
Now Dzaiddin wants to come through the PM because he wants his Tun-ship. So…he doing everything to please the PM lah, but he recommended five judges, three…three approved, which is Tun Eusoff Chin’s men, two not Eusoff Chin’s men which we objected. I prepared the report and rejected… but he wants to appeal again lah.
Off-Camera Voice
Can he appeal?
Lingam
He can appeal lah, but will be rejected lah.
Off-Camera Voice
I never know appointment can be rejected you know?
Lingam
No, recommendation can be rejected. The PM shall recommend so and so, after consulting so and so. So, PM suppose to consult Loh Mui Fah before he recommends. So Loh Mui Fah recommend 10 names, he in fact can say I disagree with your 10 names, I recommend Gurm…Lingam and so and so. Nothing you can do. You are only…you are supposed to be consulted, not to be approved. You see the point or not? The constitution said consult.
I suppose to consult my father before I marry, I consulted him, he disagreed but still I married!
Off-Camera Voice
Because that is not final, ah.
Lingam
Right, consult is to discuss. That’s all. But if I must get my father’s approval before married, then different. Approval different from consult.
Off-Camera Voice
So, who is the lord president now?
Lingam
Now chief justice Dzaiddin.
Off-Camera Voice
Dzaiddin…
Lingam
But between you and me. We have taken Dzaiddin for dinner three times.
Off-Camera Voice
Three times already.
Lingam
And we have given him the most expensive gift. Don’t ask about it lah. I have given him and Vincent Tan has given him. So, he also cannot attack us. Tomorrow we go say we give you this this this. He cannot go and say you are a agent. Correct or not? So, he is neither here nor there lah. That’s all.
Off-Camera Voice
But… Chief Justice..
Lingam
But in the court when I argue with him. He said, Datuk Lingam you said you will take one hour. I said, my Lord, it is only 50 minutes, I got another 10 minutes. But…I appreciate. Thank you, thank you… He is very nice with me, very polite with me. I have been sending cakes every hari raya. Vincent has been sending. He can’t go and say he is very clean, correct or not?
Off-Camera Voice
But then he is…
Lingam
But he is playing his game lah. He got the job, that’s it. Now, September he is finished that’s all. Make sure he is not extended.
Off-Camera Voice
But, he may ask for extension.
Lingam
He is hoping… he told somebody that he likes the job very much. Then he likes … Let him dream lah.
Off-Camera Voice
Above him is the Lord President?
Lingam
He is the number one man, Dzaiddin.
Off-Camera Voice Who's the Lord President?
Lingam
He is called… those days called lord president, now called chief justice, federal court.
Off-Camera Voice
Oh… it is the same title.
Lingam
Number two President Court of Appeal, that Wan Adnan, my personal friend. He was sick. Nobody knows he is close to me. Right, in fact, he never knew his name is going up until I told him. Then number three, Ahmad Fairuz, Chief Judge Malaya. Ahmad Fairuz is going to be acting, now acting…number two. Right?
So, next minute, even Raja Aziz said he is going to be the next top job. He is…definitely number one lah.
So, he told me I leave it all to you and you must help me and all…I said I’ll arrange for you to meet Tengku Adnan, Vincent and meet with PM lah…
But this bugger is sometimes a bit scared. Ah…I must play shadow from the behind. Nobody should know I know you. Then you can help more. But people, see you know more, like Eusoff Chin, because I met him in New Zealand, became a problem. But if I didn’t meet him in New Zealand, it’s a… no problem.
Correct or not? Unfortunate.
Off-Camera Voice
Then, in your…then they said you have taken photograph with him holidaying in…huh…huh…
Lingam
But unfortunately, I didn’t know. The worst thing I didn’t know Eusoff Chin put his hand like that! Alamak…so…I also didn’t know about it. What to do?
Off-Camera Voice
Then… then…
Lingam
Do you know, today one o’clock, Eusoff Chin having lunch in his house today. Hari Raya today. He called me and my wife to come. I told him we don’t go today, we make it another day. I don’t come but my wife and children will come. You know or not?
I told my wife to call …[unclear]…
[phone rings] …
Lingam
Hello … Joe Ah…!
Note:
Because some parts of the recording are inaudible the transcript may not be 100% accurate.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Commission to decide relevancy of former CJ Eusoff's NZ holiday with Lingam
Tuesday, 22 January 2008 08:36pm
©The Sun by R. Surenthira Kumar
KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 22, 2008): The Royal Commission set up to probe the video clip showing a senior lawyer brokering the appointment of judges will decide on Thursday (Jan 24) whether it will delve into other aspects, besides the "fixing" of the judges’ appointment.
The Commission was urged by several lawyers to probe into the other issues which had cropped up in the course of the hearing, particularly in relation to:
• the "fixing" of decisions, as found in the transcript of the video clip recording; and
• the extent of the relationship between the person speaking on the phone in the video clip and former Chief Justice Tun Mohamed Eusoff Chin.
The Commission would also rule on Thursday whether more questions related to Datuk V.K.Lingam’s trip to New Zealand in 1999 would be allowed.
Malaysian Bar’s representative Robert Lazar submitted the Commission cannot be limited on its duties by sticking to the terms of the reference strictly, as it also has to consider other relevant evidence which crop up during the course of the proceedings and decide if the evidence adduced is relevant.
He said in the context of the Commission’s terms of reference applying to the transcript, the question to bear in mind is, "is the fixing of judges the end objective in itself, or is it a means to an end?"
Lazar said the answer is clearly the latter, and the broad ends are mentioned in the transcript;
• on page 7 - "Eusoff Chin and I are extremely close, you know." Lazar said this speaks to the purported close relationship between Lingam and Mohamed Eusoff.
• on page 7 – "Yeah, Eusoff Chin in power, I can straight get Pom, Pom, Pom, Pom. But now Dzaiddin is there and ... Dzaiddin is attacking our cases that is why James Kumar (Foong) is aligned to Dzaiddin. But Dzaiddin’s retiring 15th of September. He’s finished."
Lazar said this suggests the ends that were achieved by such a close relationship in the past and speaks of the intention of the speaker to re-establish access to judges for the possible purposes of influencing cases.
• on page 1 – "Ah, as per our memo, I … discussed with Tun … aa … Tun Eusoff Chin and we sent the same memo to PM."
Lazar said this further exemplifies the above point, that Lingam is able to influence these persons on the appointment of judges.
• on page 2 – "You know this is the same problem Tun Eusoff Chin had ... he ran out of soldiers."
Lazar said this once again suggests that the purpose for influencing the appointment and promotion of judges is to ensure that there are judges placed at the appropriate levels of the judiciary in order to ensure there would be people to do their bidding. Therefore, the video clip does not relate solely to judicial appointments, but also the "fixing" of cases.
Hence, any misbehaviour must relate to the entirety of the contents of the video clip. The implications are not limited to the fixing of judicial appointments but any matter leading to or resulting from the fixing and brokering of judicial appointments.
Lazar said the Commission must take into consideration the evidence first, before deciding if it is admissibile or not, instead of ruling from the outset that it cannot probe into such evidence as it is beyond the ambit of the Commission’s terms of reference.
Lazar also disagreed with Lingam’s lawyer, R.Thayalan’s submission on Monday (Jan 21), that the Commission should not probe into his client’s trip to New Zealand as it was not related to the scope of the Commission’s terms of reference.
He added the questions on the New Zealand holiday are directly relevant because it addresses the following issues:
• the truthfulness of the statement, "are extremely close";
• assists the Commission in determining the identity of the speaker in the video clip; and
• demonstrates the credibility or otherwise of those witnesses who are said to have been on this holiday.
Lazar also said the powers of the Commission, in relation to the Evidence Act, are far wider than an ordinary court and thus can admit evidence, any evidence which might be inadmissible in a civil or criminal proceeding.
"But it should not be interpreted as a ‘free for all’ move," remarked Commission chairman Tan Sri Haidar Mohamed.
Commission members Datuk Mahadev Shankar said the evidence to be submitted must have some relevance to the proceeding while Tan Sri Steve Shim Lip Kiong said it must relate to the Commission’s terms of reference.
"We cannot put on the blinkers and say the appointment of judges is fixed and the matter ends there," said Lazar , adding that it is important for them to raise this point at this stage of the inquiry.
"We are not allowed to go on a fishing expedition to discover other things. There is a limit," replied Mahadev Shankar.
Shim then asked which part of the transcript relates to the alleged fixing of decisions, and Lazar pointed out the part of the person on the phone claiming "when Mohamed Eusoff was in power he could get ... pom, pom, pom, pom", "Dzaiddin is attacking our cases now", "you suffered so much ... so much you have done. You know, for the election petition, Wee Choo Keong, everything".
Lazar said unless there is evidence to show Lingam’s relationship with Mohamed Eusoff was no longer close, as a result of a row between them, the Commission has to accept the evidence available on the closeness of the relationship between the two men.
Lawyer representing former Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim submitted that the Commission's terms of reference to the object of enquiry, relevancy of any proposed questions may readily be discerned.
"Any answers given by Lingam and Mohamed Eusoff tending to or probative of the ‘closeness’ of their relationship is not also probative of the issue tending to show whether there has been an improper interference with judicial appointments. In this sense, it is completely irrelevant," said Kamarul.
Prior to that, when the proceedings began late afternoon, on its seventh day of inquiry here today, three lawyers appeared on behalf of Mohamed Eusoff.
Zamani Ibrahim, Datuk Hazman Ahmad and Mohd Fauzi Mohd Zin, said they are taking the same stand as Lingam’s lawyer Thayalan, that the issue of the trip to New Zealand is outside the Commission's terms of reference.
Zamani said they would also submit on it on Thursday (Jan 24).
Others to submit on the issue was lawyer Khoo Guan Huat, who represented former Chief Justice Tun Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah.
Khoo said his client objected the Commission should take into consideration evidence which fell outside the spectrum of the Commisison’s terms of reference.
Azhar Azizan Harun, who represented several human rights NGOs, Suaram, Aliran and Hakam, said the Commission should weigh the question of admissibility of the other available evidences in the interest of public welfare as it involved the question of independence of the judiciary.
Mahadev Shankar said the Commission was not with him on the point.
Co-counsel for Lingam’s brother V.Thirunama Karasu, John Fan referred to the Police Investigations Committee formed in New Wales, Australia, as a guide on the Commission’s authority, but Shim shot down the submission, saying it was of a different mode.
Thirunama Karasu’s other lawyer, Wee Choo Keong enraged the Commission when he too wanted to submit on the issue.
Haidar had to shout to him to sit down, as Wee persisted in submitting despite Shim and Mahadev saying they would consider Wee’s written submission.
"There are many scandalous allegations in your submission, and we do not want it to be ventilated in the press. We don’t want a trial by the media," said Mahadev Shankar.
"Don’t argue please, listen to me! Can you please sit down. We will give you the opportunity to submit," added Haidar.
M.Puravalen, the lawyer representing former Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, said his client was taking the same position as the Malaysian Bar.
Deputy Public Prosecutors (DPPs) Datuk Nordin Hassan and Datuk Azmi Ariffin, when asked by Haidar whether they had a stand on the matter, gave a written submission to the Commission.
The DPPs’ summarised the evidence sought to be given on the closeness of Lingam and Mohamed Eusoff, could not in any way show the role played by the latter, if any, in the appointment of judges and therefore it does not come within the terms of the Commission’s terms of reference.
Lazar then raised the question of whether the Commission should ask the DPP to submit on the matter, suggesting the Commission should not hear them.
But Haidar said since the DPPs are assisting the Commission, it had a right to seek their assistance on the issue.
©The Sun by R. Surenthira Kumar
KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 22, 2008): The Royal Commission set up to probe the video clip showing a senior lawyer brokering the appointment of judges will decide on Thursday (Jan 24) whether it will delve into other aspects, besides the "fixing" of the judges’ appointment.
The Commission was urged by several lawyers to probe into the other issues which had cropped up in the course of the hearing, particularly in relation to:
• the "fixing" of decisions, as found in the transcript of the video clip recording; and
• the extent of the relationship between the person speaking on the phone in the video clip and former Chief Justice Tun Mohamed Eusoff Chin.
The Commission would also rule on Thursday whether more questions related to Datuk V.K.Lingam’s trip to New Zealand in 1999 would be allowed.
Malaysian Bar’s representative Robert Lazar submitted the Commission cannot be limited on its duties by sticking to the terms of the reference strictly, as it also has to consider other relevant evidence which crop up during the course of the proceedings and decide if the evidence adduced is relevant.
He said in the context of the Commission’s terms of reference applying to the transcript, the question to bear in mind is, "is the fixing of judges the end objective in itself, or is it a means to an end?"
Lazar said the answer is clearly the latter, and the broad ends are mentioned in the transcript;
• on page 7 - "Eusoff Chin and I are extremely close, you know." Lazar said this speaks to the purported close relationship between Lingam and Mohamed Eusoff.
• on page 7 – "Yeah, Eusoff Chin in power, I can straight get Pom, Pom, Pom, Pom. But now Dzaiddin is there and ... Dzaiddin is attacking our cases that is why James Kumar (Foong) is aligned to Dzaiddin. But Dzaiddin’s retiring 15th of September. He’s finished."
Lazar said this suggests the ends that were achieved by such a close relationship in the past and speaks of the intention of the speaker to re-establish access to judges for the possible purposes of influencing cases.
• on page 1 – "Ah, as per our memo, I … discussed with Tun … aa … Tun Eusoff Chin and we sent the same memo to PM."
Lazar said this further exemplifies the above point, that Lingam is able to influence these persons on the appointment of judges.
• on page 2 – "You know this is the same problem Tun Eusoff Chin had ... he ran out of soldiers."
Lazar said this once again suggests that the purpose for influencing the appointment and promotion of judges is to ensure that there are judges placed at the appropriate levels of the judiciary in order to ensure there would be people to do their bidding. Therefore, the video clip does not relate solely to judicial appointments, but also the "fixing" of cases.
Hence, any misbehaviour must relate to the entirety of the contents of the video clip. The implications are not limited to the fixing of judicial appointments but any matter leading to or resulting from the fixing and brokering of judicial appointments.
Lazar said the Commission must take into consideration the evidence first, before deciding if it is admissibile or not, instead of ruling from the outset that it cannot probe into such evidence as it is beyond the ambit of the Commission’s terms of reference.
Lazar also disagreed with Lingam’s lawyer, R.Thayalan’s submission on Monday (Jan 21), that the Commission should not probe into his client’s trip to New Zealand as it was not related to the scope of the Commission’s terms of reference.
He added the questions on the New Zealand holiday are directly relevant because it addresses the following issues:
• the truthfulness of the statement, "are extremely close";
• assists the Commission in determining the identity of the speaker in the video clip; and
• demonstrates the credibility or otherwise of those witnesses who are said to have been on this holiday.
Lazar also said the powers of the Commission, in relation to the Evidence Act, are far wider than an ordinary court and thus can admit evidence, any evidence which might be inadmissible in a civil or criminal proceeding.
"But it should not be interpreted as a ‘free for all’ move," remarked Commission chairman Tan Sri Haidar Mohamed.
Commission members Datuk Mahadev Shankar said the evidence to be submitted must have some relevance to the proceeding while Tan Sri Steve Shim Lip Kiong said it must relate to the Commission’s terms of reference.
"We cannot put on the blinkers and say the appointment of judges is fixed and the matter ends there," said Lazar , adding that it is important for them to raise this point at this stage of the inquiry.
"We are not allowed to go on a fishing expedition to discover other things. There is a limit," replied Mahadev Shankar.
Shim then asked which part of the transcript relates to the alleged fixing of decisions, and Lazar pointed out the part of the person on the phone claiming "when Mohamed Eusoff was in power he could get ... pom, pom, pom, pom", "Dzaiddin is attacking our cases now", "you suffered so much ... so much you have done. You know, for the election petition, Wee Choo Keong, everything".
Lazar said unless there is evidence to show Lingam’s relationship with Mohamed Eusoff was no longer close, as a result of a row between them, the Commission has to accept the evidence available on the closeness of the relationship between the two men.
Lawyer representing former Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim submitted that the Commission's terms of reference to the object of enquiry, relevancy of any proposed questions may readily be discerned.
"Any answers given by Lingam and Mohamed Eusoff tending to or probative of the ‘closeness’ of their relationship is not also probative of the issue tending to show whether there has been an improper interference with judicial appointments. In this sense, it is completely irrelevant," said Kamarul.
Prior to that, when the proceedings began late afternoon, on its seventh day of inquiry here today, three lawyers appeared on behalf of Mohamed Eusoff.
Zamani Ibrahim, Datuk Hazman Ahmad and Mohd Fauzi Mohd Zin, said they are taking the same stand as Lingam’s lawyer Thayalan, that the issue of the trip to New Zealand is outside the Commission's terms of reference.
Zamani said they would also submit on it on Thursday (Jan 24).
Others to submit on the issue was lawyer Khoo Guan Huat, who represented former Chief Justice Tun Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah.
Khoo said his client objected the Commission should take into consideration evidence which fell outside the spectrum of the Commisison’s terms of reference.
Azhar Azizan Harun, who represented several human rights NGOs, Suaram, Aliran and Hakam, said the Commission should weigh the question of admissibility of the other available evidences in the interest of public welfare as it involved the question of independence of the judiciary.
Mahadev Shankar said the Commission was not with him on the point.
Co-counsel for Lingam’s brother V.Thirunama Karasu, John Fan referred to the Police Investigations Committee formed in New Wales, Australia, as a guide on the Commission’s authority, but Shim shot down the submission, saying it was of a different mode.
Thirunama Karasu’s other lawyer, Wee Choo Keong enraged the Commission when he too wanted to submit on the issue.
Haidar had to shout to him to sit down, as Wee persisted in submitting despite Shim and Mahadev saying they would consider Wee’s written submission.
"There are many scandalous allegations in your submission, and we do not want it to be ventilated in the press. We don’t want a trial by the media," said Mahadev Shankar.
"Don’t argue please, listen to me! Can you please sit down. We will give you the opportunity to submit," added Haidar.
M.Puravalen, the lawyer representing former Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, said his client was taking the same position as the Malaysian Bar.
Deputy Public Prosecutors (DPPs) Datuk Nordin Hassan and Datuk Azmi Ariffin, when asked by Haidar whether they had a stand on the matter, gave a written submission to the Commission.
The DPPs’ summarised the evidence sought to be given on the closeness of Lingam and Mohamed Eusoff, could not in any way show the role played by the latter, if any, in the appointment of judges and therefore it does not come within the terms of the Commission’s terms of reference.
Lazar then raised the question of whether the Commission should ask the DPP to submit on the matter, suggesting the Commission should not hear them.
But Haidar said since the DPPs are assisting the Commission, it had a right to seek their assistance on the issue.
Trip evidence could lead to fixing of judicial appointments, says counsel
Tuesday, 22 January 2008 09:57pm
©Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- The evidence of the New Zealand holiday trip of lawyer Datuk V.K. Lingam and former Chief Justice Tun Eusoff Chin is relevant to the investigation of the Royal Commission of Inquiry because it shows the close relationship between the two men that could lead to the fixing of judicial appointments and decision of cases.
The Malaysian Bar representative Robert Lazar contended that the closeness of Lingam and Eusoff was mentioned by the speaker in the video clip, purportedly to be Lingam speaking on the telephone about appointment of judges.
He said the line of questioning on the New Zealand holiday in 1994, was within the scope of the commission's terms of reference because it addressed the truthfulness of the statement by the speaker that he was extremely close with Eusoff, and it would assist the commission in determining whom the speaker in the video clip was.
Lazar said that evidence was relevant to demonstrate the credibility or otherwise of those witnesses who were said to have been on the holiday.
Lazar referred a portion of the transcript of the conversation in the video clip which the Indian speaker said, "Eusoff Chin and I are extremely close you know. Yeah, Eusoff Chin in power, I can straight get Pom, Pom, Pom, Pom. But now Dzaiddin (former Chief Justice) is there and... Dzaiddin is attacking our cases that is why James Kumar is aligned to Dzaiddin. But Dzaiddin's retiring 15th of September. He's finished."
Lazar argued that that portion showed the purported close relationship between Lingam and Eusoff.
"This suggests the ends that were achieved by such a close relationship in the past and speaks of the intention of the speaker to re-establish access to judges for the possible purposes of influencing cases," Lazar said.
Lazar said the portion of the speaker's conversation, "Ah, as per our memo, I... I discussed with Tun... a... Tun Eusoff Chin and we sent the same memo to PM," also indicated that the speaker was able to influence the appointment of judges.
Referring to another portion of the conversation, "You know this is the same problem Tun Eusoff Chin had... he ran out of soldiers," Lazar said this part of the conversation suggested that the purpose for influencing the appointment and promotion of judges was to ensure that there were judges placed at the appropriate levels of the judiciary in order to ensure there would be people to do their bidding.
Lazar stressed that the video clip did not relate solely to judicial appointments but also to the fixing of cases.
"Hence, any misbehaviour must be related to the entirety of the contents of the video clip. The implications are not limited to the fixing of judicial appointments, but include any matter leading to or resulting from the fixing and brokering of judicial appointments," Lazar said.
Lazar said therefore that evidence must first be taken from Lingam before a ruling can be made on the admissibility of the evidence on the New Zealand trip.
Furthermore, he said, the "closeness of Lingam and Eusoff" was also raised by the conducting officer during his examination on Eusoff on Friday, and also because Lingam yesterday denied such a close relationship with Eusoff.
"Therefore questions and evidence challenging Eusoff and Lingam are directly relevant -- to establish the facts of the content of the conversation in the transcript, to rebut evidence of Eusoff and Lingam, and (to address) the issue of credibility."
The commission comprising Tan Sri Haidar Mohamed Noor, Tan Sri Steve Shim Lip Kiong, Datuk Mahadev Shankar, Puan Seri Zaitun Zawiyah Puteh and Professor Emeritus Dr Khoo Kay Khim, was set up to inquire into the controversial video clip allegedly showing Lingam brokering the appointment of judges over the telephone with a senior judge.
Meanwhile, counsel Kamarul Hisham Kamaruddin representing former Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim (who is said to be the man on the other line of the phone) supported Lingam's stand that the evidence on the trip was irrelevant to the inquiry.
He contended that the scope of the commission's terms of reference was limited to appointment of judges and cannot go beyond its objective.
Counsel Alex De Silva representing consultant Loh Gwo Burne (the person who recorded the video clip) said the evidence of the New Zealand trip was related to the inquiry because if the evidence suggested that Lingam and Eusoff were close in 1994, it could be presumed that they continued to be close in 2001 when the video clip was recorded, unless there was evidence produced to say otherwise.
Counsel M. Puravelan for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, counsel Azahar Azizan Harun representing three NGO group, counsel Khoo Guan Huat for former Chief Justice Tun Dzaiddin Abdullah also share the same view with Lazar.
©Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- The evidence of the New Zealand holiday trip of lawyer Datuk V.K. Lingam and former Chief Justice Tun Eusoff Chin is relevant to the investigation of the Royal Commission of Inquiry because it shows the close relationship between the two men that could lead to the fixing of judicial appointments and decision of cases.
The Malaysian Bar representative Robert Lazar contended that the closeness of Lingam and Eusoff was mentioned by the speaker in the video clip, purportedly to be Lingam speaking on the telephone about appointment of judges.
He said the line of questioning on the New Zealand holiday in 1994, was within the scope of the commission's terms of reference because it addressed the truthfulness of the statement by the speaker that he was extremely close with Eusoff, and it would assist the commission in determining whom the speaker in the video clip was.
Lazar said that evidence was relevant to demonstrate the credibility or otherwise of those witnesses who were said to have been on the holiday.
Lazar referred a portion of the transcript of the conversation in the video clip which the Indian speaker said, "Eusoff Chin and I are extremely close you know. Yeah, Eusoff Chin in power, I can straight get Pom, Pom, Pom, Pom. But now Dzaiddin (former Chief Justice) is there and... Dzaiddin is attacking our cases that is why James Kumar is aligned to Dzaiddin. But Dzaiddin's retiring 15th of September. He's finished."
Lazar argued that that portion showed the purported close relationship between Lingam and Eusoff.
"This suggests the ends that were achieved by such a close relationship in the past and speaks of the intention of the speaker to re-establish access to judges for the possible purposes of influencing cases," Lazar said.
Lazar said the portion of the speaker's conversation, "Ah, as per our memo, I... I discussed with Tun... a... Tun Eusoff Chin and we sent the same memo to PM," also indicated that the speaker was able to influence the appointment of judges.
Referring to another portion of the conversation, "You know this is the same problem Tun Eusoff Chin had... he ran out of soldiers," Lazar said this part of the conversation suggested that the purpose for influencing the appointment and promotion of judges was to ensure that there were judges placed at the appropriate levels of the judiciary in order to ensure there would be people to do their bidding.
Lazar stressed that the video clip did not relate solely to judicial appointments but also to the fixing of cases.
"Hence, any misbehaviour must be related to the entirety of the contents of the video clip. The implications are not limited to the fixing of judicial appointments, but include any matter leading to or resulting from the fixing and brokering of judicial appointments," Lazar said.
Lazar said therefore that evidence must first be taken from Lingam before a ruling can be made on the admissibility of the evidence on the New Zealand trip.
Furthermore, he said, the "closeness of Lingam and Eusoff" was also raised by the conducting officer during his examination on Eusoff on Friday, and also because Lingam yesterday denied such a close relationship with Eusoff.
"Therefore questions and evidence challenging Eusoff and Lingam are directly relevant -- to establish the facts of the content of the conversation in the transcript, to rebut evidence of Eusoff and Lingam, and (to address) the issue of credibility."
The commission comprising Tan Sri Haidar Mohamed Noor, Tan Sri Steve Shim Lip Kiong, Datuk Mahadev Shankar, Puan Seri Zaitun Zawiyah Puteh and Professor Emeritus Dr Khoo Kay Khim, was set up to inquire into the controversial video clip allegedly showing Lingam brokering the appointment of judges over the telephone with a senior judge.
Meanwhile, counsel Kamarul Hisham Kamaruddin representing former Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim (who is said to be the man on the other line of the phone) supported Lingam's stand that the evidence on the trip was irrelevant to the inquiry.
He contended that the scope of the commission's terms of reference was limited to appointment of judges and cannot go beyond its objective.
Counsel Alex De Silva representing consultant Loh Gwo Burne (the person who recorded the video clip) said the evidence of the New Zealand trip was related to the inquiry because if the evidence suggested that Lingam and Eusoff were close in 1994, it could be presumed that they continued to be close in 2001 when the video clip was recorded, unless there was evidence produced to say otherwise.
Counsel M. Puravelan for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, counsel Azahar Azizan Harun representing three NGO group, counsel Khoo Guan Huat for former Chief Justice Tun Dzaiddin Abdullah also share the same view with Lazar.
Monday, January 14, 2008
It is Ori!
Laboratory tests in Spain have proven that the voice on the so-called Lingam video clip matched that of lawyer Datuk V.K. Lingam. Sources said that the finding came after two days of analysis at a private laboratory in Madrid last week. read here
Meanwhile in an interview at his lawyer Americk Singh Sidhu's house last night, Loh said: "I was not aware then that my son was recording Lingam's telephone conversation. My son, who is now overseas, confirmed that he was responsible." The report is here
Monday, January 7, 2008
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
The sex DVD - I am the one!
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek admitted he is the politician in the sex DVD circulating in Johor. Full report here
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