Have the activist betrayed the people in their silence...?

We are still waiting for the promised Local Council Elections...

We are also waiting for the elections of Penghulus, Kampung/Kampung Baru/Taman/Perkampungan Orang Asli heads & committees. This, at least, could be the 1st thing that could be done in all Pakatan Rakyat states. (After all, under the UMNO len BN government, cronnies were generally appointed into all the JKKKK, JKKKT, etc... we do not even know how they get chosen - but these people generally is accepted by the government of the day as the voice of the people in particular areas...Oh yes, that is why the rest of the people (the 'penduduk') are really never even consulted - because after all their government-appointed so-called reps have been, and have agreed to everything - and sometime are 'rewarded' as well...)

Democracy - we want greater democracy.

For the level of the Kampung/Kampung Baru/ Taman, etc...there should be:-

a) Local Council monitored elections once every 3 years...

b) All heads & committee of Kampung/Kampung Baru/ Taman, etc..shall be required to hold an Annual General Meeting once every year - in which Reports of Activities Past, Plans for the Future & Financial Accounts must be presented and approved.

c) All heads & committee of Kampung/Kampung Baru/ Taman, etc..shall be required to have regular meetings - i.e. at least once a month, whereby minutes must be recorded, and shall be made available for the scrutiny of any resident from the community.

d) Residents shall have the power to call for Emergency General Meetings - provided that 25 or 25%, whichever lesser, calls for a meeting.

e) Every resident ages 18 and above shall have the right to vote...

Now, PERAK has started this....and the latest good move have been done by Chang Lih Kang...and here, I attach a posting by Josh Hong

We must restore local government elections for the sake of democracy, good governance, rule of law, accountability and transparency. – Lim Guan Eng, speaking to Perak DAP leaders in February 2005.

It was an auspicious start to 2009, when residents of Gunung Rapat New Village, Perak, went to the ballot box to elect their ideal candidate for the post of village chief. The small yet hugely significant election, proposed and sponsored by PKR state assemblymen Chang Lih Kang and Chan Ming Kai, indicates that the true spirit of democracy is still alive despite the controversy that the move had generated among some Pakatan Rakyat lawmakers.- Malaysiakini, 30/1/2009 - Where's My Third Vote?

What are you waiting for Pakatan Rakyat? Next General Elections?

No - do it now. Once the people experience democracy at work at the local community, it becomes more difficult for it to be taken away by future governments (especially if the UMNO-led BN takes back the states that are now under PR..). Delay in implementing what you preached you would do before GE2008 would just be a betrayal of the people ...and a lost opportunity for reforms.

It saddens me that many of my civil society friends are no longer shouting as hard as before for local council elections, and other local level elections....Have the 'smart' Pakatan Rakyat managed to silence these calls for greater experience of democracy by the appointing of many of the leaders and most vocal activists as Local Council members. Their silence is very disturbing ...

Right of the Arrested: Free Phone Calls, Right to inform friend...meet lawyer...

The law has changed from before - and now persons arrested do have the right to phone calls...

When arrested, the police MUST

a) Tell you the reason for the arrest

b) Allow you to get in touch with a friend or relative to tell them where you are, etc - and the police must provide means of communication (phone, etc) for free. No more asking for RM50 or more to use the phone...

c) Allow you to get in touch with a lawyer (and thereafter provide for a chance for you to meet up with your lawyer) - the police is not to start questioning or take a statement until you have had the opportunity to meet with your lawyer...

(Of course there are some exceptions....

Anyway, the fight for these rights were rejuvenated by the Malaysian Bar when they passed unanimously the following resolution in 2000...

Motion 5:

Whereas:

1. When a person is arrested in Malaysia, he can be detained by the police for a maximum period of not more than 15 days if the police utilize the powers pursuant to section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

2. In Malaysia, there is no right to a phone call. The suspect cannot inform his lawyer, his family, friends and employer of the fact of his arrest and detention.

3. The constitutionally guaranteed right of access to a lawyer may be denied, even though the words used in Article 5(3) Federal Constitution is “Where a person is arrested he …SHALL be allowed to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of his choice.”

4. Access to the lawyer is a right that should be available from the point of arrest. When a suspect is brought before the Magistrate pursuant to Section 117 Criminal Procedure Code and when the suspect is charged in court, he/she has the right to be represented by a lawyer.

5. The police do NOT have a duty in law to inform the lawyer: (a) whether the suspect will be charged in court OR whether the police are applying for further detention to complete their investigations. If the latter be the case, the police have no duty in law to inform the exact time when the suspect will be brought before the Magistrate; and the identity of the said Magistrate before whom the suspect will be brought for the section 117 application.

It is hereby resolved:-

A. That the Malaysian Bar expresses concern over the denial of the fundamental liberty guaranteed by Article 5(3) of the Federal Constitution to a majority of the suspects arrested and detained in the police lock-ups.

B. That the Malaysian Bar calls on the Malaysian Government to ensure that the right of access to a lawyer upon arrest and the right to be represented by a lawyer, especially during section 117 applications, be recognised and respected by the police and all concerned.

C. That the Bar Council does whatsoever necessary to ensure that the RIGHT TO ONE PHONE CALL, at the very least, be accorded to a suspect when arrested.

D. That the Bar Council does whatsoever necessary to ensure that the police is vested with the duty in law to inform lawyers of the detained suspect as to whether they are opting for an application for further detention pursuant to section 117 Criminal Procedure Code, and if so, at what time the suspect will be brought before a Magistrate and which Magistrate will be hearing the said application so as to give full effect to the right to a lawyer upon arrest.

Proposer: Mr Charles Hector
Seconders: En. Amin Hafiz
Ms Mary Manickam

Resolution:

The Motion was unanimously carried. (Source: Malaysian Bar Website)

And finally in 2006, it became law...and in middle 2007 this law came into force....See section 28A of the Criminal Procedure Code...

28A. Rights of person arrested.

(1) A person arrested without a warrant shall be informed as soon as may be of the grounds of his arrest by the police officer making the arrest.

(2) A police officer shall, before commencing any form of questioning or recording of any statement from the person arrested, inform the person that he may-

(a) communicate or attempt to communicate, with a relative or friend to inform of his whereabouts; and

(b) communicate or attempt to communicate and consult with a legal practitioner of his choice.

(3) Where the person arrested wishes to communicate or attempt to communicate with the persons referred to in paragraphs (2)(a) and (b), the police officer shall, as soon as may be, allow the arrested person to do so.

(4) Where the person arrested has requested for a legal practitioner to be consulted, the police officer shall allow a reasonable time-

(a)for the legal practitioner to be present to meet the person arrested at his place of detention; and

(b)for the consultation to take place.

(5) The consultation under subsection (4) shall be within the sight of a police officer and in circumstances, in so far as practicable, where their communication will not be overheard.

(6) The police officer shall defer any questioning or recording of any statement from the person arrested for a reasonable time until the communication or attempted communication under paragraph 2(b) or the consultation under subsection (4) has been made.

(7) The police officer shall provide reasonable facilities for the communication and consultation under this section and all such facilities provided shall be free of charge.

(8) The requirements under subsections (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) and (7) shall not apply where the police officer reasonably believes that

(a) compliance with any of the requirements is likely to result in

(i) an accomplice of the person arrested taking steps to avoid apprehension; or

(ii) the concealment, fabrication or destruction of evidence or the intimidation of a witness; or

(b) having regard to the safety of other persons the questioning or recording of any statement is so urgent that it should not be delayed.

(9) Subsection (8) shall only apply upon authorization by a police officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.

(10) The police officer giving the authorization under subsection (9) shall record the grounds of belief of the police officer that the conditions specified under subsection (8) will arise and such record shall be made as soon as practicable.

(11) The investigating officer shall comply with the requirements under subsections (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) and (7) as soon as possible after the conditions specified under subsection (8) have ceased to apply where the person arrested is still under detention under this section or under section 117.

[Ins. Act A1274; Subs. Act A1304]

50% salary for 8 months for the unemployed...M'sia should follow Thailand in this

Even more for those who lose their jobs - this is something that Malaysia should put in place to help people.

Malaysia seem to be more interested in helping companies and big businesses - not so much the individual persons.

See also earlier post, entitled If you lose your job, SOCSO pays you for 6 months maximum in Thailand

The cabinet agreed to extend the unemployment compensation period for laid-off workers from six months to eight months, Deputy Government Spokesman Phutthipong Punnakan said on Wednesday.

Previously, laid-off workers were to be paid for six months or 180 days, as proposed by the Ministry of Labour. However, the government decided to extend it to eight months or 240 days after knowing that about 51,000 people were discharged in December last year.

The cabinet also endorsed a 120-million-baht budget for the Office of the Permanent Secretary to organise workshops to enhance the competencies of people without jobs, according to Deputy Government Spokesman Phutthipong Punnakan.

Furthermore, the government approved a supplementary budget of 1.955 billion baht for more than 990,000 people who have registered for the Universal Health Insurance project.

Another 607-million-baht was also approved to buy back farmlands, which were previously auctioned, for 1,187 farmers. 1,140 of those farmers had their lands seized by financial institutions and banks. However, each piece of land must not cost more than 2.5 million baht. - Bangkok Post, 29/1/2009, Unemployment payment extended

Is the Minister justifying torture (as long as it does not kill)?

The law has been amended in Malaysia - and the prosecution/police generally cannot anymore use statements or confessions obtained during police custody.

113. Admission of statements in evidence.

(1) Except as provided in this section, no statement made by any person to a police officer in the course of a police investigation made under this Chapter shall be used in evidence. - Criminal Procedure Code

This law came into being recently, I believe, after there were serious concerns about the methods employed (including torture) that resulted in these 'confessions'.

There are a few exceptions, possibly like if the charge was about the making of false statements, etc

Hence, really there is no reason to 'force', 'threaten', 'beat up', 'pour boiling water', etc...to get the suspect to confess or make any statement..., is there?

Hence, we wonder what really is the reasons for 'torture' in police custody.

Maybe, the police (who may not have sufficient evidence) is just taking the law into their own hands and imposing punishment on those they feel are 'guilty'. The duty of the police is to investigate. The duty of the prosecution is to to decide whether to prosecute..and then prosecute. The duty of the court is to determine whether a person is guilty or not... and, if the court finds a person guilty, then the court shall sentence in accordance with the law.

It is very wrong for the police to arbitrarily take to 'imposing sentence' on persons - by beating, etc...and even sometimes just shooting them dead.

Presumption of Innocence Until Proven Guilty - this is something that must not only be grilled into the police but also our Home Minister ... who in his statements so far (that I have read) seem to not yet said anything calling on the police to stop using 'torture' to illicit statements from accused.

The Minister seems to be saying that it is OK - provided a person does not get killed in custody. This is not enough.

The Minister must be strong against any form of torture of persons arrested and/or in the custody of the police.

Enforcement officers are often caught in a dilemma, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.

"They are caught between protecting law-abiding citizens and ensuring that human rights are not violated in the process of enforcing the law.

"If someone dies in custody, there is no compromise. We will investigate and take action.

"Equally, it also violates human rights if criminals are allowed to hurt people. The people also have the right to feel safe and secure."

The home minister urged the public not to hail criminals as heroes and enforcement officers as demons for doing their job.- New Straits Times, 29/1/2009, Syed Hamid: Don't demonise cops

Even after the death of Kugan, the Minister sides with the police and in fact goes on to 'demonize' Kugan. Show some human decency. Show some respect. Kugan is no more here to be able to defend himself - and the Minister takes this opportunity to paint him as a 'bad criminal'. What is the Minister doing? Is he trying to say it is OK for the police to torture...to kill persons in custody?

Syed Hamid said initial investigations into Kugan's arrest revealed that the deceased had links to a gang which was believed to be involved in 19 robberies.

He said three of the gang members, including Kugan, were arrested but the gang leader was still at large.

Described as violent and dangerous, the gang is top on the police's wanted list.

"The gang, usually armed with parang, would stage an accident before robbing their victims.

"I am not pinpointing anyone, just explaining what the gang had been doing."

Syed Hamid declined to reveal evidence on the gang as investigations were still ongoing.- New Straits Times, 29/1/2009, Syed Hamid: Don't demonise cops

And, it seems that all that alleged 'beating and torture' of Kugan was worth it, as they got Kugan to give the police evidence..

He said Kugan had given information in his statement to the police, adding that police were trying to round up the gang. - New Straits Times, 29/1/2009, Syed Hamid: Don't demonise cops

Kugan's Death in Police Custody :- A Malaysian concern, not just an Indian affair (Updated)

The Kugan funeral is on the way, and I do hope that we will also see the presence of Anwar Ibrahim, Wan Azizah, Lim Kit Siang - and some of the other non-Indian political leaders. Until this time, I only seen a report that states that Teresa Kok is there. The Selangor Menteri Besar or his rep is also not there yet...

I do hope that the presence of at least the Pakatan Rakyat non-Indian leaders would prevent some from turning this from what is really a Malaysian issue into a communal issue. This is a Human Rights issue - it is about torture. It is about death in police custody - possibly even be a killing of a suspect by members of the police force.

Later, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok arrived as well.

Members of the Field Reserve Unit (FRU) and the Light Strike Force were deployed early Wednesday to Jalan Universiti to prepare for the funeral procession.

The suspected car thief had died while being questioned by police on Jan 20. - Star, 28/1/2009, Kugan funeral procession: Five arrested (Update 6)

Maybe, we will see them at the cremation site...or later on...

Updated:-

About 500 people marched behind a gold-coloured hearse carrying the body of Kugan Ananthan, who died in police custody last Tuesday.

MCPX

The procession from Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) in Petaling Jaya - where the second post-mortem was conducted on Sunday - left at 2.05pm.

The crowd marched to a Hindu cemetery some 20 kilometres away in Puchong and briefly walked pass the police station in Subang Jaya where Kugan died.

The crowd, who walked in the afternoon heat and later heavy rain, took two hours and 30 minutes to reach their destination.

The funeral procession was organised to protest police brutality, the latest of which resulted in the death of Kugan, 22.

....The procession - which had grown to about 500 people - arrived at the police station at 3.20pm - about 80 minutes after the march kicked off.

They stopped for about two minutes to shout slogans against police brutality and then continued to the cemetery in Puchong where Kugan will be buried.

However, they did not conduct any rites as previously announced.

The marchers arrived at the Puchong cemetery at 4.30pm.

. - Malaysiakini, 28/1/2009 Funeral march underway, five arrested

It was also good that the police, besides arresting 5 persons including a once-HINDRAF leader, behaved themselves.

However, when faced with the angry crowd on Wednesday, the police kept calm and continued directing traffic. - Star, 28/1/2009, Kugan funeral: Crowd gets emotional (Update 7)

With regard the 5 arrested unnecessarily during a funeral of a man who is believed to have been 'killed' by police clearly shows great disrespect - and the reason seem to be was because they were wearing 'HINDRAF' T-shirts. Is it wrong now to wear such T-shirts. I just hope that these persons be immediately released, and no further action be taken against them for their actions today - the day of Kugan's funeral.

The four were wearing t-shirts depicting the outlawed Hindu Rights Action Force movement, or Hindraf. The fifth is believed to be former Hindraf coordinator R.S. Thanendran.

The first arrests, made at the UMCC entrance about 12.15pm, came after Brickfields OCPD Asst Comm Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid had made an announcement asking the crowd disperse.

He gave the crowd up till a count to 10 to disperse, failing which he said arrests would be made. He then ordered his men to arrests the two.

They have been taken to the Brickfields police headquarters for questioning, ACP Wan Abdul Bari said. - Star, 28/1/2009, Kugan funeral: Crowd gets emotional (Update 7)

How many Deaths in Custody in Malaysia? 1,535 ...

How many Deaths in Custody in Malaysia?

According to a 8/7/2008 Bernama Report, the Dewan Rakyat was informed that there were 'there were 1,535 deaths in prisons, rehabilitation centres and detention centres for illegal immigrants between 2003 and last year.'BERNAMA , 8/7/2008 1,535 Deaths In Custody Between 2003 And Last Year

So, how many deaths in police custody... only 85 between 2003 - 2007.

Wan Ahmad Farid said according to police statistics there were 85 deaths recorded in police lock-ups during the 2003-2007 period of which 77 were due to diseases, seven due to suicide by hanging and one due to a fight in the cell. "There was only one death in police custody due to excessive force by those on duty," he said.BERNAMA , 8/7/2008 1,535 Deaths In Custody Between 2003 And Last Year

Remember that in April 2007, our Prime Minister said 108 between 2000 and 2006...

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today revealed that 108 deaths occurred during police custody between 2000 and 2006.

In a parliamentary written reply to Wong Nai Chee (BN-Kota Melaka), Abdullah, who is also internal security minister, stated that the number of deaths was highest in 2003 with 23 cases. - see earlier posting in this blog

And earlier on in February 2005,

In Malaysia "...from 1990 till September last year[2004], a total of 1,583 deaths among prisoners were recorded in 28 prisons nationwide, with the highest number in 2003 when 279 inmates died. During the same period, 150 detainees died in police lock-ups or custody" (statistics from a 49-page parliamentary written reply by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) - Feb 7, 2005,Malaysiakini (Source: Malaysia & Human Rights Website)

Remember also the 1,300 who died in those Migrant Detention Centres over the past 6 years because of inaccess to necessary healthcare..

ABOUT 1,300 illegal foreigners have died during detention in the past six years, Malaysia Nanban quoted Malaysian Human Rights (Suhakam) commissioner Datuk N. Siva Subramaniam as saying.

He said many of them died in immigration detention centres, prisons and police lockups because they were denied medical treatment at the right time. - Source: see earlier posting, About 1,300 migrants in detention died because 'denied medical treatment at the right time..."

And that is some of the information that we have.

The police can give all kinds of reasons for the deaths that occurred in their custody - illness...suicide by hanging... BUT we really need to conduct proper inquiries into these deaths. Suicide - this is almost impossible to happen, especially since there is seldom only 1 in a cell, and there is 24 hours CCTV monitoring, and prisoners are usually deprived of items of their clothings that could be used to hand themselves or 'stranggle' another... If the police investigates deaths that may have been caused by other police officers, the Malaysian public will never be fully satisfied...and there will always be a belief that there was a 'cover-up'. Remember, that police denied responsibility for Anwar's black eye for a very long time - and sadly all those who lied to us managed to get away 'scot free'. Honesty is something I no longer expect from our Malaysian police.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 (Bernama) -- The Dewan Rakyat was told Tuesday there were 1,535 deaths in prisons, rehabilitation centres and detention centres for illegal immigrants between 2003 and last year.

There were 600 deaths in drug rehabilitation centres, according to the Prisons Department records. Deputy Home Minister Senator Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh said the country's prisons had a better track record compared to prisons in the United Kingdom if that country's 'benchmarking' figures were used.

"In 2007, the number of deaths in British prisons was 183 while here there were only three.

"Most of the deaths were in hospitals, that is when the prisoners were undergoing treatment, one per cent of the deaths occurred while they were on the way to hospital and 0.5 per cent happened in the prisons," he said in reply to a supplementary question from M. Kulasegaran (DAP-Ipoh Barat).

Kulasegaran wanted to know the cause of detainees' deaths and asked if there was a special body to investigate deaths in prisons and detention centres.

Wan Ahmad Farid said according to police statistics there were 85 deaths recorded in police lock-ups during the 2003-2007 period of which 77 were due to diseases, seven due to suicide by hanging and one due to a fight in the cell.

"There was only one death in police custody due to excessive force by those on duty," he said.

He said based on medical officers' and coroners' reports, the main cause of deaths were diseases like HIV/Aids, septicaemia, pulmonary tuberculosis, cancer, heart disease, blood-related problems and asthma as well as infections of the intestines, liver, lungs and throat.

Wan Ahmad Farid said there were also deaths due to hanging, blood clots and falls in the bathrooms or toilets.

He said follow-up action taken to overcome deaths included having closed-circuit surveillance in all areas, increasing visits and patrols as well as having dialogue sessions with detainees to identify problems they faced.-- BERNAMA , 8/7/2008 1,535 Deaths In Custody Between 2003 And Last Year

Kugan Ananthan: Police, please show some respect and do not impede his funeral

What the police is doing is very wrong? It is disrespectful to the deceased and his family and friends, and other concerned Malaysians who want to pay respects and be there for his funeral.

Kugan Ananthan - the latest victim of torture and death in police custody.

Kugan, 22, who was detained on Jan 15 at the Taipan police station in Subang Jaya on suspicion of being involved in the theft of luxury cars in Sungai Chua, Kajang, died while being questioned on Jan 20. - Malaysiakini, 27/1/2009 Police warn against Kugan funeral procession

Attorney General Abdul Gani Patail said police had shown him pictures of the body taken by relatives.

"We agreed that the incident be classified as murder as there were bruises on the body," he told the New Straits Times.

"If investigations reveal that he died from being assaulted, then those responsible will be charged with murder." - Malaysiakini, 25/1/2009 - Bar Council Wants Independent Probe

Rather than suppressing any funeral procession for this latest alleged victim of police brutality and torture, the police should be facilitating to ensure that the funeral procession and ceremony proceeds peacefully without any hitches.

Remember, this is Malaysia - and it is common to see funeral processions along our roads as bodies are taken from homes to places of worship...places of cremation/burial. There is never a question of restricting numbers of persons/bereavers who take part in these funeral procession.

Hence, I do not understand the Malaysian police behavior in this instance - blocking off roads possibly to prevent family and friends to arrive and accompany the body of the deceased, possibly arresting persons for reasons like 'illegal assembly', etc. Is it because it is the police that have been implicated as the alleged killers of this person... alleged 'murderers' of this person.

I do hope that the Prime Minister...the Home Minister..maybe even call off the police (who may be too emotional considering the allegations levied against them) - and allow the funeral procession/activities of this person, allegedly killed in custody by the police, to proceed peacefully and without incident.

In fact, it would be good if the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and other concerned persons do come and be a part of the funeral proceedings - not just to be there in solidarity with the family of the deceased, but also to voice their protest against torture and violence that have allegedly resulted in the death ('murder') of this Malaysian.

Police should block traffic, as they normally do for other funeral processions, and allow funeral proceedings to be carried out smoothly.

The police have closed all roads leading to University Malaya Medical Centre in Petaling Jaya in anticipation of a funeral procession for Kugan Ananthan.

The procession from UMMC to a Hindu cemetery some 20 kilometres away in Puchong is expected to draw a large number of people.

The procession is organised as a protest against police brutality, the latest of which resulted in the death of Kugan while in police custody.

Kugan, 22, who was detained on Jan 15 at the Taipan police station in Subang Jaya on suspicion of being involved in the theft of luxury cars in Sungai Chua, Kajang, died while being questioned on Jan 20.

Selangor police chief Khalid Abu Bakar yesterday issued a warning against turning Kugan's funeral into a political rally.

He also warned those attending the funeral not to participate in any illegal gathering or carry banners and posters.

Hundreds of people have started gathering at the UMMC for the procession to kick off at 2pm. The entire place is also packed with police personnel. - Malaysiakini, 28/1/2009 - All roads to UMMC closed

Malaysians must call for the end of killing in Sri Lanka,,,and go to the aid of the victims

There is surely hundreds...maybe even thousands of civilians - men, women and children who are being killed, and injured, in Sri Lanka over the past weeks as the Sri Lankan army have been aerial bombing, bombing, shooting in their quest to regain territory held by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE).

Sadly, the attention of the international media (and even our local media have been focussed elsewhere in Gaza as these killings in Sri Lanka got on its way.

Whilst, there have been news coming out about the achievement of the Sri Lankan in gaining ground - there seem to be little or no reports on the figures/data of persons killed, injured or even captured. The access and freedom of the media seem to have been severely restricted...and this is also the case with regard to the aid organisations. All news seem to be just coming from the Sri Lankan government.

Again, we in Malaysia is called to act ... to call for the immediate stop of the violence, for a stop of the killing and injuring of persons especially civilians..in Sri Lanka.

The branding of organisations and persons as 'terrorist' by the United States, the European Community, etc..and even our own Malaysian government has possibly suppressed open calls for an end of the fighting and killing..., and even for the open collection of aid from the Malaysian publics.

Every group or organisations, who resort to the taking of arms, as one of or the only means, of fighting for freedom, independence and/or greater autonomy in governance in a particular area have sadly been branded 'terrorist'... or 'terrorist organisations'. The branding seems to be used today as a justification...or a 'moral basis' for the attacks and/or attempts to totally anhilate these groups and/or their alleged leader...Listen to how Israeli seem to justify their actions against HAMAS...and its alleged leaders.

Remember how our own Malaysian Government used 'links to terrorist organisations' as a justification from suppressing HINDRAF.

If we go back to history .... we will see that for many of countries today, those who fought for independence would have been branded 'terrorists'...and 'terrorist organisations...'. Remember America, South Africa, Vietnam,...

Thus, there must be a rejection of Bush's 'War on Terror'..., these lists of 'terrorist organisations', etc.

Whilst, we may be opposed to the use of terror tactics and violence - we must also acknowledge that sometimes this may be the last resort, and in certain limited situations may even be justified. The opposition to the use of terror methods must also not be confined to just groups not in government...but also to governments. The recent use of terror and/or 'terrorist acts' by the Israeli government in Gaza, the Sri Lankan government, the US government in Iraq...Pakistan, etc must all be criticised and condemned.

Rule of Law must agin be emphasized...i.e. the right to a fair trial, etc... You cannot just kill someone because you call him a 'terrorist'. Allegations must be proven, and those alleged must always be given the opportunity to defend against these allegations.

No more should the branding of 'X' as a terrorist be acceptable.

No more should the use of bombs/rockets in places for the purposes of killing 'X' be justified, more so when others also get killed and injured.

In any event, the time has come for Malaysia to condemn the currect actions of the Sri Lankan government which certainly is killing and injuring also innocent civilians...

The time has come again for us to go to the aid of these victims of 'terror' by the State.

Sri Lanka war 'traps thousands'

Mullaittivu, the last LTTE base, is under government control following the military's offensive [AFP] About 250,000 Sri Lankan civilians are trapped and hundreds have been killed in heavy fighting in the country's north, the International Red Cross has said. The aid organisation said on Tuesday that a major humanitarian crisis was unfolding as Sri Lanka's military continues its offensive against the country's Tamil Tiger rebels. "Hundreds of dead and scores of wounded" medical facilities in the Vanni region, the Red Cross said in a statement. "It's high time to take decisive action and stop further bloodshed because time is running out," Jacques de Maio, the group's head of operations for South Asia, said. "People are being caught in the crossfire, hospitals and ambulances have been hit by shelling and several aid workers have been injured while evacuating the wounded." The Red Cross has urgently appealed to both sides to allow civilians to leave the combat zone. "When the dust settles, we may see countless victims and a terrible humanitarian situation unless civilians are protected and international humanitarian law is respected in all circumstances," de Maio said. Neil Buhne, the UN resident co-ordinator in Sri Lanka, earlier said that reports indicated an estimated 150,000 civilians were still trapped in the jungle battle zone and were in serious danger. 'Zero civilian casualties' Sri Lanka's government insists there have been "zero civilian casualties" in its operation to crush the rebels in their last remaining bastion of Mullaittivu district. But doctors on the ground say this is far from the case. "Three dead bodies of civilians were brought in on Tuesday and 15 more admitted injured due to the heavy shelling," T Satyamurthy, the director of Udaiyaarkaddu hospital, was quoted by the AFP news agency as saying. Most of Mullaittivu district is now under government control following the military's offensive. Tony Birtley, Al Jazeera's correspondent who visited Mullaitivu under the oversight of the army, said the the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), who are fighting for the creation of an independent Tamil state in northern Sri Lanka, appeared to have fled the town. "There are no civilians, just stray cows and members of the Sri Lankan army division which took this town. "Although the Tamil Tigers seem to be retreating, they seem to be putting up some resistance. "The civilians appear to be retreating with the Tamil Tigers. "The government is saying they are being forced to - that they are being used as human shields - but we don't know that for certain." Government denial In an interview with Birtley, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the Sri Lankan defence minister, said that government forces exercised extreme caution during the offensive and only fired on Tamil Tiger rebels. He dismissed the claims of civilian deaths as LTTE propaganda, insisting that no civilians have died in the recent fighting, and that reports to the contrary should not be believed. "We don't use indirect fire unless we are 100 per cent certain that those are LTTE camps or bases ... This is all LTTE propaganda," Rajapaksa said. The official death toll is unknown as medical officials have said they have been ordered by the health ministry in Colombo not to reveal casualty figures. No journalists are allowed into combat zones on their own. - Al-Jazeera, 27/1/2009

Hypocritical PM so worried about Malaysians in Guantanamo - but not about the hundreds of Detainees Without Trial in Malaysia

Hypocrisy or what..

Our good Prime Minister must really be looking at shutting down Kamunting Detention Centre - and ending Detention Without Trial in Malaysia.

Malaysia is seeking permission from the United States government to allow its police officers to meet two Malaysians being held at the controversial Guantanamo military prison whose closure was ordered by President Barack Obama, said Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

He said Malaysia would like to know what would happen to its two nationals who were among about 250 inmates of Guantanamo, many of whom have been held for years without trial.

"If possible, we'd like to bring both of them home so that they could continue to serve their sentences in Malaysia," he told Malaysian journalists covering his visit to the United Arab Emirates here yesterday.

Abdullah lauded the decision by the new American president to close down the facility in Guantanamo, Cuba, within a year.

"President Obama's decision must have gone down well with many countries and Malaysia too is happy because he has fulfilled his promise," he said.

Besides closing the Guantanamo prison, Obama also ordered a halt to harsh interrogation of terrorism suspects as he sought to restore the US image abroad. - Bernama, 24/1/2009, Malaysia Seeks Info On Two Guantanamo Detainees

I am shocked that the Malaysian government is only NOW sending its people to meet the two Malaysians in that US prison..Surely, our country has a policy and practice that will require the Malaysian government to immediately get in touch with persons arrested/detained in other countries. If Malaysia did not meet up with them 2 detained Malaysians before this - this is definitely a failure of the UMNO led-BN government in its obligations to its citizens.

Now most of them in Guantanamo Bay are being held without trial .... and even those that have been 'tried', these trials have been criticized as not at all being fair. So, it is shocking that our PM wants to bring the 2 Malaysians so that they can continue to serve their sentence here in Malaysia...

Does that mean that if they have been detained without trial - they will be sent immediately to Kamunting Detention Centre (or some other Detention Centre in Malaysia) that detains people without trial.

So, if they have been 'tried' and 'sentenced' - Malaysia will be keeping them in prison for the duration of their sentence... really our PM must think before he makes a statement, for if not he comes out looking like a fool...and it also reflects on all Malaysians.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told Bernama that Malaysia would like to know what would happen to its two nationals who were among about 250 inmates in Guantanamo Bay prison, many of whom have been held for years without trial.

"If possible, we'd like to bring both of them home so that they can continue to serve their sentences in Malaysia," he told Malaysian journalists covering his visit to the United Arab Emirates in Dubai yesterday.- Malaysiakini, 24/1/2009, PM wants M'sian detainees home

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi must follow the actions of Obama - and release all being detapined without trial, close Kamunting and other Detention Centres, and definitely ban torture in Malaysia. It is time for Malaysia at the very least to ratify/sign the United Nations Convention Against Torture.

Torture in Malaysia...
- Police are allegedly throwing boiling water on Detainees
- Police are causing the death/killing persons in their custody
(Need I say more - as there are just too many examples of torture in Malaysia recently..)

End torture in Malaysia - Mr. PM

By the way, one good thing that you, Mr PM, could do before you resign is to free all those currently being detained without trial in Malaysia. Think about it.

Cabinet...not the Minister that wants to ban '...the use of the word 'Allah' ..." , interesting

If I have been praying in Bahasa Melayu - as a Christian I also use the word Allah to refer to my God...as the name that I call my God - but now it seems that the Malaysian Courts are going to decide whether I, a non-Muslim, can call God ... Allah or not.

I do not think so.

This is a question of faith ...of matters between me and my God - and surely no court of law, or some Minister or some government is going to tell me how I am to address my own God. My God is Allah. I believe in Allah. I pray to Allah...

To even suggest that some words cannot be used by others but by only one particular ethnic or religious group is nonsense.

For a long time, many felt that it was just the 'narrow-minded' home Minister and his Minisitry who were behind the call to ban Catholics and Christians ...and Sikhs from using the word 'Allah' - but it seems that it is coming from the cabinet - the UMNO-led BN cabinet, where we also have Ministers from MCA, MIC, etc....

The Home Ministry may take legal action against the Catholic weekly, Herald, over its continued use of the word "Allah" in this week's issue.

Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar warned that the show of defiance could cause conflict and anger among other races in the country.

"We should abide by the law and the government's decision. The decision to ban the use of the word 'Allah' in its publication does not come from the ministry but from the cabinet.

"If anything happens, then don't put the blame on us. I will refer this matter to our legal unit." - New Straits Times, 23/1/2009, Syed Hamid warns the 'Herald'

Mind you - this is a question of faith - a question of religion...and it is best that this rather 'ignorant' Malaysian Prime Minisiter and Cabinet do seriously consider their threats and actions - it is best for all that this issue to be dropped soonest.

All Malaysian Christians, Catholics and Sikhs, and also all Malaysian Muslims and Hindus, who see this attempted ban on the usage of the term 'Allah' as wrong should go forth and lobby their respective Cabinet members.

The weekly's editor, Father Lawrence Andrew, was quoted by AFP as saying on Tuesday that he intended to continue doing so until the court rules on the issue next month.

"We find this restriction on the use of 'Allah' unacceptable when we have been using it as a translation for the word 'God' for centuries in Malaysia," he was quoted as saying.

The government last month ordered a ban on the Herald's Malay edition until the court makes its decision, as part of conditions for it to be allowed to continue publishing in English, Chinese and Tamil.

Andrew had also said Munshi Abdullah, the father of modern Malay literature, translated the Bible into Malay in 1852 and he also translated the word "God" as "Allah".

"So, there is strong historical proof of what has been used for centuries. - New Straits Times, 23/1/2009, Syed Hamid warns the 'Herald'

Note that it is only UMNO ...BN that is making this an issue. PAS (which has always been painted as Islamic extremist) have no issue about Christians and others using the word Allah...

Who brought up this 'sensitive issue' Mr Minsiter? Let us not forget that it is the government that did it when they tried to place restrictions on the usage of the word 'Allah'.

Why now - we wonder? Is it another desperate attampt to lobby back the support of Muslims in Malaysia?

Look at MIC...it is great that they are finally getting concerned about 'death in police custody'...but I wonder whether it is real concern - or just another attempt to get back Malaysian Indian support...

If you lose your job, SOCSO pays you for 6 months maximum in Thailand

45,000...then 170,000...now maybe even more workers in Malaysia will lose their jobs, but the concern is whether they would be entitled to receive any payment/benefits from the government during this time when they do not have a job.

Interestingly, the Social Security Scheme in our neighbouring Thailand do provide for workers who have lost their jobs unemployment benefits (i.e. 50% salary - but not more than RM1,5000) for at least 180 days (6 months)...

Even if you resign, you are entitled to 30% salary for 180 days...

Malaysia, unfortunately do not have such a good scheme in place, BUT we must have our laws amended, implement to ensure such a scheme for the benefit of workers, their families/dependents...

Having made contributions towards unemployment for not less than 6 months within a period of 15 months prior to unemployment

Terms and conditions giving rise to the entitlement:
1. Must apply for registration of the unemployed at the State Unemployment Office within 30 days without having to wait for the Unemployment Certificate from the Employer as to declare the entitlement tentatively.

2. Is capable of performing the work and is ready to take on suitable job as offered.

3. Must not reject the job training.

4. Must report to the Employment Office for not less than 1 time per month.

5. The unemployed must not be terminated from employment thanks to:
- Dishonest on duty;
- Commission of criminal offense to the detriment of the employer;
- Serious infringement upon working rules, or regulation or lawful working order;
- Abandoning the duty for 7 days consecutively without good reasons;
- Recklessness which causes serious harms to the Employer;
- Having been sentenced to imprisonment by Court judgment.

6. Must not be the person entitled to old age benefit.

7. Shall be entitled to receiving the benefit starting from the 8th day from the date of unemployment with the last employer.

8. Is not a voluntary insured under Section 39.

The Entitlement Benefits you shall receive:

In case of termination of employment:
- Unemployment benefit for not more 180 days per year at the rate of 50 % of the wage calculated on the basis of maximum contributions of 15,000 Baht.

In case of resignation:
- Unemployment benefit for not more than 90 days per year at the rate of 30 percent of the wage calculated on the basis of maximum amount of contributions but not more than 15,000 Baht shall be payable. If in the duration of 1 year, there was more than 1 application for the unemployment benefit, the counting of the unemployment benefit receiving period in total shall not exceed 180 days; the compensation benefit for loss of income shall be paid on monthly installment basis by crediting to the Bank Account as notified by the Insured.

Source: Thailand Social Security Office website

Now, this should be over and above the normal benefits available to Malaysian workers pursuant to the Employment (Termination and Lay–Off Benefits) Regulations, 1980, but note that this benefit is only available '...to an employee who has been employed under a continuous contract of service for a period of not less than twelve months ending with the relevant date..'. What about others that do not fall within this category? - and noting the changing practices of employment practiced by Malaysian employers in recent years. In short, our provisions in law of the termination or lay-off benefits is seriously lacking.

6. Amount of termination or lay-off benefits payment.

(1) Subject to the provisions of these Regulations, the amount of termination or lay-off benefits payment to which an employee is entitled in any case shall not be less than —

(a) ten days’ wages for every year of employment under a continuous contract of service with the employer if he has been employed by that employer for a period of less than two years; or

(b) fifteen days’ wages for every year of employment under a continuous contract of service with the employer if he has been employed by that employer for two years or more but less than five years; or

(c) twenty days’ wages for every year of employment under a continuous contract of service with the employer if he has been employed by that employer for five years or more,

and pro-rata as respect an incomplete year, calculated to the nearest month.

Now, the law in Malaysia provides for termination and lay-off benefits, but alas the workers, even though entitled, may not get anything... and our Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) did in 1998 try to propose the setting up of National Retrenchment Scheme under SOCSO/Perkeso (Social Security Organisation). However, MTUC's concern was primarily '...when companies voluntarily wind up their operations, abruptly close down their business without prior notice, are put under receivership or relocate their operations to other countries...' But alas, I do not think our UMNO-led BN government which seem to be more concerned about the welfare of companies and their oweners, rather than those of the workers, their families and their dependents did anything about that at all.

But, moving on, we have to amend our laws so that the welfare of those unemployed and their families/dependents are taken care off. For a start, the provision of benefits to the unemployed (as is already practiced in neighbouring Thailand) for at least 6 months should be made law in Malaysia.

We want definite rights to such benefits in law in Malaysia.

I hope that the Pakatan Rakyat and other concerned parties also campaign for this.

Why is DAP behaving like UMNO/BN? Freedom of Opinion and expression must be allowed

One DAP appointed Shah Alam City Councillor's made a call for the ban on lotttery sales - and the DAP is going to take disciplinary actions against him.

What happened to freedom of opinion and freedom of expression...

Does it mean that if you are a DAP MP, a DAP ADUN ...and now a DAP appointed Local Councillor, then you lose your freedom of opinion and expression... [Surely not only the DAP head honchos have a right to express their opinions. Surely, it does not mean that before you make any statement or 'call' - you must first refer to the party leadership and party policies...]

Soon, will action be taken against those who support good ideas/proposals that come from other political parties...

I hope not... I hope that this is just a case of 'bad reporting' by the NST...

Disciplinary action will be taken against a DAP councillor from Shah Alam over his call to ban all lottery sales in Selangor.

Party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said Ang Leng Kiat's proposal was not the party's policy. He, however, did not elaborate on the kind of action to be taken.

Early this week, Ang proposed that the Shah Alam City Council withdraw licenses already issued and to discontinue the issuance of new permits to lottery outlets. He had also stressed that his suggestion was not related to political or religious considerations, but was solely aimed at solving social problems linked to gambling.

Selangor DAP chairman Ean Yong Hian Wah had since distanced the party from the decision. Ean, the Seri Kembangan assemblyman and Selangor state executive councillor, said any such ban would not eradicate social problems.

The party had requested Ang to retract his suggestion, as banning the lottery industry would create controversy. - New Straits Times, 21/1/2009, Action against DAP councillor who called for lottery ban

I am of the opinion that anyone and every person is entitled to his own right of opinion and has the freedom of expression.

This Ang Leng Kiat should not even be asked to withdraw his suggestion...that is his position, and he has a right to hold on to it or change it. What needs to be clarified is that Ang's statement does not reflect the official DAP position - and that has already been done by Lim Guan Eng.

If it is a political party member who makes a statement that is contrary to the party position - that should be allowed. Of course, the party leadership can come out and clarify that what was expressed was a personal position - not a party position. That is all - there should not be any disciplinary proceeding or action commenced against such individual.

When Guan Eng made a statement calling for the reduction of the number of lottery draws - was that in line with party position? Was there even any policy about lottery, and/or lottery draws within the DAP? I do not recall seeing a statement of various policies on various matters in the DAP website - maybe there should be something like that in the website of DAP...and maybe even all political parties - so that we all can clearly see what are your current policies on different matters. Transparency....

Last November, Lim had asked the government to consider reducing the number of lottery draws from 10 to six. He had said that he felt this was necessary as having 10 lottery draws a week was too many and that it would deplete the income of many families, especially in view of the current economic situation.

There are now three draws from Magnum, three from Damacai and four from Sports Toto in a week. - New Straits Times, 21/1/2009, Action against DAP councillor who called for lottery ban

Worse still was the fact that this was not even an MP or an ADUN - but a City Councillor. I did not know that we had DAP appointed councillors, PKR appointed councillors, etc - I thought it was all Pakatan Rakyat appointed councillors...Maybe Ang was 'appointed' by PAS or PKR - how did the NST know? In any event, Local Councils should be operating as Local Councillors irrespective of who proposed their name ...or got them appointed.

By the way, when will the Local Council elections be..or have Pakatan Rakyat forgotten about it...

When will we be having elections for the Penghulu, the Kampung/Kampung Baru/Taman heads and committees in the Pakatan Rakyat states...

We can also have elections for our Senators ... maybe the PR States should start...

We want greater democracy - which will also mean greater accountability and transparency...

Solve the problem of elderly Malaysians - and the 170,000 who may lose their jobs soon..

It would be good, if anyone out there have a solution as to what can be done to help look into the well-being and welfare of senior citizens in Malaysia, who are currently not covered by any pension plan. This would generally be current employees. The other category that need to be considered in the group that is currently self employed.

How do they deal with this concern in other countries? Is there some good model out there that we too can follow.

Maybe, persons after the age of 55, who are no longer employed or have no reasonable source of income should be paid monthly survival allowances.

Maybe, we should have free healthcare - so that all can afford.

Maybe, we should also have home-healthcare especially for the elderly who have difficulty traveling and getting to hospitals. Maybe, we should start having travelling doctors/medical assistants, who will be going round making regular visits to the elderly.

Maybe, we need cheaper public transport - and even special discounted rates for all elderly persons.

We need to start thinking about this - and putting in place the necessary structures and mechanisms from now on.

Subramaniam also said the government was considering the proposed pension plan for private sector retirees to overcome the problem of needy senior citizens.

"There are many facing financial difficulties, especially in the private sector. After they retire at 55, they receive an EPF payment of RM33,000. However, the money is all spent within a year or two," he said.

He said one source of the problem was the breakdown of the traditional extended family.

"Normally, they depend on their children to look after them, but this does not happen today. This creates a situation where poverty exists among senior citizens and they are forced to turn to the welfare department and Socso for assistance with the hope of qualifying for invalidity pension," he said.

He said that more than 80% of applicants for the disability pension did not qualify.

He expects the problem to get worse. "The lifespan of Malaysians is increasing to about 70 to 75 years. We need to ensure that they have financial freedom. The question is, how do we do that," said Subramaniam. - Sun, 18/1/2009 - 45,000 to be laid off, says Subramaniam

“The ministry is thinking about senior citizens who can no longer work and have used up their EPF money. We need a system to help them,” he said. - Star, 19/1/2008 -Another 45,000 hit by global slowdown

It is good that the UMNO-led BN government finally is showing some concern about this group of persons - the elderly. In good old America, persons in this category makes up the bulk of the homeless - the 4th world. We certainly do not want to be heading that way.

Our next concern is for those who are going to lose their jobs...income...The papers talked about 45,000 - but today in TV, they were talking about 170,000

When persons lose their job/s - or stop getting their pay - or start getting reduced pay - what happens? Many have fixed obligations - like paying off their car loan, paying off their housing loan - but wait, would default in payments mean legal action by the bank, repossession of cars, sale of homes,... Would it also not mean that persons, the borrower/guarantors may be made bankrupt. Would it mean water cuts, electricity cuts, telephone/internet cuts - and we all know that today it happens very fast - with all these companies also charging fees for re-connection? So, what is the government doing about this?

True acceptance of people's choice must translalte into equal treatment of peoples' representatives irrespective of party affliations

The people's choice of their Member of Parliament(M) or Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) should be respected.

The people should never be penalized by the Federal Government (or State Government) if they choose persons not from the ruling coalition government.

BARISAN Nasional and Umno accept the decision of the voters in the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election with an open heart and mind, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said here yesterday. - New Straits Times, 19/1/2009 - PM: It's people's choice

But Mr Prime Minister - your's and BN's actions in the past really do not indicate a 'true' acceptace of the people's choice.

Opposition MP's(and ADUNs) are not given the same privilege, recognition and respect by the BN Federal and State governments. BN MP get money that they can use for small development projects in their constituency - whilst opposition MPs do not get this. This kind of behaviour does not reflect 'true acceptance' of the peoples' choice.

In Trengganu, when opposition won - their oil royalty money suddenly stopped flowing. When BN wins back the State, the money starts to flow again. This was not an 'accepting of the people's choice'.

I just hope that you (and the BN) would change your ways and this time, you speak the truth - and it is not pure hypocrisy as in the past. Hope that your actions will show.

Every MP and/or ADUN should be treated equally by the Federal/State government concerned irrespective of the person's party affliations.

Should Malaysia boycott the US Presidential inaugration?

I am thinking that Malaysia must clearly indicate its protest in the part that the US have been playing in the Palestinian crisis - where so many innocent lives could have been saved if the US had acted justly.

One way that Malaysia can demonstrate its unhappiness is by not attending the next US President's inauguration. After all, Obama was also pretty silent on the Gaza crisis - when hundreds were being killed - 1, 300 Palestinians and 13 Israelis.

For at least 12 hours tomorrow, Ilango Karuppannan will be the envy of many Malaysians.

The Charge d’Affaires of the Malaysian Embassy in Washington DC will proudly represent Malaysia at the historic inauguration of Barack Obama at Capitol Hill.

Later in the evening, he will attend a ball where the guest list consists of the “who’s who” of Washington.

Ilango: ‘I am indeed blessed to represent Malaysia.

“I am indeed blessed to represent Malaysia,” said Ilango, who will be going to the ceremony with his wife Nirmala Devi. - Star, 19/1/2009 - Ilango to represent Malaysia at Obama’s inauguration

Or is the fact that our PM, DPM or any other Minister is not going already the 'protest' by Malaysia...

I also note that there is some book launch coming up on or about 21/1/2009 where the US Ambassador is the guest of honour - should we not give this US Government this honour in protest of the role played by the US in the recent Gaza Crisis - and the whole Palestinian issue?

Ceasefire in Gaza - but Boycott of American Products must continue until justice is done..

There is a ceasefire now in Gaza - but over the last 22 days, some 1,300 Palestinians lost their lives & 13 Israelis lost their lives.

So, do we stop our protests, candle light vigils and boycotts now....I say 'NO'.

Should we all forget the role that US has played in this whole affair - its discriminatory behavior - its unjust actions.

When Iraq stepped into Kuwait, it was made a big deal by the US - and Iraq was invaded, its government ousted - and Iraq was and is still occupied by the US.

When Israel invaded lands that the UN decided will be Palestine in 1948, when they invaded parts of Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt ... etc, and still refuses to abide countless UN Security Council resolutions, and UN General Assembly resolutions - US not only turns a blind eye to all the 'bad' things Israel does, but has also used its 'veto power in the UN Security Council' and its other powers to prevent justice for the Palestinian people and the region. US behaviour with regard to Israel is unacceptable and very wrong.

Do we still boycott US products - as a personal protest against the US --- YES.

What are the products that is identified with USA?

KFC - Kentucky Fried Chicken

Mc Donalds

Coca Cola

Marlboro

and more....

In reality, today many people many non-Americans may own shares and interest in these companies, but that really is secondary..

Some people said that it is impossible to boycott all American products because it is all around us...and it is near impossible to boycott everything

Hence, we have to choose a few and boycott it - and that is what we did in the past..

The removal of Coca-Cola from thousands of restaurants in Malaysia in protest at US support for Israel will hurt the local economy, the company has said.

The drinks company was responding to boycotts of US-made goods called by Muslim groups in Malaysia.

Malaysia has called at the United Nations for action to stop the Israeli offensive in Gaza.

Former leader Mahathir Mohamad has also called for a global boycott of the US dollar and US products.

"As everybody else, we are deeply touched by the human side of the situation in the Middle East," Kadri Taib, Coca-Cola Malaysia public affairs and communications director, said in a statement.

"Given the local nature of our business, we believe that calls for boycotts of our products are not the appropriate way to further any causes, as they primarily hurt the local economy, local businesses and local citizens," the company said.

It added that the beverage company employs some 1,700 Malaysians, 60% of whom are Malay Muslims.

Muslim protest

The boycott, aimed at US support of Israel which has mounted the offensive in Gaza, is spearheaded by the Malaysian Islamic Consumers Association as well as the Muslim Restaurant Operators Association.

If you stop accepting US currency, the US can't trade and can't make any money, it will become very poor and it will have to stop the production of more and more weapons in order to kill people. People must act... they won't die if they don't drink Coca-Cola Dr Mahathir Mohamad, former Malaysian prime minister

More than 2,000 Muslim restaurants in Malaysia have said they would remove Coca-Cola from their menus from Friday.

Ma'mor Osman, secretary-general of the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association which is leading the campaign, said about 100 other products have been identified, ranging from food to beauty and clothing such as Starbucks, Colgate, McDonald's and Maybelline.

"A boycott is the best way for us to protest Zionist cruelty against the Palestinian people as consumers can weaken the economy of countries like Israel and its ally, the US," he said.

Leadership support

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir had earlier called for a boycott of US currency and goods.

"If you stop accepting US currency, the US can't trade and can't make any money, it will become very poor and it will have to stop the production of more and more weapons in order to kill people," he said on Monday.

"We should not be buying all these weapons from the US, we can buy from the Russians if we must have aeroplanes and things like that," he added.

"People must act... they won't die if they don't drink Coca-Cola," he said.

"We urge everybody who loves peace and is against war to support our campaign. We must send a clear signal to Israel to stop the assaults in Gaza," he said.

Malaysia's current Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi has called for sanctions on Israel, saying the international community has a "moral duty" to save the Palestinian people.

He said that Israel's "excessive deployment of military power" in its air and ground offensive on Gaza since 27 December was "absolutely immoral".

In the conflict, so far 770 Palestinians and 14 Israelis have been killed, with thousands wounded. - BBC, 9/1/2009, Gaza prompts boycott in Malaysia

Of course, this was a BBC report - and see how they tried to dissuade persons from boycotting (or were they doing a 'balanced report') - "As everybody else, we are deeply touched by the human side of the situation in the Middle East," Kadri Taib, Coca-Cola Malaysia public affairs and communications director, said in a statement.

"Given the local nature of our business, we believe that calls for boycotts of our products are not the appropriate way to further any causes, as they primarily hurt the local economy, local businesses and local citizens," the company said.

It added that the beverage company employs some 1,700 Malaysians, 60% of whom are Malay Muslims.'

It saddened me when the Selangor Menteri Besar also is against the boycott.

Malaysians must not simply boycott all products from United States or Israel as these may be partly owned by Muslims or locals.

Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said Malaysians should instead study carefully the list of products they intended to boycott in the wake of Israel’s attack on Palestinians in Gaza.

“The products may be owned not just by the Israelis or the Americans.

“Brands like McDonald’s and Coca Cola are not totally owned by Israeli or American groups, but their shares are owned even by Muslim countries, including bumiputras in Malaysia. - Star, 10/1/2009, S’gor MB: Be careful about the boycott of US goods

The Selangor MB also revealed a disturbing fact that Malaysians, including Muslims, may also have shares and interest in some of these US products/entities. Interestingly, it may also be the case with regard to Israeli owned companies and products.

This is a problem. Is all that is important only MONEY and wealth?

I urge all Malaysians who have interest in these selected American products/entities and Israeli products/entities to dispose of their shares and interest as sign of protest against the injustice that continues to happen to the Palestinian people.

People have choices - and it is disappointing that people do not consider principles, values, human rights record, etc when it comes to deciding where they invest their money...with the hope of making more money.

Khalid was the former CEO of Guthrie, and he would have most likely been involved in the eviction of plantation workers from job and homes. Peoples' lives and need is not important - only profits and the good of the company.

Now, he is the Menteri Besar - a wakil rakyat (peoples' representative) - and yet he is still driven by the more important values and principles...

Thankfully, the Perak MB got it right ...

The state government yesterday launched a RM1 million fund for Palestine and called on the people of the state to boycott United States-made products. - New Straits Times, 11/1/2009,Nizar: Boycott US-made goods

The Pahang Menteri Besar's position was this...

Individuals who want to support the call to boycott US currency and American-made products can do so at their own accord, Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said.

Adnan said although he had yet to meet up with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, he supported the former premier’s call to initiate the campaign.

“Of course it is up to the individual who feel strongly about Israel’s attacks on Palestine to do something to show their disapproval.

“I do support the campaign but we must also remember that United States is one of our largest trading partners. - Star, 10/1/2009, Boycott US products on your own accord, says Mentri Besar

We must not be silent just because 'United States is one of our largest trading partners'... or because it is very powerful.

Our position and actions must always be to uphold the cause of justice without fear or favour.

One thing that I like about a boycott is that it gives individual Malaysians another means to express their protest, and if KFC, McDonalds, Starbucks, Coca Cola, etc suddenly see their sales and profits affected - this will also mean that these American/Israeli owned/controlled companies would also have to join in the struggle to ensure that justice be done.

Thailand may have caused the death of about 300 Rohingya refugees - Malaysia must act.

The allegation that more or less 300 Rohingya refugees may have died at sea when Thailand authorities put them back to sea during this monsoon period is getting more attention from rights groups.

The attention to this incident was also raised in a Burmese protest in Kuala Lumpur on 14/1/2009.

See also related earlier post - 325 Rohingyan Refugees feared death when authorities allegedly put them back to sea - Burmese demo in KL 14/1/2009

Human rights groups said today they were appalled at accusations that the Thai government sent hungry and desperate refuge-seekers from a Burmese ethnic minority back to the sea to die.

MCPX

David Mathieson, an expert on Burma with New York-based Human Rights Watch, said the treatment of the Rohingya - a Muslim group from Arakan state in Burma near the Bangladesh border - was "completely unacceptable."

"These are really serious allegations that need to be investigated by the UN and the Thai government," he told AFP.

"They are not allowed to act this way and I don't think this is an isolated incident."

Accounts from activists and media have emerged in the past days of about 400 ethnic Rohingya landing in southern Thailand last year after fleeing Burma, only to be towed to sea and cast adrift by the Thai navy.

The Indian coast guard in December rescued about 100 people believed to be from the same group near a remote island chain in the Bay of Bengal, but a search for the remaining 300 was unsuccessful, Indian officials said at the time.

Navy denies allegation

The Thai navy yesterday denied allegations that they sent the Rohingya adrift, and the Foreign Ministry said it was investigating the claims.

A researcher with London-based Amnesty International said that Thailand had obligations under international law to screen asylum-seekers to determine if they were at risk of abuse back home.

"There reports, if true, would implicate the Thai military in extremely serious violations of the human right to food, to seek asylum and potentially the human right to life itself," said Amnesty's Benjamin Zawacki.

"Those determined to not be refugees cannot simply be pushed back into sea with their hands tied, effectively left to die. These reports need to be immediately and thoroughly investigated."

Local human rights organisations including advocacy group the Arakan Project said that a number of Rohingya landed on southern Thailand's Andaman coast late last year, only to be sent adrift with little food and water.

The Bangkok Post newspaper on Sunday carried an account from survivors.

"We were tied up and put into a boat without an engine ... we were then towed into the high seas by a motor boat and set adrift," survivor Zaw Min told the paper.

Rights groups say the Rohingya face religious and ethnic persecution from Burma's military regime, forcing thousands of them to take to rickety boats each year to try to escape poverty and oppression. - Malaysiakini, 19/1/2009 - Thailand accused of leaving refugees to die at sea

It may have happened in Thailand - and the victims may not be Malaysians but Malaysia must take up this issue and demand an investigation, and if found to be true an explanation.

Thailand, being a member of ASEAN also is a signatory of the Bangkok Declaration that stresses humane treatment - and sending them out to sea during this dangerous times is certainly not humane.

KT - Are people saying that Najib can be Presiden UMNO - but not PM Malaysia?

After GE2008, UMNO-led BN had 140 seats in Parliament

When SAPP left BN, they were left with 138 seats..

With the loss in Kuala Trengganu, they now only have 137 seats..

The Opposition(PKR + DAP + PAS) now have 82 seats in Parliament.

There are 3 Independents, i.e. Ibrahim Ali, and 2 MPs from SAPP

Barisan Nasional (BN) kehilangan satu lagi kerusi Parlimen apabila calonnya, Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh gagal mempertahankan kerusi Kuala Terengganu dalam pilihanraya kecil yang diadakan hari ini.

Sebelum ini, BN kehilangan dua kerusi Parlimen apabila Parti Maju Sabah (SAPP) mengambil tindakan keluar dari gabungan tersebut.

Dengan itu, BN kini mempunyai 137 kerusi di Parlimen. Ekoran kemenangan hari ini, PAS pula kini mempunyai 23 kerusi Parlimen.

Dalam pilihanraya kecil hari ini, calon PAS, Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut menang dengan majoriti 2,631 undi.

Beliau mendapat 32,883 undi manakala Wan Ahmad Farid mendapat 30,252 undi. Calon bebas, Calon bebas, Azharudin Mamat pula mendapat 193 undi.

Seramai 79.3 peratus pemilih keluar mengundi hari ini.

Dengan itu, pembangkang pula kini mempunyai 82 kerusi Parlimen dan tiga calon bebas - Datuk Ibrahim Ali dan dua ahli Parlimen SAPP.

Selepas pilihanraya umum lalu, BN memenangi 140 kerusi Parlimen, PKR (31 termasuk kerusi PSM), DAP (28) dan PAS (22).- Malaysiakini, 17/1/2009 - BN kini tinggal 137 kerusi Parlimen

In March 2008, the BN won by a majority of 628 - and now it LOST with the PAS candidate that emerged victorious getting a majority of 2,631.

For a by-election, when the full strength and resources of the BN is used, this win by the opposition Pakatan Rakyat is indeed very significant.

The results also indicate a further decline in the support of an UMNO-led BN government, and thus even the potential resignation of the current PM in March 2009 is not sufficient for the BN to regain the support of the people.

The fact that Najib will be the next President of UMNO...the next head of BN...and maybe even the next Prime Minister of Malaysia seemed to have not worked. In fact, the erosion in support indicates that people do want him as PM, etc... (Remember, this is a Parliamentary seat in Terengganu, which is governed by the BN. If this happened in Selangor, Penang...some State held by the Opposition, it would not have been so significant...). Note also that the majority was not a few hundred but 2,631...

Maybe Mohd Najib Razak should seriously consider someone else as the next Prime Minister. Of course, he can be the President of UMNO - but he need not be PM.

Pakatan's KT victory happens despite the many 'difficulties', 'disagreements' and 'fights' between the Pakatan parties.

Are Malaysians saying that they do prefer Pakatan Rakyat, with all its teething problems, compared to that 'clean, efficient, trustworthy' BN, with its 50 plus years of experience governing the country? I believe that they are...

Will Najib, the 'Grandmaster of Elections' succeed in keeping KT, a BN seat?

Super Mohd Najib Razak

In 1999 General Elections - he won by a majority of 241

Then the number of voters increased substantially, and Najib have been continued winning with bigger majorities.

In 2004, he won by a majority of 22,922

In 2008, he wins by a majority of 26,464

Even, when the general tide was against BN - Mohd Najib Razak increased his majority...

GE2008:

P85 - PEKAN Turnout : 47869 (82.2%) Spoilt: 1261 Voters: 58217
* Mohd Najib Abdul Razak (BN - UMNO)	36262	Maj: 26464
Khairul Anuar Ahmad Zainudin (OPP - PKR)	9798

GE2004

Mohd Najib Abdul Razak (BN - UMNO)	31956	Maj: 22922
Zakaria Dahlan (OPP - PAS)	9034

General Elections 1999
Ramli Mohamed (OPP PAS)			12907
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak (BN UMNO)			13148
Total Votes cast	% Votes cast	Spoilt Votes	Majority Votes
26055	73.2	631	241

Well, when results all over the country in GE2008 saw an increase in votes for the opposition and a decrease of votes for the BN candidate - Mohd Najib Abdul Razak saw an increase. Either, the constituents really liked this man OR...

Now, Najib, the 'Grandmaster of Elections' sits perched comfortably as the next President of UMNO in March 2009 - and as such the head of the BN....and maybe the next Prime Minister of the country...and as such will this factor ensure a BN victory in KT, remembering that in GE2008 the BN won this seat.

I say, maybe the next Prime Minister...because it is never automatic - it depends on who has the most support among the MPs when there is a vacancy after Abdullah Ahmad Badawi resigns (that is, if he resigns....).

KT: Are KT Votes for sale? or not.

Who was giving out money to voters for their votes?

The Election Commission's position would likely be that it is OK - no problem as long as it is not the candidate and/or his/her agent.

Political parties are not committing an offence by holding dinners as part of their activities in Kuala Terengganu by-election campaign, according to the Election Commission (EC).

MCPX

EC deputy chairperson Wan Ahmad Wan Omar said the provisions of the Election Offences Act 1954 refers to only the conduct of a candidate standing for election and to the candidate's agent.

"It is not fair to blame the candidate for something that is sometimes beyond his influence or control," said Wan Ahmad told a press conference at the Kuala Terengganu municipal council today.- Malaysiakini, 12/1/2009, EC: Law does not forbid treating by parties (see also earlier post.)


So, Wan Farid need not worry about anything - as long as he and/or his agent did not do it...

BN candidate Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh today denied he had anything to do with the claims of two reporters who were given money at the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election media centre yesterday.

MCPX

According to Bernama, Wan Ahmad said “people would do anything to tarnish my name” during the by-election.

“I don’t have any money to offer to anybody ... you know people can do anything especially in this by-election.

“It is not from Barisan Nasional, that is for sure. That is not my money,” he told reporters after casting his vote at the Sekolah Kebangsaan Pusat Bukit Besar polling centre this morning. - Malaysiakini, 17/1/2009 Wan Farid: It's not my money

So who was the person handing out money and for whom...

Wan Farid says it is not the Barisan National ...

“It is not from Barisan Nasional, that is for sure. That is not my money,” he told reporters after casting his vote at the Sekolah Kebangsaan Pusat Bukit Besar polling centre this morning.- Malaysiakini, 17/1/2009 Wan Farid: It's not my money

Well, let us consider the facts ...

a) The money was being handed out at the at '...the state information department’s media centre in Kuala Terengganu...' - Is it not a BN State government in Terengganu?

b) Who was handing out the money? ... the report seems to suggest that it was some '.... media centre staff...", who later it was reported that "...The media centre staff could not answer when quizzed about the source of the money...." Was it the same staff or a different staff?

c) There was procedure and forms to fill before the reporters got their 'envelopes' with cash.. so it was an open affair at the state media centre...not some 'behind the pillar...secretly handing out money by some unknowns...'

Earlier, it was revealed that RM300 cash was distributed to more than a dozen journalists at the state information department’s media centre in Kuala Terengganu.

Journalists were asked to list their names, the organisation they work for and telephone numbers on a blank piece of paper by a media centre staff before being given a white envelope containing six RM50 notes.

Four Malaysiakini journalists wrote their details on the paper without knowing about the ‘gift’.

The four later returned the envelopes with a total of RM1,200 to the media centre staff. Several other journalists also did the same.- Malaysiakini, 17/1/2009 Wan Farid: It's not my money

"Wan Ahmad stressed that he wanted to win the by-election in a fair manner and not through unlawful means..." but alas, can that happen under the UMNO-led BN government.

If you do not vote for the BN - then you will suffer...you will be deprived fruits of development...

Come on - this is the state of Terengganu - when BN lost, the oil royalty apparently stopped flowing into the State coffers, and the Pas led-Opposition government were prevented from using the money for the people of Terengganu.

Take a look at the RTM news - and the manner in which the reporters report is already biased in favour of BN. We never hear anything positive about the PAS candidate or the Opposition parties.

Hence, there is no fairness in our elections..

That makes the fact that PAS wins this elections even more sweet - a win for PAS despite all these unfairness would be ver telling of the feelings of our Malaysian people.

But - Mohd Najib Razak is there now - and the way his majority jumped in later elections after a very slim victory in 1999 tells us that this man is the 'grand master' of ... turning the tide.

Given his involvement in KT, and his standing as 'prime minister to be in a few months' - a loss will really be a BIG blow for the BN.

For the voters of KT, this by-elections is really not very significant - as the state is already under BN, and voting opposition only gives the Pakatan Rakyat one more seat in Parliament - and they need quite a lot more if they want to become Federal Government. So, the KT voter may say, let's vote BN and get the goodies promised - and come next GE truly express our choice.

But then, will there be more goodies handed out by BN trying to wrest back lost seats OR maintaining existing seats?

Najib and BN cannot afford lose their KT seat - but for Pakatan Rakyat - it really does not matter - a win would be good.

Finally, one good move to adress welfare of retirees/elderly in Malaysia

The government has long tried to give the wrong impression that it is looking into the welfare of the growing number of elderly - by talking about the pensioners...and improving on the pension scheme,etc - but alas that only will be assisting the public/government servants who are under the pension scheme when they retired.

Remember, that some years back, many public servants were encouraged to opt for the EPF/KWSP scheme - and many foolishly did so because their 'UMNO-led BN government' was telling them to do so...so they too did not fall under the pension scheme.

There have been much privatization - and many public servants lost their 'pensions' when privatisation happened...

If you are pensioner, you will receive pension payment (roughly 50% of salary, if I am not wrong) until you pass on (and then your spouse will receive that pension until he/she passes on) - while with the EPF/KWSP scheme, you get a lump sum payment when you retire, and nothing after that.

The problem that for most, this EPF/KWSP money is used up within a couple of years.

I know a man who when he retired, he had about RM70,000 in his EPF account. He was a bachelor and lived in a rented room, and in less than 7 years there was no more money left.

The Deputy Minister is right when he says '...that many EPF contributors used up all their savings within two years and were left without any source of income...'

Today, with the UMNO-led BN government's policy, persons are being encouraged to dig into that money meant for the old age ('simpanan hari tua anda') now - which translates into less money being available in their EPF/KWSP account when they retire - stop work.

Money in EPF/KWSP also today no more gives us that 8% interest - now it is about 5%.

Cost of living has definitely increased. Tolls, electricity rates, water rates, indah water, telecommunication rates, television, etc...

There is also a change in value systems. Now, persons are more concerned about the nuclear family (me, my spouse and my kids) and no more the extended family and other dependents...

And as such, it is a great concern for Malaysia whose elderly (i.e. 55 years and above) is increasing, and taking into consideration the average life span of men is about 72, and women 77. In 2008, there are about 1.3 million in Malaysia above 65 years of age [unfortunately the Statistic Department does not have information about how many are above 55 years of age..)

The Human Resources Ministry is looking into setting up a pension scheme for private sector employees so that their Employees Provident Fund (EPF) savings can last a lifetime.

Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said that through the scheme, the employees would receive a monthly pension instead of withdrawing all their savings upon retirement.

He said findings showed that many EPF contributors used up all their savings within two years and were left without any source of income.

“A pension will ensure that they receive a regular monthly income,” he told The Star.

The ministry was now drafting a working paper for the Finance Ministry. The scheme is under the purview of the Finance Ministry.

“We are still studying the matter and do not have a concrete mechanism for the scheme,” Dr Subramaniam said when asked how the scheme would work, if it would be a scheme by itself and if it would be made optional or mandatory.

He said the working paper would be ready in the next few months. The views of interested parties, such as employers and workers groups, were welcomed, he said.- Star, 16/1/2008, Ministry looking into ways to make EPF savings last a lifetime

Remember also as one advances in age, there is also more illness and greater healthcare/medicines, etc is needed.

As one advances in age, we also find that without an income - persons may no longer be abloe to pay for medical insurances, personal accident insurances, critical illness insurances - and also the fact that many of these insurances will no longer be available for the elderly - too risky.

Without insurance - many Malaysians certainly cannot afford the National Heart Institute (IJN) rate of charges - so maybe this may affect the Malaysian average life span....

Towards a caring government ...towards a caring Malaysian people...

325 Rohingyan Refugees feared death when authorities allegedly put them back to sea - Burmese demo in KL 14/1/2009

Just received news about this Burmese demonstration in Kuala Lumpur on 14/1/2009, and it is sad that our alternative media also seem to have missed it.

In any event, the allegation that "...in late December 2008, 427 Rohingya were forcefully sent back to International water by Thai authorities..." and that out of things about '...325 were feared dead, while 102 were luckily rescued by Indian Coast Guards...'

The practice of putting refugees (or should we say potential refugees and asylum seekers) back to sea - especially during this monsoon period is shocking and should be condemned by all justice-loving persons.

Call by All Burma Democratic Forces (ABDF), in KL, Malaysia

Yesterday on 14 Jan 2009, All Burma Democratic Forces (ABDF) based in Malaysia, held a peaceful assembly to submit memo to both Embassy of Royal Thai at 10:20am and High Commission of government of Bangladesh at 11:00,.

In the assembly, about 30 representatives were presented and they had been allowed to hold 5 minutes only. They expressed their serious concern over Thai authority’s systematic tortures and keeping in detention for about four weeks of intercepted Burmese refugees and releasing secretly into international waters, then planned to fared dead of about 300 Burmese refugees.

They also expressed on Bangladesh goverment’s forceful repatriation since 1992.

before releasing secretly into international water by Thai-forces

Are They Not Human Beings

(you can guess how Thai-forces treat behind this)

How They Treat, during apprehended by Thai-forces

Relating to their concern and for more details, pl, visit at: www.infiltrationwatch.wordpress.com http://phuketwan.com/tourism/andaman-links-amnesty-torture/

And in their submission of memo, as follow;

1. A MEMORANDUM TO THE ROYAL THAI GOVERNMENT

On behalf of all Burmese people, we at the All Burma Democratic Force (ABDF, an umbrella organization of different political, ethnic, socio-cultural and religious organizations of Burma based in Malaysia express our sincere condolence for the departed souls in Andaman sea of India and Bay of Bengal in the recent month.

We strongly condemn the Government of Royal Thailand for its brutal behaviors toward the victims of gross human rights abuses in Burma.

The boat people who arrived to the Thai coast were the ethnic Burmese Rohingyas. They left country to escape persecution and to find safe place for them through the danger of Bay.

After long journey, they found a hope in Thai coast but unfortunately, they got inhuman treatment that resulted to fear dead. The Thai authorities have been installing pressures over the Burmese people for long period and giving strong supports towards military regime in order to enjoy the benefits of Burmese natural resources, particularly from the Gas
pipeline of Yadana and Yedagon of Mon State.

It is also instigating the regime to improve more powerful tools towards ethnic cleansing against Burmese ethnic minorities, especially, the Rohingyas of Arakan State, Shan, Karen, Kerenni of their respective states.

In April, 2008, the ousted Prime Minister of Thailand Samak Sundaravej had taken step against ethnic Rohingya refugees in Thailand that to put them in an isolated Island in the International Water without any reasonable ground.

Despite advocating the plights of Rohingya, the Thai Government is moving against humanity and thus thousands of Rohingya missed in the Bay of Bengal in various ways in the year 2007 and 2008 respectively.

Recently, in late December 2008, 427 Rohingya were forcefully sent back to International water by Thai authorities that went against humanity and thus 325 were feared dead, while 102 were luckily rescued by Indian Coast Guards.

Before this fate, these people were detained for about 4 weeks in Thailand by Thai forces. Then the Thai authorities put them on 6 different motorized boats and taken to international water. During this time, some sought sympathetic assistance not to send backs them in uncertain water. In spite helping them, the authority put 15 people into Gunny Bags and threw into the water; and the rest people were left in the international water, taking out the engines of boats. Two of the boats were exploded in the water firing rocket launchers. These kinds of inhumanities of Thai authorities are very much shocked to us.

The Thai Government also shot dead 11 Burmese nationals from Rajburi Hospital in the year 2000, while 54 Burmese people had to suffocate in Thai container truck in April 2008 as well.

Similarly, the brutalities of Thai authorities are not sacrifice able for the people of Burma and the Government always gives threat to Burmese democratic forces based in Thailand and thus they have to move from one place to another.

In these regards, we urge upon the Government of Royal Thailand:

1.To immediately cease inhuman pogrom against boat people and all other Burmese people in Thailand;

2.To immediately review the policy towards humanity to extend humanitarian assistances to Burmese vulnerable people, particularly the Rohingya boat people;

3.We demand to give official clarifications about the current kills that has done by the current Thai authorities in the International Water;

4.We also demand to boycott support to Burmese military regime for the causes of immediate democratic changes in Burma and to extend assistances towards Burmese democratic forces;

5.We encourage for hosting international agencies to help boat people and to screen their cases in order to extend international protection.. ………………..

2. A MEMORANDUM TO THE GOVERNMENT OF BANGLADESH

On behalf of all Burmese people, we at the All Burma Democratic Force (ABDF, an umbrella organization of different political, ethnic, socio-cultural and religious organizations of Burma based in Malaysia express our sincere condolence for the departed souls in Andaman sea of India and Bay of Bengal in the recent month.

We feel shock on the misbehaviors of Bangladeshi Government towards the persecuted Rohingya Burmese people and thus strongly oppose the ongoing initiative of Bangladesh with Burmese military regime.

The state of Rohingya’s settlement fall in western border of Burma and that adjacent to Bangladesh which is a member state of Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and thus the Rohingya flee to neighboring Bangladesh to escape brutal persecution of Burmese military.

Unfortunately, the persecuted Rohingya’s fate went against their expectation. So, they would face consecutive harassment there as the Government ignores its Islamic obligation and installs mistreatment over vulnerable people. That’s why they choose secondary movement to other countries to find a safe life for them through out the Bay of Bengal.

On their way to unexpected destination, many lost their lives in the Bay and some managed to reach at the coast of Thailand. Bangladesh Naval and Coast Guards are reluctant to watch in to the Bay of Bengal which resulted to loss thousands of Rohingya in the Bay in the year 2007 and 2008. For all these, the Bangladeshi Government is responsible at all.

Recently, in late December 2008, 427 Rohingya were forcefully sent back to International water by Thai authorities that went against humanity and thus 325 were feared dead, while 102 were luckily rescued by Indian Coast Guards.

Before this fate, these people were detained for about 4 weeks in Thailand by Thai forces. Then the Thai authorities put them on 6 different motorized boats and taken to international water. During this time, some sought sympathetic assistance not to send backs them in uncertain water. In spite helping them, the authority put 15 people into Gunny Bags and threw into the water; and the rest people were left in the international water, taking out the engines of boats. Two of the boats were exploded in the water firing rocket launchers. These kinds of inhumanities of Thai authorities are very much shocked to us and thus preparing the event to draw international attention.

Despite these, the Government of Bangladesh is pretending to unknown matter as it is inking economic deals with Burmese regime for its own interest and ignoring the causes of humanity. Bangladesh is reluctant to watch in the Bay and thus Rohingya are dared to dive in the water in the name of Allah’s Mercy. The Bangladeshi Government has been installing pressure over persecuted people over there and developing insincere relationship with military, while ignoring Islamic obligations towards Muslim Minority of Burma.

On the other hand, the Bangladesh Government had started its forceful repatriation of Rohingya refugees in 1992, was by shooting over the flock and later in 1997, the Government extended additional forces in the refugee camps on July 20 and 22. During this time, many wounded in teargas of Bangladesh authorities who are still unable to see in the open sky.

Following this, many refugees were arrested, detained and sentenced for long term without proper trial. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi authorities are worse enough in criminalization of refugees to pull them into uncertainty.

In April 1998, a refugee camp was burnt down and many innocent refugees were shot dead, while at least 100 refugees were detained with false and fabricated charges.

The Bangladeshi authorities did another operation on 18 and 19 November 2004 and shot dead many refugees including pregnant women, children and elderly people.

In June 2008, at least 18 Rohingya childrend had to die without any medication as the Bangladesh authorities imposed restriction over international agencies to look into the matter of Rohingya refugees. Government also does not allow NGO to help undocumented Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh who are the double victims of both regime and OIC member state.

Finally, the Bangladeshi Government is keeping the gate open in the Bay of Bengal in order to let the Rohingya to leave Bangladesh to uncertainty.

All these behaviors are totally against humanity and Islamic obligations, while it is also against the international laws. Therefore, we urge upon Bangladesh:-

1.To immediately cease all kinds of misbehaviors that stands against the vulnerable Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh border and to give full respect to the Islamic obligations that accorded in the Quran and Sunnah;

2.To immediately bring the Rohingya issue before the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) resolution in order to bring it to the United Nations General Assembly;

3.To immediately watch the Bay of Bengal in order to protect people from unexpected dead and to reduce dangerous travels;

4.To bring an end of undue representation for the Rohingya and advocate their causes to find permanent solution;

5.To allow international agencies to observe the situation of Rohingya in Bangladesh and along the border that may be helpful to bring an end of their miserable plights.

Executive Committee

All Burma Democratic Force (ABDF)

Union of Burma

For further information, please contact:

Mohammad Sadek, Tel: 0163094599

Aung Kyaw Moe Tel: 0122430774

Habibur Rahman Te: 0122595185 - SOURCE: The Sail

7 out of 9 Policemen who 'tortured' charged in court ...

Well, sometimes they do charge policemen...

The witnesses are going to be police personnel at the scene of the alleged crime...and maybe the Judge should have ordered them not to speak or have any dealings with the policemen at the said police station as well...

There may also policemen who may provide alibi for the accused persons..

Important that these kind of cases are proceeded forthwith...and maybe even witnesses are deposed. Take and record the evidence of the witnesses now - to prevent any change of testimony later on for whatever reasons...

Seven policemen pleaded not guilty in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on Thursday to two counts of causing hurt to two youths in separate incidents at the Brickfields police station last year.

They are Sargeant Mohd Shafiee Abdul Halim, Sargeant Mohd Diah Sulaiman, Sargeant Zulkiplly Taib, Corporal Abdullah Musa, Corporal Zamrin Zaid, Lance Corporal Matila @ Saudi Ismail and Lance Corporal Nizam Abd Wahab, all from the crime investigation department at the Brickfields district police headquarters.

They are charged with voluntarily causing hurt to B. Prabakar, 28, at a detective's office at the police station with an intention to make him confess to an offence for criminal intimidation under Section 506 of the Penal Code.

The offence was alleged to have been committed between 10.15pm on Dec 23 and 3.30am on Dec 24 last year.

On the second charge, they are alleged to have committed a similar offence at the same place and time on C. Solomon Raj, 18.

The policemen, who are between 35 and 45 years old, are charged under Section 330 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt to extort confession, to be read together with Section 34 of the same code.

If found guilty, they could be imprisoned up to seven years and fined.

Judge Zainal Abdil Kamarudin allowed bail of RM5,000 each and set Feb 17 to mention the case.

He also told them not to leave the city without the court's permission and not to disturb the complainants and witnesses in the case. - Star, 15/1/2009, Seven cops plead not guilty to hurting two youths

Malaysiakini tells us more about this case

Seven policemen were charged at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today in connection with the case of a 27-year-old man and 18-year-old teenager being allegedly scalded with hot water at the Brickfields police district headquarters.

The seven were charged under Section 506 and Section 304 of the Penal Code for collectively committing an act of criminal intimidation and voluntary causing hurt to extort a confession.

Those charged were Sgt Mohd Shafiee Abdul Halim, Sgt Mohd Diah Sulaiman, Sgt Zulkiplly Taib, Cpl Abdullah Musa, Cpl Zamrin Zaid, L/Cpl Matila @ Saudi Ismail dan L/Cpl Nizam Abdul Wahab from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

They were accused of committing the offence against B Parabakar (left) and C Solomon between 10.15pm on Dec 23 and 3.30am on Dec 24. - Malaysiakini, 15/1/2009 - 'Hot water torture': Seven cops charged

However, there was apparently 9 who were involved, and only 7 were charged - WHY?

Solomon, one of the two victims is allegedly still missing - seen last on 28/12/2008 by Prabakar

Prabakar, who was present, said that he was unhappy that only seven policemen were identified and prosecuted.

“When I gave my statement, I said there were nine of them,” he said, adding that when he was called for an identification parade only seven policemen were in the line-up.

'Case not an isolated matter'

Prabakar's lawyer, N Surendran (left), lamented that the case was not an isolated matter and raised concerns about the attitude of the police force.

“The police seem to be routinely doing this (brutality) when arresting a suspect [...] for example, beating with a rubber hose on the soles of the feet, we know this to be a routine thing [...] I feel it is safe to say the police do it in the routine way,” he said.

“I have been practising law for 15 years and I have come across many incidents of clients who have related the same stories...and yet nothing seems to be done in order to remedy the situation.

“So it won't be an exaggeration for us to say that many of our police lock-ups are little more than torture chambers, used by the police in order to oppress and treat suspects in the most shocking manner.”

In addition, Surendran claimed that there must be something unstable about individuals who performed such brutality.

“To actually do this to another human being, one must be in some manner sick,” he added.

Surendran also asked whether “normal people joined the police force but something in the police culture corrupted them and turned them into monsters”.

Surendran said Suhakam must present a “harder stance” on the matter and pressurise the police to overcome their lackadaisical attitude. - Malaysiakini, 15/1/2009 - 'Hot water torture': Seven cops charged

Will police who rapes,molest, extorts, steal or is corrupt be charged and tried in Malaysia? ..or just disciplined internally?

No one is above the law - everyone is equal before the law

"...All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law. .."

Art. 8(1) Federal Constitution

If a person have commited the crime of '....rape, molest, extortion, consumption and possession of drugs, accepting bribes, theft and criminal intimidation...' then they must be investigated, charged and tried in court - and, if found guilty, sentenced according to the law.

But alas, a recent report seems to suggest that this may not be the case with policemen in Malaysia - for them, it seems that the worse that will happen is being sacked. I hope that that there is clarification from the IGP and/or the government that these police personnel also will be charged and tried just like every other person who commits a crime.

In UMNO too, a similar thing seems to be happening. Those guilty of 'money politics' and/or 'corruption' are merely suspended, sacked or just inflicted some punishment internally. Why were the many that UMNO found to have been 'corrupt' not been investigated, charged and tried in accordance to the law?

Four rank-and-file police- men have been sacked and 31 others are awaiting punishment for committing various offences, including corruption and criminal breach of trust.

Among the serious crimes committed by them were rape, molest, extortion, consumption and possession of drugs, accepting bribes, theft and criminal intimidation.

Pahang police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Robiah Abdul Ghani said the state disciplinary division opened 171 investigation papers against police personnel, mostly rank-and-file, for the whole of last year.

She said the figure was higher by 44 cases or 34.6% compared to the 127 cases reported in 2007.

“We view this matter very seriously and will initiate measures to check the situation.

“At the same time, we admit there are black sheep in the force and are taking stern action, including dismissal, against the wrong-doers,” she said here yesterday after presenting commendation letters to police personnel.

DCP Robiah said overall, the number of irresponsible policemen was still marginal or less than 1% of the entire strength of 4,500 personnel in the state.

She said the high number of disciplinary cases, which included reprimanding lower ranking personnel, showed that their immediate superiors were doing a good job in keeping their men in check.

- Star, 15/1/2009 - Four cops sacked, 31 await for punishment

GAZA : An understanding of history helps - Boycott good way to express ourself

Well, the atrocities befalling the peoples of Gaza, especially over the last couple of weeks, must stop.

More that 900 persons in Gaza have been killed - compared with less than 20 in Israel - this is NO War - it is a massacre of persons, mostly civilians.

Obama - an expected disappointment - as US stands with Israel - abstaining even from that rather mild UN Security Council Resolution. Obama's silence is very telling about the kind of US President we will see in the near future. The only significance of his election is the fact that an African-American became a US President. I expect him to be worse than Bush. All his 'sweet-sounding words' as he was on his quest for Presidency is just that. He may yet to be President - but still he could have mouthed his position on the matter. It is the 19th day of the killings in Gaza.

I do support the call to boycott American products, as a demonstration of our protest as to what is happening in Gaza - and as a protest of the 'disgusting' role that the US is playing. Boycott KFC, Mc Donalds, Coca Cola, Pizza Hut, ... symbols of the US.

Is the boycott going to be effective? Maybe ....but it is definitely a means for individual Malaysians to express their protest about what is happening to the people of Gaza...a call for JUSTICE

For some, we may have let our prejudices, dictate our response to this Palestinian issue. Let us not do that - let us look again at the historical facts and respond accordingly...

Some in Malaysia tries to make it an 'Islamic' issue - hence some non-Muslims will 'automatically' take the other side without even considering the facts. Both groups have done wrong to this issue.

The Palestinian issue is, and never was a racial or religious issue - it was always a question of rights and justice.

A grave injustice to the Palestinian people - whereby the realization of this by the majority of the nations of the world also makes it impossible to resolve it because of the United States of America ...

The unjust manner in which the present United Nations is structured - allows majority sentiments and wishes to be suppressed and simply made ineffective by a simple veto of the USA.. (or Britain, or some other who have this veto power). The UN must be reformed - and all nations should be given a single vote. The General Assembly should be ultimate decision maker with the power in the UN - not the Security Council, as it is now.

How did that Palestinian-Israeli issue really come about? (I did some research over the net - and here is a brief summary about the struggle of the Palestinian peoples...). It is not complete but it will educate (or remind) those of us who have forgotten the issue/facts - something so easy to happen in these modern times when we are continuously fed with so much information about so many different things...

After World War I, rather than giving Palestine independence - British decides to create 2 states - one to be 'national home for the Jewish people'..

"The Palestine problem became an international issue towards the end of the First World War with the disintegration of the Turkish Ottoman Empire. Palestine was among the several former Ottoman Arab territories which were placed under the administration of Great Britain under the Mandates System adopted by the League of Nations pursuant to the League's Covenant (Article 22) .

All but one of these Mandated Territories became fully independent States, as anticipated. The exception was Palestine where, instead of being limited to "the rendering of administrative assistance and advice" the Mandate had as a primary objective the implementation of the "Balfour Declaration" issued by the British Government in 1917, expressing support for "the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people".

During the years of the Palestine Mandate, from 1922 to 1947, large-scale Jewish immigration from abroad, mainly from Eastern Europe took place, the numbers swelling in the 1930s with the notorious Nazi persecution of Jewish populations. Palestinian demands for independence and resistance to Jewish immigration led to a rebellion in 1937, followed by continuing terrorism and violence from both sides during and immediately after World War II. Great Britain tried to implement various formulas to bring independence to a land ravaged by violence. In 1947, Great Britain turned the problem over to the United Nations." - Question of Palestine

1947 - UN proposes dividing Palestine into 2 independent States

1948 - Israel proclaims independence - and proceeds to occupy the area UN identified for Palestinian Arabs.

Remaining areas that were identified by UN as going to be the independent Palestinian State had been then occupied by neighbouring countries Jordan (West Bank) and Egypt (Gaza Strip)

After looking at various alternatives, the UN proposed the partitioning of Palestine into two independent States, one Palestinian Arab and the other Jewish, with Jerusalem internationalized (Resolution 181 (II) of 1947). One of the two States envisaged in the partition plan proclaimed its independence as Israel and in the 1948 war expanded to occupy 77 per cent of the territory of Palestine. Israel also occupied the larger part of Jerusalem.

Over half of the indigenous Palestinian population fled or were expelled. Jordan and Egypt occupied the other parts of the territory assigned by the partition resolution to the Palestinian Arab State which did not come into being.- Question of Palestine

1967 War - Israel occupied the remaining of the territory UN originally decided was for the Palestinian Arabs, which was then under Jordanian control (i.e. West Bank) and Egyptian control (i.e. Gaza Strip)

Israel also occupied additional areas of its neighbours - Egypt (Sinai) ,Syria (Golan Heights), ...

In the 1967 war, Israel occupied the remaining territory of Palestine, until then under Jordanian and Egyptian control (the West Bank and Gaza Strip). This included the remaining part of Jerusalem, which was subsequently annexed by Israel. The war brought about a second exodus of Palestinians, estimated at half a million. Security Council resolution 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967 called on Israel to withdraw from territories it had occupied in the 1967 conflict.- Question of Palestine

1974 - UN reaffirm rights of Palestinian People, grants PLO observer status

In 1974, the General Assembly reaffirmed the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination, national independence and sovereignty, and to return. The following year, the General Assembly established the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. The General Assembly conferred on the PLO the status of observer in the Assembly and in other international conferences held under United Nations auspices. - Question of Palestine

1982 - Invasion of Lebanon

1983 - Massacre of refugees at Sabra and Shatila

Events on the ground, however, remained on a negative course. In June 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon with the declared intention to eliminate the PLO. A cease-fire was arranged. PLO troops withdrew from Beirut and were transferred to neighboring countries after guarantees of safety were provided for thousands of Palestinian refugees left behind. Subsequently, a large-scale massacre of refugees took place in the camps of Sabra and Shatila.

In September 1983, the International Conference on the Question of Palestine, which was widely attended, adopted inter alia the Geneva Declaration containing the following principles: the need to oppose and reject the establishment of settlements in the occupied territory and actions taken by Israel to change the status of Jerusalem, the right of all States in the region to existence within secure and internationally recognized boundaries, with justice and security for all the people, and the attainment of the legitimate, inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. - Question of Palestine

1987 - Intifada

In December 1987, a mass uprising against the Israeli occupation began in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (the intifada). Methods used by the Israeli forces during the uprising resulted in mass injuries and heavy loss of life among the civilian Palestinian population. - Question of Palestine

The Peace Process - Palestinian Independence and Self-Government

A Peace Conference on the Middle East was convened in Madrid on 30 October 1991, with the aim of achieving a just, lasting and comprehensive peace settlement through direct negotiations along 2 tracks: between Israel and the Arab States, and between Israel and the Palestinians, based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) (the "land for peace" formula). A series of subsequent negotiations culminated in the mutual recognition between the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, the representative of the Palestinian People, and the signing by the two parties of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements in Washington on 13 September 1993, as well as the subsequent implementation agreements, which led to several other positive developments, such as the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, the elections to the Palestinian Council and the Presidency of the Palestinian Authority, the partial release of prisoners and the establishment of a functioning administration in the areas under Palestinian self-rule. The involvement of the United Nations has been essential to the peace process, both as the guardian of international legitimacy and in the mobilization and provision of international assistance. In 2000 and 2001, Israelis and Palestinians held talks on a final status agreement, which proved inconclusive.

The controversial visit by Ariel Sharon of the Likud to Al-Haram Al-Sharif (Temple Mount) in 2000 was followed by the outbreak of the second intifada. A massive loss of life, the reoccupation of territories under Palestinian self-rule, military incursions, extrajudicial killings of suspected Palestinian militants, suicide attacks, rocket and mortar fire, and the destruction of property characterized the situation on the ground.

Israel began the construction of a West Bank separation wall, located within the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which was ruled illegal by the International Court of Justice in 2004. In 2002, the Security Council adopted resolution 1397 affirming a vision of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side within secure and recognized borders.

In 2003, the Middle East Quartet (US, EU, Russia, and the UN) released a detailed Road Map to a two-State solution, endorsed by Security Council resolution 1515.

In 2005, Israel withdrew its settlers and troops from the Gaza Strip as part of its “Disengagement Plan,” while retaining effective control over its borders, seashore, and airspace.

Following the Palestinian Legislative Council elections of 2006, the Quartet concluded that future assistance to the Palestinian Authority would be reviewed by donors against the new Government’s commitment to non-violence, recognition of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements.- Question of Palestine

KT Elections: As long as it is not the candidate (or his agent), it is OK ...

So, it is OK for UMNO to go around and give each voter money (gifts,etc..) to vote for 'the candidate' - and that is what the Election Commission seem to be saying...

It's OK as long as it is not the candidate (or his agent) spending...

Political parties are not committing an offence by holding dinners as part of their activities in Kuala Terengganu by-election campaign, according to the Election Commission (EC).

MCPX

EC deputy chairperson Wan Ahmad Wan Omar said the provisions of the Election Offences Act 1954 refers to only the conduct of a candidate standing for election and to the candidate's agent.

"It is not fair to blame the candidate for something that is sometimes beyond his influence or control," said Wan Ahmad told a press conference at the Kuala Terengganu municipal council today.

He was replying to a question as to whether the multi-course 80-table dinner hosted by Gerakan for the Chinese community at the Chung Hwa Wei Sin school here could constitute an election offence.

Barisan Nasional candidate Wan Ahmad Farid Salleh had attended the event with Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Said and Gerakan president Koh Tsu Koon. - Malaysiakini, 12/1/2009, EC: Law does not forbid treating by parties

What is the reason for the imposition of spending limits in the first place? I believe that the Election Commission must really look into the rationale of this rule.

I thought that it was to ensure a more even playing field - to prevent some 'rich' candidate spending millions of ringgit in an election to the disadvantage of the others not so rich candidates. The principle ensures a certain amount of 'equality' between candidates.

The imposition of 'spending limits' also tries to ensure a more independent 'wakil rakyat' - not just a 'wakil rakyat' who will also be beholden to the rich and powerful that pumped in the molney for the campaign.

The principle/value behind this rule really must be reflected in all other areas besides just that actual spending of money . There must also be the policy that equal air-time for candidates in television and radio - especially those that are government owned or controlled. The same should also apply to newspapers.

GERAKAN (or BN) giving free 'makan' for the Chinese - government giving monies for Chinese schools ... I do not think the Malaysian voter will so easily 'sell off' his/her right of choice of his/her 'wakil rakyat' for such petty things.

The present day Malaysian voter will enjoy the good meal, say thank you for the money given to assist the school, say thank you for the other 'goodies' etc... and then on voting day exercise his/her right to vote.

Today this right to vote - is maybe not just about choosing the 'wakil rakyat' - but about so many other things. It could be a vote against the BN for its many failings - or it could be just a vote for greater 'check & balance' in Parliament - or it could be a vote to indicate Malaysians want a different ...not BN-government for Malaysia - or maybe they just want to move into an time when Malaysians will have 2 real choices, i.e. BN or Pakatan Rakyat.

That aside, we do seriously need an Independent Principled Election Commission - who is not only independent, but is also seen to be independent.

BN Government fails to cater for the welfare of the ELDERLY in Malaysia

The UMNO led-BN government attempts to mislead Malaysians into believing that it is a caring government - that cares about its elderly - the 'warga emas' (or 'golden citizens') - and that was all that hoo-hah about pensioners - and the extra additional benefits that pensioners in Malaysia would enjoy.

What about the rest of the elderly in Malaysia - i.e. those that are not pensioners? Now, if I am not wrong, I believe that the number of pensioners since 1957 is less than 500,000 - what about the other 'warga mas' - in our country which has a population of more than 27 million today.

How many 'warga mas' do we have in Malaysia? How many of them are under the pension scheme? How many of them are spouses of persons under pension schemes that benefit from them? How many are those that do not receive pensions?

We really need statistics of persons above 55 years old (i.e. the normal age of retirement)? But then, when I went hunting for this information at the Malaysian Statistic Department website - I found that they did not have this required figure? They had figures for those who were in the following age groups only from 1963 until 2008 :-
0 - 14 years
15 - 64 years
65 years and above....

I wonder why there is no information about how many are above 55 years of age...

In fact, it will be good to know how many are 40-50, 50-55, 55-64, 65 and above. That will be needed for the necessary planning about our 'warga mas'.

Will some member of parliament (MP) ask these relevant questions?

How many of these persons over 55 (and retired) are on pension schemes?

How many are not?

Remember that our good government convinced many civil servants to opt for the EPF scheme - and they did so, and now they will no more be getting their pensions.

And the problem with the EPF, is that for many very little remains because again our goon BN government allowed persons to take out the mony meant for their old age t0 BUY things now. WHY? to help our ailing economy. Hence take your 'old-age-savings', and spend it now....What remains in the EPF accounts when persons retire now will not be able to sustain them for very long, would it now?

Now, for the self employed - there was no EPF - and after a time, you would not be able to work and earn anymore. Will there be enough monies to sustain you until the age of 72...77 or maybe even 100?

And the important news, is the Malaysian Life Expectancy is about 72 (male) and 77(women) - and that means we have to look at the welfare of our warga mas for a very loing time after they retire at 55 or 58...

Life Expectancy At Birth (Updated 2 January 2009)

Life Expectancy At Birth (Number of Years) 2005 2006p 2007p Male 71.4 71.5 71.7 Female 76.2 76.3 76.5

The Malaysian UMNO-led BN government (and even the possible future Pakatan Rakyat government) must seriously consider how it is going to take care of our elderly in Malaysia - our warga emas? ALL of them - not just the few 'pensioners'...

The current statistics say that there are more than 1.2 million persons in Malaysia above the age of 65.

If there are about 500,000 pensioners, then maybe those above 65 would be about 200,000 - so what about the welfare and care for the about 1 million above 65 Malaysians.

How about the welfare of the millions of Malaysians above 55.... this could be a further 5 - 6 million persons.

One thing that could be done immediately is to provide free healthcare and treatment for all warga emas above the age of 55 at our National Heart Institute (IJN)..

That is why, I believe that the government must put in place policies, laws and facilities to ensure welfare of its people - health, food, shelter, clothing ....and in today's world, it should also include communication.

Mohd Najib Razak, possibly the BN's choice for the next Prime Minister obviously is not interested in the welfare of individual persons in Malaysia - just the making of more money and profit. That was clear in his support for the privatisation of the IJN (National Heart Institute). Luckily, that has been stopped for the moment - but still IJN or Heart healthcare remains unaccessible to the normal Malaysian, who was not a public servant....or the majority of the elderly in Malaysia...

GAZA: It is not the 'Yahudi' but the Israel government/people and the Zionist

The Palestinian struggle is not just a Muslim struggle - it is the struggle of the Palestinian people, and they are a multi-religious people. The Palestinians are Muslims (the majority), Christians and Jews.

Many years ago, I had the opportunity to see Yasser Araffat, the leader of the Palestinian people then when he came down to Kuala Lumpur. Of course UMNO Youth were close to the stage shouting slogans about Muslim struggle and 'jihad' but Araffat, when he came to the mike clarified that it was the struggle of the Palestinian people - and should not be made into the struggle of just any one religious group.

It is a struggle of the Palestinian people...it is a struggle of Muslims, Christians and Jews (and all other people) for justice.

On the other side, we have the Israelites (i.e. the people of Israel), the Israeli government ... the Zionist regime which are the perpetrators of human rights of the people of Palestine.

It thus saddens me when even RTM 1 still makes it out that the pepetrators are 'Yahudi' (jews) - for this is very ignorant and wrong.

Let us at least in Malaysia get it right in our newspapers and electronic media - i.e. it is the Israelites (orang Israel), the Israel government, the Zionist regime... that are commiting great human rights violations on the people of Palestine (Muslim, Christian and Jews).

Malaysian police wrongfully used excessive force - says HR Commission

Malaysian police found 'guilty' of using excessive force - that was the decision of the 'often conservative' Malaysian Human Rights Commission.

A Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) inquiry panel has found that the police used excessive force during the Bandar Mahkota Cheras (BMC) fracas on May 27 last year.

The panel was of the opinion that there was excessive use of force by the police and the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel on 23-year-old mechanic Chang Jiun Haur (left) and his friend, Chan Siew Meng.

Chang had claimed that he was assaulted for no reason by FRU and other police personnel that night. He had claimed that the police stopped his car and assaulted him and three passengers.

The Suhakam panel today agreed with Chang, saying that the excessive use of force had violated the safety and security of the four victims.

However, the panel said that it was unable to identify the law enforcement personnel responsible for the violation due to "contradicting and unclear evidence".

The panel recommended that:

• Measures be taken to ensure restraint on use of force; that force is exercised gradually; and that any injury is reported and treated;

• That the police and FRU require all their personnel to display their names and badge numbers visibly during field operations; and

• Since excessive force was used, that the police conduct their own investigation to ascertain which personnel was responsible... and to recommend to the public prosecutor to take necessary action. - Malaysiakini, 7/1/2008 - Suhakam: Cops guilty of excessive force

But, who did it is the problem?

In many cases, police violence many a times are committed by police officers not wearing police uniforms.

Police personnel should at all times be wearing police uniform - save for very exceptional situations when they are involved in undercover police investigations. When it comes to cases where persons are exercising their right to assemble peacefully - police should be fully uniformed. Even, if they have to wear balaclavas - there must be some number or identification marking on their attire to enable identification of the individual later on.

CCTV recordings should always be made in police actions - so that in the event of any rights violation (or crime), very easily we may be able to identify the individuals responsible.

In this case, there were only so many police personnel involved - so I wonder why SUHAKAM could not manage to identify these HR violators.

Will the police investigate as recommended by the police? Will the true perpetrators of 'excessive force' be identified, charged, tried and convicted? I am sure the other police involved on that day knows who did what - but are just unwilling to 'rat out' their police brethren. That is why we need that Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) - which 2 Royal Commissions had not only recommended but also had worked out the draft Bill. Why don't they just table that Draft Bill and make it law?

What about the victims - should they not be compensated? It would have been best if SUHAKAM did it immediately - for now, they may have to file some civil suit and hope that justice will not be thwarted at the end of the day by reason of some 'technical/procedural failures', some unfair legal protection accorded to the police and the government, some corrupt judicial officer/judge,....

KT :- Do people vote for the person, or the party they stand under?

Who do we vote for?

Party or Person?

With regards to the BN, for a very long time, there was this saying that people vote for the party - so much so, even if it is a 'kambing'(goat) standing as BN candidate - he will get the votes that were cast for BN.

What about Pakatan Rakyat? Does the same apply - or do people also consider the candidate?

Do people vote and choose the person as their 'wakil rakyat' ...their MP or ADUN?

Or do people choose the party or symbol that they stand under?

What do you think?

KT: 30,000 for BN...15,000 for PR - how many came because they were paid?

Kuala Trengganu By-Elections - it will be a 3-cornered fight.

It will be a three-cornered fight for the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat with three candidates having filed their papers on nomination day on Tuesday.

They are Barisan Nasional’s Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, PAS candidate Abdul Mohd Wahid Endut and independent Azharudin Mamat alias Adam, a 46-year-old businessman.

Ballots will be cast on Jan 17. - Star Online, 6/1/2009 - By-election: Three-cornered fight (Update 5)

And, there were tens of thousands of supporters who were there for the nominations. Were they poid to attend - especially the supporters for the BN candidate (something that many believe to be the practice for a long time...No money - no support...)

With regard to PAS, DAP, PRM ....and the other opposition parties, they come freely to support the candidate during nominations - and also do work freely during the campaign period.

But maybe not for PKR, especially those who were ex-UMNO (or ex-other BN parties...), who unfortunately brought the bad culture of "no pay...no support...no work..." to that party. To be fair, this was what I observed in the elections before GE2008 - maybe things have changed now...mmmm

A police spokesman said about 30,000 Barisan Nasional supporters and 15,000 PAS supporters had gathered to begin their march to the nomination centre.

There are 80,229 voters in the constituency, of whom 2,036 are postal voters. - Star Online, 6/1/2009 - By-election: Three-cornered fight (Update 5)

I wonder how many of thosewho go down to KT are really there to work and help campaign - and how many are merely 'election tourists' ?

I hope those that are in State Excos and the Cabinet, and the MPs/ADUNs/Local Councilors/etc do not waste too much of their time in KT but do carry on their already existing work and responsibilities.

Kuala Trengganu - important for PR and UMNO-led BN (also Najib...)

Kuala Trengganu by-elections is important for both the UMNO-led-BN and also the Pakatan Rakyat...

It was an UMNO seat - won by a small majority.

Since the General Elections in March 2007 - when Pakatan Rakyat broke the BN two-third majority in Parliament, and became government in 5 States, the people have had the opportunity to see the Pakatan Rakyat in action when in the driving seat. Has Pakatan Rakyat performed as was expected in governing the 5 States? Are they different from the BN - or is it just a case of new persons in the leadership roles of government.

Has the Barisan Nasional that did badly in the General Elections reform itself in accordance to what Malaysians wanted? Or is it just the same 'un-reformed' BN - the only change maybe is that there will be a new PM after March 2009. Has there been improvement in the relationship with the other component parties in BN? Oh, is it still UMNO say jump....everyone else is expected to jump. The continued detention of HINDRAF 5 despite calls for their release coming from some of the BN leaders in other than UMNO component parties shows that nothing much has changed. The non-renewal of the Catholic Church's permit to print in Bahasa Malaysia is also an indication of 'religious persecution' or a curtailment of religious freedom amongst minority religious groups, and it is interesting that the same person who appeared so 'mean' may be BN's candidate...

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, in an interview with Reuters yesterday, said the government was "still reviewing" The Herald's licence and was following "due process".

"Until Dec 31, we are not going to announce anything. There is plenty of time. Let them wait." - New Straits Times, 18/12/2008 - Catholic weekly made to wait for renewal permit

I wonder whether it was all planned so that fight for votes will be showing who is more Muslim - UMNO (BN) or PAS (Pakatan Rakyat).

Malaysian voters are more mature now .... and with so many avenues of information available, there is no more the need for a campaign based on who is more Islam than who?

The issues now is Healthcare for all - free and affordable. (The concern for this issue is growing especially amongst the middle-aged and the elderly - who do know that their EPF will not be able to pay for the ever-rising cost of healthcare...)

The issue now is an end of Corruption - especially at the highest levels...

The issue now is Transparency and Openess - no more hiding...let it all be out in the open.

The issue now is about an independent Judiciary - this maybe, is something we have to think about after that former UMNO man, Zaki Azmi resigns or ends his term as the head of the Judiciary.

It is to chose merely a Member of Parliament - when the State of Trenganu is already being governed by the BN. Thus, voters may not be so presured by the consideration that development will be denied if the vote for the opposition.

Hence, the outcome would be an important indicator...of where the peoples' support lies. A loss for BN would be very bad for Mohd Najib Razak as well - an indication, that the reform needed in UMNO/BN is not merely a change of the head but other things as well. Remember Najib has indicated that he will preserve the current quota system in UMNO - and many will take it as a clear indication is that we cannot look forward to any reforms as and if Najib becomes PM - maybe even greater suppression of freedom/s.

If Pakatan Rakyat wins - then we will know that the people still wants change - a change in government - and maybe we will have a new Prime Minister when Abdullah Ahmad Badawi resigns...

Remember Abdullah Ahmad Badawi cannot just pass the baton of premiership to Najib.

When he resigns, "...the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall first appoint as Perdana Menteri (Prime Minister) to preside over the Cabinet a member of the House of Representatives who in his judgment is likely to command the confidence of the majority of the members of that House..." (Art 43 (2[a]) Federal Constitution)

Thus, someone else may be chosen and appointed PM when our current PM resigns....

Let's put an end to 'people need money for surgery, etc..' ads - Free government provided healthcare.

Recently, I read a news report about how 2 persons in Malaysia requiring HEART surgery required a lot of money. Both of them needed RM35,000-00 each. This was reported in the New Straits Times.

First, I wondered how many more people are out there who need money to get the necessary healthcare - who are being deprived of it by reason of lack of money? I believe that the Malaysian government should provide free health-care to all persons in Malaysia. (A friend of mine also did ask me why the 'zakat monies' are not being used for these cases - more so since the 2 babies are Muslim)

Secondly, I am wondering why these cases were not in the Institut Jantung Negara (National Heart Institute) - which is wholly owned and controlled by the government of Malaysia, who is curreently sadly also practicing that "pay if you want to be treated..." policy for every persons save few who are government workers and their family. Does IJN have the capacity to do these kind of surgery - being '...currently the leading medical heart centre in the region...' See earlier post and other related posts.

If I am government (or maybe the government-in waiting), or a peoples' representative (MP, ADUN or future MP/ADUN), I promise that I will fight and ensure that there is FREE and good healthcare to all persons in Malaysia. There will be no more the need for persons to go out and ask for donations/monies to get the necessary healthcare - the government will ensure that.

The right to to free and good healthcare must be enshrined in the Federal Constitution (and the State Constitutions).

We should not be seeing any more such adverts. The government should equip itself to be able to deal with all or any kind of healthcare requirement, and it should be provided free to all persons in Malaysia. This is basic.

Two-month-old Muhammad Izham Zamri, who underwent an operation yesterday to correct a complex congenital heart disease called total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, is in need of financial help.

Siti Fazilah Yahya with her daughter Nur Alysha Maysara Rusli at the Gleneagles Medical Centre.

His parents need between RM30,000 and RM35,000 to pay for the surgery.

His father, Zamri Jantan, 31, a security guard from Langkawi, Kedah, earns RM750 a month while his mother Siti Rohana Zakaria, 25, is a housewife. They have four other children, three of whom are schooling.

Another family from Kedah is also facing a similar problem. A school caretaker from Jerlun, Rusli Ahmad, 47, cannot come up with the RM35,000 needed to pay for his daughter's surgery at the same hospital.

He takes home RM740 a month while his wife, Siti Fazilah Yahya, 41, is a housewife.

Their youngest child, two-month-old Nur Alysha Maysara Rusli had two holes in the heart, which caused her severe breathing difficulty and slow weight gain since birth.

The couple have six other children aged from 2 to 22.

Those who wish to help can send cheques made payable to The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd, with the child's full name written on the reverse, to: The Cashier, Finance Department/Charity Unit, The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd, Balai Berita, No 31, Jalan Riong, 59100 Kuala Lumpur. - New Straits Times, 27/12/2008 - Heart babies need funds for surgery

The newspapers, do from time to time, take up some of these cases and manage to raise the required monies - but this should not be the case in Malaysia. The responsibility to provide the necessary healthcare of human persons is and should be with the government. Ironically, the government is quick to pay out millions to 'bail-out' some companies - but alas such actions of care is not always evident when it comes to human persons.

"...publishing of the Herald in Bahasa Malaysia be stopped..." - Deprivation of freedom of religion

Religious persecution in Malaysia?

In my opinion,the government of Malaysia (i.e. the Home Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister [Mohd Najib Razak], the Prime Minister [Abdullah Ahmad Badawi]...) are persecuting religious minorities in Malaysia..in particular the about 850,000 Catholics in the country. The application for renewal was allegedly submitted in July and the result of the application was purposely delayed until the very last day of the year. Of course, if the permit is not renewed, then the Catholic Church have a right to appeal to the Minister, and most likely this will be delayed even further.

By reason of this delay in the renewal of the permit, Catholics in Malaysia will not be getting their 4th January edition of this publication....(See also earlier posting)

However, this year, the Home Ministry has yet to renew the permit although The Herald applied for a renewal earlier than it usually does.

"We expected difficulties, so we applied in July. There should be no reason for the delay," said Lawrence.

"The government said it was still reviewing our licence. But we are now at the tail-end of the year. I must let people know what is going on.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, in an interview with Reuters yesterday, said the government was "still reviewing" The Herald's licence and was following "due process".

"Until Dec 31, we are not going to announce anything. There is plenty of time. Let them wait." - New Straits Times, 18/12/2008 - Catholic weekly made to wait for renewal permit

And until the very last minute did they wait ....and the Catholic Church received the response to their application for renewal on 31/12/2008.

In a letter of reply to the ministry, which was made available to the press, he criticised the conditions as "unreasonable", "irrational", "illegal" and "reeking of ill-will and bad faith".

The letter was addressed to the ministry's Publications and Quranic Text Control unit deputy secretary Abdul Razak Abdul Latif.

The ministry, in a letter received by Murphy on Dec 31 that gave the green light to publish the newspaper, laid down the following conditions:

- the publishing of the Herald in Bahasa Malaysia be stopped until the court decides on the move to seek a declaratory relief that it was entitled to use the word "Allah" in it;

- the publication can only be sold in churches; and

- the newspaper was only meant for Christians be printed clearly on the cover.

Murphy was perplexed by the first condition.

"We are unable to see how these two matters are related.

"Even if the courts dismiss our application for judicial review, that has no bearing on the publication in Bahasa Malaysia."

He said the condition was a serious violation of the constitutional freedom of expression and speech, adding that it also prohibited and/or diminished the rights of citizens to communicate in the national language, in contravention of the National Language Act 1967.

"Connecting the matter of publication in Bahasa Malaysia with the determination of the judicial review proceedings is not only grossly unreasonable, irrational and illegal, but also reeks of ill-will and bad faith in that this condition serves as a form of retribution or punishment on account of our filing of the judicial review."

Murphy said the Herald should be allowed to use the word "Allah" in its Bahasa Malaysia segment until the High Court decided otherwise.

He also took exception to the other two conditions.

"We wish to state that the Herald has always been made available only in Catholic churches.

"Further, the masthead 'Herald -- The Catholic Weekly' is self-explanatory and serves as sufficient notice to the world at large that it is a magazine meant only for Catholics in Malaysia."

Murphy asked the ministry to reconsider it's decision and revoke the conditions.

The ministry usually renews the weekly's permit months before the Dec 31 deadline.

This year, it renewed the permit only two days before the New Year.

Razak had warned that the ministry's enforcement unit would take action if the conditions were not met. - New Straits Times, 3/1/2009, Church rejects 'Herald' permit conditions

In my opinion, the current UMNO-led-BN government has wrongly denied Malaysian Catholics the right to continue publishing Herald in Bahasa Malaysia.

Really, the name of the unit that decides on the matters of renewal of the Catholic Herald's permit should definitely be changed from 'Publications and Quranic Text Control unit' to maybe just Publications Control Unit. Now, it seems that some 'Muslim unit' is deciding on matters that should be a secular Malaysian matter.

Mohd Najib Razak (the DPM, who may be the next PM) and the PM must really visit Malaysian Catholic churches, and then they will realise that the language of communication today of the majority of Catholics is Bahasa Malaysia - no more English. Prayers and religious songs are in Bahasa Malaysia. Readings from the Bible is also done in Bahasa Malaysia. Hence, a refusal to allow the Herald to continue its publication in Bahasa Melayu ...(or Bahasa Malaysia) is foolish.

The decision of the government is given on 31/12/2008 (maybe the letter was dated earlier)...and now the Catholic Church will have the right to appeal to the Minister..., and we wonder when that reply will come.

I have a case, where a man was arrested and wrongfully deported - and the appeal to the Home Minister was made during the stipulated time, some time in April /May 2005..., and we are still waiting for the Minister's reply. (And of course, we cannot proceed to court until we get the Minister's reply......mmmm). This is Malaysia.

And if you were to go to court - without the Minister's reply - the courts will most likely strike the matter off because the Minister is yet to reply ---- or maybe because the Minister's decision is final and there can be no judicial review. We shall see....we shall see...

What is the position of the alternative government - the Pakatan Rakyat government?

SILENCE, I suppose as the Kuala Trengganu by-elections is just round the corner, and that is a Muslim majority seat...

I truly hope that the Pakatan Rakyat leadership do come out with their clear position on this matter without fear or favour...

What happened to the HERALD maybe also be because of the up-coming by-election, with the BN hoping that the opposition will take up this issue and support HERALD's right to publish in Bahasa Malaysia, and oppose the conditions imposed...

Condition 1 - "- the publishing of the Herald in Bahasa Malaysia be stopped until the court decides on the move to seek a declaratory relief that it was entitled to use the word "Allah" in it".

Of course condition 1 is absurd. If they was issue over the word 'Allah', then the condition should have been just not using the word 'Allah' - not the stopping of the whole publication in Bahasa Malaysia.

The preventing of the word 'Allah' also should have been by means of a interim court order since the matter is already before the court. The Home Ministry (the government of Malaysia) should have applied to court for such an order to prevent temporary usage of the term 'Allah'. In doing as it has done now, the government of Malaysia has demonstrated great disrespect of the courts.

Again, I truly hope that the Pakatan Rakyat leadership do come out with their clear position on this matter without fear or favour...

At least we will know whether they have the same...or a different position.

----- **** -----

Now the newspaper has been told it must stop publishing its Malay edition while the issue is resolved in the courts, as part of conditions for it to be allowed to continue printing its editions in English, Chinese and Tamil.

Murphy Pakiam, the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur and publisher of the weekly newspaper, said in a letter to the Home Ministry that it had seven days to revoke its decision or face legal action.

He said he was "totally perplexed" over the suspension which "reeks of ill will and bad faith" and was effectively a punishment for the legal battle that is due to be settled next month.

"We are therefore advised and verily believe that this condition constitutes a serious violation of our constitutional freedom of expression and speech," he said in the letter, a copy of which has been obtained by AFP....

...About 60 per cent of the nation's 27 million people are ethnic Malay Muslims, who dominate the government.

The rest of the population includes indigenous tribes as well as ethnic Chinese and Indians - practising Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism, among others.

The Herald's editor, Father Lawrence Andrew, has said that more than half Malaysia's Catholics are from indigenous groups, most of whom live on the Borneo island states and who mainly speak Malay. - AFP - Daily Express, Sabah, 3/1/2009, Catholic paper may take govt to court on permit condition