MULYA

200 NGV stations to encourage gas use

2008-05-13T20:43:00.001+08:00

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.

20 police reports lodged against me, says Karpal

2008-05-13T20:39:00.000+08:00

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.

Ghapur accuses BN of practising double standards

2008-05-13T20:35:00.002+08:00

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."

PAS says no strain between Perak palace and MB

2008-05-06T23:43:00.001+08:00

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

PAS should have serious discussion on Islamic State issue with Pakatan Rakyat

2008-04-30T23:26:00.001+08:00

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.

Nik Aziz backs modern pig farm for Selangor

2008-04-22T21:25:00.000+08:00

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

PAS: Islamic state agenda is still on

2008-04-22T21:15:00.001+08:00

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.”

Our One Buntung Idiot

2008-04-02T02:21:00.005+08:00

Malaysian Unplug says :
He’s an Idiot !!
DAP State Assemblyman A. Sivasubramaniam
(Buntong, Perak)
Comments From Malaysia Today's readers :

Qoute : 'The situation was only explained to me today. If this was done earlier, there wouldn't have been this problem.'

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.!

Siva(ji) did a big mistake when he copied his letter to media. Obviously it backfired and we all hope he learned his lesson. His behaviour was akin to BN's kind of behaviour and it looked to me like he was sent by Samy Velu to BR. Haha!

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

Malaysia Elections

2008-03-17T14:14:00.001+08:00

Be Proud Of Our Stand -

2008-03-05T00:15:00.003+08:00

ELECTION IS A NATIONAL DUTY

Karpal: Man in clip is Lingam

2008-02-20T11:38:00.001+08:00

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.

Time to bring down Umno’s lapdogs

2008-02-14T18:25:00.002+08:00

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

AN OPEN LETTER TO HINDRAF SUPPORTERS & ALL MALAYSIANS

2008-02-13T10:14:00.001+08:00

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

Clip Video 111

2008-01-28T17:36:00.000+08:00

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.

Commission to decide relevancy of former CJ Eusoff's NZ holiday with Lingam

2008-01-22T23:54:00.000+08:00

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.

Trip evidence could lead to fixing of judicial appointments, says counsel

2008-01-22T23:52:00.000+08:00

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.

It is Ori!

2008-01-14T11:59:00.000+08:00

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

Chua - The spoil old lad !

2008-01-07T02:25:00.000+08:00

You can get more posters here

The sex DVD - I am the one!

2008-01-01T19:21:00.000+08:00

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek admitted he is the politician in the sex DVD circulating in Johor. Full report here

LATEST!: Minister linked to sex scandal

2007-12-31T21:52:00.000+08:00

By : NST NEWSDESK
JOHOR BARU, MON:

A minister has been linked to a sex scandal following the emergence of a DVD showing a couple in a bedroom romp.

The man in the digital video disc is said to resemble a senior MCA politician from Johor.

Police have started an investigation into the distribution of the DVDs in several places, including Muar and Batu Pahat. It is not known how the video was shot or obtained.

Johor police chief Datuk Hussin Ismail said police were investigating the matter under Section 292 of the Penal Code for distribution of obscene materials.

The discs were reportedly dropped into selected post boxes of houses and shops in Muar and Batu Pahat and residents found them on Sunday morning.

Hindraf to hold another two assemblies

2007-12-28T20:49:00.000+08:00

THE SUN , 28 December 2007 - Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) is organising another two peaceful assemblies to protest Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Musa Hassan's claims that the organisation is linked with terrorists.

Hindraf coordinator S. Manikavasagam said "we will hand over a memorandum to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) to investigate the validity of Musa's statement".

On Dec 6, Musa accused Hindraf of soliciting help and support from terrorist groups.
"We want to 'mendesak' (force) and 'mencabar' (challenge) the IGP to present proof for what he said," he said, adding that the handing over of the memorandum will most likely be scheduled for mid-January.

He said the accusations were inappropriate, claiming that Hindraf does not have any connections with terrorists.

Manikavasagam, who is also Parti Keadilan Rakyat Supreme Council member, said a second peaceful assembly will also be held in February in Putrajaya.

He said a memorandum will be handed directly to the Prime Minister's Department.Hindraf will apply for permits to hold these assemblies.

Understanding, tolerance and respect

2007-12-26T00:20:00.000+08:00

Reported in the star today here

Abdullah said :

"I'm aware of religious issues that happen from time to time and we should solve these problems together with a very high level of understanding, tolerance and respect,"

Abdullah said he was very happy to be invited to the party, as he could see people of different religion, namely Buddhists, Hindus and Christians, getting together at the event.

"If we sit together and eat the same food, it symbolises the friendship, degree of tolerance and mutual respect," he added.

He also cited the similarities that Christian and Islam shared, adding that in the Quran, Jesus (Prophet Isa) was a servant of God.

Abdullah Badawi being a Muslim sees Jesus in the manner his faith teaches him to do. There is nothing wrong with that. But where the hell is the tolerance and understanding he preached?

To the Christians , he is so wrong to say that Jesus (Prophet Isa) was a servant of God. He uttered such insensitive remarks during the gathering of Christians.

Sitting together and eat the same food? Imagine sharing the pork with our fellow Muslim brothers or beef with our Hindu brothers?

I bet he just wanted to please everybody despite his stupidity.

Dead End To Democracy

2007-12-18T09:28:00.000+08:00

You should see this video.It is beautifully done.

It's SSC to handle complaints against all federal enforcement officers

2007-12-15T04:51:00.000+08:00

From Star Web Edition
By B. Suresh Ram

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 13, 2007): The much hyped Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) mooted in May 2005 in one of the 125 recommendations made by the Royal Commission to enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysia Police is becoming reality albeit changes.

It will be known as the Special Complaints Commission (SCC) and will not only look into misconduct and complaints against police officers but all federal enforcement officers.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz tabled the SCC bill in the Dewan Rakyat (Parliament) for first reading today.

The commission will consist of seven members comprising a chairman appointed by the Prime Minister, Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the Public Complaints Bureau, Director-General of the Anti-Corruption Agency and three other members appointed by the Prime Minister.

Each member of the commission will hold office for a period of two years and a maximum of two terms.

The functions of the commission among others are:

To receive complaints from any person in relation to misconduct of an enforcement officer;

To refer complaints received from any person in relation to misconduct of an enforcement officer to the appropriate Disciplinary Authority or enforcement agency;

To require the Task Force to investigate the complaints of misconduct of an enforcement officer;

To access the investigation of the task force and to determine whether the alleged misconduct of the enforcement officer is of a criminal or disciplinary nature;

To forward investigation papers and other documents relating to the misconduct to the public prosecutor or disciplinary authority for further action; and

To receive feedback on the action taken by the public prosecutor or disciplinary authority and to inform the complainant on the status of the complaint.

The bill states that every enforcement agency will have to cooperate and assist the commission in exercising its functions and powers under the act.

The commission has also the power to form a task force to assist in performing its functions. The members of the task force can be drawn from the ACA, Bank Negara, Securities Commission, National Audit Department, police and other members of the civil service, including officers from the Judicial and Legal Services Department, the bill stated.

It also adds that members of the Commission, Chief Executive Officer and members of the task force will all have the powers of a police officer of whatever rank as provided for under the Criminal Procedure Code and such powers would be in addition to that provided by this act.

This includes powers of search and seizure with warrant and without warrant of premises and power to stop, search and seize conveyances, it said.

The commission shall not, however, consider any misconduct alleged to be committed if it is a matter before any disciplinary authority, involved in any court proceedings, has been determined by any court and is being investigated by an enforcement agency, it added.

The bill states that enforcement agency facing a complaint before the commission shall have to submit monthly reports until the conclusion of the investigation, upon which the Public Prosecutor will have to decide in 30 days whether to charge the enforcement officer or not.

Later, speaking to reporters in Parliament lobby, Nazri said the bill included all enforcement agencies as it would be "ridiculous" to set up the SCC for the sole purpose of one particular enforcement agency.

"That was the concept from the very beginning when it was still a draft bill. The concept has always been to cover all (federal) enforcement agencies," he said.

Nazri added that the commission will function as a one-stop centre to look into misconduct and complaints and will only involve non-corrupt activities and agencies.

He added that the Public Complaints Bureau would act as the secretariat and be integrated into the new commission, which itself will come under the purview of the Prime Minister’s Department.

Suhakam : Allow peacefull assemblies!

2007-12-13T04:27:00.000+08:00

The Star (letters Section)
by Shaila Koshy

KUALA LUMPUR: Suhakam expressed regret the Government had ignored its repeated calls to repeal the law requiring permits for public assemblies and processions.

“In London, you can hold peaceful assemblies and the police are around to prevent public disorder.

“But here, a group needs a permit even to present a memorandum,” its chairman Tan Sri Abu Talib Othman said yesterday.

“The possibility of public disorder should be based on evidence, not speculation or imagination,” he said, when asked whether a group submitting a memorandum to Parliament needed a permit.

On whether it was different to a protest party, he said: “Unfortunately, a gathering of three is an assembly under Section 27 of the Police Act. The intention is irrelevant.”

“Suhakam wants Section 27 repealed because it goes against the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and appears to be inconsistent with the spirit of the Federal Constitution.”

Asked whether anyone could apply for it to be declared unconstitutional, he said a person could if he could show he was affected by the application of Section 27.

On Tun Musa Hitam’s lament in an interview on Sunday that Suhakam did not want to address certain “sensitive things”, Abu Talib said his predecessor had not specified what they were.

Suhakam secretary Ahmad Yusuf Ngah said in a statement: “Very likely, Tun Musa is unaware of the many recommendations made by Suhakam to improve the level of human rights in Malaysia, since his tenure ended in 2002.”

The statement was issued after Suhakam met in Kuching in conjunction with World Human Rights Day on Monday.

Defiant lawyers to march on Sunday

2007-12-07T21:02:00.000+08:00

Friday, 07 December 2007, 03:48pm
From Malaysiakini by Andrew Ong

At least 15 lawyers are bent on making a statement in conjunction with World Human Rights Day by marching from the Sogo department store to Central Market in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.

Their message is simple - that citizens have a right to assemble peacefully and without prior requirement of a police permit.

Themed ‘Lawyers for Freedom of Assembly”, their march will start at 7.30am and proceed along the route originally planned by the Bar Council until it called off its plan on Tuesday.

Lawyer N Surendran, told Malaysiakini that the group decided on this after the council cancelled its event, mainly due to pressure to obtain a police permit and concern for the safety of participants.

They are now in the process of contacting other lawyers to join them.

“We feel the (Bar Council) march was called of due to undue pressure from the authorities. We want to send a message that the people of Malaysia have the right to a peaceful assembly,” Surendran said.

He emphaised that the march is solely aimed at defending and protecting the right to peaceful assemblies and that no political element is involved.

“We expect the authorities to claim that we are influenced by the opposition. We will refute such claims. This is purely an initiative by concerned lawyers,” he stressed.

The government has warned of harsh action against organisers and participants of public rallies after tens of thousands lent their presence to events by the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (Bersih) and Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) on separate occasions last month.

No application for permit

To a question, Surendran said the organisers will not apply for a police permit to hold the march.

“We think that applying for a permit is a negation of our fundamental right to freedom of assembly as enshrined in Article 10 of the Federal Constitution,” he explained.

He also expressed hope that concerned citizens would take part in the event to assert their right to assembly peacefully.

Meanwhile, the Bar Council will move its ‘Festival of Rights’ event on Sunday to its own building located near the Central Market.

Human rights committee chairperson Edmund Bon said this was due to police insistence that a permit be sought for the event if it is held at Central Market.

“This, we cannot do, on a day meant to celebrate our freedoms. It would be ironic and outrageous for us to make such an application,” addedd Bon.

The event will feature forums, speeches and performances ahead of the global day for rights which falls on Monday.

In September, some 2,000 lawyers had taken part in the council’s ‘Walk for Justice’ to protest the rot in the judiciary, after fresh allegations were revealed in the ‘Lingam tape’.

Bar Council's decision not to walk

2007-12-07T20:55:00.000+08:00

Written by Jonson Chong Kok Wei on 07 December, 2007

I feel that the Bar Councilâ€™s decision to call off the walk to commemorate Human Rights Day is wrong and disappointing. There does not seem to be any clear indication as to why the walk has been called off, apart from some vague reference to the need to apply for a police permit.

It is disappointing and ironic indeed that the Bar Council have to kowtow to undemocratic and unjust laws on the occasion that is supposed to celebrate and advance human rights in our country. In light of recent events, I believe that there is all the more reason that the Bar Council and Malaysian Bar should be taking the lead to fight for rights and freedoms that every Malaysian is entitled to.

Despite what the Federal Constitution says, and what some laws require, we must first acknowledge that the right to freedom of assembly is an inherent and inalienable right of every single person, irrespective of her race, religion or political beliefs. And this is one of those freedoms that guarantee the dignity of the human person. After all, we must remember that that is what human rights are all about â€“ human dignity. (See the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in particular Article 20; and bear in mind that Malaysia is a proud member of the United Nations.)

In Malaysia, not only are the laws restrictive in terms of peaceful assemblies, it appears that the application of such laws are made in bad faith. The manner in which the police dealt with the recent large but peaceful assemblies as well as the venomous reactions of various government ministers are good starting points.
Right from the start, the police denied permits for the peaceful assemblies by giving the feeble excuse of maintaining public order. I wonder if such concerns only arise when organisations unrelated to the ruling Umno organise events because I note that a particular rally against the U.S. led by the Umno Deputy Youth Chief last year seemed to last three hours without wasting a drop of water from police water-cannons.

Indeed, I know that the Royal Malaysian Police are capable of handling peaceful assemblies and maintaining public order if they want to because I personally witnessed the recent demonstration (that included several marches from embassy to embassy in Kuala Lumpur) by a few thousand Burmese nationals against the cruelty of the Junta in Burma.

There ought to be a presumption that peopleâ€™s assemblies are peaceful, and instead of giving excuses the police should be making the effort to maintain public order. The role of the police at peaceful assemblies ought to be supervisory, not chaos creation.

Moreover, if I am not mistaken, a government minister has recently made a blanket statement that police permits will not be given for assemblies, indicating that the laws on peaceful assemblies are only for show and there is no intent whatsoever to respect basic human and democratic rights.

Further, the recent absurd charging of Hindraf supporters for attempted murder and denial of bail reeks of malicious and punitive prosecution, and is clearly an abuse of the legal system.

There appears to be a mistaken belief by most Umno and Barisan Nasional politicians that democracy means an absolute absence of dissent and opposition. And they continue to delude themselves that they have the full support of the people because they keep winning heavily rigged elections where voters do not have the benefit of press freedom.

Just as we ought to pray for wisdom and strength to overcome difficulties and not the absence of difficulties in our lives, the government should be working towards policies that addresses peopleâ€™s issues and concerns, and not the absence of these. If the government has confidence in its own policies, then it ought to have the courage to face public debate and discuss issues openly. In a democracy, differing views and criticisms are normal and ought to be encouraged for the progress of the country, not stifled and hammered down by using brute force.

Thus, the Malaysian Bar ought to take the lead to defend justice and reclaim our rights and freedoms in Malaysia. And if we have to defy some unjust laws in the process, so be it.

Best regards,
Jonson Chong Kok Wei

ANOTHER BLOW to the ailing reputation of the judiciary.

2007-12-06T05:55:00.000+08:00

From Malaysiakini:

The King, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, has consented to the lightning-fast appointment of Zaki Azmi - who has parachuted into the Federal Court three months ago - as President of the Court Appeal, the No.2 post in the judiciary.

The PM Abdullah Badawi said the King acted on the advice of the Prime Minister and after consultation with the Conference of Rulers.

The Court of Appeal president Abdul Hamid Mohamad has been today appointed as the new chief justice, which is the judiciary's most powerful post.

The unconventional elevation of Zaki, 62, could pose ANOTHER BLOW to the ailing reputation of the judiciary.

Exactly three months ago, he became the FIRST LAWYER to be directly appointed into the Federal Court. (Before this, only lawyer Gopal Sri Ram had bypassed serving in the High Court when he was appointed to the Court of Appeal in 1994. )

Zaki previously served as UMNO’s Legal Adviser and Disciplinary Committee Chairperson.

He was also UMNO's Selection Committee Secretary and Deputy Chairperson of UMNO's Disciplinary Board Appeal Panel.

He stepped down from these posts in 2005 following his divorce from his second wife, Nor Hayati Yahaya, who was almost half his age.

With Abdul Hamid due for retirement next year, Zaki is the frontrunner for the judiciary's No 1 post.

Bar Surprised Over Appointment of Zaki

Meanwhile in an immediate response, the Malaysian Bar expressed surprise over the appointment of Zaki as the Court of Appeal president “given that there were OTHER suitable candidates in terms of SENIORITY and SERVICE in the judiciary”.

The Bar’s president Ambiga Sreenevasan said in a statement that Zaki was also only recently elevated to the Federal Court.

“There are the added concerns of his previous BUSINESS interests and involvement in UMNO ,” she added.

Royal panel: Ex-judge cum whistleblower 'pleasantly surprised'

2007-11-30T20:07:00.000+08:00

Syed Ahmad Idid Syed Abdullah Aidid, the former High Court judge who exposed judicial corruption in 1996, said he was "pleasantly surprised" by the government’s decision to establish a royal commission to investigate the Lingam tape.

Click here to hear from himself malaysiakini.tv

How to restore our judiciary back to its glorious days

2007-11-28T14:50:00.000+08:00

by SHEIK JEBAT

I READ and picked this on website recently for all to ponder.

Tun Salleh Abbas gave us five good tips on how we could restore our rotting and stinking judiciary back to their glory days:

1) Setting up a judicial commission on appointments and promotions of judges

2) Restore the vesting of judicial authority clause into the constitution to give power back to the courts

3) Tenure of office of judges should be fixed so that they do not feel afraid of making decisions eg judicial commissioners given a two year contracts are incapable of performing independently because they are subject to promotion or dismissal when the contract ends

4) Revise methods in removing judges should the judge be incapable of performing his or her legal duties or for health reasons

5) Protocol of judges must be looked into. Giving out of awards and honours to judges should be automatic when they hold certain positions

Johari : How dare he said that!

2007-11-27T12:27:00.000+08:00

S.K. Devamany (BN-Cameron Highlands) had said, when posing a supplementary question, that despite measures promised by the government in its 2020 Vision policy and the Ninh Malaysia Plan, the reaction (Hindraf's demonstration) yesterday showed that there is frustration in the lower rung of the Indian community which saw the involvement of youths and those from the middle income group.

Johari, replying in Parliament lobby, said it was not fair for Devamany to say the Indian community took to the streets on Sunday because the government was not being fair to them.

"How can he say that the demonstrations were due to Indians’ frustrations," he said.

Why the fumble? Devamany was only voicing out to be heard what the rakyat feel.That is what a wakil rakyat should do as a representative of the people – serving the people.

Hindraf Rally under police attack!

2007-11-25T11:16:00.000+08:00

Sunday Gathering will be on as schedulled!

2007-11-23T04:01:00.000+08:00

For those attending this Sunday 25 November Rally, please visit BOLEH LAND for guidelines and updates news.

You can also click here for clear view of Jalan Ampang

Nov. 10 People's Rally: What's Next? The King Must NOW Act.

2007-11-21T06:11:00.000+08:00

The rakyat (people) have spoken, loudly, clearly, and in NO uncertain terms.

More than 40,000 marched to the Istana (palace) to tell the King that the rakyat want a free and fair election.

This Government used the police and the riot squad to prevent the rakyat from going to the palace to tell their King of their grievances. Yet, rain or shine, they all came peacefully and orderly, and some paid the price of having tear-gas and chemical-laced water blasted on their faces by the riot squads.

The fact that the rakyat had to appeal to the King to demand a free and fair election, a very basic and fundamental right of everyone in a democracy, is an indictment of this Government's unchecked powers to abuse and misuse the election mandate.

The grievances of the rakyat for the direct and immediate attention of the King are detailed out in the Memorandum presented to him at 4 pm on 10th November 2007.

The electoral fraud conspired by the political parties running this Government is too entrenched in the political system. It is a fraud designed over the years by UMNO and its Coalition partners to entrench their strangle-hold on Government.

Sad to say, the rakyat realised, albeit too late, there is no more power left in the political system, save the King and the Council of Malay Rulers, to stop the electoral fraud. That is why the over 40,000 rakyat had to march to the Istana on 10th November.

So, what next?

The King must act, and be seen to act, on the grievances of his subjects as spelt out in the Memorandum handed to him.

The King as a Constitutional Monarch owes to the Constitution, and thus to the rakyat as his subjects, and NOT to the political leaders in Barisan Nasional, to ensure that this Prime Minister and THIS Government come clean on the electoral process. The King MUST tell his Prime Minster that this Government should desist from denying a fair and free election to the rakyat of this country.

Malaysia' democracy hinges very much on "what and how" the King will react to the grievances of his subjects as contained in the Memorandum.

We do not expect the King to publicly announce his reaction to the Memorandum.

But certainly the King's (and/or the Council of Malay Rulers' ) response will be judged by the expected changes leading towards a free and fair election in the weeks and months to come. And this will be closely watched by his subjects.

Thus, it is crucial that the King and the Council of Malay Rulers should act now, and be seen to have acted, to the appeal of their subjects for a free and fair election.

Khairy Jamaluddin, the son-in-law of the Prime Minister, who happened to be returned unopposed as Deputy Chief of UMNO Youth, should be brought to task for asking the police to "come down hard" on those who participated in the rally. It is a callous and insensitive call by a politically very ambitious young man.

He is not even an elected political person. His charted course to fame in the political arena, courted primarily by the UMNO-controlled mainstream media, came about from his marriage to the daughter of the Prime Minister. Unfortunately, Khairy, with his divisive and clap-trap politics aimed at the UMNO Youth gallery, is not a good role model for any young Malay person with ambitions in politics.

Dr. Mahathir is right. This young man has too much influence in the Government for the good of the country.

UMNO has gone too far in its manipulation of the instruments of political power, in its abuse of the public-funded institutions, and in the excessive control of the mainstream media. The rakyat had been fooled by UMNO and its coalition parties over the years in thinking that the electoral system is fair and free.

A free and fair election is non-negotiable. It is a fundamental right of people in the democracy. It must be protected at ALL cost.

Thus, the on-going electoral fraud must stop. And STOP NOW.

That is the message of the rakyat to the King, when over 40,000 of them marched to the Istana on 10 November 2007.

Adapted from - Malaysian Unplug

Lingam dismisses brother's allegations as baseless

2007-11-20T02:22:00.000+08:00

Lawyer Datuk V.K. Lingam today dismissed as baseless the allegations of corruption made against him by his brother K.V. Thirunama Karasu in a March 19 police report.
In a signed statement faxed to theSun, Lingam, who was featured in a 2002 video clip apparently brokering judicial appointments with a Datuk, described his brother as suffering from psychiatric problems and that he had made similar allegations against him to the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) in 1998.Read more here
Related article : Allegations by Lingam's brother

We should have more peaceful gatherings!

2007-11-20T00:20:00.000+08:00

There’s never been a peaceful gathering!That's what he lied to the world.But the clip below prooven him wrong.Pak Lah should learn more about our Merdeka's history.We should have more peaceful gatherings!

You cannot control everything, UMNO! (4 video clip included)

2007-11-19T00:12:00.000+08:00

By Malaywomen

Part I

Well folks, I’m sure you folks have seen UMNO’s tough guy (Nazri Abdul Aziz) and Pak Lah’s son-in-law on Al Jazeera’s 101 East last night. Yeah, it was a glorious television show aired specifically to focus on the highly successful BERSIH’s mass rally held on the 10th of November. (please see another clip below)

I am glad that 101 East had invited our human rights lawyer and well known personality Malik Imtiaz Sawar to join the discussion along with UMNO’s tough guy and Pak Lah’s son-in-law. A wise decision!

I don’t want to comment much. Suffice to say that 101 East and Al Jazeera had taught our government especially UMNO and Barisan Nasional a very big lesson. They have been humbled and ‘humiliated’ in front of millions of viewers. Yes folks, they cannot control everything in this world today.

What goes around comes around! Remember that, Barisan Nasional!

Part II

Part III

Part IV

Please show the above four videos to the rest of the common people especially those living in ‘kampungs’ and rural areas. Help BERSIH spread the message across the board.

“Remember how the Unbelievers plotted against thee, to keep thee in bonds, or slay thee, or get thee out (of thy home). They plot and plan, and Allah too plans, but the best of planners is Allah.”

Noble Qur’an [8:30]

VK Lingam’s younger brother had filed two police reports against him

2007-11-18T23:43:00.000+08:00

Own brother lodges 2 police reports against VK Lingam. Electrician Thirunama Karasu a/l Kandar Velluppillai, 50, is the brother of V.K Lingam, the lawyer in the controversial video clip that Anwar Ibrahim showed the world in September.

Wee: “The allegations contained in the Kelana Jaya Police Report No: 002187/07 dated 19-03-2007 by Mr Karasu were extremely serious by any standard one would like to set. I am most surprised that almost 8 months have elapsed after the said police report has been lodged and there was no positive action taken ….”

Rocky has the story here

Violence against journalist... Umno style

2007-11-18T14:04:00.000+08:00

A group of Umno members disrupted a press conference called by a member of parliament, during which a Chinese press photographer was punched and verbally assaulted yesterday-reports
jeffooi/.

The King & Rakyat

2007-11-17T02:24:00.000+08:00

According to Bernama, the King, in a rare statement issued via a palace official, expressed regret over the claim that he and Istana Negara had supported Saturday’s illegal gathering. Bernama has the story here.
The 10 Eleven march/rally and presentation of the memorandum to the palace was purely symbolic.

Read what Rocky has to say on this.

Khir defends ‘broom award’

2007-11-16T18:15:00.000+08:00

Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo brushed aside criticism over the broom issue, saying he does not believe it brings misfortune.

The mentri besar drew flak after he presented a “broom award” on Monday to the Hulu Selangor district council and land office for their failure to collect assessment for 2006 above the stipulated 50% mark. Read here

A lesson in history for our leaders... lest they forget

2007-11-15T19:10:00.000+08:00

More than 50 years ago, Malayans took that long march for Merdeka.
Yes we did that. We walked, we demonstrated.Our forefathers did it for Merdeka.

A lesson in history at Maria Samad's Tok

Click for U-Tube

People's Freedom Walk

2007-11-15T17:31:00.000+08:00

The Bar Council is organising another walk on Dec 9, 2007 in conjunction with Human Rights Day. The walk will start at Sogo, go through Dataran Merdeka and end at Central Market in KL.

A multi-religious forum is also being organised.

Lawyer Edmund Bon, who is chairperson of the Bar's Human Rights Committee, said he hopes to get 1,000 people to walk on the 9th.I think it'll be very difficult to get a thousand Malaysians to walk.Human Rights Day is celebrated worldwide on Dec 10. Klick rockybru

We are too democratic!

2007-11-14T05:38:00.000+08:00

Nazri said it was not right to compare Malaysia with Myanmar.He said the Buddhist monks were demonstrating for the restoration of democracy in a country where its people were being oppressed.

“Here there is democracy. It is practised through elections,” Nazri said.Read more here

Yes, he's right - in Malaysia, even the dead are allowed to cast their ballots!