PROTEST groups and individuals are stepping up pressure on the Malaysian government to repeal harsh internal security laws, echoing the widespread outcry that marked the recent arrests under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
Last Saturday marked one of the largest protests that have taken place in recent months, as more than 2,000 Malaysians from all walks of life staged a peaceful march through the streets of Kuala Lumpur.
Organised by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), as well as rights groups Suaram and the Abolish ISA Movement, they called for the removal of the ISA, which allows for detention without trial. They also wanted the release of 65 detainees.
Hindraf coordinator R.S. Thanenthiran said the ISA - first drafted half a century ago to fight communism - was outdated. 'If somebody has committed a crime, then they must be tried in an open court,' he told The Straits Times.
Next up, the group intends to keep up the pressure by gathering 10,000 supporters at Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi's traditional open house in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday - the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
They are also planning to attend his open house in his Penang constituency of Kepala Batas on the second day of Hari Raya. Earlier this month, the authorities detained three people under the ISA: a reporter and a lawmaker who were later released, as well as prominent blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin, who was sentenced to a two-year detention order in the notorious Kamunting detention centre.
Full Report HERE
Sep 29, 2008
Sep 25, 2008
Tour of Kamunting Detention Camp
Extract a Report from Straits Times Singapore as reported by Reme Ahmad who was given a tour of the Kamunting Detention Camp.
IN May 2004, I was among a group of some 30 journalists who were allowed into the dreaded Kamunting detention camp in remote Perak. Kamunting is a high-security prison where Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees - who can be imprisoned without trial - are often held. In Malaysia, the terms ISA and Kamunting go together. If you are arrested under the ISA, you are often first brought to Bukit Aman (ironically, Hill of Peace in Malay) headquarters of the federal police, or the Police Remand Centre for interrogation, and then onwards to Kamunting.
The latest to hit the news with his transfer from Bukit Aman to Kamunting was blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin yesterday. He sadly joined the five leaders of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) who were detained since December last year.
That 2004 visit was the first, and only time since, that journalists were allowed into the camp to see its living conditions. It was part of Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi's liberalisation policy - he had just won big-time in the March 2004 (yes, March 2004, not 2008) general elections and the government was full of confidence and promise. It had won 90 per cent of seats in Parliament - a record.
The visit was hosted by then-Deputy Home Minister Noh Omar who wanted to show journalists that the government had nothing to hide, despite the noise made then by the opposition, rights groups and families of the detainees that horrible things are happening inside.
I shivered as I looked around this Malaysian Alcatraz, with its trimmed lawns. This was a place where Clint Eastwood could escape from. The 114ha camp (about 140 football fields) had double security checks before anyone is allowed in or out. And if one could cut through one set of fence, there is another layer of fence to deal with.
For the Full Report go HERE.
IN May 2004, I was among a group of some 30 journalists who were allowed into the dreaded Kamunting detention camp in remote Perak. Kamunting is a high-security prison where Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees - who can be imprisoned without trial - are often held. In Malaysia, the terms ISA and Kamunting go together. If you are arrested under the ISA, you are often first brought to Bukit Aman (ironically, Hill of Peace in Malay) headquarters of the federal police, or the Police Remand Centre for interrogation, and then onwards to Kamunting.
The latest to hit the news with his transfer from Bukit Aman to Kamunting was blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin yesterday. He sadly joined the five leaders of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) who were detained since December last year.
That 2004 visit was the first, and only time since, that journalists were allowed into the camp to see its living conditions. It was part of Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi's liberalisation policy - he had just won big-time in the March 2004 (yes, March 2004, not 2008) general elections and the government was full of confidence and promise. It had won 90 per cent of seats in Parliament - a record.
The visit was hosted by then-Deputy Home Minister Noh Omar who wanted to show journalists that the government had nothing to hide, despite the noise made then by the opposition, rights groups and families of the detainees that horrible things are happening inside.
I shivered as I looked around this Malaysian Alcatraz, with its trimmed lawns. This was a place where Clint Eastwood could escape from. The 114ha camp (about 140 football fields) had double security checks before anyone is allowed in or out. And if one could cut through one set of fence, there is another layer of fence to deal with.
For the Full Report go HERE.
Sep 24, 2008
Malaysia fall in the Corruption Perception Index 2008
Denmark, Sweden and New Zealand share the honour of the World's best transparent countries and our little giant neighbour Singapore is 2nd highest in terms of CPI score at 9.2 and rank fourth in the world. These are the places where officials are least likely to lined their pocket.
Malaysia fell four (4) notches to rank no. 47 in the year 2008 with a score of 5.1 which is just above the benchmark score of 5.0 for "serious corruption score" and was at rank no. 44 in year 2007 and reflect the progress of this nation of ours.
The CPI is a reflection of how corrupt a country is and as you can see in the table here is that the least corrupt countries are also the most healthiest country in terms of economic health and wealth and generally most democratic.
Transparency International (TI) also separately ranked the countries surveyed by region and Singaporec was ranked second among a total of32 Asia-Pacific countries and territories. With 22 out of the 32 countries in theAsia-Pacific scoring below 5, TI said the scores indicate a serious corruption problem in these countries’ public sectors. The watchdog added that corruption and the lack of transparency, particularlyin political financing, remain serious challenges across the Asia-Pacific region.
Malaysia fell four (4) notches to rank no. 47 in the year 2008 with a score of 5.1 which is just above the benchmark score of 5.0 for "serious corruption score" and was at rank no. 44 in year 2007 and reflect the progress of this nation of ours.
The CPI is a reflection of how corrupt a country is and as you can see in the table here is that the least corrupt countries are also the most healthiest country in terms of economic health and wealth and generally most democratic.
Transparency International (TI) also separately ranked the countries surveyed by region and Singaporec was ranked second among a total of32 Asia-Pacific countries and territories. With 22 out of the 32 countries in theAsia-Pacific scoring below 5, TI said the scores indicate a serious corruption problem in these countries’ public sectors. The watchdog added that corruption and the lack of transparency, particularlyin political financing, remain serious challenges across the Asia-Pacific region.
Prof. Johann Graf Lambsdorff of the University of Passau, who carries out the Index for TI, underscored the disastrous effects of corruption and gains from fighting it, saying, "Evidence suggests that an improvement in the CPI by one point [on a 10-point scale] increases capital inflows by 0.5 per cent of a country's gross domestic product and average incomes by as much as 4 per cent."
“Stemming corruption requires strong oversight through parliaments, law enforcement, independent media and a vibrant civil society,” said Labelle. “When these institutions are weak, corruption spirals out of control with horrendous consequences for ordinary people, and for justice and equality in societies more broadly.” - Huguette Labelle - Chair of Transparency International
Here are the Top 20 Rankings:
1. Denmark 9.3
1. Sweden 9.3
1. New Zealand 9.3
4. Singapore 9.2
5. Finland 9.0
5. Switzerland 9.0
7. I celand 8.9
7. Netherlands 8.9
9. Australia 8.7
9. Canada 8.7
11. Luxembourg 8.3
12. Austria 8.1
12. Hong Kong 8.1
14. Germany 7.9
14. Norway 7.9
16. Ireland 7.7
16. United Kingdom 7.7
18. United States 7.3
18. Japan 7.3
18. B elgium 7.3
Anwar Cautious in Power Bid
Anwar Ibrahim signalled a further delay Wednesday in his bid to oust the government, saying his alliance would avoid any 'hasty action' that could ignite instability.
Datuk Seri Anwar has claimed for months that he has convinced enough lawmakers to defect to his side to unseat Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's administration. The ruling coalition has dismissed Mr Anwar's claim as a bluff, especially after he missed his self-declared target of Sept 16 for seizing power.
Mr Anwar said in a statement that the opposition remained 'confident that the people's desire for change shall soon be attained.' He did not set a specific new deadline.
'We will proceed cautiously towards our goals and we agreed neither to be provoked into hasty action nor to take an irresponsible approach that would lead to instability and greater uncertainty,' Mr Anwar said.
He dismissed recent reports suggesting that the opposition had started negotiations with Datuk Seri Abdullah about a voluntary power transfer.
His comments came ahead of a hearing in Kuala Lumpur's Sessions Court on Wednesday involving a charge that Anwar sodomized his 23-year-old former male aide. The court was expected to either transfer the case to a higher court or schedule trial dates.
Mr Anwar has rejected the sodomy accusation as a government conspiracy to block his political ascent after his People's Alliance coalition won an unprecedented 82 seats in the 222-member Parliament in March general elections. Government authorities deny any plot.
Prime Minister Abdullah has accused Mr Anwar of undermining the country's security and economy and has rebuffed Mr Anwar's demands over the past week to meet with opposition leaders to discuss a voluntary power hand-over or to call an emergency Parliament session.
Mr Abdullah's National Front coalition now has only a 28-seat majority. He is battling dissent within his ruling coalition from officials who want him to step down amid growing disenchantment with his leadership. -- AP
Datuk Seri Anwar has claimed for months that he has convinced enough lawmakers to defect to his side to unseat Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's administration. The ruling coalition has dismissed Mr Anwar's claim as a bluff, especially after he missed his self-declared target of Sept 16 for seizing power.
Mr Anwar said in a statement that the opposition remained 'confident that the people's desire for change shall soon be attained.' He did not set a specific new deadline.
'We will proceed cautiously towards our goals and we agreed neither to be provoked into hasty action nor to take an irresponsible approach that would lead to instability and greater uncertainty,' Mr Anwar said.
He dismissed recent reports suggesting that the opposition had started negotiations with Datuk Seri Abdullah about a voluntary power transfer.
His comments came ahead of a hearing in Kuala Lumpur's Sessions Court on Wednesday involving a charge that Anwar sodomized his 23-year-old former male aide. The court was expected to either transfer the case to a higher court or schedule trial dates.
Mr Anwar has rejected the sodomy accusation as a government conspiracy to block his political ascent after his People's Alliance coalition won an unprecedented 82 seats in the 222-member Parliament in March general elections. Government authorities deny any plot.
Prime Minister Abdullah has accused Mr Anwar of undermining the country's security and economy and has rebuffed Mr Anwar's demands over the past week to meet with opposition leaders to discuss a voluntary power hand-over or to call an emergency Parliament session.
Mr Abdullah's National Front coalition now has only a 28-seat majority. He is battling dissent within his ruling coalition from officials who want him to step down amid growing disenchantment with his leadership. -- AP
Sep 23, 2008
RPK Sent to Kamunting
Raja Petra is now in Kamunting under detention for 2 years on the ISA (Internal Security Act) and this action by the BN government has angered the people further. They seem to disregard the people and continue to punish and jail Malaysians.
And i remember the PM saying that there will not be further detention from the ISA, Mr PM, this is not a justified action of governance and how could you allow this to happen...
And i remember the PM saying that there will not be further detention from the ISA, Mr PM, this is not a justified action of governance and how could you allow this to happen...
This is Sad day for the nation and have to calm myself down. No mood now...to ... write..
Sep 22, 2008
Guardian of the Evil - ISA
(Pic by Bodohland)The guardian of the evil ISA speaks out in defense of its use in the Sunday Times of Malaysia and what a load of crap as he speaks against the wishes of millions of Malaysians who is against the use of the ISA and are calling for its total repeal as in the unanimous motion of the bar council and all of civil society.
And we all know that it is the home minister who evoke the unjust act against innocent Malaysians just because they speak out against the ruling government and that they use the act to impose Fear on the rakyat and a means of silencing dissenters.
Syed Hamid said that;
"The act's main element is public order and safety. What is public order and safety? Firstly, if it has to be established that the actions and behaviour of someone can pose a threat to national security and public order, such as by causing conflicts, riots and civil war.
This involves hatred, which covers religious, racial and cultural issues. Secondly, actions that can affect the national economy such as by crippling the country's economy and scaring away investors due to uncertainties."
How can the actions and behaviour of anyone pose a threat to national security? Is he trying to say that just by speaking out and writing than there will be chaos? Come on Syed Hamid, do you think that Malaysians are stupid? Even in primary school we are encourage to express our opinions and to speak out, do you mean to say that your children do not speak out or they are 100% obedient to your wishes like robots?
Do you mean to say that the reporter from Sin Chew can cause conflict and riot? or Teresa Kok can cause public disorder or Raja Petra who have been writing for years and all this while there is peace and no riots and suddenly just because you say so than there is public disorder.
And what has Sheih of Kickdefella done to merit detention for 3 days, and what is so seditious about him when all he feels is that you guys of the government is not doing a good job of managing the nation and so because of your failures he signal for distress meaning that you need help in running the nation. And for that you lock him up in detention with the use of another outdated, unjust and draconian law.
The only people that is talking about racism are those from your party umno who has incessantly one after another trying to incite racial hatred but sorry to say Malaysians today will not fall for that cheapo tricks of yours and your kind. And the best part is that these people who incite racism are walking freely and you jailed the innocent without justification.
To another question from the reporter as follows;Do you mean to say that the reporter from Sin Chew can cause conflict and riot? or Teresa Kok can cause public disorder or Raja Petra who have been writing for years and all this while there is peace and no riots and suddenly just because you say so than there is public disorder.
And what has Sheih of Kickdefella done to merit detention for 3 days, and what is so seditious about him when all he feels is that you guys of the government is not doing a good job of managing the nation and so because of your failures he signal for distress meaning that you need help in running the nation. And for that you lock him up in detention with the use of another outdated, unjust and draconian law.
The only people that is talking about racism are those from your party umno who has incessantly one after another trying to incite racial hatred but sorry to say Malaysians today will not fall for that cheapo tricks of yours and your kind. And the best part is that these people who incite racism are walking freely and you jailed the innocent without justification.
Q: Is the government ignoring the views of those who oppose the ISA?
A: There are two responses to the ISA. Do not think that those who oppose the ISA are the majority.
Those who oppose the ISA are very vocal groups and they express their sentiments through letters and SMSes. I have also received many letters and SMSes supporting the use of the ISA.
I think those who support the ISA do that not because of race, culture or religion but because they fear there would be violence and clashes in the country.
How is it that there is no threat if international parties have classified Malaysia as being politically unstable?
There is instability and advice is given not to invest in the country. Isn't that a threat to security?
Mr home minister, please show us who supports the ISA as we have not met anyone who support this Law of Evil. Please for the sake of God and justice, lets have a public forum or debate on the use of the ISA to once and for all clear the air and proof to the nation that you are not talking shit.
And again please dont talk rubbish, if International parties have classified Malaysia as politically unstable it is because you and especially you and the government of yours is unable to run the nation efficiently and cant manage the country so please go retire back to where you came from and let others manage this beloved country of ours and not ruin our beloved nation by your gibberish talk.
I dont understand how has the ISA developed and its procedures kept up with current times? Do you mean to say that the ISA has developed that now it is used against its own people? And what procedures??? Do you mean procedures like just locking you up without proper proof and justification or do you mean the procedure like keeping you in detention and the incessant interogation to deprive you of sleep and rest or feeding you with dog food????
And again please dont talk rubbish, if International parties have classified Malaysia as politically unstable it is because you and especially you and the government of yours is unable to run the nation efficiently and cant manage the country so please go retire back to where you came from and let others manage this beloved country of ours and not ruin our beloved nation by your gibberish talk.
I dont understand how has the ISA developed and its procedures kept up with current times? Do you mean to say that the ISA has developed that now it is used against its own people? And what procedures??? Do you mean procedures like just locking you up without proper proof and justification or do you mean the procedure like keeping you in detention and the incessant interogation to deprive you of sleep and rest or feeding you with dog food????
The Muslims Professional Forum has said that "The use of the ISA is excessive, inhumane and runs counter to islam's principle of justice".
Petubuhan Jemaah Islah Malaysia (JIM) has called "The act of throwing accusations without any proof is "HARAM" from the point of Islamic Law".
Syed Hamid, for the last time, please shut your loose gap and dont think that Malaysians are STUPID like YOU!
THE ISA MUST GO!!!! AND THAT IS WHAT ALL MALAYSIANS WANT!
FOR THE SAKE OF JUSTICE FREE ALL ISA DETAINEEES NOW!
Syed Hamid, for the last time, please shut your loose gap and dont think that Malaysians are STUPID like YOU!
THE ISA MUST GO!!!! AND THAT IS WHAT ALL MALAYSIANS WANT!
FOR THE SAKE OF JUSTICE FREE ALL ISA DETAINEEES NOW!
Sep 21, 2008
Malaysian Bar Rejects ISA
(Have reproduced the entire report from Malaysiakini as requested as there were some people who could not accessed the report and also that the ISA is an important issue for all Malaysians and we need to be united towards the cause of the repeal of this draconian act.)
Report by S Pathmavathy 20 Sept 2008 for Malaysiakini :
In the end, the decision was unanimous. Malaysian lawyers stood united against the Internal Security Act and want the draconian legislation out of the way.
At its extraordinary general meeting today, held especially to condemn the abuse of the ISA, the Malaysian Bar unanimously voted for its abolishment.
The bar reiterated its stand on oppressive laws such as the ISA, Emergency Ordinance (EO) and Dangerous Drugs Act to be repealed immediately and called for the release all those detained under them.
Some of the guests at the EGM today were Seputeh MP Teresa Kok and ISA detainees’ wives S Pushpaneela and Norlaila Othman. They recounted chronicles of their sufferings and hardships faced by their families.
“We are deeply concerned by the instances shared with us by our three guests as well as other members of the bar who have had contact with detainees under the ISA, as to the manner of their treatment,” Bar Council chairperson S Ambiga told a press conference after the EGM.
“We are appalled by the manner in which the ISA detainees are being treated - six to eight (feet) cells without windows, unacceptable food, and lack of contact to the outside world and sleep deterioration,” said Ambiga.
The bar also reiterated their stand by calling for the unconditional release of Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders M Manoharan, P Uthayakumar, R Kengadharan, V Ganabatirau and K Vasantha Kumar.
Former Bar chairperson Sulaiman Abdullah, present at the press conference, stressed that the government should take into consideration the challenges and trauma faced by the families of detainees.
“It's about time the government repeals the ISA since it can be abused against those opposing the government,” he said.
Besides their firm declaration against the ISA, Ambiga added that the resolution also condemned the issuance of the three show-cause letters to Sin Chew Daily, theSun and PKR’s Suara Keadilan.
“The bar calls upon the government to uphold its pledges to the United Nations Human Rights Council to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms and to promote a free media, including in cyberspace,” said Ambiga.
ISA abuse amounts to state terrorism
Ambiga added that the participants gave standing ovations to the guest speakers and wholly rejected all the oppressive laws.
“It amounts to an abuse of the ISA and can be termed as state terrorism".
“The authorities must be held accountable for the way in which these persons are being treated in custody,” she said.
The latest ISA crackdown began with controversial blogger Raja Petra when he was taken into custody on Sept 12. Raja Petra’s detention was then followed by the arrest of Tan Hoon Cheng, a journalist for the Sin Chew Daily, who however, was released after 18 hours.
Matters gravitated when Teresa Kok, who is also the Selangor senior executive councillor, was picked up on the same day after attending a function.
Kok was released yesterday after seven days of detention, purportedly for interfering with matters of Islamic concerns.
Sulaiman then commended the role of the media as source information for public education and credited the release of Tan and Kok as an effort by the press.
“We acknowledge the fact that the media has credibility to educate people in understanding their freedom and rights,” said Sulaiman. “Never underestimate the power of the press,” he added.
Asked whether the resolution will be heeded by the authorities concerned or ignored like previous attempts and the Bar’s next course of action, Sulaiman said “when you bang, you bang against the wall you start making noise”.
“(And) as the noise keeps on somebody is bound to come and investigate why there is a noise and we need to keep up this noise,” he said.
“The Bar Council is the custodian of civil liberties and justice in Malaysia,” Sulaiman asserted.
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